Chapter 15: The Two Little Scamps

When Tong Jin stepped out of the tailor’s shop, he was like a changed man. Beneath a pale yellow goose-down cloak, he wore a well-fitted outfit that complemented his slender frame. He had tidied his tousled hair slightly, tying it back loosely with a deep blue cloth ribbon that hung casually down his nape. His handsome youthful face was perfectly accentuated by this ensemble, presenting the unmistakable image of a wealthy young gentleman setting out on a journey.

In high spirits, Tong Jin strode confidently into a nearby tavern.

“Waiter, bring me a pound of beef, a plate of roast goose, a dish of sweet and sour fish, and a pot of tea,” Tong Jin ordered, choosing a seat by the window.

“All right, young master, please wait a moment,” the clear-voiced waiter replied.

Soon enough, steaming plates of delicious food were set before him. Tong Jin’s stomach growled, and without hesitation, he lifted his chopsticks, eager to feast.

His manner of eating was hardly refined—he devoured the food like a famished ghost reborn. At first, he used his chopsticks politely, but soon, dissatisfied, he resorted to tearing the roast goose with both hands, shoveling it into his mouth with desperate hunger. It was no wonder his manners left much to be desired; since leaving Chang’an alone, Tong Jin had not enjoyed a proper meal. For over half a month, he’d barely managed to scrape by on meager scraps. Now, confronted with such fragrant and sumptuous fare, restraint was out of the question.

Just as Tong Jin was choking on a large piece of beef, his face reddening as he gulped down tea to ease the passage, the tinkling laughter of children drifted in through the window.

He glanced up to see two mischievous girls, about seven or eight years old, peering slyly inside as though watching a monkey show. Tong Jin swallowed awkwardly, wiped his mouth, and quietly resumed eating, chewing slowly and deliberately. Yet this only made the two girls laugh even louder.

Feeling vexed, Tong Jin decided to ignore them and continued his voracious meal. The girls seemed unusually interested in him and boldly entered the tavern, approaching his table without hesitation.

“Got business?” Tong Jin asked, chewing beef and puffing out his cheeks.

The girls were lively and pretty, dressed finely—surely daughters of a wealthy household. The one in white, upon seeing Tong Jin’s ravenous eating up close, couldn’t help but giggle, while the one in red stifled a smile and said, “Big brother, we want to eat too, okay?” Without waiting for a reply, they plopped down beside him.

Tong Jin swallowed hard, feeling choked, and knocked on his chest to ease the discomfort. Looking at the two uninvited guests, now boldly grabbing at the dishes like him, he felt utterly helpless. “Why is it that even when I just want to eat, someone has to steal my food?” he thought ruefully. But seeing them imitate his every move—even mimicking his choking gesture—made him laugh in spite of himself. These little missies weren’t here just to eat; they were clearly here to play and tease.

Still, Tong Jin didn’t call them out. They were only children after all. Instead, he wiped his hands, poured two cups of tea, and pushed them toward the girls before pouring himself some as well.

The two lively girls found it dull that Tong Jin had stopped eating and began sipping their tea with relish.

“Big brother, you must be from out of town, right?” the girl in red asked, her voice clear and melodious.

Tong Jin neither confirmed nor denied, refilling his own cup. “You’d best eat well and head home soon; your folks must be worried.”

The girl in white pouted. “We don’t even want to play with others, and you’re telling us to leave.”

Tong Jin’s lips twitched in helpless amusement.

The girl in red giggled, “Big brother, we’re from out of town too. We’re just passing through. Daddy says we’re headed to the Holy Capital.”

Hearing the mention of the Holy Capital, Tong Jin pricked up his ears. He himself was bound for that city—what a coincidence. He studied the two girls carefully, then shook his head and smiled at his own sensitivity. Aside from their playful mischief, these girls seemed innocent and genuine; they had no other motives.

Taking a sip of tea, Tong Jin said, “I’m just passing through too, heading south.”

The girls’ eyes lit up. “Haha, big brother, can you travel with us? My father has a caravan, and I hear there’s even a boat.”

The prospect tempted Tong Jin—traveling with a caravan would save much time and greatly improve his safety. After some thought, he asked, “Why are you two so eager to befriend me?”

“Because you’re fun!” they answered in unison, giggling behind their hands.

When they left the tavern, night had fallen completely. The city streets were deserted of small vendors, and most shops had closed. Only a few lantern-lit establishments remained open: taverns, inns, and places of ill repute.

Led by the two girls, Tong Jin made his way to an inn called the Golden Tower, where their father and the caravan were staying. Tong Jin hadn’t yet decided where to lodge, so he readily agreed to accompany them. Even if he couldn’t join the caravan, at least he’d have a place to rest for the night.

After some walking, a brilliantly lit building appeared ahead. The golden signboard proclaimed the inn’s name: Golden Tower. Its characters were bold and elegant, clearly the work of a master calligrapher, even to Tong Jin’s untrained eye.

“Daddy!” the two girls called out gleefully as they bounded inside, with Tong Jin close behind. The splendor of the inn did not intimidate him, for his pockets were heavy with silver, ready to be spent.

In the main hall, four people were drinking together, with several small dishes on the table. One was a sturdy man with sharp eagle-like eyes and a prominent nose. He turned, smiling affectionately as he waved to the two girls. “You two always get into trouble. Where have you been so late again?” He glanced at Tong Jin behind them and nodded in greeting.

Tong Jin returned the nod, realizing this must be the girls’ father.

“Daddy, this is Brother Tong Jin. He treated us to a meal at the tavern,” the girl in white explained, tugging Tong Jin’s arm forward.

Embarrassed, Tong Jin scratched his head. The eagle-eyed man chuckled, “Haha, thanks for the company, young brother. I hope my daughters didn’t cause you any trouble.”

Tong Jin complimented the girls, who responded by winking and making faces at him.

After some conversation, the night deepened.

“Little brother, are you also headed to the Holy Capital?” the eagle-eyed man asked.

“I’m not going all the way there, just to a town nearby to deliver some goods,” Tong Jin replied cautiously, saying no more since he barely knew these people and the tale was long.

“In that case, we’re headed the same way. Since my daughters like you so much, why not travel with us?” the man said cheerfully.

Tong Jin brightened and cupped his hands in thanks. “Many thanks, Master Nanrong.”

Through their talk, Tong Jin learned the caravan had over twenty people, members of the Nanrong family from the north transporting medicinal herbs southward. Aside from the cargo, they were bringing the two little girls to see the world. The eagle-eyed man was Nanrong Rong, head of the family. The girls were Nanrong Fengyue in red and Nanrong Qinglan in white, the younger sister born just hours after Fengyue.

After more chatting, the girls, exhausted, leaned on Tong Jin’s arm and fell asleep. Nanrong Rong sighed with a smile, carrying them to their rooms. Tong Jin took the chance to politely excuse himself and followed the inn staff to his own chamber.

After Tong Jin left, the four men at the table did not disperse. The stout man opposite Nanrong Rong spoke softly, “Master, it must be him.”

Nanrong Rong nodded thoughtfully, “I have my suspicions.”