Chapter 973: The Root of the Family's Chaos

ushing them forward until nightfall. Then, they chose a spot at the foot of a mountain to rest.The men from each household went to gather firewood and started a bonfire.Women were busy putting togethe..."That's great, having an acquaintance to guide us will save us a lot of trouble on the way."

Li Lao'er readily accepted without hesitation. This wasn't a time for random delegation, after all. A journey of a thousand miles, across treacherous mountains and valleys, held countless dangers.

At this time, ensuring that the son arrives safely is the most important thing.

Jiāxǐ and Jiā'ān listened on one side, also happy for their elder brothers.

Since it wouldn't be good for them to go too far, Jia An said, "We can't send our elder brother to his new post, but we can send Brother to celebrate and clear his head.

Unfortunately, Lao Er waved his hand, and a single sentence extinguished their desire to go on a trip.

"You must also start packing your belongings. I'm afraid that before Jiaren and the others depart, you will have to return to Quanzhou first. There's news from the court that within ten days at most, the envoys will leave the capital."

Jiaxi and Ji'an were a little disappointed. Jiaxi mumbled, "Oh well, I thought we brothers could go on another adventure together."

Meow Ge excitedly gloated, "Haha, Fourth Brother, don't even think about it. I'm free and have nothing to do. I'll go deliver Sixth Brother for you! I promise to have a good time and write you all a letter when I get back."

His arrogant manner annoyed his brothers, and one of them slapped him, scattering his hair. He looked dishevelled, like a madman.

The little cat, feeling wronged and sad, went to his sister's side and acted cutely. "Sister, look! They bullied me!"

"You're even more mischievous than YuanYuan, who else am I going to discipline if not you!" JiaYin giggled, pulling her brother down to sit. Then, she took out a silver comb from her sleeve and deftly put his hair into a bun, inserting a hairpin.

Meow-ge strutted his stuff with a conceited wiggle of his head and began to show off, "Oh my, who is this handsome young master Someone quickly introduce him to a nice lady!"

Everyone was laughing so hard at him that even the melancholy of parting disappeared in an instant.

After a while of lighthearted banter, it was lunchtime. The whole family gathered together, enjoying a lively and warm meal before going their separate ways to continue with their day.

Li Lao San went back to the village to choose a person for his nephew, and Li Lao Er went to Liu's house to visit.

Miaoge remembered his brother's good things and pestered Ligao to go to the study to open the boxes, rummaging through old things.

Jiaxi and Ji'an ran to see the excitement, picking up their son and nephew along the way to play together.

Jia Ren had noticed his daughter-in-law's odd expression just now. Now, he took her hand and led her back to the room, "Wan'er, is something troubling you Can you tell me about it"

Wan'er's eyes turned red, she tried her best to hold back tears, but in the end, she failed.

"My husband, you're being posted so far away. I'm really worried and want to go with you."

"But at home, if I leave too, there will only be Father left, with no one to look after his meals and daily needs, let alone my younger sister who needs someone to care for her.

"

“If my little sister were wronged in the palace and didn't dare to tell our family, and I wasn't here either, what should we do”

Jiārén felt sorry for his wife and quickly hugged her in his arms, chuckling as he said, "So that's what it is! Why didn't you say so earlier Why put yourself through this I had already decided that when I took office, I wouldn't bring you and the children with me."

Wǎn'ěr immediately raised her head, her eyes full of anxiety and reluctance, “You're going thousands of miles away, who will take care of your food, clothing and shelter”

She bit her lip, struggling internally for a long time before finally saying, "It's really impossible... you, you should take a concubine"

"What nonsense are you talking about!" Jia Ren jumped in surprise, lowering his voice and scolding, "You know our family rules, we brothers are not allowed to take concubines."

"Wife and concubine strife, legitimate and illegitimate children discord, are the roots of household chaos. As the eldest son and grandson, how can I not abide by the rules and disrupt the family's unity

"

"Besides, our relationship is very strong, and you've taken such good care of the family these past few years. How could I hurt your feelings for a moment's convenience! Don't bring this up again!"

Wan'er cried even harder, but this time it was out of emotion and happiness.

She fears no hardship, no obstacle on the road ahead. As long as her husband treats her sincerely and sees her efforts, that's all that matters to her.

Jia Ren found a handkerchief and wiped tears from his wife's eyes. Then he said, "Forgive me for not making myself clear earlier. My intention is to let you stay home first while I go on duty alone."

"Autumn has arrived, and I've settled in Fengshan County. By then, the situation in Xindu will also be stable, and your grandmother and aunts will all come back. That means you can join me then."

"Sister's caravan travels outside all year round, so it wouldn't be difficult for Old Hei and the others to make an extra trip to Fengshan."

Wan'er's eyes lit up, and her face slowly turned red.

She had been agonizing over this matter for a long time, and it was actually resolved by her husband's few words. It seemed she hadn't slept well these past few days for nothing.

“I… I don’t know what you’re planning either. I thought…”

Jiārén couldn't help but laugh and replied, "Alright, next time if you have something, ask me first. Whatever difficulties you face, we'll think of a solution together. You are my wife, I will never abandon you under any circumstances, let alone cause you heartache."

"Good!" Wan'er rarely took the initiative to hug Jiarren, and whispered, "I'll have someone send a message to my mother right away. At the last flower-viewing banquet, she mentioned this to me and has been worrying about it ever since, unable to sleep or eat well."

After saying that, she blushed and hurried out.

Jia Ren smiled helplessly, then went out to the study to have a look, lest his younger brothers divide up all the rare books he had painstakingly collected.

Jia Yin went back to her room and didn't relax.

Although Lao He and his crew escorted them all the way, preparation was still necessary.

Xin Du seems peaceful and prosperous from here, but just a few hundred miles outside, the scene is completely different.

The common people can only eat enough to survive, life is still difficult. If they want a better life, besides working harder, there's only the crooked path.

In the deep mountains and old forests, a group of people hides to rob passing convoys. It's a way to get rich quick that even children know about.

So, when leaving home and hurrying on your way, make sure to bring along plenty of life-saving items. That's the most important thing.

Thankfully, before the northern campaign, the Zheng family estate had been working day and night to produce a large number of weapons.

This time, each of Lao Hei's men was equipped with a set of hand crossbows and one hundred poisoned arrows, which should be enough.

In addition, wound medicine and various treatments for wind-cold, dysentery, fever, antivenom, anti-miasma, and insect repellent powders were also all readily available...

Being poor in one's home and rich on the road doesn't mean you need to carry more silver or have abundant resources.

After all, at a critical moment, it might just save a life...

By the time I had finished, it was already dinnertime.

Jia Yin had dinner with her family, but always felt something was missing. When she thought about it, she asked Shui Ling.

"Did you see Mu the bodyguard"

Water Spirit hurriedly shook her head, "No, is it because you haven't left the palace"

Jia Yin frowned, but didn't ask any further.

As night deepened, the entire Earl's mansion fell silent, with nearly everyone asleep.

Jia Yin was a little tired, so she lit a lamp and sat by the window, flipping through a travelogue.

This was previously recommended by Lu Zong, it is said to be very detailed in describing the geographical features and customs of the southwest region.

She planned to take a closer look and prepare more things for her older brother.

When the book was halfway through, there was suddenly a commotion in the yard. Before Jia Yin could investigate, the window was suddenly pushed open.

A wave of blood, pungent and overwhelming!

Two updates today~~ idle onlookers, watching the commotion, all suddenly realized something. They had felt a bit sympathetic just a moment ago, especially the men.The desire to be beautiful is inherent in all humans. Se...