On the official road to the Capital City, the human traffic was as intense as glowing embers, and the horses and carriages were like dragons.
At this moment, at the turn of spring and summer, the trees along the road offered shady greenery, and the flowers bloomed like brocade.
The pristine natural scenery made Xue An’s spirit refreshed and joyful.
Moreover, throughout these days’ journey, Xue An had observed a very interesting phenomenon.
This world, in both attire and manners, was quite similar to ancient China.
But from various signs, it was clear that this place was not Earth from any known time or space.
This phenomenon stirred a sense of peculiarity within Xue An.
It seemed that this world was far from as simple as it appeared on the surface.
That day,
it was near midday, and since they had missed a good stopping place, the master and servant had to continue on their way.
A few days earlier, over the objections of the little cash-hoarding Chan’er, Xue An had bought a donkey cart for transport.
As for why it was a donkey cart instead of a horse cart, it was because horses were extremely rare in this era, and even if available, they would not be used to pull carts.
Although Chan’er had strongly opposed the purchase beforehand, there was no helping it; for a maid used to being poor, the money for a donkey cart was enough for half a year’s expenses.
But once Xue An had bought it, Chan’er’s attitude changed dramatically; she was so excited she could hardly sleep, and she wouldn’t even let anyone else feed the donkey, insisting she do it herself.
Xue An had initially thought of hiring a coachman.
But Chan’er volunteered with enthusiasm and mastered the driving skills in just a day or two.
Hence, Xue An was now lying bored inside the carriage, while Chan’er was eagerly whipping the donkey cart forward.
Reflecting on how he had once traversed the earth and slain Deities, yet now sat in a little donkey cart hurtling along the road, Xue An could not help but find the situation somewhat ironic.
"Hopefully, the Capital City will not disappoint me," Xue An thought to himself.
Chan’er called out, "Young Master, there seems to be a little tea stand up ahead!"
Xue An lifted the carriage curtain to look forward.
Indeed.
Just ahead, a crude tea stall stood by the roadside.
The dilapidated awning swayed in the wind, carrying with it the strong aroma of tea and food.
Xue An knew that these roadside tea stalls sold not only tea but also simple meals, providing a convenient and affordable way for travelers to fill their bellies.
Of course, one shouldn’t expect too much in terms of taste.
However, to Chan’er, these kinds of tea stalls felt warmly familiar.
In the past, when she had traveled with her master, they would always solve their dining woes at such tea stalls.
Therefore, with excitement on her face, she said, "Young Master, let’s eat here! Dining out these few days has been too extravagant!"
Looking at Chan’er, who behaved like a little money hoarder, Xue An could only laugh silently, "Alright, let’s eat here then!"
The donkey cart was tied to a tree by the roadside; naturally, these tea stalls had no fodder for the animals.
The usually frugal Chan’er even bought a few eggs and mixed them with black beans to feed the little donkey.
The little donkey ate with loud snuffles of satisfaction.
Chan’er stood by watching and kept mumbling as if she were having a heart-to-heart with the donkey.
This scene made Xue An shake his head with a mix of amusement and affection.
This little maid could indeed be incredibly endearing at times.
Given it was a small tea stall, there was nothing exquisite on offer, just simple dishes like noodles with marinated eggs, the most luxurious item being a few slices of mutton.
Xue An wasn’t fussy; after ordering a few bowls of mutton noodles, he sat opposite Chan’er, and the master and servant began to eat heartily.
But just at that moment,
from far along the official road, the urgent sound of horse hooves approached.
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