After leaving the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin went to Tiger Hill.
Liuyuan Garden is also quite famous, but the general style of the Gusu Gardens is somewhat similar.
Unless you are really free and bored, visiting multiple gardens in one day can significantly lower your interest.
Tiger Hill is a symbolic scenic spot in Gusu, containing a wealth of historical anecdotes.
Though Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin have thoroughly read history, their understanding of local landmarks is certainly not as professional as that of a tour guide.
While exploring Tiger Hill, Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin listened to two beautiful tour guides talk about the legend of Gan Jiang and Mo Ye, and the story of King Fuchai and Xi Shi.
Tiger Hill is the burial site of King Helv by King Fuchai; Helv died after being injured in the battle with the State of Yue. Before coming to Gusu, Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin didn’t do much homework, only knowing this point vaguely; specifics became clear only after listening to the guides.
The two beautiful tour guides knew Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin were well-versed in literature, so they diligently prepared, fearing they’d be stumped during the explanation.
They crammed for one night on materials related to Gusu’s sights, historical anecdotes, and poetry. Originally, they were familiar with these and had some understanding of the poetry related to Gusu sights; after cramming, they understood even better.
After hearing the guides talk about the history of Tiger Hill and the related anecdotes, Luo Ziling asked one of the guides, "Miss Wu, are you a local?"
"Yes," the Wu-named guide nodded, "I am a local, and she is too!"
"You are from the Land of Wu, and I am from the Land of Yue; my hometown is in Yuezhou!" At this point, Luo Ziling solemnly said, "If the time and space were pulled back to the Warring States period, we would represent the two states of Wu and Yue, haha, perhaps I might lead the army of Yue and seize Tiger Hill and capture you all!"
"And then become one of the beauties in the harem of three thousand concubines?" Yang Qingyin swiftly retorted.
Luo Ziling was instantly embarrassed; while the two beautiful tour guides blushed and covered their faces giggling, he awkwardly explained, "I am a Yuezhou native, Yuezhou at the time was the capital of the State of Yue, and Gusu was the capital of Wu. Visiting this place with historical context gives more sentiments. However, the Spring and Autumn Warring States period has long passed over two millennia, and Wu and Yue have already merged into the same lineage, and the Southern dialect sounds quite similar, we have all become Southerners. Southerners are quite good-looking, aren’t they?"
The two tour guides giggled again, vibrating with laughter while looking at Luo Ziling with even more admiration.
Spoiled heirs, most of whom lack academic prowess, are mostly seen; someone like Luo Ziling, a well-read young master from a noble family, is indeed rare.
Of course, they had not seen many noble family young masters; only occasionally interacting with some from moderately wealthy families or essentially nouveau riche ’rich second generations.’ Those people behave arrogantly and domineeringly, unlike the gentlemanly Luo Ziling in front of them, who is likable.
In fact, those working as tour guides most enjoy interacting with people.
If they can interact and communicate with tourists, their work becomes much easier and more pleasant.
Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin are both knowledgeable and approachable, good-looking, and don’t have a superior attitude; the two tour guides felt very good accompanying them.
However, their good mood diminished significantly when Luo Ziling suddenly asked them a question.
"Who assigned you tasks today? Are you required to achieve any objectives while accompanying us?"
Luo Ziling asked this question after finishing touring Tiger Hill, as they were preparing to go to Hanshan Temple.
The two tour guides did not expect Luo Ziling to ask this matter; they were dazed for a moment, unsure how to respond.
Who assigned them tasks? Luo Ziling definitely knew, but asking directly changed the flavor.
What was their purpose?
It was naturally to please Luo Ziling and Yang Qingyin, making sure they had fun and were satisfied; completing their tasks was achieved then.
But how could such words be spoken aloud?
Seeing the two women hemming and hawing, unsure how to start, and looking very embarrassed, Luo Ziling smiled without further questioning.
Due to Luo Ziling’s inquiry, during the subsequent tour, the two guides appeared notably more reserved.
Fortunately, Hanshan Temple and Maple Bridge do not require much explanation.
These two places became famous because of Zhang Ji’s "Night Mooring at Maple Bridge."
While touring Hanshan Temple, Luo Ziling received a call from Guo Chao.
Guo Chao enthusiastically welcomed Luo Ziling’s visit to Gusu over the phone and asked about Luo Ziling’s impression of Gusu.
"Not at all, not at all, we are just privately visiting Gusu for leisure, not as an official visit." Luo Ziling explained awkwardly, "Many thanks to Mr. Guo for taking time out of his busy schedule to arrange for people to accompany us; these two beautiful tour guides are very professional and dedicated, helping us become acquainted with Gusu’s culture and history. Gusu is a very nice city, exquisite and beautiful, I like it very much!"
"That’s really great!" Guo Chao breathed a sigh of relief. He then invited Luo Ziling to dinner, saying he wanted to host Luo Ziling for a meal as a personal gesture, to welcome him and Yang Qingyin.
Guo Chao’s behavior was quite similar to Zhao Songliang’s.
Such behavior still satisfied Luo Ziling.
Luo Ziling naturally wouldn’t refuse.
Visiting someone’s place and being actively invited, especially as private hospitality, it would be awkward to refuse.
If Guo Chao invited them as an administrative official to a meal, he would definitely decline.
Inviting as a public figure and inviting as a private person bears completely different implications.
Yang Qingyin made no comment and complied with whatever Luo Ziling decided.
"Is this called husband leads, wife follows?" Luo Ziling teased Yang Qingyin.
"Who’s your wife? Not even of legal age, and you’re calling yourself a husband?" Yang Qingyin looked at Luo Ziling disdainfully and said, "If you want to be a husband, go home, take a good look in the mirror, and then check your ID and household registration book for your birth date!"
Luo Ziling was instantly defeated by Yang Qingyin.
Watching Luo Ziling suffer defeat, Yang Qingyin heartlessly burst into laughter.
After visiting the Night Mooring at Maple Bridge site, it was around four o’clock.
Having walked all day, Yang Qingyin was quite tired, and Luo Ziling decided to end today’s journey without further plans.
Upon exiting the scenic area gate, Luo Ziling was surprised to see several cars waiting for them at the entrance.
A man around fifty, with little hair on his head and a slight belly, looking somewhat imposing, stood there anxiously watching the exit.
"Guo Chao actually personally waited for us at the gate!" Seeing this, Luo Ziling appeared very surprised.