Gu Wenheng’s words were exactly what Gu Dashishi wanted to hear. Ever since that girl had returned home, the atmosphere in the house had gotten worse by the day, forcing an old man like him to flee outside every day despite the cold.

Gu Dashishi conveniently forgot that he was rarely home even before Gu Yuanfeng had shown up.

"That’s right! If you can’t even control your expression, don’t come out here and be a disgrace. Now, hurry up and go back with me."

In the end, Gu Yuanfeng didn’t dare to openly defy his father. He merely shot Gu Wenheng a vicious glare, cast a reluctant glance back at the courtyard, and slowly trailed after Gu Dashishi.

"How ridiculous," Gu Wenheng muttered as he watched them walk away, then turned and knocked on the door.

Jin Qianqian lifted the curtain and peered at the convoy. It stretched out of sight in both front and back.

They had learned about the convoy’s formation when they first arrived. Guards from the escort agency rode on horseback at the front to clear the way, followed by the various merchant caravans.

Thanks to Deng Yuanhang’s status, they had been assigned a spot right in the middle of the convoy.

This time, Wang Biyi had brought not only his family but also some of his star students from the academy.

Those with families rented their own carriages, while those traveling alone shared one in groups of two or three.

Of course, the rules for the journey had been given to them early on in a contract filled with terms and conditions.

Unauthorized stops were forbidden, except when the entire convoy halted to make camp and cook meals.

However, every few days, the convoy would stop when passing through a major town, allowing everyone to resupply.

Jin Qianqian and Gu Wenheng went with the flow, bringing every pot, pan, bowl, and basin they could fit. This setup was a world apart from their days of fleeing the famine.

The carriage—three meters long, one-and-a-half meters wide, and one-point-four meters high—was the largest model the rental company offered.

The carriage interior was likely designed for long-distance customers, with cabinets built into the front and rear for personal belongings.

A square blanket was spread across the middle, providing a place to sleep at night.

Jin Qianqian stuffed the cabinets full with their belongings. Items that didn’t fit, like the charcoal and cooking pots, were simply stacked in a corner.

After greeting his teacher, Gu Wenheng pushed aside the heavy curtain and climbed in, sitting down across from Jin Qianqian. "It’s absolutely freezing," he said. "I wonder if this little stove will be enough?"

Jin Qianqian glanced at the pile of charcoal in the corner. "That depends on how fast the convoy moves. A moving carriage is bound to be drafty. Good thing I brought extra-thick blankets. If it comes to it, we’ll just have to bundle up."

Gu Wenheng lifted a corner of the curtain and peered down at their driver, Master Zhu, who was stamping his feet on the ground. He was bundled in a padded jacket and robe, all wrapped in a thick layer of deerskin. From head to toe, only his eyes were visible.

Noticing Gu Wenheng watching him, Master Zhu gave him a shy nod before resuming his efforts to keep warm, stamping his feet and shaking his limbs.

Gu Wenheng smiled. He saw the distant flags begin to move and knew they would be departing soon. He let the curtain fall and leaned back against an antique-style cushion Jin Qianqian had produced.

"This is our first real trip in this ancient era. How about we write a travel journal?" Jin Qianqian asked, holding a travelogue written by a scholar from this dynasty.

Gu Wenheng took the book and flipped through a few pages. "You could certainly give it a try. Who knows, you might become a famous female author."

"I might actually believe you were sincere if you weren’t smirking so obviously," Jin Qianqian huffed, knowing he was teasing her.

Gu Wenheng poked the charcoal stove secured in the corner and added two more lumps of charcoal. "Nothing in this world is impossible. It just depends on whether you really want to do it."

Jin Qianqian shook her head so fast it was a blur. "Nah, forget it. I can’t settle my mind enough for that right now. Maybe when I’m too old to walk, I’ll consider it."

Thinking of her handwriting, Jin Qianqian glanced at her hands. "Sigh. I have a long, long way to go."

"...HA-WOO! HA, HA-WOO..."

"We’re off," Gu Wenheng said, hearing the escort agency’s signal.

Jin Qianqian felt the front of the carriage dip and knew Master Zhu had just jumped into the driver’s seat. Before she even had a chance to lift the curtain, the carriage lurched into motion.

The CREAK, CREAK, CREAK of the wheels, while noisy, had a certain rhythm to it.

Watching the long convoy disappear into the distance, Xiao Dongzi nervously clenched his fists. In the days ahead, it was up to him to look after the home and affairs of Scholar Gu and Madam Gu.

Chief Li chuckled and patted the boy’s head. "Don’t you worry! I’ve already told my men to patrol the area every day. As long as you guard the house well, I’m sure my Brother Gu will reward you handsomely when he returns. No need to be so tense."

Xiao Dongzi held his head high. "I’m not nervous! I owe Scholar Gu and his wife a great debt. I’ll be sure to manage everything perfectly and won’t let them down."

Li Yong gave him a thumbs-up. "Not bad, kid. You know how to repay a kindness.

But don’t try to handle everything on your own. If you run into trouble, just come find me at the government office. If I’m not there, just mention my name. That should be enough to sort things out in this county."

Xiao Dongzi gave Li Yong a sincere bow, then turned and hurried away.

They knew the carriage ride would be bumpy, but after a full day of jostling, even the stoic Gu Wenheng found himself secretly rubbing his sore backside a few times.

Jin Qianqian’s solution was more dramatic. She had pulled out a thick quilt and was sprawled face-down on it, laughing merrily. "See what happens when you don’t listen to a woman? Besides, it’s just the two of us. Who cares if we don’t look dignified?"

Gu Wenheng refused to admit he’d long since regretted it. "I’m just testing my limits. This is how we’ll be traveling from now on. If I can’t get used to it now, it’ll be embarrassing to lose my composure in front of others later."

Jin Qianqian sat up straight. "Actually, these carriages just lack a proper suspension system. I think I’ve seen the designs before. If you add a row of shock-absorbing springs under the carriage, it would make the ride much smoother."

Gu Wenheng’s interest was piqued. "How much of it do you remember?"

’This was for his own future comfort, after all. If they could build it, they would be spared a great deal of misery.’

Jin Qianqian snapped her fingers proudly. "If I hadn’t ended up majoring in economics by some twist of fate, I would’ve studied design. I used to copy and draw all kinds of blueprints.

I have it all memorized. I can draw up the plans the next time we stop for a rest."

"My wife is amazing," Gu Wenheng said. "Putting your knowledge to practical use already.

But, darling, your husband is always wearing ready-made clothes from the shops. When will I finally get to wear something personally designed and made by you?"

Jin Qianqian watched him silently, stroking her chin. "Really? I suppose I can grant that wish. But you’ll have to promise you’ll actually wear it."

Gu Wenheng: "..." ’Is it too late to take that back?’