249 Ten Thousand Mountains, Twenty-Six
The dark-skinned man gently touched his youngest son, who was only waist-high, and his wife, who looked travel-worn and exhausted, his heart filled with tenderness.
Outside, bonfires are lit, their flames roaring! The flames ignite peace and courage within! At this moment, soldiers with families help their loved ones settle quickly, lighting hearth fires that steam warmly.
Smoke rises from the chimney, soaring straight into the clouds! The smoke need not concern itself with the plight of the common people; though the smoke dissipates, the bright moon still shines!
After a busy morning, under the hazy moonlight, the family was settled in, everything in the room was ready, and their daily life was generally arranged!
A newlywed couple, hand in hand, nestled together, whispered a question in each other's ears: "Husband, are you going to the camp tonight?"
Hearing his wife's reluctant farewell, a pang of guilt welled up in his heart. "You've worked so hard. The general gave us the day off today. We'll go again first thing tomorrow morning! Once things are settled here and we've eliminated any potential problems, we'll have more time later."
"Mmm," her lover nodded gently, without asking any further questions. A moment later, the soft glow of the candlelight filled the air, and the boudoir was warm and inviting.
A cool breeze, a chilly air, moonlight condensing into frost!
The northern wind carries the sound of the watchman's clapper, and the cold light shines on the armor. The soldiers, who are not yet married, keep their weapons at hand and their armor on, and in groups of ten, they scout the surrounding terrain and environment.
The market women and men who came to help, after a busy day, ate simple steamed buns, mantou, and scallion tofu egg soup. Then, they took the two extra steamed buns and rice balls or flatbreads that were given to them, and began to leave one after another!
There were also some young women, around sixteen or seventeen, watching the soldiers in the distance with anxious hearts. They were accompanied by several young men who came to speak with them, as well as other women.
The bustling day is slowly quieting down as night falls!
Old Weng, Jin Feng, and others began to arrange for people to escort the villagers who had helped them back home. The lit torches stretched out in all directions like a long dragon!
On the street, a woman dressed in ordinary clothes, wearing a black winter hat, and with wrinkles covering her face, approached and whispered to a woman of similar age, who was dressed similarly, "Aunt Zhang, has your daughter taken a fancy to anyone? There are so many young people here today!"
It's rare for us all to get together like this, I really didn't know there were so many outstanding young men here.
Aunt Zhang nodded. "Yes, Sister Wu, I didn't expect so many young people to come in such a short time."
He paused for a moment and then said, "I wonder if you've settled down in the market. If you have, it'll be safer, and being closer to home will allow your four siblings to look after each other!"
Sister-in-law Wu nodded in agreement, "Yes, I'll inquire for you later and see if there's anyone you like!" Then she added softly, "Today I saw that many of the people who came from afar are unmarried. I wonder if your family is willing? If you are interested, you can ask Old Man Weng later!"
Aunt Zhang didn't say anything. If it were before, she would naturally have agreed, but now that the market is safe, the soldiers are away from home all year round and can't take care of their families!
Silence fell for a moment! I left home young and returned old, my accent unchanged, my hair gray. Only children have come as guests!
Sister Wu instantly understood that this was also a difficult choice. In the past, there was no choice, but now, the market is becoming more and more prosperous and stable, and the number of young people around is gradually increasing. There are many choices for outstanding young men and beautiful young women.
Generals die in a hundred battles, brave warriors depart, when will they return!
I lie awake on my icy mat and silver bed, unable to sleep; the azure sky is like water, the night clouds light and thin. The cries of wild geese fade into the distance over the Xiang and Xiao rivers; the moon shines brightly in the twelve-story tower. I've always lived a desolate life, lonely and sleepless!
Aunt Zhang said in a low voice, "I'll go to Old Man Weng's place later and ask him about it properly. We can't just leave things like this in the dark!"
Whispering softly, expressing concern—this has always been the way of getting married to one's children.
The sounds carried on the wind along the road: "What do you think of that young lady? Does your son like her?"
"I like it! I'll go ask about it first thing tomorrow morning. If it's still undecided, I wonder if she might have her eye on my son!"
Gradually, the torches receded into the distance, and the sounds gradually subsided. Only the occasional flicker of light adorned the enchanting moonlit night.
After Zhang Dazhuang, Wei Si, Jin Luo and the others left, Yun Baiyi, Hei Yi and Yun Shuni remained silent, quietly looking around.
The market had fallen silent. In this borderland far from the capital, the firelight began in the center and gradually disappeared into the night, leaving only sparse lights twinkling in the distance.
The firelight here, compared to the brightly lit and bustling royal city, appears far simpler and incomparable. But although it lacks the grandeur of the royal city, it possesses its own unique charm, offering a sense of tranquility, relaxation, and peace of mind.
A gentle evening breeze blew by, bringing a refreshing coolness. The surroundings gradually quieted down, and in the tranquil night, the only sounds were the cicadas chirping in the distant woods and the insects chirping in the grass.
The sound was like a symphony of nature, harmonious yet mysterious. It was as if a pastoral scene unfolded around me, with clouds in the sky and faint lights in the distance, creating a beautiful picture. At this moment, everything seemed so peaceful and serene, as if time had stood still. I longed to immerse myself in this refreshing and tranquil life.
In the distance, patrolmen and city guards began their regular patrols. Although they were slightly inferior to the cultivators in their own army, they carried broadswords at their waists and longswords in their hands, patrolling in groups of five in an orderly and alternating manner. With the support of cultivators like Wes, their strength was not to be underestimated.
While this border market may not be comparable to major cities, its own strength cannot be ignored. The people living here may not possess the profound cultivation and precious treasures of the powerful families and clans of the larger cities!
But he possesses an unwavering will and steadfast faith, yearning to become stronger. He cherishes this rare opportunity to cultivate, to break through the upper echelons' monopoly on secret techniques and resources, and thus, he faces danger and the unknown without flinching, his heart set on resolutely protecting what he desires to safeguard.
At least some familiar merchant guilds, backed by considerable power, dare not act arrogantly or overstep their bounds here! This shows the deterrent power of the son-in-law in this border region! Peace has always been achieved through force!
Yun Heiyi gazed into the distance, lost in thought. Yun Baiyi murmured, "Along this journey, there are some things that are in the way, which need to be..." The words were barely audible.
Yun Heiyi gently shook his head, 'Wait a little longer!'
Yun Shuni's eyes turned cold, her killing intent rising. She turned and left, saying, "I'll go ask Miss!"
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