Chapter 182 - Leave
Even at the court session the following day, Zuo Shaoqing appeared visibly fatigued. He discreetly stifled yawns at the rear of the assembly and intermittently massaged his aching waist.
Fortunately, his position wasn't too conspicuous; otherwise, these actions alone might have provided ample grounds for a group of bureaucrats to lodge complaints against him.
Just as the morning assembly was about to disband, Zuo Shaoqing was startled to hear his name mentioned in an imperial decree. He watched in astonishment as Lu Zheng and Liang Qi rose to receive the decree.
Reacting quicker physically than mentally, Zuo Shaoqing found himself standing alongside them. Upon hearing the contents of the decree, a grin involuntarily spread across his face.
“Well played, Lu Zheng,” he thought, amused by Lu Zheng's deliberate omission of his own involvement in the affair. Lu Zheng had purposely neglected to mention that Zuo Shaoqing was also part of the entourage, casting glances at him as if hesitant to depart.
Lu Zheng's primary mission in the south was to oversee the navy's training outcomes and evaluate the performance of newly commissioned warships and armaments.
Naturally, Liang Qi, as the assistant minister of the Ministry of Works responsible for military equipment, was an integral part of such an expedition. Being Liang Qi's disciple, Zuo Shaoqing possessed the requisite qualifications to accompany them. However, he had doubted Emperor Tianfeng's willingness to permit the Liu family to leave the capital.
It was customary for generals with military authority to leave family members in the capital when embarking on campaigns. The Duke Zhen's household adhered to this tradition, thus when both her husband and Lu Zheng set off for war, the duchess remained in the capital alone.
Ye Zichen hadn't anticipated Emperor Tianfeng's generosity.
Upon departing from the palace, Zuo Shaoqing headed straight for his residence. He harbored no intention of waiting for Lu Zheng. To think Lu Zheng would play such a trick on him, causing him days of unnecessary worry! It was truly exasperating!
Bursting into his Liu Lu Garden, he bellowed, “Little Six… Where on earth are you?”
“I'm coming, I'm coming…” Luo Xiaoliu hurried over, concerned by Zuo Shaoqing's profuse sweating and flushed complexion, fearing some calamity had befallen him.
“Quickly, start packing!” Recollecting that their departure time was scheduled for the afternoon, and with less than two hours remaining.
Zuo Shaoqing poured himself a glass of water and downed it. Seeing Luo Xiaoliu lingering without moving, he prodded, “What are you waiting for?”
Luo Xiaoliu chuckled, gesturing behind Zuo Shaoqing.
Zuo Shaoqing turned to find several large rattan chests and bags in the room, some of which he recognized, undoubtedly packed by him for Lu Zheng. As for the rest, he didn't need to ask to understand.
“That rascal!” Zuo Shaoqing muttered through gritted teeth, though his eyes twinkled with amusement.
“Who's the rascal?” A deep voice interrupted his thoughts. Zuo Shaoqing's eyebrows twitched as he quietly seated himself at the table, sipping his tea. “The one who deceived me!”
With a meaningful glance, Luo Xiaoliu departed. Lu Zheng enveloped Zuo Shaoqing from behind, casually wiping the sweat from his brow. “When have I ever deceived you?”
“Then what would you call it? You never mentioned we could travel south together!” It had tormented him for days, rendering him unable to eat or sleep.
As Lu Zheng seated himself, he lifted Zuo Shaoqing onto his lap, asking, “Are you not greatly surprised?”
Zuo Shaoqing hesitated momentarily but refused to acknowledge his surprise. He wrinkled his brow, responding, “I'd call it more of a shock. It's all so sudden, and there are numerous loose ends yet to be tied.”
His frown deepened as he began enumerating on his index finger, “I still need to find a trustworthy individual to entrust the books and keys to…”
Interrupting him, Lu Zheng interjected, “You're referring to the ones brought by the steward? They should be stored safely; the keys aren't currently in use.”
“There's no one within the family authorized to make decisions, and the Zuo Family's Full Moon Feast is approaching in a few days. I haven't even prepared my gift yet.”
“All the stewards know what's expected of them.”
“He's never given a farewell to his colleagues at the yamen. It's rather impolite.”
“Issue the imperial decree, and everyone will be informed.”
Zuo Shaoqing mulled over the potential consequences of an unprepared Li Jing causing chaos in the Zuo Family, realizing he might not be able to respond promptly.
Contemplating whether to retain Luo Xiaoliu, he hesitated. The absence of Lil' Six made it difficult for Yinyi to stay.
Observing the pensive expression on Zuo Shaoqing's face, Lu Zheng sensed his concerns.
Zuo Shaoqing deliberated but chose not to divulge his thoughts to Lu Zheng. Given the current state of Zuo's Mansion, he couldn't undertake any significant actions.
“No, I was just thinking of sending someone to report back to the Zuo's Mansion later, ensuring they can find me if needed.”
Sensing Zuo Shaoqing's reluctance, Lu Zheng embraced him tightly, reassuring him that everything was arranged.
Since Zuo Shaoqing's wedding, Lu Zheng no longer considered Zuo Family as merely connected by marriage. Unless Zuo Shaoqing mentioned it, he wouldn't extend any favors to the family.
Zuo Shaoqing placed implicit trust in Lu Zheng; whatever he said was comforting.
After a brief conversation, Zuo Shaoqing went to freshen up before joining the madame for lunch.
Arriving at the Warm Fragrance Pavilion, Zuo Shaoqing noticed a marked contrast from the tranquility of Qing Lu Garden. The maids and servants were bustling about both inside and outside the pavilion.
As the madame had left, she hadn't packed lightly. They brought along clothes, bedding, food items, even buckets.
Following the meal and a short rest, they packed everything and, as a family of three, exited through the main gate.
Upon stepping out of the door, Zuo Shaoqing was taken aback by the extensive line of carriages outside. Recollecting the time when the entire Zuo Family relocated to the capital, he realized they hadn't encountered such a substantial lineup.
Lu Zheng furrowed his brow briefly. “There's an abundance of items. We'll need to switch ships at the port. With this much luggage, it'll consume half a day just loading and unloading.”
The butler wiped perspiration from his forehead and remarked, “Master, this is Madame's first extensive journey. These are all essentials. Simplifying is truly challenging.”
Unaware of Madame's preferences for leisure, and with autumn approaching, they packed for all four seasons, resulting in two carriages brimming with clothing, shoes, socks, and thinly-woven blankets. Additionally, each brought along two beds, not to mention the luggage belonging to the maidservants, guards, the attendant, and his spouse.
A wry smile tugged at the corner of Zuo Shaoqing's lips. Fortunately, both he and Lu Zheng were men; otherwise, he couldn't fathom the hassle this journey would entail.
Lu Zheng supported his forehead and retrieved his designated mount from the guard. Turning to Zuo Shaoqing, he inquired, “Will you ride horseback or take a carriage?”
Before Zuo Shaoqing could respond, the old lady's voice rang out from behind, “Shao Qing, come here and chat with me. I won't pester you along the way!”
Zuo Shaoqing exchanged a significant glance with Lu Zheng before dutifully boarding the madame's carriage.
A stark contrast emerged as the old lady's carriage proved more lavish and comfortable than any Zuo Shaoqing had ever experienced. Spacious and well-lit, its walls were adorned with modest curtains, neither overly bright nor too dim.
Maid Zhong remained the sole occupant, ensuring the carriage felt uncrowded. Various teas and fruits were also provided, enhancing the journey's comfort.
News of Duke Zhen's mansion departing from the capital spread swiftly. Commoners bid Master Lu a merry farewell, acknowledging him as the water master inspecting the city, with hopes for Great Yang's perpetual safety.
Zuo's Mansion swiftly received word. Mrs. Xue scoffed, “Master, look at your fine son. He didn't even inform his family before departing. Is he belittling us?”
Contemplating how he had recently decided to entrust his eldest grandson to Zuo Shaoqing, Master Zuo had planned a private discussion with him at the Full Moon Banquet. He hadn't anticipated his sudden departure.
“Enough, Shao Qing is destined for significant deeds. It's natural he overlooks such details,” Master Zuo explained sternly, though inwardly discomforted.
He sensed his son's increasing disregard for the Zuo Family. Otherwise, given Zuo Shaoqing's previous demeanor, forgetting wouldn't be possible.
But who could they blame?
Who could have predicted the once gentle and frail child would ascend to such heights, nearly unrecognizable in his newfound strength?
Over the past year, Zuo Shaoqing had metamorphosed entirely. Were it not for the certainty of his son's face, Zuo Yunwen might have doubted his paternity.
He also recognized that either Zuo Shaoqing had been concealing his true nature since childhood or Lady Ruan's demise had profoundly affected him, precipitating these changes.
Of the two possibilities, Zuo Yunwen inclined toward the latter, for he refused to acknowledge any misjudgment of character.
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