Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
The couple then sent someone to exchange two hundred thousand taels of silver for smaller denominations and store them in their interspace. They also deposited five million taels of silver notes into the interspace for safekeeping. Finally, Zhou Ying took out the remaining six million taels. âYou can decide how to distribute this. If thereâs no other choice, you can give them to Gu Wanning. It would help ensure her comfort within the palace.â
âShould we leave something for the Zhou family?â Gu Chengrui asked.
After all, Zhou Ying was still technically the daughter of the Zhou family. By leaving, she was effectively severing a karmic tie. It was similar to the situation with the Gu family.
While he wasnât thrilled about Mr. Gu and the others taking advantage of him, he ultimately accepted it as a consequence of inhabiting his hostâs body. Providing them with a million taels of silver could be considered a form of retirement payment, definitively severing the connection.
âLetâs retrieve a hundred-year-old ginseng from the interspace,â Zhou Ying replied after a thoughtful pause. âPrincipal Zhou and I are only bound by blood, and Old Lady Zhou had already severed our ties. Giving him this ginseng can be seen as a symbolic severing of that blood relationship.â
âSounds good,â Gu Chengrui agreed with a nod.
That night, he entered the interspace and located a top-grade, hundred-year- old ginseng root. He then retrieved a mahogany box and carefully packed the ginseng inside.
The next day, he instructed Niu Fugui to deliver the gift to Principal Zhou, who personally oversaw the exchange.
Principal Zhou stared at the exquisite ginseng in his hand, disbelief etched across his face. Since his daughterâs return, it had become increasingly clear that she desired to sever ties with him.
When his son-in-law launched his attack, she offered no help.
Why, then, would Zhou Ying suddenly think of sending him this precious ginseng?
âDid your mistress have any messages for me?â Principal Zhou questioned. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Niu Fugui was momentarily stunned. The couple hadnât mentioned a word. However, he understood their intentions.
He then relayed, âMy Marquis and Madam are planning to embark on a voyage soon. Their return date is uncertain. This ginseng is for your health. Please take care of yourself in the future.â
âOut to sea? Where to?â Principal Zhou inquired further.
âIâm unsure of the destination, but Iâve delivered the gift. If youâll excuse me, I must take my leave.â With that, Niu Fugui turned and swiftly departed.
Principal Zhou remained bewildered, but he didnât pursue further questions. He knew very well that pressing Niu Fugui wouldnât yield any additional information.
Over the rest of their time, Gu Chengrui leveraged his connections to order high-quality silk, tea leaves, glassware, and porcelain, which were then shipped to the port.
The family then began packing their luggage in preparation for their departure. Gu Chengrui also assembled all the guards. âI believe youâre aware that my wife and I intend to set sail soon. If any of you wish to join us, go back and pack your things now. Weâll depart promptly in the morning three days from now. Those of you who choose to stay behind will be tasked with guarding the residence and assisting Chenglin in my absence.â
âMistress, weâd like to accompany you,â Lin Yitian declared. Since joining them, his treatment has steadily improved.
Furthermore, the couple treated him with genuine sincerity, which fueled his desire to join their voyage.
âIâll come as well. As a bachelor, I wouldnât mind broadening my horizons by traveling with yâall,â Tiger echoed his sentiment.
Thirty additional individuals stepped forward, most having been with the couple for the past six months.
Gu Chengrui observed them and replied, âVery well then. If your families have no objections, we can explore the world together. The rest of you will remain at the residence and ensure Chenglinâs safety.â
âMarquis,â Niu Fugui hesitantly inquired, âmay I accompany you as well?â