"Is this Mingzhou?"
Eight days later, after changing boats three times, Han Mo and his party finally returned to the outskirts of Mingzhou city.
Looking at the dense carriages and horses at the city gate, Li Shishi felt a moment of confusion.
She had originally thought that a city like Mingzhou would be a desolate place. But upon returning to Mingzhou city, she realized that she had truly been like a frog at the bottom of a well.
"Although it can't compare to Bianliang, Mingzhou is still quite good!"
Taking a deep breath of the slightly salty air, Han Mo felt his entire body relax.
No matter what, they had finally returned to his territory. As long as they successfully returned to the manor now, everything would be completely over.
As soon as the carriage entered the city, Li Shishi smiled at Han Mo, who seemed a little nervous about returning home.
"Do you need me to find you a place to stay in the city first?"
"This..."
This time, Han Mo was genuinely a little embarrassed. If he said he didn't need it, he felt a little uncertain in his heart. But if he said he did, it seemed like it wasn't quite the case...
After all, to avoid unnecessary trouble, Li Shishi had only brought a few boxes of gold and silver. As for the rest of her wealth, she had given it all up!
Those were the savings of a courtesan over many years!
Ordinary prostitutes might not live very well. Those with less beauty might not even be able to solve their basic needs.
But a renowned courtesan like Li Shishi was different. Especially in the years since she became famous, her interactions with various officials and scholars through poetry and songs had greatly increased her value.
Coupled with her intimate relationship with the emperor, even just to have a cup of tea and listen to her play the zither in her room would cost thousands of guan.
Moreover, Li Shishi herself did not have many expenses related to wealth. Therefore, her savings over the years were truly extraordinarily substantial!
"Alright, you don't need to be troubled by this. I can understand. Please have someone find me a place to stay first. Come find me after you've resolved things at home!"
Seeing the embarrassed expression on his face, Li Shishi said with a knowing smile.
"I've made things difficult for you, sister!"
Looking at Li Shishi's smile, Han Mo felt a pang of shame.
She had traveled thousands of miles with him to Mingzhou city, and on the very first day, he was leaving her behind. This was truly a bit unseemly.
"Having this thought is enough. After all, you left the city in secret. Just find someone to help me settle in. You should go back quickly!"
Li Shishi's reputation was known throughout the land. Countless people had seen her. Although Mingzhou was more than a thousand li from Bianliang, Li Shishi was extremely wary of such matters that involved being in the public eye.
From the day she decided to go south with Han Mo, she had already anticipated that such a situation would arise.
After all, their identities were too special. It was almost impossible for them to live together openly.
However, love itself is blind. If everything could be clearly explained and distinguished, it wouldn't be called love.
Thinking of this, Li Shishi felt much more at ease.
"How about this: wait for me in the carriage. After we enter the manor, I'll arrange for a few capable people to assist you. If there's anything you need to do, just command them!"
"En!"
Seeing Han Mo's ashamed expression, Li Shishi felt inexplicably sweet in her heart.
"My lord, we've already entered the city..."
Seeing that the carriage had driven into the inner city, Yue Fei, who was riding his horse, quickly leaned close to Han Mo's carriage window and said in a low voice.
"I understand. You go back first. The people at the thatched cottage will inform you of what has happened recently. Rest for two or three days, and we'll talk about other matters later!"
Although Yue Fei didn't finish his sentence, Han Mo understood that Yue Fei was worried that if he got too close, it would expose his identity.
"Yes!"
After hearing Han Mo's words, Yue Fei turned his horse and rode directly towards his father's grave outside the city.
With a heart full of trepidation, Han Mo's carriage finally entered the Han manor again.
"My lord!"
After so many days, seeing Han Mo again, Jiang Yan's eyes reddened the moment he saw him.
"Alright, I'm back, aren't I? I say, you're a grown man, you're not going to cry, are you?"
He reached out and patted Jiang Yan's shoulder, helping him up, and then Han Mo said with a smile.
"I, I just..."
Jiang Yan's face immediately turned red as he said this.
"Has Gao Shun returned?"
Seeing his excited demeanor, Han Mo didn't tease him further and asked again.
"He returned the night before last. He's being punished in the backyard right now..."
"Punished? Did that guy mess with some young lady?"
Hearing this, Han Mo asked curiously.
"He abandoned Gu Yening alone in Bianliang city and came back by himself. Shouldn't he be punished for that?"
"What kind of reason is that? Nonsense. Alright, go and call him here. I have something for him to do!"
"Yes!"
After receiving Han Mo's instructions, Jiang Yan quickly turned and headed towards the backyard.
"Young Master!"
Soon, Gao Shun returned to Han Mo's side.
"Miss Li is in the carriage right now. Help me find a place for her in the city, and then buy two honest and obedient servants to serve her. Don't tell anyone about this, understand?"
Only Gao Shun and Yue Fei knew about Li Shishi's matter. Yue Fei would definitely not gossip, so Han Mo could only try to entrust the matter to Gao Shun now.
After all, the fewer people who knew about such a matter, the better!
"But my lord, if this gets to..."
Although Gao Shun had guessed that such a day might come, when he heard Han Mo's instructions, his back still felt a chill.
If Zhe Yourong knew about this, she would probably skin him alive...
"Stop talking nonsense. I'll explain to Madam naturally. However, you should be aware of the gravity of this matter. Keep your mouth shut, understand?"
He gave Gao Shun an annoyed glare before lowering his voice and saying.
"What are you telling me?"