After leaving Shangliu Village, their itinerary became more regular, and they rarely encountered situations where they couldn't find a place to stay for an entire day.
This is a good thing for them, because as winter approaches, the weather is getting colder and colder, and if they were to camp outdoors again, it would probably not be as pleasant as it was last time.
After traveling for more than two months, the group arrived at a special city that afternoon.
What makes it special is that when Pei Ji first saw the city gate, he blurted out, "Mother, how come we're back in the capital again?"
Min Yueqing laughed so hard she almost fell over.
However, everyone knew why Pei Ji had this feeling, because they had the same feeling. At first glance, this city really looked very similar to the capital, with the same grandeur and prosperity.
The difference is that this city has a more ancient and profound feel than the capital.
From the moment they entered the city, the buildings throughout the city, including the city walls, were mainly made of blue bricks and gray tiles, which gave Min Yueqing and her companions, who had been traveling continuously, a sense of order and discipline.
This prefectural city is called Weicheng.
Before they knew it, more than three months had passed since they left the capital. In just over ten days, it would be the twelfth lunar month, and they still didn't know where they would spend the Spring Festival this year.
Aside from the few days they were forced to stay in Tongcheng due to the misdeeds of Eunuch Jia, the group had made few stops along the way, and many were quite tired. Now that they had arrived at such a bustling and prosperous place, Min Yueqing decided to lead everyone to rest here.
As usual, they found the best inn in the city to stay in. After entering the room, Min Yueqing said to Azhu, "Go and tell everyone that there is no need to rush to get up early to pack this time. We will rest here for three days."
Azhu was also exhausted during this period. As she spent more time outside, her initial excitement wore off, and she felt that being out and about was much more tiring than staying at home.
Upon hearing Min Yueqing's words, Azhu clapped her hands in delight and quickly agreed.
Seeing Azhu like this, Pei Ji couldn't help but laugh. He took Min Yueqing's hand and said, "Mother, look at Azhu, she's so happy, she's even clapping her hands!"
Min Yueqing sat down in the chair, smiling as she pulled the little one in front of her. "Azhu and the others must be tired from their journey. They're naturally happy to hear they can stop and rest for a few days. Are you happy?"
Pei Ji lay on Min Yueqing's lap, wrapped her small arms around her waist, and looked up at her, saying, "I'm quite happy. I can practice martial arts with Shi Tou these next few days."
Shi Tou sat next to Min Yueqing and nodded vigorously in agreement with Pei Ji's words.
During the journey, Pei Ji's biggest problem was that he couldn't find an opportunity to practice martial arts every day. He was eager to become strong as soon as possible so that his mother wouldn't have to stand in front of bad guys alone.
But sometimes when they stayed at someone's house on the way, the room was either too small to stretch out properly, or there were too many people around, so he and Shi Tou were often forced to slack off.
Pei Ji thought that the room was now very big, and they could catch up on the lessons they had missed.
Min Yueqing was both amused and exasperated. After a few rare days of rest, the little one's first thought wasn't to relax and have fun, but rather that he finally had a suitable place to practice martial arts. Shi Tou clearly felt the same way.
Min Yueqing: ...What else could she say? Of course, she was deeply gratified.
The next morning, the two children woke up as soon as it was light. After getting up, they didn't rush to wash up or eat; instead, they immediately started practicing their martial arts in the outer room.
Because they ate dinner relatively late yesterday, they don't feel hungry yet.
Shi Tou had made thorough preparations long ago. Fearing that moving the tables and chairs again the next morning would disturb Min Yueqing, he moved all the clutter in the center of the outer room to a corner after dinner the night before.
Min Yueqing observed the whole thing and naturally guessed what Shi Tou was thinking. Children have their own interests and obsessions, and she never interfered too much.
As for sleep duration, there's no need to worry.
According to the customs of this great dynasty, most people work at sunrise and rest at sunset. Especially now that it is winter, it gets dark early and dawn late, so people can get about twelve hours of sleep, which is more than enough.
While the two children were doing their morning exercises, Min Yueqing was also busy, leaning against the headboard and reading a book.
After their morning exercise, Pei Ji ran to Min Yueqing's bedside. "Mommy, we're done exercising. Are you hungry?"
Min Yueqing noticed that the little boy was radiating heat. She reached out and touched the back of his neck, and sure enough, he was covered in sweat. She called out to the outer room, "Shitou, change your inner clothes, wipe off the sweat, and then put on your outer clothes."
Stone had only put on half of his robe when he heard this voice. He quickly replied, "Yes, Master." Then he obediently took off the clothes he had just put on, wiped himself haphazardly with his undergarments, and found a clean one to change into.
Min Yueqing also stripped the little one naked, quickly wiped the sweat off with a dry cloth, and changed him into dry undergarments. She warned, "It's winter, so change your clothes immediately if they get wet, otherwise you'll be shivering when the wind blows outside, understand?"
Pei Ji raised her hand and obediently replied, "I know, Mother."
Once all three were dressed, Min Yueqing said to Shi Tou, "Go and ask the waiter to bring some hot water up."
Yesterday, Min Yueqing had already told Amei and the other two that they didn't need to come and serve them today, and that they should rest well. Therefore, she didn't disturb them at this time.
Before long, the three of them finished washing up and prepared to go out and satisfy their hunger.
Last night, everyone had dinner at the inn, and the taste was as mediocre as ever. Today, we can go out and see what local delicacies Weicheng has to offer.
Before going downstairs, Min Yueqing draped a straight-collared, black fox fur cloak over the little boy. Pei Ji obediently tilted his head up, and Min Yueqing tied the strap around his neck.
As soon as they stepped out of the inn, the three of them felt a gust of cold wind hit their faces. Even after reaching the street, the wind showed no signs of abating, so Min Yueqing quickly put the little one's hat on as well.
When Shi Tou turned around and saw Pei Ji's expression, he burst out laughing. Afraid that the young master would be embarrassed, he quickly covered his mouth with both hands.
Pei Ji was already small, and now, wrapped in this dark cloak from head to toe, he was completely black except for his snow-white face. At first glance, he looked like a fluffy, jade-faced, black-skinned little fox.
Pei Ji's little head was completely covered by the fox fur hat, which not only blocked out the cold wind but also impaired his hearing, so he didn't hear Shi Tou's two laughs at all.
Looking at the fluffy little cub, Min Yueqing found it incredibly cute. The cub's face, framed by the cloak, appeared even whiter than snow, its black agate eyes clear and bright, and its long, slightly upturned eyelashes fluttering—it was simply heart-melting.
If someone who didn't know her saw her, they would think she was a beautiful young girl with delicate features.
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