Although both of them experienced some "harmless" mishaps,
they quickly evaded the patrolling soldiers and arrived at Ling Shi Valley.
Not long after walking, the two found a hidden spot and changed out of their night-traveling clothes, which were rather conspicuous in daylight.
When they emerged, they looked like a noble young master and his attendant.
Zhou Si looked at his master's attire with a strange expression, genuinely unsure where Song Qing Chao had gotten the outfit.
Song Qing Chao, however, did not seem to mind.
She nonchalantly walked out, fanning herself with a folding fan.
After all, her current disguise wouldn't attract any attention.
She wasn't so brazen as to bring out her cloak, but fortunately, the padded clothes underneath were warm enough to last until Xi Yun Pavilion.
However, the biting cold wind proved to be a disadvantage for Zhou Si.
By the time the two reached Xi Yun Pavilion, Song Qing Chao's forehead was covered in a light sheen of sweat, while Zhou Si was so cold he could barely speak coherently.
Feeling guilty, Song Qing Chao quickly asked Song Xiao Guo to fetch her cloak for Zhou Si and to move the brazier closer.
After all, he had come out with her to "see the world," and she had to treat him well.
When the two reappeared, they were both dressed as noble young masters.
Zhou Si, already handsome, looked even more dashing in his fine clothes and flowing cloak.
His upright posture, coupled with the long sword at his waist, made him a formidable young martial artist.
In contrast, Song Qing Chao appeared much more refined and gentle.
She was already beautiful, and her illness had masked some of her sharpness, but now, holding Bai You An's fan, she was full of spirit, and her smile was quite gentle.
"Master, what are we going to do?"
Song Qing Chao glanced at him. "Young Master Zhou, mind your words."
With a snap, she closed her fan and pointed at the sign for Shui Yun Jian. "This young master is taking you out for some drinks today."
Last night's dream, Shui Yun Jian, silent and still.
Shui Yun Jian, a truly fitting name.
Song Qing Chao scoffed inwardly.
The affections of the dream were as fleeting as the misty clouds, and even if the beloved was by her side, it was merely a dream.
After a moment of self-mockery, the two, cloaked tightly, went inside.
The winter wind was too piercing.
They were unwilling to linger any longer.
Due to the delay, it was now evening.
This was the perfect time to head to Shui Yun Jian.
With their exceptional appearances and attire, the proprietress warmly greeted them.
However, Song Qing Chao chose a secluded corner, ordered two pots of warm wine, and refused the proprietress's offer of courtesans.
She was here for serious business; how could she be so "licentious"?
Although, she couldn't do much either way.
Once the wine arrived, Song Qing Chao had a good grasp of Shui Yun Jian.
The women here performed without selling themselves; there were musicians, singers, and dancers, no less impressive than the official kilns in Chang'an.
The patrons here were diverse, mostly soldiers on leave, or young masters from wealthy families.
Another group was Northern barbarians.
Although they sat in a concealed area, Song Qing Chao recognized them.
She would recognize these people even if they turned to ash!
The northern frontier was the border between the two countries, with markets to promote trade.
Therefore, the court tolerated the presence of scattered Northern barbarians as long as they didn't cause trouble.
Song Qing Chao acknowledged that markets benefited the populace, but when a country was rich but militarily weak, openness was tantamount to disregarding one's own safety.
All these factors led to years of warfare.
Only…
She had already seen several performances of singing and dancing at Shui Yun Jian, and heard the same tunes sung repeatedly.
Even the two wine pots on her table were empty, and the person she wanted to see had not arrived.
Had she mistaken her that day?
Song Qing Chao leaned dizzily on the table.
"Master, are you alright?"
Zhou Si asked Song Qing Chao in a voice only they could hear.
Song Qing Chao shook her head, indicating she was fine.
In a flash, she felt a little more sober.
Finally, as it grew late and even the courtesans in the establishment had retired, Song Qing Chao still hadn't seen the person she was waiting for.
The proprietress, with a worried expression, asked, "Is this young master alright? We have guest rooms upstairs; perhaps you two gentlemen would like to rest?"
Zhou Si was about to refuse.
Song Qing Chao, who had been slumped over the table, suddenly sat up straight. "Yes! Get this young master a superior room!"
Zhou Si looked at the proprietress with a troubled expression. "My brother has had too much to drink. Could we stay for the night?"
"Yes, yes."
The proprietress's face lit up instantly.
Waving her handkerchief, she beckoned someone to lead the way.
"Here, we not only have singing and dancing, but we also offer lodging and meals. Young Master Zhou, please be careful!"
After her explanation, she called out to the waiter behind her, "Quick, open two superior rooms for our guests."
"No need," Zhou Si refused.
He had to protect his master. If they were separated, and something happened to his master, he wouldn't be able to atone even if he lost his head.
"One room is enough."
"This…" the proprietress hesitated, "Young Master Zhou, our rooms only have one bed. You won't both fit in one room."
Zhou Si thought the proprietress was trying to make more money, which was why she was reluctant to open just one room. He said, "It's not that I'm short of a few coins for a room, but my brother is not feeling well today, and I fear something might happen to him. I just want to keep an eye on him tonight. Don't ask too many questions, just do as I say."
The customer is king.
Since he had put it that way, the proprietress naturally had no reason to refuse.
Besides, she had intended to keep them there anyway.
After escorting the two inside,
the proprietress closed the door, her fawning smile vanished. She then hurried back to her room, changed her clothes, and left through the back door.
Song Qing Chao was, of course, not drunk.
She was perfectly clear-headed now.
Through the gap in the window, she saw the proprietress walking out.
It was late at night, not to mention the curfew, but at this hour, where could she be going?
A proprietress, not staying at her establishment late at night, but going out instead.
As Xiao Guo had said, Shui Yun Jian indeed had problems.
Then… had Bai You An also discovered the issue here, which was why he came?
Song Qing Chao unconsciously found reasons for Bai You An in her mind.
But her body was more honest. After making sure Zhou Si was settled in the room, she directly climbed onto the windowsill and jumped out.
By the time Zhou Si reacted, her shadow had already disappeared.
Song Qing Chao quietly followed the proprietress.
She thought it shouldn't be a problem to follow an old madam.
But she didn't expect several "spoilers" to appear midway.
Song Qing Chao watched the receding figure, anxious in her heart.
However, this group of people had no intention of harming her; they merely blocked her path, preventing her from pursuing further.
Song Qing Chao felt like she was punching cotton, only able to anxiously watch.
By the time the proprietress's figure completely vanished,
these men in black no longer engaged her in a fight and all departed.
Knowing she couldn't catch the proprietress, Song Qing Chao could only chase after the men in black.
But she didn't expect these people to be so cunning. She chased them into a dead-end alley, and by the time she climbed over the wall, there wasn't a ghost of a shadow to be seen.
She stood on the wall, pursed her lips, and felt utterly enraged.
"Damn it..."
Let her catch them! This grudge was settled!