Chapter 412 - 413: Soothing

Chapter 412: Chapter 413: Soothing

Ancient Wen Heng placed a hand on Jin Qianqian’s shoulder. "I might have to break my promise this time. I’m planning to go to my new post alone."

He had given it a great deal of thought. Even though Zhou Shixiong would be there to look after him, the risks were still considerable. He didn’t want Qianqian and the children to fall into peril with him.

Jin Qianqian immediately retorted, "You promised before that our family would stay together. So what if it’s dangerous there? We can just prepare more thoroughly beforehand."

In truth, Ancient Wen Heng was still conflicted. He was also afraid that if Jin Qianqian and the children stayed here in Shangjing, he wouldn’t be able to get back in time if something happened.

Given this era’s means of communication and transportation, he wouldn’t be able to focus unless they were right under his nose.

"If it really comes to that, you should take the children to Gaoling Village! Once things have stabilized over there, I’ll send someone to come get you."

Within his own clan, even if there were some minor squabbles and schemes on a normal day, everyone would band together when faced with a true crisis. They would definitely be able to protect her and the children.

Jin Qianqian had her own plans. "It’s too early to be talking about this. By the time the transfer orders arrive, it’ll be too late for you to take us with you even if you wanted to."

"For now, we should think about what we need to prepare if you have to leave in the next few days. And who should you take with you?"

Ancient Wen Heng also knew that time was short. If they didn’t make thorough preparations in advance, they would only end up in a frantic mess.

Without any further delay, they went to the inner chamber, and the two of them appeared inside the space.

With a shared understanding, they both went to the desk and silently began writing down the necessary preparations for the departure.

"You’ll probably be traveling light, so you won’t need to prepare too much. We can have an escort agency deliver things later." Jin Qianqian murmured as she thought, "We just need to prepare some important, lightweight items."

She instantly put down her pen, turned, and vanished before Ancient Wen Heng’s eyes.

When she reappeared, Ancient Wen Heng’s eyes went wide.

"I almost forgot about these," Jin Qianqian said, casually placing the two guns she had found onto the table. "Take these with you. Hopefully, you won’t need to use them."

Ancient Wen Heng was also aware of the origin of these guns; after all, he had helped her clean up the loose ends back then.

"Are these really necessary?" In an age of cold weapons, bringing something like this out was overkill.

But Jin Qianqian paid no mind to that. Her primary concern was Ancient Wen Heng’s personal safety. "It’s better to be safe than sorry. I’ll feel more at ease if you take them with you."

Ancient Wen Heng resignedly picked one up and dismantled it in a few deft movements. "Fine, we’ll do it this way. Even if someone finds the pieces, they won’t know what they’re for."

When real danger arose, he was confident he could reassemble it quickly enough with his speed.

Seeing that he had made up his mind, Jin Qianqian moved on to discussing the matter of which men to bring.

"Didn’t we have Master Wu train a group of men before? But they’re still in Sea City right now, and there’s definitely not enough time for a round trip."

"Just take Lin Dapeng and the others with you first. Although their skills can’t compare to true experts, they should be more than enough to handle some bandits."

"You need people here to guard the house," Ancient Wen Heng said. "I’ll be fine just taking Jiang Shiniu."

But Jin Qianqian wouldn’t agree. "It’s a long and arduous journey. I’ll feel more at ease if you have more men."

"Don’t argue with me about this. I’m not in any danger here. A few people to guard the house will be enough."

Not wanting to argue over it, Ancient Wen Heng changed the subject. "Alright then, first, prepare some common medicines for me, like anti-inflammatories. And later, write down that ’qingsu’ formula made from the ancient recipe for me to look at."

"If only a skilled doctor were willing to go with you at a time like this, that would be wonderful." Jin Qianqian knew she was getting more and more demanding at this point, wishing she could surround him with a protective bubble.

Ancient Wen Heng walked over and hugged her. He could understand the anxiety Qianqian was feeling.

He patted her back soothingly. "Relax, things aren’t as bad as you think."

"Even though the bandits succeeded once, General Zhou and his men will tighten their defenses. Besides, even when I get there, I’m just a civil servant. I won’t be charging into the fray on the front lines."

"As long as we prepare well and bring enough men, the things you’re imagining won’t happen."

"The border has always been unstable; this time is just more serious. General Zhou definitely won’t take this insult lying down. Things will stabilize again soon."

Jin Qianqian knew she was being a bit overwrought. "If it really comes to it, I should just go with you! If there’s real danger, we can always hide in here with the children."

’If it ever came to that, I wouldn’t care about arousing suspicion. At worst, I could live inside with my family for a while. Once the outside world had completely forgotten us, we could re-emerge with new identities and go on with our lives.’

Ancient Wen Heng tapped her on the head. "You’re talking nonsense again. Humans are social creatures. It might not matter for us, but could you bear to have our two children locked away in this little world?"

"You have to trust your husband. Even if just for you and the children, I will protect myself."

Jin Qianqian wrapped her arms around his waist. "Was it because I caused too much of a stir before? Did I make enemies for you, leading them to push you out?"

Ancient Wen Heng patted her back. "Don’t overthink it. In the eyes of those high officials, those incidents were just petty squabbles. Everyone treated them as mere domestic disputes."

"Being pushed out isn’t necessarily a bad thing; it might be an opportunity for me. Perhaps in less than two years, these people will come to deeply regret it."

Jin Qianqian said, "You’re not wrong, but I’d rather you had a steady and stable..."

...

It came much faster than they had expected. They were just getting ready to have dinner with the children when the Holy Decree arrived at the residence.

The beginning was full of praise, followed by a mix of grace and intimidation, ordering him to hand over his current duties within three days and depart immediately.

Ancient Wen Heng enshrined the Holy Decree in the main hall, then smilingly put an arm around Jin Qianqian. "Wouldn’t you call this a blessing in disguise? A mere fifth-rank physician has jumped a rank to become a Fourth-rank Prefect."

Jin Qianqian glanced at their two children and forced a smile. "Yes, my greetings, Lord Prefect."

Only then did Ancient Wen Heng turn to Housekeeper Fu. "You all heard just now. I’ll be departing in a few days. Go and ask the guards which of them are willing to follow me to Lu City."

"Also, tell them that place isn’t as peaceful as Shangjing. It’s currently in a state of war."

Jiang Zhongfu didn’t hesitate. "Master, this old servant will go with you. After all, this old servant knows your habits better than anyone else. I worry the others won’t be able to serve you well."

Ancient Wen Heng replied, "I’ll be traveling light this time, and we’ll likely be riding hard the whole way. You can wait for a future opportunity to go over."

"Remember to explain the situation clearly to everyone. If anyone is unwilling, I won’t force them."