That day, the entire Jiangjia Village was bustling with activity.

A dozen large pots were simmering meat on the drying ground, and the aroma of the meat wafted far and wide, causing the dogs in the neighboring village to bark incessantly.

After taking the meat out, Jiang Shuwen and his men put seasoning packets into the broth and started blanching vegetables.

Men, women, young and old, each holding a large bowl filled with meat and vegetables, were eating with great relish, some squatting and some standing.

Mu Yi'an and Jiang Shuyun were also infected by the lively atmosphere; such a bustling scene and vibrant energy were rare in their previous lives.

"It's wonderful that such a prosperous and peaceful era continues. I hope it will continue forever. Since ancient times, ordinary people have not asked for much; they just want to be fed and clothed."

"Yes, even in this technologically advanced modern era, ordinary people don't ask for much, but how many people can truly be completely relaxed and carefree?"

The two of them, watching the lively crowd, felt happy too.

After the excitement subsided, Uncle Jiang Qin organized everyone to clean up the mess, and Mu Yi'an and the others returned to the Jiang family's old house.

"Shuyun, you're going to the capital before the New Year. Do you need the clan to send someone to accompany you?"

My third grandfather had never been to the capital before, and he had no idea how long the journey would take or what he would encounter.

"Third Grandfather, I plan to set off for the capital next month. The family steward will come with me, and if there are any members of the clan who want to go out and gain experience, they can choose two to come along."

Jiang Shuyun also knew that in this era, it was not easy to travel far from home.

Transportation, safety, and accommodation were all issues. This time, his brother-in-law had asked a relative of his wife's family who worked as a镖师 (bodyguard/escort) to give him a ride.

"Won't this cause you trouble? I wanted your Uncle Qin to go out and see for himself, to let them know that even people in the capital with officials in their families have to be careful and can't do whatever they want."

Shuyun, you have a long road ahead of you. The clan can't offer you much help, but we won't hold you back either. Only when you've established yourself can you mentor more younger generations, helping them leave Jiangjia Village and achieve steady development.

Third Grandfather was also afraid that the clansmen would not be able to stay in check and would take advantage of Shuyun's power to do evil, ruining his reputation and causing the entire clan to suffer as well.

"Third Grandfather is thinking ahead. Let Uncle Qin go with us and see the world. Our Jiangjia Village has a superior geographical location, so there may be other ways out."

Jiang Shuyun hadn't expected these problems. He hadn't fully integrated into the concept of "clan members" yet.

Indeed, with imperial power supreme, anything that happens will be dealt with in a chain reaction.

The execution of nine generations of a family was not a fictional act; it was a real phenomenon in ancient times.

Jiang's father also thought this was a good idea, since Shuyun's family now had the means to help out more of their clansmen.

One purpose was to leave a good reputation, and the other was to serve as a deterrent, keeping the clansmen in line and preventing them from causing trouble.

Having finished discussing the matter, Jiang Shuyun and the others prepared to return to the county town.

After a bumpy ride home, I was busy preparing for the trip, and soon it was evening.

In the bedroom, Jiang Shuyun thought for a moment and finally spoke the words that had been on her mind.

"Yi'an, I'm sorry I didn't have time to discuss what Third Grandfather said with you."

"Shuyun, Third Grandfather's consideration is very correct. People are fearless when they are ignorant."

In the past, everyone lived together in Jiangjia Village, and nothing much happened.

From now on, we will at least have to live in the prefectural city, and we will need more and more manpower. More members of the clan will also come to rely on us.

If we don't instill fear in them from the very beginning, we can't guarantee what kind of accidents might occur later.

Mu Yi'an wasn't angry. Jiang Shuyun had already made her decision. This was ancient times, an era where men were in charge of external affairs, and women didn't have much say.

She came here with Jiang Shuyun, supporting each other, but they also had to abide by the rules here, at least on the surface.

"Yi'an, it's so good to have you here!"

Jiang Shuyun had wanted to say this ever since she left the examination hall, and this was the opportunity she finally had.

"With you here, I feel wonderful. Our meeting was destined, so let's cherish it together!"

"Yes, we must cherish it."

The two of them cuddled and snuggled together for a long time, and finally, they drew the bed curtains and did some things that were not suitable for children.

The next day, Jiang Shuyun returned to the academy.

Time passed day by day, and soon Jiang Shuyun was about to set off for the capital.

Jiang Shuwen arrived the day after Jiang Shuyun returned from the prefectural city.

"Second brother, second sister-in-law, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Just say what it is, why are you beating around the bush?"

Jiang Shuyun found it strange; her third brother was usually quite straightforward.

"Second brother, second sister-in-law, I also want to go to the capital with you to see the sights. I used to go out often when I was working in the business, but I never went very far."

When my second brother went to Beijing this time, I thought I'd go with him and see what it was like.

Mu Yi'an thought it was a good thing. When people broaden their horizons, they won't be timid or hesitant in their actions.

"As long as your shop can manage it, you should keep an eye on the expenses along the way."

Jiang Shuyun had no intention of taking full responsibility; Yi'an's money was hard-earned, not something that fell from the sky.

"Everything is arranged, but there's one more thing I need to trouble you with, Second Sister-in-law."

Jiang Shuwen was truly embarrassed by this; he felt a little awkward.

"What's wrong? Why are you having trouble talking about it?"

Mu Yi'an was also quite curious; what had made Jiang Shuwen keep it to himself for so long?

"I'd like to ask my second sister-in-law to help me take care of Qiu Niang and her two children. I'll be gone for half a year, and I'm worried about leaving them all alone at home. Could Qiu Niang bring the children and come stay with me?"

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