"Young Marquis, we are arriving at the Jiang Family estate. Years ago, when Old Master Jiang fell ill in the capital city, my father saved his life. Because of this, the Jiang Family and our family have always been close. I believe staying at their home for a few days will be no problem at all."
Pointing her slender finger toward the large, orderly courtyard house ahead, Miss Sang Luzhi wore a look of pride on her face. She smiled and added, "Actually, come to think of it, why would we even need to rely on my reputation? If you were willing to reveal your true identity, Young Marquis, let alone the Jiang Family, I fear all the wealthy gentry and powerful clans in Zhoushan would scramble to invite you as their guest. As the saying goes, the presence of a noble guest brings brilliance to a humble home."
Lu Yunxiao gave an indifferent smile and said, "If I didn't want to conduct an investigation in disguise, I would have gone straight to the Imperial Envoy's Headquarters. Why would I need to rely on your name, Miss?" Although he had no particular feelings for Sang Luzhi, he felt a small sense of surprise upon learning that this woman actually knew the Jiang Family of Zhoushan. Along the way, he had already gathered that the person hoarding vast amounts of land in Jiangnan was not a single individual, but a business venture joined by several wealthy gentry families, and this Jiang Family was one of them. He had been pondering how to investigate secretly without alerting them, and unexpectedly, someone had brought him a pillow just as he was feeling sleepy; the matter had been resolved without the slightest effort.
Hearing that he refused to reveal his identity, Sang Luzhi could not help but feel a bit regretful. However, she thought to herself, *The Old Master of the Jiang Family and his sons are all sharp as tacks; otherwise, how could they have built such a massive family fortune? The Young Marquis is overflowing with nobility and has an extraordinary bearing. When the time comes, how could their sharp eyes fail to see his status? Wouldn't that bring glory to me? If I can use their mouths to spread the news back to the capital city, my father will know I have the potential to climb a tall tree, and I imagine he won't be so focused on those wedding arrangements anymore. Hmm, it would be best if my father is clever enough to call off the engagement quickly, so as to avoid any complications. If the Young Marquis finds out I am a woman who is already betrothed, would he still be willing to give me a chance to be close to him?*
With this wishful thinking in mind, she stepped forward to announce her identity and ordered a house servant to go inside and report their arrival. Although the servant found it somewhat strange that a woman would act so boldly and dress like a man, he dared not be negligent and ran inside to report. Before long, the main gate of the Jiang Family was thrown wide open. The current head of the family led his female family members, children, and grandchildren out to welcome them personally. He laughed heartily, "My dear niece, the Old Master has been thinking of you lately. He said your father is even more prosperous now, yet he never brings you all over for a visit, and now you have finally come." As he spoke, his gaze swept over Lu Yunxiao's face as if by accident, and he asked in surprise, "Is this young master a friend of yours?" Before the words had even faded, his brows furrowed slightly, clearly displeased with Sang Luzhi's behavior.
Lu Yunxiao raised an eyebrow slightly, then immediately smoothed his expression. He listened quietly as Sang Luzhi explained his identity—naturally, she used a fake name—and then Jiang Hai nodded and personally led them inside.
After exchanging pleasantries in the hall, Jiang Hai likely realized they were exhausted from their journey and ordered them to bathe and rest. Sang Luzhi felt very reluctant to part, but since they had arrived, there was ultimately a distinction between men and women, and they could not stay together. She had no choice but to go to the back courtyard, leaving the iron-faced man A Chou by Lu Yunxiao's side, while the men stayed temporarily in a courtyard next to the study room outside the second gate.
After bathing and eating, Lu Yunxiao sat in a chair, lost in thought while looking out the window. Zhao Yun and Mu Yun were busy tidying up their simple luggage. Mu Yun sighed, "Master, I didn't expect that once we left, we wouldn't return to the Imperial Envoy Team. What is your intention? When do you plan to go over there?"
Lu Yunxiao withdrew his gaze and remained silent for a long time before looking at Zhao Yun and asking, "Do you think that Jiang Hai saw through my identity?"
Mu Yun was stunned, but Zhao Yun did not seem surprised; it looked as if he had long known Lu Yunxiao would ask this. He shrugged and said, "This Master Jiang can be considered a formidable figure. If he truly knows your identity, Master, then acting this way shows he is calm under pressure. It is a pity that when he was speaking in the hall, he didn't sound at all like a man speaking to a niece; he was cautious and careful in every word, and the corner of his eye kept darting toward you, Master. Even though you didn't say much, he treated you with such importance. Why? That is why this servant thinks that old fellow likely really knows your identity and is now just pretending not to."
Mu Yun looked at Zhao Yun in surprise and whispered, "We are guests in someone else's home; be more polite. What 'old fellow'?"
"If he really knows your identity, Master, and still pretends not to, it means he must have an ulterior motive. Such a cunning old fox—what else would you call him but an old fellow?" Zhao Yun was not the least bit polite, and Lu Yunxiao did not take offense. Just as Zhao Yun said, he also felt that Jiang Hai's attitude was truly too airtight, but precisely because of that, it revealed a hint of something strange.
As he was pondering, he heard Zhao Yun giggle, "Actually, Master, if you want to know if that old fellow has already seen through your identity, it is very easy. Earlier, when he was speaking, this servant heard him imply that there are several young ladies in his household. Let's wait and see. If those young ladies all dress up in their finest and parade before you like a revolving lantern, then it is certain that the old fellow knows your identity and is putting on a show for you."
Before the words had faded, Lu Yunxiao could not help but shake his head and laugh. He looked at Zhao Yun with a cold snort and said, "You are courting death, daring to tease your master."
Mu Yun also laughed, "Zhao Yun's method is good, but I don't think it will necessarily work. Others might be one thing, but how could Miss Sang watch her sisters try to set their sights on you, Master? It is clear that even she hasn't found a way to make her own move these past two days."
This remark made Zhao Yun laugh as well. He looked at Lu Yunxiao proudly and said, "Master, you heard that. It is not just me who is bold; this fellow Mu Yun is even bolder than I am."
"That is enough from both of you." Lu Yunxiao gave a cold snort. "What did we come to Jiangnan for? Do you think your master has the same playful intentions as you..." Having said this, he suddenly straightened his expression and changed the subject. Zhao Yun and Mu Yun understood and quickly followed suit, laughing and joking. Sure enough, a moment later, they heard a respectful voice outside: "Young Master, lunch is ready. My master invites you to move to the dining hall."
Lu Yunxiao and Zhao Yun exchanged a glance. Zhao Yun replied that they understood, then came over to serve Lu Yunxiao as he dressed, and that is all for now.
✦✦✦
"Grandmother, we are arriving at Zhoushan. I heard that the disaster here was quite severe, but since the Imperial Envoy Team passed through here and distributed the disaster relief rice and silver, it should be much better now than when the disaster first struck."
Once they entered the territory of Zhoushan, Bai Kou and Bai Wei became noticeably more active. This was the first stop in Jiangnan on Grandmother's plan, and once they arrived, they could finally get some good rest. They had collected some medicinal herbs along the way; if they could do business here for a few days, wouldn't they have silver coming in? Having drifted outside for so many days, Bai Kou and Bai Wei had fully realized the importance of silver to one's life. Therefore, they were no longer as carefree as they had been at the Marquis's Estate, and they wished they could split a single copper coin in two, having turned into penny-pinchers.
"Hmm, let's find an inn and rest for a bit. We'll see about going out to look around tomorrow; if there is a suitable place, we can set up a stall." Xia Qingyu stopped and shielded her eyes with her hand to look at the majestic city gate of Zhoushan ahead. She also let out a long sigh of relief in her heart and subconsciously looked behind her.
"What is wrong with Grandmother these past few days? She keeps looking behind her. It was one thing at night, saying she was afraid of meeting ghosts, but in broad daylight, can one really meet a ghost? There are no ghosts that fierce, daring to follow people around in the middle of the day."
Bai Kou and Bai Wei both shook their heads and chuckled. Xia Qingyu herself knew that this action was quite neurotic. However, she did not know why, but she always felt as if a faint tail was following behind her. Yet, she had tested it many times along the way without any results. It seemed as if she was indeed being paranoid, but she did not believe that in her heart, so she remained very vigilant.
Hearing the two maidservants, she could not help but shake her head and sigh, "You two have not experienced the ways of the world; how could you know that the human heart is always more terrifying than ghosts? Never mind, since we have arrived at Zhoushan City, let's go in. I don't believe we will run into robbers in this city."
The three of them continued to carry their large bundles into the city. Not until their figures had just disappeared inside the city gate did two people stand up from the wonton stall outside. Mi Ming wiped the sweat from his head and said seriously, "That woman is so vigilant and careful; how does she look like the Eldest Madam who was driven out of the Marquis's Estate? Even the girls in the Alliance who are used to the martial arts world are not this alert."
"Care whether she is alert or not; we are just looking for her to treat an illness, so what are we afraid of? You are just used to being overly cautious." The Vajra Strongman, who was also named Jin Gang, stomped his feet. While he grumbled with dissatisfaction, he still had to follow Mi Ming toward the city gate.
✦✦✦
Asking for Recommendation Tickets and Collection, and then... well... there will be no update tomorrow, OTZ. I will resume one update per day starting the day after tomorrow.
✦✦✦