The caretaker for the estate was thus decided. Yan Qing would be accompanying them to the capital, and soon brought his two disciples, whom he had trained for many years, before Lu Nianfu. One was named Wang Shoucheng, and the other Liu Yuantong.
These two had interacted with Lu Nianfu quite a bit before. Lu Nianfu had even teased them behind their backs about their names, because she felt their names were reversed in meaning.
Shoucheng, meaning "to guard success," had a smooth and cunning approach, while Yuantong, meaning "to reach perfection," was rather rigid-minded. However, a great teacher produces capable students. Though their personalities differed, both were skilled in business. At the very least, managing the already established wine houses, inns, and the Rouge Pavilion was well within their capabilities.
Considering that she would be away and it wasn't suitable for significant changes to be made to her businesses here, she decided to have Liu Yuantong stay. Wang Shoucheng let out a sigh of relief and cheerfully said, "Brother, you handle things here. I'll go with the young lady and master to the capital to broaden my horizons."
Liu Yuantong: ...
Lu Nianfu: ...
Situ Jue had been here for over ten days. Those who needed to know about the change in leadership at the military garrison already knew everything.
The common people were reluctant to see their commander leave and feared the new commander might not be able to defend the city. However, the imperial decree had been issued, and their reluctance and worries were of no use. The people could only discuss among themselves about sending Commander Gu off together when he departed.
At least they could make it a grand farewell.
The hero who had protected them by the sea for two years was returning to the capital to receive rewards, so he naturally couldn't leave without a ripple. Yet, they waited and waited, but could not get a definite date for the Gu family's departure to the capital.
On the tenth day of December, before dawn, the gates of the Gu residence opened. More than ten carriages were lined up outside, waiting for the masters to board.
Even in Jiangnan, the December morning was still cold. Lu Nianfu covered her mouth and yawned, tightening her coat and quickening her pace. Then, she was lifted into a carriage by Gu Yanchen.
The people outside were used to it. They couldn't help it; their young master and lady had always been affectionate.
Madam Li, with Lu Fei, rode in a carriage behind them.
At Gu Yanchen's command, the dozen or so carriages slowly set off, passing through the still deserted streets and alleys, and out of the city gates. Old Madam An followed behind for a while, but ultimately, due to her age and poor leg strength, she couldn't even see the tail of the convoy after walking for just two streets. She had to be helped home by her son.
Her daughter-in-law saw her low spirits and, unusually, didn't argue with her. Instead, she comforted her, "Mother, quickly wipe your tears. It's a good thing the young lady can go to the capital, such a grand place. You mustn't shed tears early in the morning."
The journey to the capital would take at least half a month by carriage. If they factored in various minor accidents, such as wind and snow, they would barely arrive by New Year. Fortunately, Wang Shoucheng had already departed for the capital to make arrangements. Otherwise, if such a large group arrived in the capital during the New Year, it would be difficult to find lodging.
Song Ming and Meng Changdong sat in the third carriage. The carriage was filled with several chests and boxes, making it a bit cramped. Song Ming, accustomed to traveling by boat and horse, shifted uncomfortably. "What was Boss thinking? With so much stuff, why not take the water route? It's not only slower but also incredibly bumpy. I might just shake my old bones apart before we even reach the capital."
Meng Changdong glanced at him. "Do you know how many Wokou pirates Boss has offended these past two years? Now that he's lost his military power, you expect him to take the water route? Are you tired of living?"
Song Ming: ...
He quickly smacked his own mouth. "Slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue. Traveling by carriage is great, isn't it? You can enjoy the scenery along the way. Traveling by boat is boring; it's just sea after sea, and the cabin is stuffy. How can it be as comfortable as staying in an inn?"
Meng Changdong ignored him.
At the military garrison, Situ Jue stood before a large sand table and asked casually, "Are they confirmed to have left?"
"Your subordinate saw it clearly. Over a dozen carriages left the city before dawn."
"They didn't take the water route?"
"Your Highness jokes. Gu Yanchen has been suppressing bandits every day for the past two years. Those Wokou pirates want to eat his flesh and drink his blood. Now that he has no soldiers to escort him, how would he dare to go out to sea?"
Situ Jue picked up a flag from the sand table and snorted. "He's so capable, isn't he? He even dared to scheme against this prince as he was leaving, taking a whole banner of experts with him."
The subordinate looked embarrassed. "Your Highness, it is said that those fifty-six people were not soldiers, but martial arts experts hired by Madam Gu with her own money, specifically to protect Lord Gu's safety."
Situ Jue paused, then became even more disdainful of Gu Yanchen. The memorial had praised him so highly, as if he were the only one in the world who knew how to fight. Yet, on the battlefield, he still needed a woman to send people to protect him, clearly revealing him as a coward.
Just watch, once he had driven those Wokou pirates back to their nest, his father would finally understand what kind of person this young commander, lauded as a war god, truly was.