Everyone had their own considerations and responsibilities. Fu Tinghan remained silent for a moment, no longer urging Fu Zhi. He bowed and withdrew.

Fu Zhi watched his upright, retreating figure with both gratification and sadness. “This child has matured considerably.”

The steward couldn’t help saying: “The young master left home for five years and is now sixteen—naturally he’s matured.”

After speaking, he couldn’t resist boasting: “If this old servant may say so, in all of the capital there are probably few young masters who can compare with our young master. Despite his injuries, he still reads and writes every day. Even when visiting Sanniang, he always brings a scroll with him.”

Fu Zhi was also satisfied, nodding slightly. “In these chaotic times, reading more is good. But one cannot solely focus on books. For now, while it’s unsafe outside, let him practice riding and archery at home. Once things settle down outside, have him go out and spar with others more—not only to broaden his horizons but also to learn some self-defense skills.”

The steward acknowledged.

Fu Zhi pondered, then said: “The day after tomorrow is the Marquis of Shangcai’s seventh day. Prepare the offerings. After I return from the palace, we’ll go pay our respects and also need to discuss the wedding details with Zhao Zhongyu.”

The steward bowed deeply: “Yes.”

Fu Tinghan wrote a letter to Zhao Hanzhang containing only one sentence: “The butterfly effect of two—Gao Tao has already escaped from the capital, whereabouts currently unknown. The Prince of Donghai sustained minor injuries.”

The letter quickly reached Zhao Hanzhang’s hands. She tossed it into a brazier to burn, her gaze dark.

That evening, she gathered some valuables from her room into chests and sent them along with her dowry to the courtyard where the study was located.

After the third watch, when everyone in the Zhao residence had fallen into deep sleep, Zhao Hanzhang opened her eyes and rose from bed.

Ting He, sleeping in the outer room, rose披着衣服, whispering: “Sanniang, it’s not yet the fifth watch. Please lie down a bit longer.”

Tonight Wang Shi was keeping vigil with Zhao Erlang. Zhao Hanzhang had gone to bed before eight o’clock. Though it was barely past one now, she’d already slept for four hours—enough.

She was full of energy now and directly changed clothes to rise, whispering: “Go call everyone. Move quietly—we’ll transport the items out silently.”

The mourning hall’s staff had all been replaced with their own people. The main branch likewise used only her and Wang Shi’s trusted servants, as well as those on the dowry list. So everyone was relatively obedient, quietly rising and gathering in the study courtyard.

That evening, Zhao Hanzhang had used the excuse that the seventh day was approaching and that lanterns should guide Zhao Changyu’s way, demanding that from tonight onward, lamps throughout the residence remain lit all night.

She casually took a white lantern to illuminate the not-very-bright path, entering the courtyard to see the people standing with lowered heads and clasped hands. “You are all carefully selected by me. In the future, you will accompany me when I marry into the Fu family. If I prosper, you all will be honored. If I am disgraced, you will also be dishonored. So I hope from now on we work together with one heart to create glory.”

The servants didn’t dare make a sound, only bowing deeply to Zhao Hanzhang to show they understood.

Zhao Hanzhang nodded with satisfaction, saying softly: “Begin. Move carefully.”

The servants responded quietly and began carrying out the packed chests from the courtyard.

Some chests were so heavy they required four people to move, inevitably creating some friction sounds. Fortunately, the noise wasn’t too loud, and the main and second branches were far apart, so they weren’t disturbed.

Chengbo also arrived. Seeing servants already carrying items in an extended line, he approached her side and whispered: “The residence guards have also been taken care of. Before dawn, they’ll deliberately avoid this area.”

Zhao Hanzhang nodded. Seeing his worried expression, she asked: “What concerns you, Uncle Cheng?”

“Even if we conceal it tonight, the day after tomorrow when you marry, this matter cannot be hidden. Have you considered the consequences, Sanniang?”

Zhao Hanzhang’s expression was calm: “My possessions are naturally mine to dispose of.”

Seeing Chengbo still deeply worried, she reassured him: “Don’t worry. I’m about to be married. Even for the Fu family’s sake, Grand-Uncle won’t make things difficult for me.”

Chengbo instantly understood—yes, because of the Fu family, Zhao Zhongyu wouldn’t make things difficult for Sanniang.

How truly emboldened by having support!

Chengbo exhaled, also relaxing.

The west corner gate had already been opened. Servants silently carried the chests outside, lining them along the main street.

Ji Yuan had also arrived early with his men. Seeing many chests already placed on the street, he waved his hand for people to load them onto ox carts and secure them.

Seeing a white lantern approaching, he was genuinely startled. Only after seeing clearly that it was Zhao Hanzhang holding the lantern did he pat his chest in relief. “Miss, you nearly frightened this old man to death.”

A man not yet forty calling himself an old man?

Zhao Hanzhang smiled at him: “What does Mister Ji fear?”

“I fear the master’s soul returning, discovering that you and I are absconding from the capital in this manner—he’d likely be so angry he’d sit up in his coffin.”

Zhao Hanzhang asked: “You came early. Did you bribe the night patrol soldiers?”

“No need to bribe them. Right now everyone’s surrounding the Prince of Donghai’s residence, the streets there cordoned off so tightly not even water could pass through. Elsewhere, even the night watchmen can’t be found, let alone patrol soldiers.” Ji Yuan continued: “Besides, the curfew ends at the fifth watch. I’m just coming out a bit early. Even if I’m seen, I have a legitimate reason.”

He looked toward Zhao Hanzhang. “I’m just worried you’ll have difficulty explaining this to the Second Elder Master afterward.”

Zhao Hanzhang replied: “I’m getting married the day after tomorrow.”

“Indeed. Even for the Fu family’s sake, even if you emptied the Zhao residence, the Second Elder Master could only endure it.”

The chests were loaded onto carts one by one and secured. Zhao Hanzhang handed him travel documents stamped with Zhao Changyu’s seal. “Although travel documents are currently useless, bearing Grandfather’s seal should make the journey somewhat more convenient. Mister Ji, I’m entrusting you with my entire fortune.”

Ji Yuan replied earnestly: “Yuan will certainly not fail your trust, Miss.”

Seeing Zhao Hanzhang’s young face full of seriousness and solemnity, Ji Yuan couldn’t help teasing her: “Aren’t you afraid I’ll take these possessions and people to seek another worthy lord?”

Zhao Hanzhang smiled slightly. “Suspect not those you employ; employ not those you suspect. I trust you, sir.”

“Besides, you followed Grandfather for many years. Even if you truly took the people and possessions and left, I would consider these Grandfather’s payment for your years of hard work,” Zhao Hanzhang raised her chin slightly. “Moreover, I’m still young. Whether possessions or people, I can earn them again.”

She reached out to pat the chest on the cart, sighing: “Losing these possessions wouldn’t pain my heart. I would only grieve losing you, sir. Your talents—how could these mere vulgar objects compare?”

Ji Yuan stared intently at Zhao Hanzhang. After confirming she spoke truthfully, he stepped back and bowed deeply to her with clasped hands. Zhao Hanzhang was startled, quickly handing the lantern to Ting He and returning the salute with a deep bow. “You honor me too much, sir.”

Ji Yuan rose and looked at Zhao Hanzhang performing her formal bow, saying: “If you do not betray me, I will certainly not betray you, Miss.”