Chapter 617: Chapter 619: Socializing, Broken Promise

Jin Qianqian said, "It’s been a while. I never thought fate would bring us together again like this."

Lady Nan felt a knot in her chest. Her husband’s political achievements had been mediocre these past few years, and this was already his third term in the same post.

He was even thinking that if he didn’t find a new opportunity, he might have to retire from this position as Magistrate.

’And look at Mr. Gu,’ she thought. ’Also a Magistrate, and in such a remote and difficult place, yet he managed a huge turnaround.’

’Now he’s returning to Shangjing to report on his duties, and a promotion order is sure to follow.’

No matter how unfair she felt, she didn’t let it show on her face, revealing her most amiable and friendly smile. "Isn’t that the truth. Last time was so rushed, and I didn’t get to properly host you, Mrs. Gu."

"This time, you can’t refuse me. You must stay here for a few more days, so I can fulfill my duties as a host."

Jin Qianqian said, "...I wouldn’t want to trouble you, Lady Nan. As you know, I have some business properties here, and I expect to focus my time on them."

They were both ladies of their respective manors; who didn’t have a few business interests? It might look like others were managing them, but there was always much to worry about.

Lady Nan’s expression became a little unnatural. She knew exactly why Jin Qianqian had acquired so many properties here. "Of course, that’s understandable. But who knows when we’ll have a chance to meet again? You must let us fulfill our duties as hosts."

Jin Qianqian replied, "Of course. Lady Nan, just let us know the time, and we will be sure to attend."

Prefect Nan and Lady Nan exchanged a glance, secretly sighing in relief. ’As long as she agreed, that’s what matters. It’s much better than a direct refusal.’

They weren’t completely out of the loop; anyone in official circles knew of Gu Wenheng’s political achievements over the years.

With this trip back to Shangjing to report on his duties, a promotion was a certainty.

Now, everyone was whispering amongst themselves: would he be promoted several ranks at once, just like before?

Prefect Nan had his own regrets. If only he had been firmer that day and helped neither side, he wouldn’t have ended up in such a difficult position.

"As it happens, Le City has a few scenic spots. Why don’t I lead you gentlemen to enjoy them?" Although the other three men here were of lower rank than him, they came from old, established aristocratic families in Shangjing. Their pedigrees were far beyond his, so he naturally didn’t have the confidence to put on airs in front of them.

The Deputy who had come with him chimed in, "Indeed. You must give us a chance to be the hosts."

It wasn’t just Prefect Nan; the few subordinate officials who came with him also looked eager.

He Gaofei and the others didn’t immediately agree, instead turning their gazes to Gu Wenheng. They had grown accustomed to him making the decisions.

The officials from Le City, however, saw it differently. They took a new measure of Gu Wenheng in their minds. ’It seems this Mr. Gu is not to be underestimated,’ they thought. ’He has his subordinates completely under his thumb.’

Gu Wenheng wasn’t bothered by being the center of attention. "Then I will have to trouble you gentlemen to make the arrangements. However, the date for our report in Shangjing is already set, so we can only stay here for one day. I hope you will all understand."

"Of course, that’s only natural. Let’s have breakfast first, then!" Prefect Nan finally let out a full sigh of relief. ’Looks like I’ll have to work on mending our relationship today. Even if we can’t just laugh and forget our past grudges, I have to at least make sure he doesn’t hold a grudge against me.’

Gu Benluo, standing to the side, was already looking anxious. He had understood enough to know that the promise made to them just yesterday was now off.

He pursed his lips and looked aggrievedly at Jin Qianqian. All his hopes were now pinned on his mother, hoping she could change his father’s mind.

As if sensing his gaze, Jin Qianqian looked down at his sad little face and gave him a slight shake of her head.

Gu Benluo understood immediately. He could only lower his head, take his younger brother’s hand, and stand obediently to the side.

Seeing his dejected look, Jin Qianqian’s heart ached for him. Glancing up and seeing the adults still deep in pleasant conversation, she beckoned her two children over.

She affectionately stroked their heads and crouched down to their eye level. "If you really want to go out and play on the streets, I can have Guard Jiang and the others accompany you."

Gu Benluo immediately shook his head, his voice muffled. "No, it’s okay. My brother and I will stay with Mom and Dad."

"I’ll make sure my little brother doesn’t cause any trouble."

Gu Ben Can looked at him with a bewildered expression. "Brother, I won’t cause trouble. I’m hungry now."

Jin Qianqian stroked Gu Ben Can’s little cheek. "I’ve already asked the nannies to prepare your breakfast in the kitchen. In a moment, I’ll have Lichun and the others serve you."

When it came to her two children, Jin Qianqian always anticipated their needs. She had already given the instructions last night.

Looking over, she could see a few nannies already standing by the kitchen, waiting for the word.

Lichun and Li Qiu, who were beside her, smiled and walked over, taking the two young masters’ hands. "Young Masters, we will take you over here to eat."

Jin Qianqian felt relieved only when she sensed the wet nurses and maids following behind them.

Prefect Nan and his people had made meticulous arrangements, keeping them entertained and hosted for the entire day.

By the time they returned to the inn, the families were all exhausted.

Gu Wenheng escorted Jin Qianqian back to their room, changed his clothes, and then went out again with Ming Feng.

Jin Qianqian had no energy left to ask questions. After a full day of socializing, she didn’t want to speak another word.

They didn’t stay long. After a night’s rest, everyone struggled to get up the next day.

They had a hearty breakfast, bid farewell to the Le City officials who had come to see them off, and the convoy continued on its way.

Once the carriage was outside the city, Jin Qianqian finally asked, "You looked so secretive when you came back yesterday. What good deed were you up to?"

Gu Wenheng pointed to the carriage behind them and said with a smile, "Listen."

Jin Qianqian lifted the curtain and pricked up her ears, faintly hearing the surprised and joyful cries of her two children.

Gu Wenheng put his arm around her shoulders. "Breaking my promise yesterday was my fault. I was just trying to make it up to them."

Jin Qianqian didn’t understand. "Did you go buy them some treats, or did you find something new and interesting?"

Gu Wenheng pulled her closer to lean against the soft pillow. "After running around all day yesterday, and then being busy half the night, these old bones of mine can’t quite take it. I still feel sore and achy."

Seeing the look in his eyes, Jin Qianqian knew exactly what he wanted. She moved over, took his hand, and began to massage it.

"Since you were so thoughtful, I’ll give you a little massage."

"But what did you actually do? What could make those two boys so excited?"

Gu Wenheng patted his other shoulder. "This spot is sore, too."

"And here..."

"Here..."

Lichun and the other maids, hiding in the corner, had already lowered their heads, trying desperately not to laugh out loud.

At first, Jin Qianqian was patient, but as a certain someone kept pushing his luck, the pressure from her hands unconsciously increased.

"Gently, gently! Are you trying to murder your own husband?"

"No pain, no gain. You have to feel it for it to be effective." Jin Qianqian deliberately added even more force. "My lord, how is the pressure now?"

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