The Daily Life of Farming and Raising Children in Ancient Mountain Residences

Chapter 281: End of the Text

As night fell, Shen Lie returned home to find his little cotton-padded jacket, well-fed and well-rested, not only crawling to greet him but also sitting steadily on the edge of the nearest bed, excitedly waving her hands and chattering in baby talk.

He was pleasantly surprised. “Ah Yao can sit up now?”

Sang Luo nodded. “She learned to sit this afternoon at the Chen family’s. She’s just started and is still getting used to it. Now, she often pushes Qian Bao around. But does she have a strong grip? She made Ah Rui cry this afternoon.”

Shen Lie picked up Ah Yao and, seeing Qian Bao looking up at him, decided to hold one in each arm. He laughed and said, “Could she have inherited my strength?”

It was meant as a joke, and Shen Lie didn’t take it seriously himself, but he didn’t know it would turn out to be true later on.

Of course, at that moment, neither of the couple knew this.

Sang Luo then brought up the matter of Shen Jin and his brothers. Shen Lie wasn’t particularly concerned. “The people on the estate are familiar. It’s fine for Xiao Jin to venture out and Xiao Yin to handle the accounts here. It’s all part of their training. You can tell from Xiao Jin and An Ning that practical experience is what truly hones a person.”

He added, somewhat apologetically, “Both Xiao An and I followed the scholarly path, so we haven’t been much help with these practical matters. It’s left to you and An Ning to manage.”

“That’s not what you should say. It’s just different responsibilities,” Sang Luo responded. She then expressed concern for Shen Lie. “We’re suddenly going to the capital in the fall; the time is tight. Do you feel confident about the autumn exams?”

Shen Lie allowed Ah Yao to cling to him and continued, “The autumn exams won’t be difficult. It’s not just me; several from our estate should also be confident. If we can’t pass the autumn exams, it would be a disservice to Master Zeng’s teachings this year.”

Master Zeng, from the Zeng family of Taiyuan, was a highly respected scholar, and Zeng Ziqian, who was personally tutored by him, would certainly excel.

Over the past year, Zeng Ziqian had given him numerous books, all part of the Zeng family’s heritage. After consulting with Zeng Ziqian and receiving his permission, Shen Lie had shared these resources with several students in the local school.

In terms of resources, they were even better off than the Lin family’s scholars who had studied under the guidance of their grandfather at the local academy.

“The harder part will be after entering the capital, where in addition to the classics, there will also be assessments on current affairs. However, recently, I’ve been going to the county office every day after classes and learning about these matters as well. Rest assured, while I can’t guarantee a hundred percent, I’m about seventy to eighty percent confident.”

Sang Luo wanted to say that even if it doesn’t work out this year, there are still two spots in the Imperial Academy. But she didn’t say this. Although Shen Lie rarely showed much outward expression, Sang Luo knew that he initially pursued the imperial examinations because of her and the family, but later he developed his own ambitions.

Men always want to achieve something. The years of chaos were the best opportunities for rising up, and Shen Lie and Chen Dashan chose their families then, but now they are fighting for themselves.

In Shen Lie’s current situation, if he really wants to make a mark, seizing this year’s opportunity to succeed in the examinations would be far better than spending a few more years in the academy.

So, he didn’t say much. He took the two noisy children, saying, “I’ll stay with the kids. It’s almost time to put them to sleep. You go work in the study and don’t stay up too late.”

Since Zeng Ziqian’s night visit about the compost method, Shen Lie and Shen An had been reading until midnight every night. Now, spending an extra quarter-hour with the kids meant he would need to read that much longer later.

Shen Lie kissed Sang Luo on the cheek and said, “You’ve worked hard.”

He then squeezed Ah Yao and Qian Bao’s hands before heading to the study.

—

An imperial edict seemed to make everyone busy.

Shen Lie and Shen An were working hard for their future, while Sang Luo and Shen Ning were making arrangements for the family and business in Shezhou.

Shen Jin and Shen Yin wanted to support their sister-in-law in Shezhou, becoming a pillar for the Shen family there and even in other regions.

Chen Dashan and Shen Jin worked together, learning and exploring how to be qualified partners, while the women of the Chen family learned all about food production techniques from Sang Luo.

Surprisingly, the eldest Mrs. Chen and the youngest Chen Xiaoya had the most talent, mastering even the most difficult egg tarts well.

Now that the Chen family had learned, Sang Luo no longer needed to worry about teaching the Gan family and others. As for dividing tasks and establishing a production line, it wasn’t very necessary. Sang Luo trusted people like Mrs. Gan and Feng Liuniang, treating them as core team members, and if expansion was needed, they would be ready for production management.

—

In mid-March, there was good news: Concubine Fan was pregnant. She had been pregnant since the beginning of the year but didn’t realize it due to a lack of appetite. It was only confirmed in late January, and she waited until March, when the fetus was stable, to announce it.

Good news continued to come. At the end of March, Xin Niang and Lin Jiuniang also announced their pregnancies. Xin Niang, who worked as a female assistant in a specialty store, specifically asked Sang Luo if she could continue working while pregnant.

The specialty store didn’t have heavy work, so Sang Luo had no reason to object, saying, “When your belly gets bigger, you can have your mother-in-law or one of your sisters-in-law take over. After the baby is weaned, if you still want to work, you can return.”

Xin Niang was delighted, “Of course, I want to work. Thank you, sister-in-law. I was worried that I would lose this job due to pregnancy.”

Sang Luo laughed, “Not at all.”

Meanwhile, Wei Qinghe, who initially planned to study for another year to solidify his foundation before taking the imperial examinations next year, decided to take the exam this year due to the sudden opportunity of becoming a father.

Time passed to May, and the state school had a whole month of fieldwork. Most of the students from Daxing Village immersed themselves in their studies.

Shen Lie and Wei Qinghe aimed for the imperial examinations, while Wang Yunzheng wanted to compete for the only slot available this year for the National Academy. Shen An, Xu Wenhong, and Xu Wenbo felt the urgency.

Even Ah Xu and Zhou Changhe guessed that the state school would likely have admissions this year, so they didn’t disturb Shen Lie and the others but focused on studying at home.

There wasn’t a single idle person in Daxing Village.

—

After May, grain prices fell again and stabilized at 120 wen per dou. With the drop in grain prices, vegetables and meat also decreased in price.

Previously, the fresh meat shop run solely by Sang Luo had pork available about once every ten days, and rabbit, chicken, and duck meat limited to every five days. Now, a new meat shop had opened.

The new shop owner was none other than Butcher Zheng, who had lost an arm. Although he could no longer slaughter pigs himself, his two sons could, so Butcher Zheng resumed his old trade and opened a meat shop in Shezhou City.

However, he couldn’t supply meat every day. About every seven or eight days, he could handle slaughtering pigs for the villagers outside Daxing Village and sell the meat in his shop.

The shop operated similarly to Sang Luo’s fresh meat shop, putting up a sign a day in advance when pork was available, and also selling fish, chicken, and mutton whenever possible.

For the people of Shezhou, buying meat had become easier than before. Chicken and duck aside, while pork used to be available only once every ten days, now with two meat shops, it was possible to find pork and even mutton in the market every four to five days. Life was gradually returning to the way it was before the great chaos, and with a compassionate emperor and no heavy taxes, it was even more reassuring.

The prices of goods in the Daxing Village specialty store were also adjusted downward.

After a busy May, Sang Luo visited the county office to inquire whether the tribute to the capital should be sent by water or land route. Among the many imperial rewards was two horses, which she had Zhao Dalang help keep near the cattle shed on the estate, along with the estate’s only cow.

Receiving two horses out of the blue, she guessed they might be useful.

Indeed, Concubine Fan confirmed that land was the preferred route.

“The river channels have been neglected for years. The emperor, in recent years, has prioritized the people’s livelihood and avoids laboring the people. So, when there are fewer people, less cargo, and lighter ships, water routes can be used. However, if there are more people and more tribute goods, it must be sent by land. Additionally, this year, we’ve helped the court purchase a lot of grain, which will be included in the tribute.”

Sang Luo understood, confirming that the two horses were indeed not without reason. She then asked Concubine Fan about the climate in Chang’an and chatted with her for a while before leaving the governor’s office and heading to the carriage shop to customize a carriage.

For the two carriages—one for passengers and one for luggage—thinking about Cen Xi’s mention that the Duke’s residence in the capital would provide everything needed, a light carriage should be sufficient.

The carriages were delivered to the estate more than ten days later. The manager of the carriage shop, who recognized Sang Luo and knew that the Duke’s family would likely move to the capital in August, personally delivered the carriages. He also recommended the shop’s services, including hiring drivers for long journeys.

Sang Luo needed this and was about to agree when the three long-term workers at the estate arrived.

These three workers were different from Zhao Silang and the others. They had always lived at the estate, did their work well, but rarely came over to this side except for transporting items to Shen family’s residence. Their special visit suggested there was something important.

Before Sang Luo could inquire, Li Jiulang (also known as An Jiu) asked, “Mrs. Sang, we came to ask if you need people to drive the carriages on your journey to the capital?”

The carriage shop manager was taken aback, “…”

What a coincidence?!

Li Jiulang (An Jiu) wasn’t just asking if drivers were needed. He was tasked with finding work for himself, An Shi, and An Shi’er. The emperor’s intention was that upon returning to the capital, they would still be part of the protection team for the Duke, so they needed to find a way to accompany them. Seeing the opportunity with the carriages, he seized it.

“We three are capable of driving carriages and carts. I heard you have residences and estates in the capital, so we wanted to ask if you need extra hands for the journey. For tasks like guarding the house, driving the carriage, or running errands, having someone reliable would be useful, right?”

Sang Luo was convinced that Shen Lie’s previous guess was correct—these three were likely not just ordinary workers.

If Shen Lie was right, which was highly probable, then after working on the farm, raising sheep, and feeding pigs for so long, it was truly difficult…

“Yes, we do need help. But don’t you think it’s too far from home?”

Li Jiulang smiled warmly, “What’s there to fear about being far from home? Going to the capital is a great opportunity. So, are you willing to take us along?”

Sang Luo smiled and nodded, “Of course.”

Having you along would be much safer.

The carriage shop manager didn’t push the sale of drivers, and since Sang Luo had three workers who could drive carriages and were eager to go to the capital, he collected the final payment for the carriages, said a few kind words, and took his leave.

—

By the end of July, Sang Luo had prepared warm clothes and shoes for the entire family. The state school examinations had begun, but this round was not related to Shen Lie; it was for Wang Yunzheng and others aged fourteen to eighteen.

The results were out at the end of July. Wang Yunzheng secured the only spot from the state school to take the entrance exam for the National Academy in the capital.

Shen An ranked third, with the second place going to the Lin family’s eldest grandson.

The county exams in Shezhou were also taking place. Students from the state school didn’t need to participate in these, and the state exam would be held on August 3rd, after the county exams had been announced.

Shen Lie and Wei Qinghe had gone to the city early. At home, Sang Luo, Shen Ning, Shen Yin, and Shen Tie were quite nervous.

Even though Shen An said his elder brother had no problem with the state exam.

Where did this confidence come from?

Because Shen Lie, Yunzheng, and the state school’s eldest grandson had been taking turns securing the top spots in their periodic exams.

“Last year, my elder brother couldn’t even make it to the top ten. This year, he ranked third in March, second at least once, and since June, he has been consistently in the top two, often alternating first place with Yunzheng. We know a bit about the conditions in the five county schools below. The top five in the state exam will be selected for the tribute. Rest assured, my elder brother will definitely make the list.”

The extra hours of tutoring given by Master Zeng were not for nothing, and the countless nights of studying until dawn were not in vain.

Shen Ning was a bit surprised, “I haven’t heard my elder brother talk about the periodic exam results.”

Shen An replied, “You don’t know my elder brother? He wouldn’t mention it if he wasn’t in the top two. By the time he scored first or second, it was already June, and with the imperial exams coming up, he wouldn’t have the mind to bring it up again.”

He felt it wasn’t worth mentioning anyway.

Shen Ning thought about it and realized it was true. Her elder brother was indeed that type of person. Over the past few months, whenever she went to bed early or got up late, she rarely saw her elder brother.

—

The first imperial examinations of the Da Qi dynasty were still in the exploratory phase and not as complicated as in later generations. The exams were held on August 3rd, and the results were announced on the 5th. The villagers, who rarely had any work to do, all went to the city to see the results.

Sang Luo handed the two children over to Shen Ning and went with Shen Lie to wait outside the county office for the results. When the list was posted, Shen Lie’s name was at the top.

“Master is first, my uncle is fourth.” The village elder, who couldn’t read, saw the names of the two villagers who had participated in the autumn exam and reported it quickly.

The villagers cheered, and Sang Luo smiled, squeezing Shen Lie’s hand. Shen Lie looked at her, and the couple exchanged smiles, their eyes filled with joy.

Wei Qinghe was extremely excited. He looked at the list with Shen Lie. The second place was someone from the Lin family, also related to Wei Qinghe. The third and fifth places were from students in other counties.

The person from the Lin family was a generation older than Wei Qinghe. If Wei Qinghe followed Lin Jiuniang’s way of addressing, he would call him Uncle Qi.

The three classmates congratulated each other. When He Changshi announced that the rural banquet would be on the 6th and departure to the capital on the 8th, they all dispersed.

On the way out of the city, Wei Qinghe repeatedly thanked Shen Lie.

Both he and the Xu family knew very well that the reason they and Yunzheng were able to secure the state school’s only spot for the National Academy was greatly due to the notes and annotations Shen Lie had provided to the Zeng family over the past year.

Wei Qinghe thought about it and whispered to Shen Lie, “When we bought grain together last time, I didn’t get a chance to thank Master Zeng privately. This time, I’d like to prepare a gift when I return. Please help me with an introduction so that I can at least express my gratitude at the governor’s office.”

Shen Lie thought for a moment and said, “Let’s do it later. The rural exams have just ended, and it’s not appropriate to visit with gifts right now. There will be plenty of time in the future.”

Wei Qinghe also realized it and repeatedly expressed his thanks. With an uncontrollable expression of joy, he quickened his steps, eager to return and share the good news with Lin Jiuniang and later with the Yue family, although they might already know by now.

The villagers who had come along were all beaming with joy. Mrs. Xu, Shopkeeper Xu, and Wei Lingzhen were particularly happy today. They were pleased for Wei Qinghe and also thinking about how Shen Lie and Wei Qinghe had worked hard to achieve this. Seeing the dozens of books in the house, they felt hopeful for Wen Hong and Wen Bo’s future.

There was still a chance for the National Academy’s four entrance exams, and if not, there was always the possibility of the tribute selection.

Feng Liuniang and the Zhou Cunzheng’s daughter were also excited, each having a child preparing for the state school exams this year. They were trembling with anticipation.

They saw a glimmer of hope for a change in fortune.

—

After the results were announced, the village was lively for a while, with many coming to offer congratulations. As for the banquet, they were leaving on the 8th, so there was no time to organize a proper celebration. Sang Luo had Shen Lie and Shen An invite the teachers and classmates to Dongfu Building for a few dinners to express their gratitude.

She and Shen Ning began preparing for the journey to the capital on the 8th.

In the evening, two more guests arrived at the house—Mrs. Zheng, the butcher’s wife, and her daughter, Zheng Daniu.

The mother and daughter were carrying several packages of pastries, wrapped in oil paper, clearly bought from a pastry shop in the city.

“We should have come earlier to congratulate you, but Daniu finished work late and could only come now.”

They could have come the next morning, but both mother and daughter were anxious and couldn’t wait.

“Auntie, Daniu, why are you so formal?” Sang Luo invited them to sit in the hall, and Shen Ning went to make tea.

Mrs. Zheng seemed a bit embarrassed and hadn’t figured out how to start, but Zheng Daniu spoke up, “Mrs. Sang, I actually have a favor to ask. I wanted to know if you need any extra help in the capital.”

Sang Luo was somewhat surprised, “Why do you ask?”

Zheng Daniu looked uncomfortable, but didn’t say much. Mrs. Zheng glanced around to make sure no one was listening, and seeing that Shen Ning hadn’t returned yet, she lowered her voice and said, “It’s really desperate. I’m sorry to trouble you.”

Seeing her daughter’s pale face, Mrs. Zheng pulled Sang Luo aside and quietly explained the situation.

It turned out that over the past couple of months, some unpleasant rumors about Zheng Daniu from her time trapped in Qiyang County had been circulating in the neighboring villages.

These were baseless and particularly dirty rumors.

Mrs. Zheng spoke vaguely, but Sang Luo guessed the situation and asked, “Do you know who might be spreading these rumors?”

Mrs. Zheng gritted her teeth, “We haven’t offended anyone. I suspect who it might be, and we definitely need to address this.”

“Just that rumors are worse than knives. Daniu feels like people are talking behind her back wherever she goes. She’s been thinking about it for a few days and finally decided to ask if you could help find a solution.”

Mrs. Zheng’s eyes were red as she spoke. As a mother, she couldn’t bear to see her daughter leave, but back then… she didn’t dare to let her daughter keep hearing those remarks. Now, this was the only option left.

“Mrs. Sang, if you have any work in the capital, whether it’s washing clothes, cooking, or cleaning, or even work in the estate like raising chickens and ducks or farming, could you take Daniu with you?”

Sang Luo looked at Zheng Daniu, who appeared nervous, and said, “There shouldn’t be a shortage of people for washing, cooking, and cleaning, but if Daniu is willing to try her luck in the capital, we will be starting some business there, and there will definitely be work for her.”

Mrs. Zheng was overjoyed and grasped Sang Luo’s hand, “How can I thank you enough?”

Zheng Daniu also stood up, her face full of joy.

Shen Ning entered with tea and saw the scene. She glanced at her sister-in-law, and Sang Luo said, “Aren’t you preparing to open a shop in the capital? I see that Daniu is eager to learn and attends night classes. She can read and do arithmetic. Ask her if she would like to go with us to the capital to work in the shop.”

Mrs. Zheng and Zheng Daniu looked at Sang Luo with gratitude.

Shen Ning, upon hearing this, smiled and said, “Yes, both my sister-in-law and I plan to look for a shop in the capital. Daniu, would you like to come with us? We’re not sure how easy it will be to find a shop, so it might take some time.”

“Yes, yes, I’m willing. Such a good opportunity, why wait? Thank you so much for taking care of me.”

“Alright, let Granny Chen know to settle the wages at the fan workshop first. Get ready and come join me on the morning of the 8th.”

—

On the morning of August 8th, the newly hired drivers An Jiu, An Shi, and An Shi’er drove the two carriages out of the village. Following them were the Shen family members heading to the capital and Wei Qinghe and Wang Yunzheng with their bundles. The whole village came to see them off.

Of course, there were also Zheng Daniu and her family with their bundles, as well as Feng Dalang, Feng Erlang, Gan Erlang, Dong Ge’er, and other friendly villagers from the surrounding area who were coming with them.

On this day, Mrs. Chen was in tears again. Sang Luo hugged the old lady, “Granny, when Ah Rui is old enough to start school, come to the capital. I’ll make sure there’s a place for you, so Ah Rui can start his education with Ah Yao and Qian Bao.”

Mrs. Chen didn’t care about anything anymore, wiping her tears and nodding vigorously, “Alright, I will definitely come to the capital to see you.”

Meanwhile, Shen Yin and Shen Tie walked with Shen An, frequently stretching their necks to look outside the village, their faces full of anxiety, “Why isn’t my brother back yet? He was supposed to return yesterday.”

Shen An comforted them, “He might have been delayed by something. Don’t worry, it’s not so soon. There will still be many village elders to see us off and plenty of grain carts.”

Although he said this, he kept looking outside himself.

They were about to head to the capital, and if they didn’t see Shen Jin now, who knew when they would meet again.

Shen An was right. The first tribute to the capital involved many people seeing them off, and with the need to transport tribute goods, it took almost an hour to get organized. The convoy finally began to leave the city.

Concubine Fan was about to give birth, so Zeng Ziqian couldn’t travel far. He entrusted the team’s journey to Beijing to He Changshi.

Zeng Ziqian himself was escorting the scholars out of town. Although it was supposed to be an escort, he was actually walking alongside Shen Lie at the head of the procession, chatting as they went, and handed Shen Lie a visiting card.

“First, go to my house when you arrive in the capital. The spring exams are in February, so there’s still some time for preparation. Let my grandfather give you some extra lessons. He knows you. Don’t be shy; just ask my sister-in-law to make some of her best dishes. My grandfather will be delighted to have you visit every day.”

The last time the old man heard that Sang Luo was going to the capital, he didn’t even nap. He put on a serious face in court but asked the first thing after the court session: “Did you bring back any specialties from Daxing Village?”

Shen Lie smiled and cupped his hands in thanks.

A little further back in the procession, Concubine Fan, with her large belly, also came to see them off. She held Sang Luo’s arm, reluctant to part: “You go to the capital first. With my big belly, it’s inconvenient for me to go anywhere. My Sanlang should be able to return to the capital next year, and we can be together then. You can also meet my Heng’er.”

Once Sang Luo went to the capital, Shen Lie would be staying in the capital, as the emperor wouldn’t let him leave for an external post.

As for Zeng Sanlang, thanks to Sang Luo’s help, he had made significant progress in recent years and was expected to return to the capital next year. If the couple returned to the capital, their eldest son from Taiyuan would naturally be brought over.

Sang Luo had heard about Heng’er from Concubine Fan many times before. Smiling, she said, “That’s great. I’ll wait for you in the capital. There are many people outside the city. You and Nanny Zhong should head back now.”

She didn’t let Concubine Fan see her off any further.

—

Outside Shezhou City, there were indeed many people gathered. Many villagers who had heard that Sang Luo was leaving today had put down their work and gathered along the official road outside the city gate to see her off.

The biggest fortune for the Shezhou villagers was, first, having a good local official and second, having Sang Luo as a neighbor.

The various methods Sang Luo promoted were first enjoyed by them, and among these villagers, many had survived with the help of Sang Luo and Daxing Village, learning skills in the deep mountains years ago.

The farewell procession was very grand.

Chen Dashan, Xu Wenqing, and Shen Jin arrived just in time. Shen An, seeing them from a distance, was so excited that he almost jumped up, waving from afar: “Xiao Jin, over here!”

In the back, Shen Yin’s voice followed: “Brother, this way, this way!”

Shen Jin ran over: “Eldest brother, sister-in-law, Xiao An, Ah Ning, we were delayed on the road. I almost thought we wouldn’t make it.”

Shen Jin, who had grown up a lot over the years, looked at the two carriages of the Shen family, and his eyes filled with tears.

Shen Lie patted Shen Jin on the head: “Take good care of yourself and Xiao Yin and Xiao Tie. Get the business sorted out and come to Chang’an soon.”

Shen Jin nodded: “I will. Next year, I’ll be able to bring Xiao Tie to see you.”

Ah Yao and Qian Bao could now walk. They recognized Shen Jin and reached out to him from Sang Luo and Shen An’s arms. Especially Ah Yao, who kicked so hard that Sang Luo could barely hold on, even calling out “Uncle” in a mumble.

Baby talk was quite vague, but Shen An, Shen Yin, Shen Jin, and Shen Tie all agreed it was calling “Uncle,” something Shen Yin and Shen Tie taught every day.

Let’s just assume that’s what she meant.

Shen Jin wanted to hug but withdrew: “I’m covered in dust.”

He had only been misty-eyed before, but seeing his niece reach out for a hug made him cry. He hurriedly wiped his tears: “Sister-in-law, I will miss you.”

He Changshi’s team was already ready and came to inform Shen Lie and the other scholars with their own carriages that they could depart.

Shen Lie hurriedly said farewell to Chen Dashan, Xu Wenqing, Feng Dalang, Feng Erlang, and Gan Erlang. The front of the procession had already begun boarding, and the family finally got into their carriage.

Zheng Daniu didn’t crowd into the carriage, knowing there were two carriages from the Shen family, each with space for two or three people. Seeing that one of the carriages had two people seated, she hesitated for a moment before taking the seat on the second carriage. Fortunately, the carriage was wide enough, and sitting with the driver, An Shi’er, wasn’t too cramped.

As they were about to leave, Shen Jin thought of something, told Shen An to wait, and hurried to the city gate.

Shen Ning asked Shen An: “Where did Xiao Jin go?”

“He said he was buying something.”

As the convoy started moving, Shen Jin ran out and caught up with his elder brother and sister-in-law’s carriage, handing a few oil-paper packages through the window: “Eldest brother, sister-in-law, I saw these being sold in the East Market last time I was back. Take them for the journey.”

Sang Luo, holding the children, felt the packages handed over by Shen An were still warm.

Shen Jin’s brothers followed the carriage for a long distance, talking through the window with Shen Lie and the others. They only stopped after passing Daxing Village when Shen Lie waved them off, signaling them not to follow any further.

Shen An and Shen Ning kept looking out the carriage window. Ah Yao, in Shen Lie’s arms, was reaching for the oil-paper packages in Shen An’s hand. Shen An avoided her to keep her from getting burned. Sang Luo asked: “What did Xiao Jin buy?”

Shen An opened one of the packages and looked, then froze for a moment.

“Hu Bing.”

Shen Lie was unaware, but Sang Luo and Shen Ning were instantly reminded of six years ago.

“Hu Bing,” Sang Luo looked out the window. The convoy was long, and the mountain beside the official road meant that once they rounded a bend, Shen Jin’s figure was already out of sight.

“Hu Bing is being sold in the East Market now?”

Sang Luo remembered buying Hu Bing for Shen Jin and the village children who helped clear the land years ago in Shili Village. On the other side, Shen Ning also mentioned this old story from Shili Village to her elder brother.

As the carriage trundled forward, Sang Luo, holding the curious Qian Bao who was bouncing on her lap, looked out with a smile, murmuring, “It’s really nice.”

For this journey ahead, may it lead to a prosperous Chang’an.