Chapter 1342: An Unexpected Incident

Gu Jinli asked, "Are you going to see the fishing village people?"

Qin San Lang nodded, "Yes, the Luo Family’s escort agency wants to expand, they need to cross the river and need boats. Zaoseng and the others understand boats and water, it’s no harm for Brother Luo Wu to meet them."

He continued, "After we go to the Northwest, we’ll be too far away. If the fishing village has any issues, we might not be able to address them in time, so Big Brother and Brother Luo Wu can help out."

Gu Jinli furrowed her brow, somewhat worried, and said, "The business in the fishing village is crucial to your lifeline. Is it okay to let Brother Luo Wu know about its existence?"

It’s not that she underestimated Luo Wu, but she had to ensure Brother Qin’s safety and couldn’t let several years of business efforts be wasted because of Luo Wu.

Qin San Lang laughed, embracing her, and said, "Xiao Yu, don’t worry, it’s okay. Brother Luo Wu isn’t that bad. He’s just too concerned about Big Sister, which is why Master Xia played him. I value his devotion to Big Sister; he would even give his life for her. He wouldn’t do anything to sadden her or harm us."

Moreover...

"We have too few trustworthy people to rely on. We can only select those we trust to cultivate. Brother Luo Wu is our family; if he stands up, we’ll have an extra hand."

Gu Jinli thought for a moment and finally nodded in agreement, "You’re right. We should support him. Let’s proceed as you suggested."

Qin San Lang smiled, leaned over to kiss her, and said fondly, "I’ll be back before dark; take care at home and wait for me."

Gu Jinli was flustered by his deep tone, pushing him away, "Hurry up and leave, I still have to arrange things for tomorrow’s departure."

Actually, everything that needed arranging had been set, but there were some changes in personnel.

Nanny Tao was getting older and needed someone to help serve her. Tasks in the outer courtyard required someone to handle, so she decided to bring along the Xiong Family.

Xiong Mamei’s three families worked as servants in Songzi Manor for years, led by Aunt Xiong, a widow with three honest and hardworking sons. They’ve been loyal with no hidden motives.

Gu Jinli thought of taking them along, with Aunt Xiong managing the outer courtyard’s chores, her sons Xiong Da, Xiong Er, and Xiong San handling the gatekeeping and errands.

Later, when the Northwest starts producing soy sauce and ham, her sons could help.

During the wedding banquet, Gu Jinli had already discussed with Mrs. Cui, who eagerly agreed, wishing to send all her household help to assist.

At this moment, the Xiong Family had arrived.

Gu Jinli had Erqing bring Aunt Xiong to the main hall below and explained the matter, asking, "The Northwest is dangerous, Aunt Xiong, are you willing to go with us?"

"Willing, willing, as long as our family can be with the Young Master, we fear nothing. Our family also hails from the Northwest; returning home doesn’t frighten us." Aunt Xiong was fearless, quite willing to go to the Northwest.

Gu Jinli laughed, satisfied with Aunt Xiong’s stout and capable spirit, strong enough to work hard, indoors and outdoors.

"Alright, Aunt Xiong, follow Erqing to see Nanny Tao. She’ll explain the rules. The monthly salary will be double what you got at Songzi Manor."

The Northwest is dangerous, so Gu Jinli plans to increase the monthly salary for those going, ensuring everyone’s commitment.

Of course, anyone unwilling to be dedicated could be sent straight to heaven!

She’s never considered herself kind-hearted. While the Southern regions are peaceful, she speaks kindly; as danger looms, her heart toughens accordingly.

After all, in perilous places, only the ruthless survive.

"Alright," Aunt Xiong replied, taking leave of Gu Jinli, and followed Erqing outside.

Nanny Tao, who was familiar with the Xiong Family, didn’t question Gu Jinli’s decision to bring them; they were reliable people.

After Aunt Xiong left, Gu Jinli examined the list of soldiers from the Military Office given by Qin San Lang.

The list was thoroughly detailed, noting names, ages, characteristics, skills, trustworthiness, family backgrounds, and whether they had accompanying family members.

Besides this book, there was another listing of Company Commanders in He’an Prefecture’s eight counties, detailing their conduct and accompanying relatives.

Gu Jinli understood the importance and carefully examined it, trying to memorize.

...

Qin San Lang returned before dark but brought a few people instead, not from the fishing village, but a soldier and his family from the Military Office.

The soldier was Lin Tongshan, newly twenty-seven, married to Mrs. Yang, with one son and daughter, aged five and over one, just learning to walk.

Originally, Lin Tongshan didn’t intend to bring family, especially since they were headed for battle, and the journey was perilous, and Mrs. Yang was too timid to survive the Northwest’s challenges independently.

But Lin Tongshan’s stepmother realized he was going to the Northwest and sought to sell his wife and children as soon as he left for the Military Office assembly today.

Thankfully, Lin Tongshan knew of her nature, worried, and turned back midway, catching human traffickers at his home.

Mrs. Yang was crying while holding her daughter, and the male trafficker was harassing her, intending to sell her into prostitution!

Lin Tongshan exploded with anger, rushed to the scene wielding a knife, injured the trafficker, terrifying his stepmother.

Mad with rage, Lin Tongshan intended to discipline his stepmother but was stopped by his father, who threatened to accuse him of filial impiety if he dared touch her.

Lin Tongshan cried, questioning his father, "I’ve worked hard as a soldier, giving my pay to the family, while covering recruitment duties for my brothers, sparing the family from paying exemption fees, yet now you treat me like this?!"

Father Lin sat on the threshold, "Tongshan, I’m doing this for your own good. You’re headed to the Northwest; even if you survive, it’ll be years before you return. Mrs. Yang is young, can she wait? Selling her now, when you return, we can find you a younger bride. It’s more worthwhile."

Lin Tongshan was shocked, infuriated beyond belief. Looking at his family, he knew they’d be doomed in his absence. Rashly, he gathered them to leave for the Northwest.

However, taking relatives required prior notice, and Lin Tongshan hadn’t done so. Afraid he couldn’t bring them, he rushed to Da Feng Village to find Qin San Lang, unexpectedly encountered, and brought back home.

Qin San Lang had Si’an return home early to inform Gu Jinli.

Hearing Si’an’s words, Gu Jinli was furious—the Old Lin Family were indeed despicable, selling Lin Tongshan’s wife and children while he fought for them—inhuman!

Moreover, was it an ill fate for people with the character "Shan" in their name? Lin Tongshan’s plight resembled her father’s.

"Alright, I understand." Gu Jinli sent Si’an away, instructing Erqing, "Prepare a room for them in the main house; we’ll depart together tomorrow."

"Alright." Erqing replied, busying herself with preparations.

More than a quarter-hour later, Qin San Lang led them into the house, and Gu Jinli’s face was covered with festering sores.

Mrs. Yang looked frail and timid, startled by everyone, nearly fainting at the sight of Gu Jinli’s face.

Gu Jinli quickly assured, "Sister-in-law, don’t be afraid; they’re just common sores, festering. They won’t infect you."