CHAPTER 1289: CHAPTER 1288: SORRY FOR THE TROUBLE ALONG THE WAY

Isn’t this Du Zhongjing’s eldest son, Lord Du? Is this an object? Is this a person or not?

Wang Yongzhu turned his head to look at Du Zhongjing: "Senior Brother, are your sons all like objects?"

Du Zhongjing chuckled and let it slide, not wanting to answer the question, and waved Lord Du over: "On this trip back to Jing County, be filial in front of your grandparents on my behalf. You must listen to your master’s advice along the way and don’t be naughty, understood? Also, don’t slack off on your studies on the road. If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask your uncle!"

The arrangements were made perfectly clear.

Lord Du nodded and agreed, straightforwardly, and then looked rather maturely at Wang Yongzhu: "Master, I’m sorry to bother you on this journey."

Wang Yongzhu shot a glare at Du Zhongjing, looked at the boyish yet handsome Lord Du, and had to suppress her full stomach of questions, saying amiably, "Why be so formal with your master? There’s no need for such talk among family; just consider it as your own home. If you need anything, just say it and don’t keep things hidden as your father does, understand?"

Lord Du looked at Du Zhongjing, nodded, and retreated obediently to the side.

Old Granny Zhang was seeing Lord Du for the first time. Upon seeing this well-mannered, polite child with fine features, she immediately took a liking to him.

Seeing him standing aside, she quickly beckoned him over, "Are you the eldest grandson of Old Master Du? You’re really handsome! Such a neat child, come, have some snacks!"

With that, she grabbed some snacks and stuffed them into Lord Du’s hands.

While doing so, she introduced Jinhoo to Lord Du: "This is my incapable grandson, named Wang Jinhoo. You two are about the same age, so you can keep each other company along the way and have someone to talk to."

Lord Du looked at Jinhoo.

Today, Jinhoo was wearing clothes prepared by the Gu Family, something he had never worn before. They looked expensive; on ordinary days, he wouldn’t dare put on such fabric, fearing they’d have to be offered up.

But Old Granny Zhang gave him a stern look, and Jinhoo quickly changed into them.

He was just not accustomed to wearing it; the fabric felt too luxurious. Whenever he touched it with his hand, he was afraid it might snag.

It made him feel awkward, with his hands and feet restrained, fearing he might unintentionally scratch or tear the clothes.

Seeing Lord Du looking over, he could only muster a stiff smile.

Jinhoo was no fool. Seeing this handsome young noble, he realized they were not from the same world, so he did not step forward to flatter him, instead staying beside Old Granny Zhang.

Meanwhile, Wang Yongzhu whispered, "What’s going on? I only said I’d deliver letters and gifts for you, not take such a precious person along! This is your eldest son; you just casually leave him with me to take back? What if something happens? Moreover, will your wife agree?"

Knowing Lady Yan’s nature, could she agree to let Lord Du go to Jing County?

Du Zhongjing’s face turned black.

Du Xiuyan stifled a laugh beside him; who told his big brother to marry Lady Yan in the first place? Gotten a taste of sorrow now, eh?

That day, after Wang Yongzhu visited, Du Xiuyan recounted everything to Du Zhongjing once he returned home.

Du Zhongjing didn’t get angry at the time, but instead sent word that his eldest son, Lord Du, would be sent to Jing County to be filial beside the old master and old lady.

It was reasonable—having no children beside their parents for filial duty meant sending the eldest grandson was only appropriate.

Even if Lady Yan wanted to argue, she dared not.

She could only cry and complain that Jing County was harsh, and Lord Du would suffer there.

Du Zhongjing, however, said that since Jing County was harsh, it was even more crucial to pay filial duty. If Lady Yan couldn’t bear to let Lord Du go, she could return and serve her in-laws herself as the eldest daughter-in-law.

Upon hearing this, Lady Yan dared not utter a word of protest.

She could only weep while preparing Lord Du’s luggage, holding him and complaining about Du Zhongjing’s heartlessness while lamenting her own heartache, worrying about Lord Du’s studies.

Seeing Lady Yan like this, Lord Du could only sigh inwardly.

Du Zhongjing had already spoken to him, instructing him to go to Jing County with his master to serve his grandparents, not only because they were elderly and had no one to personally care for them, but also because if the grandfather hadn’t taken his master as a closed-door disciple earlier, they would have arranged for him to stay by the grandfather’s side last year.

Now that his master and uncle were set to be stationed in Chicheng City, there was naturally no more time to delay.

Furthermore, the Changqing Academy over in Jing County, after the Imperial Spring Examination, became renowned; its students included a top scholar, Tanhua, and a second-class Imperial Graduate.

Many aspiring scholars flocked there now like shoals of crossing fish, and sending Lord Du there was also for his academic benefit in the future.

Not to mention, he could directly consult with Song Chongjin, the new Imperial Messenger, a great opportunity along the way.

Of course, there was also an intent to use the situation to warn Lady Yan, but that was secondary.

Lord Du understood that as the legitimate eldest grandson of the Du Family, and not naturally inclined towards medicine, he planned to take the exam route.

This was indeed a well-planned path laid out for him by the family.

In Jing County, not only would his studies not be neglected, but serving his grandparents long-term would also be beneficial to his reputation. Du Zhongjing, as a father, indeed had well-intended plans.

Therefore, he agreed without any hesitation.

Still, Lady Yan was his biological mother; despite being somewhat short-sighted, as her son, what else could he do?

He could only ask Du Zhongjing to guide her wisely if there were any inappropriate words or actions from Lady Yan in the future, and express concern about what would happen to his younger brother, Du Tiannan, after he left.

Du Zhongjing responded that once he left, Du Tiannan would immediately move to the front courtyard to study with Du Xiuyan’s son, Du Yuanzhi, and that they wouldn’t easily be allowed back into the rear courtyard.

With this in mind, Lord Du felt at ease.

As they gathered their luggage to leave that morning, Lady Yan kept crying and clinging to them, delaying for quite some time.

She kept saying she couldn’t bear the separation, wishing she could take his place.

Du Xiuyan, having had enough, couldn’t help but directly suggest sending the sister-in-law instead—sending the person first and later having the luggage brought over?

One line silenced Lady Yan, ending her sobbing and even letting go of Lord Du.

No matter how understanding Lord Du was, seeing his mother acting this way cooled his heart a bit, leaving him somewhat depressing throughout the journey.

Yet Du Zhongjing and Du Xiuyan both decided not to console him, as this was something Lord Du needed to process himself.

In the future, in Jing County, away from his parents, attending the Academy, or on the road he might encounter more such matters, and he would have to get used to it.

After all instructions, Du Zhongjing and Du Xiuyan, not being ones to drag things, urged the party to set out promptly.

Wang Yongzhu had nothing more to say, stood up, bid farewell to Yang Zongbao and the others again, and reluctantly boarded the carriage.

Song Wu cupped his hands towards the departing crowd and then, with a command, the carriage team slowly set out.

After traveling a good distance, lifting the curtain to look back, watching Capital City and Yang Zongbao grow further and further away, silhouettes growing smaller and smaller until they were out of sight...