Chapter 100

Luo Qinghan declined the magistrate’s invitation and stayed at the local inn.

The inn had limited rooms, so the guards and eunuchs had to set up camp outside.

At night.

Luo Qinghan discussed the next steps with everyone in the room.

According to the original plan, they should travel south along the Yi River.

However, Luo Qinghan intended to change the plan.

“I plan to abandon the carriages and travel south by boat, which will be faster.”

The Crown Prince’s Junior Tutor frowned and said, “But we have too many people, and it will be difficult to gather so many boats in such a short time.”

Luo Qinghan calmly replied, “So I plan to split the group. You will continue south along the Yi River by carriage, while I will travel south by boat in disguise. We will meet up again in Jingshou County.”

Everyone was shocked and exclaimed in unison, “Absolutely not!”

Luo Qinghan clearly anticipated their reaction and did not elaborate, quietly listening to the Crown Prince’s Junior Tutor and Junior Guardian repeatedly trying to dissuade him, repeating the same old arguments, insisting that he should not act alone.

Young Duke Nie Changping stood on the Crown Prince’s side. On one hand, he found traveling with the large group boring and thought acting alone would be more interesting. On the other hand, he really didn’t want to ride horses anymore!

He had been riding for a whole month, and his inner thighs and buttocks were chafed and bleeding, causing him immense pain.

Moreover, his long, straight legs were almost being turned into bowed legs from daily horseback riding!

Just thinking about it made him shed tears of sorrow.

He really, truly never wanted to ride a horse again in his life!

Nie Changping was filled with a strong desire to travel by boat. Seeing that the Crown Prince’s Junior Tutor and Junior Guardian disagreed with the boat plan, he immediately argued with them.

Both sides engaged in a fierce debate, neither willing to back down.

Zhao Xian, as a military official, had little say in such matters and silently stood by, listening.

Standing beside him, watching the debate, were Eunuch Chang and Xiao Xixi.

Eunuch Chang had a calm demeanor, like a meditating monk.

As for Xiao Xixi...

She was dozing off.

Yes, she was standing and dozing off!

When Eunuch Chang saw her standing and sleeping, he was truly amazed.

He had never seen anyone who could sleep while standing!

Fortunately, she had a special status, and Eunuch Chang couldn’t discipline her, so he pretended not to notice.

If it were a regular young eunuch, daring to doze off while serving the Crown Prince, Eunuch Chang would have given him a severe scolding!

Only when both sides were arguing until they were hoarse did Luo Qinghan speak again.

“Since you are unwilling, then it’s settled.”

Everyone was surprised.

They thought the Crown Prince would argue his case, but he unexpectedly compromised so quickly.

The Crown Prince’s Junior Tutor and Junior Guardian, fearing he might change his mind, quickly said, “It’s best that Your Highness has seen reason. It’s late, so please rest well, Your Highness. We will take our leave.”

With that, they quickly left.

Zhao Xian also bid farewell and left.

Young Duke Nie Changping refused to leave, saying indignantly, “Your Highness, why did you compromise? You are the Crown Prince, and they must obey your orders even if they are unwilling!”

Luo Qinghan replied coolly, “Even if I force them to bow and comply, they will still be不服气 (unconvinced) in their hearts. Only by letting them see the necessity of splitting up will they be truly convinced.”

Nie Changping was curious, “Does Your Highness have some other plan?”

“You will know soon enough.”