CHAPTER 1021: CHAPTER 1019 THREAT

At night, Wang Yongzhu packed the luggage for the journey to Yingzi Gully, needing to bring along a few changes of clothing. Song Chongjin silently slipped his own clothes in as well.

"I’m afraid I might have to stay a few days in Yingzi Gully, you stay home and study, let Fourth Brother accompany me." Wang Yongzhu had spoken quickly before, but not having been to Yingzi Gully himself, he did not know what the situation was like. If the dividends from there were cut off, he had no idea what trouble might arise.

It seemed it wasn’t something that could be resolved in a day or two. If Song Chongjin went, it would delay his study. Moreover, if something happened to him just before the autumn exams, it would be unfavorable.

Song Chongjin insisted on going because he knew that the issues in Yingzi Gully would not be easily resolved.

Although Wang Yongping had some strength, he was too straightforward, unable to adapt to changes. If there was an emergency, he would be at a loss.

Not to mention, Song Chongjin himself was skilled in martial arts. Although he knew his wife was very strong, the people there were hunters, hard to guard against. It was safer for him to go along.

Seeing Song Chongjin’s resolute expression, Wang Yongzhu knew he couldn’t argue with him and had to pack a few of Song Chongjin’s clothes as well.

Meanwhile, Song Chongjin tapped his fingers on the table, and after a while said, "Tomorrow, when we go, we’ll pretend we know nothing about the situation in Yingzi Gully. Let’s see what they have to say when they see you."

Wang Yongzhu thought it over and agreed.

Instead of packing, he ran to sit beside Song Chongjin, "Other than us and Mother, let’s not tell the family. Tomorrow morning, I’ll tell Gu Yu that we’re going to Yingzi Gully to check on the house construction, and take her to see her Third Sister."

Song Chongjin nodded, "That sounds good."

Having agreed, the next morning, Song Chongjin got up early to ready the carriage, waiting only to have breakfast before setting off.

Wang Yongzhu also told Gu Yu that he was taking her to see Yang Zhaodi. Gu Yu was thrilled, begging Wang Yongzhu to wait a little while she tidied up the kitchen. With wet hands, she ran to her room.

During these days in Jing County, because of the Yulan Festival and Wang Yongzhu’s apprenticeship, she received a few rewards, which she had been reluctant to use and kept.

She had lost hope in her parents, only thinking of her sisters—one in Yingzi Gully, and a younger sister still at home.

But she knew that those things couldn’t be easily sent home, or her parents might come to rely on her again.

She thought perhaps she could meet her Third Sister one day, express her feelings, and have her pass something on to the younger sister.

Unexpectedly, that day had come so soon. Quickly packing a few clothes and stuffing in those items, she stepped out with the bundle.

In the back courtyard, of course, the closest ones, Wang Yongping and his wife, heard the commotion. Upon hearing they were going to Yingzi Gully, Wang Yongping jumped onto the carriage, refusing to get down.

Liu Xiaoqiao, seeing her husband like that and knowing the journey to Yingzi Gully was long, came back to pack a few change of clothes for Wang Yongping, watching them leave.

After traveling a while, Wang Yongping felt cramped inside the carriage and moved outside to sit with Song Chongjin.

He nudged Song Chongjin with his elbow, "Why are we going to Yingzi Gully today?"

Song Chongjin replied, "Yongzhu has been concerned about matters in Yingzi Gully and should go check. Besides, don’t you remember the maid Gu Yu?"

Wang Yongping was puzzled, "Gu Yu? Who is Gu Yu?"

Inside the carriage, Wang Yongzhu was speechless, realizing his Fourth Brother’s heart was vast and unfocused.

"Fourth Brother, the maid by my side is Gu Yu. She was not always called that; her name was Yang Zaizhao. You forgot? She was the one who led the way on our first trip to Yingzi Gully?"

Only then did Wang Yongping recall, looking back at her, surprised for a while, "Oh, it’s that maid? She used to be so skinny, like a little chick. Now she’s grown taller and healthier, no wonder I didn’t recognize her."

He chuckled, speaking to Gu Yu, "You’re fortunate to follow my sister and brother-in-law. Serve them diligently, they are good people and won’t mistreat you! Following them, your good days are ahead!"

"Just one thing, don’t have second thoughts, you’re sold to our family now; don’t think about your parents. Make my sister happy, don’t move our things to your home! If I find out you’ve done that, I know where your family lives, who your parents are! If your parents get something, but can’t enjoy it, don’t blame me—"

Gu Yu shuddered, hurriedly bowing her head, "Uncle, rest assured, my parents sold me, I have nothing to do with them now! I will surely serve the Scholar’s Lady well!"

Her swearing finally reassured Wang Yongping, who turned back to chat with Song Chongjin again.

Gu Yu hugged her bundle tightly as if holding a box of explosives.

The bundle contained several items rewarded by the Scholar’s Lady, which she intended to bring to her Third Sister and younger sister.

But Uncle had just spoken—it made her wonder if she should give them away.

Wang Yongzhu, seeing Gu Yu’s pitiful expression, smiled, ruffling her hair, "Giving some things to your Third Sister doesn’t count, feel free to do it!"

Only then did Gu Yu sigh in relief.

She looked at Wang Yongping with newfound respect.

After Wang Yongping’s speech, he moved past it, chatting merrily with Song Chongjin, "I intended to go to Yingzi Gully and see. Last time I arranged with Loo Xiaoshan from Yingzi Gully that their mountain goods would be provided exclusively to us, the Wang Family. On time, they would deliver goods, and we’d exchange cash for goods. But it’s been nearly a month, and no one’s come. I wonder if something went amiss."

Song Chongjin glanced at Wang Yongzhu, exchanging a knowing look.

Then Song Chongjin skillfully changed the subject, asking how business with mountain goods had been these past two months, what sells well, and which items fetch high prices.

This made Wang Yongping forget about Yingzi Gully, enthusiastically discussing business insights with Song Chongjin.

Halfway, they stopped at a mountain nook for a break, had lunch, fed the mule some grass, and after watering, finally reached Yingzi Gully in the afternoon.

Along the way, one could noticeably see the once desolate mountain paths now bore marks of frequent travelers and carts.

The uneven parts of the mountain path had been filled with stones, making the road much better than before.

Especially in the long gorge of Yingzi Gully, there were large areas flattened, showing traces where goods had been placed.

The further inside they went, faint voices could be heard.

Following the gorge deeper, at the narrowest point, they suddenly saw two wooden fence gates, about one zhang tall, with the tops sharpened, making it difficult for ordinary people to climb over.