The group heading to the capital, aside from Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan’s family, also included Jiang Kangning, Guo Zimu, Xia Qiu, Xia Chun, Miao Yuan, Su Ce, and Qin Niang. Qin Niang and Yan Fusheng were former palace workers and were naturally familiar with the capital. It was their first time going there and although they would have King Rong and Elder Cen with them, having someone familiar with the capital was always convenient. 

Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing were always busy and might have difficulty in breaking away this time in the capital. Qin Niang would help with organization and coordination. Yan Fusheng would stay behind temporarily to manage the household. Kang Rui was the academy dean and White Moon Academy needed him, so he wouldn’t be going.

Shao Yunan initially wanted Guo Ziyu to go as well, but he was hesitant to leave the tea-making matters unattended. With Jiang Kangning absent and both Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing gone, if he also left, there would be no one to oversee the tea production. They planned to seal a portion of the new tea leaves from the tea factory, but some had to be left behind. All the new tea from the Wang family, including black tea, was entirely packaged and sent to the capital. Shao Yunan kept only his portion and gifts for himself, and decided to auction the rest of the tea instead of selling it from the store.

Regarding the tea he kept for himself, Shao Yunan securely put it in the space, showing outwardly that he was storing it. As for where it was stored, that was confidential. Even if someone searched the entire house, they wouldn’t find the tea, nor would they think that Shao Yunan was personally ‘storing’ it. Oh, I forgot to mention three other ‘travelers’: Brother Tiger, Big Gold, and Little Gold. The tigers couldn’t speak, but when Shao Yunan asked if he should stay or go with them, Brother Tiger responded by grabbing his clothes, clearly indicating he wanted to stay with them.

Shao Yunan asked Brother Tiger to help catch ten deer, twenty phoenixes, dozens of wild chickens, rabbits, and five large wild boars. Additionally, he requested precious herbs. They were to be frozen using saltpeter and transported while frozen to provide the nobles in the capital with a taste of freshness. 

King Rong found this method fascinating, as the ice here was taken from the clearest river water during the winter and stored in an ice cellar. This method was indeed very convenient. Just when King Rong was about to praise Shao Yunan, Shao Yunan brought Jiang Moxi over. 

It was Jiang Moxi who suggested using saltpeter for making ice. This young man had read all the chemistry books in the space. Shao Yunan’s chemistry books had long been returned to the physical education teacher. He was worried about finding ice, but with just a casual mention, the problem was solved. Indeed, a talented child was very useful in moments like this.

Pretending to have wandered into the woods, Wang Shijing returned carrying a large chunk of blackwood—sawed from the blackwood in the space, and it was sawed using an electric saw. There were many people to meet and numerous gifts to give in the capital. Jiang Kangning was handling the handover work at the Yamen. 

Everyone in the Wang household was helping Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing prepare the things to be taken to the capital. Fourth Aunt Wang, Zhao He, Wang Shuping, Wang Xing, Sun Dajiang, and over a dozen others who were close to them were all helping to prepare, as there was too much to take to the capital. Chen Sanli arranged for his largest ship to send them into the capital.

The preparations continued for a full half-month before the group was finally ready to depart. Even before dawn, the Wang estate was well-lit. At the entrance, Chen Sanli and Jiang Kangning sent over a total of twenty carriages, despite many items having already been sent to the docks earlier. The villagers from Xiushui Village had also arrived early to witness the grand exit of the household head from the Wang estate.

Dai Jiang, Guo Ziyu, and Kang Rui were part of the farewell procession. Since King Rong had brought guards, Dai Jiang’s guards did not need to return to the capital. They would remain in Xiushui County to protect the tea factory and the safety of the Wang estate while Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan were away. 

As Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan were not at home, Kang Rui and Guo Ziyu wouldn’t return to their respective residences. With Jiang Kangning absent at the county office, Guo Ziyu stayed at Kang Rui’s residence, and Dai Jiang, being rather blunt, requested to stay there. Kang Rui agreed, as there were not many people in his residence, and there were enough rooms.

They were going to the capital. Wang Qing and Nizi were particularly excited. If Wang Qing had any reluctance, it was toward leaving his good friends Guo Yu and Zou Wenzhe, along with two older brothers, Wang Yan and Zhao Congbo. It was tougher on Guo Yu and Zou Wenzhe, as Wang Qing informed them he would be away in the capital for a month or two. 

Wang Qing promised to bring them gifts and invited them to his home upon his return from the capital. When Wang Qing was on leave at home previously, Guo Yu took especially detailed notes during the lectures. When he went to the academy, Guo Yu handed over a thick stack of notes. Wang Qing was deeply touched by the care and thoughtfulness between friends.

Guo Zimu had only experienced painful memories in the capital. Once on the boat, he became melancholic and sat quietly, his expressions reflecting sorrow. Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing were engaged in conversation on the deck and didn’t notice Guo Zimu’s silence. When King Rong came down from the deck, he immediately noticed the change in Guo Zimu. Guo Zimu wore a mask, but there was a noticeable air of melancholy around him. King Rong sighed inwardly and walked up to him.

“Little Mu.” Guo Zimu snapped back to reality and stood up. “Uncle Murong.”

“Have a seat.” King Rong made Guo Zimu sit down and said, “Take off your mask. I’ve already told them. If there’s anything, they can report it behind the door.” Guo Zimu hesitated, he was genuinely afraid.

“Come on, take it off. With Uncle Murong here, what are you afraid of?” King Rong reached out and removed Guo Zimu’s mask, saying, “Once in the capital, you just have to show this face. Even if Uncle Murong doesn’t wield great power, he still has the ability to protect you.”

Guo Zimu lowered his head, not wanting to talk about what he had experienced in the capital. King Rong affectionately patted his shoulder. “Don’t be afraid. It’s different now. In the past, you and your brother suffered a lot, but now it’s not the same. When in the capital, just enjoy yourself and don’t be afraid of anything.”

Guo Zimu’s eyes reddened and King Rong, hearing him sniffle, was taken aback. “Why are you crying? Don’t cry, here.” King Rong pulled out a handkerchief and handed it over. “Stop crying, stop crying.” Guo Zimu’s tears made King Rong’s heart ache.

Guo Zimu took the handkerchief, wiped his tears, and looked up. “Uncle Murong, thank you. I’m just, I was just thinking about when my brother and I went to the capital in the past.”

Guo Zimu’s tears even wrinkled King Rong’s face. “Don’t dwell on the past. You’re having a good time now. In the future, when Uncle Murong meets this what’s-his-name, Rong Yue, I’ll be sure to give him a lesson for you.” Guo Zimu smiled and this smile made King Rong smile as well.

“No more crying. Come, play a game of chess with Uncle Murong.”

“Mm.”

At the entrance, Jiang Kangning gently put down and lifted a corner of the curtain, then turned to the people behind and gestured to go up. Approaching the deck, Shao Yunan asked, “Is everything all right?” Jiang Kangning responded, “It should be fine. The Lord is playing chess with Zimu, so let’s not disturb them by going in.”

Shao Yunan questioned, “Will it be okay for Big Guo and Little Guo in the capital? Big Brother, with Little Guo’s face, will there be any issues going to the capital?” Jiang Kangning replied, “There might have been issues before, but now it won’t happen. The King, being the only Prince, will protect Zimu and no one can touch him.” However, Shao Yunan was conflicted. “But, what about that person?”

Jiang Kangning didn’t understand at first. “Who?” Shao Yunan shifted behind Wang Shijing, “I don’t know if I should say…” Jiang Kangning understood instantly and reached out to scold Shao Yunan, who used Wang Shijing as a shield and shouted, “I’m just curious!” Jiang Kangning reprimanded sternly. “If you’re still so outspoken in the capital, I’ll break your legs!”

“Big Brother,” Wang Shijing stepped in to protect his wife. “Yunan is only like this with you; he’ll be careful outside.”

“You’re just spoiling him!”

Shao Yunan poked his head out. “Big Brother, do you think that person will…? Zimu is so attractive.”

“Are you still asking?”

“I’m curious.” Jiang Kangning reached for Wang Shijing to scold Shao Yunan. Shao Yunan, holding onto Wang Shijing’s clothes, dodged behind him. On the other side of the deck, Wang Qing playfully asked. “What are Little Father and Uncle Murong doing?”

Jiang Moxi replied, “Eagle, Chick, Naive.”

Wang Qing said, “…”

Shao Yun’an ultimately couldn’t get an answer from Jiang Kangning, but he was genuinely curious. After all, the position of emperor has historically been on the top of the lecherous list, the premier patron of courtesans, and openly unstoppable. Emperor Yongming’s affection for the Empress seemed deep, from what Shao Yunan had heard, the Emperor’s feelings for the Empress were like taking a sip from the Three Gorges, but could Zimu’s bewitching face, which was truly out of this world, not move Emperor Yongming? Shao Yunan had a huge question mark in his mind.

“Shijing, do you think that sending Little Guo to the capital might cause even bigger trouble? The more I think about it, the more concerned I become.” Back in their room on the ship, Shao Yunan expressed his worries to Wang Shijing.

Wang Shijing said, “The Emperor might be moved, but Uncle Murong said he would protect him and he will certainly keep his word. Surviving the chaos of the former Emperor’s reign and being appointed the only King by the current Emperor, Uncle Murong is definitely not as ordinary as he appears.”

However, Shao Yunan remained worried. “I trust Uncle Murong, but Little Guo’s face is too extraordinary. How about Uncle Murong’s family?” Wang Shijing was naturally clueless, and he suggested, “Why don’t you ask Qin Niang?”

“Right, I forgot. I should’ve asked earlier.” Shao Yunan went to find Qin Niang. Qin Niang was arranging lunch for her masters when Shao Yunan called her aside. After inquiring about King Rong’s family situation, Qin Niang truthfully answered. “The Lord has one wife and one concubine. The Crown Prince is the Queen’s son and the other son is born from a concubine. I heard that the concubine was originally the Queen’s accompanying maid but seemed to have passed away.”

Shao Yunan squinted… “How is the Queen?” Qin Niang seemed hesitant. She hesitated and then whispered. “It’s not something I should gossip about, but since Young Master asks, I’ll tell you, but it’s not something that should be repeated.”

“I understand.”

Qin Niang lowered her voice further. “I heard the King and the Queen didn’t have a good relationship. On the second day of their marriage, the Queen presented her accompanying maid to the King, demanding him to take her as a concubine. People in the palace whispered that the Queen didn’t allow the King into her chamber after that. The Crown Prince was born with a heart ailment, and the Queen said she wanted to pray for the Crown Prince’s blessings, so she set up a shrine in her room. After that, the King never entered the Queen’s chamber again. Later on, the Queen frequently went to the Rainforest Temple for seclusion, staying away from the residence for most of the year.”

“Ah?” Shao Yunan was taken aback. “What’s the Queen’s family background?” This was someone who obviously didn’t like King Luo Rong.

Qin Niang looked perplexed. “The Queen’s family is quite ordinary. Her father was just a sixth-ranking official. The King wasn’t favored in the previous Emperor’s time and the former Emperor casually set up a marriage for him. But the King is good. He never speaks of the Queen’s faults outside and any rewards from the palace, he always thinks about the Queen. It’s just that the palace can’t hide secrets and originally, not many knew about the King and the Queen’s issues. But ever since the Emperor ascended to the throne and appointed King Luo Rong, this matter has spread.”

“Have you met the Queen?”

“Only once. When the late Emperor passed away, the noble ladies and courtiers had to enter the palace to watch over his spirit. I saw her from a distance and her appearance was truly ordinary.” Shao Yunan felt a bit sad. “Uncle Murong has it really tough. Just pretend I never asked.”

“Okay.”

Shao Yunan returned to Wang Shijing. After he shared the details, Wang Shijing was also surprised and could only offer consolation. “All we can do is what’s within our capacity. In matters like this, we are younger and shouldn’t pry.”

“I know. But I really can’t imagine that Grandpa Murong’s family life is like that. He’s such a cheerful and simple old man.”

“Stop thinking about it. We’ll be on the ship for several days. What do you want to do?”

Shao Yunan looked up, “Do you.”

Wang Shijing squinted. “Do me?”

“Yeah, do you, huh!” Shao Yunan, who was completely powerless, was lifted onto Wang Shijing’s shoulders and thrown onto the bed. Immediately, Wang Shijing pinned him down and said, “The rooms on the ship aren’t soundproof.”

Shao Yunan, who initially wanted to protest, had to silence himself. Wang Shijing kissed him and with one hand over their pants, touched Shao Yunan’s slightly stiffening area. “Um…” Shao Yunan stopped resisting and wrapped his arms around Wang Shijing’s neck, engaging in a passionate kiss.

Jiang Kangning, who came to find Shao Yunan to play chess, was about to knock on the door when he suddenly heard a strange noise. He leaned in and listened against the door, immediately furrowing his brow. “Bang, bang, bang!”

“You two! It’s still early in the morning! Have some decency!” The two on the bed quickly separated. Shao Yunan, wincing, covered his face, feeling embarrassed.

“Come out quickly! Don’t hide in the room in broad daylight, making a fool of yourself. Come out.”

“Understood.” Shao Yunan sat up, buttoning up his clothes, grumbling. “Big Brother is really a mood killer.”

“Wife,” Wang Shijing was even more frustrated, reaching for Shao Yunan’s hand to make him sense his pain. Shao Yunan also felt uncomfortable. “Big Brother called us out; we can’t continue having fun.” A thought flashed through his mind and he leaned in, instantly turning into a seductive tease. “Official, do you want to try ship battles tonight?” Wang Shijing couldn’t stand this temptation and pushed Shao Yunan. “Quick fight!”

 

Edited by: Jaisland

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