One day later, four individuals could be seen riding horses and moving rapidly through the forest road. Among them, three looked to be middle-aged men, while the fourth was a young man.
Anyone seeing them would naturally assume that the three men acted as guards for the youngster.
"How far are we from Qinghe County!?"
The rider at the front, who happens to be Li Hao, the young man, turned his head slightly, looking at the three bandits behind him. He was slightly impatient as time was running short. Those emissaries may arrive at any time.
"We will arrive shortly in about two hours!"
"Okay"
That much time is bearable.
…
Two hours later, Qinghe County.
A small carriage was parked beside the entrance gate of Qinghe County. Inside the carriage, A thin old man with small patches of beard stared seriously at someone sitting opposite him.
"Young master, there is still some time to turn back, think carefully."
The words were directed toward a good-looking young man with deep, starry eyebrows. As the words reached his ears, his brow seemed to tighten for a split second, but relaxed soon after. A smile soon blossomed on his face. "One may be indecisive, but once a decision has been reached, it must be done, Uncle Wu."
The thin old man, upon registering his words, heaved a sigh and cupped his fist. "Then, I shall follow you till death." His expression changed from helplessness to determination.
After clearing out unnecessary thoughts from their head, both slowly stood up, lifted the curtains, and walked out of the carriage.
"Haa! Finally reached this fucking county!"
Just as they came out, both were attracted towards someone shouting before the entrance of the Qinghe County. Four people in horses passed by their carriage. A young man with deep-brown pupils was at the lead, and three middle-aged men followed behind him.
As they passed, both young men made eye contact for a brief moment, but the one riding the horse soon turned his head and went forward, reaching the entrance and stopping there.
The starry-browed young master became rather impressed by his bearing. "Such a refined young man, his actions carry a certain elegance. Uncle Wu, do you think he might come from a powerful family within Qinghe?"
Uncle Wu, the thin old man, stared for a long time at the three men standing behind the refined-looking young man. His brows were knitted together, as if contemplating something.
"They are most likely bandits."
The young man expanded his eyes. "Are you sure?"
"Not sure, it's just an assumption."
The young man nodded, his eyes becoming clear. Seemingly understanding that Uncle Wu spoke from his instinct, which was developed through long years of experience.
"But what would they need inside this County? Selling looted goods? Or scamming money from people?"
Uncle Wu shook his head. "I don't know. Would you like me to find out?"
The young man thought for a moment but decided against it.
"They are not our concern for now. Let's head inside first."
After saying so, he alighted from the carriage and approached the entrance gate, where official guards registered every individual entering inside.
Both stood just behind the refined-looking young man and his three followers. Standing so close, yet the starry-browed young man did not wish to initiate any conversation.
Just like this, no connection would have been made, and they might never cross paths again in the future. But today, it seems a certain someone had something else in mind.
Elder Wu and the young master both kept staring ahead as the refined-looking young man suddenly turned around and approached them with a smile. "This humble one is named Li Hao, pleasure to meet you."
"A pleasure indeed! I am known by the name Shi."
Although shocked by a sudden greeting, the young master responded swiftly.
After giving a self-introduction, he pointed towards the thin old man. "He is Uncle Wu, a family member."
Upon hearing the young master mention him as family, elder Wu seemed indifferent, but if noticed carefully, an imperceptible smile seemed to form on his face. Nobody noticed it.
Li Hao calmly blinked his eyes. His gaze turned backwards, gesturing at the three bandits behind him. "Da Zhuang, Er Gouzi, and Xiao Niu. We are a merchant group selling all sorts of items."
The young master with the name Shi and Uncle Wu both knowingly smiled at each other.
"So you are here to sell goods." Young Master Shi gave a polite nod and fell silent. Likely with the intention to stop the conversation.
A few seconds passed, but the young man opposite him kept staring, his deep, brown-colored pupils revealing unclear intentions.
Young Master Shi and Uncle Wu both tried to ignore him, but he kept his gaze fixed, making them feel uncomfortable.
A few more seconds passed, and Young Master Shi could not deal with the awkward silence anymore, so he finally reacted at the end.
With a wry smile, he asked, "Is there anything on your mind, Mr. Li?"
The man in question nodded joyfully. "Wanna have a look at my goods?"
Both men sighed mentally. Young Master Shi's expression showed embarrassment. "I must apologize, Mr. Li, but we are short on funds right now."
It was the truth. These two were really broke.
Shuuu!
Upon hearing that, Li Hao breathed deeply. He was truly shaken for about a second. 'Did I see it wrong!? How can this guy be poor?"
High-quality robe! healthy skin! tall height! And a good complexion! All these qualities scream richness and wealth. Especially in an ancient world like the one Li Hao is in.
'He is either lying or just a wannabe young master!'
Anyway, it seems like he wasn't going to make any sales with them. So, after saying some polite words he went for the entrance.
'Interesting people, though.' His final thought about them before he headed inside Qinghe County.
He was eager to find some rich people and sell off all his goods at once!
On the other side, Young Master Shi heaved a sigh of relief. Uncle Wu, beside him, harrumphed coldly. "All liars! I bet they don't even have quality goods to sell. Nothing but a bunch of savages."
The Young Master heard Uncle Wu's word, but gave no replies. His gaze was towards the direction where Li Hao and his men left.
"He was quite an interesting person."