Xu Di touched Zhang Zhaoci's belly and whispered, "Little one, you have to be good. If you're not good, I'll spank you when you come out." After Xu Di finished speaking, he felt the fetus in Zhang Zhaoci's belly kick his hand lightly.

Xu Di exclaimed in surprise, "Mom, he actually kicked me!"

Zhang Zhaoci said with a smile, "I told you long ago that your little brother is a real little devil; he can understand everything you say."

Xu Di said, "As long as you listen to me, I will definitely take good care of you. If you don't listen, hmph, your little bottom will have found a place to rest."

Zhang Zhaoci smiled and nudged Xu Di, saying, "How old are you? You're still so childish. How can you threaten a child like that? Go and get back to your work."

Xu Di agreed and hurriedly ran out.

Everything was ready. The Xu family members hurriedly stood at the gate, each carrying their own belongings. Zhang Zhaoci looked at the small courtyard where they had lived for more than three years, sighed, and said, "Let's go."

On the street, some people were already carrying bundles and leading their children toward the west gate. When someone saw Zhang Zhaoci, they called out "Doctor Zhang," and Zhang Zhaoci would smile and nod to them. Everyone then walked toward the west gate together.

The west gate had been opened, and people inside the city were walking out one after another. Some people looked back at the place as they walked, their eyes red and swollen. This was their home, and they couldn't bear to leave it behind.

A special person led these people toward Yanmen Pass. Along the way, the guards of Yanmen Pass stood at intervals to maintain order by the roadside. It was already evening, and the sky was getting dark. The biting north wind stung people's faces. Xu Zhi pulled the wool scarf around her neck closer to her face. This scarf was knitted by Zhang Zhaoci with wool yarn. It was the simplest knitting stitch. Zhang Zhaoci's skill was really limited. The scarf was knitted with varying tightness. But it was made of wool and was thick and long, so it was very warm to wear.

Qingmiao was carrying a large bundle filled with cotton clothes for her family, and a smaller bundle, also containing clothes, was slung over her wrist. Seeing Xu Zhi pulling at her scarf, she quickly helped tighten the cotton cloak Xu Zhi was wearing, saying, "Ninth Miss, we're almost there."

Xu Zhi said, "Sister Qingmiao, are you tired? Shall I carry this little bundle for you?"

Qingmiao said, "No, you're still growing. You can't carry anything too heavy, or it will prevent you from growing taller. Don't be fooled by how much stuff you have; it's just clothes, not heavy at all."

Xu Zhi sighed and said, "I hope we can wipe out those Northern Di people this time, so they can't come and fight us again."

Qingmiao said, "That's what I think too. They're so hateful."

The road from Hexi to Yanmen Pass was a simple gravel road, specifically for the garrison troops stationed at Yanmen Pass. The road was not very wide and not very smooth. After walking for a while, Zhang Zhaoci felt her body getting heavy, and her stomach kept sinking down. She gently lifted her stomach with her hand and whispered, "Little one, don't be too impatient. We haven't arrived yet, but we'll be there soon. Just hang in there a little longer."

Granny Lu, who had been following Zhang Zhaoci closely, quickly asked upon seeing Zhang Zhaoci's actions, "How is it?"

Zhang Zhaoci said, "I feel my belly dropping really hard, I guess I'm about to give birth."

Upon hearing this, Granny Lu became extremely anxious and said, "What should we do? There are still more than ten miles to go. We can't give birth to the child by the roadside."

Zhang Zhaoci wiped the sweat from her face, gritted her teeth, and said, "Granny, it's alright. I'll hold on a little longer, and we'll keep going."

Granny Lu said, "Why are you walking? You've given birth before. Walking like this will make the baby come out faster. Yanxia, ​​Yanxia, ​​come here, come here quickly."

Upon hearing this, Li Yanxia, ​​who was walking ahead, quickly ran over. Granny Lu said, "Give the things to others and carry our mistress with you."

Upon hearing this, Li Yanxia quickly handed over the things she was carrying to the person beside her. She picked up Zhang Zhaoci and took a few steps. Zhang Zhaoci said, "Grandma, it's going too far downhill. I really can't go on. If I have to give birth by the roadside, then so be it."

Granny Lu was sweating profusely with anxiety. She saw a soldier she recognized but couldn't recall his name not far away. He must have gone to Xu Di's house with Ma Ming. She went over and took his hand, saying, "Young man, our lady is about to give birth. Is there anywhere around here where we can stay?"

He Ergou, who was being pulled along by Granny Lu, listened to Granny Lu's words, looked around, and said, "Granny, there's a camp nearby, not far from here. Shall I take you there?"

Granny Lu kept answering "yes" and said to Qingmiao and Qingsui, "You two take Ninth Miss and continue with the group. Don't get separated from the people in our manor. I'll leave two people with you. They will protect you. When you reach Yanmen Pass, just follow the instructions of the people on Prince Wei's side. Stay wherever they tell you to stay. Don't worry about the conditions. You must protect Ninth Miss well, understand?"

Qingmiao agreed, and Xu Zhi, upon hearing Lu Mama's instructions, asked, "Mama, how is my mother?"

Granny Lu said, "Ninth Miss, you should go to Yanmen Pass with them. Someone will make arrangements for you when you get there. Your mother is about to give birth to your younger brother, so you won't be able to help. Listen to Granny Lu and go with Qingmiao there to settle down first. That way, your mother will have one less thing to worry about."

Xu Zhi nodded and said, "Granny, I understand what you mean." Then she ran to Zhang Zhaoci's side and said, "Mother, you and your brother must take good care of yourselves. I won't go with you and cause you any trouble. I'll wait for you at Yanmen Pass."

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