Chapter 630: Chapter 402: Let’s Go Check It Out First
After deciding on the location, the two returned. By the time they arrived back in Lishi City, it was already noon. There were people waiting for them at the city gate, saying that the two hadn’t returned all night and Farmer Zheng and the others were worried.
Xiaomi’s face instantly fell, showing a pitiful expression: "Oh no, I forgot to tell Mom and Dad in advance."
Not coming home last night, I guess Mom and Dad were worried sick.
"Last night was too late, even if you returned you couldn’t enter the city. Understandable, but you better not delay, go home first and let Mom and Dad know you’re safe."
"Oh, oh, right, right, let’s go home first."
The two dismounted quickly and led their horses as they ran home.
When they arrived home, they realized there were already two guards standing at the gate. With a careful look, you could spot a few others patrolling the courtyard.
The two didn’t have time to care much, hurriedly pushed open the door, not yet inside, and Xiaomi’s voice was already echoing.
"Dad, Mom, we’re back."
The next second, upon hearing the commotion, Second Mom came out, still holding a pair of chopsticks in one hand.
Xiaomi happily ran over, arms open, ready to give her mother an affectionate hug.
The next second, she grasped her ear.
"Ow, ow, ow, Mom, what are you doing, it hurts!"
The moment Xiaomi got close, Second Mom twisted her ear. Her skillful movement showed she often did this.
"Getting more mischievous, aren’t you? Used to be gone from home every few days, now you’re even leading Wei Ziang on escapades!"
Second Mom was furious. A girl running around during the day is one thing, but now even at night, how could she not worry?
Even knowing her daughter is capable and unafraid of danger, she can’t help but worry because she’s her daughter.
"Mom, Mom, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, it won’t happen again, it won’t happen again."
Xiaomi pleaded repeatedly: "No, absolutely not next time, I swear I’ll climb the city wall to come back."
Everything happened so quickly that Wei Ziang hadn’t even reacted before Xiaomi quickly apologized.
Wei Ziang was dumbfounded, looking at everyone, they seemed accustomed to it. He pondered and walked towards Jiang Yu.
"Big Brother, what’s happening?"
Jiang Yu was also upset. He used to worry about his sister being out alone but knowing she’d be safe.
However, last night was different. His little sister was out with someone who had ulterior motives.
Clearly, his little sister had previous transgressions, but in Jiang Yu’s eyes, it seemed like someone deliberately leading her astray.
So, Jiang Yu snorted.
But seeing Wei Ziang’s earnest inquiry, he secretly cursed him as more like a fox, yet couldn’t help explaining.
"These past years, Xiaomi frequently goes on mountain trips overnight, returning the next morning, worrying Mom. So, a bit of discipline."
Understanding this, Wei Ziang quickly stepped forward.
"Mom, don’t blame Xiaomi, last night I lost track of time and the city gates were closed when we tried to come back, so we stayed outside for the night."
That crisp call of ’Mom’ was loud and clear, making Jiang Yu’s teeth itch.
Second Mom wasn’t truly mad. Having educated her, she didn’t plan to continue, and with Wei Ziang arriving, she conveniently let go.
"In this family with so many siblings, I notice Xiaomi listens most to you and is closest to you. You should advise her properly that while running around during the day is fine, a girl’s home should not be left unattended at night."
Wei Ziang nodded repeatedly: "Yes, Mom, I understand, I’ll definitely talk to Xiaomi seriously in the future."
Xiaomi rubbed her ears nearby, not daring to speak much.
Having educated Xiaomi, Second Mom quickly took them back: "Have you eaten yet? Lunch is almost ready, go change clothes and come out to eat."
The two nodded repeatedly, obediently went to change clothes, washed their faces, and came out just in time for the food to be served.
The siblings had deliberately saved seats for them, one on the left and the other on the right beside Second Mom and Jiang Hu.
After all, one hasn’t been seen for years, and the other recently went through a life-and-death ordeal, so parents must take a good look at them, right?
The Jiang family doesn’t have strict dining rules, and it’s common to talk while eating.
After casual chatting, they talked about General Song’s visit last night.
"The General came. Did he mention the decision of those people?"
Jiang Hu nodded: "Yes, General Song said if a sparsely populated place could be found, everyone would be willing to go there to farm."
"That’s great. My brother and I have just found a good place and plan to show it to Mom and Dad tomorrow morning. If it’s suitable, we can start working right away."
Wei Ziang nodded: "The location’s not bad, though it takes six to seven hours to reach by carriage from Lishi City. If we leave in the morning, we’d arrive in the evening. We need to take some supplies beforehand to spend the night there."
This carriage roundtrip plus checking terrain and setting takes at least three days.
Second Mom was slightly surprised: "That’s not close at all. Will Ziang have trouble coming home later?"
"No need to worry, Mom. Xiaomi and I tried it on horseback. If we run quickly, it takes just two hours. I’ll be able to visit home once a month."
Riding horses meant galloping, but with a carriage, going too fast is not feasible. The passengers inside can’t take it, so it has to be slower for comfort, whence the longer time.
"Really? That’s good, then we should go take a look tomorrow. If it’s suitable, we should move there soon. Getting the place ready will take some time."
Moreover, as per General Song’s intention last night, the victims also want to leave Lishi City soon.
Luckily it’s summer, no need to fear the cold. As long as a shelter from wind and rain is set up, it can be lived in temporarily until further plans are made.
Having made arrangements, the family finished lunch and went out to shop, sending word through Commander Yang’s men to General Song about the plan.
Xiaomi’s impulsive nature somewhat had inherited traits.
The family completed preparations by the afternoon, packed, ready to leave early next morning to reach Anning Village by nightfall.
Second Mom commented that the village’s name, Anning, sounded good, representing the peaceful environment the victims desire.
However, they didn’t expect that after agreeing to check if the place was suitable only, upon just leaving the city, they saw a large group waiting, with General Song standing beside them helplessly.
These people carry simple luggage, only women and frail men, along with some children, with everyone using cloth wraps to cover their faces.
They stood slightly apart from others.
No need to ask, it’s clear who these people are.
Seeing this, it’s likely they plan to go together?