Old Man Lu was pleased to see that his second son's family had suddenly become so decisive, but he still asked, "Second son, you need to think this through. This trip is fraught with unknown dangers, and having someone escort you doesn't guarantee your safety."
This isn't meant to scare them; after all, many things are unpredictable, and we should prepare for the worst.
"I understand, Father. But you were able to go out and work as a镖师 (bodyguard/escort) back then, and my third brother also left home at a young age. I'm already this old, and I also want to go out and see the world. Besides, there are so many people with me now, so I'm not afraid!"
Lu Lao Er's attitude was very firm. Seeing that she couldn't persuade him, Sun Shi looked at Qin Shi and asked, "Lao Er's wife, do you think so too?"
“Yes, Mother. We want to take advantage of our youth to go out and see the world. Youya and the others are grown up and can take care of themselves. Xiaodoudou has been pampered since birth. If she goes out with us, she can experience the hardships of the world. Just because she was born in a good era doesn’t mean she can take everything for granted.”
There were some things that Qin didn't dare to say aloud, namely that she really couldn't bear to let her husband go out on his own. She was restless and unable to eat or sleep at home, but she had to pretend that she didn't care.
She simply stayed by his side, facing the good and the bad together. Although it wasn't as comfortable as being at home, at least her heart was at peace.
"Alright, then you guys need to take care of what you're doing and not leave it aside and delay things."
Mrs. Sun nodded to show her respect for them, but their business was just starting out, and it would be difficult to just abandon it. They needed to find capable people to help manage it, and these were things they needed to worry about right now. She, an old woman, would not interfere.
"We know, Mom. We'll go post notices to recruit people in a bit!"
Lu Lao Er chuckled, his face beaming with confidence and joy, no longer showing the numb, dull, and embarrassed look he had before.
It seems that everyone is working hard to grow and realize their own value in life.
Jiang Jiuniang was genuinely happy for them, and said, "It's good to go out for a walk. Maybe in the future, we'll still need Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law to manage the trade route with Xiteng. It's necessary to familiarize ourselves with the situation first. When doing business, you have to know the product information yourself before you can do it well."
"So, Third Sister-in-law, you've agreed?"
Lu Lao Er looked at Jiang Jiu Niang to confirm, his excitement written all over his face.
"Of course, it's not a big deal. As long as you take care of things in the capital, you can decide on the rest yourselves."
Actually, it would be good to have someone from her own family go and keep an eye on things. However, she hadn't mentioned it before because she thought Lu Xiaoyang had already been sent out and there was no one else available. She didn't expect the second wife and her husband to take the initiative to go, which was a good first step for them.
After arranging these things, they started talking about the details of the ranch. The whole family gathered together to express their opinions, just like when they first started out. The family worked together for a better future. Over the years, their quality of life has improved visibly, but everyone's original intentions have not changed. They are still the same people from the beginning, and that is the most precious thing.
After Lu Baichuan began dealing with the Cao family's affairs, he quickly made great progress, uncovering officials in the court who colluded with the Cao family and immediately convicting them.
All the male members involved in serious crimes were executed, while the less serious male members were exiled along with the female members of their families.
The male members of the Cao family were sentenced to death. Cao Shulan committed numerous evils, including murder in prison, and was sentenced to exile for three thousand li. However, her mother was clean and provided evidence, so she was only exiled for one thousand li.
The exile procession did not begin its journey until three days after the males were executed.
On the night before her departure, Cao Shulan insisted on seeing Qin Jian. At first, the prison guards ignored her, but she told them in prison that she and Qin Jian had a past relationship and that Qin Jian was heartless. The guards felt something was wrong, so they went to Qin's house to inform him.
When Qin Jian learned the news, he was massaging Peng Yuan's feet. Peng Yuan was in her late pregnancy, and her feet were starting to swell. Qin Jian had been giving her massages during this time.
"She really said that?"
Peng Yuan smirked, speechless. She had never seen such a shameless person in her life.
Qin Jian had barely seen her more than a few times, yet she had the nerve to say in prison that she had a relationship with him.
"Yes, that's why I made this special trip."
The jailer kept his head down and dared not look around.
"Why don't you go and see? Maybe she really has something to say?"
Peng Yuan was simply curious about what Cao Shulan wanted to say to him, without giving it much thought.
Qin Jian didn't even blink: "No, I'm busy."
Aren't you curious about what she's going to say to you?
"You can't expect ivory to come out of a dog's mouth, so what's there to be curious about?"
Qin Jian massaged her a little too hard, and Peng Yuan felt a bit of pain, letting out a hiss. Qin Jian said smugly, "Serves you right, who told you to push me out!"
Peng Yuan was both amused and exasperated. How was this pushing him away?
Suddenly remembering that there were people watching, Peng Yuan blushed and said, "Go back and tell them that General Qin does not want to see her."
As he spoke, he gave his maid a wink, and the maid personally saw him out, slipped him two small pieces of silver, and said, "Thank you for making this trip, but my general has nothing to do with that Miss Cao. Please don't let her spread rumors in prison and ruin my general's reputation."
The jailer had just heard Qin Jian and Peng Yuan say that the other party really had no connections. Even if he didn't receive the reward money, he would still help clear things up when he got back. After all, these were important people, and he couldn't afford to offend them. It would be good if he could help them, and maybe he could benefit from it someday.
He never expected his benefactor to be so helpful, not only sending someone to personally see him off but also giving him a reward. He should go back and help General Qin clear his name, lest that crazy woman in prison ruin General Qin's reputation.
"Don't worry, young lady, I know what to do."
He bowed to the maid and quickly disappeared into the darkness.
Back in prison, Cao Shulan was filled with anticipation, but when she saw that he had returned alone, her heart sank. Yet, she remained defiant and asked, "Didn't that heartless man come?"
Having taken the money, the jailer naturally couldn't let her continue her nonsense, so he said fiercely, "Shut up! You think General Qin will care about you just because you yelled a few times? We all know how much General Qin dotes on his wife, and Madam Qin is the current Empress's younger sister, much prettier than you. General Qin wouldn't even look at you unless he's blind! I had to make a trip for you, what bad luck!"
Cao Shulan had guessed this would happen, but she was still indignant. Why was she in such a state while Qin Jian was still living so well?
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