Xu Yunrong finally couldn't help but laugh, "You little rascal, you're so good at sweet-talking people. Be careful on the road, take a few carrier pigeons with you and send a message back every few days."

Meng Zhao naturally nodded in agreement. She then sent a message to Gu Changwu via carrier pigeon, telling him not to go to the capital, but to go directly to Huainan to meet her, and then they would come to the capital together.

Early that morning, Huang Cui took a soft cushion from the house and was laying it on the carriage when Afu stood beside the carriage and said, "Madam Meng, the luggage is all tied up, we can set off now."

Meng Zhao nodded, his gaze falling on Xu Renyi, who was inspecting a saddle not far away. Xu Renyi was a shop assistant who had been watching over Meng Zhao's shop before Yingkelou opened. He was indeed as kind and honest as his name suggested.

However, he is too upright. Last time, when the Yingkelou held a poetry gathering, a scholar was upset about being criticized and caused trouble. If it were a waiter, he would probably have just bowed and scraped it off. Although he was humble, he was still arguing his point. Although Meng Zhao himself thought highly of him, it was indeed a bit inappropriate for him to be a waiter.

Yesterday I went to Chunfeng Tower and saw that he was sturdy, so I asked him to come along so I could give him a proper evaluation.

Meng Zhao stepped onto the carriage using a footstool, with Huang Cui following behind her. Before getting on, Huang Cui called out to the people behind the carriage, "Chief镖师 Zhao, it's time to set off. Thank you for your help this time."

Zhao Tieshan returned the greeting from horseback with clasped hands, his voice booming, "You're too kind, young lady!" He then turned to the men beside him and said, "Brothers, cheer up!"

After Huang Cui got into the carriage, her eyes sparkled as she leaned close to Meng Zhao: "Manager, did you see that? There are two female bodyguards behind us! Wow, the way they ride their horses is really impressive."

Meng Zhao smiled and said that she was happy that the escort agency in the capital could find a female escort. "I specially chose her so that it would be more convenient for us on the road. It's a pity that the escort agency only has two female escorts available."

She now has some wealth, so she can't go on like before, taking a few girls with her and running around everywhere. It's better to spend a little money now than to regret it if something unexpected happens.

After traveling for several days, they finally arrived in Huai'an Prefecture. Although Afu knew Shen Qinghe would come here, he didn't know exactly where he would stay.

Meng Zhao looked around and said to Afu, "Let's settle down in this inn first. Go and find out where your master is staying."

"Yes, Madam Meng," Afu replied, and hurriedly went out.

This trip took most of the day, and it wasn't until dusk that they heard Ah Fu's hurried footsteps coming from downstairs.

"Madam Meng!" Afu burst in, panting. "I found out! Lord Shen is staying at the inn in the city. When I went there just now, I ran into Wei Ze. He said that the lord was invited to a banquet by the prefect and hasn't returned yet. How about we go again tomorrow?"

Upon hearing this, Meng Zhao frowned slightly. This matter should be handled sooner rather than later. Since they were already here, it would be best to see Shen Qinghe as soon as possible. Besides, reminding him early would allow him to get on with his own business.

"There's no need to wait until tomorrow. Take me to the inn now."

Although he didn't know why she was in such a hurry to see her master, Afu didn't dare to refuse and hurriedly took Meng Zhao to the post station.