Jiang Sheng sat on her father's shoulders, and was in a daze, not knowing how much time had passed.
She seemed to be walking through the market, through the streets, and through the cobblestone path in front of the door.
I thought I heard a knock on the door, and I thought I heard my aunt's voice, and a shocked scolding.
She was so sleepy; all she wanted to do was sleep.
The little girl yawned, clutching two strands of hair in her hand, and then fell silent again.
Zhang Xianglian, who was responsible for opening the door, was shocked and looked up in disbelief. When she confirmed that it was indeed Jiang Sheng who was fast asleep, she was furious.
Even knowing the identity of the person in front of her, and even knowing their relationship, she still scolded in a low voice, "What are you doing? You're such a grown woman, how can you still be carrying such a heavy load on your shoulders?"
"She's come this far, and now she's twelve years old, a big girl!"
In ancient times, there was a custom that boys and girls should not sit together after the age of seven. Girls as young as thirteen could be engaged, and by fifteen they could be married off and become mothers.
Although Jiang Sheng is a bit short, she is indeed old enough that her relationship with her brothers is limited to chasing and playing, and they no longer kiss and hug each other like when they were little.
Zhang Xianglian's anger was understandable, and her rebuke was instinctive.
When the words were finally out, both of them were somewhat taken aback.
She realized she had been harsh with the general, who was slightly embarrassed, saying, "I carried it sideways, using only one shoulder."
Even when Xiao Jiangsheng sleeps, he's always at an angle, with almost all of his weight resting on his head.
It's more elegant than riding on someone's neck directly.
But it's only a little bit.
Zhang Xianglian realized what was happening and raised her voice slightly, "No matter what, it won't work. A twelve-year-old girl can't keep carrying this burden. What will others think if they see this?"
The reason is that father and daughter have a deep bond, but it can't overcome the power of human nature.
For Jiang Sheng's sake, we can't keep bearing this burden.
“I understand.” Jiang Jizu sighed. “I was reckless. I was just thinking that since I never carried her like this when she was young, the older she gets… the less chance I will have to do it.”
After finishing his sentence with difficulty, the man turned his head away, trying to suppress the redness in the corners of his eyes and to control the sob in his throat.
How come it's so late, by so many years?
The bygone years and the past can only be glimpsed in the pages of paper and ink.
Unfortunately, no one can go back to the past, nor can anyone travel through time.
All they can do is try their best to make up for it in the future.
Little by little, and then a little more.
Jiang Sheng eventually let Zhang Xianglian carry her back to her room.
Passing through the noisy courtyard, one of the guards with a sword was sparring with Jiang Yi, while the others formed a circle, cheering and encouraging him.
As they crossed the gentle hall, the brothers pointed to the map and listened to Fang Heng recount life on the frontier, the thrilling and tense killings, the cruel and bloody scenes, and the innocent lives that perished tragically.
Upon arriving at the quiet bedroom, the drowsy little girl finally slumped into the soft bed, hugging the cloud-like blanket, and murmured something as she gently rubbed her cheek against it.
Zhang Xianglian smiled gently, took off her outer garment, tidied her hair, and covered her with a quilt.
When they closed the door and went out again, the burly, remorseful man at the door had disappeared.
Wang Xiaosong, whose eyes were the most alert, rushed over and said, "Auntie, someone knocked on the door again and called the General away."
“They look somewhat alike, and I even heard him call the general…brother.”
"Brother."
Jiang Jizong solemnly called out, cupping his hands and bowing, "I have not failed my brother's trust. I have observed the Liao family these past two days and they have indeed gradually relaxed their vigilance. It seems that they believe that if my brother does not deal with the matter immediately after returning, they will take the matter of the child swap lightly."
Jiang Jizu sneered and remained silent.
“If it were one of our Jiang family’s children, and you still expect the Jiang family not to pursue the matter, only a fool would have such a thought.” Jiang Jizong also laughed, his tone cold. “Chengfeng has followed the clues and found several old women living in the countryside, but he still hasn’t been able to find the person who came up with the idea and took action.”
Without that person, the Liao family could make excuses and deny everything to the death.
The Dayu Dynasty governed the country with laws, and all matters required evidence.
It happened twelve years ago, and many people who knew about it have been buried deep underground. Madam Jiang has not been able to find the key for more than half a year, so this mere two or three months of family visit leave is obviously not enough.
Jiang Jizu lowered his eyelashes, his voice as cold as ice, "Since we can't find it, let the Liao family find it themselves."
Jiang Jizong understood immediately, "Then let's go to the other courtyard first and meet those old women?"
Jiang Jizu nodded.
The two brothers stood up in unison, both tall and upright, but one exuded a scholarly air, while the other displayed a robust and martial spirit.
That same evening, the Liao family, who had relaxed, became tense again.
I thought the Jiang family wouldn't pursue the matter anymore, but I never expected them to sneak into the country villa and, I heard, capture several old women.
If they find out anything during interrogation...
After the Liao family patriarch was terrified, he decided, after much discussion, to silence the person who knew the whole truth back then.
“I said back then that only the dead are the safest, but my mother wouldn’t allow it, which is why she lived for twelve years.”
"Now, she has to die."
That night, four or five men in black crouched down and left the Liao family's house, heading straight for the countryside west of the city.
If they were skilled and observant enough, they would have noticed that a burly man and several guards with swords were following behind them.
At the same time, Jiang Sheng, who had slept well, woke up rubbing her eyes.
The food you ate before bed has been digested and is now making a "gurgling" sound.
Someone outside couldn't help but laugh out loud, not knowing who was there.
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