Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

“Actually, older men are more likely to be caring. My eldest son is only ten years older than his wife, isn’t he? He used to have a cold, icy face all the time, but now he really likes his young wife.” Madam Shen didn’t notice Xia Yu walking towards her. To pave the way for her youngest son, she spoke very loudly, and Xia Yu, several meters away, could hear her clearly.

Her impression of Shen Jingheng was still from her visit to the Zhang family six years ago. Now, hearing that his wife was ten years younger than him, she felt a chill run down her spine. The handsome Shen Jingheng she remembered had become a sleazy old man.

Liu was the first to see Xia Yu, who was standing not far from them. She seemed to be thinking about something, and her expression was somewhat strange.

After Madam Shen finished her preamble and was about to turn to her second son, she noticed Madam Liu staring in the direction behind her. She quickly turned around.

"Xiaxia, come here quickly." In the past, Xia Yu would call her grandma, but now that she had the idea of ​​making Xia Yu her daughter-in-law, she no longer wanted to call herself grandma in front of Xia Yu.

"Hello, Grandma." Xia Yu didn't understand Madam Shen's thoughts and greeted her sweetly.

"Oh, okay. You're here to see your brother off today too?" Madam Shen asked affectionately, holding Xia Yu's delicate little hand.

"No, Grandma, I'll be going with you this time too."

"What? You're going to the border too?" Madam Shen was shocked and turned her gaze to Madam Liu, wanting to confirm the truth of the matter.

Receiving Madam Shen's gaze, Madam Liu nodded gently.

Madam Shen was no ordinary woman confined to her household; seeing Liu's expression, she knew the Zhang family had agreed. So, she took Xia Yu's hand and gave her some instructions.

"Be careful when you go out. It's cold in the north, so wear a big coat and a warm hat, and protect your face with a scarf so you don't get frostbite." Only then did he suddenly realize that he hadn't prepared a big woolen coat for Xia Yu.

Thinking of this, Madam Liu turned around and beckoned to the maidservant not far away.

"Baozhu, come here."

The young maidservant saw her mistress calling and hurriedly ran to Madam Shen's side.

"Go back and have Yinzhu get the key to open my storeroom. There's a fox fur cloak in the cabinet against the east wall. Go get it and deliver it directly to the dock. Be quick."

"Yes, Madam, I understand." After receiving Madam Shen's instructions, the maid Baozhu ran to one of the mounted guards who had followed her, said a few words to the guard, and then the guard handed the reins he was holding to Baozhu.

Baozhu led her horse to a place some distance away from the crowd, nimbly mounted it, and flicked the whip across the horse's rump.

With a long neigh, the horse galloped away like an arrow released from a bow, disappearing from sight in the blink of an eye.

Xia Yu knew from Baozhu's posture as she mounted the horse that she was also skilled in martial arts; no wonder Madam Shen always liked to take her with her when she went out.

Once Baozhu was out of sight, Madam Shen turned to explain to Madam Liu and Xia Yu.

“I didn’t know Xiaxia was going out too. I didn’t bring her a thick coat when I came. A few years ago, my eldest son made me a red fox fur cloak. The color is too bright for my age, so I’ve kept it and never worn it. I asked Baozhu to bring it to Xiaxia so she can wear it when it gets cold.”

"Thank you for your kindness, Grandma." Xia Yu quickly bowed to Madam Shen.

Every time Xia Yu called her "Grandma," it was like a firecracker hitting Madam Shen's heart. But it was Madam Shen who had suggested the term herself, feeling that it made her feel closer to her.

Just as he was regretting it, he saw Li Taifu being escorted out of the house. As soon as he came out, he saw people from the Shen and Zhang families standing together.

Chang Yun, Shen Luo, and Xia Yu hurriedly stepped forward to bow to Grand Tutor Li.

"teacher"

"teacher"

"Grandpa Li."

"Hmm, is everyone here?" Grand Tutor Li looked at the children standing before him, nodded in satisfaction, and asked.

"Everything is here, and the students' luggage has been loaded onto the carriages." Changyun, being the oldest, answered on behalf of the group.

Seeing the Shen family couple and the Zhang family couple standing behind him, Li Taifu walked over.

"We're about to set off. You can go back now. Don't worry, I'll take good care of them."

"Thank you for your trouble, Grand Tutor!" The group quickly bowed to Grand Tutor Li.

Grand Tutor Li reached out and helped Master Shen and Zhang Youtie up.

"There's no need for formalities between us. I consider these children my own grandchildren, and I will never let them suffer any injustice."

"Yes"

"Grand Tutor, we'd like to see you off at the dock, is that alright?" Master Shen suddenly spoke up.

“Of course, that’s fine. Let the children ride in their own carriages!” Grand Tutor Li understood their feelings. Since they were all going to the dock together, what difference did it make which carriage they rode in?

So both families boarded the Shen family's carriage, which was larger and more spacious. Although seven people, adults and children, sat in it, it didn't feel crowded. The journey was lively with chatter and laughter, which eased much of the sadness of parting.

A ship, taller than the others, was moored at the dock, its black flag with a large "Li" character fluttering in the wind. Every five meters on the deck stood a guard in red brocade robes, carrying a sword. A troop of armored soldiers had created a wide passageway in front of the dock, wide enough for two carriages to pass side-by-side. This grand display attracted many onlookers.

"What happened?" Passerby A asked the person standing next to him in confusion.

"I don't know. I heard this ship has been docked here for several days, but today there are suddenly more guards and soldiers with swords. It means a high-ranking official has come to visit us!" Passerby B replied.

They didn't have to wait long before a procession of nineteen carriages, led by a troop of imperial guards, arrived from afar. Upon reaching the dock, the passengers disembarked one after another.