Chapter 1736 - 1738: The Distinguished Gentleman
Yang Ming looked at the two people opposite.
One of them appeared to be under thirty, with striking features. His jet-black hair was held in place with a jade hairpin. Although his hair was somewhat disheveled, probably due to the long journey, it did not affect his mature and steady demeanor.
He wore a green robe with embroidered silk, complemented by a pair of high-heeled boots!
He seemed to be of noble birth, at least from a wealthy family.
However, despite this seemingly luxurious attire, his boots were stained with mud, and the sleeves of his robe had a tear, indicating some trouble had occurred.
The other person, who had just asked them for a ride, appeared humble, but his eyes had a sharpness, revealing his protective and reverent gaze towards his companion.
Yang Ming assessed that the two were not ordinary people, at least in a master-servant relationship, with the speaking one deferring to the silent one.
While Yang Ming observed them, the distinguished gentleman was also sizing up Yang Ming, realizing everyone was waiting for him to speak. He was taken aback, not expecting such a caravan to be led by this young man.
Seeing Yang Ming’s silence, he thought that if he didn’t say something, he might not be able to travel with the caravan. So, he took a step forward and clasped his hands in greeting.
"Brother, my house servant and I are heading to Shanshi County near Lin County. We originally traveled by horse cart, but while resting halfway, as we wanted to forage for food in the mountains, we tied the cart at the foot. Who would have thought that when we came out, the cart somehow broke free from the reins and ran off somewhere? We had no choice but to continue on foot, walking half a day, but I’m used to riding and can’t endure the hardship. It’s fortunate to encounter your caravan, and we were hoping you could give us a ride."
After speaking, he gestured with his hand, and his companion stepped forward, offering a silver ingot generously, awaiting Yang Ming’s acceptance.
As the distinguished gentleman anticipated Yang Ming to accept the silver ingot, Yang Ming instead extended his hand and pushed the hand holding the silver ingot forward, indicating refusal, "There’s no need for silver. As it happens, we’re heading to Lin County, and if you don’t mind, we’ll give you a ride."
Yang Ming could see these two probably had genuine difficulties. When traveling, one does not turn away a friendly face, especially when all that’s asked is a ride, just a small favor, so he agreed. There’s no need for so much silver just for a ride, hence he declined the silver.
Surprised by Yang Ming’s refusal of the silver, the gentleman expressed his gratitude further by clasping his hands in salute once again, "Thank you so much."
"Our caravan is resting here and having a meal. After eating, we’ll be on our way. If you don’t mind, you can eat with us."
"Thank you!" The two expressed their gratitude once more and followed Yang Ming to the large pot.
Someone was found to serve them rice porridge, and roasted meat was handed to them both. "Traveling is not like being at home, this is all we have to eat, make do with it."
The one referred to as a house servant accepted the food, thanked profusely, and together with the distinguished-looking gentleman, left the group and walked to the side to find a spot to sit before beginning to eat.
The house servant continually attended to the distinguished gentleman, waiting until he finished before eating himself.
Yang Ming noticed this but didn’t comment, thinking perhaps that’s just the way it is with wealthy families, the master eats first before the servant.
Not dwelling on those two, Yang Ming continued eating, his mind longing to return home to see his wife soon.