Chapter 1005: Chapter 1005 Farewell (3)

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

After the convoy disappeared from sight over the horizon, the Emperor remained atop the city gate, his men standing watch beside him. He finally turned and descended only once they were completely out of view.

Meanwhile, Gu Wanning was about to return to the palace after seeing Gu Chengrui and the others off.

“Sis,” Gu Chenglin called out to her. “Come with me. Cousin left a box for you. Take it back.”

“Do you know what’s inside?” Gu Wanning inquired.

“Not sure, but…” He trailed off, then leaned in and whispered, “Probably banknotes.”

He led her to Gu Chengrui’s study and presented her with the small box resting on the table.

Gu Wanning took the box, gently stroking its surface before opening it. Inside, she found two small bottles of pepper spray and another slightly larger box. This box contained a thick stack of thousand-tael silver notes and two vials of antidote pills tucked away in the corner.

Tears welled up in Gu Wanning’s eyes as she finished examining the contents.

“Sister, don’t cry,” Gu Chenglin pleaded, his voice cracking. “You have to be strong. What will I do if you aren’t?”

He began to sob uncontrollably, and Gu Wanning, noticing his sorrow, wiped away her own tears. “Alright, alright,” she soothed, “don’t cry. We have to stay strong and protect the property Cousin left behind.”

“Exactly, exactly,” Gu Chenglin mumbled, wiping his eyes. “Don’t worry, sister-in-law left me with a lot of prescriptions.”

“Then guard them well,” Gu Wanning instructed.

“Absolutely,” he confirmed.

Half a month later, the group arrived at the East Continent’s harbor. With the assistance of Mr. Gu and Second Uncle Gu, they quickly located suitable boatmen and conducted thorough tests on the ship. Meanwhile, Zhou Ying employed her spiritual power to examine the vessel for potential problems meticulously. Once she confirmed its seaworthiness, Gu Chengrui began loading the previously purchased silk, tea leaves, and other goods onto the ship.

That evening, Gu Chengrui had arranged a special dinner in gratitude to Mr. Gu and Second Uncle Gu. Just as the dishes were being served, Zhou Huaiming burst through the door in a frenzy.

“Gu Chengrui, you sly dog!” He roared upon seeing him. “Do you still consider me a brother? You’re setting sail and didn’t even bother to tell me?!” “Weren’t you on the Northern Continent?” Gu Chengrui asked, momentarily stunned. He then rose to his feet.

“So what if I was? Couldn’t I come back?” Zhou Huaiming grumbled, storming over and taking a seat directly opposite him. He glared at Gu Chengrui.

“My apologies, my apologies,” Gu Chengrui offered placatingly. “You must be famished after rushing back like that. Tell me, what would you like to eat?”

He swiftly instructed the waiter to bring additional glasses and cutlery for Zhou Huaiming.

“After you guys leave,” Zhou Huaiming sighed, “it’ll be a long time before I have the pleasure of enjoying such delicious food again. The least you can do is whip up a couple of dishes I haven’t tried before, right?”

“Absolutely no problem,” Gu Chengrui assured him. “Zhou Ying’s currently in the kitchen preparing provisions for the ship. I’ll head over and check on things.”

With those words, he turned and headed towards the kitchen. As he made his way back, he happened to be carrying a plate of freshly fried dumplings.

The four of them then settled into conversation, though it was primarily Gu Chengrui and Zhou Huaiming who did the talking. Zhou Huaiming raised his cup in a toast, naturally attempting to persuade Gu Chengrui to stay, but his efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful.

Witnessing this exchange, Mr. Gu and Second Uncle Gu swallowed back their own words, opting instead to offer advice on navigating the dangers of the sea. After much deliberation, Zhou Ying finally decided to contribute. She retrieved some ingredients from her hidden space and prepared two dishes for Zhou Huaiming—a pot of “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea,” and braised tofu with Luohan meat.

Zhou Huaiming’s appetite seemed to have vanished despite the enticing dishes before him. Instead, he resorted to drowning his sorrows in alcohol.

After the meal, Gu Chengrui turned to Mr. Gu. “Father,” he stated, “we’ll be setting sail early tomorrow morning. I’ll have to trouble you to help take care of General Zhou.”