After looking around, Fu Cong'an asked Song Jingning, "I heard that the Prefect has adopted a foster son. I wonder where he is?"
Upon hearing this, Song Jingning finally understood Fu Cong'an's intentions.
He wasn't surprised that Fu Cong'an would inquire about Jiang Yu, after all, Shangjun's geographical location was very important militarily, and Song Jingning was also nearing the end of his life, so who would be the next prefect of Shangjun was of great importance.
When those in power are not benevolent, the people will find it difficult to feel at ease.
Moreover, these are turbulent times, and people are restless. As the saying goes, only by standing at the highest point can one see further.
If there is any change in the world, it will surely be those in high positions who are the first to sense the impending storm.
Everyone has their own agenda, and they are never just individuals; they have families, clansmen, and allies behind them, and everyone is looking for a way out.
When they are subjects, they will do their best to serve their ruler, but if the ruler is beyond saving, all they seek is to protect themselves.
Fu Cong'an always believed that he had a clear conscience in his actions.
Leaving aside their conversation for now.
On the other side, after Qi Nuan, Jiang Yu, and the others finished planting the herbs, they returned to the Jiang residence.
They've been busy with work lately and rarely have time to get together.
It's early spring now, and the air still carries the chill of winter. Today, Ahua made a mutton hot pot, and the group sat on the ground around the pot, which was quite warm.
The lamb was cooked to be very tender and smooth, and with the addition of various fresh ingredients, it was incredibly delicious.
Everyone shared a small drink, the warm wine making them feel incredibly happy.
The wine was brought out by Jiexuzi, and it was beneficial and harmless to people, so Qi Nuan also got a cup.
She sipped the wine in her glass, her fair face flushed with a rosy blush, like a kitten that had just stolen some fish.
She is very lovable, and everyone smiles when they see her.
Qingqing also likes Xiaoniba very much, but she used to feel unhappy seeing others always putting her first in everything.
Her gaze swept over the boy's smiling face; this was just right.
He downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, then smiled brightly at Xiaoxing who was looking at him.
Seeing this, Xiaoxing also laughed.
However, the harmonious atmosphere was quickly shattered.
Why the rush?
Hearing that the bearded men were about to leave, not only Jiang Yu but also Wang Er and the others were very surprised. They had lived a life of constant wandering since childhood, and now that they had finally settled down, they did not understand why the bearded men would leave.
The bearded man was their benefactor, like a father to him.
He wanted to be filial to him and take care of him in his old age.
Wang Er looked at Jiang Yu and saw a hint of understanding on his face. He then turned to look at Ahua beside him.
He so wished they would have kept the bearded man and his men like he had.
Although Ahua looked reluctant, she didn't say much, and the others did the same.
Wang Er was somewhat dejected. He knew he was quite foolish among them, and all he wanted was for everyone to live happily together.
Seeing Wang Er like this, the bearded man sighed.
"No need for that. We will meet again in the future. Parting and reunion always go hand in hand."
"Hopefully, we can recreate this scene someday."
After saying that, he raised his glass.
Everyone raised their glasses together.
Ahua smiled gently, "We will definitely be able to recreate today in the future."
"Looking forward to our reunion."
Qi Nuan clinked glasses with everyone.
"Looking forward to our reunion..."
...
Jiang Yu didn't say anything, but after clinking glasses with everyone, he drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.
Life's encounters are always unpredictable; they may meet again, but by then everything will have changed.
Outside the long pavilion.
"You really refuse to leave with me?"
Mustard Seed looked at Qi Nuan earnestly and said, "In chaotic times, life and death are unpredictable, and people may go hungry. Perhaps one day you will die in the wilderness, and you will not regret it?"
A shadow crossed Jiang Yu's eyes, but she didn't say anything and just looked at Qi Nuan.
"If I gain it, I am fortunate; if I lose it, it is my fate. There are too many things in the world that we regret, but time does not give us the chance to regret. Since I have made a choice, all I can do is accept the outcome with equanimity, no matter what it may be."
"If that's the case, then I wish you all the best. But when it's time to let go, you should let go. Don't let your obsessions cloud your judgment."
The first sentence was said to Qi Nuan, and the second sentence was said by Jie Xuzi to everyone.
He knows more than anyone else, but knowing doesn't mean he can change things. All he can do is offer a blessing and some advice.
Those present were unsure whether they felt more reluctance or relief at his departure. They assumed that Mustard Seed had spoken these words to herself, but was it an obsession? He thought perhaps there was, while she thought perhaps she had never had such a thing.
A secret is something that cannot be spoken.
And it's not just Qi Nuan who has her own secrets; everyone else does too.
Watching the two figures gradually disappear into the distance.
All they hoped for was to meet again someday.
Xiangxiang has always been a carefree person, and she didn't really feel much about Big Beard and the others leaving. However, seeing that everyone else looked sad, she could only remain silent.
"Anuan, why don't you go with them?"
On the way back, Xiangxiang asked Qi Nuan. They all knew that Jiexuzi and the others were not ordinary people. For Xiangxiang, becoming stronger was the most important thing. It was a pity that the bearded men wouldn't take her with them.
Other people were watching her too.
Qi Nuan didn't know why, maybe she was just a lazy person. Once she got used to staying in her comfort zone, she didn't want to move.
"If I leave, I won't be able to see you all again!"
She said this to Xiangxiang, and no one else asked.
They walked slowly. Spring is the season of rejuvenation, with newly sprouting green grass, tender buds peeking out, and a faint fragrance of flowers.
Farmers are working in the fields.
Everything was thriving.
"I suppose no one in Shangjun will starve to death next year," Zhang Liao remarked. He only mentioned Shangjun, not other places, because they all knew what the outside world was like.
The population of Shangjun continued to grow, and Song Jingning was a man who loved his people like his own children.
He settled all the refugees who came to Shangjun after verifying their identities, including people from other ethnic groups.
Zhang Liao had something to say about this, believing that those who were not of his kind were bound to have different hearts.
Jiang Yu, however, did not think so. To him, a person was only useful.
Although they are of different races, their lives are still human lives, and Qi Nuan agrees with Lord Song taking them in.
Moreover, the country she lived in before she transmigrated was multi-ethnic, and even now, the Great Zhou Dynasty is not only inhabited by people from the Central Plains.
Ethnic groups can coexist and thrive together.
Ahua looked at Qi Nuan and asked, "Since potatoes are so productive, would you agree to let other ethnic groups grow them? Would you be willing to donate food to help other ethnic groups?"
Zhang Liao frowned and looked at Ahua, wondering why she would ask such a question.
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