Zhao Mingxuan said solemnly, "Xiaoxiang Pavilion acts arrogantly, and the forces behind it must be extremely powerful. You have angered them by saving others, and staying in Jindu City will probably put you in danger. Why don't you come with us to the capital? Although the capital is not absolutely safe, it is still the emperor's territory, and with the protection of the Zhao family, it is better than staying in Jindu."

The Prince Duan's Mansion sounds impressive, but in reality it's just a family of old people, women, and children. If the forces behind Xiaoxiang Pavilion really wanted to deal with the Prince Duan's Mansion, it would be as easy as crushing an ant.

Zheng Fenghui became nervous upon hearing that Zhao Mingxuan had actually encouraged Gu Qinlan to go to the capital.

Although he was young and simple-minded, it did not mean he lacked wisdom. Although Gu Qinlan had only been married into the Duan Prince's mansion for a short time, he had clearly felt the changes in the mansion during those two months.

The servants in the mansion became more obedient and no longer chaotic. Their living standards also improved, and they were no longer like before, where all the good things were monopolized by the young aunt.

As the years passed, the eldest sister gradually learned etiquette from Granny Zhang and began to display the demeanor of a lady from a distinguished family. The younger brother, who had been frail and sickly and taciturn since childhood, now had a rosy glow on his face, no longer the pale one he once was.

As for my grandmother, she used to panic and burst into tears at the slightest disturbance in the family, lamenting her misfortune. Now, although some of her old ailments have relapsed, she is at least no longer as flustered and disoriented as before.

Her aunt was always arrogant and willful, but Gu Qinlan cleaned up the mess that had plagued the Duan Prince's mansion. Despite her aunt's sharp and sarcastic remarks, when her aunt was in trouble, Gu Qinlan still searched everywhere without hesitation and even risked her life to rescue her.

As for himself, his feelings were even more profound. In the past, when he argued with others at school, no one ever cared about the reasons behind it, and no one sought justice for him. It was Gu Qinlan who cleared his name!

Since his second aunt committed suicide for love and his mother remarried, the Duan Prince's mansion had fallen into chaos, to the point that he often couldn't feel the warmth of home. Every day he spent in the mansion, he felt restless and uneasy.

However, since Gu Qinlan's arrival, the Duanwang Mansion has returned to its former order, and he has once again felt the warmth of home.

What would they do if Gu Qinlan suddenly left for the capital at this critical juncture? What would happen to the Prince Duan's mansion?

Are we going to repeat the same mistakes and return to that dark and hopeless life of the past?

Zheng Fenghui was in a panic. He quickly stepped forward and tightly grasped Gu Qinlan's hand.

Gu Qinlan was slightly taken aback, and glanced down at him: "What's wrong with you?"

Zheng Fenghui said stiffly, "You cannot go to the capital. You are the mistress of the Duan Prince's Mansion. You promised your father that you would take good care of the Duan Prince's Mansion."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zheng Fenghui regretted it.

Why does he always say such harsh things?

Although what he said was true, it sounded rather heartless. What if she got angry because of it?

Gu Qinlan was taken aback, then laughed out loud: "Are you reluctant to part with me?"

Zheng Fenghui instinctively wanted to deny it, but the words caught in his throat as he suddenly thought, what if she really left if he denied it?

So he said somewhat awkwardly, "A little bit..."

Before he could finish speaking, his face turned as red as a ripe apple. He hurriedly let go of Gu Qinlan's hand, lowered his head, and left in a hurry.

Gu Qinlan couldn't help but chuckle, and the others joined in, their laughter echoing throughout the Prince Duan's residence.

Zhao Qingyu had stayed at the Duan Prince's Mansion for more than ten days and had gained a considerable understanding of the mansion and the Gu family, its owners. Holding Gu Qinlan's hand tightly, she said gently, "Sister, you don't need to endure any unpleasantness. If you feel unhappy at the Duan Prince's Mansion, you might as well return to your hometown."

A warm feeling welled up in Gu Qinlan's heart, and she nodded with a smile: "Indeed, from now on, I also have the strong support of my family."

Zhao Mingxuan looked up at the sky, which was gradually turning white, and reminded them, "Qingyu, Qinlan, the sky is already showing the first light of dawn. We should set off."

They planned to set off before dawn, so that they would arrive at the city gates just as they opened. This way, they could leave the city quietly without attracting attention. They would employ the same strategy upon arriving in the capital.

Gu Qinlan nodded gently and urged Zhao Qingyu, "Get in the car quickly, we'll meet again."

With a heavy heart, Zhao Qingyu boarded the carriage. Leaning against the window, she bid a heartfelt farewell: "Sister, take care."

The Zhao siblings' carriage quickly drove away from the villa and disappeared into the faint light of dawn.

After they left, Gu Qinlan and the others moved out of the villa and into a pre-arranged inn in the city.

This inn was carefully selected and arranged by Jiang Wenyuan and his group last night. Most of their entourage stayed here, but Gu Qinlan led Zheng Fengyun, Fuyu, and Hongye to the Zhao family's villa.

Originally, there were no plans to bring Zheng Fengyun along, but the young man insisted on coming, so there was no choice but to agree to let him go.

After Zhao Qingyu successfully set off, Gu Qinlan finally had the opportunity to calmly tour Bianliang City.

She had two brief stints in this city. One was accompanying Ji Yinli to the capital to take the imperial examinations, and the other was rushing back home for her grandfather's funeral. Both experiences were quite brief, so she still felt unfamiliar with Bianliang.

Bianliang City was not extremely large; its city area was not even as magnificent as that of Jindu. However, its prosperity was in no way inferior, and it was full of vitality.

Bianliang City is only a two-day journey from the capital, making it the closest prefecture city to the imperial city.

Therefore, this place has a local culture and customs that are very similar to those of the capital, and many aristocratic families have settled their collateral relatives and businesses here.

Gu Qinlan, accompanied by her personal maid and followed by the playful Zheng Fenghui, wandered around the city for a whole day, experiencing countless new and exciting things.

On the way home, Gu Qinlan's carriage was filled with all sorts of items, so much so that people sitting inside couldn't even stretch their legs out.

Back at the inn, Gu Qinlan asked Zheng Fenghui, "Would you be willing to stay here alone and continue your studies?"

Zheng Fenghui was somewhat taken aback: "Do you really intend to leave me here?"

Wasn't this trip supposed to be ostensibly to help him with his studies, but actually to send Zhao Qingyu here? Who would have thought that he would actually be left here?

Gu Qinlan said firmly, "What else can you do? Do you really intend to give up your studies?"

Zheng Fenghui replied casually, "I am destined to kill enemies and make merits on the battlefield in the future. What use is studying? It will only waste my time practicing martial arts. It is better to devote all my energy to martial arts training and kill more enemy leaders on the battlefield in the future. That is the true hero."