Chapter 375: Ordinary People Wouldn’t Recognize
Chi Jinchen’s words made Yu Luo’s previously calm expression change slightly.
“Hardly anyone knew before, but after Luo City was established, my mother’s medical skills have been displayed to some extent. However, as far as I know, there haven’t been any particularly complicated medical cases requiring her intervention. Now that I think about it, the Crown Prince’s people shouldn’t have known about my mother’s abilities either.”
“Xiao Luo, given the Crown Prince’s past connections with your family, it’s not surprising that he knows. That being the case, it’s likely that he will soon learn about Luo City as well. You and your father should prepare for that.”
Now that Chi Jinchen could so openly discuss the Crown Prince’s ties to her family, Yu Luo was no longer surprised. Based on her time with him, she was certain he had investigated her family’s background thoroughly. Otherwise, given his careful nature, there was no way he would have casually revealed details about his private army.
“Young Master Chi, since you’ve looked into my family, what do you think? If the Lan Yue Dynasty discovers we’ve built a city in the wilderness, will they covet it?”
“Luo City’s existence will not remain a secret. Other nations will learn of it as well, but Lan Yue will be particularly interested. They may even see it as a potential threat. After all, your grandfather once commanded an army of hundreds of thousands as the State Protector Marquis. That’s why you and your father must be extra cautious when dealing with the Lan Yue Dynasty.”
Hearing this, the uneasy feeling in Yu Luo’s heart only deepened.
She didn’t want the city she and her father had painstakingly built, with the help of the system, to be seized by Lan Yue simply because of their origins.
“Alright, thanks for the warning. But I still don’t understand—why would you raise a private army knowing all this?”
Chi Jinchen smiled, his warm and handsome eyes glowing with amusement.
“Xiao Luo, if you knew too much now, you’d only worry more. If you trust me, why not refrain from asking?”
Yu Luo…
“There are people in the palace loyal to me. I will have them watch over Madam Yu in secret. You don’t need to worry about her safety. If they only want her to treat the Emperor, they won’t harm her. In fact, they will protect her well. In the meantime, you might as well stay in this courtyard and wait until she completes His Majesty’s treatment. Then we can return to Luo City together.”
Yu Luo knew this was the most logical course of action. She couldn’t storm into the palace and forcibly take her mother away. But waiting like this was pure agony.
“Fine, that’s our only choice.”
“I will be quite busy these next few days. If you find yourself bored, you can go out and explore. Just wear a veil—though you rarely left the marquis’s residence in the past, there’s always a chance of running into someone who knows you.”
Yu Luo nodded. She wanted to visit the capital anyway.
There was also A’Bai, the one who had sent her away.
He was probably the original host’s only friend.
However, appearing before him now might bring him trouble. It was better not to meet him in person.
But she could send him a letter, along with some gifts.
At the very least, it would reassure A’Bai that the original host was still alive and had not perished on the road to exile.
As expected, Chi Jinchen was extremely busy. On the first day after they arrived in the capital, he stayed at the courtyard. But from the second day onward, Yu Luo didn’t see him at all.
That afternoon, after a bit of preparation, Yu Luo stepped out of her room.
The guards stationed outside almost didn’t recognize her.
“Miss Yu, are you heading out?”
Since she was the only woman in the courtyard, and she had just emerged from her room, Xuanqi carefully studied her face before asking.
“Yes. What do you think of my disguise? Would someone familiar with me be able to recognize me?”
Xuan Wi examined her again, admiration flickering in his eyes.
“Your features are slightly altered, but very naturally so. Unless someone knows you extremely well and recognizes you through your mannerisms, gaze, or voice, most people wouldn’t associate your current appearance with your past self.”
“If even you say so, then I’m relieved. I plan to take a walk and return before the Hour of Xu (around 7-9 PM).”
“Miss Yu, going out alone might not be safe. This is the capital, but still—”
“I know you’re worried, but I’ll be fine. Besides, all the guards here are men—it wouldn’t be appropriate for you to follow me closely.”
Seeing Yu Luo’s determination, Xuan Qi relented.
“Alright, but please return early. If you find yourself in danger, pull this string and release it into the sky. Our people will arrive quickly.”
As he spoke, he handed her a small bamboo tube about the size of a pinky finger, with a thin cord attached to one end.
Yu Luo examined it briefly before tucking it away.
“Got it. I’ll remember.”
The courtyard was located in a quiet alley, with several other homes nearby. Occasionally, she could hear the voices of residents.
Given Chi Jinchen’s cautious nature, having a courtyard in such a place was likely a way to operate discreetly within the bustling city.
But Yu Luo’s curiosity about him only grew stronger.
Soon, she reached the lively streets of the capital.
Compared to the time of her exile, the atmosphere here was completely different—this was a picture of peace and prosperity.
She had no real attachment to the capital, but she wanted to buy some things for A’Bai while wandering around. Staying cooped up in the courtyard waiting for news about her mother was unbearable.
Without realizing it, she arrived at a grand four-story golden pavilion.
Intrigued, she stepped inside.
A waiter hurried over with a warm smile.
“Miss, what are you looking for today?”
“I’d like to see gifts for men.”
Understanding immediately, the waiter guided her to the third floor.
“Miss, this floor is dedicated to men’s accessories. If anything catches your eye, just let me know.”
Yu Luo nodded and began browsing.
The items were primarily men’s hairpieces, folding fans, pendants, hairpins, and daggers.
Since items like hairpins, pendants, and fans felt inappropriate for A’Bai, she turned her attention to the display of daggers.
“How much for this one?”
She pointed at an ornate dagger inlaid with countless gemstones. Its dazzling colors made it clear that it was expensive.
“This dagger costs 1,280 taels. Would Miss like to take a closer look?”
