CHAPTER 1302: CHAPTER 1301: DO AS YOU PLEASE

Even though their Du Family’s official positions weren’t prominent, because they were close to the Emperor, few in the Capital City would disrespect them.

Outside, especially to him, everyone was polite and courteous.

Countless people wanted to build a connection with him as a stepping stone to get acquainted with his father.

In the Capital City, most of the noble families greeted him with smiles, if not all.

Inviting him to their homes as a guest was a common occurrence.

Even when he stayed at others’ homes temporarily, they took great care to ensure he was comfortable, often asking about his dietary preferences, what he liked to eat, and his habits.

They were worried about not providing the same comfort as home.

Why is everything different when it comes to the Little Master’s Aunt?

Where else would you find someone like the Little Master’s Aunt, whose attitude clearly indicates she isn’t planning to make any improvements, take it or leave it!

After all, Lord Du was still a young boy; though he appeared mature for his age, he still had his moments of stubbornness.

Obviously, Little Master’s Aunt wasn’t welcoming him. Being youthful and thin-skinned, he felt his cheeks flush, his heart filled with irritation, showing a look of resistance.

He turned and earnestly said to Old Doctor Du, "Grandfather, I’m not going. Isn’t it better to stay at home, study, and accompany Grandfather and Grandmother?"

"Furthermore, Little Master’s Aunt and Uncle must have many things to do upon returning. By following them, wouldn’t I be a burden? Instead, they would have to worry about me amidst their busy schedules—"

The small boy, thinking he hid his unwillingness well, was seen through by adults at a glance.

Wang Yongzhu watched Old Doctor Du with a seemingly amused expression, waiting to see what he would decide.

Old Doctor Du waved his hand, "Alright, enough with the nonsense, I’m entrusting him to you. Do as you please, just return him alive!"

Lord Du stared wide-eyed at Old Doctor Du, wondering if this could really be his grandfather?

One might guess that Wang Yongzhu was the actual daughter of Old Doctor Du, while he, the legitimate eldest grandson, was perhaps given away with medicine!

With Old Doctor Du’s words, Wang Yongzhu felt reassured and swiftly picked up Lord Du, tossing him onto the carriage, decisively saying, "Master, rest assured, I’ll return your lively grandson to you."

Lord Du felt the world spin, and once inside the carriage, he met Jinhoo’s sympathetic gaze.

For the moment, Lord Du couldn’t bother with Jinhoo, leaning out to attempt one last struggle: "Grandfather, Grandfather—I haven’t brought my books—"

Old Doctor Du responded heartlessly, "Use your Uncle’s!"

Lord Du relentlessly persisted, "Grandfather, I didn’t bring enough clothes, and also, my Attendant Student—"

Old Doctor Du waved him off, "If you need more clothes, go to your Little Master’s Aunt; I’ve already sent your Attendant Student back to the Capital City. Brother Jun, go without worries; your grandmother and I won’t need you to write letters, and we won’t have time to reply anyway, you look after yourself—"

Lord Du still wanted to say something, but the carriage had already begun to move, slowly heading forward.

Seeing the convoy had set off, Old Doctor Du felt the heat in the weather affecting his aged limbs, having stood for half a day, he hadn’t held up well for long. He promptly called the steward up, boarded the carriage, and wobbled back home.

Lord Du watched as his grandfather’s carriage went farther away, finally succumbing to despair.

He stared blankly outside the carriage for a long time, then turned to find Jinhoo happily munching on a handful of seeds.

Seeing Lord Du staring intently at the seeds in his hand, Jinhoo reluctantly but generously offered, "Do you want some? Take them."

Lord Du swatted Jinhoo’s hand away, turning his head to sulk.

Jinhoo, undeterred, poured himself a cup of tea, taking a comforting sip, as traveling home with the Great Aunt was indeed relaxing.

In the past, he would have either walked to the Capital City or spent some money for a ride with the Escort Agency; such comfort wasn’t available then.

Not needing to walk, having seeds to munch on, and tea to drink was truly a Shopkeeper’s privilege.

Benefiting from the Great Aunt’s favor now, he pondered how he could have such stature based on his abilities someday.

Thinking so, Jinhoo set aside his flaunting, planning out the gifts he had received in the Capital City from the Gu Family: not gold ingots or silver nuggets, but also several pouches given by the kind Great-Grandmother from the Gu Family before leaving, all containing gold ingots.

He’d already made a small fortune with these gifts, estimating that converting them into Silver would yield at least a few hundred taels.

On this trip back to Qilidun, he contemplated secretly acquiring a couple of rare items from his father and selling them in the Capital City, expecting significant profit margins.

Additionally, during the voyage, having silently followed Yao Da and Shitou, he had broadened his horizons.

He memorized which goods from which places were in high demand, and on the journey back, he wanted to test the waters.

If successful, he could double his money by selling those in the Capital City.

Using this as capital, he planned to join a trade caravan going south.

He heard that large ships ventured out to sea there, returning with various exotic goods from Foreign Barbarian Countries.

There were rumors of large gemstones, entire tusks, and various spices.

These fine goods were highly favored by the noble patrons in the Capital City.

Items priced at merely ten taels locally could sell for hundreds in the Capital City.

He wasn’t greedy, planning to find a few small inconspicuous items to sell in the Capital City.

He also heard that place was rich with gemstones; he could buy some for the Great Aunt, as women supposedly liked these things.

Gaining experience, he intended to partner with the Great Aunt for a bigger venture next time.

Though unfamiliar with Imperial Court affairs, he understood that the Great Aunt and Uncle now held official positions, making it inconvenient for her to do business herself.

Being so far away in Chicheng City, money was indispensable.

Uncle had become an official and acknowledged such a powerful father; although the Great Aunt had support from the Gu Family, there were still layers between them.

In case Uncle ever treated the Great Aunt poorly, and Gu Family couldn’t be relied upon, he needed to save money for her and have a backup plan, didn’t he?

Thinking this way, Jinhoo didn’t have time to concern himself with Lord Du, focusing only on planning a trip to the mountains with Fourth Uncle this time home.

Lord Du, accustomed to Jinhoo initiating conversations along the journey, secretly regretted rejecting the offered seeds, feeling a bit remorseful.

However, he couldn’t bring himself to apologize.

He thought if Jinhoo spoke to him again, he would just let this matter pass.

Unexpectedly, he waited for half a day and didn’t see Jinhoo approaching for conversation; instead, he curled up in the corner, lost in thought.