Chapter 1577: Left Behind
Chapter 1577: Chapter 1577: Left Behind
She spoke, took out the smelly purse, and then grabbed a tea bowl. After using the tea bowl to cover the smelly purse, the odor in the room immediately disappeared.
Ms. Gao Lei finally showed a relieved smile and nodded, "Big Brother was right, you’re a clever girl. This method is excellent, keep doing it this way, and discuss further once you settle down."
She carefully examined Gu Jinli’s face, realizing this girl was indeed beautiful, with a good figure—tall and well-proportioned, her movements swift yet graceful, an outstanding beauty.
Luckily, this girl made herself ugly and smelly, otherwise, with the Northwest in such turmoil, she would have been in trouble long ago.
"The Qin family’s lad and their gang are clearing out the lurking Rong people?" Ms. Gao Lei asked. Seeing Gu Jinli nod, she shook her head and said, "This method is a bit clumsy, it can only save a few people, and it can’t resolve the crisis in Long’an Prefecture and Xing’an Prefecture."
But Ms. Gao Lei couldn’t think of any better plan, so she could only sigh, "I fear this battle is unavoidable."
Then she looked at Gu Jinli and said, "You’ve saved an old woman’s life this time; if I’d stayed in the manor, I’d likely be killed by the Rong people within a few days."
Ms. Gao Lei had long looked at life and death indifferently, but Big Brother had said before leaving to retreat, survive, use her status to stabilize the Lei Family’s Trading Team—lest he died in Da Rong, and the Lei Family’s Trading Team fell into chaos.
Thinking of Elder Lei Wu, Ms. Gao Lei’s eyes turned red, but she quickly regained composure.
People always die; Big Brother had been a soldier, holding his own beliefs. If he could truly cause chaos within Da Rong and save the citizens of Great Chu from being slaughtered, his death would be worth it.
"Alright, go and make arrangements. Once everything is done, send a servant to inform me. No need for you to come. Rest well; there’s a journey to make tomorrow morning." Ms. Gao Lei felt for Gu Jinli, exhausted from traveling, hence she didn’t insist on dinner.
"Yes, I understand." Gu Jinli bowed and left the room, returned to the temporary accommodations, and instructed Erqing and Xiao Ji to invite Mrs. Han, Mrs. Kuang, Madam Guo, Ms. Lu, and others.
"Right away." Erqing and Xiao Ji responded and promptly went to do it.
Three quarters of an hour later, they finally gathered everyone.
Without wasting words, Gu Jinli immediately informed them that the Lei Family’s Manor had been targeted and that they were to set off the next day.
Mrs. Kuang, after a night of travel coupled with a busy morning, was both tired and hungry. Upon hearing this message she nearly fainted, angrily exclaiming, "Xiao Yu, what are you saying? This manor has been targeted by the Rong people? Impossible, isn’t it too coincidental? Those wolf tracks are probably just wild wolves coming down for food, no need to worry."
Pointing to her own face, she continued, "Look at Aunt, we’re exhausted, right? Don’t leave; stay here for a few days, recuperate, shall we?"
Running back and forth like this is tiring.
Besides...
"We’ve barely left Xing’an Prefecture, running back already, is that appropriate?!"
If known, it would be a joke about their sanity.
Gu Jinli glanced at Mrs. Kuang and directly said, "Aunt Niu, if you wish to stay, that’s fine. But should you be wiped out by the Rong, don’t regret it."
She then looked at Mrs. Han and others, "Many nearby villages and manors have been occupied by the Rong people; the fact that Lei Family’s Manor has held out is fortunate. My family is following Granny Lei, whether you go or not, it’s your choice."
She appeared ready to drop her responsibilities, frightening Mrs. Kuang, who hurried to placate, smiling apologetically, "Xiao Yu, don’t be mad. Your San Lang leads our troops, naturally we follow your word. Let’s go, Aunt’s camp members will follow you."
Mrs. Han nodded in agreement, "My family listens to Sister-in-law Qin too; this manor isn’t a fortress. If the Rong people attack en masse, it won’t hold. Let’s hide in the Prefecture where it’s safer."
Mrs. Han was indeed the Earl Mansion’s eldest daughter, a figure of great standing in their minds. With her following Gu Jinli, others wouldn’t object, nodding, "Yes, we’ll follow Mrs. Qin’s words, inform kin of departure tomorrow."
Gu Jinli nodded, adding, "If anyone dares cause trouble, drag them out for a good beating. If they remain insensible after the beating, leave them."
Leave them?
Mrs. Han chuckled, "Alright, if any misbehave, we’ll discipline them."
Now is the time to flee; no leisure to reason with kin, a bit of severity is necessary.
Fortunately, after months on the road together, although feeling worn by returning, they trusted Gu Jinli, knowing she wouldn’t harm them. After a brief annoyance, preparations for the journey began.
In Niu Family’s Camp, Aunt Han and Qiaozi’s wife made a fuss but settled after being beaten by Mrs. Kuang.
Only Ji Zhenniang fainted upon hearing the news.
Just because Nanny Gui Zhi told her, "The manor’s targeted by the Rong people; likely they will attack within days. Our family’s Old Madam is escaping with kin tomorrow, but your ill sense—Old Madam said not to bring you, lest you make trouble and harm everyone."
Only after hearing these words did Ji Zhenniang faint.
"My lady! My lady!" Xie Huaihua pinched Ji Zhenniang’s philtrum, reviving her.
Nanny Gui Zhi ridiculed, "With such little courage you dare cause trouble, it’s commendable."
Ji Zhenniang didn’t retaliate, clutching to Nanny Gui Zhi’s hand, nervously asking, "Nanny, you were scaring me, right? The Rong won’t invade the manor, Gu Xiaoyu won’t leave... Even if they go, they won’t leave me behind. I’ve spent months riding with Gu Xiaoyu; she likes me too much to leave me."
Nanny Gui Zhi eyed Ji Zhenniang, laughed, "Ha, Lady Xie, you’re overly flattering yourself. Ask your conscience, your constant fussing and badmouthing Mrs. Qin, does she like you? She would’ve dropped you long ago but for your Company’s Commander’s presence—they’ll feed you well tonight; tomorrow the manor will be empty without food delivery... At least you’ll die full."
Full ghost!
Ji Zhenniang turned pale at the words, trembling, unable to speak, gnashing to slap herself.
Nanny Gui Zhi ignored her expression, pointing to Xie Huaihua, "Our family’s Old Madam said you’re good; no need to die alongside your lady. Step out, tomorrow join us."
"Huaihua, don’t leave!" Ji Zhenniang was petrified, clutching Xie Huaihua’s hand tightly.
Xie Huaihua said, "Don’t fear, my lady; I won’t leave, will die alongside you."
Ji Zhenniang was deeply moved, hugging Xie Huaihua, "Huaihua, you’re indeed loyal. I judged right—you’ll get a salary raise, double next month!"
Raise, such loyalty demands a raise.