Chapter 10, Preparing to Move

Liu Jing was lost in thought for a while before finally stepping towards her room. As the second daughter-in-law of the Liu family, she had her own study, but in order to accomplish anything, it was essential to do so without leaving any traces. Now that the second daughter-in-law of the Liu family had 'married off', her elder brother, Liu Wenjing, could not return to his sister's room. Therefore, Liu's mother connected her original study with another side room, transforming it into Liu Wenjing's bedroom

Liu Jing forced a bitter smile and said softly, "Uncle, Gu Gong is far away in Luoyang."

Liu Jing was fastening her belt when she turned her head and said, "Mother, remember to call me Wenjing from now on." Then she continued, "I... I never intended to hide these details from you, Mother. I am currently thinking that my actions this time were not discreet, and I am always worried that those rascals will leak the news." Liu Jing finished dressing, adjusted the jade pendant at her waist, gritted her teeth, and resolutely said, "Mother, let us sell this house. This time, we have repaid the debts and still have a surplus of seventy-five taels of gold. After deducting expenses, there should still be a little left. Together with the money from this house and the silk shop, it can be used to rescue Father."

Due to the male head of the household being imprisoned, this New Year at the Liu residence was spent without any laughter

Although six years have passed, he still remembers clearly. That year, the eleven-year-old Liu Jing had the thirteen or fourteen-year-old Gu Jia Erlang completely wrapped around her finger, tricking him into falling into a trap. The next day, when they pretended to share a bond of life and death and were rescued together, Gu Jia Erlang was so gentle with Liu Jing. His nose was red, clearly having shed tears in silence. However, this beautiful scene turned sour when he realized that it had all been Liu Jing's play from beginning to end. The young man's ugly expression made even the onlooker shudder with fear. Gu Jia Erlang was so gentle with Liu Jing, his nose red, clearly having shed tears in silence. Yet, this beautiful scene turned sour when he realized that it had all been Liu Jing's play from beginning to end. The young man's ugly expression made even the onlooker shudder with fear.

As the words 'begging' were uttered by the young girl, a sudden silence fell over the Liu family's entourage.

After traveling for ten days on the road, a convoy also arrived at the fork leading to Mo County from the right side. This convoy was grand and imposing, with a number of people exceeding ten times that of Liu's residence. Even from a distance, one could hear the sounds of laughter and commotion coming from the group.

On this day, Liu Jing, after playing the piano for a while, walked to the window, rubbing her hands together while exhaling warm breath, and stared blankly at the vast expanse of white land outside.

Hmm. Liu Jing nodded and after a while, she softly asked: "Has the broker responded, is there anyone willing to purchase?"

Liu Jing walked slowly along the bare tree-lined path, stepping on the thick piles of snow, and returned to her room amidst the sound of 'zzzz'

Uncle Wang quietly walked up behind Liu Jing, and after a while, he called out: "Da Lang." ... Having received Liu Jing's instructions, everyone in the Liu residence now referred to her as Da Lang. When outsiders inquired about Liu Jing's whereabouts, the servants uniformly stated that she had married into Poyang County.

Casually picking up the book, Liu Jing flipped through its yellowed, curled corners, let out a soft sigh, and tossed it into the fire pit in the corner of the room. Watching the flames leap up high for a moment before gradually extinguishing after burning for a while, a hint of coldness flickered in Liu Jing's warm, spring-like eyes—what use is this thing? It cannot help her save her father, nor can it assist her in settling her mother and younger sister.

"Indeed, didn't Gu's second son say he has arrived in Wu County? If we can find Gu's second son, perhaps he would be willing to help us out of respect for an old acquaintance." Uncle Wang only mentioned 'out of respect for an old acquaintance' and did not say 'out of regard for the fact that you are an engaged couple'.

Due to matters concerning the team's accommodation and meals, it was all handled by Uncle Wu and Uncle Wang. Liu Jing nestled in the ox cart, contemplating the various aspects of arriving in Wu County. Just as she was deep in thought, a clear and melodious giggle floated into her cart with the wind. "Elder brother, this team is so funny, they even brought along such a shabby cabinet. And look over there, that chair has a big hole in it... Hehe, elder brother, are they so poor that they have to beg?"

Seeing the heavy snow, Liu Jing exhaled a breath laced with white frost and turned to her mother, softly explaining: "Mother, I think this way, after the New Year, our family can move to Wu County. First, it will allow us to be close to help Father, and second, it will help us avoid disaster." After a pause, she gritted her teeth and said: "We will rent a small courtyard on the outskirts of Wu County to live in, and I will find a way to solve our future livelihood."

On Yanghe Street, thick layers of ice and snow that have just begun to melt are everywhere. Countless poorly dressed commoners shiver as they step out of their homes, hunched over and rubbing their hands while wandering the streets, as if by strolling like this, they might find some money to alleviate their current plight of lacking clothing and food

Although the servants all acknowledged their young master's talents, dealing with the authorities had always been extremely difficult, a task far more challenging than earning a thousand gold coins. At this moment, including Liu's mother, they all hoped for assistance from Gu Gong, who was far away in Luoyang, wondering if he could lend a helping hand out of past friendships and familial ties. As for Liu Jing, they did not dare to hold any hopes.

At this time, when the winter snow has just melted, the New Year has just passed, and the weather is still very cold, there are few pedestrians and vehicles on the road. When encountered, they are also in a hurry.

Along the way, neighbors occasionally approached to inquire about their destination. Liu Jing provided a unified response, instructing everyone to say that they were heading to Jiangliu County to visit relatives

Turning around, she took the lead, walking ahead while quietly observing this place she had lived in for six years. Every blade of grass and every tree here felt so familiar, yet she was about to leave. Once she departed, she feared that when she returned, it would only be as a guest, coming and going in a hurry.

From a distance, Liu Jing was seen approaching. Regardless of whether they were neighbors or shopkeepers, everyone was looking at her and pointing. As Liu Jing drew closer, voices occasionally floated into her ears, "Is this the eldest son of the Liu family?" "He really is quite handsome." "He is very talented. His father owed a huge debt of one thousand five hundred taels. In the end, this eldest son of the Liu family managed to earn enough money to pay off the debt in just three months, and even had some left over." "What an impressive young man." "Is this the eldest son of the Liu family?" "He really is quite handsome." "He is very talented. His father owed a huge debt of one thousand five hundred taels. In the end, this eldest son of the Liu family managed to earn enough money to pay off the debt in just three months, and even had some left over." "What an impressive young man."

She looked at Liu Mu seriously, "Mother, you must believe me, this time I can bring back one thousand five hundred gold. Once we reach Wu County, I will be able to support this family." She lowered her brows, concealing her gaze, her voice slightly hoarse, "I will definitely succeed!" At that moment, Liu Jing couldn't help but recall the mocking words of the leader in black, 'You really are disappointing.'

Thus, in a moment of silence, Liu Jing slowly drew back the car curtain. Then, she turned her head to meet the gaze of a remarkably handsome young man, as well as a spoiled young girl who was delicately tugging at the young man's sleeve.

Uncle Wang looked at her slender and tall figure, and said in a hoarse voice: "Dawang, now that Gu Gong is a high-ranking minister in the court, do you think we can seek his help regarding the matter of the sovereign?"

Having said that, she walked in front of her mother. While supporting her contemplative mother, she pushed open the door and walked outside. ... Suddenly opening the door, she discovered that the outside was a blanket of white ... . ... It turned out that on the very day and night she had fallen into a deep sleep, a heavy snowfall had occurred. The snow was so thick that it completely covered the trees and houses in the courtyard, and as she looked around, there was only a vast expanse of white.

Liu Jing understood what this silence meant. In this era, where elegance is highly valued and everyone takes pride in their arrogance, even the most disreputable libertine considers 'integrity' to be an honor, the words 'begging' are a stark and naked humiliation. Even without lifting the curtain of the carriage, she knew that everyone in the Liu residence was waiting for her to make an appearance, waiting for her, the mistress of the Liu family, to take charge of the situation

The silk shop of Liu Fu is located on the most prominent street of Yanghe County, and the shop itself is quite spacious. Not long ago, this silk shop was bustling with people, but now its doors are tightly shut, and a layer of cobwebs has even accumulated on it

Liu Jing did not turn around, she simply said softly: "Uncle, do you need something from me?"

The New Year is approaching, and with the heavy snow falling, Liu Jing thinks that those wayward sons, even if they know where their hometown is, would not come rushing back on such a snowy day when travel is impossible. Therefore, her family can celebrate the New Year in peace.

As the crowd discussed among themselves, they respectfully gazed at Liu Jing, who was walking slowly towards them. Throughout history, those who possess true ability have always been revered by others. In the hearts of these neighbors, Liu Jing is now regarded as an exceptionally talented young man.

Liu Jing stood in front of the satin shop, with her hands clasped behind her back, quietly observing.

Seeing her like this, Uncle Wu stepped forward and said softly: "Dalang, you will definitely be able to rescue the master"

On the first clear day, Liu Jing took two servants to the street

On the day when Liu Jing was asleep, the frugal Liu mother had taken the remaining dozens of taels of gold to arrange their home and also purchased some items for the winter and the New Year. Now, as the heavy snow continued to fall, the members of the Liu family were not in danger of freezing or starving.

Liu Jing forced a smile, exchanged a few casual pleasantries, then quickened her pace towards her family's silk shop

She closed the door and walked to the table, where a copy of "Lessons for Women" was placed neatly. Having accompanied her for nearly six years and having been copied countless times, Liu Jing had a very deep impression of it.

The owner of the bun shop coughed once, then continued to rub his hands and grinned, saying: "Liu's eldest son, have you gotten engaged yet?" When he asked this question, Liu Jing felt the surroundings quiet down for a moment. Turning her head to look, she saw that everyone was staring at her with eyes as fierce as wolves and tigers, their gazes almost glowing with envy.

At this moment, a sound of footsteps was heard

Until now, Uncle Wang still clearly remembers the gaze of Gu Jialiang, who clenched his fists tightly and glared at Liu Jing with a pale face. That gaze was filled with hatred, boundless anger, as well as immense humiliation and pain

Liu Jing, who originally intended to say "there is no engagement," shivered at the sight and quickly replied: "It is indeed settled."

Uncle Wang nodded and said, "There is no other way. " After chatting for a while longer, Uncle Wang took his leave.

"Have you gotten engaged?" The owner of the bun shop let out a disappointed "oh" and sighed, "Why is it that all the good young men are being taken away?"

Liu Jing let out a hum and said, "There is no rush. We can leave two servants here to wait for news." At this point, she sighed deeply and added, "Let's go back."

However, this matter of selling cannot be rushed. Liu Jing merely put up the sign and then安心 waited at home.

As Liu Jing walked past a bun shop, the middle-aged shopkeeper rubbed his hands and grinned, saying: "Liu family's young master, come out for a stroll, won't you?"

That gaze was too terrifying, and to this day, Uncle Wang still remembers it vividly. Therefore, he cannot believe that Gu's second son could still have feelings from back then when facing Liu Jing!

On the twenty-ninth day of the Lunar New Year, the sky finally cleared up

She was so cautious, taking every precaution, precisely to guard against those rascals whom she had once employed, who had come to her home and had schemed to take advantage of her salt business.

Liu Jing contemplated for a moment and replied, "As soon as the heavy snow stops, we will set out. At that time, you and Uncle Wu will go to Luoyang to seek assistance from Master Gu, while one of you will find Gu Erlang. The remaining matters will be left to me"

After obtaining the consent of Liu Mu, Liu Jing began to make arrangements. She found a broker and expressed her intention to sell the Liu residence and the shop known as the Silk Store.

On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, after the fifth day had passed, Liu Jing left two loyal servants to guard the Liu residence. After carefully instructing them on how to respond to any outsiders of unknown origin, she took the remaining family members, hired more than a dozen ox carts, and loaded most of their furniture, clothing, bedding, and utensils onto the carts. In the evening, the entire family set off on their journey in a grand procession

There are indeed some, but those people know that we are in a difficult situation, and they are all desperately driving the prices down

Recently, Liu Mu's heart has been in turmoil. After contemplating Liu Jing's words, she thought to herself: those reckless men are ruthless characters who would kill without a second thought; they must not be allowed to find their way here, and they must not harm my A Jing. With this in mind, she quickly nodded and replied, "Alright, I will follow your lead." To be honest, Liu Mu has only lived in Yanghe County for a few years; this is not her hometown, so she does not have the concept of being reluctant to leave her native land. With this in mind, she quickly nodded and replied, "Alright, I will follow your lead." To be honest, Liu Mu has only lived in Yanghe County for a few years; this is not her hometown, so she does not have the concept of being reluctant to leave her native land.

Liu Jing turned around, politely nodding to the shopkeeper and smiling, "Yes." Almost as soon as her smile blossomed, the eyes of the women around her sparkled with brightness.