Quick mission: We don't make trouble

At this moment, Wang Xiangdong came galloping from the front on a horse. He stopped beside Yang Wu's carriage and shouted something to Zhu Qingqing in the carriage in front, then quickly ran back.

Yu Bo saw this and quickly shouted, "Brother Dong, where have you been? I haven't seen you for a long time!"

Wang Xiangdong reined in his horse and replied to Bo, "I've been following Team Leader Yang closely and learning from him, always at the forefront. Team Leader Yang just told me to come and tell you that we'll be at the foot of the mountain in a moment. You can rest and adjust. We'll have about an hour to eat, drink, and feed the horses. Once everything is ready, we'll continue to the next peak."

After hearing this, Yu Bo realized that they had successfully climbed over the mountain in front of them and arrived at the foot of the mountain without realizing it.

Yang Jiu also interjected, "Well, going down the mountain is indeed much easier and faster than going up. Climbing in the afternoon wasn't as fast."

As they were talking, the team in front had slowly stopped.

At the foot of the mountain not far ahead, a crystal clear stream flows quietly, as if it is a precious gift from nature to people.

Some people have already run over to drink water.

Yang Jiu said to Zhu's father and Yu Bo, "We're here, let's get off and move around. I'll take the horses to drink water. Come back here in an hour, and don't run too far." After saying that, he got off the car skillfully and led the horses towards the river.

Yu Bo and Zhu's father also jumped off the carriage. They walked forward along the path to look for Zhu Qingqing and others in front.

The sun shines on the earth and the breeze gently blows the leaves, making people feel extremely comfortable and cozy.

Zhu Qingqing and Zhu Yingying saw the car stopped and were about to help Zhu's mother get out.

Mother Zhu had been sitting for the whole morning and her legs were a little numb. She had been wanting to move around for a long time.

Yang Jiuwu said quickly, "Madam, please wait a moment. I will drive the carriage to the front of the team first."

Zhu Yingying asked with a puzzled look on her face: "Why is that?"

Yang Wu explained, "Madam, you may not know that all the members of the caravan are men. I am worried that I might accidentally bump into the women." As he spoke, he pointed to the men who were hiding in the grass and bushes.

Zhu Qingqing said softly, "That's where they go to relieve themselves."

Zhu Yingying suddenly realized.

"Thank you, Brother Yang Wu, for your careful arrangements." She said gratefully.

Afterwards, they got back into the carriage, while Zhu's father and Yu Bo followed the carriage forward.

Yang Wu skillfully waved the whip, driving the carriage slowly to the front of the team.

Meanwhile, Team Leader Yang was waiting at the front of the group. Seeing their carriage approach, he raised his hand and pointed forward, saying, "Madam Zhu, to ensure the safety and comfort of your ladies, I have specifically instructed the others not to approach this area. Please proceed a little further up the mountain."

Zhu Qingqing said gratefully, "Thank you, Captain Yang! I'm a chef. If there's anything I can do for you, please let me know and I'll do my best."

Team Leader Yang waved his hand and replied, "We'll have a short break at noon, so there's no need to light a fire and cook. Just grab some dry food and drink some water. When we camp tonight, we'll have more time, so we can light a fire and make some hot soup. If Madam Zhu is interested, she can come and lend a hand later."

Zhu Qingqing responded readily, "No problem, I will definitely come."

Zhu Yingying, who was standing by, also quickly expressed her opinion: "I can help, too."

Team leader Yang nodded in agreement, and then instructed: "Then you should take some time to rest and remember to fill your water bags. If anyone is still short of dry food, you can go to Yang Wu to get it." After speaking, he turned and walked towards the back of the team.

Zhu Qingqing looked at Yang Wu, a smile appeared on her face, and she said softly: "We have enough dry food with us, so there is no need to trouble Brother Yang Wu." She knew in her heart that traveling with the caravan had already caused a lot of trouble to others, and it would be a bit unfair if she accepted their food again.

Yang Jiu nodded, indicating that he understood Zhu Qingqing's idea. He continued, "Okay, ma'am. Let's park the carriage here. I'll take the horse to graze and drink water. I'll be back in about an hour." After that, Yang Jiu led the horse away.

After Yang Jiu left, Zhu's father and Yu Bo also came to the carriage. With Zhu's father guarding them, Zhu Qingqing and the other four women walked towards the bushes to solve their personal problems.

After a while, they returned to their original spot and headed to the river to wash up. The clear river water was refreshing and pleasant, and they filled their empty water bags as a precaution. Next, everyone began to enjoy their food. Zhu Qingqing took out the scallion pancakes she had hurriedly made with highland barley flour the night before. Although there were only a few, only about twenty, they were enough for two meals. She smiled and said, "Let's make do with it for now. We'll find a way to get more food when we reach the next town."

Yu Bo picked up a large pancake and a handful of dried meat, muttering, "I'll go find out what they eat."

Zhu Yingying urged impatiently, "Hurry up! If they eat better than us, you must bring some back."

Yu Bo agreed: "Okay!"

Seeing this, Wu Di hurriedly picked up a pancake and chased after him: "Uncle, wait for me, I'll go with you." After that, the two of them hurried away.

Zhu Qingqing comforted everyone and said, "Let's just make do with lunch for now. I can make some hot soup and roast the jerky in the evening."

The carriage was equipped with a copper kettle and pot specially prepared by Yangjin for them. This was Zhu Qingqing's special request. After all, the journey was long, and they needed to eat something warm.

Zhu Yingying said with a smile: "With my sister here, I don't worry about going hungry."

Mr. and Mrs. Zhu nodded to express their approval of Zhu Qingqing.

So, everyone sat together, savoring the delicious dried meat and crispy pancakes while enjoying this rare quiet time. Although they were in an unfamiliar environment, they felt warm and at ease in each other's company.

After finishing the dried meat and biscuits, Zhu Qingqing touched her stomach and said, "I can't stand chewing these dried meats every day. I just saw some mushrooms in the woods. I'll pick some and make soup with them tonight."

Zhu Yingying's eyes lit up and she said excitedly, "Wow, sister, you are so amazing! I knew you were the best! Sister, I want to help you pick mushrooms too."

Mother Zhu also said, "Having a daughter who is a chef does have its advantages."

Zhu Yingying said flatteringly, "There are too many benefits. Hehe, sister, with you here, the whole family will definitely not starve."

Father Zhu nodded with a smile and said, "Okay, you two sisters, go pick mushrooms together. Your mother and I will go to the stream to dig some wild vegetables. Just now when I was washing my hands, I saw there were so many over there, it's really a huge area!"

Mother Zhu: "Yes, pick some wild vegetables to supplement some vitamins."

Zhu Qingqing responded with a smile: "Okay, that's settled. Let's divide the work and work together, and we can definitely make a sumptuous dinner." After that, she took her sister to the woods, while Zhu's father and mother went to the stream to dig wild vegetables.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting patches of light and shadow on the ground. Zhu Qingqing and Zhu Yingying walked hand in hand into the woods, excited and happy. They carefully searched for traces of mushrooms, occasionally letting out cries of surprise.

Meanwhile, Dad and Mom also arrived at the stream. Clear water gurgled along the bank, and wild vegetables grew lushly. They bent down and began digging diligently.

Yu Bo and Wu Di saw this and joined their team.

The whole family was immersed in the joy of labor.