Nian Jiaojiao crept a few steps closer to the direction of the three people's conversation, feeling a faint sense of unease.
What if these two girls couldn't resist the temptation?
Because the man outside looked like a pampered pretty boy, truly inviting sin!
Just as Nian Jiaojiao worried that the two would soften, one of the girls resolutely refused:
"Young master, we are truly sorry, but due to our caravan's regulations, we cannot let you in. However, I recall a cave not far from here that can accommodate more than three people. You can take shelter there for the time being. If you are truly afraid, we can lend you a torch."
Nian Jiaojiao was delighted upon hearing this.
Such straightforward girls, weren't they?
As expected, the man was stunned after hearing this.
He truly didn't expect a girl to remain unmoved when encountering a man like him, soaked by the rain and revealing an alluring physique that was intermittently visible.
Did this lady have a problem with her vision?
However, before the man could say anything further, the girl who had just spoken suddenly handed him the torch she was holding.
As if to make herself appear less heartless, the girl then offered him a straw rain cloak.
Seeing this, the man knew he couldn't continue his act any further, lest he appear to have malicious intentions.
He accepted the straw cloak from her hand and slowly walked away under their watchful eyes.
Watching the man's retreating back, the other girl couldn't help but feel a pang of pity:
"A'mu, is it not too much for us to let a young man leave alone like this? You are truly heartless to even suggest lending a torch... This man's appearance is indeed a bit strange, but with so many strong women here, are we truly afraid of being overpowered by a weak man?"
A'mu's brow furrowed upon hearing her companion's words, but she did not pursue the topic. Instead, she looked out at the rainy night and said:
"Do you remember what happened to Old Jiu?"
Upon hearing "Old Jiu," her companion fell silent instantly.
A'mu continued:
"Therefore, it's better to be cautious. I have elders and children to care for; my entire family depends on my livelihood. If something were to happen to me, it would mean death for my entire family!"
Hearing this, her companion also felt a touch of emotion.
Was she not in the same situation?
A'mu thought of Old Jiu's fate and couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh:
"Heh, for people like us, our lives are not our own. No matter how handsome a man is, he's not worth risking my life for, dying in the wilderness. If you have such desires, instead of targeting an unknown man here, wouldn't it be better to find one in the pleasure houses? Isn't that more satisfying?"
Satisfying!
Nian Jiaojiao, who was eavesdropping, responded mentally.
Her companion gritted her teeth and said:
"You're right! We shouldn't mess with men of unknown origin. I have three husbands at home; they're not good-looking, but once it's dark, you can't see anything, and it's all the same, isn't it?"
Nian Jiaojiao's heart soared with admiration.
Sisters, you are truly amazing!
The girls who cried over scumbags in their past lives should really learn from you.
It's just a man!
The next one will be even better!
Nian Jiaojiao waited for the two to finish their conversation and leave, then quietly returned to the haystack to rest.
With such reliable people in the caravan, she could finally sleep soundly!
Nian Jiaojiao slept until noon.
Because the rain outside continued unabated, the caravan allowed Nian Jiaojiao to continue sleeping. After all, the weather was not conducive to travel, so it was better to rest well now and set off with renewed vigor later.
Noon.
The caravan distributed food again.
Another large flatbread and a pot of water.
Nian Jiaojiao: ...
Just as Nian Jiaojiao was struggling to eat the flatbread, another group of travelers arrived, driven by the rain.
As they approached Lanruo Temple, the caravan members stood up, their faces showing wariness.
"It's a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding. Please, ladies, do not make a move; calm yourselves," a middle-aged woman dressed in scholar's robes said urgently after dismounting her carriage.
"Who are you?" the caravan leader asked.
The middle-aged woman bowed to everyone and then said:
"I am Jia Funu from Shanshui Private School. I am leading some of my talented disciples to study at an academy in Fengcheng."
Upon hearing Jia Funu's words, Nian Jiaojiao's heart stirred, and she began to observe the woman.
She saw that the woman was wearing the signature blue robe of Shanshui Private School. Although there were some wrinkles on her face, she exuded an elegant aura.
With just one glance, Nian Jiaojiao felt a good impression of her.
After all, scholars held high status in this world. They often considered themselves superior and looked down on merchants, guards, and other "crude" people.
Yet, this Jia Funu was humble and treated everyone with kindness, showing no trace of arrogance.
However...
Nian Jiaojiao shook her head internally.
This person before her was merely a cannon fodder character in the book "Nine Husbands at the Door: All Husbands are Stunning Beauties."
In the book, she was repeatedly embarrassed by the female protagonist Nian Zhenzhen and ultimately ended up with a ruined reputation.
Just as Nian Jiaojiao was secretly lamenting this fellow unfortunate cannon fodder, the caravan members immediately showed respect.
The leader quickly stepped forward to bow and said:
"So it is the renowned Jia Funu. We are honored. Please, come in quickly."
Everyone made space for Jia Funu and her students.
Jia Funu said humbly:
"Renowned is too great a title. I am merely a humble teacher."
"You are too modest, Madam. In all of Shanshui Town, who does not know the name Jia Funu? You are a Xiucai, and the most famous teacher at Shanshui Private School, having nurtured many outstanding talents for our town!"
Praised continuously, Jia Funu became a little embarrassed. She did not continue to exchange pleasantries with the caravan members. After expressing her thanks again, she sat down with her students. The students prepared the food, and they began to eat.
Watching them eat exquisite pastries, Nian Jiaojiao felt even more that the hard, dry flatbread in her hand was impossible to chew.
The people from Shanshui Private School chatted while eating.
"Madam, which academy in Fengcheng are the three of us going to?"
"Chenxiang Academy. The students from our town all go to Chenxiang Academy."
Upon hearing that they were going to the same academy as her, Nian Jiaojiao perked up her ears and continued to listen.
"Why is that, Madam?"
"The situation in Fengcheng is rather complicated, and I cannot explain it all at once. However, you must remember to speak less and listen and observe more when you reach the academy."
Hearing this, Nian Jiaojiao mused:
It seems Fengcheng is not like Qinghe Village or Shanshui Town; the interpersonal relationships are more complex. I must be careful when I get there.
"Madam, we have learned our lesson. It is our fortune to be your students."
After one student expressed her gratitude, another student suddenly spoke up:
"Yes, I am very fortunate to be your student, Madam. But there are some who are ungrateful and even talk back to you."
The third student also chimed in:
"Zhang Jing, why are you saying this now?"
But Zhang Jing couldn't help but continue:
"Am I wrong? That Nian Zhenzhen is truly ungrateful!"