Lu Zhan did not go back on his word. When they reached the next dock, he really did release Guo Yong. However, Guo Yong's clothes were quite clean, with no visible bloodstains.
'It seems my cousin lied to me. He didn't torture Guo Yong after all.'
Zhi Wan breathed a sigh of relief.
As Guo Yong was disembarking, he handed a pouch of money to Zhi Wan.
"Ma'am, I failed to escort you to Yangzhou as we agreed. Please, take this payment back."
Zhi Wan refused to take it. "This wasn't your fault. My own plans changed. Besides, you helped me fend off those ruffians at the dock that day, and you've lost so much time because of me. Consider this money your proper payment. Keep it. Your mother is getting on in years, so spend more time with her. Don't take on any more of these long-distance jobs. Just stay in the Capital City and live a good life with her."
