The carriage traveled along a deserted mountain path. The rain had only stopped early in the morning, and the road was still a bit muddy. Fortunately, the water had all drained away, and there was no standing water on the road, so it wasn't particularly difficult to travel.
Smelling the refreshing mountain breeze carrying the scents of earth and vegetation after the rain, Shen Xingmian couldn't be happier.
This is so different from the journey to exile. Her family no longer has to wear shackles, she herself no longer has to walk, and she even has a carriage, hehe.
Even the weather isn't so hot anymore. The wind after the rain blows, and the previous heat is gone, replaced by a cool and comfortable feeling.
It would have been even more lively if they hadn't used two carriages.
When her cousin got excited, she couldn't stop talking, and with her cousin also regaining his energy, Shen Xingmian could hear the commotion from the carriage behind them from a great distance—it was incredibly lively.
However, Xiao Yanyue seems to prefer quiet, so if she were placed in the back carriage, she would probably find it very uncomfortable.
It was much quieter in my carriage. Perhaps out of consideration for the young prince's status, everyone was more discreet in their conversations, unlike the more unrestrained and flamboyant chatter that followed.
Mother accompanied Father in the carriage, and the two would occasionally chat in hushed tones. So inside the carriage, it was just myself, my maternal grandfather, and the young prince.
Feeling a bit bored after a while, Shen Xingmian lifted the carriage curtain to look at the scenery outside.
Since arriving here, she hasn't had a chance to properly enjoy the scenery; she simply didn't have the means or the inclination before.
Now that I've suddenly relaxed, I just want to take a good look at it.
As the carriage passed by, many birds were startled into flight from the woods, their wings fluttering as they took flight, a sight that stirred a sense of joy in everyone who saw it.
Shen Xingmian turned to Xiao Yanyue and asked, "Daodao, have you ever eaten roasted sparrow?"
Xiao Yanyue looked outside somewhat blankly. He thought she was so happy because she really liked the way the birds flew around so leisurely.
So, they actually wanted to eat them?
That's pretty... pragmatic.
He shook his head, genuinely wondering what roasted sparrows looked like; he figured they must be similar to roasted meat.
"Mom, should we catch some sparrows for lunch? I brought lots of seasonings!"
There are no animal protection laws here, and the animals haven't mutated; they look quite appetizing.
Before the nuclear contamination, Shen Xingmian wouldn't have dared to put sparrows on the menu herself, but after experiencing battles with various mutated beasts, she became much more ruthless towards her prey.
Kindness should be used without causing conflict. If you are hungry, all kindness should give way to hunger.
Especially in ancient times, there were so many professional hunters. Telling them to be kind and not to kill is no different from taking the lives of an entire family.
"Sparrows are too small. Catching a few is fine for a quick bite, but if you want to eat your fill, you'll need to hunt some bigger prey."
"Alright, let's find a suitable place to stop and bring back some more reserve grain, hehe."
Shen Xingmian wasn't in a hurry to find iron ore; as long as she was on the road, she felt at ease.
Anyway, the iron ore won't run away. If others mine more, she can just take what's there. Even if it's made into weapons, as long as she follows the clues, she can still find the items.
After thinking about it this way, I felt more at ease.
Just like if there isn't too much unrest, and the emperor is doing a decent job, they wouldn't be so idle as to immediately gather troops to drive him off.
Having finally escaped the court intrigues, and barely enjoying a few days of comfort, they're back in that corrupting influence. What's the point?
If Shen Xingmian were to say it herself, the mountains and fields might be more suitable for her than becoming a noble lady in the capital.
Free and relaxed, casual and unrestrained.
The carriage finally stopped near a stream, where there was plenty of lush green grass, just enough for the horses to have a good meal.
Everyone got off the car and headed straight for the stream. They all wanted to see what they looked like, including Xiao Yanyue.
After confirming with Shen Xingmian that he could walk slowly, he took the wooden cane that Shen Zhiheng had specially carved for him and slowly walked towards the stream.
Seeing how cautiously he walked, Shen Xingmian felt a pang of sadness. Such a small figure had already endured so much hardship.
Indeed, it is true that Heaven will entrust great responsibilities to those who are destined for them, and will first test their minds and bodies.
Sigh, he's already suffered enough. I hope things will get a little sweeter from now on.
Seeing his unsteady appearance, Shen Xingmian was somewhat worried, so she quietly followed him. Before they even reached the stream, Xiao Yanyue suddenly slipped and fell straight to the ground.
It wouldn't be a problem if it were just a regular grassy area, but there are many stones by the stream. Although they are round, you could still bump your head and get hurt.
Shen Xingmian had been following him with unease, and now that they were not far apart, she instantly teleported over and scooped him up.
Seeing that the child was still a little shaken, she comforted him by taking him into her arms and patting him gently a few times, saying, "It's okay, it's okay, Daodao, don't be afraid. You haven't walked in a long time, so you're not used to it yet. You'll get used to it in a few days."
Xiao Yanyue's face turned deathly pale. For a moment just now, he almost thought he would smash his head open and die on the spot.
This feeling of being out of control of his body was terrible; he desperately wanted to become stronger.
"When can I learn martial arts from Grandpa Shen, Mianmian? I don't want to stay like this forever, like a useless person..."
Hearing the melancholy in his voice, Shen Xingmian couldn't help but feel a lump in her throat. After calming herself down, she smiled and said:
"It'll be soon, I promise you, there won't be any problems with your foot. As long as you eat well every day, you can start learning martial arts from Grandpa in less than seven days!"
So, are you happy?
Xiao Yanyue remained silent for a while, then finally nodded and said in a muffled voice, "It's not my sister."
Shen Xingmian had no idea what this little brat was thinking, that he was so resistant to being called "sister".
"Alright, alright, I won't make things difficult for you. Come here and see the outfit I did for you, isn't it super cute?"
Shen Xingmian pulled him to the water's edge, then made him bend down and carefully examine his reflection in the stream.
She even specifically chose a spot where the water was relatively wide and gentle, so that he could see more clearly.
Then she clearly saw the little guy's face turn bright red, and he took two steps back in disbelief, his beautiful eyes wide open as if accusing her.
Shen Xingmian clutched her stomach and laughed so hard she almost fell over. Everyone's attention was drawn to her string of "hahahahaha." When they saw Xiao Yanyue next to her, whose face was as red as a shrimp, they instantly understood what was going on.
But the adults were kind enough that no one laughed at the little one who wished he could disappear into the ground.
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