"I understand. Prepare the carriage for me first."
"Mu Zhu, you haven't finished your meal. Are you leaving already? Can't you wait a little longer? At least finish your food."
Old Madam Ling hadn't expected such a hasty departure. She was still eating when he announced he was leaving.
"Grandfather, your grandson has eaten his fill. If we depart now, we can reach the post station before dark."
There was no need for such haste. The roads had been rather unsafe lately, and traveling after dark was too dangerous. He planned to reach the post station before nightfall, rest for the night, and then continue his journey tomorrow morning.
Old Master Ling was very reluctant to let Ling Mu Zhu leave before finishing his meal and tried his best to dissuade him. "Mu Zhu, eat your fill before you go. If the journey is dangerous, I'll have your elder brother send someone to escort you."
"Grandfather, there's no need for such trouble. Your grandson is going to his post. I will definitely come back to see you when I have the chance."
"Grandfather, please don't stop Mu Zhu. Let him go. If we delay any further, it will truly cause a mishap."
Ling Mo Han spoke with a hint of exasperation. His grandfather was indeed holding up Ling Mu Zhu. The road ahead was uncertain, and if they delayed further, it would be difficult to arrive at his post within the stipulated time.
Old Master Ling finally sighed helplessly and released his grip on Ling Mu Zhu's hand. "Alright... you can't stop him forever. If you must go, then go. Whether you arrive early or late, go on..."
"Your grandson bids farewell to Grandfather. Grandfather, take care!"
Stepping back, Ling Mu Zhu knelt and kowtowed three times to Old Master Ling before departing.
Old Master Ling watched Ling Mu Zhu's retreating figure, a wave of desolation washing over him. They were all leaving, leaving him, an old man, all alone and neglected.
"Grandfather, let's go see Mu Zhu off."
Feng Jin said, then pulled Ling Mo Han, who was still standing by, and walked out. Her gaze fell on Da Bao and Er Bao. "You two go and stay with Grandfather."
"Yes, Mother."
Da Bao and Er Bao answered in unison and walked to Old Master Ling's side.
"Let's hurry. The sooner we go, the sooner we return."
Feng Jin pulled the somewhat reluctant Ling Mo Han and hurried forward. It was quite a task to get him to do something.
"Mu Zhu."
Feng Jin called out loudly towards Ling Mu Zhu's back, catching up out of breath. She had finally managed to catch up before he left.
"Eldest Sister-in-law, why are you here?"
Feng Jin took out something she had prepared from her sleeve and handed it to Ling Mu Zhu. "This journey is long. Keep this with you; it might be of some use."
"Eldest Sister-in-law, what is inside this pouch?"
It felt flat, as if there was only a piece of paper inside.
"Keep it, and when you reach your destination and encounter something you can't resolve, open it and take a look."
"Yes, Eldest Sister-in-law."
Ling Mu Zhu, though puzzled, tucked the pouch inside his clothes. Since Eldest Sister-in-law had given it to him, it must be useful.
"Be careful on your journey. If you encounter any trouble, don't forget to send word back."
"Yes, Eldest Brother."
Ling Mo Han's expression was calm, and he nodded slightly. "Time is short, don't delay your journey. Let's go."
"Yes, Eldest Brother."
After bidding farewell, Ling Mu Zhu got into the carriage and slowly departed.
Only when the carriage's shadow disappeared at the end of the road did Feng Jin withdraw her gaze, feeling a slight melancholy. "Another one has left. The manor feels even more desolate now."
"Are you feeling lonely?"
Although that was what she meant, the way Ling Mo Han said it made it sound like something else entirely.
"It's not loneliness. I just feel like there are fewer people in the manor, and we can't even gather enough people to play cards."
Cai Qing was also about to get married, so there were truly no people left in the manor.
Speaking of cards, Ling Mo Han felt a surge of anger. If Feng Jin hadn't reminded him, he would have almost forgotten about her playing cards all night.
He pinched Feng Jin's small, delicate chin and pulled her close. "I haven't settled accounts with you yet!"
Feng Jin angrily smacked the back of his hand and rubbed her chin, which was sore from his pinch. Did this man have a masochistic tendency, resorting to violence against her at the slightest provocation?
"What accounts do you have with me? I don't owe you any money!"
If anyone was to settle accounts, it should be her. How much money did Ling Mo Han spend every day? He hadn't returned a single cent to her.
"Try playing all night again, and see what happens!"
So it was about this. Even if Ling Mo Han hadn't mentioned it, she wouldn't play all night again.
Not sleeping for an entire night was truly unbearable. She had learned her lesson completely.
"You don't need to worry about me. Just take care of yourself!"
After saying that, she walked straight into the courtyard. Before she had gone far, Ling Mo Han wrapped his arms around her neck from behind, immobilizing her.
She hated it the most when Ling Mo Han grabbed her from behind like this, holding her like a chick, and controlling her. The height difference was too significant, making her always feel a sense of humiliation and discomfort.
"Can't you stop always grabbing my neck from behind? It's because you're always suppressing me that I haven't grown taller."
Her height wasn't too short by ancient standards; she was around 1.6 meters. But standing next to Ling Mo Han, she still appeared petite and delicate. She missed her previous height.
"Suppressed by me? Why don't you say you're just too short!"
Being directly told she was too short clearly made Feng Jin lose face. She fiercely stomped on the man's foot.
She glared angrily at Ling Mo Han with sparkling eyes and said very seriously, "I'll say it again, my height is within the normal range, and I'm not short at all!"
By normal standards, her height could still grow. However, there was no hope of growing any taller, so she had given up.
"Oh, right. Go and prepare two gifts. Send them to the Zhennan King's mansion and the Western Liang Princess respectively."
"Why two gifts? Do you have dealings with Western Liang now? Could it be... could it be that you're planning to rebel?"
"Ah... why did you hit me!"
Feng Jin clutched her sore forehead and mumbled in dissatisfaction. Why did he hit her at the slightest provocation? Wouldn't his good brain be numbed by all this hitting?
"What nonsense are you spouting? They are about to get married; we have to give them something."
"Is it that soon?"
Why did she feel like there were still a few days left? Had she misremembered?
"About four or five days. Sending them early is more convenient. I'll leave this matter to you."
He was clueless about such matters, so it was up to Feng Jin.
"Are they prepared, or do you still need me to get them?"