The Mongol army traveled several dozen li west. According to the guides, Su Pu, Sansir, and the others, the Gobi began beyond this point, and the next oasis was a long way off. Öchen therefore ordered the army to rest and resupply here first.
A faint smile crossed Song Qingshu's face. This felt rather like a highway service station from his previous life. Missing one on a highway merely meant being unable to use the restroom or refuel, but in the Gobi desert, miscalculating one's provisions and passing up an oasis could cost one's life.
Gobi... Hearing those people repeat the name, Song Qingshu thought of that beautiful, gentle woman in the Jin Dynasty, and the corners of his lips rose slightly.
"Ah-choo~"
Song Qingshu suddenly felt an itch in his nose and sneezed several times in a row. Could someone be speaking ill of me behind my back?
The commotion drew Aman's attention. She looked over and said gently, "At this time of year, the temperatures on the grasslands change drastically between day and night. You Han Chinese probably aren't used to it and fall ill easily. Hold this herb beneath your nose, and your symptoms should ease somewhat."
As she spoke, she handed him a sachet. Several dried herbs peeked out from within it, further accentuating the fair delicacy of her wrist.
Seeing that the corners of her eyes were red, clearly still worried about her mother's safety, Song Qingshu could not help smiling. "You're kind-hearted, little girl, but I'm not Han Chinese. I'm an eastern islander."
Since he was putting on an act, he had to see it through. He did not want his Mongol companions to spot any flaws.
"Eastern Islander? I've never heard of it. Where is Eastern Island?" Though worry still lingered between her