Chapter 290: Chapter 290: Entering the Capital

Wuxin soon brought Gu Qingmei to the living room.

“Sit down,” Gu Qingli said.

Gu Qingmei nodded and sat down. “Xiaoli, is there something you need me to do?”

“No, I just wanted to let you know that we’re going to the Capital City. If you need any help in the future, you can ask my mother, and she’ll pass the message to me.”

“You’re going to the Capital City?” Gu Qingmei was surprised, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face. The distance between her and Gu Qingli was growing ever wider.

Gu Qingli nodded. “In a few days. We’re packing up right now. Once we’re ready, we’ll leave.”

“Alright, just let me know when you’re leaving so I can see you off.”

Gu Qingli shook her head. “No need. We might leave very early.”

“Alright, well, let me know if it’s convenient.”

“Okay.”

The two chatted idly for a while before Gu Qingmei bid farewell and left.

「In the afternoon」

Gu Chang’an arrived. He came to discuss Gu Qingqiu’s wish to accompany them to the Capital City. Gu Qingli agreed, as it was Gu Qingqiu’s own desire, and she had no objections. Besides, Daniu was alone, so having a companion wouldn’t hurt.

「Once everything was settled, on the third day at dawn」

Three carriages departed from Qinghe Village.

After their departure, the steward, as instructed by Gu Qingli, had a servant deliver a box to Gu Qingmei.

Only when Gu Qingmei received the box did she realize Gu Qingli had already left. She held the box in her room for a long time before finally opening it. When she saw the contents, her breath caught. Inside was a set of gold headwear and silver banknotes worth one hundred taels.

Tears welled in Gu Qingmei’s eyes. She hastily closed the box, ran out, and raced to the hill behind her house, gazing in the direction Gu Qingli’s party had gone.

Gu Qingli’s group stopped for a night in Qinghe County Town to make some arrangements. They set off again the next morning.

When they arrived at Qiyang County, they stopped for another night to handle further arrangements. There was much to be done. With Wuxin and Wushuang accompanying her, this location could no longer serve as a base, nor could silver be transported here. Thus, she had to make new plans. From now on, everything would be sent to the Capital City.

「After these arrangements were completed, it was the third day」

The group continued their journey toward the Capital City.

It was still the first lunar month, and the snow had not yet begun to melt. The carriages moved slowly, but they did not alter their route. The Capital City was in the eastern part of Daqian, while Qiyang County was in the southwest. A main road led directly from Qiyang County to the Capital City, and this was the path they chose, seeing no need for a southern detour. Moreover, their group was highly skilled in martial arts, so they had no fear of ambush.

「That day, they left Qiyang County and entered Datong County.」

Beyond Datong County lay the territory of the Capital City. Datong County itself was vast, its terrain long and perilous, resembling the Gansu region. At their carriages’ speed, it would take five to six days to traverse. They proceeded with utmost vigilance, as ambushes were frequent in such treacherous areas.

Consequently, they did not stop at inns but pressed on continuously. When fatigue set in, Gu Qingli would either switch to fresh horses or allow everyone to rest briefly in the Space before they continued. This strategy helped them avoid unnecessary trouble and evade several potential ambushes.

They knew that assassins from the Xichen Kingdom and Fengli Kingdom were undoubtedly lying in wait along this route. News of the sudden upheaval in the Daqian Imperial Palace—Qingchen’s execution and Chu Xiong’s abdication—had quickly reached both kingdoms. The two emperors now realized they had targeted the wrong person; their true mark should have been Xiao Yunjing. After Qingchen’s death, the Emperor Star had only shone brighter, filling them with immense regret. Since Xiao Yunjing was currently beyond their reach, Gu Qingli became their priority target. She was the Phoenix Star; if they could not possess her, they would destroy her.

「That day, Gu Qingli’s party entered a region of towering mountains and precipitous ridges.」

The road here was treacherous, a narrow path squeezed between steep cliffs with no turnoffs—a perfect spot for an ambush. Yun No. 20, driving Gu Qingli’s carriage, waved his hand, signaling everyone to be alert.

He turned to Gu Qingli. “Madam, this stretch of road is extremely dangerous. Would you consider taking refuge in the Space for a while?” He was certain an ambush awaited them here. Anyone else could perish, but Madam must remain unharmed.

Gu Qingli listened to Yun No. 20 and nodded. She wouldn’t be a burden to them. Retreating to the Space was the best option, and it would also allow her to spend time with her three children.

Without a word, she vanished into the Space.

Only after Yun No. 20 saw her safely inside did he slowly guide the carriage onto the mountain path.

The hidden ambushers watched them enter the pass. When the carriages had proceeded for four or five miles, the first wave of attackers charged. There were at least fifty or sixty of them, but Yun No. 20’s contingent also numbered sixty. Their superior skill meant it was an absolute rout; in less than the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, all sixty attackers were slain.

After clearing the battlefield, Yun No. 20 ordered his men to advance.

This time, Daniu and Gu Qingqiu, seated in a rear carriage, witnessed the slaughter firsthand. Only now did they truly comprehend the brutal reality of a life-and-death battle. Both boys were eager to join the fray, but Yun No. 18 quickly doused their enthusiasm. “You two, don’t move! This is just an appetizer. Your pathetic ’three-legged cat’ skills wouldn’t withstand a single punch from these guys. Stay put and don’t cause trouble.”

Rendered speechless, the two boys obediently remained in the carriage, watching as the second wave of assassins attacked.

The nanny and the other two women were in the second carriage, driven by Yun No. 300. He glanced at the three women, relieved to see they showed no signs of panic. Their composure is quite good, he thought. I won’t have to worry too much about them. It’s good to have such steady individuals looking after the young masters. At least they won’t raise the young masters to be effeminate.

What Yun No. 300 didn’t know was Gu Qingli’s actual plan. She intended for these women to care for the children only until they turned two, at which point they would be replaced. One- and two-year-old boys don’t understand much, but three-year-olds are different. That’s when their personalities begin to form. How could boys be raised solely by women? It’s not that I look down on women—I am one myself. But men and women are inherently different in temperament, especially in this male-dominated society. A woman’s disposition can unconsciously influence a child. Children raised this way often lack fortitude, becoming indecisive and easily flustered when faced with trouble, much like some people. That’s why I strongly disapprove of children being raised primarily by nannies or servants. Parents should raise them personally. Gu Qingli’s intention was for her and Xiao Yunjing to raise the children themselves. If they truly couldn’t manage, she would select three individuals from the Secret Sect to assist. Wuqing and her sisters had excellent characters, but they had their own duties.

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