Springtime Farming: A Happy Wife At Home

Additionally, an undisclosed team of ten covert guards discreetly trailed them, unbeknownst to anyone except Shao Yunduan. His role was to assist the Crown Prince in resolving financial issues, and it was imperative to ensure his safety, granting him the freedom to act as needed. The ten secret guards had been assigned precisely for this purpose.

Shao Yunduan had arranged for a double-decker ship to embark on their journey through the canal. Joining them on this voyage were Qiao Xuan, Lixia, Liqiu, Sun Bai, and Sun Qian, along with two advisors from the East Palace, and a handful of assistants and servants. The chill of spring had limited Qiao Xuan’s outdoor activities, forcing them to only venture out in the mornings for a breath of fresh air.

The demanding nature of their previous duties had left them with very little leisure time. Often, they wouldn’t return home until dusk during their busiest days. Now, the two of them could spend every day together, which filled them with happiness.

The limited number of passengers aboard the boat provided an opportunity for Liqiu and Lixia to sit on the same side without arousing suspicions, allowing them to discreetly nurture their feelings for each other.

Shao Yunduan’s passion for Qiao Xuan knew no bounds, often blurring the lines between day and night. Fortunately, the absence of prying eyes enabled Qiao Xuan to reciprocate these feelings openly.

Both of them shared a desire to reach Yangzhou as swiftly as possible, opting not to make any stops along the way. However, Shao Yunduan was considerate of Qiao Xuan’s potential boredom on the extended boat journey. Thus, every two or three days, he would arrange for brief stopovers at piers, taking her on strolls through the streets and indulging in delectable cuisine while scouting for unique and rare specialties and trinkets.

Their most notable stopover occurred at Jining, where Qiao Xuan decided to craft the remaining tools required for their mission. Occasionally, the two would venture out for shopping excursions together, an activity that went unnoticed by those around them.

Furthermore, Shao Yunduan had a compelling reason to stay attuned to the sentiments of the people they encountered on their journey.

They promptly shared the vital information they had collected with the Crown Prince, underscoring its significance to him. While they had no intention of being shadowed by their servants, there was a collective yearning among the staff to accompany them. The journey, after all, proved quite monotonous, and the prospect of leisurely strolls, taken nonchalantly and inconspicuously, held undeniable appeal.

Seeking out skilled craftsmen in the town, the two of them embarked on this quest together. Disassembling the items they had created proved relatively straightforward, and the craftsmen readily agreed to the terms, paying the required price. No further inquiries were made; instead, they accepted a deposit and formalized the arrangement through a signed contract, all without raising any suspicions.

Jining City boasted a rich history, replete with renowned historical landmarks, picturesque mountains, and scenic rivers. The natural beauty of the region was truly captivating. In terms of culinary delights, the city offered an array of mouthwatering options, including double crisps in soup, grilled Yuan Fish, hibiscus chicken slices, jar meat, ginger-infused lotus root, and pan-fried tofu, all expertly prepared and satisfying to the palate.

Taking a three-day respite in Jining, they meticulously inspected the boats and restocked their supplies. Beyond these restful interludes, their journey would be ceaseless, with the only breaks occurring in the evenings when they docked, spending the night before resuming their course towards Yangzhou.

On the third day following their departure from Jining, Shao Yunduan dispatched Sun Qian to travel ahead to Yangzhou and gather additional information about the Zhao Family. Sun Qian and Sun Bai, loyal to Officer Shao and Madame Shao’s orders, followed instructions without hesitation.

Upon their arrival in Yangzhou, Qiao Xuan and Shao Yunduan realized that it was already February 20th, marking 20 days of travel and intermittent rest—a pace they considered quite expeditious.