The Story of a Destitute Noblewoman Farming

Lu Linlang also noticed the young patriarch's vigilance towards them. As long as he had no ill intentions, Lu Linlang didn't mind. There must be secrets in this mountain, but no news had been heard and no one was missing, so she thought their secrets would not harm the villagers. She planned not to explore them for the time being.

With Qiu Lin and others leading the way, Lu Linlang and his party quickly walked out of the forest. This side was the south side of the entire Chongshan Mountain. After passing the forest, they soon arrived at an official road that few people walked on. The road was overgrown with weeds, but one could still see the grand scene of people coming and going in the past.

"Thank you for giving us a ride. We may have to pass by here again on our way back. Please be kind and we have no intention of disrupting your lives."

"Miss Lu, you're welcome. We'll be going back now. Take care." Qiu Lin clasped his fists and led his men back to the forest.

"From here, it will take five days to reach Sui County. The terrain is flat and rice is grown in Sui County. I know a wealthy businessman in this county who might be able to help us."

Taoist Zhang walked to a three-way intersection and pointed to the road on the right.

"Thank you for showing the way, Taoist Priest. We will hurry on our way and try to collect food as soon as possible." Lu Linlang gave an order and everyone went out in an orderly manner.

Few people passed by on this road. It was not until the third day that they saw the figures of the people. When they saw that they were carrying sticks, the people avoided them and all lowered their heads to hurry on their way.

Lu Linlang carefully observed the area and found that they were all local people. The grass and water here were more lush. Even in winter, people were wearing thin coats.

When they were almost at the county town, Lu Linlang and the others had already taken off their heavy clothes and followed the others in wearing a thin layer.

"Miss, we are almost at the county town, but the people following us haven't left yet." Uncle Zhong and the others had long noticed that someone had been secretly following them since they left the mountains.

"Since they are still following us, then there is no need to waste them. Uncle Zhong, you and Taoist Zhang go and invite them over and let them follow us openly." Lu Linlang had already guessed who they were. They had already arrived in the county town, and she was worried that she didn't have enough manpower, so she hired those people temporarily to work for her.

After a while, Uncle Zhong and Taoist Zhang came with their people. It was indeed Qiu Lin and his group. They turned around and left that day, but after entering the forest, they followed secretly. They did not intend to hide it, so both parties knew it well.

"Miss Lu is really smart, but we really have no ill intentions. We are just worried that you don't have enough manpower. If you encounter any problems, we can help." Qiu Lin said generously.

"Since the young patriarch has spoken directly, I'll also speak directly. We would like to ask the young patriarch to bring people to protect us. If possible, you can also help transport food. Of course, I will pay you. Since you are not far from Sui County, I believe you have been to Sui County before, right?"

"Miss Lu is right. We have indeed been to Sui County before, but the people here are quite xenophobic. It took us a few years of dealing with them before they finally accepted us."

"Then please ask the young patriarch for help."

"Miss Lu, just call me Qiu Lin." Seeing that she agreed, Qiu Lin also told her his name.

The surname is Qiu, and they are guarding a grave. Lu Linlang's heart suddenly jumped. Are they the descendants of that person?

But now is not the time to explore. She is not sure whether she can really find food here, and food is more important.

Everyone entered Sui County together. There were no disaster victims in Sui County, and the locals were still living and working in peace and contentment. Perhaps even the local people did not know about the changes that had taken place in the court.

"This is it. I'll go knock on the door. You wait here for me." Taoist Zhang took them to a house and went to knock on the door himself.

"Who are you looking for?" A man dressed as a servant opened the door impatiently and asked impatiently when he saw Taoist Zhang.

"Hey, isn't this the Zhang Mansion? I'm looking for Master Zhang Shide. Just say that I'm his good friend, and he will certainly welcome me in politely." Seeing the guy's rude attitude, Taoist Zhang immediately acted like a Taoist master.

"Go away, our Zhang Mansion doesn't accept just any cat or dog. You're just a beggar, and you're trying to pretend to be a Taoist priest to deceive people. Be careful or I'll kick you out."

"Hey, you have such an air of authority! I'm your master's friend, so how can you chase guests away on his behalf?"

"To tell you the truth, the Zhang Shide you mentioned is long gone. You are a beggar who eats and drinks for free without even considering others. Our master hates beggars like you the most. If you come again, be careful that I will bring people to beat you out."

"What? Zhang Shide is gone? This is impossible. When I read his fortune, I knew he would be very rich and powerful." Taoist Zhang couldn't believe it.

"Huh, so you're the liar. He died on the road doing business a long time ago, and now his wife and children have been driven to live in a dilapidated temple. If you're looking for someone, go to the City God Temple. If you come again, I'll beat you up."

Taoist Zhang came back dejectedly. He didn't believe that Zhang Shide was dead, but when he saw Lu Linlang, he became doubtful. Could it be that there was really something wrong with his face-reading skills?

Miss Lu was clearly destined to die young, but she was still standing here in good health, which made people puzzled. Zhang Shide clearly had the face of a man who would be rich and powerful, but he died early.

"Master Zhang is gone. We used to be brothers, but his wife and children were driven to a dilapidated temple. Miss Lu, I want to go and see about the food. I know someone who can help, but he's in another county. Let's set off tomorrow."

"Master Zhang, why don't we go with you? If there's anything we can be of help with, we'd love to lend a hand." Lu Linlang saw his confusion and took the initiative to speak.

The City God Temple here was built hundreds of years ago, but later on, there were not many people paying salaries and the temple was not popular. Only one temple keeper was left to guard it. The temple keeper was an old man who had been there for many years and was respected by everyone in Sui County. Therefore, Zhang Shide's wife and children were protected here.

As soon as Lu Linlang and others arrived at the City God Temple, they heard a child crying.

"Mom, please don't die. Dad is gone, and if you die too, no one will want us. We will become homeless children." A boy's voice was heard. When everyone walked in, they saw two children kneeling on the ground and a woman lying on the ground covered with straw.

"Sister-in-law, are you sick? Let me take your pulse. I'm Fu Zhi." Taoist Zhang stepped forward and took the pulse of the lying woman.

"Fu Zhi, fortunately, you are still alive. Your elder brother Shi De has passed away. None of us saw him for the last time. Ho ho, I, I am worried about my two children. They, I also need your help. Give them a bite to eat. Don't, don't let them be bullied."

When Mrs. Zhang saw Taoist Zhang, she opened her eyes as if she had a last burst of energy, but halfway through her words, a hoarse sound came from her throat. After she finished speaking with her last breath, she could no longer speak. She kicked her legs and closed her eyes completely.

"Mother, mother, woo woo."