The small boat, moored in the low pine forest, swayed and rocked, seemingly due to the large number of people, and began to become somewhat unstable.

As dusk settled, Song He'er stood at the bow of the boat, looking around for Song Xiaoyu's figure.

"Why hasn't your third uncle arrived yet? Why don't you ask Aqing to go out and check?"

Jiang Huaifu didn't bring many followers with him today, only Aqing, while Alu waited on the other side of the river to meet him.

"I don't know either. Maybe something unexpected happened there, which is why he can't come over for the time being?"

"I'll go take a look. You just wait on the boat without worry."

After saying this, Jiang Huaifu prepared to disembark.

Song He'er grabbed him and said, "That's enough. It's getting late. You can't go too far. Besides, you're not familiar with the area. If you get lost again, I'll have to spend time looking for you."

Jiang Huaifu was amused by this remark, "I'm not a three-year-old child. Besides, even if you abandoned me in the Western Desert, I wouldn't lose my way."

Song He'er was still worried about him going down there. After all, it was inevitable that a stranger would attract attention if he suddenly appeared in Xinzhou and was dressed cleanly and properly.

Before she could even speak, Jiang Huaifu had already disembarked and headed towards the direction of the fire...

"He'er, what's wrong? Did something happen?" Qin Xiaoniang carefully walked out of the cabin, her legs and feet causing the small boat to rock all over the place with the slightest movement.

"Mother, don't wander around. What if you fall?"

"I overheard your conversation from inside. Why hasn't your third uncle arrived yet? I hope nothing's happened to him."

Song He'er shook her head. "Nothing will happen. Mother, you go into the boat first and don't wander around. If you move, the boat will rock. Especially the children, you must keep a close eye on them. If they fall in, then you'll be in real trouble."

Qin Xiaoniang glanced at the wide river and obediently nodded. "Then I'll go in first. Be careful standing here by yourself."

"I understand. Remember to turn off the lights in the cabin."

"Um."

After Song He'er gave her repeated instructions, Qin Xiaoniang returned to the cabin and blew out the only light.

About an hour later, two blurry figures gradually approached from not far away.

One was tall and imposing, the other thin and hunched over.

Song He'er could recognize Jiang Huaifu at a glance, but the one next to him, although somewhat familiar, was difficult to identify at first glance due to his hunched posture.

"What happened?" Song He'er asked cautiously.

Jiang Huaifu led the person to the place closest to the boat, and Song He'er could then see clearly that the person was Song Xiaoyu.

However, judging from his appearance, he must have suffered a serious injury, as he was having difficulty walking.

"Third Uncle, what... what's wrong with you?"

Jiang Huaifu led him onto the small boat, then staggered as he helped him walk inside.

"His right arm and right leg were burned in the fire, and he must be in a lot of pain right now. Don't ask him now. The boat is cramped, so we need to get to the inn on the other side of the river as soon as possible, change his clothes, and apply medicine to his wounds so he can feel more comfortable."

"Mmm." Song He'er nodded repeatedly.

The boat sped across the river, rocking violently the whole way due to the large number of people, even causing several children to vomit...

Jiang Huaifu frowned. "I suggested using a large ship, but you refused. It won't arrive for another half an incense stick's time. I think these children are suffering by coming with us."

While feeding Song Xiaoyu water, Song He'er replied, "I know you mean well, but this is the safest way. Hang in there, we'll be there soon."

While holding the child, Qin Xiaoniang looked up at Jiang Huaifu. Although she didn't have a very good impression of him before, she now had a clear change of opinion about him.

Previously, because of his royal lineage, he did not want to have any connection with the people of Xizhou. But now that he has broken free from those constraints and is willing to help them like this, Qin Xiaoniang is grateful to him from the bottom of her heart.

"Young master, we have arrived. All the rooms in the post station have been cleaned. Please rest here tonight and we can head to the estate to rest tomorrow."

"I understand. Give the order that the people outside keep a close watch on this place. No one is allowed to enter without my permission."

"Yes, I understand."

After receiving the instructions, A-Lu and the rest of the men stood guard outside.

Jiang Huaifu originally lived here, but there were too many people today, so he had no choice but to rest outside.

After assigning rooms, Song He'er took Song Xiaoyu's medicine and handed it to Zhang Xiu'e.

"Third Aunt, I've already had someone prepare hot water. Please wash Third Uncle and change his wound dressing. We'll have to go to the manor to stay tomorrow morning; this place is too conspicuous."

Zhang Xiue looked at Song Xiaoyu's injuries with heartache and replied, "I understand, He'er. Go and keep your mother company."

"Um."

After saying that, Song He'er turned around and went to Qin Xiaoniang's room.

Huan Ge'er was already very tired, so when Song He'er went in, he had already fallen asleep. Only Qin Xiaoniang was still guarding him, showing no signs of sleepiness.

"Mother, you should go to sleep now, we still have a long journey ahead tomorrow."

Qin Xiaoniang looked up and around, then asked softly, "This house is really nice. Aren't we causing any trouble for anyone by staying here?"

Song He'er smiled and said, "Good? How good is it? Can it be better than our General's Mansion? Mother, you can sleep peacefully. I have already paid for everything he has done for me, so you don't need to feel guilty."

"You've already paid? Where did you get so much money?"

"They took it from the General's mansion when they raided the house!"

"What?"

"Mother, even if I tell you now, you might not believe me. Anyway, I can even produce that business secret manual, let alone this mere silver. Don't worry about how I got it or where I put it. Just keep your mouth shut and don't tell anyone else."

Qin Xiaoniang became more and more confused as she listened. Could this be teleportation? A high-level technique in the martial arts world?

But my daughter rarely leaves the house, so where did she learn these skills?

"Then I won't ask anymore. Just be sensible in your actions. New Year's Eve is coming soon. Go and make yourself a bright and colorful outfit. After all, you'll be of marriageable age after the New Year, and you'll need a few well-fitting clothes to wear."

"Don't worry about me, Mother. Go to sleep, I'm sleepy..."

......

Here's an update for today~~ It's snowing again up north, everyone take care of yourselves and wear warm clothes in this cold weather~.