Chapter 301 The Crown Prince Sees Him Off
The messenger's swift horse brought news that the marriage alliance procession from the capital had already set off in a grand procession.
In Jishui Village, at Jiang Ling's general store, the last piece of luggage had been packed.
The small shop was now surrounded by villagers who had come to see him off, creating a warm atmosphere filled with deep reluctance.
The most clingy one was Xiao Yi. He clung tightly to Jiang Ling's leg, his eyes red like a little rabbit's, his face tilted back, his lips pursed, barely managing to hold back his tears.
"Sister, you must come back soon... I will miss you so much! I will watch over the workshop for Sister Xiaoqiu every day, waiting for you to come back and check!"
He was too young, and the journey was long and dangerous. Jiang Ling could not take him with her no matter what. She could only pat his head and repeatedly promise that she would return as soon as possible.
"Okay, I promise you, I'll come back soon. You have to be a good girl and listen to what Sister Xiaoqiu and Uncle Zhao say, eat well, and don't be naughty."
Xiao Qiu stood to the side, trying her best to remain calm, but her slightly red eyes betrayed her emotions.
She is now the backbone of the cannery, and wearing the clean and neat manager's clothes that Jiang Ling bought for her, she has become much more composed.
"Don't worry, young lady, I will take good care of the workshop and shop for you. Please take care on your journey, and send a message back when you arrive."
She shoved a large package into Jiang Ling's hands, saying, "Inside are some durable dried meat and dried fruit, as well as a few newly made undergarments that you'll need on the road."
"And this is a handkerchief I embroidered overnight; you can take it with you."
Jiang Ling has never liked using handkerchiefs, and she has nagged Jiang Ling about it quite a bit.
Last night, Jiang Ling opened the iron gate and moved all the glass jars from the warehouse next door.
After she left, the cannery continued to operate normally. Now that summer consumption is not high, and orders are controlled, these glass jars can last for four or five months.
Use the rest of the time as a break.
The women from the cannery also gathered around, chattering away. Sister Zhao handed over a small jar of her own crisp and refreshing pickled vegetables:
"Miss Jiang, this dry ration will whet your appetite on the road!"
The chubby mother carried a small basket of eggs that were still warm: "I'm taking these to nourish myself on the road. This trip will last for almost half a year!"
The journey to Dasheng Dynasty will take more than two months, and the return journey will also take more than two months, making it at least a six-month trip.
Several old women brought over a stack of thick, durable shoe soles, saying, "The journey is long, and shoes wear out easily. Please take some replacements, young lady..."
Jiang Ling held several cloth bags in her hands, containing ordinary food and supplies.
These gifts are not worth much money, but they represent the villagers' most sincere and heartfelt sentiments.
Looking at those concerned faces, Jiang Ling felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She did not refuse and solemnly accepted each gift, expressing her gratitude.
It was these simple and genuine feelings that gave her a sense of belonging in this unfamiliar era.
Xiao Ran also said goodbye to her family.
The journey was dangerous. Jiang Ling had originally planned to bring Xiao Ran along, but Xiao Ran insisted on coming, saying he wanted to protect Sister Jiang.
Zhao Shiying also said that Xiao Ran's martial arts skills have become very refined recently, at least to the point that he, as her master, is satisfied.
Jiang Ling also knew that it would be safer to have someone protect her on the road.
After much internal struggle, Jiang Ling personally went to ask Zhao Yin and his wife for their opinions.
It was clear that Xiao Ran had expressed her opinion to them long ago, and although Zhao Yin and his wife looked reluctant, they still agreed.
Right now, Zhao Yin and his wife, along with Xiao Qi, have all arrived.
Xiao Qi has grown quite a bit taller now, wearing old but clean clothes, and his eyes have a new sparkle.
While working for Zhao Sixi in the warehouse to earn some wages, he also studied at a private school that Jiang Ling had arranged for him after the New Year, and he became much more sensible and mature.
"Brother, don't worry, I'll take care of things at home," Xiao Qi said, puffing out his chest.
Xiao Ran patted her younger brother on the shoulder and instructed him, "Yes, listen to your parents at home, study hard, and take good care of yourself."
Looking at his son who was about to embark on a long journey, Zhao Yin had a thousand words to say, but they all boiled down to one sentence: "Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles! Follow Miss Jiang, be clever, and be careful in everything you do."
Zhao Yin's wife stuffed all the things she had prepared into Xiao Ran's bag, struggling to hold back her tears.
It was almost time, and Jiang Ling and Xiao Ran prepared to set off.
Just then, the sound of hooves and wheels came from the direction of the village entrance. A richly decorated carriage slowly drove up and stopped at the intersection on the outskirts of the crowd.
The villagers looked on curiously.
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Jiang Yi stepped out.
He strode through the crowd and came to Jiang Ling, respectfully cupping his hands in greeting: "Miss Jiang, my young master invites you to come over for a chat."
Jiang Ling understood immediately, nodded to the villagers, and followed Jiang Yi toward the carriage.
Upon boarding the carriage, one sees Crown Prince Qin Zhao sitting alone inside.
Today he was dressed in a moon-white casual robe, which made him look less imposing in court and more like a refined young nobleman.
"Miss Jiang," Qin Zhao said gently.
"Your Highness." Jiang Ling nodded slightly.
"The journey to the Great Sheng Dynasty is long, so please be careful in all matters. If you need anything, please send someone back with a message, and the Crown Prince's Palace will do its best to help."
He paused, his gaze complex.
Qin Zhao was actually unwilling for Jiang Ling to go to the Great Sheng Dynasty, but considering the recent events and Jiang Ling's concern for Cheng Jiaojiao, he did not stop her too much.
With the gunpowder issue looming, he was too busy to deal with it, but he was also worried that Jiang Ling was getting too close to Qin Qian. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad thing for Jiang Ling to leave the capital now and avoid the turmoil.
He looked at Jiang Ling, his tone becoming more sincere, "Last time I was presumptuous and made an inappropriate request. I hope you won't take offense. What are your thoughts? We can discuss them again in the future."
His invitation to her with the title of Empress was indeed an impulsive attempt to bind her with the fame and fortune of the highest position.
But upon reflection, given Jiang Ling's carefree and unrestrained nature, and her indifference to money and power, she probably wouldn't care.
Perhaps he should try a different approach and find something that can truly move her.
Jiang Ling has not forgotten that it was because she met Qin Zhao that she was able to pay off her debts and reopen the fireworks factory.
Therefore, Jiang Ling always felt grateful to him.
Even though many things happened afterward, this initial gratitude was not easily erased by a few offensive words.
"Your Highness is too kind," Jiang Ling replied calmly. "I will never forget Your Highness's past kindness. I will be careful on this trip and act prudently. Please take care of yourself in the affairs of the capital."
In her view, although Qin Zhao was ambitious, he was not a heartless person.
Without many words, they understood each other implicitly.
Jiang Ling took her leave and got off the carriage.
Back among the departing crowd, Jiang Ling and Xiao Ran bid farewell to everyone once more before finally boarding the carriage.
The wheels turned slowly, leaving Jishui Village and heading towards the official road leading to the distant Great Sheng Dynasty.
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