Chapter 83 Chapter 83 Set off alone...

Lin Qiuran nodded slightly.

This decision was not made recently; she had long planned to move somewhere else.

When Zhao Jinshan came to Yu'an to investigate, Lin Qiuran had asked about the children's education. Lord Zhao had said that the academies in Xuzhou and the capital were excellent. Tangyuan was four years old this year, and would be five after the Lunar New Year. It was time to send him to a school and have a teacher teach him how to read.

Of course, this was just what Zhao Jinshan said two years ago. Zhao Jinshan is no longer working in Xuzhou, and even the magistrate of Yu'an, Mr. Li, has been promoted elsewhere. Lin Qiuran doesn't know whether the Beijing Academy is still as good as before.

Lin Qiuran taught Tangyuan to recite poems and do math problems, but mainly for fun. In her mind, Tangyuan was a child. She taught him a few lines of poetry at home, and while he could recite them, he still couldn't read or write, nor did he understand the meaning of poetry.

Lin Qiuran planned to do it sooner rather than later. He planned to go to the capital in a few days, settle down there, and then open a Jinding Restaurant there. He had already discussed this with Shopkeeper Shi, who had been in charge of the restaurant's operations this month.

She wanted to go to the capital, not only for the tangyuan, but also because Jindinglou was doing brisk business; it was already the largest restaurant in the county. There were only so many people in the county, and even with the variety of dishes and the expansion, there would only be so many customers, so Lin Qiuran wanted to look elsewhere.

Also, at the end of last year, Xiao Xun sent back a letter saying that everything was fine with him, but the war was getting intense and he had to stay in the northwest and couldn't come back.

The handwriting was indeed Xiao Xun's, and in the letter, Xiao Xun also said that he had been promoted. Xiao Xun didn't often return to Yu'an, and Lin Qiuran didn't want to wait in Yu'an. If Xiao Xun could return from the northwest, he would not return to Yu'an often because he had an official position.

Is she going to stay with her parents-in-law and Tangyuan for the rest of her life? Not to mention that their relationship isn't that deep, even if it were, how long would they last if they were separated?

Xiao Xun had to leave home to fight in the war, to defend his country, and Lin Qiuran had no objection. But if he stayed in the capital, Xuzhou, or somewhere else when he wasn't on the battlefield, leaving Lin Qiuran to support the family alone, she didn't want to.

She doesn't lack money, so it would be better for her to get a divorce.

It would have been fine if Shopkeeper Shi didn't mention this matter, but he couldn't help but frown when he mentioned Lin Qiuran.

As Tangyuan grew up, learning to run, jump, laugh, act coquettishly, and talk, Sun and Xiao Dashi became more and more fond of him. This was different from Lin Qiuran's opinion. She believed that men should not be overly pampered and should be literate, polite, and sensible. However, Sun and Xiao Dashi felt that Tangyuan was still young and it was too early to consider such things.

Although the final result was that the two agreed to take Tangyuan to the capital, they still kept nagging.

Sun has been muttering these days that she is unfamiliar with the capital and the situation is not peaceful now. What if she encounters bandits on the road? What if something happens on the road? She is also worried that she will not be able to adapt to the climate and food in the capital.

Sun originally wanted Lin Qiuran to wait for Xiao Xun to come back. The war could not go on forever, so it would be better to let Xiao Xun take over.

Lin Qiuran understood their reluctance to leave their homeland, but this time of year was the best time to leave. The hot summer had just passed, and the weather was not hot, making it comfortable to travel.

It's not too cold, but I'll be freezing on the road.

Tangyuan can start his education at the age of four or five. When they arrive in the capital, they have to settle down, find a place to live, and then arrange for a school.

If Lin Qiuran waited until next year or the year after, or even until Xiao Xun returned, he would be worried about being late for enlightenment. He also had a lot of things to do in the capital, as Jindinglou was planning to open a branch. Even if he took a step back, the letter was sent before the New Year, and more than half a year had passed. Lin Qiuran didn't even know if Xiao Xun was still alive. How could he wait?

If Tangyuan was ordinary, Lin Qiuran would also like him to live a stable life, study and learn to read in a private school, learn to manage a shop from Manager Shi, and take over Jindinglou in the future, so that he will never have to worry about food and drink.

But Tangyuan is very smart. He has his own ideas at such a young age. He can remember poems after reciting them once, and can learn math very quickly. In this case, he should be given a wider world to fly, rather than living a stable life in Yu'an.

Xiao Dashi was not so particular about the glutinous rice balls, but he spoiled them, while Sun was both particular and spoiled about them.

Children of this age are always naughty and mischievous sometimes, and Lin Qiuran is forced to take on the role of the good guy at such times.

Thinking of this, he felt a little far away. Lin Qiuran said, "Although I'm gone, the shop is still there. If you have any questions, please write to me."

Wan Niang stayed in the shop, and there were two of Lin Qiuran's new apprentices here, and Lin Dong also stayed here for the time being.

There is also Xiao Dashi. Although he promised Lin Qiuran to take Tangyuan to the capital, he is unwilling to go.

Lin Qiuran thought that someone had to take care of the fields, and Jin Dinglou was also there. He didn't know when the whole family would come back after leaving, so he was really worried about leaving Jin Dinglou here.

So, Xiao Dashi stayed here this time and wrote to him after he was settled there, asking him to come over.

Jindinglou was handed over to Shopkeeper Shi. Lin Qiuran was glad that he had given him a share of the profits. Otherwise, if Shopkeeper Shi quit, it would be difficult to find another shopkeeper who would work hard for the shop.

The waiters are still the same old ones. Lu Fan is steady and down-to-earth, while Zhao Xing is smart and good at making tea.

Lin Ming was going to leave with Lin Qiuran, so the shop would be short of one person. Lin Qiuran had bought two servants a few days ago and left them to help with odd jobs.

Wan Niang can cook now and has always been honest and kind. Lin Qiuran wanted to give her a share of the profits like Manager Shi did, but Wan Niang refused.

People should have a conscience and be content. It is very good that Lin Qiuran is willing to pass on his cooking skills to her. How can an apprentice ask for the master's share?

She just wants to be paid. If she really works for the shop like Manager Shi, she will feel at ease when she takes the money.

Lin Qiuran had arranged things this way at Jindinglou: Lin Dongwan was the head chef, with her two apprentices helping out. The front-room manager, Shi, was in charge, and Zhao Xing and the others trusted him.

Writing letters is slow, so they still have to rely on themselves. However, Lin Qiuran felt that nothing serious would happen, because the dishes at Jindinglou were cheap and delicious, and they had a very good reputation in Yu'an County.

Since the refugees entered the city two years ago, Jindinglou has been giving out alms every month in the east and west of the city, and the people also remember the kindness of the restaurant.

Furthermore, the current county magistrate of Yu'an is Lord Wang, who was familiar with Lin Qiuran in the past. Last year, he was the chief clerk of the county, but he has now been promoted. If Manager Shi has any matters, he can go to the county government office.

Lin Qiuran was relieved about Jinding Tower, but he had worked with these people for so many years and had a bond with them, and they were about to leave, so he felt reluctant to let them go.

Lin Qiuran smiled and said, "All good things must come to an end. I'll be back someday. If you have anything to say, please write to me. You can discuss the shop matters with Manager Shi. When I get to the capital, I'll send you some local specialties."

Shopkeeper Shi smiled and said, "Then there must be a farewell banquet before you leave. I'll be the host, and Madam Lin must not refuse! Don't worry, with the few of us at the Golden Tripod Tower, everything will be fine."

Manager Shi will definitely manage the business well. He can earn eleven or twelve taels of silver a month, which is the highest in this line of work.

Last year, his family moved to a new house. Although he managed such a large restaurant and handled so much money, the restaurant belonged to Lin Qiuran, as did the recipe. He knew the priorities clearly, and Lin Qiuran was considered kind-hearted to give him five percent of the profits.

People like Lu Fan earn quite a lot as waiters, after all, anyone can do this job.

Zhao Xing was also content. When he left the teahouse, the other waiters left early because they didn't want to wait, but the business closed down and there was no work. He didn't get much money after switching jobs, but he was the only one who worked there for so long.

There is still a month left when the refugees arrive, and many people have no work to do. He should work hard and get the money he deserves.

Manager Shi assured Lin Qiuran not to worry, and Zhao Xing and Lu Fan also said that they would work hard. As long as Jindinglou lasted, their good days would also last.

Lin Qiuran took a deep breath and said, "Thank you."

Lin Qiuran planned to leave after three days. After dinner, he left the shop to Manager Shi and others to clean up. Lin Qiuran took Lin Dong and others away.

Lin Ming drives a horse-drawn carriage. Nowadays, most donkey carts are used by Xiao Dashi. Since there is a horse-drawn carriage, it is natural to do it in any way that is convenient and easy.

As soon as Lin Qiuran got home, he saw Tangyuan waiting at the front door. When he saw Lin Qiuran coming back, he stood up and said, "Mom, you're finally back!"

It was almost the hour of Xu. Tangyuan would have gone to bed at this time in the past. Lin Qiuran glanced at his belly, which was still bulging.

Lin Qiuran asked, "Why haven't you slept yet?"

Tang Yuan: "Mom, I'm not sleepy yet. I just played with the Nine Linked Rings and Luban Lock that Uncle Xu gave me."

Xu Yuanheng came back once every one or two months, and every time he came back he would bring Tangyuan some strange and clever gadgets. Ordinary children of his age would still be playing in the mud at the door, but Tangyuan had all these and even learned how to use an abacus from Manager Shi.

Shopkeeper Shi had a big one, and Lin Qiuran bought him a small one.

Lin Qiuran touched Tangyuan's head and said, "You play on weekdays, too. Why don't you sleep so late?"

Tang Yuan glanced at Lin Qiuran and said, "It's also to wait for mother."

Lin Qiuran: "Anything else?"

Tang Yuan said honestly, "I felt a bit bloated today and couldn't sleep, but I've already brushed my teeth."

Lin Qiuran glanced at his belly again, which looked like a watermelon. "Next time you say that, hold your belly in."

Tangyuan looked down at his stomach and said, "How come my mother can always tell when I eat too much? Mom, you really have a keen eye. I couldn't help eating another beef dumpling last night. Your cooking skills are really good. You let me eat three and I couldn't help but eat a fourth."

Mrs. Sun spoiled her child and couldn't stand the fact that her grandson wanted to eat but couldn't.

Lin Qiuran said, "If you feel full, walk around more and go to bed later."

Tangyuan smiled and revealed two dimples.

Lin Qiuran smiled helplessly and said, "It's not that I won't give it to you, but you'll be the one who feels uncomfortable if you eat too much." His family runs a restaurant, and every dish is delicious. Tangyuan has been picky about food since he was a child, and Lin Qiuran knows that everyone likes delicious food, but Lin Qiuran is worried that he will be too greedy and won't be able to endure other hardships in the future.

What if the food at the academy isn't tasty? Should I just not eat it? Tangyuan doesn't have many flaws, but being picky is one of them.

Tang Yuan nodded. He remembered that when he was hesitant about whether to eat it or not, his grandmother told him to eat it. He didn't eat beef often, and after this time, he didn't know when he would have to eat it again. So he couldn't help himself, but he didn't blame Sun for it. "Mom, I couldn't help myself."

Lin Qiuran smiled and said, "That's a good time to pack up for the trip to the capital. It can be considered as a way to digest the food."

Tang Yuan cheered, "Mom, let's go to the capital! Is the capital good?"

Lin Qiuran took Tangyuan's hand and walked into the house. "Mother doesn't know either. There must be good places and bad places. The good places that mother knows are: the academy in the capital is good, the teachers are good, and they can teach you a lot. There are also many delicious foods in the capital. The delicious mutton that your Aunt Yang mentioned can be eaten in the capital. The capital is convenient to go everywhere, and there are many people."

"But it's definitely not as comfortable as being in Yu'an. Your grandfather isn't going with you this time. Didn't you go to the creek in your hometown last month? Maybe there's nothing like that in the capital."

There might be some in the manor, but if Lin Qiuran wants to buy a house and a shop, the manor must be purchased last.

In Yu'an Tangyuan's opinion, he could be considered a rich young master, but there were many powerful people and officials in the capital, so his family's wealth was nothing.

Tang Yuan didn't quite understand, so he said, "No matter if it's good or not, I'll go wherever Mom goes."

If Lin Qiuran had not told him not to go into the kitchen, he would have followed them in. The kitchen is so nice and full of delicious food.

Lin Qiuran smiled and said, "Then pack your things and decide what clothes and toys to take with you. Take what you need."

The journey is long and it would be inconvenient to bring too much.

Tangyuan is still young, so he sleeps with Lin Qiuran, and all his things are in this room.

Lin Qiuran found him a wooden box and put all his things in it.

The first thing Tangyuan took was the wind-up puppy that Xiao Xun brought him when he came back, and the second was a small wooden bird. He had played with both of them until they were smooth and shiny.

Actually, he doesn't like these very much, but this is what his father gave him.

Lin Qiuran hadn't hidden Xiao Xun's departure for the war from the Sun family, nor could she have. After Tang Yuan learned about it, Lin Qiuran didn't want to hide it from the child either.

Tang Yuan once asked where his father was. Why was his father not there when others had fathers?

Yingjie'er's father, Zhao Shi, always came to pick up Wanniang and her daughter in the evening. Tangyuan asked about it after seeing them a few times.

Sun wanted to deceive him and coaxed him by saying, "Your father has gone on a business trip far away and will be back soon."

Lin Qiuran said, "Your grandmother is old and may have misremembered. Your father went to the northwest to fight. Look at the vendors and pedestrians on the street, and the rows of buildings. We live well here because your father and other uncles guard the border. Otherwise, if foreign invaders came, we wouldn't have a stable life without them."

The child is young, but he is not ignorant. He can hide things from others at home, but he cannot be hidden from others. He will listen if you talk to him properly. Why bother lying to him?

Lin Qiuran was telling the truth. The next time Tangyuan asked her was after Xiao Xun sent the letter.

Tang Yuan stared with wide eyes, bewildered, "Mom, did you lie to me? Dad is actually dead."

Tang Yuan went out to play that day, and someone told him that his father was most likely dead, as it was easy to die from injuries sustained in battle. Tang Yuan thought Lin Qiuran didn't tell him because he was afraid he would be sad. In fact, he had never met his father and didn't know how good he was. He wanted to tell Lin Qiuran that as long as he was there, it didn't matter whether his father was there or not, and his mother didn't need to be sad.

Lin Qiuran was stunned for a moment, then pinched Tangyuan's cheek and said, "Don't curse your father, he's still alive and well."

I received a letter before the New Year, and no news was good news.

Tang Yuan packed his things with his bulging belly. He put the puppy in the box, thought for a moment, and took it out again and put it on the bed. He wanted to sleep with the puppy tonight. After putting the puppy in place, Tang Yuan turned around and asked Lin Qiuran, "Mom, can I see Dad in the capital?"

Lin Qiuran said, "I can't say for sure about this, but there's a 50% to 60% chance that I'll see you. What would you say if you saw your father?"

Lin Qiuran occasionally couldn't help but complain and blame Xiao Xun.

I feel like he can't come back. Tangyuan has grown up with so much missing out. Unfortunately, things in this world can't have it all, and there are many children like Tangyuan. Family and country always come first.

Lin Qiuran was afraid that Tangyuan would be unhappy and blame his father.

Tang Yuan said: "When I see him... I will hug him, and then I will play riding a horse!"

Tang Yuan lowered his head as he untied the shell wind chime Xu Yuanheng had given him from the top of the bed and carefully placed it in the box. He had arranged the strings neatly, but it still felt awkward to put it in. He decided to wrap it in paper, otherwise it would get messy if the box was shaken.

He didn't wrap it very well, so he asked Lin Qiuran to help him.

Lin Qiuran said as he wrapped the package: "Okay."

Tang Yuan held his chin and thought, would it be different if Dad held him or if Uncle Xu held him? No, no, no, there's no comparison. It's not good for either Dad or Uncle Xu.

Lin Qiuran couldn't help laughing when she saw how chubby he looked. The mother and son packed up for a while, but the dumplings had not been digested yet, so Lin Qiuran lay on the bed and rubbed his stomach for a while.

At night, because he ate too much Tangyuan, he felt uncomfortable even in his sleep. Lin Qiuran woke up several times, rubbing his hands, and he was not at ease even when he fell asleep.

This was commonplace for her. Tangyuan had been ill once before when she was just over three years old. She had caught a cold at the beginning of spring and had a raging fever at night. Lin Qiuran had fed her medicine and rubbed her body, staying by her side for several nights.

The moon rises above the willows and the sun rises again.

The weather was fine the next day, so Lin Qiuran did not go to Jinding Tower. Instead, he asked Lin Ming to tell his two apprentices that they should go there to cook from today on.

Lin Qiuran and Tangyuan continued to pack their things. She also said to Sun, "Mom, you should pack too. Don't bring too much. We'll have to stay in an inn when we get to the capital, and it will be inconvenient to carry too much stuff."

Sun nodded. She was worried if he stayed, but she was also worried about this and that if he left.

Sun went back to her room to pack up, and after a while she came out and asked, "What did you bring with the dumplings? I'll pack them for you."

Lin Qiuran: "There's no rush for him. There are still a few days left. Let him clean up by himself. After he's done, check what's left at home and give him the important things."

Lin Qiuran dug some soil from the backyard and brought it with him to prevent acclimatization, but nothing else mattered. With money, he could buy anything in the capital.

Sun hummed, and then said, "Qiuran, the dumplings are so small, can you clean them up?"

Lin Qiuran smiled. "He has nothing to do, so he can just play while cleaning up. Mom, we can't do everything for him, he's a man."

Lin Qiuran called out to Tangyuan, "Tangyuan, do you need grandma's help?"

Tang Yuan had just found the small stone he wanted to take with him. It was called Yuhua Stone, which was also brought to him by Uncle Xu. He waved his hand and said, "Grandma, I won't need it for now. You don't know where the things I like are kept."

Sun told him to come find her if the dumplings failed, and then she went to pack her things. Lin Qiuran had bought her a lot of clothes and jewelry in the past two years, and she and Xiao Dashi had saved some money every month, so she had to take all of this with her. She would need money a lot in the capital, so she had to take it with her just in case.

Alas, no matter how good other places are, they are not as good as home. It’s so far to Beijing.

Sun sighed. Qiu Ran did ask them to stay, but she was worried and had no choice but to follow.

Lin Qiuran also asked Lin Ming to go to the county government office to get the travel permit to the capital, and rented two horse-drawn carriages. There was only one carriage in the family, and it couldn't accommodate so many people and their luggage.

Lin Ming and Lin Xia quickly took care of these things.

Lin Qiuran also hired a bodyguard to escort him to avoid any accidents on the way. Before leaving, Lin Qiuran took Tangyuan back to Linjia Village and left some cloth, food and silver for Liu.

She also instructed the servants at home to visit Linjia Village every few months.

Liu was reluctant to let go, holding Tangyuan tightly, and said, "Come back if you can't stay any longer. Tangyuan, you must study hard in the capital!"

Tang Yuan nodded vigorously, "Grandma, when I become successful, I will bring you to the capital."

Liu was coaxed into grinning, and early in the morning of August 29th, a group of people escorted three carriages and set off.

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The author has something to say: Let’s go~[pink heart][cat head][panda head][starry eyes][scatter flowers]