The guard did not open the door, but instead made an unusual request, as if he was deliberately keeping an eye on them, or perhaps he wanted to call in someone in charge to verify the truth.
Although the Gongshu family found it strange, they didn't think much of it and threw the "talisman" up high. The person on top reached out and caught it.
After glancing at it twice, he handed it to the people behind him. After confirming that it was correct, the guard immediately said politely to the people below, "So it really is the Gongshu family's caravan. I've heard so much about you. Alright, we'll let you pass right away."
After the gate was opened, Gongshu Jiruo glanced at Zheng Quchi beside him and said to the guard, "Wait a moment, I wonder if we could borrow a place to rest for a while so that we can regroup before setting off again."
"Of course, no problem, please come this way," the guard said warmly.
Although they had been guarding the border for many years, Gongshu Jiruo's reputation was so widespread that travelers often mentioned him, and they were naturally aware of it. They just never expected that they would have the honor of seeing him in person this time.
He led them to the side, where a small side door opened, leading to a thatched hut for travelers to rest. The guards, however, had duties to perform and could not linger, so they called over two soldiers to watch over and assist them.
These two soldiers seemed to be big fans of the Gongshu family, and even took the initiative to go forward to help them feed their horses, but Gongshu Jiruo stopped them.
He said indifferently, "No need for that. We'll rest for a bit and then leave."
"Oh, well... Master Gongshu, just call us if you need anything." The garrison soldier, dressed in brown cloth armor, smiled broadly. He suddenly glanced sideways and paused in Zheng Quchi's direction.
But it was fleeting, leaving no trace.
At this moment, Zheng Quchi narrowed her eyes, glanced at the soldier a few more times, and then stepped forward: "Could you please tell me where there is a place that provides convenience for women?"
Hearing her ask this, the soldier paused for a moment, then said, "There is an outhouse up ahead, but it's hard for outsiders to find. How about I take you there?"
"Okay then." She acted as if she was getting a little anxious.
But Gongshu Jiruo was worried about her leaving with a stranger: "I will go with you too."
The two soldiers exchanged a glance and remained silent for a moment. Zheng Quchi, however, awkwardly declined, saying, "Master Gongshu, I... I don't want so many people here. You can wait for me here. I'll be back soon."
Seeing her troubled expression, Gongshu Jiruo also thought that she was a woman and would certainly not be willing to be surrounded by men to relieve herself, so he said, "Alright then."
The garrison soldier was surprised to hear that Gongshu Jiruo listened to this woman so readily. He glanced at the two of them and said, "This way."
At this point, Gongshu Jiruo said again, "One of you can lead the way."
The three of them paused as they walked away in unison.
One of the soldiers turned around, his expression unchanged, and said, "That's true. Then you go and escort this distinguished guest. I'll stay here and guard the place."
"……good."
——
The garrison soldier walked ahead, and after he had led Zheng Quchi a distance, Zheng Quchi suddenly whispered, "Is it... Fu Rong?"
The soldier stiffened, immediately turned around, and exclaimed in surprise, "How did you recognize me?!"
His disguise skills were so exquisite that even his peers might not be able to spot the flaws at a glance. How did she, an amateur, recognize him?
"Is it really you?" Zheng Quchi exclaimed happily.
Fu Rong quickly stepped forward and gestured for her to shush: "Madam, please keep your voice down."
Now, whenever Zheng Quchi hears the word "Madam," he reflexively frowns.
"I am not your lady. How did you become a soldier of Julu Kingdom? Where are the others? Are we the only two people at Huxiao Pass now?"
When she denied being the madam, Fu Rong assumed she was angry because they had left her alone at Wujue Temple, but now was not the time to explain.
If she has any complaints, let the general appease her later.
He said solemnly, “Madam, we should not stay at Tiger Roar Pass for long. Gongshu Jiruo’s support team will be joining him soon. The general instructed me to evacuate as soon as possible after picking you up. I will take you first, while the general will bring up the rear.”
"Yuwen Sheng is here too?" She looked bewildered. "Then where is he?"
“The other soldier just now was the general. Madam, you recognized me, but you didn’t recognize the general?” Fu Rong said, speechless.
When Zheng Quchi heard him complain about this, he felt even more wronged than Dou E: "I was just guessing randomly. Among us, you are the only one who can disguise yourself. I thought that if someone came to meet me, it was very likely to be you, so I spoke up to test the waters just now."
"Isn't it said that there's a connection between husband and wife? Why don't you and the general have that?"
"..." Perhaps it's because they were just a fake couple, or rather, they weren't even husband and wife, just using a false title.
Fu Rong said a few words casually, then handed her something: "Madam, quickly change into this, don't wear this anymore."
Okay.
The two of them quickly changed their clothes as they ran.
——
Seeing that Zheng Quchi had been gone for a while, Gongshu Jiruo began to get restless. He took a step to look for him, but was blocked by a soldier.
Gongshu looked over and asked, "What do you mean by this?"
A sinister smile slowly spread across the soldier's face, like a painted mask being forcibly torn open at the corner of his mouth: "You mean I'll take your life~"
laugh--
The ear-piercing sound of metal clashing and then parting sharply caused Gongshu Jiruo to stagger back several steps. He looked down at his chest, where there was a tear in his clothes. If he hadn't been wearing his golden armor, he would probably have collapsed by now.
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