TRWSB – Chapter 105 Setting Out For Li Country

Outside the City Gates, on the Ancient Road

Qi Shaorong swung the whip in his hand, his face clouded with hesitation.

“Why did His Majesty send this dead weight along?” Qi Shaorong asked disdainfully.

Shen Yuan offered a sheepish smile and said awkwardly, “Apologies, Young Master Qi. It seems we’ll be spending a lot of time together on this journey.”

Qi Shaorong folded his arms and glared at Shen Yuan. “What’s that supposed to mean, Shen Yuan? Are you threatening me?”

Shen Yuan quickly waved his hands. “Not at all, Young Master Qi! Actually, I’m quite capable. Of course, I’m not on your level, but I’m not entirely useless either.” Once, Shen Yuan had been a prominent figure in the capital. Though his reputation was now in tatters, his pride remained.

“Capable? You? Don’t make me laugh. You’re barely a bottom-feeder, and you think you can compare to me?” Qi Shaorong sneered.

Shen Yuan: “…”

Zhuang Hao approached and explained, “The Shen family is a prominent business clan with ties to the Merchant Alliance. Having Shen Yuan with us could make things easier in certain situations.”

Qi Shaorong eyed Shen Yuan skeptically. “This guy? That useful? Really?”

Shen Yuan smiled. “Of course. Young Master Qi, after some time on the road together, you’ll see how valuable I can be.”

Qi Shaorong snorted. “You’d better hope so. Otherwise, I’ll sell you to a duck shop to cover travel expenses.”

Shen Yuan: “…”

Mu Tingxuan walked over and said calmly, “Young Master, everything is ready. We can depart.”

Qi Shaorong nodded. “Let’s go.”

Watching Qi Shaorong’s retreating figure, Shen Yuan turned to Zhuang Hao, conflicted. “Aren’t you going to rein him in? That guy is your… wife! Spoiling him like this will ruin the balance in your marriage.”

Zhuang Hao looked at Shen Yuan and said coolly, “You can offend me if you like, but never him.”

Shen Yuan: “…”

In the Carriage

Yi Fan stared at Shen Yuan with clear displeasure.

Shen Yuan frowned. “Why are you looking at me like that?” He felt like trash under Yi Fan’s disdainful gaze, as if Yi Fan couldn’t wait to get rid of him.

Yi Fan said bluntly, “Why am I sharing a carriage with you?”

Shen Yuan’s forehead throbbed with frustration. “Do you think I want this? If you’re unhappy, go fight Qi Shaorong or Zhuang Hao for space!”

Taking a deep breath, Shen Yuan reflected bitterly. He’d once been sought after in the capital. Now, everyone seemed to find him a nuisance.

Meanwhile, a crimson snake slithered lazily across Yi Fan’s shoulder. Shen Yuan muttered inwardly: And he wonders why he’s single. Who’d want a guy who spends all day with a creepy snake?

Ignoring Shen Yuan, Yi Fan exited the carriage and joined Mu Tingxuan, who was driving.

Watching them, Shen Yuan sighed. Zhuang Hao and Qi Shaorong are probably napping inside their carriage. Yi Fan and Mu Tingxuan are working together. Everyone has a partner but me, left all alone.

Still, family obligations loomed. He had to find a way to mend fences with Qi Shaorong. Glaring at the other carriage, Shen Yuan felt a mix of resentment and resignation. I meant well…

Mu Tingxuan glanced at Yi Fan and said, “Go rest inside. I’ll handle the driving.”

Yi Fan waved him off. “It’s fine. I’ll keep you company.”

Mu Tingxuan nodded lightly. “Suit yourself.”

“It’s getting late,” Yi Fan remarked. “This area is deserted. We might have to camp in the wilderness tonight.”

Mu Tingxuan remained unfazed. “Camping in the wilderness isn’t a big deal.”

Yi Fan studied him. “I’ll hunt something later. What would you like to eat? I’ll make sure to get it for you.”

Mu Tingxuan glanced at Yi Fan. “We’re traveling. Keep it simple. Anything that fills us up will do. No need to be picky.”

Yi Fan nodded. “Understood.”

Qi Shaorong leaned against Zhuang Hao, sleeping soundly.

Originally, Qi Shaorong had been resting against the side of the carriage, but as he slept, he gradually slid into Zhuang Hao’s arms.

Zhuang Hao gazed at the person in his arms with a gentle expression, feeling as though time had slowed to a tranquil stillness.

The carriage stopped amidst the forest.

Mu Tingxuan pulled back the curtain and said, “Young Master Zhuang, it seems we’ll have to camp outdoors tonight.”

Zhuang Hao nodded. “I understand. I’ll go hunt for food.”

Mu Tingxuan glanced at him. “Ah Fan already went.”

“I’ll go help,” Zhuang Hao replied, thinking of the premarital agreement. Among its clauses, one stipulated that he would be responsible for cooking, firewood, laundry, and setting up bedding during trips.

Zhuang Hao disappeared swiftly into the forest.

Qi Shaorong emerged from the carriage and sat by the campfire, warming himself.

Nearby, Mu Tingxuan was busy pitching two tents, with Shen Yuan reluctantly roped in to assist.

Before long, Yi Fan returned, tossing down a blood antelope and several wild pheasants.

Qi Shaorong glanced at Yi Fan and said, “Ah Fan, your speed is impressive!”

Yi Fan smiled faintly. “Not bad.”

Shortly after Yi Fan’s return, the sound of rumbling footsteps echoed through the forest. Qi Shaorong looked into the distance and saw Zhuang Hao approaching, surrounded by a dozen magical beasts. Some ran on the ground, while others flew above.

“What do you feel like eating?” Zhuang Hao asked.

Qi Shaorong: “…”

Dressed in a pristine white robe and flanked by magical beasts, Zhuang Hao looked every bit like a flashy young master straight out of a storybook—a textbook example of someone destined to be cannon fodder.

Glancing at the red bird circling above Zhuang Hao, Qi Shaorong said, “That Blood Spirit Sparrow will do.” Its meat was tender and flavorful, an excellent ingredient.

Zhuang Hao snapped his fingers. All the other magical beasts, except the Blood Spirit Sparrow, scattered as if granted amnesty.

Watching the scene, Qi Shaorong couldn’t help but think, Beast tamers are undeniably impressive, but Zhuang Hao looks so punchable right now.

“Young Master Zhuang, could you help prepare the ingredients?” Yi Fan asked.

Zhuang Hao nodded. “Of course.”

He waved his hand, summoning wind blades. His mastery of magic was evident as he expertly gutted the magical beast and plucked its feathers with precision and speed.

Qi Shaorong watched Zhuang Hao in awe. “Since when did Zhuang Hao learn this? I always thought he was just a freeloader.”

Shen Yuan glanced at Qi Shaorong and thought, Young Master Qi, you’re one to talk. You’re the biggest freeloader here, yet you dare accuse someone else of the same!

“Impressive work, Young Master Zhuang! I’ll take it from here,” Yi Fan said appreciatively.

Zhuang Hao, relieved, replied, “Gladly!”

Zhuang Hao felt a bit guilty. According to the premarital agreement, he was responsible for cooking during trips. He had even practiced at home beforehand, but while he’d mastered handling ingredients, he hadn’t gotten around to learning actual cooking techniques. The few times he attempted to cook at home, the results were so bad even the pigs refused to eat them.

Nearby, Yi Fan had set up several grills, flames dancing skillfully in his hands.

Zhuang Hao sat down beside Qi Shaorong and remarked, “Ah Fan really looks like a professional chef.”

Casually, he added, “If Yi Fan looks like a chef, then what do I look like?”

“You? Like the assistant standing next to the chef,” Qi Shaorong replied.

Zhuang Hao: “…”

Yi Fan finished grilling the meat and distributed it to Mu Tingxuan and the others. Although he wasn’t particularly fond of Zhuang Hao, he still set aside a portion for him.

“Young master, so this is where you’ve been!”

A boy wearing a white fox-fur cloak and a richly dressed girl approached under the protection of a few guards. The boy and girl looked at Zhuang Hao with admiration and gratitude.

Qi Shaorong glanced at the pair and thought, Who knows which family’s young master and miss these two are? Don’t they know it’s dangerous to wander the wilderness like this? They could’ve been eaten by magical beasts.

Turning to Zhuang Hao, he asked, “They’re here for you. Where did you pick up these two?”

Zhuang Hao replied nonchalantly, “I came across them while searching for ingredients. A white-striped tiger was attacking them. I thought the tiger looked plump and figured you might be interested, so I lured it away.”

Qi Shaorong looked at him and said, “I see. But tiger meat is too lean and tough. I don’t like it.”

Zhuang Hao nodded. “Got it. I won’t bring tigers next time.”

Turning to the pair, he said, “There’s no need for thanks. It was nothing more than a minor effort on my part.”

“How can that be?” the boy said earnestly. “For you, it might have been a small effort, but for my sister and me, it was a life-saving act!”

Zhuang Hao frowned slightly, but Qi Shaorong interjected, “If you really want to repay us, how about giving us a few hundred thousand gold coins?”

The boy frowned and asked, “And who might you be?”

Qi Shaorong pointed at Zhuang Hao. “I’m his spouse. His money is under my control. I give him a single gold coin every month for pocket money to buy snacks.”

Zhuang Hao: “…”

Qi Shaorong glanced at Zhuang Hao and thought, This guy is like a magnet for admirers! He can’t even go hunting without bringing back two more admirers.

Hearing Qi Shaorong’s words, the siblings exchanged complicated glances.

Meanwhile, Yi Fan handed a piece of grilled chicken to Mu Tingxuan. “Tingxuan, try this chicken wing I grilled.”

Mu Tingxuan gave Yi Fan a brief look, then reached out to accept the offered food.

The boy hesitated, glancing at Qi Shaorong, and said, “I don’t have that much money on me right now, but if you follow me back home, my family will surely reward you handsomely.”

Qi Shaorong widened his eyes in disbelief. “You’re traveling without carrying any money?”

The boy in the white robe looked embarrassed. “I did bring some, but it got lost.”

Qi Shaorong looked at him and thought, This kid even managed to lose his money. Someone this careless isn’t going to amount to much.

Waving his hand dismissively, Qi Shaorong said, “Forget about the gold. Just go on your way.”

The girl in the fox-fur cloak couldn’t help but plead, “Can we travel with you?”

“Why would you follow us?” Qi Shaorong asked impatiently.

The girl pitifully explained their situation.

As it turned out, the boy and girl were young members of a prominent family, out for some wilderness training. Initially, they’d had dozens of guards accompanying them, but after entering the forest, they’d become separated. Now, only a few injured guards remained with them, and their situation was dire.