The days in the capital flew by amidst the children's laughter and the frequent visits between the Shen and Pei families. However, the lingering worry in Xiao Chengjing's brow and Shen Yuewei's occasional absent-minded gaze towards the north both revealed that their longing for their daughter far away never ceased.
"Yuewei," that afternoon, Xiao Chengjing put down a report about the unusual activities of the Di and Rong tribes in the northern frontier, and looked at his wife with a solemn expression, "I've made up my mind. We... will go to the northern frontier."
Shen Yuewei was embroidering a handkerchief for An'an when she heard this, her hand trembled, and the needle almost pricked her fingertip. She looked up, her eyes filled with understanding and anticipation: "Chengjing..."
“I still haven’t received any definite news from Brother Lu and my younger brother, and I can’t rest easy.” Xiao Chengjing sat down next to his wife and took her slightly cool hand in his. “Instead of worrying day and night in the capital, I should go myself. First, to visit Brother Lu and see my younger brother, and second…” He paused, his voice low but firm, “Perhaps we can get closer to An’an in that border region and find out her whereabouts. Just consider it… a trip to clear my mind and see the scenery beyond the Great Wall.”
Shen Yuewei gripped her husband's hand tightly, tears welling in her eyes, and nodded vigorously: "Okay! Chengjing, let's go together! I'll leave the children in the capital; with Father, Mother, and my second brother and sister-in-law to take care of them, I'll feel at ease." She paused, her tone pleading, "But... if we really find An'an, please... please don't bring her back immediately, okay? That child... is determined to work there."
Looking at the understanding and heartache in his wife's eyes, Xiao Chengjing sighed deeply and pulled her into his arms: "I understand. Finding her, confirming her safety, seeing with my own eyes how she's doing... that's enough. As for everything else... as long as she's safe, I... I'll do as she says." Saying these words seemed to drain all his strength and let go of the last shred of obsession in his heart.
Once the decision was made, the arrangements began. When Shen's parents learned that their daughter and son-in-law were going to the northern frontier to "visit old friends and relax," they were somewhat worried about the long journey, but they were more understanding and supportive.
"Go on, go on, leave the children with us, you can rest assured!" Old Madam Shen said lovingly, holding her daughter's hand. "With Huaiyu and Huaijin keeping them company, and Rui'er and Qingyun coming over often, they won't get bored."
Grandpa Shen stroked his beard and nodded: "Perfect, let this old man also enjoy the pleasure of playing with his grandchildren! I will personally supervise Kang Kang's homework!"
Just then, Shen Wenbai and Lin Qingwan, who had been traveling for many years, returned to the capital. Upon learning that his younger sister and brother-in-law were going to the northern frontier, Shen Wenbai waved his hand and said, "Go ahead! Your second sister-in-law and I will take care of things in the capital! We've had our fun, it's time for us to settle down and take a look at the shops we've built up over the years, and by the way... help you keep an eye on these little devils!" He smiled and ruffled the hair of Ningning and Yan Ge'er, who were rushing towards him.
Lin Qingwan smiled and put her arms around Shen Huaiyu and Shen Huaijin: "Yes, Yuewei, don't worry. Leave the children to us, we'll raise them to be healthy and chubby!"
When the children learned that their parents were going to a faraway place, they were reluctant to part with them, but they became excited when they heard that they could live with their maternal grandparents, their second uncle and aunt, and play with their cousins Rui and Qingyun often.
"Father, Mother, are you going to the northern frontier? Are you going to see Big Sister?" Kang Kang, the most perceptive of all, asked with his little face upturned.
Shen Yuewei squatted down and gently straightened her son's clothes: "Father and Mother are going to visit Uncle Lu and Uncle, and also... to see if we can find out any news about your sister. Kang Kang, at home you must listen to your maternal grandparents and your second uncle and aunt, study hard, and take good care of your younger siblings, okay?"
"Yes!" Kang Kang nodded vigorously, his little face full of seriousness. "I will! When big sister comes back, I'll tell her that Kang Kang is a good boy!"
"Mother! Bring me the sugar figurines from the northern frontier! The biggest ones!" Yan Ge'er clung to Shen Yuewei's leg and begged.
"Me too! I want pretty little stones!" Ningning retorted, not to be outdone.
"Okay, okay, bring them all." Shen Yuewei agreed with a smile, but her heart was filled with unspeakable bitterness.
Xiao Chengjing pulled Shen Huaijin aside and patted the boy's increasingly muscular shoulders: "Huaijin, you're the older brother now. Train hard in the training ground, and also help take care of Ningning and Yan Ge'er. Don't let them cause too much trouble."
"Uncle, don't worry!" Shen Huaijin puffed out his chest. "Leave it to me!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com