novelSusiti Chapter 1402 - 1397: The Northwest Journey Is Settled
Chapter 1402 - 1397: The Northwest Journey Is Settled
The young man in the green robe remained silent, and Zhao Erbiao shifted his gaze to Mu Shuangshuang.Mu Shuangshuang didn’t hesitate.
"Lu Daniu!"
This was the fake name she had made for the household registry. It might sound unpleasant, but it wouldn’t raise suspicion.
Moreover, on this journey to the Northwest, household registries and passage documents would be needed in every city. Such a common name wouldn’t easily attract attention.
Zhao Erbiao was quite satisfied with Mu Shuangshuang’s name.
Unremarkable and fitting with her appearance.
However, Ni Fa, who had been standing by the side, couldn’t stop laughing, clutching his stomach.
"Lu Daniu, why not just Lu Beniu?"
Ni Fa was truly simple-minded. Even after being taught a lesson by Mu Shuangshuang and with his wounds still not healed, he dared to provoke her again.
Mu Shuangshuang jumped down from the platform and kicked Ni Fa away.
Zhao Erbiao swallowed nervously; he had a feeling that ’Lu Daniu’ was someone not to be trifled with, and quite violent too.
To cover up his unease, he redirected his attention to the young man in the green robe and asked:
"How about you? What’s your name?"
"Shen Feng!" the young man in the green robe replied.
"Lu Daniu, Shen Feng, since you’ve come to our Zhenyuan Escort Agency, you should know our rules!
From now on, you’re escort masters with us. Three days from now, we set off for the Northwest!
On this journey, we’ll be transporting some goods to the Northwest, but only the Chief knows what exactly we’ll be carrying!
You have three days to prepare everything you need. Also, no women are allowed to accompany us, and you must obey orders along the way. Otherwise, we’ll immediately expel you from the escort party!"
Zhao Biao explained the rules to them.
Mu Shuangshuang naturally nodded, while Shen Feng took a moment before agreeing.
Mu Shuangshuang had a good impression of this escort agency.
Even when she disguised herself as a man too ugly to look at, nobody in the agency mocked her.
Shen Feng was veiled the entire time and was not asked to uncover his hat.
This way, she would be safe on her journey to the Northwest.
"This is for you; use it to settle your family first. You’ll receive more silver tael once you complete this escort mission!"
Zhao Erbiao tossed five taels of silver to both Mu Shuangshuang and Shen Feng.
Giving out five taels right away, no wonder so many wanted to join the Zhenyuan Escort Agency.
Mu Shuangshuang accepted the money and made some small talk with Zhao Erbiao.
Then she left the Zhenyuan Escort Agency.
By the time it was her turn to compete, it was already dusk. After she finished the match and exited the agency, the last sliver of red twilight had long since vanished.
It was already dark! Even lanterns were hanging outside the Zhenyuan Escort Agency.
There was no time for dinner, whether at Mu Xiaxia’s or Taohua’s place.
Even the plan to catch up with Zheng Zhi had to be temporarily postponed.
Mu Shuangshuang felt rather helpless.
She glanced at the little stall across from the Zhenyuan Escort Agency and stopped in front of a noodle stand.
"One bowl of beef noodles, no scallions!" Mu Shuangshuang said and then found herself a place to sit.
The county’s night was entirely different from that of Qingshan Town.
Here it was noisier and more prosperous.
The streets were filled with men and women carrying lanterns, and fireworks were even being set off in the distance.
Mu Shuangshuang observed the scene and couldn’t help but glance up at the moon overhead.
She wondered how Fengzi was doing!
He’s been in the Northwest for several months.
Hopefully, he hasn’t gotten hurt, and hopefully, he’s not being bullied.
She hoped...
Mu Shuangshuang had too many thoughts in her heart, but what she hoped for most was Lu Yuanfeng’s safety.
"Sir, your noodles are ready!" The owner quickly brought the noodles Mu Shuangshuang ordered.
The business at the noodle stand wasn’t very good at the moment—probably everyone was busy with their own entertainment!
"Sir, such a lovely night, why are you alone? Where’s your wife?"
The noodle stand owner, probably bored, chatted with Mu Shuangshuang.
"Uncle, I’m not married yet! How about you, Uncle? Why are you out here running a stall alone, without any help?"
Mu Shuangshuang didn’t sense anything unpleasant from the noodle stall owner’s demeanor.
At least this person bore no malice toward her; a few words of conversation wouldn’t hurt!
"My wife is at home taking care of our child, who is sick and can’t be without their mother!"
As the man spoke, a smile gradually spread across his face.
Men plowing the fields, women weaving—men working outside, women managing the home—a true reflection of gender roles in ancient times a thousand years ago.
From a modern perspective, it’s quite unfair to women.
But in those times, it was indeed a fitting representation of the era.
After all, there were many limitations for women.
"Uncle, could you tell me what our County Magistrate is like?" Mu Shuangshuang asked while eating her noodles.
"The County Magistrate is a very good man; he often stands up for us."
Years ago, there was no night market in the county. As soon as it got dark, everyone packed up and went home.
When night fell, all would sleep.
But the day’s work wasn’t enough to support our livelihood, so some started setting up nighttime stalls.
Initially, there were few people, but gradually more joined in.
It even caught the attention of the County Magistrate, who without hesitation designated areas for night markets.
It’s why we can still set up stall so late at night.
"Sir, you seem like an outsider, so you might not know! In our county, because of the County Magistrate, there are far fewer thieves."
"Uncle, your noodles are delicious—thank you!"
Mu Shuangshuang felt a bit full after eating a big bowl of noodles.
She had gathered quite a bit of information about the county from the uncle as she ate.
Much of it was what she eagerly wanted to know.
County Magistrate Zheng had a good reputation in the county.
Mu Shuangshuang even thought that, given the current behavior of the County Magistrate, it was possible he would indeed accept Taohua and provide a good life for her and the child she was expecting.
Leaving the noodle stall, Mu Shuangshuang didn’t dare stay out and headed back to the inn.
The room she shared with Taohua was brightly lit with an oil lamp, and Taohua hadn’t gone to sleep even at this late hour.
Mu Shuangshuang knocked on the door, and Taohua soon came to open it.
"Miss Shuangshuang, you’re finally back!"
Taohua’s voice quivered, and her words carried a sense of fear and anxiety.
"What’s wrong?" Mu Shuangshuang asked.
"I... I..."
"Take it easy, tell me slowly," Mu Shuangshuang said.
"I went out during the day and, imitating you, disguised myself as a man, and I saw her!" Taohua said. "Which her? Ruan Xiao Jiao or Mu Dade?"
Mu Shuangshuang thought it was unlikely to be Mu Dade.
After all, his attention was all on Qin Xianglan.
"The madam, it was the madam! She went out alone to buy fetus-preserving medicine! I saw her enter the medical hall, and I suddenly felt so sorry for her.
Mu Dade is deceiving her; he won’t marry her, he definitely won’t marry her!"
The more Taohua spoke, the more agitated she became.
Mu Shuangshuang patted her shoulder.
"You’re so silly; she’s treated you this way, yet you’re still concerned about her!"