Going to Gusu Prefecture

According to the original plot, Xiao Lingyan has already overcome the hurdle of dying from illness. But it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Xiao Lingyan quickly nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, I will definitely take good care of myself and be careful. I'm not only keeping an eye on the imperial physicians in the palace, but I've also found two very skilled doctors in the common people and are raising them in the Prince of Qi's Residence."

"I barely escaped with my life, and we're deeply in love. We're about to live a happy life together, so how could I let myself die so easily? So don't worry, my wife, I'll be extremely careful. If I feel unwell, I'll definitely let you know. Even if it's just a false alarm and you have to go through all that trouble, I'll still let you know. I value my life very much, and I can't bear to leave you in this unfamiliar place."

Officials appointed by the imperial court are not allowed to leave their post without the emperor's order. In other words, even if Zhao Ruxi wanted to return to the capital for a stroll during his day off, he was not permitted to do so.

If Xiao Lingyan felt unwell and needed Zhao Ruxi to come back, she would have to sneak away and travel in the middle of the night.

"As long as you're alright, what's the big deal about traveling back and forth? I'm perfectly healthy," Zhao Ruxi said.

Xiao Lingyan said with anticipation, "The difficult part will be these next six months. By next spring, the situation will be settled, and no matter what the circumstances, we will get married. Then we will be together, never to be separated again."

Zhao Ruxi nodded. "Yes, never to be separated."

The two nestled together, remaining silent for a long time.

Early the next morning, Zhao Ruxi, along with the old lady, Lady Zhu, a group of servants, and the guards and secret agents provided by Xiao Lingyan, left the capital and headed to Gusu City.

The guards sent by Xiao Lingyan, if following the normal procedure, would first go to the human traffickers, and then have Zhou Chun buy them back for Zhao Ruxi.

But time was of the essence, and there was no time for such roundabout methods, so Xiao Lingyan and Zhao Ruxi simply and directly stuffed the two men and one woman into the group.

Apart from Zhou Chun and Ma Sheng, who were the only people in the know who knew of Xiao Lingyan's existence, everyone else said that these three were servants selected from the Little Peach Manor.

The old lady and Lady Zhu had always trusted Zhao Ruxi and wished she would bring more people with her when she took up her post. Therefore, they had no doubts about the three people's origins. The other servants had even less doubt. This was because Zhao Ruxi had selected many people from the manor's servants to work in the past two years, but at that time she had selected people from the Egret Manor, not Little Peach Manor.

For the past ten years or so, the Great Jin has been free of major disasters, and the taxes and levies have not been heavy, allowing the people to live and work in peace and contentment. In addition, Xiao Ge has been very strict in maintaining public order, so there are not many robbers on the road.

Zhao Ruxi's entourage consisted of several dozen people. At Zhao Ruxi's suggestion, the old lady and Lady Zhu changed out of their fine clothes and removed their precious jewelry, disguising themselves as ordinary people. Gao Weiqiang, Ma Sheng, and others provided strict security, so no villains dared to make a move against them.

Zhou Chun had previously traveled to Gusu, buying houses and acquiring property, and later escorted Zhao Yuanxun here. He was very familiar with the situation along the way. He arranged everything for Zhao Yuanxun's food, clothing, lodging, and transportation perfectly, with a good balance of efficiency and urgency.

The group traveled slowly for five days, and finally entered Gusu City on the afternoon of the fifth day.

"Mother." Zhao Yuanxun was already waiting at the city gate. Upon seeing the group of people from the Earl of Suiping's Residence, he quickly stepped forward and called out to the carriage that Liu Quan was riding alongside.

His biggest worry was that his mother, being old and pampered, wouldn't be able to withstand the fatigue of traveling and might fall ill on the way.

The curtains on the car window were pulled back, revealing the old lady's rosy complexion.

"Miss Xi modified the carriage, so it wasn't bumpy at all. I fell asleep as soon as I got in. And her steward, Zhou Chun, is really capable. He arranged everything perfectly. I didn't suffer at all," the old lady said with a smile.

"That's good, that's good." Seeing his mother looking radiant and showing no signs of fatigue, Zhao Yuanxun felt relieved.

The group entered the city and arrived at the Zhao Residence. The old lady looked at the house and was astonished. She turned to Zhao Ruxi and asked, "How much did this house cost?"

"Ten thousand taels of silver," Zhao Ruxi said guiltily.

After saying that, she quickly added, "This is Gusu, and in such a location. The house is nice and the land is large. Actually, at the normal price, ten thousand taels wouldn't be enough to buy it. My third senior brother is at the Court of Judicial Review, you know how their yamen... cough, they have to deal with some estates and houses from time to time. My senior brother asked me, and I happened to have some money on hand, so I bought it. If we don't live there, we can rent it out or resell it and make several thousand taels."

Once she said that, everyone believed her.

The Court of Judicial Review frequently sold off the properties and land of convicted officials. Zhao Ruxi's estate in Beining was acquired in this way.

Given Wu Zong's position in the Court of Judicial Review and his relationship with Zhao Ruxi, arranging a house for her in Gusu would not be a problem at all.

Zhao Yuanxun said, "The situation is indeed as Miss Xi said. This house is a rare find. As long as word gets out, it can be sold for 15,000 taels of silver at any time; if you're not in a hurry, you can wait for a buyer. If you find someone who likes this place and has plenty of money, 17,000 or 18,000 taels won't be a problem."

"Ah, our family is able to live such a good life now thanks to the Layperson Kumu. If he hadn't taken Miss Xi as his apprentice, no matter how capable Miss Xi, she wouldn't have reached where she is today," the old lady said with emotion.

As soon as the group sat down in the hall, a servant came to report, "My lord, Lord Zhang has sent someone with a visiting card, saying he wishes to pay his respects to the old lady."

"Mother, you've had a long journey. Why don't I cancel and have him come tomorrow?" Zhao Yuanxun said.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ruxi raised her eyebrows slightly.

Having spent so much time together, she already knew her adoptive father's personality very well.

Because Zhao Yuanxun was weak from childhood and his abilities and talents were not outstanding, coupled with the fact that his biological father preferred his illegitimate younger brother to him as the eldest son, and intentionally or unintentionally neglected him, he developed a slightly inferior personality.

What he displayed was humility. He never tried to be assertive, treated people with gentleness and politeness, and was completely non-aggressive.

But now, he's showing a tough side towards his boss.

It seems Zhao Yuanxun has been doing well in Gusu Prefecture recently; at least his superiors have been accommodating or flattering him. Otherwise, Zhao Yuanxun wouldn't have ended up like this.

"No need, no need. I'm not tired at all. Let him in. He came to see me out of kindness, how can we be so neglectful?" the old lady quickly said.

She couldn't let her son offend his boss because of her.

"Mother is right. Your disrespect for Lord Zhang will damage Miss Xi's reputation. If others say that our top scholar is arrogant and looks down on others, that would be terrible," said Lady Zhu.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuanxun repeatedly ordered someone to report back to Zhang Shun.