Zhang felt indignant as she listened to Yun Ruoxia, Yun Ruochun, and Old Lady Yun each offering their advice. Everyone seemed to be on the side of this brat, each one a culprit encouraging her to become increasingly audacious.

She didn't need to think much to know that the brat was definitely comparing Qimin and Qingcheng to keep nagging her.

Sure enough, seeing that Zhang Shi didn't speak, Yunling continued to persuade her, "Mother, I've been to places as far as Qimin, and Qingcheng is even closer because you don't need to take a boat."

"Hmm..." Old Man Yun stroked his chin and said, "When I passed through Qingcheng years ago, I was saved by an old man. Sister Ling, you must help me bring some gifts to express my gratitude."

Yun Chu also spoke up, "Mother, you taught us that we should remember the kindness we receive for a thousand years, especially since this saved Grandpa's life. We must repay this kindness properly."

Zhang: ... (Fine, so they're only bullying her, huh?)

"Mother."

"mother."

"Sister-in-law."

"Chun Niang."

"Alright, alright, you guys are all on this brat's side, spoiling her so much that she's completely out of control. I've made it clear that I have to personally inspect the head镖师 (镖师 is a person who escorts or guards) before I can approve them. If I don't think they're good people, then I absolutely won't go."

Having said all that, Yunling had no choice but to hug Zhang tightly and call her "Dear Mother" all night long.

The next day, Yunling took Zhang to Chen Jie's escort agency. However, Chen Jie had been on a delivery mission since the beginning of spring and had only returned to the county town last night. He was unshaven and hadn't had time to groom himself. With his curly hair, he looked like a bandit.

Zhang's first impression of him was not good. She leaned close to Yunling's ear and whispered, "Ling'er, he's probably from a mountain stronghold. He's unreliable. Let's go."

“Mother, he’s not like that.”

Chen Jie had the best hearing. Hearing Yun Ling call the woman in front of him "Mother", he immediately rushed to the inner room to change into a decent dress, quickly shaved off his stubble, and finally straightened his curly hair before standing formally in front of Zhang Shi.

"Auntie, hello."

Looking at Chen Jie, who now seemed to have a certain air about him, Zhang nodded before explaining her purpose for coming: "My gluttonous and playful girl wants to go to Qingcheng and would like to hire your escort team to protect her. I wonder if that's feasible?"

Chen Jie glanced at Yun Ling, who remained calm, and his lips twitched involuntarily. This was his great-aunt; she didn't need anyone else to protect her. It was more like she was protecting others.

Since Zhang had said such a thing, it was assumed that her family was unaware of her great abilities, so she didn't expose her and simply went along with it:

"Of course it's feasible. Our escort team will definitely bring the young lady back safely."

"How will you escort me? Does everyone in the caravan know martial arts? What if we encounter local bullies? What if someone tries to rob us? My daughter is very playful; what if she runs away halfway through the journey? How will you bring her back?"

The other questions were one thing, but Yunling was completely baffled by this last one: "Mother, it's Qingcheng I'm supposed to go to, why am I running away?"

After thinking for a moment, Zhang changed her mind and said, "Then let's talk about the first few questions."

Chen Jie's forehead was almost dripping with sweat. He was always good at getting things done, not at talking nonsense, but he couldn't let Zhang Shi, who was very particular, brush him off. So he had no choice but to bite the bullet and answer:

“We’ve traveled the roads of Qingcheng quite a bit, and we know who the troublemakers in the city are. When we’re escorting the young lady, we’ll avoid those people. Um… the young lady can just dress as a man and blend in with us. All the escorts we’ve sent are skilled in martial arts, so there won’t be any problems.”

"Your escort agency only opened last year? And you've already traveled quite a bit of the Qingcheng route?"

"They left when we were doing odd jobs..."

Zhang wanted to ask more questions, but Yunling pulled her back, saying, "Mother, don't be like those people who put on airs when they come to ask for money. That's not good."

Zhang had no choice but to swallow the rest of her words and soften her voice, "How much silver will it cost for this trip?"

"Too many escorts will only attract attention. Three people are just right. If we're going to Qingcheng, one copper coin per person will suffice."

“No, if they ask for so little money, how can they protect you with all their might? I think each person deserves ten copper coins. Give them half first, and if they return safely, give them the rest.”

Chen Jie glanced at Yun Ling, and after seeing her nod, he agreed.

The group agreed to depart in two days. Zhang couldn't sleep again, busily packing warm clothes for Yunling. This was Yunling's first time going out alone, and to be honest, she really didn't want to.

Several times she considered backing out, even thinking of making herself sick to keep him by her side. But she also understood that some birds are destined to fly to the sky, and the more you try to break their wings to keep them by your side, the more likely you are to provoke resistance.

She didn't want to see Yunling unhappy, so she could only suffer in silence and get through with it.

Grandma Yun set up the incense burner and performed the ritual again, but this was the first time she had done it. The whole family had no objections and sincerely hoped that the gods would bless Yunling so that she could turn misfortune into good fortune and return safely.

After lighting incense and leading Yunling around the incense burner three times, Granny Yun said, "Thank Heaven and Earth, and all the gods, for inviting the Seven Fruits and Eight Immortals to the altar for a chat. Today, my junior sister's granddaughter is going to Qingcheng alone."

"We sincerely request all the immortals to support our granddaughter along the way, help her ward off demons and monsters, ensure that she walks upright and sees clearly, and if she feels dizzy or feverish, please give her some magic pills to ensure her good health and safe journey."

Old Lady Yun burped three times, saying it was a divine response, and that this trip would surely bring good fortune. She also prepared a talisman paper, two pomelo leaves, and three cypress leaves, wrapped in red paper, symbolizing warding off evil and bringing continuous advancement.

Zhang followed Yunling and Yun Shenghua into the city. They bought some sour fruit candy and candied fruit at a small shop next to the escort agency, and then went to Ruyi Zhai across the street to pack two bags of pastries.

"Remember to eat if you get hungry on the way, or you'll lose several pounds when you get back."

"Remember to wear clothes when it's cold; don't prioritize looking nice over staying warm."

"Remember to come back right away after you finish shopping. Don't linger. Everyone's waiting for you to come back for the New Year."

"..."

As Zhang spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. Yun Shenghua quickly embraced her, saying, "Ling'er is getting old and has been to Fujian. She will take good care of herself. Mother said that you shouldn't cry before you leave, or you'll attract crying ghosts to the people on the road."

Yunling smiled and said, "Mother, don't worry, I will be fine and I will definitely come back before the New Year. We must go to the city to see the big lanterns this year."