An eight-year-old kid emptied his scumbag father's warehouse and followed his grandparents into

A cool breeze blew across the riverbank, bringing with it a hint of the coolness and moisture of the river water. The two sat on the sandy riverbank, shoulder to shoulder, gazing up at the sky, feeling incredibly comfortable.

The moon radiated a soft light, like the gentlest lamp in the night sky, casting its radiance upon the earth, illuminating the river, and illuminating their hearts. A few stars twinkled, as if telling an ancient story, one bright, one dark, one still, one moving. Together, they wove a mysterious and romantic celestial painting that captivated the viewer.

On the surface of the river, a few fishing lights are looming, like falling stars in the night sky, scattered on the quiet riverside, echoing with the lights on the dock in the distance, adding a bit of agility and warmth to this quiet night.

The mountains in the distance outline soft contours in the moonlight, as if they are the guardians of the earth, quietly guarding this peaceful world.

The two of them just sat there quietly, enjoying this rare peaceful moment, as if the whole world had nothing to do with them, leaving only this beautiful night and each other's company.

"No one could have imagined that there was something else hidden beneath the ground in this farmyard." A gentle breeze blew, yet the two of them didn't feel the cold. Jing Chunxi sighed with joy. She turned her head and looked at Xu Zize beside her, her eyes gleaming with anticipation, as if waiting for his response.

Xu Zize looked at her, and although he was in a good mood, he still said, "It would be best if this underground river was never used!" He looked deeply into the distance, as if he was thinking about something deeper.

The existence of the hidden river, while a safeguard, also meant potential danger. If it were actually used, it would mean the Cui Mansion might face the same fate as the Tao Mansion, signifying the imminent arrival of danger and slaughter.

Jing Chunxi was stunned for a moment, and her smile gradually faded. She understood what Xu Zize meant. The existence of the dark river was a helpless choice, a forced preparation.

She was silent for a moment, then softly said, "Brother Xiaokang, Xi'er will help you. For you, and for General Jing's Mansion, we all need to work hard." Her eyes were firm, and her tone was resolute. She knew that if that day ever came, she would step forward without hesitation, and she believed Xu Zize would also swear to protect her until his death.

Although these words were a bit heavy, they did not affect their mood tonight. The two stood shoulder to shoulder, turned their heads and smiled at each other. In this quiet night, their hearts were getting closer and closer.

……

Return trip,

They set out at daybreak, with Xu Zize, Cheng Rui, and a few of their followers as the only ones to see them off.

The checkpoints along the way had long since vanished, so the journey was smooth and unimpeded. To save time, they sailed the entire time, save for a few hours of rest at night. To ensure the boatmen rested, the guards would rotate to help, not wanting even a moment of delay.

After a long and arduous journey, the ship finally docked at Jianning County on the afternoon of the 13th day of the first lunar month. As the ship gently rocked toward the shore, Jing Chunxi stood at the bow, gazing at the familiar dock, a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

She turned to look at the people behind her, smiled slightly, and said, "Chun Tao, take two guards with you and go book the best inn in the county. Don't want a large bunk bed."

On the way back in the winter, except for the girls who took a bath every two or three days, the guards were not so comfortable. Most of them just washed their feet and went to sleep. The next two days should be for everyone to eat well, bathe well, sleep well, and enjoy themselves.

"Tang Shuang, take your men and collect all the bamboo shoot sauce and mushroom sauce," Jing Chunxi ordered. She knew these sauces were the guards' favorites, and they always had to scoop two spoonfuls of them with every meal to enjoy them.

The bamboo shoot and mushroom sauce we bought last time was so delicious that the guards all said it went better with rice than fried bacon. We ate a hundred jars of sauce all the way to the Cui residence, but only about ten were left when we got there. The chef tasted them and then confiscated all of them, not giving them any more.

Everyone was craving the good stuff, and the children at home would definitely like it too, so naturally they had to be taken back.

"it is good!"

The two answered very straightforwardly, and immediately turned around to look for someone, both of them walking with jumping steps.

Sugar Frosting was the happiest. The sauces she had bought last time were so delicious that everyone was still thinking about them, and naturally, they all remembered her kindness. She couldn't wait to collect them all so that everyone could enjoy them.

"Seventh Uncle, Chongsan, take some extra people and go directly to Daye's house to see how they've collected their belongings. Tell them we'll only be staying three nights. Have them rush to get the goods delivered," Jing Chunxi instructed. This trip was time-sensitive, and everything needed to be completed quickly. She was also anxious to see her family.

"I understand, miss." Ah Qi and Chong San had just agreed, and before they turned around to enter the cabin, they heard the joyful calls of children coming from the dock.

"Miss, Uncle Seven! You're finally back."

"It's really Miss! And you came back three days early."

"What Big Boy said is right. The young lady will really come back."

"Your Excellency is truly trustworthy and did not deceive us."

……

There were more children on the dock waving and shouting greetings at them than last time, at least twenty or thirty of them, and it looked like a sea of ​​black.

The children's faces were filled with happy smiles. They waved their hands and shouted loudly, as if welcoming their long-lost relatives.

"Miss, it's Da Ya!"

"The eldest and second oldest are here."

Chuntao and Tangsuan, who had already gotten off the pedal, were also surprised. As soon as they got off the boat, they were immediately surrounded by children. Both they and the children were like old friends reuniting, with happy smiles on their faces.

The children were chattering, some asked them about the journey, and some looked at their big ship curiously, their eyes full of curiosity and envy.

The eldest boy did not follow the others, but held the second boy's hand and almost stuck to the side of the boat, waving desperately at Jing Chunxi. Amid the noisy sounds of the dock, his shouts were still very clear because they were so close: "Miss, we have been waiting for you for two days." His voice was filled with rare joy.

Jing Chunxi also tried to press her body against the railing of the boat, as close to them as possible: "Didn't I tell you that the Lantern Festival would probably arrive soon? Why did you bring your brother out to get some fresh air?" There was a hint of blame in her tone, but more of concern.

She looked at Erya. When Erya heard Jing Chunxi mention him, he immediately grinned and called her "Miss" again. Jing Chunxi stuffed a row of milk slices into his hands. He smiled even more happily. He couldn't wait to open the milk slices, put them in his mouth, and chewed them with satisfaction. He broke off a piece of the remaining milk slices for his brother and stuffed the rest into his arms.

Jing Chunxi looked at Daya, who was holding a piece of milk in his mouth and scratching his head embarrassedly, saying, "My parents asked the uncles and aunts in the village for help, and it has nothing to do with us. Dad just asked me to take care of my younger brother and run out every day to see if your boat has arrived." There was a hint of shyness in his voice, but more of helplessness.

He turned around, pointed at the group of children, and said, "They came here on their own. Every family has something to sell, so they're all waiting for you! Since it's New Year's, there's not much business going on and no farm work to do, so everyone has free time, so they just came out."

As expected, I looked around and didn't see a single child carrying a bamboo basket. They certainly weren't out selling anything. Throughout the year, I'm afraid the only time they could be so relaxed was during the Chinese New Year.

As soon as spring comes, people will be busy digging and drying bamboo shoots.

Daddy and Daddy were too embarrassed to tell Daddy what they were really thinking, and Jing Chunxi was also reluctant to point it out. She knew that this business venture was of great significance to them, and they were very nervous, worried that Jing Chunxi and his family would not return, or return too late, and cause trouble for their family.