Chu Qing was very vigilant and did not open the door immediately. Who knew if Steward Wu was hiding, waiting for them to open the door before rushing in.
Ling Muzhu, unaware of the situation, was confused by her question. However, he still followed her words and looked around. Not only was there no person, but he couldn't even see a shadow of a bird.
"There's no one there. Hurry and open the door. I'm going to freeze to death out here."
A cold wind blew past, and Ling Muzhu couldn't help but shrink his neck and shiver. It was truly cold.
Chu Qing hesitated for a moment, then quickly opened the door. She first poked her head out to confirm no one was outside, then immediately pulled Ling Muzhu into the courtyard and quickly slammed the door shut, latching it with swift movements.
"What are you doing? Guarding against thieves?"
Ling Muzhu couldn't understand Chu Qing's intentions and couldn't help but ask.
"Second Young Master, you don't know, the Old Master sent Steward Wu to take the Young Master away. But the Young Madam had already instructed that the Young Master should not go to the Old Master's place. She ordered us to watch over the Young Master. Steward Wu brought people just now, and we couldn't afford to offend them, so we could only lock the door from the inside and not meet anyone..."
Cai Qing recounted the events. They had no choice but to do this. If Steward Wu forced his way in, the two of them would truly be unable to cope.
After much thought, locking the main door and refusing visitors was the most conservative approach. Steward Wu couldn't possibly kick the door down and rush in.
"Eldest Sister-in-law... why did you leave just the two of you to watch over things?"
No wonder they had to lock the door. If Steward Wu came, the two young maids would indeed be unable to handle him.
Steward Wu was an old acquaintance of their grandfather, and even he had to show respect to Steward Wu. In this mansion, the only ones who could handle Steward Wu were the Old Master and Eldest Brother, and then Eldest Sister-in-law.
If Eldest Sister-in-law were here, Steward Wu would never dare to be presumptuous. But for some reason, she wasn't here today.
"The Young Madam is not feeling well. She was just disturbed by Duke Gu and Princess Xiliang. She is resting now and should wake up soon. Since Second Young Master is here, please trouble yourself to sit here for a while. We don't know if Steward Wu's people will come back anytime soon, so... you'll have to wait until the Young Madam wakes up before you can leave..."
At this time, she dared not open the door again, fearing that Steward Wu would make a surprise return. She could only let Ling Muzhu stay for a while.
Ushering Ling Muzhu to the front hall, Cai Qing quickly brought a cup of tea and offered it to Ling Muzhu: "Second Young Master, please have some tea. The Young Madam will be here once she wakes up."
After a short while, Feng Jin slowly walked over, still looking listless and drowsy.
"Muzhu... why have you come? I heard from your eldest brother that His Majesty has granted you a post outside the capital. Have the dates been set? Have you packed your things?"
"Thank you for your concern, Eldest Sister-in-law. Everything is packed, and I can depart in three days. I heard from the servants that Eldest Sister-in-law has returned, so I rushed to see you."
Ling Muzhu's demeanor and conduct were very proper, completely different from the dissolute young master he was before.
Feng Jin had not expected Ling Muzhu to change so much. Now that he was about to take office outside the capital and be independent, time really flew by.
"By the way, take the carrier pigeons with you when you leave. If anything happens, send a message home by pigeon quickly. Grandfather is getting old. Remember to write home from time to time, so as not to worry Grandfather. I will take good care of your father and ensure nothing happens to him. Rest assured."
Knowing that Ling Muzhu was most concerned about Ling Second Master, in order to put him at ease, even if she was unwilling in her heart, she had to endure and take good care of Ling Second Master.
This was also the first time Ling Muzhu had traveled so far alone to take office since he grew up. Feng Jin was truly worried and repeatedly instructed him.
"I have noted everything Eldest Sister-in-law has said. This assignment outside the capital is what I requested. I will surely protect the people in my jurisdiction and will never bring shame to the Ling family."
Ling Muzhu said with conviction. This assignment was his own request, and since he had decided to do it, he would naturally put all his effort into doing his best.
He was a descendant of the Ling family, and like his eldest brother, he had to bring glory to the Ling family and would never disgrace the Ling family when he was out.
"If you can think that way, I am relieved."
Feng Jin took a sip of clear tea and said lightly, "When you leave, I will have your eldest brother choose a pair of Black Armored Guards for you. Take them with you on your journey. This journey is long and far, and you are unfamiliar with the place. You do not know martial arts, so having some people to escort and protect you is always good."
"Eldest Sister-in-law, there's no need for such a grand gesture. Grandfather has already agreed to let me take some of the household guards with me when I leave. There's no need to trouble Eldest Brother to arrange for the Black Armored Guards to accompany me."
He was merely a low-ranking official, and he was traveling light this time. Having the accompanying household guards to protect him was more than enough.
"This road is not peaceful. If you only bring some household guards with you and encounter bandits or fleeing soldiers, how will you be able to fight them? It is better to bring some Black Armored Guards. This matter is decided. You do not need to object."
Feng Jin directly settled the matter, giving Ling Muzhu no chance to argue.
As soon as their conversation stopped, hurried knocking sounds came from the door.
"I'll go see."
Before Cai Qing could finish speaking and reach the main door, the tightly shut door was violently opened from the outside.
Ling Mohan's figure walked in, his expression slightly displeased. "Why are you locking the door in broad daylight!"
"I think you've lost your mind again. Why do you have to kick the door open to come in? Can't you just wait a moment and let someone open the door for you!" Feng Jin looked at the kicked-open door with great displeasure.
Such a good door, and now it had to be repaired. How long had it been since the last time something like this happened, and Ling Mohan was knowingly offending again.
"It was just a moment of urgency just now, so I accidentally used too much force. Don't worry, I will definitely repair this door for you. It will be exactly the same as before, without any deviation. Rest assured."
Ling Mohan repeatedly promised to repair it, his attitude extremely sincere. Feng Jin's expression softened slightly, but she still gave Ling Mohan a stern glare.