Aunt Wei sighed and said, "Benefactor, I know you are highly skilled in martial arts, but the world is not good these days. It's better to be careful on your own. If possible, you should travel with the Ninth Master. He... is a decent person."

Luo Xi nodded in agreement, thought for a moment, took out a bag of snacks from her bag, and handed it over: "This is for Zhouzhou to eat and play with. That doll is quite cute."

Aunt Wei hesitated, initially reluctant to accept it, but remembering her grandson who had been sullen ever since learning he was going to be separated from his benefactor, she took it anyway.

"Thank you. Zhouzhou will be very happy to see this. He also likes his benefactor very much."

He would have come along if Wei Qing hadn't stopped him.

After a moment's thought, Luo Xi finally said, "I like him quite a bit too. If possible, Auntie, please try to persuade Wei Qing again. After all, Zhouzhou is still young."

In ancient times, the principle of collective punishment was applied. If Wei Qing were to get into trouble, Wei Zhou would not escape either. He was still so young and should not have to bear such consequences.

Aunt Wei forced a smile: "Okay, I will."

But how could she not understand Wei Qing, who was her own flesh and blood? It would be futile to explain.

“Then we’re leaving.” She nodded to Rose and walked outside.

Wei Gang wanted to say something, but the words swirled in his mouth several times before he finally didn't say them. He just cupped his hands in greeting to Luo Xi and left.

Luo looked at the empty room, smiled freely, closed the door, took off her clothes and went to sleep.

After leaving the inn, Wei Qing stood downstairs and stared at Luo Xi's room for a long time.

"My lord, perhaps we should wait for our benefactor to join us?" Wei Cheng suggested, seeing his expression.

Little Wei Zhou, standing to the side, also stared longingly at his father with his eyes red and swollen from crying.

"My benefactor sister..." he murmured softly, full of reluctance.

"No." Wei Qing withdrew his gaze, his tone firm: "Bandits are rampant these days, and there's nothing we can do here."

"It would be better to hurry to the capital, report the situation here to His Majesty, and ask him to provide funds and grain for disaster relief, appease the people, and quell the bandits. That would be the best course of action."

"And her benefactor, she also has her own things to do."

Wei Cheng and the others exchanged glances and then reluctantly shut their mouths.

Seeing his last hope dashed, Xiao Weizhou's shoulders slumped, and glistening tears welled up in his eyes once more.

Suppressing his inner turmoil, Wei Qing flicked the reins and said, "Let's go!"