Upon leaving Yan Huisheng’s Eastern Palace, Zhou Gu felt both relieved and overburdened.
The relief came from Yan Huisheng unexpectedly agreeing with his ideas and plans. The burden lay in the words of Yan Huisheng — as a descendant of the Duke’s residence, he could not disgrace the family name.
Without carriage or horse, he chose to walk back to the Duke’s residence himself.
On his way, he chanced upon the carriage of Ye Guixue, who was returning to his own Duke Residence. Glancing at the day’s light, which was still sufficient, he took a step aside to make way for the approaching carriage of Ye Guixue.
Just as Ye Guixue’s carriage neared him, the coachman pulled on the reins, bringing the carriage to a halt. From the inside, Ye Guixue lifted the carriage curtain and greeted Zhou Gu, "Lord Thursday."
Zhou Gu bowed slightly in response, "Second Young Master Ye."
Ye Guixue asked, "Why is Fourth Brother Zhou walking alone?"
"Just left the Eastern Palace, felt like taking a walk."
Ye Guixue nodded understandingly, observing Zhou Gu’s thin clothes, he asked, "It’s very cold today, and your injuries from winter are not yet healed. You should take care of yourself. There is still a long way from here to the Duke’s Residence, and you have walked quite a distance from the Eastern Palace. Why not get in my carriage, and I’ll take you back?"
Zhou Gu looked at Ye Guixue, "How can I trouble Second Young Master Ye like this? I’ll just walk slowly myself."
Ye Guixue shook his head, "It’s no trouble."
Zhou Gu smiled and thanked him, "Then I thank Second Young Master Ye."
And so, Zhou Gu climbed aboard Ye Guixue’s carriage.
The coachman turned the horse around, heading for the Duke’s Residence.
The carriage was extremely cozy and warm. Ye Guixue offered Zhou Gu a cup of hot tea, saying, "Lord Thursday, warm your hands."
Zhou Gu took the cup and thanked him again, "Thank you, Second Young Master Ye."
Zhou Gu did not know what to say. He admired Ye Guixue, but because of Su Rong, he could only leave his admiration there. He didn’t know if one day, they would cross swords. After all, he could not give up Su Rong, and the current status of Su Rong’s fiancé filled him with resentment.
It never occurred to Zhou Gu that he would one day be jealous of the status of Su Rong’s fiancé.
When he once held that title, he did not pay much attention to it, and before he met her, he wished to be rid of the title. However, when someone else held the title, he regretted not cherishing it.
But Ye Guixue treated Zhou Gu as a friend, very gently. He asked, "I heard that the imperial examination is about to announce the candidates. I am sure you have made the cut, congratulations in advance."
Zhou Gu pulled at the corner of his mouth, "Thanks."
Besides gratitude, it seemed he had nothing else to say.
Ye Guixue smiled, "I was talking to Brother Xingze about you. Brother Xingze has a high regard for your scholarship. We still have quite a way to go, if it’s not too much trouble, I’d love to discuss some things with you."
Zhou Gu nodded, "It’s my pleasure, I’ve heard a lot about Second Young Master Ye, and I’ve always wanted to have a discussion. I am fortunate to have the opportunity today."
So, they started a lively exchange of ideas.
Ye Guixue, fluent in history, Zhou Gu likewise. Unbeknownst to them, by the time they finished, the journey was over. The carriage stopped in front of the Duke’s Residence, and as the voice of the coachman called out, Zhou Gu returned to reality.
He ceased his speaking and bid Ye Guixue farewell, "Thank you for your kindness today, Second Young Master Ye. Since it’s late, I won’t invite you in. I will host you some other day."
Ye Guixue bowed his head in acknowledgment, "I learned a lot from discussing with Lord Thursday today."
"Second Young Master Ye is being modest. I also benefited greatly." Zhou Gu disembarked from the carriage. He didn’t immediately enter the Residence, but instead watched Ye Guixue’s carriage leave. He didn’t take his eyes off until the carriage disappeared from sight. Only then he strode into the Residence.
The housekeeper greeted Zhou Gu, "Fourth Master, why did you send the carriage back early? How did you return? You didn’t walk all the way back, did you?"
Zhou Gu shook his head, "Second Young Master Ye gave me a ride."
The housekeeper was taken aback, "How...how did you encounter Second Young Master Ye?"
"By chance." Zhou Gu didn’t want to say more.
The housekeeper nodded and said, "The Crown Prince is back."
Zhou Gu paused, surprised, "My eldest brother is back? When did he come back? Where is he now?"
"The eldest son came back before noon. He has already met the old Duke and eldest princess. Now he is waiting for you in your courtyard."
Zhou Gu nodded and strode towards his courtyard.
Zhou Wei, the Crown Prince of the Duke Residence, and Zhou Gu, although from the same mother, looked different due to Zhou Wei’s continuous years in the military camp. Zhou Wei’s facial features were more robust and he was somewhat stronger than Zhou Gu, especially after Su Rong’s divorce, Zhou Gu had lost a lot of weight. The severe injuries had made him look somewhat frail.
So, when Zhou Wei saw Zhou Gu, he almost did not recognize him, "Fourth brother?"
Zhou Gu hadn’t seen Zhou Wei for several months, so he greeted joyfully, "Eldest brother."
Assured that it was indeed Zhou Gu, Zhou Wei furrowed his brows, "Why have you lost so much weight? I heard your injury has not healed fully yet, why are you running around outside?"
Zhou Gu shook his head, "My injury is no longer serious, it seems like you’ve lost some weight too, big brother. Has military practice been tough lately?"
Zhou Wei nodded, "Grandfather had sent a message earlier: increase our training as war with Dawei might break out soon. It has been challenging indeed."
After speaking, he looked at Zhou Gu, "I heard from your sister-in-law that you haven’t been doing well lately?"
Zhou Gu laughed, "I am doing quite well."
Zhou Wei studied his face; he couldn’t see the despondency described by the crown princess. Apart from looking thinner, he seemed in good spirits. He is put at ease and said to Zhou Gu, "I heard from grandfather that after the results of the imperial examination are released, you plan to leave the capital for a journey?"
"Mm-hmm," Zhou Gu nodded.
Zhou Wei agreed, "It’s a good thing to travel. Ideally, you should have gone few years ago, but you were confined to the Eastern Palace as an attendant to the crown prince. Although it’s late now, you’re not planning for today, you are preparing to be the Auxiliary Minister for the future Crown Prince. There’s still a lot of time, so it’s not late."
Zhou Gu remained silent, not mentioning that he doesn’t intend to be an auxiliary politician for the Crown Prince anymore.
Zhou Wei asked, "Where are you planning to go first after leaving the capital?"
"Nanping." Zhou Gu replied.
Zhou Wei nodded, "Do you know when the results will be announced?"
Zhou Gu answered, "The Great Scholar has already graded the papers and come up with a list of names. After His Majesty reviews it tomorrow, they can release it. Not more than a day or two."
Zhou Wei was surprised, "So, you’ll be leaving the capital in a few days?"
Zhou Gu nodded.
Zhou Wei said, "The world outside is quite dangerous, I am afraid that your guards may not be enough. I’ll assign some from my guard for you to take along."
Zhou Gu shook his head, "Mother has already borrowed some people from the Qinghe Cui Family. Elder brother, you don’t have to worry, they are enough."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Wei could not help but laugh, "Oh, I forgot. Given the perils of the outside world, mother would certainly worry about you. She prepared manpower for you in advance. She thought of everything."
He sighed, and his smile faded, "Little brother, you take care of yourself. If anything happens to you, mother will not be able to bear it. While you are away, always remember, there are grandparents, mother, and me waiting for you at home."
Zhou Gu pursed his lips, "Brother, I know."
He knew that his family was eagerly waiting for his safe return, but he also knew that he can only assure one thing: he will try his best to stay safe. As for returning home, he did not know.
Because he would go to Nanchu and he planned to settle in Nanchu, which was contrary to what they hoped for.
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