SGEIRS -Chapter 364 Stop Reading Those Romance Novels

From the capital to Huzhou Prefecture by water, the route followed the Grand Canal. They left Chaoyang Gate by carriage and traveled forty li over land to Tong County’s dock. From there, boarding a boat, they went south along the river directly to Huzhou Prefecture.

Gu Jingxi and Meng Jinyao were on a merchant ship carrying both goods and passengers. Their traveling party was small—just six people: Gu Jingxi and his wife, his two attendants Zhou Yun and Yu Chuan, and Meng Jinyao’s two maidservants, Qingqiu and Chan’er.

They booked three guest rooms: one for the couple, one for the two attendants, and one for the two maidservants.

Although they had requested the better rooms, even these were not very large. They had tables, chairs, and dressing tables, but everything was smaller than what one would have at home. A few steps past the table and dressing table was the bed. The bed itself wasn’t big either; two people could sleep on it, but even turning over would likely bump into the other.

Meng Jinyao froze for a moment when she opened the door, surprised at how small the “better” rooms were, especially since the merchant ship itself was quite large.

Qingqiu also looked stunned; the room was even smaller than one she’d have as a single maid. Chan’er, however, showed no reaction—she had traveled by boat before and had stayed in even worse rooms.

Soon, Meng Jinyao accepted reality. Out in the world, staying in a room like this was already a luxury for those who could afford it. People poorer than them would have even more miserable conditions, perhaps without even a private room. She stepped inside, looked around, and smiled gently. “The room is small, but it has everything one needs. And there’s a window, so it doesn’t feel stifling.”

Qingqiu came in and put down the couple’s luggage.

Gu Jingxi said, “You don’t need to serve us here. Go to your own room and put your things away.”

The others nodded and left. Their three rooms were side by side. Chan’er, Zhou Yun, and Yu Chuan were all skilled in martial arts. Whenever the party left the cabin, at least one of them would stay behind to keep watch, since there were other passengers on the ship.

After they left, Meng Jinyao asked curiously, “Husband, aren’t you investigating a case? Is just the two of them enough?”

Gu Jingxi took her hand and guided her to sit down. He spoke gently, “Having too many people draws attention. Even when I investigate cases, I rely on them as scouts. If needed, Chan’er can also be useful.”

Meng Jinyao looked surprised and puzzled. “Before, we were in the capital. Now we’re traveling far from home. Don’t the novels say that high-ranking officials travel with a lot of martial experts for protection?”

Hearing this, Gu Jingxi couldn’t help but laugh. “Who wrote those novels? Pure nonsense. They describe impossible situations. We’re not part of the royal family—there’s no need for such a grand entourage. Not just me, even other officials traveling on business don’t bring many martial experts—just a few bodyguards skilled in combat and servants to attend to them.”

Meng Jinyao hesitated. “Then maybe it’s because their subordinates had no capable people? Why don’t you use the many men under you?”

Gu Jingxi was momentarily taken aback. He hadn’t expected her to think he had a lot of martial experts at his disposal. In reality, he didn’t have many highly skilled fighters around him. When capturing criminals, there were constables; he didn’t need his own people. What had given her this impression?

Seeing that he didn’t reply, Meng Jinyao asked again, “Husband, why are you looking at me like that?”

Gu Jingxi smiled. “Your husband only has these few people. Stop reading those novels—they’re misleading.”

Seeing she still had doubts, he explained further: “I’m a civil official. I don’t need to fight battles, nor am I planning a rebellion. There’s no need to train many martial experts. At home, there are some household servants skilled in martial arts, but they’re just for guarding the estate. Training someone like Chan’er—highly skilled and loyal—isn’t easy. Over the years, I’ve only trained six. Besides the three you see now, one was severely injured and can no longer use martial arts; after marrying and having children, he manages an estate under my name. The other two have already left ahead to Huzhou Prefecture.”

Meng Jinyao nodded in understanding, then asked again, “What if we encounter bandits or pirates on this trip? A-Ning’s mother-in-law, Madam Shen, comes from a merchant family. A-Ning said their caravans always travel with guards to prevent theft. Merchants’ goods are easy targets. Wouldn’t well-dressed people like us also be targeted? Are three escorts enough?”

Gu Jingxi calmly explained, “Your concern isn’t unfounded. But Zhou Yun and the others are more than enough. One Zhou Yun is worth dozens of bodyguards. Even Chan’er, though not as strong as Zhou Yun, isn’t far behind. Plus, there are merchant guards on the ship. Those people moving the cargo when we boarded? They all know some martial arts.”

Meng Jinyao froze. So although they only brought three skilled martial artists, they were equivalent to hundreds of armed bodyguards?

Gu Jingxi continued, “Actually, in a time of peace, bandits don’t dare rob government officials on official roads. Those who do are either from chaotic times or extremely lawless areas. If bandits or pirates ever become rampant, the court would send troops to suppress them. So official roads are relatively safe; there’s no need to worry.”

He lowered his gaze to her and spoke gently: “The Imperial City is the safest place. Outside, it’s not as safe, but during peaceful times, dangers are greatly reduced. You, being a girl confined to the inner court, wouldn’t know this—it’s normal. In the future, we’ll travel more so you can see for yourself.”

Meng Jinyao smiled brightly. “Alright.”

By now, the ship had set sail, moving steadily along the canal.

Gu Jingxi had brought seasickness medicine, but none of them suffered from it, and they felt fine.

That night, Meng Jinyao found the bed uncomfortable. It was hard and small. Sleeping alone was fine, but with two people it felt cramped. She couldn’t stretch out and could roll into Gu Jingxi easily. The sound of the water outside made sleep even harder to come by.

Knowing this, Gu Jingxi asked, “A-Yao, we didn’t finish the story last night. Should I continue?”

Meng Jinyao nodded. “Yes, please continue, husband.”

Gu Jingxi began to speak. His voice was pleasant, but the story was truly dull. She felt like listening to a monk chant scriptures. Before long, she kept yawning and fell asleep.

The next morning, Meng Jinyao woke up. Though she hadn’t slept well, her first trip away from home left her excited. The novelty kept her spirits high.

After a simple breakfast, she led Gu Jingxi to the deck for some fresh air.

Their appearances drew attention. Their fine clothing marked them as either wealthy or noble, so most people didn’t dare approach.

But, as always, there were exceptions. One such exception was approaching them now.