Chapter 118 - 117: His Feelings (First Update)

Chapter 118: Chapter 117: His Feelings (First Update)

With the escort of Xiao Yi and his party, the journey continued without incident, and Jingning County was actually very close to the Western Capital. It took only half a day before they arrived at the Western Capital.

The gates of the Western Capital were grand and imposing, bustling with people and carriages coming and going. When ordinary citizens saw Xiao Yi and his group, they skillfully made way for them, allowing them to enter the Western Capital smoothly without spending much time.

Along the way, Xu Jing and a few others were riding in a carriage temporarily lent to them by Xiao Yi, with Chen Hu and Cheng Xianbai driving. Just as they passed through the gates, Xu Jing moved to the side of the carriage door to discuss their plans with Chen Hu and the others. Chen Hu immediately reined in the horses to stop the carriage on the side.

He was about to follow Xu Jing’s instructions to find Xiao Yi, but Xiao Yi, who was riding a short distance ahead of them, had already noticed their actions and rode over. Having anticipated something, his lips formed a straight line.

He was about to approach the carriage to inquire, but Chen Hu came up, smiling, and said, "Vice Minister Xiao, Miss Xu expresses her heartfelt thanks for your escort along the way. From here on, we won’t trouble you anymore. We’ll find a place to settle down on our own. Miss Xu said she would thank you in person if she could walk properly, and before we leave the Western Capital, she plans to visit you personally..."

Chen Hu thought that Xu Jing’s mention of a visit was to personally thank Xiao Yi.

However, Xiao Yi instantly understood her intention. She wanted to inquire about the group that attacked them that day but hadn’t found the opportunity.

Before she could get a clear answer, she was probably too afraid to easily set out.

Xiao Yi calmed himself and said, "I’ll go and talk to her for a moment."

Then he rode forward, stopping beside the carriage window, and leaned slightly forward, saying, "How do you plan to settle in the Western Capital?"

They had come to the Western Capital to deliver medicine to the Song Family, and barring any unexpected events, they would be leaving in a day or two.

Only staying for a day or two, they could find any inn to settle in.

Xiao Yi didn’t even know why he was asking such an obvious question.

Xu Jing was slightly taken aback. She moved to the window and opened the curtain halfway, meeting the eyes of the person outside, thinking about Xiao Yi’s reason for asking, and said, "I’m only staying in the Western Capital for a day or two and plan to find any inn to stay. Or, does Vice Minister Xiao have any good recommendations?"

Xiao Yi nearly blurted out — you can stay at my home directly, and you can also see Chang Xiao.

However, looking at the pair of clear and bright eyes in front of him, he didn’t say it. After a moment of silence, he said, "The Western Capital is a mix of good and bad, and... you might encounter some old acquaintances."

The original host had quite a few enemies in the Western Capital.

Any encounter with them would be much more troublesome than Xiao He and his group.

Hearing Xiao Yi mention this, Xu Jing couldn’t help but feel a bit depressed. She sighed inwardly and said, "I know. I don’t plan to let them know I’m in the Western Capital. I will act discreetly."

"There’s a high turnover of people in inns. Even if you’re wearing a veil, if seen by old acquaintances, you might still be recognized."

Xiao Yi looked at her and said, "Otherwise, you can stay in a house I own. I originally bought it to reward someone, so I bought it under another’s name. I just bought it not long ago and haven’t given it away yet. You can stay for a few days."

Xu Jing hesitated and opened her mouth to refuse.

As long as she was careful, she had confidence her identity wouldn’t be exposed, even staying at an inn.

Most importantly, what reason did she have to stay in a house he owned? It didn’t feel right, no matter how she thought about it.

However, before she spoke, a gentle and warm voice said, "Yanci’s suggestion is good. I see Miss Xu intends to avoid complications and return smoothly to Anping County. I know the house Yanci mentioned; I helped him find it. It’s in a quiet location and convenient for travel. If Miss Xu wants to act discreetly, the house is perfectly suitable.

Moreover, the people who attacked Miss Xu yesterday are probably still watching her. If Miss Xu stays in an inn, Yanci can’t easily protect you, and if anything happens, it will draw attention from others, making it harder for Miss Xu to keep her identity hidden."

Xu Jing couldn’t help but look at Xiao He, who had also ridden over, unsure of what to say.

This man’s attitude had changed from being sarcastic in the morning to this? Moreover, his words hit her concerns; she was worried about the attackers from last night returning, so she intended to talk with Xiao Yi soon to ease her unease.

At this moment, Zhao Jingming also came over, looked at Xu Jing, coughed, and said, "Yes, I don’t think the group from last night will easily let go of their target! Just stay at Yanci’s place!"

Already somewhat convinced, Xu Jing immediately decided, "I’ll borrow the place Vice Minister Xiao mentioned for two days. Sorry to trouble you, Vice Minister Xiao."

Many things indeed become apparent through comparison.

Staying two days in a house owned by Xiao Yi suddenly seemed much more acceptable compared to staying in his personal home!

Seeing the decisive look on the woman’s face, Zhao Jingming was momentarily at a loss for words and gave Xiao Yanci a sympathetic glance.

Tsk tsk, she must really dislike him if she looks as if she’d rather stay under a bridge than in his home.

It seemed that his morning conversation with Xiao He might indeed hold true!

Xiao Yi, unaware of the inner thoughts of the people beside him, felt relieved at Xu Jing’s agreement, his expression relaxing, his lips even slightly curling as he said, "I’ll take you there now."

With that, he rode ahead.

Xiao He followed alongside him, a warm smile on his face, "Why not have her stay at your place? Are you afraid?"

The weight of Yanci’s words differed from those of Chang Yu’s.

If Yanci hadn’t provided a second option for Xu Siniang from the start, he could easily follow Yanci’s words, suggesting she stay at his home.

Xiao Yi’s face stiffened slightly, and he took a deep breath before calmly stating, "I have my reasons, don’t meddle."

After saying this, he spurred his horse, widening the distance between himself and Xiao He.

He didn’t want to make the woman too uncomfortable.

He had only vaguely come to terms with his feelings but hadn’t yet decided on his next steps. Of one thing, however, he was certain — he didn’t want to scare her or resort to any unsavory methods to force her.

He only wished to get closer to her gradually and hoped she would slowly accept his advances.

Xiao He watched Xiao Yi’s back, shaking his head with an amused smile.

It seemed Yanci was serious this time.

He was so restrained precisely because the woman held a significant place in his heart.

Soon, Xiao Yi led Xu Jing and her party to the property he mentioned. Xu Jing, with Xu Siniang’s memories, immediately realized this location was indeed advantageous.

In the Western Capital, there were sixteen main streets running east to west, and twelve running north to south, with several smaller streets in between. The imperial city was in the northern center, so the farther north, the more numerous the government offices, and thus, the better the security, naturally driving up property prices.

Xiao Yi’s property was located in the northwestern central part of the Western Capital. Just north were the areas where many aristocrats and wealthy people gathered, making it a place with good security while maintaining a certain distance from the wealthy circles of the Western Capital!