Yunling knew that Zhang was both reluctant to part with her and worried about her, which was why she was trying her best to persuade her. As the saying goes, "A mother worries when her son travels a thousand miles," and Yunling could understand this, so she was more patient when explaining.

“Mother, that’s a bit unreasonable. You say the sheep are sheared every year, and we buy new clothes every year. It’s not like all that cloth and hemp is left over.”

Hearing Yunling's words, Zhang found her own words somewhat amusing and couldn't help but laugh. However, she was still concerned about Yunling not being home for the New Year, so her attitude became somewhat fierce and spoiled.

"Why don't you take the land route, the official road? It'll be faster than the waterway, won't it?"

"Oh, Mother, you're mistaken. This..."

"Chunniang was wrong."

Yunling's words were interrupted by Yun Shenghua, who had returned home. The news of the fashion show had caused quite a stir in the city, and Yun Shenghua had naturally heard about it. He had previously heard that Yunling was going to Bianjing to find wool, and now, hearing Zhang's words, he could naturally make the connection, so he spoke up.

Yunling didn't care much. Since her father was helping to explain, she didn't need to waste her breath. Besides, her mother greatly admired her father, so it was even better.

"The journey from Pingcheng to Bianjing takes about the same amount of time, whether by water or land. Although the land route is faster with carriages, the terrain above Pingcheng is the treacherous Shucheng, where the roads are difficult to travel and there are many bandits, making it quite unsafe."

"Furthermore, when traveling to various city gates, the travel permits must be checked several times and are reissued every thirty days. The closer you get to Bianjing, the stricter the checks become. If you travel by water, you can obtain a merchant's permit for trading in multiple locations. This dynasty values ​​commerce and will not make things too difficult for merchants."

Yunling's eyes lit up just like Zhang's. She didn't think as much as Yun Shenghua. She just felt that choosing to travel by land would be too provocative, especially since it was close to Bianjing, a city with many powerful and influential people. It was always better to be careful and keep a low profile.

If she were to travel by water, although she wouldn't be able to travel by boat very often, it would be very convenient. Besides, wool is a light commodity that can't be transported by land, so it still has to be transported by water.

Seeing Yun Shenghua's explanation, Zhang's insistence lessened by half, but she was still somewhat unsure.

"Although that's what you say, I remember you said that the Fu family's business doesn't go to Bianjing. So, which ship do you want Ling'er to go to the capital on? Don't let it be the familiar Lu family's business. Money is easy to repay, but favors are not. Even a three-year-old knows this. You know it, of course."

Yunling smiled with delight, not expecting her mother to learn principles so quickly, and to speak them so fluently as well.

The first thing that came to Yun Shenghua's mind was the Lu Family Trading Company. Since the two families were acquainted and the Lu Family had business in Bianjing, they could naturally provide Yun Ling with some protection and help. However, what he said was true: it was really hard to repay a debt of gratitude.

Yun Shenghua skipped over the Lu family's trading company and then thought of another way.

"By the way, Sister Ling can go to the next two towns and set off with those fruit-selling caravans."

“A fruit-selling caravan? This… Our family isn’t familiar with those fruit sellers. How can we just say we’ll set off with them like that? You’re being too reckless.”

Yun Shenghua felt somewhat wronged. He took a step closer to Zhang Shi, his hand about to encircle her waist, when he suddenly realized that Yun Ling was still in the kitchen. He quickly withdrew his hand, awkwardly touching his nose as he replied:

“Chunniang is a bit naive. She probably wouldn’t have harmed Ling’er. How can you call me crazy? Of all the caravans, I didn’t mention it, but I specifically mentioned the fruit seller. You don’t even know that?”

“I understand, Mother. Father means that the Lu family business must have caravans that go to Bianjing to sell fruit. I don’t need to infiltrate their caravans. Caravans usually travel together to resist river bandits. I just need to find a caravan traveling with the Lu family caravan. Yes, that’s it. I have something to do, so I’ll be going now.”

Yunling said everything she wanted to say in one breath, and only after running out of the kitchen did she take a deep breath. Her father was really something, he looked honest and upright, but she never expected him to be so... well... like that when it came to her mother.

It seems her mother and father are truly a match made in heaven!

Yunling shivered, brushed her arms, and ran back to her room.

Zhang wanted to arrest Yunling, but Yun Shenghua stopped her first.

“Sister Ling is right, that’s exactly what I meant.”

"What do you mean? What do you mean? You're just indulging her. Look how bold she's getting. It's all your fault."

Yun Shenghua smiled and said:

“Ling’er is so capable, just like an eagle soaring in the sky. Have you ever seen an eagle trapped in a cage? Rather than letting her resent you, you might as well let her go and explore. Perhaps one day she will learn her lesson and become obedient.”

"I'm not as eloquent and refined as you. I think she wouldn't even turn around if she bumped her nose, forehead, or head."

"Here, let me help you cut the meat."

Zhang glanced at Yun Shenghua, and instead of pointing the hilt of her knife at him as she had done before, she pointed the tip of the knife directly at him.

"Go ahead and cut it."

Yun Shenghua carefully held the back of the knife, took it, and then took Zhang's hand.

"Come on, let me guide you as you cut the meat."

"nonsense."

Upon hearing these two words, Yun Shenghua knew that Zhang's anger had subsided considerably. He stopped teasing her, let go of her hand, and began seriously cutting the meat, lest the people waiting outside wait until their necks grew long without getting any food.

**

The next day, Yunling changed into men's clothing and drove a carriage to the two towns below. Yun Shenghua had mentioned wanting to go with her, but Yunling refused.

The problem was that Yun Shenghua was too conspicuous and knew many people in the two towns. If she were with him, word would spread that her trip to Bianjing might reach Lu Yinghuai's ears.

After that drunken incident, she still didn't know how to face him, nor whether he remembered her foolish behavior. So it was best not to meet, so that she would know he was alive, and he would know she was alive. That would be better.

But what you fear most is what happens most often!

As soon as Yunling parked the carriage, she saw Lu Yinghuai not far away. It seemed that if she had the luck to place two bets at the gambling den, she could have won enough to buy a house.

Feeling uneasy, she naturally wanted to hide. She looked around, but there was very little to conceal her, and besides, making too much noise would easily attract attention. So she quickly darted behind the carriage.

Lu Yinghuai was focused on talking to someone and didn't see Yunling. However, when he was about to leave after the conversation, he became more cautious. This was all because of the trouble he had suffered in front of the Mei residence. So every time he encountered Yunling, he would remember the characteristics of her carriage.