The autumn wind whistled, and the vast waves surged. Cui Shi reluctantly stood up, tidying her husband's robes. Her eyes, red-rimmed, finally managed a single word: "Take care."
Yu Ze You clasped Cui Shi's hand, his own eyes welling up. "I'll return."
Yu Ming Yue, holding an oiled paper umbrella, stood by the doorway, methodically instructing the servants to double-check the items in the carriage.
This time, her father was being demoted. The luggage was to be chosen for quality, not quantity. Besides clothing, Yu Ming Yue had specifically ordered them to pack plenty of liniment for bruises and injuries.
The little girl who had wept incessantly before her elder brother's departure a few days ago seemed to have grown up overnight with the departure of her father and brother, and the birth of her younger sibling.
Yu Ming Yue watched as the old madam, supported by others, ascended the carriage. She bowed gracefully, "Your granddaughter bids farewell to Grandmother."
The old madam, who had been cruel to the eldest branch of the family, looked at Yu Ming Yue with venom in her eyes. Yu Ming Yue, however, acted as if she saw nothing.
As the old madam was boarding the carriage, Yu Ming Yue offered a slight support and whispered in her ear, "Grandmother, please take good care of yourself, and watch the Duke of Dingguo's mansion flourish… though it will have nothing to do with you."
Yu Ming Yue released her hand. The old madam stumbled slightly. "Such malice at such a young age. You will meet a terrible end."
Yu Ming Yue gazed at the closed carriage door. A terrible end? It was those who truly did evil who would meet such a fate.
She handed a letter to the old woman serving the old madam, along with a packet of silver. "Give this to her after she has settled in."
"Yes, Sixth Miss, rest assured. This servant will serve the old madam well!" the old woman replied respectfully.
The Sixth Miss had promised her that if she served the old madam diligently until her death, her son's status as a slave would be abolished, and future generations could participate in the imperial examinations and become officials. This was a tremendous boon.
Yu Ming Yue's letter informed the old madam that her fourth uncle would soon return to their hometown to accompany her.
Given how much the old madam doted on her youngest son, having her fourth uncle stay with her in the old residence, enjoying her twilight years with her grandchildren, seemed like a fitting choice.
After all, as long as her fourth uncle didn't court disaster himself, a life of wealth and leisure would be quite pleasant for him.
Yu Ze Yan hugged his infant son, who was still oblivious to sorrow. He gently kissed his forehead and carefully placed him back beside Cui Shi.
"I'm leaving," Yu Ze Yan said, releasing his wife and striding away.
Cui Shi looked up, only to see the swaying beaded curtain making a soft clacking sound. In that instant, holding her child, tears streamed down her face.
In the misty rain, Yu Ze Yan, clad in a straw cape, mounted his horse, accompanied by only two guards and Master Gongsun.
After Yu Ze Yan's incident, many advisors had left the mansion. In fact, Yu Ze Yan had already intended to give them money and let them go.
Because he didn't know when he would return, there was no need to keep so many retainers in the mansion. Those who wished to stay would still be generously compensated.
It was Master Gongsun, however, who not only stayed but also offered to accompany him to the harsh and cold region of Jizhou, which truly surprised him.
Yu Ze Yan turned back, his gaze falling on his daughter's small figure. His nose stung. "Yue'er, go back quickly!"
Yu Ming Yue held her umbrella and waved to Yu Ze Yan. "Father, take care."
Yu Ze Yan nodded, finally turning away. He flicked the whip, and the sound of hooves echoed as the group disappeared down the alley.
"Miss, the Duke and the others have left," Chi Dan reminded her.
The young lady's expression was heart-wrenching. It would have been better if she had simply broken down and cried.
"I know," Yu Ming Yue replied softly.
She just didn't understand why things were still this way.
She had tried so hard to change things, yet her brother and father had still gone to war one after another.