As soon as Su Buchi received his transfer order, he took up his new post without delay.
After Li Ying had sorted out all the trivial matters in the shop, she returned to the capital with the senior boss and Lu Xunguang.
Although the journey was long and arduous, fortunately the carriages were well - arranged and comfortable, so they didn't suffer much.
Since Li Ying had traveled through time, this was the first time she had come to such a bustling place as the capital. Even though she was usually calm, she couldn't help but be overjoyed.
First, she accompanied the senior boss back to the Lu family's old mansion on the outskirts of the capital to rest. The butler had received the order in advance and was waiting outside the vermilion - painted gate, holding a fox fur cloak.
Seeing that Lu Xunguang had really returned, the old butler burst into tears.
"Master Lu, Master Lu!"
Lu Xunguang waved his hand. There was already a touch of the imposing manner of the family head in his eyebrows and eyes.
The maids and servants filed out and escorted the father - son duo into the mansion. Li Ying sat down in the main hall and carefully examined the furnishings of the Lu Mansion. All the decorations were made of high - quality rosewood, elegant, grand, and yet imposing. She couldn't help but secretly praise them in her heart.
The coachman settled the carriages of the bank and was about to lead away Wu Zhui. Several maids and women - servants tactfully took Li Ying's luggage and were about to lead her to the inner courtyard to stay.
Lu Xunguang raised his eyebrows and stopped them. The cleaning woman didn't understand his intention and stood there, looking puzzled.
"Mrs.... Mrs. Lu?"
A hint of displeasure flashed across Lu Xunguang's face. He said seriously, "Father, you must be tired after the long journey. I'll take my leave first. Please take good care of yourself and rest well."
After bowing, he took Li Ying's hand and calmly withdrew.
The senior boss nodded and closed his eyes to rest. The old butler, who had served him for many years, immediately understood.
He called the women - servants aside and scolded them, "You ignorant things! Miss Li is a distinguished guest of our bank. Although she and the young master are in love, they abide by propriety. Your address of 'Mrs. Lu' is really out of line!"
The women - servants looked at each other in surprise, stunned.
They naturally knew that the young master's wedding was approaching.
However, they had heard that the girl was just a vulgar woman from a fishing village. Not only had she divorced, but she also brought a maid with her. How could such a person be worthy of the young master of the prestigious Ping'an Bank?
They had already harbored a bit of contempt in their hearts. They took it for granted that Li Ying, just because she was young and somewhat good - looking, was like Lady Lianji in the past, using coquettish tricks to deceive Lu Xunguang.
Now that she had come to the capital with him, they thought she was like a dodder flower, clinging to him desperately and eager to move into the Lu family.
After being scolded by the butler, the women - servants reluctantly lowered their heads, but they still felt resentful in their hearts.
Li Ying didn't really care about these gossips. After leaving the Lu Mansion with Lu Xunguang, she saw him solemnly take her hand and say softly, "A Ying, it's not that I don't want to welcome you into the mansion.
"A woman who is properly betrothed becomes a wife, while one who elopes becomes a concubine. A Ying, the capital is different from the fishing village. There are complex ethics and strict rules. You are the love of my life. I will never let you be embarrassed in others' mouths."
Li Ying didn't really care about the distinction between wives and concubines. But seeing how much Lu Xunguang loved and respected her, she couldn't help but be touched.
Lu Xunguang led the horse himself. Soon, they stopped in front of a secluded courtyard.
Li Ying saw that the plaque on the door was clearly written by Yan Lianzhi in a bold and unrestrained style, with the words "Li Residence". She smiled and asked, "Prepared for me?"
Lu Xunguang nodded frankly and then said with a bitter smile, "It's really hard to get the calligraphy of Master Yan. I had to give him six jars of bamboo wine for these two characters."
Li Ying remembered the way Yan Lianzhi blew his beard and stared in anger while bargaining with Lu Xunguang, and she couldn't help but find it funny.
They entered the courtyard together. Granny Sun naturally went to settle Mianmian down, while Lu Xunguang led Li Ying up to the small building. He opened the window, and from there, the vermilion - painted gate of the Lu Mansion was in the distance, facing them.
On a sunny day, as long as she sat on this building, she could see Lu Xunguang practicing martial arts in the courtyard.
This small courtyard was very clean and bright, which suited her taste. The cups, bowls, and bedding in the room were all complete. There was also a bunch of fresh flowers in the bedroom, looking very lively and blooming beautifully, obviously being taken care of daily.
Li Ying didn't know how Lu Xunguang, who was far away in a small fishing village, had arranged everything for her life in the capital so meticulously. All her feelings finally turned into a smile.
"Master Lu, are you going to hide me away?"
Lu Xunguang heard the teasing in her words. He gave her the house deed and land deed, and then said seriously in a deep voice, "A Ying is like a bright pearl and a beautiful jade. I really want to possess you earlier so that I can feel at ease."
He lowered his head and buried his chin in the crook of her neck, as if comforting her, "A Ying, wait a little longer. After I've established myself in the capital, I'll choose an auspicious day to marry you into the family."
Li Ying nodded. On the way into the city, she had seen that the streets were bustling with carriages and horses, and there were so many things to see. It was really a good place for business.
She intended to expand her business on a large scale and meet Lu Xunguang at the peak. She wasn't in a hurry for this momentary romance.
Seeing Li Ying nod, Lu Xunguang took a deep breath and greedily smelled the faint fragrance on her body. He let out a long sigh.
"However, A Ying, I can hardly wait any longer."
After days of traveling, there was a layer of stubble on his chin. At this moment, like a little beast, it tickled her neck and cheeks. Li Ying laughed and helplessly pushed him away a little.
Lu Xunguang straightened up and then said softly, "A Ying, you've just come to the capital. I'll take you for a stroll on the street. If there's anything else you need at home, we can buy it together."
The two of them walked out hand in hand. The street was crowded with people. Peddlers and vendors were walking through the streets, selling fruits, candies, and all kinds of delicate little gadgets, which were very cute.
Li Ying intended to open a branch of the restaurant in the capital. She only bought a few small toys to amuse Mianmian and Maomao, and then headed straight for the largest restaurant in the capital.
The three gilded characters "Yunlai Xuan" shone brightly in the sunlight. The waiter at the door was smiling brightly.
They had been delayed for some time, and it was already past the mealtime. However, the Yunlai Xuan was still full of customers, which showed that it really lived up to its name of "customers coming like clouds".
The waiter led them into the restaurant. Passing by a row of private rooms, he whispered a reminder.
"Dear guests, several court officials have honored our restaurant today to compose poems and have fun. They are in the Tian - character private room. They are the pillars highly regarded by the emperor and don't like to be disturbed by outsiders. Please don't make too much noise. If you anger the officials, it won't be good."
High - ranking court officials?
Li Ying and Lu Xunguang exchanged a look. They understood each other without a word, and immediately thought of someone.