Ling Mo gazed at the scene before him and couldn't help but exclaim, "If we could hear Master Jiang's elegant flute playing today, this journey would be perfect."
Jiang Huaiyu shook his head slightly and said apologetically, "Unfortunately, I did not bring my flute with me on this trip."
"I was just mentioning it casually."
After a while, the drizzle gradually stopped, and a ray of sunshine appeared in the sky, seemingly indicating that the sun was about to break through the clouds.
Ling Mo stood up, walked to the cabin door, took the bamboo pole handed to him by the boatman, and turned around to instruct, "Everyone, please sit tight!"
With a strong pull, the small boat shot off like an arrow, nimbly cutting through the water and sailing forward.
Soon, they arrived at a dock outside the town. Ling Mo carefully steered the boat slowly closer to the shore, stabilizing it so that Jiang Huaiyu could step steadily onto land.
"Master Jiang, we've accompanied you for a thousand miles, but we must part ways eventually. Let's say goodbye here."
Jiang Huaiyu gazed at him affectionately, smiled and nodded, saying, "Young Master Ling, what we could not accomplish today, we will surely achieve in the future when we meet again."
After the rain, the afternoon sun shone on her, as if draping her in a golden glow.
Ling Mo's eyes gradually brightened. Yes, they would definitely meet again.
He raised his hand in a fist salute and said gently, "Take care."
Jiang Huaiyu bowed slightly in return and whispered, "Take care."
Ling Mo's gaze shifted, seemingly casually reminding him, "Suzhou is not far from here. If anything happens, Master Jiang, you are welcome to inform me."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and said, "That's not right. I also wanted to say that to Young Master Ling."
Ling Mo was slightly taken aback.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled calmly and continued, "Although the world today values the distinction between men and women, Young Master Ling is of noble character and has repeatedly lent a helping hand in times of crisis. I consider Young Master Ling a close friend. As close friends, we should naturally treat each other with sincerity. I know that Young Master Ling is exceptionally intelligent, but I still want to remind you that if you need anything, please don't hesitate to let me know, and I will do my best to lend a helping hand."
Ling Mo's gaze softened, and he nodded gently, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.
“Ling will remember this.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Huaiyu patiently waited for Yingxiang and the others to hurry up behind him before boarding the small boat again.
Ling Mo stood on the shore, his gaze following their figures as they walked further and further away.
Li Kui glanced back and forth at the receding boats, then turned to his young master, his face full of confusion: "Young master, our horses are still in town, why don't we take the boat back together?"
Ling Mo glanced at him sideways, his tone calm and indifferent: "There is a teahouse in front of the dock. I will wait there. Go and bring the horses back."
Before he could finish speaking, Ling Mo had already turned and walked towards the teahouse, leaving Li Kui in a dilemma, unable to move forward or backward.
This was already in the countryside, far from the town. Apart from the two small boats that had set off from the town earlier, there were no other boats in sight. At that time, Jiang Huaiyu and his servants had only occupied one boat, while the other returned empty and adrift. Had their young master not even left a boatman for it?
Li Kui glanced at his young master's retreating figure with a heart full of resentment. After a moment's thought, he simply lifted the hem of his robe and tied it around his waist, then used his lightness skill to walk away quickly.
The teahouse by the country dock was deserted after a rain shower. The owner was leaning against a pillar, fast asleep, unaware of the arrival of the guests.
Ling Mo did not greet him, but instead walked to a corner and sat down, slowly taking out the painting from his bosom.
He examined it carefully for a moment, then carefully put it away.
...
Recently, Jiang Huaiyu purchased a house in Wusu City, and after everything was cleaned up, she moved there from the inn. Cao Shuwan also came to lend her a hand.
Although Cao Shuwan wore makeup today, she did not try to hide the birthmark on her face. Now, she no longer regarded the birthmark as a disgrace, and she appeared confident and composed, which made Jiang Huaiyu feel deeply comforted.
“Master, the workshop still needs your guidance. Staying at my house is no different from staying at the workshop. You are currently six months pregnant and have no experienced caregiver by your side. My mother can help you take care of her. Why don’t you reconsider?”
Even at this crucial moment, Cao Shuwan still kept in mind the suggestion she had made to Jiang Huaiyu earlier.
Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but chuckle, "Miss Cao, you are a rare filial daughter. Aunt Cao is not in good health, how can you let her worry about me?"
"These are my mother's own words; she also cares about you!"
Jiang Huaiyu chuckled softly, "I will remember your kindness and will definitely visit the Cao family frequently to spend time with you. However, I have now purchased a new house and moved in the furniture and other belongings, so I can't just leave it empty. Besides, you mentioned opening a shop in Wusu, and there's the cloth business I've been following. Living in the city will make things much more convenient. Otherwise, wouldn't I be constantly traveling between the city and the countryside?"
Cao Shuwan thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement, "Alright, then, boss, may I often bother you when I have free time?"
Jiang Huaiyu smiled and said, "Of course. I have no close friends in Wusu. If you can come and keep me company often and help me relieve my boredom, I will be overjoyed."
"Then it's settled."
Cao Shuwan smiled and agreed, then turned to help Yingxiang tidy up her belongings.
After finishing her business in the afternoon, Jiang Huaiyu ordered two sumptuous banquets from a restaurant in the city and had them delivered to her residence. One table was for Cao Shuwan to receive a reward, which she shared with Yingxiang and Deng Shen. The other table was prepared for the four guards of the Tu family, who had been working alongside her these past few days and had made considerable contributions.
After dinner, it was getting late, and Cao Shuwan still needed to return to Wusu Ancient Town, so Jiang Huaiyu did not try to stop her.
As night fell, Jiang Huaiyu strolled alone in the courtyard.
Although this courtyard is not as spacious as Yuqian Lane, its location in Jizhou makes both the buildings and the scenery within the garden more exquisite. Surprisingly, the small courtyard even features a charming garden and a shimmering fishpond.
Several large stones are scattered around the fishpond, serving both as decorative elements and as seats for people to rest.
Jiang Huaiyu sat on a rock and looked down. He saw several red and white koi swimming in the pond. These fish seemed to have been neglected for a long time, as they were thin and weak, lacking any plumpness. At this moment, they seemed to sense that someone was by the pond, and they wagged their tails lively, as if begging for food.
Unfortunately, Jiang Huaiyu was unaware that there were fish in the pond, and no fish food was prepared at home.
She pondered silently for a moment, then called Yingxiang to bring a dry cake. The two sat side by side by the rippling pond, gently tearing the cake into pieces and scattering them into the water to feed the swimming fish.
These fish seemed to have been starving for a long time. As soon as they got food, they jumped out of the water and scrambled to eat it.
The master and servant found the scene quite amusing and couldn't help but laugh and play by the pond, their cheerful voices filling the water.
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
