They had a simple meal of dry rations and, not daring to rest for long, packed up their belongings and set off again.
To their surprise, after traveling barely twenty miles, they ran into an oncoming merchant caravan.
He Shiniu, who was walking ahead to scout the path, hurriedly ran over to ask for information. Looking at the procession of tall, sturdy horses, the caravan leader, Li Damao, could tell at a glance that they belonged to an official family.
He quickly stopped the guards beside him who were raising their swords in defense and asked, "Sir, is there something the matter?"
He Shiniu replied, "Sorry to bother you. We wanted to ask about the road conditions ahead."
