Seeing that no one was slacking off, Shen Xing relaxed the requirements for them a little, saying that they could rest at noon and take a nap to get better health.

After hearing this, these people not only did not rest, but worked even harder.

They've grown up to be so accustomed to such considerate words. When a family buys a servant, they usually treat one person like two.

They say they're treated like cattle and horses, but the lives of cattle and horses are worth far more than theirs.

They were overjoyed to have such a master, and they wished they could eat less and work more to keep their jobs and avoid being disliked by their master.

Seeing that further discussion was pointless, Shen Xingmian prepared plenty of fruit and food for them to eat as much as they wanted without worrying about saving.

Most of these people have never eaten fruit in their entire lives.

Let alone rare fruits like strawberries and grapes, even apples and pears are only ever eaten when they are small, sour, and grown in shady places.

Those big, red ones in the sunny spots are all meant to be sold.

Unexpectedly, after being sold off, they still have the pleasure of eating such food. Many people can't believe it's true and don't dare to actually eat it.

Later, Shen Xingmian couldn't stand it anymore and forcefully demanded that each of them eat an apple every day. Only then did they dare to hold the bright red apples that their owner forced on them and carefully and cherish them as they slowly began to nibble on them.

Seeing how cautious they were, Shen Xingmian regretted saying such harsh words earlier.

Knowing that they are all such unfortunate people, yet so self-aware, there was absolutely no need for me to scare them.

Anyway, we've already bought the person, so we can get to know each other better over time.

She avoided people on her journey and didn't encounter any trouble. She arrived in Jiangnan in less than five days.

It was pretty much as she had imagined; the buildings were all antique and much prettier than those in the north.

The streets are paved with bluestone slabs, which must look very beautiful on rainy days.

Before entering the city, she changed to a different horse. After entering the city, she led the horse slowly along the streets, enjoying the scenery of this small Jiangnan town she was visiting for the first time. She was very satisfied.

If she had to choose between the two, she might prefer this place to the North, but since the most important people to her are in the North, she can only regretfully become a passerby here.

Instead of lingering on the street, they went directly to the address left by their second uncle.

Before her was a very quiet and elegant courtyard. It didn't look very big, but a stream was flowing gently in front of the door, and there was a very delicate and beautiful little stone bridge over it. It was the kind of southern courtyard that Shen Xingmian liked the most.

The person who opened the door was an elderly man in his fifties. He looked very kind and gentle. Although he didn't know her, he was still very polite and friendly.

Having traveled a long way, Shen Xingmian's inexplicable anxiety was greatly relieved by such warm and friendly treatment.

"Uncle, my name is Shen Xingmian. Please go and inform him."

As soon as she finished saying her name, the old man's eyes lit up, and he smiled broadly, warmly ushering her inside.

Shen Xingmian never expected to receive such treatment; she thought she would have to wait at the door for a while.

"Miss, you don't know, but when our master has nothing to do at home, you're the person he talks about the most."

He often reminded the young master that without you, he wouldn't be able to go out and run around, and would be confined to bed taking medicine every day. He told him that as the younger brother, he must take good care of you in the future.

"puff."

Shen Xingmian couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.

The way she said that, as if she were already in her seventies or eighties and needed her little brother to take care of her in her old age and see her off in her final days, was really quite amusing.

It seems her second uncle hasn't changed much in private; he's still quite interesting.

As soon as they entered the backyard, the old man shouted loudly, "Master, Madam, Young Master, and Young Miss are here!"

The sudden shout almost startled Shen Xingmian. Fortunately, the old man was very sensible and took two quick steps forward before speaking.

They're quite considerate.

Soon, a door opened, revealing the handsome face of the second uncle, his expression filled with disbelief.

Then, a boy and a girl, presumably her second aunt and her younger brother, came out from a door further inside.

"Mianmian? It really is Mianmian!"

Shen Yunlan was so excited that he was at a loss for what to do. He never expected that Mianmian would appear in his house, all alone!

He quickly waved to his son: "Jun'er, come here quickly, this is your cousin Mianmian. Do you remember what your father told you?"

Shen Jun was only six years old, fair-skinned and very cute. He ran towards Shen Xingmian with his short legs, knelt down on the ground with a "plop", and said in a childish voice, "Thank you for saving my life, Sister Mianmian. Jun'er will definitely take good care of you in the future!"

Shen Xingmian almost burst out laughing.

While tugging at his adorable little brother, he glanced at his second aunt, who was covering her face behind him, unable to bear the sight, and greeted her with a smile.

The group of people, who were initially somewhat unfamiliar with each other, quickly became closer because of this little dumpling.

Seeing that the child's face was rosy and he could walk steadily, Shen Xingmian knew that her uncle and aunt had really taken good care of him.

Otherwise, with just the supernatural water and that ginseng, they wouldn't have reached this level.

"Don't just stand there like an idiot, come inside quickly, Uncle Liu, go and tell the kitchen to prepare some tea and snacks."

Shen Xingmian didn't stop her. Although she had all of these herself, it was polite to have someone show some appreciation when visiting an elder's home.

After entering the house, she first addressed her second aunt. Lin Miao was clearly a different type of woman from Mu Zhizhi. She had been doing business with her father and brothers since she was a child and had a very generous and cheerful personality.

Having been confined to the inner quarters for too long, he has lost the youthful vigor he once had, and has become more composed.

Lin Miao liked Shen Xingmian very much. She could save her precious child's life. Even if Shen Xingmian was someone she originally disliked, she would treat her with respect and courtesy. How much more so would she treat this beautiful and very likable young girl in front of her?

"Ever since your second uncle met you last time, he's been praising you to me and Jun'er every day. My ears are practically calloused from hearing it."

We had all agreed that we would wait until Jun'er could walk more steadily and the weather was warmer before we set off to find you. Unexpectedly, Mianmian came here by herself first.

"Did you encounter any difficulties along the way? Did you suffer? My second aunt cooked a welcome dinner for Mianmian tonight."

Lin Miao had a smile on her face the whole time she said these words.

It wasn't a polite, fake smile, but a genuine one, which made Shen Xingmian feel that she was truly welcomed by them, and warmed her heart.