CHAPTER 171: CHAPTER 171: MEETING AGAIN

171 Reunion

Sun Mei was packing some dry provisions for their trip to the county town. Hearing Zhao Dong, she replied, "Absolutely. Just think, he lives alone in the mountains all year round. Without some skills, he would have starved to death long ago."

"You’re right." Zhao Dong, holding a rabbit skin, chatted casually with his wife. "If the Wu Family knew Wu Da was so capable, wouldn’t they regret having driven such a resourceful and honest son out of the house?"

Sun Mei laughed. "That’s not certain. Although Wu Da might seem honest and quiet, he’s very clear-headed. He’s good to those who are good to him, but not necessarily so kind to those who aren’t. Otherwise, his stepmother wouldn’t have gone to such great lengths to have him expelled from the family."

Zhao Dong nodded. "True. I think he’s only nice to our family. He doesn’t even bother talking to the other villagers. When the children see him, they run faster than rabbits."

This was also because Zhao Dong was kind to him, often sending him some food to eat; it was, in truth, a case of sincerity begetting sincerity.

"Look, Wu Da gave us two rabbit skins this time. We can make hand warmers for Tongtong and Yaya," Zhao Dong said with a chuckle. He looked up and saw Zhao Zhitong’s little head peeking out from the window, watching them curiously.

Immediately, he shouted at her, "You little brat! Get away from the window if you’re not dressed properly! Be careful not to catch a cold!"

Realizing she’d been discovered, Zhao Zhitong shrieked and quickly scrambled back under her quilt.

At this time, Zhao Ya, already dressed, was starting to put on her shoes. She cooed, "Tongtong, let big sister help you get dressed~"

"No need, no need! I can dress myself~" Zhao Zhitong wrapped the small quilt around herself, rolled around on the bed a few times, and then sat up.

Zhao Ya nodded. "Okay, then I won’t bother you. I’ll go help Aunt Sun Mei with the fire." After saying that, she jumped off the bed and trotted out.

By the time Zhao Zhitong had dawdled through dressing and finally emerged, Zhao Cheng and Zhao Yu had both returned from their run. Zhao Cheng had even brought back a bundle of dry firewood. Zhao Yu also carried a bundle of firewood; though drenched in sweat, he was full of energy.

Zhao Zhitong trotted over to inspect the sandbags on Zhao Yu’s legs.

Sun Mei efficiently prepared egg tea for each of the children and called out to those in the courtyard, "Zhao Yu, stop playing! Take your sisters to wash their faces quickly. After drinking the egg tea, we have to go to the county town."

The children instantly rushed to the washbasin.

After their meal, Zhao Dong then led the little ones, setting out as a bustling group.

「 」

Perhaps because winter was approaching and many households had more free time, the county town seemed busier than usual. The calls of street vendors hawking their wares and the shouts of performers from theatrical troupes filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere.

Zhao Dong worried Zhao Zhitong might wander off and get lost in such a large crowd, so he didn’t allow her to get off the cart. Thus, Zhao Zhitong and Zhao Ya sat on the flatbed cart, curiously looking this way and that. Zhao Cheng and Zhao Yu followed closely behind Zhao Dong, also very interested in the lively surroundings.

Their first stop was Ruoliu Street in the east of the city. The polygonum multiflorum in Zhao Zhitong’s space had matured. As they entered the city, they noticed the posted announcement at the gate was still up; it seemed Lingjian Villa was still purchasing polygonum multiflorum. Therefore, at Zhao Zhitong’s request, they headed there.

The moment the cart stopped, Zhao Zhitong slid off and scampered towards the main gate of the Liu Clan residence. The sword-bearing bodyguards at the gate were a different group from before; they didn’t recognize Zhao Zhitong. Seeing a little girl charge towards them, the two bodyguards immediately straightened up, their expressions serious, and blocked the entrance.

One said coolly, "Little girl, this isn’t a place for playing. Go on, now!"

Zhao Zhitong wasn’t scared at all. Tilting her head up, she said in her sweet, childish voice, "Big brothers, we’re here to sell medicinal herbs! I’ve been here before, you know."

Just then, Zhao Dong hurried over with a basket, nodding and smiling apologetically. "Good sirs, we are herb gatherers, here to sell medicinal herbs."

One of the bodyguards glanced at Zhao Dong and said coolly, "Alright, wait here a moment." With that, he turned to go inside and announce them.

Just then, a cool, clear young woman’s voice came from within the gates: "There’s no need to announce them. They’ve been here before. Let them come directly in with me."

Then, Liu Baixue emerged, clad in a white gown and a cloak, seemingly gliding out.

The two bodyguards immediately stepped back and bowed respectfully. "Yes, Young Lady."

Zhao Zhitong’s eyes instantly brightened. She trotted over and exclaimed happily, "Sister Xiaoxue!"

Seeing Zhao Zhitong—whom she had met only once, a long time ago, yet who seemed just as pure and innocent as that first time—a rare smile touched Liu Baixue’s usually cool expression. "Tongtong, you haven’t visited in such a long time!"

Zhao Zhitong immediately began to babble, recounting all that had happened recently.

It had been a long time since Liu Baixue had spoken so much with someone, and she felt quite happy. She then told Zhao Zhitong, "Next time you come to the Capital City, go straight to the back door. The guard there is one of my people. I’ve already told him; just give your name, and he’ll let you in."

Zhao Zhitong nodded readily and then presented the polygonum multiflorum to Liu Baixue. "Look, I found more polygonum multiflorum for you. Here!"

Liu Baixue couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise, "Wow, you really found more! That’s amazing! The mountains near your home must be very, very high!" With that, she handed the polygonum multiflorum to an attendant, instructing him to fetch the money from her courtyard. Then she took Zhao Zhitong’s hand and they began to chat again.

Zhao Zhitong thought for a moment, then said, "Mm, the mountain behind our house is indeed very, very high."

Liu Baixue said happily, "Then someday I must visit your home! You can take me mountain climbing!"

Zhao Zhitong nodded emphatically. "Okay, okay! In spring, our mountains have lots of beautiful flowers, just as pretty as you! And in autumn, there are lots of sweet and sour fruits. I’ll take you to pick flowers and fruits then!"

"Okay!" Liu Baixue happily agreed.

After the attendant handed Zhao Dong the silver banknote, the two young girls held hands and continued to chat for a long time, covering every topic imaginable. Finally, Liu Baixue even asked for the specific location of Zhao Zhitong’s home before the two reluctantly said their goodbyes.

When Zhao Zhitong returned to the flatbed cart, beaming, Zhao Yu glanced curiously at the disappearing hem of a white skirt at the gateway and asked, "Little sister, who was that girl?"

Zhao Zhitong said, "The Young Lady of Lingjian Villa! She’s my good friend!"

Nearby, Zhao Dong chuckled to himself. This child’s ability to make friends... if she travels the world, she’ll have friends everywhere.

Zhao Yu just said, "Oh," and looked away. He had heard from his master that the Villa Master of Lingjian Villa was one of the top martial artists in all corners of the country. Known as the Sword Immortal and the inheritor of the Northern Sword techniques, he was extremely obsessed with swordsmanship.

Come to think of it, he thought, as the daughter of the Northern Sword inheritor, she probably practices martial arts too. No wonder her steps were so light, like those of a trained practitioner.

Zhao Yu didn’t ask further, and Zhao Zhitong didn’t elaborate on Liu Baixue. Instead, she turned to Zhao Dong, who was pushing the cart, and asked, "Daddy, which street sells gold and silver jewelry?"