Drive to the Tang Dynasty, where supplies are refreshed daily!

Chapter 25 Visiting the Muramasa!

In the morning, the little princess, who had just woken up, was looking for tomatoes.

"Your Highness, the tomatoes are here," said Qinglan, the personal maid, handing the tomatoes to the little princess, who was then relieved.

"Hehe~ It's my mom~"

After changing into her own little dress, the little princess left her bedroom carrying a tomato.

Empress Zhangsun and Li Lizhi were already in the front hall.

"Mother~ Sister~"

"You still have the tomatoes from Sizi?" Li Lizhi was surprised that the little princess was still holding her all night.

"Mmm, mmm~ It's for Mommy~"

Seeing how much the little princess adored her, even the elderly Empress Zhangsun couldn't accept her.

"Girl, write to Xiao Ran and ask if there are any tomatoes left. We can buy them."

"I'll give it a try," Li Lizhi thought about how to express herself appropriately, as directly saying "buy" didn't feel quite right.

"Hongxiu, bring me my paper and pen!" Empress Zhangsun called out.

"Yes, Your Highness!" The personal maid, Hongxiu, scurried away.

With pen and ink ready, Li Lizhi picked up her brush and began to ponder.

Then he began writing rapidly.

[Young man, I am relieved to see this letter!]

As autumn arrives, the sky grows clear and crisp, and the morning and evening breezes carry a chill.

Please take care of yourself, wear warm clothes, and avoid catching a chill in the autumn.

Since you left, the morning dew has just begun to condense. I recall the trouble I caused you last night, and how you treated me to delicious food; I am still grateful to this day.

Sizi and Fanyin often spoke of your kindness and generosity, especially remembering the gifts you gave them. They were beautiful in color and had a sweet and sour taste. Sizi treasured them like precious gems and still keeps one in her dressing case, never letting it out of her sight.

I recall my two previous visits; you treated me to exquisite dishes, your culinary skills were truly breathtaking.

I am deeply grateful for your kind invitation and hospitality; I have no way to repay you.

[I have prepared a few sesame cakes and plum blossom cakes, which, though not rare or exotic, are a small token of my appreciation. These humble gifts carry my heartfelt gratitude, and I earnestly hope that you will not refuse them, young man!]

Best wishes for a peaceful autumn and that you take good care of yourself.

Fifth Sister, I bow my head in gratitude!

Li Lizhi expressed herself subtly, preparing the letter, "Yushu, prepare some pastries, and also some silks and satins to send along!"

"It's Your Highness!"

Xiao Ran habitually gets up early, walks the dog, and eats something casually.

Cookies and bread are fine as a substitute.

Before leaving, they sealed the cave tightly.

With Xiao Hei by my side, we prepared to go to Zhang Dalang and his sister's house.

We hadn't gone far when we saw Third Sister, still holding Kaolao in her arms, just like before.

It seems like they've gotten used to it, except this time they didn't go to the field to pick up millet ears.

They headed towards the pool. The three siblings knew that Xiao Ran was near the pool, but they didn't know exactly where.

She didn't ask Xiao Ran either, which shows she has a good sense of boundaries.

Upon seeing Xiao Ran, Third Sister started running.

"Woof woof woof!" Little Black ran over too.

Xiao Ran also brought some calcium milk biscuits. "Third Aunt, here you go!"

"Thank you, young man!" Third Sister took the plastic bag.

Being able to eat cookies like these was something that San Niang never dared to dream of before.

Third Sister doesn't talk much. She only answers Xiao Ran's questions and obediently follows him when he doesn't ask. Judging from the little girl's bouncy and skipping walk, she's in a good mood.

He was carrying a plastic bag and would occasionally pat Little Black.

Soon the two arrived at the gate of Zhang Dalang's courtyard.

Zhang Erya was sweeping the yard when she saw Xiao Ran come out smiling, "Young Master!"

Hearing the noise, Zhang Dalang came out of the house, but he was still a little embarrassed thinking about what happened last night. "Young master, come inside and sit down," Zhang Dalang called out.

Xiao Ran actually wanted to get straight to the business and didn't want to delay anything.

But it wouldn't be appropriate not to even go inside.

Xiao Ran sat down on the wooden stool, and Zhang Erya brought out the food.

It's still persimmons, kiwis, and chestnuts, and this time there are pine nuts too.

It's not breakfast time yet, so the siblings definitely haven't eaten.

Xiao Ran picked up some pine nuts and started cracking them open. "Is the village head's house far from here?"

Zhang Dalang was in an awkward situation, so Xiao Ran took the initiative to start a conversation.

“It’s not far. The village head’s house is located at the back of the village. It’s a quick walk, about half an incense stick’s time!” Zhang Erya said rather naturally.

"Does Second Sister have anything else to attend to right now?"

Zhang Erya shook her head. "No, young master, are you going now?"

"Yes, just say I'm your distant cousin. I couldn't make ends meet, so I've come to seek refuge with you. I used to be a wanderer in the Kucha and Gaochang area."

Zhang Erya nodded, "Okay, I've got it!"

Xiao Ran stood up. "Third Sister, let's go!"

"Young master, please wait a moment. I'll prepare some things for the village headman to take with me." Zhang Erya picked up a basket, presumably to pack something.

Zhang Dalang quickly said, "Young master, I can't help, so I won't go!"

"okay!"

Not long after, Zhang Erya came out carrying a basket full of persimmons and kiwis.

Xiao Ran had considered preparing something beforehand, but he felt it might be considered bribery, as his own belongings were somewhat special in this era.

The main problem is that Xiao Ran is not familiar with it.
Zhang Erya preparing some fruit cannot be considered a bribe.

Since the village head was Zhang Erya's elder, it wasn't unreasonable for him to send some local specialties.

The three of them took the Samoyed out of the yard.

Zhang Erya was very happy to think that Xiao Ran would be closer to her family in the future.

Many people didn't go out at this time, and they saw Xiao Ran and the Zhang sisters in their own yards.

I'm very curious about Xiao Ran's background.

“Young master, it’s just ahead,” Zhang Erya pointed.

The stone walls of the Muramasa family's courtyard stand out among the thatched houses. The main house, with its blue tile roof, is a head taller than the others, and its two elm wood doors are polished to a shine.

Just then, I saw a woman walking towards me from the other side; she looked to be about eighteen or nineteen years old.

Carrying a straight-shafted plow on his shoulder did not affect his walking speed at all.

His skin was a bit dark, which made him less feminine and more masculine.

"Second Mother, Third Mother," Zhang Jinhe called out.

"Sister!" Zhang Erya called out and hurried over. "I'm looking for the village head, Grandpa."

“Grandpa, I’m afraid he hasn’t gotten up yet. We’ll have to wait.” As Zhang Jinhe spoke, his gaze fell on Xiao Ran, revealing a look of curiosity.

"Sister, this is my distant cousin, Xiao Ran!" Zhang Erya introduced.

"Greetings, my wife!"

"Hello, young master!"

Xiao Ran's attire was unusual, but he looked very energetic.

What attracted Zhang Jinhe was the Samoyed next to San Niang. "What a big dog, so beautiful."

"Please come into the courtyard first!" Zhang Jinhe said politely.

Everyone in Kaolao Village has the surname Zhang, so they are considered to be of the same clan. This politeness is actually a way of maintaining distance.

Xiao Ran and his companions entered the small courtyard. The courtyard was not large, but it was tidied up so neatly that not an inch of it was messy.

Farm tools and dried herbs hung under the eaves, several pots of wild chrysanthemums were placed on the shelf, and even a bunch of freshly picked hyacinth bean flowers were stuck in the cracks between the bricks. Although it did not have the grandeur of a wealthy family, it exuded a sense of thrift and affluence, and it had all the necessities of life.

Zhang Jinhe put down the plow and said with a smile, "Young master, second mistress, and third mistress, please come inside!"

(End of this chapter)