Lady Qin tilted her head slightly as her lips curved up with a demure smile. "I am surnamed Qin and named Mulan. But please, just call me Lady Qin. I lead this small caravan from the Eternal Prosperity Merchant House. We're not from the region so forgive me for my ignorance of your sect's customs."
Xu Qi nodded respectfully, "Pay it no mind, my lady. It's my pleasure to be invited by such a lovely host. However, I'm afraid I have so little experience to share."
"Never mind, I'm sure every insight is valuable."
Lady Qin gestured for him to ascend the wagon with a graceful wave of her hand. Xu Qi nodded but instead of getting inside first, he grasped her delicate hand, helping her up the steps with an air of respectful chivalry. The crowd who witnessed it whispered among themselves. Their gazes followed the pair, curious as to their relations.
Xu Qi felt the weight of their stares but he remained unfazed.