Gu Tingyun finally came back to her senses, a flicker of panic in her eyes, but she quickly recovered. "Let's go, Youyou and Yu Xi are waiting ahead."
It would take several hours to get out of the city, and they would arrive at the manor around Shenshi. They had only eaten pastries to stave off hunger on the way, so they weren't starving, just hot and thirsty.
Fortunately, Gu Tingyun had already instructed people to prepare winter melons, and ice had been placed in the rooms.
After tidying up, they could have dinner. It was said that Young Master Gu had already asked his servants to prepare wild game in advance, so they would have a feast tonight.
"Miss, Young Master Gu sent lychees," Chi Dan exclaimed in surprise.
Lychees were extremely difficult to preserve over the thousands of miles from southern Fujian to the capital, requiring ice protection all the way. Ordinary people could only dream of eating them, let alone seeing them. It was no wonder Chi Dan looked so astonished.
"Brother Tingyun has always been attentive. After we settle down, help me make some pastries to send to him," Yu Mingyue didn't find Gu Tingyun sending lychees strange.
Her brother and Brother Tingyun had always been very close. Whatever Youyou had, Brother Tingyun would never be short of for her.
"Miss..." Chi Dan hesitated.
"Why are you stammering? If you have something to say, just say it." Yu Mingyue stopped fanning herself and turned to look at Chi Dan, wondering why she was so hesitant today.
"Miss, lychees are precious. Young Master Gu only sent them to you. Everyone else received ordinary fruits and vegetables," Chi Dan said meaningfully, her gaze particularly suggestive.
Yu Mingyue chuckled, covering her face with her fan and laughing, "What is it? Brother Tingyun was instructed by my brother, so he's taking extra care of me."
"Miss..." Chi Dan deflated.
The young lady was usually so intelligent and decisive, why was she so slow when it came to matters of the heart?
"Alright, don't let others gossip, lest it makes things difficult for Brother Tingyun," Yu Mingyue kindly reminded her.
Chi Dan held her forehead. Oh, my dear lady.
While other young ladies dressed up for banquets hoping to catch the attention of young gentlemen, their young lady also attended in her finest attire.
However, her intention was to lead the fashion in the capital, hoping to boost the business of the ready-to-wear shop owned by the matriarch.
Yu Mingyue didn't know what Chi Dan was sighing about. She would ask Chi Hua later, in case she had any difficulties and was too embarrassed to trouble her.
Chi Dan looked at the young lady leisurely fanning herself beside her, unsure of what to say.
...
After arriving at the manor, Yu Mingyue sent a servant to deliver a message to her family, informing them of her safe arrival and telling Cui Shi not to worry.
Cui Shi was having tea and chatting with Lin Shi from the third branch. Upon hearing of their safe arrival, she also breathed a sigh of relief.
When a group of children went out, how could their mothers not worry?
Although Lin Shi came from a declining aristocratic family, her upbringing and manners were impeccable, and she had much in common with Cui Shi.
"Sixth daughter is very sensible. She knew we were worried and specifically sent someone to deliver a message," Lin Shi praised.
Her own fifth daughter was also well-behaved and obedient, but she was too timid and reserved.
"She's always been like this. Sometimes she's even more thoughtful than I am."
"Counting the days, the Heir Apparent should be returning to the capital in the next few days. Sister-in-law can finally relax," Lin Shi knew what words would please Cui Shi the most without sounding sycophantic.
Cui Shi smiled, "Yes, I wonder how long he will stay in the capital this time he returns."
"The Heir Apparent is leaving the capital?" Lin Shi was surprised.
She had never heard Cui Shi mention it before. Ever since the Heir Apparent joined the Northern Army, he had chosen a military path.
Especially after his triumphant return with military achievements, if he were to be posted outside the capital, it would mean guarding the border.
The border was known for its harsh and cold conditions, and the Heir Apparent would likely suffer.
Lin Shi genuinely felt sorry for him. After all, as a mother, she couldn't bear to see her child suffer.
Cui Shi nodded, "If he wants to go, let him. Some things must be done by someone."
Relying on men's merits to uphold the family's prestige was better than having women shoulder the family's heavy responsibilities through marriage alliances.