Chapter 376: Setting Off
Gu Ye lazily took the salad and felt the temperature of the glass bowl. Her dull eyes brightened, and she flashed a look of approval at Yue Yuan. The cold yogurt on the fruit wasn’t much, but for Gu Ye, it was already a significant breakthrough.
She savored each piece of fruit dipped in yogurt, letting the cold, refreshing taste melt in her mouth. It felt like every pore in her body opened up—so cold, so delightful…
With her wishes partially fulfilled, her mood lifted considerably, and she appeared much more spirited. To everyone’s surprise, she even finished half a bowl of rice at dinner.
Both Grandpa Gu and Gu Ming, who had been worried about her health, were so delighted that they clasped their hands together and expressed their gratitude to all the deities.
Grandpa Gu couldn’t help but say, “I was really worried about you the way you looked a few days ago. It’s already July, and you need to set off for the capital by the end of the month at the latest. Given your current health, how can you handle the hardships of the journey? I was even thinking of advising you to give up on this pharmacist assessment!”
Gu Ye was strolling around the yard after dinner. Hearing her grandfather say this, she casually replied, “It’s fine! Brother Chen said he would arrange for me to travel by water. If we open the windows in the cabin and put a couple of basins of ice inside, it shouldn’t be too hard to bear. Besides, by the end of July and early August, the weather in the north is gradually getting cooler, so who knows? By then, all my summer discomfort might be gone!”
This time, she miscalculated. It seemed like the heavens were against her, with each day hotter than the last. She felt like a wilting flower, listless and exhausted.
Yue Yuan saw that her Miss enjoyed a small amount of icy yogurt without any discomfort and was instead in a great mood with a good appetite. She nervously decided to try making her some more icy treats. For example, she made green bean popsicles, slightly larger than a pinky finger.
Green beans are known for their cooling properties, but Gu Ye didn’t particularly like drinking the boiled water. So, Yue Yuan froze them into little popsicles in the ice cellar, giving her mistress one during the hottest part of each day.
Gu Ye cherished these icy treats, taking small bites and letting them melt in her mouth before slowly swallowing them. After enjoying these frozen snacks, she could manage to eat a few more bites of food at lunchtime, so Grandpa Gu and his grandson were reluctant to stop her.
The Gu residence’s ice cellar wasn’t large; it had just been dug out last summer. The ice in the cellar was delivered by the shopkeeper of Qingfeng Pavilion. Those exotic fruits were also continuously sent over in the name of Qingfeng.
Far away in Shengjing, Ling Juechen often thought about the little girl’s summer troubles and had obtained some good things, such as the cool and breathable water light silk suitable for summer.
After his triumphant return to court, Emperor Shengde rewarded him with an entire bolt of it, all of which he sent to Gu Ye.
The Water Glint Silk dress from last year had become too short to wear. After receiving the fabric, Gu Ye asked Hua Hao and Aunt Yan, who were skilled in needlework, to make her two outfits to alternate between. This dutiful little girl also tailored an outfit for her grandfather, but the old man kept it at the bottom of his trunk, reluctant to wear it.
As the days passed, the scorching July was coming to an end, and the Gu family was preparing to head to the capital. The pharmaceutical factory had an experienced manager and several newly promoted assistant managers, so even if Gu Ye was not present, it could still operate normally. With Ye Li keeping an eye on things, she felt reassured.
The distillery, to which Gu Xiao devoted all his time and energy, was entrusted to a reliable manager. Speaking of this manager, he had quite a connection with Gu Ye.
Not long after the Gu family moved to Yan City, Jimin Pharmacy asked her to assist a pregnant woman who was in labor, and she effortlessly helped deliver a baby that was too large. The husband of that family was simple-hearted and very grateful. When the distillery was hiring, that man was selected.
Upon learning that the distillery was run by the Little Divine Doctor of the Gu family, who had saved his wife and son, he worked especially hard. Gu Xiao quickly noticed him and promoted him to production team leader and assistant manager…
The man was honest and hardworking, and he had a good head on his shoulders. Under Gu Xiao’s intentional guidance, he gradually became capable of handling things on his own and was promoted to the manager of the distillery, managing it in an orderly manner.
Grandpa Gu was no longer as busy as before, spending every day at the distillery. This time, he could accompany his granddaughter to the capital for her ‘exam’ with peace of mind, all thanks to this loyal manager!
As for Gu Ming… Gu Ye frowned at him and said, “What are you meddling for? It takes at least three months to go back and forth to the capital. Isn’t your studies going to be wasted? Brother, don’t follow along!”
“What? I’ve already taken leave!” Gu Ming’s brows furrowed. “You and Grandpa are traveling all the way to the capital, and you are in poor health. How can I be at ease? Even if I stay here to study, I won’t be able to focus. Besides, the teacher said, ‘Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles.’ One cannot only study but should also go out to broaden their horizons…”
“Don’t say such lofty things. You just want to go to the capital to see the world, right?” Gu Ye made a face as if to say, ‘I understand you.’
Gu Ming hurriedly smiled and said, “Good sister! Let me come along, okay? Grandpa said that my skills are already somewhat developed, and with me protecting you on the journey, those petty thieves won’t be able to harm you.”
“Society is peaceful now; there aren’t that many highway robbers around, you know? You’re overthinking it!” Gu Ye checked her luggage again, especially the medicine box used for cover, and found nothing missing. She had it loaded onto the back of the carriage.
Gu Ming paced in front of her, saying, “Sister, on this journey, we’ll need someone to run errands and find accommodations. You’re not well, and Grandpa is getting older. I’m the only strong laborer in the family; how can I not come along?”
“You little rascal, who are you calling old? Come on, let’s practice!” Gu Xiao came out carrying luggage and, upon hearing that, raised his eyebrows and challenged his grandson.
Gu Ming immediately backed down. “Grandpa, you’re still strong and vigorous, your skills are as sharp as ever. I’m just being filial and don’t want you to be bogged down by trivial matters!”
“Move aside and stop causing trouble!” Gu Ye finally let him off the hook and stopped teasing him. “If you want to come along, hurry up and pack what you need!” Yin Hong, go get some straw and cover the top of the carriage with a thick layer. This way, the cabin should be cooler.”
Yin Hong, who had transitioned from a covert guard to a more visible role, reluctantly started doing the work of a servant. What was originally a beautiful carriage was instantly transformed into a thatched hut by Gu Ye. From a distance, it looked like a moving thatched cottage!
Aunt Yan was busy packing the necessary seasonings, ingredients, and some cooking tools. Since the young lady was suffering through a hot summer and was picky about her food, she had to tag along. She needed to ensure strict quality control over the food throughout the journey! At that moment, she felt like she needed to bring this and that, and just the cooking supplies alone filled the carriage to the brim!
Peek-Aboo 
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