The Leisurely Life of a Peasant Woman in the Tang Dynasty

The sunset dyed half the sky red. Tang Youyou's family of four bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, talking and laughing on the way home.

"Mom, look, this is the grasshopper I made!" Tang Jin excitedly raised the straw grasshopper in his hand and handed it to Tang Youyou like presenting a treasure.

"Jin'er is really amazing, he's getting better and better at weaving!" Tang Youyou took the straw grasshopper with a smile, his eyes full of doting.

Tang Xiaoya, who was standing by, also said in a baby voice, "Mom, I want to learn how to weave grasshoppers, too!"

"Okay, mother will teach you." Tang Youyou patiently taught Tang Xiaoya how to weave grasshoppers, with a happy smile on her face.

The laughter of a family drifts along the country road, creating a warm picture.

After returning home, Tang Youyou received a letter from a distant town. The letter was written by a local businessman, who expressed his love for Tang Youyou's food and sincerely invited her to go to the town to develop and open up a wider market.

Tang Youyou read the letter carefully and fell into deep thought. She knew that her hometown was just a small place with limited room for development. The distant town had a prosperous economy and a large population. If she could gain a foothold there, her business would surely be even more prosperous.

"Mom, what are you looking at?" Tang Wan asked curiously.

"It's a letter from a businessman in a distant town. He invites us to develop there." Tang Youyou replied.

"Really? Then should we go?" Tang Jin asked excitedly, his eyes full of curiosity about the unknown world.

Tang Youyou looked at the children's expectant eyes and had already made a decision in her heart. "Mom plans to go and take a look. Do you want to go?"

"We want to go! We want to go!" Tang Wan and Tang Jin answered in unison, and even the young Tang Xiaoya clapped her hands.

Tang Youyou decided to personally lead a team to a distant town to investigate the market. To ensure a safe and smooth journey, she found a caravan leader who frequently traveled between the two places, hoping to take a ride on their caravan.

When Gang Leader Ma heard that Tang Youyou wanted to expand into new markets, he was very impressed by her courage and determination. He readily agreed to Tang Youyou's request and said that he would do his best to ensure their safety.

After the two sides discussed the details of the cooperation, they began to prepare supplies. Tang Youyou arranged the affairs of the family and carefully prepared a batch of special delicacies to sell in the town.

As night fell, Tang Youyou and his family sat around the table, discussing the upcoming journey.

"Wan'er, Jin'er, this journey is long and full of unknown challenges. Are you afraid?" Tang Youyou looked at the two sensible children and asked.

"Don't be afraid! We are with mother and we are not afraid of anything!" Tang Wan and Tang Jin answered firmly, with courage shining in their eyes.

Looking at the children's determined eyes, Tang Youyou's heart was filled with warmth and strength. She stood up and said with a firm gaze, "Okay! In that case, let's set off tomorrow to meet new challenges!"

The next morning, just as the sky was getting light, Tang Youyou and his family packed their bags and prepared to set off. They joined up with the leader of the Ma Gang and his group, and headed towards the distant town in a mighty procession.

Tang Wan and Tang Jin had never traveled far before. They looked at everything around them curiously, their eyes full of excitement and anticipation.

"Mom, look, what is that?" Tang Jin asked in surprise, pointing to a mountain in the distance that towered into the clouds...

"Those are high mountains, and there is snow on the top all year round, so they look white." Tang Youyou explained patiently, "When we get to the town, we will be able to see more new and interesting things." Tang Jin and Tang Wan listened with fascination and were full of anticipation for the upcoming journey.

Before setting off, Tang Youyou handed over all household chores to Tang Wan and Tang Jin. Though only eight and six years old, the two children, influenced by their daily routine, already managed the household with impeccable discipline. Tang Wan was in charge of packing the luggage, carefully counting and packing the necessary clothing, rations, and water bottles for the journey. She was meticulous and thorough, even taking care of a small sewing kit. Tang Jin, on the other hand, took care of his younger sister, Tang Xiaoya, playing with her and coaxing her into eating. He even volunteered to help the caravan's uncles carry the luggage, his small frame brimming with strength.

Although Tang Xiaoya was young, she also wanted to contribute to this long journey. She stuffed her favorite rag doll into Tang Youyou's bag and said in a baby voice, "Mom, take it with you, and you won't be alone on the road!" Tang Youyou looked at her daughter's innocent smile, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She picked up Tang Xiaoya and kissed her pink cheek, "Xiaoya, you are so good. With you, Mom will never be alone."

At night, the stars twinkled and the breeze blew gently. Tang Youyou and Gang Leader Ma sat around the campfire, discussing their itinerary. "Miss Tang, this journey is long. It will take us at least two weeks to reach our destination." Gang Leader Ma took a sip of his liquor and continued, "We may encounter various emergencies along the way. You must be mentally prepared."

"Don't worry, Brother Ma, I understand." Tang Youyou said firmly, "I've made all the necessary preparations. No matter what difficulties I encounter, I will do my best to overcome them." Just then, the sound of rapid horse hooves broke the tranquility of the night. Gang Leader Ma's face changed, and he whispered, "Oh no, it seems someone is coming..."

The sound of horse hooves grew closer, and several fast horses broke through the night and stopped in front of Tang Youyou and his group. The people on the horses jumped off. The leader was a one-eyed man with a face full of flesh and a gleaming broadsword in his hand. He was none other than the remnant of Li Fugui.

"Hey, isn't this Miss Tang? What? Are you going to run away?" The one-eyed dragon said sarcastically, his greedy eyes swept over Tang Youyou and his group, and finally fell on the goods carried by the horses.

"We are just going to the city to do business, what does it have to do with you?" Gang leader Ma stepped forward and protected Tang Youyou behind him.

"Stop talking nonsense! Master Li's business is not over yet! If you know what's good for you, leave the goods and women behind, otherwise..." The one-eyed dragon said, waving the big knife in his hand, and the minions behind him also started shouting.

"Don't mess around!" Tang Wan and Tang Jin also jumped down from the carriage and stood in front of Tang Youyou. Although Tang Jin was young, he bravely picked up a wooden stick and took a defensive stance.

"Oh, there are two more little ghosts? Hahaha!" The one-eyed man looked at the two children and couldn't help laughing.

At this moment, Tang Youyou gently pushed the two children aside and walked calmly to the front with a confident smile on her face: "Big brother, our matter with Li Fugui has already been settled. Aren't you afraid of being investigated by the government by forcing us like this?"

"Don't use the government to pressure me!" The one-eyed dragon obviously didn't buy it. "Brothers, come on!"

Seeing that a fierce battle was about to break out, Tang Youyou suddenly took out a bag from his sleeve and threw it towards the one-eyed dragon. The one-eyed dragon subconsciously caught it, opened it, and saw that it was full of silver.

"This silver is a greeting gift to all of you brothers. How about we just call it a day for today?" Tang Youyou's tone was calm, but with an unquestionable majesty.

The one-eyed dragon looked at the silver in his hand, then at the people behind Tang Youyou. He weighed the pros and cons in his mind, and in the end, greed overcame reason. He put the silver in his arms and sneered, "You're smart! Let's go!" After that, he left with his men.

The crisis was resolved, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Gang Leader Ma was amazed at Tang Youyou's clever response: "Miss Tang, thanks to you, otherwise there would have been a fierce battle tonight."

Tang Youyou smiled slightly: "When you go out, safety comes first."

The next morning, the caravan continued on its journey. However, the weather was not good. The originally clear sky suddenly became overcast, the wind blew violently, and raindrops as big as beans fell down with a crackling sound.

"Everyone, be careful! Be safe!" Tang Youyou warned loudly. She directed everyone to cover the goods with oilcloth while comforting the frightened horses.

The rain was getting heavier, the roads were so muddy that the horses' hooves were stuck in it, making it difficult to move forward. Cold, hunger, exhaustion, and all kinds of difficulties followed one after another, testing everyone's will.

"Mom, I'm so cold..." Tang Xiaoya snuggled in Tang Youyou's arms, shivering.

"Dear little girl, mother will warm you up." Tang Youyou hugged her daughter tightly in her arms, warming her with her body temperature.

Seeing everyone exhausted, Tang Youyou was filled with worry, but she knew that she had to be strong to lead everyone out of the predicament. She encouraged everyone to help each other, unite as one, and overcome the difficulties before them.

At night, they found a dilapidated temple to take shelter from the wind and rain. Tang Youyou took out the dry food and water she had brought with her and distributed them to everyone to quench their hunger and thirst. She also found some dry firewood and built a bonfire, which dispelled the cold and dampness in the temple and illuminated everyone's faces.

"As long as we work together, no difficulties can stop us from moving forward." Tang Youyou looked at everyone and said with a firm look in his eyes.

After hearing this, everyone felt a flame of hope in their hearts. They believed that under Tang Youyou's leadership, they would be able to overcome all difficulties and reach their destination.

However, they didn't know that even greater challenges were waiting for them...

After enduring trials and tribulations along the way, as well as harassment from bandits, Tang Youyou and his companions finally reached the edge of a distant town. The towering city walls and bustling crowds all indicated the town's prosperity and vitality.

"We're finally here!" Gang leader Ma breathed a sigh of relief, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and there was a hint of fatigue and relief in his tone.

The children were even more excited. Tang Wan pointed at the flags flying on the city gate tower and asked curiously, "Mom, is that Yuanfang City? It looks so majestic!"

"Yeah," Claire smiled and patted her daughter's head, "We'll be able to go in soon."

However, things did not go as smoothly as they expected. At the city gate, several guards in uniform blocked their way.

"Stop! Routine inspection. Tell me your name. Where are you from and where are you going?" The leading guard asked arrogantly, holding a spear.

The leader of the Ma Gang stepped forward and said with a bow, "Sir, we are merchants traveling here from Qinghe Town. We want to do some business in the city."

The guard looked them up and down, his gaze lingering on the goods for a moment, then turned his gaze to Tang Youyou and the children, a scornful smile on his lips: "Merchant? I think they look like refugees, with their families."

"That's right, if you want to enter the city, you have to show some respect, right?" Another guard also joined in.

Gang Leader Ma's face darkened, and he was about to explode when Tang Youyou stopped him. She stepped forward, calmly pulled out an exquisite jade pendant from her sleeve, and handed it to the guard: "Sir, we are new here and don't know the rules. This is just a small token of our respect."

The guard took the jade pendant and examined it carefully, his expression suddenly becoming somewhat subtle. The jade pendant was finely crafted, and it was obvious that it was no ordinary item. More importantly, the word "Hai" was engraved on the back of the jade pendant, which immediately reminded him of a powerful boss in the city.

He cleared his throat, returned the jade pendant to Tang Youyou, and his tone became a little more polite: "So you are Boss Hai's friend. We were blind and didn't recognize you. Everyone, please go into the city."

Tang Youyou took the jade pendant, smiled slightly, and led everyone into the city gate smoothly. Gang Leader Ma looked at Tang Youyou's back, his eyes full of admiration: "Miss Tang, you are really amazing. You solved the problem so quickly."

Tang Youyou just smiled, but secretly felt lucky in her heart. She had gotten this jade pendant from an old man before. She just thought it looked pretty at the time, but she didn't expect it to come in handy today.

Entering the city, Tang Youyou discovered that the streets here were wider than those in Qinghe Town. There were many shops, people coming and going, and all kinds of hawking sounds were heard everywhere, which was full of exotic customs.

The leader of the Ma Gang found an inn to settle down, while Tang Youyou took the children to stroll around the streets, feeling the charm of this strange city.

"Mom, look, what is that?" Tang Jin pointed at a stall selling candy figures on the street and shouted excitedly.

Tang Youyou looked at the children's curious eyes and said with a smile: "Let's go and take a look."

At this moment, a middle-aged man in a long gown and a square scarf on his head walked out of the crowd. He had sharp eyes and steady steps. He walked straight to Tang Youyou and bowed, "Excuse me, are you Tang Youyou, Miss Tang?"