Spring arrives and the land smiles

“That’s my brother-in-law,” Madam Du sighed softly.

"Sister, sister, I'm hungry, I'm hungry." As the two were chatting, a woman with disheveled clothes hurriedly came out from the inner room. Upon seeing Madam Du, she rushed into her arms and acted like a child.

While comforting the person in her arms, Madam Du explained to Qingyan, "My sister has a hard life. Her husband died five years ago, and she couldn't bear the blow and developed dementia."

"Mother, Mother, Auntie is hungry, and Lian'er is hungry too." Lian'er ran out with her.

"Alright, alright, I'll make you something to eat right away." Madam Du patted her sister's head and got up to cook. "Miss Shen, everyone, why don't you come with me to the back room to rest?"

"Thank you." Qingyan and her group followed them to the back hall.

The back hall was a small courtyard house. Although it was simple, it was very clean. After arranging for Qingyan and her party to stay there, Madam Du left and went to the kitchen: "Everyone, please rest first. I will call you for dinner later."

The crowd bowed in gratitude.

inside the house.

"Yan'er, let me see your injury." Ning Yuan pulled Qing Yan to a secluded spot, away from everyone's view, and rolled up her sleeve.

"Let me see your injury first." Qingyan grasped Ningyuan's hand in return.

"You're being so nauseatingly pretentious," Lan Zhen said sarcastically. "I'm injured too, shouldn't you take a look at my injury?"

"Sicheng, help Prince Zhao change his dressing." Qingyan didn't even look at him, focusing on bandaging Ningyuan.

"Alright, you two stop bickering." Ning Yuan looked at the two of them, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"I can't be bothered to argue with him." Qingyan finished applying the medicine to Ningyuan, and seeing that Sicheng had already bandaged Lanzhen, she then signaled one of her attendants to help bandage Sicheng.

"Yan'er, what about your injury?" Ning Yuan asked worriedly.

"It's just a scratch, it's much better now." Qingyan shook her scraped arm.

Indeed, this minor injury is no problem at all, thanks to Physician Wang's quick-acting medicine.

"You guys go and rest in the next room," Qingyan said, noticing that her four attendants were also tired.

"Yes." The four replied respectfully. Now that they knew Qingyan's identity, they were naturally very respectful.

"Sicheng, how far is it from here to Shaoliang?" Qingyan asked.

“It’s about another day’s journey,” Si Cheng replied.

Is there a shortcut from Shaoliang to Suizhou?

"If we cross the Ying River, we can reach Suizhou within two days."

“The waterway is dangerous; it’s better to take the land route,” Ning Yuan replied.

"Will it take a few more days to travel by land?" Qingyan continued to ask.

"It will take about two more days," Si Cheng replied truthfully.

"Two days?" Qingyan pondered for a moment, "By water, crossing the Ying River."

"Yan'er!" Ning Yuan said urgently.

"Hey, Du Yingshui, is there a problem?" Qingyan didn't respond to Ning Yuan immediately, but turned to ask Lan Zhen.

"Don't underestimate me." Lan Zhen was furious at Qing Yan's blatant disrespect.

“If he has no problem, then I have even less of a problem,” Qingyan replied to Ningyuan.

Ning Yuan had no choice but to nod.

"Alright, everyone get some rest tonight. Tomorrow we'll head to Shaoliang and cross the Ying River," Qingyan concluded.

At dinner time, the Du family head, who had not shown up until now, returned in a swagger carrying a basket of wild game. Only then did Qingyan understand why a rural family in the mountains had such a good place to live. It turned out that the wild game that this family mainly served was all such rare and precious items.

"Miss Shen, this is my husband," Madam Du introduced her husband.

"Greetings, Master Du." Qingyan greeted him, and everyone else returned the greeting.

"No, no, not at all." The head of the Du family quickly returned the greeting, looking at his wife with a simple and honest expression.

"Put down your food and let's eat," Madam Du said with a smile, then led everyone to their seats and began the meal.

Previously, Qingyan had thought that the head of the Du family must be a refined gentleman, given that Madam Du's words and actions were always polite and courteous. However, she was surprised to find that he was actually a rough and powerful hunter, which was quite puzzling. However, she did not want to ask him directly.

A meal, casual conversation, and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely.

As night fell, Madam Du came to Qingyan's room.

"I can tell that Miss Shen is no ordinary person. Things are rough in this mountainous area. Here are some women's items. Please make do with them." She then handed over a small cloth bag.

The person Madam Du was referring to was no ordinary person; she was implying that the Haidong Pearl was not the one she was referring to.

"Thank you, Madam," Qingyan said without hesitation, taking the cloth bag. "I am just a woman with some wealth, and I hope you will forgive my poor appearance."

"Miss Shen, please feel free to ask if you need anything. Please get some rest." After saying this, Madam Du left the room.

Recognizing that pearl from the East Sea, Madam Du was clearly no ordinary person. Watching Madam Du's retreating figure, Qingyan suddenly felt something strange, a feeling that had only grown stronger since she first met her.

"Yan'er." No sooner had Madam Du left than Ning Yuan knocked on Qingyan's door.

"Don't you also think there's something wrong with this Madam Du?" Qingyan saw Ning Yuan looking in the direction Madam Du had left after entering the room, and knew that he had the same feeling as her.

"I always felt a certain familiarity with her," Ning Yuan said thoughtfully.

"Ah?" Could it be an old friend of Ning Yuan's? This was something Qing Yan hadn't expected. "Judging from her age, she seems to be only a few years older than me." If Ning Yuan knew her, it must have been ten years ago, before he spent every day with her. Ten years ago, this Madam Du was just a child.

For a moment, neither of them had a clue.

"Yan'er, you're not a good swimmer, it would be dangerous for you to try to cross Yingshui." Ning Yuan changed the subject and explained his purpose for coming.

“Who says it’s a forced crossing? Why can’t we cross the Ying River calmly and openly?” Qingyan knew that Ningyuan was worried about her, so she smiled mischievously.

Qingyan continued, "I've thought about it. The more we hide, the more likely we are to be watched. On the contrary, if we cross the Yingshui River openly right under their noses, they will never expect it."

Qingyan remembers the story of Lü Bu chasing Cao Cao in the Three Kingdoms period, which left behind a folk saying: "Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao will appear. If you miss him right in front of you, wouldn't that be ridiculous?"

"What are you planning to do?" Ning Yuan asked.

“We’ll set off for Shaoliang early tomorrow morning, and once we get there…” Qingyan leaned close to Ningyuan and whispered in his ear.

The next morning, Qingyan thought she had gotten up very early, only to find that everyone else was already prepared, and even the seriously injured Lan Zhen had started having breakfast, which was a huge blow to her.

"Good morning, Madam Du." Qingyan saw Madam Du bringing her breakfast and quickly thanked her.

“Miss Shen, I just heard from the servants that we are setting off for Shaoliang today.” Madam Du sat down next to Qingyan.

"Thank you for taking me in last night, Madam. I have traveled a thousand miles to find my family, and Shao Liang is so close. I am eager to return home," Qingyan said.

“Miss Shen, you are too kind. The road to Shaoliang Mountain is rugged and dangerous. My husband has been hunting in the forest for many years and is quite familiar with this place. He can guide you,” Madam Du said sincerely.

"Thank you for your kindness, Madam. This place is only a day's journey from Shaoliang, so there should be no problem. There's no need to trouble Master Du." Qingyan politely declined Madam Du's offer, but the reason for her refusal was still because she felt that Madam Du was acting strangely.

Madam Du did not insist, and left with a friendly smile.

After finishing breakfast, Qingyan returned to her room, tidied up, and prepared to set off with the others.

Madam Du saw everyone to the door, and then, after hesitating for a moment, suddenly called out to Ning Yuan: "Young master, I have a request, I wonder if you may grant it."

Ning Yuan turned around and looked at her closely. He felt more and more familiar with her and couldn't help but agree: "Please speak, Madam."

"Could you lend me your longsword for a look?"

Ning Yuan paused for a moment and handed over Cheng Ying.

Madam Du did not take it immediately, but examined it carefully for a moment before tremblingly holding Chengying in her hand.

"May I ask if this is the world-renowned Cheng Ying Sword?" Madam Du's voice choked with emotion.

"Does Madam recognize this sword?" Even Qingyan was surprised that a country woman could recognize Chengying.

"What is the relationship between you, young master, and General Ning, the God of War of the Great Qi?" Madam Du handed the sword back and asked an even more sensational question.

"It is my father," Ning Yuan answered truthfully.

"You, you're Ning Yuan?"

Madam Du was so excited that she immediately grasped Ning Yuan's hand.

"Madam recognizes me?" Ning Yuan was shocked.

"Ningyuan, I am your Xue family elder sister." Madam Du's eyes were filled with tears, and she was too excited to speak.

"You, you are Sister Yanran?" Ning Yuan was overjoyed and grasped Madam Du's hand in return.

Seeing the two of them in this state, Qingyan also searched her memory for the name Xue Yanran.

In Qingyan's memory, the name Xue Yanran was not unfamiliar. Ten years ago, she often heard Ning Yuan mention his sister Yanran. According to Ning Yuan, Xue Yanran was the apple of the eye of Xue Mingyi, a general in the Ning family army. A daughter of a military family, she was already incredibly skilled with a cold iron-tasseled spear when she was just over ten years old. She accompanied General Xue to guard the northern border for many years, and naturally became close friends with Ning Yuan. A few years later, in the Battle of Qingxia Pass, General Xue died on the battlefield while saving General Ning. Xue Yanran also went missing during the battle. Emperor Longqing sent more than ten teams to search for her for several months without success. General Xue only had this one daughter, and his wife could not bear the blow and fell ill, passing away after only three months. Afterwards, Emperor Longqing, as an emperor, held a memorial service, with the entire army wearing white mourning clothes, not only for General Ning who had died for his country, but also for the renowned general Xue Mingyi.

"Ning Yuan, you've grown so much." Xue Yanran patted Ning Yuan's shoulder and sighed.

Ning Yuan smiled shyly.

“Miss Shen,” Xue Yanran turned to Qingyan, “I think your relationship with Ning Yuan seems to be more than just ordinary.”

"I am Ning Yuan's wife," Qing Yan admitted gracefully.

"Ning Yuan, congratulations! You've really grown up. General Ning would be pleased to know this in the afterlife."

"Sister Yanran, General Mingyi sacrificed his life for the country in the Battle of Qingxia Pass, and you also went missing. Father has always been concerned about this matter. Now that we have finally found you, come back to the capital with us."

"Father? Who are you?" Xue Yanran guessed.

“Sister Yanran, Yan’er is Princess Pingqiu of my Great Qi.” Ning Yuan confirmed Xue Yanran’s guess.

"A few months ago, the whole country celebrated the Crown Prince's wedding. Even people in this remote mountain village knew about it. It turns out that Ningyuan Xiaodeng has passed the imperial examination." Xue Yanran quickly bowed to Qingyan.

Qingyan helped her up, saying, "Sister Yanran, you're too kind."

“Sister Yanran, Yan’er is right, let’s go back with us.” Ning Yuan echoed.

Xue Yanran shook her head: "Times have changed, I'm doing fine now."

“Times have changed. General Ning has returned to the Great Qi. Doesn’t Sister Yanran want to avenge General Mingyi?” Qingyan knew Xue Yanran’s concerns. She must have heard about how Emperor Longqing dealt with Huang Ding when his power was unstable, which is why she was so heartbroken.

"You mean General Ning is still alive?" Xue Yanran asked in shock.

"Yes." Qingyan nodded solemnly.

"Fine, I'll go back with you." Since that's the case, this time, blood will be used to pay for this debt.

Because they had important business to attend to, Qingyan and her group couldn't bring Xue Yanran along, so they agreed to pick her up later.

After bidding farewell to Xue Yanran, the group sped off towards Shao Liang.

After a long day of travel, we finally settled into a rather comfortable inn in the city at dusk.

Everyone was exhausted, but Ning Yuan still cautiously observed the surroundings and only felt relieved when he found no suspicious people following them.

Qingyan was too exhausted to think about anything else and fell asleep as soon as her head hit the bed.

The next day, everyone got up very early, but Qingyan was still the last one to get up. When she got up, Ningyuan had already prepared everything needed for crossing the river.

"I asked the boatman, and he said there will be wind and waves here this afternoon. If you want to cross the river, now is the best time." Ning Yuan looked at Qing Yan with concern. Although he had made sufficient preparations, he still couldn't help but feel uneasy.

"Okay, let's cross the river now." Qingyan was very excited, completely forgetting that she was not a good swimmer.

The group arrived at the ferry dock and boarded the boat.

The boatman was an older man, but he was energetic and agile, and it was clear at a glance that he was a skilled boatman.

"Young lady, it's dangerous at the bow of the boat. You should go inside the cabin." The boatman saw that Qingyan looked preoccupied and was afraid that she might accidentally fall into the river.

Qingyan turned around and smiled to show that she was unharmed, and continued to gaze into the distance at Suizhou, which was still out of sight at this time.

It would take about a day and a half to reach the wine station by water. The wine station was only half a day's journey from Suizhou. If all went well, they could meet up with Yunxuan, who had been waiting in Suizhou for a long time, by sunset tomorrow. Yunxuan must have already contacted Haitu and was just waiting for her, the crown prince, to appear so that he could hand over the grain, the official documents, and the craftsmen.

"Yan'er, it's windy on the water, let's go inside the cabin." Ning Yuan wrapped a cloak around Qing Yan and then hugged her tightly.

"Ning Yuan, do you have a bad feeling?" Qing Yan asked him, looking up at him.

"No, I have a feeling everything will go smoothly." Ning Yuan gently patted Qing Yan's cheek.

"Okay, maybe I'm overthinking it." Qingyan also realized that she was being too paranoid.

"It's windy, you'll catch a cold." Ning Yuan embraced Qing Yan and led her into the cabin.

Qingyan surprisingly complied.

"Hahahaha, hahahaha." As soon as Lan Zhen entered the cabin, he pointed at Qing Yan and laughed.

Qingyan was puzzled by his laughter and turned to Ningyuan with a questioning look. Unexpectedly, Ningyuan also laughed.

"What's wrong?" Qingyan asked, her heavy mood completely dispelled by her smile.

Ning Yuan reached out and tidied her wind-blown hair, smiling as he told her, "Your hair is all messed up, like a... like a..."

Before Ning Yuan could think of a suitable adjective, Lan Zhen had already blurted it out:

"Bird's nest."

"Hahahaha." As a result, all the attendants who were initially wary of Qingyan's identity burst into laughter.

"Lan Zhen—" Qing Yan stomped her foot in anger. With only Ning Yuan's Cheng Ying sword at hand, she drew it and pointed it directly at Lan Zhen.

Lan Zhen did not dodge, letting the sharp, ancient sword pierce straight towards his face.

Everyone immediately fell silent.

But after only a moment, he burst into laughter again. Qingyan herself couldn't help but retract the Chengying sword in her hand and laugh as well.

Thus, the river breeze remains the same, blowing away the sorrowful face, but not the melancholy.