Chapter 1094: Chapter 1094

Chapter 1094: Chapter 1093: Picking Them Up

“In the back courtyard, the thoughts of those women are truly venomous, and they’ve been in the back courtyard of the Duke’s Mansion for more than ten or twenty years. That is their territory. Now that you’re newcomers, you must be very cautious, or else you won’t even know whom to blame if you suffer losses. Especially Yongzhu, she is a junior with the Duchess and the Concubines above her, a single word ‘filial’ can silence you, leaving you unable to voice your grievances!”

With this said, Gu Zikai was also filled with worry. The inner courtyard struggles, bloodless, are most capable of wearing a person down. Yongzhu grew up in the countryside; what does she know of such scheming? How many hidden losses will she suffer?

After furrowing his brow for quite some time, he finally said, “It’s rare for Changnan to speak some sense today; his worries are indeed serious. How about this, if you don’t mind, I could bring over a Sister from my mother’s side to help you keep an eye on things?”

Ninth Master Lee immediately protested, “What do you mean it’s rare for me to speak sense? Every word I say is reasonable! What use is a Sister from your family? Can a Sister from the Gu Family oversee matters in the Song Family? I say, why not let me think of a way to ask Consort De in the palace to bestow a Sister upon Yongzhu? With a Sister from the palace overseeing, even the Duchess would have to show some respect.”

Song Chongjin decisively declined their kind offer. Their family of three is supposed to navigate the Duke’s Mansion in an unorthodox manner, so how can they involve a Sister and still play their part?

Ninth Master Lee grew agitated, “What is wrong with you? Do you wish to watch Yongzhu be tormented by those women?”

Gu Zikai, remaining calm, observed Song Chongjin’s demeanor, surmised that he had his own plans, and merely silenced Ninth Master Lee, nodding at Song Chongjin, “As long as you know what you’re doing, we will take our leave first. Once you have officially returned to your roots, the Duke’s Mansion will undoubtedly host a grand banquet to introduce you to everyone; we will have plenty of opportunity to meet again!”

With that, he dragged Ninth Master Lee out of the door.

With his mouth covered, Ninth Master Lee still struggled to voice his opinion, making muffled sounds, his eyes glaring at Gu Zikai, while his hands tried to pry away Gu Zikai’s grip on his mouth.

Unfortunately, he was overpowered and was being dragged out somewhat awkwardly by Gu Zikai before being released.

Ninth Master Lee felt humiliated and worried about Wang Yongzhu, caring little for decorum as he burst out, “Why didn’t you let me speak? Doesn’t he know how dangerous the inner courtyard is? We know, don’t we? If anything does happen, it will be Yongzhu who suffers while he enjoys being favored by the Lord Duke out front—”

“Shut up! This is the Song Family’s business; what right do we have to interfere? Who are we to manage their back courtyard affairs? Can you use your brain before you speak?” Gu Zikai rebuked coldly.

Ninth Master Lee was stunned, calmed down with a deep breath, glanced back at the Song Family with a sour expression, let out a cold laugh, and walked away with a shake of his hand.

Old Yu Tou witnessed it all, returned hesitantly to tell Song Chongjin, who only instructed him to keep his mouth shut, knowing what could be said and what could not.

Frightened, Old Yu Tou kneeled down quickly, swearing to the heavens that he would absolutely not utter a word, before retreating anxiously.

The classmates from Jing County were initially surprised upon hearing this, with some envious, others jealous. Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novel✶fire.net

They realized that Song Chongjin was likely to ascend on a bright path laid with flowered steps, and in the future, they might all need to rely on him more.

Hence, no matter what they thought inwardly, outwardly they maintained their composure, each gracefully congratulating Song Chongjin on reuniting with his father and reclaiming his heritage.

They also mentioned, that after the New Year, they must all come together to properly celebrate and congratulate him.

Song Chongjin could only reply vaguely in agreement.

On the morning of December 26th, Song Hong sent his most trusted personal soldiers, driving a carriage, to the entrance of the Song Residence to pick them up.

Song Chongjin had been notified the night before.

They barely slept through the night, waking early to check their luggage before having breakfast when Old Yu Tou came to report that the people from the Duke’s Mansion had arrived at the door.

Song Chongjin nodded, upon which Old Yu Tou invited them in.

The leader of the personal soldiers was Song Hong’s closest guard leader, Song Wu, who had been by Song Hong’s side for nearly thirty years, risking life and limb for him.

He was highly valued by Song Hong, known as his right-hand man not only within the Duke’s Mansion but also outside.

Having him personally lead the team to pick them up was indeed no trivial matter.

Seeing this setup, the discerning would understand that Duke Weiguo greatly valued Song Chongjin.

Other sons of the household, upon seeing Song Wu, would still respectfully address him as Uncle Wu, showing their respect.

However, Song Wu was not one to become arrogant with success. When he reached Song Chongjin, he courteously saluted, “Greetings to the Eldest Young Master! The Lord Duke has commanded me to bring the brothers to escort the Young Master, Young Madam, and the family matriarch to the mansion. May I know if the Young Master’s luggage is ready, and when it would be convenient to depart?”

In recent days, Song Chongjin had not been idle. Although Yang Zongbao ran around outside daily and could not know the secrets inside Song Hong’s mansion, they were aware of the widely known information.

Thus, they were naturally aware of Song Wu’s identity.

Although he did not fear Song Wu, there was no need to make enemies unnecessarily.

More importantly, the better he performed, the more wary the women in the back courtyard would be, and the more protective Song Hong would become, allowing Yongzhu and his mother-in-law to gain more influence in the back courtyard.

Fully aware of this, Song Chongjin stepped aside to avoid Song Wu’s courtesy, clasped his hands, and said, “Thank you, Uncle Wu, and all the uncles, for your troubles! We are ready and can set off now.”

A glimmer of insight flashed in Song Wu’s eyes. During the Qi City visit, he wasn’t with the master, but hearing what his brothers said upon their return, hadn’t paid it much mind at the time.

To Song Wu, the master was the one he was bound to serve loyally, and whomever the master recognized was his young master.

During the previous visits when the master came to see Song Chongjin, he also had matters that kept him away, but he witnessed the master’s fluctuating emotions during those days for the external bloodline.

At that time, Song Wu felt a bit alarmed, fully aware of the master’s attitude towards the young masters over the years.

Therefore, the assignment to pick them up today, even if Song Hong hadn’t arranged it for him, he would have volunteered.

In this first meeting, unexpectedly, this newly recognized eldest young master wasn’t trying to hide his identity at all but openly acknowledged him.

Interesting! Song Wu finally understood why his master was so determined to bring the eldest young master back.

Having figured this out, Song Wu appeared even more amiable, “I dare not be addressed as such by the eldest young master. Please, young master, leave these luggage to my brothers—”

He then instructed his brothers to load the luggage in the courtyard onto the carriage.

At a glance, there were only a dozen boxes in the courtyard, appearing rather simple.

Each of the personal soldiers took one, clearing them away cleanly.

Outside the Song Residence’s entrance were seven or eight carriages lined up neatly.

Song Chongjin first arranged for Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang to board the second carriage, letting Gu Yu accompany them.

Old Granny Wu and Old Madam Ding boarded the carriages behind them.

Old Yu Tou’s two sons, Da Zhuang and Er Zhuang, prepared in advance, approached the soldiers with smiles, holding wine bags filled with fine wine.

The personal soldiers, knowing that these two seemingly unremarkable youths were close to the eldest young master, treated them well. Moreover, the youths were considerate, offering warmth on a cold day with fine wine.

Thus, they were allowed to hover nearby.

Only after seeing Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang safely in the carriage did Song Chongjin turn back.

Yang Zongbao stood at the door, waved goodbye without saying a word.

Song Chongjin nodded, turned, and boarded a carriage.

Song Wu followed, lowered the window blinds, and the carriage rumbled slowly out of the alley, heading towards the unknown Duke’s Mansion.