The next morning, the sun shone on the earth, and everything seemed to be bathed in this warm light.
Li Xi, Qin Xiaolin, and Wan Yue got up early to prepare to return to Mu City.
Wan Yue was initially hesitant, not wanting to leave this familiar place.
However, thinking about how hard it was to finally see his granddaughter, he was unwilling to part ways so soon.
So he decided to go with them.
He entrusted Zhuangzi to a nearby farmer to manage.
They usually visit each other frequently, and the farmers often come to help clean and prune the flowers and plants, and also plant some fresh vegetables in the yard.
"Grandfather, don't worry. I think the villagers are honest and reliable people. We'll come back to visit often." Li Xi quickly reassured him, afraid he would be reluctant to leave.
Wan Yue nodded, his gaze wandering around the courtyard, as if trying to deeply imprint these scenes in his mind.
He sighed softly and said, "Xiaoxi, I know you're a good child. It's just that this place holds the memories of your parents and your grandmother. Leaving it makes me feel a little reluctant."
Li Xi grasped his hand. "Grandfather, I will bring you back often. Besides, this is my home too. No matter where I go, I will always keep everything here in my heart."
Upon hearing this, a hint of relief flashed in Wan Yue's eyes.
He gently patted Li Xi's hand and said, "Good child, I believe in you. As long as you're happy, your grandfather will be at ease."
On the official road in autumn, golden fallen leaves covered the road surface, like a golden carpet winding forward.
Sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, casting a warm glow on the road.
In the distance, rolling hills are covered in vibrant autumn colors, a breathtaking sight.
The sound of horses' hooves broke the autumn tranquility as a group of pedestrians slowly made their way along the official road.
"Brother Qin, those people up ahead are dressed so strangely," Li Xi said, pointing to the line ahead.
Qin Xiaolin looked in the direction she pointed.
Ahead, dust billowed, a group of people dressed in foreign attire appeared.
The leader was a burly man wearing a golden crown, clearly of high status.
"Those are the Xiongnu," Qin Xiaolin said calmly.
Li Xi was slightly surprised. How could the Xiongnu people be here?
She turned to look at Qin Xiaolin and found that his face was expressionless, as if he had expected all of this.
"Brother Qin, do you know their purpose?" Li Xi asked curiously.
Qin Xiaolin shook his head. "I don't know either, but the arrival of the Xiongnu envoy this time is definitely not simple. We should be careful."
The two continued on their way and soon passed by the Xiongnu.
Li Xi couldn't help but take a few more glances, secretly wondering: What exactly do these Xiongnu people want to do?
Along the way, she encountered people from other tribes, and when the main group stopped to rest, she couldn't help but go up and strike up a conversation.
"Brother, your muscles are truly impressive. Which tribe's brothers are so brave?" Li Xi asked with a smile, while secretly observing the other party's reaction.
Upon hearing Li Xi's praise, the Xiongnu man burst into laughter, his face brimming with pride.
“Young master, you have good taste! I am Ali, a warrior from the Tiele tribe.” He patted his chest, his muscles twitching as he spoke, looking quite pleased with himself.
Li Xi's heart stirred. The Tiele tribe was one of the more powerful tribes among the Xiongnu, and she couldn't help but pay more attention to it.
"Brother Ali, where are you all going? Why are so many people from different tribes gathered together?" she asked curiously.
"Didn't you know? The Qiyang Chamber of Commerce in Kyoto will be holding a trading market in a few days, where many rare treasures will appear. Various tribes will send people to participate, and our Tiele tribe is one of the invited ones, so we will be sending some warriors and merchants." Ali showed a proud smile on his face.
Upon hearing this, Li Xi's heart stirred. The Qiyang Chamber of Commerce? It seems that it has been some time since he returned to the capital.
The president has actually developed the chamber of commerce into such a large organization.
Upon hearing this, a sly glint flashed in her eyes. "Thank you, Brother Ali. I'll go to Kyoto sometime soon, and I hope I'll have the chance to see you again."
Ali was slightly taken aback, then laughed and said, "That's great! Kyoto is a bustling place. We'll stay for at least a month, and then we'll have a chance to meet again."
After exchanging a few casual words, Li Xi made an excuse to leave.
"Xiaoxi, what did you say to them? You seemed very happy," Wan Yue asked curiously.
Qin Xiaolin remained silent, seemingly waiting for her to speak.
"It's nothing, they said they're going to Kyoto for a trade fair. We'll go and join the fun."
Li Xi thought to herself, "The rice shop matter can't be delayed any longer; I must deal with it as soon as possible!"
So she swung her whip and lashed the horse's back, sending the carriage hurtling away like an arrow.
They sped along at breakneck speed, kicking up clouds of dust.
He kept overtaking one caravan after another heading to Kyoto. These caravans were either merchants or travelers, but Li Xi left them far behind.
They returned to Mu City by noon the following day.
“Brother Qin, I’m so sorry, I haven’t even asked you before letting Brother Song stay at your villa. Now my grandfather and I will have to trouble you for a few more days.”
"You're being too polite. We're like brothers. If you need anything, just have the steward run the errand. This is also my grandfather's first time here. Please feel free to ask for anything."
After Qin Xiaolin carefully put on the mask, he was about to reach out to help the person in front of him when the other person jumped off the carriage first.
Li Xi said excitedly, "Grandfather! Please be patient for a few more days. After I've finished dealing with these matters, I'll definitely take you to the capital for a good trip. My good sisters will be so happy to see you then!" She then winked playfully.
Meanwhile, Wan Yue slowly got out of the car and started stretching his muscles.
After all, time waits for no one, and such a long drive was indeed a bit too much for him, given his advanced age.
"Okay, I'll do whatever you say." He looked at his granddaughter with a smile.
Upon hearing the news, Song Yuan rushed over.
"Xiaoxi, you're finally back!" he said, looking relieved.
In the past few days, Song Yuan has been in an exceptionally busy state.
As instructed by Li Xi, he went to the rice shop every two days without fail to purchase grain. As time went by, this behavior gradually attracted the attention and curiosity of the rice shop owner.
Finally, one day, when he came to the rice shop again, the shopkeeper couldn't help but ask, "Sir, why do you buy so much grain so frequently?"
Faced with the shopkeeper's question, he revealed a mysterious smile, but quickly put on a worried expression.
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