"So where are you planning to go next? After Young Master Shao Zhu recovers, will you return to your original location?" She intended to head south. She wondered if these people would force her to follow them.
However, they didn't know that the spirit spring water yielded only one drop per day. Now that they had found her, what would she say if they wanted her to take out the medicine in advance?
Just as Su Muqing was lost in her own imaginings, Xu Fu stood up and bowed. "Currently, only Miss Qing can save our Young Master. We naturally will follow Miss Qing wherever you go. One day, when the Young Master recovers and repays Miss Qing's life-saving grace, we will take our leave."
After speaking, Xu Fu looked up at Su Muqing. Seeing that she didn't object but also didn't agree, he continued, "I heard from the Zhou family that you wish to go to Suining Prefecture? The times are hard. Natural disasters are already difficult to cope with. But traveling south, I fear that in addition to natural disasters, you will inevitably encounter man-made calamities. Like those rioters yesterday, or bandits colluding in wickedness. Although we are few in number, my guards still have some strength. I cannot guarantee anything else, but we are confident in the safety of Miss Qing's family!"
Su Muqing's hesitation was not due to disagreement. She simply hadn't expected it to be so easy. She had thought they would demand the divine medicine in exchange and then part ways. She had expected to spend some effort convincing them to travel with her.
This was truly a stroke of luck! How could Su Muqing refuse?
"This is for the best! Then it's settled. We'll travel together. I will give Young Master Shao Zhu the medicine once a day. And if my village folk encounter any danger on the road, I hope you can lend a hand when within your capabilities." Su Muqing stood up and, imitating Xu Fu's gesture, bowed to them as well. Startled, both of them shot up instantly.
Xu Fu quickly bowed in return. "Miss Qing, please don't. You saved our Young Master, and you will continue to help us. We should be doing this anyway. We cannot accept such a profound bow from you!"
"Uncle Xu, do you find it tiring to talk to each other like that just now? We don't know how long it will take to get there! If we keep bowing like this, we'll probably exhaust ourselves. Let's discuss this. From now on, please don't be so formal, and I'll be more casual. Let's interact like friends, alright?" Su Muqing helped Xu Fu up and then looked at him with a smile, winking and making faces as she spoke. Although her demeanor was not entirely proper, she was indeed charmingly quirky.
Her actions and demeanor were indeed far from those of a well-bred lady, but she exuded an indescribable sense of closeness, making one want to care for her as a junior.
"As you command, Miss." Xu Fu finished speaking and couldn't help but want to bow again, but he managed to restrain himself.
"Uncle Xu, don't call me 'Miss' anymore. It sounds too distant. You can call me Muqing or Mumu. If you continue to be so formal, I'll... Hmph hmph!" Su Muqing said with a playful expression, issuing a mild threat.
Both Xu Fu and the other man were amused by her. They decided that since she was so unique, they should change how they treated her.
Subsequently, their attitudes became much more casual. This way, everyone felt more relaxed. At least, that's how Su Muqing saw it.
After finalizing their plan to travel together, the three of them chatted for a while longer. Su Muqing finally learned that the person who was poisoned was not named Shao Zhu. His surname was Lu, and his given name was Yuzhi. (From this point on, the male protagonist's name is Lu Yuzhi. The reason for this temporary name will be explained later.)
Xu Fu told Su Muqing that Lu Yuzhi was the young master of a prominent martial arts family. Some time ago, his enemies had attacked, and his family had tragically perished from poison. He himself had also been severely poisoned.
His enemies believed he had died from the poison and intended to burn down his home. However, a servant who had been out at the time returned, found him alive, and rescued him.
Then, they took Lu Yuzhi on a journey across mountains and rivers, searching for renowned physicians. By chance, they encountered an enlightened eminent monk who not only managed to save his life but also showed them a clear path. It was through this guidance that they were able to meet.
Su Muqing finally understood! So that's how it was. No wonder she felt that these people were not ordinary when she first saw them. And when she saw Lu Yuzhi this morning, she was utterly captivated.
Indeed, they were from a distinguished family. Even in simple coarse cloth, their innate aura could not be concealed.
As for Uncle Xu, although she felt it was impolite to think this, Uncle Xu gave her the feeling of being a eunuch from a palace intrigue drama? Pfft, pfft! Don't think such nonsense. Perhaps his movements were just very "graceful"?