Old Master Du knew that refusing Wang Xicai at this moment was tantamount to leaving him to die, so he eventually thought of a compromise. He had heard that silk was very popular in the Xiliang region, so he invited Wang Xicai to travel with him. Together, they might find a way to revive the family through business.
Wang Xicai, at the end of his rope, accepted Old Master Du's suggestion, thinking perhaps a path would emerge at the foot of the mountain.
However, the journey was a thousand miles of hardship and peril, especially with heard news of rampant bandits in the west. The trip was undoubtedly fraught with danger, and it was uncertain when they would return.
Wang Xicai had been traversing the business world for a long time and was known for his silver tongue.
Old Master Du was a kind and honest man, always valuing integrity, unaware that the man he called brother secretly had other motives.
On the afternoon of their departure, Du Lingling heard that Old Master Du was going on a long journey again. Her heart was filled with reluctance, and she cried as she walked through the back garden, encountering Wang Xicai who was walking towards her.
Wang Xicai, ever the smooth talker, quickly comforted her upon seeing her tears: "Lingling, what's wrong?"
In her innocence, Du Lingling only knew the man before her as a great benefactor who had saved her life, so she poured out all her worries to him.
Wang Xicai realized that Du Lingling was crying because her father was leaving, so he reassured her, saying: "Uncle and I will be traveling together. I promise to bring your father back safe and sound."
"Really?" Du Lingling blinked her tearful eyes at Wang Xicai.
"Really, I promise you." Wang Xicai assured her firmly.
"Uncle Wang, you truly are a good man! Not only did you save me, but you're also going to protect my father! My father always said that good people will be blessed throughout their lives, and with your goodness, Uncle Wang, your blessings will surely be countless!" Du Lingling said naively.
Wang Xicai smiled and patted Du Lingling's head: "Lingling is such a good child, and you really know how to talk!"
These were the words Old Master Du had instructed Wang Xicai to say to Du Lingling. Knowing that he was often separated from his family, he feared Du Lingling would worry and had Wang Xicai convey his assurances, so she would be at ease, and he could leave with a light heart.
They set the departure date, and Old Master Du prepared for the journey. This trip was crucial to his survival. After discussing with Wang Xicai, Old Master Du decided to carry all his valuables with him.
At that time, he had no suspicion of Wang Xicai, thinking him a great benefactor.
Du Lingling and Mrs. Du reluctantly saw Old Master Du and Wang Xicai off at the doorstep as they embarked on their journey to Xiliang.
The journey initially posed no danger. The two chatted and laughed, reminiscing about the past and discussing business. They even dreamed of the day when they would return in glory after making their fortune in Xiliang.
Wang Xicai glanced at the two large wooden boxes on the carriage and couldn't help but question: "Brother Du, don't you think these two might be too conspicuous? If we encounter bandits, won't this be dangerous?"
Old Master Du smiled mysteriously: "These two boxes contain ordinary textiles and aren't very valuable. They are mere decoys; I've already sent the real goods by ship over water to the Xiliang depot. Once we arrive, we can retrieve them for sale."
"Brother Du is indeed wise," Wang Xicai complimented.
Old Master Du chuckled: "When traveling, one must be cautious."
"How do we retrieve the goods? Is there any proof?" Wang Xicai asked.
Old Master Du took out a Jade Token from his chest: "This is the voucher for retrieving the goods from the Xiliang depot. As long as we have this, we can claim them."
Wang Xicai watched as Old Master Du returned the Jade Token to his chest, also noticing the pile of silver notes hidden close to his body.
The journey was arduous, but the two persisted until they reached an area plagued by bandits. The place had suffered a famine, so any traveler, rich or poor, was targeted.
Initially, the bandits saw Wang Xicai's stout physique and assumed he was wealthy, intending to rob and murder. In a moment of crisis, Old Master Du, remembering past kindness, offered up a hundred silver notes to save Wang Xicai's life.
The bandits beat Old Master Du and ransacked him thoroughly, leaving only when they found nothing valuable. Fortunately, Old Master Du had wisely hidden the Jade Token and other silver notes close to him, escaping their detection.