NFBE Chapter 63 Going to Tongan County
Chapter 63 Going to Tongan County
"Were you scared today?" Song Jiaojiao asked softly, her tone gentle.
As soon as she finished speaking, large tears rolled down Mu Xue's cheeks. "Mother, it's all my fault. I shouldn't have insisted on going to town. If I hadn't gone to town, my sister wouldn't have been caught by human traffickers..."
Looking at Mu Xue, who was crying and gasping for breath, Song Jiaojiao comforted her, "Little sister, this is not your fault. There was nothing wrong with us going to celebrate the Lantern Festival. The fault lies with those human traffickers, you know? Sometimes it's not like you'll be fine just because you don't go out. Like last time, we didn't go out, but trouble still came our way."
Seeing that Mu Xue seemed to understand but not quite, Song Jiaojiao continued, "Alright, wipe your tears and just treat this as a warning, okay? Calm down and go comfort your sister."
Although Mu Xue didn't understand, she obediently nodded and went to Mu Qing's room. After the meal, Mu Xue's mood had improved considerably, though it's unclear what the two sisters discussed.
Seeing that the two sisters were much better, Song Jiaojiao announced, "Tomorrow I will take He Fan and Xu Sen to the county. This trip will probably take three to five days. Mu Qing, you are the eldest sister, so I'm entrusting the family matters to you. If there's anything you don't understand, just ask Xu Fang and Bai Shuqin."
Mu Qing already knew that her mother planned to have her eldest brother learn martial arts, so she wasn't too surprised. "I understand, Mother. Don't worry, I will take good care of the family."
"Okay, let's treat this as practice. We'll encounter many similar situations in the future, so it's good to get used to it beforehand," Song Jiaojiao said softly.
Upon hearing this, Mu Xue's face, which had just begun to recover, seemed about to collapse again. However, remembering that it was because she was going to town for the Lantern Festival that her sister had been abducted by human traffickers, she remained silent.
"Mu Xue, is there anything you want?" Song Jiaojiao asked softly, knowing that Mu Xue still had something on her mind.
"Mother, I don't want anything," Mu Xue replied listlessly.
"Okay, sweetie, Mommy has something to do this time, I'll definitely take you next time. Okay?" Song Jiaojiao, who had never been in a relationship, really didn't know how to coax the child, and the only thing she could think of was buying toys.
Mu Xue gave a soft "hmm" and then silently ate her dinner.
After washing up, Song Jiaojiao went to Mu Qing's room and was not surprised to see Mu Xue there. She went over and took the two sisters' hands, saying...
"Eldest sister, second sister, you have never left your mother's side since you were born. However, this time the journey is long and it is a completely unfamiliar place, so your mother has no choice but to leave you behind. I will go and explore the route, and I will definitely take you next time."
"Mother, don't worry, I will take good care of the family and my sister." Mu Qing said as assured. Although today's events had indeed frightened her quite a bit, she thought that this was her mother's first time traveling far from home, so she had to do a good job and not let her mother worry about her while she was away.
"Okay, I believe you. Here's 50 taels. Keep it safe. Remember, don't flaunt your wealth. This money is mainly for emergencies. I've taken care of everything at home. If you have any problems, go to your Grandma Li, or discuss it with Xu Fang and Bai Shuqin." Song Jiaojiao said earnestly, looking at Mu Qing, who was still a child in her previous life, and was truly worried about her.
"Okay, I've got it. I'll go find Grandma Li if I have any problems. Mom, please be careful on your way." Mu Qing nodded solemnly.
Hearing Mu Qing's concern, Song Jiaojiao smiled with relief and turned to Mu Xue, saying, "Little sister, you must take good care of your older sister for Mother. Mother will bring you a gift when she comes back."
"Don't worry, Mother, I'll be good," Mu Xue said, tilting her head back.
Seeing Mu Xue's breasts almost reaching his chest, and recalling how this little girl looked when he first transmigrated, he felt she had lived up to the original owner's expectations.
The next morning, Song Jiaojiao set off with Wang Hefan, Xu Sen, and Meng An.
Upon arriving in town, Song Jiaojiao met up with Huichuntang's convoy. She had already spoken with Manager Liu beforehand, as Huichuntang's convoy was going to the prefecture to purchase medicinal herbs and would be passing through Tongan County. Song Jiaojiao thought it would be safer to travel together.
"Alright, everyone's here, let's set off." Liu Li, the leader of the convoy, said.
As soon as he finished speaking, the caravan started moving, and Meng An quickly followed. It would take the carriage about two and a half hours to get to Tong'an County, and if they set off at this time, they would probably arrive in the county town after noon.
The weather was nice today, not too hot. We were mostly in the mountains, and thankfully we didn't hear about any bandits.
Time quickly came to noon.
The convoy suddenly stopped, and then Liu Li, the leader of the convoy, came over. "Madam Song, we'll be parting ways up ahead. You should take the left road; it'll take about half an hour to reach the county. Farewell, take care."
"Okay, thank you very much for taking care of us along the way, Team Leader Liu. I wish you a safe journey," Song Jiaojiao said from the window.
Liu Li didn't say anything, just cupped his hands in greeting and set off. Song Jiaojiao watched the convoy drive away and then told Meng An to leave as well.
Half an hour later,
"Madam, we have arrived at Tong'an County." Meng An's voice came, and Song Jiaojiao lifted the curtain to look at the tall city wall in front of her. Soldiers were standing on the wall, and the maroon gate was majestic and imposing. There were also many people queuing at the city gate. Meng An drove the carriage forward to join the queue. It cost five coins per person to enter the city and thirty coins for the carriage. Song Jiaojiao paid fifty coins and went in.
After passing through the heavy city gate, the view suddenly opened up, with various shops lining both sides of the street, dazzling the eyes. The aroma wafting from the restaurants made Song Jiaojiao's stomach rumble.
"Let's find an inn first." Song Jiaojiao thought that she would be staying for several days, so she wanted to find a place to stay first.
After walking a short distance, we came across an inn, the Sifang Inn.
Hmm? I wonder if it has anything to do with Sifanglou.
The group entered the inn, while Meng An watched the carriage from outside.
"Sir, would you like a meal or a room?" the waiter greeted him warmly.
"How much does it cost to stay here?" Song Jiaojiao looked around the hotel. There were many tables and chairs in the lobby on the first floor, presumably for dining.
The waiter glanced at Song Jiaojiao and her group's attire. He had just seen them get off the carriage when he entered the shop, so their family was probably not poor. "Our shop has ordinary rooms for 100 coins a night, medium rooms for 150 coins a night, superior rooms for 300 coins a night, and sky rooms for 500 coins a night. What kind would you like, sir?"
What are the differences?
"The standard rooms only have one bed and most don't have windows. The medium-sized rooms have a table and a window. The superior rooms are even larger and provide hot water for washing up every day. The suites are between the top-class rooms and have a reception area and a separate washroom," the waiter explained.
"Then let's book three medium-sized rooms for three days," Song Jiaojiao said, then asked, "Can I wash up in between? Are there any stables?"
"Yes, sir. Just find the waiter, and hot water will be provided for five coins. We also have a stable boy; he costs 30 coins a day."
Song Jiaojiao nodded upon hearing this, "Okay, let's do it my way. Our horses are outside, so have someone park them properly."
"Alright, sir, this way please follow me." The waiter led the group to the second floor.