Chapter 123

Chapter 123

Gu Ran certainly had no intention of staying in the capital.

First of all, although she was no longer the original Gu Ran, she was still occupying the original owner's shell.

In the past, when the original owner was raised as the eldest daughter of the Ningyuan Marquis family, she often represented them in the social circles of noble ladies in the capital. Many people were familiar with her style. Now that she had returned to the capital in a grand manner, bearing the title of General Qiao’s great-granddaughter, many people had sent invitations to catch up with her.

Why was she refusing to see anyone?

Apart from seeking tranquility, wasn't it because she feared that someone might notice the difference and cause trouble out of suspicion?

Now that she had cut ties with the Ningyuan Marquis family and rejected the olive branch extended by the Ningyuan Marquis, she had already offended them. Wouldn't it be risky to stay in the capital, where the Gu family might try to undermine her?

People didn't dare to act against her now, merely because of General Qiao's influence, but General Qiao was about to leave the capital and return to Da Mao City. If General Qiao left and she stayed behind, who knew if they would dare to make a move?

To eliminate such potential risks, it was best to stay as far away from the capital as possible.

Secondly, she had worked hard in Jianzhou to accumulate so much wealth. Of course, she needed to return to take care of those assets. With those properties, she could already live a life of perpetual vacation. Why would she choose to stay in the capital?

If she stayed in the capital, how would she support herself? Rely on the money she received from rewards? The gifts from General Qiao?

Living in the capital was not easy.

First, she would have to spend a large sum to buy a house. If she wanted to live in a nice grand mansion, her savings wouldn’t cover it, and she would need to find extra money.

Then, she would need to find a livelihood or start a business. She would be on her own—well, not exactly, she had met a few officials through General Qiao's introduction. But starting from scratch in the capital, where every branch and root involved court officials and relatives, and where people had three hundred schemes in mind, was not something she looked forward to.

With established businesses that let her earn passive income, why would she choose to stay in the capital?

Climate-wise, she wasn’t accustomed to it either!

She preferred to return and live in the tangerine orchard, where she could hold a tangerine in one hand.

Gu Ran, who had no great ambitions and just wanted a stable life, naturally dismissed the option of staying in the capital. On the sixth day of April, she set sail for Da Mao City with Pei Sixth Lady and Xu San, accompanying General Qiao on the ship.

At the seaport, Gu Third Daughter, who had come to see off her older sister, couldn't help but feel regretful and desolate.

"Mother, Mama!" Yoyo, who had come with her mother, tugged at Gu Third Daughter's hand.

"What is it, Yoyo?"

Yoyo looked up at her mother, smiling, and took out two red packets. Just as she was about to hand one to her mother, she gestured and confirmed before giving her one. "Second Aunt gave me these before she left. She said this one is for me, and this one is for Mother!"

Gu Third Daughter was stunned.

"Mother?"

Gu Third Daughter took the red packet from Yoyo's hand, opened it, and saw two hundred taels of silver notes inside. Her eyes turned red, and she looked out at the official ship disappearing into the sea, murmuring, "Second Sister!"

"Second Aunt is so kind! Mama, both Second Aunt and Aunt Pei told me that when I grow up, I can visit them, and I'll have endless tangerines to eat!" Yoyo quickly tucked the other red packet into her pocket and said, "Mother, Mother, let's go see Second Aunt together!"

"Alright, in the future, your father and I will definitely take you there," Gu Third Daughter said with a bright smile as she looked down at her daughter.

At sea, it was the busiest time for maritime transport in early summer. Ships of all sizes—passenger and cargo—came and went in a steady stream.

Gu Ran and Pei Sixth Lady stood on the deck, leaning on the ship's railing, feeling the gentle sea breeze gradually warmed by the early summer sun. Their moods were as clear and bright as the blue sky.

Behind them, General Qiao sat on a stool, squinting at the calm, gently rippling sea, his expression serene, with the Xiaojinhua (the little golden flower) he had brought from Xiaoxi Village still in his arms.

The Xiaojinhua, who has been with General Qiao for a long time, is now very close to him and is a seasoned traveler, not nervous at all for her second voyage.

Xiaojinhua had also been a palace cat, and compared to other cats, not only had she toured the capital and broadened her horizons, but she had also literally been gilded. Look at her expression; she seemed prouder than any other cat.

It’s clear that having a powerful patron makes all the difference.

As for Xiaodouhua, fearing she might fall into the water if left unattended, Pei Sixth Lady confined her in the cabin. But she still acted like an inquisitive baby, exploring her new surroundings by jumping and bouncing around.

Xu Sanlang, who had boarded the official ship with them, came out holding a pot of hot tea, smiling as he sat next to General Qiao. The two maids he brought immediately set up a small table in front of them, securing it with ropes, wooden pegs, and iron pieces, and then placed tea cups and snacks on it.

He then took the hot tea from Xu Sanlang and served his master and General Qiao.

General Qiao was not polite either.

When Gu Erniang told him that the Third Young Master of the Fusheng merchant family intended to accompany him when leaving the capital, he had already heard about this person.

Over the years, Gu Erniang had done many business deals with Fusheng, and even the tangerine orchard, which was not only initially commissioned by Gu Erniang to buy the orange trees, was also one of the most important regular buyers of Gu Family Xiaoju.

Since Xu Sanlang was a key figure helping his granddaughter, General Qiao naturally wouldn’t neglect him. He accepted the tea offered by the Xu family without hesitation, took it cleanly, and started chatting with Xu Sanlang while sipping, occasionally feeding Xiaojinhua a few bites when she looked at him with her round cat eyes.

"General Qiao's palace cat looks really cute. Where did you get her?" Xu Sanlang couldn't help but ask.

General Qiao stroked the cat, who was busy eating, and smiled, "You don’t know? This Xiaojinhua was taken from Gu Erniang's home."

"Oh?"

Xu Sanlang thought about it—yes, Gu Erniang’s small cottage did keep many palace cats. So, General Qiao also had a liking for these little creatures!

"Indeed, when I did business with Erniang a few years ago, I visited Xiaoxi Village and stayed at her small cottage. I saw a few palace cats there. It seems she has been keeping them all along, and by now, I estimate..." Xu Sanlang said, his gaze drifting towards the two ladies standing by the ship rail, "there must be quite a few cats in the small cottage, right?"

"Many," General Qiao nodded.

"Then, when we return to Xiaoxi Village, I'll visit and ask for one," Xu Sanlang said, "cats bring wealth, a good omen."

Xu Sanlang glanced back at General Qiao, smiled, and then looked again at the two by the rail.

Over the years, due to business, he had frequent interactions with Gu Erniang, so seeing her graceful appearance now wasn’t a surprise. However, Pei Sixth Lady, compared to three years ago, was astonishing.

Although she was still outstanding in appearance, her height was unusually tall, not something average people could compare to.

The Xu family, who resided in Zhengzhou, had never heard of the Pei family producing such a tall and beautiful young lady.

Moreover, Pei Sixth Lady, who often dressed like a man and stood next to Gu Erniang, might appear to outsiders as a perfect match if they didn’t know the truth.

As Xu Sanlang thought this, he saw Gu Erniang say something, and Pei Sixth Lady looked down, smiling as she gazed at Gu Erniang.

Seeing the way Pei Sixth Lady looked at Gu Erniang, Xu Sanlang’s heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Maybe he was mistaken.

Xu Sanlang shifted his gaze, took a sip of tea, glanced at General Qiao who was playing with the cat as if no one was around, and then couldn’t help but look back at the two by the rail.

Gu Erniang, he really didn’t expect that she had become General Qiao’s adopted granddaughter. And it was said that General Qiao had introduced her to several highly positioned officials in the court.

The rumors were true; Gu Erniang’s connections were getting better and better.

In the past, the Ningyuan Marquis family was favored by the emperor, and she, as the beloved adopted daughter of the Ningyuan Marquis family, enjoyed over a decade of luxury and prestige and was married into Prime Minister Qin’s estate.

Though Prime Minister Qin's estate was later convicted and exiled, it only took a few years for them to rescue General Qiao.

Triumphantly returning to the capital at this time, and coinciding with the new emperor's ascension, General Qiao, having been wronged for many years, was now a favorite in the new emperor's eyes.

Gu Erniang had indeed found herself a powerful patron!

Not to mention, Gu San Niang, who was close to her, was the daughter-in-law of the Cheng family. Cheng Ninth Brother, a jinshi who passed the imperial examinations, was also a substantive civil official in the Capital Prefecture. In a few years, his future would likely be immeasurable.

He never imagined that Gu Erniang, all the way in Min Prefecture, would rise to such prominence. If only he had known…

Xu Sanlang poured himself a cup of tea and glanced at Gu Erniang.

But now, perhaps, it wasn't too late?

When Xu Sanlang thought it wasn't too late, he naturally meant that it wasn't too late to consider proposing a marriage alliance with Gu Erniang at this time.

Their Fusheng Trading Company, relying on the goods he transported from Min Prefecture to the northern regions and the capital, had gained significant fame. Among the most popular southern goods were the konjac jelly, citrus fruits, and the Gu family's citrus marmalade and canned citrus that were available out of season in May and June, all made by Gu Erniang.

When the overseer suggested considering Gu Erniang as a potential bride, Xu Sanlang thought that if Fusheng Trading Company wanted to solidify its position in the capital and stand out among the other imperial merchants, as the third son, he needed a wife who could support him in the capital.

Just like his elder and second brothers, their marriage partners were carefully selected by their father from among the officials in the capital, women who could benefit the merchant house in various aspects.

Although their status wasn't as exalted as the noble marquis estates in the capital, they were indeed substantial enough to support Fusheng Trading Company's standing in the capital. Otherwise, over the years, despite Fusheng acquiring many rare southern goods and making substantial profits, they had managed to resolve troublemakers and keep things under control.

If Gu Erniang had remained an ordinary household in Xiaxi Village, relying solely on her own abilities to make a living, his thoughts would not have changed. But now, Gu Erniang's status had indeed changed.

Firstly, the identity of being General Qiao's recognized granddaughter gave her access to the influential figures in the capital, and even the other prominent families in Da Mao City that were friendly with the century-old Qiao family.

Secondly, even without considering the Ningyuan Marquis family's attitude towards her, the fact that she was General Qiao's only adopted granddaughter meant that the noble families and ladies she had known when she was raised as the legitimate daughter of the Ningyuan Marquis could be re-entered into this upper-class social circle if she wished.

Lastly, there was the Cheng family. Cheng Ninth Brother, Gu Erniang's brother-in-law, and the Cheng family itself were individuals with real power.

Even if Gu Erniang didn't wish to stay in the capital to pursue any benefits, with the title of General Qiao's grandson-in-law and the connections behind it, there would be no need for Gu Erniang to personally intervene. With just this title, it would be easier to lower the barriers to entering the various circles of power in the capital.

In this sense, Gu Erniang had become his ideal marriage prospect.

Now was the time when court officials, common folk, and even the emperor held General Qiao in the highest regard. The timing was perfect, and it was the easiest time to accomplish things under the name of the Qiao family.

So, it was best to take this opportunity to finalize this advantageous marriage.

Xu Sanlang sipped his tea quietly, occasionally glancing toward the other side of the deck.

Soon, Pei Sixth Lady, who had been accompanying Gu Ran, noticed the occasional glances coming their way and casually looked back, catching sight of General Qiao and Xu Sanlang on the deck.

It was Xu Sanlang who had been glancing over frequently.

When Pei Sixth Lady confirmed it was him, his brows couldn't help but furrow.

Was Xu Sanlang suddenly getting a little too close to Erniang?

Why?

Pei Sixth Lady had always harbored hostility towards Xu Sanlang.

Before he arrived in Xiaxi Village, Erniang had already been in contact with Xu Sanlang.

It wasn't just jealousy that he hadn't become acquainted with Erniang earlier, but a deep-seated wariness.

At first, Pei Sixth Lady didn't understand where this wariness came from, but as he gradually realized his own feelings, he understood. It was the natural male instinct to feel threatened by a potential rival.

Just like how Yang Erniang had initially been hostile toward him.

Therefore, every time he saw Erniang chatting and laughing with Xu San, a wave of displeasure would rise within him.

But he held it back.

After all, Xu San was the Third Young Master of the Fusheng, and many of Erniang’s business dealings were with him.

He hadn’t noticed any ulterior motives from Xu San toward Erniang, which eased his mind somewhat.

But after returning to the capital, why had his attitude suddenly changed?

After secretly observing him a few times, Pei Sixth Lady confirmed that, indeed, the Third Young Master of Fusheng had suddenly taken an interest in Erniang.

It wasn’t that he had feelings for her when they were in Xiaxi Village, but rather after they came to the capital, why was he paying so much attention to Erniang?

As someone who had once been part of the Heaven Rank First bandit group, Pei Sixth Lady quickly realized the direct reason why Xu San was treating Erniang differently. She couldn’t help but let out a cold snort.

So he was just a speculator as well!

But with her around, she wouldn’t let Erniang be deceived by this man.

From the first day the official ship set sail, Pei Sixth Lady had been vigilantly guarding against Xu San’s attempts to get close to Gu Ran. No matter where Erniang went or what she did, Pei Sixth Lady would be by her side, ensuring that Xu San had no opportunity to fawn over her.

Indeed, Xu San wanted to build a relationship with Erniang and take their connection further, but every time he tried to talk to her, the ever-present Pei Sixth Lady would deliberately give him a cold look, interrupt the conversation, divert the topic, or insert herself into it. As a result, every time it ended up being a sisterly conversation between Erniang and Pei Sixth Lady, leaving him unable to get a word in, with no solution in sight.

Gu Ran had naturally noticed the underlying tension between Pei Sixth Lady and Xu San.

At first, she didn’t know the reason, but when she realized that Xu San seemed to have different intentions toward her, and that Sixth Lady was being particularly aggressive toward Xu San because of this, she initially misunderstood. She didn’t think that Xu San had his eyes on her.

Xu San didn’t return to Min Prefecture with Fusheng’s cargo ship immediately but instead waited to set sail to Da Mao City together with them. Gu Ran understood his intention.

Xu San probably wanted to leverage General Qiao’s influence in Da Mao City to ensure a smooth opening of Fusheng there. In simpler terms, he hoped to leverage General Qiao’s influence and the Qiao family’s reputation to secure a foothold in Da Mao City.

She had inquired about it. Da Mao City was the second-largest city outside of the capital. Initially, it was the royal capital at the founding of the Great Sheng Dynasty. The noble families in the capital might not have influence in Da Mao City, and the connections and resources that worked in the capital might not be effective in Da Mao City.

The noble families of Da Mao City and those of the capital were two different groups. Therefore, even if one could establish a business in the capital, it wouldn’t be easy to gain a foothold in Da Mao City.

Fusheng could open branches in the capital, Zheng Prefecture, and Jian Prefecture, but it might not necessarily succeed in Da Mao City.

That’s why Xu San had set his sights on both her and General Qiao.

As for Xu San’s approach, Gu Ran wasn’t particularly opposed to it. In business, one must be adept at seizing every opportunity.

Just like when she was in Xiaxi Village, taking advantage of the Liu family and Zhu family’s tangerine orchard being severely weakened to quietly develop her own tangerine orchard. Similarly, Xu San wanted to expand Fusheng’s operations and open a branch in Da Mao City. Lacking any foundation there, he saw General Qiao, who could bring him into Da Mao City, and immediately seized the opportunity. It was the same principle.

It was only natural that Xu San showed her some extra attention.

But why was Pei Sixth Lady unhappy when she saw Xu San being a little more attentive to her?

Could it be…?

So, on this day, after receiving the pastries that Xu San had sent over through a maid, Gu Ran divided them into small dishes, brewed some tea, handed a portion to Pei Sixth Lady, and seeing her sullen face, asked tentatively, “Sixth Lady, could it be that you have some feelings for Xu San?”

Otherwise, why would you pull a long face just because Xu San is showing me a little attention?

If Sixth Lady had feelings for Xu San, it would be better to clarify things. As for her and Xu San, they probably didn’t have those kinds of feelings. Otherwise, after working together in business for so many years, no matter how dull or slow they were, sparks would have flown by now.

Pei Sixth Lady’s expression darkened even more, and she impatiently pushed the pastries away.

Gu Ran shrugged nonchalantly and picked up the piece of pastry that had been served to her, taking a bite.

Mmm, delicious.

It is said that among the four guards and two maids that Xu Sanlang brought on board, one of the maids is a cook from his household. For the past few days, the cook has mostly been holed up in the galley, responsible for the three daily meals. Even General Qiao has praised his cooking skills, and she has been fortunate enough to enjoy the food as well.

After calming down and calmly considering their situation and her current position, Pei Sixth Lady felt both annoyed and embarrassed. She covered her chin and said in a sullen tone, "Who has feelings for him?"

"Then why..."

Has she been giving him the cold shoulder these past few days?

"Haven't you noticed?"

"Noticed what?"

"That sycophant is trying to make a move on you."

"I know," Gu Ran said indifferently. "Isn't it just that he wants to use my connection to General Qiao?"

"You know?" Pei Sixth Lady's eyes widened in shock.

"Yes, business dealings. As the Third Young Miss, he has had a pleasant collaboration with me over the years. He wants to expand Fusheng Trading Company to Da Mao City and leverage the Qiao family's connections. And I happen to be the adopted granddaughter of General Qiao. He probably wants to use me to get close to the influential families in Da Mao City that have ties with the Qiao family!"

It is said that the ancestors of General Qiao's family were among the ten great generals of the Great Sheng Dynasty. They hold considerable prestige throughout the dynasty and are long-standing aristocrats in Da Mao City. Previously, due to Du Jiang's framing, they fell from grace, but now that General Qiao has returned to Da Mao City, he is bound to revive the Qiao family's prestige and status.

Pei Sixth Lady snorted coldly, thinking that Gu Ran might as well have made things clear.

"What I mean is, he's trying to make a move on you personally."

Gu Ran was startled and looked up at Pei Sixth Lady. "Are you sure?"

"Why don't you ask him yourself?"

Impossible, right?

Gu Ran carefully recalled Xu Sanlang's actions since he came on board and looked at the exquisite pastry in her hand. *Hmm, maybe there’s something to it.*

"But..." Gu Ran met Pei Sixth Lady's slightly nervous face and smiled. "If he's making a move on me, why does it bother you so much, Sixth Miss?"

Pei Sixth Lady hesitated, struggling to say, "He... is not a suitable match for you."

He had interacted with Erniang before but never expressed such feelings. Only now, after Erniang returned to the capital to receive her reward and became General Qiao's granddaughter, did he start to view her differently because Fusheng Trading Company is opening in Da Mao City. Isn't this the behavior of an opportunist who changes his tune based on circumstances?

Someone like him isn’t worthy of someone as wonderful as Erniang.

Seeing Gu Ran continue to eat the pastries that Xu Sanlang had sent over with a smile, Pei Sixth Lady felt both frustrated and uneasy. "Could it be that... Erniang, you... like him?"

Gu Ran swallowed the last bite, sipped her tea, and then smiled at Pei Sixth Lady. "If I really liked him, would you treat him a little better, Sixth Miss?"

Pei Sixth Lady was struck as if by lightning, her face turning pale instantly. She reached out and grabbed Gu Ran's arm. "How could you possibly...?"

Surprised, Gu Ran looked at the hand grabbing her arm and then at Pei Sixth Lady's changed expression, feeling astonished.

Why is Sixth Miss reacting so strongly to the idea of me liking someone else?

Didn’t she already make it clear that she doesn’t have feelings for Xu Sanlang?

"Sixth Miss?"

"I don't like that Xu San, and you're not allowed to like him either," said Pei Six, somewhat flustered.

He hadn’t expected Erniang to admit to having feelings for someone like him.

Gu Ran looked at Pei Six’s panicked expression and laughed again. "I was joking. If I really had feelings for him, they would have shown by now. But, although he wants to use us, he's doing it openly and hasn't played any tricks, which makes him somewhat upright. Besides, over the years, our dealings with Fusheng have been fair, and he’s one of our biggest customers at Gu Family Xiaoju. Let’s keep things smooth and profitable for everyone."

"Then make it clear to him!" Pei Six secretly breathed a sigh of relief and slowly let go of Gu Ran's arm. "I can't stand the way he fawns over people with ulterior motives."

"I’ll take Sixth Miss’s advice."

Indeed, if Xu San really had such intentions, it would be best to clear the air, so they wouldn’t feel awkward around each other and so it wouldn’t strain her relationship with Sixth Miss.

So, when Gu Ran went up to the deck for some fresh air, she asked Pei Six to stay behind and took a moment to speak with Xu San.

Xu San felt a surge of hope when he saw Gu Ran alone by the railing, enjoying the view. He saw it as a perfect chance and casually approached her.

"Gu Ran!"

"Xu Sanlang!" Gu Ran smiled at him and took another good look at Xu San.

Hmm, actually, Xu San was quite a handsome man, charming and with decent character. If it weren't for Sixth Miss's dislike, she wouldn’t have minded him.

It’s not like they had to rush into anything; they could just talk and see where things go.

Xu Sanlang also smiled and glanced at Gu Ran before carefully considering what to say. Unexpectedly, she said, "Xu San, have you been doing all these things to impress me?"

Xu Sanlang was stunned.

She had noticed his efforts?

But how could she just say it out loud like that?

How was he supposed to answer that?