Liu, the镖头 (bodyguard), waved his hand and said magnanimously, "We're family, no need for such formalities. If you ever need anything in the future, just ask, niece."
He was secretly delighted, thinking: "Let alone the Prince Duan's mansion, even a prominent family like the Gu family was beyond my reach in the past. Now that this relationship has been offered to me, I will naturally seize it."
As the three were chatting and laughing, Jin Tianming and his wife rushed over.
As soon as he stepped off the carriage, Jin Tianming clasped his hands in congratulations: "Congratulations, Madam Zheng, congratulations, Brother Jiang. May your caravan have a smooth journey and abundant wealth."
Although Gu Qinlan and Jiang Wenyuan's caravan did not hold a grand opening ceremony, Jin Tianming was extremely well-informed and specially chose the time to come and offer his congratulations.
As soon as Aunt Lian got off the carriage, she walked up to Gu Qinlan with a smile.
Gu Qinlan quickly stopped her from bowing, and smiled, "It's been a long time, Aunt Lian. You look radiant."
Aunt Lian smiled, her eyes crinkling into crescents: "Thanks to you, those precious tonics you sent over are truly effective. In the half month since I started taking them, not only has my complexion improved, but my years-long problem of cold hands and feet has also been relieved."
Not long ago, based on the principle that it would be a waste not to utilize talent, Gu Qinlan prepared all kinds of pills, including various poisons as well as nourishing tonics.
Gu Qinlan, being well-versed in human relationships, had Xiaoman deliver several doses of tonic to Aunt Lian as well.
Aunt Lian suffered from cold hands and feet for many years due to complications during childbirth in her youth. Despite consulting numerous renowned doctors, her condition remained unresolved. Unexpectedly, after taking these tonics, she experienced significant effects within just a few days. Even more surprisingly, the blemishes and dullness on her face were greatly reduced.
Gu Qinlan's joy was palpable: "Aunt Lian, if you find the food delicious, I will send someone to bring you some more later."
Aunt Lian responded cheerfully, without the slightest hesitation: "Then I'll thank you in advance. By the way, I heard that Xiaoxiang Pavilion seems to have been acting strangely lately."
Gu Qinlan frowned slightly: "Is there something wrong?"
Aunt Lian's voice turned low: "Mother Luo has disappeared. In the past few nights, there have been some mysterious people coming and going from Xiaoxiang Pavilion. The situation is quite unusual."
Gu Qinlan pondered deeply: "Aunt Lian, tell Uncle Jin to stop monitoring Xiaoxiang Pavilion. This is too risky, and I don't want anything to go wrong for you."
The act of monitoring Xiaoxiang Pavilion was originally Jin Tianming's unauthorized action. He was eager to win Gu Qinlan's favor, so he secretly followed her, fearing that Mama Luo might plot against Gu Qinlan.
Aunt Lian felt a surge of warmth in her heart upon hearing her arrangement: "Okay, I will pass it on to him."
At this moment, Jiang Wenyuan spoke up to remind us, "It's about time; we should set off."
Gu Qinlan immediately instructed, "Uncle, the journey is long and arduous, so please take good care of yourself. No matter what, human safety is more precious than cargo. If you encounter any crisis, make sure your own safety is guaranteed first."
She then gestured for Fuyu to bring out an exquisite box: "Uncle, this contains self-defense medicine that I personally prepared. Each bottle has a detailed label indicating its use. Please choose some to carry with you."
Then, she took a package from Xiaoman, opened it, and handed it to Jiang Wenyuan: "This is a self-defense tool that I had specially made—a sleeve dart. Wear it on your wrist, and it will help you protect yourself in times of danger."
Gu Qinlan went to great lengths and made thorough preparations to ensure Jiang Wenyuan's safety.
When Liu, the镖头 (bodyguard), saw the many items Jiang Wenyuan was carrying, his envy was palpable. No wonder his old friend was so attentive to his niece; if it were him, he would probably be even more concerned.
Liang also took out several packages she had prepared in advance, pointed to two of them and said, "These are the clothes and food I prepared for you. Please take good care of yourself on the road."
"These other packages are for our old neighbors. They've already been distributed. You can hand them out when you get there."
Jiang Wenyuan took all the packages, without saying much, simply saying, "Take care, everyone, and look forward to my good news. It's getting late, we should set off."
Before long, the caravan set off, slowly making its way towards the city gate.
After seeing Jiang Wenyuan and the caravan off, Gu Qinlan returned to her residence and immediately invited Polang to come.
In the biting cold wind, Po Lang's appearance was like a frozen lake. Even when facing Gu Qinlan, his aloof demeanor remained unchanged.
Gu Qinlan, however, didn't care at all and said bluntly, "I would like to ask you to be Feng Hui's martial arts instructor."
Po Lang resolutely refused without the slightest hesitation: "I do not accept apprentices."
Gu Qinlan smiled slightly and said in a relaxed tone, "It's not about formally taking him on as a disciple, you just need to teach him some martial arts skills."
However, Po Lang remained unmoved: "I have no intention of tutoring other people's children. Such a task is not included in the mission I bear with my master."
Gu Qinlan had anticipated this reaction, so she immediately changed her strategy: "In the name of Zheng Dinglian, I beg you to become Zheng Fenghui's martial arts instructor. You can name your price."
Po Lang firmly replied, "What if I insist on refusing? Even my senior uncle cannot force me to do something I don't want to do."
Gu Qinlan said firmly, "Then I will keep making requests until you agree. I believe there is no deal in the world that cannot be made."
As long as Po Lang remains in the Prince Duan's residence, she will have the opportunity to continuously make her demands.
Po Lang seemed somewhat dejected: "Madam, the martial arts I am skilled in are not suitable for children to practice."
Gu Qinlan sighed softly: "But Feng Hui is no ordinary child. You are also aware of the current situation of the Zheng family. My martial uncle is fighting alone, and the future of the Zheng family rests on the shoulders of these two men, Feng Hui and Feng Yun. Feng Yun is physically weak and may not become a military general in the future. But deep down, Feng Hui has always longed to avenge his father and serve the Western Wei. If he does not have superb martial arts skills, he will repeat his father's mistakes sooner or later."
“Actually, your uncle is the most suitable candidate, but he is too busy. Feng Hui is also getting old, and perhaps in a few years, he will have to take on the heavy responsibility of the Zheng family.”
“Although I am not his biological mother, I also hope that he can enjoy a long and healthy life. There is only so much I can do for him, within the limits of my power, to pave a solid path for him and teach him more skills to protect himself. Every day that a son of the Zheng family can live brings a day of peace to the people of Western Wei. Therefore, I implore you to grant my request.”
After pondering for a long time, Po Lang finally spoke: "Then let him come to me every afternoon. I will only teach him for one hour each day. However, I will only teach him until he inherits my mission. How much he can comprehend depends entirely on his talent."
Gu Qinlan was secretly delighted, knowing that such terms would lead to a deal. "So, what is your expected compensation?"
Turning around, Po Lang walked resolutely towards the door: "No need."
Although he was an assassin, he was also a member of the Western Wei.
Let him contribute to the people of Western Wei!
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