Half an hour later, surrounded by a few attendants, the trembling Cai Jing was finally carried into a carriage.
Even though the servants in the mansion had done their best to conceal it, the white frost in his temples and his pale complexion were still so striking…
This time, Cai Jing did not choose the usual discreet black-canopied carriage, but the imperial carriage bestowed by the Emperor.
Compared to the black-canopied carriage Cai Jing usually rode in, this carriage was far more comfortable and luxurious.
"My Lord, where are we going?"
As soon as Cai Jing got into the carriage, the coachman asked in a low voice.
"Let's go to the Yu residence. I haven't seen my old friend for a long time, and it's time to catch up..."
Trembling, he lifted the carriage curtain and glanced at the scenery outside before Cai Jing said slowly.
"Yes!"
Looking at the grand procession in front of the carriage, Cai Jing's eyes suddenly became distant. This was what he had fought for his entire life, and he had wasted so many years for it. It seemed rather foolish…
As the carriage curtain was closed again, Cai Jing finally closed his eyes, no longer thinking about those messy things.
"My Lord, have some water!"
"Alright…"
Seeing Cai Jing's somewhat pale face, the personal maids serving him spoke with extreme caution.
"Are you all free now?"
After taking a sip of tea from the cup handed to him by the maid, Cai Jing asked casually.
"Replying to my Lord, we are all free, we have just signed contracts with the mansion…"
Although they didn't know what Cai Jing meant, the two maids exchanged glances and quickly replied in a low voice.
"Why should such fine years be confined in this cage?"
Touching the slightly childish face of the maid, Cai Jing's voice became low again.
"My Lord…"
The two young girls in their prime, of course, did not understand the meaning behind Cai Jing's words. They only felt that Cai Jing was a bit different today than usual. However, the longer they stayed in the mansion, the more they felt that something was wrong, and the more fearful they became.
"Alright, you two don't need to be afraid. When we return to the mansion later, go to the accounting office and collect your contracts. Live your carefree lives. Also, take a hundred strings of cash each. Start some small businesses and don't be servants anymore…"
Seeing the fearful eyes of the two maids, Cai Jing said slowly again.
"Thank you, my Lord!"
Although they didn't know why Cai Jing was doing this, they were both delighted to hear this.
Setting aside the fact that Cai Jing had returned their freedom, just the hundred strings of cash, combined with the rewards they had accumulated over the years, was enough for them to start a small business in Bianliang City.
Waving his hand casually, Cai Jing slowly closed his eyes again. Even after taking a pill, Cai Jing still felt his vision darken from time to time.
He vaguely sensed that he might not be able to return today, but being in the midst of it, he was now beyond his control…
Knowing that there was a trap ahead, he had to risk it all at this moment…
"Son-in-law, didn't this old man say he had vomited blood? Why is he still going out now?"
In a tavern opposite the Yu residence, Gao Shun asked in a low voice, looking at Cai Jing's long procession.
"What's so strange about that? Do you think he wants to come? It's just that at this moment, he has to come, cannot not come, and dare not not come…"
Slowly pouring himself a cup of wine, Han Mo said softly.
"But what's the use of him coming here? Yu Shen doesn't even have an official position right now…"
Even though Han Mo had said so, Gao Shun still looked at him with confusion.
"Are official positions that important?"
Han Mo spoke while looking at Yue Fei.
This Gao Shun was a stubborn fellow. Although he was asking about many things, Han Mo was actually speaking to Yue Fei.
"But without a proper title, how can one speak with authority…"
Rubbing his head somewhat shyly, Yue Fei tentatively asked.
"For some people, an official position is indeed power. But if you have enough ability, you are power. An official position is just a hat, a piece of clothing, nothing more. Just like now, even though Cai Jing is at the peak of his career, he is still a chess piece on my board. He cannot even control his own life and death, let alone anything else!"
Although he was clearly talking about officialdom, Yue Fei suddenly seemed to recall something.
However, he was suddenly confused about what it was. Fortunately, Han Mo did not disturb him, and quietly drank his wine.
Compared to the strong spirits of later generations, this rice wine brewed from pure grains was more to Han Mo's taste.
He had a decent tolerance for alcohol, and even drinking it in small cups, he didn't worry about getting drunk for the moment.
"My Lord, I heard you were unwell and was planning to visit you at your residence once you were better. Why have you come in person!"
Hearing that Cai Jing was getting out of his carriage at the mansion gate, Yu Shen, wearing a casual robe, rushed out to greet him without even having time to change.
"My health is failing. While I can still move, I specifically came to see an old friend! If I don't come now, I'm afraid we'll be separated by heaven and earth!"
Looking at the smile on Yu Shen's face, Cai Jing also smiled.
"My Lord, what are you saying? Your health is the most robust. You should never say such disheartening words!"
Looking at Cai Jing's excessively pale face and his constantly trembling hands, even though they were close relatives, Yu Shen felt a sense of shared misfortune at this moment…
"I know my own health. We are already at this age, should we still be afraid of these things? At seventy, one is rare, I have already earned a great deal! Hahahaha!"
Cai Jing spoke while taking Yu Shen's wrist.
"My Lord, it's windy here. Let's go inside and talk!"
Even though the weather was gradually warming up, for these old men, the sharp chill of early spring was still uncomfortable.
"That's exactly what I wanted. I brought a cake of 'Dragon Pool Melting Snow' from my study today, wanting to have a good cup of tea with you. However, my hands are shaking badly, so you'll have to pour the tea!"
Cai Jing said as he tightly held Yu Shen's hand.
Hearing this, Yu Shen couldn't help but tremble all over. Cai Jing was clearly coming to make peace!
What he was pouring was not just tea, but Cai Jing's faction!