Chapter 132: Our ten-day journey by water is the time to plan
After several contacts with Yuan Song, Du Heng had already understood that the more he responded, the more excited Yuan Song would become.
He didn't want to pay attention, tightened the reins, and wanted to ride away.
Yuan Song seemed reluctant to let him go, calling out, "Brother Du, do you not believe me? Or are you afraid to listen to me?"
Du Heng finally reined in his horse and turned around. His eyes were cold as he spoke slowly, "You and Ying'er have known each other since childhood, so you should understand her best. But she repeatedly advised you to be careful with your words, but you insisted on having your own way, never considering what she truly wanted."
As soon as these words were spoken, Yuan Song's expression froze and he was speechless for a moment.
"The Spring Examination will be held in five days. No matter what, you and I should put our minds to it. Ying'er will surely hope that we both make the list."
......
The beginning of summer is the peak season for grain transport. It was a rare opportunity for the Du family to book a ship heading south within two days. However, the ship they booked was not comparable to the one of the Su family.
Rong had originally thought that Ying'er would have to accompany her on the ship, no matter what, to feel at ease. However, the two ships differed greatly in terms of cabins, size, and speed. She didn't dare leave Ying'er alone on the Su family's ship, so she changed her mind early on and streamlined her crew, taking only Qingyun and Xiuyu with her. Ying'er also left Taoxi alone, and the two of them boarded the Su family's ship together. The rest of the servants, luggage, and boxes were escorted to the passenger ship ordered by the Du family, which would follow.
Not long after the boat set sail, Su Run sent a maid to pour tea for Rong and Su Ying.
"Madam Du, I can't say anything else about our ship, but the tea is definitely good. This is the Tieguanyin that I and the master bought from Anxi, Fujian a few days ago. Please have a taste with you and the young lady."
Su Run was very respectful and polite, but Rong listened carefully and detected a sense of superiority that was different from that of an ordinary manager.
Su Run could easily carry the tea that Su Jianrong used for his livelihood. Although he was ordered to go to the capital to pick up the young lady, he was the only one who came this way, which showed that the tea was for his own consumption.
Thinking of this, Rong raised her eyes and took a closer look at the fawning man before her. When she first met him, Rong had simply been disgusted by the fact that he was Su Jianrong's man, and hadn't paid him a close look. But now, after scrutinizing him, she realized that while his clothes were unremarkable, the cuffs and hem were meticulously trimmed, a testament to their meticulous craftsmanship. Not to mention his boots, which were clearly made to order based on a popular Beijing style.
As a result, Rong's heart became more cautious. It seemed that the Su family sent such a person to pick up Ying'er, which was too much of a fuss.
Rong's face remained expressionless, she only smiled and said, "Manager Su, you're thoughtful. I usually drink Yandang Maofeng tea, but rarely Tieguanyin. So, I'll try something new."
After hearing this, Su Run said respectfully, "Madam, please try it. This tea has a frankincense after drinking, and it has its own merits compared to Maofeng."
Rong just smiled and nodded, but her hand never reached for the teacup on the table.
Seeing this, Su Run couldn't help but feel nervous.
After a moment's silence, Rong spoke slowly and unhurriedly, "Looking at the weather and the direction of the water, we can reach Yueqing in nine days at the shortest, or ten at the longest. While Manager Su is here, I'd like to explain the rules for the next few days."
That aura was so intimidating without even being angry that Su Run didn't dare to look up.
In the past, the original wife was gentle and virtuous, and he was quick-witted and well-spoken, quickly gaining her appreciation and being promoted to the master's personal attendant. After Lin came into the family, she was truly shrewd and capable, able to exploit loopholes and gain personal benefits as long as she got her way. Rong's gesture shocked Su Run, who felt that this Madam Du was a man of her word, with a wise look that seemed to see through people's hearts and was not easy to fool.
He quickly put away the smug look he had just shown when he offered the tea, and immediately bowed his head to listen, not daring to say a word.
Rong observed Su Run's performance with a cold eye and continued to pressure him, saying, "Every day at noon, you will report back on the ship's progress and the day's itinerary. All arrangements and supplies on board must be approved by me personally before they can be implemented. At other times, no one is allowed to enter my cabin without being summoned. If there is anything, report it to Qingyun first and wait five steps outside the cabin. No one is allowed to approach."
"Understand?"
Su Run was quite clever. He immediately nodded his head in agreement and followed what Rong had just said, reporting in detail the itinerary and arrangements for the first day of the voyage.
After hearing this, Rong simply said "very good" and sent him away.
After Su Run left, Rong turned to look at the teacup that was still steaming, and her expression seemed to be somewhat pensive.
Everyone in the cabin, including Su Ying, had rarely seen their aunt so cautious and serious. They held their breath for a moment and dared not say a word.
After a while, Rong Shi seemed to have finally made up her mind and ordered, "Qingyun, you go guard outside the cabin and don't let anyone get close. If anyone comes, just tell them their name and reason."
Qingyun responded and then retreated.
Rong then looked at Su Ying who was sitting beside her. Her call of "Ying'er" made Su Ying straighten up.
"This Su Run is no ordinary servant. If your father and that Lin just want you to return home for a coming-of-age ceremony, this would be a bit much."
Su Ying was stunned for a moment, not expecting her aunt to share the same thoughts as her. She then expressed her suspicions, "Aunt, I've been feeling inexplicably uneasy these past few days. I always felt that this coming-of-age ceremony was just a cover, an excuse for them to coax me back. But I had no evidence, so I didn't dare to speak carelessly, for fear of worrying you. Now that I've heard what you've said, I feel that my concerns are not entirely unfounded."
Rong was surprised when she heard this. She then raised her hand and tapped Su Ying on the forehead, pretending to reproach her: "Child, since you already have suspicions, why didn't you tell your aunt earlier? Where has your usual cleverness gone?"
In fact, how could Rong not know why her niece was so cautious? If Ying'er hadn't been walking on thin ice in the Su family for the past two years, why would she be so cautious? She couldn't help but feel a little more sorry for Su Ying.
"Have you forgotten what your aunt told you? This time when I go back, I'm taking you with me to settle the score with them."
"Over the years, your grandparents have secretly given Su Jianrong and his group countless favors to protect you. Yet, no matter how many times I've written to them, they've never mentioned it."
When she said this, she sighed softly. Although her voice was slow, it concealed the anger that had been suppressed for a long time.
"If Su Jianrong and Lin hadn't arranged your marriage this time, I don't know how much longer I would have been kept in the dark. I originally thought that as long as the Su family kept their promise and didn't hinder your marriage, I would have turned a blind eye to the past. I never thought that now they are using the coming-of-age ceremony as an excuse to take you back."
"Ying'er, the Su family owes your mother and you too much. Remember, we're not returning this time to accept our fate, but to seek justice. You've been exposed to the Su family for the past two years. Tell me everything you've seen and heard. These ten days of our journey by sea are the time to make plans."
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