Chapter 273 Spring Temple Fair
Time flies, and the seeds in the ground, having drunk their fill of spring rain, sprout tender green shoots.
The trees, which were bare in autumn and winter, are now covered with green leaves again.
It's eye-catching.
The bells of Bailong Temple rang over the mountains, signaling the start of the annual spring temple fair.
As soon as it was dawn, the incense from the temple filled the mountain path, and from afar, men and women dressed in colorful clothes walked up the winding mountain road.
When the news reached Jishui Village, Xiaoyi was the first to get restless, chattering incessantly around Jiang Ling, her eyes full of longing.
Jiang Ling looked at the bright spring sunshine outside the window, then at Xiao Ran and Xiao Qiu beside her. She thought that Xiao Qiu had been staying in the courtyard to recuperate since she came back, and that she should go out for a walk and relax. So she smiled and agreed.
"Okay, let's all go, let's soak up the incense at the Buddhist temple and join in the fun."
Xiao Qiu was redeemed five days ago.
The incident of the peony garden being sealed off caused quite a stir, but this time the Ping'an County government was very efficient, producing a result in less than five days.
The madam and several managers were identified as having connections with the rebel party and were exiled to Lingnan.
After interrogation, most of the other girls and maids were found to be unaware of the situation and had no involvement with the rebels.
After being imprisoned for five days, the government allowed the family to redeem the child or resell it.
Jiang Ling had already asked Uncle Zhao to speak to the yamen (government office) early on.
With Uncle Zhao, a highly respected elder in the village, acting as guarantor, and Jiang Ling now having a small reputation in Ping'an County, the process of completing the procedures went quite smoothly.
After paying the required redemption money and affixing her fingerprint to the document, Xiao Qiu returned to the general store with Jiang Ling.
As for Xiaotao.
Jiang Ling had promised to set her free as long as she helped her complete these two tasks.
The next day, Jiang Ling called her over and asked her what her plans were.
After spending time together, Xiao Tao realized that Miss Jiang was a very good person, so she didn't hide anything and directly told her that she wanted to learn how to do business.
Jiang Ling was a little surprised, but after thinking about it carefully, she realized that the idea was not sudden. Xiao Tao was clever and thoughtful, and if she followed the right path, she might be able to make something of herself.
That same day, he took her to the Song residence.
How well Xiaotao learns next depends on her own abilities.
Xiao Ran drove the carriage, with Jiang Ling, Xiao Yi, and Xiao Qiu sitting inside.
Xiao Qiu changed into a light blue dress that Jiang Ling had given her, and her hair was carefully combed. Although her face was still a little pale, her eyes had become more lively.
She was imprisoned under the peony tree for over a month, and then detained in the yamen for another half month. When Jiang Ling saw her, she was emaciated. Her face was as pale as paper, and her eyes were timid, like a frightened bird.
I've regained some energy these past few days working at the grocery store, but I'm becoming increasingly quiet and just working silently.
When the carriage arrived at the foot of Bailong Temple Mountain, it was already filled with the sounds of bustling people.
Looking into the distance, the mountain road was already lined with all sorts of stalls: selling incense and candles, mountain produce, snacks, children's toys...
They intertwined, creating a lively and bustling scene.
The migrants who had been stranded here have all returned to their hometowns.
Those refugees were also grateful; before returning home, they even helped repair the mountain road.
It's much more spacious and easier to walk on now.
"Wow! So many people!" Xiao Yi excitedly clung to the car window, her face flushed with excitement.
Jiang Ling couldn't help but look outside curiously.
The group disembarked from the carriage and slowly walked up the mountain with the flow of people.
Xiao Yi is like a bird released from its cage, looking at this and touching that, curious about everything.
Xiao Ran calmly followed Jiang Ling, protecting her from the crowded flow of people from time to time.
Xiao Qiu followed quietly behind Jiang Ling.
Jiang Ling had told her many times in the past few days, but she still consciously put herself in the role of a maid.
Jiang Ling was afraid that saying too much would make her feel resistant, so she had no choice but to let her have her way.
The square in front of the temple was packed with people. Smoke billowed from the huge bronze incense burner, rising straight into the sky. Devout men and women held incense and knelt down to pray for blessings. Their low prayers blended into a buzzing sound.
Around the square, groups of street performers lined up one after another, including knife swallowers, fire spitters, monkey trainers, and bowl balancers, drawing cheers from the onlookers.
"Sister, look, there's a sugar figurine vendor over there!" Xiao Yi excitedly pointed to a stall not far away.
Several children from the temple came to play with Xiaoyi.
Jiang Ling smiled and handed Xiao Yi a small purse containing some copper coins, instructing him:
"Go ahead, go with your friends, each of you buy one, be careful not to crowd together, and don't wander too far."
This area all belongs to Jishui Village, so there's no need to worry about them getting lost.
Xiao Ran then went to discuss martial arts with Master Bi Qing from the temple.
Jiang Ling and Xiao Qiu were left to stroll along the road.
A familiar voice, tinged with surprise, came from behind: "Miss Jiang?"
Jiang Ling turned around and saw Wang Yue and Sun Qiuxiang coming hand in hand, each accompanied only by their personal maids.
To Jiang Ling's slight surprise, these two former "arch-enemies" were now both sporting noticeably pregnant bellies, and judging by the size, they were probably around the same stage of pregnancy.
Wang Yue still dressed brightly, and even though she was pregnant, she looked radiant.
Sun Qiuxiang was dressed more simply, but her complexion was rosy and her eyes were peaceful, making her completely different from the woman who was saddened by her appearance.
"Madam Wang, Madam Sun," Jiang Ling greeted them with a smile. "What a coincidence."
Wang Yue, supporting her aching back, laughed heartily: "What a coincidence! We just came out of the temple after offering incense, and we were planning to visit Sister Jiang's shop later. We didn't expect to run into you like this."
Sun Qiuxiang smiled gently and nodded, then said to Jiang Ling, "Miss Jiang, the hawthorn cake you sent last time was very appetizing and relieved my morning sickness quite a bit. I was thinking of buying some more later."
"I'm glad you're happy, Madam Sun. You're not feeling well, so there's no need for you to make a special trip. Just send someone to deliver the message, and I'll send someone to deliver it to you."
Jiang Ling looked at the two of them standing side by side without any awkwardness and couldn't help but feel moved.
The two, who once fought fiercely over who would outshine each other, have now become close friends who can burn incense together and stroll through temple fairs together.
A sense of time passing and things changing suddenly arose in my mind.
"We just replenished some items in the shop, including some moisturizing balms suitable for use during pregnancy. They have a light scent and are comfortable to use. We also have soft cotton cloths for the baby. If you ladies need them, I will send someone over."
Jiang Ling took the opportunity to promote the shop.
"That's wonderful!" Wang Yue's eyes lit up. "I was just thinking of preparing some things for the child. The things in Sister Jiang's shop are naturally excellent."
Sun Qiuxiang nodded with a smile: "Then I'll trouble Miss Jiang to prepare one for me as well. I'll send someone to pick it up tomorrow."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than another voice, tinged with laughter, chimed in: "I was wondering why you looked like familiar faces from afar. Sure enough, it turns out you've all gathered together!"
Everyone turned around and saw Madam Song walking gracefully towards them, supported by her maid.
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