Chapter 112: Hello, Jianghu

With village affairs settled and personnel arranged, Gou Ye finally felt at ease to focus on his own preparations. Since most of his household belongings had long been reduced to ash, there was little left to pack.

Yun Niang stood in the room, gazing at the unfamiliar surroundings. She could no longer find the lingering presence of her mother. The thought of leaving the village where she had lived for over a decade filled her with a profound sense of melancholy. Looking at Gou Ye by her side, she said, "Brother Gou Ye, please come with me to visit Mother later. Do you think she will be lonely staying here all by herself once we leave?"

"She won't be," Gou Ye replied. Although he was an atheist, he offered this comfort, knowing that sometimes a belief provides more solace than reality. "Didn't Mother say that when people pass away, they turn into stars in the sky? I believe she is now happily reunited with Father. Whenever we reach our destination, whenever you look up at the night sky, you will see them silently watching over you from the far horizon."

After tidying up with Yun Niang, the two bought ritual paper money in the village and went to her mother’s grave. As Gou Ye cleared the weeds, Yun Niang knelt before the headstone, whispering, "Mother, Brother Gou Ye and I are leaving for the distant capital. I don't know when I’ll be able to return, but if the chance arises, I will certainly come to see you. Brother Gou Ye says you and Father have both turned into little stars, watching over me from the sky. Please, live well up there, and bless us so that everything goes smoothly on our journey..."

She wept for a long time. Gou Ye knelt beside her and said softly, "Mother, you and Father can rest easy. I will take good care of Yun Niang. Once we are settled in the capital, I will bring her back to visit you. Please grant us your blessing."

After paying their respects, they visited Li Zhi to bid farewell and entrust him with the care of the grave. They then visited other acquaintances, including Auntie Wang and her son "Little Fatty," and Old Man Zhao, who sold rice cakes. By the time they returned home, evening had fallen.

Two days later, Gou Ye and Yun Niang loaded their luggage onto a carriage. They planned to spend a few days in the county seat before heading to the capital with Jia Zhengyi. Since Dali was not yet ready—having decided to bring his own family—Gou Ye left him some silver for travel expenses and took only Yun Niang and the Guo brothers.

To Gou Ye’s surprise, upon reaching the village entrance, they found Li Zhi and a crowd of villagers waiting to see them off. Ever since Gou Ye’s recovery, the villagers had witnessed everything he did for the community; they felt they owed him a debt of gratitude, as their lives had gradually improved thanks to his efforts. Today, they had stopped their work to organize a send-off. Despite Gou Ye’s repeated refusals, the villagers insisted on gifting them eggs and vegetables, eventually loading an entire ox-cart with supplies.

Watching the villagers, Gou Ye felt a lump in his throat. He waved to them with Yun Niang, unable to speak for fear of breaking down in tears. Once the carriage curtain fell, they looked at each other, both with reddened eyes.

Upon arriving at the county seat, Gu Shen hosted a warm banquet for them at the Zuixian Restaurant. They drank and spoke only of happy things, avoiding the topic of parting as if silence could forestall the sorrow.

"Brother Gou Ye," Gu Shen said, wine in hand, "meeting you is the greatest fortune of my life. Once you reach the capital, you must make a name for yourself. I will be waiting for good news during next year’s imperial examinations. Do not forget the hopes I place in you."

Gou Ye chuckled, raising his cup. "Brother Gu Shen, when have I ever deceived you? My word is my bond. Just wait for me; it won't be long before you can pursue your own official career, and we shall achieve great things together in the capital."

"Agreed!" They drank heartily. During the meal, Gou Ye entrusted the *Painting of the Recluse at Songhu* to Gu Shen, asking him to return it to Wanxiang after Gu Hui finished appreciating it. That night, everyone drank heavily until the restaurant closed, and the two brothers with the lowest tolerance were carried home unconscious.

The next morning, when a groggy Gou Ye opened his eyes, he found Jia Zhengyi sitting at the tea table, leisurely sipping tea and eating snacks. It gave him quite a start.

"Good heavens! Boss Jia, when did you get here? Do you have a habit of watching people sleep?"

"Oh? You’re awake," Jia Zhengyi said with a smirk, holding a pastry. "I arrived a short while ago. Seeing you asleep, I thought I’d wait while enjoying some refreshments. It’s nearly noon, so I figured you’d be up soon. My apologies!"

As Gou Ye dressed, Jia Zhengyi asked, "Young Master Gou, have you thought it over? What is your decision?"

Gou Ye glanced at him testily. "The silver is ready. You can check it shortly, and then we shall sign the contract. Also, when do we depart?"

Jia Zhengyi nearly choked on his pastry. "You actually managed to prepare one hundred thousand taels in seven days? I am truly curious how you did it."

"That is none of your concern," Gou Ye replied. "I have the deposit. My only task is to help the Merchant Clan succeed in the selection. You aren't planning to go back on your word, are you?"

"Of course not," Jia Zhengyi replied. "Our clan values reputation above all else. I trust you, Young Master Gou. If you have the money ready, there is no time like the present. Shall we depart tomorrow?"

"Agreed!"

With all preparations complete, the group gathered before the Duke’s Mansion to board their carriages. Even Gu Yuan came out with his family to see them off—an honor that deeply moved Gou Ye. Gu Shen accompanied them to the city gates before stopping.

Gou Ye lifted the curtain to see Boss Hu standing there, flanked by a crowd of fans whom Gou Ye recognized. They were dressed in green robes and carried swords. As Gou Ye stepped down, they bowed in unison and shouted, "Sending off Hero Gou!"

Gou Ye was deeply stirred. Boss Hu walked to the carriage and said, "Brother Gou, I knew you were leaving. Are you satisfied with this send-off?"

"Thank you, Hu," Gou Ye said sincerely.

Boss Hu laughed. "Enough, I’ll come visit you in the capital eventually. Take care on your journey! Farewell!" He mimicked Gou Ye's signature salute.

"Hero Gou, take care!" the crowd called out.

Gou Ye returned the gesture. After bidding them all farewell, he looked toward the long road ahead. "Hero Gou" was right—he was truly venturing out into the world of the *jianghu*. He couldn't help but laugh out loud, whispering to himself, "Hello, *jianghu*!"