Fortune Across the World

Chapter 115: Setting Off West, Warming Your Heart in the Carriage (Part 1)

Fu Ruqing’s journey to the western regions had two main stops: the first was Xiang City, and the second led her beyond the borders of the Great Qian Empire to Ulan City in the eastern domain of Xuanmo, where the Merchant King Tali Geer resided. Upon hearing Yinsuo's introduction, Ding Qiyu couldn't help but admire, "The young lady truly has great foresight. Is that Xuanmo Country the kind with endless yellow sand and scorching sun?"

"Miss said that this trip will take about two months. Xuanmo isn't like Yinzou; even in the winter, the days are mostly sunny and it will be much hotter there," Yinsuo explained, pointing to several boxes brought in by the attendants. "These boxes contain items that the young lady personally instructed me to bring. Take what you need, and whatever you don't take can be left here. Everything was chosen by the young lady for you. There are enough people and horses, so the young lady said you can bring whatever you want without needing to simplify your luggage."

Looking at the large boxes, Ding Qiyu felt a genuine sense of Fu Ruqing's care and didn't refuse out of courtesy, smiling, "Please thank her for me, Yinsuo."

After Yinsuo left, Ding Qiyu opened the boxes one by one. Inside were clothes of varying thickness, new water bags, short boots suitable for walking in the sand, and even sun-blocking cloaks—everything she could possibly need. With a self-amused smile, she remarked, "This little girl thought of everything!" She wondered how Fu Ruqing had known her clothing and shoe sizes so accurately, completely forgetting that the attendants handling her laundry and meals were all trusted by Miss Fu.

Despite Fu Ruqing's insistence that there was no need to simplify luggage and that Ding Qiyu could bring whatever she wanted, Ding Qiyu, accustomed to traveling light, packed only the essentials. She made sure to include several sets of clothing from home, which filled a large chest. Even though Lian'er back in Xing City couldn't see it, Ding Qiyu didn't want to overlook the affection woven into each stitch, an affection that always made her feel a hint of familial "illusion."

...

On the day of departure, Ding Qiyu rose early, preparing everything. Knowing it was the first day of travel and that she'd meet all of Fu Ruqing's attendants, she considered her outward identity as a male. Fu Ruqing had invited her along as a guard and companion, so she chose not to wear the fine clothes Fu Ruqing gifted or those made by Lian'er, opting instead for her usual "attendant outfit." With a travel bag slung over her shoulder, she arrived punctually at Fumeng Residence's entrance, having had her other luggage loaded onto the carriages the previous night.

Fu Ruqing, accompanied by a maid who wasn't Yinsuo, emerged from the entrance. Her face appeared somewhat pale, leading Ding Qiyu to suspect she had been working late to settle matters before the trip, feeling a pang of concern but unable to express it openly in front of others.

Seeing Ding Qiyu at the entrance, Fu Ruqing glanced at her attire, momentarily puzzled before understanding her reasoning. She swallowed her initial words and simply said, "Let's go."

Following Fu Ruqing silently to the entrance of Qingliu Garden, Ding Qiyu saw all the attendants already assembled, with Yinsuo present, evidently having prepared everything in advance for Miss Fu. Once again, Ding Qiyu marveled at the little girl's grandeur. Six carriages were parked at the entrance, each drawn by two fine horses. Besides Fu Ruqing's personal carriage, the other five were for attendants and luggage. Accompanying them were thirty mounted guards. As for any hidden guards in the shadows, Ding Qiyu was unaware.

Upon the young lady's appearance, all attendants dismounted and greeted in unison, "Miss!"

Fu Ruqing nodded in acknowledgment. Yinsuo approached her side to report, "Miss, everything is ready." In front of everyone, Yinsuo opted for the formal "Miss" instead of the usual "young lady."