novelraw Chapter 1284 - 1283: Reminder
Chapter 1284 - 1283: Reminder
Wang Yongzhu was moved, mainly because these people were exactly what they needed after arriving at Chicheng, so she accepted and thanked him.
Zhang Yinbao waved his hand, "Big sis, you’re being too formal. I owe my success today to you! There’s no need to thank me for such a small matter. By the way, your big nephew has a real knack for business. After a couple more years of honing his skills, I’ll personally take him under my wing for a few years, and he’ll be able to accomplish things."
Wang Yongzhu knew that Zhang Yinbao was promising to treat Jinhoo well and help cultivate his talents.
At this time, many people thought that once she and Song Chongjin went to Chicheng, they might never return, but Zhang Yinbao could still make such a promise, which showed his sincerity.
She smiled, "Then I’ll trouble Brother Zhang to take extra care! This time we’re all returning to Jing County, so I wanted to ask if he would like to go back as well? When he initially left, his family was worried about him—"
Zhang Yinbao, being a sharp individual, immediately said, "He originally had a break after returning with the merchant convoy. Just right, I need to send someone back to Jing County to settle accounts since the tea for Mingqian has come out. Let Jinhoo go back with them on this official errand!"
Saying this, he called over Jinhoo and gave him some instructions.
Upon hearing that he would be returning to Jing County with his uncle and aunt, Jinhoo readily agreed.
He happily went off to pack his belongings.
On the way back to the mansion, they happened to pass by the Du Residence.
Wang Yongzhu thought for a moment; time was tight, and visiting the Gu Family tomorrow would likely take up the whole day. She should also bid farewell to the Du Family.
So she had the carriage stopped at the entrance of the Du Family.
Since Du Zhongjing often assigned homework to Wang Yongzhu, she was a frequent visitor to the Du Family. Seeing her, the gatekeeper opened the door and announced her arrival inside.
On a usual day, especially after she was made the wife of the Princely Heir, Lady Yan would meet her at the door with others.
Today, Wang Yongzhu reached the second gate before Lady Yan came out, apologizing, "I’m late and truly sorry. Today isn’t the day for submitting homework, did you come for something? I was resting at noon, and when I heard you arrived, I freshened up before coming out. Please don’t mind the delay."
Wang Yongzhu understood perfectly.
Lady Yan initially appeared gentle, understanding, and generous, but after spending more time with her, it was clear she had some unspoken thoughts.
However, her demeanor was always gentle and considerate; even if she had some thoughts, with Du Zhongjing around, she remained within bounds.
Although Lady Qi initially wasn’t fond of her, Lady Yan gave birth to two grandsons and caused no major trouble, so she turned a blind eye.
Wang Yongzhu knew Lady Yan harbored ambitions of associating with the powerful. Now she heard about her and Song Chongjin’s reassignment, which slightly altered her attitude, but she paid it no mind.
She merely asked, "Elder sister-in-law, is elder brother at home?"
Lady Yan’s eyes flashed with caution, forcing a smile, "Your elder brother is on duty today and hasn’t returned yet. Is there something you need him for?"
Wang Yongzhu knew Lady Yan was worried she sought Du Zhongjing’s help and quickly explained, "My husband and I have received an imperial edict to return home to visit relatives. We will soon leave the Capital City. I wanted to check if elder brother or second brother has any letters or gifts to send back to master and mistress?"
Lady Yan was momentarily taken aback, almost forgetting this matter. If it weren’t for Wang Yongzhu’s reminder, she hadn’t prepared anything, and once her husband knew, she feared—
She quickly changed her demeanor, smiling as she took Wang Yongzhu’s arm, "You mentioned it right, I was just thinking about it too. I need to wait for your elder brother to return so we can discuss it, and I must trouble you then."
Wang Yongzhu politely responded, "Elder sister-in-law, it’s just something along the way. If elder brother isn’t home, is the second brother around?"
Before Lady Yan could reply, Du Xiuyan’s voice sounded from behind, "Little sister is here, come, let’s go to my place to chat."
With that, he respectfully bowed to Lady Yan, "Big sister-in-law, I’ll take little sister over there to talk about some matters," and he took Wang Yongzhu away.
Watching them leave, Lady Yan changed her expression and turned around, instructing, "Quickly call the purchasing madam here, I need to give her some instructions."
In a hurry, she went back inside.
Du Xiuyan waited until they were far away before sighing, "Big sister-in-law is a bit muddled, but little sister, for elder brother’s sake, don’t mind her too much."
Wang Yongzhu smiled, saying, "Second brother, don’t worry. Big sister-in-law’s nature is quite good, not inherently bad, just a bit naive."
Du Xiuyan felt both amused and exasperated hearing the young Wang Yongzhu describe someone older as naive.
He shook his head, "Elder brother and I have heard about this. Elder brother told me yesterday you might come to say goodbye in the next couple of days. He’s on duty today and probably won’t have time to see you but has some words for me to convey—"
He glanced around, ensuring no one was nearby, and whispered, "His Majesty returned to the palace yesterday in a very good mood, mentioning your husband’s name several times. Elder brother wanted me to remind you that His Majesty is likely very aware of your every move, regarding the Chicheng matter, be cautious!"
Wang Yongzhu understood and nodded, expressing gratitude to Du Xiuyan and Du Zhongjing.
She also shared the departure time of her group from the capital, advising that if they have anything to send, they could deliver it to the Duke Weiguo Residence, where they would take it along, then took her leave.
Shortly after returning home, Song Chongjin also arrived. Though exhausted from running around all day, the couple felt invigorated.
Perhaps previously in Qilidun, they unconsciously felt slight disdain, but now being away, reminiscing about Qilidun brought a sense of attachment.
Thinking of returning filled them with boundless energy.
While Wang Yongzhu was away, Gu Yu had already packed most of the commonly used items.
Li Xia and the other two maids, though unsettled, weren’t idle and helped Gu Yu with the packing.
Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin, although in the Duke’s Mansion for only a few months, managed to accumulate quite a bit.
Ignoring the valuable medicinal herbs or clothing and accessories, they packed about a dozen boxes just of small items.
As for the bulky or fragile porcelain items, they filled half a storage room.
Wang Yongzhu intended to travel light, leaving behind valuable decorations and various playthings from the Capital City.
Not needed in Qilidun and certainly not in Chicheng.
After streamlining, they freed up two more boxes.
Li Xia, seeing Wang Yongzhu after tidying up, was about to be dismissed when she bit her lip and knelt before Wang Yongzhu, "Wife of the Heir-Apparent, I thought through what you said yesterday. I am the Madam’s person, naturally, I’ll follow wherever you go! As long as you don’t mind, I am willing to follow and serve as even a simple maid, just please retain me!"