"Mother, what about you?" Liu Shi didn't want to leave Old Lady Zhu alone, so she grabbed her mother-in-law's arm in fear.

Grandma Zhu knew her daughter-in-law was timid, so she patiently comforted her, "Don't be afraid, your mother and third son will lead those people away, and then you can go to the herbal medicine shop to sell the ginseng without worry."

"I know it's difficult for you to go alone, but for Xixi's sake, I hope you can be brave."

Liu naturally understood her mother-in-law's good intentions. She was the least likely to arouse suspicion by taking the child with her, and it was also the easiest for her to slip away from under the noses of these people.

But what she feared most was the danger to her mother-in-law and brother-in-law; she wanted her family to be safe more than money.

"Mother, don't worry, I'll take care of it, but you must promise me that you'll take good care of yourself!"

"Alright, Mother was once a first-rank noblewoman, so they'll give me some face."

Hearing Liu's words, Old Lady Zhu felt gratified. She touched Liu's already rough hands with heartache, and her eyes reddened. "We must all reach the border safely."

Grandma and Mother's words warmed Zhu Xixi's heart. She pouted, held back her tears, and secretly made a vow.

[XiXi will do her best! She safely escorted Grandma and her family to the border!]

Her daughter's words instantly put Liu Shi, who had been feeling uneasy, at ease. She lowered her head and gently stroked her daughter's head.

Just as Zhu Xixi yawned, the group had already arrived outside the city gate of Jiangyang County.

There were many people queuing to enter outside the city gate, and many more officials were stationed at the city gate to check documents.

Grandma Zhu looked at the long queue with a puzzled expression, somewhat confused by Jiangyang County's approach. Logically, these small towns should only require a luggage check upon entry.

Why are these officials so strict, not only checking luggage but also inspecting all passersby?

"Mother, isn't Jiangyang County a small town? Why are there so many officials guarding the city gate?"

The more Zhu Chenfeng looked at the situation at the city gate, the more he felt something was wrong, and he muttered to himself in great confusion.

However, before Grandma Zhu could reply, the farmer in line behind her answered his question first.

"You must be from out of town. You may not know this, but recently the borders have fallen one after another. I heard that a prince from a neighboring country disguised himself and mingled among the people, waiting for an opportunity to enter the palace and assassinate His Majesty."

The farmer's words made everyone else, who were unaware of the truth, understand, and they all exclaimed in amazement.

"No wonder, it used to be so convenient to go into the city, but recently it has become complicated. So that's why."

"However, there are checkpoints everywhere, so why would this prince come to our Jiangyang County?"

"Don't forget, Jiangyang County has a port, so it's possible to sneak over by boat."

Grandma Zhu and Zhu Chenfeng did not participate in the conversation. After listening to everyone's discussion, they looked at each other and silently followed the group forward.

"Third son, try to buy more coarse flour, potatoes, and sweet potatoes this time." Old Mrs. Zhu's expression was even more solemn. After thinking for a while, she whispered her instructions.

Zhu Chenfeng didn't quite understand his mother's meaning and asked in confusion, "Mother, is something you've thought of?"

"Don't ask so many questions, just do as I say." Old Mrs. Zhu didn't voice her guesses, but urged her son to hurry up and follow.

On the contrary, after hearing these words, Zhu Xixi squinted her eyes and thought hard. Jiangyang County seemed so familiar!

She had read about it in a book; it seemed that Jiangyang County was attacked by an enemy country, and in the end, the city gates were lost, and the people were displaced.

According to the storyline, the female lead should have reached the point where, when Jiangyang County fell, she unexpectedly rescued the male lead, Pei Sining, who had escaped.

Pei Sining is a remarkable person. He was well-versed in ancient books at the age of two, and in military strategy at the age of five. At the age of nine, he was able to accompany his father, Prince Ningyang, to guard the border.

After the female lead rescued him, the two overcame numerous dangers and arrived at the border. After arriving at the border, Pei Sining successfully returned to the Zhou Kingdom to inherit the position of crown prince.

They also assisted the female protagonist in clearing trade routes and opening up trade with several neighboring countries. In just a few years, the two of them worked together to transform the remote border region surrounded by yellow earth into the most prosperous commercial center on the entire continent.

Thinking of this, she seemed to understand why Zhu Yanyan had come to Jiangyang City with her grandmother. It turned out that she also wanted to find Pei Sining and save him.

[You bastard, we absolutely can't let her have her way! Humph!]

To get a clear view, Zhu Xixi rubbed her face vigorously, trying to see outside, waving her little hands incessantly.

After feeling her daughter's fuss, Liu patted her little bottom helplessly. "Xixi, stop making a fuss. When we get to the county, Mommy will buy you a bowl of rice porridge, okay?"

Under her gentle words, Zhu Xixi, who was still making a fuss, gradually calmed down and nestled obediently in her mother's arms.

Just as they were about to examine Old Lady Zhu, they saw Zhu Wen, Zhu Yanyan, and Zhu Borong already waiting for them on the side.

After glancing at the group, Old Lady Zhu guiltily pulled out the travel document from her bosom and handed it to the official.

The guard at the city gate took the document but didn't look at it. He just turned to Zhu Wen, raised an eyebrow, and waved his hand.

"Alright, let's go."

Seeing his former colleague showing him such respect, Zhu Wen smiled and patted him on the shoulder, "Thanks, brother, I'll treat you to drinks another day."

After they finished speaking, the group walked towards the city gate one after the other.

Liu was puzzled by the officials' actions and whispered to Old Lady Zhu, "Mother, why didn't the officials look at our documents?"

“He wasn’t ignoring it; he was just giving Zhu Wen face. Zhu Wen wanted to use this to warn us that Jiangyang County was also their territory, and to tell us to behave ourselves and not cause them any trouble.”

When Old Lady Zhu saw Zhu Wen standing next to the official, she sensed that this shopping trip would not be smooth sailing, and whether she could return to the camp safely was uncertain.

"Mother, will Zhu Wen have these officials follow us separately?"

Liu was surprised to find that such a remote county town had fellow escorts. The thought of having to separate from Old Lady Zhu and Zhu Chenfeng later made her feel scared.

“Eldest daughter-in-law, listen carefully. When you hear me causing trouble for the guards, take advantage of the crowd and leave. After you leave, find the nearest pharmacy and sell the ginseng.”

"After you sell it, come to Chen's Rice Shop at the entrance of East Street and wait for me."

Old Mrs. Zhu sensed Liu's panic. In order to calm her daughter-in-law down, she had no choice but to hold her hand tightly and patiently explain the next steps.

"What if the guards see we have money and refuse to let us go back?"

Liu still felt that this method was unreliable. Chen Xiang had let them into the county town this time to test whether they had anything valuable on them. If they sold the ginseng and Zhu Wen found out, wouldn't they be doomed?