Chapter 321: Settling in Luocheng
“You may address me as Miss Yu rather than just ‘Miss.’ As for your concerns, Your Highness need not trouble yourself—they are our own matters to handle.”
Seeing Yu Luo’s firm stance, Ye Lu knew better than to meddle further, though he couldn’t hide the delight on his face.
Perhaps, just learning Yu Luo’s surname had made him this happy?
“I suppose Fate has brought me and Miss Yu together. I was merely worried for you, that’s all. Since everything is in order, how about this—since I’m already here, why don’t I stay until your sweet melons and tomatoes are harvested? That way, I can leave with the shipment, making it easier to pass through the checkpoints.”
“That works. The shipment will be ready for loading tomorrow.”
Ye Lu had intended to use this as an excuse to extend his stay, but Yu Luo’s swift response left him momentarily speechless.
For a moment, he was at a loss for words, only managing an awkward smile. The slight bitterness in his expression made Yu Luo chuckle softly.
“Master, I can escort the goods out of the wilderness, so there’s no need for you to go personally. Besides, didn’t you want to watch the martial arts tournament? Once I’ve ensured the safe passage of the goods, I’ll return. Also, your silver won’t arrive for a few more days, so we still need to wait to pay Miss Yu for the shipment.”
Knowing his master’s thoughts well, Ah Zan quickly gave Ye Lu a way out of the situation. Upon hearing this, Ye Lu feigned sudden realization and nodded repeatedly.
“Right, right! I don’t have enough silver on me. My retainers won’t reach the wilderness for several more days. Miss Yu, would you mind if I stayed in Luo City a little longer?”
“Why would I mind? Our city has inns, and Your Highness may stay as long as you like. In fact, I welcome you wholeheartedly.”
Ye Lu: …
“Then, Miss Yu, would it be convenient for me to settle my payment in a few days when my retainers arrive?”
“Your Highness, there’s no rush. Since you’re staying in Luo City, you may pay once your men arrive. Meanwhile, this shipment is being prioritized for another order in Yueyang City, so my people will deliver it there first.”
Ye Lu: …
What an astute woman. He was already staying in her city, yet she still had reservations?
“Fine, since Miss Yu is shipping the goods tomorrow, Ah Zan, you will personally escort them out and also return to the capital to retrieve my silver.”
Ah Zan: …
Ah Zan was reluctant to leave. If he did, wouldn’t his master be left unguarded?
Seeing Ah Zan’s unwillingness, Ye Lu shot him a sharp look, forcing him to comply. “Understood, I will leave at dawn. Master, while you are here, do not wander aimlessly. Since you and Miss Yu are now friends, I’m sure she will take care of you.”
Yu Luo: …
“You two really make a great team,” Yu Luo remarked, raising an eyebrow. “Alright, the silver isn’t an issue. Ah Zan, you don’t need to leave—otherwise, you’ll claim that I’m responsible for babysitting your master. I barely have time for myself as it is! Stay by his side. Besides, considering your assistance in helping us clear customs, I’ll acknowledge Your Highness as a friend.”
Yu Luo wasn’t naïve. After several encounters, she had already sized up Ye Lu.
He wasn’t scheming—just a playful noble with somewhat reckless tendencies. However, his status was indeed special—he was a prince of Dongfeng Kingdom.
Setting aside his identity, the fact that he was willing to sell personal belongings to support her business showed sincerity. Making a friend like him wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Ye Lu had no idea that Yu Luo had already figured him out.
Realizing their little act had been exposed, Ye Lu didn’t feel embarrassed—instead, he let out a hearty laugh.
From that day forward, Ye Lu openly stayed at an inn in Luo City.
However, Yu Luo was too busy to entertain him.
She only scheduled a lunch meeting with him at the restaurant, then quickly sent him off, resuming her work.
“I didn’t expect that girl to have such a great personality. She even offered to treat me to lunch today. Hahaha! Ah Zan, don’t you think she might be interested in me?”
Seeing his love-struck master, Ah Zan’s lips twitched.
“With all due respect, Master, I don’t think that’s the case. I believe Miss Yu was merely being hospitable. You might be overthinking it.”
Ye Lu: …
Seeing his master’s grin disappear instantly, Ah Zan quickly changed tactics, flashing a flattering smile.
“Master, don’t be upset! I was just being honest. However, look at the progress you’ve made! From the moment you met Miss Yu to now being welcomed in Luo City, isn’t that a huge step forward? But Master, you must consider one thing—you’re already engaged. Miss Yu is no ordinary woman. You should think carefully.”
“Enough! I don’t need you to remind me. You’re such a killjoy!” Ye Lu grumbled.
“Still… it looks like I’ll have to stay in this wilderness long-term.”
Ah Zan wasn’t against the idea.
“Master, I noticed posters all around the city advertising shops for rent and sale. If you want a legitimate reason to stay in Luo City permanently, why not buy a store and start a business? That way, you wouldn’t even need an excuse to remain here.”
Ah Zan’s suggestion hit the mark.
Ye Lu immediately brightened and nodded enthusiastically, wasting no time in scouting for a store.
As they searched, more and more people began flooding into Luo City through its only open gate.
Some wore tattered clothes, others carried babies, some traveled in groups, and others rode ox carts, horse-drawn wagons, or even donkeys.
Their sudden appearance turned Luo City’s once sparse streets into a bustling hub of activity!
Even Ye Lu and Ah Zan were stunned by the unexpected crowd.
The patrolling Luo City guards were equally caught off guard, instinctively stepping aside to make way, treating the newcomers with remarkable courtesy.
“What the—what’s going on?! When did the wilderness become so crowded?! Ah Zan! Hurry! Go to that store across from the inn—we need to rent it before it’s taken! With this many people rushing into Luo City, and with only a few streets, if the shops all get snatched up, I’ll have nowhere to rent!”
Once his initial shock wore off, Ye Lu’s first instinct was to claim a store.
Ah Zan didn’t hesitate—he rushed to a patrol guard to inquire about renting a shop.
“Master, I found one! It’s a two-story shop with a small courtyard. It has three storefronts, a spacious interior, and eight rooms in the backyard. The annual rent is 1,600 taels.”
