Chapter 69 Backyard Secret Words "I'm afraid Miss Liu is going to...

The next day, Liu Yeshu returned home. The old locust tree in the yard was still swaying, with mottled shadows.

Liu Yeshu pushed open the half-closed door next door. Inside, her mother was sewing under a lamp, the light from the brass oil lamp dyeing her hair a light golden color.

"Mother," Liu Yeshu said softly, "I want to go to the capital with the general."

The sound of needlework abruptly stopped. Mother Liu looked up, the needle and thread in her hand dangling in mid-air. She looked at her daughter with a complicated expression, remembering Liu Yeshu's words a few days ago: "I think someone like General Qi is great." A wave of emotion stirred in her heart.

In her opinion, if she tried to cling to a wealthy family like General Qi by force, she would probably be ridiculed.

"Going to Beijing?" Liu's mother's voice was filled with some worry. "Such a long journey, and you are a girl..." Before she finished speaking, her brows were already furrowed.

Liu Yeshu took a few steps closer, a gentle smile on her lips. "Mother, I'm going on official business this time, not alone. The palace will arrange for an escort, so don't worry." She squatted down and gently took her mother's calloused hand. Her voice was soft, "I just came to inform you and Father in advance. If there's anything urgent at home, you can ask someone to send a message to me."

Father Liu, standing nearby, put down his chopsticks and looked at his daughter with a steady gaze. He nodded silently and said in a deep voice, "Since this is official business, then follow the general carefully and be careful in everything you do."

After bidding farewell to her parents, Liu Yeshu went to the next yard. Without the noise of the chickens, the yard seemed especially empty. The spring sun poured down, illuminating the ground. Liu Yeling was busy feeding the camels, beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

Liu Yeshu walked over and gently patted her brother's shoulder. Looking at the empty yard, she remembered having moved the chickens a few days ago, and a feeling of emotion washed over her. "I'm leaving with the General the day after tomorrow, so you need to take care of the chicken coop back home." She paused, her tone becoming serious. "These days, the chicks have just been put on the shelves, and this is a crucial time. Feed them on time, keep them hydrated, and keep an eye on the temperature."

Liu Yeling stopped what he was doing and looked up at his sister, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Sister, are you really going to the capital?" He scratched his head, a look of reluctance on his face. "I'll take good care of the chicken coop, don't worry. I've been following you these days and I've already memorized what to do."

Liu Yeshu looked at her brother's slightly immature yet resolute face, a warm smile playing on her lips. She patted his shoulder again, her tone full of trust, "Of course I trust you. I'll go to the chicken coop again tomorrow and write down the feed ratio recipe for you carefully. The weather has been changing drastically recently, and the chicks are most vulnerable to cold, so you have to be extra careful." She paused, then pulled a small cloth bag from her sleeve. "Here are some calming herbs I specially prepared. Drink them in water before bed tonight. Don't stay up late all the time."

Before the morning dew had faded, Liu Yeshu set out for the chicken coop. From a distance, she spotted a familiar figure waiting outside. Fang Bai was carrying several bags of fresh chicken feed, the bags still stained with dew, clearly having prepared them early in the morning.

"Miss Liu, you're here." Fang Bai came forward with a smile. "I heard you'll be away for a few days. Leave the chicken coop to me. Don't worry, I'll take good care of the chickens."

Liu Yeshu was slightly startled, then responded with a smile: "Mr. Fang is thoughtful, but we have already found a suitable long-term worker."

Fang Bai's smile faltered upon hearing this, but he remained silent. He turned to look at Liu Yeling, a look of help in his eyes.

Liu Yeling seemed to have received this silent request and suddenly spoke, "Sister, since Master Fang is willing to help, why should we refuse?" His tone was a bit coquettish. "Besides, he has always been a reliable friend. Having someone to lend a hand when the family is busy is perfect, isn't that right?"

Liu Yeshu glanced at his brother and saw his sincere expression. He thought for a moment and nodded, "Master Fang, if that's the case, thank you very much. However, I will still pay you as a token of my gratitude. The work in the chicken coop is not easy, and you have worked hard."

Fang Bai was stunned for a moment, then smiled happily and said, "In that case, I won't refuse."

Since the money had been paid, Liu Yeshu began to give orders without hesitation, explaining in detail the key points of the chicken coop and the daily feeding steps.

"There have been some weeds in the chicken coop these days. Once things are back on track, Mr. Fang will have to take the trouble to clean it up."

Fang Bai nodded and said with a smile: "No problem, leave it to me."

After explaining the affairs of the chicken coop, Liu Yeshu gave Liu Yeling a few more instructions before setting off for the city.

The spring sun gradually grew warmer, and more people appeared on the street. The sound of carriage wheels and the shouts of vendors intertwined, creating a familiar market scene.

She walked towards the shop of Manager Mo. Manager Mo had been doing business in the border area for many years and had many connections and was knowledgeable. If there was a chance, she could help him bring some things back and earn some money at the same time.

As I pushed open the door, a series of crisp bells rang out. The shop was brightly lit, with rows of shelves filled with a variety of goods: fine Suzhou silk shimmered softly in the sun, and a variety of exquisite embroidery was exquisitely crafted. The air was filled with the faint scent of fragrant wood.

Shopkeeper Mo was counting accounts at his desk when he heard the bell. He looked up and a smile immediately spread across his face. He quickly put down his abacus. "Ah, isn't that Miss Liu?" He stood up to greet her, his eyes narrowed into slits with a smile. "What brings you here? I heard the general's mansion has been bustling these days. Is it General Qi who has returned triumphantly?"

As he spoke, he gestured to the waiter to make tea. Liu Yeshu looked at the old shopkeeper, whose face was shrewd yet affable, and a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. She didn't bother with the pleasantries and went straight to the point: "Shopkeeper Mo, tomorrow I will accompany the general to the capital to report back." She gently stroked a fine Duan inkstone on the counter and continued, "If you come across any valuables along the way, it would be nice to bring some back. Does the shopkeeper have anything you'd like to bring back?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Shopkeeper Mo's eyes suddenly lit up, like a light suddenly lit. "Oh, this is a godsend!" He rubbed his hands together, his eyes glittering with shrewdness. "The tea sets in the capital are the most exquisite and refined. People who are particular about them love to use the goods there. The common ones here are a bit crude. If we can get a few good sets back..." His voice was filled with a hint of longing, "It will definitely attract a lot of customers."

Liu Yeshu nodded slightly, already having a plan in mind: "Good tea sets..." She nodded thoughtfully, "I understand. I'll definitely pay more attention to it when we get to the capital."

"That's great!" Shopkeeper Mo nodded repeatedly, his face beaming, as if he could already see the shop bustling with customers. He personally poured a cup of tea for Liu Yeshu, his tone becoming increasingly cordial. "If you need any help along the way, just let me know. We've been friends for so many years, and your business is my business."

Liu Yeshu took the teacup, took a sip, and raised the corners of her lips slightly. "What are you talking about, Shopkeeper Mo? I feel so sorry for that." She paused, looked around the shop, and said sincerely, "Thanks to the shopkeeper's care, I can gain a foothold here."

As she spoke, she pulled a small package from her sleeve and gently placed it on the counter. "These are some herbs I grew myself. I picked them last fall and they're just the right amount of medicinal. I heard the shopkeeper has had frequent migraines lately, so I made some for you before you leave."

After saying goodbye, Liu Yeshu headed straight for Wang's Restaurant. Pushing open the door, the rich aroma of food filled the air. The shop was bustling with activity, diners sitting and standing, the clatter of chopsticks and bowls echoing. At a few tables by the window, three or five vendor-like customers were tucking into their meals, their faces brimming with satisfaction. On a bench against the wall, two cart drivers devoured their food, praising the food profusely.

Several oil lamps were burning brightly inside the house, illuminating the entire shop with a warm glow. However, Liu Yeshu looked around but could not see the familiar figure of Widow Wang busying around the stove.

Xiao Liu was walking quickly through the shop, carrying a bowl of steaming beef noodles. Seeing Liu Yeshu, a warm smile immediately appeared on his face. "Miss Liu, you're here!" He placed the bowl of noodles steadily on the customer's table and hurried over to greet her, beads of sweat still beading on his forehead. "The shop is very busy today. Aunt Wang went out early this morning to run some errands, so she asked us to look after the shop."

Liu Yeshu nodded gently, her eyes casually glancing at Xiao Yu'er in the corner. She saw the little girl, with two red pigtails, standing on tiptoe, deftly placing the dishes and chopsticks. Though small, her movements were steady, no less skillful than an adult's. Her face flushed slightly from her busy work.

Liu Yeshu walked slowly to Xiao Yuer's side, and looking at this girl who looked like a little adult, her heart couldn't help but soften.

"Xiao Yu'er, did your mother have anything important to tell me a few days ago?"

Xiao Yu'er raised her round little face, blinking her bright eyes in confusion. She paused, thought carefully, and shook her head. "No, sister," she said in a clear, silvery voice. "Business has been booming lately. Mom's been busy cooking every day and hasn't told me anything important."

There was no evasion in those clear eyes. Seeing Xiao Yu'er's calm expression, Liu Yeshu felt the tension in her heart gradually loosen. She reached out and gently patted Xiao Yu'er's shoulder, her tone becoming gentler. "That's good. You're helping to look after the store here, and it's been quite hard work. When your mother comes back, please give her my regards."

"Don't worry, sister, I will definitely tell mom!" Xiao Yuer smiled sweetly, revealing two cute dimples.

Watching the bustling scene in the restaurant, Liu Yeshu didn't want to interrupt any further. She nodded goodbye to Xiao Liu and Xiao Yu'er, then turned and walked into the crowds of people in the street. The late spring breeze, carrying the aroma of food, rustled against the corners of her clothes, and the faint worry that had been in her heart dissipated with the wind.

When we returned to the general's mansion, it was already getting dark.

The evening breeze carried a hint of coolness, swaying the shadows of the flowers in the courtyard. The sunset glow in the distance dyed the sky red like ink, casting an ambiguous glow over the entire mansion.

Liu Yeshu quietly pushed open the door and put down her shopping. She took out some crispy dried fish from the cabinet and walked around the corridor. Sure enough, she saw Yuanbao lazily lying on the cushions in the corridor.

This once skinny wild cat has now grown into a plump and robust orange cat, its belly shiny and its limbs sprawled out, looking quite content. It usually loves to lie in the sun like this, squinting its eyes and taking a nap, its whole body etched with the word "leisure".

However, when the aroma of dried fish wafted over, the gentleman immediately perked up. His eyes lit up, and his chubby body moved with surprising agility, quickly rubbing against Liu Yeshu's feet. A satisfying "huhuhu" sound emanated from his throat, like a well-oiled mill.

Liu Yeshu was amused by its greedy appearance and squatted down to hand over the dried fish. Her fingers gently stroked Yuanbao's warm fur, feeling the fine down and warm body temperature under her palm. "Yuanbao," she said softly, with a hint of reluctance in her tone, "In a few days, I will be traveling with the general. You must stay at the mansion obediently."

Yuanbao seemed to understand what she said. He concentrated on chewing the dried fish and kept rubbing his furry head against her palm. He looked so well-behaved and obedient.

Only after Yuanbao had licked the last piece of dried fish with satisfaction did Liu Yeshu slowly stand up. Night had already enveloped the courtyard, and lanterns in the distance began to light up one after another, like tiny fireflies in the twilight.

Just then, a series of subtle noises emanated from the backyard utility room. At first, they were faint, but in the stillness of the night, they were remarkably clear. Listening closely, they were the voices of a man and a woman, their voices faintly interspersed with ambiguous gasps.

Liu Yeshu was startled, and a blush appeared on her face. She realized that the two were having an affair, and was about to turn around and leave quietly, but she heard the man suddenly lower his voice and say:

"I'm afraid Miss Liu is going to..."

Although the voice was extremely low, it was particularly harsh in the quiet night. Liu Yeshu's footsteps suddenly stopped, and her heartbeat could not help but speed up a little.