After returning to the governor's residence from Tianmen Temple, I got off the carriage at the second gate.
The servants received the news early and brought a sedan chair.
The maid helped Gu Yue sit in the sedan chair.
Xie instructed, "Take good care of the Third Miss. If you need anything, send someone to the upper room to let her know."
"As you command." Several maids bowed and accepted the order, accompanied Gu Yue and returned to their room together.
Xie turned around and looked at Gu Jiu and the others.
"You should go back to your rooms and rest. We'll be back in Beijing in a few days, so hurry up and pack everything you need to. Don't wait until we leave and end up in a mess."
"yes!"
The crowd dispersed.
Xie returned to the upper room with a gloomy face.
She was worried.
Although Nanny Ping denied everything, Xie still felt uneasy.
Fortunately, I will be returning to Beijing soon.
As long as you stay away from the northwest, the thing you are most worried about will probably not happen.
night.
Lord Gu came to the upper room to have dinner.
"I heard that Yue'er fell down at Tianmen Temple today, and it was Pei Dalang who took her back to her room?"
Mrs. Xie nodded. "I was just about to talk to the master about this. When Yue'er was going down the stairs, she slipped and accidentally fell. Master Pei happened to be nearby at the time. Seeing that Yue'er had injured her ankle and couldn't walk, he took the initiative to take Yue'er back to her room."
Master Gu asked expressionlessly, "Is Yue'er's injury serious?"
Xie said, "It will be fine in two days."
Lord Gu nodded.
Xie sat down next to Master Gu and said, "Master, I'm just thinking about how to thank Master Pei. I'd like to ask for your advice on this matter."
Lord Gu said with a serious face, "Don't worry about this matter. I will arrange for someone to handle it. Remember, don't have too much contact with the Lu Hou Mansion."
Xie was panicked, "Is there something wrong with the Luhou Mansion?"
Lord Gu stared at Xie. He had not forgotten that last time at the banquet, Xie had tried to plot against the Marquis of Lu's daughter.
Being stared at by Master Gu, Xie, who originally had no guilt, also became guilty.
She asked cautiously, "Master, do you have anything to say?"
Master Gu solemnly reminded Mrs. Xie, "Treat Yue'er's incident as an accident and don't mention it again."
Xie nodded repeatedly, "I thought so too. When I was at Tianmen Temple, I issued a gag order to the servants, forbidding anyone to mention this matter."
Lord Gu nodded in satisfaction, "Madam, this is a very good solution."
After a pause, Lord Gu continued, "The Marquis of Lu's Mansion may appear prosperous, but little do we know that it is already in turmoil. A family like us can barely avoid it, so how can we possibly take the initiative to interact with it? The situation in the capital is unclear right now, so it's better to avoid more than you can. Madam, do you understand what I mean?"
Xie nodded, "I understand. Master, don't worry, I will not take the initiative to interact with the Marquis of Lu's Mansion, nor will I have any unrealistic ideas."
Lord Gu stared at Xie and could tell that she wasn't lying. She really didn't want to have anything to do with the Marquis of Lu's mansion.
Lord Gu nodded secretly and felt relieved.
An unstable backyard will only hinder his career.
It is great that Xie is of the same mind as him.
Lord Gu said to Mrs. Xie, "The departure date has been set. It's the sixteenth of this month, an auspicious day. We will then accompany the officials of the Imperial Household Department to the capital."
When Xie heard this, she smiled happily.
"There are still more than ten days until the sixteenth. Don't worry, sir. With so much time, all the luggage will definitely be packed by then."
Lord Gu said, "I'll leave these matters to you. Take what you need back to the capital, and leave what you don't need in the northwest."
"Don't worry, Master. I understand."
Xie was very happy, and the last bit of worry in her heart was gone with the wind.
After the departure date was set, the backyard of the governor's mansion became increasingly busy.
The servants were busy packing their luggage.
The large luggage has already been sent to the capital.
In Zhilan Courtyard, boxes and cages were neatly placed on the ground.
Soon, the maids will come to move these boxes and transport them to the capital in batches.
Qingmei is still cleaning up.
"The weather is getting colder. I need to prepare some extra winter clothes for the girl to wear on the road. I heard that the capital is extremely cold in winter."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "No matter how cold the winter is in the capital, it won't be as cold as the northwest. Qingmei, you don't have to worry about me getting cold. Just prepare three or five sets of clothes for the journey. Give the rest of the luggage to the maid and have it shipped to the capital as soon as possible."
Qingmei shook her head repeatedly, "That won't do. What if the girl gets cold on the road?"
Qingmei prepared ten sets of clothes in one breath so that Gu Jiu could wear them on the road.
Gu Jiu shook his head and smiled, forget it, let’s just do as Qingmei says.
"Qingmei, don't forget my books. The journey will be boring, so bring a few more books to read along the way."
Qingmei agreed, "Don't worry, young lady. I have prepared a box of books for you. It's enough for you to read on the road."
Gu Jiu nodded, that’s great.
Xiao Cui came in from outside, "Sister Qingmei, the maid is here. She wants to know which boxes and crates need to be taken away."
"All the boxes and crates in the yard need to be taken away. Forget it, I'll talk to them myself. If I don't keep an eye on them personally, these women will ruin the luggage in the boxes and crates."
After Qingmei finished speaking, she hurried out the door.
Gu Jiu was sitting by the window when Qingmei's voice came from outside.
She laughed. Qingmei had been really worried about her recently.
While I was busy making winter clothes for her, I was also busy packing her luggage.
The maids in Zhilan Courtyard were good at doing ordinary things, but asking them to be as capable as Qingmei was really beyond their ability.
Therefore, Qingmei has more things to worry about.
Dozens of boxes and cages were carried away one by one by the maids, loaded onto carts, and transported to the capital.
Qingmei even went out with them and watched with her own eyes as the maids placed the boxes and cages safely on the carriage before she felt at ease to return to Zhilan Courtyard.
Qingzhu came back from the outer courtyard and met Qingmei when he entered the door.
She casually asked, "Is everything packed up?"
Qingmei nodded, "The luggage has been moved. The remaining luggage will go with the girl."
Qingzhu and Qingmei walked into the study together.
Qingzhu said, "Miss, I have delivered the message to Madam Gui as you instructed. Madam Gui said that Erya has almost learned the rules, and asked when you would like to have Erya serve you. In addition, Madam Gui wants Erzhuang to accompany you to the capital, and she asked me to ask your opinion."
Gu Jiu put down the book and said, "Er Ya must first sign a contract to sell herself before she can serve me. As for Er Zhuang going to the capital with me, is Aunt Gui really willing to let him go?"
Qingzhu nodded repeatedly, "Madam Gui repeatedly told me to ask the young lady. It's obvious that Madam Gui really wants Erzhuang to go to the capital with her."
Gu Jiu thought for a moment and said, "Then let Er Zhuang follow me to the capital. After a few years, when the industry in the northwest is on the right track, I will bring Nanny Gui to the capital to live there in her old age."
Qingzhu smiled and said, "If Aunt Gui knew about this, she would definitely be very happy."
The moving is proceeding rapidly.
By the sixteenth day, the entire governor's mansion was almost emptied.
The luggage has been loaded onto the carriage.
Gu Jiu stood in the empty Zhilan Courtyard, feeling a little reluctant.
Every flower and grass here is familiar.
Then, if I leave today, I probably won’t have the chance to come back in this lifetime.
Soon, there will be a new owner here.
Qingmei waited beside Gu Jiu, "Miss, it's time to go."
Gu Jiu nodded, "Let's go."
She is going to the capital to start a new life.
Arrived at the second gate and got on the carriage.
Qingmei, Qingzhu and Xiaocui sat in the carriage with her.
The second door was bustling with activity. Moving was a big project, and on the day of departure, there were still many things that had not been dealt with.
Mrs. Xie had a stern face and looked extremely unhappy.
Especially when she saw Aunt Bai, supported by a maid, walking towards her leisurely, her face was so gloomy that water could drip out of it.
Aunt Bai came to Mrs. Xie and said, "This servant greets Madam. Madam, you have worked hard."
Xie stared at Aunt Bai's belly calmly.
Aunt Bai is already three or four months pregnant, and her belly is slightly visible.
Mrs. Xie said coldly, "Get in the car. You are a twin, so be careful on the road. If you feel unwell, remember to tell me. It's okay for you, but the child is very important. The master has been looking forward to you adding a child to the family."
Aunt Bai looked weak and said, "I will remember Madam's instructions and will not be careless in the slightest."
Xie made a "hmm" sound through her nose.
Aunt Bai was helped into the carriage by her maid.
Gu Lin stood close to Aunt Bai and asked in a low voice, "Aunt, are you okay?"
Aunt Bai smiled and comforted Gu Lin, "Don't worry about me. Remember what I said, on the way back to the capital, talk less and observe more, and don't get involved in anything. We don't ask for anything else, just to arrive in the capital safely."
Gu Lin nodded heavily, "Don't worry, Auntie, I will remember everything you said."
"Good boy."
Aunt Hu also arrived at the second gate.
Xie glanced at her.
Aunt Hu lowered her head slightly and bowed to Mrs. Xie.
Xie pulled her up and said, "Sister, I trust you the most. You won't let me down, right?"
Aunt Hu knew very well that Xie was reminding her that the best time to take action was on the way back to Beijing.
We must not let Aunt Bai return to the capital with a big belly.
Aunt Hu lowered her head, avoiding Xie's pressing gaze, and said, "Don't worry, Madam. I understand everything."
Mrs. Xie smiled with satisfaction. "That's great. I knew you were always trustworthy."
Aunt Hu bowed and said goodbye, then got on the carriage.
Gu Zhen asked curiously, "Aunt, what did Madam mean by those words?"
Aunt Hu said calmly, "These are just trivial matters. You don't need to worry about them."
Gu Zhen pestered Aunt Hu, "Aunt, tell me."
Aunt Hu smiled and said, "Madam is worried that someone will send a concubine to the master after we return to the capital. She specifically told me to be on the lookout if a new person comes into the house."
Gu Zhen looked curious, "Will someone really send a woman to my father?"
Gu Zhen was a little embarrassed to say the words "give it to a woman" and felt very ashamed.
Aunt Hu nodded. "When the master returns to the capital, he will be appointed as the mayor of the capital. The capital is a wealthy place. By then, there will definitely be people offering concubines to him. Some can be refused, but some cannot. The mansion and the backyard will be filled with new people!"
Aunt Hu sighed and felt very complicated.
Gu Zhen said, "Don't worry about how many women father has. Aunt, you have me and Fourth Brother. As long as we leave, those women won't be able to run wild in the mansion."
Aunt Hu laughed and patted the back of Gu Zhen's hand. "You are so thoughtful. It will take at least 10 to 20 days to get back to the capital. The journey will be very tiring. Please stop talking and stay alert."
Gu Zhen nodded, "My daughter listens to my aunt."
No matter how chaotic the trip was or how many accidents occurred, it was finally time to set off.
The convoy left the governor's mansion in a mighty procession.
Many people stood on both sides of the road, watching and pointing.
Lord Gu walked in front and said his final goodbyes to his colleagues at Wuliting outside the city.
Gu Jiu lifted the car window curtain and looked outside.
"The wind is picking up."
Qingmei said, "The weather is going to get cold. Fortunately, the girl's winter clothes are all ready."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Thank you for your hard work these days."
"What are you talking about, young lady? These are what servants should do."
Lord Gu said goodbye to his colleagues and the convoy continued on its way.
It was getting farther and farther away from Jinzhou City and soon out of sight.
Gu Jiu lowered the car window curtain and took out a book to read.
The journey is long, and only books can relieve loneliness.
Walk at sunrise and rest at sunset.
After a tiring journey, we were getting closer and closer to the capital.
During this period, we encountered heavy rain and stayed at the post station for seven or eight days.
Xie gave several hints and hints, reminding Aunt Hu to act quickly.
However, during the days trapped in the post station, Aunt Bai locked herself in her room and even had her meals delivered to her room by the maid.
From the day she entered the post station until she left, Aunt Bai never left her room. Everything was handled in her room.
Aunt Hu wanted to take action, but she couldn't find an opportunity.
In front of Mrs. Xie, Aunt Hu also told the truth.
"Madam, Aunt Bai seems to be on guard and has been refusing to go out. I haven't been able to find an opportunity either."
Xie frowned, "This Aunt Bai is quite cautious. Since she won't go out, then we should find another way."
Aunt Hu hesitated for a moment, "Madam, I think the best time to take action is when Aunt Bai gives birth."
Xie stared at Aunt Hu, "What do you mean?"
Aunt Hu nodded. "When a woman gives birth, any number of accidents can happen. Even if the child is lost, no one will suspect anything. Taking action now would only leave a handle and draw Master's dissatisfaction and suspicion."
Xie nodded secretly, "What you said makes some sense."
If you really want to take action when Aunt Bai gives birth, then start preparing now.
From diet, from fetal maintenance, from doctors, take action step by step.
This caused Aunt Bai to have a difficult delivery.
At that time, you won’t have to do anything extra and your wishes will come true.
Mrs. Xie laughed. "It's been a long journey. Aunt Bai is pregnant with Master's child. We should tell the kitchen to make more tonics for Aunt Bai. If she eats more, the child will grow stronger."
Aunt Hu secretly glanced at Mrs. Xie, it seemed that the lady had made up her mind.
Aunt Hu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, finally she didn't have to do it herself and dirty her hands.
I stayed at the post station for seven or eight days without any problems.
Except for Gu Yue and Gu Gong who felt bored and made a fuss, everything went smoothly.
When the weather cleared up and the road was half dry, the Gu family set off and continued their journey to the capital.
Only a few dozen miles are left to the capital.
Seeing that the capital was within sight, Lord Gu suddenly made a decision not to go directly into the city today, but to stay at the post station for one night and go into the city early tomorrow morning.
The convoy entered the post station.
Everyone settled down.
After washing up, Gu Jiu and her sisters came to pay their respects to Mrs. Xie.
Gu Yue was the first to ask, "Mother, it's still early. Why don't you go directly into the city? Instead, why do you stay at the post station for one night?"
It is only a few dozen miles away from the capital. If we hurry, we will definitely be able to enter the capital before the city gates close.
Xie said, "We've been exhausted from the long journey. How can we face the public in the capital like this? Why don't we rest at the post station for a night and get enough rest so we can go to the capital early tomorrow morning?"
I see!
Gu Yue asked again: "Mother, are we going to the Marquis' Mansion tomorrow?"
Mrs. Xie shook her head. "No need to go to the Marquis' Mansion tomorrow. I will take you there to pay your respects the day after tomorrow. When you get there, you must cheer up."
Gu Yue smiled and said, "Don't worry, mother. I will behave well and won't embarrass you."
Xie smiled and said, "It's not enough to just perform well. We have to leave a good impression on the old lady and the ladies in the Marquis' Mansion."
Gu Yue nodded heavily.
Xie added, "I wonder if your eldest aunt has cleaned up the yard of our second house."
Mr. Gu is the second child in the family, and he has an older brother who is born to the same mother.
Master Gu was a military general and served as an official in the capital.
Over the years, all matters in the mansion have been taken care of by the eldest wife of the Gu family.
The courtyard of the second house has not been occupied for many years.
Xie was still a little worried, worried that her sister-in-law had not properly cleaned the courtyard of the second house.
Back then, when she was promoted to the position of wife, she had a lot of dirty dealings with that elder sister-in-law.
Volume 1 is finished!
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