After entering the city, there were many commoners on the streets, but Song Jinzhao noticed that the way they looked at her was rather strange. Along with curiosity, their gazes carried a hint of vigilance.
It would have been one thing if it were just one or two people, but every single person was like this, and not even the women were an exception.
When they reached the center of the main street, a row of sedan chairs blocked the way ahead.
Gu Huaiyuan spoke in a hearty tone, "It is almost mealtime. The guests of Ruyi Pavilion must have blocked the road again. Men, quickly go and have them make way."
Seeing the guards run over to disperse the crowd, a flash of interest crossed Song Jinzhao's eyes.
Gu Baozhu poked her head out from behind.
"County Princess, the food at Ruyi Pavilion is highly renowned in Songzhou City. Every mealtime, there are no empty seats, and sometimes you even have to wait in line. You simply must try it. I will have someone reserve a table in a moment."
Song Jinzhao asked in return, "Is it truly that delicious? Can it compare to the capital?"
Gu Baozhu pondered for a moment.
"I have never been to the capital, so I do not know if the food at Ruyi Pavilion is better than there, but it is absolutely the best in the entire Southwest Province."
Song Jinzhao raised her eyebrows slightly, seemingly intrigued by Gu Baozhu's words.
"In that case, we must go and taste it tomorrow."
Hearing Song Jinzhao agree, Gu Baozhu's eyes instantly curved into a smile.
She wanted to stay with County Princess Linghui and see exactly what kind of person she was. Unfortunately, Song Qiming was the Prefect of Suining. How wonderful it would be if they could stay in Songzhou City.
If she could learn even half of the County Princess's skills, her life would be without regrets.
About half an hour later, the two Gu brothers stopped at the entrance of a courtyard, with a row of yamen runners standing guard outside.
Gu Gaoyuan extended his hand in invitation, "County Princess, this is the post house."
After dismounting, everyone entered the building, while a few guards silently took their places beside the yamen runners.
As Gu Huaiyuan left, he took note of this and kept it in mind.
"What is wrong?" Gu Gaoyuan asked instinctively when he saw his younger brother pause, noticing something amiss in his expression.
Gu Huaiyuan shot a glance behind him.
"Those guards look more like soldiers than the actual soldiers in the military camps."
Gu Jinghong, who was following beside them, chimed in, "Father, you did not see them when they fought the bandits. They are much fiercer than the soldiers you trained."
Gu Baozhu echoed, "Not just them, even the maidservants waiting on the County Princess know martial arts, and they are not weak either. That is why I say County Princess Linghui is amazing."
Gu Gaoyuan cast a surprised glance back at the guards standing beside the yamen runners.
"Let us head back first. Father is still waiting at the estate."
Gu Gaoyuan nodded.
Inside a room at the post house, Song Qiming sat on a chair.
"After entering the Southwest territory, apart from the bandits of Qingfeng Stronghold, we have not encountered any other thieves. The situation is actually better than we imagined."
Song Jinzhao did not agree with her younger brother's assessment.
"Coupled with the guards Gu Jinghong brought, we have nearly two hundred people in total. What thief would dare to strike?"
"The commoners in Songzhou City are highly vigilant, as if it is carved into their bones. This shows that this place is not peaceful."
Song Shixue bit her lip in worry.
"Suining Prefecture is even closer to the southwestern foreign tribes than Songzhou City. Would the situation not be even worse there?"
Song Qiming smiled fearlessly, showing not even a trace of worry.
"No matter how bad it is, there is no war right now. It will just be a bit more difficult to govern. We will know once we reach Suining Prefecture."
In the main hall of the Southwest Provincial Administration Commissioner's residence, Gu Zhongxun grabbed Gu Baozhu's ear and scolded, "You have quite the nerve, daring to deceive me alongside Jinghong? I am punishing you to reflect on your mistakes behind closed doors and practice the stance for three days."
Gu Baozhu jumped in panic, her voice so piercing it seemed it would bring the roof down.
"No! I already made an appointment with the County Princess to take her to dine at Ruyi Pavilion tomorrow."
"Besides, I only found out that Jinghong was going to wipe out the bandits after I arrived at Yunshan Temple. I was afraid something would happen to him, so I went along."
Kneeling on the ground, Gu Jinghong looked at Gu Baozhu in disbelief.
"Little Aunt, how could you do this? You were the one who insisted on going. What do you mean you were afraid something would happen to me? It was clearly because you wanted to go too!"
You promised to plead for me, yet you act like this!
Gu Huaiyuan grabbed Gu Jinghong's ear and twisted it a hundred and eighty degrees.
"Your Little Aunt is your elder. Since you dare to speak to her like that, get lost to the ancestral hall and reflect on your actions."
With a bitter face, Gu Jinghong was led away by the servants.
Every single time, he was the only one being punished. This was far too unfair.
Seeing her nephew being taken away, Gu Baozhu clutched her stomach, hoping to gloss over the matter quickly.
"Father, my stomach is so hungry. Can we eat now?"
Gu Zhongxun stared at her intently, though there was not much anger on his face.
"Jinghong does not even get to eat, and you still want to eat?"
He poked his index finger on Gu Baozhu's nose and pushed her away, "You will reflect behind closed doors after County Princess Linghui leaves. The three days are now changed to a month. I must make you learn your lesson this time."
"Father..." Gu Baozhu pleaded unwillingly.
Gu Zhongxun waved his hand and led his two sons outside, leaving Gu Baozhu standing alone in place, helplessly accepting her fate.
