After the convoy disappeared from sight over the horizon, the Emperor remained atop the city gate, his men standing watch beside him. He finally turned and descended only once they were completely out of view.
Meanwhile, Gu Wanning was about to return to the palace after seeing Gu Chengrui and the others off.
"Sis," Gu Chenglin called out to her. "Come with me. Cousin left a box for you. Take it back."
"Do you know what's inside?" Gu Wanning inquired.
"Not sure, but..." He trailed off, then leaned in and whispered, "Probably banknotes."
He led her to Gu Chengrui's study and presented her with the small box resting on the table.
Gu Wanning took the box, gently stroking its surface before opening it. Inside, she found two small bottles of pepper spray and another slightly larger box. This box contained a thick stack of thousand-tael silver notes and two vials of antidote pills tucked away in the corner.
