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Chapter 924: To the Capital

They covered their own expenses for food and accommodation, ensuring they didn’t take advantage of the caravan. Instead, they would stop for a day and a half upon reaching large towns, purchasing local specialties like candied fruits, fried goods, pastries, roasted chicken, and braised meat to treat everyone.

Qiao Xuan even instructed Lixia, Liqiu, and Songshi to distribute red packets to every member of the caravan based on the position of the recommended men and older masters. They gave the most to Boss Tang, with 30 liang, and at least 2 liang to the laborers, considering it a symbol of good luck. The caravan members were delighted to see their generosity, which led to a significant improvement in friendliness and camaraderie.

Initially, some individuals expressed concerns about the scholars joining the caravan, fearing they would be burdened with additional responsibilities. However, all such worries vanished.

Boss Tang and the other leaders felt a deep sense of gratitude and even treated them to two meals at a restaurant to express their guilt.

Lu Min and Gu Zhiyou privately expressed their gratitude to Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan, praising them for their thoughtfulness. They even proposed gathering together.

Without the support and consideration of Shao Yunduan and Qiao Xuan, they wouldn’t have been able to enjoy such freedom during the journey.

The trip was remarkably relaxing.

Merchants differed from businessmen. Merchants could simply wait in their shops for customers to arrive, while businessmen had to travel long distances and sleep under the open sky.

Each journey was challenging, so they made efforts to carry as many goods as possible.

Consequently, they didn’t travel at a fast pace.

Fortunately, the caravan was well-established, and they had predetermined places to eat and rest along their route. Shao Yunduan estimated that they would reach the State of Zheng by early March.

At that point, their journey with the caravan would come to an end.

From the northern part of the State of Zheng, the official road was wide and smooth, without any remote areas to traverse. They could hire a few individuals from the State Zheng wagon company to accompany them for the final stretch, reaching the capital in just three or four days.

The spring examination was scheduled for late April, allowing them ample time for adjustments.

Their success in the spring examination did not hinge on their current pace. They were already well-prepared. During their leisurely journey, they could engage in reading, discuss various articles, and work on their drafts within the confines of the wagon. Everyone remained calm, engaging in conversations and laughter without any sense of urgency.

Qiao Xuan eagerly anticipated the trip. It was her first time embarking on such a long journey, and she didn’t feel the need to rush. Instead, she embraced the scenic views along the way, relishing the experience that expanded her horizons.

Being seasoned businesspeople, they had encountered many things in their line of work. They shared stories about customs and interesting incidents they had witnessed over the past few years. While they didn’t take everything too seriously, it was still highly intriguing.

Qiao Xuan displayed a genuine interest in their tales.

After leaving the province, they traveled for four consecutive days. Besides staying at the finest hotel, they pushed forward until they reached a bustling and vibrant town.

They intended to stay in this town for a day to replenish their supplies and exchange goods.

The members of the caravan enthusiastically introduced them to the town’s unique delicacies and captivating sights, inviting them to explore and indulge.

Qiao Xuan couldn’t contain her excitement and eagerly anticipated savoring the local culinary delights.

Sensing the couple’s enthusiasm, Lu Min and Gu Zhiyou smiled understandingly and discreetly left them alone..