Chapter 289: Preparing for the Journey

Chapter 289: Preparing for the Long Journey

Because they had to accommodate Second Furen Nie's condition, Meng Wan and his party decided to travel from Yangzhou back to Xiwu Prefecture by water route. This decision happened to cross paths with Song Tingzhou—by the time he arrived home and saw the household in a flurry of packing, he learned that Song Tingzhou had already been gone for half a month.

"Who went with His Lordship?" Meng Wan asked Huang Ye, who had come to report, while drying his hair after washing up.

Huang Ye handed him a dry cloth. "The three Tao brothers, A-Xun, and Xue Sheng-ge. They only took two carts of luggage. His Lordship said the Ministry of Personnel was pressing him urgently—he needed to assume his post before October."

Meng Wan dried his hair until it was only half-damp, then casually grabbed a hair tie and gathered his loose locks up. "They even set a deadline?" That made him even more worried.

He grew more and more convinced that this third-rank official position was a trap, and wanted to hurry to the capital to reunite with Song Tingzhou. "The household is mostly packed, right? List everything you're unsure about on a sheet. I'm going to Zhen Guan Workshop for a visit—show me the list when I return."

Meng Wan barely had time to rest upon arriving home before he was running around again. He could only entrust his most reliable person—Tang Jinshuang—with matters. Xiwu Prefecture still carried Song Tingzhou's lingering authority, so at least until the next six-year term arrived, no one would dare covet Zhen Guan Workshop.

As for the glass workshop, that went without saying—unless someone was courting disaster and having their entire household confiscated, they wouldn't dare set their sights on it.

As for the rubber workshop where Feng Zhong worked...

"You're heading to the capital? Then tell my little brother that I've made progress on that wheel he mentioned—I'll definitely have it built within two years." Feng Zhong approached wearing clothes that looked like they hadn't been changed in who knows how long, his odor getting stronger with every step. Greasy strands of hair stuck to his face, yet none of it diminished his chin held high and a proud look on his face.

Meng Wan tried his best to hold his breath, but was caught off guard by his words. "What little brother? You have a brother in the capital?" Was he also a science nut like Feng Zhong? Just as brilliant?

Feng Zhong looked impatient. "That Luo guy from last time—he looked up to me so much, he was shameless about wanting to meet me." Once he finds out I've developed the rubber wheel, that guy will worship me even more!

Oh, Luo Jining!

Meng Wan's eyes crinkled with amusement as he looked at the already-formed black tire. Quite suddenly, he said, "Brother Feng, once you've gotten the rubber wheel to a point where it can be used on carriages without wearing out easily, I'll write a book for you—about how you overcame all kinds of hardships to make travel easier for the people of Yu Guo. We'll print thousands, even tens of thousands of copies, and spread them all over Yu Guo for everyone to read. What do you think?"

Feng Zhong: "!!!!!!"

Publishing a book = getting famous = being admired by thousands = being known all over Yu Guo!

"Don't just write about me—my elders helped too, but they don't care about fame or fortune. Just make sure my name is the main one in the book, okay? At the time, I..." He didn't even try to pretend anymore, practically ready to drag Meng Wan into an all-night chat about his brilliant craftsmanship.

Meng Wan put up with his stench for most of the day before barely getting away. Tang Jinshuang and Yu Yandong were waiting outside, and the three of them had a quick meeting at Zhen Guan Workshop.

"These three workshops on the outskirts should be fine. If anyone really comes looking for trouble, Jinshuang, you can go to the manager and the masters at the glass workshop—nobody would dare mess with them." Meng Wan instructed Tang Jinshuang.

Tang Jinshuang was really capable, and more importantly, he was level-headed—he wouldn't lose his cool over small problems. After these three years, once Guo Zhen Guan goes into mass production and prices drop, Zhen Guan Workshop will become just another regular workshop like the sugar workshop.

This was a one-way street, and Meng Wan couldn't wait for the day Yu Guo would be like the modern world—workshops popping up left and right, craftsmen and artisans thriving everywhere.

After talking about the most profitable stuff, they moved on to the most promising stuff. Meng Wan had been putting all the station income into road construction; only once the roads were done would Shi Jian Station start making money.

But every plus has its minus. The station setup was different from the workshops—it wasn't all managed in one place. And it wasn't like the official stations where nobody dared step out of line.

The Shi Jian Station network stretched from Lingnan all the way to the capital, with stations of all sizes running semi-independently. The stations were still in the early stages, so nothing was obvious yet—but just because you couldn't see a problem didn't mean there wasn't one.

Even if Meng Wan could put a spell on every single person, he couldn't guarantee everyone would stay loyal. People have their own selfish motives and desires; some problems are just unavoidable.

"The stations might run into problems after I leave. Xiao Yu, you..." If you can't handle it, go ask your dad for help more often. One of the main reasons Meng Wan made Yu Yandong the head manager of Xiwu Prefecture was that he had Old Yu to back him up.

"Furen, don't worry! With Shuang-ge and me teaming up, we'll definitely keep your businesses in Xiwu Prefecture running smooth." Yu Yandong was brimming with confidence. He tried to grab Tang Jinshuang's hand but got it slapped away twice.

Tang Jinshuang said to Meng Wan, "Furen, we'll check on the stations around Xiwu Prefecture regularly, but what about the ones in other places?"

Meng Wan already had a plan. "The station business is mostly within Xiwu Prefecture, and then there's the big winter shipment of Guo Zhen Guan to the capital. For now, the other small places won't make much trouble. Once the roads are done, I'll change up the station rules again."

Tang Jinshuang and Yu Yandong believed what he said.

After settling matters for the three workshops and the stations, Meng Wan returned home. A Xuan, back from school, had been waiting in the courtyard knowing he was home.

"Adie!" A Xuan trotted over and clung to him, whining affectionately. "I'm so bored."

Meng Wan peeled him off. "Why are you like a sticky plaster? Even Fei-ge isn't as clingy as you."

A Xuan was now entering his initial rebellious phase, with much stronger pride than when he was younger. He stared at Meng Wan in disbelief, his eyes wide and round at the corners. "How can you say that about me? I'm never talking to you again!"

Meng Wan watched his round figure run off and wondered if he'd given birth to a little boy instead.

Ignoring A Xuan sulking by himself, Meng Wan took the inventory list from Huang Ye and began checking items.

"Send these pieces of furniture to the Miao family. Split the fine cotton cloth in half—one half goes to the tailor's to be made into clothes, and you all can pick your own styles. Wrap the remaining precious fabrics carefully and load one cart to take to He Shan County tomorrow."

Meng Wan picked up a brush and made a few marks on the list. "Every book in the house must come with us without exception. Convert all gold and silver into banknotes. Hide the jewelry in the hidden compartments of the carriage. For food and supplies on the road—rice, flour, oil, and cooking utensils—put one cart at the front and one at the back. Once all this is done, go rent carriages—local ones from Xiwu Prefecture, not from outsiders."

After he returned, Huang Ye's heart settled considerably. He noted down everything Meng Wan said on paper, and as he turned to leave, he remembered to take away Meng Wan's dirty clothes and towel from after his wash.

Meng Wan sighed as he watched his small retreating figure—Huang Ye was loyal and capable, but he couldn't be the only one bearing the load. After returning to the capital, they'd inevitably need to hire more help.

At dinner, a small figure was missing from the table. Nie Zhiyao asked, "Where's A Xuan? Isn't he usually the most eager to eat?"

Chang Jinhua knew her grandson best. "He must be sulking with Wan-ge. I'll go find him."

"Mother~" Meng Wan called her back. "Just eat your meal. He'll come when he's hungry. Look how well-behaved Fei-ge is." Meng Wan wanted to discipline his son a bit—he was far too pampered.

Chang Jinhua worried about her grandson going hungry, but she also adored the obedient Fei-ge. Though she muttered, "A Xuan isn't as obedient as Fei-ge, but he's still well-behaved," she ultimately sat back down without going to find him.

A Xuan had initially hidden in the garden, hugging the snow wolf and feeding mosquitoes. When it got too hot and itchy, he ran to Chang Jinhua's room instead.

Staring at the plate of pastries and dried fruits on the table, he vowed fiercely, "I'm going to starve myself until I faint, and make Adie regret it!"

After saying this, a scene played out in his mind of Meng Wan holding him and crying, saying with deep regret: "A Xuan, my good son, please don't let anything happen to you! Adie will take you to the restaurant right now for delicious food!"

"Hehe... hehehe." A Xuan giggled foolishly while tugging at the snow-white fur on the snow wolf's tail.

The snow wolf stuck out its long tongue, watching its white fluffy fur drift down to its nose, and couldn't help but sneeze. The sneeze snapped A Xuan out of his daydream. He muttered pitifully to himself, "Why hasn't Adie come to find me yet? Doesn't Grandmother know I'm missing?"

Everyone finished their meal and went their separate ways. Meng Wan followed Chang Jinhua. "Mother, how are things with your shop? Once I return from He Shan, we'll be leaving."

Chang Jinhua sounded a bit uncertain. "I think Laixi is a solid child—hardworking, and he's learned to read and do arithmetic. I was thinking of making him the manager."

Meng Wan nodded in agreement. "Of course! Oh, Mother, since Huang Ye is coming with us, Jin Gu can't stay at the shop either. The cook is a local and won't be going to the capital—why not hire her as our household cook?"

Chang Jinhua naturally agreed. She was already worrying about whether she could open a shop in the capital—if she had to stay home all day, she might as well go back to farming. At least Jin Gu was someone she knew well; having her around at home would give her someone to chat with and pass the time.

Sigh—she was already anxious before even reaching the capital.

As the two talked, Huang Ye walking ahead suddenly gasped softly. "Young Master—how is he sleeping here?"

Meng Wan walked forward and saw A Xuan sitting on the floor outside Chang Jinhua's suite, sweat plastering the hair at his temples, with several wolf hairs stuck to it. His fair little face was dotted with red mosquito bites, and he'd fallen asleep leaning against the snow wolf's massive body.

His eyes were large, and when closed, his long lashes cast a dark shadow. His nose and lips were delicate and refined—a miniature version of Meng Wan.

Pitiful, and yet adorable.

Meng Wan walked over, crouched down, and hooked his hands under A Xuan's armpits. He gave a heave... and didn't stand up.

He took a breath, let it out, and with considerable effort lifted his son, huffing and puffing as he carried him toward the side room.

A Yan was jolted awake by his father's movements, his eyes seemingly glued together, barely parting as he asked, "Papa? Did you come to find me to eat a big chicken leg?"

Meng Wan couldn't help but laugh, and once he started, he almost dropped the boy.

After finally setting the heavy A Yan down on the bed, Meng Wan removed his shoes and outer garment, and when he saw two fresh tear streaks on his tender face, his heart melted instantly.

Meng Wan took off his outer robe and stretched out beside A Yan, dabbing at his tears with a handkerchief, and asked in a gentle whisper, "Do you know we're moving as a family?"

A Yan closed his eyes and nodded slightly.

Huang Ye brought over a basin of warm water, wrung out a cloth, and handed it to Meng Wan, who continued to wipe A Yan's face, "Your grandma and I are both from the north. We only moved to Lingnan because your father had to come here for his official post."

"So we're heading north? To Changping Prefecture?" A Yan had heard Chang Jinhua mention that their hometown wasn't here.

Meng Wan finished with his face and neck, then wiped his hands, "We're not going north—we're going to Shengjing, the capital of the Yu Kingdom, the most prosperous city in the whole kingdom. Fei Geer's family lives there too. If all goes well, we'll stay in Shengjing for a long, long time."

"Papa knows why you're upset, but the capital is different from Xiwu Prefecture. We'll encounter people far more powerful than your dad or me. You've started your studies, and you know the royal family lives in the palace in the capital. They could kill us as easily as squashing a bug. So once we're in Shengjing, we can't act as spoiled as we did in Xiwu, understand?" When A Yan was little, Meng Wan wanted him to be happy and carefree, but with the return to the capital imminent and A Yan nearly seven years old, it was time he learned a thing or two.

A Yan opened his eyes a sliver and said gloomily, "Can't we just stay in Xiwu and never leave?"

Huang Ye took the basin away, blew out the candle, and closed the door as he left. Meng Wan turned to face A Yan, "What do you think? Your father has already gone to take up his post."

A Yan's voice was muffled, "Then I want to go see Du Yunkang tomorrow. I won't be able to play with him anymore."

Meng Wan patted his head comfortingly, "Tomorrow morning, Papa goes to Heshan, and we'll leave when I come back. You still have time to say goodbye to your friends slowly."

The night was deep, and Meng Wan closed his eyes, planning to make do here for the night since Song Tingzhou wasn't home.

Just as he was about to fall asleep, a sudden "gurgle gurgle" sound came from beside him.

"Papa, my stomach is growling."

"Mm."

"I want to eat."

"Go to sleep!"

The next morning, the family's carriage was ready. Nie Erfulang and Meng Wan were returning to Heshan County together. Chi Yu followed Meng Wan as usual, while Chu Ci stayed behind to pack up his belongings. Though half of his courtyard had already been organized by A Xun, there were still some things even A Xun dared not touch.

"Xiao Ci, keep an eye on your little brother. From now on, our whole family can't spoil him anymore." Meng Wan reminded him before leaving.

A Yan blinked his eyes in frustration while munching on a meat bun—his father had never indulged him before either!

Returning to Heshan was almost like coming home for Meng Wan. Passersby eagerly greeted him, and a shop owner by the roadside handed over two bowls of icy cold stone flower jelly without a second thought.

Chi Yu tossed a few copper coins to the vendor, who threw them back and even added an extra bowl of stone flower jelly as a gift.

"Meng Fulang is truly beloved in Heshan."

Hearing this voice, Meng Wan immediately set down his bowl and descended from the carriage to bow, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince."