Chu Qing was very wary and did not immediately open the door. Who knew if Steward Wu was hiding and waiting for them to open the door before rushing in.
Ling Muzhu, unaware of the truth, was stunned by her question, but still looked around as she spoke. He scanned the surroundings, and there wasn't even a shadow of a bird, let alone a person.
"There's no one here. Hurry and open the door. This young master is going to freeze to death out here."
A cold wind blew, and Ling Muzhu couldn't help but shrink his neck and shiver. It was truly cold…
Chu Qing hesitated for a moment, then quickly opened the door. After poking her head out to confirm no one was outside, she immediately pulled Ling Muzhu into the courtyard and hurriedly closed the door with a heavy thud, securing the latch with swift movements.
"What are you doing? Guarding against thieves?"
Ling Muzhu was utterly confused by Chu Qing's intentions and couldn't help but ask.
"Second Young Master, you don't know, but the Old Master sent Steward Wu to take the Young Master away. However, the Young Madam had already instructed us not to let the Young Master go to the Old Master's place. She ordered us to keep an eye on him. Steward Wu and his men arrived earlier, and we couldn't afford to offend them, so we could only lock the door from the inside and refuse to see anyone..."
Cai Qing explained the situation. Their actions were out of desperation. If Steward Wu had forcefully broken in, the two of them would have been helpless.
After much thought, locking the main door and refusing visitors was the most conservative approach. Steward Wu couldn't possibly kick down the door and charge in.
"Eldest Sister-in-law... why did you two women stay to guard?"
It was no wonder they had locked the door from the inside. If Steward Wu had come, the two young maids would indeed not have been able to handle him.
Steward Wu was an old retainer by the grandfather's side. Even he would show respect to Steward Wu. In this manor, the only people who could completely control Steward Wu were the Old Master and the Eldest Brother, and then the Eldest Sister-in-law.
If the Eldest Sister-in-law were present, Steward Wu would never dare to be presumptuous. But why wasn't she here today?
"The Young Madam is feeling unwell. She was disturbed by Duke Gu and Princess Xiliang earlier and is now resting. She should be waking up soon. Since Second Young Master has come in, please bear with us and stay here a while longer. We don't know if Steward Wu's men will return anytime soon, so... you'll have to wait until the Young Madam wakes up before you can leave..."
At this moment, she dared not open the door again, fearing that Steward Wu might make a surprise return. She could only have Ling Muzhu stay for a while.
She ushered Ling Muzhu to the front hall, and Cai Qing quickly brought a cup of tea to Ling Muzhu. "Second Young Master, please have some tea. The Young Madam will be here when she wakes up."
After the time it takes to steep a cup of tea, Feng Jin slowly walked over, still looking listless and sleepy.
"Muzhu... why have you come? I heard from your eldest brother that His Majesty has granted your request to be posted to an external office. Have you set a date, and have you packed your things?"
"Thank you for your concern, Eldest Sister-in-law. Everything is packed and ready. I will be able to depart in three days. I heard that Eldest Sister-in-law had returned, so I rushed to see you."
Ling Muzhu's demeanor and actions were impeccable, a complete transformation from his previous dissolute and unlearned ways.
Feng Jin did not expect Ling Muzhu to have changed so much. He was now to be an official in an external post and handle matters independently. Time truly flew by.
"By the way, when you leave, take the carrier pigeons with you. If anything happens, send a message home quickly. Grandfather is getting old. Remember to write letters home from time to time so that Grandfather doesn't worry about you. I will take good care of your father and ensure nothing happens to him, so you can rest assured."
Knowing that Ling Muzhu was most concerned about the matter of Second Master Ling, she had to endure her own reluctance and take good care of Second Master Ling to put him at ease.
This was the first time Ling Muzhu was going so far away on his own to become an official. Feng Jin was truly worried and cautioned him repeatedly.
"I have noted everything Eldest Sister-in-law has said. I sought this external posting myself. I will definitely protect the common people of the region and will never disgrace the Ling family."
Ling Muzhu declared with conviction. This posting was something he had actively sought. Since he had decided to do it, he would naturally put all his effort into doing his best.
As a descendant of the Ling family, he, like his eldest brother, would bring glory to the Ling family and would never tarnish their reputation.
"If you can think that way, I can rest assured."
Feng Jin took a sip of clear tea and said lightly, "When you leave, I will have your eldest brother select a pair of Black Armored Guards for you to travel with. This journey is long and arduous, and you are unfamiliar with the area. You do not know martial arts, so it is good to have some people accompany and protect you."
"Eldest Sister-in-law, there's no need for such a grand gesture. Grandfather has already agreed to let me take some of the manor's retainers with me on the road. There's no need to trouble Eldest Brother with dispatching Black Armored Guards to accompany me."
He was merely a low-ranking official and had nothing substantial with him on this journey. Having the accompanying retainers for protection was more than enough.
"The journey is not peaceful. If you only take some retainers and encounter bandits or stragglers, how will they be a match? It is better to take some Black Armored Guards. This matter is settled. You don't need to object anymore."
Feng Jin settled the matter directly, leaving Ling Muzhu no room to object.
As soon as their conversation ended, urgent knocking sounds came from the door.
"I'll go and see."
Before Cai Qing could finish speaking and reach the main door, the previously closed door was violently kicked open from the outside.
Ling Mohan's figure walked in, his expression somewhat displeased. "Why are you locking the door in broad daylight!"
"I think you're acting up again. Why do you have to kick the door open instead of waiting for someone to open it for you!" Feng Jin looked at the kicked-open door, her face filled with displeasure.
It was a perfectly good door, and now it needed to be repaired. How long had it been since the last incident, and Ling Mohan was deliberately repeating the offense.
"It was just a moment of urgency, and I accidentally used too much force. Don't worry, I will definitely repair the door for you, exactly as it was before, without any deviation. You can rest assured."
Ling Mohan repeatedly assured her that he would repair it, his attitude extremely sincere. Feng Jin's expression improved slightly, but she still glared fiercely at Ling Mohan.