After Ling Manshuang turned and left, Bai Qing also spoke into Zhao Liangcai's ear, "I, Bai Qing, am alone. Junyao is my teacher, friend, and sister. General Zhao, if you hurt her, I will not let you go."
"Heh heh," Zhao Liangcai chuckled, collecting his thoughts.
He had merely brought out the mute girl he had placed beside Shao Yong, never expecting it to cause such a huge misunderstanding.
With such a friend by Yaoyao's side, he could also leave with peace of mind.
The land and house deeds that Zhao Liangcai brought back were put away by Qin Junyao. These would be dealt with after the new year.
On the twenty-third of the twelfth lunar month, Dengzijui returned to the village with three coffins, allowing the deceased to be buried in the pre-selected graveyard.
The twenty-fourth of the twelfth lunar month, Xiao Nian, was the day to offer sacrifices to the Kitchen God and send him back to heaven.
The thirtieth of the twelfth lunar month was New Year's Eve.
This year's New Year's Eve was more lively than the previous two years. The Qin, Hou, and Zhao families all welcomed new additions, and the newly arrived Ling family and Bai Qing. Though the masters were few, the servants were many, making the days bustling.
The villagers of Yangshu Village had earned money this year and, with their grain harvested but taxes not yet paid, every household was preparing a lavish New Year's Eve dinner.
After two years without inviting a theatrical troupe, this year, led by Qin's father, the villagers were set to celebrate for ten days starting from the tenth day of the first lunar month.
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"Brother, can't you leave tomorrow? Ask Xiao Fei to run faster. It's too rushed if you leave tomorrow," Fuzi hugged Zhao Liangcai's leg, not wanting him to leave.
Zhao Liangcai had not visited anyone since Xiao Nian. He had taken Fuzi to the salt lake and Yanxian for two days.
Fuzi once again savored the joy of having an elder brother and did not want him to leave on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month.
"Fuzi, be good. Brother has already delayed for two days, we cannot postpone it further. You take care of sister-in-law and Yuqi at home."
"Mmm~~~" Fuzi rested his head on Zhao Liangcai's leg and whimpered. He knew he couldn't stop his brother.
After lingering for a while, Fuzi released his grip and patted Zhao Liangcai, "You can go. Don't forget to bring money when you come back next time."
The somewhat sad farewell was made amusing by Fuzi's words.
This child played with the village children and learned that men who brought money home were good men. His brother was the best man, and must bring lots of money home.
Qin Junyao hung a blue bundle on her horse, "When you go back, tell my second brother that we all miss him dearly. If possible, ask him to come back for a visit. This contains clothes and shoes made for him by my second aunt."
Besides two ginseng roots and some food, Qin Junyao did not pack anything else for Zhao Liangcai. He was in a hurry to return to Northwest City, and the lighter the load on his horse, the better.
Zhao Liangcai, disregarding the stares of the servants, held Qin Junyao in his arms. Before mounting his horse, Zhao Liangcai pinched Qin Junyao's cheek again.
Qin Junyao stood at the doorway, listening to the opera music drifting from the big poplar tree in the village. She watched Zhao Liangcai ride past villagers who were gathering to listen to the opera.
Then she looked at the villagers in the distance, their faces painted red, walking on stilts and performing the dry boat dance, followed by children and women laughing heartily.
Tears welled up in Qin Junyao's eyes.
She raised her hand to wipe away her tears. She had to get used to it.
Her man was off to fight again, and she also had to work hard. She wanted to make this home, this village, and even the salt lake, even better by the time he returned next.
The liveliness of Yangshu Village did not last until the twentieth day of the first lunar month.
On the seventeenth day of the first lunar month, a sandstorm, akin to a demonic descent, descended.
Since the start of winter, the northwest had been very windy and sandy. Those who lived in the northwest were already accustomed to it. They never expected this sandstorm to be accompanied by such heavy yellow sand.
"Madam, let's go back quickly," Liu Yu pulled Qin Junyao's arm, urging her back into the courtyard.
Qin Junyao did not move. She stood on a high spot behind the pigsty, gazing at the distant sand wall as it slowly advanced towards them. The sand wall seemed to hide demonic creatures wielding weapons, instilling a sense of dread.