The letter arrived in haste, and Han Huiyu and Han Shengyu departed in just as much of a hurry.
Lady Guo and Auntie Qiao bustled about packing luggage for the two of them, filling several large trunks, which would be difficult to carry on the road.
Lady Guo knitted her brows tightly, looking at her eldest daughter who sat nearby without uttering a word, and said softly, “How about you two set off first and let the belongings follow after? Carrying so much with you while rushing along, I fear there won’t be enough time.”
What if Consort Little Yang and the Second Prince took advantage of the situation to make trouble? What would they do then?
Seeing that her daughter remained silent, Lady Guo felt pained as well. She looked at her and said in a soft voice, “Your father said it’s merely a matter of going through the motions. Once you return, we can continue discussing the marriage.”
Han Huiyu knew it was no longer possible. Her aunt felt that this marriage was an upward match for her, and had always been lukewarm toward her. Had it not been for her growing up as childhood sweethearts with her elder male cousin, and her aunt being unable to dissuade her son, this talk of marriage would never have taken place at all.
Not wanting her mother to worry, she squeezed out a smile. “Mother, I understand. Don’t worry. Third Sister always has plenty of ideas. Send someone over to Auntie Qiao’s side to ask, and the matter of the luggage will likely be settled.”
Lady Guo paused for a moment, then looked at Nanny Li and said, “Go make a trip over.”
Nanny Li hurriedly turned to walk outside. Seeing that Madam’s expression was bad, she didn’t even dare to breathe heavily.
When Nanny Li arrived at Auntie Qiao’s courtyard, she was stunned to see only a single trunk placed on the ground. She spoke subconsciously, “Auntie, Third Young Lady is traveling far to Jindu, so she ought to prepare more things. How is there only one trunk?”
Hearing just this single sentence from Nanny Li, Han Shengyu knew why she had come.
Auntie Qiao looked at Nanny Li and said, “Time is tight and urgent, so bringing so many things would be a burden. Besides, the clothes, hair ornaments, shoes, and pouches in Jincheng are likely quite different from those in Yongding City. If we end up making a fool of ourselves when going out, it wouldn’t be good. It would be better to purchase new ones after arriving.”
Nanny Li’s eyes lit up. After exchanging a few more words with Auntie Qiao, she left in a hurry.
Auntie Qiao said in an annoyed tone, “Look at that, not even a word of thanks.”
“What is Auntie in such a rush for?” Han Shengyu chuckled.
Auntie Qiao wasn’t in a rush; she was angry!
To her surprise, half an hour later, Nanny Li returned, this time delivering one thousand taels in banknotes to Han Shengyu.
Auntie Qiao looked at her daughter with a face full of astonishment. She had actually anticipated this as well?
Her monthly allowance was only twenty taels.
Han Shengyu did not stand on ceremony. Only by accepting the banknotes could Lady Guo feel at ease. And only when Lady Guo felt at ease could Auntie Qiao and her younger brother remain secure in the manor.
Before dawn the next day, Han Huiyu and Han Shengyu were called up. Without even having time to eat breakfast, they were placed in a carriage and sent to board a boat.
Due to the tight schedule, Han Yingyuan had spent a large sum of money to hire a vessel. The boat was not large either, and together with the guards, maidservants, and elderly female servants, it was packed to capacity.
Auntie Qiao held Han Shengyu as her tears flowed continuously. On the other side, Lady Guo held Han Huiyu’s hand, softly giving her instructions. Han Yingyuan walked over from a distance and spoke, “The time is near, don’t dilly-dally.”
Han Huiyu stepped over to stand alongside Han Shengyu, bowing to perform the farewell ceremony for the elders of the family.
Han Yingyuan supported both of his daughters, his eyes dark and solemn, as he spoke, “Go safely, return safely. Yield three paces when encountering trouble; safety is the most important.”
As he spoke, the corner of his eye swept over Han Shengyu in a slight warning.
Han Shengyu returned a sweet smile.
Han Yingyuan: …
Ignoring his youngest daughter, Han Yingyuan turned to look at his eldest daughter, “Huiyu, you have the gentlest disposition and are far too kind-hearted. If you encounter trouble, you will inevitably suffer losses. Your younger sister is bold and clever, so as sisters, discuss everything together.”
The smile on Han Shengyu’s face faded, her eyes fixing upon Han Yingyuan.
Before even crossing the river, he wants to tear down the bridge?
Is he trying to disband the team?
Han Yingyuan instantly noticed his daughter’s intent gaze. After a moment’s silence, he immediately added another sentence, “When undecided on a matter, ask your younger sister. If your opinions differ, listen to your younger sister as well. Coming back alive is more important than anything. Remember the words your father instructed you with last night.”
Han Huiyu lowered her eyes and nodded softly, “Yes, Father.”
Han Yingyuan turned back to look at Han Shengyu, opening his mouth. Just as he was about to speak, Han Shengyu smiled with curved eyes and beat him to it, “Father, please don’t say words that hurt our feelings. Rest assured, Eldest Sister and I will work together as one. As long as I am alive, I will definitely bring her back.”
Before Han Yingyuan could say anything, Lady Guo took a step forward, squeezed out a gentle smile while looking at Han Shengyu, and said, “Third Girl, rest assured. Your eldest sister will definitely not bring you trouble. Please… look after her a bit more.”
With Lady Guo being so polite, Han Shengyu felt as though she were an unforgivable villain right now.
For the sake of the one thousand taels, Han Shengyu returned a sweet response, “Madam, please rest easy.”
How could Lady Guo possibly rest easy? With red eyes, she watched her daughter board the boat.
Han Huiyu stood at the bow of the boat, cast a look at her mother, and then turned around to enter the cabin.
Han Shengyu did not enter, remaining on the deck to wave to Han Yingyuan and the others, displaying quite the momentum of a flood dragon entering the sea and a mighty eagle spreading its wings to fly.
Han Yingyuan: …
She’s my own daughter. Don’t get angry, don’t get angry.
The leader of the Han family’s guard force was named Han Jing, an old acquaintance of Han Shengyu. After all, young ladies like Han Shengyu who went out to shop five, six, seven, or eight times a month were extremely rare; his primary responsibility was to keep a close eye on the Third Young Lady.
“I knew it would be you, Han Jing.”
“Third Young Lady.” Han Jing stepped forward to give a salute.
Han Jing was muscular, tall, and strong, with a curved saber hanging from his waist. Hearing himself named by the Third Young Lady, he smiled slightly.
“What Third Young Lady? Strictly speaking, I ought to call you Cousin.”
“I wouldn’t dare.” Han Jing smiled, “Third Young Lady, please go inside to rest first.”
Although Han Jing also bore the surname Han, his blood relationship with the Han family of Yongding City had long exceeded five generations of kin. After his family fell into decline and he was bullied by his uncles with nowhere to turn, he came to plead before Han Yingyuan.
Seeing his physical strength, Han Yingyuan sent him to practice martial arts, and once trained, he returned to serve as a guard for the Han family. Because the Third Young Lady was truly capable of making a fuss, the number of guards in the Han family had been growing larger over the past few years.
The Han family had shown him great kindness, so how could he dare accept being called brother by the Third Young Lady?
With Han Jing around, Han Shengyu naturally felt much more at ease. Turning around, she entered the cabin. The two largest cabins on the boat were allocated one each for her and Han Huiyu.
At this moment, the door to the other cabin was closed, indicating that Han Huiyu had moved in. Han Shengyu turned and entered the other room. Jixiang and Ruyi were deft with their hands and feet and had already made the bed. Han Shengyu collapsed onto it and immediately caught up on her sleep.
When she woke up, Shihua, a maidservant by Han Huiyu’s side, came over to invite her. Han Shengyu tidied herself up briefly and pushed open the opposite door.
Han Huiyu sat leaning against the window. Hearing the sound, she turned her head, her eyes landing on Han Shengyu. She pointed to the seat opposite her, “Third Sister, please take a seat.”
The boat rocked gently, and the river wind blew in through the window, making Han Shengyu shiver. Looking at Han Huiyu, she remarked, “Is the Birthday God hanging himself—having lived long enough to get tired of it?”
Opening the window in such cold weather was simply seeking death.
Listening to Han Shengyu’s sarcasm, the speech Han Huiyu had spent over half an hour drafting in her mind instantly vanished into thin air.