"Miss, the seasonal clothing and luggage have all been packed. The jewelry and other small items are also properly stored." Bai Yu reported softly: "In total, eight wooden trunks were used."

  The maids who followed also packed up quite a few bundles for themselves.

  Ling Jing nodded and said casually, "Later, Grandma will ask Mo Kui to send over some jewelry and pearls, take them all with you."

  Today, my grandmother gave me 5,000 taels of silver tickets. I also got another 4,000 taels from Ling Wu Ye. Adding to the private silver they and Ling Xiao have, the total amount is over 10,000 taels. Plus various jewels, ornaments, and other valuables that can be exchanged for a large sum of silver.

  If she saves some of her food and expenses, it will be enough for her and Ah Xiao's living expenses for the rest of their lives.

  Bai Yu responded with a sound, and couldn't help but say in a low voice: "Miss, you've brought all your private silver. Are you not planning to return to Dingzhou in the future?"

  It's no wonder Bai Yu had such suspicions.

  Ling Jingxian didn't just take the private silver, in the Autumn Water Pavilion, apart from things that were cumbersome to carry and fragile, not suitable for long-distance transportation, all valuable items were taken away.

  Is it necessary to bring so many things just to accompany Young Master Xiao to the capital for medical treatment?

  Ling Jingyu gazed at the white jade and said in a low voice: "If I say it is, will you be very surprised?"

  To Ling Jingxu, the closest people in this world are Ling Xiao and Bai Yu. Although Bai Yu is just a maid, she is like a sister to her. Except for the secret of rebirth, she has almost no secrets from Bai Yu.

  With Bai Yu's intelligence and sharpness, it was only a matter of time before she detected her true intentions.

  It was no surprise to Bai Yu, but a worried look floated in her eyes: "Miss, although the old master and mistress are not paying attention to you and the young master, with the old lady around, no one in the mansion dares to neglect their duties. In the future, if the young master's eyes recover, he can resume his studies and take the imperial examination. All of this is inseparable from the Ling family. Staying in the capital forever is not a solution, after all, it is someone else's home, and relying on others for shelter is not a long-term plan."

  "Besides, in a year or two, the young lady and gentleman will be of marriageable age. The elderly lady and master must take charge of the matter, how can it be settled without returning to Dingzhou?"

  Bai Yu's consideration is very practical.

  Ling Jingyu slightly curled up the corner of her lips and said lightly, "The problems you mentioned, I've all thought about them. Later on, I'll think of ways to solve them one by one."

  "In short, it's fine as long as you have a number in mind. Don't mention this to anyone, not even in front of Ah Xiao, at least for the time being."

  Ling Jing's expression was calm and her tone was firm, clearly having made up her mind.

  The advantage of Bai Yu is that he is loyal and doesn't talk much. Once the master has made a decision, he will silently and obediently carry it out, never questioning it, no matter how big or life-changing it may be.

  Bai Yu nodded and softly responded.

  At that time, she listened to Li's words and agreed to let Bai Yu become Li Er Lang's concubine. Although Bai Yu was clearly unwilling in her heart, she also nodded silently.

  Looking at Bai Yu's calm and elegant face, Ling Jingxiao felt a hint of sourness in her heart.

  Bai Yu, in my past life, I failed to protect you. In this life, I'll take you and Ah Xiao far away from here. No one will ever be able to harm the two of you again.

  As for Li, she harmed Ah Xiao and also harmed Bai Yu. Even if she leaves Dingzhou, she will not let Li have a peaceful and comfortable life.

  "Bai Yu, after it gets dark, can you go to Big Brother's place and deliver a message for me?"

  Ling Jing's eyes flashed with a cold intent, and she whispered: "Just tell him I have something important to discuss with him, and ask him to come to the Autumn Water Pavilion after midnight. When he comes, make sure no one sees him, and you personally guard the gate, leading Big Brother to my room."

  This sudden order made Bai Yu extremely surprised.

  However, Bai Yu didn't ask further and just nodded in response.

  ......

  After dark, Bai Yu secretly went to see Ling Tian.

  Ling Feng saw Bai Yu coming to ask for an audience and was somewhat surprised: "What brings you here?"

  The white jade spoke in a low and respectful tone, "I have been ordered by the young lady to request an audience with the young master. The young lady has important matters to discuss, please come to the Autumn Water Pavilion at midnight tonight."

  Ling Feng furrowed his brow and asked in a deep voice, "What is it that can't be said during the day, but must be said at midnight in the Autumn Water Pavilion?"

  This mysterious behavior is likely to make people have unpleasant associations.

  Miss only instructed me so, and I don't know the specific details either.

  "After a pause, she continued: 'It's almost evening, young master. Just wait for a few more hours and everything will be clear. Please be careful when coming to the Autumn Water Pavilion, don't let anyone notice. I have to go back and report, so I'll take my leave first.'"

  It has to be said that Ling Feng's curiosity was thoroughly aroused.

  What's so important that Ling Jingyu has to talk to him at midnight tonight? And he even reminded him not to let anyone notice when he goes. It seems like he wants to avoid the eyes and ears Li Shi'an has planted around him...

  Ling Feng thought back and forth, but no matter what, he couldn't guess the reason behind it.

  He finished dinner without savor, and then restlessly read books in the study for a long time. He finally endured until midnight. At this time, everyone in the house had already gone to bed. Ling Tong used reading as an excuse to stay in the study, not arousing anyone's suspicion.

  The night is deep and people are quiet, all sounds have ceased.

  Ling Feng went out of the garden alone and quietly arrived at the Autumn Water Pavilion.

  Before he could knock, the door of Qiū Shuǐ Gé opened. Bái Yù's face appeared in front of Líng Féng and quickly whispered: "Young Master, please follow me inside."

  Ling Feng nodded and followed Bai Yu into the Autumn Water Pavilion.

  Bai Yu led Ling Feng to the outside of Ling Jingxuan's bedroom and pushed open the slightly ajar door.

  As soon as Ling Feng entered the house, Bai Yu immediately closed the door and stood guard outside with vigilance and caution.

  ......

  Two candles were lit in the room, casting a soft and serene glow. Ling Jing stood there, her beauty radiant as she smiled at Ling Feng: "Big brother, I've been waiting for you for a long time."

  Ling Jingxu was originally born with a stunning appearance, and now she was surrounded by the soft glow of candles, adding even more to her captivating beauty.

  Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, shining brightly like rippling water.

  Even Ling Feng, who was used to seeing Ling Jingxuan's beauty, couldn't help but pause his breath for a moment. In his heart, he secretly thought that it was no wonder that the Lu Hong brothers were both infatuated with her.

  But as for men, who can see such beauty and not be moved?

  Lu Hong and Lu Qian tried to cover it up in every way, but Ling Feng had already detected the thoughts of the two brothers with his keen mind. He just pretended not to know all along.

  Ling Feng coughed and said, "Sister, you specially called me over in the middle of the night today, I don't know what important matter you want to discuss."

  Ling Jingxian smiled slightly and said calmly: "I specially asked Big Brother to come, indeed there is a very important matter."

  Ling Feng's whole body tensed up inexplicably, feeling that what he was about to hear would leave him shocked.

  As expected, Ling Jingyu slowly said: "Big brother, tomorrow I and Ah Xiao will leave Dingzhou for the capital."

  Ling Feng was shocked and blurted out, "Leaving tomorrow? Why the rush?" There hadn't been even a hint of wind before, so why the sudden trip to Beijing?

  Ling Xiao's eyes couldn't see, and he rarely even left the gate of his house. Ling Jingyu took Ling Xiao to Luoyang from afar, what was it for?

  Ling Jing said faintly, "I heard that in the capital city, there is a Wei Shen doctor who specializes in treating difficult and complicated diseases. His medical skills are extremely impressive. He has cured many incurable illnesses. Ah Xiao suffered a brain injury from a fall years ago, which caused him to lose his sight. I want to take him to the capital city to seek medical treatment, perhaps he can cure his eyes."

  What?

  Ling Xiao went to the capital city for eye treatment?

  Ling Feng's expression remained unchanged, but his heart suddenly sank.

  Although he is the eldest son of the fifth house, he is a bastard. His biological mother was abandoned by his father and passed away a few years ago. Now, the most favored one in the fifth house is the youngest son, Ling Yu. Ling Xiao, although being the legitimate son, became a useless person due to his blindness, and in the eyes of Old Master Ling, this illegitimate child is not even as good as him.

  If Ling Xiao's eyes recover, where will he have a foothold in these five rooms in the future?

  Ling Jingyu's eyes were deep and profound, as if she had seen through all of Ling Feng's dark secrets. She asked slowly and deliberately: "Big brother, are you really willing to spend your whole life living under others?"

  Ling Feng's breathing paused for a moment, and his complexion also changed quietly.

  ......