It’s not about the details, if Brother Daman were to hear about this, he’d probably pass out from shock…
“You should talk to my elder brother. I can’t make the decision!” Xiao Xi Tian finished the chestnuts and patted her hands.
She indicated she didn’t want to deal with this matter anymore.
Xiao Jin Heng nodded gently, contemplating how to approach Brother Daman.
Having lived in the Yun family’s home for so many years, Xiao Jin Heng had a thorough understanding of Yun Daman’s character and habits.
Although this person was simple-minded, even a bit dull, his heart was definitely not bad.
Furthermore, Xiao Jin Heng had unconsciously discovered a strength…
That was, Yun Daman possessed a sense of cohesion and leadership, qualities and charisma essential for an official.
Even though Yun Daman himself hadn’t realized it, Xiao Jin Heng had seen through it long ago.
As the night deepened, the villagers of Dashui Village had all fallen into a peaceful sleep.
Xiao Jin Heng sat in his study, pen in hand, writing a letter, with Granny Jin standing by to hold the lamp for him.
“Your Highness, it’s getting late. You should rest early…” Granny Jin advised softly.
Xiao Jin Heng didn’t respond. After finishing the letter, he rubbed his temples. “Before I leave for the capital, I need to clarify the remaining matters. Only then can I leave with peace of mind!”
The affairs in the capital were somewhat complicated, so he didn’t know how long he would be gone…
Granny Jin heard this, took out a handkerchief, and wiped the slight sweat from Xiao Jin Heng’s forehead. “Should this old servant accompany Your Highness back?”
The Crown Prince was so young; how could he manage without a few maids to care for him?
“Granny Jin, you can come back with me…” Xiao Jin Heng said.
He would let Ru Yue and Ru Hua stay behind to help the Yun family with some chores.
“Alright!”
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the county town.
Yun Si Man circled the official road on his fine horse twice, his heart growing increasingly puzzled.
“This is strange. If my second brother were heading south, this would be the necessary route. Why haven’t I seen even a single person?”
That’s right, Yun Si Man had been loitering on this road all day. Apart from passing travelers and villagers, he hadn’t even seen a glimpse of Yun Er Man.
“Is my second brother deliberately avoiding me?” Yun Si Man murmured to himself.
After wandering for a while longer in the night, Yun Si Man turned his horse and galloped towards Dashui Village…
The Emperor had ordered him to investigate the whereabouts of the Suizhi people and, if possible, to resolve those hidden dangers thoroughly. Therefore, Yun Si Man couldn’t stay at home for too long.
The next morning, in the main hall of the Yun family.
The family was having breakfast. Madam Gu and Niu Cai Xia were helping Xiao Xi Tian pack her belongings. Dried meat, dried fruit, pickled vegetables, milk curd, and various changes of clothes – they had prepared nearly half a cartload…
Seeing this, Xiao Xi Tian couldn’t help but laugh and cry. “Mother, I’ll be back in a few days. I don’t need so many things. Besides, if I lack anything, I can buy it back in the capital!”
Anyone who didn’t know would think she was moving house…
Madam Gu gave her a playful glare. “The capital is so far away. It will take you nearly ten days to travel. What if you get thirsty or hungry?”
Traveling a long distance in ancient times was no different from moving house.
Due to the sparse population and scarcity of merchants, one could travel for a day and a night, or even five to six days, without encountering an inn or post station…
If you didn’t bring enough provisions, wouldn’t you just be waiting to starve?
Kong Xing Zhuo brought two carts used for transporting wine, loaded them with jars of grape wine, and then had Granny Jin fetch blankets to spread on the seats for the young princess and the young county princess, making their ride more comfortable…
“If anything comes up, write to us. If it’s really necessary, you can find your Brother Jiang Tun!” Old Man Yun affectionately ruffled Xiao Xi Tian’s head.
“I know, Father!” Xiao Xi Tian replied.
Xiao Jie Kong, looking half-asleep, was curled up inside the carriage, yawning continuously.
Seeing Guan Zhong Bo in the same carriage, Xiao Jie Kong said disdainfully, “Uncle Guan, can you move to the first carriage?”
He wanted to sleep comfortably all the way to the capital…
Guan Zhong Bo scoffed and leaned closer to Xiao Jie Kong. “Little monk, if you’re going to be in the same carriage as this old man, you’d best be quiet. Otherwise…”
“Otherwise, what do you want? To bully a child?” Xiao Jie Kong shrunk into a corner of the carriage.
This old uncle was quite scary.
Guan Zhong Bo smiled faintly. “Since you know, why ask? If you’re not good, this old man will throw you off halfway and let the bad uncles carry you away!”
Xiao Jie Kong: “……”
It would be best if some formidable bad uncles showed up. He was itching to stretch his muscles.
Censor Qin also got into his carriage and called out to his attendants, “We’ll stop in the county town later. I need to deliver a letter to Governor Chen!”
If his family knew he had been promoted two ranks, they would surely be overjoyed…
Yun Jin Shan pouted, sitting reluctantly beside Qin Yu Shi.
He was going to return to the prefectural city with his future father-in-law this time. Since Qin Yu Shi had been promoted, his plans to study at the Confucian Academy were also dashed…
After Qin Yu Shi moved and settled in the capital, he would find him a better academy.
“Jin Shan, why aren’t you happy? The capital is much more prosperous than the prefectural city. They sell everything. When we move there, I’ll buy you hairy crabs, alright?” Qin Yu Shi said with a smile.
Yun Jin Shan grunted and glanced at his aunt’s carriage, feeling quite dejected…
They had promised to help him raise dairy cows, and they had promised to involve all the villagers. Now, it had all become empty talk.
Actually, Xiao Xi Tian remembered this matter. It was just that the brat’s return to the capital was urgent. After they finished their affairs there, she would return to the village to implement this plan…
Following that, Jin Xiu Han emerged from the courtyard with a group of his subordinates.
The weather was clear and the breeze was warm today, and they were also about to set off back to their country.
With so many people leaving the Old Yun family in a rush, Old Man Yun felt a bit unaccustomed. “Alas, it’s truly strange. When people come to our home, they come one by one. When they leave, they always leave in large groups…”
Madam Gu gave a wry smile. “What’s wrong? Why don’t you go to the capital with your daughter for a visit?”
“I’m not going!” Old Man Yun puffed on his pipe. “In this life, I’ll live and die in this Dashui Village. I’m not going anywhere!”
“Look at your lack of ambition!” Madam Gu chided him, casually placing Xiao Xi Tian’s bundle into the carriage. “Your Jiang Tun is waiting for you in the capital…”
If only the capital were just outside their doorstep, it would save their separated loved ones from worrying about each other.
Old Man Yun blew a smoke ring. “That’s my son. He doesn’t pick on my gifts.”
Xiao Jin Feng and Jin Huai Hua also came out to see everyone off, and after some fussing, they stuffed ten taels of pocket money into Xiao Xi Tian’s hands…
Once everything was ready, the group slowly set off.