Chapter 669: Chapter 670 Extra: Aging with Vigor_1 Chapter 669: Chapter 670 Extra: Aging with Vigor_1 It’s true that over the years, although I’ve taken many long journeys, I never really had the opportunity to play around,” Muniang murmured to herself, a hint of longing in her voice. Her travels were always filled with hurried ventures and pressing tasks, with the beautiful sceneries she passed by remaining untouched. Yu Ze’s suggestion piqued her interest considerably.

“Go out to play? That’s wonderful! I want to go to Qiyan Mountain; I’ve heard the waterfalls there are the best!”

“Mom, I want to go to Taihang Mountain. Are there a lot of monkeys there? Can I catch one to keep as a pet?”

Two delicate little faces suddenly came close, filled with excitement.

Muniang held her forehead—these two little rascals.

“You may go, but you must first be obedient. Otherwise, even if you want to go, your mom and dad won’t take you,” Yu Ze said sternly.

The little ones nodded vigorously: “When are we going?”

Muniang pinched their cheeks playfully: “There’s still time. Go do your homework obediently. You must study hard at the academy, no slacking off. Anyone who dares to bully the Master again won’t get to go.”

Dong and Xiaohua declared with heroic resolve, “We will certainly study hard!”

Because Dong and Xiaohua had restless personalities and always found staying at home boring, Muniang did not bother to hire a private tutor, but instead sent them to an academy where they could study with other children. This way they would have playmates and not feel lonely.

Initially, Muniang worried about Dong and Xiaohua because they were only five years old while the other children in the junior classes were generally seven or eight. Her main concern was whether her children would be bullied, but upon sending them to school, she discovered that they had actually become the kings of the kids. Muniang didn’t know whether to feel proud or sad about this.

Early the next morning, Muniang got up, helped the two children wash up, dress neatly, and sent them off to school. Along the way, she reminded them, “Did you remember what Mom said? Be kind to your classmates, respect your teachers, and no misbehaving.”

The two little ones nodded obediently: “Don’t worry, Mom, we will study well.”

Muniang was reassured, gave each child a kiss, and let them out of the carriage to enter the academy.

As soon as Dong and Xiaohua entered the academy, they were treated differently. A group of little mischief-makers gathered around: “Lichuan, Junxin, you guys are so amazing, cutting the Master’s beard. You should have seen the Master going crazy yesterday. It was so sad, and today he came in first thing in the morning with a smooth chin, still glaring and scolding people. I almost couldn’t help laughing.”

In the academy, Dong and Xiaohua naturally wouldn’t be called by the nicknames used at home; everyone called each other by their formal given names. The nicknames Muniang affectionately gave were not suitable for outsiders. If someone dared to use these names, the two little ones would immediately become cross.

“Lichuan, yesterday I saw your mom come, you guys didn’t get beaten, did you?” one child suddenly asked.

Dong, in the midst of feeling proud, immediately responded, “My mom is so nice; she wouldn’t hit me!”

Xiaohua, equally determined to save face, held her head high and said, “Exactly!My mom is the best mom in the world!”

A crowd of little friends envied: “I wish I had such a nice mom.”

Xiaobai and Xiaohua were in tears, “Mother, look at us, aren’t we well-behaved good children?”

Qinghua City had now completely transformed beyond recognition. Once a silent and obscure border town without an ounce of reputation, it had blossomed with Muniang’s commercial enlightenment. More and more merchants were willing to go to Qinghua City, this attractive spot, to do business and an increasing number of people gathered there.

The initial one-year tour had traveled through several prefectural cities around the country, but Mei Garden did not establish branches in any of them. Instead, it remained rooted in Qinghua City. From the moment the Mei Garden troupe returned to Qinghua City, the entire city came to life. In just three short years, Qinghua City’s prosperity could already rival the capital, becoming a major commercial hub in the Daqian Dynasty.

People only heard rumours about how Qinghua City rose to prominence and became distinguished, yet they were unaware that the power behind the scenes was a petite lady, let alone that this lady was the beloved wife of the fearsome General Yu Ze.

Zhao Song’s fruit and grocery stores flourished with the rising tide. Originally, it was Muniang who chose the locations which were not very expensive at the time, with low rents. Three years ago, Muniang advised Zhao Song to buy these two shops, and if he had extra money, it was best to buy the entire street.

Zhao Song always trusted Muniang, and besides, the Zhao family was well-off enough to afford the street’s shops. At first, he didn’t understand why he should do so. Now, as Qinghua City grew increasingly prosperous, the area quickly became part of Qinghua City’s most expensive central districts. The price of that land had risen at least tenfold!

Zhao Song praised Muniang every day for her brilliance. Moreover, the business of the fruit shop, which sourced its produce entirely from Muniang’s hilltop in Tupo Village and Tianzhuang, not only featured fresh varieties but also hit the market one or two months earlier each year. Naturally, it was a hit, and the fruit store now had three additional branches. Not to mention, Zhao Song made a large profit every month from the rent of his properties on that street.

However, Zhao Song was not one to rest on his laurels; even though he could relax at home and have others manage his businesses, he still insisted on greeting customers in the shop. Mrs. Lin followed suit, and the couple personally supervised one of the stores.

Muniang happened to visit that day, and upon seeing her, Zhao Song smiled, “Muniang, you’re here? Come in quickly. It just so happens that Qin’er is fussing again, and your mother can’t calm her.”

Qin’er was the child born to Zhao Song and Mrs. Lin later on, and she was now three years old.

The moment Muniang stepped out of the carriage, two chubby little heads peeped out, sweetly calling, “Hello, Grandfather.”

“Oh, my dear good grandchildren, you’re here too? Let Grandpa help you down,” Zhao Song said with glee, lifting one child in each arm down from the carriage.

Xiaobai and Xiaohua each wrapped an arm around Zhao Song’s neck, giggling, “Grandpa’s beard is black!”

Muniang said, amused, “What did you expect?”

“Master’s is white,” Xiaohua said, tilting her head.

Zhao Song said proudly, “That’s because Grandpa is young!”

“Grandpa is young!”

“Hahaha,” Zhao Song laughed heartily.

Muniang quickly took the children from him, “Don’t tire Grandpa out. You’re still hanging on him, come down now.”

Zhao Song didn’t like that one bit and protested like a stubborn child, “How could they tire me out? Back in my youth, I could move a large cauldron by myself! That was impressive, and even though I’m older now, I’m still tough! Can’t I even carry my own grandchildren? I want to hold onto them!”