The meal ended in cheerful harmony, and in the end, Jiang Yan had to be supported by Yan Mingzhi as they left. Since the academy and the school were along the same route, Gu Jing’an entrusted the two children to Yan Mingzhi.
The farm estate in the north of the city was not nearby, so the two of them hired a carriage. It was Luo Qingqing’s first time riding in one, and she found it novel, touching this and looking at that with curiosity.
Gu Jing’an was amused by her little movements. “Qingqing, it’s not your first time riding a carriage.”
“But this is my first time sitting in the front seat of a carriage! Before, I was always inside the compartment and had to wear a veiled hat. It was so stifling. How could it compare to how free it feels now?”
Was Gu Jing’an watching her that closely? She had almost slipped up, but fortunately, she reacted quickly.
A trace of thoughtfulness flickered in Gu Jing’an’s eyes. She was lying. Even though she had only hesitated for a moment, what secret was she hiding from him?
Gu Jing’an stopped the carriage, pulled Luo Qingqing into his arms, and leaned down against her shoulder, his voice muffled. “Qingqing, I will treat you well. Don’t leave me, alright?”
It must be that he had not done enough, had not made her open her heart completely.
“I won’t leave.” There were still four years before he would become a powerful minister. Luo Qingqing only wanted to live well in the present; as for the future, she would deal with it when it came. There was no need to burden herself with unnecessary worries.
“Alright, let me go now. We should hurry on. What do you want to eat tonight? I’ll make it for you.” As she spoke, she gently patted his back.
“There aren’t many people on this road. I’ll let you down when we get closer. Whatever Qingqing makes, I’ll eat.” After speaking, he rubbed against her neck like a large dog, acting spoiled.
If she were still in the Luo household, she would not have to work so hard. She should have been a pampered young lady, untouched by household chores. It was his fault. When they returned to the capital, he would never let her toil like this again. He would give his little wife the very best this world had to offer.
When they arrived at the estate, they saw a man waiting at the entrance. Luo Qingqing felt he did not look like a merchant, but more like someone trained in martial arts. The killing intent around him was difficult to ignore.
If Ling Yi knew what Luo Qingqing was thinking, he would probably faint from despair.
He was originally a shadow guard, and after his master’s reminder a few days ago, he had already tried very, very hard to make himself look approachable, all for fear of frightening their mistress.
Ling Yi forced a smile and stepped forward. “Scholar Gu, Madam Gu, everything has been arranged. Please follow me to take a look.”
Gu Jing’an nodded, speaking with gentle politeness. “Thank you for your trouble, Steward Ling.”
This startled Ling Yi so much that he nearly stumbled. Was this really his master? Was that tone not a bit too gentle? Their mistress was truly formidable. He had better cling tightly to her favor. With that thought, Ling Yi became even more respectful toward Luo Qingqing.
Softening his voice slightly, Ling Yi began to introduce the estate. “Madam Gu, this estate has a total of one hundred mu of land, eighty mu of fertile fields and twenty mu of paddy fields. The tenant farmers here are all skilled and honest people, not the sort to cut corners.”
“Additionally, there is a small courtyard behind the estate. If you grow tired, you may rest there. Please take a look and see if there is anything else that needs to be added. I will have it arranged immediately.”
Such good land must be expensive to rent for a year. What if she had not brought enough money? It would be better to ask Gu Jing’an first.
“Steward Ling, allow me to discuss this with my husband.”
“Of course.” How considerate and respectful, just as expected of their mistress.
Luo Qingqing pulled Gu Jing’an aside and whispered near his ear, “A’Jing, renting this place for a year must be expensive, right? What if I didn’t bring enough money?”
Given the current business of Drunken River Pavilion, planting chili peppers across a hundred mu of land would be the safest plan. By December, the plants would stop bearing fruit, so they needed to prepare enough supply in advance for the following months.
Gu Jing’an brushed aside the loose strands of hair by her ear. “Qingqing, don’t worry. This estate is somewhat remote, and Master does not wish to trouble himself with it. If you want to use it to grow something, he will simply give it to you, rather than let the fertile land go to waste. As for money, the Master does not care for such worldly things. You might as well make him more delicious food instead.”
He had his own considerations. If Qingqing could win Master’s favor, then when they returned to the capital, there would be one more person to protect her. After all, his master was fiercely protective of those under his care.
As expected, having money was wonderful. A hundred mu of fertile land could be given away without a second thought. When would she ever be able to treat money like dirt?
After they reached an agreement, Ling Yi had someone bring over the contract documents. Luo Qingqing signed her name, and everything was settled with surprising ease.
Even after sitting back in the carriage, Luo Qingqing still felt it was unreal. She now owned land.
Inside the carriage, she laughed happily, and Gu Jing’an was infected by her joy, his voice lifting. “Qingqing, what are you thinking about that makes you so happy?”
“A’Jing, we own land now! It feels so good.” Her sense of belonging in this world grew a little stronger.
“Oh right, I asked Manager Li today to help look for a house. Winter is coming soon, and snowy roads are difficult to travel. We should move into town as soon as possible, so it will be easier for you, Qiran, and Xuanning to go to school.” It would also allow her to begin her grand plans to make money sooner.
Gu Jing’an’s heart softened completely at her words. To meet such a gentle and thoughtful girl, how fortunate he was. Has heaven finally begun to favor him?
“Qingqing, what kind of residence do you want?”
“For the four of us, a two-courtyard house is enough. We’ll only be in Linyi for about half a year anyway, so we don’t need anything too large.”
“I’ll listen to Qingqing.” Gu Jing’an reached into the carriage and handed her thirty taels. “I earned this a few days ago by tutoring.”
“You’ve worked hard, A’Jing. I’ll make something delicious for you tonight to nourish you.” Men like him had strong pride. If she refused, he might overthink it. Besides, Luo Qingqing quite enjoyed this feeling of him handing over his earnings.
The evening breeze brushed against Gu Jing’an’s face, while inside the carriage, his little wife hummed an unfamiliar tune. If time could stop at this moment, it would be perfect.
He recalled the words of Master Wuhe. After the master returned from his travels, Ling Yi had invited him to the estate. Using the excuse of relieving himself, Gu Jing’an had stepped away from Luo Qingqing for a moment.
Master Wuhe had said, “This woman is one who comes from another world. She is not bound by anyone, and her coming and going follow only her own heart. Three years from now, she may face a great calamity. If she wishes for peace and safety, she must do more good deeds, for all things are determined by heaven.”
Gu Jing’an had once thought that Luo Qingqing might be a celestial maiden descended from the heavens, in which case he would protect her well and not allow anyone to tarnish her.
He had also considered that she might be possessed by some spirit or demon, in which case he would protect her even more, lest she be discovered and forcibly exorcised, ending in the destruction of her soul.
But he had never imagined that Luo Qingqing was someone from another world.
The master had said her staying or leaving depended on her own will, but Qingqing, since you have come, how could I ever let you go?
He would grow stronger as quickly as possible, do more good deeds, and when the calamity came three years later, he would protect her without leaving her side, not even for a single step.