Upon hearing this, the six immediately knelt and kowtowed. “We will follow you loyally, Young Master. We would never dare harbor a second thought!”
“Rise.”
Shen Qinghuan raised a hand. “Broker Liu, take care of the contracts for all six of them, as well as the two maidservants.”
“All right! Young Master, you are truly decisive!”
Broker Liu’s eyes narrowed into slits with a broad grin. He hurriedly ordered his assistants to prepare the contracts and the payment. “Don’t worry, Young Master. I will see to it immediately, and everything will be properly done!”
Before long, the assistants brought over all eight contracts. Broker Liu checked them carefully one by one and handed them to Shen Qinghuan. “Young Master, here are the contracts for all eight—everything is complete.”
Shen Qinghuan took the contracts, glanced at them, and stored them safely. Then she reached into her pocket and produced silver to pay Liu Yaren.
Broker Liu weighed the silver in his hand, his smile growing even brighter. “Young Master, safe travels. If you need anything in the future, come find me at any time!”
Shen Qinghuan nodded and turned to Chuntao, Dongmei, and the six guards. “Let’s go. We’ll get two carriages from Shunan Company and leave the capital today.”
“Carriages?”
Dongmei’s eyes lit up. She jogged to catch up with Shen Qinghuan and tugged at her sleeve, curiosity shining in her voice. “Young Master, where are we going? Could it really be somewhere with good food and comforts?”
Chuntao hurried after them as well, a hint of anticipation in his expression, though he still reminded, “Dongmei, be careful not to bump into Young Master.”
Shen Qinghuan chuckled at Dongmei’s eager, cat-like expression and reached out to ruffle her hair. “Yes, of course. Capital City is full of complications; it’s not a place to linger. The place we’re going is far freer than the Capital.”
Wang Hu laughed heartily. “Good! I like freedom! Wherever Young Master goes, I’ll follow!”
Linfeng bowed his hands. “We swear to follow Young Master to the death!”
The others voiced their agreement, each voice strong and resolute.
Talking and laughing, the group soon arrived at Shunan Company’s carriage and horse shop.
Upon entering, the shopkeeper greeted them with a wide smile. Seeing Shen Qinghuan’s refined attire and the tall, upright men behind her, he immediately recognized them as important clients and bowed respectfully. “Young Master, please come in! What kind of carriages do you require? We have soft-seated, open-top, and light carriages, all crafted from the finest wood—durable and sturdy!”
Shen Qinghuan waved him off and walked directly to the yard, scanning the row of carriages before stopping at two soft-seated carriages parked side by side.
Both carriages were made from nanmu wood, painted a deep, steady black. Light blue curtains hung at the windows, and the spacious interiors promised a comfortable ride.
“These two.”
Shen Qinghuan pointed. “Replace the interiors with thick Jinzhou cushions, and add bedding, a tea set, and small tables. Pair each carriage with two strong horses, and also pack some commonly used healing salves and provisions.”
The shopkeeper’s eyes lit up. “Excellent choice, Young Master! These are our finest carriages, perfect for long journeys. Please wait a moment; I will have my assistants prepare them immediately!”
He shouted orders, and the assistants busied themselves.
Chuntao and Dongmei peered at the carriages, lifting the curtains to look inside.
“Wow! The interior is so spacious!”
Dongmei exclaimed. “It must be more comfortable than the beds at the inn!”
Chuntao nodded and touched the soft cushions. “Young Master, this carriage is excellent. Even on a long journey, it won’t be too bumpy.”
Linfeng inspected the wheels and frame carefully, then nodded with satisfaction. “The frame is reinforced; it will remain stable even on mountain roads. Don’t worry, Young Master. Leave the journey to us.”
Shen Qinghuan nodded and added, “Also, provide a rain canopy for each carriage. Buy some clean linen and water buckets—they’ll come in handy on the road.”
The shopkeeper complied, quickly loading the items onto the carriages. Soon, both carriages were ready.
Shen Qinghuan paid the silver and instructed, “Everyone, get in. Chuntao and Dongmei will ride with me. Linfeng, Wang Hu, you’ll take turns driving. The rest spread out across the two carriages and stay alert.”
“Yes, Young Master!”
Chuntao helped Shen Qinghuan into the carriage. Dongmei, impatient, climbed in after her, lifting the curtain to look outside and chattering, “Young Master, which prefecture are we going to? Don’t keep us guessing!”
Leaning against the Jinzhou cushions, Shen Qinghuan smiled faintly, watching the Capital City streets recede. “We’re going to Jinzhou Prefecture. Nestled among mountains and waters, the people are simple and kind, and there’s an endless supply of Jinzhou roast duck and osmanthus cakes.”
“Jinzhou roast duck! Osmanthus cakes!”
Dongmei’s eyes went wide, clapping her hands in delight. “Wonderful! I’ve never had roast duck in my life!”
Chuntao shook her head, smiling despite herself.
Outside, Linfeng cracked his whip sharply, and the carriage began moving slowly. Wang Hu and the others rode alongside, scanning the surroundings vigilantly.
Sunlight filtered through the curtains, warming the carriage interior.
Shen Qinghuan watched the two excited maidservants, listening to the quiet conversations of the guards outside, feeling her mind settle.
After traveling over thirty li, the carriage gradually left the Capital City’s noise behind.
Willows lined both sides of the official road, their branches swaying in the breeze, creating waves of green. The air carried the light scent of grass and wildflowers.
Dongmei leaned on the window, eyes fixed on the passing scenery, murmuring continuously. “Young Master, look! That ox on the ridge is so strong! And those fields of rapeseed—they’re golden like treasure!”
Chuntao set aside her needlework, smiling at the view. “Jinzhou Prefecture is far more pleasing than the Capital City. Fewer horses and carts, less noise—simply comfortable to look at.”
Shen Qinghuan rested against the Jinzhou cushion, fingers lightly tracing the hidden patterns on her sleeve, her eyes glinting with amusement.
Having wandered in the Jianghu for many years in her previous life, she particularly loved this rustic, natural charm. Now, far from the intrigues of the Minister’s Residence, even the wind felt free.
“Young Master, we’re approaching the border of Jinzhou Prefecture!”
Linfeng’s voice called from outside, bright and clear.
Shen Qinghuan lifted the curtain and saw a blue stone marker ahead, engraved with the three large characters “Jinzhou Prefecture Border.” Beside it stood a small tea house, an apricot-yellow flag fluttering in the wind.