After Transmigrating into a Novel, I Turned on Easy Mode - Chapter 33

The moon hung bright above the night sky. Wu You sat atop the roof of the General’s Manor, staring upward. Tomorrow, her father would ride back to the frontier, while she herself had already laid out her plan to leave for Jinzhou.

Her heart was restless. Since arriving in this world, she had never stepped foot outside the capital. This would be her first time traveling so far, and she couldn’t help but feel uncertain.

If only I had someone to guide the way, she thought. But in this world, she had few friends—plenty of people disliked her, though.

A sound stirred beside her. Turning her head, she saw her father. Guilt pricked at her; she had spent most of these days with Ah-Zi, leaving him neglected. Truthfully, she still hadn’t quite adjusted to spending time with Wu Zhan.

He sat down at her side. “Sanya, what are you thinking about?”

Wu You hugged her knees to her chest. “About tomorrow’s weather. I’m guessing it’ll be another sunny day.”

Looking up at the sky, Wu Zhan thought of tomorrow’s departure. There was reluctance in his chest, yet also a trace of comfort—his daughter had grown. She no longer clung to dreams of the battlefield. That, too, was a relief.

“Sunny days are good,” he said. “Better than the snowstorm before—so many lost their lives in that.”

Wu You turned her head toward him. The night made it hard to see his expression, but from his tone, she knew he was pained.

For all her complicated feelings toward Wu Zhan, there was respect too. Yet she couldn’t help but ask the question that had lingered in her chest.

“Father… why don’t you let me go to war?”

His silhouette stiffened. His voice tensed. “You mean you still want to?”

Wu You shook her head. “No. I’m just curious. Clearly, your daughter is gifted in this area. Why do you oppose it so much?”

Wu Zhan seemed to exhale a breath of relief. “I know you have talent. But every time I tried to explain, you never wanted to listen.”

Wu You thought of the original Wu You’s temperament and silently agreed. The old her would never have let go of that obsession.

So she simply waited.

Wu Zhan sighed. “Call it your father’s selfishness. The world isn’t stable—wars break out often. Even with your skill, I can’t guarantee your safety.”

After a pause, he added quietly, “I know I’m selfish. But you’re all I have.”

The air grew heavy. Wu You quickly shifted the subject. “Father leaves tomorrow. Have you prepared your gear?”

Being fussed over by his daughter warmed him. He barked a laugh and clapped her on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’m not you. I’ll take care of myself.”

Wu You winced at the sting of his hand, but her lips curled upward. Days like this… they’re not so bad.

The cold crept in. After a little while longer, father and daughter both went back inside to sleep.

At dawn, Wu You stood at the city gates, watching her father ride off until his figure vanished. His last words echoed in her ears: Stay home. Don’t wander.

Wu You only shook her head. That wasn’t something she could obey. Back at the manor, she gathered her pack and sword, mounted her horse, and set off toward Jinzhou.

News of her departure reached Zhao Qingzi quickly. Yungu reported it, and Zhao Qingzi frowned.

She thought for a long time but could not guess why Wu You would head to Jinzhou. Bandits plagued those roads—it was dangerous. Even knowing Wu You’s skill, worry gnawed at her.

Her fingers drummed against the table, until at last she decided.

“Yungu, set out. Follow her. Protect her.”

Yungu looked up, startled. She had expected the young lady would send someone, but hadn’t imagined it would be her.

“Miss… could you not choose another? If I go, it may be long before I can return. You—”

Her protest was cut short. “Enough. No more.”

But Zhao Qingzi softened her tone. Yungu had been with her for twelve years, her mother’s final gift. She couldn’t be too harsh.

“I know you worry for me,” Zhao Qingzi said gently. “But there are many others here to keep me safe. And besides… for years I’ve hidden myself well. In all of Jing, people know only that I am a cripple. Who would bother to harm a useless girl?”

It was meant to reassure, but Yungu only felt her chest ache. That self-mockery cut deeper than any blade.

She bowed low. “Yes, Miss.”

After giving her orders to the household, Yun Gu mounted and set out.

Meanwhile, Wu You had run into trouble.

Map in hand, she grimaced at the realization: she was lost.

Already? I’ve barely left the city and I’m lost?

In her past life, she had survived by phone navigation. Here, with nothing but parchment lines, she was helpless.

The sun was scorching. Thirsty, she dismounted, tethered her horse in the shade of a grove, and drank from her flask. Sweat streaked her forehead as she squinted at the map again.

Then came the sound of hooves.

She tensed, hand gripping her sword. This was no safe world; carelessness could mean death.

A chestnut-red horse appeared. And on it—Wu You’s eyes widened in surprise.

That face she knew. Yungu. Just as in her dreams, but without the scars.

Why would she be here? Wu You wondered. But remembering she was Ah-Zi’s person, her tension eased. She bent back over her map.

Yungu spotted her instantly, relief flickering in her gaze. At last, she had found her. She had half-suspected the girl would stray off course—and here she was, exactly so.

Miss had reason to worry, Yungu thought wryly.

She tied her horse beside Wu You’s, then strolled over like a friendly traveler.

“Young lady, where are you headed? Why travel alone?”

Wu You resisted the urge to roll her eyes. It felt odd, pretending not to know her. But she couldn’t risk suspicion.

“To Jinzhou,” she answered honestly. “And you?”

“To Jinzhou as well,” Yungu replied, smiling. “But you’ve taken the wrong way. This path doesn’t lead there.”

Wu You flushed. No wonder the map had looked wrong. Embarrassment prickled—would she tell Ah-Zi of her blunder?

Still, practicality won out. She leaned in and began asking directions.

Patiently, Yungu pointed and explained: “Go back here, then take the right fork. After that, keep straight until the next junction, then left—”

Wu You nodded furiously, chanting “Oh, oh, oh” with every turn.

But the more she listened, the more the paths twisted in her head. Left? Right? Which was it?

“Understand now?” Yungu asked.

In her heart, Wu You screamed No! Out loud, she mumbled, “I… think so?”

The confusion on her face said otherwise. Yungu hid a chuckle. In truth, the road wasn’t complicated. She had tangled the directions on purpose, so Wu You would have no choice but to travel with her.

“Clearly you’re still unsure,” she sighed, feigning exasperation. “I’m passing through Jinzhou as well. Why not travel together?”

Wu You’s lips curled. Ah-Zi must have sent her. The thought filled her with warmth.

“That’s wonderful,” she said brightly. “Thank you. How should I address you?”

“My surname is Li. And you?”

“I’m Wu You. Senior Li, I’ll be in your care.”

The two exchanged polite smiles, both knowing the other’s true identity, both pretending not to.

Wu You found it amusing, and couldn’t hide her grin.

After a short rest, they mounted. Wu You followed Yungu’s lead, heart light. This is perfect—like someone handing me a pillow when I’m dozing. A living, breathing navigation system.

Her chest swelled again with affection. Ah-Zi… truly my little fairy.

Meanwhile, in Jinzhou, Mo Ziyi was preparing her caravan for the journey to the capital. Ledgers, inventory, cargo—all in order.

Nearby, Jiang Hong stifled a yawn. Life as an undercover maid had been far too comfortable. If this kept up, she thought, she’d forget her own skills.

Then came the call: “Xiaohong, it’s time to depart.”

Her eyes lit up. At last, she could see Yu’er again. “Coming!” she answered, her voice light with joy.

She hurried forward.

With everything ready, Mo Ziyi gave the order. The caravan rolled out toward the capital.