The fire burned for most of the night, and fog rolled in during thetter half.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was nothing left to burn on the mountaintop.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Everythingbustible had been consumed, and conveniently, a cliff created a natural firebreak.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This wave of setting fire to the mountain favored the Jiang family in timing and terrain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
One doesn''t simply set fires recklessly; wind direction and topography must be considered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Foolishly starting a fire could result in burning oneself, spelling doom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Chu Xi hadn''t expected to go all-in, but he truly did.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They were ruthless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Er was no slouch either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Both had backgrounds as rebels.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Why should they leave each other an escape route?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The vultures had waited so long; it was time for their feast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
To the victor go the spoils; the defeated die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
No survivors left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
That night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Commander Jiang waited for his daughter to finish herte-night snack and go to bed soundly, soothed his wife to sleep, and then went out to kill.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A bloodbath ensued.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The stars twinkled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
To the starry sky, humans ughtering each other was no different from ants doing the same - utterly insignificant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At this moment, Jiang Changtian was as cold-blooded as an ant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The enemy had ambushed his entire family, intending to exterminate them all, from the eldest to the youngest, including unborn children in the womb. And now they begged for mercy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Should he spare them, only to wait for them to recover ande kill him again?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In Commander Jiang''s view, there was only death!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
About a hundred people had fled down the mountain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A hundred survivors.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Changtian arrived and immediately ordered their execution.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As swords sliced through bodies, blood sprayed, and the dying let out wails and curses before their end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Changtian listened intently to these curses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If they only cursed him, he didn''t mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But if anyone dared to curse his wife and children, he would lean down and say: "You dare curse my wife and children? I will investigate your identity, and when the opportunity arises, I will personally kill your parents, your wife, your sons, your daughters, your brothers and rtives. If you''re alone in this world, it matters not - I''ll grind your bones to dust and ensure you never reincarnate."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Thus, the dying became more civil in their final words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Because the others sensed this man meant what he said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He was emotionless, the most handsome, and the most decisive in action.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
That night, vultures gathered in flocks; it seemed as if scavengers from all directions had arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They pecked frantically at the feast, and when full, perched on the rocks like ck umbres.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The next day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was frost and ice, but no sunlight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A nket of fog covered everything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The dazzling spectacle from yesterday was gone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Only a shivering coldness remained.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian, with her abundant energy, got up to wash and dress, warming up quickly as she moved about.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As she rose, the entire caravan seemed to awaken, bing lively.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmian was talkative, able to converse with anyone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After all, she was someone who could chat endlessly even with Jiang Xiaoshu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing movement from her elder sister''s carriage, and with her brother-inw absent, Jiang Mianmian carried out her routine of bringing books to read to her future niece or nephew.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Even while traveling, prenatal education couldn''t be neglected.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After everyone had breakfast and packed up, they set off again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Passing through a valley, Jiang Mianmian noticed a strange smell. From afar, she saw two dark mountains, but as the carriage drew closer, she realized it wasn''t that the mountains were ck, but that they were covered in ck birds.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
These birds stood motionless, nketing the mountaintops.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Up close, it was rather frightening.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was a smell of burning and what seemed like the scent of blood.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, the wind was strong today. Looking at the mountain full of birds, especially the enormous bird at the peak, Mianmian found it quite scary.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Its eyes seemed to be staring right at her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She lowered the curtain and, inside the carriage, held onto Xiaoshu to y, feeling a bit safer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The valley was long, and it took quite a while to pass through.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After the valley, they traveled a bit further, and suddenly the view opened up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Amazingly, before themy a vast in, but they were at its upper edge, as if in a world atop a cliff.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Below was an incredibly wide riverbed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Due to winter, the wide riverbed contained only a trickle of water, splitting into several meandering streams, with ice and snow covering the distance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was deste yet beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Having lived in Jingzhou all her life, surrounded by mountains and waters, she hadn''t expected such andscape outside of Jingzhou.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It seemed perfect for a thundering herd of horses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Without horses, cattle, or donkeys, walking in such a ce where one couldn''t see a single tree for miles would feel very lonely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
One might die from sunstroke or freezing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
So the peaceful and happy life of Jingzhou''s people was indeed beyond the Imperial Censor''s expectations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was like a mirage in the desert, unbelievably beautiful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They continued forward, traveling for half a day until they reached a small vige. But the vige was too small to amodate so many people for lodging, so they pressed on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They journeyed on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After two more days of travel, they finally reached a properrge town.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Commander Jiang, with his wife and children, would certainly need to rest in this city.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
While sitting in a carriage was tolerable for others, even if tiring, it was extremely unfriendly for a pregnant woman.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Pregnancy already tends to cause water retention, and constantly sitting in a carriage would make both legs swell terribly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Fortunately, along the way, Qin Luoxia and Jiang Changtian had seen that their daughter was not at all shy about asking for foot massages. During the day, her maids would massage her feet, and at night, even her son-inw had to give her foot massages, sometimes continuing even after she had fallen asleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Every time he saw his son-inw''s hands reaching out to take something or pass food, Jiang Changtian would quietly avoid them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although his son-inw was massaging his daughter''s feet, he still found it distasteful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Hands that massaged feet daily might carry foot odor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Disgust and admiration coexisted, after all, it was for his beloved daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The town they arrived at was called Dwarf Horse Town, and itsmerce was exceptionally bustling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Probably because this town had be thergest market for trading horses, mules, cattle, and donkeys, so there were many travelers and it was very lively.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They found arge inn, and after checking in, Jiang Yu couldn''t wait to go out for a stroll.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was no help for it; if she didn''t walk around and see some people, she felt she would suffocate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
To go out for a walk, with so many people and prying eyes around, and considering the ambush they had encountered on the road, a group went out with visible protection and hidden guards as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmian suddenly felt like she had the air of a little princess. Not only did she have a strong-built attendant in Wei Biao and a robust maid in Pangya, but she was also followed by a group of bodyguards, with more hidden from view.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She had noticed that those in front and behind, who appeared to be casually strolling, were actually arranged in a neat formation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The only unsafe aspect was the worry of a cold arrow being shot from a tall building somewhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, this was a small town, and although prosperous, itcked tall buildings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In ancient times, constructing tall buildings by hand was extremely costly, so withnd being cheap, buildings were built wide rather than tall.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Without high ces for cold arrows, they only needed to watch their surroundings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her mother was also worried about her eldest daughter. One downside of her being married was that in front of her son-inw, it wasn''t appropriate to scold her daughter. With so many peopleing and going, insisting on going out for a stroll while heavily pregnant was cause for great concern.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Aunt Yin was also very worried, but pregnant women can sometimes be quite contrary - the more you try to stop them, the more determined they be. It was inexplicable; the mistresses in the pce who were usually quite intelligent would seem to lose their senses when pregnant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmian knew this was because pregnancy altered hormones, which in turn affected emotions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Postpartum depression and such were all due to hormonal changes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In any case, she advocated for pregnant women to maintain a happy mood and stay active.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Those who were overly cautious, tiptoeing around daily, afraid to walk or move, extremely tense, andcking exercise were actually more likely to miscarry at the slightest touch.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In reality, the little life inside was quite robust. As long as one was mindful, it wouldn''t be lost so easily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The market was very lively and quite spacious. The bodyguards provided good protection, ensuring no one could suddenly rush in and bump into her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They couldn''t get in at all, first of all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The roadside stalls sold many things, a dazzling array of goods. There were many small trinkets and many unfamiliar foods, along with various spices.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian and her sister would buy a little of whatever they liked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nothing was expensive; money went a long way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After browsing for quite a while, they saw a small eatery by the street.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The owner was cooking food right by the roadside, emitting a rich aroma.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Surprisingly, he was cooking clear soup with meatballs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
On a cold winter''s day, drinking a bowl of hot soup warmed the entire body, and with the added meatballs for satiety, it was quite satisfying.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A sign above indicated that extra soup could be added.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Not far away, there was actually a public restroom establishment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A pay-to-use public toilet? Truly befitting amercially developed small town.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It gave a strange sense of a chain operation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Eating soup here, pouring water there, not sure if they''re rtives, but this business has quite a vor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It seems many people are eating here.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Yu stopped in her tracks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmian also stopped, and honestly began to salivate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
No matter how delicious home-cooked food is, you get tired of it after a while and start craving takeout.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A couple was making meatballs, very enthusiastically.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Great-aunt had inquired and learned they''d been doing this for over ten years, not neers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This kind of street food that canst for over a decade must indeed be delicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The broth was vorful, the meatballs had a nice chew, satisfying from the first bite, feeling worth it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
No wonder the small stools and tables by the roadside were greasy, with a thickyer of oil that couldn''t be wiped clean - not exactly hygienic, but the kind of ce where you eat without getting sick.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmian found it delicious and ordered a small te, picking out a meatball for Jiang Xiaoshu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Xiaoshu wasn''t picky about food and ate very elegantly, using his small ws like a knife to cut the meatball into pieces before putting them in his mouth, finishing cleanly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmian''s table manners were now quite proper as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Under great-aunt''s watchful eye, Jiang Yu behaved +1, contentedly eating a bowl of meatballs, thoroughly whetting her appetite.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They continued strolling and eating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The journey was smooth, with bountiful gains.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Back at the inn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Mianmian was tired from all the walking, but Jiang Yu, despite her big belly, still seemed to want more.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Under her mother''s death re, she obediently went back to rest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
While waiting for her husband in the room, a servant came to deliver something.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He said it was food sent by Young Master Meng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Yu looked and saw it was the clear soup meatballs she had just eaten, and she was very happy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Indeed, her husband knew her well. She had just eaten these and couldn''t stop thinking about them, but didn''t want to walk all the way back. He had actually gotten them packed for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She excitedly sat in the room and started eating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But she felt the takeout tasted a bit odd, not as good as before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She had only eaten half a bowl when Meng Shaoxia returned, carrying a packed bowl of clear soup meatballs in his hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0