"If we stay here, are you abandoning us, Master?"
Upon hearing this, many villagers showed fear on their faces and stared at Xu Nian with pleading eyes.
It's no wonder they think that way, since following Xu Nian guarantees they'll have plenty to eat and drink and no worries about food and clothing.
Now, Xu Nian actually said that they could choose to stay here. Could it be that she finds them annoying and is therefore making up an excuse?
Upon hearing this, Xu Nian shook her head. "That's not the case. I welcome you to continue following me, but some elderly people and women are not suitable for long journeys. If you rush along and something happens, I won't be able to help you."
After a pause, Xu Nian added, "I'm not omnipotent either; I can only try to avoid accidents as early as possible."
Upon hearing this, thoughtful expressions appeared on everyone's faces, and they began to discuss it amongst themselves.
“Indeed, my mother said a few days ago that it’s quite nice to stay here, as we don’t have to travel all day and get tired.”
“My youngest son can’t handle any more stress, so I think this is perfectly fine.”
"That's right! Those of us with the strength should continue to follow the fortune teller, and those who can't should stay behind!"
After discussing it for a long time, everyone finally came up with their own solutions.
Seeing this, Xu Nian was very satisfied.
"We will depart in three days. Those of you who are to follow should prepare your luggage in advance. Those of you who stay behind should inform Lord Su's men, and he will arrange accommodations for you."
After resolving the matter, Xu Nian felt more relaxed, and her nerves were no longer tense.
Throughout the journey, it was still somewhat difficult for her to lead such a large number of villagers on her own.
Since Su Mu is willing to offer everyone this opportunity, Xu Nian will naturally help everyone make the right choice.
She was about to go see Da Bao and Er Bao when Gu Zhan's deep voice sounded from behind her.
"Xu Nian".
She turned around and met Gu Zhan's slightly meaningful gaze, and immediately asked with a smile, "What's wrong? Why the expression?"
Upon hearing this, Gu Zhan lowered his eyes and quietly explained, "I'm leaving."
Suddenly, Xu Nian frowned. "Another mission?"
For some reason, Xu Nian always felt a strange sense of peace when Gu Zhan was by her side.
Therefore, she felt a little melancholy when she heard the news that Gu Zhan was leaving.
[Is the streamer reluctant to part with the general?]
Of course! The general is handsome and a great fighter; he's practically perfect!
[But what is the general going to do this time? Could it be an order from the royal family?]
Seemingly in response to the comments, Gu Zhan spoke up leisurely, "The news from a few days ago has been successfully transmitted to the palace, and the Emperor has summoned me to investigate."
Hearing this, Xu Nian suddenly realized and patted Gu Zhan's arm, "Then you'd better work hard, the Third Prince is definitely not a kind person."
“I know.” He curled his lips slightly, his eyes darkening. “But he has violated the emperor’s inner taboo, so his days will not be easy.”
Seeing his appearance, Xu Nian shivered involuntarily, feeling as if the temperature had suddenly dropped several degrees.
She touched her shoulder, "I always feel like the Third Prince has unknowingly courted disaster."
Although Xu Nian secretly hoped that Gu Zhan would stay, he was, after all, the Great General of the Empire, and the city had to take precedence over everything else.
"Don't worry, there's still this."
As Gu Zhan spoke, he raised his rough, large hand, the pinky ring on his little finger gleaming.
Seeing this, Xu Nian felt much better and chuckled, "If you need any help, just call me anytime."
"This ring contains some of my magic power, which can help me withstand damage when necessary."
She spoke lightly, her steps faltering, "I should go back and prepare. Have a safe trip!"
Watching the little girl skip away, Gu Zhan couldn't help but smile faintly before turning and leaving.
The three days passed quickly.
Xu Nian chose to leave at dawn so as not to disturb the people in the city.
But Su Mu and Su Wanting still rushed over without stopping.
"Xu Nian!"
Su Wanting walked over with a look of reluctance in her eyes and stuffed a large pile of things she had prepared in advance into her hands, saying, "These are what I prepared for you. You never know when you might need them."
Hearing this, Xu Nian looked down and smiled sincerely, "Thank you, Wanting."
Seeing the two of them being so intimate, Su Mu took out the token he had been clutching tightly in his pocket and gently placed it in Xu Nian's palm.
"Although I have nothing to give you, this is still a token of our appreciation."
Xu Nian examined the token in her hand with curiosity and asked in confusion, "What is this?"
"A token symbolizing the Prime Minister's residence."
Su Mu's eyebrows curved into a gentle smile.
Xu Nian suddenly realized what was happening and quickly declined, saying, "This is far too expensive!"
Although Su Mu was defeated by Deputy Liu, the latter was still a prince with high position and great power, and the Prime Minister's Mansion held most of the power in the empire.
Is it perhaps a bit... to bestow such a symbolic status upon her?
Seeing through Xu Nian's thoughts, Su Mu shook his head, "No, you have to accept it. It's what you deserve."
“I briefly told my father about what has happened these past few days, and he said that meeting you was my opportunity, and he would definitely give you a generous gift.”
Hearing this, Xu Nian had no reason to refuse and immediately accepted it, saying, "I understand."
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Xu Nian, carrying the goodwill of the Su siblings, set off again.
As time passed, the sun gradually grew more and more intense.
"village head."
Xu Nian unconsciously wiped the sweat from her forehead and called out in a louder voice.
The village chief immediately approached, took out a map from his hand, and looked hesitant. "Not far away, there seems to be a plain."
Hearing the sound, Xu Nian looked over.
The map depicts a vast grassland, with a small note indicating that this area is inhabited by a minority tribe.
A tribe?
Xu Nian stroked her chin, a multitude of thoughts forming in her mind.
Given their current location, if they want to reach the capital as quickly as possible, they must cross this grassland.
Whether that tribe is friendly or will attack them remains to be seen.
Thinking of this, Xu Nian couldn't help but feel troubled. "Ugh, what should I do?"
But they did not stop, and by now they could glimpse the grassland landscape in the distance.
"Sister, is that a grassland?"
Da Bao and Er Bao stared at the distance with starry eyes, tugging at Xu Nian's trouser leg and asking questions.
Seeing this, Xu Nian patiently explained, "That's right, there are a few tribes living there."
"tribe?"
Da Bao tilted his head in confusion, then clapped his hands and exclaimed happily, "Is it that kind of indigenous people?"
Erbao stared at Xu Nian with equal curiosity.
Xu Nian chuckled softly, about to explain, when a hurried female voice suddenly squeezed in from the side.
"Friend, get out of the way!"
Upon hearing the sound, Xu Nian looked up in confusion, her pupils instantly contracting.
A few steps away from the villagers, a bright brown horse galloped by, neighing incessantly.
We're about to run into them!
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