Chapter 111: Arrangements Made in Advance

Gou Ye’s words were not meant to deceive Yun Niang; he was simply expressing his true thoughts. Having multiple wives and concubines might be a dream for many men, but he understood himself too well to be someone who only let his desires dictate his actions. As a time traveler, he had not only come to this era but also had a life to live.

With just three days remaining before he was to meet Jia Zhengyi again, Gou Ye wasn’t sure how much longer he could stay in Tumen Village. Standing on the balcony of the loft, gazing at the village he loved so dearly, he felt a genuine reluctance to part.

Now that the contract issue was settled, Gou Ye began seriously considering the arrangements for his departure. Most villagers had found their livelihood, but as it was still an early stage, many of their enterprises inevitably required his ongoing support.

Therefore, he had to summon Cai Sheng. Cai Sheng was the first assistant who had worked for him, and Gou Ye valued him greatly. Their long cooperation had shown Gou Ye that Cai Sheng was not only sharp-minded but also exceptionally reliable. He always managed the tasks entrusted to him with meticulous order. Despite overseeing much of Gou Ye’s wealth, he had never embezzled a single coin. Nor had Gou Ye ever heard a single complaint from him. He was, without question, a most competent steward.

Cai Sheng approached and bowed slightly. “Shopkeeper, you called for me?”

“I want to tell you something, Cai Sheng. I might be heading to the capital soon. I could bring others along, but not you. You have a wife, children, and an elderly mother to care for. Before I leave, I want to entrust you with something. You know the village business well by now, and I believe even in my absence, you can manage it competently.

“After I’m gone, this responsibility will be yours. Even if the villagers have repaid their advances, the monthly profit share should be at least forty or fifty taels—a sum sufficient to cover your family’s expenses for a year. Also, I’ll leave this house to you. I can’t promise when I will return, and an empty house serves no purpose. It would be better for you to bring your family here to live. That way, you won’t have to worry about them constantly or make frequent trips to the county seat. Though Tumen Village is small, life here is comfortable. Bringing your family here would be ideal—less costly than the county, and you could save a good amount over the year.”

Hearing this, Cai Sheng was moved. He had been with Gou Ye for several months. Regardless of business conditions, even when he had no income, Gou Ye had never once withheld his wages; on the contrary, he had increased them whenever possible. Cai Sheng deeply appreciated this. More importantly, Gou Ye had always ensured his well-being. Though their relationship was merely employer and employee, Gou Ye’s consistency and integrity touched Cai Sheng profoundly.

He bowed solemnly and said, “Shopkeeper, in all my years of business, I have never met such a master. You are truly kind-hearted. I find myself at a loss for words…”

Gou Ye chuckled and patted his shoulder. “Enough with the sentimentality. This is all I can do. Just work hard here. If the day ever comes, and you get the chance, come find me in the capital. I’ll always have a place for you.”

“Thank you, shopkeeper. Once I have arranged my family’s affairs, I will definitely seek you out,” Cai Sheng promised.

“That’s good to hear. Oh, and about the shop—I bought it from an old acquaintance and only paid three hundred taels. I’m leaving you two hundred, along with the three hundred plus taels left at home. That makes over five hundred taels, enough to cover the village’s upfront expenses for the next few months. Use it for now; I’ll send someone to collect it later.”

“Shopkeeper, is one hundred taels really enough for your journey?” Cai Sheng asked.

“You don’t need to worry about that,” Gou Ye said, tapping his head. “I rely on this more than anything. I won’t be leaving for a few days anyway. If anything comes up, just come find me. Now, go gather Dali and the Guo brothers.”

Shortly after Cai Sheng left, Dali and the three Guo brothers arrived at the balcony.

“Master, you called us here. What orders do you have?” they asked.

Leaning against the balcony railing, Gou Ye smiled. “No orders. I’m just preparing to leave Tumen Village in a few days, likely heading to the capital. I wanted to hear your plans.”

Guo Bingjin responded without hesitation, “We brothers have no issues. As long as you need us, we’ll follow wherever you go. As long as there’s food, we’re good.”

Gou Ye laughed heartily. Their straightforwardness was exactly what he expected. Both men were honest, loyal, and highly skilled fighters. With them by his side, he never had to worry about safety.

Nodding, Gou Ye then looked at Dali, who wore a troubled expression. Knowing what was on his mind, Gou Ye said, “Dali, don’t be uneasy. For the trip to the capital, accommodations have already been arranged. Boss Jia told me that the place can house over a dozen people without issue. If you want, you can bring your mother and Xiao Die along. As for Xiao Die, you’ll need to discuss that with her yourself.”

Dali had long wished to remain by Gou Ye’s side, already seeing him as his lifelong leader. But his greatest concern was his bedridden mother and now Xiao Die, who added to his worries. Hearing that he could bring his family along, his face brightened immediately. “Alright. I’ll handle things with Xiao Die. Thank you, Master, for your arrangements.”

“All right. You’re all my brothers. I don’t want to leave anyone behind, but Cai Sheng has too many family responsibilities, and the village needs him. So he must stay. Since you all agree, I can focus on my own preparations. I’ll let you know before I leave, but it will be very soon—just a few days. Get ready, and if anything comes up, tell me in advance.”

After they left, Gou Ye remained on the balcony, gazing toward the county seat, his thoughts deep and far-reaching. When he reached the capital, would he find friends like Guo Shen again? And would he ever meet Wan Xiang once more?