After the Disaster Realm was mentioned, Su Jingsi's mood visibly sank. For a young man, the calamities the Disaster Realm had brought upon his country and homeland—especially his own—were still far too heavy a burden.
Qin Yi's current identity meant that he could neither comfort him nor offer him any advice.
With Su Nuo's lively temperament smoothing things over, the two sides had already gone from strangers to confidants tonight.
Qin Yi took the initiative to steer the conversation away from the Disaster Realm. After they continued chatting about trivial sights and experiences from their journey, Su Jingsi was the first to rise and take his leave, arranging two guest rooms for Qin Yi and Zou Qing within the post station's military fort.
Su Nuo looked left, then right. In the end, she quietly muttered to Qin Yi, "Qin Yi... let's make friends tomorrow," before silently following after her dispirited older brother.
The rain curtain still fell. When Qin Yi went out to find Zou Qing, the man was squatting beneath the eaves of a shack. Upon hearing that the prince had invited them to stay the night, he hurriedly declined, wearing a cautious, awkward expression. "Young Master Qin, a mud-legged peasant like me shouldn't involve myself in matters between you and His Highness the prince... If you still wish to travel together, just let me know when the time comes."
Qin Yi had no intention of following him back to the caravan either. Earlier, when he had spoken up for Zou Qing, who had been pinned in the mud under Su Jingsi's pressure, it had mostly not been because of their friendship, but to establish an image of loyalty, kindness, and goodwill before the prince and princess.
However, before leaving, Zou Qing received an entry permit from Su Jingsi