Chapter 982: A Delaying Tactic
gs become. Originally, we were just villagers who had to climb mountains and go through hardship together, forging a deep bond of loyalty born out of life and death. We got along with each other sinc...Li Laosan probably heard this, but he turned his head and added, "Remember, you won't need to prepare meals for Mr. Tang anymore!"
Da Zhu's daughter-in-law had another question mark in her mind. Unfortunately, before she could ask, Li Lao San was gone...
Xin Du's morning, because of the arrival of spring, is really much more lively.
The diligent farmers got to the fields early to plant small greens or went up the mountain to gather wild vegetables. After washing and drying them, they bundled them neatly and rushed into the city as soon as the gates opened. When handing them over to customers, the produce was still glistening with dew!
Jia Yin had a sudden dream of Chinese toon last night, and thinking about it, this season is just right.
So, she got up early and changed into a cotton dress, bringing some water with her, planning to go to the market to buy some wild vegetables.
Not far from the Earl's Mansion, there was a small market bustling with energy. I often went for a stroll there, becoming quite familiar with its nooks and crannies.
Right now, she was leading the way ahead, hopping and skipping while exclaiming, "Miss, hurry up! If we're late, you might miss out on good things!"
Jia Yin was infected by her cheerfulness and walked quickly a few steps. As a result, when she pushed open the back door, Shui Ling was startled and cried out in surprise.
Jia Yin stepped forward and saw that it was her Uncle San standing outside the door, his clothes damp with morning mist.
Uncle Three, when did you come back Why didn't you knock on the door
Li Laosan's face flushed with embarrassment. He quickly smiled and said, "I just came in after the city gates opened. I thought my family would be worried, so I took a detour here."
Jia Yin immediately asked, "But is there something wrong at the academy I asked Shui Ling to call Second Uncle, but he hasn't gone out yet!"
Li Laosan quickly stopped him, "No need, I'll go to the front yard myself. Are you going out to play Then go ahead, be sure to be careful and come back early!"
Seeing his odd expression and evasive eyes, Jia Yin had a hunch about something. She smiled and said, "Uncle Three, I'm going to the market to buy some pickled spring bamboo shoots. In a while, I'll fry some pickled spring bamboo shoot eggs with millet porridge. You must stay for breakfast!"
"Alright, Third Uncle doesn't have much to busy himself with. He must have dinner before leaving." Li Lao San quickly replied, then went inside the door.
Jia Yin casually shut the door, and no one saw her throw the little fox inside.
The little fox was sleeping soundly in space when suddenly awakened by its owner, assigned a task, and still a bit confused.
But he dare not shirk his duty, after all, he can't lose his long-term source of income.
Jia Yin had something on her mind and hurried to the market to buy several bundles of xiang chun before returning to Earl's Mansion.
As soon as he returned to the courtyard, he saw his elder sister-in-law directing maidservants and women carrying things.
She asked, “Sister-in-law, what’s wrong”
Wan'er instructed the maidservant a few words, then stepped forward and said, "Uncle San has just returned and said there is a large merchant caravan going to the southwest, departing today. He asked your elder brother to accompany them on their journey."
"This is a good thing! The journey was long, and I was worried that Old Hei and the others wouldn't be able to protect Big Brother. With such a great opportunity, hundreds of people traveling together, it couldn't be any safer." Jia Yin comforted her sister-in-law and smiled, "Anyway, Big Brother is leaving soon, so a day or two won't make much difference."
Wan'er was still a little reluctant at first, but upon hearing this, she felt relieved.
"Yes, your older brother and the others are all in the study. You go take a look. I'm in a hurry to check my luggage again."
"Alright, sister-in-law, I also prepared some snacks for my elder brother on the road. Let Shuiyun bring them over." Jiayin said, and hurried to the front yard.
Seeing the arrival of good news, those who weren't looking too well originally all lowered their heads to drink tea.
Jiarren called his younger sister over and said with a smile, "Funiu'er, big brother is being assigned to a new post. In the future, I'll rely on you to take care of things at home!"
"Big brother, rest assured. As long as I'm here, no one in the family will be wronged." Jia Yin looked at her steady and elegant elder brother in front of her, and her heart was also sour.
Growing up is a continuous process of farewells.
Over the past few years, her beloved brothers have passed away one after another. The house is no longer as lively as it was when they were all young.
But she should be happy, because her brothers are going after their bright future!
"Big brother, don't worry about me. Just take care of yourself out there. I will often send caravans back and forth. As for family matters, I will write to you, so it will be as if you never left."
Jia Ren reddened his eyes and hugged his younger sister, gently patting her shoulder.
Li La Er sighed and spoke up, "Fu Niuer, your brother has gone too far this time. I'm still not at ease. I heard that Mu Huwei used to live in the southwest for a few years, could you ask him to send your older brother back"
Jia Yin's heart skipped a beat, and she subconsciously looked at her third uncle.
Li Lao San kept his head bowed, looking very ashamed.
Just when everyone thought Jia Yin was going to ask for inquiries, she readily said, "Okay, Second Uncle. I'm either in the palace or at home; there's nothing dangerous about it, so I don't need protection. As for my eldest brother, his journey is far and long, so the more people he has following him, the better."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the crowd. Everyone was afraid that if they kept talking, their secret would be exposed, so they all urged Jia Ren to be careful on his way home.
Jia Yin went to the kitchen. On her way, she met a little fox and chattered with it for a long time before she personally fried some fragrant spring onion eggs and made two small dishes that her older brothers liked to eat.
When the breakfast table was set, the whole family gathered around, eating hot porridge, steamed buns and side dishes. Even for Jiaren, this was a feast.
Outside the mansion gate, dozens of carriages were lined up, bustling with activity as they loaded luggage. Half of them were filled with books of various kinds.
Following him were a retinue of young house servants and attendants, as well as veteran soldiers, carefully selected from the household. There were over thirty in all.
Moreover, the master Liu Lao Ye's found on the way passing by a certain county town.
Grandfather Liu has already written a letter. When the time comes, we can bring it with us and go to our new post together, which would be convenient.
Juan'er endured the heartache, busy with everything. Tears swirled in her eyes.
Jia Ren sighed inwardly. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, he grasped her hand and instructed, "It'll be hard on you at home, so please take care of everything. Don't worry about me. When autumn arrives, I will come back for you as soon as possible."
"Hmm, my husband... must take care! Don't overdo yourself with work and neglect your rest." Wan'er choked back tears, tightly holding her husband's hand.
Jia Ren opened his arms and hugged her, then strode out the door.
Zheng held the reins, sitting in the carriage. Beside him sat Mu Xu, his face ashen.
Zheng Yi, seeing Mu Xu's usual playful demeanor replaced by this unusual gloom, couldn't help but gently advise, "Big Brother Mu, it's just a trip to the southwest. We'll be back after a month at most. Why are you so unhappy"
Mu Xu waved his hand, saying nothing, not knowing what to say.
The sudden return of the three elders from the study indicated a clear intention for the Li family to send him to the southwest.
It must be that Uncle Three didn't heed his warning and did something on his own accord, angering the Li family.
Only then did the Li family think of temporarily transferring him away!
Thus, this matter will be suspended to prevent the third master from continuing to make a scene and ruin the county princess's reputation.
Even, more cruelly, he could be left in the southwest until the Northern Campaign ended and the Marquis returned. Then he would have no chance at all.
No, we can't give up just like that!
Mu Xu's fist, clenched tight inside his sleeve, crackled.an was both surprised and delighted, then turned angry, "There are too many enemies behind you, quickly dismount and hide!""But Mu Xu refused and laughed, "Uncle Shan, you just run forward, the rest i...