Master Bai and Madam Bai protected her and gave her everything. She didn't know why, but Master Bai just liked her.

A group of people walked towards the mountains, with their horses loaded with various supplies. If it was snowing, there would definitely be traces on the mountain road, but the soil was so hard now that no traces would be left at all.

The things on the horses were also thrown into the cliff, so Qian Chengyang had no chance of finding any traces.

The ox cart could not enter the mountains and was killed by the servants. There was no other way because these were all dry food.

The maid had also woken up a long time ago and was terrified: "You...are you bandits? Were you the ones who saved me?"

Zhao Qiaoniang looked at her and said, "Miss, it was indeed us who saved you, and we didn't even get your consent at the time. If you want to go back, we will find a way to send you back."

The girl shook her head and said:

"I don't want to go back. Please save me. I can serve you. My family originally lived in Mugu Village, and every household made a living as a carpenter.

My name is Zhou Xuan. My father is a skilled carpenter and we have a simple and happy family.

But who would have thought that when my father went to build a house for Qian Chengyang's family, he accidentally fell off the roof, was seriously injured, and lost his ability to work.

Qian Chengyang not only did not pay a penny, he also falsely accused us of theft and used this as an excuse to force me into his house to work and pay off his debts.

I work hard there every day, and I get beaten and scolded for the slightest mistake. But I didn't expect him to hit me anyway... wuwuwu..."

Zhao Qiaoniang sighed and said, "Does it matter if you go with us? I'm just afraid he'll do something bad to your parents."

Zhou Xuan shook her head and said:

"Where do I even have parents? After my father fell from the roof, he became seriously ill and passed away not long after. My mother also followed him.

I heard my brother died of starvation, and I actually...actually didn't want to live anymore."

Zhao Qiaoniang touched Zhou Xuan's head and said, "You are only in your teens this year, right?"

"I'm 15 years old..."

Li Dongyang closed his eyes and said, "You beast! Qian Chengyang is already 48 years old this year. This old dog is really shameless."

Lin Wanwan shuddered. The age gap was too big, and she couldn't accept it.

Zhao Qiaoniang looked at her and said, "Axuan, then follow us to Bianjing!"

"Yeah, okay, I do."

A group of people continued to walk into the mountains. As the morning light shone, they took firm steps and slowly walked out of the quietness of the deep mountains and old forests.

The lush branches and leaves overhead filtered through fine light and shadows, the rotten leaves piled up underfoot emitted a slight stench, and the surroundings were quiet, with only the sound of footsteps, the occasional bird calls, and the rustling of branches and leaves to accompany the sounds.

After more than a month, they finally arrived at Qingping Town.

At the entrance of the town, there stands an ancient archway with the three words "Qingping Town" engraved on it. Although the words have been worn away by time, they are still vigorous and powerful.

As you step into the town, you will see winding stone roads and houses on both sides, most of which are wooden structures with exquisitely carved doors and windows, demonstrating its past prosperity.

The market in the town center is bustling with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares and people chatting and laughing. The cloth tents sway gently in the wind, and the air is filled with the aroma of food and the scent of fresh earth.

In the distance, the sound of reading in the school and the voice of the private school teacher came from afar.

The fire in the blacksmith shop on the corner was burning brightly, sparks flying and accompanied by the sound of clanging hammering. The blacksmith was sweating profusely, and the focused expression on his face revealed his dedication to his craft.

Seeing them, the women selling things stopped laughing and asked, "Are you coming down from the mountain?"

Zhao Qiaoniang nodded and said, "Yes! We are here to escape famine."

"Oh my! I heard there's a severe famine in the north right now! It's not easy for so many of you to make it all the way here!"

Zhao Qiaoniang nodded quickly and said, "Auntie, is there a place to rest here?"

The aunt nodded quickly and said, "Yes! Yes! I'll take you to town, but there are so many of you that the restaurants in town won't be able to accommodate you."

Zhao Qiaoniang quickly waved her hand and said, "We can't afford to stay in a restaurant. We just want to find a place to stay for two days and rest up."

The auntie was very enthusiastic: "Sure! I'll take you back to our village! Our village is big, and we can provide whatever you need."

"Yeah! Our village is nearby, let's go!"

Li Dongyang nodded and said, "The people here are simple and honest, which is really nice. If it weren't winter, I would really like to take a good bath."

Master Bai looked at him and said, "You do stink. It's good to have water now."

These aunts were quite enthusiastic and glanced at them from the corner of their eyes from time to time.

The leading aunt smiled and said:

"My father-in-law is the village chief and will definitely treat you well. Why don't you stay at our house tonight?

My house has a very large courtyard, and you all can live in it when the time comes."

"Thank you, auntie." Zhao Qiaoniang said quickly.

"Hey! What are you thanking me for? We are all trying to make a living, so you don't have to be polite to me." She took them home directly.

Everyone was exhausted after traveling all the way. When they saw the aunt's house, their eyes lit up.

This house is very grand. It is a courtyard with four entrances. The courtyard is spacious and the ground is paved with bricks and stones. It is regular and flat. Not to mention accommodating more than 2,000 people, even if there are more people, it will not feel crowded at all.

The aunt led everyone into the yard. The village chief came forward and looked at the unfamiliar faces with a puzzled look. He asked, "What's going on?"

The aunt walked forward with a smile, bowed, and said:

"Father-in-law, these people are all from the north. They have been displaced along the way and look very pitiful.

I thought our house is spacious, so I'd bring them back and let everyone rest at home for two days. Is that okay with you?"

The village chief raised his head slightly, slowly stroked his beard, and gently twisted it. He glanced at everyone and nodded.

"Well, we are all poor people, we are guests, just stay here.

Although our family is not rich, we still have enough water.

If you don't have enough food, tell me and I'll talk to the villagers and we'll be able to get some together for everyone."

When everyone heard this, they were filled with gratitude and praised the kindness and simplicity of the villagers.

The village chief's eyes suddenly fell on the horses outside the yard. After a moment's hesitation, he said:

“You can stay here with peace of mind, but the space in this yard is limited, and I’m afraid the horses won’t be able to move freely.

How about I ask someone to take them to the big yard outside?

There is a spacious place with plenty of grass and fodder, allowing them to rest well."

After saying this, he called a few young men and prepared to go and lead the horses.

The young men were quick and agile. They quickly took the reins and carefully led the horses out.

Everything was so beautiful, but Lin Wanwan felt a little uneasy.

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