Qiao Lian'er entered the room and opened the letter.
The note read: "On November 21st, Shi Nanfu entered the southern border. Further details will be provided later. Please inquire after Miss Lian'er's well-being."
The identity of Shi Nanfu was not specifically explained, but it was certainly related to her previous request.
Could there be hope? Qiao Lian'er's heart lit up.
There was something else in the envelope, which looked like a piece of parchment. When I unfolded it, it was a map of the South.
Only the military can possess the map; if an ordinary person were to have it, it would be a death sentence.
Qiao Lian'er quickly closed the doors and windows before carefully examining the picture.
The document includes place names, a topographical map, and the distances between each location.
Having come into this world, Qiao Lian'er only knew that this country was called Daze and that it was located in the south, but she had no idea where exactly it was.
This map makes everything clear at a glance.
The location of Qingshui Town was marked by a red circle. Qiao Lian'er discovered that it was located at the southwesternmost point, bordering not only several small countries to the south, but also numerous countries of varying sizes to the west.
The terrain to the west is much more complex than that to the south. Between those countries, there are natural trenches, a place called the Flaming Mountains, and snow-capped peaks. Further west of those countries, there is a vast ocean. The map only goes this far, and what lies beyond that ocean is unknown.
Qiao Lian'er couldn't figure out why Pei Zhujin had given her the map. She could only discuss it when the man named Shi Lang arrived in ten days.
But since she was given a map, it meant the map was crucial, so she should familiarize herself with the terrain and address, and ideally memorize it.
I looked inside the envelope again; it was quite heavy and wrapped in a handkerchief.
Qiao Lian poured it out, opened the handkerchief, and there was a jade pendant carved from jade. The carving was actually a tortoise, with a ruyi knot tassel below it.
It was obvious who did this; such childish behavior. Qiao Lian'er was both amused and exasperated.
But since it's jade, and a good piece of jade at that, let's keep it and sell it for money later.
The next day, Dayong and Lingyin went to Lingjia Village to return to their parents' home.
Grandma Qiao stuffed a large basket full of things, and when that wasn't enough, she added two more large baskets and kept filling them.
Pig's trotters, lamb leg, flatbread, brown sugar—
“Milk, that’s enough, that’s too much,” Lingyin said.
“That’s your family home, how can you not bring more?” Old Mrs. Qiao said, then said to Old Mr. Qiao, “The cabinet that the Zhao family sent is not needed and will be left idle. Move it to the carriage.”
Boss Qiao went to move it diligently.
Lingyin couldn't persuade her; she simply couldn't.
I felt a warm feeling flowing through my heart.
Da Yong drove the carriage, with Ling Yin sitting in the front. The young couple were all smiles as they headed back to their parents' home.
Qiao Lian'er looked at the map again and again, spread out Xuan paper on the desk, and began to memorize the map.
It's never safe to keep such a thing in your possession; if it's discovered, it could lead to execution. Once she's fully memorized it, burn it.
After an afternoon, I finally memorized it accurately, and I had a clear understanding of even the smallest locations.
Qiao Lian'er placed the parchment on the candlelight and watched as the flame gradually consumed the paper, turning it bit by bit into ashes.
Her heart finally settled down.
The next day, after lunch, Dayong and Lingyin returned from Lingjia Village, bringing two chickens, three catties of smoked perch, a large jar of tender spicy cabbage, and a basket of eggs that Qiu had saved up.
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