In ancient times, the powerful and wealthy seized power step by step.

Because they were returning to the capital today, the nanny and her maids came early in the morning to help Zhu Qingyu with her hair and makeup.

Although it seems that Lord Gu and Madam Zhu have had a quarrel these past two days, and although they are on the same boat, they have not seen each other for several days, judging from the enthusiasm Lord Gu showed a while ago, the nanny believes that things will not cool down so quickly and he will eventually take Madam Zhu back to the Duke's mansion.

The old nanny has become quite familiar with the servant girl these days and has also learned about the inner workings of Lord Gu's household.

Surprisingly, at Lord Gu's age, there was no one in his inner quarters!

Therefore, on my first visit to the Duke's mansion today, I need not worry about offending the mistress. I should act like a fresh flower or a tender willow, charming but not vulgar, to leave a good first impression on the Duchess and the old lady.

When the nanny opened the door, she was startled to find that Madam Zhu had actually gotten up. Not only that, but she had even dressed herself and styled her hair, and folded the bedding on the bed.

The old woman, noticing Zhu Qingyu's overly plain clothes and the lone jade hairpin in her hair, quickly said:

"Oh dear, Madam Zhu, this is your first time visiting the Duke's mansion. You'll be meeting the old lady and the madam here, so it's not appropriate for you to be dressed like this. I prepared a new outfit for you yesterday. Wait for me to bring it, and we should change."

Zhu Qingyu carried a small bundle containing the clothes and jewelry she wore when she boarded the ship; she took nothing else. She smiled at the nanny.

"Granny, thank you for taking care of me these past few days. We'll meet again someday."

The old woman was terrified, and the maids who came in to serve looked at each other, completely at a loss.

After Zhu Qingyu finished speaking, she picked up her bundle and left, intending to wait at the bow of the boat and leave as soon as the boat docked.

The old woman chased after her, grabbed her arm, and, almost crying with fright, tried to comfort her:

"Madam Zhu, why don't you go and apologize to Lord Gu? Where else can you go in this state?"

In the old woman's eyes, since Lady Zhu had already been with Lord Gu, if she couldn't get into the Duke's mansion and had nowhere to stay, such a young and beautiful lady would have no way to survive after getting off the ship. Who knows where she would end up? This Lord Gu, really, just a few days ago he doted on Lady Zhu so much, but in just a few days he has become fickle and tired of her. How could he be so heartless?

Zhu Qingyu patted the old woman's hand:

"Granny, you're a kind person, thank you. But I'm going home, I won't be homeless, goodbye."

After saying goodbye to the nanny, we reached the bow of the ship. The dock of Tongzhou Port was already faintly visible, and we heard footsteps behind us.

Zhu Qingyu was somewhat surprised when Gu Zhao's voice sounded from behind her:

"Don't look back, I have a few words to tell you."

Yes, Gu Zhao said he didn't want to see her again.

Zhu Qingyu, with her back to him, nodded:

"Lord Gu, please speak."

Perhaps because of this Lord Gu, Gu Zhao fell silent, and there was no sound behind him for a long time.

Just when Zhu Qingyu thought he had left, Gu Zhao asked:

"Zhu Qingyu, what is the meaning of 'ruler' and 'father'?"

In modern times, Zhu Qingyu would probably have to reply to him with:

"Feudal dross!"

However, now that she was under imperial power and surrounded by dross, Zhu Qingyu naturally knew how to be pragmatic and replied:

"The sovereign is the Son of Heaven."

Gu Zhao then said:

"Once you enter the capital, always remember these words: the Emperor is never wrong. You have always lacked reverence for your superiors. You are not afraid of me, nor do you respect the gods, which is not a problem. But if you lack reverence for the Emperor and your father, you will suffer in the capital. Your words stop here. If they reach the Emperor, they will only hasten Zhang Jingyan's death. We have known each other for a while, and I have said all I have to say. Take care of yourself."

Gu Zhao was a cabinet minister, the emperor's cousin, someone who had grown up with the emperor since childhood, and someone who served the emperor every day. His understanding of the emperor far surpassed that of ordinary people.

He was willing to offer advice, and Zhu Qingyu naturally appreciated it.

"Yes, I will remember. Thank you, Lord Gu."

Gu Zhao remained silent for a long time, it was unclear whether he didn't want to speak or had already left.

Zhu Qingyu never looked back. Once the boat reached the shore, she jumped off and left without looking back.

Tongzhou Port is the largest port near the capital, comparable to Yangzhou City. The ferry crossing is always packed with people from all walks of life.

This place is sixty li from the capital, and walking is definitely not an option. Zhu Qingyu was just thinking of renting a carriage when someone called out from behind:

"Wishing you well, Madam."

It was the old woman's voice.

Zhu Qingyu turned around in surprise and saw the old woman running up, with Xiong Kun following beside her.

The old woman said:

"Madam Zhu, Lord Gu has asked us to escort you back to the capital."

Zhu Qingyu looked towards the official ship. There were many figures on board, likely servants and guards carrying luggage. They were quite far away, and she couldn't tell if Lord Gu was on board. So she said:

Thank you.

This is not the time to be sentimental. It's a 60-mile journey, and the carriage won't arrive until the afternoon. With just her and the driver, something could easily happen. It would be much safer to have a few more people with her.

Xiong Kun breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that she had agreed. Given the current cold war between Lord Gu and Madam Zhu, he was worried that Madam Zhu would drive him away.

When Gu Zhao returned home this time, the Gu family had prepared many carriages to carry his luggage. Xiong Kun drove one over and acted as the driver. Zhu Qingyu and the nanny got into the carriage and headed to the capital.

The attendant stood at the bow of the boat, and only returned to the cabin to report after watching Xiong Kun drive away in his carriage.

"My lord, Lady Zhu has left."

Gu Zhao leaned against the window, his back to it, watching the empty cabin being carried out box by box.

There used to be many of her things here.

She once lived here.

There's no need to think about it anymore.

Gu Zhao said to his attendant:

"You don't need to tell me about her affairs from now on."