《Spatial Peasant Girl: These Mad Darlings Are Delicate and Gullible》


 Chapter 1: Traverse

    <h4>Chapter 1: Traverse</h4>


    Beside the river, a ten-year-old girl picked up a fishing rod and caught a grass carp that was ten inches long.


    The fish jumped around and bent the fishing rod slightly.


    Xiaoxiao nced at the woman who had been staring at her for the whole morning while pretending to sunbathe. She smiled and asked, "Second Aunt, how long do you want to look at me?"


    The woman snorted and left.


    The few old men who were watching could not help but ask.


    "We''ve been sitting for the entire morning. Xiaoxiao, why do only you have bait?"


    Xiaoxiao revealed a smile. Her round eyes were very cute. "Maybe I''m fated with water?"


    As the sun rose, she wiped the sweat from her forehead and waved goodbye to the old men around her.


    However, after walking around a tree and seeing no one around, she put down her fishing rod and reached to wave in the small wooden bucket.


    One of the three fish in the bucket was instantly gone, and a familiar notification immediately sounded in her mind.


    [Ingredients were collected sessfully. Points obtained 10.]


    [Master, do you want to braise or steam it today?]


    Xiaoxiao rubbed her chin and thought for a moment. [Let''s get a pickled fish.]


    The gourmet space emitted a cheerful electronic voice: [Okay, sure. This dish has never been recorded before. We will get a lot of points.]


    Xiaoxiao nodded in satisfaction and looked at the bucket with a gratified gaze.


    If travelling to ancient times and space was a chance for her to live another life, then the food space was a gift.


    She collected ingredients and delicacies to obtain points. Then, she used the points to exchange for the items she needed in the Space Mall, such as the bait that had just been hung on the fishing hook.


    She was confident that she would be able to bring her family out of poverty and be rich soon.


    Suddenly, there was a pping of wings above her head. Xiaoxiao looked up and saw a white shadow among the branches. With a flip, a small slingshot appeared in her right hand.


    The white pigeon fell to the ground. Ning Xiaoxiao weighed it in her hand and estimated that it had five taels of meat.


    She skillfully broke the wings and tied the pigeon''s waist with thatch.


    She could ughter it and make soup while it was fresh when she went back home. It was suitable for her father, who still had injuries on his head, to drink. She had gained a lot today.


    With this thought, she bent down and recorded the other fish, leaving only thergest.


    Keeping the fish in the space so that others would not take advantage of her since she could not finish it.


    However, why would there be pigeons in Fortune Vige?


    She had never heard of anyone raising such a thing.


    Carrying the bucket and the bird, Xiaoxiao stopped thinking about the doubts and continued to walk home.


    On the way home, she would pass by a forest. She habitually went around to see if there were any ingredients to collect.


    Although she had almost turned over all the ingredients, she could see during this period. Mosquito legs were still meat, and the wild vegetables she had collected could also replenish the points needed to exchange for bait.


    If that did not work, it would be better to take it home and make a vegetable dumpling than to eat wild vegetables.


    Looking at her swaying back as she entered the mountain, the vigers along the way could not help shaking their heads.


    "How can Old Madam Ning bear to do that?"


    "She''s a stepmother, after all."


    Not long ago, the eldest son of the Ning family was injured at work. There was a bowl-sized hole in his head. The doctor said that he needed ginseng to survive.


    Old Madam Ning immediately refused to be treated. No matter how the vigers and neighbors persuaded her, she refused to take a single cent.


    Eldest Brother Ning''s wife was not to be trifled with either. She immediately said that she wanted to split the family assets. Then, she decisively used a small portion of the family assets as consultation fees.


    The bad things came again and again. On the day of the ident, Xiaoxiao, the daughter of the eldest family, suddenly disappeared. She was curled under a slope when found, her face burning red.


    Although she was lucky to be alive, her family, who had not received much before, was at the end of their rope. They were about to run out of food.


    After waking up, she began thinking about how to make a fortune to fill her stomach.


    Fortunately, Fuyuan Vige was beside a mountain and a river. It was a good ce with a lot of ingredients.


    Over the past few days, she had taken advantage of the sunny weather to wander around the vige and stuffed a lot of ingredients into the space to exchange for points.


    This was the first bucket of gold in the truest sense.


    Ning Xiaoxiao hummed happily as she followed Little Spoon''s instructions and dug out the wild fungi and vegetables hidden in the cracks of the rocks.


    Thinking that she finally did not have to eat wild vegetables tonight, she was excited and walked deeper without paying attention.


    After realizing she was far from safety, she did not panic.


    Anyway, with Little Spoon around, she could not get lost.


    It was still sunny, so she decided to take things as they came. Ning Xiaoxiao ensured no one was around by smelling the fresh scent of nts. With a wave, she put the bucket in her space and focused on picking up the mountain goods.


    It had rained a few days ago, so the ingredients in the mountains were growing well.


    She had picked up several types of fungi, and one of them was her first time collecting it.


    Xiaoxiao happily found arge leaf and wrapped up just enough for one meal. The rest was exchanged for points.


    The mission for today waspleted. She turned around and was about to return when she passed by a few people.


    One of the youths stepped on something and tilted his foot, coincidentally bumping into her.


    She did not overthink it. She helped him up, nodded, and left.


    However, after she walked far away, the young man behind her chuckled. "There''s no need to wait. They can''t find us."

 Chapter 2: Be Calm and Take Things as They Come

    <h4>Chapter 2: Be Calm and Take Things as They Come</h4>


    Confused, the person beside him asked, "Why do you say that, Master?"


    The young man ced his hands behind his back and looked in Xiaoxiao''s direction.


    "Because the carrier pigeon we put out is hanging on her waist."


    Everyone''s expressions changed drastically. They quickly pretended to chase after her, but the young man stopped them. "Since you can''t send it out, just destroy it."


    The young man then handed the letter to his subordinate, who had taken the opportunity and removed it from Xiaoxiao''s waist just now.


    The guard dressed as a hunter said, "I''m going to look for the nearest government official!"


    The young man nced at him. "You''ve lost your jade token and official documents. Guess if they''ll beat you up or��"


    He looked down at his hand and frowned. He took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped the redness between his fingers before saying.


    "Or will they bring more killers to kill me?"


    The guards'' faces were pale, and they were at a loss. Then, they were shocked. "That girl!" If she were the assassin''s aplice, their master would be in danger!


    The young man stopped on the spot and recalled the woman''s appearance just now. His tone was filled with disdain.


    "If she''s rted to the killer, why did she especially show us the carrier pigeon?"


    Moreover, the bamboo tube containing the letter was intact. It was obvious that it had not been touched.


    The young man patted his clothes and walked in the direction Xiaoxiao had just left.


    "Be calm and take things as theye."


    ��


    At that moment, Xiaoxiao had already removed the bucket filled with fish from the space and returned to the dpidated thatched hut.


    When they separated from the family, Old Madam Ning did not allow them to live in their original ce. She was worried that they would live close to each other and pretend to be pitiful to gain sympathy, so she gave them the dpidated house she had nned to destroy many years ago.


    However, it was more to Xiaoxiao''s liking to stay far away. She didn''t have to be too careful when she was preparing dinner.


    The owner was only twelve years old. In the modern world, she was still a child. However, it was not rare for such a child to cook in Fortune Vige.


    Before they separated from the family, Old Madam Ning scolded the owner and asked her to follow her mom to do all kinds of household chores. When she told her mom that she wanted to cook, her mom only hesitated for a moment.


    At first, she thought she could do more work since her daughter could help.


    However, when she saw the fish her daughter brought back today, she was really surprised.


    She knew about the river at the end of the vige. Not long ago, the vige gathered to all the fish that could be seen. After that, the vigers stayed by the river for an entire day, but no one could catch any fish.


    Unexpectedly, her daughter was lucky enough to meet the fish and catch them.


    Madam Song was overjoyed. "Good. It can be divided into three parts. The fish head can stew soup, the fishtail can stew vegetables, and its body can be smeared with salt to make salted fish. We can eat for a few days."


    With that, she reached out to take it.


    Xiaoxiao did not forget her mission to make pickled fish. Frowning, she quickly retracted her hand.


    "Mom, we agreed that if I catch a fish, I''ll decide what to do."


    Although Madam Song could not bear to waste such a good fish, she was even more unwilling to ruin her promise to her children. Hence, she nodded after thinking for a while.


    On the other hand, the second son, Ning Eng, was extremely worried. "Mom, are you going to hand it over to Sister? What if it''s overcooked?"


    Madam Song knocked his head. "How many wild vegetable dumplings made by your sister did you eat yesterday?"


    Ning Eng moved to his brother''s side with a red face.


    Unexpectedly, his brother, who always said few words, taught him a lesson while weaving a bamboo basket. "As a person, you have to keep your word."


    On the other side, Xiaoxiao rolled up her sleeves and went into the kitchen. She took out the fat grass carp from the bucket and even muttered something.


    "It''s been hard on you to suffer in such a cramped ce for so long. I''ll let you rx now."


    After saying that, she threw it to the ground without even blinking.


    At the kitchen door, Ning Eng, who was about to persuade his sister to reconsider, swallowed his saliva and silently stopped.


    Xiaoxiao was multitasking. She picked up the kitchen knife and swiftly cut the fish''s stomach open. At the same time, she greeted her second brother.


    "Second Brother, what''s the matter?"


    Ning Eng watched as his sister raised her hand and cut down, cutting the fish''s stomach. He cupped his hands very wisely. "I see if you need help."


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment. "Can you get me a jar of pickled vegetables?"


    Every family in Fortune Vige had pickled vegetables.


    The farmers relied on the crond to grow vegetables for food and drink, but food could not be provided every season. So everyone marinated all kinds of dried and pickled vegetables in advance.


    Most of them were pickled vegetables and dried radish.


    There was no other reason. These two items were durable and not worth much money.


    Because of this, the Ning family readily gave them a few jars when they separated from the family.


    To be honest, Xiaoxiao did not agree with the taste of this pickled vegetable.


    It was obvious that Second Aunt made this jar. It was only little salt, and the taste was faint.


    However, this was not important.

 Chapter 3: Pickle-Boiled Fish

    <h4>Chapter 3: Pickle-Boiled Fish</h4>


    After Xiaoxiao cut the fish into slices, she sprinkled a little salt into its stomach and spread ginger slices and onions she had just pinched from the ground to remove the fishy smell. Then, she started to handle the pickled vegetables.


    The second Aunt was not paying attention to hygiene. Xiaoxiao should rewash the pickled vegetables.


    The second Brother had also heated the pot after Xiaoxiao washed it and cut it into small pieces.


    The low-ie families couldn''t bear to use too much oil, so cooking was even more of a test.


    When she saw the pot''s steam rising, Xiaoxiao scooped a small spoonful of oil into the pot and then put in the onions, ginger, and dried chili.


    She then put in the cut pickled vegetables and began to stir-fry them. After a few stir-fries, she added to water when the pickled vegetables changed color and covered the pot.


    The fragrance seemed to be magical as it entered Ning Eng''s nose. He couldn''t help but poke his head out of the stove.


    "Sister, I think I can eat three big rice bowls with this pickled vegetable."


    As if there was so much rice to eat at home.


    Xiaoxiao nced at him coldly and calmly opened another pot.


    There was only one stove, but there were two pots. She could cook two dishes simultaneously as long as one piece of firewood was used.


    The person who built this kitchen back then had the wisdom which made it convenient for Xiaoxiao.


    The things in this pot were simple.


    The pigeons that had been dealt with and a few pieces of ginger.


    The pigeons were delicious. She just had to sprinkle a few grains of salt. There was no need for other seasonings.


    Pigeon soup''s fragrance and pickled vegetables'' sour taste stimted Ning Eng''s taste buds. He could not control the increasing amount of saliva in his mouth and asked btedly, "Then where did you get it?"


    Xiaoxiao picked up the te containing the fish slices and blinked. "Would you believe me if I said it bumped into my arms on the way back?"


    Ning Eng had already lost the ability to think.


    His gaze followed Xiaoxiao''s action closely. As she poured arge basin of fish slices into the boiling pickled vegetable soup, he shouted without thinking, "Hey, hey!"


    She did not know how expensive wood and rice are until she was in charge!


    There were so many fish. They would have to eat for three to four days if she was frugal!


    Why did she put them all in so quickly?


    Forget it, forget it. At most, when the dishes were servedter, they could eat half of them and put the rest in the basket.


    Farmers would use this method to prevent rats from secretly eating.


    Xiaoxiao didn''t care what he was thinking and focused on preparing dinner.


    She missed peppercorns and octagonal cinnamon but didn''t have any at home.


    The main was still steamed buns. Not to mention the taste, the poor appearance made her sigh repeatedly.


    Although she sighed, she still had to eat steamed buns no matter how ugly.


    She ced the steamer on the pot and closed the lid again.


    "Second Brother, turn on the fire."


    After ordering him around, she sent Ning Eng away and went to help their mom tidy up the garden.


    The seeds had been scattered a few days ago. The vegetables grew quickly. They would see the seedlings in five to six days if cared for.


    Compared to other vegetables, it could be harvested in a few days.


    She then dug up some wild vegetables and mushrooms. Coupled with the two bags of rice and noodles given to them by the old residence, they could at leastst for a while.


    After some time, Xiaoxiao felt that she would think of a new way to make ends meet.


    The cooking time passed very quickly. The soup had already turned milky white, and the steamed buns were also soft. She slipped back after Xiaoxiao slipped to the kitchen door and ensured no one was around.


    A small bowl appeared in her hand. She picked something from the pot, which had more vegetables than fish, and put it in her space.


    "Ding! Congrattions, Master. Pickle-boiled fish has been sessfully recorded. You have received 200 points."


    Xiaoxiao happily ran to the garden to look for her mom and started pestering her.


    "Mom, shall we have dinner earlier today?"


    Looking at her daughter''s sparkling eyes and her son''s unconceble craving, she reached out and poked each of them in the head.


    "You guys are too hungry."


    "Go and call your big brother."


    Eng happily epted the mission.


    The moment he opened the pot, Ning Eng forgot his n.


    He took a mouthful of pickled vegetables and a steamed bun. He was so happy.


    Xiaoxiao couldn''t stand him. She broke open the steamed bun, picked up a mouthful of fish meat and a few pieces of vegetable leaves, and stuffed them in, handing them to her mom.


    She handed the second one to Big Brother and then wrapped one for herself.


    The fish was sliced very thinly, and the bones were removed.


    This bite satisfied Xiaoxiao so much that she let out a moan.


    Ning Eng red at her suspiciously. "Is that necessary?"


    In the end, he couldn''t help himself from doing the same.


    The sour, spicy, salty, and fresh taste made him unable to say anything.


    Ning Dng looked at his younger siblings in amusement. He did not say anything and took a bite himself.


    Then, all of them fell silent.


    Other than Xiaoxiao, everyone ate very slowly.


    After eating a mouthful of fish, his chopsticks went towards the pickled vegetables.


    Xiaoxiao slowly swallowed the food.


    "I saw Second Aunt when I was fishing today."


    Everyone fell silent. She held her chin in an unfathomable manner. "I thought she woulde uninvited tonight."

 Chapter 4: Second Aunt, Why Are You Doing This?

    <h4>Chapter 4: Second Aunt, Why Are You Doing This?</h4>


    "Others will eat the fish I worked so hard to catch if you don''t want to eat."


    Madam Song patted her and did not refute. Eng reacted the fastest. He picked up a few pieces of fish with a stern expression and stuffed them into the steamed bun.


    When he bit the steamed bun, it was as if he wanted to bite off ayer of someone''s flesh.


    However, when the delicacies entered his mouth, he was instantly cured.


    "Sister, if grandma knows you have such skills, she will regret only letting you burn the wood and wash the vegetables."


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes. "You can''t shut up even if you''re eating!"


    "Eat less steamed buns. Save them for the next meal."


    "The fish slices can''t be kept. I might as well eat fish until I''m full tonight!"


    Ning Eng sighed and focused on eating.


    Although his actions were straightforward, he would still push the fish into Xiaoxiao''s bowl from time to time.


    Xiaoxiao epted his good intentions and kept helping him.


    He did not forget about the other two people at the table.


    "Mom, eat. Big Brother, eat too."


    "Don''t be reluctant. I''ll go fishing another day after eating!"


    "In the future, I''ll make delicious food for you guys and raise the entire family until we''re all fair and fat!!"


    These words were good enough to hear, but no one refuted him.


    After their dad was injured, everyone was mentally and physically exhausted. They needed such a meal and such a dream.


    They filled their stomachs and finished the fish. The pigeon soup was also stewed with a fresh fragrance. They poked it with their chopsticks, and the meat separated softly.


    Madam Song carried the bowl to feed Ning Fengnian, who had just woken up, pigeon soup. Ning Eng even took the time to shout at him.


    "Dad, remember to eat it cleanly!"


    Xiaoxiao almost choked fromughing.


    At this moment, Rong Yan and the others, who had just entered the vige, were knocking on the door of Zhao Hu''s house.


    When Zhao Hu opened the door, he looked at the fair-skinned young master in front of him with a puzzled expression. "Who are you looking for?"


    One of the guards stepped forward and took his hand.


    "Second Master, I''ve finally found you!"


    "We''re from your brother''s family. We came all the way here to look for you!"


    "This is your nephew."


    Zhao Hu looked curiously at Rong Yan, who stood quietly at the side.


    Rong Yan took out the item to acknowledge him and cupped his hands at him. "There''s a water problem at home. My parents have been separated. Uncles brought me here to find you."


    The uncles were speechless.


    We dared not!!!


    It was evening, and smoke rose from the chimneys of Fortune Vige.


    The door of the house next door was pushed open. A woman with thick arms and a round waist was smashing the door with a bowl bigger than her face.


    Rong Yan and the others, who had juste out to familiarize themselves with the environment after exchanging pleasantries with Zhao Hu, turned around and saw this scene.


    Zhao Hu shook his head and introduced. "The Ning family lives next door. They just separated from their family. The one staying here is the eldest branch, and the one who came is the second branch of their family."


    Second Aunt Ning held the bowl in her hand and banged on the door louder and louder.


    The old house was broken everywhere and needed to be repaired everywhere. However, this door was the first thing Xiaoxiao urged her brothers to reinforce.


    Not installing barbs was herst act of gentleness.


    Hence, even when Second Aunt Ning''s palm was in pain, the door did not move.


    Xiaoxiao told her brothers in the small courtyard, "Look, this is weakening the enemy''sbat strength."


    Madam Song nced at her helplessly and went forward to open the door.


    It was fine if she was naughty for a while, but her second sister-inw would talk about it everywhereter.


    Seeing Madam Song''s actions, Xiaoxiao quickly walked towards her. "Mom, rest. I''ll do it. I''ll do it."


    She rolled her eyes and pulled the door open.


    Outside the door, Second Aunt Ning was holding back her strength to push the door open. She did not pay attention and fell on the ground.


    Xiaoxiao dodged nimbly and even blinked as she looked at Second Aunt Ning, who was half-kneeling in front of Madam Song.


    "Second Aunt, why are you doing this?"

 Chapter 5: Not Disdainful

    <h4>Chapter 5: Not Disdainful</h4>


    "It''s not the New Year."


    Madam Song secretly stared at her and helped Second Aunt Ning up.


    Second Aunt Ning was never one to be taken advantage of. She scolded, "You blind and annoying. Azy and useless thing like you will only have a poor life in the future!"


    Madam Song turned pale, and she let go.


    She could tolerate anything that was said about her, but not her children.


    Second Aunt Ning did not expect this to happen. Her feet tilted, and she almost fell back down.


    After being unlucky twice in a row,she had a bad mood. After getting up by herself, she was filled with anger. Just as she was about to scold them, she saw three of them looking at her indifferently.


    Their gaze made her shudder. She finally remembered the purpose of being here.


    Second Aunt Ning wiped her face and said, "Huh, Sister-inw."


    "Dad and Mom haven''t been feeling well recently. The doctor said that they''re all tired from work."


    "If it weren''t for Eldest Brother, why would the two elders have to do it themselves and make themselves suffer like that?"


    Second Aunt Ning lied without thinking. She made the two older adultszing around at home sound so diligent.


    Then, she again talked about fatherly love and filial piety. She made it sound like her eldest brother''s injury had implicated many family members.


    Xiaoxiao couldn''t help but roll her eyes when she heard her words, causing Madam Song to avoid Second Aunt Ning''s gaze and stare at her.


    However, the guilt that Second Aunt Ning had aroused was decreased under her daughter''s yfulness.


    Madam Song''s dad was an old schr and often doted on her. She had studied when she was young. Her few words won''t lead her.


    Although she was different from ordinary peasant women, she was also a traditional woman who paid attention to filial piety. If Second Aunt Ning said these words as soon as she arrived, she might be touched.


    However, when she thought about how Second Aunt Ning had cursed her earlier and looked at her daughter''s mischievous appearance, she suddenly could not feel guilty.


    She could even think more about her daughter''s words when Second Aunt Ning was talking.


    Xiaoxiao had been brainwashing her family these past few days.


    "When we were in the Ning residence, we chopped firewood, fed the chickens, washed clothes, and cooked. We also had to take care of Grandma''s unknown grass. Dad and Second Brother worked day and night, but what about the others? Did they have any other work at home?"


    "Mom, I realized that everyone in our family eats the same food, but why did we eat differently from our grandparents, second uncles, and third uncles before we separated? Moreover, we work a lot but only eat porridge."


    "Mom, grandparents always say that you and Dad are unfilial. But if this is considered unfilial, how can it be considered filial? Should you cut off meat to feed them, as the storybook said? Grandma hits and scolds us for no reason. Do we have to go along with everything she says? Does she think we''re filial this way?"


    "But mom, you''ve never scolded grandma before. Why is she still talking to everyone?"


    And so on.


    Although she was scolded after saying, Madam Song remembered her words at the same time, making her change unknowingly.


    For example, no matter what Second Aunt Ning said now, not only did she not take the initiative to admit her mistake andpensate like before, but she also did not say a word and quietly watched Second Aunt Ning.


    Second Aunt Ning spoke until thirsty, but no one answered. She felt a little awkward.


    Hence, she changed the topic and finally revealed her real purpose.


    "Xiaoxiao was lucky to get a big fish today, right?"


    "Parents haven''t eaten meat for a few days. They don''t mind if it''s not meat. Let me have a bowl."


    She then handed the big bowl to Madam Song as if it was a matter of course.

 Chapter 6: What’s This?

    <h4>Chapter 6: What''s This?</h4>


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes. "I heard so much from you just now, Second Aunt. I thought you were worried we wouldn''t have a good life after we separated and came here to visit us."


    "I saw something hidden behind your back just now. I thought it was because you know my dad was injured, so you''re here to send some condolences."


    "But I didn''t expect you''d be here to ask for fish."


    Madam Song didn''t even re at her this time. Her expression was cold, and she had no intention of taking the bowl.


    Xiaoxiao was right. Her husband was still lying on the bed. They didn''t want to care about him, but they still wanted to get benefits from him.


    Her daughter was right. The Second Aunt was here to take advantage of her!


    "Sister-inw, you came toote."


    Madam Song said calmly, "We''ve already finished eating the fish."


    Second Aunt Ning raised her eyebrows. "How is that possible? It''s not time for dinner yet!"


    She hade at the time because she thought they had just finished cooking the fish and had no time to eat it. It just so happened that she could take advantage of it. But how could they have finished it?


    Xiaoxiao crossed her arms and raised her chin. I predicted your prediction!


    Ning Eng rolled his eyes. He gave his sister a thumbs up.


    What they ate was not a waste. Letting her take the fish back would be a deficit, and they would be angry!


    Second Aunt Ning said suspiciously, "Could it be that you can''t bear to eat it and are deliberately lying to me?"


    As she spoke, she walked towards the kitchen.


    Bowls and chopsticks were on the kitchen''s small table that had yet to be cleaned up. Second Aunt Ning casually picked up a pair of chopsticks and eximed, "That''s it? That''s it?"


    Madam Song stopped her daughter and spoke.


    "That''s right. You''ve seen the scene now. There are so many people at home. We finished it before we felt full."


    She was reminding Second Aunt Ning that it was not easy for them.


    However, what kind of person was Second Aunt Ning? Even if others starved to death before her, she would probably only think it was too good to have one less person snatch food from her.


    She would not empathize with others, not in her lifetime.


    Hence, she asked without thinking, "Why are you eating dinner so early? Your minds are filled with food, but you don''t think about your parents! In this day and age, it''s not good to bezy!"


    There was even a hint of reprimand in her words.


    Madam Songughed in anger.


    "After all, we''re not like you. Other than lying in bed to recuperate daily, you''re just strolling around the vige and gossiping."


    "I can''t count the number of things I must do daily. Everyone is top-notch diligent, whether it''s the children, me, or even his dad, who doesn''t forget to weave a bamboo basket while lying in bed."


    "Not to mention eating dinner earlier, even if we have three meals a day, it won''t affect others!"


    To conserve food, the farmers only ate two meals a day. Only thendlords could eat three meals a day like the people in the city.


    She had said those words out of anger. Second Aunt Ning had indeed been angered.


    "What the hell!"


    Once angry, she had no manners and became even more unrestrained.


    "As expected, you came from a low-ie family with no parents to teach you. Not only did you jinx your biological parents to death, but you also jinxed your husband into bedridden. Now, you still have shame to eat and drink!"


    "Why didn''t the heavens strike you to death with lightning�� Ouch!"


    "Who pushed me?"


    Xiaoxiao tilted her head and looked innocent. "No, Second Aunt, you kicked the corner of the table, right?"


    With that, she even held down Ning Eng, who was angry and stopped him from going forward.


    Second Aunt Ning saw them as easy to bully, so she turned around proudly.


    There were no more fish in the Pickle Boiled Fish, but the fresh fragrance lingered for a long time. She swallowed her saliva and stuffed the leftovers on the table into her bowl, not letting go of the pickled vegetables.


    Seeing this scene, Xiaoxiao was even more d they had eaten dinner beforehand. Otherwise, with Second Aunt Ning''s behavior, wouldn''t they have nothing to eat?


    In addition to the Pickle Boiled Fish, there was a te of stewed mushrooms. Some were left on the te while hurrying to eat the fish first.


    Second Aunt Ning pursed her lips and took them all away with a look of disdain.


    Second Aunt Ning would even want to walk around the kitchen again if it weren''t for the two men''s stern expressions.


    Ning Eng clenched his fists and asked Xiaoxiao.


    "What are you afraid of her for?"

 Chapter 7: Am I Such a Magnanimous Person?

    <h4>Chapter 7: Am I Such a Magnanimous Person?</h4>


    He asked Xiaoxiao. But just as he finished speaking, her mom patted his head.


    "That''s how it should be. She''s your second aunt, after all. Have you thought of the consequences if you had pushed her just now?"


    Ning Eng was indignant, angry, and aggrieved. His eyes were red.


    Madam Song wanted to persuade him again, but when she heard her husband''s sound, she had no choice but to take care of him first.


    Only then did Xiaoxiao turn to Ning Eng, but he did not want to look at her. He would rather face the wall than look at her.


    Xiaoxiao was speechless.


    "Second Brother?"


    "Are you angry?"


    Ning Eng ignored her. Xiaoxiao chuckled, "Don''t tell me you think I''ll let Second Aunt badmouth mom?"


    Ning Eng snorted. "Why did you pull me just now?"


    Xiaoxiao was about to hit him.


    "Are you stupid?"


    "Second Aunt can''t wait to tell the vige she''s pregnant. If you push her, she''ll immediately fall on the ground, say that her stomach hurts, and ask us topensate."


    Second Aunt Ning was a top-notch scammer.


    Ning Eng was even more depressed after hearing this. He knew that her words made sense, but he was just unhappy.


    "We deserve to be pissed off, then?"


    Xiaoxiao smiled slyly. "You''re overthinking. Am I such a generous person?"


    Only then did Ning Eng be interested? They stood together and began to mutter.


    As he spoke, he did not forget to call Ning Dng, "Big Brother, help us to dy mom."


    Ning Dng smiled dotingly and went to the kitchen to get a basin of hot water to change his dad''s dressing.


    Not long after, the old residence sent someone to invite them over, saying that they had a few questions to ask. Xiaoxiao and Second Brother immediately volunteered to go over on behalf of their mom.


    Madam Song was worried, but even the eldest son, who had always been steady and doted on his sister, persuaded her. She looked at her husband, who had just removed half of the gauze, and then at her eldest son, who was holding hot water and could not free his hand for her. She then agreed.


    If she went to the old residence at the moment, she would probably not be back for more than an hour. She could not let go of her husband''s injuries.


    However, she would not forget what she had to say.


    "If their words are unpleasant, don''t contradict them. Just listen to them casually."


    "They''re your grandparents, after all."


    Xiaoxiao nodded obediently as if she nned to listen.


    The family ate in the house when the two arrived at the old residence.


    However, since no one asked them toe backter and no one invited them to sit down and eat with them, they only could wait in the courtyard.


    Xiaoxiao and Ning Eng rolled their eyes and squatted outside the chicken coop to count eggs to pass the time. They took turns feeding the chickens at the old residence before. It was unknown if the chickens recognized them, but not only did they not hide, they even walked closer to them.


    Just as Ning Eng was sighing secretly that even chickens were more humane than the people in the old residence, he saw the fattest one shake its butt andy an egg before them.


    Both of them were speechless.


    At this moment, Old Madam Ning''s loud voice came from the dining room. "Hey, count the eggs at hometer. Don''t miss any."


    Was she worried that the two of them would steal eggs?


    Ning Eng gritted his teeth andined to Xiaoxiao in a low voice, "Petty! Are we that kind of people?"


    Xiaoxiao calmly reached out and took an egg. At the same time, she nodded heavily. "Yes, I am."


    It didn''t matter if she ate it or not. She was just unhappy.


    Ning Eng was dumbfounded. He returned to his senses until he was called into the house.


    Everyone in the old residence sat steadily after eating, looking like a master interrogating a criminal.


    As the representative, Old Madam Ning thought she was an olddy from a rich family, and she raised her chin.


    "I heard that you guys got something good today. When I saw you sent it over, I thought it was rare. In the end, you sent a bowl of pickled vegetables? Who are you trying to send away?"


    In less than a minute, she had be the shrew in the marketce.


    "A room full of ungrateful ingrates. Why don''t the heavens strike you to death!"


    "I raise you guys difficultly back then. It''s fine if I can''t get filial piety when I''m old, but I must still be so disgusting. Do you want to anger me to death so I can be carefree?"


    "Back then, I shouldn''t have given your dad a mouthful of milk. I should have pressed him into a bucket of feces and suffocated him to death!"


    If not for the fact that he was mentally prepared beforeing, Ning Eng felt that he would have flipped the table.


    Taking a deep breath, they showed a surprised look together.


    "What? A bowl of pickled vegetables?"


    "How can it be a bowl of pickled vegetables?"


    Old Madam Ning''s curses were stuck in her throat. She narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?"


    Xiaoxiao was worried about Second Brother''s acting skills, so the rest of the scenes belonged to her.


    She looked panicked in Second Aunt Ning''s direction, then quickly retracted her gaze and lowered her head to look at her toes.


    "No, nothing. I-I didn''t say anything."

 Chapter 8: My Poor Nephew

    <h4>Chapter 8: My Poor Nephew</h4>


    Ning Eng was amazed by her action.


    He would have also suspected his second aunt if he had not been one of the parties involved.


    To prevent the people in the old residence from not being smart enough to understand her performance, Xiaoxiao worked harder and continued her performance.


    "Second Aunt didn''t even have a bite of fish. Really!"


    "There were only pickled vegetables and not a single piece of fish when she got the food!"


    She took a deep breath, and her eyes turned red. "We�� we ate it ourselves��"


    The more she spoke, the weaker her voice became.


    Old Madam Ning removed her shoes and pped Second Aunt Ning while scolding her. Of course, she avoided her stomach.


    "You''re toozy. You stole my food, right?"


    "You ate everything and still dare to bring it back for me to eat your saliva? Why don''t you go to hell!"


    "You''re not allowed to dodge! If you hurt my grandson, I''ll skin you alive!"


    Second Aunt Ning felt sad. No one would believe her words even if she said it.


    Xiaoxiao was overjoyed. But at this moment, she continued her performance. She scrunched up her face and stammered.


    "It''s not Second Aunt''s eating it!"


    "Grandma. Second Aunt didn''t ask us to lie to you!"


    Second Aunt Ning: Shut up!!!


    After the farce ended, Xiaoxiao and Ning Eng did not care about the old residence''s attitude of chasing them away. They covered their mouths and snickered when they walked out of the courtyard.


    After running out of their sight, Ning Eng gave his sister a thumbs up.


    Xiaoxiao had a smug look. With her hands behind her back, she flicked her bangs. "Sure, sure. It''s easy for me. Learn it in the future!"


    After they returned home, this matter naturally couldn''t be hidden from Madam Song. She red at her worrisome daughter and son with mixed feelings and didn''t know what to say for a moment.


    Xiaoxiao blinked. Although thin and shriveled, her big ck eyes were beautiful. They were like top-notch ck agate. When she sincerely pretended to be obedient, staring at people, it could melt their hearts.


    How could Madam Song bear to reprimand her?


    Hence, she turned around and vented her anger on her son.


    Ning Eng didn''t feel aggrieved at all. He was overjoyed.


    However, he had to scream a few times.


    Or her mom wouldn''t be appeased.


    Before Ning Eng could feel the pain, Xiaoxiao asked with an innocent and cute expression, "What should we say if they ask us again when we return to the old residence next time? It''s not good for each of us to give a different exnation, right?"


    Madam Song said angrily, "What else can I say? I can only say that your Second Aunt didn''t eat anything."


    Xiaoxiao smiled until her eyes narrowed.


    She went forward and hugged Madam Song''s waist. "Mom is the best."


    Madam Song poked her little head. "I owe you!"


    Xiaoxiao hummed and avoided her mother''s gaze as she gave her second brother a look.


    Ning Eng was much smarter now. He covered his butt and ran. "I''ll go clean up the kitchen!"


    Rong Yan, who was next door, heard themotion. He held his chin and smiled after a while. "Interesting."


    The owner of the house, Zhao Hu, was holding the things Rong Yan and the others had given him and flipping them around.


    He did have an elder brother. Many years ago, his elder brother said he wanted to go out and do the business. Later, his parents had gone, and there was still no news of him.


    He did not expect him to seed. His child grew up, but it was a pity that his brother could note back��


    However, he recalled Rong Yan, who had an extraordinary temperament and was as good-looking. "Is he my nephew?"


    However, his wife raised her handkerchief. "Huh, my poor nephew! You must have suffered along the way, right? Don''t worry. We''re family from now on! We''ll take good care of my nephew�� and brothers!"


    The guards did not expect things to go so smoothly. Seeing that the family had acknowledged their identity, they cupped their fists and thanked them before walking out.


    As soon as he left, Zhao Hu pulled Madam Hu over. "Why are you blindly acknowledging him as our rtive? What if he''s not?"


    Madam Hu put away the handkerchief. "You don''t even have as much money as the one they casually took out. Why would they lie to you?"


    "Besides, didn''t they take out your brother''s token?"


    "I''ve seen that thing before. You have one too. It can''t be faked."


    Seeing that he was still frowning, Madam Hu continued, "Your nephew is unfamiliar with this ce. Doesn''t he feel at ease to have a rtive helping him?"


    "Could it be that you''re willing to let your brother''s only bloodline have no one to rely on?"

 Chapter 9: You Didn’t Learn Enough Lessons from Yesterday

    <h4>Chapter 9: You Didn��t Learn Enough Lessons from Yesterday</h4>


    Zhao Hu sighed and brought a pheasant he had just killed as a gift for the vige chief to settle his nephew.


    When Xiaoxiao woke up the next day, she discovered that Zhao Hu, who stayed not far away from her house, had found her long-lost nephew.


    It was said that he had escaped to the wilderness. On the way, his family had either died or scattered. Because he knew that his hometown was in Fortune Vige, he came to find rtives and wait for his lost rtives. However, when they heard this, they all sighed. The so-called loss was just a nice way of putting it. How could those separated on the way to the wilderness survive?


    Xiaoxiao had only heard a little about this matter. In the past, they did not interact much with Zhao''s family. Moreover, pitying others was not their turn, ording to her family''s current situation. Hence, out of etiquette, she sent a few steamed buns over ording to her mom''s instructions.


    Today was also a day of running around for her life. Xiaoxiao carried the small bamboo basket her dad had made in her arms and carried one on her back as she went out happily.


    Madam Song sighed in relief when she saw Xiaoxiao bouncing back from the window.


    "She be more lively after splitting up. She''s also more capable."


    "This is good, but I wish she would always be so small."


    Ning Fengnian patted his wife''s hand.


    "It''s a good thing that she''s grown up."


    Madam Song sighed. "But if she grows up, will she leave us?"


    "After all, we can''t hide her background forever��"


    Stopping her words, she forced a smile. "It''s time for you to take medicine. I''ll help you up."


    Xiaoxiao didn''t know what her parents were worried about, so she went to the river again.


    However, just as she reached the river, she saw her uncle and aunt out for the first time in the morning ande to the river.


    ncing at the basin beside them and the fishing rod in their hand, Xiaoxiao instantly understood.


    They knew she was fishing yesterday and wanted to try their luck today.


    She didn''t want to stay with these two people, so she turned around and ran in another direction before they noticed her.


    She went to find a ce with shallow water, more sand, and grass. She put the bamboo basket and threw some bait from the space inside. Then, she wandered around.


    Few people usually came to this part of the river bank, so the number of wild vegetables was still considerable.


    Fortunately, spring was not over yet, and the ingredients were rich in mountain goods, so her family could barely fill their stomachs.


    But this couldn''t go on forever.


    Time passed in the blink of an eye. Not to mention summer, the weather would quickly turn cold in autumn. At that time, not to mention wild vegetables, even wild grass and fruits, would turn yellow and wither. In winter, there was no food at home and no carbon to burn. There was no way they could survive.


    Even now, she couldn''t keep finding seafood in the river for her family.


    Whether she could eat her fill or not and nutrients was one thing, but if she caught too many of them, it would inevitably attract attention. Why was she the only one who gained anything?


    Moreover, the next time they return to the old residence would not be easy to give the reasons.


    She did not want to spend so much time searching for it but to benefit someone else.


    Other than food, the house also needed a lot of items.


    The broken bowl could be used again, but they could not survive the winter with thin clothes.


    At the very least, she had to think of a way to add a thick cotton coat each before the end of autumn. Yes, it would be best if they had a new nket.


    Now, they only had the tattered nket the old residence did not want. It was heavy and hard, and she still felt that there was a smell.


    She suspected the owner had swapped her soul because she couldn''t survive the cold of winter.


    She thought that not only was the Ning family short of food, but they were also short of money.


    Thinking about it, she used the small shovel to dig up the soil.


    When she was distracted just now, she heard from the space that ingredients were nearby. She thought that it was just wild vegetables.


    Using the shovel to remove the soil carefully, Xiaoxiao heard the notification.


    [Ding! New ingredient discovered. It''s bamboo shoots.]


    [Master, quickly pick them. We haven''t recorded bamboo shoots before!]


    There were several bamboo forests around Fortune Vige. The skilled vigers would go up the mountain to cut bamboo and weave bamboo baskets. Some would use them at home, and some would even bring them to the market to exchange for copper coins. Ning Fengnian was an expert at weaving bamboo. The things he made were exquisite, beautiful, and durable.


    Because bamboo shoots were bitter, few people liked to eat them. Even the vigers who were not rich felt that only wild boars would eat them.


    However, Xiaoxiao, who was once a chef, knew that the taste was astringent. Other than the fact that the season of the bamboo shoots was wrong, it was also because the cooking method was too crude.


    She quite liked the dish of braised spring bamboo shoots.


    However, at this time, farmers only cooked to fill their stomachs. They did not care about the details and could not bear to use oil.


    Usually, it would only be a big pot of vegetables when it was time to eat.


    Those with better conditions could eat very well by putting a few pieces of meat into the pot.


    She thought of a few dishes about bamboo shoots, rolled up her sleeves, and began to dig.


    Half a day had passed unknowingly by the time four or five bamboo shoots appeared.


    Xiaoxiao despised the owner''s small body. She was sweating profusely just from doing some physical work.


    But at the same time, she was helpless.


    If she was hungry, where would she have enough strength to work?


    Xiaoxiao patted off the soil at the roots of the bamboo shoots and ced them in the basket. Once again, Xiaoxiao was sure that the first step to bing rich was to fill the hunger!


    It was time to pull up the bamboo basket.


    The gains this time were quite bountiful, but Xiaoxiao only kept a small portion, and most of it was exchanged for points.


    It wasn''t that she was stingy, but she knew that the people from the old residence were staring at her. It wasn''t good to do things too out of line.


    Walking out of the forest, Xiaoxiao wandered by the river until the angry Second Aunt Ning caught her.


    She snatched Xiaoxiao''s baskets without saying anything. Seeing that there were only bamboo shoots that only wild boars could eat and a handful of small prawns, she curled her lips in disdain.


    "Alright, I don''t mind. Give me the prawns."


    Xiaoxiao lowered her eyes and put down the two baskets. When she looked up again, her expression changed.


    Second Aunt Ning couldn''t understand but felt her gaze was even scarier than Ning Eng''s.


    "What, what''s going on?"


    "I''m your second aunt. What''s wrong with taking a few prawns from you?"


    Xiaoxiao snorted. "Looks like you didn''t learn enough lessons yesterday."


    It would have been better if she hadn''t mentioned this. However, the moment she did, Second Aunt Ning was instantly furious.


    "I haven''t settled that matter with you yet! Who asked you to talk nonsense and frame me?" Her butt was still hurting, pped by the soles of her mother-inw''s shoes!


    Xiaoxiao looked at her calmly and her smile gradually disappeared.


    "I don''t understand your words. I''m telling the truth."


    It was the truth that was hateful! She could not refute it even if she wanted to!


    Xiaoxiao continued, "But I was so happy when grandma hit you." As she spoke, she even grinned at Second Aunt Ning.


    Second Aunt Ning could not take this provocation. She raised her hand and was about to hit her.


    In the blink of an eye, Xiaoxiao screamed and fell diagonally backwards, knocking over the basket containing the prawns. The prawns instantly spilled all over the ground, and the bamboo shoots.


    Xiaoxiao''s hair had also scattered and covered her face, making it impossible to see her expression.


    However, looking at the fall and how she was trembling now, it was not difficult to guess how much strength Second Aunt Ning had used.


    Second Aunt Ning was also stunned. She looked at her palm in confusion.


    Did she�� hit Xiaoxiao? Why didn''t she feel anything?

 Chapter 10: Don’t Expose What You Eat

    <h4>Chapter 10: Don''t Expose What You Eat</h4>


    From afar, many vigers saw this scene. Those who had some sympathy could not help but go forward and hold Second Aunt Ning.


    "Hey, you can''t hit a child. What if something happens if you hit her so hard?"


    Someone quickly helped Xiaoxiao up. "Child, where did she hit you? Are you alright? Does your head hurt?"


    Xiaoxiao covered her face and wanted to get up, but she still shook her head strongly. "I-I''m fine."


    "No, it wasn''t Second Aunt."


    She raised her head and looked at Second Aunt Ning timidly. She bit her lip and said, "I fell myself!"


    After saying that, she panicked and packed the bamboo shoots and a small basket. She staggered back to the river and did not even bother to pick up the other bamboo basket containing the river prawns.


    What a pitiful little girl who didn''t retaliate��


    Second Aunt Ning couldn''t chase after her even if she wanted to. The vigers, who couldn''t take it anymore, were pulling and persuading her.


    "Second Aunt, don''t be like this. If you continue to cause trouble, we will report it!"


    Look at how arrogant she was. She was beating, scolding, and bullying her niece in front of them. In the past, before they split up, they didn''t know how she dealt with her.


    Initially, they thought it was unfilial of the Ning family to kick a fuss about splitting up when the elders were all fine. Now, it seemed that��


    Ning Eng was picking up firewood nearby. After hearing about this from his friends who were running over, he didn''t even want any firewood. He ran towards the area where the ident happened and called her Sister along the way. The vigers who passed by felt sorry for him.


    However, when Ning Eng found Xiaoxiao, she was lying by the river with a lotus leaf covering her face.


    Upon hearing themotion, she lifted her lotus leaf and revealed an unscathed smile.


    "Second Brother, what took you so long?"


    "Help me dig bamboo shoots!"


    Ning Eng''s tense muscles immediately rxed, but he was still perplexed about the situation. After confirming that his sister was fine, he walked closer and asked, "Did you meet Second Aunt just now?"


    "She hit you?"


    Xiaoxiao still said the same thing, but her tone was very different.


    She waved her hand. "How could I? I fell myself."


    "However, I even spun half a circle in the air in the middle and added some details. I feel that this performance is a little outstanding. I think Second Aunt will be confused when she sees it."


    It was good that his sister was not at a disadvantage. Ning Eng heaved a sigh of relief.


    As usual, after giving his sister a thumbs up, he remembered to ask, "Why are you digging bamboo shoots?"


    Xiaoxiao passed the shovel to him. "Eat."


    "Isn''t this only for pigs?"


    Everyone in Fuyuan Vige knew that the wild boars on the mountain would eat bamboo shoots.


    The vigers would also dig it back and cut it up to feed the pigs at home with other things.


    Besides that, very few people used bamboo shoots to make food.


    This thing was bitter, astringent, and difficult to chew. His sister wanted to eat this?


    He scratched his head awkwardly. "I think steamed buns mixed with chaff aren''t that bad��"


    Xiaoxiao red at him and let him dig without saying anything.


    You''re the pig!


    Hmph! If you can, don''t eat it after I make it!


    Ning Eng felt his sister was taking it for granted, but he still habitually helped her dig bamboo shoots. He only stopped after he filled a basket with bamboo shoots.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao picked up the bamboo basket buried by the river again.


    Ning Eng sighed andforted her in advance. "Sister, don''t be sad even if you can''t catch her."


    "When the river rosest time, all the good things in the river were scooped up by the vigers�� Eh, there''s so much?"


    Xiaoxiao covered his mouth. "Don''t expose what you eat, do you understand?"

 Chapter 11: Pampered and Spoiled

    <h4>Chapter 11: Pampered and Spoiled</h4>


    Ning Eng vaguely remembered that it was not the actual sentence, but he did not refute her.


    He still remembered the way Second Aunt looked at the pickle-boiled fish. It resembled how the dog at the vige entrance looked at its food.


    After tidying up, Xiaoxiao let her hair down again to cover her face before walking home.


    It was the time when vigers were returning home after finishing their work. The two children holding bamboo shoots and covering their faces immediately caused a discussion.


    At this moment, most people had heard of Second Aunt Ning''s magnificent feat. When they saw Xiaoxiao''s pitiful look, they felt sorry and thought the Ning family was outrageous.


    For this reason, no one in the old residence dared bully them in the current situation.


    This was the effect that Xiaoxiao wanted. After entering the courtyard and closing the door, she tied up her hair and rushed into the kitchen.


    Good food! I''ming!


    Her eldest brother stopped her halfway through her run.


    Ning Dng helplessly carried her into the house and washed her face and hands with a clean cloth. Then, he picked up ab and began tob her hair.


    "You''re an adult and don''t know how to tie your hair."


    Although he was scolding her, his tone was full of pampering. He was very gentle and careful. He did not pull a single strand of hair.


    Xiaoxiao enjoyed her brotherbing her hair with a clear conscience. She patted her chest and promised, "Brother, I''ll make a lot of delicious food for you in the future! I''ll raise you into a handsome, elegant, and handsome young master."


    "No, from today onwards!"


    Ning Eng was jealous. "Today? Eat those bitter bamboo shoots which you asked me to dig?"


    Xiaoxiao sat on the stool and raised her short legs, pretending to kick him. "If you can, don''t eat the foodter!"


    Ning Eng admitted that he dared not.


    He did not understand what was going on either. The ingredients were the same, and the salt was the same. Why was it that his sister''s food was more delicious than others?


    To be honest, even his mom, who had been in charge of cooking for more than ten years, was now far inferior to his sister.


    It was just a simple bamboo shoot sprinkled with some onions. He did not know how his sister made it, but it was so fresh that it made him want to bite his tongue off.


    She put the shrimp into the pot of boiling water and added small onions, ginger slices, and a few grains of salt.


    When the water boiled again, Xiaoxiao picked one up and broke it in the middle. She squeezed her thumb and index finger slightly, and the white and tender prawn tail meat was squeezed out.


    The bamboo shoots were sweet and refreshing, and the fresh and chewy prawn. Every bite made Ning Eng exim in surprise.


    The rice chaff buns that were difficult to swallow in the past were not enough today.


    Even so, his sister propped her chin on her hand and said thoughtfully, "It''s stillcking a little."


    Ning Eng stuffed his mouth and asked, "What do you need?"


    Xiaoxiao said honestly, "Oil and meat."


    Ning Engughed at her. "Of course. How can meat not taste good together with anything?"


    Xiaoxiao ignored him and said to herself.


    "Stewed spring bamboo shoots and roasted meat with bamboo shoots are the best."


    "Simmer bamboo shoots in a hot oil pot and stir-fry them. Add soy sauce, soy sauce, and white sugar. Smooth them over a small fire to dry them. The bright red sauce wraps the bamboo shoots when they''re out of the pot. One bite at a time. It''s fresh, sweet, and crispy."


    "Or put the pork meat mixed with fat into the pot. After stir-frying the oil, stir-fry it and stir-fry it. Add sugar and stir-fry it. Then, pour the meat back and stir-fry it to color it, and add seasoning, water, and ginger slices. When the water is half-filled, put bamboo shoots. After the soup is dried, the bamboo shoots are more delicious than the meat��"


    Ning Eng was already dumbfounded. He didn''t know if he understood his sister''s words, but his mind was filled with the word delicious.


    After a while, he remembered and asked, "How did you know about these two dishes?"


    "You haven''t eaten it either."


    Xiaoxiao said calmly, "That''s what I did in my dream. After waking up, I thought about the various smells and felt they matched the smell in my dream."


    In the future, she would have to make a lot of delicious food. Instead of hiding it and not daring to show it, she might as well find an excuse in advance.


    "Not only that, but I also dreamt of many other dishes!"


    Ning Eng smiled. "Gluttonous, you''re always thinking about food, even if in your dream."


    Xiaoxiao was not embarrassed and continued to fight with her second brother for food.


    Madam Song let them y around. She had thought the separation would be difficult, but after having her childrenugh and fool around, she immediately felt much more energetic.


    This was good. From time to time, she would feel that their suffering would soon end.


    The Ning family''s dinner ended withughter. When the people in the old residence heard about what happened next, they were toozy to find the eldest branch.


    Of course, the most important thing was that he could not afford to be ashamed.


    It was said that Second Brother''s family had beaten up that girl from the eldest branch in public, and she was ruthless.


    Most importantly, there were only a dozen finger-sized shrimps in the bamboo basket. Even if she picked them up and cooked them, filling a small bowl would not be enough.


    There was no need to go through so much trouble over such a small thing.


    After discovering that the bamboo shoots were edible, Ning Eng volunteered to dig tomorrow. Xiaoxiao was happy and rxed. She also happily decided to stay home tomorrow and study new dishes to earn points.


    Theiy were harmonious. But Zhao Hu''s house, which was not far away, few people had a few bitter expressions


    "What''s wrong? Master didn''t eat anything again?"


    "That''s right. When we decided to acknowledge the Zhao family, we didn''t know that this woman''s culinary skills were so bad. Not to mention the pampered and spoiled master, even I almost vomited."


    Yun Er did not notice the expressions of his brothers, who were desperately winking at him, and he was stillmenting.


    "But even if we still have snacks and dried meat, we won''t be able to keep them for long. Besides, we haven''t made any ie, so we can''t just sit around and eat empty food, right?"


    As soon as he finished speaking, he heard a voice behind him. "Not bad."


    Yun Er was froze. He twisted his neck with difficulty and turned his head. "Master, when did youe?"


    Rong Yan said lightly, "When you said I''m pampered and spoiled."

 Chapter 12: Interesting

    <h4>Chapter 12: Interesting</h4>


    He raised his eyebrows slightly and smiled. "Since you know that you can''t sit only and eat food for free, go and learn how to farm today."


    Since they had decided to stay, they had to keep it decently, so they bought a piece ofnd from the vige chief.


    The location of that ce was very good. It was close to Dayan Mountain and far away from the Dusk River.


    There was a reason why this piece ofnd still belonged to the vige chief.


    Firstly, it was not fertile enough and was a poornd.


    Secondly, it was too far away from the Dusk River. Every time the vigers wanted to carry water, it would take a long time. If it was unlucky and tripped on the way, it would be lucky to bring back half a pail.


    As soon as Rong Yan left, Yun Er looked at the others with a stern face. "Why didn''t you remind me?"


    Everyone was speechless. "Our eyelids are about to cramp. What can we do if you can''t see us?"


    Before he mentioned the need for brotherly love, everyone had gone away. One said that he wanted to familiarize himself with the terrain and look where the new house should be built. The other said he wanted to go into the mountains to hunt with Zhao Hu and increase their rtionship. The one whose most ridiculous said that he wanted to study recipes!


    In any case, all of them were heartless and disappeared in the blink of an eye��


    Even Rong Yan wandered out of Zhao Hu''s house. Zhao Hu''s wife was going to start cookingter. He didn''t want to eat, but he would be hungry if he didn''t eat. It even confirmed what Yun Er said about being pampered and spoiled.


    He raised his eyebrows and kicked away the annoying stones by his feet. He was not spoiled! The wife of the Zhao family cooked disgusting food! Was there no one in the vige who could make delicious dishes?


    He began to regret choosing to stay at this ce. It was good to go to the county. At least there was a restaurant��


    However, he knew that there were too many people in the county and hiding was unsuitable.


    A wild fruit falling from the tree almost hit him as he was pacing in frustration. Looking up gloomily, he thought, "How good would it be if a chef fell from the sky!"


    It was the mostfortable time in the sun. It was bright and moving but not as warm as at noon.


    Xiaoxiao carried a small stool and her bamboo shoots to the backyard to diligently peel them.


    The vigers who passed by only thought that Xiaoxiao was famished, but Rong Yan remembered the bowl of pickled, boiled fish soup that Second Aunt Ning carried in front of them.


    Rong Yan suspected that he was too hungry. Otherwise, why would he have such a deep impression of the leftovers?


    At this moment, the bamboo shell on the ground had already piled up to a highyer.


    When Xiaoxiao got up, she saw Rong Yan standing against the light.


    She had caught a glimpse of him the first time she met him in the mountains. She thought he was fair and tender but did not expect him to be so stunning up close.


    Especially whenpared to other men in the vige, the young man in front of her was so handsome that it made her heart beat faster�� Ah, no, it made one feel that he was radiant.


    Coincidentally, at this moment, she noticed that the master was inadvertently pressing his stomach.


    Xiaoxiao frowned.


    As a chef, she knew very well what this action meant.


    If it wasn''t stomach pain, it was hunger. Both were rted to food.


    As a chef, she couldn''t control her desire to feed him, especially since he was so handsome.


    Hence, Xiaoxiao, who had received Madam Song''s education to let her be friendly in the vige, dusted off her hands and took the initiative to go forward and coax him.


    "Hello, are you Uncle Zhao''s nephew? We lived too close. We''ll be neighbors from now on. You cane and y with me often in the future. My name is Ning Xiaoxiao."


    "By the way, I''m preparing to roast bamboo shoots. If you don''t mind, do you want to try one?"


    Her bright ck eyes made people unconsciously ignore her. Rong Yan, originally just out for a walk, nodded for some reason. After nodding, he regretted it. However, Xiaoxiao reacted extremely quickly and did not give him a chance to return to his word.


    Xiaoxiao quickly packed the bamboo shoot shells on the ground and waved at Rong Yan with the peeled bamboo shoots. "Come to my house and wait for me for a while." After she finished her words, she ran away.


    Rong Yan felt that it was rude to turn around and leave now. Besides, he was also curious about what roasted bamboo shoots were. Could bamboo shoots be eaten? No matter if they were bad, they wouldn''t taste worse than the Zhao family''s cooking.


    Ning Xiaoxiao, from the modern era, didn''t intend to guard against men and women. Born and raised here, Rong Yan kept a distance and walked into the courtyard with her.


    He politely went to greet her parents before sitting down in the courtyard.


    Listening to her parents praise him for his extraordinary temperament, sensible and polite, honorable appearance, and steady and generous. He didn''t show the happiness on his face, but his pursed lips curled up.


    The countryside was not bad either. At least the people here had good taste.


    The courtyard was not big. Some green nts were nted around the courtyard wall, adding a few artistic conceptions to the mottled corners. Although it was not as elegant as the famous flowers in the previous residence, it was still interesting.


    As she thought this, Ning Xiaoxiao ran out of the kitchen and pinched the green leaves again.


    "I forgot to pick the spring onions."


    Rong Yan was speechless.

 Chapter 13: The Kind with Pork Belly

    <h4>Chapter 13: The Kind with Pork Belly</h4>


    The fresh bamboo shoots were nched and cooled immediately. It could remove the bitterness while maintaining the crispness it deserved.


    Of course, controlling the fire was very important during this process. If one was not careful and cooked too much, the tender bamboo shoot would immediately go limp and lose its appetite.


    The bamboo shoots that were simply processed could still stand upright when pinched with hands. This meant that the nching was just right.


    Xiaoxiao gave herself a thumbs up and then dragged out the bamboo mesh board her brother had made from the kitchen.


    It didn''t have any technical skills. It was just intertwining bamboo pieces and forming a tablet with gaps.


    After Xiaoxiao finished discharging the bamboo shoots, she stuffed the bamboo mesh board into the stove.


    The bamboo board and the me were about a fist''s length apart. It was just enough to heat the bamboo shoots on it evenly without burning them.


    When the bamboo shoot shrank slightly, she pulled back the bamboo board and asked Rong Yan, who was outside.


    "Do you mind eating spicy?"


    Rong Yan paused for a moment. "It''s fine if it''s just a little."


    Xiaoxiao asked again, "Do you want garlic?"


    Rong Yan didn''t say anything. He wasn''t pampered and spoiled. He didn''t eat garlic because it was too smelly.


    Hence, Xiaoxiao made a sweet and spicy sauce for him. It was mainly fresh and sweet. She only added a bit of chili powder and used it as an embellishment.


    Rong Yan looked at the chili powder in the sauce and hesitated momentarily. Then, under Xiaoxiao''s puzzled gaze, he took a bite. He was stunned when he tasted it. The sauce was not spicy at all. The bamboo shoot strips were crispy and refreshing when he bit into them. There was a faint taste in the saltiness and an imperceptible sweetness.


    His stomach, which had been tortured for the past few meals, seemed to have been redeemed. He quickly took another bite.


    Xiaoxiao propped her chin and watched him eat. After he finished eating, she handed him another one. She waspletely immersed in the joy of sessfully feeding him.


    Rong Yan, who had grown up in luxury life, did not expect to be interested in such poor food, nor did he expect to finish five or six sticks unknowingly.


    After eating, his ears turned red as he thought, "Food is the most important thing for people." The ancients were not lying to him.


    From the emperor to themon people, eating was a major event regardless of their status.


    As he began to strategize in his mind, Xiaoxiao only thought that he ate too little.


    When she met such customers, she would usually self-reflect first. Was the food not delicious? Or was it not to his liking?


    Hence, she took out other bamboo shoots from the stove, using another method to deal with them. "Why don''t you try something else?"


    Madam Song happened to hear her words and poked her daughter''s head.


    Only her daughter could treat a few wild bamboo shoots as treasures and use them to entertain guests.


    It seemed that the young master''s family background was good. He had already eaten a few mouthfuls, but Xiaoxiao still wanted him to eat,


    She smiled apologetically at Rong Yan. "Please forgive me for my poor hospitality."


    Rong Yan stood up and bowed. "Aunt, you''re wee. Miss Ning''s culinary skills are very good. I apologize for disturbing you."


    He thought momentarily and said, "Aunt, just call me Ah Yan."


    Madam Song liked this good-looking and polite young man very much. However, her family was poor. She could not take out anything suitable to entertain him. After chatting, she saw he was about to leave and did not ask him to stay.


    Xiaoxiao was in charge of sending the guests off. Even though he lived next door, she still couldn''t forget their etiquette. Her mom had always valued the upbringing of the siblings.


    However, on the way, she couldn''t help but mutter, "Actually, the bamboo shoots that are roasted together with the skin have a different vor. The moment the shell of the bamboo shoots is peeled, the fragrance goes straight into my nostrils! If pork belly with fat and lean meat is sliced into thin slices, rolled up the bamboo shoots, and roasted with my secret sauce, the taste will be amazing!"


    Rong Yan was speechless. Why was he suddenly hungry again?


    When this girl talked about food, she was just like Aunt Xiao''s husband, who was an imperial chef. Her image was too specific and tasteful.


    Thinking about it this way, her eyes seemed somewhat familiar.


    Xiaoxiao realized that Rong Yan would look at her quietly when she spoke. This made Xiaoxiao, who was always despised for being bold and talkative, feel satisfied andfortable.


    She then became more talkative. "I know how to make a lot of sauces. Sweet, salty, spicy, and sour. I can make whatever you want!"


    "I realized that you don''t like to eat onions and garlic. Are you like to eat more salty or sweet?"


    Rong Yan swallowed and answered honestly, "I like sweet."


    Xiaoxiao felt that he was adorable. As she imagined such a good-looking young master hugging a dessert to eat, she was suddenly filled with motivation!


    However, it onlysted for a moment. Because, in this era, sugar was a luxury item that her family could not afford.


    However, she still said thoughtfully, "I''ll remember. I''ll make you sweet sauce next time."


    After saying that, she turned around and ran back to her house.


    When the guard saw Rong Yan standing at the door, he happened to hear her words and looked puzzled.


    When did Master be so familiar with the girl next door?


    Huh, wasn''t this the girl who took their carrier pigeon?


    Before he could figure it out, he heard Rong Yan ask calmly, "What did you hunt today?"


    Yun Yi, who had gone to the mountains with Zhao Hu to try his luck, shook his head. Rong Yan didn''t say anything, but the guard could see the obvious disdain in his eyes.


    Yun Yi, also ranked among the imperial guards, felt very aggrieved. Wasn''t he trying to hide his strength?


    However, he thought that his master wanted him to hunt prey.


    He probed, "What do you think I should hunt?"


    Rong Yan said calmly, "A wild boar."


    He added, "The kind with pork belly."


    Yun Yi was speechless.

 Chapter 14: Space Upgrade

    <h4>Chapter 14: Space Upgrade</h4>


    A few dayster, Xiaoxiao, peeling bamboo shoots at home, looked enviously at the new house next to the hunter''s house from its starting building to itspletion.


    The Ning family had left their old house empty, where her family was now residing. After simple repairs, they could only make it so that it did not leak rain.


    She wanted to live in a new house, wear new clothes, and buy pots, pans, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, sugar, octagonal cinnamon, fennel, and cumin��


    As she thought about it, her gaze fell on a flower that had bloomed at the corner of the house.


    The wildflowers were not very beautiful, but bees were flying around them.


    Her eyes suddenly lit up. She stood up and shouted into the house, "Mom, I''m going out for a while!"


    Madam Song was already used to her daughter''s attitude. She looked at the porridge and steamed buns prepared in the kitchen and reminded her, "Go after you eat."


    However, when she finished speaking, Xiaoxiao had already run far away. Madam Song only had time to see her back.


    "Huh."


    She thought Xiaoxiao couldn''t stay home and went out to dig for wild vegetables again.


    Her luck was indeed good. Every time she went out, she gained more than others.


    She knew it had only been over ten days, but everyone in her family seemed much rosier than before.


    Second Aunt Ning, who was strolling outside, coincidentally saw Xiaoxiao as she dashed into the forest. However, Second Aunt Ning was too embarrassed to follow her. There were many people nearby, and there would be a lot of gossip.


    After she hit someone to snatch the prawnsst time, the vigers said she had forced the eldest branch to snatch food from the wild boar. As long as she approached anyone from the eldest branch, the troublesome vigers would persuade her to umte merit for the child in her stomach.


    She was not afraid of anything else but had to pay attention to the child. Moreover, the doctor had just said that her pregnancy was not stable.


    Second Aunt Ning consoled herself. What good things could a child find in the mountains? Hmph, she didn''t care!


    This time, Xiaoxiao was patrolling the mountain with a purpose. She went no deeper but followed her memory in a certain direction.


    She remembered seeing arge swarm of wild bees when returning home from fishing.


    Where there were so many bees, there must be��


    [It''s a beehive! There''s honey in the beehive! Master, we haven''t recorded honey either! After this recording, I can upgrade! And I canplete the recording and upgrade at the same time!]


    Xiaoxiao asked curiously, "Then, after the upgrade, do you have any new functions?"


    The space chuckled and whispered to her. The more Xiaoxiao listened, the brighter her eyes became, and she was even more determined to get the beehive.


    She hade prepared for this time. She had made some simple preparations before leaving, bringing a few tattered clothes.


    Before taking action, she sifted through her clothes and tightened her cuffs. Then, she wrapped her head, face, and hands with her old clothes to make sure that all the ces that could be exposed were covered. Only then did she raise a tree branch in her left hand and a long stick in her right hand and quietly move towards the gathering of bees.


    A gray oval beehive was hanging on a tree seven to eight meters ahead.


    Hundreds of bees entered and exited their homes to the sound of buzzing.


    Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes and looked up from the seams of her clothes. She recalled that she had received a bee sting when the owner was younger. It was just a bump, but she was not sensitive, so she thought that this trip was not very dangerous.


    Just as she finished thinking, she put down the branch and raised her long stick. She pped the ce where the beehive was connected to the branch. The oval beehive fell onto the thick grass and leaves.


    The bees all came out. After finding the culprit, they all rushed over with a buzz, looking like they would not stop until she was stung to death.


    Xiaoxiao was scared out of her wits. Although she knew she wouldn''t die of an allergic reaction just because bees stung her, it didn''t mean she wasn''t afraid of pain. With so many bees, could she still see people?


    It was better not to steal beehives by herself in the future��


    With this thought in mind, she ran towards the beehive without slowing down.


    Something strange happened. The moment Xiaoxiao touched the beehive, she disappeared with it.


    [Ding! Recording sessful! Space upgrade!]

 Chapter 15: Neighbors Is Better than Far Family

    <h4>Chapter 15: Neighbors Is Better than Far Family</h4>


    The angry bees flew back and forth for a long time around the ce where the thief had just stopped. They were filled with confusion. Where was she?


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao was holding the beehive stored in the space and looking around. What she saw was a motionless colorful world. The blue sky, white clouds, and a familiar round egg on the greenwn.


    She suddenly remembered the scene when she took it from the old residence. At that time, she was so angry that she took it, but she did not have the chance to take out the egg after that since her mom would beat her up.


    This space was not bad. After being ced for so long, the eggs were still fresh. It would be very convenient for her to go out for a trip in the future.


    Now that it had the function of letting her enter and leave, she could hide in her space if she encountered any danger. No one would be able to find her.


    The more she praised, the more excited the space became. At this moment, it could not help but praise itself.


    [Master, that''s not all my functions. If you continue to work hard to make delicacies in exchange for points, I can keep upgrading. Not only can I open the seed shop and provide the various seeds you need, but I can also open fields. In the future, if you want to eat anything, just nt it here. The variety is good, and the growth cycle is short!]


    Huh, Xiaoxiao was not sleepy anymore when she heard its words. She asked, "How short exactly?"


    The mysterious space kept them in suspense. "It''s beyond your imagination!"


    It even hooked up with Xiaoxiao. "If you want to know, you have to collect more delicacies and let me level up quickly."


    What an old-fashioned marketing method. As Xiaoxiao despised it, she fell into the trap and started to think of a good way to upgrade the space quickly.


    She thought that the bees outside were probably tired from searching. Xiaoxiao cut a small piece from the beehive and threw it into the distance when she shed out of space. Then, she ran in the opposite direction.


    The familiar smell attracted the bees, and most flew towards the small beehive. However, some paused for a while before continuing to chase after Xiaoxiao.


    Xiaoxiao ran for a while and hid in the space for a while. When she came out again, she threw a small piece of beehive. When only about half the beehive left, a few bees followed her. It was not far from returning to the vige. Xiaoxiao checked her condition and took a deep breath. She hugged the beehive and ran out of the space with all her might.


    Rong Yan was bored and familiarizing himself with the environment in the vige. The guards had yet to contact their trusted people, let alone find the traitor who betrayed them and caused him to be in danger. They could only hide here.


    From afar, he saw a tightly wrapped figure rushing out of the forest by the roadside. When it passed by him, it even shouted, "Run, run, there are bees behind us!"


    With great difficulty, he could tell from her voice that it was Xiaoxiao. She pulled his sleeve and started running before he could ask what had happened.


    She pulled Rong Yan into a haystack without thinking when they passed a haystack.


    Not many bees left, especially since there were so many different smells after they returned to the vige. They quickly confirmed that they had lost their target and slowly dispersed. At this moment, Xiaoxiao let go of Rong Yan and crawled out of the haystack to pat her chest. "You scared me to death."


    Rong Yan: �� To be honest, I was the scared one.


    Looking down in confusion, he saw a few conspicuous bags on her arm and the back of her hand. Was she�� stung by a bee? Where did she go? Why did she provoke a bee?


    Xiaoxiao didn''t say anything. He thought he was a gentleman, so he didn''t ask. However, before he went home, he smelled his hands in confusion. Why did it seem a little sweet? It couldn''t be the smell of that girl, right?


    Blushing, Rong Yan hurriedly extended his hand and quickly put it into the basin, sshing water everywhere.


    At this moment, the guard, Yun Yi, returned with the gift. "Master, we''ve caught it!"


    Rong Yan immediately retracted his hand and wiped it with a handkerchief.


    Yun Yi looked at the water in the room with a puzzled expression. Rong Yan snorted. "It''s all because you suddenly shouted and I got scared. What did you hunt that caused such a bigmotion?"


    Yun Yi led his master to the courtyard. A wild boar that was too big was tied up and hung upside down on a pole. It was unknown if it was dead or alive. Yun Yi introduced it expectantly, "Master, this pig looks very delicious and very strong!"


    Rong Yan sighed expressionlessly. Was it dependent on a pig to see if it was delicious?


    His gaze couldn''t help but drift towards the Zhao family''s kitchen. It depended on the chef!


    Some people could only make food for pigs when they got the freshest meat dishes.


    However, some people could turn something only pigs could eat into delicious food.


    He thought he was smart and had thought of many ways to choose Zhao Hu''s family, the most wless target. However, everything was well thought out. The only mistake was that the Zhao family''s wife''s culinary skills were unbelievable!


    They could not often go to the county to eat to maintain their image of fleeing. They could only find an opportunity to buy refreshments to pass the time.


    The past was unbearable to look back on. Rong Yan looked at the pig, then at the guard, and then at the kitchen. Ultimately, he shifted his gaze to the Ning family''s house, not far away.


    There was a very good saying in the countryside. It was better to be close than distant rtives.

 Chapter 16: Smoke Beehive

    <h4>Chapter 16: Smoke Beehive</h4>


    After Xiaoxiao returned home, she covered the beehive wrapped with cloth in a bamboo basket and got some cold water to wash the wounds on her hand. She carefully ensured no bee stings were left after the wounds were washed clean.


    Like in the original owner''s memory, the wound only swelled up briefly and had a slight itch. Xiaoxiao blew on it a few times and then jumped into the kitchen as if nothing had happened.


    It was almost time to prepare for dinner. She lit up the stove, prepared the porridge, and steamed buns for dinner. Then, she took a wooden stick, still smoking from the stove and began to smoke the beehive.


    It was very likely that there were some bees left in the hive. They were in the same preservation state as the ingredients in the space. They could not move or attack, but it was different when they came out. Therefore, before she took the honey, she had to let them go away.


    At this time, her mom would wash her clothes, her eldest brother would help with the work in the new house next door, and her second brother would pick firewood. Her dad had just fallen asleep, so it was suitable for her to do things unsuitable for others to see.


    She could already skillfully put everything she touched into the space, but Xiaoxiao didn''t want topete with the bees in terms of speed, so she used another bamboo basket as a lid to cover the one with the beehive. After smoking the bees out, she stuck a finger into the hole under the bamboo basket.


    As soon as she touched the beehive, she put it into the space. This way, there were only bees left in the bamboo basket. Xiaoxiao tied the bamboo basket and ced it aside, preparing to find a chance to set the bees free. It wouldn''t be good to rob someone''s house and take their life, right?


    After settling this, Xiaoxiao removed the beehive from her space, prepared a clean kitchen knife, bowls, and chopsticks, and cut the honey. Cutting the honey was an inspiring thing, at least for Xiaoxiao.


    With one cut, the long-lost sweet fragrance made her drool. Enduring the desire to lick it, Xiaoxiao poured the honey into the bowl. It was a beautiful amber color that looked like the eyes of the young master next door.


    The beehive was not too big. It could only pour two bowls. Xiaoxiao put one bowl into the space to keep it fresh and kept the other bowl for eating. Then, she brought over boiled gauze and wrapped it around the beehive. She squeezed hard, and thick honey flowed out along with the force she used to twist the gauze. Soon, another bowl was filled.


    She found thergest y jar in the house and washed it clean. She boiled it with boiling water and ced the remaining beehive residue into it. Then, she soaked it in a bowl of clear water. Only then was the harvest for today was done.


    The two bowls of fragrant honey on the table made Xiaoxiao squint her eyes in delight.


    Before the adults returned home, she scooped out a spoonful from the flour bag and added the sauce she had mixed herself to mix evenly. She poured it into the pot and stirred it while heating it. She brought over the small jar by the pot when it began to steam.


    The jar contained the powder she had ground from small shrimps. Usually, it was used to make dishes to increase the freshness, and everyone at home liked to eat. Now that it was added to the noodles sauce, the umami vor filled the kitchen once it was heated. She added honey and boiled the noodles sauce until it was thick. Finally, she scooped out the bubbling sweet noodles sauce.


    Some of it was stored in the earthen jars used to store seasonings at home, while the rest was carefully scooped into the most beautiful small jars. Then, she ced them on the shelf and waited for them to cool.


    While waiting, the porridge in the pot had already started to boil. Xiaoxiao looked guiltily at the door to ensure no one was there. Then, she quickly removed the eggs from her space and scattered them into the porridge. She also scattered the cut wild vegetables and mushrooms.


    Just like that, the porridge was suffocated. She removed a few sweet potatoes from the food bag in the kitchen corner and deftly cut the skin into pieces to cut the underwater pot. She made a simple version of the shredded sweet potatoes.


    There wasn''t much oil at home, and they used the original honey. It was impossible to make it as delicious as before. Fortunately, wild honey was fragrant and mellow, and the taste was not ambiguous. She couldn''t help but eat two pieces as soon as it was ready.


    "Huh, you secretly eat it!"

 Chapter 17: Quite Good-Looking

    <h4>Chapter 17: Quite Good-Looking</h4>


    Ning Eng''s shout was so sudden that Xiaoxiao was so shocked that she almost choked.


    She red at him and poked a sweet potato with chopsticks before stuffing it into his mouth.


    "Now we''re aplices."


    Ning Eng widened his eyes and was about to retort, but the taste in his mouth startled him. "Sweet? Is it sweet?"


    The moment he went back home, he smelled candy. He thought that he had fainted from hunger and was hallucinating. Now, even his tongue was trying to deceive him?


    He chewed hard. "I''m not dreaming, am I?"


    Xiaoxiao pulled him in as if presenting a treasure and pointed at the two full bowls. "What do you think?"


    Ning Eng was overjoyed but still confusedly asked, "Where did you get it?"


    Of course, Xiaoxiao would not tell him the truth. Taking advantage of the fact that there were no witnesses, she talked nonsense. "I picked it up! I wanted to go to the forest to look for fungi today. When I turned around, I happened to see it, so I picked it up."


    Ning Eng didn''t believe it, but he didn''t have any evidence, and Madam Song and Ning Dng didn''t believe it either. However, the honey was right before them, so they had no choice but to suspect it. Xiaoxiao couldn''t have risked her life to snatch it from the bees.


    The Ning family''s dinner today was very sumptuous. The te of honey sweet potatoes was all eaten, but only steamed buns were left. Madam Song used her chopsticks to stir the wild vegetable porridge in her bowl and asked in surprise, "Where did the eggse from?"


    Xiaoxiao''s expression did not change. "I saw a nest of bird eggs when I saw the beehive, so I put them into the porridge."


    This time, even the calmest Ning Dng could not help but pat her head. "Little Sister is so lucky."


    Xiaoxiao acted cute to him. "Yeah. Children who like to smile won''t be too unlucky~"


    After saying that, she even poked the corner of his mouth and smiled. "Brother, you have to smile more. With such a cute sister like me, you should have o smile more! Moreover, my brother is so good-looking. It would be a pity if you didn''t smile!"


    Ning Eng pped her hand away and covered his brother''s face. "Thenugh three times. Maybe you''ll pick up a wild boar and give us a delicious meal tomorrow!"


    Xiaoxiao felt that he was jealous because she had praised Big Brother but not him. But she liked to see Second Brother jealous. The more anxious Second Brother was, the more she liked to continue teasing him. Hence, she looked at the sky and the ground but did not look at the face Second Brother had approached her. She even swung her short legs under the table and kicked him. As she kicked, a very polite knock was on the door outside the room.


    Rong Yan, who Ning Fengnian and his wife had praised, was standing outside the door. His guard looked a little embarrassed as he carried two skewers of meat.


    Noticing Ning Eng''s gaze, he exined, "I went into the mountains to hunt. I was lucky. A wild boar charged around, and we got lucky."


    Ning Eng was speechless.


    He touched his chin and looked back at his sister with a dark expression. "Sister, give me a smile."


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes at him.


    Rong Yan realized that they hade at the wrong time. He was used to having three meals daily but had forgotten that ordinary farmers only ate two meals daily. This was the time for the Ning family to eat dinner.


    He smelled the fragrance, and Rong Yan couldn''t stop it even if he wanted to. He had already forgotten what he wanted to say.


    Xiaoxiao sighed. "You came at the right time. I have something to give you. Wait for me for a while."


    Due to his upbringing, Rong Yan couldn''t interrupt others, so he stood obediently and smiled at everyone in the Ning family.


    Madam Song couldn''t stop smiling. She felt that Rong Yan didn''t have the arrogance of an ordinary rich family. He was good-looking and polite, so she repeatedly invited him in to sit.


    How could they disturb other people when they were eating? The Ning couple invited them warmly, but Rong Yan could only reject them tactfully. After a few rounds, Xiaoxiao rushed back with a jar in her arms.


    Madam Song held her down and taught her softly, "Slow down. What''s with the rush? Look at Young Master Ah Yan."


    Xiaoxiao looked over. She evenmented seriously, "It''s quite good-looking."

 Chapter 18: Reciprocity

    <h4>Chapter 18: Reciprocity</h4>


    Rong Yan was speechless.


    The Ning couple''s praise was eptable, but Rong Yan felt embarrassed when this girl said he was good-looking.


    Madam Song froze. She wished she could cover Xiaoxiao''s mouth and stuff her back into the kitchen. Listen to this. Those who didn''t know better would think that she was a lecher! Where did she learn this from?!


    However, Xiaoxiao did not realize what was wrong. She even took out a small jar and enthusiastically gave it to Rong Yan. "Here, this is the housewarming gift I prepared for you. It''s the sweet noodle sauce I just made. It''s especially convenient to eat. If you want to eat pancakes or steamed buns, just wipe it on it. If you want to eat noodles, cut the minced meat and stir-fry it with this sauce. The taste can be said to be superb!"


    She had made too many noodle sauces. Although the weather was not hot, the sauce could not be used for many days. The young master next door was good-looking and polite. When she saw him, she wanted to feed him. She could not change her habit of wanting to stuff food into her mouth when she saw a beautiful person.


    Ning Eng snorted secretly, "You make it sound like you''ve eaten it before. Huh, I believe you�� Can you make it for me? Huh."


    When Rong Yan looked down at the jar of honey, he also saw the swelling on Xiaoxiao''s hand that had yet to disappear. He recalled how she had wrapped herself tightly to hide from the bees and how she had said that this jar of sauce was a gift for him��


    So, this honey was for him? Just because he said that he liked sweets?


    Recalling how little time they had spent together, Rong Yan''s expression became even weird. Could it be that this girl from the Ning family had taken a fancy to him?


    The sweet fragrance from the jar made it difficult for Rong Yan to refuse. Thinking of the Zhao family''s wife''s cooking and touching his aching stomach, he felt very conflicted.


    After hesitating for a long time, he found a solution. He called Yunyi to bring the two pieces of meat over and said to Xiaoxiao.


    "Thank you for taking care of me these past few days. This is a little gift. I hope you don''t mind." Returning a bow was reciprocation. This also showed that he only treated Xiaoxiao as a neighbor.


    Xiaoxiao''s eyes shone as she looked at the two pieces of meat. She thought, "I don''t mind, I don''t mind. Even if I dislike something, I can''t dislike meat!" Looking at the evenly cut snowkes and the beautiful white, fat, red, and thin meat, it was obvious that the meat was superior quality and would be fresh and delicious. If it wasn''t for the fact that she had just finished eating, she would have gone to stir-fry a te of double-cooked meat now!


    Before her mom could decline, she took the meat and thanked Rong Yan profusely. Rong Yan left with the noodle sauce.


    This was good. As the saying goes, one should not receive a reward without doing something. But now that they were exchanging favors, it was immediately reasonable. However, after a few steps, he instructed Yun Yi, "Send my medicine to the Ning family''s girl." He did not know if the bee sting could use this medicine, but he had nothing else.


    Madam Song was afraid that her daughter would repeat something shocking, so she didn''t bother to return the meat to him.


    Rong Yan walked out of the Ning residence and subconsciously quickened his pace. Yun Yi followed behind him, still feeling a little puzzled.


    Didn''t he say that he would ask about the meat''s cooking method? Why did he give it away so easily?


    And that medicine�� the girl was injured?


    After putting the sweet noodles sauce on the kitchen shelf, Rong Yan turned around and nced at Yun Yi, who immediately went to cook the noodles and cut the meat. Although he was not a skilled chef, he could still do such a simple thing.


    ording to the girl, the salty and slightly sweet minced meat noodles were quickly served in the pot. The white noodles and amber-colored minced meat were mixed with chopsticks. The fragrance entered their noses through the steam. It was not an exaggeration to say that this was the most decent meal since they came to Fortune Vige.


    Zhao Hu was unsurprised that his nephew was not eating with them today. His wife''s culinary skills�� Forget it. Let''s not talk about it.


    While eating happily, Madam Song had yet to find a chance to talk to her daughter when another guest came to the house. This time, it was an uninvited guest.

 Chapter 19: You Will Regret It

    <h4>Chapter 19: You Will Regret It</h4>


    Second Aunt Ning had learned her lesson. She did not p it with her hands and only kicked it with her feet, avoiding her hand pain. "Is there anyone? Don''t pretend that there''s no one. I can see smokeing out of the chimney. Open the door for me!"


    Xiaoxiao finished the bowl in a few bites. The others followed suit and stuffed themselves with all the dinner that they could not bear to eat too quickly just now. Ning Eng even sighed. "What a pity. I want to chew slowly."


    The family tacitly cleaned the dining table without leaving any traces of delicious food. Even the used bowls and chopsticks were soaked in the pot. But even so, everyone still found it difficult to look at the two pieces of meat and two bowls of honey.


    People thought Second Aunt Ning was about to kick down the door as the sound of the door opening got louder and louder. Xiaoxiao pushed everyone out. "You guys go first. I''ll hide." Once everyone left, she waved her small hand and put the meat and honey into the space. She opened the window, opened the door, and waved to dissipate the sweet smell.


    Xiaoxiao heard Second Aunt Ning shout in the courtyard unhappily, "Why did you take so long toe? The little girl went into the mountains today and found something good, right? Quickly bring it over. I''ll bring it home for you to show filial piety to parents." Xiaoxiao clicked her tongue and thought something. She turned around and walked towards the basket she had ced in the corner.


    Second Aunt Ning was certain that the Ning family had something good and did not care that this was someone else''s house. She ran straight to the kitchen. When she entered, she saw Xiaoxiao suspiciously hiding the basket in her arms behind her.


    "Second Aunt?" Xiaoxiao panicked and tried to use her body to block the basket behind her. "Why are you here?"


    Second Aunt Ning put her hands on her hips proudly. "Why? Don''t you wee me? What''s behind you?" As she spoke, she went forward to pull Xiaoxiao. Xiaoxiao pushed her a few times, but she was pulled away as if she couldn''t win against Second Aunt Ning''s strength. Hence, she used the force to retreat to the door and pulled Second Brother and the rest who were about to go forward.


    Ning Eng was filled with regret. He shouldn''t have listened to his sister and let her stay alone. If he was here, he wouldn''t have been caught red-handed just after putting the good stuff in the basket.


    There was so much meat and honey. He hadn''t even eaten, and it was already gone.


    Their reactions gave Second Aunt Ning even more confidence. There must be something good in the basket! She was used to being impolite. She rolled up her sleeves and was about to open them.


    Xiaoxiao eximed, "Second Aunt, don''t! Please don''t! That''s not food. You have to believe me. You''ll regret it if you open it!"


    The more she said this, the more Second Aunt Ning did not want to hear it. This little girl still wanted to fool her? She had experienced more than this girl. This little girl was still too inexperienced to fight with her!


    As soon as she ced her greedy hands on the side of the basket, Xiaoxiao pushed Ning Eng and ran out.


    Ning Eng was a step slower. He happened to see a few bees buzzing out of the basket. There were not many, but more than ten of them. He was stunned but strongly desired to live and did not forget to run with his sister.


    Ning Dng also realized something. He ran out the door and asked his sister in a low voice, "What''s in the basket?"


    Without waiting for Ning Eng, who was panting, to speak, Xiaoxiao said mysteriously, "Pretending to be retribution for Second Aunt."


    Then, Second Aunt Ning screamed louder and louder, "Help! Help! Ah! There are bees!!"


    If his mom wasn''t here, Ning Eng wanted to p. However, Xiaoxiao still had time to tell her mom, "Mom, don''t worry. I''ve already closed the door and windows of dad''s room. Bees can''t enter."

 Chapter 20: Eat Less

    <h4>Chapter 20: Eat Less</h4>


    Madam Song calmed down instinctively. She only reacted when Second Aunt Ning disappeared. No, why did she feel at ease? She should have helped go to help Second Aunt Ning�� right?


    Madam Song, who had yet to realize that her daughter had subtly changed her, heaved a sigh of relief. She looked in the direction Second Aunt Ning had run off in and frowned. "Second Sister-inw is too exaggerated." There were only dozens of bees, but her cries sounded like she had poked a ho''s nest.


    Xiaoxiao didn''t expect that she only wanted to scare Second Aunt Ning and teach her a lesson, but the effect was so shocking. Unsurprisingly, she ran to the stove and reached out to the woodpile, pretending to take out the two pieces of meat she had just now put from her space.


    Madam Song understood at a nce. "No, we''ve already eaten dinner. Keep it and we can eat slowly. We''ll have meat and fish for the next half a month."


    What? Xiaoxiao was shocked. This was too good at living. She swallowed her saliva and squeezed out a worried expression. She even sighed. "But mom, I think that Second Aunt ising here often. I''m afraid this meat won''t be able to stay in our house for so long."


    Madam Song: �� She felt that her daughter''s words made sense.


    Seeing a chance, Xiaoxiao continued, "Mom, look. The person next door gave us such a big gift. I feel a little embarrassed to ept it just like that."


    Madam Song thought, "Why didn''t you think so when retrieving the meat just now?" But she continued to hear her talking.


    "Shouldn''t we return the favor? They don''t look like people who can cook at home. Why don''t I cook this meat and give them settle their dinner?"


    Her words seemed to make sense. Xiaoxiao tricked Madam Song. As Xiaoxiao spoke, she lit the stove again and picked up the kitchen knife to cut the meat into thin slices. She even waved her hand and arranged for her second brother to send a message next door to wait for delicious food. Fine, it was toote for Madam Song to stop her.


    There were clear marble patterns on the sliced pork belly. It was obvious that the meat was of high quality. If this was a wild boar, it would probably be azy pig that could eat, sleep, and not exercise.


    It was good to be azy pig. After processing, the meat would be fragrant and crispy. It was suitable for fat and thin, and the taste was the best.


    She wrapped the nched bamboo shoots in the meat slices, then skewered them with a bamboo stick and ced them on the pot. With a sizzling sound, oil was roasted out of the meat slices. When the bright red meat slices matured, they were brushed with the secret sauce, and the fragrance immediately spread.


    Xiaoxiao took a bunch of meat when no one was paying attention and exchanged them for points. She made up her mind to use the rest of them as sacrifices.


    The members of the Ning family, who were not full, to begin with, suddenly felt hungry. No one noticed that Xiaoxiao''s hands did not stop rolling the meat skewers. Only when the pot was filled did she shout, "Huh, I identally put too much. We can''t keep such good things. Why don''t we eat a few too?"


    Madam Song looked hesitant, so Xiaoxiao guided her patiently. "Just a sip so that you can give me some suggestions. Don''t send the bad food to the neighbors, right?" Madam Song felt it made sense and nodded in agreement, but she also felt something was wrong.


    Xiaoxiao did not give her any time to sort out her thoughts. She smiled and started to distribute the food. She only put it into her mouth when her parents and brothers had eaten. asionally, she would say, "It''s salty" or "It''s nd". Instantly, there was only the sound of chewing in the room. Unknowingly, half a piece of meat had disappeared. Madam Song was shocked and stopped Xiaoxiao from continuing. This girl was careless.


    After eating, Xiaoxiao looked at the remaining pork and licked her lips, unwilling to put down the knife.


    No, she still felt ufortable. She was unwilling to believe that so many good things would only benefit the people from the old residence.


    She thought and said, "Mom, shouldn''t we call a doctor for a follow-up checkup on dad''s injury? Also, we only have a few vegetable crops at home. This is a problem��"

 Chapter 21: Grandma, You Treat Us So Good

    <h4>Chapter 21: Grandma, You Treat Us So Good</h4>


    When Ning Eng sent the bamboo shoot meat roll the next door, the noodles were just out of the pot. One bite of noodles and one bite of meat were fragrant.


    The guards were praised for Xiaoxiao''s thoughtfulness and good culinary skills. They urged their eldest brother, Yun Yi, to go to the mountains again and remembered to hunt more wild boars to give to Xiaoxiao.


    Hunter Zhao''s movement was too fast. He couldn''t wait to find a buyer when the prey was brought back. They wanted to send more to the next door, so they could get an extra meal, but it failed. Huh, they could only me themselves for setting up a fatal family character that needed to rely on hunting and selling prey to survive to enter the city. It was a sad story.


    Rong Yan, on the other hand, looked at the delicious food and fell into deep thought. He did not owe her, but what about now? This girl was quite persistent��


    Second Aunt Ning cried back to the old residence. With snot and tears all over her face, she exaggerated the matter again, making Old Madam Ning m the table and curse.


    Second Aunt Ning was her niece. She would stand on her niece''s side unconditionally when it came to matters that had nothing to do with her mother-inw and daughter-inw. Moreover, she did not like the eldest branch to begin with.


    pping the table, Old Madam Ning immediately wanted to put on her shoes and settle scores with the eldest branch. Unexpectedly, just as she reached the eldest branch''s residence, she saw a familiar white-bearded doctor walk out of the house. Xiaoxiao didn''t panic when she saw the people from the old residence and went forward to greet them.


    "Hello, Grandma. Hello, Second Aunt. Are you here to visit my dad?"


    "It just so happens that Doctor He is here for a follow-up. The medicine that was prescribed earlier has also been used up. Do you know my family is in trouble, so you especially came to help us pay?"


    Her gaze only met Old Madam Ning angrily. Pay? Even in her dreams, it wouldn''t be so beautiful! She was about to spit out a mouthful of thick phlegm when she saw a familiar figureing out of the courtyard of the main house. Was that�� the vige chief?


    Old Madam Ning choked on her saliva and coughed repeatedly. Xiaoxiao hid the schadenfreude and ran to the vige chief''s side. "Thank you for making this trip, Uncle Vige Chief. My dad''s injuries haven''t recovered yet. The doctor said that he can''t be blown by the wind, or he might fall ill easily, so I can only be ashamed and let you out!"


    The people from the Xiaoxiao family were all wise. Beforeing, they had specially sent the vige chief a piece of meat and a small jar of honey. The vige chief was also happy to make this trip. "It''s fine, it''s fine. Fengnian had hurt his head, so he had to recuperate well. You did the right thing. I only took a few steps. It''s nothing."


    Then, his gaze paused and saw Old Madam Ning''s unnatural expression.


    He had heard all the rumors in the vige over the past few days. He and Lizheng had been in charge of separating the Ning family. Because the vige had always had the habit of the elders being inseparable from the family, at that time, they had thought that Fengnian''s wife was too domineering andcked filial piety. Now, it seemed��


    Thinking about the huge pile of bamboo shoot shells in the courtyard and Ning Xiaoxiao stepping on the stool to reach the stove, he felt that Old Madam Ning was really unkind.


    The mother-inw and daughter-inw, who had nned to cause trouble, were at a loss. They seemed to be able to hear the whispers around them. "I heard she saw the girl carrying something back from the mountains and wanted to snatch it again!"


    "Huh, she''s already forced her to this point, yet she still makes a fuss. What a sin. As expected, a stepmother is a stepmother."


    Old Madam Ning liked to tter herself. She usually liked to talk about the eldest branch. Although she was a stepmother, she raised her eldest son, Ning Fengnian, until he became an adult. It was as if she had done him a great favor.


    Seeing that the image she had built over the years was being spoiled, especially in front of the vige chief, she could not help but pinch Second Aunt Ning angrily. Second Aunt Ning grimaced in pain, but she had to endure it and did not dare show it.


    Xiaoxiao had seen their actions. She pulled Doctor He forward and said sincerely, "Grandma, you''re so good to us!" Then, she stretched out her hand to Old Madam Ning. Her meaning was obvious. She wanted money.

 Chapter 22: Just Kill Him

    <h4>Chapter 22: Just Kill Him</h4>


    Of course, Old Madam Ning was unwilling to give her money, but the surrounding vigers were staring at her. She couldn''t reject her directly, so she cleared her throat and said, "Who will bring so many copper coins when out?"


    Xiaoxiao pretended not to understand what she meant. "I don''t dare to trouble grandma. I''ll go get it for you now." Anyway, the money today had to be paid by Old Madam Ning. Otherwise, wouldn''t she have called the doctor and vige chief for nothing?


    She couldn''t eat the meat, and felt sad. However, giving it to the vige chief was better than giving it to the old residence. If she gave it to the people in the old residence, not only would it be of no help to her family, she might even be scolded. If she gave it to the vige chief, it would be different. After all, it was for the benefit of her family.


    Old Madam Ning was extremely unhappy, but looking at the vige chief''s stern face, she couldn''t make a scene. Hence, she kept winking at Second Aunt Ning. "What money does this little girl have? You go ahead."


    Madam Song had just helped Ning Fengnian to apply the medicine in the room. When she heard themotion and came out, Second Aunt Ning had already turned around and left reluctantly. Xiaoxiao pulled Ning Eng over and winked at him with her back facing them. "Brother, we forgot to pour a ss of water for Uncle Vige Chief. How dare we!"


    Ning Eng immediately understood and ignored the vige chief''s refusal. He quickly entered the house and poured a cup of hot water. He even gritted his teeth and added a small spoonful of honey.


    The vige chief also sat down to smell the rare sweetness in the cup. Ning Eng also poured a cup for Old Madam Ning. He forcefully pulled her into the courtyard to drink water. Of course, her cup was just ordinary in water.


    When Xiaoxiao arrived at the old residence, Second Aunt Ning entered the house faster than her. She was so nimble that she did not look like a pregnant woman who had been pregnant for a few months. She was in a hurry to discuss it with the head of the family.


    They could pay, but they still had to be calctive about how much they had to pay and make the eldest branch return it.


    Without Xiaoxiao and her family, the old residence was much more spacious and messy. No one had cleaned up the dust and debris on the ground, and the strange smell and dirty things in the chicken coop were even harder to ignore. Xiaoxiao simply did not understand how this group of people could endure it.


    She looked around the courtyard and saw that no one was around. She was about to knock on the main room door when she heard whispersing from the second room.


    First, Second Aunt Ning asked uneasily, "Master, what do you think of this?"


    Then, Second Uncle Ning said angrily, "If I had known earlier, I wouldn''t have hit his head with that stick��"


    Xiaoxiao stopped in her tracks, and her expression instantly turned cold.


    She nimbly moved to the side of the second room and found a window to squat down. She could hear more clearly from here.


    Second Aunt Ning''s sharp voice made Xiaoxiao''s face turn cold. Second Aunt Ning said, "Why don''t you use a little more strength and kill him? It''s better than dragging us down like this asionally."


    They had to give arge amount of copper coins to the eldest. Just thinking about it made her angry.


    Xiaoxiao clenched her fists and used all her strength to avoid breaking in. She forced herself to maintain her rationality. Although she wanted to beat the two bastards to death, she was still young and could not beat the two tall and burly bastards. Moreover, even if she told them about this, these two people would not admit it. They might even use her and nder their family.


    She needed evidence that could not give them a chance to quibble.


    Second Uncle Ning snorted. "What do you know? Hurting people and killing people is far different. Would the vige chief and junior officer have ignored this matter if he had lost his life then? If this matter reaches the government office, even if I know a bailiff, this matter can''t be suppressed. At that time, who knows their methods and if they will discover the truth."

 Chapter 23: We Have Our Land

    <h4>Chapter 23: We Have Our Land</h4>


    Xiaoxiao felt that she couldn''t listen anymore, or she might be unable to control herself.


    Whether it was the owner''s memories or her experience after transmigrating, their kindness had already made her treat everyone as her family. How could she tolerate her family being hurt like this?


    She quickly returned to the door and pushed the door against the wall. She pretended that she had just arrived. Old Sir Ning, the second branch, and even her aunt, hiding in the room and putting on makeup, ran out. When she saw it was her, her aunt, Ning Xiao''er, was the first to shout, "Stupid girl, what are you doing?! My rouge is crooked. How ugly!"


    Xiaoxiao nced at her ugly face and thought, "Makeup had nothing to do with your ugliness." Then, she looked at Old Sir Ning. "Grandpa, Grandma asked me toe and get my dad''s consultation fees. Second Aunt knows about it." She couldn''t be bothered to tell them anything else.


    Second Aunt Ning wanted to lie, but Xiaoxiao added, "Uncle vige chief and Grandma are still waiting for us."


    Second Aunt Ning was speechless.


    She could only tell them the truth and return the copper coins.


    She didn''t know if it was an illusion, but she kept feeling that Ning Xiaoxiao''s gaze on the way back was a little scary, making her have goosebumps.


    Suppressing her hatred, Xiaoxiao quickly paid the consultation fee and respectfully sent the vige chief away. At this moment, Old Madam Ning already knew why the vige chief had appeared in Xiaoxiao''s house. "You want to buynd?"


    Once the vige chief left, she revealed her true personality and sneered. "You have the money to buynd, but you don''t have the money to pay the consultation fee. Do you think I''m a fool?"


    Madam Song grabbed Xiaoxiao, who was about to speak. How could she let her children stand before her at a time like this? "Mom, we bought thisnd on credit."


    There was a precedent for this. To not waste the spring plowing time, the eldest branch first bought two acres ofnd on credit with the vige chief and agreed to replenish the money they had spent on thend at the end of the year or hand over 300 catties of food.


    Considering their current ability, what the Ning Family wanted was middle-qualitynd. It was not as good as the best qualitynd, but it was not poor, so one acre was three taels of silver, and two acres was six taels.


    Old Madam Ning didn''t think they could have so much money, so she was certain this group of fools wanted to work for free. They had worked hard to farm for a year, but in the end, they had benefited others.


    The yield of an acre ofnd is about 300 catties, the best qualitynd. With the two acres ofnd they had on credit, it was lucky for them if it could grow a total of 500 catties. In other words, after paying 300 catties of food, they would only have about 200 catties left. With so much food, how could they be full of five members in a family?


    Old Madam Ning secretly gloated. "Who asked you not to know how to appreciate favors and insist on splitting up? With that little injury on Ning Fengnian''s head, he could lie in the house for three days. Why did you have to ask a doctor to prescribe medicine? There was also expensive ginseng in the medicine. Was Ning Fengnian worthy of eating noble ginseng?"


    She was gloating secretly, and did not pay much attention to what had happened today. She then proudly brought Second Aunt Ning, who hade to deliver the money back home.


    Second Aunt Ning''s heart ached along the way for the copper coins she had just given out. Old Madam Ning couldn''t bear to see her useless appearance and spat. "Don''t worry. Isn''t it just a few copper coins? Just wait. Soon, they''ll return it with interest."


    No one in the eldest branch knew what Old Madam Ning was up to. After sending the vige chief away, the family was a little excited. Ning Eng''s eyes lit up, and he still remembered to ask in a low voice, "Dad, mom, we havend? We have ournd?"

 Chapter 24: A Higher-Level Pursuit

    <h4>Chapter 24: A Higher-Level Pursuit</h4>


    Madam Song patted his shoulder in amusement and looked at her eldest son, who was not good at talking but was happy, and her youngest daughter, who was about to jump up. She nodded and said affirmatively, "Yes, we havend! In the future, we''ll farm ournd and support ourselves."


    When they split up, she still felt guilty for letting her children leave the old residence with her to suffer a bad life. Now she felt that her decision was right. It was fine to suffer a little. No one in her family waszy. They were filled with endless strength to work hard in the future.


    After these few days of recovery, the bloody wound on Ning Fengnian''s head had already scabbed over, and he was no longer often dizzy. His wife assisted him today in walking a few rounds in the courtyard after he finally received the Doctor''s approval.


    However, when he walked from Madam Song to the youngest, Xiaoxiao, they all stared at him, ready to carry him back into the house if his situation was not right.


    Ning Fengnian felt very pressured, so he tried to say a joke to ease the situation. "I''ve finally experienced the feeling of confinement these few days." After saying that, he was red at by Madam Song and taken back into the house.


    Only then did Ning Fengnian remember that Madam Song had never gone through a good day when she was with him? Every time, she would be urged to be busy after giving birth for three to four days. He had seen the anxiety and busyness of the entire family these few days. He was touched. He held Madam Song''s hand and sighed. "Qiuniang, the greatest fortune in my life is to marry you."


    Madam Song blushed. "You''re not serious!" She didn''t pull her hand away. Although everyone felt that Ning Fengnian was much more energetic recently, she could only feel at ease after receiving Doctor He''s permission today. She felt relieved, and tears couldn''t help but fall. "You scared me to death��"


    Madam Song was so frightened that she trembled when she saw him covered in blood. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have insisted on splitting up after hearing Old Madam Ning say that she would only let him rest for two days and wouldn''t even give him the medicine.


    Xiaoxiao and the other two left tactfully when their dad held their mom''s hand. Now, they cleaned up the bamboo shoots piled in the courtyard. Ning Eng felt he was about to dig out all the bamboo shoots on the mountain. "It''s not good to eat this every day."


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes at him. "Do you see the two jars in the courtyard?"


    When they split up, the people from the old residence dared to use the remaining half of the acre jar of pickled vegetables to cover twenty catties of food. These two days, Xiaoxiao washed the jar and ced it under the sun before putting in the bamboo shoots she had cut.


    Ning Eng also helped clean the jar, but he didn''t understand what his sister wanted. At this moment, Xiaoxiao instructed him to open the jar. As soon as he opened it, they smelled the sour fragrance.


    Unlike the sour smell of food, it smelled a little like pickled vegetables after it deteriorated.


    Ning Eng looked doubtful. "Is this edible?"


    However, Ning Dng did not hesitate to pick up a piece with his chopsticks and take a bite. After eating, he gave his sister a thumbs up, causing Xiaoxiao to smugly put her hands on her hips. "Look, how can my food not be delicious!"


    Ning Eng also snatched his eldest brother''s chopsticks and narrowed his eyes after taking a bite. "Huh, it''s not bad to change the taste. This is much better than Second Aunt''s pickled vegetables. I''ll use it as a side dish and eat porridgeter. We can eat it for another month, right?"


    Xiaoxiao looked at him as if she was looking at a little fool. "Can''t you have a higher level of pursuit?"


    Ning Eng asked shamelessly, "What kind of pursuit is it?"

 Chapter 25: Can You Sell It for Money?

    <h4>Chapter 25: Can You Sell It for Money?</h4>


    However, Ning Dng''s eyes shed, and he stroked Xiaoxiao''s head. "If only she wanted us to eat, she wouldn''t have let you dig so much back."


    Xiaoxiao moved closer to her eldest brother, looking like she despised her second brother''s intelligence. "You understand me the best."


    She did not keep him in suspense and asked directly, "Second Brother, do you think this thing can be sold for money?"


    Ning Eng pondered for a moment, and his eyes lit up. "There''s a market in the county the day after tomorrow. Shall I try it?"


    Xiaoxiao nodded repeatedly. She had been busy because of the market. She had even stayed up for a few nights to catch up on time.


    The three siblings discussed the matter of selling bamboo shoots at the market. Ning Dng had a clear mind and quickly arranged what they could bring there. Ning Eng was smart and found a few suitable locations from memory. Xiaoxiao just nodded and agreed. She ran home to look for other usable pots and jars when she realised she was useless.


    In the house, the couple, who had calmed down, had already started to talk about other topics. Ning Fengnian calcted the money on credit and sighed. "Since we''re on credit, why are we only on credit for two acres? Excluding the grains we must pay, it''s less than 100 catties. It''s not enough for us to live."


    Madam Song also agreed. "I originally nned to buy more on credit. Since we''re diligent, I thought we could work for a year to live a better life. Unexpectedly, just as I was about to speak, Xiaoxiao interrupted me and set the rules for two acres ofnd with the vige chief."


    Ning Fengnianughed and sighed. "That child�� doesn''t know how expensive wood and rice are until she''s in charge. Forget it. When I''vepletely recovered, I''ll go to the vige chief''s house."


    Since it was already the end of March if they did not prepare to farm, it would be toote. Madam Song packed up the remaining copper coins at home to buy grain seeds the next day. Fortunately, the old residence had paid the consultation fee. Otherwise, she would probably be short of money to buy seeds for two acres ofnd.


    It seemed that Xiaoxiao''s decision was right. If they bought too muchnd on credit but couldn''t buy enough seeds, they wouldn''t even be able to gather enough food to pay off their debts. Ning Fengnian could only sigh when he heard from it. "If it weren''t for the fact that something went wrong when I was choosing a job atndlord Zhao''s house, we wouldn''t be in such a difficult situation."


    Madam Song was sewing beside his bed. When she heard his words, she did not answer, but she had a n.


    It was great that nothing had happened. But if he had been chosen at that time. Not to mention that he could not receive his sry sessfully. They were still living a hopeless life in the old residence. To be honest, she would rather be like this so that her family would be together and work hard for their life.


    When Ning Fengnian recoveredpletely, there would be more to live for.


    "It''s fine," she said. "Tomorrow, I''ll pack up all the embroidery work I''ve been saving for the past few days and get someone to bring it to the market to sell it. I''ll see if I can gather another acre of seeds."


    Just as she thought this, her daughter approached and pestered her. "Mother, I want to go to the market tomorrow!"


    She was still a child. Madam Song was worried about her going out alone. Xiaoxiao was already prepared for this. "Let Eldest Brother and Second Brother go with me. I''ll prepare breakfast before we go out. You should stay at home with dad. Brothers and I will bring your embroidery work to sell. We''ll be back at noon. It won''t dy anything at all."


    She blinked and said slyly, "We can go to the cloth shop to sell it ourselves. We can also leave some silver. Without the price difference, we can earn another sum of money!"

 Chapter 26: Going to the Market

    <h4>Chapter 26: Going to the Market</h4>


    Madam Song was convinced by Xiaoxiao. Counting the embroidery pieces she had umted over the past few days, there were at least seven or eight pieces. Usually, she could get someone to sell them for six copper coins each. If one piece could save a copper coin, wouldn''t she be able to buy a handful of seeds if she went to the market?


    Xiaoxiao continued, "Mom is the best! Mother, please agree with me!"


    Madam Song couldn''t stand her pretending to be obedient and nodded without hesitation. Xiaoxiao immediately cheered and rushed out to tell her brothers the good news. Ning Eng almost jumped out ofughter. Although Ning Dng was more reserved, he was also overjoyed.


    One of them was not even 14 years old, and the other was only 15 years old. In the modern era, they would still be children. Xiaoxiao suddenly felt like she had a mission to care for a child. Her gaze made Ning Eng anxious.


    After knowing that Xiaoxiao and her brothers were going to the market the next day, Rong Yan thought for a while and arranged for the guards to prepare and travel with them.


    Hence, Xiaoxiao did not need to squeeze into the ox cart with the others in the vige. The Zhao family had a cart that specialized in delivering prey. They ced the jars on the carts and went there with ease.


    The market was in the county, an hour''s journey from Fortune Vige. The journey was easy for the farmers. If not for the fact that there were many things and they were heavy and easy to break, they would not use the ox cart.


    Before they came out, Madam Song generously gave them two coins each to spend. The two brothers gave their coins to Xiaoxiao. At this moment, Xiaoxiao shook the small pouch containing the copper coins.


    If someone else did this, Rong Yan and even Yun Yi would probably think it was vulgar. However, it was filled with naivety and interest when it was Xiaoxiao''s action. Of course, with the burrito she had specially prepared for everyone, the feeling was even stronger, as thick as sauce stuffed into the crust of the burrito.


    Xiaoxiao was too embarrassed to ept the kindness of others for nothing. Therefore, before she left, she specially baked many rolls. She even used the remaining wild boar meat to express her gratitude for making meat sauce. She wrapped it in tender bamboo shoots and rolled it up, one for each person as breakfast.


    She had even left some for her parents in the kitchen. She had stuffed meat sauce into the steamed buns even if they couldn''t bear to eat it and deliberately ate the steamed buns. She couldn''t bear them to treat themselves badly!


    The morning in March was still a little cold. As they bit into the hot meat sauce burrito, everyone felt that they were not traveling, but walking in spring. Yun Yi praised sincerely, "This burrito is delicious. I feel warm all over after taking a bite."


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand generously. "If you like it, I''ll make more next time!"


    Rong Yan paused. Was she nning to make every meal for him?


    The rtionship between them seemed to be incalcble. How could this be good?


    Xiaoxiao smiled at him. "Thank you for the medicine. It''s useful. My wounds have disappeared!"


    He nced at Xiaoxiao''s hand. There was only a red mark left on the original bump. She looked much younger than him, but her fingers were rough and dry. She looked different from the women he had seen before.


    It was her hands that made delicious roasted bamboo shoots and noodles.


    The road to the county was very far. He had practiced martial arts since he was young and didn''t think much of it, but he never thought that Ning Xiaoxiao smiled all the way and didn''tin about being tired.


    This girl was different from the people he had met before.


    The pancakes she made this morning were stored in the space, and she received 100 points, so Xiaoxiao was in a very good mood.


    A portion of bait cost 20 points, and 100 points could be exchanged for five portions of bait. A portion of bait could also catch several fish, and the pickle-boiled fish would cost many points. In that case, wouldn''t she quickly be a big spender of points? Would there be endless fish at home?

 Chapter 27: Subtle

    <h4>Chapter 27: Subtle</h4>


    Xiaoxiao knew her family''s biggest worry about the two acres ofnd. They thought that the grain nted would not be able to support everyone in the family. In this world, the general output of rice was only 200 to 300 catties per acre. No matter how carefully they served the two acres of middle-qualitynd, the harvest would not exceed 500 catties.


    The farmers only ate two meals a day, but there were five members of the Ning family, and they had to use rice to exchange for other necessities. 500 catties of rice would not be enough tost a year, but this worry was under the premise that the entire family only relied on farming to survive.


    Moreover, if they nted morend, they would have more things to do. Xiaoxiao did not want to let her family be tired all day long.


    Xiaoxiao felt she had a long way to go and could not help but clench her fists.


    Although Rong Yan did not know why she suddenly looked so serious, he could not help but urge her to get on the handcart when he saw the dark circles under her eyes and her yawns.


    He worried her slender ankle would break if she walked too much.


    Xiaoxiao was embarrassed. She was sitting, and he was pulling the car. What was she doing?


    However, Yun Yi finally found a way to repay her. How could she let her be polite? "I won''t even pant even if I pull ten of you. Huh, why don''t you guys go up too?"


    Ning Dng afraid that Yun Yi would drag the two of them into the cart, immediately turned around and pressed his sister onto the cart with Ning Eng.


    Xiaoxiao also casually declined. Seeing that the others insisted, she happily sat down. Before she stuck out her butt, she even asked her second brother to put the bag she had brought before leaving the house under her butt.


    The sun was slightly warm, and the breeze was gentle. Xiaoxiao crossed her legs and wanted to hum a song in satisfaction. Ning Eng gritted his teeth and said, "Look how you''re sitting. If Mother sees this, she''ll say you can''t get married!"


    Xiaoxiao didn''t care. "It doesn''t matter. As the saying goes, finding a lover in this world is hard. If someone likes me, no matter how I look, he will like me. He must be hypocritical if he doesn''t like me when he sees me like this. It''s fine not to marry such a person."


    Ning Eng was suspicious. "Is that so?"


    Rong Yan gave her a strange look. This was the first time he had heard a woman say such a thing.


    Ning Dng coughed lightly and reminded his younger brother not to discuss such a topic with his younger sister in front of outsiders. Ning Eng quickly stopped him. However, Xiaoxiao was too high and continued to say. She got up from the cart and said to her brothers, "Don''t randomly matchmake me in the future. I have to choose the person I like myself."


    "He must be a handsome man who''s talented in martial arts��"


    Ning Dng stuffed thest burrito into her mouth and nced awkwardly at Rong Yan and hispanion.


    Fortunately, Rong Yan pretended not to hear.


    However, Ning Dng didn''t see that Rong Yan''s ears were slightly red. Was the girl praising him?


    She was young, but she had a lot of flowery words. Also, she didn''t know how to be tactful��


    He was not like those ignorant fools in the vige. A few sweet words would not tempt him.


    They couldn''t be together, but perhaps he could help her lead a better life as much as possible. It would not be vain for her to put in so much effort for him.


    Rong Yan had been strict with his family''s etiquette since he was young. He had never heard anyone express their feelings so bluntly, nor did he know how to respond to such passionate words. His usually clear and intelligent mind was in a mess. When he finally adjusted his expression and turned around, Xiaoxiao slept soundly.


    His mood was a little subtle.


    He knew that Xiaoxiao didn''t know who she was. To be able to like him without knowing his identity, she had to admit that her taste was not bad.

 Chapter 28: It’s a Small Matter

    <h4>Chapter 28: It''s a Small Matter</h4>


    It was the first time Xiaoxiao had left home after she came to this world. She had been excited all night and had woken up early in the morning to prepare breakfast. At this moment, she was a little tired. Soon, she went from sitting on the cart to lying down. Not long after, her breathing gradually slowed down.


    Ning Eng was a little embarrassed. Ning Dng carefully removed a small rag nket from his bag and covered her with it. Ning Eng was extremely impressed. "I wondered why you carried such a big bag before you left. It was prepared for her."


    Listening to the two brothers whispering behind him, Rong Yan also instructed Yun Yi to pull the car slower and more steadily.


    He had brought a spare set of clothes, which was inappropriate for him and Xiaoxiao. Even if the rules in the countryside were not serious, it was still inappropriate. Hence, he walked to Yun Yi''s side and let him walk under the sun as much as possible.


    This way, it would be warmer and less likely to catch a cold.


    Although he could not ept Xiaoxiao''s love, she was a good chef and girl. It was fine to take care of her when he could.


    By the time Xiaoxiao woke up, they were already waiting to enter the county. The bustling scene in front of her quickly dispelled the awkwardness she had been feeling from sleeping. With two or three people in front of her, she saw the bun shop and wonton stall at the gate.


    The guards guarding the city went through their routine. Xiaoxiao and the others were let in after a few casual questions, but a young master with a servant behind them was asked for a long time.


    Xiaoxiao felt that she couldn''t control herself anymore. She was looking at the food. The next moment, she was looking at the other foods. When she passed by the restaurant, she was about to step into it to take a look. Ning Eng felt so embarrassed that he grabbed and stopped her from running around.


    Ning Dng didn''t care. He was happy to see his sister happy, but his gaze asionally lingered on a certain ce. Xiaoxiao turned around and saw it, so she silently remembered this shop.


    The restaurant where Rong Yan and the others were going to deliver their prey was nearby. Ning Dng simply greeted them and moved his jar down. They arranged a time and ce to gatherter and then parted ways.


    After separating, he said sternly and began to lecture his younger brother. "You shouldn''t have said those things in front of outsiders just now. You''ll affect Xiaoxiao''s reputation."


    Ning Eng knew that he was wrong. As soon as he finished speaking, he began to regret it. He was just too excited to go out and couldn''t control himself. However, he didn''t expect that not only did his sister not remind him, but she even followed his words and said more than him!


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand generously. "It doesn''t matter. It''s just a small matter. Anyway, he doesn''t look like a gossipy person. He won''t tell anyone even if he hears our words."


    Ning Dng was worried but could not stand his sister''s teasing and cute acting. He quickly let it go.


    Xiaoxiao decided to go to the market with her brothers to find a ce to set up a stall. After all, the embroidery shop was always there, but the stalls in the market would not wait for anyone. They had set off early, but most of the breakfast shops in the county had already opened. What if there were no good seats if they were dyed for a while?


    When they arrived at the ce, they realized how right their decision was. The ce approved as a bazaar was almost filled with people. Not to mention a good seat. If they hade a littleter, they would not even have a seat in the corner.


    Xiaoxiao squeezed into a stall selling noodles. The stall owner thought they were here to eat and asked enthusiastically, "Sir, what would you like to eat?"


    Ning Dng and Ning Eng were a little embarrassed, but Xiaoxiao did not feel ufortable. She looked at the stall owner with an innocent expression. "Uncle, we''re not here to eat. May I ask if there''s anyone else setting up a stall beside you?"

 Chapter 29: Free Tasting

    <h4>Chapter 29: Free Tasting</h4>


    Upon hearing that it was not a customer, the stall owner''s expression changed, but Xiaoxiao did not care. She continued, "When I smelled this fragrance just now, I felt your ce would be fullter. If I can freeload in a corner, I might be able to earn a few copper coins. At that time, I can eat these fragrant noodles."


    When he met such a sweet-talker, the stall owner couldn''t keep a stern face. He asked, "What are you selling?"


    Xiaoxiao took out a few jars of various sizes. "Here, some pickled vegetables made by my family can''t be sold for much. My father is injured and wants to exchange some copper coins to buy medicine."


    Huh, how pitiful. The stall owner was a warm-hearted person. When he heard this, how could he refuse? Besides, if he were to sell other food, he would have to worry about his business being snatched. It was just bamboo shoots that no one wanted to eat. The children were just ying around. So what if he let them stay here?


    When Xiaoxiao heard the stall owner agree, she smiled even more brightly. She even turned around and handed the stall owner a small jar of sour bamboo shoots.


    "Uncle, you''re such a good person. No wonder you looked familiar when I saw you just now. My family is poor, so there''s nothing to thank you for. I''ll give you this jar of sour bamboo shoots if you don''t mind. Let the guests who came to eat noodles be a side dish so that we can have a chance to express our gratitude."


    After saying that, she picked up a piece and stuffed it into her mouth, indicating no problem with the food.


    The stall owner could not refuse, so he epted a few side dishes on the table. Anyway, side dishes were a bonus. The customers would be happy if there were more.


    Although Ning Eng was very happy that he finally had a ce to sell the things, he felt sad about the small jar he had given away. Just as he sighed, his sister pulled him to the side and started to arrange things on the ground.


    Although the sour bamboo shoots they sold were all stored in jars, Xiaoxiao still thought they had to pay special attention to hygiene when selling food, so she insisted on bringing a clean cloth. Then, she ced the jars on the cloth and took out a few pieces from a small te. She poked them with a clean bamboo stick and kicked Ning Eng.


    Ning Eng blushed. "Can I not do that?"


    After taking a few steps, he turned around indignantly. "Why it''s me? Why don''t you guys shout?"


    Xiaoxiao pointed at Ning Dng. "Big Brother knows how to calcte, but do you? Do you know how much you should collect after selling?"


    Ning Eng became obedient. He did not understand those numbers.


    Xiaoxiao pointed at herself again. "As for me, I''m your younger sister. Aren''t you embarrassed?"


    He had the nerve to do so, but his big brother might beat him. However, his big brother looked like a schr. With his sleeves rolled up and the muscles on his arms even harder than his, he could not defeat his big brother.


    Ning Eng could only look back like a youngdy forced into a bridal sedan chair. He said sadly, "Sour, sour bamboo shoots, delicious sour bamboo shoots. Do you want to try them?"


    After a few rounds, Xiaoxiao suspected that the passers-by did not hear what he was saying. She admired her second brother''s embarrassment for a while and finally let him go.


    Xiaoxiao went forward to take the small te and shouted.


    "Sour bamboo shoots! Delicious sour bamboo shoots. Brothers, sisters, uncles, and aunties, please don''t miss it. Try them. If they''re not delicious, they''re free for you!"


    Her voice and words,pletely different from Ning Eng''s, instantly attracted many passers-by. "Is it free if it doesn''t taste good?"


    Xiaoxiao nodded and raised the small te in her hand. "Here, this is for you to try. Eat first before buying. If you don''t like it, then don''t buy it. The price is fair and honest!"

 Chapter 30: Earning

    <h4>Chapter 30: Earning</h4>


    The opportunity to get food for free immediately drew many people who believed that doing so would be profitable. Hence, after Xiaoxiao stuffed a piece into her mouth, others tried to take it with the bamboo stick.


    It was sour, refreshing, and fragrant. When they chewed it, it was as crisp as dried radish. It was different from what they had eaten in the past.


    In this day and age, who didn''t have rice with pickled vegetables and pickled vegetables? However, this was the first time they had eaten sour bamboo shoots, with crispy and delicious. It was too delicious.


    Seeing that there was a chance, Xiaoxiao quickly pointed at her stall. "If you like it, buy some and try it. One copper coin for arge serving. It''s delicious and cheap. We only bring two jars here today. There won''t be any left after selling them!"


    It was unknown if it was because of the low price or the sense of danger that they could not buy anymore after it sold out, but it attracted many customers in front of the sour bamboo shoot stall. However, many people did not buy it and even wanted to freeload.


    Xiaoxiao didn''t chase them away and said sweetly, "If you didn''t taste it just now, you could also buy a bowl of noodles from this uncle''s noodle stall. The noodles cooked by this uncle are delicious. Among the side dishes, there are sour bamboo shoots. Everyone can try them."


    Seeing that she still remembered to solicit business for him while busy, the stall owner''s smile widened, especially when he realized that people were sitting down to eat noodles. The bazaar would be held for three days in a row. He thought it was not impossible to let these children be here daily.


    Just as the crowd was bustling, Ning Dng suddenly heard a woman in front of the stall extend her hand. "Give me one, please."


    He was stunned momentarily, but Xiaoxiao, who was the quickest to react, stuffed the tasting te into Second Brother. She scooped arge spoonful of washed leaves for the woman and wrapped it up. "Thank you, beauty. You''re the first guest. I''ll give you more!"


    The woman was so happy that she couldn''t help butugh when she was called Pretty Sister. She then wanted to buy another serving. However, as soon as she finished speaking, she regretted it. Although it wasn''t expensive, she did not know if her family liked it. What if she bought more and no one liked to eat?


    Xiaoxiao thought and said, "Wow, you have good taste. How about this? To thank you for your trust, I''ll give you one portion if you buy two portions today. Then you''ll have three portions for two coins. These are the sour bamboo shoots for you. Keep them well. You can add to porridge, rice, or noodles when you return. Your exquisite culinary skills will reach a new height!"


    She blinked her eyes. "The others as well. Buy two free ones!"


    The woman was stunned. She thought she had profited from carrying three bags of sour bamboo shoots.


    With her in the lead, more people bought sour bamboo shoots. It did not seem uneptable for them to buy fresh food for one copper coin; it was such a big spoonful. On second thought, neither one or two copper coins were not expensive. Buying two sets of bamboo shoots, and they would get one for free, and they even earned one copper coin for nothing. Then what were they waiting for? Buy it!


    Ning Dng checked the ount, which increased from one to two copper coins. People who took the initiative to request a taste were also surrounding Ning Eng. About two hourster, the jar of sour bamboo shoots they brought was sold out.


    Ning Eng looked at the copper coins in his brother''s pocket and felt he was in a dream. Was he earning money?


    However, after one jar, very few customers came here. Everyone rushed to other stalls.


    Ning Eng''s emotions were veryplicated. He was happy and a little dissatisfied. Xiaoxiao could see his struggle at a nce and patted his shoulder. "Don''t worry. The second round wille soon."

 Chapter 31: Knowing the Enemy and Never Being Defeated in a Hundred Battles

    <h4>Chapter 31: Knowing the Enemy and Never Being Defeated in a Hundred Battles</h4>


    Few people came to their stall because it was already past the time when the people bought groceries in the morning. The rest of them came to shop or buy novel items. However, wasn''t it almost noon?


    The fragrance of the noodle stall at the side became stronger and stronger. Xiaoxiao touched her stomach and decisively took out money to buy a bowl of noodles from the stall owner, who was not busy yet. She also shamelessly asked for two small bowls. "Uncle, when we earn money, we''ll each buy two bowls, eat one bowl, throw�� Ah, pack one bowl!"


    They had all been through hard times. The stall owner did not mind that they had bought too little and even took the initiative to add half a spoonful of noodles. After the three siblings ate their sour bamboo shoots until they were full, Xiaoxiao temporarily abandoned her second brother with her eldest brother and sold her mother''s embroidery.


    Ning Eng also wanted to walk, but there was still arge jar of sour bamboo shoots and two small jars. He could not bear to part with the copper coins he was about to get, so he tearfully bade farewell to his brothers and sisters and stood alone.


    Xiaoxiao looked at him and couldn''t help butin, "We''re just going to sell embroidery. It''ll take at most an hour. Second Brother, do you have to do this? At most, we''ll y together after selling the sour bamboo shoots."


    Ning Eng immediately raised his head. "So you have toe back in an hour. Let''s go shopping after selling sour bamboo shoots!"


    It seemed a little different from what she said but also simr. Xiaoxiao brushed it off and went to the cloth shop with the embroidery.


    Although she didn''t know anything about embroidery, she could tell that Madam Song''s needlework was extremely good. For example, their clothes were all torn and tattered, but no one couldn''t tell from their appearance alone, which was very difficult needlework. Madam Song would embroider a simple pattern on their clothes. Hers were many small flowers, and her father and brothers were bamboo leaves.


    She didn''t brag. No one would guess that the embroidery was to block the hole.


    After entering the cloth shop, she was not hurrying to ask for the price. Instead, she listened to others sell embroidery with her brother. She said yfully to her brother, "This is called knowing yourself and your enemy. You will never be defeated in a hundred battles."


    Ning Dng followed her dotingly and stood beside the table with the thin cotton cloth.


    There was no hope for his younger brother to study and learn calligraphy. His younger sister still had some talent. It would be even better if she did not randomly piece them together and create sentences.


    The woman negotiating with the female shopkeeper was an old woman in her fifties. She had all kinds of embroidery in her bamboo basket. It was obvious that she had bought them from everywhere. She said in a fawning tone, "12 copper coins per piece. Didn''t we agree on this?"


    The female shopkeeper casually picked up an item from the basket. "We agreed on twelve copper coins, but it should be the embroidery that was done well. Look at these yourself. The stitches are rough, and the patterns are tacky. How can they be worth twelve copper coins? Ten copper coins for each item. Otherwise, take them all."


    The old woman frowned and calcted secretly. In the end, she still obediently left the basket. If each embroidery piece earned two, it was still a profit. If the transaction failed, it would be a pure loss. Although she had never studied and did not know how to settle ounts, she was still clear about this.


    After she left, the female shopkeeper turned her attention to Xiaoxiao and her brother. To put it bluntly, she didn''t think these two children were here to buy things, but she had always been different from those snobs and was still amiable. "What can I do for you?"


    This gentle voice instantly won Xiaoxiao''s favor. She said nothing else and said directly, "Hello, Pretty Sister. We''re here to sell embroidery for Mother!"

 Chapter 32: Selling Embroidery

    <h4>Chapter 32: Selling Embroidery</h4>


    The female shopkeeper''s surname was Liu. She was 32 years old this year and had long passed the age of being called Sister by others. However, it did not stop her from feeling sweet from being called by Xiaoxiao. Moreover, although this girl was thin and small, her eyes were clear and beautiful. When Xiaoxiao looked at her, there was an inexplicable sense of sincerity. She could not help but scratch Xiaoxiao''s nose. "Why are you calling me Sister? Call me Shopkeeper or Aunt."


    She looked at the bag in Xiaoxiao''s arms. "What kind of embroidery is it? Let me take a look. Let me make it clear first. If the embroidery isn''t good, I won''t ept it." No matter how pleasing she looked to this girl, she had to distinguish between public and private matters. If she could coax her into paying with just a few ttery words, how would the Ruyi Clothing Shop be?


    Just now, she had seen what was in the bag and guessed their intentions. Otherwise, she won''t let unrted people hear about the negotiation.


    Xiaoxiao immediately opened the bag and continued, "Don''t worry, Pretty Sister. My mom''s embroidery skills are top-notch. The rarest thing is that not only is she good at embroidery, but she''s also very serious. No matter how difficult it is, she''s very careful with every piece of embroidery and definitely won''t do it randomly!"


    Shopkeeper Liu smiled as she listened, but she still nned to judge for herself. The bag was openedyer byyer and ced neatly. She immediately approved the embroidery after Xiaoxiao separated it with a fresh cotton cloth. It seemed that this girl was not bragging. At least the embroidery maiden was attentive.


    The shop assistant was puzzled. In the past, the shopkeeper would only personally inspect embroidery items worth more than five taels of silver. How many were there?


    Shopkeeper Liu did not care what the shop assistant thought. She watched as the sweet-talking girl took out the embroidery products individually and asked her, "What price do you want?"


    Without even blinking, Xiaoxiao said, "Fifteen copper coins per piece."


    Not to mention the people in the cloth shop, even Ning Dng, could not help but look at her.


    Before Shopkeeper Liu could speak, the shop assistant had already spoken first. "Miss, you''re asking for an exorbitant price. Didn''t you hear we bought the embroidery with ten copper coins just now? We''re even acquaintances."


    Xiaoxiao looked at her. "But the quality of those embroideries is uneven. You''re charging an average price for these ten copper coins. These are all top-notch. There are eight pieces, and the embroidery is all of the four gentlemen of plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. The meaning is good, and the stitches are exquisite. It''s worth fifteen copper coins!"


    Xiaoxiao was still praising the embroideries. However, as a businessman, Shopkeeper Liu did not dislike her sales method. However, when it came to business, she still asked, "But what if I think it''s not worth it?"


    Xiaoxiao was neither anxious nor angry. "Then you can bargain. We can always negotiate."


    She said seriously, "I chose the most beautiful cloth shop to sell embroidery."


    Shopkeeper Liu was amused. She covered her mouth with a handkerchief and smiled. "Alright, alright. Girl, it''s a pity that you don''t do business. I''ll ept this embroidery, but this is our first time working together. We''re unfamiliar, so I''ll only give you twelve copper coins per piece. Are you selling it?"


    Of course, there was no problem with Xiaoxiao. Shopkeeper Liu stood up and instructed the shop assistant, "Go and count 96 copper coins for this girl."


    Xiaoxiao took the copper coin and asked with a smile, "Since the first deal was sessful, are we considered acquaintances now?"


    Shopkeeper Liu looked at her with interest and heard her ask, "Pretty Sister, are you free now? Give me a chance to talk to you about the second business deal?"

 Chapter 33: Discussing Business

    <h4>Chapter 33: Discussing Business</h4>


    Perhaps it was because business in the shop had been poor recently, and she had nothing to do, or perhaps it was because this girl was interesting. Shopkeeper Liu led her to the inner room to discuss. Because Ning Dng was a man, he waited outside. The waiter was also easy to get along with. After bringing him to sit down, he especially poured him a cup of tea.


    Ning Dng thanked the waiter, neither servile nor overbearing, but he was very puzzled. What else did his sister want to talk to the shopkeeper about? In the past, he thought that he knew his sister well enough. When he came out today, he realized she was much bolder than the two brothers thought.


    How she shouted the price just now shocked him so much that he broke out in a cold sweat. No wonder people said that newborns were not afraid of everything. His sister was considered innocent and cute.


    Ning Xiaoxiao was holding a snack and looking at Shopkeeper Liu, who was opposite her. Shopkeeper Liu''s face was filled with joy. "Do you still have this?"


    Just now, Xiaoxiao had drawn a cartoon version of a tiger for her, and Shopkeeper Liu instantly loved it. Her zodiac sign happened to be a tiger, and she had collected all kinds of tiger-rted items over the years, but there had never been anything that she loved so much.


    Xiaoxiao ate the snacks in a few bites and supported her chin with her hand as she replied, "Yes, I have as much as you want. Do you want it, shopkeeper?"


    After the joy, Shopkeeper Liu quickly regained her shrewdness as a businessman. "Do you want to do this type of business with me?" She took a sip of tea and put down the tiger cartoon. "Then do you know I can draw this picture again after seeing it?"


    Xiaoxiao''s expression did not change, and Shopkeeper Liu continued, "Others can do the same."


    Xiaoxiao nodded. "Of course, I''ve thought about it." There were no intellectual property rights in ancient times. If a shop sells this type of thing, the other shops will follow quickly. No one could stop it, but��


    "If others copy one, I can draw two. If others copy two, I can draw four. In that case, can''t the shopkeeper firmly grasp the customers'' preference before they copy it?"


    Shopkeeper Liu smiled again. "Little girl, you''re not calling me sister anymore?" She pointed at the drawing and asked Xiaoxiao, "Tell me honestly, how many of these drawings do you have?"


    Xiaoxiao was a little humble. "Taking out the twelve zodiac signs quickly is not a problem. I can secretly rush to make a batch if you''re interested. When the timees, you can release and sell them together. Most customers have already bought when the other shops replicate and start selling the goods. The money we can earn and the customers'' interest will naturally belong to the Ruyi Clothing Shop."


    Shopkeeper Liu confirmed that this girl was good at doing business. The two of them discussed and used an hour to finalize a contract. The general content was that Xiaoxiao and the Ruyi Clothing Shop had coborated to create a new style with the theme of the Twelve Zodiacs.


    As this drawing could not be kept a secret for too long, Shopkeeper Liu paid five taels of silver first. After the contract was established, Xiaoxiao could not sell the drawing to anyone else. It was the twelve zodiac sign, and dragon totems rted to saints could not be used. Xiaoxiao returned the favor by exempting the tiger cartoon from the silver. Hence, if this transaction was sessful, she could get fifty taels of silver.


    The other supplementary content was to get Madam Song to help embroider a batch of tiger cartoon embroidery. There was no limit to the quantity. If it was good-looking, they would ept it. One piece would cost twenty copper coins, and therger piece would cost fifty or more. Additionally, the Ruyi Clothing Shop would provide the needle and thread for the sake of the embroidery''s quality.


    After negotiating the deal, Xiaoxiao walked out of the room valiantly and spiritedly, making Shopkeeper Liu want tough.

 Chapter 34: Do You Want to Study?

    <h4>Chapter 34: Do You Want to Study?</h4>


    After leaving with Ning Dng, Xiaoxiao thought about it and only told him that Madam Song would take over the embroidery. She did not mention the coboration, but it was enough to surprise Ning Dng. In just a short period, her sister had helped her mother earn 96 copper coins and even had a new job that could make more money.


    Ning Dng let Xiaoxiao take the copper coins that Shopkeeper Liu had given. It was the first time she had personally handled so many copper coins since she came. When she thought of the ten taels of silver deposit that Shopkeeper Liu had given her, which she put in the space, she was instantly excited. When she was on the way returned to the sour bamboo shoots stall, she wished she could run. However, not long after she walked, she suddenly stopped and pulled Ning Dng to a stop.


    Beside them was a bookstore. This was also where Ning Dng''s gaze could not help but stop when he first arrived.


    The brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were all things he yearned for, but they were also things he could not fantasize about.


    Xiaoxiao suddenly asked, "Brother, do you want to study?"


    Ning Dng was silent momentarily before he patted her head with his usual gentle smile. "I don''t want to study. We will dig bamboo shoots together to earn money to buy seeds. Next year, we won''t let you be hungry again."


    Such a simple sentence almost made Xiaoxiao''s eyes turn red.


    It wasughable that the Ning family had also sent people to school to study with the poor conditions.


    Old Sir Ning had been working in the fields all his life and didn''t even know how to read a word. However, it didn''t stop him from having a dream of studying. He ced his hopes on his son since he couldn''t do it himself. However, studying was too expensive, and they didn''t have the qualifications.


    Only when their smallest son, Ning Anwen, turned eleven the family finally saved enough money and immediately send him to school. They even specially asked Ning Dng, only seven years old, to memorize his books and be his page boy.


    Ning Dng had been a page boy for five years. During this period, Uncle Ning treated himself as a young master. He had to let his nephew, who was only five years younger than him, do everything. However, Ning Dng had neverined because, in the past five years, he had always found an opportunity to listen to ss with his uncle under the windowsill of the school.


    During those five years, he memorized the Three Character ssic. The Thousand Character ssic understood the Analects of Confucius and Mencius and even used the opportunity to help his uncle copy books and homework to recognize the words. He had memorized most of the content and words.


    But just as he enjoyed studying, Uncle Ning suddenly didn''t want him to be a page boy. He was arranged by Old Sir Ning and Old Madam Ning to work in the fields with his father, Ning Fengnian. He couldn''t refuse, so he memorized everything he had learned in his mind every day and night.


    Unable to write, he sharpened the wooden stick and gestured on the ground. Unable to go to school, he guarded the windowsill outside Uncle Ning''s house at night and eavesdropped on him reciting.


    A yearter, his teacher was old and no longer had the energy to teach. They could not afford to attend the county school, so Uncle Ning returned home to study.


    Did he want to study? He dreamed of it but didn''t even dare when he thought about the situation at home. Therefore, at this moment, he could only try his best to show a nonchnt expression and bring his sister to look for his second brother with a smile.


    Ning Eng had been waiting at the stall for a long time. They had promised him they would return in an hour, but why was it more than two hours? He would talk to themter. He hadpleted the mission early. In order not to worry about them not being able to find him, he had been waiting there!


    When Xiaoxiao and her brother arrived, they realized the stall had been closed. Ning Eng, who had been waiting to show off for a long time, couldn''t wait to shake the bag at his waist and say, "At noon, the noodle stall''s business was especially good. Many customers who came to eat noodles liked the sour bamboo shoots and quickly bought half a jar."


    Xiaoxiao nced at the empty jar and asked, as Ning Eng wished, "What about the remaining half jar?"


    Ning Eng wanted to keep her in suspense, but he couldn''t help but say, "Later, a rich family came to buy it. They even bought all the jars and bamboo shoots. They gave a total of 100 copper coins. They even said they would return tomorrow if it was delicious!"


    He was so excited that he wanted to jump and spin two rounds. "We earned almost two hundred copper coins today!" After saying that, he became vexed. "If I had known earlier, I would have brought a few more jars!"


    Xiaoxiaoughed at him. "Can you carry a few more jars? If you can''t hold them properly and smash them on the way, won''t your heart ache even more? Besides, we only have these few jars. There''s no way to carry more unless��"

 Chapter 35: Felt Sorry

    <h4>Chapter 35: Felt Sorry</h4>


    Xiaoxiao''s tone was gradually filled with temptation. "Brothers, let''s go buy something for the family?"


    Ning Eng immediately came back to his senses. He wanted to walk around but didn''t intend to spend money! He knew the situation at home!


    However, the reason Xiaoxiao gave was too reasonable and convincing. "Even if you don''t buy anything else, you must look at the jars. Otherwise, what will you use to store the bamboo shoots tomorrow? How can you earn money if you don''t have anything to store the bamboo shoots with? Besides, think about it. It''s only a few copper coins to buy a jar. After buying a jar, you can earn two hundred copper coins. Second Brother, you can understand such simple maths, right?"


    Ning Eng didn''t know the maths, but he was pulled into the store by Xiaoxiao and chose six jars of various sizes in one go. Good, 20 copper coins were gone. However, his sister was still smiling cheekily. "Look, two copper coins were short when I bargained just now. Did I make a profit?"


    D*mn! Ning Eng gritted his teeth and pulled the money-spending girl away. He tried to persuade her again before paying the bill to see if he could get her to give up on this crazy idea of shopping. "Sister, look, there are so many jars. We can''t take them away. If we break them along the way, our hearts will ache. Why don''t we buy less first?"


    Xiaoxiao looked at him with disdain. She took the small jars and stuffed them into the big jars. She even raised her eyebrows at him. Everything was under her control.


    Alright, Ning Eng had nothing to say. He could only mutter, "200, 200." Then, he grabbed his sister, who was still looking at the other things in the shop with interest and walked towards the agreed gathering point.


    Xiaoxiao was not angry that her desire to buy was interrupted. There were plenty of opportunities, so she did not want to be too hasty. She pretended to be honest and followed her brothers to the city gate. Soon, they saw Rong Yan and Yun Yi. When she saw the three, Yun Yi quickly stuffed three still-warm oil paper bags into their hands.


    Xiaoxiao opened it and saw that it was white bread. When she took a bite, the hot broth rolled to the tip of her tongue and slid into her stomach. The fragrance had yet to dissipate.


    Ning Dng immediately pushed things back. "How can I ept this? We''ve already troubled you." Ning Eng was also very polite. "That''s right, that''s right. It''s not suitable." However, his eyes could not bear to leave the bun. This meat bun was fragrant!


    Xiaoxiao paused in her chewing. She lowered her head and looked at the big meat bun that she had already been bitten until there was a curved gap. Then, she looked at her brother''s rejection gesture and silently looked up at the sky before taking another bite.


    She had already eaten it. She couldn''t return half of it to them, right?


    Rong Yan smiled when he saw her small actions. Compared to the usual deception he had seen, he felt that Xiaoxiao''s pure and straightforward attitude made him feel morefortable interacting with her. Moreover, she looked very interesting when she ate. Her cheeks bulged, and the bumps moved around as she ate.


    Ning Eng was dumbfounded as he watched his sister finish the entire bun and then look at the one in his hand. He didn''t know if he should return it. Ning Dng also looked helpless, but he thought he should give them the money.


    Rong Yan nced at Yun Yi unhurriedly. Yun Yi hurriedly said, "It''s us who have been under your care for the past few days. We feel sorry. We wanted to give you some wild boar meat to thank you, but I didn''t expect we eat them in the end. Even the breakfast for today was prepared by Miss Ning early in the morning."


    Rong Yan thought about it carefully. Although he might not be a gentleman, he definitely could not pretend to be ignorant and still ept others'' kindness with a clear conscience.

 Chapter 36: Looked at Each Other

    <h4>Chapter 36: Looked at Each Other</h4>


    However, she did not said anything. He feared it would hurt her heart and reputation if he rashly refused. Therefore, he decided to find a better way to reject her, but at the same time, he should repay her kindness.


    For example, now that Xiaoxiao had prepared several meals for them, he would also return the favor with food. He knew the situation of the Ning Family very well. Giving them money was humiliating. Moreover, there was Old Madam Ning, who would not let them go. They might be unable to keep their money even if they had it. It was better to be more practical and help them fill their stomachs first.


    Ning Xiaoxiao was too thin. The clothes that didn''t fit her showed she was wide. When the wind blew, others could see her thin body. When she raised her hands and feet, they were exposed so thin that they were beyond Rong Yan''s imagination. He couldn''t understand how such thin arms could stand at the stove to cook, and it was so delicious.


    Yun Yi was in high spirits, and his words started sounding slightly excited. "It''s also because the young master thought that it tasted good that he specially brought it for you to try. Since he bought it just now, he has been holding it in his arms. Please ept it. Otherwise, how can we trouble you again in the future?"


    Rong Yan red at him, indicating that it was enough. Then he said to them, "Don''t listen to his nonsense. I just bought it casually, but it does have to be eaten while it''s hot. Otherwise, it won''t taste so good." He didn''t hug it in his arms. He just had too many things and could only hug them. Yeah. Otherwise, how could he give it to others if it fell to the ground?


    At this point, Ning Eng followed his instincts and took a bite. The three were not full since they only ate a bowl of noodles. Although the bun was a little thick, the ingredients were better. Even the dough was much better than their mix with chaff. Coupled with the meat filling��


    Ning Eng drooled, thinking, "What wouldn''t taste good with meat?"


    Since his younger siblings had already started eating, Ning Dng thanked them and ate the bun while it was hot. However, he ate much more elegantly than Ning Eng.


    Xiaoxiao, who had already finished eating, wiped her mouth and looked at Rong Yan with even more satisfaction. He was good-looking, polite, and kind-hearted. What a good child. His face was thin, and it was obvious that he had not eaten properly.


    Moreover, he was too easily satisfied. With such a bun, why did he carry it in his arms like a treasure? Thinking about that scene, Xiaoxiao felt that he was cute. It could be seen that they had suffered a lot on the way to escape. They were pitiful.


    She leaned over and said generously, "If you like it, I''ll make it for you in the future. I guarantee it''ll be even better than this. Eat as much as you want!"


    Rong Yan was stunned for a moment. After saying that, Xiaoxiao returned to her brothers'' side. She had already started thinking about the process of kneading the dough. She had eaten too many steamed buns mixed with chaff these days and was sick of it.


    On the way home, Ning Eng discovered that his mother''s embroidery was sold at a high price, and his sister had even taken on more money-making work for his mother. The three of themughed non-stop along the way. Ning Eng was even lucky enough to find a nest of bird eggs, which Xiaoxiao reserved for tomorrow''s breakfast steamed egg custard.


    It was Rong Yan''s first time hearing such a simple conversation, so he also listened. After listening to Xiaoxiao''s recipe, he turned around and nced at Yun Yi. Yun Yi felt that it was not difficult to steam an egg, so he nodded confidently.


    There were also eggs at home. These days, they often make boiled eggs. They could eat, but they were tired of eating them.


    Before separating, Rong Yan gave them other buns. When they opened it, it was still a meat bun. He said, "This is for Uncle and Auntie. Thank you for taking care of us these few days. I didn''t do anything for you, so how can I let you suffer for nothing?"


    He emphasized the words "I don''t deserve to be rewarded for nothing" and "I''m not rted to you". After saying that, he even gave Xiaoxiao a subtle look.


    Rong Yan felt he had achieved his goal as they looked at each other. Xiaoxiao also thought she had now understood the meaning of Rong Yan''s nce. He wanted to eat the meat buns she mentioned, right? No problem.


    She nodded quietly. She felt that he knew how to pay for her hard work.


    When they arrived at the door, Xiaoxiao and the other two happily pushed open the door and saw two gloomy faces. They were anxious. "Dad, Mom, what happened?"


    Ning Fengnian lowered his head and didn''t say anything. Madam Song sighed, "Your second aunt came over at noon."

 Chapter 37: What Right Do They Have?

    <h4>Chapter 37: What Right Do They Have?</h4>


    Xiaoxiao and Ning Eng rushed to the kitchen almost at the same time. The rolls they had left in the morning disappeared, and the meat hanging on the beam in the basket was nowhere to be seen. Ning Eng''s eyes were red. He knew it was too embarrassing for a man to cry because of losing food, but he was angry.


    "Why? Why right do they have?"


    Madam Song couldn''t answer. When Second Aunt Ning came over at noon, she said they had forgotten their parents after separating. They ate the meat herself and didn''t even remember to give her parents a spoonful of soup. The more she spoke, the worse her words became. After saying that, she ran away with the meat. They couldn''t stop her, so it wasn''t appropriate for them to chase after her and ask for it back.


    Even the most stable Ning Dng did not say anything at this moment. Madam Song looked at the travel-worn children who had returned with smiles a moment ago and did not know what to say. She also regretted it. She would have let the children eat their fill yesterday if she had known earlier.


    Unlike Ning Fengnian and his wife''s guilt and Ning Eng''s anger, Xiaoxiao remained calm. It should be said that she had already expected this. Turning around the firewood pile, she flipped and took out the inventory from the space. She said calmly, "Fortunately, I hid a small piece."


    Ning Eng was speechless.


    Second Aunt would not leave any delicious food when she visited. She could leave behind a steamed bun because she could tell at a nce that it was mixed with chaff. They did not want to ask for it. It was a miracle that her sister could hide so much.


    After washing her hands, Xiaoxiao picked up the kitchen knife and said to Madam Song, "Mother, I want to make buns for dinner."


    She emphasized, "Meat buns."


    If she had made this request before Second Aunt Ning came, they would only refuse her. However, neither Madam Song nor Ning Fengnian could reject her now.


    They returned to their room to avoid feeling sorry. One recuperated and weaved a bamboo basket, while the other went to the vegetable field to serve the vegetables and cabbages that had already grown seedlings. Ning Dng followed them and whispered to his mother about today''s harvest. Other than the jard they had bought, they had brought back 258 copper coins today, which was the money Ning Dng had earned from helping build the house next door.


    There were a total of 530 copper coins at home. Although it was not muchpared to when they had just split up, Madam Song still felt that there was hope. However, she really could not smile now. She pushed her eldest son. "Go and see your sister and see if she wants to help."


    How could Xiaoxiao not be able to cook? However, the kneading dough was hard work. She was still young and not strong enough, so she instructed her second brother to do it for her.


    Ning Eng was angry but couldn''t say anything to his family. He could only use the dough to vent his anger. However, just as he was about to add rice chaff to the dough, Xiaoxiao stopped him. "Don''t add this."


    Ning Eng was hesitant, but he overheard her say, "Why should we eat chaff when Second Aunt Ning eats the meat we make?"


    Ning Eng gritted his teeth and tied up the bag again.


    His sister was right. Listen to his sister. There was meat to eat!


    Xiaoxiao nodded in satisfaction. She was not that angry, but she deliberately pretended to be aggrieved and sad. This way, no matter how much meat was ced in the bun, her parents would be too embarrassed to scold her.


    After kneading the flour mixed with water into the dough and putting it beside, Xiaoxiao began to mix the meat filling. The meat filling was divided into two vors. One was seasoned with onions, ginger, and garlic. The other was seasoned without garlic. She only used onion to remove the fishy taste. After mixing it, she ced it in tworge bowls.


    When the dough expanded to twice its original size, Ning Dng took it out and rubbed it until it bubbled. Ning Dng helped to split the dough into small balls and roll them into thin ones. Xiaoxiao then took over and continued to wrap the filling. Every piece of dough was filled with meat. Then, she lifted the dough with her nimble fingers and turned it around. The perfect bun was ready.


    The steamed buns were not hurrying to be put into the pot. While boiling water, she ced the raw buns in the venttion area to dry and shape them. Instantly, she ced them into the steamer lid and fermented them again. When the size of the buns expanded, she began to steam them.


    She poured cold water into the pot and kept it on a low heat. About half an hourter, the fragrant, white buns were out. She picked the bun out from the steamer and specially made them for Rong Yan and the others before sending them over herself.

 Chapter 38: Treat Ourselves Better

    <h4>Chapter 38: Treat Ourselves Better</h4>


    As soon as she walked out of the door, she opened the steamer and recorded one of them into the space. She could not do this at home. Otherwise, she would not have to carry such a heavy steamer of buns to the next house herself, as the physical work had always been left to Second Brother.


    [Ding! The first time recorded. Obtained 200 points!]


    Xiaoxiao asked curiously: [How many points does a bun have?]


    The space exined: [Points are based on the level of the food. The higher the level of the food, the more points you will obtain!]


    Xiaoxiao questioned: [But it''s just a bun.]


    Was this considered a high-ss delicacy?


    This time, the space gave a simple answer: [Steamed buns have meat inside.]


    Xiaoxiao was speechless. It was a convincing exnation.


    A bowl of egg custard that had juste out of the pot stunned Rong Yan and the others as they were about to start cooking dinner.


    It was made ording to Miss Ning''s instructions. Why was the egg custard covered in holes like a beehive? It was hard and dry, not smooth and tender at all. It was not only salty but also tasteless.


    Rong Yan was the first to turn around when they smelled the fragrance. He looked at Xiaoxiao, who was about to knock on the door. Xiaoxiao raised the steamer in her hand. "Are you hungry? Do you want buns?"


    Rong Yan was conflicted. Intellectually, he felt he shouldn''t ept her kindness anymore, but the buns she made were too fragrant.


    He thought in distress, "What if I ept it again?"


    The guards widened their eyes as if they were dreaming when their master, who did not do any chores, took the steamer and brought it into the house.


    Xiaoxiao didn''t leave either. She raised her chin and said, "Try it and see if there''s anything that needs to be improved."


    Rong Yan readily picked one up but was not hurrying to eat. He asked casually, "Why did you suddenly think of making buns?" He was very mncholic. Didn''t he just reject her at noon? Why did she especiallye to deliver food and evene personally? Was she telling him that she didn''t n to give up?


    Xiaoxiao fiddled with the steamer and replied casually, "Didn''t I say you like it? If you like it, I''ll make it for you to eat." She could use him as an excuse to eat all the meat.


    However, she did not know what Rong Yan thought.


    He liked sweet, so she went into the mountains to find honey for him to make sweet noodles sauce. He said he liked roasting bamboo shoots, so she made meat slices and rolled bamboo shoots. Yun Yi said that he thought they tasted good, so she made a basket of buns and especially sent them to him��


    Rong Yan was still deep in thought when Xiaoxiao brought the empty steamer home.


    In the past, there were also ones who had been so kind to him. However, those people had removed their hypocritical appearances for power or benefits. All that was left were hypocritical. No one cared about him. They only cared about him as a person. No one had told him, "If you like it, I''ll give it to you."


    Was it because of the customs of the countryside, or was it because this girl''s words were especially sweet?


    As he thought about it, he unknowingly finished the entire bun. As she said, it was thin, and the meat was fragrant. She had specially considered his taste and did not put any green onions. It was delicious��


    Even Ning Fengnian was at the Ning family''s kitchen. Xiaoxiao didn''t want her parents to feel upset, so she was the first to smile. "Are you all waiting for me? Then let''s eat together. This is our first time eating together since we moved out from the old residence!"


    She said to Madam Song, "Mother, do you know that we earned money today?"


    Madam Song nodded. "I heard from your brother that you even epted a new embroidery job for me. The price is also high."


    Xiaoxiao picked up the bowl and took a sip of porridge. There was only rice in the porridge today and no chaff. Although it was poor, it matched the buns very well. "Mother, we will bring some sour bamboo shoots to sell tomorrow. When we return, we will earn many more copper coins."


    "Your new embroidery can be sold for at least twenty copper coins each. Take your time to embroider. There will be at least ten at the end of the month, so that''s another two hundred copper coins."


    She picked up a meat bun that she had made for her parents. "Dad is gradually getting better. Our life will get better and better. My brothers and I are very capable. In the future, we will earn more money and buy more meat so that you can fill and wear warm clothes. So, don''t feel sad. Let''s smile. We will get better."


    These words almost made Madam Song cry. Ning Fengnian''s eyes were red as he repeatedly said, "Good child." Xiaoxiao lowered her eyes and took the bun she had brought back from the county. It was very different from the bun she made. She took a bite and said softly.


    "Mother, we''re all so hardworking. Let''s treat ourselves better."

 Chapter 39: It Seems Different

    <h4>Chapter 39: It Seems Different</h4>


    Madam Song finally couldn''t hold back her tears, but she finished the buns with tears. After finishing them, she said, "Okay."


    After getting her mother''s approval and her father''s tacit approval, Xiaoxiao tidied up the house. She first tidied up the grains that she had long disliked and tidied them from where the food was. She then ced them in the most conspicuous ce in the kitchen. Then, early in the morning, she used three times the amount of rice to cook arge pot of thick porridge.


    Madam Song didn''t say anything. After Xiaoxiao finished probing, she cooked all the bird eggs she had obtained yesterday. There were five of them, and no one in the family was left behind.


    Everyone had their tasks today. Madam Song had to help marinate a few more jars of sour bamboo shoots at home. Xiaoxiao, Eldest Brother, and Second Brother continued setting up market stalls. Ning Fengnian was not allowed to do heavy work, so he continued to weave bamboo baskets. Xiaoxiao watched her parents finish breakfast before she went next door with her brothers to borrow a handcart.


    They had to bring more jars today. It was not easy to walk without a cart. They did not want to squeeze into Uncle Zhang''s ox cart with the others in the vige. Not only were they unwilling to spend money, but too many people were in the cart. It would be troublesome to let the Old Madam and Second Aunt Ning know they were selling sour bamboo shoots.


    Unexpectedly, she realized they were already prepared to go out just as she knocked on the door. "We''ll go too."


    They had left a secret signal in the county yesterday. They had to go and see if there was a response today. However, they thought that if their neighbors knew they were going together, they would probably have to prepare breakfast for them again.


    The guard, Yun Yi, was overjoyed, but the young master did not want to trouble the girl. Huh, he did not have a good appetite recently, but the food made by the girl was to his liking.


    There was no prey to deliver today. Ning Eng firmly took over, pushing the cart from Yun Yi, so Xiaoxiaoy down with peace of mind. She even specially brought a nket today, so she could sleepfortably and not fear a cold. She arrived at the city gate in one sleep.


    She patted her face to wake herself up. After saying goodbye to Rong Yan and Yun Yi, they walked towards the noodle stall from yesterday.


    The stall owner was good and promised to reserve a seat for them yesterday, so Xiaoxiao brought him a big bun. The stall owner returned the favor and promised to give them lunch for free. Ning Eng immediately sent sensibly a small jar of sour bamboo shoots, and both parties were very satisfied.


    A few familiar faces who had been here yesterday came again after the stall was set up. When they saw them, they asked, "Buy two and get one free still avable today?" They only paid when they heard that they could.


    The guests gradually bought half a jar of sour bamboo shoots and earned over 30 copper coins. Finally, Ning Eng''s eyes lit up, and he quickly greeted her. "Aunt Wang, here!"


    The old woman, Aunt Wang, walked over quickly and around the stall without saying anything. "I want these. Give me the jar too."


    Ning Eng was so surprised that he could not close his mouth. However, he still could not understand her.


    "She bought so much without blinking. As expected of a rich family."


    They could eat for over a month with just those two small jars.


    Adding water to the noodles pot, the stall owner replied, "She''s from the county magistrate''s family. Her young master has been anorexic since he was young. Whenever she sees any novel and unique food outside, and the young master is willing to eat it, she can''t wait to buy them all."


    That was true. They didn''t have anything expensive. Even if they brought bamboo shoots, it was only 399 copper coins in total. Xiaoxiao set this price. The 400 copper coins didn''t sound good, so she took the initiative to reduce it by one copper coin. Anyway, this bit of money was nothing to a rich family. She heard that rich people would take silver directly when they bought things.


    Xiaoxiao epted the copper coins with a sigh secretly. If it weren''t for the fact that bamboo shoots were almost equivalent to pig food to the people in this time and space, they wouldn''t have sold them so cheaply. Just as she thought this, she heard Ning Eng sigh. "I didn''t expect the bamboo shoots just by casually digging to be so valuable."


    Xiaoxiao was speechless. She thought, "Your valuables and mine seem to be different."

 Chapter 40: A Little

    <h4>Chapter 40: A Little</h4>


    However, when she thought of this, she remembered something else that most people didn''t like, but she thought it was delicious.


    The bamboo shoots had been sold out, but there was still a long time before the time they decided with Rong Yan. Xiaoxiao pulled her brothers excitedly. "Let''s go buy something."


    Ning Eng thought that he had to buy a few more jars. He had earned more than 460 copper coins today. There were still a lot of bamboo shoots at home. If they sold them all, they could return the money they had spent on thend!


    He was full of hope and imagination, so he did not notice that his sister was not going to the grocery store. Ning Dng did notice, but he saw his sister was very happy, so he did not care. He just followed her until they stood in front of a pork stall.


    Ning Eng swallowed and said, "Sister, although we told Mother to treat ourselves better, aren''t you overthinking a little?"


    Ning Dng brought up the pouch containing the copper coins. He felt that as long as his sister liked it, it was not impossible to buy it. His sister was still young and was still growing. How could she not eat her fill? Look at the aunt, who had been raised so well by Old Madam Ning, but his sister was so thin that she looked like she would fall with a gust of wind.


    Then, they heard their sister ask without hesitation, "Boss, how much is the meat?"


    The meat stall owner had yet to wee his busiest moment. When he saw that it was a youngdy who did not look like she could buy meat, he replied kindly, "The lean meat is twenty copper coins a catty, the fat is twenty-five, and the porkrd is thirty-five. Which one do you want?"


    Xiaoxiao felt reasonable and said honestly, "The price is fair, but it''s a pity that I can''t afford it." She then pointed at internal organs that the boss had pulled aside. "Boss, how much are these?"


    The owner of the meat stall also knew that poor people could not afford meat. Sometimes, they only could buy some internal organs to satisfy their cravings. Looking at the three siblings'' outfits, he put down the knife. "Those five copper coins per catty."


    Xiaoxiao was surprised and pointed at the bones shaved clean and gathered to the side. "What about these?"


    The boss couldn''t understand. "There''s no meat left. If you want to buy it, you can take them all with five copper coins." It would save him the trouble of moving away and finding a ce to throw it.


    Xiaoxiao immediately took out her money and stuffed it over as if she was afraid that the stall owner would go back on his word. "Then I want these bones and two catties of internal organs. This is fifteen copper coins!"


    Did she buy it? The boss was confused. "Where are your parents? Don''t say that I cheated you after buying it."


    Ning Dng, who was about to persuade his sister, coughed lightly. "Don''t worry, Boss. My sister bought it. Naturally, we acknowledged it."


    However, after taking the things and leaving, he could not help but say to his sister, "Xiaoxiao, the internal organs don''t taste good. It''s fishy and smelly. Let''s throw it away and buy meat again, okay?"


    Ning Eng also remembered that his sister had given her meat buns to them while he ate the thick buns bought by Rong Yan, so his heart ached. "That''s right, that''s right. Isn''t it just meat? I''ll go to the mountain and dig a few jars of bamboo shoots. We can eat a lot of meat at that time."


    Xiaoxiao did not remind him that the bamboo shoots were about to exceed the season. She only waved her hand and said, "You guys don''t understand."


    Braised pig intestines stir-fried with pig intestines, dried pig intestines boiled with pig intestines�� Huh, have you heard of them? Just wait to eat!


    Her overflowing interest puzzled her brothers. However, they thought that their sister was always so sensible. It was rare for her to be impulsive. It was just the internal organs. It was not a big deal. Just Old Madam Ning alone had wasted them countless ten copper coins.


    As she thought about the recipe, Xiaoxiao''s footsteps became especially fast. She ran to the grain store and weighed two catties of flour. Today, their ie decreased by 40 copper coins. Then, she went to buy a jar worth 20 copper coins. Ning Eng hugged the basket containing the money tightly and refused to let her touch it no matter what.


    Xiaoxiao started to brainwash her brother again. "Second Brother, look. We only brought ten copper coins when we came out. We had an extra three hundred and ny copper coins when we went home. There are also food and other necessities. Didn''t we make a profit?"


    Ning Eng covered his ears and shouted, "Brother, we''ve been out for an entire day and haven''t eaten anything. Can you bear to let your sister go home hungry?"

 Chapter 41 - 41: Stewed Goose

    Chapter 41: Stewed Goose


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Eng loosened his grip, and Xiaoxiao ran away happily with the bag. Ning Eng felt that something was wrong and hurriedly followed her. Then, he saw her squatting in front of a stall selling poultry, unable to look away.


    The ce was close to the city gate. Rong Yan, who had finished his work, saw them from afar. He brought Yun Yi forward, prepared to greet them, and returned to the vige together.


    Ning Eng��s gaze followed the bag containing money his sister had identally snatched away. His sister looked at the fluffy chicks and ducklings in an intoxicated manner. Shemented happily, ��Such cute chicks!��


    Yun Yi said, ��In this aspect, Miss Ning is simr to other girls. She likes cute things.��


    As soon as he finished speaking, he heard her say, ��It should be braised!��


    Yun Yi was speechless.


    Rong Yan was speechless.


    Ning Eng, who had not noticed their approach, said angrily, ��Didn��t you say you��re hungry and want to buy food? Can this be eaten? Huh?��


    Xiaoxiao hugged the bag and argued, ��Yes, but we must wait for them to grow up.��


    ��Don��t look at how young they are now. When they grow up, they��ll be treasures. Honey-vored chicken wings, crispy chicken wings, yolk chicken wings, braised chicken drumsticks, fried chicken drumsticks, braised chicken nuggets, braised chicken nuggets, fried beans, roasted chicken�� The taste is fragrant! It can eveny eggs! From now on, a bowl of steamed eggs every day won��t be a dream!��


    Ning Eng swallowed his saliva and felt that the copper coin he had just earned was in danger. He wanted to pull it back with all his might, but he feared hurting his sister. He was so anxious that he was sweating.


    Xiaoxiao started to trick him again. ��Second Brother, think about it. One chick is eight copper coins, and five are forty copper coins. In the future, we just need to raise them at home and find some free worms, vegetables, and leaves for them to eat. They will grow into chickens worth more than twenty copper coins per catty! They will eveny eggs for us every day. An egg is one copper coin. As long as theyy eggs for eight days in a row, we will get back the capital. The rest of the eggs and the meat we ate to kill the chicken are equivalent to free!��


    She said in an exaggerated tone, ��There��s such a good deal in the world. We can��t miss it!��


    Rong Yan couldn��t help butugh aloud while Yun Yi looked surprisingly at his master as if it was his first day knowing him. Rong Yan used to only know how to put on a fake smile.


    Ning Eng felt embarrassed and let go of his hand. Xiaoxiao immediately took the opportunity to pay the bill. Then, she looked at her second brother, who was speechless, and said, ��It��s done. Second Brother, just obey.��


    Ning Eng felt very defeated. He looked at Ning Dng, who had done nothing and was even helping the evildoer. ��Brother, aren��t you going to do anything?��


    Ning Dng coughed lightly to hide his smile. ��Yes, we have to manage her.�� Then, he bent down and squatted beside his sister. ��Sister, you don��t know how to choose. We have to choose five healthier chicks.��


    Ning Eng snorted coldly. ��How can you just let her be!�� However, he also squatted at the side, pped Xiaoxiao��s hand away, and began to choose the healthier chicks. ��That just looks fat, but it doesn��t have any strength. Look at this one. Its eyes are burning. It��ll be fierce when it��s growing up. No one can carry it away casually.��


    Xiaoxiao probed, ��Then why don��t we raise another goose?�� She received a re from Ning Eng after saying that. She could only pout. ��Alright, if you don��t want to buy it, don��t. We can buy it next time.��


    ��What a waste of my delicious food. I suppose 1 should cook a delicious stewed goose.��


    Thest sentence was said in a low voice, but even Rong Yan, standing beside her, heard it. Ning Dng did not mind her words. However, Ning Eng rolled his eyes.


    Seeing that it was about time, everyone returned to the vige together. The senior pulled the new guard away from the city gate when he wanted to investigate carefully. ��Alright, there��s no need to waste time. They��re together. The person we��re looking for isn��t this type..��

 Chapter 42 - 42: Chicken Will Lay Eggs

    Chapter 42: Chicken Will Lay Eggs


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The new guard asked, ��Then what kind of person are we looking for?��


    The senior stretched his back. ��A teenager. The rest are all grown men.��


    Rong Yan��s expression didn��t change, but he walked closer to Ning Xiaoxiao and her brothers, who were still arguing. Xiaoxiao counted her gains today and said to Rong Yan, ��Til make noodles tonight. Shall 1 give you a serving, too?��


    Rong Yan hesitated momentarily and looked at Xiaoxiao��s emaciated but energetic appearance. He didn��t know how to answer. He didn��t expect this girl to be so persistent.


    If he continued to interact with the Ning family, the debt of gratitude he had painstakingly paid off would probably be chaotic again. However, the food she cooked was too fragrant��


    Xiaoxiao misunderstood his hesitation and pped her hands. ��Ah, that��s right. It��s not convenient to send noodles over. When I send them over to you, they��ll probably be lumpy. The noodles have to be distinct. Get some milky white broth, sprinkle a handful of green vegetables, drink a mouthful of soup, and slurp a mouthful of noodles. What we should eat is hot and fresh. In that case, you shoulde over and eat.��


    Rong Yan��s mouth was more honest than his mind. He said, ��Okay,�� before regretting it.


    He thought, ��Then let��s have another meal. It��s just a meal. Soon, 1��11 find an opportunity to return the favor. It definitely won��t change the pure neighborly rtionship between us.��


    When they got home, the siblings instinctively looked at the kitchen first. Then, they remembered that they didn��t have anything good at home, so they couldn��t attract Second Aunt.


    Madam Song was embroidering in the courtyard. Ning Fengnian had just walked around and was rxing his limbs. Seeing that the three of them held jars and were not surprised, he guessed they would continue the sour bamboo shoots business.


    Then, he saw Dng take out a bag of pork bones and internal organs. Before he could ask, Eng took out a bag of flour from the jar he was carrying.


    Madam Song and Ning Fengnian seemed to see the copper coin they had just received fly away. Then, they saw their precious daughter take out five�� chicklings from her jar.


    She happily shouted at them, ��Dad, Mom, let��s raise chickens!�� Her excuse to fool Ning Eng was useless. She had a targeted encouragement speech specially prepared for Madam Song. ��Mom, we don��t have a pigpen, but we can still cut out a piece ofnd to raise chickens. If we sell the chickens at the end of the year, we might be able to subsidize the money on credit.��


    It had to be said that her words made Madam Song happy. She, who originally thought that buying these chicks was a little sloppy, was the first to ask, ��What should I give them to eat?��


    Xiaoxiao raised her hand and replied, ��Mom, I��ve asked the sellers. They��re not picky about food. They can eat all the worms and leaves of worm grass! Isn��t we having ournd soon? I can bring them to peck at the vegetable seeds in the field. 1 can also bring them to the mountain for a walk when they��re a little bigger!�� The meat of the pheasant was tighter and more fragrant!


    ��Mom, Second Brother is so smart. He let me choose a male and four females. From now on, the chicks will be chickens, the chicks willy eggs, and the eggs will be chickens. We will have an endless supply of eggs!��


    Ning Eng snorted. ��Don��t think I��m happy just because you tter me!�� Then, he smiled.


    Madam Song also smiled. How could it be so easy to give birth to a chicken? However, it was rare for her daughter to be so happy. No one could bear to ruin her happiness, so they let her think freely. Needless to say, they were also filled with hope as she spoke.


    ��Mom, this is the 350 copper coins we earned today.��


    Xiaoxiao added, ��Mom, we have 880 copper coins now.. Huh, such an auspicious number! We��re going to be rich very soon!��

 Chapter 43 - 43: Seeking for Other Opportunity

    Chapter 43: Seeking for Other Opportunity


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Eng finally couldn��t help butugh out loud. Only then did Xiaoxiao pat her chest. ��I��m finally done coaxing them. You guys chat slowly. I��m going to cook.��


    Ning Dng couldn��t bear for her to tire herself alone, so he took the initiative to do the heavy work of kneading the dough. Xiaoxiao kept saying, ��Big Brother is the best��, and Ning Eng wanted to pout again when he heard that. The kind vendor had already chopped up the pig bones she had bought. After washing and boiling water to remove the impurities of the blood foam, she simmered them over medium heat.


    There were not many things at home, but enough firewood. Ning Eng had already piled the firewood up high. The firewood at home could not be finished in half a month. She put a handful of green onions and a few pieces of old ginger in the soup. When it was boiling, she sprinkled some salt and waited.


    During this period, she dealt with the pigs�� internal organs.


    The pigs�� internal organs they bought were the pig intestines that no one wanted the most. Xiaoxiao removed arge handful of wood ash and ced therge intestines in a basin to wash by the river. She also took the two bamboo baskets Ning Fengnian had made along the way. Since she had already gone, she might as well bring some fresh prawns back.


    Ning Eng did not know where his sister got her confidence from. She even asked him to bring a bucket while he picked her up in an hour. However, after a few grunts, he still obediently washed the bucket and ced it by the door before serving the five furry chicks.


    The courtyard of this old house was not big, but it was not difficult to circle out a piece for them to live in. They could not feed such small chicks casually. They would fall sick if they ate unclean things.


    Ning Eng informed Madam Song before he went to the field to find yellow leaves. He tore them into pieces and mixed them with grain chaff. The chicks ate happily. About two hourster, he carried a bucket and thought, ��How can we catch prawns in the river now?�� However, he walked quickly to find his sister.


    When he reached the river, Xiaoxiao had already rubbed therge intestines clean with the ashes of the nts. Her eyes were sore, and she could only sigh that this pig had eaten a lot when it was alive.


    Ning Eng��s heart ached when he saw this. He snatched the job from her. He could only me himself for letting his sister wash this thing. He had already bought it, so what if he washed it?


    Xiaoxiao followed his advice and stood up to hit her waist like an olddy. ��Second Brother, you��re the best.��


    Ning Eng said, ��Leave it to me next time. You don��t even have strength. Can you wash it clean?��


    Xiaoxiao was not angry and used to her second brother��s uprightness. She jumped to pick up the bamboo basket to catch the prawns. After lifting the basket, she exaggeratedly cried and poured the prawns into the wooden bucket. Ning Eng was so shocked that he lost control of his expression. ��So many?��


    Xiaoxiao said that the prawns were caught using pig internal organs as bait. Ning Eng listened casually and didn��t care much. He asked Xiaoxiao how to cook these prawns. Xiaoxiao looked at him as if she was looking at a brat. ��You only know how to eat. Can��t we seek for the other opportunity?��


    ��It��s thest day of the market tomorrow. Won��t people snatch all the fresh prawns? We can cook those that are too small tonight. After clearing the prawn shells, we��ll chop them up and add more food to the chicks.��


    Huh, that��s right. Why didn��t he think of that? His sister must have recently fed him silly!


    When they got home, Ning Eng did not feel his sister had arranged for him. He packed the bamboo basket and distributed the prawns ording to their size. He was very busy. The soup in the kitchen had already begun to emit a fragrance. Xiaoxiao added some firewood and used the fire to force out the meat scraps in the bones before starting to make handmade noodles.


    The dough her brother kneaded was always her favourite, and the strength was right. After the noodles were prepared, Xiaoxiao ced them aside to cool them before she started to process therge intestines..

 Chapter 44 - 44: Pig Intestine

    Chapter 44: Pig Intestine


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After washing the pig intestine, she nched it again. It was almost tasteless now. She cut the half-cooked intestine into pieces. After adding the oil to the pot, she heated the pig intestines and picked them up as a backup. Then, she added scallions, ginger, garlic, and chili to the pot, which was only left with oil. When the fragrance was rich, she added the pig intestine and seasoned it with salt and soy sauce.


    The conditions were harsh, and there were no more ingredients to use. However, the ancient raw materials were superior to the original ecology. Soon, therge intestines dyed dark brown began to emit a smell that made people drool.


    Ning Eng was so curious that he couldn��t help but pick up a piece with his chopsticks and stuff it into his mouth with an expression like he was facing death. He gritted his teeth and said, ��That��s a pig intestine? It��s so delicious!��


    When this dish was almost done, Xiaoxiao scooped out the big bones in the soup to cool them down. Then, she put the noodles in and used chopsticks to stir the noodles. At the same time, she asked her second brother to call for someone next door.


    When the noodles were rolling for the first time, she put a handful of home-grown vegetables into the soup. The fresh vegetable leaves wrapped in the soup oil made them look even greener.


    Yun Yi and the others had long smelled the fragranceing from next door, but no one said that they were too ashamed to take the initiative toe. Now that Ning Eng was here, everyone except Rong Yan stood up and bumped into each other.


    Rong Yan was deeply embarrassed. He cupped his fists at Ning Eng and thanked him, then asked Yun Yi to carry a basket of eggs.


    Xiaoxiao didn��t reject their gifts and even directly opened the pot and added a poached egg to everyone��s bowl. With this embellishment, the noodles on the table looked even more alluring. Yun Yi wanted to give the first bowl to Rong Yan, but Xiaoxiao stopped him.


    She pointed at the bowl on the stove. There was a green flower print on the side of the bowl. ��That��s his.�� There were no onions, garlic, less oil, and two eggs. Moreover, it had already cooled.


    Ning Eng was envious of this special treatment. He didn��t mind as much when he remembered that someone else had brought the eggs and that they were guests. He even warmly invited everyone to try the freshly baked pig intestines.


    Yun Yi��s eyes almost popped out of their sockets. ��Second Young Master Ning said this, what was it again?��


    Hearing the word ��young master��, Ning Eng couldn��t help but tremble. His expression was strange. He looked down on Yun Yi for making a fuss. ��Pig intestines. Haven��t you heard of it?�� His tone seemed to havepletely forgotten that he had also been one of the people who had stayed away from the pig intestines not long ago.


    Not to mention Rong Yan, even Madam Song and her husband didn��t dare to touch therge intestines. However, Ning Eng had just experienced his sister��s amazing skills and couldn��t help but want to show them off.


    ��Don��t be afraid. It��s delicious. Don��t think that these are internal organs. We��ve specially washed it clean. There��s no dirt at all. If you don��t believe me, smell it. It doesn��t smell!��


    After saying this, no one dared to eat anymore. Only the sound of Ning Eng eating pig intestines and noodles could be heard.


    Ning Dng, who had not tried it yet, looked at his brother��s stupid eating manner and then at his sister, who was full of anticipation and asking for praise. His heart softened, and he gritted his teeth and picked up a piece. He thought to himself that, at most, he would just swallow it.


    However, as soon as the intestines entered his mouth, he realized it was not as difficult to swallow as he had imagined. It was soft and had a moderate chewiness. As he chewed, the soup absorbed during the cooking overflowed. The chilli��s fragrance increased the pig intestines�� unique taste just right.


    His unintentionally furrowed brows quickly rxed, and he picked up another piece. At the same time, he did not forget to give his sister a thumbs up.


    Rong Yan, who had never seen this before, just wanted to change the topic, so he imitated her and asked, ��What do you mean?��


    Ning Eng wiped his mouth. ��Sister taught me. When someone gives a thumbs up, she means it��s praise.. Huh, are you not going to try it?��

 Chapter 45 - 45: If There’s No Need

    Chapter 45: If There��s No Need


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    With his action, Ning Fengnian and Madam Song couldn��t resist their daughter��s gaze. They also picked up their chopsticks automatically. Just like their sons, they couldn��t stop after one bite, which embarrassed Rong Yan and the others.


    If they didn��t eat it, it would seem rude. Eat it�� Thinking about what that thing was for, they couldn��t bring themselves to eat it. They even felt like vomiting.


    Rong Yan was the first to extend his arm, but Xiaoxiao moved the entire bowl away before he could take it. She said very seriously, ��You can��t eat it.��


    Rong Yan heaved a sigh of relief but still asked, ��Why?��


    Xiaoxiao put the bowl back. ��There are a lot of onions, garlic, and chili in it. You can��t eat it.��


    She pushed another refreshing salted river shrimp in front of him. ��Eat this.


    Eat more.��


    Her way of persuading people to eat was simple and unadorned, but Yun Yi, beside Rong Yan, looked at this scene differently.


    As the guards�� leader, he observed people��s expressions well. When he returned to his courtyard after dinner, his hesitant expression attracted Rong Yan��s attention. ��Alright, just say what you want to say.��


    Yun Yi tried to hold it in, but he still went forward and lowered his voice. ��Master, I see that girl from the Ning family takes special care of you. Could it be that she����


    His master was good-looking and had a noble status. In the past, when he was at home, there was nock of people who took the initiative to throw themselves at him. In this remote vige, his temperament had long surpassed those people. It was normal for Ning Xiaoxiao to fall in love with him.


    It was a pity that her status was low. When they contacted their family, they would probably never interact again.


    They had a very good impression of Miss Ning. However, fate yed tricks on them.


    Rong Yan didn��t know what his guard was thinking. His face darkened. ��You can��t say that again. In such a vige, reputation will ruin a woman��s life.��


    If he continued to interact with her, wouldn��t he be the kind of hypocrite who deliberately gave people hope and gave indecent responses? After thinking about it, he instructed Yun Yi, ��Tomorrow, go up the mountain and hunt some things to send to the Ning family as a thank you for today��s meal.��


    Rubbing his slightly bulging stomach, Rong Yan said, ��If there��s no need in the future, we should keep our distance from them.��


    The Grand Tutor had taught him to eat until he was 70% full and to treat people 50% well. If they continued to get along like this, he would be unable to do anything. He might as well make up his mind while he still had resistance to her cooking today.


    However, at this moment, he did not know that the word ��necessary�� was too stic.


    The secret signal that Rong Yan and the others had left in the county had already responded, so there was no need to do anything else for the time being. Hence, Xiaoxiao went to the market the next day with her two brothers. The neighbors next door only lent the cart to the Ning family, but they had to hunt in the mountains.


    Thinking about it, it made sense. Firstly, the neighbors did not do business, and secondly, they did not have acquaintances. No matter how fun the market was, they could not shop for three days. The siblings quickly thought it through and returned their attention to their belongings.


    This time, they brought sour bamboo shoots as usual. Other than that, the prawns that Xiaoxiao caught yesterday were also carried in buckets. After a rough calction, they should weigh about 1 kilogram.


    Ning Eng pursed his lips. ��I told you we shouldn��t have eaten the prawns yesterday. Otherwise, we might have weighed two kilograms!��


    Xiaoxiao looked down on his stingy look. ��That small shrimp is at most half a catty. Besides, look at the size of the bucket. Doesn��t this show that the quality of our shrimp is good? Besides, this thing doesn��t have a shelf life. What if it can��t be sold? Eating half and selling half is better to reduce unnecessary waste.��


    Ning Eng spat.. ��Hey, stop talking! We��ll be able to sell the prawns!��

 Chapter 46 - 46: Tired

    Chapter 46: Tired


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Alright, this guy had fallen for money. Xiaoxiao did not realize that she was the one who had caused Ning Eng to change at all. She spat a few times perfunctorily.


    After two days, the noodle stall owner was already familiar with them. They sent a small jar of sour bamboo shoots, and the boss sent them arge bowl of noodles. Their rtionship also increased. Today, Xiaoxiao chatted with him about the rules of setting up stalls in the county.


    The busiest part of the market was the area where the government allowed business. However, there was one thing the stall owner had to report to the government office and pay 50 copper coins monthly for the stall fee. Ning Eng was speechless. ��It��s that expensive?��


    Xiaoxiao kicked him. ��Can you understand the situation? We also earn money by selling every day. The stall fee is 50 copper coins a month. There��s only two copper coins for the stall fee per day!��


    She leaned close to Ning Eng��s ear and whispered, ��Do the math. We��ve earned hundreds of copper coins in two days. Inparison, isn��t a mere fifty copper coins nothing? If we earn money every day, won��t we be able to save enough silver on credit soon? When the timees, we��ll return the money to the vige chief and the harvest in the fields will belong to our family. Then, we can continue to earn money����


    Ning Eng did not want to be taught by his sister again, but he roughly followed his sister��s train of thought and his eyes lit up uncontrobly!


    Xiaoxiao then continued to chat with the noodle stall owner. Ning Dng was not as easy to trick as his younger brother. He knew very well that the unexpected gains these few days were only because they hade at the right time. The usual business was not that good. Moreover, sour bamboo shoots were only a novelty. Fewer people wereing to ask today.


    However, he did not remind his brother. He only patiently tidied up the cushion that his sister had pulled askew.


    After an entire morning, very few people still came to buy sour bamboo shoots. Ning Eng was full of confidence and brought all the stock from the home, but he had only sold half a jar so far. He could not understand. When he saw a familiar old woman from afar, he stood up and waved his hand.


    ��Aunt Wang, over here!��


    Xiaoxiao propped her chin on her hand and looked at him, shouting. It was good that her brother had be bolder, but his judgment was still not good enough. That old woman was so close to them. If she wanted to buy something, she would havee long ago. Why did she have to wait for him to greet her so hard?


    As expected, Old Madam Wang��s tone became much colder after not seeing her for a day. ��It��s you. 1 won��t buy bamboo shoots today. My young master was tired of eating it.��


    So soon? Ning Eng��s excited expression suddenly became dispirited. Xiaoxiao felt a little pitiful, so she took over and asked, ��If we can always have fresh food here, do you want to buy it back and try again?��


    Old Madam Wang asked suspiciously, ��You guys?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��That��s right. Anyway, the things we sell aren��t expensive. It��s not a loss to try them. For example, the prawns we have today are full of meat and fresh. Look, they��re still alive and kicking. Perhaps your young master will like them when he sees them and eat more mouthfuls when he��s happy?��


    There were many fish sellers, but there were very few shrimp sellers. Just as the little girl had said, the prawns were very energetic. Most importantly, each of them was very big. They looked different from others. She fiddled with them and asked, ��What��s the price?��


    Xiaoxiao��s expression was calm. ��30 copper coins per catty.��


    Ning Eng was shocked again. The fat was only 25 copper coins. His sister dared to say it. Wasn��t she afraid of scaring the guests away?


    As expected, Old Madam Wang f rowmed and was about to stand up. ��1 don��t think others are as greedy as you.��


    Xiaoxiao was calm and unhurried as she lied, ��Don��t tell me theirs isn��t as big as ours. This is a carefully selected high-quality prawn that only nobles can enjoy. Moreover, we��ve worked hard to catch them for a long time and picked the best. Only ten catties can produce such a portion. Do you not want it?��


    Her eyes were sincere. ��If you don��t want it, I��ll give it to someone else. But let me make it clear first. If you go shopping now, it��ll be sold when you returnter. Don��t be angry with us. After all, we don��t dare to keep such good prawns..��

 Chapter 47 - 47: Renting a Stall

    Chapter 47: Renting a Stall


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    When Old Madam Wang, who was about to leave, heard this, she immediately returned and red at her. ��1 didn��t say I��m not buying it. Give it to me. I want it all.��


    Xiaoxiao weighed it nimbly and even took the initiative to clear the extra change. She asked considerately, ��1 don��t think you have anything else to pack these prawns. Do you want to take this bucket, too? You can just bring it to us tomorrow. You can give it to the uncle at the noodle stall if we��re not around.�� Old Madam Wang��s impression of her increased, and a smile appeared. ��Little girl, you know how to behave. Alright, if you have any new things in the future, remember to bring them over. 1 buy them all and try them. If the Young Master eats happily, you will be rewarded.��


    As soon as she left, Ning Eng leaned over. ��Why did you give her all the buckets? What if she doesn��te?��


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes at him. ��Can the county magistrate��s family be greedy for this bucket? It��s fine, even if they��re greedy. We��ve earned it. Besides, when shees to return the bucket tomorrow, perhaps she will buy something back along the way.��


    Ning Eng was enlightened and apuded repeatedly. ��Your ability to do business makes me�� How to say it? I��m amazed. Yes, I��m amazed!��


    Xiaoxiao put her hands on her hips proudly and acted very modestly. She then egged her second brother on. ��Brother, why don��t we go to the government office to rent the stall? Otherwise, what if we miss this auntie?��


    Before Ning Eng could react, he asked, ��You mean that bucket?��


    Xiaoxiao wanted to p him on the head. ��What bucket? I��m talking about a transaction. Didn��t you hear what she said just now? She��s willing to buy anything new. She��s a long-term customer. She alone supports our ie of 30 copper coins!��


    Xiaoxiao started to trick him again. ��Listen to me settle. Thirty copper coins a day, nine hundred copper coins a month, and nine taels of silver in ten months! There��s still money left after paying off thend!��


    Ning Eng finally realized he couldn��t let his sister settle the score. She had the ability. The more she calcted, the more confused the ounts became. For example, he had followed his sister to the county office to register.


    As a native farmer, Ning Eng was nervous when he saw the official. He thought that his sister would be scared away, but she went forward and asked. For a moment, Ning Eng didn��t know if he was too shy or his sister was not ashamed. He didn��t know how he followed his sister��s instructions andpleted the registration of the stall step by step. When he gave out the 50 copper coins, he was stunned. The bailiff reminded him because his reaction was too slow.


    In front of the officials, Ning Eng did not dare to go back on his word. He handed his hands forward. Fine, the money was gone.


    On the way back to the stall, he kept reflecting on himself. How did things be like this, step by step? He was just selling bamboo shoots. Why did he suddenly rent a stall?


    Unlike him, Xiaoxiao was quite happy now. She needed toe to the county often to do many things. Now, she had a reason toe often.


    While they were leaving, Ning Dng sold more than ten portions of sour bamboo shoots. After that, there was no movement. Ning Eng suddenly felt a sense of crisis about the fifty copper coins. ��Sister, if I go to the county office now, do you think I can get back the money from renting the stall?��


    Xiaoxiao sighed. Haste makes waste. It was better tofort her brother.


    ��Let��s close the stall and go somewhere else to sell bamboo shoots.��


    Ning Eng was puzzled. ��Where?��


    Not long after, they looked at the ��Fragrance Restaurant�� que above their heads. They could not figure out their sister��s thoughts. He had heard of this restaurant before. It was almost the most famous in the county, but they could not afford it.. What were they doing here? Touring?

 Chapter 48 - 48: Nothing Is Troublesome in the World

    Chapter 48: Nothing Is Troublesome in the World


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao, on the other hand, was calm andposed. She walked to the counter and looked at the ountant, who was dozing off inside. ��May I ask if you��re the shopkeeper?��


    The ountant was a little impatient after someone disturbed his rest. As he was about to speak, he heard the little girl say sincerely, ��You look so imposing and have an extraordinary temperament. You must be the shopkeeper!��


    The ountant was speechless. He suddenly felt very happy.


    His tone softened. ��Youngdy, why are you looking for the shopkeeper?��


    Xiaoxiao continued to shout blindly. ��Uncle, I want to ask if your restaurant epts novel food. It��s very delicious!��


    When he listened to her words, he thought, ��Huh, why is this little girl so good at talking?�� The ountant smiled until his eyes narrowed. ��I��m not the shopkeeper, but the shopkeeper is not busy now. I can go to ask him.��


    He could take a trip to wake himself up.


    Ning Eng was stunned. Ning Dng coughed lightly and reminded his sister, ��That uncle was looking at the ount book with an abacus just now. He must be the ountant of this restaurant.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and said, ��I know, but���� She clenched her fists and looked serious. ��It��s not good to not want to be a shopkeeper.��


    Ning Dng did not understand, but he seemed to have understood something.


    Ning Eng wanted to take his bold sister away. ��How dare youe here to sell bamboo shoots? Aren��t you afraid of being beaten up?��


    Xiaoxiao wagged her finger. ��I��ve already asked Uncle Zhang about it. In the county, the shopkeeper of the Fragrance Restaurant is the kindest. He won��t fall out with us even if the deal doesn��t work.��


    ��Besides, there��s nothing difficult in the world. Just give it a try. If it doesn��t work, there��s no loss. What if it seeds? The opportunity is fleeting. It��s better to miss it than to miss it.��


    These words were a little profound to Ning Eng, but it didn��t matter. Xiaoxiao wasn��t saying them for him to hear anyway.


    Looking at her elder brother��s thoughtful expression, Xiaoxiao felt satisfied. Satisfied, she turned to look at the shopkeeper who had walked down with the ountant. Then, she was even more satisfied to see the acquaintance beside the shopkeeper.


    ��Pretty sister?��


    Shopkeeper Liu was also stunned when she saw Xiaoxiao. She didn��t think that the little girl was here to eat.


    Shopkeeper Xu asked in surprise, ��Is it someone you know?��


    Shopkeeper Liu nodded. ��I just met her recently.��


    Xiaoxiao could tell that the rtionship between these two people was not ordinary. Hence, she blinked and took a step forward. ��Birds of a feather flock together. The ancients did not lie to me. Indeed, the friends of outstanding people are also outstanding people.��


    Shopkeeper Liuughed. ��Are you praising yourself too?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��You��re beautiful and smart. How can those ordinary people live?�� Shopkeeper Liu blushed and wanted to hit her.


    Shopkeeper Xu looked at their interaction in surprise and interrupted good-naturedly, ��Girl, why are you looking for me?��


    Xiaoxiao asked emotionally, ��Uncle, do you want your restaurant to have unique snacks that can��t be bought anywhere else? Do you want your restaurant to be the first tounch new dishes that you��ve never heard of? Do you look forward to your restaurant being the most outstanding and bing the top restaurant in this county?��


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��Then do you want to buy our sour bamboo shoots and try it?��


    Everyone was speechless.


    Ning Eng had the urge to cover his face and run away after hearing her exaggerated words about selling sour bamboo shoots. She, however, amused the two shopkeepers. Shopkeeper Liu looked at Shopkeeper Xu, who said, ��Don��t look at me. You can talk about your own business. It has nothing to do with me.��


    She usually separated the public and the private matters.. Shopkeeper Xu was already used to it, so he asked Xiaoxiao, ��Bamboo shoots? Are they bamboo shoots?��

 Chapter 49 - 49: Other Prices

    Chapter 49: Other Prices


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao took the smallest jar from Ning Eng. ��It��s the bamboo shoot, not bitter or astringent. It��s moderately salty, sour, and crispy. Do you want to try it?��


    Seeing that Shopkeeper Xu��s expression was calm as he tried the dishes, she could not tell whether he was satisfied or disdainful. She could only sigh at him and continued to say. ��If you order arge number of bamboo shoots, I will give you two free new dishes. I��m honest with you. You can check the goods first before paying.��


    This exnation was novel. Shopkeeper Xu asked, ��How do we check the goods?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��It��s very simple. Lend me the kitchen. I��ll make it for you guys to try.��


    The culinary skills couldn��t be shown to others. Shopkeeper Xu cleared a small kitchen for Xiaoxiao and then sat down with Shopkeeper Liu, who was joining the fun, and the Ning brothers.


    Xiaoxiao��s dishes were very simple. One was stir-fried shredded meat with sour bamboo shoots, and the other was steamed cured meat with sour bamboo shoots. The dishes didn��t require much skill, and one could tell at a nce. However, those side dishes were stir-fried until they were crispy and refreshing, and the heat was appropriate. Theyplemented the sour bamboo shoots perfectly.


    The red and green chili peppers, the white shredded meat and bamboo shoots, and the green onions were tempting.


    The other te of sour bamboo shoots with cured meat. The restaurant made the cured meat. The sour bamboo shootspletely stimted the fragrance of the meat. One bite of meat and one bite of bamboo shoots. If there was some wine, it would be even more fragrant.


    Shopkeeper Xu was very satisfied with the taste but said, ��Even if you don��t teach us this recipe, we can quickly figure it out ourselves.��


    Of course, there was no shortage of smart people in the world, and Xiaoxiao did not have the habit of thinking too highly of herself. She looked up at the sky with her hands behind her back. ��There are other recipes, but that��s another price.��


    Shopkeeper Xu couldn��t help butugh. He poured a ss of wine for Shopkeeper Liu. ��Your friend is very interesting.��


    Then, he told Xiaoxiao, ��If you want to cooperate with me, you can��t sell me now and sell to otherster.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and said pugilistically, ��I understand the rules. You can ask Shopkeeper Liu. I��m honest in doing the business.��


    The two chatted happily. When Ning Eng came out of the restaurant with 500 copper coins and two pieces of silver, he was still a little confused. ��I only know now that my sister usually hid her strength when she tricked me.��


    How could she persuade the shopkeeper to ept their bamboo shoots with just a few words? He even asked them to deliver them again five dayster. They should send seven jars at a time, and the shopkeeper offered a price of 200 copper coins for each jar. Then, he would increase and decrease ording to the customers�� reactions! Let him calcte how many copper coins they could earn in a month.


    He couldn��t even resist his sister dragging him to the grocery store because he was so excited.


    As Xiaoxiao wished, she bought a new jar and a set of bowls. Her reason was good.


    ��We don��t have beautiful jars.��


    ��Only when you have aplete set of bowls can you feel the happiness of a family reunion when you eat!��


    Alright, alright. We have money now, so you can buy it.


    After buying, Xiaoxiao went to buy some things for setting up the stall, such as oil paper. She bought a whole piece and cut it into small portions. The quality would immediately increase no matter what kind of pickled vegetables, snacks, or sweets the oil paper covered.


    Ning Eng waved his hand and said generously, ��Buy it.�� When he was done, he returned with the empty bag and remembered. ��Sister, since you want to do business with the restaurant, why do you still want me to rent a stall?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at the sky from afar. Of course, it was so that she coulde out to y legitimately, but she said, ��I still don��t know if the restaurant will work. We only need to send the bamboo shoots once every seven days to the restaurant. We can also earn money by setting up a stall at other times. Our family is so poor.. Huh����

 Chapter 50 - 50: Not Performing Well

    Chapter 50: Not Performing Well


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    A long sigh stopped Ning Eng from asking more questions. Then, she stopped and said, ��Brother, can you not tell parents about I sold the recipe and earned the two taels of silver today?��


    Because it was a recipe without any technical content, and Xiaoxiao said the dishes were free. Shopkeeper Xu had originally wanted to give them one tael of silver for each dish. However, this was enough to shock Ning Eng. When he heard that his sister wanted to hide such arge sum of money, Ning Eng, who had never hidden his private savings, hesitated. ��Why?��


    Xiaoxiao lowered her head and looked unhappy. ��I don��t want the money that 1 worked so hard to earn to end up in the pockets of those people in the old residence.��


    Ning Eng suddenly remembered his old hatred. At this moment, Ning Dng had already patted Xiaoxiao��s shoulder. ��1 won��t say anything. You can keep this money. Other than us, no one else knows.��


    Xiaoxiao looked up at him with a burning gaze. ��Really?��


    Her gaze made Ning Eng feel sorry. He was a little slower, but his eldest brother beat him to it again. He quickly said, ��Yeah. We won��t say anything. You earned this silver with your abilities. It should belong to you.��


    Xiaoxiao retracted her aggrieved expression in satisfaction.


    Of course, she could not give money to her parents. If it was her mom, it was fine, but with her dad��s personality, tsk.


    Ning Fengnian had just sent away his brother, who was said to havee to visit him despite his busy schedule.


    His brother was now doing short-term work under his name. He could earn 500 copper coins a month but could not help with family matters. Just as it was about to nt seedlings in the fields, Second Sister-inw showed signs of pregnancy. Third Brother��s studies were important, and Little Sister was preparing to discuss marriage. It was not good to tan. He could not let his parents work hard at their age��


    However, looking at his family��s situation, he did not volunteer to agree.


    No matter how hard he had worked in the past, the coldness of his parents and brothers while he was bedridden had chilled his heart. Now, his family was still in such a deficient state. His wife and children were so busy every day. How could he be at ease to work for the old residence?


    Second Uncle Ning did not get the desired result despite his hard work. His expression was extremely dark. When he saw his nephew and niece pushing the cart back, he approached them like a wolf, seeing a sheep. ��Are you back from the county? I heard that you went to sell bamboo shoots. How much did you get?��


    How gossipy. Xiaoxiao, who had been ignored, rolled her eyes and hugged the sauerkraut jar with the lid outside the new bowl as she walked to the kitchen. ��Second Uncle, didn��t you see? It wasn��t even sold, and we brought it back.��


    Second Uncle Ning frowned and looked at Xiaoxiao with disdain. He then asked his nephew, ��I heard from your dad that the sour bamboo shoots are selling well. Why? Are you going to keep this a secret from me?��


    Knowing that his brother was impulsive, Dng said, ��It was not bad yesterday, but after today��s novelty, we only sold a little.��


    Ning Eng shook the empty bag cooperatively and said, ��It��s not even enough for Dad��s medical fees.��


    Second Uncle Ning was afraid they would borrow money, so he left immediately. Ning Eng spat on the ground.


    Ning Dng frowned. Eng was afraid of being scolded. Unexpectedly, his eldest brother said, ��Next time, wait until he��s far away before spitting.��


    Big Brother had changed! But he liked it.


    With this interlude, the two brothers even more supported their sister��s n to hide her true ie. They even made inferences without a teacher and lowered the restaurant��s price and sour bamboo shoots to 180 copper coins per jar.


    Ning Fengnian and his wife didn��t doubt him at all. They were even amazed that they were going to earn so much money. Only then did Ning Eng feel that he hadn��t performed well enough. If he had known earlier, he would have said 150..

 Chapter 51 - 51: The Only Supplier

    Chapter 51: The Only Supplier


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Coupled with the copper coins that her children had brought back today, their family already had an ie of nearly one tael of silver. Madam Song hurriedly went out to buy seeds to raise seedlings. Unfortunately, after walking around the vige, she learned the excess seeds from the shops had already been booked.


    The seeds were different from the rice that was usually used to eat. They were all carefully selected rice stalks that had the best growth. It was considered good no matter how many were left behind. The rest were sold and exchanged. It was not easy to want the seeds of two acres ofnd at this juncture.


    Xiaoxiao looked at her mom. ��Mom, why don��t we look for it in the county? The county is so big, it��s easier to buy seeds.��


    The couple did not reject their daughter��s good intentions but were still worried they would miss the sowing time. Hence, they decided to go to the others�� houses after dinner. Perhaps they could collect some from each family. At least they could start sowing early when they got thend.


    ording to Madam Song, Xiaoxiao was a girl after all. It wasn��t good for her to always appear in public to talk about marriage in the future, but she snorted. She wouldn��t be willing to marry if it was a family with such rules. However, she couldn��t say this.


    ��Mom, the shopkeeper from the Ruyi Clothing Shop only recognizes me. If brothers go, they won��t be able to get the embroidery threads and silk cloth.�� After her mom finished embroidering, they should give the Shopkeeper Liu the embroidery threads and silk cloths. She used high-grade goods. She was also afraid that something would go wrong with the embroiderer if she gave too much at once.


    Madam Song could only take back her thoughts. She couldn��t bear to part with this ie. If she could embroider more than ten small pieces in a month, that would be hundreds of copper coins. In the past, she didn��t even dare to think about it before.


    Now that she could earn money, she felt she could even have a high status at home!


    Ning Fengnian, the only one who had not contributed and had spent a lot of money, silently swallowed back what his second brother had mentioned today. However, Xiaoxiao had already noticed his hesitant expression. After dinner, she pestered her mother to ask about the conversation between the two brothers in the afternoon.


    A shameless vermin!


    Madam Song sighed. ��I originally thought that with more ie at home, 1 might be able to get morend on credit from the vige chief. Now, sigh����


    Xiaoxiao did not say anything. Her parents were so diligent that they wanted to break them into four people, but she could not bear to see them work so hard. Besides farming, she would find other ways to earn money to support her family.


    Several days passed in the blink of an eye. Over the past few days, Ning Eng finally realized that earning money was not so easy. However, he had agreed with Shopkeeper Xu that other than delivering goods to the Fragrance Restaurant, he would only sell some sour bamboo shoots to supplement his family��s expenses when he set up the stall. After the market, he realized that not many people woulde to buy them at all. In a day, he would only earn about 20 copper coins. After three days, he looked at his sister differently.


    Xiaoxiao acutely felt that her second brother needed to beforted. ��Brother, listen to me.�� She put on a familiar posture again. Ning Eng knew that his sister would make things up again, but he needed his sister to help him calm down.


    Xiaoxiao said, ��A smart person once said that we shouldn��t stop earning when we only have little money. In the past, we wouldn��t even be able to get ten to twenty copper coins a day, right? A little adds up to more, and we get over six hundred copper coins monthly. Could it be that you don��t fancy such a small amount of copper coins anymore?��


    ��Besides, if we hadn��t entered the county to do the sour bamboo shoots business, we wouldn��t have discussed business with Fragrance Restaurant. Therefore, you have to count the profits of that stall with the restaurant. With this calction, the daily ie is very impressive, right?��


    She lowered her voice again. ��Also, wait for a while. When the customers in the restaurant get used to the taste of sour bamboo shoots, they will look for a ce to buy them. At that time, won��t you be the only supplier?��


    Ning Eng thought about the new term his sister had given him and felt that he had indeed been convinced.. He asked happily, ��Who is this smart person?��

 Chapter 52 - 52:1 Want to Give Him a Gift

    Chapter 52:1 Want to Give Him a Gift


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao cleared her throat and put her hands behind her back. ��It��s Ning Xiaoxiao.��


    Ning Eng was speechless.


    After he left, Ning Dng came over and said to his sister, ��Have you ever thought that after the bamboo shoot season passes, the sour bamboo shoots business won��t be able to continue?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. She knew that the smart big brother would react very quickly. ��Big brother, don��t worry. I have my ns. I didn��t n to make it a long-term business. The food we eat is during the season. If it��s like this every day and the seasons don��t change, we won��t be annoyed, and the customers will be tired of eating.��


    ��It��s just that we can��t do anything else in our current situation. Let��s have the bamboo shoots business and save some capital first.��


    Seeing that she had a n, Ning Dng was relieved and went to help her peel the bamboo shoots and scald them. Xiaoxiao looked at her brother��s slender fingers and felt that doing such a thing was a waste for him. Hence, she took advantage of the next time she went to the city to hand in the embroidery and get the materials and ran to the bookstore called ��Ink Fragrance Pavilion��, the one Ning Dng could not help but stop at.


    Ning Fengnian and his wife worried their daughter would be in danger if she ran alone, so they asked the two brothers to have someone protect her. Xiaoxiao didn��t want her eldest brother to know what she would do, so her second brother was the person who apanied her. Ning Eng didn��t like to read since he was young. That was the extent of his headache when he saw books, so he wasn��t interested in the bookstore at all. He didn��t understand why his sister was so excited.


    ��Sis, why are you looking at this thing?��


    Xiaoxiao scratched her head and said, ��Second Brother, it��s Big Brother��s birthday soon. I want to give him a gift.��


    Ning Eng was very jealous, but he was too embarrassed to show it. ��Have you thought about what you want to give him? Don��t tell me you n to buy it for Eldest Brother here?��


    The things here were too expensive. They probably couldn��t afford them.


    Xiaoxiao also noticed it, so after looking around, she walked out dejectedly.


    Even if she thought of a way to earn the money, he would probably not be happy if she bought it for her brother. Spending money to buy these things was irrational when they were not even full.


    It was the family motto of their family. No matter how much money they earned or what kind of life they led, they must not bite off more than they could chew.


    Sighing in disappointment, she walked forward for a while, but she walked into a wine shop. Ning Eng was so frightened that he blocked her way. ��The wine is not suitable either. Eldest Brother doesn��t drink it.��


    Xiaoxiao pouted. ��You only know how to eat. 1 bought it to make new food.


    Have you forgotten about that young master from the county office?��


    He had forgotten. It was mainly because he didn��t think his sister could develop anything new. It was already blind luck to have a bamboo shoot business.


    When Xiaoxiao thought about food, her brain became especially nimble. After sorting out theyers of rtionships, she felt that this matter was even more promising. Hence, she regained her confidence and bought peppers, cinnamon, star anise, and other spices. She also replenished the various seasonings that were no longer avable at home.


    When they bought the oil, salt, sauce, and vinegar, Ning Eng felt he had to get the cart first. Then, Xiaoxiao thought for a moment. ��We can��t keep borrowing the neighbor��s cart. Why don��t we buy one ourselves?��


    As soon as she started arguing, it would be too easy for Ning Eng, who looked stubborn but was obsessed with his sister, to agree. Hence, when the two arrived at the Ruyi Clothing Shop, Ning Eng was pushing a new cart filled with things in a daze.


    Xiaoxiao smiled and asked her brother if he was tired. She even massaged his back enthusiastically. Ning Eng took a deep breath and felt he might have owed this ancestor in his previous life. He was very tired but inexplicably coaxed and waved his hand happily. ��Alright, go in..��

 Chapter 53 - 53: No Business Can Be Done without Evil

    Chapter 53: No Business Can Be Done without Evil


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    There were too many things. He would send them back to his brother first. Anyway, his sister had said that she won��te out soon. She woulde out in an hour. He didn��t understand. She only wanted to take something. Why would it take so long?


    Xiaoxiao was here today to provide Shopkeeper Liu with new designs, including ten zodiac signs. The colors needed to be discussed with Shopkeeper Liu ording to the actual situation. She couldn��t draw them all at once, so she should go there many times.


    Today, she happened to draw a rabbit. One of its long ears was perked up, and the other was curved. Its red eyes were dyed with gemstone red. Coupled with the way it carried the carrot, it looked even more pitiful. Even Shopkeeper Liu was tempted.


    Xiaoxiao was happy but didn��t say the idea that had just sprouted.


    Shopkeeper Liu had chosen the time to amaze the public. It would be on the fifth day of the fifth month. At that time, a dragon boat race on the Dusk River dominated the countryside, and the county would be lively. It was suitable for the Ruyi Clothing Shop to showcase their skills. The embroidery work in the shop had already been arranged. Once Xiaoxiao��s designs were ready, they would enter seclusion to prepare.


    This was the only way to avoid the danger of the painting being leaked.


    Every time Xiaoxiao used the lead embroidery and thread as an excuse toe over, she would draw until her eyes went blurry. She was not used to using a brush. Fortunately, she only needed to use a charcoal pen to draw the shape and the coloring was done by Shopkeeper Liu.


    Ning Eng was even more puzzled. ��You just took an embroidered silk cloth or something. It��s not long, but why do you look so exhausted?��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��You don��t have to worry about me.�� She dismissed him.


    Only recently did she find out that the Ruyi Clothing Shop had many branches. Further up, every state, county, and even Jingcheng City had its branches. Therefore, if the twelve-zodiac activity went smoothly in Xijiang County, it would also be held in Jingcheng City.


    After knowing this, Xiaoxiao only had one thought��the price was too low! She thought it was already the limit for a shop in the county to spend five taels of silver to buy a design from a little girl, but she did not expect her to be so timid. Shopkeeper Liu had beenughing at her recently and always used the contract to anger her, reminding her, ��No business can be done without evil.��


    Shopkeeper Liu was an adulterer, but Xiaoxiao knew she had no power or influence. If it was someone else with evil intentions, they could take her designs for nothing. Now that 50 silver coins were in her space, there was a saying, ��With money in your pocket, you don��t panic.�� Her greatest creed in life was to be content.


    ��Brother, let��s eat meat tonight!�� It was impossible to expect her parents to take the initiative to improve their meals. The two couldn��t wait to eat bamboo shoots every meal to save on expenses. Xiaoxiao admitted she wasn��t a panda and couldn��t eat her fill with bamboo, so she resolutely went to the meat stall and bought a catty of pork belly. She also used the five copper coins to buy the bones the stall owner had ced aside. Of course, therge intestines that were extremely cost-effective couldn��t be missing.


    After being influenced by her delicacies, her family epted its taste and asionally asked her to cook to improve their meals.


    When Xiaoxiao saw that someone in the market had taken out the radishes from the cer to sell, she also picked a few to make bone radish soup.


    Ning Eng was already calm about his sister��s shopping habits. In the end, his sister would persuade him. Why should he struggle? Besides, wasn��t his sister��s cooking delicious?


    Xiaoxiao strictly controlled the food amount and promised she would not stay after finishing the meal. This way, it would not be wasted, and she would not give the people from the old residence a chance to take it away. Today, she had also started to make the braised pork that she had been thinking about for a long time when she returned home.


    Ever since Second Aunt Ning taught them a lesson, they had developed a good habit of closing the door and locking it before dinner. Ning Fengnian and Madam Song originally felt inappropriate, but Xiaoxiao��s words stopped them. ��The designs of the Ruyi Clothing Shop have to be kept a secret.��


    Ning Eng was in favor of this decision. Ever since his sister changed the seasonings in the kitchen, the fragrance of the food would always make people drool.. If those greedy people from the old residence smelled it, they would take the pot away!

 Chapter 54 - 54: Pork Belly

    Chapter 54: Pork Belly


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao handed these daily chores to her brothers, and she boiled the pork belly. She then scooped it out of the cold water and cut it into thick pieces. She ced the oil in the pot and stir-fried it with cinnamon aniseed and fragrant leaves to create a fragrance. Then, she poured the pork belly in.


    The moment the skin of the pork belly came into contact with the high temperature, sizzling sounds could be heard incessantly. Not to mention the brothers who had recently developed a good appetite, even Ning Fengnian slowly moved out. He moved a stool to the courtyard closest to the kitchen and helped Madam Song feed the chickens.


    The chicks had grown up a lot, and the fur on their stomachs had changed. It felt like they had gone from chicks to chickens. However, they had been eating a lot recently and had almost exhausted the grains at home as Xiaoxiao wished.


    Ning Eng looked at these lively chicks and wondered if braised chicken or pork was better. Then, he smelled a sweet fragrance.


    Xiaoxiao poured honey and soy sauce into the pot to stir-fry the pork belly with sugar. The white meat was evenly coated with amber. Xiaoxiao sprinkled ginger slices knotted onions into the pot, and scooped out the foam. She ced it on the fire to stew, and she went to do something else.


    With everyone helping each other, it was not tiring to work. Xiaoxiao felt that she and her brothers had gained weight these days and had be much healthier and prettier. Indeed, people still had to eat well.


    Madam Song and Ning Fengnian��s hearts ached for the money. ��Why did you suddenly buy such expensive meat? Why don��t you leave half in the basket and eat it tomorrow?��


    Ning Eng thought, ��Will it stay until tomorrow if the people from the old residence suddenlye?��


    Ning Dng replied, ��Sister said she borrowed the cart next door for many days. We should thank them properly.��


    When they returned just now, they saw that their neighbor had returned from the mountains. Hunting was also a hard job. It might take a few days once they enter the mountains. Whether they could hunt anything good depended on heaven��s will. That young master with delicate skin and tender flesh must have suffered.


    Madam Song, who valued upbringing, immediately changed sides. ��Yeah, we have to be more sincere. If it weren��t for that cart, our business wouldn��t have been able to proceed. Give more to the neighborter.��


    Ever since thest time they ate noodles, the young master next door refused toe to eat again. He said there were many people, and it was ridiculous to always go to the Ning residence to eat. They did not ept gifts. Moreover, there was nothing at home that could be used as gifts.


    Ning Eng felt that the young master next door must have been living quite a hard life these past few days. After eating his sister��s food, dry rations and hard bread were no different from falling from the sky to hell. That was not something a human should suffer. He felt that after not seeing him for a few days, the young master had lost much weight.


    While they were chatting, the braised pork had already started to absorb the sauce. Xiaoxiao asked her brother to change the heat and continued to stir-fry as she dried it to avoid sticking to the pot. At the same time, she also made every piece of braised pork evenly wrapped in a thick sauce.


    The cooked braised pork was put into a clean white porcin bowl. The pork belly swayed with every portion, tempting Xiaoxiao to open her mouth and bite a piece. She bit the meat skin that had absorbed the sauce and was still a little chewy. After passing through the fat but not greasy, she immediately encountered lean meat that melted in her mouth. It was fat and thin, not greasy, and her mouth was filled with the fragrance of meat and fresh sweetness.


    Xiaoxiao nodded in satisfaction. She took her chopsticks and fed one piece to each of her brothers. After getting a like and a good review, she handed her second brother the portion she had saved for the next door.


    Ning Eng was familiar with this job. After leaving the courtyard, he remembered to close the door and even brought the handcart he had borrowed from the neighbor..

 Chapter 55 - 55:1 Happen to Like It

    Chapter 55:1 Happen to Like It


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Of course, Rong Yan and the others didn��t go hunting in the past few days. Instead, they went to exchange information with the Cloud Division.


    What was annoying was that they had just met when they were attacked by evil people again. They did not know how the news had leaked out.


    Although there was no mishap this time, everyone was even more determined to keep their master��s identity a secret. They did not want to expose themselves in the Fortune Vige to others. If they could not find a safe way to return to Jingcheng City, they would rather wait for an opportunity.


    Ning Eng��s guess was right. Every meal Rong Yan and the others had eaten in the past few days was as bad as chewing wax. To avoid exposing their location, they had specially made many big detours outside. The mountain roads were full of twists and turns. If they wanted to eat anything, they could only help it themselves.


    The guards were good at using weapons, not in cooking. They would ensure they would not starve to death if they ate in the wilderness.


    After returning to Fortune Vige, Zhao Hu felt sorry for his nephew. He had good intentions and wanted them to have a ready-made meal. However, the things his wife brought over were all in the truest sense of the word. Yun Yi and the others would rather eat steamed buns. Unfortunately, Miss Ning did not make much sweet noodle sauce. Currently, it was only enough for their master. They could only imagine the aftertaste.


    When they heard the knock on the door and saw the big bowl in Ning Eng��s hand, the guards felt as if they had seen their savior. However, Yun Yi looked at his master worriedly. The girl next door seemed still to have no regrets and a crush on his master. They had just returned, and the delicious food was already sent over. It was simply�� irresistible!


    A momentter, Rong Yan, holding the bowl, fell into a deep confusion. He felt his body must have been too tired and slow these days. Otherwise, why would he ept this gift when he had already considered keeping a distance?


    He shook the porcin bowl in his hand gloomily. The amber-colored braised pork in the bowl twisted into an enchanting figure. It was indeed�� coveting.


    Ning Eng said, ��I��m also here to thank you. It��s your handcart, but we��ve been using it for so long. Thank you for your generosity. By the way, we bought one today too. We don��t need to trouble you in the future!�� With that, he left cleanly,pletely ignoring Rong Yan��s dilemma.


    The amount of braised pork was veryrge. The guards distributed half of it to their master before sharing the rest. Of course, for safety reasons, they were also responsible for tasting it. However, after taking a bite, everyone only wanted to be moved to tears. It was very delicious! Why did it feel like even the chefs in the previous residence did not have such culinary skills!


    Someone muttered, ��Did she add extra sugar to the meat? What a coincidence. Master happens to like sweets.�� Rong Yan stopped in his tracks. Yun Yi, who thought he knew everything, shouted secretly, ��It��s not a coincidence! It was specially made for our master!��


    Rong Yan sighed. He felt that it was a little difficult and useful. That girl looked simple, but she had put in a lot of effort for him. It was even more difficult for him to reject her heartlessly. Moreover, her dishes were fragrant, so much so that his rejection was getting weaker and weaker.


    Others might not know, but as the guards�� leader, Yun Yi knew that although his master was born noble, he was not loved by his parents since he was young. Many people around him followed the situation, ttered the strong, and trampled on the weak. Therefore, his master could be as hard-hearted as iron when facing the enemy, but he could not be ruthless to the people who treated him well.


    In Jingcheng City, General Xiao and his wife were the only ones who treated him sincerely without asking for anything in return. General Xiao��s son-inw used to be an imperial chef, and he could cook delicious food whenever he wanted. His master, whom he had raised, was probably instinctively close to chefs.


    Yes, he was also tricky. Before he met Miss Ning after leaving Jingcheng City, his master had suffered a lot in eating. Last time, his master had said that he would keep a distance from the Ning family if there was no need, but now it seemed that maintaining a friendly rtionship with Miss Ning should be counted as one of the necessary conditions his master had mentioned.


    As expected, Rong Yan said, ��Send a pheasant or rabbit over there.��


    He deliberately emphasized, ��We can��t eat them for free..��

 Chapter 56 - 56: Pickled Bamboo Shoot Tip with Pepper

    Chapter 56: Pickled Bamboo Shoot Tip with Pepper


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    This, he thought self-delusionally. It was just ordinary neighborhood interaction.


    Moreover, the Ning Family had specially bought a handcart and no longer borrowed it from them. Perhaps Ning Xiaoxiao had understood his meaning and had already given up.


    At this thought, the corners of his mouth could not help but droop. So, she had no deep feelings for him.


    On the other side, at the dining table in the Ning residence, Ning Eng said, ��Isn��t it too extravagant to use so much honey at once?��


    Xiaoxiao nced at the jar of honey. ��It��s been there for so many days. It won��t be fresh if we don��t finish it.��


    Tomorrow was the day of the appointment with the restaurant. Xiaoxiao and her brothers filled up the newly bought cart and went to collect the bill valiantly. The seven jars of sour bamboo shoots sent to the restaurant were exchanged for cash. With one tael of silver and 400 copper coins in hand, Ning Eng��s smile made Xiaoxiao want to pretend not to know him.


    Everyone loved to earn money. After deciding to send seven jars to the restaurant seven dayster, he returned to the stall and tidied it up before sitting down and started selling. Xiaoxiao was about to pull her brother to the Ruyi Clothing Shop when she saw a familiar figure walking towards them.


    The siblings stood up politely and greeted, ��Hello, Auntie.��


    After Xiaoxiao��s reminder, Ning Eng no longer showed excessive enthusiasm. His action made Old Madam Wang think highly of them. His young master was indeed tired of sour bamboo shoots. But after searching most of Xijiang County, she found no other novel things. Seeing that their young master wasn��t eating, she could only try her best ande over to take a look.


    She was anxious, so she went straight to the point. ��Is there anything special?��


    Xiaoxiao understood what she meant. They had brought new goods today, but she had to understand the customer��s situation first. ��Let me ask you first. Can your young master eat spicy food?��


    Although she realized that the seasonings in this world wereplete and there were many types of chili peppers, she saw many spicy dishes in Fragrance Restaurant. If the young master had a bad stomach, she would not rmend her new dish. Fortunately, Old Madam Wang nodded.


    Xiaoxiao took out a small jar of pickled vegetables from the stall and opened it. Everyone smelled a spicy smell that made them salivate. Xiaoxiao took a clean pair of chopsticks and flipped a bamboo shoot tip for her to eat. At the same time, she said, ��It��s pickled bamboo shoot tip with pepper. It��s very appetizing.��


    Old Madam Wang��s eyes lit up when she heard the word ��appetizing��. She wanted one herself.


    The sudden spiciness made her cough repeatedly. Xiaoxiao had no water and could only wait for Old Madam Wang to recover. ��After eating one, do you eager for a mouthful of white rice? Eating a stir-fry te of emerald green vegetables is best to drink a bowl of sweet soup after eating. If it��s summer, iced fruit is a better choice����


    That��s right, that��s right!


    Old Madam Wang wanted to pay without hesitation, but Xiaoxiao quickly reminded her, ��You can��t eat too much. It hurts your stomach!��


    This made sense. Old Madam Wang remembered it. If her Young Master��s body was damaged, she would have to bear the consequences.


    Xiaoxiao only gave the smallest jar, and Old Madam Wang was unhappy. ��That��s all?��


    Xiaoxiao said earnestly, ��I��m doing this for you. If you bring it back and the masters are satisfied with it and insist on adding more food, will you give it to him? If you give it to them and the masters get sick from eating, won��t you have to bear the responsibility?��


    What she said made sense. Old Madam Wang��s anger turned into joy. She even felt that this youngdy was especially considerate. ��Alright, I��lle back in a few days.�� She was confident she would get the credit for coaxing Young Master to eat today!


    Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement, but Ning Eng didn��t understand. How could she reject business that came before her? Xiaoxiao sighed and exined to her second brother, ��It��s mainly because I only had time to make this jar.�� There was no more stock.. How could she sell it?

 Chapter 57 - 57: It’s Impossible Between Us

    Chapter 57: It��s Impossible Between Us


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The most painful thing in the world wasn��t that you loved me, and I didn��t love you. It was when money was to be made, but there was no stock.


    A few days ago, during a shopping spree, Xiaoxiao had bought a lot of seasonings and even found a sharp-tipped chili pepper. After trying to make this chili pepper into pickled peppers, she was tempted to make pickled peppers, phoenix ws, pork skin, pickled peppers, chicken, pickled peppers, fish skin, and so on. However, with her family��s conditions, she could not afford those raw materials for the time being, so she could only continue to make bamboo shoots.


    However, it had to be said that the pickled peppers and bamboo shoots tasted pretty good. Other than Ning Fengnian, who had yet to recover, everyone in their family had fallen in love with this new vor. Today, they wanted to try bringing it out to sell.


    She was not a fortune-teller. How could she have known that Old Madam Wang woulde today? Besides, she had been busy supplying the seven jars of Fragrance Restaurant most of the time recently and did not have the time to do anything else. The small jar was her trial work.


    The pepper was not spicy enough. With the current taste, she could eat the entire jar without drinking water, so she was not worried that the county magistrate��s son would be unable to take it. However, she did not expect him to personally appear in front of their stall.


    About two dayster, Xiaoxiao returned to look for Second Brother after her eldest brother apanied her to the Ruyi Clothing Shop to draw thest zodiac sign. She realized there was a familiar-looking Old Madam Wang and a little fatty she had never seen before standing in front of the stall.


    Two servants were standing behind the little fatty. He put his hands behind his back and raised his head. ��1 want to eat the pickled bamboo shoot tip with pepper!��


    This was the young master that Old Madam Wang had painstakingly tried to please, the young master of the county magistrate��s family, Shen Tianci. Yesterday, he had eaten Xiaoxiao��s special pickled bamboo shoot tip with pepper and was immediately attracted by the unique taste. He really couldn��t stop eating. Although the spiciness made him drenched in sweat, he was extremely refreshed.


    However, just as he could not stop, the servants stopped him from eating. Even if he lost his temper, the servants only invited the Old Master and Madam to persuade him not to hurt his stomach. The servants even lied to him that it was empty.


    Shen Tianci did not believe it. He ran to the kitchen and saw only a shallowyer of pickled vegetables.


    The servants also felt that even if their master liked to eat it, he would only try it fresh. In the past, he had always loved to eat something for a while, no matter what he ate. Thinking that although it was not expensive, the taste was really special, so they simply divided it up.


    This time, they had made him angry. It was rare for Shen Tianci to find something to save his appetite other than the pickled bamboo shoot tip with pepper. When he discovered that a servant had secretly eaten it, he wanted to hit someone. When Old Madam Wang, who had gone out for a walk and eaten two taels of melon seeds, came back and saw this scene, she quickly told him about the Ning family��s stall and even promised to buy more tomorrow.


    However, Shen Tianci was in high spirits. He, who had always obeyed his family, was unwilling to wait until tomorrow. He immediately grabbed Old Madam Wang and came to look for Xiaoxiao.


    However, Xiaoxiao and the rest did not bring pickled bamboo shoot tips with pepper today. They did have some sour bamboo shoots, which were extra when they were supplying the restaurant.


    Shen Tianci��s enthusiasm for sour bamboo shoots had passed. If not for wanting to eat them today, he might not have been too interested in pickled bamboo shoot tips with pepper. After hearing Ning Eng��s exnation, he waved his chubby hand and made a decision that he thought was perfect.


    ��I��ll go home with you to get it!��


    Ning Eng was shocked. Was there a need to go so far just for some food?


    Xiaoxiao had no objections. While waiting, she suggested closing the stall directly. Although the county magistrate��s son had the family��s carriage to pick him up, if he returned toote, he was also afraid that it would be unsafe to travel in the dark. When she heard Xiaoxiao mention this concern, Old Madam Wang was deeply grateful, and her good impression of Xiaoxiao and her brothers soared.


    Ning Eng felt that business was average and he was bored, but he didn��t expect his sister to suddenly turn around and ask the county magistrate��s son, ��What do you usually like to eat?��


    Shen Tianci narrowed his eyes and sized up the little girl before him. He said arrogantly, ��Give up. It��s impossible between us. Although my father told me 1 shouldn��t look down on someone and can��t judge a book by its cover, you��re not my type..��

 Chapter 58 - 58: Nothing to Do

    Chapter 58: Nothing to Do


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He didn��t finish the second half of his sentence��You��re too skinny. I like the one who has big breasts and is feminine.


    Ning Eng wanted to hit him when he heard his words. When he heard that, Ning Dng��s gaze darkened, but Xiaoxiao replied calmly, ��Oh, don��t worry. I don��t like people like you either.��


    Shen Tianci was unhappy when he heard that. He felt he could despise her, but why should she despise him?


    However, Xiaoxiao did not continue this topic. She said, ��I made the sour and pickled pepper bamboo shoots you ate. Perhaps I��ll make even more delicious food in the future, so do you want to tell me what you like to eat now?��


    Shen Tianci thought momentarily and said, ��I��m tired of shark fin and abalone. The bird��s nest doesn��t taste good either. The chicken soup smells like medicine����


    The more he spoke, the stronger Ning Eng��s urge to hit someone became. Later, his sister exined this was ��having a grudge against the rich.�� In short, Shen Tianci couldn��t figure out what he liked to eat. He felt that he didn��t like anything.


    Xiaoxiao understood and pointed in the direction of the market. ��Why don��t youe with us to take a look and buy whatever you want to eat?��


    He had never done this before. Shen Tianci found it interesting and promising.


    Conversely, County Magistrate Shen had a headache after learning about his son��s n. He wanted to control his son, but his wife would tear up every time he said something harsh.


    Shen Tianci was his first son. If nothing went wrong, he should be his only son. His wife had hurt her body when she gave birth, and he could not bear to see her suffer again. Therefore, his family inevitably doted on Tianci a little, nurturing his domineering personality.


    Fortunately, Shen Tianci was still kind-hearted. Usually, he would only throw a tantrum because of food, but he did not cause trouble in big matters. When he found out he was going to the farm to buy food, the county magistrate, originally nning to go to the nearby vige to see the spring plowing situation, sent a few more people to follow him.


    With his father��s approval, Shen Tianci was even more happy. He wanted to buy everything in the market. Xiaoxiao observed his expression along the way. Other than discovering that he was overweight and a little weak, nothing was wrong with him.


    She asked Old Madam Wang, ��Aunt, I heard you say Young Master Shen��s appetite is not good. What��s wrong?��


    Old Madam Wang chose her words carefully. ��I have to coax him no matter what he eats. He doesn��t like to eat anything he has eaten before. It��s still better now. When he was young, I chased after him to feed him.��


    ��Recently, Young Master often feels depressed and short of breath. He even likes to sweat. Old Master and Madam are extremely anxious, but the doctor says nothing wrong after seeing him. He only asked us to make many nourishing soups. However, Young Master doesn��t want to drink, which makes us worried����


    Xiaoxiao was speechless. She thought, ��Very good. I hate the rich. How is this not having a bad appetite? He has nothing better to do!��


    Knowing that there was nothing wrong with Shen Tianci��s body, she chose the ingredients. She did not care about what Shen Tianci bought. In any case, the county magistrate��s family would pay for it. She picked some vegetables and meat that she did not have at home. Then, she went to the grain and oil shop to buy a huge jar of oil, a very expensive bag of sugar, and some spices that Ning Eng did not understand that he felt were dispensable but tasted especially good in the vegetables.


    Xiaoxiao knew the situation very urately. Just as Ning Eng was about to stop her, she stopped.


    His sister convinced Ning Eng. Since his mother bought the rice seeds, Xiaoxiao had found all kinds of excuses to buy things at home. They had earned a lot of money these days, but after spending it like this, they didn��t have much left!


    Whether it was her parents or Ning Eng, they all talked openly and secretly about her. However, she had many reasons and could always do whatever she wanted.


    Ning Eng said, ��Do you remember what you promised mest time?��

 Chapter 59 - 59: Soft and Stringy

    Chapter 59: Soft and Stringy


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao thought momentarily before saying, ��Make a braised pork for you again?��


    Ning Eng blushed and wanted to pat her head. ��You promised me that you wouldn��t buy anything again!��


    Xiaoxiao said righteously, ��This is food. It��s a necessity for life. 1 didn��t buy it randomly. Look at how rosy and handsome you and Big Brother have been recently. You should all thank me!��


    Even Ning Dng was embarrassed. He clenched his fists and coughed lightly. Although he was very happy that his sister praised him, he still had to restrain himself publicly. Hence, he went to persuade his brother to stop talking. Ning Eng felt aggrieved. His sister should be the one being taught a lesson, but why was he the one who was injured?


    Xiaoxiaoughed out loud and said to him, ��1��11 do it again.��


    In the carriage, Shen Tianci listened to themotion outside enviously. As an only child, he had never experienced such a feeling. He wanted to participate in it, but he felt that it was inappropriate. Therefore, he quietly pulled open the carriage curtain and peeked out.


    The three members of the Ning Familyughed happily.


    Xiaoxiao pretended not to notice his gaze. Seeing that they were about to reach the vige entrance, she discussed with the county magistrate��s butler. ��Uncle, can you park the carriage here and follow us walking?��


    She said, ��It��s mainly because we��re from a small family, and there aren��t any big shots around. If others suddenly hear that the county magistrate sent someone over, they might think we have done something wrong.��


    The butler nodded. He had the same n as Xiaoxiao, but the reasons differed. He worried these children would use the county magistrate��s name to brag and ruin the reputation.


    Xiaoxiao asked again, ��Young Master Shen, do you want to go to my house to take a look?��


    Shen Tianci had long been curious about what a farmer��s family looked like. Hearing this, he immediately lifted the curtain of the carriage. ��Alright, I��ll make this trip with you and see what delicious food your family has.��


    The butler was not worried about safety. Before he came, he had already gotten someone to investigate the Ning family��s situation and discovered that it was just an ordinary farmer. Hence, he apanied the young master and followed Xiaoxiao to the Ning residence.


    On the way, she told her eldest brother and second brother in front of the butler and Shen Tianci, ��When we get home, let��s not talk about Young Master Shen��s identity. Just say he��s an ordinary guest who likes pickled vegetables and wants to buy them. Parents are timid. Don��t scare them.��


    Ning Dng vaguely felt his sister was holding back, but he listened. Ning Eng didn��t care to begin with. Seeing that his eldest brother agreed, he nodded and asked Xiaoxiao, ��Sister, you bought sugar today. Are you going to make braised pork?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at Shen Tianci��s calm expression and shook her head. She told Second Brother, ��No, 1 will make the shredded sweet potato. It��s soft and stringy.��


    Shen Tianci was speechless. He had already eaten so much braised pork that he wanted to vomit. Only farmers who could not eat meat would crave these. But what was a shredded sweet potato?


    Xiaoxiao added, ��We picked up a lot of mushrooms from the mountains yesterday. I still have prawns on my, right?��


    She pinched her chin and thought for a moment. ��Then I��ll have another mushroom-brewed shrimp. Second Brother, help me chop the shrimp meat into prawnster. Stir the mushrooms with shrimp paste and sprinkle some salt. Just put it in the pot and steam it. Bite it while it��s hot. The shrimp meat will be bouncy, and the juice will burst in one mouthful. At the bottom, spread ayer of vegetable sprouts nted at home. It will be delicious after absorbing the soup from the shrimp and mushrooms.��


    Shen Tianci touched his rumbling stomach and thought, ��Are farmers nowadays so good at eating? Didn��t they say that they wouldn��t be able to eat and wear warm clothes?��


    Seeing that the effect she wanted had arrived, Xiaoxiao said, ��Coincidentally, 1 bought eggs today.. Shall 1 make omelet rice for you to try today?��

 Chapter 60 - 60: His Parents Don’t Like Him

    Chapter 60: His Parents Don��t Like Him


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Another dish that he had never heard of before!


    Shen Tianci could not help but ask, ��What is omelet rice?�� He had eaten all the foods over Xijiang County but had never heard of this new term.


    Xiaoxiao said very modestly, ��Oh, it��s nothing special. It��s the fried rice mixed with diced meat and vegetables, then covered with the golden and soft egg and sprinkled with ayer of my special sauce. When someone eats, the eggs and sauce will fuse in their mouth. The crispy diced vegetables and soft egg skin will be wrapped around the rice. That taste����


    After Shen Tianci thought for a while, Xiaoxiao became humble again. ��It can��t bepared to a restaurant. It��s just a home-cooked meal.��


    Shen Tianci could no longer hold it in. Xiaoxiao knew when to stop, and the rest of the journey was very quiet. However, because of this silence, Shen Tianci could not help but think about the food she had just mentioned. Every one of them sounded so delicious!!


    Even the servant who hade to move the things could not help but wipe the corners of his mouth. He felt that his impression of the farmers in the past might be very different!


    When she reached home, the courtyard door was closed. It was obvious that her parents had listened to her. Whether it was for keeping the Ruyi Clothing Shop��s designs a secret or because they did not want Second Aunt Ning to barge in, it was fine as long as the effect was good.


    After returning home, they only told their parents that the person who came was an ordinary guest. Coincidentally, they did not bring the things they wanted to buy, so the guests followed them back to get them.


    Ning Fengnian could also go out normally now. He was not at home when he went to look after the seedlings. Madam Song was not worried that something was wrong with those who came. Looking at their clothes, she knew they were from a rich family. What were they to get from a poor family?


    Xiaoxiao asked her eldest brother and second brother to bring Tianci and his butler towards the pickled vegetable jar and take a little of each for them to try. Besides sour bamboo shoots, Xiaoxiao also made many other side dishes, such as pickled vegetables, snow vegetables, spicy cabbage, dried cabbage, radishes, pickled cabbage, and spicy cabbage. Every single one of them was an appetizer for porridge.


    Shen Tianci, who had been living a luxurious life since he was young, was no longer interested in pickled vegetables. He asked the butler to buy some, and his gaze drifted towards the kitchen. What was it? What was so sweet?


    Shen Tianci was not the only one who smelled it. Yun Yi, who was bored and hade out for a walk, happened to pass by the door. After returning to his room, he casually told Rong Yan.


    Rong Yan remembered that Ning Xiaoxiao liked spicy food more. Could the sweet food be��


    His expression was cold as he slowly put down the pen in his hand. ��What did Ying Zi say?��


    Rong Yan did have a secret guard, but his identity was a mystery. Even Rong Yan had never seen his face, but no matter when or where, as long as he gave the order, the secret guard would never fail.


    Yun Yi immediately regained his seriousness. ��The Luo continent government office is preparing the regtions for dam construction. In the past few days, they have conscripted soldiers to serve in the army. It seems that they don��t know Your Highness�� whereabouts. Logically speaking, they shouldn��t have attacked Your Highness���� However, the news from the Ying Zi was that the assassin came from Yan Zhizhou��s residence.


    Rong Yan thought for a moment. ��I remember that Yan Lu belongs to Crown Prince��s?�� However, he was no threat to the Crown Prince. No, he was no threat to anyone. His father didn��t care about him, and his mother didn��t care about him. He was a powerless prince. Who would waste their effort to assassinate him?


    After a pause, he asked, ��Is there any news from the pce?��


    Yun Yi hesitated for a moment. Seeing his master��s gaze gradually turned cold, he braced himself and said, ��Everything is normal.��


    Rong Yan tapped his fingers on the table and lowered his eyes to hide his expression. ��Mother�� did she ask me?��


    Yun Yi wanted to stop breathing. After asking this question, Rong Yan seemed to find it funny, so he changed the topic. ��Is the crown prince still in charge of Mother��s birthday banquet this year?��


    Yun Yi felt that today was a dead end. He gritted his teeth. ��Yes.��


    His Majesty doted on the Noble Consort, and the Noble Consort favored the crown prince given birth to by the Empress. Those nosy people said that His Highness was not doted on by his parents��


    But why? The Third Prince was the Noble Consort��s biological son. Why did the Empress spend His Highness��s birthday in Jingcheng City? It was obvious that she did not want to see him.


    His Highness must be feeling terrible��


    The food next door was even more fragrant. They could only me themselves for the recent winds from the Ning family to them every day.


    Rong Yan, who was in a low mood, felt he didn��t want to suffer today. He was looking forward to the things that Ning Xiaoxiao would send over.


    ��If she sends something, send her the wild rabbit we got yesterday..��

 Chapter 61 - 61: Just One Bite

    Chapter 61: Just One Bite


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    However, at this moment, Xiaoxiao did not think of her reclusive neighbor. She was wrapping the sweet potato in syrup. After the sweet potato was fried, it was put into the bubbling syrup and was immediately out of the pot.


    ��Big Brother, Second Brother,e and try it!��


    Since Ning Fengnian wasn��t home, Madam Song did not want to meet outsiders, so she greeted the guests and returned to her room to avoid arousing suspicion. Her daughter had sent her a te.


    Ning Dng and Ning Eng followed their sister��s instructions and picked up a piece of sweet potato that kept pulling the sugar strands. They dipped it in the cold water, and the sugar strands broke. After blowing on it for a while, they eat. Ning Eng jumped up. He was scalded, but Shen Tianci didn��t believe it was so delicious. How could it be so delicious?


    Ning Dng appeared calmer. He blew on it several times before eating, so it was no longer as hot as before. However, the icing had also be crispy because it was cold. There was a crisp crack when he bit into it. He chewed carefully and covered his mouth with one hand to avoid being rude to outsiders. He gave his sister a thumbs-up with the other hand. ��Delicious!��


    Shen Tianci felt something secreting uncontrobly in his mouth. He thought, ��Hungry! I��m starving!��


    Xiaoxiao held back herughter and asked Young Master Shen, who had chosen pickled vegetables but could not bear to leave. ��Young Master, you must be tired after walking for so long. Do you want to try some simple dishes?��


    Shen Tianci had been waiting for her words, but he still wanted to be reserved. However, before he could speak, Xiaoxiao brought out another te of white and chubby mushrooms. Ning Eng did not learn his lesson and was scalded. Shen Tianci��s curiosity about these two dishes immediately rose to the limit, but he still remembered his upbringing.


    He cupped his hands and said calmly, ��Since Miss Ning has invited me so warmly, I will take a bite.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded with a smile.


    The butler felt that Shen Tianci was not good, especially when he saw that the young master had finished eating mouthful after mouthful and did not remember to leave. He wanted to remind him, but he remembered the young master��s distress of being unable to eat at home. He was instantly conflicted.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao brought out two tes of something golden and shiny. They smelled it and felt hungry. Shen Tianci immediately turned to look at the butler and used his gaze to express that he wanted to eat it. The butler was both happy and worried. If the Shen family made this, Young Master could eat it however he wanted. However, it was the others�� house and the first time they met.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao knew that it was the time. She had specially chosen this time to go home, not just to make Shen Tianci envious. ��It��s already past mealtime. Everyone must be hungry. If you don��t mind, do you want a serving too?��


    Of course, the mealtime was targeted at the county magistrate��s family. The Ning family had two meals a day. The first meal was breakfast, and the next would be in the evening. If Xiaoxiao had not suddenly cooked, they would not have eaten at noon.


    Today, Shen Tianci had run out of the house without eating. He had already exceeded the exercise he usually did for the entire day. Now, he was starving. However, he was also a reasonable young master. Thus, he could only swallow his saliva and pretend to ask, ��That��s not good, right?��


    Xiaoxiao helped him find a perfect way out. ��Why don��t we do this? You��re here to buy things in the first ce. Why don��t you also treat my house as a restaurant and pay for the meal after eating?��


    This was good, this was good! Shen Tianci instantly made up his mind and felt no burden. ��Then I want a te of shredded sweet potatoes and mushroom-brewed shrimp smoothie, and 1 want omelette rice, too!��


    Oh, you even ordered food.


    Xiaoxiao counted the small amount of money she was about to get and was very busy.


    The guests and hosts enjoyed the meal. Although Young Master Shen did not spend money like dirt, he had given a tael of silver as the fee for the pickled vegetables and food. Xiaoxiao did not refuse, but Madam Song felt it was not good. It was just that worthless pickled vegetables and a meal. Why did he give so much money? He could just give her a hundred copper coins.


    Then, Young Master Shen said in distress, ��But I never bring copper coins with me when 1 go out. They��re too heavy. It��s too troublesome for me to count them..��

 Chapter 62 - 62: Always a Family

    Chapter 62: Always a Family


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao didn��t want Madam Song to feel guilty, so she suggested in a friendly manner, ��Then change to a smaller one?��


    He dug into the butler��s pocket and said, ��This is already the smallest silver ingot.�� He also took out arge handful of silver ingots that were muchrger.


    Madam Song was very annoyed. She didn��t want to collect so much, but she couldn��t have much change to give him.


    Ning Eng went forward and took the money. He even shouted like the waiter in the restaurant, ��Thank you. Wee back next time!��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��You cane again next time. Whether it��s food or pickled vegetables, I��ll give them to you for free.��


    After eating and drinking his fill, Shen Tianci��s eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly.


    Before he left, Xiaoxiao gave him a jar of hawthorn soup she had made and filled it with a hot bamboo tube. He drank it as he walked. It tasted good and also helped with digestion.


    Seeing that she was so considerate, the butler smiled even more kindly. He had also eaten the food, and his stomach was full. Xiaoxiao also served him a cup, and the beautiful afternoon started just like that.


    As Shen Tianci left the Ning residence, he said, ��The omelet rice is delicious. Miss Ning��s culinary skills are really good. She said that she would fry fries for me next time when she has time. Butler, what are fries?��


    The young man��s cheerful voice drifted into Rong Yan��s courtyard without any obstruction, allowing everyone inside to hear it.


    So�� ATiss Ning was cooking for the person who left just now and not for them? Good, so awkward��


    Rong Yan lowered his head with an indiscernible expression. However, he threw away the rabbit he had just held on his arm, which fell to the ground in the courtyard.


    His calm voice quickly entered everyone��s ears, and no one could tell if he was happy or angry.


    ��You can go cook.��


    Yun Yi wanted to sigh. After holding it in, he resigned himself to fate and went to steam steam steamed buns.


    Rong Yan started reading after eating a few snacks that he always had at home, but he couldn��t read the same page for a long time. He had long understood that preference had nothing to do with him, and she was already nning to give up on him.


    He was already used to being given up.


    When Ning Fengnian returned and discovered that his daughter had earned one tael of silver in just one meal, he was so happy that he couldn��t close his mouth. As he said, ��This isn��t cheating, right?��, ��Next time, you have to treat them well!��, ��Send more pickled vegetables!�� he praised his daughter��s ability.


    Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes and listened. Seeing that he wanted to say something but hesitated, she was determined not to ask. After hearing enough praise, she turned around and cleaned the dishes.


    Only then did Ning Fengnian dawdle and ask, ��Do we still have any eggs at home?��


    Xiaoxiao nced at him. ��Why? Are you not full yet?��


    Ning Fengnian blushed and stammered, unable to say anything. He wanted to send some to the old residence. The food at home had been quite good recently, but he only ate by himself. He always felt that he could hear his mother��s scolding beside his ear, scolding him for being unfilial, being selfish, and drinking her milk for nothing when he was young.


    Ning Eng pursed his lips and followed her. He whispered to his sister, ��1 heard that Second Aunt went to the field to chat with Father today.�� Tsk, she didn��t know how to avoid arousing suspicion.


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��Is it another cliche?��


    Ning Eng got angry. ��They were talking about what happened to Father when he was young. Our biological grandmother passed away a long time ago. When Grandmother married over, Father was still young and was always sick. Later, when he was seriously ill, his Grandmother fed his father with her milk ording to the prescription. In the end, Second Uncle fell seriously ill. Everyone said that it was because he gave the milk to Father, and Uncle didn��t have enough to eat.��


    ��Grandmother and Second Aunt keep talking about this matter as if Father owes them a huge favor!��


    ��Today, she said, Grandparents�� bodies are different from before. She wonders how tired they will be if they go to the ground again. Isn��t she just asking us to help?��


    He almost dropped the bowl. ��I��m puzzled. Did our family split up? Why did Second Aunt take whatever she wanted from our family? If the old residence wants people to work, they can choose from our family. When Father was injured, our family starved until we ate chaff. Where did they go?��


    Ning Eng was only in his early 13. The more he spoke, the sadder he became. His tears were about to fall.


    Xiaoxiao sighed. ��Perhaps our father thought that the old residence was filled with good people. The Ning family will always be a family, and����


    She narrowed her eyes.. ��It seems that we only followed a verbal rule regarding the separation of the family?��

 Chapter 63 - 63: Perfect and Happy

    Chapter 63: Perfect and Happy


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    In Fortune Vige, a remote vige, they usually only find their elders and the vige chief or junior officer to preside over the process when they split up. The government didn��t force them to report it, and it was the same when the eldest branch was separated from the old residence. The vigers didn��t think anything was wrong with this because very few people went back on their word. Furthermore, themoners always had a natural fear of the government and felt it was better not to go if they could.


    However, Xiaoxiao, who came from a modern society ruled byw, did not think so. Very little did not mean that it did not exist. Withoutws and regtions, she had no confidence in the integrity of the people from the old residence.


    Ning Eng took a deep breath. His mood, which had be cheerful because he was earning money, quickly fell. ��Dad is also a fool. I��ve seen him help the old residence several times after he was done with the seedlings on ournd. When Father saw the money in my hand just now, I worried he would send it to the old residence.��


    Xiaoxiao nced at the remaining half a basket of eggs in the kitchen bamboo basket and started grinding her teeth. ��Second Brother, go and ask the neighbor if they have started to cook.��


    When Ning Eng arrived, Yun Yi and the others didn��t know to tell him whether they had eaten or not, so they all turned to look at Rong Yan, who was holding a book.


    Ning Eng said happily, ��My sister just developed a new dish. It��s delicious!�� Yun Yi nced at his master��s expression and asked boldly, ��Just developed it?�� Ning Eng misunderstood what he meant and thought they worried about the taste, so he patted his chest. ��Don��t worry, someone has already tried it just now. The taste�� Well, in my sister��s words, it tastes good!��


    Tried?


    Rong Yan, who caught the keyword again, turned around and said calmly, ��There��s no doubt about Miss Ning��s cooking skills.��


    Yun Yi saw that his master was no longer cold and felt relieved. ��Then we��re in for a delicious meal. Master was engrossed in reading just now, and we haven��t cooked yet.�� He immediately signaled his brothers, who were close to him, to put out the fire in the stove and carry a basket of eggs and a piece of meat.


    Ning Eng felt that this neighbor was good, but thinking of what had happened at the old residence, he asked, ��Can Ie back to take it tomorrow when my sister cooks?��


    Rong Yan immediately understood his concerns and naturally agreed.


    He stood up and put down the book he had not flipped through. He cupped his hands at him. ��Thank you for your hospitality.��


    When Rong Yan arrived at the Ning residence, the fried rice was ready. There were vegetables in the fried rice, mushrooms, prawns, and carrots that were also cut into pieces. The colors of green, red, orange, and white alternated, making it look beautiful. Ning Eng eximed, ��Wow, there are more ingredients in this bowl than before!��


    Xiaoxiao sighed. That��s right. She had put in all the extra ingredients and did not n to leave a single dish for the people from the old residence. Everyone was filled with a big bowl. She did not know if the young master could eat it.


    She looked at Rong Yan��s small body and reminded him considerately, ��1 overdid it in a moment of excitement. If you can��t eat, don��t force yourself.��


    Rong Yan felt that the gloominess he felt just now had dissipated, and his heart was warmed by the word ��excited��. It was just cooking for him, so why was he so happy? He would just eat it.


    Now that everyone was here, Xiaoxiao turned around and poured the egg into the pot. The light yellow egg liquid quickly condensed. Xiaoxiao took the opportunity to scoop up the egg when it was the softest and cover it over the fried rice. She thoughtfully wrapped the corners into a semicircle and poured the secret sauce.


    Ning Eng asked curiously, ��Why is this omelet rice wrapped into a ball?��


    Of course, Xiaoxiao couldn��t say it was because there were too many ingredients, and it would leak if she didn��t wrap it up. She chose her words carefully. ��Because this way, the person who eats it will be perfectly happy.�� The golden egg was still steaming hot. He used a spoon to dig out a piece of it. The rice covered in the sauce was rich in color and made people happy. Rong Yan ate the omelet rice, almost equivalent to two acre��s worth of rice, one bite at a time.


    The guards couldn��t stop eating. Xiaoxiao looked at their clean bowls, and the sense of aplishment in her heart surged. When Ning Eng said they had prepared ingredients, she was even more delighted.


    When Rong Yan returned to his house, he was smiling.


    He told the guards that he was going to take an afternoon nap. After entering the room, hey on the bed and rubbed his stomach. As he rubbed, he smiled..

 Chapter 64 - 64: You’re Here for Tasting

    Chapter 64: You��re Here for Tasting


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was still early. Xiaoxiao looked at the sky and could not think of any other entertainment in the vige besides fishing. Hence, she carried the basket on her back, picked up the fishing rod, and went to add more food for dinner.


    Ning Eng could nowplete the production of sour bamboo shoots independently. Ning Dng had not returned from sending Shen Tianci off. Madam Song was busy with embroidery, so Xiaoxiao left on her own.


    There was nothing to worry about when a twelve-year-old girl walked around the vige. Madam Song gave her a few instructions and let her go. However, Ning Eng shouted from the house, ��Then 1��11 wash some pickles and wait for you to make Pickle Boiled Fish tonight!�� Madam Song smiled at him. ��You��re quite confident in your sister. Aren��t you afraid that she won��t be able to catch it?��


    As the voice faded away, Xiaoxiao walked with her head held high. With her skills and the bait produced by the space, how could she not gain anything?


    The space emitted a cheerful electronic voice: [Master, Master, the omelet rice, shredded sweet potato, and mushroom-brewed shrimp just now have been exchanged for another 600 points. Your current points are 1,860 points. 1 can level up again if you work harder and reach 2,000 points.]


    Recently, Xiaoxiao had a lot of opportunities to cook seriously. If not for the fact that the ingredients were more ordinary, she might have scored more points. She used 20 points to exchange for the bait and found a space by the Dusk River to wait for the fish to take the bait.


    She felt that today��s omelet rice tasted a littlecking. Even though the world was rich in ingredients and many spices could be bought, she could not show that she was too knowledgeable. Therefore, she had not seen anything like tomatoes, cauliflower, onion curry, and cumin.


    It was said that Jingcheng City, which was half a month away from Fortune Vige, had more abundant resources. If there was a chance, she would go and look.


    Xiaoxiao sighed. ��Huh, it��s a pity that you can only exchange for the ingredients I recorded, but I can find the ingredients I recorded myself. It��s so useless.��


    The space felt that it was being despised, so it hurriedly cleared its name: [But


    I can exchange for seeds that you don��t have the next time I level up!]


    Xiaoxiao confirmed with it: [Can any seed work?]


    The space felt itself straightening its back. [As long as you can think of it, I have it. My database is veryrge!]


    By letting Xiaoxiao know how capable it was, the space could not help spoiling the show: [I still have rice seeds. It��s not the primitive rice seeds with low yield in the current acre, but the improved rice seeds in the world you��re in before!]


    In other words, their family��s food production would double or even more?


    In that case, filling their stomachs with two-acre plots ofnd didn��t seem impossible.


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t hold it in anymore and especially came to her farm to see how the rice was growing.


    Rice seeds had to be nted seedlings before they could be nted. After scattering the seeds into the fields, ayer of rice was sprinkled on the soil. When the seedlings grew to about eight centimeters, the seedlings could be transnted.


    There were already green seedlings sprouting. Even if she immediately upgraded the space to exchange for new rice seeds, she could not rece them without anyone knowing. Xiaoxiao touched the small green tips regretfully. Next year, she would change to new rice seeds and let her parents experience the joy of a bumper harvest!


    After looking at the fields, she turned back to fish again. However, even with the bait given by the space, she could not calm down. After struggling, she put away the fishing rod and went home to think of a recipe to level up the space as soon as possible.


    The next day, the Ning family had another guest. It was still the little fatty from yesterday, but Rong Yan didn��t care anymore. Looking at the wild rabbits he brought back from the mountains running energetically in the yard, he remembered Ning Xiaoxiao��s words yesterday, ��Perfectly happy.��


    It was just a meal, yet she had to confess such feelings. That girl was too unreserved.


    At the corner of the wall, the guards whispered, ��Why is Master so strange?��


    They couldn��t see Rong Yan��s reddened ears and only wondered why he suddenlyy down when he was still reading just now. Wasn��t it too early to take an afternoon nap?


    Under the cover of the legs of the table, Rong Yan saw the trembling rabbit in the corner. Its red eyes and white fur were basking in the sunzily, and its ears were trembling as if it was paying attention to its surroundings. Rong Yan rubbed his fingers, picked up a vegetable leaf from the table, and threw it in front of it.


    Piece by piece, they connected the path from it to him.


    The rabbit was so frightened that it wanted to run. When it ran far away and realized nothing had happened, it tried to return. It held the vegetable leaf and sent it into its mouth. As it ate, it approached the food thrower.


    Rong Yan heard themotion in the Ning residence. The son of the Shen family shouted and asked what delicious food there was today as soon as he entered.


    Rong Yan kicked the vegetables to his feet, scaring away the rabbit that had just approached.


    No one heard him mutter softly, ��You��re here for tasting..��

 Chapter 65 - 65: Picking Anything

    Chapter 65: Picking Anything


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It had been long since Shen Tianci had been so concerned about eating. If not for his family��s persuasion, he would have gone to the Ning residence for breakfast. He endured it until noon and went home with Ning Eng, who had closed his stall early again.


    Ning Eng received a notice from his sister in advance and said that if Young Master Shen came again, he might as well go home early. She always had a good reason. ��Do we earn more from Young Master Shen, or do you earn more from setting up a stall in the afternoon?��


    Ning Eng knew the answer, so he closed the stall very quickly.


    Today, the county magistrate was probably afraid that his son would not eat well and even asked Shen Tianci to bring ingredients. However, Xiaoxiao looked at the expensive and useless things. She only chose a chicken and nothing else.


    Shen Tianci was even happier when he saw this. ��I told my mom I didn��t want to eat those things, but mom didn��t listen!��


    He was only in his early 13s and was about the same age as Ning Eng. He was a young man and was the most yful. Seeing Xiaoxiao tossing and turning the chicken around and even taking out a needle and thread, his curiosity was about to explode.


    ��Why do you need a needle before cooking? What delicious food are you going to make? Chicken soup or chicken stew?��


    Xiaoxiao despised him for being a hindrance and asked her brothers to bring him to their vegetable field to y. She even decided generously, ��Pick whatever you want to eat!��


    Madam Song had no objections, even for the sake of the one tael of silver. This was the first time Ning Fengnian had seen such an imposing guest. He was a little at a loss. The butler was attentive and only gradually rxed when he talked to him about the fields.


    As the eldest son, Ning Dng was responsible for treating guests. The butler looked at his actions and words and felt generous. ��Young Master, have you studied before?��


    Ning Dng was neither servile nor overbearing. ��I��ve only been my uncle��s page boy in school for a few years, but I��ve memorized the Thousand Character ssic, Mencius, and Analects.��


    The butler could not help but test him. The more he listened, the more satisfied he became.


    Xiaoxiao watched from the side for a while before she went to cut the potato strips. Madam Song��s heart ached when she saw the oil full in the pot, but Xiaoxiao spread her hands. ��I promised to fry fries, but it��s not gentlemanly to go back on my word.��


    Madam Song strode out of the kitchen. Fine, fine, fine. Ning Xiaoxiao was the most reasonable person in the family. She couldn��t win against her. Anyway, the oil that had been fried could still be used. She would pretend not to see it.


    After stewing the chicken and fries, Xiaoxiao started to cook the fish slices. As one of her signature dishes, the pickled boiled Fish had to be served on the table. This time, she used the pickled vegetables she made to increase the fragrance.


    At this moment, Shen Tianci and Ning Eng had been squatting in the vegetable field for a long time. The vegetables and meat that Young Master Shen ate at home were all prepared and brought to him. He had never seen vegetables grow in the field, so he jumped left and right excitedly, wishing to grab and eat all the vegetables.


    If it weren��t for Ning Eng watching, the entire row of vegetables in the field would have been picked by him.


    However, even though he was on guard, the cucumber that had grown tender and sharp was still harmed. When Rong Yan walked out of the courtyard for a walk, he heard Ning Engin to his sister loudly, ��Sister! He picked all our cucumber!��


    The butler was a little embarrassed. Before he could speak, Xiaoxiao also shouted back, ��It��s fine. It��s not a waste because we can eatter. I��ll make up for it and pluck enough for a te.��


    Shen Tianci raised his head proudly at Ning Eng. He would have pped him if Ning Eng had not repeated ��one tael of silver�� a few times..

 Chapter 66 - 66: Jealousy

    Chapter 66: Jealousy


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The butler changed the subject and said to Ning Fengnian, ��Your child is well-raised. They��re full of energy, unlike my Young Master. He��s usually flustered and short of breath when he moves slightly. He doesn��t like to move either. The doctor wanted him to bask in the sun and move around more, but Young Master refused. Master and Madam can��t persuade Young Master either.��


    He smiled sincerely. ��But he looks much more energetic than usual after running and picking vegetables today.��


    Xiaoxiao thought, ��He was just rich andzy.�� She put down thedle and carried the seasoned sauce and fries that were no longer hot. ��Come, everyone, don��t just wait. Have some fries first. Second Brother, why don��t you bring Young Master Shen to the camphor tree in the vige to pick some sprouts after you��re done eating? I can stir-fry them with the eggster. They smell so good.��


    Ning Eng had eaten it before. He could even introduce them to Shen Tianci. ��It smells good!��


    Shen Tianci was curious while eating at the same time. Indeed, no child could reject freshly fried fries. Xiaoxiao sessfully fed them and sent them away with a sense of aplishment.


    Rong Yan looked outside the door, and Yun Yi went up to report his work. ��County Magistrate Shen was newly appointed this year and hasn��t taken sides yet. His wife��s surname is Li, and shees from the richest family in Jiangnan.��


    The topics were all rather serious, but the wind was filled with the fragrance of food. Yun Yi had to use all his self-control to not swallow his saliva halfway through his sentence. They were all tortured.


    Rong Yan nodded. The emperor ordered him to patrol Jiangnan, and he was strictly ordered to keep his whereabouts a secret. But why was he assassinated before he reached his destination? He was in danger several times, so he had no choice but to hide in this small vige.


    The emperor was far away. He could not easily expose his identity when he did not know who his enemy was. After all, it concerned his life and family. Who knew if those officials would be bold enough to do something extraordinary?


    The royal family��s matter was nothing more than a fight for it.


    He was not liked since birth and did not intend to fight for the throne. He only wanted to be idle, but someone saw him as a thorn in his side and nned to get rid of him.


    Rong Yan pinched the bridge of his nose. Forget it. He just had to avoid those petty matters. As usual, he didn��t fight or snatch. The only thing he should do now was to find the traitor and return to Jingcheng city safely.


    He had to go back quickly. Perhaps he could even go back in time for her mom��s birthday.


    However, he could not be too fast because his mother might�� not need his blessings.


    The Emperor had assigned him to patrol Jiangnan. He was supposed to stay here for a few months, so he coincidentally missed preparing for his mother��s birthday banquet.


    When his thoughts were in a mess, Rong Yan suddenly saw a figure striding towards the Ning residence.


    At that moment, Xiaoxiao had just walked into the vegetable field to look for tender cucumber flowers. These little cucumbers that had just appeared and were as long as her one finger were delicious. They would be crunchy if they were casually stir-fried. However, Madam Song would not let her do so usually. It seemed like she had benefited from the little fatty.


    Because she was too focused on the dishes she would cookter, she did not notice someone approaching her from behind. When she saw the shadow, she turned around and saw Second Aunt Ning��s ugly face.


    ��You said 1 forced you to snatch food from the wild pigs but do bamboo shoots business in the county and earned a lot of money. You lived a good life secretly!��


    ��D*mn, you made meugh at those gossipy old women in the vige!��


    Second Aunt Ning was angry. She thought their family had a poor life, and she feared being criticized for something worthless again. She was really honest for a while. Ultimately, she heard their family had long made a fortune in the county today. She, who thought she was smart, was kept in the dark.


    Xiaoxiao took a step back, and her words were very hurtful.. ��Second Aunt, are you jealous?��

 Chapter 67 - 67: Hard-Headed

    Chapter 67: Hard-Headed


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    No one was around, so she didn��t have to pretend to be obedient. However, she happened to see Ning Fengnian rushing over, so she rolled her eyes and lowered her voice. Her words were even more infuriating.


    ��Second Aunt, did you not expect us to live sofortably after we separated from the family? 1 just had to be sofortable and unwilling to share any of it with you, so you��re envious, jealous, and resentful? But what should you do? I like to see you so anxious and angry that you can��t do anything to me. From now on, when 1 eat meat, you won��t even be able to drink soup! If you dare to snatch it again, 1��11 say bad things about you, and the entire vige will scold you for being unable to give birth to a son!��


    Every word was heart-wrenching, and every sentence urately hit Second Aunt Ning��s sore spot. If there were others around, she might have endured it. Since it was only her and Ning Xiaoxiao, she raised her arm and was about to p her.


    Xiaoxiao looked at her father. She also wanted to know which side he would be more biased towards, between her daughter and the people from the old residence. It was on time when someone suddenly approached from behind and pulled her away.


    The force was strong and rushed, and her head bumped into a somewhat hard chest. Xiaoxiao heard a thud and looked up. ��Huh, Ah Yan was half a head taller than me.��


    Pfft, it wasn��t the time to think about this. Xiaoxiao stood still and blinked at Rong Yan. ��Thank you.�� However, she didn��t n to get beaten up.


    She would never do something as stupid as injuring the enemy and sacrificing herself. Just now, she had only nned to fall to the ground and pretended to be pped by Second Aunt Ning again. However, Rong Yan had saved her out of goodwill. She could not possibly not appreciate it, right?


    After standing still, she turned to Rong Yan and asked, ��Does it hurt?��


    Rong Yan shook his head and thought, ��Your head is really hard.��


    Then, a small hand was gently ced on his chest. It was not very strong, but it made his entire body freeze��she, she, she, she, she touched him!


    Xiaoxiao didn��t know that the young master was embarrassed and shocked. She was still thinking about opening her clothes to see if they were bruised. Just before she took action, Rong Yan said softly, ��It doesn��t hurt!��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t know if it was an illusion, but she felt like a frivolous prodigal who teased a good girl.


    Ning Fengnian also saw that dangerous p. Even a passerby would be a little angry, let alone seeing others bully his daughter like this.


    ��Second Sister-inw, what did you want to do just now!��


    His voice was so loud that Second Aunt Ning shivered. However, she quickly reacted. ��She was the one who disrespected me first and even cursed me!��


    She nced at Rong Yan, whose back was facing her, and said reasonably, ��Ask him if you don��t believe me.��


    Rong Yan did hear her and Xiaoxiao��s conversation, but��


    He lowered his head and took a look. The girl with a hard skull secretly grabbed his sleeve and shook it. She raised her head and blinked pitifully at him. She looked different from when she was confronting Second Aunt Ning just now.


    He looked away and shook his head. ��I only saw this auntie wanting to hit her.��


    Second Aunt Ning was first shocked by his appearance. When she returned to her senses and realized what he had said, she pointed at the two children and scolded, ��Nonsense! Alright, 1 was still wondering why a guy appeared suddenly. It turns out that you��re all in cahoots.��


    She wanted to say something nasty, but Ning Fengnian was there. Seeing that she would not have benefited today, she nced at Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan with hatred and left.


    Ning Fengnian went forward to take a closer look in fear. After confirming that his daughter was fine, he thanked Rong Yan. Xiaoxiao looked at Rong Yan��s thinner face and felt that such a simple thank you was not enough to express her sincerity.


    It was a false rm. Xiaoxiao still had to pick vegetables, and Ning Fengnian had to return to entertain the guests. However, two figures appeared from the wall as soon as he left. They were Ning Eng and Shen Tianci, who covered Ning Eng.


    Xiaoxiao was not embarrassed at all. She asked, ��Did you hear everything?��


    Ning Eng nodded sadly.. It was fine if he heard it, but what about the young master Shen?

 Chapter 68 - 68: Who Doesn’t Have It?

    Chapter 68: Who Doesn��t Have It?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao didn��t think much of it. Second Aunt Ning was the one who started it. She just didn��t let her father know the details after she retaliated. Ning Eng was thinking about how to shut Shen Tianci up when he saw this guy rush in front of Xiaoxiao with a sharpness that waspletely different from his figure.


    ��Are all the quarrels in the countryside so intense? I saw that you didn��t even stop for a while just now. Did you specially train?��


    Xiaoxiao was speechless.


    Ning Eng was speechless.


    What else was there to practice when quarreling? Weren��t these things innate?


    Xiaoxiao looked at Shen Tianci��s expression carefully and probed, ��Did you not win when you quarreled with others?��


    Shen Tianci was a little vexed. Wasn��t that because his family followed everything he said? He didn��t even have the chance to practice��


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment. Since he didn��t tell others, she waved at him. ��Then I��ll teach you a move. If someone tells you a long story next time that you can��t reply, you can����


    She crossed her arms in front of her chest and walked out with a stern face. Her tone was as arrogant as possible, and her eyes were as contemptuous as possible. She said, ��Rebound!��


    Shen Tianci immediately pulled Ning Eng to practice as if he had found a treasure. The main point was to grasp the essence of his gaze and tone. Seeing themughing, Rong Yan cupped his hands and was about to leave.


    Xiaoxiao looked at her side, ying andughing, and then at him being alone. She clenched her fists and coughed lightly, asking, ��Have you eaten?��


    Rong Yan paused and said, ��No.��


    Xiaoxiao asked Shen Tianci, ��Do you mind having a few more people eat together?��


    Shen Tianci did not care, especially when he heard Xiaoxiao say, ��There are more people. I can add two more dishes.��


    Rong Yan agreed to the invitation, but he came alone. After all, this was a banquet for the Ning family��s guests. It was inappropriate to bring his family along. Yun Yi watched eagerly at the door. While admiring his master for connecting with County Magistrate Shen without batting an eyelid, he swallowed hard.


    Rong Yan didn��t exin that he had helped her just now. He suddenly remembered the scene of Ning Xiaoxiao rushing down the mountain with honey in her arms. It was difficult, and she had never told anyone about it, but she gave him most of the honey she got.


    He also thought of the exquisite delicacies that Ning Xiaoxiao had sent him repeatedly. They were not rted, but she even remembered his eating habits.


    The phrase also circled around Liang Yuyin��s words, ��Perfectly happy��. This was the simplest and purest blessing. Coincidentally, it was also what he wanted to hear the most.


    Only then did he realize that she had unknowingly be so clear in his memory.


    However, Xiaoxiao did not know that he had mixed feelings. She counted the number of diners and estimated everyone��s appetite, adding another serving of Soup Dumplings.


    ��The dishes will take a while. You guys eat this to fill your stomachs first, but you must put it aside for a while.��


    Be it Fortune Vige or Xijiang County, no one had ever seen such a small bun. Ning Eng thought his sister wanted to conserve flour and specially made it smaller. However, after taking a bite, he jumped up again.


    ��Hot, hot, hot, hot!��


    Shen Tianci finally realized that Ning Eng was not trying to seduce him on purpose. However, he carefully put down the little bun that he wanted to put into his mouth.


    Xiaoxiao helplessly put down the vinegar that she had just gotten. ��Didn��t I say that I would eat itter? Second Brother, are you alright? Do you want to rinse your mouth with cold water?�� Fortunately, she had specially put it away for a while before bringing it out.


    ��It needs to be hung to dry. When it��s not so hot, bite through the skin, drink the soup inside, and then dip it in vinegar.��


    Everyone did as they were told and immediately narrowed their eyes in delight.


    Even the experienced and knowledgeable butler did not expect to marvel at the wonders of delicacies in a farmer��s house. When he found out that Ning Xiaoxiao had thought of this dish herself, he praised her even more.


    Ning Fengnian showed off humbly. ��This child has been talented in the kitchen since she was young. We don��t know where she got such strange ideas from. At first, we were worried that she would waste the food. We didn��t expect her to give us surprises every time.��


    Then, they even reported a few ideas that sounded whimsical to them.


    The butler thought the Ning family��s conditions were not good, but they dared to let this girl do whatever she wanted. It was rare to see them in the countryside, where men were generally favored over women. Then, they were attracted by the hot Pickle Boiled Fish.


    Rong Yan did not speak much, but he had been paying attention to Shen Tianci��s reaction, so he did not miss Shen Tianci��s eyes that suddenly lit up when he heard Ning Fengnian mention the names of the dishes, as well as how he would shout ��I have this ingredient at home!�� every time he heard a dish!


    He lowered his eyes, and his smile faded.. ��Who doesn��t have one?��

 Chapter 69 - 69: They’re So Stupid

    Chapter 69: They��re So Stupid


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Fengnian mentioned that Xiaoxiao wanted to go to the mountains to dig traps and catch wild animals to make delicious meals. He also said that he dreamed that she caught a deer. Xiaoxiao wasn��t embarrassed and said sincerely, ��I��m dreaming about what 1 think about in the day!��


    Xiaoxiao sat up straight. ��Deer meat is a good thing. It nourishes the spleen and energy, and it��s gentle. It��s most suitable for you who��s weak.�� She looked at Rong Yan and said the second half.


    Rong Yan raised her eyebrows. How could she tell that his body was weak? Moreover, the effect of venison�� Did she know what venison was for?


    Xiaoxiao had already self-reported the names of the dishes. ��The venison is good. It��s delicious just by making it casually. Braised venison slices, steamed meatballs, carved venison, braised venison with green onions, stewed venison with potatoes���� After saying that, she realized everyone was looking at her with burning eyes.


    She hurriedly stopped and tried to salvage the situation. ��I came up with these recipes based on my creativity when 1 heard the shopkeeper of the Fragrance Restaurant mention his signature dishes. You guys know about the Fragrance Restaurant, right? They have restaurants in Jingcheng City.��


    Shen Tianci pursed his lips and muttered softly, ��I think their food is normal����


    Xiaoxiao ignored him and continued, ��1 thought that the cooking method is about the same since it��s all meat. However, after thinking about it, I think roasting is the best cooking method.��


    When she imagined that scene, she couldn��t help but swallow her saliva. ��Cut the meat and skewer it with a bamboo skewer. Then, make some vegetables in the middle. It��s beautiful and delicious. Or, put the entire piece on a wooden branch and roast it as you spin it. When it sizzles with oil, brush ayer of sauce on it. This way, as you roast it, the taste of the sauce will seep in. If you like to eat sweet honey, rub some honey on it. If you like to eat spicy food, dip it in chili powder. Wrap it with washed lettuce. When you bite it, it will first be crisp, then tender, and finally, your mouth will be filled with fragrance!��


    Shen Tianci, who was listening very seriously, felt that he was hungry!


    Fortunately, Xiaoxiao did not n to continue torturing him. She served thest dish, and the meal could begin.


    There was no rule in the Ning Family that women were not allowed to sit at the table. Only three adults were eating, so they might as well sit together and borrow a big table from the Rong Yan to eat in a circle.


    Every dish had its attractions, but Shen Tianci was most curious about the chicken Xiaoxiao had mended. Seeing that she had served the chicken and looked like an ordinary chicken soup, Young Master Shen pursed his lips and was about to look away.


    Xiaoxiao saw his reaction and smiled. She used her chopsticks to open the chicken belly. Ning Eng eximed, and Shen Tianci instinctively looked away. Then, he also eximed.


    After the chicken belly was opened, there was white rice inside.


    What Xiaoxiao liked to see the most was the inexperienced look of the customers. She deliberately tore open the chicken��s stomach slowly and waited for Shen Tianci to be so anxious that he wished he could do it himself. Then, she brought a small bowl over and scooped a bowl for him. After hesitating momentarily, she scooped a bigger portion for Rong Yan.


    Looking at his jawline, which was even more obvious, Xiaoxiao smacked her lips. ��Eat more. Look at how thin you are. Have you been eating well recently?�� Rong Yan paused for a moment and felt his ears burning.


    This girl�� in front of so many people��


    Rong Yan ignored her, but Young Master Shen didn��t mind. He was already eating so much that he couldn��t wait to bury his head in his bowl.


    The rice that Ning Xiaoxiao scooped for him tasted like rice but not. It looked like rice, but when he ate it, it had the umami taste of chicken soup.


    The butler also got a small bowl. The more he ate, the more surprised he became. ��1 wonder if we can get my chef to learn this method for Young Master?��


    Of course, Xiaoxiao nodded and said to Rong Yan, ��Your guard should be able to learn it too.��


    After some thought, she added, ��If you don��t know how to do it,e to my house.��


    Rong Yan pursed his lips and thought, ��They��re so stupid, they won��t be able to learn it..��

 Chapter 70 - 70: There Has to Be

    Chapter 70: There Has to Be


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan and Shen Tianci were born into rich families and might have gotten sick of the chicken soup long ago. If they ate it, they would obtain the taste and nutrition of the chicken soup and be able to eat something new and interesting. It would be the best of both.


    The butler wanted to pay for this recipe, but Xiaoxiao said there was no need. She said, ��It��s just that I like to think about it blindly. It��s not a proper recipe. Besides, if it weren��t for the good ingredients you brought, I wouldn��t have had the chance to try it.��


    It had to be known that many chefs liked to hide their best skills. Even their children could only be learned by a direct disciple. He didn��t expect Ning Xiaoxiao to be so open-minded. The butler made up his mind to talk to the old masterter. If it was convenient in the future, they had to take good care of this family.


    Shen Tianci ate a lot today. He was the one who picked the vegetables. He wanted to try all of them. After a while, he, who had always been picky, ate almost every dish.


    The Ning family did not think much of it, but the butler, worried about his young master��s meals daily, almost cried tears of joy. When Xiaoxiao took the initiative to ask Shen Tianci to bring some of his favorite vegetables back from the vegetable garden, the butler looked at her like he was looking at his nephew.


    Rong Yan looked at Xiaoxiao��s actions strangely. Was she paying too much attention to Shen Tianci and taking too much care of him?


    Shen Tianci was stuffed again. He touched his round stomach and raised his hand. ��Next time, what do you want to do? There are many ingredients�� at home! 1��11 bring them all to you!


    Before he could finish his sentence, Rong Yan said almost simultaneously, ��Thank you for your hospitality. Why don��t you let me treat you to some venison some other day?��


    Since it was rted to food, Xiaoxiao was interested. She asked, ��Do you have venison at home?��


    Rong Yan smiled but didn��t answer. He thought, ��Even if I don��t have it, 1 must. Otherwise, 1 won��t let Shen Tianci present the treasure again.��


    Shen Tianci puffed up his cheeks. Everything else was fine, but the deer meat could only be chanced upon by luck. He did not have it at the moment, so he was unhappy.


    Yun Yi, who did not know he had a long way to go, shivered at home and looked up at the sky in confusion.


    Rong Yan told Xiaoxiao, ��Miss Ning, you muste too, but you know my family��s situation. Can 1 trouble you to cook?��


    She had to have it! Besides that little bit of wild boar meat, she had never eaten wild meat seriously!


    After receiving her affirmative answer, Rong Yan turned to Shen Tianci and the butler. ��I��m the one who benefited today. I wonder if there��s a chance to treat this meal back?��


    The butler did not doubt Rong Yan��s words�� credibility. He could tell that Rong Yan had an extraordinary bearing and must have read many books. That was how proper schrs were. They were noble and polite and did not like to take advantage of others for no reason. He was also willing for his young master, who had a headache from reading books, to befriend such a young master.


    Shen Tianci would reject him if Rong Yan invited him to a restaurant. However, he was letting Ning Xiaoxiao be the chef, so what was there to hesitate about?


    The three parties happily finalized the details of the gathering. Xiaoxiao even started preparing the barbecue sauce that night and even made a few jars in a row.


    Ning Eng asked curiously, ��Do you need so much?��


    Xiaoxiao pointed at the row and said, ��Second Brother, your taste is more spicy. Eldest Brother likes lighter food, and Shen Tianci feels ufortable with the oily smell. On the other hand, Young Master Ah Yan likes sweet foods. As the saying goes, changing a person��s mouth is difficult. Since I��m the chef, 1 naturally have to make everyone happy and satisfied.��


    This was the basic ethics of an excellent chef!


    Look, this considerate sister was his. Ning Eng felt that he could even smile in his dreams!


    After he left, Ning Dng, who had been silently helping to clean up, quietly walked to his sister��s side.. ��Were you frightened by Second Aunt?��

 Chapter 71 - 71: Rare Guest

    Chapter 71: Rare Guest


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��But Brother, don��t you me me for being disrespectful to Second Aunt?��


    Ning Dng said without thinking, ��I��m just worried that you��ll hurt when you��re injured.��


    Xiaoxiao hugged her brother��s waist. ��Big Brother is so good!��


    Ning Dng froze. His arm stopped in midair for a while before he put it down and patted her shoulder. ��How old are you? Why are you still acting coyly?��


    Xiaoxiao snuggled in his arms. ��I��m Brother��s younger sister no matter how old I am.��


    A wind blew, hiding the moon behind the clouds and covering Ning Dng��s current expression.


    Life in the Ning Family seemed to have returned to normal. Xiaoxiao handed the foodpensation to Madam Song in front of Ning Fengnian and started to happily prepare her daily meals.


    The designs of the Ruyi Clothing Shop had already beenpleted, but she would still bring Madam Song��s embroidery over from time to time.


    Shopkeeper Liu had a strong career woman persona at the beginning, butter on, she started bickering with Xiaoxiao despite her age. She vaguely had the intention of bing friends with her.


    The restaurant��s business was still going on, but Xiaoxiao calcted the time when the second branch knew about their business and felt that it was about time.


    As expected, the second day after Second Aunt Ning tried to hit someone, the first branch received a ��rare guest�� in this dpidated courtyard.


    The sun was shining brightly today. Madam Song was drying the bedding in the courtyard and doing embroidery. Another embroidery piece was about to take shape. The more she looked at it, the more she liked it.


    When she heard the knock on the door, Madam Song calcted the time and felt that it was time for Ning Fengnian and Xiaoxiao to return. Unexpectedly, when she opened the door, she saw Second Uncle Ning. Second Uncle Ning had not appeared since Ning Fengnian was seriously injured and unconscious. It was said that Second Uncle Ning went out early and returnedte every day to work.


    Thetter ced his hands behind his back and sauntered into the courtyard. Madam Song frowned and went forward to pack up the embroidery.


    Second Uncle Ning��s gaze swept across the familiar drawing, but he also seemed to inadvertently nce at Madam Song��s still slender figure despite several pregnancies. Madam Song turned around and met his unpleasant gaze. She walked into the house unhappily with the needle and thread.


    ��Second Brother, sit for a while. Your Big Brother will be back soon.��


    Second Uncle Ning responded, but he took a few steps.


    ��Second Uncle? Why are you here?�� Xiaoxiao, who had returned with the fish basket, narrowed her eyes. Why did she feel that Second Uncle was secretly following behind her mother just now?


    When she saw the embroidery in Madam Song��s arms, her first reaction was to help her mother hide the designs.


    However, Second Uncle Ning��s main goal today was actually the pickled vegetable jars of various sizes at the foot of the wall. He suppressed his temper and drank a ss of in water. He sat for a while and only said when Ning Fengnian returned, ��I heard that Dng and Eng have be sessful recently. They can even earn money for the family?��


    Ning Fengnianughed. ��It��s just the children messing around. However, the sour bamboo shoots were made by Xiaoxiao.��


    Second Uncle Ning pretended not to hear the pride in his tone and ignored thetter half of the sentence. So what if it was Ning Xiaoxiao who made it? She was a girl, and�� Hmph. Anyway, how much money the first branch had in the future had nothing to do with that girl.


    Ning Dng and Ning Eng also returned one after another. Second Uncle Ning beat around the bush and asked how much they had sold. After a long time, he finally mentioned their supply to the Fragrance Restaurant. ��Brother, the seedlings are growing and we will have to start transnting soon. Although you��re in good health, you can��t be too tired.��


    He rubbed his hands and said in a ��I��m doing this for your own good�� tone, ��I��m thinking that I��m almost done with my short-term job.. Why don��t 1 help you make sour bamboo shoots?��

 Chapter 72 - 72: Stunned Like Father

    Chapter 72: Stunned Like Father


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Fengnian instinctively nced at his family and did not agree immediately.


    Second Uncle Ning was a little unhappy. ��It��s just a word from Big Brother. Besides, I��m just worried that you guys won��t be able to handle it.��


    He came with a purpose, so he squeezed out a smile and did not speak too harshly.


    ��Children are insensible and treat serious matters as fun. We can��t let it go. Leave this matter to meter. I guarantee that I��ll manage it for you. In the future, you just have to do bamboo shoots at home. Let me handle the delivery and ounts.��


    Ning Fengnian didn��t like to hear this. ��Second Brother, you��re wrong. Although this is just a small business and doesn��t earn much copper coins, the children are all diligent and serious. They never dare to treat business as child��s y.�� ��When I was sick, Dng built a new house for our neighbor. He was always the hardest. He carried the heaviest wood and carried the heaviest bricks. He didn��t even make a sound when his shoulder was bleeding.��


    ��Eng goes up the mountain to cut firewood every day. He also has to dig bamboo shoots and peel them with Dng. There are blisters on his hands. He pricks them with a needle and theye back the next day.��


    ��It��s Xiaoxiao. She��s young, but she has many ideas.�� Speaking of his daughter, Ning Fengnian smiled more. ��She was the one who thought of the method to make sour bamboo shoots. She was also the one who woke up early and made sour bamboo shoots in the dark. She also sold the bamboo shoots to the restaurant. What she did for the family is far inferior to what I, her father, did.�� Hence, even if his second brother asked, he could not give up all the things that his children had worked so hard to develop. He did not expose him directly or reject him outright. As the elder brother, he was already giving his younger brother face and did not want to hurt the rtionship between brothers.


    He was honest, but he was not stupid. It was just an excuse that they would be too busy and his second brother wanted to help.


    Second Uncle Ning didn��t want to listen to this at all. Whether the children of the first branch could do it or not had nothing to do with him. He just wanted to take over this profit-making business.


    Seeing that Ning Fengnian deliberately did not continue the conversation, it was obvious that this matter would not be so easy to settle. He had a set of thoughts in his heart. He looked around with his sneaky eyes and pretended not to care. ��Look at what Big Brother is saying. I simply mentioned it. Since you guys can handle it, I naturally won��t join in the fun. However, Big Brother will wee us for a meal today, right?��


    It was best if his second brother was willing to give up. Ning Fengnian heaved a sigh of relief and asked Eng to send a message to the old residence, before asking his second brother to eat together.


    Second Uncle Ning had long known that the eldest branch��s food had been good recently. In addition, in order to agitate him, Xiaoxiao had specially prepared a sumptuous meal. At first, he wanted to put on some airs, butter on, he ate so much that he wished he could eat directly from themon tes. Dng and Eng did not even look at him.


    When they were almost done eating, Second Uncle Ning seemed to have just remembered and said, ��Oh right, I haven��t tried the sour bamboo shoots made by the children.��


    Xiaoxiao understood and cut a te for him. Seeing that he was clearly so full that he wanted to vomit, but he still pretended to enjoy it and ate it all, Xiaoxiao naughtily wanted to give him more. Second Uncle Ning quickly stopped her. He burped and said, ��The taste is indeed good. I wonder if you can let me bring a jar back for Father and Mother to try?��


    Ning Fengnian could not reject this request at all. Xiaoxiao also pretended not to see the scheme in Second Uncle��s eyes and very generously chose thergest jar for him to take away.


    Ning Fengnian looked at his daughter��s kind and enthusiastic appearance and was even more dissatisfied with his second sister-inw��s previous actions.


    He had such a good daughter. Second Sister-inw actually wanted to bully her and even falsely used Xiaoxiao of being disrespectful to her elders. If she had not gone overboard, he might have really agreed to let Second Brother take a share today.


    Xiaoxiao was obedient in front of her honest father. The moment she entered the kitchen, she was pulled to the side by her second brother, who was unhappy. ��Silly sister, why are you as silly as Dad? You could have just given him a spoonful of leaves.. Why did you give him such a big jar?��

 Chapter 73 - 73: Everyone Relies On Their Abilities

    Chapter 73 - 73: Everyone Relies On Their Abilities


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao was like a little mouse about to steal something. She nced at the door to make sure that her parents were noting over before whispering to Second Brother. ��1 added a spoonful of oil and random seasoning into the jar and even sealed the opening of the jar!��


    ��So it��s fine if they really just want to eat it. If they have any other thoughts that they shouldn��t have���� Then, they deserved to be unlucky.


    From the first day she marinated the sour bamboo shoots, Xiaoxiao told her brothers that the sour bamboo shoots had to strictly avoid oil and exposure to air. Otherwise, it would quickly turn ck and smelly.


    Ning Eng was stunned for a long time before he nodded at Xiaoxiao. ��You, you, you, you little girl.�� He deliberated over his words. ��You��re very smart!��


    It was obvious that Second Uncle was jealous of their family��s business and wanted to interfere. With that person��s shamelessness, if he did not seed today, he would definitely not let it go in the future. His father was also a soft-hearted and unreliable person. His younger sister��s method was better. She wanted him to take it back and study it and see what they could make.


    ��This time, our family can finally have more than 10 days of peace.��


    Xiaoxiao raised her chin proudly and even took the time to educate her second brother. ��You have to learn more from me. Be smarter. Don��t show your disgust for the old residence on your face. We must make them unable to find fault with us.��


    Looking at his expression, Xiaoxiao knew that Ning Eng was unhappy. She could only guide him patiently. ��Do you know how to make the person you hate unhappy?��


    Ning Eng shook his head. Xiaoxiao exined, ��It��s to make sure that he can��t stand you, yet he can��t get rid of you.��


    Ning Eng felt it and was really convinced by his sister again. Hence, he smiled kindly after walking out of the kitchen.


    Ning Fengnian more or less knew that his family had some dissatisfaction with the old residence. Seeing that his second son and daughter had spoken, he coughed lightly and wanted to persuade them. ��Eng, it��s rare for your second uncle toe. I thought that giving him a jar of bamboo shoots would make the old residence less concerned about us hiding the sour bamboo shoots business.��


    Ning Eng said calmly, ��Father is right. We were negligent. We should have sent some to Grandpa and Grandma long ago.��


    Ning Fengnian was stunned. Was this really his firecracker son?


    At this moment, in the old residence, Second Uncle Ning was pestered by his wife the moment he returned. He looked at Second Aunt Ning��s increasingly rotund figure and turned around in disgust.


    ��It didn��t work. My big brother is very smart. He pretended not to understand the entire time.��


    Seeing that Second Uncle Ning only came back with a pickle jar, Second Aunt Ning was very dissatisfied. ��What? Are you going to be sent away by this lousy idea?��


    Second Uncle Ning put down the jar. ��What do you know?��


    Before Second Aunt Ning��s expression changed and she made a scene, he said, ��Call Mother over. She��s been making pickled vegetables for so many years. With this jar, she��ll know how to make it with a sniff. When we figure out the form, do we still need their approval?��


    The more he thought about it, the more he felt that his sudden idea was witty. ��It��s better this way.��


    If he worked with the first branch, he would have to deal with even more trouble in the future. Moreover, even if he could take most of the money they earned, he would have to give them some. If he did it himself, even if he snatched their business, it was his own ability. How much money he could earn had nothing to do with the first branch.


    That��s right. His idea came up in a sh of inspiration. He wanted Old Madam Ning to figure out a form based on the marinade in the sour bamboo shoots jar and snatch the first branch��s business.


    Although Xiaoxiao did not know what they were holding back, it was roughly the same. She did not care much. Now, she was already fully immersed in the great and delicious work of dealing with meat skewers.


    She was very surprised and surprised that Rong Yan��s family really had deer meat.


    As a member of the gathering, Xiaoxiao contributed fresh vegetables and more than 10 secret seasonings. The bottles were quite spectacr.


    Rong Yan provided the venue and four helpers that she could order around. Xiaoxiao only found out the names of his guards today��Yun Yi, Yun Er, Yun San, and Yun Wu[i. ��Yi�� is one in Chinese, while ��Er�� is two. ��San�� is three and ��Wu�� is five.��. Ning Eng only felt that it was a mouthful, but Xiaoxiao saw through it. ��There��s nothing difficult to remember. It��s just one, two, three, five.��


    The guards looked resentfully at their master, who ��coincidentally�� looked up to admire the blue sky and white clouds. They obediently lowered their heads and cut the meat. Forget it. At least the words their master chose for them looked quite cultured. As long as they were not ced together, ordinary people would not be able to guess the origin of their names.


    Shen Tianci knew that the food he brought was useless. Other than bringing a few chickens because he did not have enough chicken-vored rice, he happily brought arge pile of pastries made by his chef.. Then, he said to Xiaoxiao proudly, ��You��re an expert at making food, but you can��t make snacks, right?��

 Chapter 74 - 74: Success

    Chapter 74 - 74: Sess


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows. How could a girl admit that she couldn��t do it? This was a provocation!


    ��Just you wait. I��m not free today. I��ll show you what an all-rounded Masterchef is tomorrow.��


    Shen Tianci thought that she was bragging. The chef who made snacks for him today was released from the pce. She was the previous head chef. Many people could not get her even if they wanted to.


    Xiaoxiao took a bite. It was indeed not bad, but she still refused to admit defeat.


    The two of them bickered as they skewered many skewers. However, their styles were different. Xiaoxiao��sbination of meat and vegetables alternated between red and green, while Shen Tianci��s were all freestyle abstract works. Anyway, he did not want to eat anything he had seen.


    The happiest thing about barbecuing was that everyone could enjoy the fruits of theirbor themselves. Anything that was made by their own hands would always feel more delicious.


    He watched with his own eyes as the meat skewers in his hand sizzled under the mes and gradually changed color. Then, he looked at the vegetables that were dripping with oil from the meat, and they looked even more delicious. His appetite came.


    Other than the deer meat, the diligent Yun Yi with dark circles under his eyes also brought back some other prey, so basically everyone had work to do and cooking meat to watch over.


    When Xiaoxiao was free, Rong Yan carried the rabbit that he had kept at home for a long time and nned to give it to Xiaoxiao. He didn��t mean anything else. He just wanted to thank her for working hard for more than half a day. If not for her, he wouldn��t have been able to invite Shen Tianci.


    As far as he knew, girls should like such furry and harmless-looking things.


    Then, he heard Xiaoxiao cover her face and exim at him, who was holding the rabbit. ��Wow! Such a cute little rabbit����


    Rong Yan thought to himself that it was indeed the right gift, but he heard her say again, ��You have to add spice to it!��


    Rong Yan was speechless.


    To be honest, he had been speechless only a handful of times since he was young.


    Xiaoxiao looked at Rong Yan��s reaction again and hurriedly retracted her drool. ��You like it? Then 1 won��t eat it.�� Anyway, such a small one was not enough for her.


    However, she couldn��t tell that her neighbor liked such cute things. She couldn��t help butment, ��You��re quite cute.��


    Rong Yan was speechless.


    His fingers hidden in his sleeve rubbed against each other, and his back tensed up. Who was she calling cute?! He threw the rabbit away and let it run away on its own. Then, he nced at the guards who were holding back theirughter and sessfully made them turn around and straighten their backs to maintain silence.


    However, Xiaoxiao added, ��No, you��re much prettier than a rabbit.��


    Rong Yan felt that his ears were very hot, so he hurriedly ran to the barbecue stove and stood still.


    This girl! Why was she talking more and more��


    He spun the skewers on the stove a few times and suppressed the redness at the tip of his ears. He looked up at Xiaoxiao again. Thetter was carefully applying an amber-colored sauce to thergest piece of meat. Noticing his gaze, she chuckled and wrapped a piece of cooked vegetable leaf around it. She picked it up with her chopsticks and raised it at him.


    ��Try one?��


    Rong Yan quickly turned around and thought to himself, Are you teasing a rabbit?


    However, he quickly turned his head back and took the te himself. ��Thank you.��


    Xiaoxiao pursed her lips and her hands itched. Why did she feel that the neighbor��s young master looked so obedient? She really wanted to rub him.


    Suppressing her restless hand, Xiaoxiao heard Shen Tianci shout, ��I want to eat too!��


    Xiaoxiao ruthlessly handed him a te. ��Cut it yourself.��


    It was not that she waszy, but Young Master Shen��s diet was unique. The more she prepared everything for him, the more pretentious he became. It was better to let him have a good time himself.


    However, others did not know that Shen Tianci muttered that she was ��biased��. Rong Yan also looked up at her and chewed even more happily.


    As expected, Shen Tianci was having a lot of fun. Even if he mixed a few sauces together to create a ��tragically wonderful�� taste, he could still frown and eat them.


    The fragrance of meat from Rong Yan��s courtyard made the vigers nearby crave for several hours, so the news of them gathering to barbecue naturally reached the ears of the people in the old residence.


    Old Madam Ning threw things around angrily. She scolded them improperly. The gist was that the eldest branch was ungrateful. They ate meat and let their elders starve. Second Uncle Ning swallowed his saliva and asked, ��Mother, are your pickled vegetables done?��


    Old Madam Ning rolled her eyes. ��They��re the only ones who treat this little thing like a treasure and hide it.��


    Second Uncle Ning��s eyes lit up.. ��Then it��s done?��

 Chapter 75 - 75: Upgrade Again

    Chapter 75: Upgrade Again


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Second Aunt Ning spat at the side. ��Well snatch their business tomorrow. Let��s see if they can still be smug!��


    At this moment, they were filled with jealousy. They did not feel guilty at all for what they wanted to do. Instead, they felt that it was only right and proper. They felt that the eldest branch owed them.


    Everyone ate a full meal at Rong Yan��s house. Xiaoxiao had already prepared hawthorn soup for digestion. It was gettingte, so everyone drank the soup and admired the not-so-full moon.


    Shen Tianci burped and said that this was the best meal he had ever eaten. Ning Eng smiled at him from the corner of his eye and said the same thing. Shen Tianci was very vexed. ��I think I don��t want to eat after we get home. What should I do?��


    Xiaoxiao held her chin and smiled. ��Look at how inexperienced you are. Is this enough to make you sigh with emotion? If I let you see the zed fish bones, cured goose breast, orangemp shadows, and Formless Divine Soup, will you still be able to find your eyeballs?��


    Shen Tianci did not understand, but he felt that it was very impressive. ��When are you going to make them?��


    Xiaoxiao said mncholically, ��Wait for me to gather the ingredients.�� Deep down, Shen Tianci felt that she was bragging because he had never heard of those dishes, but the names of the dishes lingered in his mind. What should he do? They sounded delicious.


    Even the space was curious: [Master, these things you mentioned have never appeared in my database.]


    Xiaoxiao immediately asked: [Then the points must be very high.]


    The space expressed its affirmation and looked forward to it, but Xiaoxiao poured cold water on it.


    She said: [Our family is too poor. Moreover, some of the materials needed can��t be bought with money. It��s hard to say if there are any in this era.] Then, she recorded the few strings of coins that she had hidden long ago into her space.


    After a moment of silence, the space beeped a few times. [You have received 500 points. The total points in the gourmet space are 2,140. You have entered the upgrade mode.]


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows, very curious about what kind of surprise the upgraded space would give her.


    After everyone finished eating and drinking, they returned home. Shen Tianci almost fell asleep when he got into the carriage. When he returned to the county office, he was sent to bed with his eyes closed.


    The county magistrate��s wife��s heart ached, but she was relieved. She confirmed with the butler, ��His appetite is really better than when he is at home?��


    The butler nodded. ��He ate very well. He even ran in the courtyard for more than an hour. Other than sweating a little, he doesn��t feel ufortable at all.��


    The county magistrate took off his official uniform and nodded. ��Have you investigated the background of those two families?��


    The butler took out a piece of paper and handed it to the county magistrate.


    ��The Ning Family has lived in Fortune Vige for generations. The family that is on good terms with Young Master is their eldest branch. They just split up some time ago. The Young Master of the Zhao Family who is treating them today hase here to escape from the famine. His father and Hunter Zhao Hu are biological brothers. Because his ancestral home is in Fortune Vige, his father had wanted to return to his roots, but he was separated on the way.��


    ��The little master said that he came to wait for his father ording to the agreement, but 1 guess the father��s already gone.��


    There was a drought north of the riverst year. Many people fled from their homes to the south. Who knew how many people died along the way��


    The county magistrate sighed and his mood visibly dropped. ��He��s also a pitiful person.��


    His wife went forward and handed him a half-dried handkerchief. ��You��ve already done enough. Other county cities might not ept refugees. You not only helped with their new household registration, but you also thought of ways to help them settle down.��


    County Magistrate Shen epted his wife��s kindness. As he wiped his face, he said, ��Since I��ve be an official, I naturally have to pay more attention to the livelihood of the people. By the way, I n to visit some viges to take a look at the farming situation. I can also take a look at the wastnd at the foot of Dayan Mountain.��


    He said seriously, ��The refugees have already encountered a cmity. Even if they settle down, their lives are not easy. I was wondering if 1 could let them explore the wastnd. The new decree of the Imperial Court allows those who clear thend to be exempted from taxes for three years.��


    Seeing that he was about to talk about that endless business again, the county magistrate��s wife pinched his waist. ��Are you still sleeping?��


    Only then did the county magistrate stop talking.


    It was alreadyte at night, but there was no sleepiness in Xiaoxiao��s eyes, because a notification had just sounded in the space��


    [Upgradepleted..]

 Chapter 76 - 76: Do You Want To Cook For Me So Much?

    Chapter 76: Do You Want To Cook For Me So Much?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    [Current level: Three.]


    Almost the moment the voice sounded, Xiaoxiao disappeared in a sh. She couldn��t wait to enter the space. She realized that the space had undergone an earth-shattering change after she leveled up��


    In the past, the space was beautiful, but it had a lifeless feeling. However, it was different now. She could even close her eyes and feel the wind. When she looked up, she saw the clouds moving. Even the flowers and nts on the ground that seemed to be just background decorations, looked alive.


    The space happily showed off to her: [From now on, I��m not just a static space!]


    Xiaoxiao expressed that she was willing to hear the details. The space marked two areas with a cursor and told her: [The left area is still the warehouse area. Time there is still static, just like before.]


    Xiaoxiao understood that in the past, other than her, everything would remain motionless when they entered, including food that belonged to ��dead things�� and bees that belonged to ��living things��.


    The space pointed to another area that looked like a field: [That��s the ntation area. It has double the speed. The higher my level, the higher the speed!]


    Xiaoxiao��s eyes lit up, and her Chinese people��s desire to nt crops was stirring. [In other words, I��ll be ying with farms in such a ce in the future?]


    The space chuckled: [If your level is high enough, that��s right! ]


    Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes happily and shifted her attention to the Exchange Mall. The bright ��rice seeds�� and the small row of instructions below made Xiaoxiao��s eyes almost light up��


    ��New rice seed: Depending on the soil situation, the yield of an acre is 300 to 650 kilograms.��


    In other words, even a low-yielding field could reach 300 kgs of acre production. Their family had bought middle qualitynd. Didn��t that mean that two acre fields could grow at least 600 kgs of food?


    Her heart was pounding, but when she turned around and saw the bnce of 140, she instantly calmed down. Perhaps because she was too tired during the day, she quickly fell asleep.


    Only Rong Yan and the rest were still awake at this time. Yun Yi had long noticed that the county magistrate was investigating them, but they were confident that they had covered everything up wlessly.


    Brother Zhao Hu��s existence was real, and so was the token. However, they were not Zhao Hu��s family, but the Third Prince, Rong Yan, and his personal guards from Jingcheng City.


    They met the Zhao Family, who were at their wits�� end, when they were being chased. At that time, Zhao Hu��s elder brother was already terminally ill. He onlysted for two more days with their help. Before he died, he handed all his assets and tokens to Rong Yan and the others, begging them to give them to his family who had been separated for many years and say, ��I��m unfilial.��


    Zhao Hu��s elder brother did not have children, but he hoped that the wealth he had earned from running around for half his life would at least make his family��s life less difficult.


    Rong Yan carefully checked the information about County Magistrate Shen that the guards had gathered over the past few days under the light. From the paper alone, he was a good official who was dedicated to the people, but who knew what was going on inside? Many corrupt officials had a benevolent face.


    ��Check again.��


    Yun Yi epted the order and was about to leave when he heard his master coughing lightly and instructed, ��Make a trip to the county tomorrow.��


    Yun Yi went to make preparations, but he was very puzzled. Didn��t they agree to hold back for the time being and wait for the enemies in the dark to give themselves away?


    The next day, when he saw the Ning Family members who had agreed to set off together, Yun Yi felt that he seemed to have vaguely understood something.


    Today, the Ning Family was going to deliver goods to the restaurant, so they pushed the cart themselves. Miss Ning arranged the two rows of jars andy down with her legs crossed. She was even humming a song.


    As she hummed, she called out to her friends. ��You haven��t gone out for many days, right? What a coincidence. We met again.��


    Rong Yan stood silently in the direction of the wind. ��There are a lot of things to buy.�� He looked at the bright smile on her face and thought to himself, Are you that happy to be with me?


    Then�� it was not impossible for him to visit the county often.


    Xiaoxiao��s mind was filled with the rice seeds in the space. A rice seed required 500 points, and 500 points could nt an acre ofnd. In other words, their family needed 1,000 points to exchange for all the rice seeds. However, after upgrading the space, her current bnce was only 140 points, which was far from enough.


    If she prepared the points she needed earlier, she might be able to rece some rice seeds that grew slowly.


    If she wanted to obtain more points, she needed to make more delicacies. However, it was not easy to spend the money she had hidden. She would be restrained when cooking. This was a troublesome matter.


    It was all the old residence��s fault for dragging her down. At the thought of this, she couldn��t help but pout.


    The queue for entering the city was still so long. Xiaoxiao stretched a few times before it was her turn. After entering the city, she saw her neighbor, Young Master All Yan, bringing his guards to buy buns. She could not help but fall into deep self-doubt. Was it because she did not make it delicious enough? Otherwise, why would her neighbor be thinking about the buns outside?


    Xiaoxiao��s brain, which had just woken up, was not that agile. She said reflexively, ��You can ask me to make you whatever you want to eat.�� After saying that, she felt that it was inappropriate and was about to change her words when she saw Rong Yan retract his hand obediently.


    She was not sure if he had heard her or if he had just passed by the bun stall and did not intend to buy it.


    Just as she was feeling awkward and did not know what to say, the Fragrance Restaurant was already in front of her. Xiaoxiao lowered her head and walked in with her brothers. As long as she walked fast enough, embarrassment would not be able to catch up to her!


    What she didn��t know was that Rong Yan, who was behind her, couldn��t help but smile when he saw her embarrassed back.. He thought to himself, So she can be shy too?Moreover�� Does she want to cook for me so much?

 Chapter 77 - 77: Unlikable Opponent

    Chapter 77: Unlikable Opponent


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan had nothing else to do in the county today. Just as he was about to follow Xiaoxiao into the restaurant and have a cup of tea or treat her to a meal, he suddenly saw a familiar figure from the corner of his eye. He frowned and gestured for Yun Yi to follow him with his chin.


    Thetter had a serious expression. After confirming that there was no danger around, he followed Rong Yan warily.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao, who had walked into the Fragrance Restaurant, was invited into the inner room by Shopkeeper Xu to talk. As soon as the door closed, she acutely felt that something was wrong with the atmosphere.


    Shopkeeper Xu said, ��To be honest, Miss Ning, someone else came to our restaurant before you came and said that they wanted to sell us something.�� Xiaoxiao guessed a little. ��Sour bamboo shoots?��


    Shopkeeper Xu was stunned. Xiaoxiao knew that she had guessed correctly.


    Shopkeeper Xu said, ��They suggested supplying the restaurant at a price 10% lower than yours.��


    After saying that, he quietly waited for Xiaoxiao��s reaction. Ning Eng could not help but look anxious, but Xiaoxiao looked the same as before.


    Shopkeeper Xu smiled. ��However, Miss Ning, don��t worry. Our Fragrance Restaurant has been around for a hundred years. You can rest assured about our credibility. Since we signed a contract with you, we will naturally only ept your bamboo shoots. However���� He pondered for a moment.�� After being rejected by us, that person actually went to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant����


    The Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant was an old enemy of the Fragrance Restaurant, and they were especially unlikable enemies.


    Although the other restaurants were alsopetitive with the Fragrance Restaurant, they were still fighting with their own abilities. Unlike the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, which imitated everything from the Fragrance Restaurant, from the name to the dishes. They disgusted people.


    Every season, as long as the Fragrance Restaurant produced a new product, they would definitely learn itter. Although the taste was barely replicated and would often be something different, they were cheap. The Fragrance Restaurant sold dishes for 10 copper coins apiece. They charged nine copper coins, and the Fragrance Restaurant sold 30 copper coins a pot of wine. They sold it for 29 copper coins. Don��t you think it��s infuriating?


    The old customers of the Fragrance Restaurant naturally looked down on those imitation goods, but some of them who had never eaten original dishes really felt that the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant was reliable. They were even led by someone from the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, saying that the Fragrance Restaurant was bullying customers and the price was too high. Shopkeeper Xu was so angry that he lost countless hairs. However, other than keeping his family��s recipe a secret, he could not do anything to them.


    After hearing this grudge, Xiaoxiao held her chin andughed. ��From the looks of it, the person who came to look for you to sell bamboo shoots is the same as the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant.��


    Shopkeeper Xu was puzzled. ��Why do I feel that you��re not in a hurry, Miss Ning?��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��Shopkeeper Xu, don��t worry. It��s fine if that person doesn��t go to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant. If he does, he might even avenge you.��


    Shopkeeper Xu sent her away with a head full of question marks. In the end, he went to look for Shopkeeper Liu worriedly. Unexpectedly, thetter was also very rxed. ��What��s the hurry? That girl is smart. Other than being inexperienced and being undervalued by me at the beginning, who else can let her suffer?��


    She reminded Shopkeeper Xu, ��Don��t forget that the use that the Fragrance Restaurant can only import from Ning Xiaoxiao was specially added when we signed the contract.��


    Shopkeeper Xu didn��t dare to believe it. ��Could it be that she already knew what would happen today? But how old is she?��


    Shopkeeper Liu yawned. ��I wouldn��t believe it in the past either, but the more 1 interact with that girl, the more 1 feel that she��s extraordinary. She��ll definitely have great achievements in the future. Moreover, 1 keep feeling that she��s holding back in front of us.��


    For example, when she mentioned a few ns for the Duanwu Festival sale in front of that girl a few times, that girl would always unconsciously smile. She was sure that that brat definitely had better ideas in her heart!


    At the same time that Shopkeeper Xu heaved a sigh of relief, he thought of a detail.. ��However, I heard from the bamboo shoot seller that his surname is also Ning����

 Chapter 78 - 78: How Dare I Take Your Money?

    Chapter 78: How Dare I Take Your Money?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Shopkeeper Liu rolled her eyes. ��That��s the brat��s own troubles. She��s not even anxious herself. Why are you so anxious?�� However, not long after he finished speaking, he asked, ��Were you really not afraid at all when you saw that girl back then?��


    Shopkeeper Xuughed in his heart. He knew that Shopkeeper Liu was stubborn but soft-hearted. He sat down and told her in detail.


    At this moment, not only was Xiaoxiao not anxious because someone had snatched her business, she even happily pulled Second Brother to a convenient corner to watch the show and watched Second Uncle Ninge out of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant.


    Second Uncle Ning came to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant after he failed at the Fragrance Restaurant. Although he was unhappy that someone had suppressed the price, it was still profitable to sell this kind of business without capital.


    There were many bamboo shoots on the mountain. He could dig as many as he wanted. The marinated materials were not worth much. He could use them again after using them once. Moreover, he could put in more water and less bamboo shoots when delivering the goods. Wouldn��t he earn back the suppressed price if he propped up the weight of the pickle jar?


    At this thought, he happily went to meet Second Aunt Ning.


    It was impossible for him to keep bringing such a big jar back and forth. It was tiring, right? Hence, when he went to negotiate, he relied on his glib tongue. He would send the goods for inspection after they were settled.


    Judging others by his own standards, he carefully poured out all the soup before taking away the pickled vegetable jar. He ensured that no one could tell what ingredients were added. After confirming that everything was ready, he easily picked up the much lighter jar.


    Xiaoxiao and Ning Eng followed him all the way until they reached the alley where Second Aunt Ning was waiting. Ning Eng panicked when he saw his second uncleing out of the alley. He rolled up his sleeves as if he was about to fight. Fortunately, Xiaoxiao was quick to stop him.


    Ning Eng scratched his ears and cheeks. ��Sister, why are you pulling me? Let me expose Second Uncle!�� It was fine that he had never received their help, but he even wanted to poach their business. What kind of family was this? What bloody kind of family was this?!


    Xiaoxiao raised her arm and patted Ning Eng��s shoulder. ��Second Brother, calm down. It��s fine if he can��t do this business. If he seeds, only he and the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant will be unlucky.��


    Ning Eng��s reaction was slower, so Xiaoxiao reminded him, ��Have you forgotten the ingredients 1 added to the pickle jar?��


    At the thought of this, Ning Eng calmed down and obediently followed his sister and Second Uncle.


    As expected, thetter went to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant again. Clearly, they had already negotiated the deal just now. However, a strange thing happened. Just as he stepped on the threshold of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, he suddenly staggered forward. With a ng, the pickled vegetable jar fell to the ground and shattered, the entire jar of sour bamboo shoots scattering all over the ground.


    Second Uncle Ning was dumbfounded. He turned around and scolded, ��Which blind bastard pushed me?�� However, there was no one behind him. Clearly, that fall just now was his own problem.


    Falling was a small matter, but business was a big deal. The shopkeeper was still waiting inside to try the food. If this matter did not work, the price they had negotiated just now would be for nothing.


    Second Uncle Ning was a quick-witted person when it came to money. Hence, when he saw the mess on the ground, his first reaction was to tell the shop assistant and run out again.


    The shop assistant looked at the mess at the door and pulled a long face. However, the instigator had already run away. Moreover, the shopkeeper specially instructed him to be more polite to this person, so he could only mutter softly and bend down to clean.


    However, just as he approached the pile of things, he could not help but feel like vomiting. What kind of strange smell was this? Was this thing really edible?


    As this jar of sour bamboo shoots from the eldest branch was very useful, no one in the old residence had touched it except for Old Madam Ning who picked up a few chopsticks to taste it at the beginning. Hence, no one knew what was going on with the bamboo shoots inside.


    Second Uncle Ning walked away too quickly, so of course he missed the opportunity to realize that something was wrong.


    Xiaoxiao and the others continued to follow their second uncle. The more they walked, the more familiar they felt that this route was. Xiaoxiao quickly thought of something and quickened her pace as she muttered to her second brother. Relying on his familiarity with this area, Ning Eng took a shortcut and quickly returned to his stall. When he arrived, he saw Rong Yan slowly walking over with Yun Yi.


    He and Xiaoxiao went to deliver the goods today and let Ning Dng take care of the stall. Dng was a little surprised to see Second Uncle suddenly appear, and he was even more surprised to hear that he wanted to buy their sour bamboo shoots. Just as he was hesitating, he saw his second brother, who had not returned after delivering goods to Fragrance Restaurant with his sister.


    His younger brother was impatient, especially when it came to matters rted to the old residence. Ning Dng hurriedly stood up and prepared to send his second uncle away before his younger brother said anything unpleasant.


    Unexpectedly, Ning Eng was faster than him. He took the spoon from his brother��s hand and filled tworge spoonfuls of sharp bamboo shoots for Second Uncle before he started wrapping them with oil paper. Ning Dng thought that he wanted to earn more money from Second Uncle. Second Uncle Ning thought so too and was already prepared to spend a lot of money. He even took out two copper coins in pain.


    Unexpectedly, Ning Eng changed his usual attitude and handed the oil paper bag forward. ��Second Uncle, if you want to eat sour bamboo shoots, just say it.. How can 1 ept your money?��

 Chapter 79 - 79: There’s A Strange Taste

    Chapter 79: There��s A Strange Taste


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    At this moment, there were quite a lot of peopleing and going. Although Ning Eng spoke quickly, his words were very clear and his voice was loud. ��Last time, Uncle, you said that Grandpa and Grandma wanted to eat it. Didn��t we also give them an entire jar without saying anything?�� At this point, he suddenly became puzzled. ��Did you finish such a big jarst time?��


    Second Uncle Ning had a guilty conscience. He stammered, ��Isn��t it because your food is delicious and I identally ate it a little faster?�� He definitely couldn��t let the eldest branch know that he had sent the bamboo shoots to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant and identally shattered them. Otherwise, he wouldn��t be able to do his business today.


    Fortunately, his mother had already marinated more than 10 jars of bamboo shoots at home ording to the taste she had tasted. Now, he just had to persuade the shopkeeper of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant with the bamboo shoots from the stall.


    Ning Eng happily continued, ��Of course. In terms of bamboo shoots, no one in our vige has thought of how to make them delicious after guarding the bamboo forest for so many years. Only my sister can make them. Second Uncle, don��t you think so?��


    Second Uncle Ning��s mind was filled with business. How could he have the time to care about what he said? After nodding, he took his things and left.


    Rong Yan watched him leave silently and went forward to hand the Ning brothers the snacks he had just bought.


    The two families had be familiar with each other recently, so they skipped the polite part. Ning Eng even said to them, ��Why don��t we go for noodles for lunch? We know a stall owner. His noodle soup tastes good and he gave us enough.��


    Rong Yan turned to look at Xiaoxiao, who was smiling expectantly. He averted his gaze and hummed. Then, he saw her mysteriously pulling his brothers to the side to whisper. He couldn��t help but recall that when he was young, he wanted to stay in his mother��s pce for a while longer, so he specially looked for the crown prince to ask him to invite him to eat together with his mother.


    He stole another nce at Xiaoxiao. Was she in the same mood as him now?


    Xiaoxiao, who did not know what he was thinking, pulled Ning Eng and asked him how he had dealt with Second Uncle just now. She wanted Second Uncle to think that she did not know that he had gone to Fragrance Restaurant, so she did not show up just now. After hearing Second Brother��s words, she gave him a thumbs up.


    Ning Eng asked her why she did this. Xiaoxiao asked mysteriously, ��Guess what Second Uncle is going to do with our bamboo shoots?��


    Ning Dng had just figured out the ins and outs. Apart from being angry, he was also very curious about what his sister wanted to do. He probed, ��Do you want to rece the broken jar of sour bamboo shoots and let the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant inspect the goods?��


    Xiaoxiao said exaggeratedly, ��Brother, how are you so smart? You guessed it right!��


    Ning Dng was embarrassed by her praise. He tapped her nose and said, ��Naughty.��


    On the other hand, Ning Eng was still confused. ��Then won��t we help Second Uncle?�� He had just followed his sister��s instructions, but he did not want to be a generous man and push his family��s money-making business to his bastard Second Uncle!


    Xiaoxiao sighed and gave him a hint. ��Second Brother, think about it. If Second Uncle uses our bamboo shoots to negotiate a deal and the goods sent don��t match, will the shopkeeper of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant admit defeat just like that?��


    She had added ingredients to the pickled vegetable jar so that Second Uncle Ning wouldn��t be unable to do business. She didn��t expect him to be much bolder than she thought. The shopkeeper of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant wasn��t easy to deal with. Second Uncle Ning naturally could only wait to suffer the consequences of his actions.


    Ning Eng pondered for a while and immediately smiled like the silly son of andlord. He even said to Rong Yan and the others happily, ��The noodles for lunch are on me!��


    Rong Yan nced at Xiaoxiao��s smile. ��Then I��ll go cut some braised minced meat.��


    Hence, it was decided happily. However, Xiaoxiao still had something to do before dinner. She left her eldest brother to look after the stall and pulled her second brother back to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant.


    Behind her, Rong Yan took a piece of ugly bamboo shoots from Yun Yi. He could not help but frown when he smelled it and threw it far away.. ��Are you saying that the bamboo shoots that Ning Feng just took to Tianxiang Restaurant have such a strange smell?��

 Chapter 80 - 80: No Relationship At All

    Chapter 80: No Rtionship At All


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Yun Yi agreed and asked again, ��Master, do you want me to let Ning Fengcai fall again?��


    Rong Yan looked at Xiaoxiao��s bouncing figure and shook his head. ��Let��s take a look first. She might�� have other ns.�� Otherwise, she would have been anxious until now. Instead of saying that she was going to settle scores with her second uncle, she looked more like she was going to watch the show.


    When Second Uncle Ning walked into the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant with the bamboo shoots that the eldest branch had provided for free again, heughed at his nephews and nieces for being stupid in his heart. At the same time, he thought about the money he would get soon and was so happy that he could not close his mouth.


    The shopkeeper was waiting for him in the private room. Seeing that he had been gone for a long time, his expression naturally wouldn��t be good. Second Uncle Ning wiped the non-existent sweat on his forehead and lied through his teeth. ��I just reached the door when I was pushed by some blind thing and dropped the jar.��


    He emphasized, ��But Shopkeeper, don��t worry. I have more here. Try it and see if it��s the same as the Fragrance Restaurant.��


    The shopkeeper pinched a piece of sour bamboo shoots with a look of disdain and sniffed it before putting it into his mouth. However, he did not like to eat this cheap stuff. He spat it out after chewing it twice.


    Recently, he had specially sent someone to buy sour bamboo shoots from a restaurant. It was exactly this taste. He asked Second Uncle Ning, ��When can they be delivered?��


    Second Uncle Ning was overjoyed. ��Very soon, very soon. It��ll be ready in 10 days at most!�� This matter was done! He could almost see countless copper coins flying towards him with wings.


    The shopkeeper rinsed his mouth with tea. ��Then send 10 jars over in 10 days.��


    Second Uncle Ning��s eyes were about to light up. Obediently, he ran out as well. ��As expected of a big business. This is much more generous than the small-scale business at Fragrance Restaurant.��


    The shopkeeper did not show it on his face, but the smile on his lips was obviously much wider.


    Second Uncle Ning didn��t even have time to drink a sip of tea when he was sent away. However, he wasn��t unhappy at all, because he was calcting the benefits that 10 jars of sour bamboo shoots could bring him in his heart. Unexpectedly, he met the unlucky girl from the eldest branch the moment he left.


    Second Uncle Ning frowned and wanted to pretend not to see her, but Ning Eng, who had been holding back his anger behind Xiaoxiao, had already said, ��Second Uncle, we just heard that you��re here to sell sour bamboo shoots too?��


    The word ��too�� was very wonderful.


    The deal with Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant had just beenpleted. Second Uncle Ning was afraid that something would happen, so he immediately scolded, ��Why? your family is allowed to sell bamboo shoots, but no one else is allowed to do this deal?��


    Xiaoxiao asked gently, ��Of course not, but as far as I know, Second Uncle, you didn��t know how to do this in the past. But our family����


    She spoke very slowly, so slowly that Second Uncle Ning interrupted her in time. ��Your grandma has been making pickled vegetables for many years. What��s so strange about her knowing how to make sour bamboo shoots? It��s just that your grandma keeps a low profile and doesn��t brag about it everywhere like you do.��


    ��Why? Now that we��ve split up and your wings have hardened, you can��t bear to see our old residence use our skills to earn money and want to cause trouble?��


    Although Xiaoxiao had already told him the purpose of this trip, Ning Eng was still so angry that his liver hurt. He took a step forward. ��Second Uncle, do you mean that the bamboo shoots you��re selling were all developed by Grandmother herself and have nothing to do with us?��


    When Second Uncle Ning heard this, he thought they were jealous of his business and wanted a share of it? That wouldn��t do! Hence, he immediately said firmly, ��Of course. This bamboo shoot was personally developed by your grandmother, my mother, from the beginning to the end. The cooking method was only passed down to our second branch. I don��t mind that you found the cooking method from somewhere.. You can��t possibly say that our old residence learned from you, right?��

 Chapter 81 - 81: It Has Nothing To Do With You

    Chapter 81: It Has Nothing To Do With You


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    In that case, it had always been the winner who spoke first. At least, the surrounding onlookers who did not know what was going on were already silently convinced that Second Uncle Ning was telling the truth. After all, between an old woman who had been making pickled vegetables for decades and a child, they instinctively believed in the old woman��s skills.


    Ning Eng was so angry that he wanted to roll up his sleeves. At this moment, he needed ��Best Actress�� Xiaoxiao to do it herself. Her eyes gradually turned red as she looked at Second Uncle Ning pitifully and asked, ��Second Uncle, do you really want to distinguish between us?��


    Second Uncle Ning answered firmly, ��It��s not that I want to make things clear with you, but my business has nothing to do with you in the first ce. I��ll say this. Don��t even think about swindling others in the name of our old residence in the future! It��s just something worthless, but you actually sold it at such an expensive price with that Fragrance Restaurant. Fortunately, there��s still the honest shopkeeper of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant. I won��t ask you to lie anymore!��


    If it weren��t for the fact that she was still acting, Xiaoxiao would haveughed. In a sense, Second Uncle Ning was indeed a talent. He actually didn��t forget to advertise at such a time when he was distorting right and wrong. My Uncle, you��re amazing!


    Since they had already lured Second Uncle Ning to say what they wanted to hear, Xiaoxiao and the others looked at the lively crowd around them and left ��dejectedly�� with their heads lowered. Not far away from them, Yun Yi was following Rong Yan��s next order. As long as his master nodded, he would cover his face and smash all the pickled vegetable jars in the Ning Family��s old residence. It was also a small matter to secretly beat up Ning Fengcai.


    Rong Yan��s gaze was on Xiaoxiao the entire time. Seeing her shoulders tremble, he couldn��t help but reach out to help her up. Unexpectedly, when she looked up, she revealed a smile that she couldn��t control. She was quite surprised to see Rong Yan��s actions.


    ��Eh, Young Master Ah Yan, what are you doing?��


    Rong Yan turned his hand in the other direction without changing his expression and patted her shoulder. ��There��s a worm.��


    After she thanked him and ran away with her second brother, Rong Yan instructed Yun Yi, ��You don��t have to do anything. Just keep an eye on him. If he still wants to harm the Ning Family, report it to me immediately.��


    Yun Yi epted the order and heard his master say, ��The roads in the countryside are slippery today. Be more stable when youe back. Otherwise, I��m afraid you��ll fall again.��


    Yun Yi clicked his tongue. As a qualified personal guard, he was very good at finding keywords in his master��s words, such as ��slippery��, ��again��, and ��fall��. He turned to look at Second Uncle Ning, who was still smug outside the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, and his eyes revealed gloating disdain.


    No one could bully their neighbor, Miss Ning. Miss Ning��s cooking was so delicious!


    After exchanging their acting experiences with Second Brother, Xiaoxiao and Xiao Yan returned to the stall. After picking up Big Brother, they went to eat noodles. It was only when the noodles were on the table that she remembered to ask, ��What is Young Master Ah Yan here to do today? Why do I keep bumping into you?��


    She was too happy that she was about to mess with Second Uncle Ning, so she couldn��t help but smile. The stool at the noodle stall was a little too high for her. Now that her feet were swaying in the air, she was obviously in a good mood.


    Rong Yan shifted his gaze to the side. ��I��m just strolling around.�� Then, he muttered in his heart, Are you so happy to meet me? You don��t knowhow to hide it.


    Ning Eng was also very happy today. When he said that he would treat them, he really treated them to a meal. It was not like the usual two bowls of noodles for three people. Instead, he waved his hand generously and gave them a bowl each. He even specially said to the boss, ��Add an egg for my sister!��


    Actually, Xiaoxiao had eaten a few mouthfuls of snacks from the shopkeeper and couldn��t really eat them. However, the boss��s eggs had already been boiled and served, so it wasn��t appropriate for her to return them. Hence, she turned to look at her brothers.


    The two brothers of the Ning Family judged others by themselves. They felt that their sister was trying to save it for them, so they insisted on covering the bowl and refused to take it. Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and pushed the small bowl filled with eggs in front of Rong Yan. ��Eat it. You��re too thin..��

 Chapter 82 - 82: Who Do You Choose?

    Chapter 82: Who Do You Choose?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    As a chef, it was disrespectful to eat forcefully when one wasn��t hungry, but it was disrespectful to money if they waste food. Xiaoxiao��s expression was serious and firm.


    Rong Yan��s first reaction was to reject her, but when he looked up and saw her ��anticipating�� gaze, he couldn��t bear to reject her.


    Forget it. Girls were thin-skinned. It would embarrass her if he rejected her in public.


    Seeing him put the egg into his bowl, Xiaoxiao, who was nning to continue persuading him, smiled and lowered her head to eat the noodles.


    The soup made by the noodle stall owner tasted average, but it was not bad due to the craftsmanship that he had umted over the years. The noodles were kneaded vigorously and snapped when he gritted his teeth, but they were not sticky and soft.


    Yun Yi realized that the noodles today tasted quite ordinary. His master had finished them all, including the eggs.


    Naturally, they would not continue setting up the stall in the afternoon. The few of them returned together. When they were about to reach home, the three siblings bade farewell to their neighbors. They looked at each other, looked up at the sky, and began to adjust their emotions.


    Hence, when they reached home, Ning Fengnian and his wife saw three angry faces of varying degrees. The two of them were stunned. ��What��s going on?��


    Xiaoxiao quickly finished exining the matter, and Ning Fengnian��s face darkened. ��How could Second Brother do such a thing!��


    After saying that, he put down the half-finished bamboo basket and nned to go to the old residence to settle scores with Second Uncle Ning. However, he was stopped by his daughter just as he was about to leave.


    ��Father, don��t go. It��s useless even if you go. Second Uncle already said that Grandmother made those bamboo shoots herself. It has nothing to do with us. If we rashly go to their door, not only will it not be good, but he might also pursue the matter of us ��stealing knowledge��.��


    What twisted logic! They had watched Xiaoxiao make the sour bamboo shoots herself. Besides, who in the family didn��t know their daughter��s talent in cooking?


    Xiaoxiao sighed. ��No matter how the old residence makes sour bamboo shoots, Grandpa and Grandma must have tacitly agreed to Second Uncle selling bamboo shoots now.��


    Ning Fengnian paused, and his expression gradually darkened. ��Father is useless����


    Xiaoxiao had heard this countless times, but when she looked at the bamboo braids piled up in the courtyard that were much more exquisite than others��, she thought of the well-ordered seedlings in the fields at home and could not help but shake her head and sigh. ��Father, I don��t care if the old residence takes advantage of me.��


    ��But I want to ask you a question. Let��s say that one day, you have to choose between the old residence and our family. Who do you choose?��


    Ning Fengnian was stunned on the spot, but from that day onwards, he didn��t care about the old residence��s fields anymore.


    The old residence naturally had something to say about this, especially Old Madam Ning. After cursing ��My oldest son is ungrateful�� as usual, she finally remembered what she had done and shut up reluctantly.


    The more she looked at her younger son, the more satisfied she became. ��My son is still the best at business. He took on 10 big deals at once. This is an ie of more than a thousand copper coins. If we can earn money like this every month, won��t our family be rich very soon?��


    Second Uncle Ning looked down on his mother��s inexperienced appearance. It was only a tael of silver, but she was already so happy. She was so useless. He rubbed his aching waist and scolded Second Aunt Ning, ��You stupid woman, be gentle. It hurts!��


    Old Madam Ning also scolded, ��That��s right. You��re so clumsy. What else do you know except to eat, drink, and sh*t all day long? That woman from the first branch can even show off her lousy embroidery skills. What about you?��


    Second Aunt Ning felt aggrieved. She didn��t know what bad luck she had after returning from the county. She fell all the way and twisted her waist. Her mother-inw asked her to rub it with medicinal wine. Didn��t she have to use all her strength to rub the medicinal oil?!


    However, she had also remembered what her mother-inw had said just now. She also knew that her sister-inw sold embroidery work. It was shouted out by the old woman in the vige who specialized in collecting small embroidery items. She said that the daughter-inw of the Ning Family��s eldest branch had the ability to find a big client, but she also hid something that she was unwilling to share with her sisters who usually did embroidery work with her. It was obvious that she was petty.


    Everyone knew that the old woman was envious of the copper coins that she could not earn, but they were indeed envious. They heard that Sister-inw��s embroidery could be sold for 20 copper coins per piece!


    After a few twists and turns in her heart, Second Aunt Ning casually wiped the medicinal oil off her clothes and secretly went to the main house..

 Chapter 83 - 83: Where Did This Thief Come From?

    Chapter 83: Where Did This Thief Come From?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Today, Xiaoxiao and Madam Song were at home. The brothers went to the fields with their father to work and prepare to nt seedlings, so they did not go out to set up the stall. When they saw Second Aunt Ninging, Madam Song was about to deliver food to them.


    Recently, the Ning Family had also started to eat three meals. Of course, this was mainly because they had to work in the fields. Xiaoxiao said, ��How can they have the strength to work if they��re not full? They don��t even make donkeys work hungry, let alone humans.�� Although her words were a little annoying, she still received Madam Song��s approval. Moreover, her family��s life had improved recently, so she couldn��t bear to treat her husband and children badly.


    In the afternoon, Xiaoxiao made pancakes. In the middle of the thin pancake skin, there were cooked vegetables and meat slices. Then, she added the pickled vegetables and sauce she made at home. With a bite, the thick and harmonious taste could drive away fatigue. Xiaoxiao even specially filled the bamboo tube her father made with hot radish bone soup. They could take a bite of the pancake and a sip of the soup. It was extremely beautiful.


    Recently, the vigers, who were also working in the fields, were especially envious of the Ning Family��s eldest branch as soon as it was time for dinner. Although they couldn��t see what was in the pancake from afar and the Ning Family didn��t like to tell them, they couldn��t resist its fragrance! Hence, Second Aunt Ning naturally coveted this smell. Madam Song was embarrassed for her.


    Her three children had never swallowed their saliva in front of someone else��s kitchen. Second Aunt was a grown-up after all!


    Madam Song hated the old residence for secretly learning sour bamboo shoots and even suppressed the price to sell them. After that, they even falsely used her family of secretly learning their skills. Madam Song pretended not to understand the desire in Second Aunt Ning��s eyes. She covered the basket with the food and asked, ��What��s the matter, Second Sister-inw?��


    Second Aunt Ning drooled with difficulty. She pulled her gaze out of the kitchen and picked up the basket of needles and thread. ��Isn��t it because the weather is good that I came to talk to you?��


    Madam Song did not feel that she had anything to say to her, so she said indifferently, ��That��s really a coincidence. I was just about to send food to the children��s father.��


    Second Aunt Ning had never been tempted by food before. She leaned over and was about to lift the basket. ��What are you eating? Let me take a look.��


    Madam Song turned around and dodged it. ��It��s just a pancake made by our family. It��ll turn cold when you open it. It��ll affect the tasteter. If you have nothing else to do, Second Aunt, I��ll go get busy first.�� She immediately chased her away.


    Xiaoxiao listened from inside and wished she could give her mother a bewitching praise. However, after looking at the needles, threads, and a bunch of items in Second Aunt Ning��s hand, she blinked and pulled open the door to run out after her mother left. As she ran, she shouted, ��Mother, you missed the bucket of soup!��


    Not long after she left, Second Aunt Ning turned back sneakily. Xiaoxiao��s voice was loud and she had not gone far, so she heard it clearly. What was even better was that that brat had forgotten to lock the door before leaving.


    Second Aunt Ning chuckled, pushed open the door, and went in.


    Xiaoxiao caught up with Madam Song halfway. She lifted the basket and counted. She knocked her head. ��Aiya, so 1 counted wrongly. However, I��ve already sent them over. Mother, you might as well bring them all. You can drink some yourself when theye.��


    After saying that, she eximed, ��Aiya, I had toe out in a hurry. The door wasn��t locked!�� Then, she ran back.


    Madam Song watched in amusement as her daughter ran far away, but she did not pay much attention to the matter of ��locking the door��. The vigers of Fortune Vige were simple and honest, and there were no hooligans in the vige. How could it be so coincidental for their poor family to encounter someone breaking into their house in broad daylight?


    Xiaoxiao didn��t think so. Moreover, when she walked out of the house, she also saw a door that waspletely different from before she left. She licked her lips, rubbed her hands, and picked up the wooden club used to wash clothes outside the fence. She listened to themotion in the courtyard and shouted when she saw other vigers passing by��


    ��Where did this thiefe from!��

 Chapter 84 - 84: Hurry Up And Deliver The Goods

    Chapter 84: Hurry Up And Deliver The Goods


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Second Aunt Ning was so frightened that her needles and threads fell to the ground. Before she could pick them up, she saw Xiaoxiao kick open the courtyard door and rush in with a few other vigers. Seeing that it was her, Xiaoxiao immediately pulled someone else. ��Uncle, Aunt, don��t move. My Second Aunt is pregnant. Don��t touch her!��


    The vigers who came to help only felt that she was sensible, but Second Aunt Ning felt that Eldest Brother was unhappy. What did she mean by ��pregnant��? Was she a pig?


    After Xiaoxiao stopped her, she frowned again. ��Second Aunt, my mother said that she was going out to send food when you came just now. You already know that there��s no one at my house. Why did youe in?��


    Second Aunt Ning pretended to be calm and snorted. ��I left my things here. Why? Do I have to watch the sun outside your house and wait for you toe back?��


    After saying that, she even spat, ��Do you think there��s anything good in your house?!�� Then, she rolled her eyes and left. Just as she walked out of everyone��s sight, she couldn��t help but pat her chest. She was scared to death. Why did that brate back so quickly? Fortunately, she was also fast and had long found what she was looking for.


    When Madam Song and the others returned, Xiaoxiao casually told them about this interlude. After Madam Song heard this, she didn��t even bother to eat. She hurriedly rushed back into the house and heaved a sigh of relief when she realized that everything was there. However, she didn��t understand something. ��I remember locking the door before 1 left.��


    Xiaoxiao remained calm. ��Perhaps Mother remembered wrongly? It can��t be that Second Aunt picked the lock, right?��


    Of course not. If Second Aunt Ning had such ability, she would have gone somewhere to steal. The lock was opened by Xiaoxiao to make things easier for Second Aunt Ning.


    Xiaoxiao lowered her head and ate, as if she was not very concerned about this matter. However, she kept paying attention to the movements in the old residence for the next few days. No, it should be Second Aunt Ning��s movements.


    Second Aunt Ning liked the designs of the little tiger in Madam Song��s house the more she looked at them. Thinking that the baby in her stomach happened to be the zodiac tiger, she decided to follow that picture and sew a belly band for her son!


    Second Aunt knew that Madam Song was going to the Ruyi Clothing Shop to sell embroidery, so when she hurriedly embroidered the first finished product, she refused to go to that shop. She had also learned Second Uncle Ning��s trick and set the price of the embroidery at 18 copper coins. Second Aunt Ning valiantly stepped into another cloth shop in the county.


    She did not look for a middle-aged female agent. If she had money for that woman, she would earn it herself. Besides, look at how her sister-inw hid it. She knew that this design was worth a lot!


    She left with anticipation, but someone dampened her with 10 copper coins. ��What, 10 copper coins? The Ruyi Clothing Shop gave me 20 copper coins!��


    The cloth shop staff was very cold. ��Look at your embroidery skills. I��m already considering that these designs are novel by giving you io copper coins. There��s no need to discuss anything else.��


    Second Aunt Ning was flustered. She knew very well how ��good�� her embroidery skill was, but she did not expect it to be so far off from her sister-inw. However, she was not slower than Second Uncle Ning when it came to money. She immediately said, ��I��m not here to sell embroidery. I��m selling designs!��


    Although she was not good at embroidery or painting, she could speak and gesture. With this cloth shop��s embroiderydies�� talent, they managed to replicate most of this little tiger pattern in the afternoon. Although it was not exactly the same, it was indeed much more interesting than the peony and roses ones outside. Only then did the shopkeeper raise his chin and give Second Aunt Ning 6oo copper coins, making her leave happily.


    Just as she left, Xiaoxiao circled around the door and went to the Ruyi Clothing Shop.


    Shopkeeper Liu was watering the flowers leisurely. When she saw her, she only looked upzily. ��The snacks are on the table. Take them yourself.��


    Xiaoxiao pinched a piece of osmanthus cake and stuffed it into her mouth. ��Am I here to eat snacks? Can you stop treating me like an insensible brat? Oh right, is there tea? There��s too much sugar in this cake. It��s so sweet!��


    Shopkeeper Liu put down the kettle and got tea for the ��brat��. ��You don��t visit unless you need something. Do you have new designs to sell?��


    Xiaoxiao wiped her mouth. ��There��s no hurry. I��m here to tell you that someone should be producing a replica of the little tiger soon. Hurry up and sell it.��


    Shopkeeper Liu narrowed her eyes and looked at her. Xiaoxiao shrank her neck. ��I know I��m good-looking, but don��t look at me like that. Shopkeeper Xu will be so envious.��


    Shopkeeper Liu blushed and waved her sleeve, wanting to hit her. The two of them yed for a while before the first batch of little tiger��s shipment was scheduled. Xiaoxiao cleared her throat.. ��By the way, there��s something else that I need beautiful Sister Liu��s help with-��

 Chapter 85 - 85: Remember What I Said Today

    Chapter 85: Remember What I Said Today


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Shopkeeper Liu rolled her eyes even more coquettishly. ��Shopkeeper Liu bes Sister Liu when you need my help. If you��re a man, you��re definitely a lecher who ys with a woman��s feelings!��


    ��Lecher�� Xiaoxiao had a serious expression. ��Nonsense. If I��m a man, 1 can only be a Casanova who loves a beauty like Sister Liu wholeheartedly! Ahem, here��s the thing����


    Rong Yan, who came out of the Ruyi Clothing Shop with Yun Yi, thought about it when he saw her. He had asked Yun Yi to keep an eye on the old residence, so he knew why Second Aunt Ning came to the county. He was originally worried that Ning Xiaoxiao would be bullied, so he specially came to help. Looking at her expression now, it seemed to be settled.


    It wasn��t just Second Aunt Ning. She also didn��t seem to be surprised by what Second Uncle Ning had done. Rong Yan couldn��t hide his smile when he thought of how she had deliberately ndered Second Aunt Ning in front of her father.


    He waved his hand at Yun Yi, who was waiting at the side. ��Forget it. Let��s wait and see.�� This little girl was not a stupid bun to be bullied. What if they helped blindly and ended up causing trouble? Just likest time, if Yun Yi had not broken Second Uncle Ning��s pickled vegetable jar, he might not have been able to do business with Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant from the beginning.


    However, he still had to keep an eye on them. Rong Yan did not think that it was overkill to let his guards treat a group of farmers as targets. Yun Yi himself rubbed his fists and swore to protect their chef, Miss Ning.


    On the day the old residence��s sour bamboo shoots were delivered, Second Uncle Ning went to ��borrow�� the handcart. Old Madam Ning opened the lid confidently and was about to taste it when she saw Ning Xiaoxiao��s annoying figure appear at the door.


    Xiaoxiao��s face was filled with sorrow. ��Grandma, if you sell these bamboo shoots, what will happen to the livelihood my family has painstakingly found?��


    Old Madam Ning spat fiercely. ��That��s your eldest branch��s business. What has it got to do with me? You should have known when you were determined to split up that you wouldn��t be able to take any glory from our old residence in the future!��


    Xiaoxiaoined in her heart. If you have the ability, don��t even think about taking advantage of our eldest branch. However, she only squeezed out an even deeper worry on her face. ��But Grandma, you can��t make the price so low����


    Old Madam Ning sat on the small stool and crossed her legs smugly. ��I��m willing. What can you do about it? You��re really worrying too much!��


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao had already walked up to Old Madam Ning. She could touch the pickled vegetable jar with a stretch of her hand. She lowered her voice and moved closer to Old Madam Ning, using her small head to block thetter��s vision. ��But Grandma, to be honest, do your sour bamboo shoots really have nothing to do with my family?��


    As she spoke, she tapped her small hand on the already opened jar. Theyer of sour bamboo shoots at the top changed in the blink of an eye. Xiaoxiao had reced the old residence��s bamboo shoots with her own under Old Madam Ning��s nose.


    Old Madam Ning��s heart skipped a beat and she didn��t notice Xiaoxiao��s small actions at all. Of course, she didn��t care even if she noticed it. She shouted at the top of her lungs, trying to cover her guilt in her voice. ��What nonsense are you talking about? 1 made these bamboo shoots myself. It has nothing to do with you. If you mention this again in the future, believe it or not, I��ll tear your mouth apart!��


    Xiaoxiao had already done what she wanted to do. She immediately decided to retreat and not give Old Madam Ning a chance to touch her.


    Before she left, she smiled and said ambiguously, ��I hope Grandma can remember what I said today.��


    Old Madam Ning, who wanted to show off her might, scolded Xiaoxiao for being unlucky when she saw her run away. Then, she picked up a sour bamboo shoot from the pickled vegetable jar to taste.


    At this moment, Second Uncle Ning also pushed the cart he borrowed from somewhere into the house. ��Mother, how does it taste?��


    Old Madam Ning smacked her lips.. ��Why? Don��t you trust your mother��s cooking?��

 Chapter 86 - 86: Uneasy

    Chapter 86: Uneasy


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Second Uncle Ning chuckled as he stepped forward and took a bite. That��s right. This was the taste.


    He ced the jars on the cart. ��How can that be? Mother��s pickled vegetable skills are iparable.��


    When Second Uncle Ning pushed the cart with 10rge jars towards the county, he was actually filled with the desire to show off. However, in order to prevent others from snatching business from him, he still kept a very low profile. The cart was even specially covered with ayer of cloth so that no one could see what was inside. However, in Xiaoxiao��s words��


    ��If I didn��t know better, I would have thought that he was going to transport the night soil.��


    Ning Eng, who was still angry, burst intoughter. Xiaoxiao patted him. ��Second Brother, watch. His unlucky days are yet toe.��


    At that time, no one expected Xiaoxiao��s ��yet toe�� to happen so quickly.


    After the bamboo shoots were sent to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, Second Uncle Ning excitedly took back a tael of silver and a bag of copper coins. The Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant also immediately began to publicize their new sour bamboo shoots that had just beenunched by the Fragrance Restaurant not long ago. Most importantly, the price of each dish was a few copper coins lower than the Fragrance Restaurant!


    This really disgusted Shopkeeper Xu. Although the price of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant was low, their taste was not good and the quantity was small. However, there were those customers who were greedy for small benefits. Now, the entire county said that the Fragrance Restaurant was bullying customers.


    He was so angry that he ran to the Ruyi Clothing Shop to drink tea to cool down. Xiaoxiaoforted him casually at the side and he asked, ��Do you have any other pickled vegetables at home?��


    Xiaoxiao sighed. ��Shopkeeper Xu, you��re being forced into a corner. Is pickled vegetables something precious? If you have the time to fight with them for this, why don��t you focus on researching some new dishes?��


    How could Shopkeeper Xu not know this logic? However, there were only so many things about cooking. As chefs, they always liked to hide their skills. It was already good enough that they did not lose them over time. How could they be expected to make new dishes?


    He looked at Xiaoxiao expectantly, but Xiaoxiao only coughed lightly and said vaguely, ��I��ll go back and think about it.��


    After returning home, Xiaoxiao turned around and saw her parents�� bitter frowns.


    Ever since the first day the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurantunched the ��new dishes��, the Fragrance Restaurant had correspondingly reduced the prepared dishes rted to bamboo shoots. Today, when they collected the Ning Family��s bamboo shoots, they also said that they only wanted three jars next time. It was fine if they did not have this ie in the past. No one could let it go when they suddenly lost it after getting used to it.


    Ning Fengnian sighed and said, ��Forget it. At least our family has already saved up eight taels of silver. In the past, we wouldn��t even dare to think about this amount. It��s almost time to nt seedlings. Let��s farm well in the future and live a stable life.��


    Xiaoxiao shot nces at her brothers and said to her father at the same time, ��Father, why don��t we go to the vige chief��s house first and return the silver on credit? 1 don��t feel at ease owing money.��


    Her father was a contented person. This was a good thing, but it was not entirely a good thing with the old residence eyeing them covetously. Hence, she was worried about the money in her father��s hands.


    She was not the only one who was worried. Ning Eng immediately pulled their father to the vige chief��s house.


    Ning Fengnian thought about it and felt that his daughter��s words made sense. He did it without hesitation.


    With this calction, there were about two taels of silver left at home. Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes and said to her mother casually, ��Mother, I saw something strange in the county today..��

 Chapter 87 - 87: Is It The Taste We Want?

    Chapter 87: Is It The Taste We Want?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    She said seriously, ��Mother, you know that the Ruyi Clothing Shop has been selling the little tiger you embroidered previously in the past two days, right? However, when I went to the streets today, I actually saw another cloth shop selling it too.��


    ��Logically speaking, that shouldn��t be the case. Even if they learned from the Ruyi Clothing Shop, it shouldn��t be so fast. Moreover, do you know that those people��s actions are simr to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant? They deliberately lowered the price and went against the Ruyi Clothing Shop.��


    Madam Song did not care at first. However, as she listened to her daughter speak, she slowly remembered that Second Aunt Ning hade uninvited, snuck into their house, and even opened her door.


    Seeing that Madam Song had stopped what she was doing unconsciously, Xiaoxiao added, ��Shopkeeper Liu was very angry when 1 went to the Ruyi Clothing Shop today. She said that she would definitely find the person who leaked the designs and punish her severely. It sounds quite serious.��


    Madam Song��s heart was pounding. She thought that although Second Sister-inw was usually a little irritating, she shouldn��t be so shameless, right?


    However, deep down, she was getting more and more worried.


    At this moment, in the county, the shopkeeper of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant was sitting on the second floor and looking at the ount book. The business during the first few days of sour bamboo shoots��unch was so good that he smiled until his eyes narrowed. However, for some reason, the more he went on, the fewer people ordered sour bamboo shoots.


    What he didn��t know was that a few days ago, most of the customers went there because the dishes of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant were high-quality imitations of the Fragrance Restaurant and were cheaper. However, only when these two conditions were met at the same time would the customers feel that they had a good deal. After eating, they realized that they were not the same thing. Moreover, the taste of the sour bamboo shoots of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant was strange and difficult to swallow. They would only try it for a day or two. If they did it too many times, how could they be suckers?


    Just as he was feeling puzzled, Shopkeeper Lei saw the servant��splicated expression when he came to invite him to the kitchen.


    As no one ordered, the sauce jar filled with sour bamboo shoots was ced alone in the corner. Shopkeeper Lei couldn��t help but cover his nose when he got someone to open it. After opening it with the chefs to check, he raised his foot and kicked over the jar. ��Good, Ning Fengcai and the Ning Family!��


    The taste of the bamboo shoots was secondary. The key was that the things in the jar had already molded and deteriorated! If the customers ate them, wouldn��t their restaurant be destroyed by them?


    However, there was a servant adding fuel to the fire. ��No wonder the two families sell the same bamboo shoots. So they deliberately framed us! Could it be that they colluded with the Fragrance Restaurant?��


    Shopkeeper Lei felt that what he said made sense, but after walking around the kitchen twice, he felt that he could not confront the Fragrance Restaurant righteously. He pped the table. ��The Ning Family is so bold!��


    Not long after, the courtyard door of the Ning Family��s old residence was kicked open. A few fierce-looking burly men held wooden clubs and smashed their things with a wave of their hands.


    Old Madam Ning screamed, ��Who are you?! What are you doing?!��


    Old Sir Ning hugged his pipe immediately and shouted with bravado, ��Aren��t you afraid that we��ll report you to the authorities for trespassing?��


    The leader of the burly men was called Wang Biao. He ced the wooden club on his shoulder and put his hand on it. He took out a contract in a sloppy manner. ��Report to the officials, right? Sure.��


    He pointed at a line of words on the contract. ��Today, a farmer, Ning Youcai, sold sour bamboo shoots to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant for 180 copper coins a jar�� If the sour bamboo shoots provided by Ning Fengcai don��t meet the requirements of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, he has to pay 10 times thepensation.��


    He said to Ning Youcai, whose face was already swollen after being punched a few times, ��What is our request? There��s no need to tell you, right?�� Then, he got hisckeys to carry up a sauce jar that still had half a jar left. He pressed Ning Youcai��s head and pressed him in. ��Smell it yourself. Is this the taste we want?��


    There was a sour and rotten smell in the sauce jar. It was already unbearable outside. Ning Feng��s face was covered in sauce and he vomited.


    Wang Biao stepped on him again and scolded, ��Is this something a human can eat?��

 Chapter 88 - 88: I’ll Bring You To My Brother

    Chapter 88: I��ll Bring You To My Brother


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    There were still several jars of it in the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant��s kitchen. The sour bamboo shoots inside all had strange smells. It was not obvious in the first two days after they were sent over. On the third day, it made people want to vomit. Fortunately, the strange smell was strong. Otherwise, if they really sent this thing to the customers to eat, wouldn��t their restaurant be overturned by the customers?


    Ning Fengcai, who had finished vomiting, was dumbfounded. ��Impossible. These sour bamboo shoots were clearly fine when they were sent over. Your shopkeeper has tried them too!��


    Wang Biao didn��t care how he quibbled. He picked him up and beat him up to vent his anger. Old Sir Ning and Old Madam Ning didn��t dare to step forward to stop the fight at all. Second Aunt Ning also held her stomach, afraid of being implicated. Little Aunt Ning and Third Uncle Ning, who were in the house, heard themotion outside and immediately locked their doors. It had to be said that the cold and heartless behavior of the people in the old residence was exactly the same.


    Ning Fengcai was dizzy from the beating. Just as he calmed down, he saw the burly men smash the other sauce vats in the courtyard with a club. Immediately, a sour stench rushed into his nose. Wang Biao got someone topare the bamboo shoots they brought with the ones in the courtyard of the old residence. He asked him, ��What else do you have to say?��


    The bamboo shoots were also ck and moldy, and the smell was also nauseating. Ning Fengcai really had nothing to say.


    Wang Biao raised the lethal wooden club again. ��Tell me, did you collude with the Fragrance Restaurant to frame us?��


    Ning Fengcai, who was frightened by the beating, covered his face and rolled on the ground. Seeing that the intimidation was almost in ce, Wang Biao stepped on Ning Fengcai��s back. ��10 times the price of sour bamboo shoots is 18 taels. Adding up the losses of our Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant and the consultation fees of the customers who ate something bad, it��s about 50 taels in total. If you know what��s good for you, bring the silver over now or hand over the recipe for sour bamboo shoots. Otherwise, hehe.��


    He hit Ning Fengcai��s leg with the club, causing him to scream like a pig being ughtered. ��Ah!! I don��t have the recipe. It��s my brother��s. My brother��s family made these bamboo shoots! I��ll bring you guys there. I��ll bring you to my brother to ask for the recipe!�� He actually didn��t think ofpensation at all.


    Wang Biao nodded in satisfaction and put away the wooden stick. ��Aren��t you going to lead the way?��


    ***


    The Ning father and sons had just packed up their farm tools and nned to go to the fields to take care of the seedlings after dinner. At this moment, there was a knock on the door.


    Outside the door was a burly man whom no one knew. Ning Fengnian, who went to open the door, turned around in confusion and saw his bruised second brother, his second sister-inw, who had her arm twisted behind them, and Old Sir Ning and his wife, who had ugly expressions.


    ��And you are?��


    Wang Biao ignored Ning Fengnian��s question. He only nced at the sauce jars in the courtyard of the main house that were simr to the old residence. He hooked a stool with his foot and ced it under his butt. Then, he raised his hand and pointed. ��Smash them!�� ording to his experience, these vigers could not withstand fear. They became obedient after a smashing.


    With a ng, a pickle jar shattered. Ning Fengnian and his two sons were a step toote. Then, they immediately grabbed shovels and hoes and stood in front of this group of people. ��Who dares!��


    Xiaoxiao had already gone out the back door when she saw that they had ill intentions. She found a child and asked him to run to the vige chief quickly. When she heard the sound, she hurriedly ran back.


    Looking at the father and sons, who were carrying hoes and shovels at the same time, Wang Biao raised his eyebrows and pointed at Madam Song, who had just walked out of the house. Immediately, a burly man walked towards Madam Song with ill intentions.


    Everyone from the old residence watched coldly and indifferently. They even gloated in their hearts that the eldest branch was about to be as unlucky as them.


    Xiaoxiao red and went forward to pull Madam Song to the kitchen. However, Madam Song was already shocked and her footsteps slowed down. Seeing that the two of them were about to be caught, Xiaoxiao saw a shadow sh past on the ground. Then, she heard someone scream behind her..

 Chapter 89 - 89: Two Nings Can’t Be Written In One Brush

    Chapter 89: Two Nings Can��t Be Written In One Brush


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    She turned around reflexively and saw Yun Yi calmly dislocating the joints on the burly man��s arms. Rong Yan jumped down from the wall in an imposing and calm manner and even cupped his hands politely at them.


    ��The courtyard door was blocked. I had no choice but to jump over the wall. I hope everyone can forgive me.��


    This was the first time Xiaoxiao had seen the legendary QinggongO and she did note back to her senses for the time being. She only felt that the little master next door was really suitable to fly around like this. He looked like a little immortal child.


    Rong Yan gestured to Yun Yi and the others. Thetter understood and kicked over the burly men blocking the courtyard door in no time, opening the door.


    He looked at the smashed sauce jar and thought that if he hade a stepter, the wooden stick might have hit Ning Xiaoxiao. His anger surged. The burly man, who could not move his arm, had already been kicked to the ground by Yun Yi. Rong Yan stepped on his fingers as if he could not see it. He did not use much strength, but the burly man��s face was filled with pain, as if he was to shout out at the next moment.


    Rong Yan frowned impatiently. He raised his toes and dislocated his chin. This person was in so much pain that he fainted.


    Then, he walked up to Xiaoxiao and asked, ��Are you alright?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. She was still immersed in her admiration for martial arts and could not retract her gaze from Rong Yan for a moment. Little did she know that the heart of the person in front of her was beating faster. It was unknown if he was frightened or being watched.


    Their eyes met and Rong Yan looked away first. Unexpectedly, this action happened to catch Xiaoxiao��s red ears. She blinked and took a step closer to him, wanting to take a closer look. Rong Yan��s face was about to heat up from her staring. He turned around and red at the remaining troublemakers.


    Yun Yi and the others were all personal guards who had followed their master for many years. Seeing him look up, they understood what their master meant. Hence, they clenched their fists and nned to teach this group of bastards who dared to cause trouble at the Ning Family a lesson.


    Xiaoxiao hurriedly tugged at Rong Yan��s sleeve and whispered to him, ��Let��s see what they want first.��


    Rong Yan turned around strangely. Was it an illusion? Why did he feel that Ning Xiaoxiao sounded like she was looking forward to it?


    Rong Yan and the others crossed their arms and looked coldly at the strangers in the courtyard.


    Seeing that the young man was looking at him, Wang Biao, who realized that these people were not to be trifled with, hurriedly took out the contract signed by Ning Fengcai and showed it to everyone.


    ��Hey, hey, hey. A gentleman uses his words but not his fists. It was your Second Uncle��s bamboo shoots that harmed my restaurant��s reputation. That��s why I followed him to get the recipe for sour bamboo shoots!��


    Ning Dng quickly read through it with a puzzled expression. ��This is the contract signed by my Second Uncle and you. Why are you looking for us?��


    Wang Biao gave Second Uncle Ning a threatening look. ��Based on what you��re saying, Ning Fengcai��s sour bamboo shoots are not the same as yours?��


    He knocked the club on his hand meaningfully. ��That��s not what you said when you sold the bamboo shoots to us.��


    Second Uncle Ning trembled and could not speak, but Xiaoxiao was interested. ��Oh? Then what did he say?��


    Wang Biao nced at Second Uncle Ning, who didn��t dare to look up. ��They said that his bamboo shoots are identical to yours. They taste the same as the Fragrance Restaurant when my shopkeeper tries them.��


    Wang Biao looked at Rong Yan and the rest, who were not to be trifled with, and pretended to be very reasonable. ��The most important thing in a restaurant is reputation. Since our restaurant has already said that we have sour bamboo shoots, we naturally can��t swallow our words. However, we don��t dare to believe your Second Uncle��s skills. Of course, we won��t dare to ept his bamboo shoots in the future. Isn��t it reasonable topensate or hand over the recipe for sour bamboo shoots?��


    Second Uncle Ning said in a half pleading and half sarcastic tone, ��Big Brother, you can��t write two Ning characters in one brush stroke. We��re family after all. We must be worth more than a recipe. Hand it over to them.��

 Chapter 90 - 90: Compensate If You Don’t Give Me The Recipe

    Chapter 90: Compensate If You Don��t Give Me The Recipe


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Fengnian was stunned by the tragic state on his brother��s face and did not know what to say for a moment. Second Uncle Ning continued, ��Even if you don��t care about me, your half-brother, it��s not good to ignore your parents, right?��


    ��Can you bear to live a good life and watch your parents suffer and be beaten?��


    Ning Fengnian looked conflicted, but Xiaoxiao was very clear-headed. She listened to the many footsteps that were rapidly approaching outside the courtyard and said calmly, ��Second Uncle, your words are interesting. It��s as if my father is unfilial if he doesn��t take over this mess. 1 want to ask you, why did you hide your own recipe but use my family��s things to repay your debt?�� Second Uncle Ningined incessantly. Where could he get a recipe? The things made ording to his recipe were ced in the courtyard of the old residence, but would they ept them?


    He wanted to put on the airs of an elder with a straight face, but he cried out in pain when he pulled at his wound.


    Xiaoxiao smiled again. ��What did you say when I asked Second Uncle and Grandma back then?��


    She looked at the two of them and said calmly, ��Second Uncle said that your business has nothing to do with us. He even warned us not to swindle others in the name of the old residence. Grandma, you said that you made this bamboo shoot yourself and it has nothing to do with our family. You even said that if I mention this again, you��ll tear my mouth apart.��


    Second Uncle Ning had a bitter expression on his face. He had really shot himself in the foot. He couldn��t go back on his word and say that he didn��t remember them today because the vigers who had heard those words had already crowded around the vige chief.


    Although Fortune Vige was small, it was united enough. Dozens of young and strong men rolled up their sleeves and squeezed into the courtyard with fierce expressions. The scene was really scary. Ning Fengnian thanked the vige chief, and Ning Eng quickly exined the matter.


    The vige chief frowned and looked at the old residence. His impression of this family was really terrible now. He was willing to help his vigers not be bullied by outsiders, but that had to be on the premise that it was reasonable. Who could Ning Fengcai me for courting death?


    ��Since the matter has been made clear and there��s a contract as evidence, Fengcai,pensate them with the recipe and let them do it themselves.�� Was there a need to make such a simple matter like this?


    He looked at Wang Biao disapprovingly. ��You are already shouting and smashing things the moment youe up. You even brought such arge group of people to the house of unrted people to cause trouble. Do you think that there��s no one in our Fortune Vige?��


    As if to reflect the weight of these words, the young and strong men he brought collectively took a step forward and red at him fiercely. Even someone like Wang Biao, who was used to doing shameless work, was frightened by this scene and took a step back. Then, he looked at Second Uncle Ning unhappily.


    ��You heard it too. Give it to me.�� Xiaoxiao and the others also looked at Second Uncle with burning eyes, wanting to see what other lies he coulde up with. Second Uncle Ning broke out in cold sweat under so many pairs of eyes, but he still gritted his teeth and did not say anything.


    Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes and added fuel to the fire. ��Looks like Second Uncle can��t bear to part with it?��


    Second Uncle Ning held it in for a long time before saying, ��I don��t have a recipe.��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��How is that possible? He already said that the taste of the bamboo shoots you sent to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant is very normal. The fact that it can be sessfully made by them means that there��s no problem with the recipe. The bamboo shoots you gaveter might not be good enough because your skills are not good enough. Let them study the recipe. They might be able to make it.��


    Second Uncle Ning couldn��t find any words to refute. Wang Biao immediately waved the contract in his hand. ��If you don��t give me the recipe, you��llpensate us!��


    The shopkeeper actually didn��t care if these two Ning Family members were colluding on purpose or had an internal conflict. What he wanted was just to get the recipe for sour bamboo shoots, so he specially set thepensation at an extremely high price.


    As expected, Second Uncle Ning��s expression twisted the next moment��it was impossible topensate him. It was so much for 50 taels. How could he afford it? No, even if he could, he didn��t want to fork out this unjust money! It was all Big Brother��s fault for being petty. It was just a lousy recipe. He treated it like a treasure and refused to help him. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He immediately raised his head and red at his Big Brother.


    This useless piece of trash!

 Chapter 91 - 91: Break A Finger First

    Chapter 91: Break A Finger First


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    This was the first time Ning Fengnian saw his second brother��s gaze. It was as if he was not his biological brother but an irreconcble enemy. Although Second Uncle Ning retracted his gaze in an instant, Ning Fengnian was still shocked speechless.


    Wang Biao wasn��t willing to tolerate Second Uncle Ning��s shameless behavior. ��Don��t stall for time. Either give me the recipe or the silver. If you can��t take out the silver�� ording to the rules of the underworld, if you don��t return the money you owe, I��ll break one of your fingers first!��


    Second Uncle Ning hurriedly put on a pitiful expression. ��Brother, please save me. I was muddle-headed and imitated your family��s business. In the end, 1 even messed it up. Just take out the recipe and save me!��


    ��If I don��t give the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant an exnation today, they won��t let me off!��


    However, Xiaoxiao looked unconvinced. ��But you can clearly make bamboo shoots that taste good. Didn��t the shopkeeper try them?��


    Second Uncle Ning gritted his teeth and told them everything. ��I took your bamboo shoots for him to try. Eng and Dng should remember that I bought them at your stall the day 1 went to the county!��


    Without thinking, Er Lang added, ��You didn��t pay for them!��


    The vigers were silent and marveled at Second Uncle Ning��s shamelessness.


    Xiaoxiao was very satisfied with the effect today and even made a tidy statement. ��So, Second Uncle, you lied to us and said that Grandpa and Grandma like to eat, so you moved a whole jar of bamboo shoots back from my house. Then, you secretly learned how to pickle bamboo shoots and said that you created them yourself and sold them to the county at a low price, causing my family��s bamboo shoots to be unsold now. Now that you��ve caused trouble, you still want my family to take out our money-making recipe to repay your debts?��


    The vigers whispered to each other, making everyone in the old residence lose face.


    Xiaoxiao embarrassed the old residence for a while before asking with a straight face, ��Is this also what Grandpa and Grandma want?��


    Old Madam Ning wished she could dig a hole and hide in it too early. She hated her second son for confessing everything without thinking, but she was even more dissatisfied with Xiaoxiao for pulling off the cover of the old residence and letting everyone see their true colors.


    However, Wang Biao��s ruthlessness just now was still vivid in her mind. Her second son was still in their hands, so she put on a miserable expression. ��Fengnian, are you really going to be heartless and ignore us? Have you forgotten the kindness 1 worked so hard to bring you up?��


    Ning Fengnian��s lips had just moved when he saw another person walk in from outside the courtyard.


    The person who came was a well-dressed and dignified woman. She sized up Madam Song. ��You��re Song Qiuwan, the one who embroidered for our Ruyi Clothing Shop?��


    Madam Song didn��t know who it was, but she still bowed when she heard her question. ��It��s me.��


    The person rolled her eyes with an extremely dissatisfied expression. ��Very good, I��m looking for you!��


    Madam Song was puzzled. She turned around and invited the woman into the house. Thetter nced at the Ning Family��s mess and took out two handkerchiefs from her arms. She stood there and asked, ��Do you recognize this?��


    Madam Song took a closer look and quickly nodded. ��The one on the right is my embroidery. The other����


    Although they were very simr, the stitches were a little hasty, and the drawing was not perfect. It looked like it was made in a hurry, but it also looked like she was imitating it. She was sure that it was not her work. The woman shook her handkerchief. ��You can tell too, right? The one on the left is a replica.��


    Other than Xiaoxiao, no one noticed that Second Aunt Ning��s expression had been very unnatural ever since this woman took out the two handkerchiefs. When she heard the words ��replica��, she couldn��t help but tremble.


    At this moment, the woman began to introduce herself. ��I��m the manager of the Ruyi Clothing Shop. The handkerchief in your right hand is the new designs released by our Ruyi Clothing Shop two days ago. The one on your left is the ��new product�� released by the Peony Clothing Shop on the same day.. In this case, do you understand what I mean?��

 Chapter 92 - 92: Where’s Your Conscience?

    Chapter 92: Where��s Your Conscience?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Fengnian, who was forcing himself to stay alert, did not understand, but Ning Dng��s expression had already changed.


    Madam Song pondered carefully, and her expression turned even uglier.


    Although the little tiger��s design was notplicated, it was impossible for it to be made ording to a finished product on the same day even if the person did not eat or drink. Hence, the Peony Clothing Shop must have obtained the design in advance!


    However, she had not left the house for the past few days. Other than delivering food to the head of the household and her sons, she only stayed in the house and embroidered. She had never let anyone see her designs�� Suddenly, her face turned as pale as snow��the day she delivered food!


    Her gaze wandered through the crowd and finallynded on Second Aunt Ning, who was trying her best to hide. She was so angry that her entire body was trembling. Xiaoxiao��s heart ached when she saw this, but she gritted her teeth and did not say anything.


    The person Shopkeeper Liu found was reliable. She was sarcastic and shrewd. She grasped the main point very urately.


    The woman raised her chin at Madam Song arrogantly. ��Looks like you��ve already thought it through. Then this matter will be much easier. I think you��ve already heard about the importance of keeping the designs a secret when you took on this embroidery job back then. Our boss never suspected you at first and only thought that our shop had someone unreliable. She didn��t think of investigating it all the way, but she found out that the person who sold the designs to the Peony Clothing Shop was your second sister-inw.��


    Madam Song felt like a basin of cold water had been sshed on her head. Ning Fengnian was also stunned. The surrounding vigers turned to look at the protagonist.


    The woman didn��t look at their reactions. She only asked Madam Song from the corner of her eye, ��You know the rules. 1 don��t want more from you. ording to the contract, 20 taels of silver. Hand it over.��


    Madam Song held back her tears and took a deep breath to return to her room. She took out the silver and ced it in the woman��s hand. Although she was poor, she knew how to keep her word. No matter how Second Sister-inw stole the designs, she would ept the punishment since the things leaked out from her.


    Because of her shame, her face turned pale. ��I��m ashamed. This is all the money I have in my family. Can you give me some time to repay the rest? I promise that I��ll do my best to return it as soon as possible.��


    The woman casually looked at Xiaoxiao. Seeing her shake her head slightly, she continued to put on a straight face and say the words she had prepared. ��Then write an 1OU. 1 see that you��re not an unreasonable person, so I��ll give you a year��s time, but����


    She narrowed her eyes and said, ��If you still can��t pay it back in a year, we can only meet in court.��


    Madam Song��s hands were trembling when she took her copy of the 1OU papers. After sending the woman away, Madam Song��s legs went weak and she almost fell to the ground. Fortunately, Ning Dng and Ning Eng were quick and strong enough to support her.


    Tears fell from her eyes and rolled down her chin to the ground. Every drop left a mud mark, but Ning Fengnian felt that it was a needle tip that pierced his heart.


    Xiaoxiao wiped her mother��s tears with a handkerchief and didn��t even look at Ning Fengnian. ��Second Aunt, you��re really capable!��


    Second Aunt Ning kept retreating. ��Don��t nder me! Let me tell you, this has nothing to do with me. Sister-inw must have gone out to show off herself!��


    Old Madam Ning did not know that her second daughter-inw had done such a thing, but she still ced her hands on her hips. ��That��s right. You��re ndering us! Don��t think that we��re fools!��


    The vigers sighed. The Ning Family��s eldest branch and the old residence��s behavior were worlds apart when they were also chased after. Thinking about it again, the ones who caused trouble were the old residence��s people. The Ning Family��s eldest branch only suffered an undeserved cmity. The vigers immediately looked down on everyone in the old residence.


    Madam Song��s eyes were red. ��Sister-inw, where��s your conscience?��


    Xiaoxiao sighed and said softly, ��It was probably eaten by a dog..��

 Chapter 93 - 93: You Have to Repay This Favor

    Chapter 93: You Have to Repay This Favor


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Or perhaps these people in the old residence were born iplete and did not have that thing at all.


    Rong Yan turned to look at her thin shoulders. He retracted his arms in horror as soon as he raised them. What did he want to do just now? Why did he have such thoughts?


    Ning Fengnian was extremely conflicted. He suddenly recalled the question his daughter had asked not long ago��


    ��Let��s say that one day, you have to choose between the old residence and our family. Who do you choose?��


    That��s right. He had never thought that his parents, brothers, and family would be a multiple-choice question.


    His expression was ugly, but he looked at his parents pleadingly. ��Father, Mother����


    Old Madam Ning pped her thigh. ��If it weren��t for the fact that you only cared about your own good days after we split up and didn��t have the two of us in your hearts, Fengcai wouldn��t have encountered such a thing and wouldn��t have been beaten up like this.��


    ��Ning Fengnian, listen up. Fengcai and I saved your life. If you watch him get his finger cut off now, you��ll be worse than a wolf. You��ll be struck by lightning!��


    Second Aunt Ning also howled. ��That��s right. You��re just losing a recipe. My husband is going to lose a finger!��


    Ning Fengnian looked at his former family and felt as if he no longer knew them.


    Xiaoxiao waited for Old Madam Ning and Second Aunt Ning to finish scolding before she said faintly, ��Haven��t you considered payingpensation obediently?��


    The two of them paused and stared at her with tears in their eyes. ��What do you know? They want 50 taels of silver. Have you seen so much silver in your life?��


    After saying that, she looked at Ning Fengnian. ��Fengnian, tell me, are you going to give me that recipe or not!��


    Yun Yi and the others were tempted and clenched their fists until they cracked. They only calmed down when Rong Yan nced at them.


    He looked at Xiaoxiao again and prepared to throw all these people out if he noticed her frown.


    Xiaoxiao was also waiting for Ning Fengnian��s decision. After a long time, he finally raised his head and looked straight into his parents�� eyes. ��Father, Mother, have you ever thought about how my family of five will live in the future if we take out the recipe for sour bamboo shoots?��


    ��How are we going to face the shopkeeper of the Fragrance Restaurant in the future if we give the recipe to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant like this?��


    ��How are you going to return us the 20 taels of silver that Second Sister-inw caused?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded in satisfaction. Her father was not muddle-headed after all.


    However, Old Madam Ning was dissatisfied. When she heard Ning Fengnian��s rejection, her expression twisted. She went forward and pped Ning Fengnian hard. ��God, open your eyes. Look at what I raised with my hard work. Why don��t you be struck by lightning and die! Back then, I would rather starve my own son to let him live. Is this how he repays me?��


    The vigers, who originally had someints about the old residence, looked at each other. Old Madam Ning had said this for many years, but it was useful.


    Ning Fengnian didn��t dodge. He took the p firmly, but he still wouldn��t let go. ��Mother, hit me until you calm down.��


    Old Madam Ning��s eyes were filled with ruthlessness. She really raised her arm high. ��Calm down? Dream on! Ning Fengnian, you owe me your life. You have to repay this favor even if you have to sell everything today!��


    This ruthless p did not seed because Xiaoxiao went forward and pulled Ning Fengnian away.


    ��Father, why aren��t you dodging?��


    Ning Fengnian��s face was filled with pain. ��It��s my fault. As a husband, father, and son, I��m a failure. I deserve to be beaten up.��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��But Father, Grandma won��t be satisfied even if you let her hit you. Grandma doesn��t want these few ps today. She wants the recipe..��

 Chapter 94 - 94: Don’t Owe You Anymore

    Chapter 94: Don��t Owe You Anymore


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Fengnian held his daughter��s hand. ��No, you worked hard toe up with the recipe. If we keep it, we��ll be more diligent and hardworking in the future. There will be a time when our lives will get better. However, if we hand the recipe to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, we��ll be breaking our promise to the Fragrance Restaurant. We��ll definitely be enemies with the Fragrance Restaurant in the future. Then, there��ll really be no room for negotiation.��


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows. Her father was quite clear-headed when he wasn��t muddle-headed.


    However, Old Madam Ning would not allow him to walk down the path of rity, especially when she had a helper.


    At this dilemma, Second Aunt Ning, who was one of the focuses of attention, suddenly had an idea. She held her stomach and started to cry.


    ��My stomach. My stomach hurts so much. Aiyo, my precious son!��


    Second Uncle Ning took over the role very quickly. He dragged an inflexible leg and ran over to support her. Then, he started to criticize Ning Fengnian. ��Big Brother, are you forcing our family to death?��


    Old Madam Ning immediately started acting pitiful. ��Fengnian, I��m begging you. On ount that your younger brother almost lost his life to save you back then, save him. It��s not a loss for you to exchange a recipe for a life!��


    Xiaoxiao suddenly had an idea and interrupted, ��Grandma, do you mean that if we give you the recipe for sour bamboo shoots today, it will be considered as repaying the favor my father owed you for causing Second Uncle to fall sick?��


    She was sick of the old residence talking about this all day long. She didn��t want to see her father always lower his head in front of the old residence because of this again.


    At this moment, be it Old Madam Ning or Second Uncle Ning, their minds were filled with thoughts of tricking the first branch to help them clear the debt of Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant. How could they have the time to think? Hearing Xiaoxiao��s question, they hurriedly nodded. They thought that they still needed to persuade her, but they saw Ning Xiaoxiao, who had be more and more difficult to deal with recently, run back into the house and take out a piece of paper to wave at them.


    Everyone in the old residence and Wang Biao couldn��t wait to go forward and snatch it. With a look from Rong Yan, Yun Yi and the others immediately stood in front of her, looking rather intimidating.


    Wang Biao, Old Madam Ning, and the others didn��t dare to move anymore. Xiaoxiao nodded at Rong Yan and thanked him. Then, she waved the paper in her hand in the direction of the people in the old residence. Ning Fengnian, who was closest to her, was very moved. ��Xiaoxiao, 1 understand your intentions, but���� Before he could say ��no��, Old Madam Ning had already grabbed the recipe and pressed it tightly in her arms, as if she was afraid that Xiaoxiao would go back on her word.


    Xiaoxiao shook her head at Ning Fengnian. ��Father, it��s just a recipe. It��s worth it for you to hold your head high and have a clear conscience from now on. Let��s live a good life together from now on. It��s better than anything.��


    Ning Fengnian looked at his daughter, whom he felt like he had just met, in a daze. He felt his heart suddenly surge. Something that had been blocking his heart suddenly became clear. It was as if the clouds in the dark sky had parted and the sky was clear. He nodded heavily. ��Alright!��


    Old Madam Ning couldn��t read. She didn��t know what was on the recipe that Xiaoxiao had written, so she secretly spread the paper to Second Uncle Ning. She didn��t care about her son��s intelligence and that he could only recognize a few more words than her. Wang Biao saw through her thoughts at a nce and took the recipe away.


    Ning Fengnian looked at his mother��s happy and smug expression and thought back to his father��s silent indulgence and his second brother and sister-inw��s self-righteous attitude. Whatever was in his heart had changed.


    Wang Biao used his limited knowledge to scan the words on the paper. ��Since we��ve already obtained the recipe and confirmed that there��s no problem, we��ll stop with the sour bamboo shoots issue. If you have any good recipes in the future, you��re wee to remember our Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant.�� After saying that, he left decisively under the cold gazes of Rong Yan��s guards.


    When the people in the old residence saw them walk away, they immediately spat on the ground valiantly. ��What the hell!��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t care about their argument. She crossed her arms and nced at everyone in the old residence. ��We��ve agreed that from now on, my father doesn��t owe you anything..��

 Chapter 95 - 95: We’re Free

    Chapter 95: We��re Free


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After saying that, she bowed to the vige chief and the others. ��Uncles, Aunts, please bear witness for us. Our family has no qualms about being filial.��


    Then, she looked at Second Aunt Ning, who was pretending to have a stomach ache in order to avoid responsibility, with a faint smile. ��The recipe��s matter has been resolved. Shouldn��t we talk about thepensation for the 20 taels of silver next?��


    Second Aunt Ning��s cries of pain immediately became louder. Old Madam Ning and Second Uncle Ning condemned her repeatedly. ��Do you have any conscience? Can��t you see that your Second Aunt is already like this? You��re actually only thinking about money when her life is at stake. It��s obvious that you��re heartless!��


    Ning Dng and his brother looked angry. However, their sister had just asked them to promise not to speak. Otherwise, she would be angry with themter and wouldn��t cook for them. The two of them were threatened. They could only clench their fists and stand beside their sister, silently expressing their support.


    Xiaoxiao knew that filial piety was heaven in this era, and the more rural the ce was, the more terrifying the rumors were. She didn��t want her brothers to be a topic of gossip because they contradicted their elders for her. Since she had be their younger sister in this life and enjoyed their love, she naturally had to do her best so that they could be respected at all times.


    After the family in the old residence had said enough, Xiaoxiao said, ��Grandma, Second Uncle, why are you so agitated? What 1 mean is that since Second Aunt is not feeling well, she should stay at home and recuperate in the future. Don��te to my house from time to time.��


    She said meaningfully, ��I wonder what will happen to everyone in the old residence if you identally add more debts in the future. My family will really have no way out. At that time, I can��t possibly find a second recipe to give away, right? Grandpa, Grandma, and Second Uncle are so kind-hearted. I don��t think they will deliberately harm our lives like this.��


    Old Madam Ning and Second Uncle Ning were stumped. Just as they were about to scold her to vent their anger, they heard Xiaoxiao say in a voice that only the people in the old residence could hear, ��As for the 20 taels, if my family doesn��t return them, I wonder if all of you can stay out of trouble if it really gets to the courts a yearter.��


    Old Madam Ning red at her. She didn��t understand. She just wanted to spit this little bastard in front of her to death, but Second Uncle Ning, who was extremely sensitive to money, was rmed. That��s right! Their separation hadn��t been registered in the government office. If the eldest branch didn��t pay their debts and was sued, their old residence would also be implicated!


    However, he was unwilling to return the money with them or go to jail!


    In order not to alert them, he pretended not to understand and pulled his mother away. ��Mother, was there still porridge cooking in the pot before we left?��


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t see the emotions in people��s eyes, but it wasn��t difficult for her to guess Second Uncle Ning��s thoughts at this moment. Seeing them leave in a hurry, she didn��t stop them. She had worked so hard to set up such a big game. She hoped that those selfish so-called ��family members�� wouldn��t disappoint her.


    After the people from the old residence left, the vige chief sighed and left. It was difficult for an honest official to resolve family matters. Moreover, he was only a small vige chief. However, after witnessing this farce today, he could not help but lean towards the eldest branch in the future.


    Seeing that the matter had been resolved, the other vigers also left in whispers. Presumably, everyone would know about the ugly behavior of the old residence��s upants the next day.


    Very good. Xiaoxiao felt that she could talk to Shopkeeper Xu about their next coboration tomorrow.


    Seeing the serious expressions on everyone��s faces, Rong Yan felt that it was inconvenient for him to stay. He said to Xiaoxiao, ��Come to us if you need help.�� Then, he bade farewell and left.


    ��What should we do���� There was only her family left in the small courtyard. Madam Song could no longer control her cries. ��What should we do in the future!��


    Xiaoxiao walked over and hugged her. ��Mother, you shouldn��t cry. You should smile.��


    Madam Song looked up in confusion. Xiaoxiao wiped her tears for her. ��From now on, the old residence can no longer hold on to Father��s matters when he was young and ask for anything from our family. Second Aunt is afraid of being chased for 20 taels and doesn��t dare toe and steal again. Mother, we��re free..��

 Chapter 96 - 96: Clown

    Chapter 96: Clown


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Madam Song was still in a daze when Xiaoxiao smiled and said to her, ��Mother, how do you know that we won��t be able to earn more in the future since we can earn two taels in just two months? As long as we work hard, we can even earn back 200 taels or 2,000 taels for you, let alone 20 taels.��


    She blinked yfully. ��At that time, my brothers and 1 will buy a few maid servants for you and Father. You just have to nt flowers at home, y the zither, and be a rich and idle person. Father will be a bigndlord, the kind who owns the best qualitynd.��


    Madam Song only thought that her daughter wasforting her. She wanted to smile, but she couldn��t. She couldn��t hide the worry on her face. ��How are we going to tell the manager of the Fragrance Restaurant about the recipe and the Ruyi Clothing Shop����


    The business was definitely gone, but what she cared about the most was that she had broken her promise. She felt guilty.


    Xiaoxiao poured a ss of water for her parents. ��Don��t worry, 1��11 go to the county tomorrow. Shopkeeper Xu and Shopkeeper Liu are very good people. This isn��t our fault. They won��t take their anger out on us.��


    Madam Song and Ning Fengnian were still worried. ��We have to do this personally to show our sincerity.��


    The next day, as expected, their entire family set off. Ning Eng was no longer in the mood to set up a stall. The family arrived at Fragrance Restaurant with heavy hearts, only to see the shopkeeper inviting them in amiably. He poured tea and served snacks. Not only did he not criticize them, but he alsoforted them first.


    ��I��m ashamed. I just found out that the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant actually went to cause trouble for you and implicated you. It��s my fault.��


    Everyone from the Ning Family, who were mentally prepared to be scolded, was stunned on the spot. T-t-this was different from what they thought.


    From an angle that no one could see, Xiaoxiao nodded gratefully at Shopkeeper Xu. She knew that if her parents did note personally, the two of them would not be at ease even if she exined it to them herself. She might as well take this opportunity to let theme out for a walk.


    Not only was Shopkeeper Xu not angry or scolding them, but he also personally went to invite Shopkeeper Liu when he found out that they were nning to go to the Ruyi Clothing Shop in the afternoon.


    Just as they were about to apologize after calming their nervousness, they heard the beautiful and imposing Shopkeeper Liu smile and said, ��1 happened to go out yesterday. 1 just heard that the manager went to the Ning Family. You shouldn��t be med for this. I didn��t tell you in advance and frightened you.��


    Ning Fengnian and Madam Song looked at the two shopkeepers in surprise, then at their children, as if to say: Are the two shopkeepers who do business with our family so friendly?


    Compared to his ��family members�� in the old residence, Ning Fengnian had mixed feelings.


    Shopkeeper Xu invited the Ning Family to stay for a sumptuous lunch. Shopkeeper Liu also expressed that thepensation was a pure misunderstanding. She immediately tore the 1OU and returned the two taels of silver that she had just taken yesterday.


    How could Madam Song ept it? She said that she had leaked the designs because she did not keep it a secret well. She had to take responsibility. Shopkeeper Liu��s persuasion was fruitless. She nced at Xiaoxiao, who was watching the show, and suddenly pped her hands and thought of a good idea.


    ��How about this? Coincidentally, 1 still have urgent embroidery work to do next, but the embroiderydies in the cloth shop are all busy. If Sister-inw is free, why don��t you take this order? 1��11 use the two taels of silver as a deposit for the materials. When Sister-inwpletes the embroidery work, 1��11 return the reward and deposit.��


    Madam Song still felt that she had taken advantage of her. Shopkeeper Liu looked at Xiaoxiao and said faintly, ��Sister-inw, don��t worry. If you do that embroidery well and earn back the profits for our Ruyi Clothing Shop, it will definitely be enough to offset the small losses caused by that little tiger.��


    Xiaoxiao:�� Good lord, the pressure is on her now.


    Shopkeeper Liu said disdainfully, ��A fake is just a fake after all. They can only feel inferior in front of the high-quality products of our Ruyi Clothing Shop. Sister-inw, don��t worry. Soon, those clowns won��t be able to jump around anymore..��

 Chapter 97 - 97: More Money

    Chapter 97: More Money


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The confident look of the female shopkeeper in front of her infected Madam Song. Seeing that she could not decline and that the other party was sincere, she stood up and bowed. ��Then I��ll ept this favor and not let you down!��


    Xiaoxiao propped her chin on her hand and looked at her mother��s upright and much tougher standing posture. She felt happy.


    Madam Song asked again, ��May I ask what Shopkeeper Liu needs me to embroider this time?��


    Xiaoxiao saw Shopkeeper Liu shift her gaze to her. ��Oh, 1 have to discuss this with your daughter.�� This gaze was very malicious in Xiaoxiao��s eyes. She acutely felt that she was about to be extorted!


    Ning Fengnian and Madam Song were wondering why they wanted to discuss it with their daughter when they heard Shopkeeper Xu stand up with a smile. ��Coincidentally, 1 also want to discuss our future cooperation with Miss Ning.��


    Ning Fengnian and Madam Song were very surprised. The Fragrance Restaurant was actually willing to cooperate with their family?


    Now that the matter that had been weighing on their hearts had been resolved, Ning Dng and Ning Eng decided to bring their parents around. Xiaoxiao was left behind to face the two pairs of bright eyes alone.


    She scratched her head. ��Don��t look at me like that. It��s embarrassing. Why don��t the two of you look at each other?��


    Shopkeeper Xu coughed after hearing that. Shopkeeper Liu rolled her eyes and poked Xiaoxiao��s head with her finger. ��Don��t give me that. Old Xu did not do well. I did as you said. I��ve already bragged to your mother. Flurry up and hand over the new designs!��


    Xiaoxiao tilted her head. ��You know that 1 have designs again?��


    Shopkeeper Liu crossed her arms and looked at her. ��Pretend. Continue pretending!��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��There is indeed one.�� She took out the charcoal pen she had prepared and started drawing on the paper they had prepared.


    Shopkeeper Liu realized that this girl��s drawings were different from the onesmonly seen in Great Xia. Thinking of the uniqueness of the Twelve Zodiacs, she wanted toe over and take a closer look. Unexpectedly, just as she moved, she saw Xiaoxiao wave her hand. ��Hey, don��t move. If you move, it won��t look like you.��


    Shopkeeper Liu blinked. ��Are you drawing me?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at her, then at the drawing, and then drew left and right. Not long after, she nodded in satisfaction and turned the paper to her. ��What do you think?��


    Shopkeeper Liu and Shopkeeper Xu could not help but exim, ��This!��


    The little person on the drawing paper was short and cute. Fler bun-like face was pretending to be serious. She stretched out a small hand and even raised her index finger. It was exactly the way Shopkeeper Liu pointed at Xiaoxiao��s head just now.


    Shopkeeper Xu racked his brains andmented, ��This looks like her, but it isn��tpletely. It��s very interesting.��


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes at the straight man. Fortunately, Shopkeeper Liu knew what was good for her. She even sighed. ��This is actually me? It��s so cute! It��s clearly round, but it doesn��t look fat at all. It��s so magical!��


    Shopkeeper Xu was mesmerized by Shopkeeper Liu��s rare girly expression. Xiaoxiao rubbed her cheeks and asked, ��Do the two of you think it��s attractive to customize such designs for the most esteemed customers in the shop?��


    Shopkeeper Liu instantly smelled money from this cute design. Aiyo, she liked it even more!


    Xiaoxiao smiled and drew a few more strokes on the paper, drawing a simple background. ��What do you think?��


    How was it? Shopkeeper Liu looked at the little figure who looked like her and was overjoyed. However, she held back her smile and squeezed out an arrogant and cold expression. ��Just one?��


    Xiaoxiao��s face was full of disdain. ��This is to thank you for your help. If you want more���� She rubbed her fingers.. ��You have to pay more!��

 Chapter 98 - 98: Opening Up The Situation

    Chapter 98: Opening Up The Situation


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Shopkeeper Liu really wanted to hit someone. Her gritted teeth made Xiaoxiao��s inspiration explode. With a flick of her finger, Xiaoxiao created another vivid version of an angry doll. Shopkeeper Liu liked it, but at the same time, she wanted to hit Xiaoxiao even more. She held it in, but she could not hold it in anymore. She grabbed Xiaoxiao��s face.


    ��You naughty girl!��


    Xiaoxiao smiled cheekily and drew another drawing of someone holding a book. However, she schemingly wrote the word ��ount book�� on the book conferment page and forcefully turned the book fragrance into a copper stench. Shopkeeper Liu gritted her teeth, rolled up her sleeves, and tickled Xiaoxiao��s waist, making her beg for mercy repeatedly andugh until her eyes were filled with tears.


    After teasing her enough, Xiaoxiao��s waist was grabbed by two ��demonic ws�� as she obediently drew a doll that was doing needlework. ��Here, here, here. I��ll give it to you. Pick whichever one you like.��


    Shopkeeper Liu snorted proudly and pushed thest piece in front of Xiaoxiao. ��Give this to your mother. Embroider a screen that can be ced in the cloth shop as a facade model. Remember to embroider me prettier.��


    Xiaoxiao did not dare to act rashly after being tickled. She pouted and went to take the other few pieces. She actually felt that those pieces were more in line with Shopkeeper Liu��s temperament. Unexpectedly, thetter quickly pulled the blueprints into her arms. ��They��re all mine!��


    Xiaoxiao reached out angrily. ��Give me the money!��


    Shopkeeper Liu was even louder than her. ��How much?��


    Xiaoxiao ced her hands on her hips. ��10 taels!��


    Shopkeeper Liu took out an ingot from her pouch and pped it on the table. ��For you!��


    Xiaoxiao pouted. ��10 taels for one!��


    Shopkeeper Liu widened her eyes and took out two more. Her wallet was much lighter.


    Xiaoxiao red at her waist and pushed another one back to her. ��Buy two and get one free!��


    Shopkeeper Liu:�� You even lower the price yourself?


    Shopkeeper Xu was stunned. This was the first time he had seen someone discuss business and price like this. The process was very interesting, but he did not know if he should p or pretend not to exist. However, he thought that he was not just here to watch the show. He coughed lightly and asked, ��If you have the designs for her, what about me?��


    He tried his best not to sound anxious. ��After the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant gets the recipe for sour bamboo shoots, they don��t have to buy ready-made ones through your Second Uncle. Their cost is lower, so they will definitely lower my price again. Do you have any other pickled vegetable recipes?��


    Speaking of this, Xiaoxiao was still a little sorry. She originally only wanted to use the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant to cheat the old residence once, but she did not expect the shopkeeper to be even greedier than she thought. Xiaoxiao did not know if others understood, but she could see clearly that those people from the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant were here for her recipe.


    However, even if she knew this, she would still use the recipe to exchange for the peace of her father and the eldest branch without hesitation even if she had to do it again.


    However, Shopkeeper Xu was kind, so she wanted to return the favor.


    ��Shopkeeper Xu, you have to open up the situation. Don��t just think about pickled vegetables. It��s not good for your health to eat too much of those things. I still have a few snack recipes. Do you want them?��


    Shopkeeper Xu��s eyes seemed to have been lit up. ��Tell me the details.��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��How can 1 exin food clearly? I��ll bring you finished products another day. I guarantee that you��ve never heard or seen them before. You won��t be able to stop after taking a bite!��


    Halfway through, she turned back and reached out to Shopkeeper Xu. ��Can you pay for the materials?��


    Shopkeeper Xu was so angry that heughed. ��Don��t you already earn a lot from me? Do you have to calcte this?��


    Xiaoxiao snorted. ��That��s a separate matter. It��s not easy to make this snack of mine. You two know my family��s conditions.�� Then, she nced at Shopkeeper Liu, who pretended that it had nothing to do with her. Xiaoxiao deliberately lowered her voice, but not to the extent that Shopkeeper Liu could not hear her. ��Besides, this snack is made for Sister Liu. I��ve contributed my effort. Why are you unwilling to pay?��


    Shopkeeper Xu blushed and quickly ced a piece of silver in Xiaoxiao��s palm.. ��Is it enough?��

 Chapter 99 - 99: Let Him Go First

    Chapter 99: Let Him Go First


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao was stunned. Oh, as expected, when Shopkeeper Liu was mentioned, this Stingy Xu immediately became generous. It was almost 1 tael, right?


    ��Of course it��s enough. The two of you can just wait to eat delicious food.��


    After thinking for a while, she muttered a few more words to Shopkeeper Xu. The more she spoke, the more cunning Shopkeeper Xu��s expression became. In the end, he even chuckled evilly. Xiaoxiao shook the silver. ��This suggestion is a friendly reminder. There��s no charge.�� Then, she left happily.


    She found her family at the ce where she, Big Brother, and Second Brother often stayed. Xiaoxiao started to buy flour, wheat flour, corn flour, sweet potatoes, potatoes, pork, and so on. There were also all kinds of seasonings and spices. The ingredients she bought were all varied and piled up on arge scale, making Ning Fengnian and Madam Song speechless.


    ��Why? Why did you buy so many things?��


    Moreover, where did their daughter get the money?


    Xiaoxiao blinked innocently. ��Oh, the shopkeeper of the Fragrance Restaurant asked me to buy this to study the new dishes. If 1 seed, we can still do business with them in the future.��


    Madam Song looked at her expectantly. Xiaoxiao did not disappoint them. She took out the new needles, thread, and embroidered cloth from the cart and handed them to her mother. Madam Song took a look at them and immediately loved them. ��No wonder 1 have to give her a deposit. This cloth is too beautiful.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled calmly. ��Shopkeeper Liu asked Mother to embroider a screen for her. She told me the size and requirements.��


    Yesterday, she still felt that there was no hope in life. Today, those problems were resolved by themselves. Ning Fengnian and his wife could not stop smiling, so Xiaoxiao stopped smiling to scare her mother.


    ��This can��t be spread outside!��


    She emphasized, ��Otherwise, you��ll lose even more!��


    Madam Song was frightened. She hurriedly discussed with Ning Fengnian to buy another lock. She would lock the door as soon as she left the house.


    Xiaoxiao sighed and looked at her eldest brother and second brother worriedly. ��If Second Aunt and the others in the old residence find out that we don��t have to lose money and can still continue doing business with the Fragrance Restaurant, will they immediately pester us again? Will they use our family��s things to pay for any of their trouble in the future?��


    Ning Dng and Ning Eng turned to look at their father tacitly. Ning Fengnian was a little embarrassed, but he replied firmly, ��No, they can��t take anything from us from now on.��


    Xiaoxiao was relieved to hear this. She put on a pitiful look again. ��But Father, Xiaoxiao is afraid. If theye to cause trouble again and Second Auntins that her stomach hurts, we won��t be able to exin it even if we have a mouth. So, can we not let them know?��


    She pinched Ning Fengnian��s sleeve and shook it. ��After we return to Fortune Vige, we��ll announce to the public that we still owe a debt. Mother will make embroidery products to repay the debt, okay?��


    Ning Eng:�� Oh, its her. Its their sister who tricked them! He was deceived by her expression and listened to everything she said! God, Father must be fooled! Otherwise, he would be so lonely being the only one tricked!


    It was unknown if the heavens really heard Ning Eng��s thoughts, but Ning Fengnian agreed readily. ��Alright, we��ll do as Xiaoxiao says!��


    Xiaoxiao immediately bent over with a smile and her mouth was as sweet as honey. ��Father is the best!��


    Seeing that Second Brother��s face seemed to be filled with dissatisfaction, she leaned over and praised them one by one. ��Eldest Brother, Second Brother, and Mother are the best too. Let��s go home and let me, the best daughter, cook a delicious meal for all of you!��


    Now, as long as the old residence could do as she expected, the Ning Family really did not have to worry about these ��top-notch�� rtives in the future.


    Elsewhere, Rong Yan looked at the empty Ning Family��s house and heard Yun Yi report. ��Master, I was guarding the roof of the old residencest night and heard from this group of selfish people that they were worried that Miss Ning��s family would implicate them if they didn��t pay the 20 taels in a year. This morning, the second son of the Ning Family couldn��t even care less about his injuries. He limped as he went to the county office to report the separation.��


    He asked, ��Do you want me to put a sack on him and beat him up on the way?��


    Rong Yan nced at him. ��Let him go to the government office first..��

 Chapter 100 - 100: Uneasiness

    Chapter 100: Uneasiness


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The word ��first�� was very interesting. Yun Yi epted the order and followed Second Uncle Ning to the county office.


    Second Uncle Ning was nervous the moment he entered the government office. He trembled as he held the document that had already been thumbprinted. He stuttered intermittently, causing the clerk to look at him strangely. The clerk almost wanted topare him with the portraits of the bandits who had been wanted recently.


    Ning Fengcai��s back was drenched when he finallypleted the registration with difficulty.


    If it wasn��t for the fact that he didn��t want to be implicated by those useless people from the eldest branch, he wouldn��t have to work so hard to suffer. Feeling unhappy, he walked to a sparsely popted ce and muttered softly. He scolded all the people he hated in his heart. After scolding the shopkeeper of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, he scolded Wang Biao, and after scolding Wang Biao and the eldest branch, he was about to scold that little bastard Ning Xiaoxiao a few more times when his vision suddenly darkened and a cudgel hit him.


    When he woke up again, it was already evening. Second Uncle Ning crawled out of the sack with difficulty and realized that he had been abandoned in the graveyard. He was so frightened that he screamed and ran away. When he returned home, he had a high fever and spouted nonsense. Everyone in the old residence was anxious.


    Hearing this, Xiaoxiao did not suppress her good mood at all. She hummed a song as she continued to fiddle with her flour, rice, and corn flour.


    Ning Fengnian and Madam Song watched as she rubbed these precious ingredients left and right. They felt that she was fooling around from the bottom of their hearts. However, she insisted that she was making delicious food, and her two sons were indulgent of their sister. They could only treat it as if they did not see it.


    The noodles that had been processed twice today were ail dry. Xiaoxiao pulled her brother to the Dusk River to catch prawns!


    Her spatial points had only increased by more than 200 points in her recent conscientiousness. Looking at the pitiful 400 points in her bnce, Xiaoxiao gritted her teeth and changed two portions of bait. She put one portion into each bamboo basket and ced the bamboo basket into the ce where she usually caught prawns with her brother.


    After putting it down, she chatted with her brother as they dug wild vegetables along the river. As they chatted, she heard her brother exim and tilt his head in inquiry. Then, she heard her brother say, ��The river water has risen again.�� She looked around again and saw that many vigers were eager to try their luck again with fishings. Thest time the Dusk River rose, it gave each family a lot of benefits.


    Xiaoxiao frowned and asked her brother, ��Did it rise like this in the past?��


    Ning Dng shook his head. ��It did not, and that��s why I feel uneasy.��


    Just as she finished speaking, they heard someone ask, ��Why are you uneasy?��


    The two of them looked in the direction of the voice and saw a middle-aged handsome man cupping his hands at them with a gentle smile. Ning Dng shielded his sister behind him and asked, ��Outsider?��


    The handsome man nodded and tactfully stopped moving forward. ��1 was passing by and saw thismotion. I couldn��t help bute over to take a look.��


    Xiaoxiao stuck her head out from behind Ning Dng. Recently, her food intake had been good, so her furry hair had be thicker. Madam Song and Ning Dng took turns to style her hair into all kinds of likable hairstyles. Today, she had tied two buns, and there were a few braids below them. When she moved her head, she looked cute.


    The handsome man couldn��t take his eyes off her, causing Ning Dng to be even more guarded. ��The roads in the countryside are slippery. It��s safer for you to walk on the main road. Our vige is filled with strong people. If it��s inconvenient to carry too much luggage or if you get lost and can��t walk out, you can hire someone to help. The vige isn��t big. They can hear you with a shout.��


    The handsome man smiled. Goodd, these words sounded like he wanted to help, but they were actually reminding him that if he did anything inappropriate, someone would immediately rush over to deal with him with a shout, right?


    He did not hate cautious and smart children. On the contrary, he admired them, so he was not unhappy with Ning Dng��s attitude. Instead, he asked again, ��I��m just curious. I heard that the other vigers were happily fishing after the river rose.. Why are the two of you so worried?��

 Chapter 101 - 101: The Prawn Dumplings Are Delicious

    Chapter 101: The Prawn Dumplings Are Delicious


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Dng confirmed again and again that the man did not show any signs of approaching. In order to send him away quickly, he said, ��Because the water level in Fortune Vige has always been stable. It has never risen like this year. It has even risen more than once. There must be something wrong with this abnormality. The upper reaches of the Dusk River is the Luo Prefecture. There are dams specially used to prevent floods there.��


    At this point, he paused. ��The river keeps rising. 1 can��t help but worry����


    Ning Dng did not finish the second half of his sentence, but the handsome man sighed in his heart as hepleted Ning Dng��s unfinished sentence- he was worried that something would happen to the dam! However, if something really happened to the dam, he did not know what would happen to the county cities and towns, but the dozens of viges along the river probably could not avoid the disaster!


    Ning Dng skipped over what he shouldn��t have said and only said, ��The seedlings in the field are still waiting to be nted. If we encounter a flood, we will be the first to be unlucky.��


    The handsome man asked again, ��Since you��ve considered this, have you ever thought of moving away?��


    Ning Dng looked at him in confusion. The handsome manughed self-deprecatingly. ��1 asked a stupid question.��


    Which viger would move away from their homnd just because of a little groundless worry?


    This was also what he was most mncholic about. The handsome man with a mustache sighed and cupped his hands at Ning Dng before turning to leave. Before he could walk far, he heard the girl say in a sweet and clear voice, ��Brother, let��s go pull up the prawn. Take out the prawns and devein the prawns while they��re fresh. I��ll make prawn dumplings for you.��


    ��Prawn dumplings are delicious. Season the prawns and mushrooms and then wrap with my special dough skin. The skin is different from ordinary dumpling skin. It��s translucent when it��s steamed over arge fire. You can see the pink prawns, white mushrooms, green cucumbers, and ck wood ears through the skin. Take a bite����


    The man with a handsome mustache stopped in his tracks and turned around to look. Unfortunately, the young man and girl had already walked far away. He could not help but fall into deep thought��What will happen after taking a bite?


    Seeing himing back, the butler, who had been waiting for a long time, hurried forward and handed him the cloak. County Magistrate Shen waved his hand. ��It��s not that cold anymore. Why are you so worried? Do you think I��m Tianci?��


    The butler looked at his expression. ��Did Master encounter something worrying?��


    County Magistrate Shen sighed and turned towards the Dusk River. ��Yes.��


    He said, ��I��m very curious about the taste of prawn dumplings.��


    The butler was stunned. ��Huh?��


    County Magistrate Shen burst intoughter and said solemnly, ��I��m also curious why those officials don��t understand the problem that even a country boy can think of. Or maybe they are turning a blind eye to it.��


    The butler was also worried. ��If all the officials in the world can work for the country and the people like Master, the people��s lives will definitely be much better.��


    County Magistrate Shen scolded him with a smile. ��Where did you learn that? But you are right. I alone am not enough. There are too few talents that the court can use. By the way, how is the academy?��


    At this point, the butler had a headache. ��Ever since 1 heard that you have a rmendation spot from the academy, the concierge has never stopped epting invitations.�� He sighed and continued, ��Unfortunately, they��re allndlords and officials who blindly join in the fun. Only 10% to 20% of them are really knowledgeable����


    County Magistrate Shen touched his chin and said to him, ��I think that the young man from the Ning Family you mentioned to me is not bad. Hasn��t anyone asked you about him?��


    The butler shook his head in confusion. ��Didn��t you hate this kind of rtionship thing the most in the past?��


    County Magistrate Shen looked at him disapprovingly. ��One has to be flexible!��


    After a moment of silence, he said, ��Tianci has been taken care of by them for so many times, but as his parents, we didn��t even go to thank them. No, this is too unreasonable. Butler, go and prepare. I think the weather has been good these few days. Let��s take the time to inform the Ning Family and visit them..��

 Chapter 102 - 102: County Magistrate

    Chapter 102: County Magistrate


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The butler was speechless.


    He suspected that Master��s motive was impure, but he did not dare to say it.


    When Shen Tianci heard his father��s decision, he was so happy that he jumped three feet high. His agility stunned Mrs. Shen, who was drinking bird��s nest at the side.


    County Magistrate Shen looked at his stupid son and thought of the two smart children in the afternoon, especially the girl with ck pearl-like eyes. He immediately showed disdain in his eyes. ��Have you memorized your books? Have you finished your homework? Have you practiced your calligraphy?��


    Shen Tianci was instantly terrified and ran away. ��I��ll tell Ning Eng!��


    Ning Eng was yawning at the stall. His sister and brother were not here today, so he was a little bored alone. Just as his sister had said, sour bamboo shoots no longer sell well. After deducting the stall fees, he did not earn much money. He nned to stop after they started nting seedlings next month.


    The people from the restaurant and cloth shop had juste. When they heard that his sister was not around, they looked very disappointed. He could not help but be quite curious. What exactly did they want his sister to make that was so delicious?


    The more he thought about it, the hungrier he became. Looking at the stall that was still empty, he decided to leave early. Shen Tianci came at this time.


    Knowing that Shen Tianci��s father wanted to visit them, Ning Eng could not react at first. He only shivered when he agreed. ��Your father? Isn��t he the county magistrate?��


    Shen Tianci felt that this form of address made his father sound old, but he couldn��t refute it. Then, he saw Ning Eng rubbing his hands nervously. ��Then, we have to prepare well. What does your father like to eat? What does he hate? Aiya, do you think 1 should make a new set of clothes to meet your father?��


    Are you meeting your future inws!? Shen Tianciined in his heart, but he was also a little jealous. ��Why didn��t I see you value me so much in the past? My father is the county magistrate, so I��m also the young master of the county magistrate��s family!�� Wouldn��t it be awesome if word got out?


    Ning Eng smacked his lips and thought to himself that it was mainly because Shen Tianci did not have that kind of temperament. However, under Xiaoxiao��s guidance, he now understood that some truths could not be said. ��Because you��re too approachable and I identally forgot.��


    Shen Tianci was stroked and immediately beamed with joy. ��Of course. My father said, ��A bucket of water doesn��t make a sound, half a bucket of water sways��. Those who are really capable are low-key and humble. Those who like to show off are all useless.��


    Ning Eng agreed and felt deep veneration. ��As expected of the county magistrate. His words make sense.��


    Shen Tiancipleted the messenger mission with mixed feelings. He went back and told his father, ��Eng said that his sister has been busy studying new dishes recently. She was afraid that she would not treat us well, so she made an appointment with me for lunch in 10 days. After eating, it will be time to go home. I can even sleep in the carriage.��


    County Magistrate Shen was very sharp. ��You added thatst sentence yourself, right?��


    Shen Tianci blushed and hid behind his mother��s back. County Magistrate Shen despised him even more. He wondered how the Ning Family raised such a pair of smart children. Unfortunately, he was not destined to have such a cute daughter.


    Sigh, why did they identally give birth to a silly son?


    County Magistrate Shen, who was busy every day, felt that time passed too slowly. He had a feeling that the next 10 days would be very difficult, but he didn��t want to suffer alone. Hence, he wrote down five new chapters and recited them for his son.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao��s prawn dumplings were already in the process of being made. The prawns they caught were fresh and lively, and their flesh was fair and firm. It was obvious that the prawns had swam in the river a lot. She said to her brother, ��These prawns will pop your mouth after they��re steamed. 1 guarantee that you won��t be able to stop eating..��

 Chapter 103 - 103: Let You Play

    Chapter 103: Let You y


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Dng smiled and listened to everything she said. In the past few days, he had seen her wash and rub the wheat flour and corn flour. The others more or less had concerns, but Ning Dng was the only one who would follow Xiaoxiao��s instructions. He would grind them if she asked him to. He would dry them if she asked him to dry them. He would eat them all when she asked him to taste them until his stomach was round.


    The hardest step for Xiaoxiao to make prawn dumplings was the skin. This was because the skin of prawn dumplings was different from ordinary dumpling skins. They could not be made directly with coarsely processed flour. Instead, they needed wheat starch and cornstarch.


    Although there were a lot of ingredients in this era, the method of eating was still in rough processing. She used more than two days to grind the wheat flour and corn flour a second time, wash and soak them, separate the flour, dry them, and so on to make wheat starch and cornstarch.


    After many experiments, she fused the two ording to different ratios and finally sessfully found the optimal ratio. Now, the first batch of prawn dumplings that could be considered as a ��finished product�� was steaming.


    Xiaoxiao watched expectantly as her brother picked up one and put it into his mouth. Then, his eyes widened in surprise. He covered his mouth and chewed carefully a few times before looking at his sister in disbelief. ��These are dumplings?��


    Xiaoxiao grinned smugly. ��Ning Xiaoxiao��s special, crystal prawn dumplings!��


    Xiaoxiao knew very well that her brother had a bias towards her. Hence, to be safe, she took another portion and knocked on the door next door. Of course, she kept one in space along the way.


    The space showed: [This is a new dish that exceeds the current level of delicacies in this space-time. The ingredients used have also been carefully processed. It has a huge contribution to promote the development of delicacies in this space-time. Hence, you are rewarded with 500 points for the first time!]


    Xiaoxiao endured it again and again, but she still couldn��t help but exchange for a set of rice seeds that she had been eyeing for a long time.


    Just as she was thinking of finding an opportunity to enter the space to nt seedlings, she saw the seeds that she had just exchanged flutter and burrow into the soil. The space automatically watered them. At the same time, it said proudly, [How can Master do such a small thing by herself!]


    It was too convenient. Xiaoxiao couldn��t wait to ask excitedly: [How many points do you need to level up next time?]


    The space��s answer extinguished her enthusiasm. [10,000.]


    Xiaoxiao instantly became listless. She was still a little listless when the neighbor��s courtyard door opened, but she only nced at Rong Yan and felt that she could do it again.


    Rong Yan, who had just finished practicing a set of sword techniques, was still steaming. Perhaps because he had swung his sword just now, his cor was open, revealing a fair and smooth skin. The scene was very beautiful, causing Xiaoxiao to almost reveal her old perverted nature and whistle at him.


    Fortunately, she still had her rationality. She held onto her principles and forced her brain to look away. This must be the legendary ��fresh meat��!


    Seeing the redness on Xiaoxiao��s face, Rong Yan inevitably misunderstood. He tugged at his clothes ufortably and turned his head away. Why are you so shy?! You made me feel embarrassed!


    He suddenly felt that it was not suitable to meet guests in such a mess, so he retreated and said, ��I��ll go change my clothes.��


    The guards who wanted to open the door were speechless.


    Rong Yan did not leave. He was grabbed by Xiaoxiao��s clothes. Thinking that he was sweating, he hurriedly pulled back.


    Actually, Xiaoxiao did not notice this detail. She was still immersed in the 10,000-point pressure and wanted to go back and recall the recipe carefully. Hence, she handed the steamer over and said, ��I��m here to give you this. Don��t be in a hurry to change your clothes. 1��11 leave now. It won��t taste good when it��s cold.��


    Rong Yan, who was holding the steamer, felt a sudden surge of guilt prick his heart. He felt that Ning Xiaoxiao��s back view when she turned around just now was very bleak. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that he was really too cold and disappointing when Ning Xiaoxiao had excitedly made delicious food for him, but he had such a strong reaction when she touched him. Hence, he shouted, ��Wait!��


    Xiaoxiao stopped. Seeing Rong Yan leave and return in a hurry and hand her a wooden box. ��I-I just bought it casually when I was shopping.. It��s for you to y with!��

 Chapter 104 - 104: Insatiable

    Chapter 104: Insatiable


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    His tone was stiff. After saying that, he opened the steamer in front of her, picked up a prawn dumpling, and sent it into his mouth. He even wanted to cover it up.


    ��I can��t always eat your cooking for free.��


    The novel texture stunned him. Only then did he remember to observe carefully. He took a look. ��What is this? Why is it so beautiful and delicious?��


    Xiaoxiao was pleased. She took the prawn dumplings and went into Rong Yan��s kitchen with ease. She took a pair of chopsticks and poured vinegar for him. Then, she picked one up and dipped it in the vinegar. ��I studied it for many days before making it. It tastes better this way.��


    God will be her witness, she simply felt that the delicacies could not be let down, but unexpectedly, Rong Yan��s face heated up again when she fed him.


    Great, she was pushing her luck! This girl was pushing her luck!


    Could such an intimate action be done casually?


    Xiaoxiao did not know what he was thinking. She simply treated herself as an old auntie who was feeding a little kid.


    Rong Yan cursed in his heart, but when he thought about how he almost hurt her heart just now, he still bit on the chopsticks that Xiaoxiao gave him�� and the prawn dumplings.


    Xiaoxiao felt that he was very obedient and lovable, so she couldn��t help but feed him again. Rong Yan still ate it. After eating, he even mimicked Ning Eng and the others and gave her a thumbs up.


    Xiaoxiao:�� Oh no, he��s adorable!


    After she left, Rong Yan noticed the dumbfounded guards in the corner. They looked at the prawn dumplings, their master, and then in the direction where Miss Ning left. For a moment, they didn��t know what to say. Rong Yan pulled a long face and closed the steamer. ��They��re all mine.��


    Ning Xiaoxiao had already said that it took a few days of research to make them. It would be too heartless of him to let her down.


    Yun Yi suggested boldly, ��Master likes Miss Ning so much�� Why don��t you bring her along when you go back and let her be a chef in the residence?��


    Rong Yan looked at the exquisite and beautiful prawn dumplings in his hand. He felt that his chief guard��s suggestion was not to his liking, but he could not figure out how it was dissatisfactory.


    On the way home, Xiaoxiao opened the wooden box and realized that it was a pair of coral bracelets. The small red beads gathered together and made clicking sounds when they swayed. They were very lively. Xiaoxiao gestured in the mirror and felt that they should be tied to her hair.


    She didn��t know that the neighbor��s Little Master would buy things that a girl likes?


    Eh, Xiaoxiao touched her chin and fell into deep thought as she looked at her face in the mirror that was getting fuller and fuller. Could it be��


    The prawn dumplings received enthusiastic praise from the entire family and cute likes from the neighbor next door. Xiaoxiao was very confident. She turned to Ning Fengnian and said, ��Father, are you free? Can you help me make a beautiful bamboo steamer so that I can bring this to Shopkeeper Xu to try?��


    Ning Fengnian was full of energy. In less than two hours, he made her an exquisite bamboo steamer that still emitted the fragrance of bamboo slices. Hearing Xiaoxiao��s praises, he made a few smaller ones in a moment of excitement.


    The more Xiaoxiao looked at it, the more she liked it. She happily took the half-finished product and prepared to go to the county. When she went out, she greeted Rong Yan, who was taking a walk next door.


    Thetter frowned at her. ��Wait for me. I��ll go too.��


    Xiaoxiao was puzzled. ��Are you buying something?�� Because he had brought along the handcart at home again.


    After setting off, Rong Yan insisted that Xiaoxiao sit on it. Ning Eng had already taken the Ning Family��s handcart with him when he went to set up the stall in the morning. In addition, there were not many things, so Xiaoxiao originally nned to walk over with her brother.


    It would be a waste not to take a ride. Xiaoxiao was happy to bezy. She did not notice that Rong Yan��s lips curled up unconsciously when he saw her smiling happily. On the other hand, Ning Dng frowned slightly and looked serious the entire way, especially when his gazended on Rong Yan..

 Chapter 105 - 105: How To Cooperate

    Chapter 105 - 105: How To Cooperate


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Wasn��t this neighbor appearing in front of his sister too often recently?


    After Xiaoxiao arrived in the county, she went straight to the Ruyi Clothing Shop. Ning Dng was puzzled. ��Aren��t we going to look for Shopkeeper Xu?��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand and smiled mysteriously. ��He��ll be even happier if 1 call him to the Ruyi Clothing Shop to try his food.��


    As expected, Shopkeeper Xu was smiling like a flower when he came. He even sensibly took the initiative to bring the good tea leaves he had just obtained.


    Shopkeeper Liu nced at him and sniffed the fragrance of the tea in the jar. She raised her eyebrows and asked someone to make it. She was a woman who knew how to enjoy herself. Shopkeeper Xu was a straightforward man. She could think that it was Xiaoxiao who gave him the tea leaves that suit her taste. Otherwise, he would only give her golden hairpins and golden bracelets.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    In order to let the two of them have a deeper impression of what she had brought today, Xiaoxiao specially showed them the prawn dumplings that had yet to be steamed in the pot. Seeing that the two of them did not take it seriously, she was even happier. She went to the kitchen happily.


    ��This is a Ruyi bun.�� When Xiaoxiao served the first snack, Shopkeeper Xu only cared about his beauty and scalded himself. Then, he praised it repeatedly, saying that this little bun was more delicious than ordinary buns. The filling was beautiful and had a unique fresh fragrance. Its appearance looked exquisite and customers would definitely like it.


    After eating two in a row, he kept praising Xiaoxiao. ��How did you think of such interesting and delicious food?��


    Xiaoxiao��s expression was calm andposed. She opened the steamer of the prawn dumplings very calmly. ��Crystal prawn dumplings.��


    The two of them widened their eyes as if they were vigers entering the Imperial Capital for the first time. ��W-What is this?��


    Xiaoxiao crossed her arms. ��The snacks I showed you just now.��


    Shopkeeper Liu had long known that this girl had many ideas, but he did not expect her to make such sparkling and translucent snacks. To put it boldly, with such a taste, it would be outstanding even if it was sent to the Imperial Pce. He poked it with his chopsticks. Although the skin was thin, it was tough. There was a faint pink color under the translucent appearance. It was a whole bent prawn. Looking at it carefully, there were other colors. How was this food? It was simply a work of art.


    ��But it wasn��t like this just now!��


    Xiaoxiao nced at Shopkeeper Xu, who was saying this, and was very satisfied with the disbelief and shock on his face. She even thoughtfully handed over a pair of chopsticks and a small te of vinegar.


    She found the smallest vinegar te in the small kitchen. Now, she ced the vinegar te in the small bamboo basket her father had made. It looked even more elegant with the big steamer in the middle. The more Shopkeeper Liu looked at it, the more he liked it. He almost couldn��t bear to eat it.


    However, he only almost barely couldn��t. Whether it was the freshly made crystal prawn dumplings and Ruyi buns, or the vinegar te that Xiaoxiao had specially made, everyone drooled over them.


    Even a self-disciplined person like Shopkeeper Liu could not help but eat three Ruyi buns and four crystal prawn dumplings. The rest were wrapped up by Shopkeeper Xu. Just as he finished swallowing, he could not wait to borrow pen and paper from Shopkeeper Liu. ��Miss Ning, you must make this deal with our Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant!��


    He paced around the room. ��That bastard Lei Wanjun even provoked me when he first got the recipe for sour bamboo shoots. He said that he wanted to organize a culinarypetition. With these two dishes, let��s see if he still has the face to mention this again!��


    Shopkeeper Liu also looked at the empty steamer with pity. ��If not for the fact that I��m not in charge of this business, I would have bought it from you.��


    Xiaoxiao teased, ��Shopkeeper Xu bought it. Why are Sister Liu worried that you won��t be able to eat it?��


    Xiaoxiao only became well-behaved after being pinched moderately. She obediently talked to Shopkeeper Xu about serious matters.. ��It��s naturally fine to cooperate with the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, but Shopkeeper Xu, how do you want to cooperate?��</font>

 Chapter 106 - 106: Three Suggestions

    Chapter 106 - 106: Three Suggestions


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    She was clearly just a little girl in her early teens, but at this moment, the two shopkeepers, who had been in the business world for a long time, did not feel the difference in their age. Shopkeeper Xu said solemnly, ��Miss Ning, do you have any suggestions?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled and raised a finger. ��There are three suggestions. First, the simplest one for you is to buy out. I��ll sell you everything from the beginning to the end. From then on, no third party will get any recipes from me, and 1 won��t sell them again for money.��


    She exined very clearly. Shopkeeper Xu nodded. ��Continue with the second one.��


    Xiaoxiao raised her second finger. ��The second is that 1��11 provide the half-finished products. As for the Ruyi buns, I��ll provide you with seasonings. The prawn dumplings will be wrapped and sent over. You can just steam them in the kitchen. However, if you choose this, I won��t tell you how to make the seasonings and crystal skin. Of course, I��m confident that no one can figure out how to make the crystal skin if they only look at the half-finished products.��


    Shopkeeper Xu frowned and was already in a dilemma. However, Xiaoxiao slowly raised her third finger. ��The third����<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    She chuckled and pretended to be embarrassed. ��It��s just that the two of us will cooperate to open a snack shop. 1��11 provide the technology and a portion of the capital. I��ll leave the rest to you. I��llunch at least one new product every month. In the future, the profits of this shop will be divided ording to the ratio, but there must be an additional use in the contract. Unless I��m willing, you can��t take my share of the shop.��


    Shopkeeper Xu was shocked. He felt that from today onwards, he could not only treat Xiaoxiao as an ordinary girl who was smarter. It was probably not too much to treat her as an opponent withparable strength!


    After thinking about it seriously, he said to Xiaoxiao, ��Let me think about this question for a few days before giving you an answer. However, I��m very curious about something. Do you know how much money it costs to open a shop? In business, 1 have to remind you that you can��t legitimately take the money if you pay too little capital.��


    Xiaoxiao turned to Shopkeeper Liu and revealed a professional smile.


    Shopkeeper Liu trembled. ��Why are you looking at me?�� If you want to borrow money, just say it. It��s not like I won��t give it to you!


    Xiaoxiao��s tone suddenly had the aura of a cult. ��It��s not long before the Duanwu Festival, right? Beautiful Sister, do you want to increase the total sales of the cloth shop by several times that day? Do you want to see the grand asion of the long queue in front of the shop? Do you want to feel the excitement of the abundance of customers?��


    Shopkeeper Liu looked at her as if she was a liar.


    Xiaoxiao shrugged and said bluntly this time, ��Just tell me if you want to earn big money.��


    Shopkeeper Liu took a sip of tea. Business people pursued profits, so naturally


    ��I��d like to hear the details.��


    ***


    A few dayster, the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant began to publicize that their sour bamboo shoots had been modified. They were cheap and delicious. They tasted exactly the same as the Fragrance Restaurant��s, but the price was only half of theirs.


    It was human nature to take advantage of a good deal. At noon on the day this news spread, the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant was filled with customers who came after hearing the news. The Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant even said that if anyone felt that the taste was wrong, the entire table would be free. In this way, the number of customers increased greatly.


    It was not that the dishes made from sour bamboo shoots or sour bamboo shoots were really that delicious. Most people just felt that it was rare for them to have something new. They wanted to eat it for fun and to be happy. After all, they had to eat. They only needed five copper coins to buy things that others bought for io copper coins. Wasn��t that happy?


    Shopkeeper Lei was quite satisfied with the liveliness of the restaurant today. After reading the ounts, he got someone to follow up on the Fragrance Restaurant��s predicament and wanted to add some fun to himself. However, the servant was arrogant and excited when he was sent out. When he returned, he looked dejected..</font>

 Chapter 107 - 107: Free Gift

    Chapter 107 - 107: Free Gift


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Shopkeeper Lei had an ominous feeling. ��What��s wrong? Could it be that Fragrance Restaurant has also reduced its price?��


    The servant looked up with a bitter expression. ��No, they gave it away for free.��


    After Shopkeeper Xu received the recipe that Xiaoxiao gave him for free, he started his n of making pickled vegetables in a low profile manner that night. He was just waiting for Shopkeeper Lei of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant to make a move. When he found out that they would start paying half the price at noon, Shopkeeper Xu immediately hung up the sign ��Free pickled vegetables��.


    As long as they were spending money in the shop, regardless of whether they were eating or just drinking tea, as long as the customers wanted to, they could go to the condiment area to get a te of pickled vegetables at any time. These pickled vegetables included sour bamboo shoots that had just appeared some time ago.


    On one hand, it was half price, and on the other hand, it was free and unlimited. The customers were not stupid. Of course, they knew how to choose.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    Who would eat their fill with pickled vegetables when they came to a restaurant? Then, other business came.


    Hence, Shopkeeper Lei, who was smug and prepared to teach Shopkeeper Xu a lesson, was counterattacked. He was so angry that he smashed more than 10 teacups. However, what he did was dishonorable and he could not ask for an exnation. Thinking of this, he became even angrier.


    The servant suggested, ��Why don��t we go to the Ning Family and beat them up to vent our anger?��


    Shopkeeper Lei raised his leg and kicked him. ��Do you think that the new county magistrate is just for show? We had a reasonst time. If you cause trouble again this time, we have to bear the consequences if anything happens. Don��t forget that they are considered rted to the Fragrance Restaurant����


    The liveliness of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant onlysted for the time of a meal. Shopkeeper Xu had fought with Shopkeeper Lei for so many years, but this was the first time he had won so happily. Although he always said that Lei Wanjun was just a despicable person and would make some stupid moves from time to time, he was still often disgusted.


    His rationality determined that he could not lower the quality of the restaurant bypeting at a low price like Shopkeeper Lei. However, he could tolerate the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant stepping on his bottom line time and time again.


    After venting their anger, the Fragrance Restaurant pushed out a new product Ruyi bun. They looked like they were going to pursue the victory and suppress the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant to the point where they could no longer cause trouble.


    The appearance of this thing greatly attracted the diners who had already eaten enough meat buns and pickled vegetables buns. Soon, it became the most popr new topic in the county.


    Shopkeeper Xu had yet to decide on the final coboration method with Xiaoxiao regarding the prawn dumplings and more food suppliers in the future. However, he bought a month��s worth of the Ruyi bun��s seasoning sauce for 20 taels first.


    Xiaoxiao was careful. She did not send seasoning powder, but sauce that could not see the raw ingredients. She sealed the vored sauce in the pickled vegetable jar and sent it to the restaurant with the sour bamboo shoots once every seven days. The rest of the steps were carried out in the Fragrance Restaurant��s kitchen.


    This way, the Ning Family would keep a low profile and not cause trouble. As long as the Fragrance Restaurant sent people to keep an eye on the sauce pot, the recipe would not be stolen.


    Of course, Shopkeeper Xu could not help but ask the restaurant��s chefs to try to match the sauce. Unfortunately, they had not seeded so far. No wonder the little girl from the Ning Family was so confident in the confidentiality of the crystal skin form.


    He was very interested in the crystal prawn dumplings and Xiaoxiao even more. He was sure that if he could open the snack shop, Ning Xiaoxiao would definitely be able toe up with more than one surprise. Hence, he was very concerned about the coboration method she proposed and wrote to his boss honestly that day.


    He felt that he was even more attentive to this matter than Xiaoxiao, the person involved, because he was still craning his neck every day to wait for a reply. Ning Xiaoxiao actually said that she wanted to treat him at home and asked her brother to deliver the goods today. She did note.


    If she did note, he would not have anything delicious. He could not go to the Ruyi Clothing Shop to see Shopkeeper Liu in the name of food.. He was unhappy��</font>

 Chapter 108 - 108: Night Exploration

    Chapter 108 - 108: Night Exploration


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant could not stand being left out. ording to their usual style, they quicklyunched replicas. Just from the appearance, the Ruyi buns sold by the two restaurants seemed to be simr. However, as long as one took a bite, they would realize that the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant was much inferior to the Fragrance Restaurant in terms of texture and taste.


    The price of this snack was not cheap. Most people who could afford this money would not covet cheapness. Who would be happy to suffer for a few copper coins? Hence, the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant did not cause much trouble. However, they had disgusted the Fragrance Restaurant a lot over the years. As sess was too easy, arge number of side dishes had been prepared in the kitchen.


    It was not easy to deal with the wrapped Ruyi buns separately, so they could only put them away again and again. They waited and waited, but they did not consider the problem of the weather warming up at the end of March and identally let them spoil.


    The thin filling of the Ruyi bun was filled with meat. How could the shopkeeper bear to throw it away? After steaming it a few more times, it was served to the table as usual. This could be considered a disaster. For the next few days, customers with diarrhea came to ask for an exnation. There were even people who wanted to see the officials.


    In order to settle this matter, the already pitiful ount book became worse. The shopkeeper was so angry that he smashed a few tea cups.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    At this moment, the servant he had sent to gather information returned. He said that the reason why Fragrance Restaurant could make a special filling was because they had bought secret recipes from a farmer.


    The person who came to report looked around mysteriously before covering his mouth with his hand and whispering, ��1 also heard that the Ning Family is the one who provided them with the secret recipe.��


    The shopkeeper of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant was still a little unconcerned until he heard thest sentence. He slowly sat up straight. ��Oh?��


    The servant, who had just returned to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, sneaked out mysteriously again. The shopkeeper said that they had to be flexible and could not snatch the recipe openly. They could use other methods to investigate. Hence, that night, he brought a few agile hooligans to Fortune Vige.


    It was alreadyte at night when they arrived. The vigers, who had worked all day, had long fallen asleep. No one knew that a few uninvited guests hade to the vige, nor did they know that they had quietly walked past the courtyard doors and arrived outside the Ning Family��s door at the end of the vige.


    The courtyard where the Ning Family lived was dpidated. Although the door had been repaired, it could only stop ordinary vigers. To the few thieves who hade prepared, it was just decoration.


    The few of them exchanged nces and moved to the wall of the courtyard. They stepped on theirpanions�� hands and jumped up, clinging to the wall.


    The sauce jars in the Ning Family��s courtyard were rather eye-catching, but they were not the target of the intruders.


    A rich and tempting unfamiliar fragrance was wafting out of the kitchen. The servant pointed in that direction.


    ��Let��s go in and look for it?�� Perhaps there was a secret recipe for the Ruyi bun.


    The few of them who were conversing softly would not notice that in another house not far from the Ning Family, a few pairs of energetic and cold eyes were looking at them coldly.


    The hooligans led by the servant readied themselves on the wall and were about to jump down when they suddenly felt a pain in their ankles. Their bodies fell out of the courtyard wall uncontrobly. They were so frightened that they shouted and immediately woke up the Ning Family members who were sleeping.


    As the head of the family, Ning Fengnian was the first to put on his clothes ande out with a shovel. Ning Dng and his brother followed behind. The three of them stood together and each carried farming tools. They looked quite intimidating. In addition, this was their vige after all. They could not be caught stealing. The servant hurriedly called hispanions and ran away.


    Ning Fengnian and his two sons were worried about Madam Song and Xiaoxiao and did not chase after them. However, Yun Yi and the others next door did not have any scruples. They sent two people to follow them back to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant..</font>

 Chapter 109 - 109: Spoiled Them

    Chapter 109: Spoiled Them


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    When they returned home, Rong Yan, who had been woken up, looked up with his heavy eyelids and impatience written all over his face. Yun Yi, who had just returned, was stunned. ��Master, why aren��t you asleep?�� Rong Yan was a light sleeper. It was not easy for him to sleep again after being forced awake in the middle of the night. Moreover, he was delicate and precious. If he didn��t sleep well for a night, he would be listless for a few days.


    Everyone knew that Rong Yan was very angry when he woke up. He waved his hand. ��Tell me, who is it?��


    Yun Yi did not waste any time and told him the news he had just obtained.


    ��It��s someone from the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant. They found out that Miss Ning is the person who provided the secret seasonings for the Fragrance Restaurant and especially came with ill intentions.��


    Rong Yan supported his chin with one hand and saidzily with a hint of coldness, ��I haven��t settled the score with them for what happenedst time. I��ve spoiled them.��


    Yun Yi knew that his master was talking about the matter a few days ago when the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant sent Wang Biao to the Ning Family to snatch Miss Ning��s sour bamboo shoots recipe. At that time, his master said that Miss Ning had a n, so he asked everyone to wait and see. Now that the second son of the Ning Family had already prepared the separation papers in the government, then��


    He asked expectantly, ��Master, how about I put on his sack, beat him up, and throw him into theke? The kind that guarantees that no one will die.��


    Rong Yan nced at him and yawned. ��Is that all you��ve got?��


    Yun Yi thought to himself, Could 1 just kill him? Although it was not difficult, it might cause trouble for Miss Ning��s family.


    Rong Yan got up and walked to the bedroom. As he walked, he said, ��Ning Xiaoxiao still has to do business with the Fragrance Restaurant. If those people in the old residence are too free, they will inevitably annoy people.��


    Yun Yi understood. His master wanted him to teach the old residence a lesson at the same time. He knew it. That second son of the Ning Family always made Miss Ning feel bad. Why would his master let him only be beaten up?


    When they were about to reach the bedroom door, Rong Yan said, ��The people from the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant are all despicable. If we don��t seed today, there will be more trouble in the future.��


    He stood there and thought for a while. Then, he said, ��Get someone to send a message to Ning Fengcai. Tell him that the shopkeeper of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant is treating him to a meal. At the same time, mention that he wants to ask about the Ruyi bun��s secret recipe. Then, send a letter to Lei. Write down Ning Fengcai��s name. Write that Fengcai volunteers and is willing to work for him.��


    ��I heard that the food in the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant is not very fresh, right? If Ning Fengcai gets a stomach ache and makes a big deal out of it, do you think County Magistrate Shen will care?��


    Good lord, in just a short moment, Master had included the three of them in his n.


    After that, Rong Yan pushed open the bedroom door and added before he went in, ��I��m doing this to test County Magistrate Shen.��


    Yun Yi and the other guards nodded repeatedly. They understood. He was not standing up for Miss Ning.


    It was not until the next morning that Xiaoxiao asked her second brother about what happenedst night. Her culinary skills and sleep quality were especially steady. Regardless of the thunder and rain outside, her cooking and sleeping quality were never affected. Hence, she was the only one in the entire family who slept soundlyst night.


    Ning Engughed at her for being a little pig, but Ning Dng red at his second brother and said that his sister was lucky. Xiaoxiao epted her eldest brother��s praise very humbly and went to the kitchen to grind chili powder and cumin powder as well as various spices that others could not understand to make seasoning.


    The tension in the Ning Family continued for two days. In these two days, the three of them did not sleep well. Although they said that they took turns to guard the night every night, none of them actually slept well.


    What they did not know was that in the past two days, there had been amotion in the county.


    Yun Yi and the others acted quickly. The letter and message had already been sent. Shopkeeper Lei was already envious of themotion in Fragrance Restaurant. After the servant failed to visit at night, he was furious when he received Second Uncle Ning��s letter. He was really given a pillow when he was dozing off. He was sure that Second Uncle Ning did not have the guts to fool him. He did not think much about it after receiving the letter.


    After receiving a message from a stranger, Second Uncle Ning only felt that since the eldest branch could be controlled by them once, it wouldn��t be too difficult for them to do it again. Thinking of the benefits he was about to obtain, he went to the appointment without hesitation.


    He did some calctions in his heart. That lousy bamboo shoot was worth 50 taels. The Ruyi bun was so expensive and it was meat.. The secret recipe should be more valuable, right?

 Chapter 110 - 110: Poison

    Chapter 110: Poison


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After arriving at the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, he was led to a private room by the ��waiter��, who even enthusiastically ordered arge table of sumptuous dishes for him. Second Uncle Ning felt good that Shopkeeper Lei needed his help and ate without any pressure. He naturally did not know that the ��waiter�� who led the way to order food for him had long disappeared.


    Shopkeeper Lei snorted in disdain when he found out about Second Uncle Ning��s crazy ordering of the signature dishes. He mocked Second Uncle Ning��s country bumpkin behavior, but he endured it when he thought of the secret recipe he was about to obtain. The two sides had a ��happy�� chat. Shopkeeper Lei received the promise. Second Uncle Ning ate his fill and even packed the remaining food. However, just as he reached the entrance of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, his vision suddenly darkened and he fell to the ground.


    This sudden change frightened the guests in the hall. They boldly went over to take a look and realized that Second Uncle Ning was foaming at the mouth and twitching. Then, someone shouted, ��Did you eat something wrong?��


    If it was just diarrhea or something happened after he returned home, Shopkeeper Lei still had time to settle it. However, it was mealtime and it happened at his door. It was impossible to turn a big matter into a small matter. He hurriedly sent someone to bring Second Uncle Ning into the inner room and thought of finding an excuse to settle it if he was not feeling well. Unexpectedly, the bailiff, who usually did not appear, suddenly appeared.


    ��Someone reported to the officials that the food in your Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant is dirty and someone died. Where is he?��


    Shopkeeper Lei red at the waiters who were not nimble enough and had yet to hide Second Uncle Ning. The personal servant tried to go forward and dy. ��It��s all a misunderstanding. Our guest is not feeling well. We��re about to bring him to rest. Sir, you��ve worked hard. Why don��t you sit down and have a cup of tea first?��


    However, he was pushed away by the official. ��What tea? Can��t you see that we��re handling a case? Over there, hand him over. If you take another step, you��ll be dragged back in the name of obstructing the mission!��


    ��Send him to the medical center first. No matter if he��s not feeling well or has eaten something wrong, we can��t dy his treatment.��


    These words made sense. The surroundingmoners agreed and immediately helped carry Second Uncle Ning away.


    In his unconscious state, Second Uncle Ning could only vaguely hear someone talking in his ear��


    ��Is it done?��


    ��How can it go wrong? This poison will re up in no time after being fed to him. I��ll use Second Brother Ning��s life to threaten Fengnianter. I��m not afraid that he won��t hand over the secret recipe obediently.��


    ��Then should 1 give Second Brother Ning the antidote after obtaining the secret form?��


    ��What medicine? Only a dead person can keep a secret.��


    Second Uncle Ning was so frightened that his heart skipped a beat and he instantly fainted.


    The guard of the Yun generation, who was disguised as amoner, curled his lips in disdain and quietly retreated. His figure was agile. After making a few turns, he changed his clothes and disappeared into the sea of people.


    In the medical center, the old physician pulled out the silver needle from the leftovers and turned to the official with a trembling voice. ��T-there��s poison����


    Shopkeeper Lei��s eyes were filled with disbelief. He had thought about whether the food he gave Ning Fengcai was stale or not. He had never thought about ��poison��. ��Impossible!��


    The bailiffs pulled out their sabers. ��Shopkeeper Lei, please follow us back to the county office.��


    Shopkeeper Lei was not flustered. Prefect Yan from the Luo Prefecture��s government office was his distant uncle. With this rtionship, the county office of Xijiang County had always turned a blind eye to his actions. Otherwise, he would not have disgusted Fragrance Restaurant for so many years.


    Before he left with the bailiff, he gave the servant, who had followed him for many years, a look. Thetter immediately slipped into the crowd and returned to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant.


    Shopkeeper Lei, who was brought back to the government office, was very calm from the beginning to the end. Even when Second Uncle Ning woke up after being forced to drink two bowls of medicine that induced vomiting, he cried and shouted that he had been poisoned by Shopkeeper Lei to ask for his brother��s secret recipe.


    County Magistrate Shen asked Shopkeeper Lei how to exin with a cold face, but Shopkeeper Lei ignored the order. He just said ��misunderstanding�� and ��I��m innocent��.


    Even County Magistrate Shen, who didn��t like to put on airs, was displeased by his attitude.. Was Lei Wanjun so sure that no one could do anything to him?

 Chapter 111 - 111: Fortunately, I Reacted Quickly

    Chapter 111: Fortunately, I Reacted Quickly


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    However, just as he was about to interrogate again, he heard someone beating the drum outside the hall. A chef with a scarred face came to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant. The chef knelt down as soon as he appeared in court. ��It��s me. I poisoned Second Master Ning for my own selfish reasons. It��s me who made the decision on my own. I wanted to deceive him into giving me the secret recipe so that the shopkeeper would promote me to be the head chef.��


    County Magistrate Shen pped down the wooden gavel. ��Ridiculous! Human lives are at stake!��


    The chef took out another packet of powder that was said to be the remaining of the poison that he used.


    ording to the bailiff��s investigation, the scar-faced man was indeed the one cooking in the kitchen today. However, there was no way to verify the poison. This was because on the way back, the bailiff encountered a group of beggars who came out of nowhere and smashed all the food. Not to mention testing the poison, he could not even tell what the original dishes were.


    Shopkeeper Lei sighed and said to the chef in a disapproving tone, ��You disappoint me too much.��


    He was naturally being hypocritical. He was very satisfied with this chef��s performance.


    The Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant had many servants like the scar-faced man who were at their wit��s end. These people had no rtives, and their lives were in Lei Wanjun��s hands. Not to mention asking them toe out and admit their crimes, even if they were asked to die, these cowards would not dare to say anything.


    At this moment, Shopkeeper Lei slowly presented the letter that ��Ning Fengcai�� had written to him. ��To be honest, I��ve actually received this. I��m treating him to a meal today just to reject him.��


    The handwriting on the letter was crooked, and there were many erroneous words. After checking, the adviser confirmed that it was Second Uncle Ning��s handwriting. This result shocked Second Uncle Ning, who had just been carried back from the medical center. He immediately went from weak to energetic. ��He��s lying! He clearly asked me toe!�� But he had no evidence.


    Shopkeeper Lei asked with a faint smile, ��If someone really spread these words to Brother Ning, why didn��t your first reaction be to inform your big brother but toe to the appointment? It can be seen that you really have the intention to give your big brother��s secret recipe to me. In that case, if 1 really have the intention to covet that secret recipe, can��t I just get Brother Ning to bring it back to me? Why do you have to poison you?�� Second Uncle Ning was speechless.


    At this moment, Shopkeeper Lei gave the chef who confessed a look. Thetter immediately admitted with a tremble that he was the one who sent the message to trick him over so that he could poison him.


    Lei Wanjun looked at the county magistrate in the hall. ��County magistrate, since the truth has been revealed, can I leave now?��


    There were witnesses and evidence, and the details matched. Even the criminal confessed. Hence, even if County Magistrate Shen felt that something was wrong, he had to let the others leave after putting the chef in jail.


    ***


    On the way back, the servant could not help but sigh. ��This is strange.��


    Shopkeeper Lei looked gloomy. ��Is County Magistrate Shen��s wife from the Li Family of Jiangnan?��


    Shopkeeper Lei said in a low voice, ��The Fragrance Restaurant is the Li Family��s business. Looks like they can��t hold it in anymore.��


    The Li Family��s shops were everywhere in the world, and Fragrance Restaurant was one of them. All these years, Uncle had been strongly supporting the Lei Family and the Li Family in fighting for the right to the royal warrants. He thought that the Li Family could see the situation clearly, but it turned out that they were lying low and waiting to cause trouble for him here. However, he did not know if Ning Feng was being used as a chess piece or if he had already secretly joined the Li Family.


    The more Shopkeeper Lei thought about it, the more he felt that his suspicion was reasonable. He immediately asked the servant to pay attention to the movements of the Ning Family and the county magistrate. With this attention, he realized that County Magistrate Shen went to the eldest branch of the Ning Family in Fortune Vige two dayster.


    ��Fortunately, I reacted quickly. If 1 let Shen Congjun send me to prison, I might be falsely charged with something..��

 Chapter 112 - 112: Freeloading

    Chapter 112: Freeloading


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The servant ttered brainlessly. ��Fortunately, you are far-sighted and didn��t let the county magistrate scheme against you!��


    What he didn��t know was that County Magistrate Shen was really there for a free meal.


    That morning, Xiaoxiao chased her father and brothers into the house to sleep. Ning Fengnian was originally unwilling and forced his eyelids open, saying that he wanted to go to the fields to prepare for the nting of seedlings. Xiaoxiao sighed and said, ��Father, don��t forget that we still have guests at noon. You can��t entertain them like this, right?�� Only then did he obediently enter the house and lie down.


    The three of them were very sleepy. They basically fell asleep the moment they touched the pillow. Xiaoxiao left thick rice porridge in the pot for them and stir-fried a portion of cabbage and hairy beans. She cut a te of pickled cucumbers before sauntering out.


    The Shen Family understood their family��s situation and insisted on preparing the ingredients themselves. Xiaoxiao did not stand on ceremony with them and reported the list to Shen Tianci to bring back. The ingredients were allmon, but she was confident that she could make a delicacy that the Shen Family had never heard of or seen before.


    The broth had been simmered with firewood yesterday. After removing the foam, the impurities were then absorbed by chicken puree. Then, it was as clear as water, making Ning Eng gasp in amazement.


    Xiaoxiao asked her brothers to help cut a few tender cabbages while she carried the basket on her back. She carried the bucket and fishing rod to catch prawns and fish. Fresh prawns were the most delicious. No matter what they were made into, it would leave asting aftertaste. Shen Tianci had been thinking about the pan-fried mushroom stuffed shrimps for a long time. She refused to let him eat it today, in case he was satisfied again. That kid was picky.


    After exchanging for a set of rice seeds, she only had 400 points left, but she did not show any mercy. She could not save on bait. She put one into the bamboo basket and stuffed it into the seaweed to catch prawns. She used the other to fish and prepare to make spicy boiled fish at night.


    Shen Tianci said that his father liked spicy food and his mother liked sweet food. He did not know how much of a headache it was for his chef to serve these two people withpletely different tastes.


    Xiaoxiao let the Shen Family buy the meat, eggs, chickens, and ducks. The vegetables, fish, and prawns were still fresher and more tender when she had prepared them herself. Xiaoxiao slowly went into the river. While waiting, she saw Rong Yan and the others carrying bows and arrows into the mountain, so she waved and greeted them.


    In the end, the Little Master turned around and covered his mouth to yawn.


    Xiaoxiao stuck the fishing rod into the ground and ran over. ��You didn��t sleep well?��


    She did not expect the thieves to affect the neighboring house. She only thought that Rong Yan and the others were preparing to enter the mountain, so they did not rest well. She sighed. ��Why do you have to enter the mountain today? I even wanted to invite you to eat together.��


    Rong Yan left on purpose. Every time they ��entered the mountains��, they were just taking the opportunity to do something unknown. Of course, part of the reason was that he felt that it was not time to see County Magistrate Shen yet.


    He naturally wouldn��t tell Xiaoxiao this. He only said, ��The weather has been good recently and there��s a lot of prey in the mountains. Perhaps I��ll be lucky enough to catch a wild boar or something. I��ll send some to your family then.��


    Xiaoxiao never rejected ingredients that came knocking on her door. ��Alright, I��ll make delicious food for you.��


    Then, she suddenly thought of something. ��Ah, wait for me here for a while. I��ll go back and get something.��


    Rong Yan thought that she had forgotten something when she went out. Unexpectedly, Xiaoxiao stuffed a few jars into their hands when she rushed back. ��Here, these are the barbecue ingredients you ate before. The mountains are not like your home, and it��s inconvenient to eat and drink. Later, no matter if you have hot dry rations or roasted game, sprinkle some on it. It will taste better.��


    ��These are the premixed soup ingredients. 1 didn��t add chili. No matter what soup you boilter, sprinkle a few spoonfuls ording to your taste. There��s no need to add anything else.��


    Yun Yi and the others were so touched that they almost cried. Although they did not really go hunting, Miss Ning��s condiments were more pleasing to them than anything else, especially such simple and convenient things that anyone could use.


    Hearing her advice, Rong Yan also felt the sleepiness umted from insomnia dissipate bit by bit.


    Xiaoxiao looked at the obvious shadows on his fair face and couldn��t help but remind him again, ��Take good care of yourself when you��re outside..��

 Chapter 113 - 113: Three Times The Flow

    Chapter 113: Three Times The Flow


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan was stunned, and Xiaoxiao waved at them with a smile. ��I��ll wait for you toe back.��


    Strangely, Rong Yan��s heart palpitated because of this sentence.


    Very quietly, he said, ��Okay.��


    It was strange. Why did he suddenly want toe back as soon as he was about to leave?


    They circled out of Fortune Vige, found an empty corner and pulled out an ordinary-looking carriage as if they were performing a magic trick. Rong Yan waved at a guard. ��Stay behind and pay attention to Ning Fengcai and Lei Wanjun at all times. Also pay attention to the Ning Family. Protect them if anyonees to cause trouble.��


    The guard received the order and Rong Yan stepped into the carriage that Yun Yi had prepared. Hey down in the inconspicuous but extremelyfortable interior and closed his eyes to catch up on his sleep.


    Yun Yi, who was driving the carriage outside, pasted the fake beard on his mouth. ��Master has suffered a lot during this trip.��


    Another guard nodded repeatedly and could not agree more. ��That��s right. Although no one paid attention to him in the past, he has a noble status. Other than practicing martial arts, he has never suffered in life.�� Unlike now, he did not dare to use a carriage when he went out.


    However, Yun Yi said, ��But Master seems to be quite happy.�� In the past, his master was an emotionless person. He was not interested in anything and did not care. However, it was different recently. His emotions became clearer and he had someone he liked.


    He only hoped that that person would not be like Noble Consort and disappoint his master��s heart that had finally warmed up.


    A guard sighed. ��I hope this trip will go smoothly. Those people in the dark are really too much. Why don��t they believe that Master doesn��t have that intention and insist on finding trouble?��


    Yun Yi turned to look at him and nodded. ��That��s right.��


    After sending off her neighbors, Xiaoxiao sat down by the river and put away the fish basket and fishing rod. After confirming that there was no one around, she entered the space in a sh. She had not found a chance toe in these few days and took advantage of her free time today to walk around.


    There were already more than a hundred dishes on the recording rack in the space. At first nce, it looked quite fulfilling. Xiaoxiao felt that if she had the chance to bring anyone in in the future, it would be very meaningful to wave her hand and tell him that ��this is the empire I��ve built for you��.


    After looking at the warehouse, she nned to take a look at the rice seeds she nted 10 days ago. They should have sprouted, right?


    However, when she walked over and took a closer look, she realized that the green seedlings swaying in the wind were no different from the ones in her farm.


    [Why are they growing so quickly?]


    The space told her proudly: [Because my current level is level three, the time flow in the fields is three times faster than in the outside world-]


    Oh, she liked this function: [Do you mean to say that if 1 upgrade you to Level 10, the crops that would take 100 days to grow will only take 10 days here?]


    The space chuckled. Xiaoxiao also chuckled. As sheughed, her eyes suddenly lit up.


    After slipping out of the space, she put away the fishing rod and ran towards her seedlings. At first, she jogged, butter on, she could not help but run wildly. When she finally saw a patch of green, she stopped and took a deep breath. Then, she could not wait to enter the seedlings field.


    It was not time to do farm work yet. There were only two or three people passing by. When they saw Xiaoxiao wandering around the paddy field, they could not help but praise her. ��The eldest branch of the Ning Family is all hard working.��


    ��That��s right. Even a youngdy knows how to take care of the seedlings. On the other hand, those people in the old residence�� Tsk.��


    ��I went over to take a look just now. I��m afraid the harvest won��t be good.��


    ��It��s all their fault.. The Ning Family��s Fengnian is such a good farmer, but they did those things to disappoint him����

 Chapter 114 - 114: Recommended Spot

    Chapter 114: Rmended Spot


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was not that they were so good that they could guess what the future would be like when they left the valley at a nce, but just from the fact that the people in the old residence had been caring nonchntly for the seedlings, how much could they care about the future rice fields?


    Farming was not as simple as burying the seeds. Those people in the old residence would regret it in the future.


    ��By the way, two days ago, my nephew came back from the county and heard something. He said that it��s that Fengcai from the Ning Family����


    Xiaoxiao could not hear these conversations. She was secretly doing the ��rece the original with a fake�� thing now. With the help of the space, two hourster, half of the seedlings in her seedling field had been changed to the products of the space. Xiaoxiao seemed to be able to see her parents�� shocked expressions when they were harvesting. She straightened her back with a smile and continued fishing happily.


    When Ning Eng woke up to pick her up, the prawn basket and small bucket were already filled with harvest. The two of them returned home while bickering, just in time for the guests to arrive.


    When Shen Tianci pulled his parents to the entrance of the Ning Family��s small courtyard and introduced them happily, ��This is my mother and my father!�� Xiaoxiao and Ning Dng were stunned, but the two of them quicklyposed themselves and weed them in.


    County Magistrate Shen��s first impression of the small courtyard of the Ning Family was that it was shabby but neat. The farm tools and brooms were neatly arranged in the corner and there was no mess at all. The ground was very clean and there was no dust or fallen leaves. There was a chicken coop in the southeast corner where four hens and one cock paced back and forth. asionally, they would peck in the food bowl and call out a few times.


    There was no strange smell or excess things in the courtyard. It was obvious that the Ning Family was diligent. There was a row of bamboo shelves against the wall. There were a few flower pots filled with soil on the shelves. Many green seedlings popped out of the soil and looked full of vitality.


    County Magistrate Shen saw that Ning Fengnian, as the head of the family, was a bit reserved, so he tried to find something to talk about. ��The potted nts are nted well.��


    Ning Fengnian said shyly and proudly, ��It was our daughter��s idea. It��s convenient to nt onions and garlic like this. She even asked me to make a few moreter and put a few pots of chili on them.��


    County Magistrate Shen was speechless. He had never expected that this was a vegetable garden.


    Madam Song also bragged to Madam Li, who was looking for something to say to her. ��It��s in the corner over there. Xiaoxiao asked us to nt the cbash vine and said that when summeres, we��ll guide the cbash vine to climb up the wall. Then, we��ll pull two ropes and let the cbash vine connect from the wall to the door. It��ll be cool in summer and we can enjoy the scenery on rainy days. When the cbashes out and hangs on the vine, it��ll jingle when the wind blows.��


    What she did not say was that Xiaoxiao also said something else��the young ones could stir-fry vegetables, while the old ones could be dried to hold sweet soup and wine.


    Seeing their calm smiles, County Magistrate Shen was sure that the couple indeed didn��t know his identity, so he also chatted with Ning Fengnian about the fields with a smile.


    Ning Fengnian was a bit shy, but County Magistrate Shen was really stunned by Ning Fengnian��s words when he started to talk about the things in the fields. The adults were chatting in the courtyard. Shen Tianci followed Ning Eng to the vige to run around and pick cedar. Ning Dng wanted to go to the kitchen to help his sister. Xiaoxiao cut the fish head into two slices and ced them with the fish bones. She started to heat the pot and pour oil. Then, she asked the question she had asked before, ��Brother, do you want to study?��


    Ning Dng was puzzled when the old matter was brought up again. Xiaoxiao put the chopped onions, ginger, garlic, peppers, and chili into the pot and said casually.


    ��Brother, there��s a Bowen Academy in the county. The teachers there are all great teachers, so the students are all trying their best to enter. I heard that County Magistrate Shen has a rmendation spot for admission.��


    Ning Dng stared at his sister for a while and frowned.. ��Don��t tell me����

 Chapter 115 - 115: Friend

    Chapter 115: Friend


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Before he could ask the second half of the sentence, there was the sound of footsteps. Shen Tianci��s little head stuck out from the door frame. ��What��s stewing in your pot?�� He swallowed. ��It smells so good.��


    Xiaoxiao had just put the fish head and fish bones into the pot. After stir-frying them, she added boiling water and some salt, and the fragrance became even stronger. She turned around and told Shen Tianci, ��Spicy boiled fish. It��s peppery. Can you get used to it?��


    Shen Tianci nodded repeatedly. He had a strong taste. The more spicy it was, the more he liked it.


    Under the cooking of the fire, the broth made from the fish bones and fish head quickly boiled. Xiaoxiao ced the marinated fish wrapped in starch into the soup one by one. The fish filets cooked very quickly. Before they were out of the pot, she sprinkled some of her special seasoning powder. On the bottom of the big bowl used to hold the spicy boiled fish, there were nched bean sprouts. After pouring the soup and fish in, she sprinkled chili and garlic. Then, she drizzled a spoonful of hot oil on them. Smoke with a strong fragrance floated up and immediately whetted her appetite.


    Xiaoxiao was very satisfied with her masterpiece. After giving herself a thumbs up, she turned around and saw a pair of round eyes filled with desire.


    Shen Tianci looked at the thick white fish soup and then at the fair and tender fish meat. He felt that his saliva was already secreting uncontrobly. He looked at Xiaoxiao eagerly. ��I��m hungry!�� He was so self-righteous.


    This little master, who used to care about his face, no longer cared for his image in the Ning Family. He was especially loyal to his heart when it was time to eat. Xiaoxiao looked at him lovingly and specially scooped a small bowl for him.


    Children generally liked this privilege of ��I��m the only one who has it��. Shen Tianci��s face, which was fleshy, was filled with pride. He was satisfied with the food.


    A foodie like him was a diner that every chef dreamed of. Seeing that he was eating happily, Xiaoxiao cooked more efficiently. Shen Tianci, who was holding a bowl, moved his butt closer. ��Ahem, um, do you have any ns for the third day of next month?��


    Xiaoxiao turned around. ��I should be free.�� Other than going to watch the dragon boatpetition on the fifth day of next month and watching the liveliness of the Ruyi Clothing Shop and Fragrance Restaurant, she had not arranged anything else.


    Shen Tianci turned his head and stared at the kitchen wall. He blushed and said shyly, ��Then do you want to go out with me on the third day next month?��


    Xiaoxiao paused in her actions and turned to look at him in confusion.


    Shen Tianci happened to peek at her reaction. His flustered gaze was caught. ��Y-y-you don��t think too much. It��s my birthday. 1 asked some friends to admire the flowers. I thought that you should be my friend too����


    Xiaoxiao was stunned. ��Friends?��


    Shen Tianci almost exploded. ��Don��t you think so?�� Although his tone was fierce, Xiaoxiao felt that if she said no, this kid might cry.


    Ah, she wanted to see it.


    However, after blinking, she still brought him another fried chicken wing. ��Of course. Where are we going?��


    Shen Tianci gave her the address and happily stuffed the chicken wings into his mouth. He turned around and ran. He only jumped up halfway. ��Delicious!�� What a simple foodie.


    Xiaoxiao sighed and nimbly put a small bowl into her space from an angle that Big Brother could not see. [Ding, ��spicy boiled fish�� has been sessfully recorded for the first time. You have received 200 points. Current bnce is 950.] In the blink of an eye, the clean bowl was ced on the stove again.


    In addition to the harvest from cooking recently, the total points in the space were close to 1,000. After Xiaoxiao praised herself for having a promising future, she exchanged some rice seeds. Anyway, the space farnd was idle, and it could grow on its own after nting the seeds. It was simply too convenient when it could harvest itself when it was ripe.


    [Ding! Rice seed exchange was sessful. Current bnce: 450..]

 Chapter 116 - 116: Which Academy Are You Studying In?

    Chapter 116: Which Academy Are You Studying In?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao did some calctions. The ripening period of the rice was about 100 days, which meant that the rice seeds in her space could be harvested after waiting for more than a month. The farnd in the space was calcted ording to the high yield of the farnd, which was 650 kilograms per acre. The points in her hands would still continue to increase. In the future, she would continue to farm and harvest. Then, she would put the food she harvested into the space��s warehouse that had no upper limit and no time limit. She suddenly felt that she was rich!


    Happy-


    It seemed that she could lead a rich life with her family even if she did not take the path of County Magistrate Shen.


    ncing at Shen Tianci��s happy figure, Xiaoxiao sighed again.


    This child was straightforward. To put it bluntly, he was single-minded. In the past, she thought that they were just customers and chefs. Now, he treated her as a friend.


    She should not scheme and use her friends. She should see if there was any other way to find an academy for her brother first. She would ask Shopkeeper Xu and Shopkeeper Liuter.


    After thinking it through, Xiaoxiao continued to focus on cooking. The live prawns were chopped into prawn paste. Unlike the prawn paste, the prawn meat used to make prawn pancakes did not need to be chopped too fine. Thicker bits made it even more delicious. After adding egg white, starch, salt, and the Ning Family��s Thirteen Spices Q , she stirred them evenly. Then, she added the colorful tiny vegetable cubes. It looked gratifying even before it was in the pot.


    The hot pot was heated up slowly at a low fire. The two sides were golden as they were ced on the te.


    [Ding! The dish ��Prawn Pancake�� has been recorded for the first time. You have received 200 points! Current total points are 650!]


    The chicken-vored rice that Shen Tianci had requested was still stewing in the casserole on the small stove at the side. There was meat, vegetables, and the river��s prawns and fish. This meal could be considered sumptuous.


    While waiting for the main course, Xiaoxiao made another pot of dried fruit tea. It was sour, sweet, and fragrant.


    [Ding! The dish ��Fruit Tea�� has been recorded for the first time. You have received 100 points. Current total points are 750!]


    Xiaoxiao nodded. It seemed that the points obtained from simple food were not much. [Exchange another set of wheat to nt.]


    The space was feeble: [Wheat seed exchange sessful. Current bnce: 250 points��]


    Xiaoxiao could almost see its pitiful look: [Don��t be reluctant. I can only make more delicacies if I have enough ingredients to help you level up, right?]


    Not to mention the Shen Family, even the Ning Family had never seen their sister��s skills. They realized that Xiaoxiao was like a treasure. The more they dug, the more surprised they were. And every time they were amazed by Xiaoxiao��s ingenious ideas and shocking skills, she could always break the norm and reach a new height.


    The rarest thing was that the spicy, salty, fresh, sour, and sweet tastes fused together. Not only did they not look messy and pungent, but they also harmonized andplemented each other.


    Smelling the aroma, only County A/Iagistrate Shen could ask calmly, ��Have you learned thew of Great Xia?��


    This question was directed at Ning Dng. Thetter cupped his hands and bowed. ��I��ve read it a few times myself.��


    Back then, Old Sir Ning had obtained a windfall and bought several books at home as a facade. Thews of Great Xia were one of them. He had taken advantage of a poor schr��s stall. That schr was poor and had studied until he was almost broke. His mother was also sick and could only sell the books to farm at home. At that time, Old Sir Ning felt that it was not a loss to buy the books when he saw how thick they were. He only realized that they had nothing to do with the imperial examination when he bought them home. He was very angry for a while.


    Little Uncle Ning did not like to read it either, so it was Ning Dng��s turn to read it. Ning Dng was not picky when it came to reading books. He would memorize the entire book whenever he had the chance.


    Probably people who knew how to study, would cherish talents who liked to study. After asking a few questions, County Magistrate Shen started to ask tricky questions, such as ��What is the 23rdw of Great Xia?�� What was thew about farming and mulberry trees in Great Xia?


    Miraculously, Ning Dng could answer almost everything. asionally, he could understand something that he didn��t understand under County Magistrate Shen��s guidance. Sometimes, he could even draw inferences.


    County Magistrate Shen couldn��t help but ask, ��Which academy are you studying at?��


    As soon as he finished speaking, he realized that the Ning Family members seemed to have paused for a moment. Then, their expressions were a little bitter.


    However, there was no inferiority or loneliness in Ning Dng��s tone. ��I��ve never been to the academy seriously. I��ve only been a servant for a schr for a few years. I��ll listen outside the ss when 1 have the chance.��

 Chapter 117 - 117: Steamed Chinese Cabbage In Supreme Soup

    Chapter 117 - 117: Steamed Chinese Cabbage In Supreme Soup


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He had never been to the academy to study. Logically speaking, this wasn��t something worth showing off. However, County Magistrate Shen found it even moremendable because of Ning Dng��s ��never��. He could even understand to such a level from being a listener. What would he be like in a few years if he studied seriously?


    Unable to suppress his anticipation, he asked bluntly, ��Do you want to enter the academy?��m


    Ning Dng was in a daze. His sister had also asked him this question. His gaze subconsciouslynded on the little head that was sticking out of the kitchen door frame.


    Xiaoxiao��s big ck eyes were now round like a cat��s. Her grip on the door frame was very strong, and even the rotten wood that had been in disrepair for a long time was almost pulled down by her. It could be seen how much her sister cared about this matter.


    Ning Dng smiled. ��Yes, of course I do.�� Even in my dreams.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    County Magistrate Shen asked tentatively, ��There is a Bowen Academy in the county. The teachers are all very capable. Do you want to go?��


    Ning Dng asked, ��How can I enter that academy?��


    County Magistrate Shen narrowed his eyes and touched his beard. ��Take part in the entrance exam, or���� He said with a smile, ��Ask the county magistrate for an introduction letter and you will be admitted immediately.��


    Ning Eng��s eyes lit up like twonterns as he stared at the county magistrate. However, as a son who knew the true identity of the county magistrate, he did not want to scare his parents. He quickly retracted his gaze and started to feel uneasy.


    Ning Dng fell silent. When Xiaoxiao served a dish, he took the te and said, ��Then 1 really have to study and participate in the exam.��


    Xiaoxiao red at him with her back facing the others, and he followed suit. His smile was gentle, like a spring breeze.


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t be angry with such a brother at all. She pursed her lips and put down the first dish.


    Looking at the tender yellow veggies wrapped together in front of them, everyone fell silent.


    Ning Fengnian and his wife looked at each other awkwardly, not knowing how to smooth things over.


    Mrs. Shen maintained a cultured smile without any disdain in her eyes. Shen Tianci tilted his head honestly. ��Ning Xiaoxiao, are we eating this directly?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head and raised the long-sprout pot in her hand. Under everyone��s puzzled gazes, she poured the soup in the pot.


    Shen Tianci almost couldn��t find his chin. ��It��s blooming!��


    A magical thing happened. The inconspicuous tender cabbage unfolded its leaves under the scouring of the soup, like a water lotus.


    Xiaoxiao named the dish. ��Steamed Chinese Cabbage in Supreme Soup.��


    She handled the soup so well that it looked like in water, so everyone thought that the dish just looked interesting. However, County Magistrate Shen was the first to pick up a piece of cabbage and put it into his mouth out of courtesy. He never thought that he would be amazed by it.


    He covered his mouth as if in disbelief. ��This pot isn��t filled with in water, is it?��


    Xiaoxiao��s eyes curved into crescents. ��It��s chicken soup that was boiled all night.��


    Mrs. Shen followed and started eating. At this moment, her beautiful eyes were filled with surprise. ��It��s delicious!��


    Of course it was delicious. Steamed Chinese Cabbage in Supreme Soup was a famous dish at the state banquet. The seemingly nd vegetable had long absorbed the essence of the thick broth. Every bite was mellow and delicious, leaving an endless aftertaste.


    Xiaoxiao looked straight ahead and continued to announce the name of the dish. ��This is the spicy boiled fish. The fish bones have been removed, but you have to be careful when you eat it just in case some small bones weren��t removed.��


    After putting down the dish, she ran back and brought out the other dishes from the kitchen with her brothers, including the Ruyi buns and crystal prawn dumplings, which were her family��s favorites recently. As the dishes were ced on the table, County Magistrate Shen and Mirs. Shen��s gaze turned from admiration to curiosity to amazement.


    They originally thought that no matter how exquisite the farmer��s food was, only the vegetables would be a little greener and tender.. Who could tell them what half of the dishes on the table were?</font>

 Chapter 118 - 118: Caught Up

    Chapter 118 - 118: Caught Up


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao paid attention to the guests�� expressions at all times. Even Shen Tianci, who had been here several times, eximed, let alone County Magistrate Shen and his wife, who had never experienced this before.


    To be honest, Mrs. Shen was not very interested in this meal at first. She came from a good family and had been living a luxurious life since she was young. Her food and clothes were exquisite. Even some daughters of officials could notpare to her. Half of Shen Tianci��s picky mouth was thanks to his mother. He had eaten a lot of delicacies since he was young.


    Shen Tianci was not the only one who was picky when eating at home. Mrs. Shen also pouted and put down her chopsticks at the drop of a hat.


    However, ever since she took her first bite at the Ning Family, she did not put down her chopsticks.


    County Magistrate Shen was dumbfounded to see that his wife��s appetite had been whetted. He didn��t wait either. The family of three didn��t realize that they had lost their manners until their stomachs swelled up. Oh, that was mainly what the two adults thought. Shen Tianci, who was already experienced, had long thrown away the care of his image. He just rubbed his stomach and cried out, ��Quick, Ning Xiaoxiao, get me hawthorn soup. Oh, I have to digest my food. I��m stuffed, I��m stuffed!��<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    Xiaoxiao smiled and brought over the fruit tea that was no longer hot. ��1 didn��t cook hawthorn soup today. I have changed to this. There aren��t any good tea leaves at home. Please make do.��


    Shen Tianci took a sip and his eyes lit up. He finished the entire bowl and poured some more for himself.


    County Magistrate Shen felt so embarrassed, but he felt that he had no right to teach his son a lesson when he felt his slightly bulging belly.


    Mrs. Shen really wanted to ask what was going on with the crystal prawn dumplings just now. Why were the snacks so beautiful and delicious? However, when she thought of her identity, she could only hold it in and maintain her reservedness. However, her gaze could not help but drift to the table.


    Usually, she felt that eating was quite boring, but today, she felt that her stomach was too small and not enough to hold all the food.


    She liked steamed Chinese cabbage in supreme soup and crystal prawn dumplings the most, as well as this sweet and sour fruit tea. Although it was indeed as Miss Ning Family said and good tea leaves weren��t used, she did not know how she made it. Not only did the fragrance of the tea and fruit quench her thirst, but it also left a fragrance in her mouth. It was really to her liking!


    So this was how her son usually came to the Ning Family to freeload? This brat actually ate alone!


    Shen Tianci felt wronged. He had never eaten so sumptuously in the past. At the thought of this, he kicked Ning Eng lightly. ��Why did you hide so much delicious food in the past!��


    Ning Eng swallowed the prawn dumpling in his mouth. ��To be honest, this is the first time we��ve seen some of the dishes on this table. My sister will suddenly want to make a new dish every once in a while. You made it today!��


    Shen Tianci��s small eyes were filled with jealousy. ��You mean, apart from these, your sister knows how to make other delicious food?��


    Ning Eng was so smug that he forgot the county magistrate. He crossed his legs. ��Of course. Let me tell you, my sister has been fiddling with some soups recently. She said that she wants to make desserts and that some of them will look better than crystal prawn dumplings!��


    Shen Tianci pursed his lips. As a man, he was not interested in desserts. He preferred omelet rice and fried chicken wings. He was not interested, but his mother was!


    Mrs. Shen looked at her husband, silently expressing with her eyes that she wanted to eat but was too embarrassed to say it. County Magistrate She was speechless.


    Xiaoxiao finally knew where Shen Tianci��s gluttonous nature was inherited from. She did not n to keep everyone in suspense. When she returned to the kitchen, she brought out the ��snacks�� that she had prepared long ago.


    There was a white porcin te in front of everyone. On it were upside down small bowls with orchid patterns. The cutlery was smaller than usual. However, no one knew what was inside.


    Xiaoxiao was the first to walk in front of Mrs. Shen and shook the inverted small bowl gently. Mrs. Shen was dumbfounded as she looked at a transparent�� unknown object that fell from the bowl..</font>

 Chapter 119 - 119: Crystal Jelly

    Chapter 119: Crystal Jelly


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��What is this?�� Mrs. Shen was very curious. She stared at the daisy in the middle of the transparent ball and wanted to reach out to touch it, but she was afraid that she would break it.


    Xiaoxiao touched her nose and put down the bowl. She picked up the spoon beside the te and knocked it in front of Mrs. Shen. ��This is crystal jelly. It��s sour and sweet and very delicious.��


    With that, she opened her bowl and took a spoonful to eat.


    The space also recovered its spirit at this moment.


    [��Steamed Chinese Cabbage in Supreme Soup�� has been recorded for the first time. It has been evaluated to be of excellent craftsmanship. You have received 300 points.]


    [Routine record of ��Ruyi bun��. Received 100 points.]


    [Routine record of the crystal prawn dumplings. You have received 100 points.]


    [Crystal Jelly has been recorded for the first time. After evaluation, this delicacy uses the finely processed ingredient ��fish gtin powder��. This is a new dish that surpasses the current level of delicacy in this space-time. It has a huge contribution to promote the development of delicacy in this space-time. The first time it is recorded, a reward of 500 points is given! Current points bnce is 1,250.]


    Mrs. Shen instantly felt that it was a waste of God��s gift. With this feeling, she also took a bite like Xiaoxiao and covered her mouth in surprise.


    What should she do? She felt that her family��s wealth was just for show. Look at what they usually ate and what their family ate!


    What should she do? She really wanted to stay in the Ning Family and not go back!


    Shen Tianci could not stop eating. At this moment, his cheeks were bulging from eating. That was because he could not bear to swallow it and put the entire portion in his mouth to savor the aftertaste.


    Xiaoxiao was adorable by the mother and son. ��There��s more in the kitchen. If you don��t mind, do you want another one?��


    Who could reject Xiaoxiao��s ��another one��? Everyone ate until they were stuffed.


    County Magistrate Shen, who had eaten too much, stroked his beard. ��Miss Ning, you are so good at cooking at such a young age. I��m so surprised and impressed. Brother Ning and Sister-inw have such a daughter. How enviable.�� What he said was true. Compared to other people��s children, one was outstanding, one was talented in poetry, and the other was able to earn money to support the family at such a young age. Compared to his son, who was not good at literature or martial arts, he seemed to only know how to eat?


    He suddenly felt sad��


    Ning Fengnian and Madam Song tried their best to appear humble, but they couldn��t suppress their smiles at all. Ning Dng and Ning Eng also looked proud. Xiaoxiao scratched her head and became a little embarrassed.


    Shen Tianci sighed at the side. ��I feel terrible when I think about not being able to eat these delicious foods when I go back. You might as well take my money like before. That way, I cane and eat whenever I want.��


    Other than the first time Ning Eng epted a tael of silver from him and said that it was money for food, he would only bring some ingredientster. They might not all be useful. If they could be used, they would enter his stomach. If they could not be used, they would be brought home. This was no different from eating and drinking for free, making him feel embarrassed.


    County Magistrate Shen red at the back of his head. ��You only know how to eat!��


    However, Ning Fengnian and Madam Song felt that this young master waspletely different from the young masters of the rich families outside. He did not put on airs and was innocent and likable, so they coaxed him.


    ��Young Master Shen, don��t worry. Xiaoxiao works with the Fragrance Restaurant in the county. Most of the new dishes have to be sent there. If you want to eat and it��s not convenient for you toe to our house, go to that restaurant.��


    Her son and daughter had said that the Shen Family did notck money to spend. Shen Tianci also often said that he would go to the restaurant when he had nothing to do, so they did not consider the expenses of going there often. Unexpectedly, Shen Tianci frowned when he heard this.


    ��All, it��s the Fragrance Restaurant again. Why don��t you consider the other restaurants? Their boss will be so smug if you give them all the dishes.��


    This time, it was his mother��s turn to re at the back of his head. Shen Tianci pouted and thought of something else.


    ��By the way, speaking of your family��s recipes, have you guys heard about your Second Uncle recently?��


    Everyone from the eldest branch looked at each other and shook their heads to indicate that they did not know.


    Shen Tianci covered his mouth mysteriously.


    ��Your Second Uncle went to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant to eat and was poisoned. This matter has already reached the government office..��

 Chapter 120 - 120: Where Did You Get Your Confidence?

    Chapter 120: Where Did You Get Your Confidence?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was Second Uncle and the government office again. When Ning Fengnian and Madam Song heard this, they could not sit still anymore. They quickly came over to ask, and Shen Tianci exaggerated the story.


    After hearing all of this, Xiaoxiao concluded with a cold expression. ��So Second Uncle nned to sell the Ruyi bun��s secret recipe to the shopkeeper of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant before going to the appointment?��


    She looked at her parents�� ashen faces and said in amusement, ��Then here��s the problem. Where did he get the confidence to think that he could get the secret recipe?��


    Ning Eng said angrily, ��Maybe they��re thinking of ways to force us to hand it over likest time. It��s still not over yet!��


    Xiaoxiao frowned and suddenly remembered. ��Could it be Second Uncle and the others who came to climb over our courtyard wall a few nights ago?��


    It didn��t matter if he was or not. It was best to make her father disappointed in him first.


    Ning Fengnian sighed silently and said, ��I��ll be on night duty tonight.��


    This time, it was Shen Tianci��s turn to be puzzled. Ning Eng gritted his teeth and told her that there was a thief in his house. Xiaoxiao pursed her lips. ��You can only be a thief for a thousand days. How can you guard against a thief for a thousand days? Could it be that you��re wasting time with them every night?�� ��If only I could buy a fierce guard dog.��


    Shen Tianci immediately raised his hand. ��I-I-I-I have one at home! My guard dog has just given birth. Do you want one?��


    Ning Fengnian and his wife were a little hesitant. ��That��s not good, right?��


    Shen Tianci thought to himself, What��s wrong with that? 1 can still use the excuse of coining to see the puppy to freeload!


    County Magistrate Shen also said, ��Tianci has been taken care of by you guys many times, but as his parents, we didn��te to thank you until today. We said that we wanted to thank you, but we got a free meal for nothing. We are so ashamed.��


    Ning Fengnian and Madam Song answered him politely. County Magistrate Shen said again, ��1 always think that giving some gold and silver would make the children��s friendship seem vulgar. I��m still wondering what to give them. That��s good. Brother Ning, don��t stand on ceremony. Why don��t 1 get someone to send the puppy over in a few days?��


    Xiaoxiao could not be bothered to be polite anymore. She nudged Shen Tianci. ��Is it weaned?��


    Shen Tianci shook his head. ��We still have to wait a few more days.��


    Hence, this matter was happily settled. No one mentioned the value of one pure-blooded mastiff was no less than a hundred taels.


    County Magistrate Shen and the others did not leave directly after the meal. He expressed that he was very interested in the farnd in the countryside. Ning Fengnian was also concerned about his family��s situation, so he volunteered to take him there.


    As a county magistrate, his political achievements were rted to the livelihood of the county and the subordinate viges and towns. When the country was prosperous and the people were safe, the most important thing in the livelihood of the people was the harvest of food. Hence, the quality of the farmer��snd was directly rted to his ipetence as an official.


    The vigers of Fortune Vige nted rice the most. The rice nted was divided into early rice, middle rice, andte rice. Early rice was usually sown at the end of March and early April, and harvested in the middle tote July. Middle rice was usually sown from the beginning of April to the end of May and harvested in the middle tote September. Late rice was usually sown in the middle tote June and harvested in the middle of October.


    There were many types of early rice in the vige, and they were already blooming in the rice field. Hence, Ning Fengnian did not exin much about the eye-catching greenery of the Ning Family��s field. He only said, ��I��d rather nt the riceter and wait for the rice seedlings to grow well.��


    Xiaoxiao agreed deeply, but it was a pity that it was toote to wait for a new batch of rice seedlings to grow in her space.


    Just as she was feeling regretful, she suddenly heard Ning Fengnian say, ��Eh, strange. Why do I feel that the seedlings are different from when I came previously?��


    Was he so sharp? As expected of someone who was always in the fields every day. Xiaoxiao said firmly, ��You probably didn��t sleep enoughst time and saw wrongly.��


    Ning Fengnian did not suspect anything. After looking at it carefully, he made a decision. ��Prepare to nt seedlings tomorrow..��

 Chapter 121 - 121: Who Knows How To Roast Rabbit?

    Chapter 121: Who Knows How To Roast Rabbit?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    His farming skills were unanimously recognized by the whole family, so they had already started to discuss the arrangements for tomorrow. County Magistrate Shen only had a day off and had to go back to the government office from tomorrow onwards. However, Shen Tianci was free, especially since he was still thinking about Xiaoxiao��s new dishes. Hence, a few dayster, this young master knocked on the Ning Family��s door with the puppy in his arms.


    Since they were going to nt seedlings, the entire family would definitely be mobilized. When Shen Tianci came, only Xiaoxiao was cooking at home.


    ��My parents and brothers are in the fields. I��m going to deliver food to themter. Do you want to eat burritos today?��


    Shen Tianci��s enthusiasm was instantly extinguished. He had miscalcted. She was busy with farm work. Where would she get the time to cook? He could not freeload!


    He was not interested in the word ��burrito��. Since everyone was busy, there was definitely no one to y with him. He could only greet them listlessly, put down the dog, and prepared to leave. Seeing his disappointed face, Xiaoxiao asked him as she stirred the batter, ��Do you want to make your own pancake to y with?��


    Shen Tianci turned around instantly. ��Since you��re so enthusiastic about inviting me, I��ll give it a try. Where should I do it?��


    He was still trying his best to carry the first sentence, but he couldn��t wait to say thest four words. Xiaoxiao pointed at the kitchen with a smile.


    The batter had been mixed and the fillings that were to be rolled into the pancaketer had been prepared. Xiaoxiao demonstrated it to Shen Tianci. Thetter saw Ning Xiaoxiao scoop a spoonful of batter and pour it into the pot. Then, she took something that was a little bent like a wooden stick and rolled it on the batter. The originally white ball spread out into arge area.


    Then, she used the spat to shovel a few times. Her index finger and thumb pinched the edge of the pancake and gently pulled it over. Vi, a thin pancake was made.


    Immediately after, Xiaoxiao cracked another egg and used the same method to spread, flip, and flip it back. Finally, she added all kinds of ingredients into the pancake and rolled it into a burrito.


    The space rang out: [Ding! The first time the crepe has been recorded, you have received 200 points. Current total points are 1,450!]


    Shen Tianci��s eyes lit up. It was fun!


    He was eager to give it a try, but Xiaoxiao sent him to wash his hands. She even stared at him to make sure that he washed the folds of his hands carefully with soap. He pouted, and was unhappy. ��My hands are clean!��


    Xiaoxiao ignored him. ��It just looks clean. Anyway, you have to wash your hands well before cooking.��


    Shen Tianci was thinking about ying with pancakes, so he did not talk back now. He obediently followed the procedures and rushed into the house. Xiaoxiao followed him in amusement. ��Hey, Shen Tianci, slow down. Be careful not to burn yourself!��


    A figure outside the door, who was about to knock, stopped. His gentle smile gradually faded.


    However, the guard was insensible and even said frankly, ��Eh? Young Master Shen is here too? When did he be so close to Miss Ning?��


    Rong Yan looked down and found himself funny. He threw the pheasant in his hand to Yun Yi. ��Go give it to them.�� He turned around and walked back to his courtyard.


    Pushing open the door, the dusty courtyard looked a little lonely. Half of the vegetable leaves that he had piled up for the rabbit before he left were gone, and the entire courtyard was filled with round rabbit feces balls. Rong Yan��s gazended coldly on the hare, which was still munching on the vegetable leaves.


    ��Which one of you knows how to roast a rabbit?��


    The rabbit did not realize that it had already walked to the gates of hell and was still eating the vegetable leaves happily.


    At this moment, Yun Yi, who was in charge of giving gifts, walked in from outside the courtyard. He smiled casually. ��Master, Miss Ning said that she will stew that chicken tonight and invited you to eat with her.��


    Rong Yan put his hands behind his back and snorted without looking back.


    Yun Yi did not hear him and continued, ��Miss Ning said that she wanted to wee you back. She also said that she had just developed a snack these few days and would make it for you tonight. She said that you would definitely like it.��


    Rong Yan turned around and did not meet Yun Yi��s gaze.. ��Is Shen Tianci joining us too?��

 Chapter 122 - 122: You’re Back

    Chapter 122: You��re Back


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Yun Yi scratched his head, a little confused. ��Young Master Shen? He��s already gone home. He just made a few pancakes and said that he wanted to bring them to his parents. I heard from Miss Ning that he��s here to send the puppy.�� Rong Yan asked curiously, ��What puppy?��


    Yun Yi replied, ��It��s about the thiefst night. Miss Ning is going to keep a fierce dog to guard the door at home.��


    ��In order to thank him, Miss Ning taught him to make a few pancakes to y with.��


    Rong Yan didn��tment, but his tense expression rxed. ��Pack up that mutton and bring it to her tonight.�� Then, he changed his words. ��1 mean for the Ning Family.��


    The guards could not understand the difference between these two statements. They would follow their master��s orders.


    The rabbit shook its ears and used its front ws to scratch its fur. Suddenly, it heard the man who kept it say sinisterly, ��If you make the courtyard like this again, 1��11 skewer you and roast you.�� A few bamboo pieces were inserted in front of the rabbit. Half of them were buried in the soil. It shivered and almost pulled out its fur.


    Rong Yan went out mainly to create the illusion that he was elsewhere. It was not dangerous, but it was very tiring. He slept until the sky turned dark.


    Hearing themotion in the house, Yun Yi brought over warm water to wash his face. ��Master, the Ning Family has just returned from the fields. Miss Ning��s second brother has already called for you just now.��


    As soon as he walked into the Ning Family��s courtyard, Rong Yan heard Ning Xiaoxiao��s crispughter from the kitchen. He went in and saw that she was ying happily with a dog in her arms.


    ��You��re back?��


    Strangely, such a simple sentence actually calmed his temper.


    This was the first time someone had said such things to him. It was as if, as if she was waiting for him.


    After not seeing her for a few days, she seemed to have changed again, but her clear eyes were always the same. She liked to look at him when she spoke. Her gaze was pure, and her joy was also pure. There were two buns tied on her head, and two red coral beads were clinking with her movements��they were from him.


    Rong Yan nodded and walked in with a straight face, but his footsteps were very brisk.


    Xiaoxiao looked behind him. ��Actually, Brother Yun and the rest cane too.�� Yun Yi and the rest always said that there was a difference between master and servant and refused to eat at the same table as Rong Yan. However, there was no master-servant distinction in their family. At most, they could sit at another table.


    Rong Yan thought for a moment and said, ��They eat a lot.��


    Xiaoxiao was puzzled. She tilted her head and expressed her doubts. ��Eating more means that they have a good appetite. A good appetite means that they��re in good health. They can protect you and take care of you better if they��re in good health, so isn��t this a good thing?��


    Rong Yan looked at his unique and clear self in her eyes and couldn��t help but smile. This girl could say anything about him. Seriously��


    The puppy on Xiaoxiao��sp was tickledfortably by her and whined from time to time. Rong Yan picked up this noisy dog without thinking and was about to throw it away when he heard Xiaoxiao ask curiously, ��You like dogs too?�� He had even hugged a rabbitst time. This neighbor was quite caring.


    Rong Yan didn��t understand his actions, but he could only suppress his impatience and put the dog on hisp. Then, he nodded reluctantly.


    Xiaoxiao smiled as she watched the fair young master carry a silly dog. She suddenly remembered that she had yet to introduce it. ��Oh, right. Shen Tianci gave me this dog. Isn��t it cute? We were thinking of a name for it just now. I thought of a few that everyone felt were inappropriate. Young Master All Yan, help me think of them?��


    Rong Yan raised his eyebrows.. ��What are you thinking about?��

 Chapter 123 - 123: Little Big Brother

    Chapter 123 - 123: Little Big Brother


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao blinked and told him the truth under Second Brother��s amused gaze. ��Braised pork, stewed meatballs, meat buns����


    Rong Yan had thought that he might hear Little ck, Little Gray, and Lucky, but he really didn��t expect Ning Xiaoxiao to name the dog after a dish. He finally knew what theughter in the room was for. Not to mention Ning Eng and the others, even Rong Yan couldn��t help but smile.


    Xiaoxiao immediately put her hands on her hips. ��Why do you have the same reaction as Second Brother? Look at how chubby it is. Does it look like braised pork? The fur on its head is so long. Does it look like a lion? Also, does this dog face look like a big meat bun?��


    Ning Eng held his stomach and coaxed his sister. ��Alright, alright, alright. You��re right, but aren��t you afraid of scaring this dog with such a name?��


    Xiaoxiao pouted and kicked him. ��So I asked Young Master All Yan to help me think of it.�� Even though she was still very unconvinced!<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    Rong Yan pursed his lips and heard herin again. ��It��s all Shen Tianci��s fault. Can��t he give it a good name before giving it to me?��


    At the mention of Shen Tianci, Xiaoxiao thought of something else. ��By the way, Shen Tianci invited us to admire the flowers on the third day next month. Young Master All Yan, are you going?��


    Rong Yan finally raised his eyebrows. ��Don��t call me Young Master.�� Why did she call Shen Tianci by his name, but call him Young Master?


    Xiaoxiao blinked and thought to herself that it made sense. He was from a fallen family and it would be so ufortable to hear her call him that. She could only me herself for being sloppy in the past. ��Then how should 1 call you? Zhao Yan?��


    Rong Yan didn��t like it. His surname wasn��t Zhao, but he couldn��t tell her his real name.


    As soon as Xiaoxiao finished asking, Madam Song, who hade over, patted her head. ��How rude. All Yan is older than you. You have to call him Big Brother!��


    Xiaoxiao pursed her lips. Her mental age was 24 years older than this brat! However, she did as the Romans did. She tried to call out, ��Big Brother Zhao?��


    Rong Yan pursed his lips and lowered his eyes. ��I heard others call my Uncle Zhao Hu Big Brother Zhao.��


    Xiaoxiao thought hard and called out a strange name to her. ��Big Brother Yan?�� Then, she was poked by the goosebumps on her arms.


    Rong Yan felt as if his heart had been hit by something. The tip of his ears turned red. It was possible��


    Just as he was about to speak, he saw Xiaoxiao rubbing her arms and denied it. ��No, no, 1 can��t say that!��


    Madam Songughed at her. ��Ah Yan is older than you. You should call him Big Brother.��


    Xiaoxiao begged for mercy. ��Why don��t I call Ah Yan Little Big Brother?��


    Ning Eng alsoughed at her. ��Is there a difference between the two?��


    Xiaoxiao ced her hands on her hips. ��Of course. Little Big Brother Ah Yan is more smooth!�� ��Big Brother Yan�� was too intimate. She felt like she was going to twist her waist and fall into his arms the next moment!


    She ignored her mother and brother who were teasing her. She turned around and only asked the person involved, ��Right, Little Big Brother Ah Yan?��


    When he heard this, it was as if something scratched his heart. Rong Yan tightened his grip on the puppy, making it let out a dissatisfied moan.


    ��Yeah.��


    Xiaoxiao did not notice Rong Yan��s abnormality and only raised her chin smugly. ��Did you hear that? Little Big Brother Ah Yan agreed! Little Big Brother Ah Yan, are you hungry? Let��s eat?�� She would get used to it after calling him a few more times. Anyway, she was a real little girl now, so calling him that should not be considered pretending to be young.


    However, she did not know that Rong Yan did not dare to look up at all when she called him ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan��. His face was hot.


    Xiaoxiao suddenly thought of something.. ��Will I have to call Shen Tianci ��Big Brother Tianci�� when I see him in the future?��</font>

 Chapter 124 - 124: One Mouth At A Time

    Chapter 124 - 124: One Mouth At A Time


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Eh�� so disgusting.


    Rong Yan��s face instantly stopped burning. When he looked up again, he had already regained his usual calmness.


    Xiaoxiao didn��t want to lower her seniority again and find herself a ��big brother��. She said seriously, ��I think he might not like this nickname. Moreover, his family��s situation is special. If I call him that, others might mistakenly think that I��m interested in him.��


    Madam Song and Ning Fengnian were unwilling to let others think that their daughter wanted to climb up the socialdder, so they gave up on this thought. Anyway, Tianci looked innocent and childish, and he was not much different from Xiaoxiao. They would just call him that.


    It was time to eat. Everyone went to the kitchen to serve the dishes. Rong Yan��s emotions had fluctuated and he was helping to clear the table as he calmed down. At this moment, he heard Xiaoxiao ask softly in his ear, ��1 forgot to ask you. Do you not like the title of ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan��?��<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    Rong Yan felt that the heat that had finally subsided was about to rise again. Xiaoxiao scratched her head. ��If you don��t like it���� 1 can change it.


    Rong Yan moved his lips. ��No, I��m fine with it.��


    He was sitting and Xiaoxiao was standing, so she happened to see Rong Yan��s red ears. Xiaoxiao touched her chin, feeling very surprised. Was Little Big Brother�� shy?


    Unable to suppress the naughtiness in her heart, Xiaoxiao held back herughter and called out again, ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan?��


    Ah, his ears turned even redder! It was so fun!


    Rong Yan did not know that he had been tricked. He only felt that this girl was getting more and more arrogant because of his favor. He had only agreed to be her address. Was there a need to be so happy?


    However, on second thought, he felt that she was so happy just by him responding.


    Xiaoxiao heard her Little Big Brother, whose ears were about to bleed, reply softly again, ��Mm.��


    Oh my god, he was so cute and fun. She really wanted to continue teasing him!


    Xiaoxiao had really spent a lot of effort to find her integrity and focus on setting the table. Rong Yan did not eat much. For a moment, he thought of ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan�� with all kinds of intonations. Then, he thought of what Ning Xiaoxiao said about ��mistaking that I��m interested in him��. So was she deliberately showing him that she did not have any other intentions towards Shen Tianci?


    After dinner, Xiaoxiao asked again, ��Are you going to Shen Tianci��s birthday?��


    Rong Yan asked, ��Where?�� This meant that he agreed. Although she felt that Little Big Brother was a little awkward, Xiaoxiao still told him the address. ��Shall we leave together then?��


    ��Together�� was another word he was unfamiliar with.


    That night, it was a little difficult for Rong Yan to fall asleep because he seemed to hear ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan�� ringing in his ears. However, the Ning Family fell asleep very quickly because they were tired. The new puppyy in Xiaoxiao��s room and slept soundly.


    When he woke up in the morning, Rong Yan had just turned over when Yun Yi knocked on the door. ��Master, you��re up?��


    Rong Yan replied with a ��yes�� and the outside quietened down. When he finished washing up and saw the breakfast Yun Yi sent over, he knew that it was definitely not their cooking. As expected, Yun Yi said the next moment, ��Miss Ning made this breakfast for you. Do you want to eat it now?��


    Miss Ning said that it was tiring for them to go out hunting and they did not eatst night, so breakfast was prepared for them. It could be considered a wee meal. The guards felt that Miss Ning was simply a Bodhisattva who saved the hardships. They wanted to scream with every bite.


    Xiaoxiao respected the different habits of the families. Rong Yan��s family rules were that there was a difference in status, so she wouldn��t force them to ept that everyone was equal. Hence, the breakfast she gave Rong Yan was different from the guards.


    The guards were each given two small soup dumplings, two vegetable buns, and a bowl of lean meat porridge. It warmed their stomachs and hearts.


    Rong Yan��s appetite was not as big as theirs, and it was obvious that he was an exquisite person. Xiaoxiao had prepared a bowl of chicken soup noodles for him. Last night, she used the pheasant he gave her to make a big pot of soup. Today, she used it as the noodles��s soup. There were emerald green vegetables and two poached eggs in the noodles. She heard that Rong Yan had woken up and the noodles were still chewy when she brought them over.


    Other than the noodles, Xiaoxiao also gave him an exquisite bamboo steamer. Rong Yan opened it curiously and saw six translucent ��shells�� lying inside the steam. The pink shrimp-green vegetables with red carrots in the ��shells�� could be seen vaguely. There was also a small te of Ning Xiaoxiao��s special sauce beside the steamer.


    With just one look, he felt hungry.


    Yun Yi said, ��Miss Ning said that this is called crystal prawn dumplings.�� He did some calctions. There were six crystal prawn dumplings. There were a total of five people in their courtyard, excluding the secret guards that could not be seen. If Master could not finish them, they might be able to try one.


    Then, he saw Rong Yan eat them one by one.


    Yun Yi:�� Envious, the kind that wants to cry..</font>

 Chapter 125 - 125: Are You Very Free?

    Chapter 125: Are You Very Free?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    As expected, Rong Yan got up and moved. ��Wash the dishes. 1 want to go next door to thank her.��


    Yun Yi replied proudly, ��Master, I��ve just thanked Miss Ning. Other than that steamer, we have used our own bowls and chopsticks.��


    Rong Yan stopped stretching his arms and turned to ask him, ��Are you very free?��


    Yun Yi deliberated for a moment. ��I-t��s alright?��


    Rong Yan looked at the unfamiliar dishes on the table expressionlessly. ��Don��t you feel ashamed that a few burly men are eating and drinking their food for free?��


    Yun Yi: ???


    Then, they were sent to the fields to help the Ning Family.


    After arranging the guards, Rong Yan rinsed the steamer inexpertly and knocked on the courtyard next door.


    After opening the door, he realized that Ning Xiaoxiao was about to go out. She was carrying a basket on her back, a bucket, and a fishing rod in her arms. She looked very busy. As she turned around, the small bucket fell to the ground and rolled to Rong Yan��s feet.


    ��It��s Little Big Brother Ah Yan. Is breakfast delicious?��


    Rong Yan��s ears heated up. He did not dare to meet her overly bright eyes. In order to hide it, he bent down and picked up the bucket. ��Go fishing?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and asked casually, ��Do you want toe along?��


    The word ��together�� was too difficult to reject.


    The spring breeze blew on their faces. The willows and the willows. Beside the river under the tree, the young man and woman each raised their fishing rods and stared at theke.


    Rong Yan was a little frustrated. He had originally nned to help Ning Xiaoxiao send the things over and fish for a while before returning. However, not a single fish took the bait. Ning Xiaoxiao had already filled half a bucket. He had been talented since he was young, and even the Grand Tutor praised him for being smart. He had never lost to anyone with such a huge difference. He was determined to seed for once.


    It wasn��t easy for him to see his float move. Just as he was about to raise the rod, he heard Ning Xiaoxiao ask, ��What gift should I give Shen Tianci for his birthday?��


    Rong Yan��s hand trembled and the float returned to normal. Xiaoxiao did not notice themotion here and was still vexed. ��If it��s too cheap, I won��t have any face. If it��s too expensive, 1 can��t afford it���� She did not know what boys liked.


    As she spoke, her eyes suddenly lit up. Didn��t she have a suitable person beside her to consult? The neighbor��s Little Big Brother was a boy. He should like something simr to Shen Tianci, right? Hence, she moved her butt in Rong Yan��s direction. ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan, what do you think I should give him?��


    Rong Yan recalled Shen Tianci, that little fatty who liked to eat and y. He stared at the river and said calmly, ��Poetry collection or calligraphy.�� This saved him the trouble of running out when he had nothing to do.


    The three-year college entrance examination and five-year mock exam papers suddenly appeared in Xiaoxiao��s mind. She shook her head in horror. This was not a gift, but a feud. ��Let me tell you, you won��t have friends if you give gifts like this in the future.��


    Rong Yan pursed his lips indifferently, but he also realized that he had misled her too much. Hence, he deliberated for a moment and suggested sincerely, ��Give him a kite?�� He wanted him to fly far away.


    Xiaoxiao felt that this was a good idea. ��Then I��ll make it myself! May is a good time to fly paper kites. When the timees, 1��11 make some snacks to show my sincerity.�� It would save money.


    Rong Yan added, ��I don��t know what to give either. I��ll make the paper kite. Just bring me some bamboo sticks from home.��


    Xiaoxiao thought about it and agreed. ��Then consider it a gift from us.��


    Rong Yan agreed reluctantly. For some reason, he felt ufortable when he thought of Ning Xiaoxiao giving Shen Tianci the paper kite she made herself..

 Chapter 126 - 126: She Liked Him So Much

    Chapter 126: She Liked Him So Much


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After returning home, she was surprised to find that her parents and brothers had already returned. Her father pulled Little Big Brother��s guards and insisted on making them stay for dinner. Only when she heard that did she know that they had gone to help them nt seedlings.


    Although Guard Yun and the others had never farmed before, the five men worked hard together and settled the Ning Family��s three days of work in a day. Everyone was pleasantly surprised and very grateful. It was really unreasonable not to treat them to a meal.


    When Xiaoxiao went to cook, Yun Yi and the others praised sincerely when they smelled the fragrance. ��Miss Ning is young, but her culinary skills are really good. Unlike us, we only know how to cook meat when we buy it. If Miss Ning didn��t send some seasoning and sauce from time to time, we could only swallow them with the steamed buns.��


    The Ning Family, who had been eating very well recently, actually began to pity the Zhao Family, who had better conditions than them. Of course, their hearts ached for the ingredients that had not been treated properly.


    Ning Fengnian and Madam Song looked at these guards, who were still children in their eyes, with heartache. They invited them warmly, ��Come to Uncle��s house to eat in the future.��


    The guards could not help but say, ��There are so many of us. It��s fine if wee once in a while, but if we keeping, won��t your house be empty?!��


    Ning Eng looked at them as if they were fools. ��Then can��t you bring the rice and ingredients to my sister to cook?��


    Madam Song wanted to p his head. ��How can you say that!�� There was no reason for the guests to bring their own ingredients!


    Xiaoxiao, who came to serve the dishes, had a thought. ��Actually, I think it��s okay.��


    Madam Song and Ning Fengnian looked at their daughter in confusion. Ning Eng, who was just joking, also looked at his sister in confusion. Ning Dng took the things from his sister.


    Xiaoxiao, who was the center of attention, handed the te to her brother and said, ��I mean, our families are eating together. This time, my family is buying groceries, and next time Little Big Brother All Yan��s family will buy groceries.�� Yun Yi��s chopsticks fell on the table with a tter. He and his brothers exchanged nces crazily��Did Miss Ning call Master ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan�� just now? And Master has no intention of objecting! What is going on! What happened! What did they miss!


    Xiaoxiao continued, ��Look, it just so happens that we have a lot of things to do at home recently and everyone is very busy. Although there��s a vegetable field at home, it��s always a little tiring to eat the same vegetables every day. Moreover, there��s vegetables at home without meat, so we have to go out and buy them. If the two families eat together in the future, we can split the time to buy groceries and 1 don��t have to think about what to cook every day. Little Big Brother All Yan and the rest don��t have to think about what to eat for their next meal. Isn��t this the best of both worlds?��


    That made sense. Yun Yi and the others could not agree anymore. God knew how much they had to worry about their master��s food every day. However, in order to keep their identities a secret, they could not find a chef casually. They would rather go into battle to kill the enemy than be responsible for what their master would eatter!


    Everyone thought about it and felt that this suggestion was quite reasonable. Only Rong Yan said, ��You��re working too hard this way.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��Thank you for your concern, Little Big Brother Ah Yan, but cooking has never been difficult for me, especially when I see you guys eating happily. I am very satisfied.��


    Yun Yi and the others were almost scared out of their wits by this title, but Rong Yan was stunned for a long time because of her words.


    During the days when they were eating at the General��s residence, Uncle Gu once said to him, ��The original intention of cooking is to hope that the person you like can eat happily. The happier she is, the more satisfied I will be.�� He said, ��This is called happiness.��


    Did Ning Xiaoxiao also feel the same way when she cooked for him?


    So she�� liked him that much?

 Chapter 127 - 127: The Heaven Of The Commoners

    Chapter 127: The Heaven Of The Commoners


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    When he returned home, Rong Yan didn��t even notice the guards winking at one another behind him. He felt that he had to face Ning Xiaoxiao��s feelings for him.


    Did he hate it? Of course not.


    In the past, many nobledies had expressed their goodwill to him��after all, he had a mother who was highly favored. However, he felt bored and nauseated when facing those people.


    Then�� did he like her?


    Rong Yan pulled the nket up to cover his face. How could that be?!


    This dilemmasted for a sleepless night.


    Unfortunately, the person who caused him to lose sleep had a good sleep and got up energetically to cook again.


    The rice fields after the seedlings were nted could not be left unattended. Ning Fengnian always took the trouble to observe the depth of the water. He could not let the field go without water, nor could he over-irrigate it. At the same time, he had to ensure that no seedlings were washed down and damaged during irrigation. Insects and weeds had to be dealt with in time. If any seedlings were identally destroyed, they had to be rented in time.


    Every rice seedling condensed the hard work of the grower. This was a preciousness that could not be felt by scattering seeds into space. Every time she saw the vast greenery when she delivered food, Xiaoxiao could not help but smile brightly.


    When Rong Yan asionally apanied her, he would see the other vigers wiping the sweat off their foreheads and holding their sore waists. However, they were always smiling when they looked at the green rice fields.


    He asked, ��Why are they still so happy when they��re so tired?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Because today��s work can be exchanged for another harvest, and the future harvest can be exchanged for a rich life. Food is the priority of the people, so in a sense, these fields are the farmers�� sky.��


    ��Don��t you think farming is very powerful? Look, be it high-ranking officials, nobles, generals, or soldiers, everyone has to eat. That��s why it��s not unreasonable for farmers to feed the world.��


    Rong Yan was thinking about how he had caught a glimpse of the unusualyers of guards at the dam in Luo Prefecture.


    At night, he tossed and turned, attracting Yun Yi��s attention.


    ��Master, what��s wrong?��


    Rong Yan sighed. ��Find someone to tell Shen Congjun that the dam is in disrepair.��


    Yun Yi was confused. ��Master, didn��t you n to stay out of other people��s business and ask County Magistrate Shen to escort us back to the capital after confirming that he is trustworthy?��


    Rong Yan recalled the smiling faces he saw during the day and said seriously, ��I��ve changed my mind.��


    ncing at the puzzled Yun Yi, Rong Yan said, ��If Shen Congjun knows about this but doesn��t do anything, how can I believe that he won��t join Prefect Yan?��


    Although he had no intention of fighting for that position, he did not n to not take his life seriously. Moreover��


    He had once felt that Great Xia��s empire had nothing to do with him, and the people in this empire naturally had nothing to do with him. However, Ning Xiaoxiao��s words today changed his mind.


    He ate the rice nted by themoners and cooked by Ning Xiaoxiao. He seemed to be unable to only care about his own stability and ignore the cmities that were about to happen.


    ��The people��s sky can��t copse.��


    This sentence was said very softly, but Yun Yi, who had sharp ears and eyes, did not miss it. His actions of tidying up the bed were still smooth, but his expression became serious.


    ��Understood.��


    In the following days, the two families indeed began to work together, and their diets�� level increased exponentially.


    As freeloaders, the ingredients that Rong Yan��s guards brought couldn��t be too bad, right? Even if it was bad, his master wouldn��t be used to it, so they started eating chicken, duck, and pork.


    The neighbors had prepared such sumptuous ingredients. It was not appropriate for the Ning Family to take advantage of them and make do with porridge, rice, and steamed buns, right? Hence, even if their hearts ached for the money, they insisted on going to the meat stall.


    Although there might only be one or two pieces of sweet and sour pork ribs for each person, they still had meat every meal. After eating their fill every meal, the Ning Family felt that they walked with the wind in their face. The Yun Guards swung their swords and were as light as swallows. Both parties�� mouths and stomachs were greatly satisfied. They were smiling every day from the moment they woke up.

 Chapter 128 - 128: Why Worry About No One Marrying Her?

    Chapter 128: Why Worry About No One Marrying Her?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    In her memory, every time they were busy with farming, her family would be much more haggard and tired. However, this time, not only did the Ning Family not run out of stamina, but they also gained some weight. Ning Eng grew much taller, while Xiaoxiao��s cheeks went from shriveled to full and her face became much rosier.


    She did not forget to dig into her space every day when she cooked delicious food. With her tireless efforts, she could earn an average of 300 points a day. After more than 20 days, the current points bnce in the gourmet space had reached 6,000 points. This was under the premise that she had exchanged for another set of rice seeds and a set of wheat seeds and often fished for prawns.


    Both she and the space were quite happy with this development speed.


    The vigers were envious and impressed when they saw the changes in the Ning Family. It was impossible for them to live like this if they were not diligent. Compared to before they split up, the eldest branch finally had a happy ending.


    However, at the thought of this, everyone could not help butpare them to the group of people in the old residence.


    The old residence also had fields. In the past, before the Ning Family split up, the Ning Family��snd was the benchmark of the entire vige every time they were busy with farming. It was nted quickly and well, and the harvest was also top-notch. Who wouldn��t praise that kind of farmer when they saw the fields?


    But now, looking at the bumpy and crooked seedlings, which were long, short, tall, and short. It was obvious that they had changed their nting style. What did it mean? They had changed their farmers.


    Back then, Old Sir Ning praised his second son for being capable, good at business, and good at farming. Now, it seemed that he was not telling the truth.


    It was said that his second son was doing business outside, but they had never seen him bring anything good home all these years. He was actually jealous of his eldest brother��s good life.


    As for farming, it was obvious to all. Look at what the old residence without Ning Fengnian was like.


    The vigers�� gazes were like knives on the backs of everyone in the old residence, making them grit their teeth and unable to refute.


    When they found out that Ning Fengnian��s paddy field had caught up to them and was nted better than theirs, they were simply overwhelmed with jealousy. They wanted to talk to Ning Fengnian and trick him into working for them, but they realized that Ning Fengnian left when he saw the people from the second branch and ignored them. It was not easy for them to stop him, but this easy-going honest person suddenly changed his mind. He said that he could not handle it and could not help.


    Second Uncle Ning gritted his teeth. What did he mean by ��too busy��? He was clearly unwilling to contribute!


    That afternoon, on the way to the river to fish, Xiaoxiao heard Second Aunt Ning nagging about the eldest branch in front of a group of gossipy old women. ��What do you know? My big brother��s farming is just so-so. He��s just taking advantage of others these few days.��


    Xiaoxiao hugged her fishing rod and stopped. She leaned against the tree and listened to what she could make up.


    Second Aunt Ning said mysteriously, ��You guys know his neighbor, right? He��s Zhao Hu��s nephew. Haven��t the two families been quite close recently?��


    ��My sister-inw is such a smart person. How can she give benefits to others for nothing? She must have a motive for treating them so well.��


    Her expression was too vivid, and her tone was too gossipy. She finally seeded in attracting the attention of these women. ��What do you mean?��


    Second Aunt Ning twisted her bucket waist. She pretended to cover her mouth, but her voice was even louder. ��It��s all because of those young and strong men from the Zhao Family.��


    Xiaoxiao��s expression turned cold.


    Second Aunt Ning added, ��She doesn��t have the fortune to do it herself. Doesn��t she still have a girl?��


    Xiaoxiao stood between a few trees. She was dressed simply and the color of her clothes happened to merge with the tree trunk, so no one noticed her. Second Aunt Ning became more and more enthusiastic as she spoke. ��There are so many men next door who are single. My sister-inw must have some thoughts. There��s a little girl at home who��s worried that she can��t get married����


    Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes and was about to walk out when she heard a cold voice interrupt Second Aunt Ning.. ��If someone wanted a wife as ugly as you, why would a bright, sincere, and diligent girl like Ning Xiaoxiao worry about not being married?��

 Chapter 129 - 129: Little Big Brother Is A Little Handsome

    Chapter 129 - 129: Little Big Brother Is A Little Handsome


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao looked at Little Big Brother, who had a cold expression and a tough attitude. She couldn��t help but think of how he seemed to have descended from the sky when the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant and Second Uncle Ning came to the house to cause trouble.


    This Little Big Brother was a little handsome.


    Second Aunt Ning was stunned. Due to her uncouthness, it took her a while to realize that Rong Yan was praising Ning Xiaoxiao and scolding her. Looking at the burly guards behind Rong Yan, she blushed and did not dare to fart again.


    Rong Yan couldn��t be bothered to talk to stupid people to begin with. He only spoke just now because he saw that Second Aunt Ning��s words were too dirty. He snorted and walked away nimbly. After leaving this group of ignorant women, he asked Yun Yi, ��Has the news of Ning Fengcai in Xijiang County not spread yet?��


    Yun Yi understood that his master was not asking a question, so he epted the order seriously. ��I��ll do it now.��<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    After all, Fortune Vige was only a small vige. The people who lived here were all farmers. It was not the time to sell food, and it was not a festive season. Very few people would go to the county. Even if they did, they would return after buying something. They might not have heard of Second Uncle Ning walking into the government office.


    What Yun Yi needed to do was to spread the news as quickly as possible and let the vigers know what the old residence was like.


    What Rong Yan did not know was that after he left, Second Aunt Ning, who was so frightened that she held her breath, took a deep breath and returned to her old self. She spat on the ground. ��Pfft, why are you pretending to be a young master when you��re so poor? If you��re really so awesome, why can��t you even hire a servant or buy a piece ofnd? You went up to the eldest branch when you saw that they were eating well. Little did you know that the eldest branch still owes 10 taels of silver. Now, you��re pretending to be rich! The two poor families think that they��ve be rich!��


    Someone could not stand her attitude and retorted, ��I heard that they learned how to hunt from Zhao Hu. They never stopped eating meat at home and even exchanged it for a lot of silver.��


    Second Aunt Ning pursed her lips. She looked down on hunters. ��What do you know? What��s so good about hunting? Not to mention that there��s no prey in autumn and winter, even in spring and summer, if you��re unlucky and are pped down by a bear, you won��t even be able to keep your lives!��


    These words were really too much. No matter how much the women in the vige liked to gossip, they would not use others�� lives to gossip. For a moment, no one spoke. Second Aunt Ning also felt bored. She held her stomach and walked away agilely.


    Hearing what she said just now, Xiaoxiao quickly ran home and chased after Second Aunt Ning.


    If not for the innocent life in her stomach, Xiaoxiao really wanted to put a gunny sack over her and beat her up.


    However, even if she could not be beaten up now, she still had to be taught a lesson.


    Second Aunt Ning came out today to ck off. Without Ning Fengnian, who was a sucker, everyone in the family, except for Little Uncle and Little Aunt, had to go to the fields this year. She used her stomach as an excuse to change her job to picking wild vegetables. No matter what, she had to dig a little to show her appreciation.


    She was quite impatient about this. In the past, when she encountered such troublesome matters, she could just throw them to her sister-inw. Besides, what was so delicious about wild vegetables? They were bitter, astringent, and not oily! The eldest branch was really generous to themselves. The fragrance of meat wafted everywhere every day. Wasn��t they afraid that they would be beaten up after a year because they couldn��t pay their debts?!


    As she was thinking, she saw Xiaoxiao walking past her with a food basket in her hand. The fragrance in the basket made her drool non-stop. Without thinking, she reached out and grabbed Xiaoxiao. ��What food? Show it to Second Aunt.��


    Xiaoxiao protected the basket and dodged, but her movements were too big. Second Aunt Ning still saw the entire roasted chicken in the basket ��identally��. Xiaoxiao ��panickedly�� covered the basket and said in a flustered tone, ��The pancakes I brought for my father and brother are just ordinary pancakes.��


    Second Aunt Ning put her hands on her hips. ��Why are you still eating pancakes? Do you still have to pay the debt of 10 taels of silver? Eat, eat, eat!�� Xiaoxiao blinked and deliberately smiled very proudly. ��What��s the hurry? We��re all family.. If we really can��t repay them, won��t we still have Second Uncle, Second Aunt, and Grandpa and Grandma to help?��</font>

 Chapter 130 - 130: Where’s My Silver?

    Chapter 130 - 130: Where��s My Silver?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Second Aunt Ning was furious. ��Alright, so that��s what you��re up to. Let me tell you, don��t even think about it! You shameless����


    As she scolded, she did not dy in snatching the basket from Xiaoxiao. Xiaoxiao was also ��weak�� in strength. After pulling it a few times, Second Aunt Ning got her way and immediately ran away crying.


    Second Aunt Ning was about to enjoy the delicacies when she saw a shiny piece of silver fall from Xiaoxiao��s sleeve when she ran away!


    She couldn��t be bothered to eat anymore and chased after her with the basket. She even specially didn��t say a word, afraid that Xiaoxiao would find out. She couldn��t bear to leave if she couldn��t find it.


    Xiaoxiao, who was originally running forward, stopped in her tracks. She rubbed her face and took out the onions she had prepared from her space. Soon, she ran away crying. When she encountered a kind-hearted viger asking, sheined nimbly, ��Second Aunt snatched the lunch 1 brought for Father, Mother, and Brother and even wanted to hit me!��<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    The vigers couldn��t stand it anymore. They brought the ��pitiful�� little girl to her Second Aunt to reason with her.


    Ever since Second Aunt Ning had a baby, she was hungry and craving food very quickly. After searching for a while, she felt tired and wanted to eat a few mouthfuls to replenish her strength. Unexpectedly, when she opened the basket, there was no roasted chicken or meat pie inside. It was actually a basket of leftover chicken bones!


    Second Aunt Ning cursed fiercely on the spot. Suddenly, she saw four to five vigers return with Ning Xiaoxiao.


    ��Second Aunt, you��re too much. It hasn��t been long since you caused trouble at your brother��s housest time, but you actually have the cheek to snatch their food today?��


    ��That��s right. Not to mention that you��ve already split up, even if you didn��t split up, you shouldn��t bully your own family like this.��


    ��If you continue like this, we��re going to look for the vige chief and junior officer to reason with you!��


    Second Aunt Ning was still in a state of shock. Xiaoxiao suppressed herughter and strode forward to open the basket. She asked in shock, ��Second Aunt, you ate too quickly.��


    Second Aunt Ning scolded, ��Bullsh*t. What you gave me was a basket of bones!��


    Xiaoxiao was puzzled. ��Second Aunt, what are you talking about? If this is a basket of bones, why did you snatch it?��


    Second Aunt Ning was speechless. She had clearly seen a chicken earlier. Who knew why it had suddenly be chicken bones? Could it be that even her eyesight had worsened after she was pregnant?


    The vigers only felt that the second daughter-inw of the Ning Family��s old residence was getting more and more outrageous. Not only was she snatching food from her niece, but she even lied to cover it up! How embarrassing!


    Of course, Xiaoxiao did not go through so much trouble just to destroy Second Aunt Ning��s reputation. While everyone was muttering and criticizing Second Aunt Ning, Xiaoxiao bent down and whispered when she passed by her, ��Strange, where��s my money?��


    Second Aunt Ning��s heart skipped a beat and she secretly moved in Xiaoxiao��s direction.


    Xiaoxiao looked at the surrounding grass and continued to mutter softly, ��It wasn��t easy for me to save it. It��s more than four taels. I can��t lose it����


    The crowd quickly dispersed. They were all people with work to do, so how could they be as idle as Second Aunt Ning? Even Xiaoxiao had to go home and prepare lunch for her family again. However, she looked back three times with an anxious expression.


    Second Aunt Ning made up her mind and slipped over under the moonlight that night.


    She had been paying attention at noon. No one came to this remote ce, and Ning Xiaoxiao had to go back empty-handed, so the money must still be there!


    She hade prepared this time. She had already brought the lighter. She would slip back as soon as she found the silver.


    The n was very good, but just as she was about to blow on the lighter, a pool of water sshed out of nowhere and drenched her and the lighter.


    The night in ancient times was not like modern times. There were no streetmps and headlights, and they were far away from the vige in the small forest. Only a gust of wind covered the moon, and everything was basically pitch-ck.


    Second Aunt Ning was flustered and vaguely saw something swaying on the tree. She screamed in fear, ��Ghost!�� In her panic, she stepped into the simple beast trap that Xiaoxiao had prepared and cried out in pain.


    Xiaoxiao, who was hiding behind the tree, did not feel guilty when she heard her screams..</font>

 Chapter 131 - 131: The Cause Of The Host’s Death

    Chapter 131: The Cause Of The Host��s Death


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Everyone in the old residence was selfish and greedy. When had they ever cared about the life and death of their family?


    They werezy, greedy, cold, and selfish. As long as there was any benefit, they would immediately disregard everyone. They could be considered to be profit-driven and would do anything.


    As long as her family did not have any means to protect themselves, what would happen to them when Wang Biao from the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant came? What would happen when the Ruyi bun��s secret seasoning recipe was targeted? If she had not transmigrated, would the severely injured Ning Fengnian still be alive?


    In order to make Second Aunt stay at home obediently and note out to gossip, Xiaoxiao felt that she was already too kind.


    Second Aunt Ning��s loud voice attracted the attention of the vigers. Xiaoxiao found an opportunity to put the animal trap on Second Aunt��s ankle into her space and quietly hid herself. Hence, when the vigers rushed over, they only saw Second Aunt Ning rolling on the ground alone.


    Second Aunt Ning insisted that she had seen a ghost, but the vigers only wondered why she didn��t go home at night and went crazy at the foot of the mountain. As for the wet marks on her skirt and pants�� There was no water source nearby. Everyone exchanged looks and thought that Second Aunt Ning was so frightened that her pants were wet.


    Second Aunt Ning stammered and said that she was here to look for the things she had left behind during the day. Then, she was in a daze with a pale face. She looked like she was really frightened.


    Her legs were so weak that she couldn��t walk on her own. The vigers despised the wet marks on her pants, so they got someone to fetch Second Uncle Ning to get her home. When there was no one around, she nervously whispered into Second Uncle Ning��s ear, ��I saw a ghost. It��s true. Don��t doubt me.��


    Second Uncle Ning pushed her swollen and ugly face away. ��Tell me first, what are you doing in this pit again?��


    Second Aunt Ning stammered, ��1 saw that girl from the eldest branch drop her silver there during the day����


    Second Uncle Ning sneered. ��You specially came alone to hide it, right?��


    He was right. Second Aunt Ning didn��t tell them because she wanted to hide it as her private money, but this wasn��t important now. ��Dear, listen to me. That ghost deliberately sshed water on me and left me in the forest and didn��t let me go. Isn��t this the same as when we tricked that wild girl Ning Xiaoxiao into the forest����


    Second Uncle Ning had done many bad things, so his mental fortitude was better than his wife��s. ��So what? Isn��t Ning Xiaoxiao alive and well?��


    Second Aunt Ning recalled how abnormal she was when she fought with Xiaoxiao alone. ��I think that girl is a little strange when she wakes up. Do you think she��ll be possessed ande to take revenge on me? Boss, you can��t ignore me. You and Mother asked me to kill that girl����


    Second Uncle Ning suddenly turned around with a ferocious expression. ��Shut up! Don��t mention this again!�� He looked around and heaved a sigh of relief after confirming that no one was around. ��If anyone finds out, I��ll be the first to kill you!��


    Second Aunt Ning only dared to be unreasonable outside. Knowing Second Uncle Ning��s true colors, she didn��t dare to say a word and lowered her head obediently. Second Uncle Ning took two steps outside before retreating. ��Is there really money?��


    The two of them returned to the original spot and searched for a long time. Of course, they returned empty-handed in the end. They didn��t even see anything, let alone silver.


    Second Aunt Ning was even more frightened, but Second Uncle Ning concluded disdainfully that she had just been bitten by some beast.


    After they left, Xiaoxiao shed out of the space. She had heard their conversation clearly in the space just now. From the looks of it, the space still had the convenience of eavesdropping. It was really a waste to only use it to hide from bees in the past.


    Teasing Second Aunt Ning made her discover a big secret about the cause of the original host��s death.. However, why did Old Madam Ning want to kill Ning Xiaoxiao? Even if she wasn��t her biological granddaughter, it shouldn��t be to the extent of taking her life, right?

 Chapter 132 - 132: Spreading

    Chapter 132: Spreading


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It seemed like she had to visit the old residence again in the future.


    With that thought in mind, she stretched and went home.


    On the way, she met her eldest brother and second brother. When she saw the two of them, she hurriedly ran over. ��Why were you gone for so long? Did you find it?��


    Their sister said that she had identally lost the pouch containing the Thirteen Spices form in the afternoon, so they each chose a direction and went out to look for it. However, they still did not see their sister after the two of them returned, so they hurriedly came out to look for her.


    Xiaoxiao told them the truth. ��1 went to watch Second Aunt��s show just now. She was crying and making a fuss in the forest. She seemed to have been possessed and insisted that she had seen a ghost. Don��t you think it��s funny?�� The truth of the original host��s death could not be told for the time being. Otherwise, her family would definitely go to their door to demand an exnation. However, the people in the old residence were cunning. They would definitely not admit it without evidence. Instead, they would alert the enemy. Hence, she only buried a seed first and would settle the score in the future.


    Ning Eng snorted. ��If she has never done anything wrong in her life, she will not be afraid of ghosts knocking on her door at night. She must have something on her mind.��


    Ning Dng pulled his sister over and patted the dust off her dress. ��Did you fall?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��I might have rubbed it when I was squatting on the ground looking for something.�� Then, she waved her purse at them. ��I found it. It really fell into the grass.��


    Ning Dng knocked her forehead lightly. ��No matter how important it is next time, you can��t go out to look for it at night.��


    Xiaoxiao stuck out her tongue and was very obedient. When she turned around, she saw another figure. ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan? Why are you here too?�� Ning Eng said, ��All Yan heard themotion at our house and knew that you weren��t back yet, so he came out with us to look for you. His guards are also looking for you elsewhere.��


    Xiaoxiao scratched her head in embarrassment. She recalled the scene when Rong Yan spoke up for her in the afternoon and her heart warmed. ��Thank you.��


    Rong Yan shook his head. After confirming that she was fine, he went home with them. Yun Yi, who was guarding at home, went out and quickly called the other guards back. They probably had a way to contact each other.


    Xiaoxiao ran over and asked a few questions when Yun Yi passed by the door of the house beforeing back. Of course, Yun Yi had to report this to his master.


    ��Miss Ning is asking about your birthday, Master.��


    Rong Yan asked him, ��Did you tell him?��


    Yun Yi patted his chest confidently. ��I only said the date, but 1 didn��t say the time. After all, the birth characters can only be given to the other party when you discuss marriage. How can I spout nonsense!��


    Rong Yan smiled at him. ��You make it sound like you know my birth characters.��


    Yun Yi was a little unsure if he did the right thing or not. It shouldn��t be wrong�� right?


    Xiaoxiao was a little surprised when she asked about her Little Big Brother��s birthday. It was a little magical to raise such a cold young man on the romantic seventh day of July Q.


    However, Little Big Brother also made people feel that he was not easy to get close to at first. After they became familiar with him, they would realize that he was cold on the outside but warm on the inside. He was a very cute little big brother.


    She counted all the things between the two of them and prepared to prepare a birthday gift for her Little Big Brother.


    The next day, almost the entire Fortune Vige spread the news that Second Uncle Ning went to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant to offer the recipe but was poisoned instead��


    ��I heard that when Second Brother found out that the eldest branch was still doing business with the Fragrance Restaurant, he wanted to sell their secret recipe to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant. In the end, he went for wool and came home shorn. He got poisoned and suffered from vomiting and diarrhea.�� ��Why did 1 hear that the shopkeeper of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant didn��t have that intention at all? He rmended himself and took the initiative to exchange his brother��s recipe for silver?��


    ��What does the recipe of the eldest branch have to do with him? They��ve already split up. Why is he still thinking about his Big Brother��s things?�� ��What��s so strange about that? His wife even snatched the food his niece prepared for her parents. How shameless!��


    ��In the past, that olddy at the old residence always bragged that she was fair and had never let her stepson down. From the looks of it, she��s probably bluffing.��

 Chapter 133 - 133: Observing

    Chapter 133: Observing


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rumors spread throughout the vige like the wind. The people in the old residence were so embarrassed that they didn��t dare to go out, let alone cause trouble for the eldest branch of the Ning Family. Xiaoxiao and her family lived a peaceful life and ended their busy spring nting peacefully. From now on, they just had to go to the fields from time to time and pay attention to the water level. They didn��t have to work until autumn harvest.


    Ning Dng began to revise at home every day and only waited for mid-May to participate in Bowen Academy��s entrance examination. Rong Yan had nothing to do, so he often discussed knowledge with him when he came to the Ning Family for a meal in spring. Sometimes, he would even lend books to him to read. Xiaoxiao heard from her brother that he had gained a lot. After the farming was over, they did not mention anything about cooking separately.


    Time passed especially quickly. In the blink of an eye, it was already the first day of May. Big Brother had to prepare for his exams these few days, so Xiaoxiao did not let hime to the county. Second Brother wanted to apany her, but she pushed him to the stall.


    Although the ie from setting up a stall was not much now, Xiaoxiao did not ask Ning Eng to do this for that bit of copper coins. Moreover, she was already so familiar with the county. Why did her brothers need to apany her?


    It was inconvenient for her to buy anything wantonly, okay?!


    First of all, she had to go to the cksmith to get the custom-made mold. The food and drink of a rich family were not only reflected in the ingredients and taste, but the shape had to be exquisite. Hence, the snacks she wanted to make for Shen Tianci could not be made simply by holding a bowl upside down. Moreover, some things had to be cooked at a high temperature in the future. The small porcin bowl could not withstand that temperature.


    Without her brother��s nagging, she ordered five flower-shaped molds in one go. She also asked for a t-bottomed deep-mouth mold that was slightlyrger than a soup bowl. She wanted a bottom that could be separated from the edge. Finally, she wanted arge iron box that could store the previous mold and still have space.


    The iron equipment was not cheap. Three taels of silver were gone in an instant. The things were a little heavy. She got someone to send them to the Ruyi Clothing Shop and bought some smokeless charcoal. She also sent them to Shopkeeper Liu, preparing to take them home when Second Brother closed the stall.


    She blindly guessed that Second Brother would not allow her to y alone for the time being after seeing this. She simply bought a pile of flour, eggs, and meat dishes, thinking that she would be happy for as long as she could.


    When she appeared at the Ruyi Clothing Shop with arge pile of things, Shopkeeper Xu was said to have already drunk two cups of tea. He cupped his hands and bowed to Xiaoxiao. ��Miss Ning, please forgive me. It��s really not that I��m deliberately dying. It��s just that the boss has been busy these few days and doesn��t have time to care about news from Xijiang County for the time being.��


    Xiaoxiao could understand. After all, he was a big boss who opened a shop in the capital. In a small ce like Xijiang County, she naturally had to wait.


    She waved her hand to show that she did not care. She also got 20 taels of silver from Shopkeeper Xu to buy seasonings for the next month. ��I can earn money anyway. If I dy for another half a month, I might even be able to gather enough money to open a shop myself.��


    Shopkeeper Liu poked her head angrily. ��You��re so ambitious.�� After saying that, she couldn��t help but sigh again.


    Xiaoxiao asked her curiously, ��How many times have you sighed today?��


    The honest Shopkeeper Xu counted with his fingers and replied, ��The fifth time.�� Shopkeeper Liu covered his mouth angrily.


    Xiaoxiao was also convinced. He deserved it for not being able to woo the beautiful sister. ��What exactly made you so unhappy?��


    Shopkeeper Liu could not be bothered to put on an act in front of her. Her usually gentle and beautiful facial features were ferocious. ��It��s all because of those idiots in the Imperial Capital. They told them that this zodiac event was a preemptive move, but they said that they wanted to wait and see!��


    Shopkeeper Liu downed the tea in his hand and mmed the table angrily.. ��What��s there to watch? By the time they��re done watching, the replicas in the other shops would have been made long ago!��

 Chapter 134 - 134: Old Madam

    Chapter 134: Old Madam


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Seeing that she had lost her temper for a while, Xiaoxiao calmed down. ��Forget it. Let��s see how they regret it after the Duanwu Festival!��


    Xiaoxiao pped her hands. ��That��s how it should be. Let��s see how they cry when we smash the ount book in their faces. However, your boss is really unlucky to have missed such a good thing.��


    This time, the two shopkeepersughed at her speechlessly. ��You��re quite confident.��


    Shopkeeper Liu even came over and pinched her little face. ��Alright, let��s put aside your glib words for now. Shouldn��t you give me the rules for the fifth day? I��ve already found the person you want who��s good at calcting. Don��t trick me.��


    Xiaoxiao widened her eyes. ��Am 1 such an unreliable person?�� Then, she took out a form that she had taken the time to write these few days. ��Here, take it for them to study and memorize. It��s for the day of the event.��


    Shopkeeper Liu opened this piece of paper and saw that it was filled with words. Her eyes were a little blurry. ��This ��Customized VIP Painting at 100 taels�� is the one you drew for me previously, right?��


    Xiaoxiao replied, ��Yes, remember to memorize it. Otherwise, they��ll be confused when they��re busy that day.��


    That��s right. There were so many lines, such as ��A free gift for every 99 coins purchase��, ��Buy five and get one free��, ��2 coins less for every 20�塭


    Sigh, this was interesting. The more Shopkeeper Liu looked at it, the brighter her eyes became. She covered Shopkeeper Xu��s eyes, who hade over out of curiosity. ��You want it? Spend money to buy it yourself.��


    Shopkeeper Xu was very depressed and pitiful. However, Xiaoxiao expressed that she did not feel anything when a man in his thirties made such an expression. If it was her neighbor, Little Big Brother, she might even feel a little sympathetic.


    Thinking of Rong Yan, Xiaoxiao pulled Shopkeeper Liu over. ��Beautiful Sister, can you help me?��


    Shopkeeper Liu remained unmoved. ��Alright, let��s talk about the price first.��


    Xiaoxiao��s eyes were dead, and Shopkeeper Xu gloated.


    Xiaoxiao wanted to buy some cotton, cotton cloth, and various threads. They had to be soft and of high quality. She also had to find a ce to buy milk. Goat milk was fine too. Shopkeeper Liu only said that she was happy. After hearing Xiaoxiao��s request, she agreed without a word and even promised to do it beautifully for her. However, she stopped Xiaoxiao, who was about to leave. ��Is there something new?��


    Xiaoxiao pouted. ��If you want to know, fine. Let��s talk about the price first.�� With that, she was kicked out.


    The two of them wanted to discuss business matters and let Xiaoxiao y by herself, so she borrowed the kitchen from Shopkeeper Liu.


    She would often make some food when she came. After Shopkeeper Liu enjoyed it once, she arranged the originally unused small kitchen into a dazzling array. From the various used seasonings to all kinds of kitchen utensils, she gave Shopkeeper Xu a chance to sponsor them.


    It could be said that other than people and unique seasonings, Xiaoxiao could find anything she wanted in the small kitchen of the Ruyi Clothing Shop. Even if she did not have it at that time, the two shopkeepers were very happy to get it for her personally to prevent the recipes from being stolen.


    To be honest, sometimes, Xiaoxiao felt that it was more convenient to cook here than at home. At least she didn��t feel any pressure when she used a lot of flour, eggs and white sugar.


    In the private room after Xiaoxiao left, Shopkeeper Liu and Shopkeeper Xu��s expressions were solemn. ��Old Madam��s condition is serious again?��


    ��That��s right. Ever since she woke up from herast time, she couldn��t eat much and vomited every time she ate. She hasn��t improved at all these days. The time she wakes up every day is getting shorter and shorter. She can only feed a little soup when she��s awake. How can shest without eating����


    ��Old Madam can��t leave home. Boss found the divine doctor in North City and is thinking of a way to invite them out of seclusion. I wonder if it will work..��

 Chapter 135 - 135: Leaving Her In The Li Family

    Chapter 135 - 135: Leaving Her In The Li Family


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was no wonder that Boss did not have time to take care of things like Xijiang County. Boss was different from some people. Compared to gold and silver, he cared more about kinship and family.


    ��Forget it. We can��t help with finding the miracle doctor, and those people in the Imperial Capital won��t listen to our advice. Then, we��ll help Boss take care of the business here in Xijiang County. It��s good to make Boss worry less.��


    Shopkeeper Xu sighed. ��I��m afraid Miss Ning can��t wait that long. What if����


    Shopkeeper Liu red at him. ��Who do you think Ning Xiaoxiao is? She said that she would wait, so she will definitely wait. If she was that person who forgot her principles when she saw benefits, she would have turned around and gone to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant 800 years ago. Lei Wanjun is cunning, but as long as there are benefits, he is willing to spend money.��


    Shopkeeper Xu nodded repeatedly. He was also worried. After running the restaurant for so many years, he could naturally see the benefits that Ning Xiaoxiao could bring them. It was not that the two recipes were impressive. He had always valued Ning Xiaoxiao as a person and her talent in cooking.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    How many chefs have never been able to create a famous dish worth passing down in their lives, but Ning Xiaoxiao�� How old was she?


    Shopkeeper Liu narrowed his beautiful eyes. ��To be honest with you, 1 not only want to continue working with Ning Xiaoxiao on the business of the cloth shop and restaurant, but I also want to suggest that we think of a way to keep her in the Li Family when Bosses back.��


    ��It��s just that Boss isn��t around now, and Eldest Young Master is a fool. After handing the business to Eldest Young Madam, those people from the He Family are getting more and more outrageous just because they��re Eldest Young Madam��s maternal family. I��ll wait and see how they can jump around when Bosses back!��


    Before Shopkeeper Xu could reply, he suddenly smelled a sweet smell that he had never smelled before. The two of them drank tea for the entire morning and ate a few pieces of snacks. However, they felt hungry because of this smell. They didn��t hesitate for long before pulling open the door and walking towards the small kitchen with a clear target.


    Xiaoxiao was removing the cake that she had just made.


    The simple version of the oven made by the cksmith was quite useful. As long as she tried a few more times to control the temperature, baking in the future would not be a problem.


    The first time, it was a little dry and the surface was a little charred. After Xiaoxiao removed the ck parts, the te was filled with 10 neat and square cakes with different ingredients.


    She was writing and drawing on paper to record the amount of materials and charcoal used just now when two figures suddenly appeared outside the small kitchen. Shopkeeper Xu said in a surprised tone, ��There��s a new dish again?�� Shopkeeper Liu said concisely, ��I want to eat it!��


    Xiaoxiao cut a small piece from each test piece and gave the rest to the two of them. After Shopkeeper Liu tasted the first piece, he happily instructed that there was no need to prepare her lunch. Shopkeeper Xu looked at Xiaoxiao eagerly. ��Miss Ning, can this be sold in our Fragrance Restaurant?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��This is not convenient. It��s a gift I prepared for my friend.��


    ��Moreover, strictly speaking, it��s not considered a dish. It��s not suitable to be sold in a restaurant. If you really want to sell it, you have to put it in a snack shop.��


    Shopkeeper Xu, who had made her wait for a month, said awkwardly, ��Soon, soon. Boss will definitely give us an answer soon after he��s done with his current job.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded with a smile and did not rush him.


    She tasted all the test items just now and already knew the adjustments to the ingredients. Hence, she turned around and began to beat the eggs. The two shopkeepers were also self-aware. Seeing this, they silently left the kitchen. Of course, they did not forget to take the food away before they left.


    Xiaoxiao was so happy that someone helped her eat the test items that she continued to patiently beat the egg mixture. The sugar was added three times. When the egg mixture became fluffy and sticky, she could sieve in the prepared flour. After mixing it evenly and patting it a few times to eliminate the bubbles in the egg mixture, she could start the second round of baking..</font>

 Chapter 136 - 136: Pretending To Be Elegant

    Chapter 136 - 136: Pretending To Be Elegant


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The fragrance of the Ruyi Clothing Shopsted for two to six hours. During this period, Xiaoxiao did not walk out of the small kitchen, nor did she let anyone in. After Shopkeeper Liu instructed not to disturb her, she got busy herself. Xiaoxiao, who had finally tested the optimal ratio, rubbed her shoulders and walked out.


    [The dish ��Sponge Cake�� has been recorded for the first time. You have received 200 points. Current total points are 6,200.]


    ��I left a few pieces for you guys inside. I��ve also tidied up the small kitchen. I��ll go out for a walk to stretch my muscles. I��ll have to trouble Sister Liu to help me keep my things first. Second Brother and I will push the cart over to get themter.��


    At this moment, she was even more d that she was trying to make sponge cake at the Ruyi Clothing Shop. Otherwise, her parents would definitely be heartbroken when they saw the consumption!


    The flour, eggs, and white sugar were almost all used up. She had to buy more while she still had financial freedom today.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    After buying the things, she asked the shopkeepers to send them to the cloth shop. Anyway, they were already familiar with each other. Xiaoxiao prepared to send some warm ones to Second Brother herself. On the way to the stall, she specially turned to Bowen Academy to take a look. She could not tell what the four words on the que at the entrance were, but she felt that every word was written very beautifully and elegantly. It had the unique elegance of a schr. Just as he was admiring it, a question came from beside him.


    ��What do you see?��


    Xiaoxiao turned around and saw an old man with a long beard smiling at her with kindness.


    She said, ��I just think the person who wrote this should be impatient.��


    The old man stroked his neat beard. ��How so?��


    Xiaoxiao also touched her chin. ��That��s what 1 think.��


    The old man and the youngdy did the same actions as they looked up at the que. Their expressions were quite simr, but a certain young master in blue who had just stood at the door said unhappily, ��Do you know who wrote this?�� Of course, he did not expect a youngdy to know about the Bowen Academy, so he answered his own question. ��This is the dean��s handwriting!�� ��The dean of the Bowen Academy was the top schr decades ago. He was well-read in poetry and literature and was outstanding. Back then, he took the examination at a young age and was appointed by thete emperor as the new top schr. He personally conferred the title of Hanlin Academy��s editor and personally served the Emperor. The dean was dedicated to the people. During his service, he raised many initiatives to benefit the people. He evenpiled several poetry collections and histories. He was famous throughout the world, but he was indifferent to fame and fortune. However, he resigned calmly when he got promoted and retired for many years. Now that he has returned to establish the academy, he wants to nurture more talents for our Great Xia.�� ��Such an open-minded person, but you say he��s impatient?��


    Xiaoxiao could tell that this was the dean��s fanatical fan.


    The more the young master spoke, the angrier he became. ��You don��t know how many years we��ve waited for the dean. Now that such a person is willing toe out of seclusion to teach, we��re so happy that we can��t sleep at night. Even when wee to take a look at the dean��s calligraphy, we feel our blood boil. The words ��Bowen Academy�� are bold and powerful, but you say that he��s impatient?��


    Another student in white clothes beside him went forward and patted his shoulder. He said, ��A wild girl taught by a bumpkin is naturally as ignorant as her parents. How can she know anything?��


    The man in blue pulled him. ��Brother Lei, there��s no need���� There was no need to go overboard.


    However, the young master in white did not listen at all. He only raised his head with a disdainful expression. When he looked at Xiaoxiao, it was as if he was looking at something dirty. When he spoke, he even covered his mouth and nose, his face full of disdain.


    ��Can an old man and a vige girl understand this? Why are you pretending to be elegant?��


    ��Oh, 1 forgot. Your parents probably don��t have the ability to teach you what ��elegant�� is. Don��t embarrass yourself outside with a poor smell. Hurry up and go home to pick feces with your parents, hahahaha..��</font>

 Chapter 137 - 137: Competition

    Chapter 137 - 137: Competition


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    As he spoke, he even pushed the old man beside Xiaoxiao away. Then, he thought that he was funny andughed out loud. However, Xiaoxiao��s face darkened as she helped the old man up.


    ��It��s true that 1 don��t know the dean of the academy, but at least I didn��t insult him other than saying ��impatient��. So what if he was the former top schr and was outstanding in literature? Can��t he be an ordinary and emotional mortal at the same time?��


    ��Who said that calm people can��t be annoyed? Who said that gentle people can��t have a temper? Who said that kind people shouldn��t calcte their gains and losses?��


    ��Even if I��m wrong, where��s the malice in my words? Can itpare to this person��s nder of my family background and parents? Can itpare to your push and disrespect to an innocent old man?��


    The blue-clothed young master who spoke first blushed and hurriedly went forward to bow to the old man and apologize on behalf of hispanions. However, the white-clothed young master who was criticized could not take it anymore.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    ��Brother Tan, why are you apologizing? This vige girl humiliated our dean. It��s her fault!��


    Seeing that this person was strong even if he did not answer directly, Xiaoxiao was so angry that she was amused. She raised her hand and pointed at the que. ��Look at these four words carefully. The word ��Bo�� is steady and strong, the word ��Wen�� is like a dragon, and the word ��Shu�� is elegant and flying. However, did thest few strokes of the word ��Yuan�� prate the back of the paper, as if they can��t wait to soar into the sky?��


    ��From this, 1 guess he��s already impatient towards the end. Is this considered humiliation?��


    ��Then what��s the point of scolding me for being a bumpkin, a wild girl, a vige girl, and a poor taste? Do we have a blood feud?��


    ��Even the current Emperor advocates agriculture. May I ask where youe from? You actually look down on us farmers?��


    These few words were clear and powerful, and they involved the Emperor. The other party was speechless. In front of the academy, Lei Shaoming could not do anything to a little girl. He could only flick his sleeve and say angrily, ��I won��t argue with an ignorant little girl.��


    However, Xiaoxiao was angry. ��If you say that I��m ignorant, then this young master must be talented in literature and history. Do you dare topete with me? If you win, I��ll apologize to this academy��s que. If 1 win, you��ll apologize to me and my parents.��


    She could not tolerate anyone talking about her and her parents and family!


    The young master seemed to have heard a huge joke. ��What do you want topete with me in?��


    Xiaoxiao nced at the academy que again. ��Since our argument started with words, it will also end with words. Let��spete in writing. I��m younger than you and don��t read as much as you. Do you dare to answer my questions?��


    It was a reasonable reprimand and a provocation, so the white-robed young master could only ept the challenge. Xiaoxiao said, ��You will prepare the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.�� She was also self-righteous when she asked for the reason. ��I��m poor.��


    Xiaoxiao did not notice the yful expression on the old man��s face behind her. There were trees nted on both sides of the academy. She helped him to the foot of the stairs that was covered by the shade of the trees and sat down. ��Where is your house? Do you want me to get someone to pick you up?��


    The old man shook his head. ��There��s no need. I agreed to meet my friend here. I��ll be fine in a while.�� However, after saying that, his stomach rumbled. He looked away awkwardly, wanting to pretend that nothing had happened.


    However, this little girl was too insensitive and insisted on asking, ��Are you hungry?��


    The old man��s face was wooden. He shook his head at the few people who walked out of the academy, indicating for them not toe over. ��It��s alright���� Didn��t he care about his face?


    Xiaoxiao had already opened the bamboo basket she carried with her and took out the still warm sponge cake. ��If you don��t mind, you can eat it first.��


    The old man wanted to reject it at first, but this little thing was too fragrant.


    His hand seemed to have its own consciousness, and his words were blocked by the soft texture.


    It was delicious, sweet, and soft.. This girl was sensible!</font>

 Chapter 138 - 138: Dictation

    Chapter 138 - 138: Dictation


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    By the time he finished the third one, the young master in white had already gotten someone to bring over brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. He also borrowed a table. ��To be fair, wellpete here.��


    Xiaoxiao suspected that he wanted to use this opportunity to make a name for himself, but she did not care.


    The young master in white asked, ��Can you tell me now? How are we going topete?��


    Xiaoxiao: ��Then write a few words silently.��


    The white-robed young master could not help butugh. This vige girl was ying. How could she know a few words?<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    Then, he heard her say, ��Our time is very precious. Let��s reduce it by a few. Let��s end the battle quickly. Whoever writes faster and gets it right will win.��


    The white-robed young master stood with his hands behind his back, feeling that he would win very easily.


    Xiaoxiao looked at his expression and said slowly, ��The nai is the nai of the word ��cauldron��; the da is da of the word ��dragon��; the cuan is cuan of the word ��separate��; the huT is of the word ��guts��; the tao is the tao of the word ��drum��; the hud is the hud of the word ��warrior��; write them.��


    With that, she picked up her brush and started writing with a piece of paper.


    The surroundingmoners looked at the words hanging on her side one after another and were very puzzled. Were they writing or drawing? Why were there so many strokes?


    The white-robed young master��s face was as red as a pig��s liver. His hand holding the brush trembled again and again, but he only wrote three characters.


    Xiaoxiaomented sincerely, ��It��s already not easy to write three.�� These words were difficult to write and not often used. If she hadn��t been so free in the past and learned them for fun, she wouldn��t have recognized a single word.


    However, the white-robed young master only felt that he was being mocked. He wanted to get back at her and secretly nced at the big words that Xiaoxiao had hung up. ��I��m just a little slow. I��ll be done soon.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��Young Master, have you forgotten that wepeted in writing quickly and writing correctly? I��ve already won in ��fast��. I��m also confident in ��right��, so there��s no suspense in my victory. Apologize.��


    The other students who came along to help him, also confirmed that Xiaoxiao was right. Although her handwriting was really not good and her words were so big, it was not difficult to see that the words were correct.


    The young master in white gritted his teeth for a long time. ��It��s not fair. You must have prepared these words in advance and specially used them to make things difficult for others.��


    Xiaoxiao sighed. ��Sore loser?��


    The white-robed young master��s expression was ugly. With so many eyes on him, he could not go back on his word. He could only cup his fists and say hurriedly, ��1 take back what 1 said just now.�� However, he could not take this lying down, so he asked angrily, ��Do you know who 1 am?��


    Xiaoxiao took her bamboo basket from the old man��s arms, tidied up her clothes, and walked to the crowd. She suddenly turned around and asked with a dignified and cold expression, ��Then do you know who I am?��


    The white-robed young master was stunned. Could it be that she was actually a young richdy in disguise? Her eloquence was indeed not like an ordinary vige girl.


    Xiaoxiao patted her sleeve, her eyes filled with disdain. She turned around and walked into the crowd. In the blink of an eye, she disappeared into the crowd ofmoners who were watching the show, leaving behind a group of stunned young masters.


    On the other hand, the old manughed while wiping his mouth.


    Good girl, she was smart.


    These people did not know who she was. Even if she offended them, she was not afraid of retaliation.


    1 lowever, those silly boys were slow to react. He did not know when they would understand what she meant.


    The crowd in front of the academy gradually dispersed. The white-robed young master, Lei Shaoming, became a joke instead of bing famous. When he left, he was filled with resentment. The other students did not dare to say anything to him and bade farewell.


    ��Brother Lei, let��s meet another day..��</font>

 Chapter 139 - 139: The Dean

    Chapter 139 - 139: The Dean


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Lei Shaoming��s face was dark. Me ignored everyone. Even his back seemed to have ice shards.


    Just now, the blue-robed young master, Tan Shanzhi, wanted to console him. When he saw this, he stopped in his tracks. Although he was also dissatisfied with the girl��s evaluation of the dean just now, he did not have the intention to humiliate or look down on her. Brother Lei��s actions had really lost the bearing of a schr.


    He sighed and turned to walk in front of the old man. He bowed deeply again. ��I��m really sorry for causing you to be frightened, old gentleman.��


    The old man smiled at him and waved his hand to let him leave. After everyone left, the few people who had been waiting in the academy for a long time came out and bowed to the old man. ��Dean, what happened just now? Why didn��t you let use over?��


    Dean Lu tucked his hands in his sleeves. ��I met an interesting little kid. By the way, the assessment day ising, right? How many people did Shen Congjun send over?��<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    ��Not even one.��


    Dean Lu raised his eyebrows. ��Oh? Didn��t he choose a suitable child to send over for me to see?��


    ��County Magistrate Shen said that he likes him, but he wants to take the exam himself.��


    Dean Lu smiled even more happily. ��Not bad, not bad. What��s his name?��


    ��Ning Ansheng.��


    Xiaoxiao did not know that her brother��s name had already been registered with the Dean of Bowen Academy. She followed the crowd and turned left and right to hide in an alley. Seeing that there was no one around, she shed into the space.


    Not long after, a few sneaky servants walked in from the alley. ��I clearly saw her walking here just now. Where is she?��


    ��You must be mistaken. There��s no other exit in this alley, and there��s nowhere to hide.��


    ��Then what should we do? If we lose her, Young Master won��t let us off.��


    ��Hurry up and look elsewhere!��


    After they left, Xiaoxiao appeared again after a while. To be safe, she changed her clothes in the space and tied her hair up. Even the basket was different from before. When she walked to Ning Eng��s stall, her second brother only reacted after a while. ��Sister, you don��t seem to be wearing that this morning, right?��


    Xiaoxiao shrugged. ��I dirtied my clothes when I was cooking. Second Brother, quickly try my new pastries!��


    No matter how stunned Ning Eng was about the sponge cake, he was horrified when he went to the Ruyi Clothing Shop to get his sister��s things. He felt his head throbbing. ��Ning Xiaoxiao! Didn��t you promise me not to spend money recklessly!��


    Xiaoxiao pouted. ��It��s necessary. It��s not a waste.��


    Ning Eng was very dissatisfied. ��Just because I don��t react as fast as Big Brother, you bully me!��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��Then why don��t you study with Big Brother? If you be smarter, I won��t be able to fool you.��


    Ning Eng declined politely. After a while, he reacted. ��Are you saying that I��m not smart?��


    The siblingsughed all the way home. Because there was a small cake to fill their stomachs, they were not hungry on the way. However, their feet were still very sore after walking for so long.


    Xiaoxiao soaked her feet after eating and started to think about the feasibility of buying an ox cart!


    Although the horse carriage was more impressive, it was too inconvenient to keep horses at home. The ox cart was different. If it was well-kept, it could still help to harvest rice and farm.


    Just as she was organizing a way to convince her parents, her head was rubbed.


    At some point, Big Brother came out of the house with ab in his hand.


    Xiaoxiao stretched her head over happily. She was impatient with theseplicated hairstyles in ancient times. If she did it herself, she would only tie a messy bun.. ��Brother, don��t you need to study?��</font>

 Chapter 140 - 140: Brother Is Willing

    Chapter 140 - 140: Brother Is Willing


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Dngbed his hair very gently. ��The academy��s exam is about the umtion over the years. I don��t expect a mere 10 days to change anything. Recently, I��ve only been revising and consolidating my reading. There��s no need to stay in the house all the time. There��s no need to read those books day and night.��


    Initially, he had even fewer books. It was Ah Yan, who was next door, who was kind enough to lend him some. These few days, he had been reading and copying at the same time. Not only did it save the money to buy books, but it also consolidated his knowledge. If he encountered anything he did not know, he would chat with All Yan during dinner and basically understand it clearly.


    ��I wonder how powerful a teacher Ah Yan��s family hired. He��s clearly a few months younger than me, but his knowledge is far beyond my reach.��


    He was convinced when he said this and did not sound forced at all. Instead, he flicked Xiaoxiao��s head. ��Why are you looking at me like that?��


    Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hand. ��I��m thinking that the people in the world who can admit their shorings as honestly as Brother are really amazing.��<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    Ning Dng smiled and tied her hair behind her head. He tidied it up into afortable and convenient for sleeping style. ��You��re so sweet. Are you worried that Brother will me you for buying so many things?��


    Xiaoxiao stuck out her tongue yfully. ��Aiya, Second Brother has alreadye toin?��


    No matter if the family split up or not, her parents would always have endless things to do. Hence, Xiaoxiao could be said to have been raised by her eldest brother. She could make jokes in front of her parents to divert their attention, but she was mostly quite obedient and honest when facing her eldest brother. She thought that she would have to suffer a scolding quietly, but what her eldest brother said was


    ��Buy whatever you want. Don��t worry about anything.��


    Big Brother said, ��You worked hard to earn money to begin with. Be it Big Brother or Father or Mother, they won��t say anything about you. Your Second Brother only feels sorry on the surface. In fact, he always says that he wants to buy you new clothes.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled until her eyes curved. She reached out to hug her brother��s waist. ��Brother is so good. Father, Mother, Second Brother are also so good. I��m so lucky.��


    Ning Dng pressed her little head against his. ��We��re so lucky�� but Xiaoxiao has grown up. You can��t let men get close to you easily, understand? Not even Brother.��


    Xiaoxiao pouted and reluctantly retracted her arms.


    ��What��s wrong with hugging Brother? No matter how old I am, I��m still Brother��s sister.��


    Big Brother smiled and didn��t say anything. He carried the water out and poured it away for her. Xiaoxiao blushed. ��Since Big Brother said that I��ve grown up, why did you do such a thing for me? I can do it myself.��


    Ning Dng carried the wooden basin with one hand and closed the door with the other. His smiling voice came from outside the door. ��It��s different.��


    1 let you keep a distance from men to protect you. I��m the one who��s willing to help you do this.


    After much consideration, in order not to let her family worry, Xiaoxiao decided to hide the conflict she had with that person during the day. Anyway, she would not have the chance to meet that person again. After putting on her coat, she ran to her mother��s room and admired the screen embroidery that had just beenpleted.


    Madam Song was a little nervous. ��I wonder if Shopkeeper Liu will be satisfied.��


    Xiaoxiao reached out to touch it in satisfaction. ��Mother, don��t worry. It��s exactly what she wants.��


    With a bang, Madam Song pped her hand away. ��Don��t dirty it!��


    {So love will go away, will it?}


    On the second day of the month, in order to avoid the white-robed young master who caused trouble, Xiaoxiao did not go to the county with Second Brother. Madam Song had personally sent the screen embroidery. This way, if there was anything that needed to be modified, it could be adjusted in time.


    Xiaoxiao told her father about the bamboo basket she would use tomorrow. After Ning Fengnian understood, she wanted to run out again. Just as she pushed open the door, she saw Rong Yan raising his hand to knock on the door..</font>

 Chapter 141 - 141: Were You Bullied?

    Chapter 141 - 141: Were You Bullied?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    She was too strong. If she hadn��t grabbed the door frame in time and swung back, she would have almost bumped into his arms. Even so, Rong Yan was stunned for a moment when he saw Ning Xiaoxiao��s face suddenly approach and bounce back. She really had a way to break his calm in all kinds of strange ways.


    Xiaoxiao used her arm as a buffer and swayed back and forth twice. ��Little Big Brother All Yan hasn��t had breakfast yet, right? There are Ruyi buns left in the kitchen.��


    Rong Yan really couldn��t understand her strange behavior, but he still exined his purpose. ��I��m here to tell everyone that we��re going into the mountains in the next few days and won��t be able to return anytime soon.��


    He had to inform them when he was on a long trip. Otherwise, wouldn��t it cause trouble for others if they had prepared their own food for nothing?


    Xiaoxiao finally stood still and pped her hands to bring him to the kitchen. ��Let��s eat first.��<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    ��But won��t you miss Shen Tianci��s birthday? Will you be able toe back before the 15th?��


    Rong Yan had no intention of going. He had yet to find out Shen Congjun��s personality, so how could he expose himself rashly? His trip today was to go to the Luo Prefecture again and let Yun Yi and the others gather more urate information about the dam. However, he naturally could not tell Ning Xiaoxiao about this.


    ��Yes, what a coincidence.��


    Yun Yi finished his sentence for him. ��The main thing is that if we don��t go today, it might rain in a few days. The rain will continue, and it will dy our chance to enter the mountain for dozens of days. Last time, I saw a few very precious herbs in the northern mountains. Later, I drew a map and went to the pharmacy to ask. We can pick them in the mountains this time.��


    This was a big matter that concerned their livelihood. Xiaoxiao did note up with any ideas and only told them to be careful. Then, she went to the kitchen to organize a pile of barbecue ingredients and even took a bamboo basket of oil paper bags. ��1 just made this. It can be brought along to eat on the way. It��s just that it��s easy to tten it and it will affect the taste. Try one?��


    Xiaoxiao opened one and handed it over. Yun Yi was immediately attracted by the fluffiness and fragrance. ��What new snack is this?��


    Xiaoxiao raised her chin proudly. ��It��s a birthday gift I made for Shen Tianci. It��s called sponge cake, but he��s not lucky enough to eat it. Do you want to bring it with you?��


    Rong Yan stuffed the barbecue ingredients into Yun Yi��s hands, took the sponge cake, and bit into it. ��Thank you.��


    Xiaoxiao handed the entire basket to him. ��If you like it, I��ll make it for you when we get back.��


    Yun Yi was speechless. Just now, Master seemed to have said that he wanted to set off lightly and not bring any extra things. Before he came, he specially reminded them not to trouble Miss Ning and not to keep asking for other people��s things��


    Rong Yan��s gaze drifted over, and Yun Yi immediately looked away obediently. Forget it, he misunderstood.


    He could understand. After all, Miss Ning��s snacks were so delicious. They were indeed much more attractive than those bought outside. Not to mention Master, even they would not find it troublesome to carry them on their way.


    With this thought in mind, he watched helplessly as his master, who couldn��t even be bothered to carry his own bag, personally carried the bamboo basket and ate it every few steps. He didn��t give any to them!!!


    Master was even more protective of his food than before!


    He, who was aggrieved, had to report properly. ��The person Miss Ning offended in the county yesterday is called Lei Shaoming. Coincidentally, he��s the nephew of the shopkeeper of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, Lei Wanjun. This person wants to enter the Bowen Academy, but he can��t get County Magistrate Shen��s rmendation letter, so he ns to find an opportunity to be famous outside the academy.��


    ��Miss Ning happened to bump into him. Lei Shaoming wanted to bully Miss Ning as a soft persimmon, but he was repelled. He has been asking around about Miss Ning since yesterday.��


    Rong Yan said coldly, ��He is just the nephew of the restaurant manager, but she can do whatever she wants in the county.. Has she been bullied?��</font>

 Chapter 142 - 142: I’m Not Worried About Her

    Chapter 142 - 142: I��m Not Worried About Her


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Yun Yi shook his head. ��Master, don��t worry. Miss Ning is very smart. Not only did she not expose her identity from the beginning to the end, but she also shook off the pursuers and returned home safely.��


    Rong Yan red at him. ��I��m not worried about her!��


    However, he stopped after taking a few steps. ��Ying Zi, stay behind to protect Ning Xiaoxiao and help her deal with her annoying tail.��


    Before getting a response, he emphasized, ��That��s an order.��


    After a long while, a deliberately changed voice came from somewhere. ��Yes.��<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    It was difficult to walk on the mountain path, but when they reached a deserted ce, the few of them picked up their luggage and began to use their Qinggong skills. In the blink of an eye, they disappeared.


    Not long after, a carriage appeared on the official road from Xijiang County to Luo Prefecture��


    A few dayster, a few ck shadows infiltrated the heavily guarded dam in Luo Prefecture. These people nimbly bypassed all the guards and went straight to the reservoir. It waste at night and the moon was dark. They did not rm anyone and only seized some yellow soil and mud from the empty field.


    After returning to their residence, everyone could see these things clearly under the moonlight. They heard Rong Yan say coldly, ��They still want to use these things to bluff now?��


    It was not convenient for them to spy during the day, so they could only act at night.


    Yun Yi had practiced night vision, Yun San was good at swimming, and Yun Wu was extremely good at hiding. The few of them cooperated well and hid in the reservoir for a day and a night. They realized that there were indeed cracks in the dam, but Prefect Yan only repaired it to the minimum. Then, he covered the surface with yellow mud.


    He probably only nned to make do on the surface until he was safely transferred away, right?


    Even at a time like this, he still couldn��t bear to take out the money that he had coveted! What a Prefect Yan! In his eyes, what was human life?


    Luo Prefecture��s Prefect Yan��s term of office was about to expire. It was said that he was about to be transferred to Wanxiang Prefecture to be the governor. Of course, he did not want any idents to happen at this juncture, so he hid it tightly inside and outside. The vicinity of the dam was strictly guarded and the news was not to be leaked.


    Yun San had just changed his clothes and returned. There was still water dripping from his head. ��Because the water in the reservoir overflowed from the crack, the crack did not expand. Prefect Yan thought that the greatest impact was the rise of the water downstream and did not pay attention to it.��


    Rong Yan��s expression was very ugly. ��Is he treating the lives of tens of thousands of people along the river as a joke?��


    He lowered his eyes and thought for a moment. He took a deep breath. ��Yun Yi, Yun Er.��


    The two of them bowed. ��I��m here!��


    Rong Yan said, ��Gather the detailed reports of all the officials in Luo Prefecture as soon as possible and find anyone we can use. At the same time, secretly prepare the materials to repair the dam as soon as possible.��


    The two of them bowed heavily. ��I��ll definitely not let you down!��


    Rong Yan paced back and forth in the room again and gritted his teeth. ��Let��s suppress the news of the dam being in disrepair for the time being. Otherwise, it will be even harder to deal with the situation when the people are in chaos.��


    The Prefect of Luo Prefecture deserved to die, but the most important thing now was not to punish him, but to save the innocent people who might lose their lives.


    The matter of the dam was already clear. Now, they stillcked evidence that Prefect Yan had deliberately hidden the collusion between officials.


    Rong Yan said decisively, ��Go back and get in touch with Shen Congjun.��


    Rong Yan clenched his fists. This was the first time he felt that he couldn��t do anything without power.


    ***


    After her neighbor left, Xiaoxiao would cast her gaze towards the distant Dayan Mountain in her free time. She thought: Little Big Brother, who had finally gained some weight, better not lose weight again when hees back. She didn��t know if the sponge cake she brought for them was enough.


    Ning Fengnian had made the bamboo basket she wanted. She could put it in when the sponge cake for Shen Tianci was ready. When the house was filled with the fragrance of food, Xiaoxiao felt that this was the taste of happiness..</font>

 Chapter 143 - 143: Who Is That Girl

    Chapter 143 - 143: Who Is That Girl


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    In the blink of an eye, it was the third day of the month. On Shen Tianci��s birthday, Xiaoxiao treated this as an ordinary excursion. She also packed snacks and barbecued ingredients ording to the school��s spring excursion standards in her memory. Everything else was simple.


    Ning Dng helplessly pulled her tob her hair again. Madam Song also took out the new clothes that she had prepared for her. After the two of them worked together, Xiaoxiao cried out and circled the courtyard. ��Brother��s hands are so good! Mother, when did you make me new clothes? They��re so beautiful!��


    Ning Dng and Madam Song were also very happy that their hard work had been praised and approved. The two of them pulled the bouncing Xiaoxiao and put the coral bracelets on her left and right.


    The hairstyle that Ning Dng had tied for her today was a little different from before. There were a few strands of hair braided beside her cheeks. Two small braids hung down, and the rest were tied back into her bun. Now, the braids and coral beads hanging from her bunplemented each other, making her look even more likable.


    After Ning Dng sorted out her image, he was stunned himself. Xiaoxiao giggled and teased, ��Are you amazed by your sister��s beauty?��


    Big Brother did not refute and even Mother nodded. Xiaoxiao felt embarrassed that they were doing this. She looked at the basin for a while and felt that it was inappropriate, so she pestered Mother to cut her bangs.


    Her obedient bangs covered her full forehead, making her look more like a little girl. At the same time, it also covered her beauty when she first saw her. Xiaoxiao was very satisfied, but Madam Song felt that it was a pity. Ning Dng��s expression wasplicated, but he still went forward to trim her bangs.


    Moreover, even if he was selfish, he did not want others to see Xiaoxiao��s appearance just now.


    Rong Yan had sent the kite over before he left. Xiaoxiao thought that it would be difficult to pack it after opening it, so she simply brought it along. After taking the freshly baked sponge cake, the siblings prepared to set off.


    Just as she reached the vige entrance, she saw Shen Tianci, who was yawning, walk out of a familiar carriage. ��What smells so good?��


    Xiaoxiaoughed and handed over the bamboo basket. ��Your nose is really sharp. Happy birthday. This is one of the gifts for you!��


    Hearing her words, Shen Tianci was no longer sleepy. He took the bamboo basket and eximed repeatedly.


    The basket was specially made with Ning Fengnian��s help. It was divided into twoyers, and eachyer was specially equipped with a small bamboo te to hold the sponge cake.


    She used a custom-made mold from the cksmith��s shop to bake it, so every finished product looked like a blooming flower. Shen Tianci almost could not bear to eat them.


    Of course, it was just ��almost��. There was no reluctance in front of a foodie. He ate five to six in a row and only stopped when his stomach, which was already full of breakfast, was full. Then, he began to cry out.


    ��Aiyo, I can��t eat anymore!��


    Xiaoxiao knew that he had speciallye to pick them up because it was inconvenient for them to travel. Seeing that he was still insisting, she hurriedly took the basket away. ��What��s the hurry? If you like it, I��ll make it for you next time.��


    Shen Tianci finally felt at ease after hearing this. He licked his lips and touched his stomach, which could no longer hold the food. He calmed down.


    He went out early and did not sleep well. At this moment, the carriage swayed and he could not help but close his eyes. Seeing that he was sleeping soundly, Xiaoxiao and Ning Eng also yawned. Seeing that the two of them were very sleepy, Ning Dng pressed one hand on her shoulder helplessly. ��Go to sleep.��


    Xiaoxiao leaned against him impolitely. Before she closed her eyes, she muttered, ��We��ll buy a cartter too.��


    When she woke up, she had already arrived at her destination. Ning Dng tidied up his sister and got out of the carriage to help her. Ning Eng and Shen Tianci had already jumped down and walked towards the courtyard in front.


    The garden belonged to the Shen Family and there were already several carriages parked at the entrance. Shen Tianci had rushed in and disappeared. It was obvious that he had already gone to have fun. The concierge did not stop Xiaoxiao and the rest when he saw them alighting from the Shen Family��s carriage. However, Miss He, who alighted from another carriage, looked unhappy.


    ��Who is that girl? Why did she get out of Cousin Tianci��s carriage?��

 Chapter 144 - 144: Apologize

    Chapter 144 - 144: Apologize


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    How could the maidservant answer? She could only guess from Xiaoxiao��s clothes. ��Perhaps she��s the maidservant who apanied him to serve him. I see that she��s even carrying a basket?��


    He Ruhuan reluctantly epted this answer, but she still felt ufortable. ��Why have 1 never seen her before?��


    County Magistrate Shen didn��t like private friendships between dignitaries, so Shen Tianci only invited his peers to the garden for his birthday and didn��t invite the elders of various families.


    As soon as she entered, Xiaoxiao was attracted by a huge wisteria tree in the garden. May was the season when the wisteria bloomed. The green vines meandered and blocked the slightly dazzling sunlight, leaving only fine silhouettes that scattered on the young men and women through the leaves.


    The blooming wisteria bent its branches heavily, letting down countless light purple waterfalls. When the wind blew, it immediately swayed and looked flirtatious.


    Further away, there were peonies and roses blooming. It was obvious that this garden had been carefully cared for. All kinds of flowers contrasted with each other, and the garden was filled with spring colors.


    Young people did not have the patience to admire flowers. The May breeze even gave them the convenience of releasing paper kites. Shen Tianci specially went to Fortune Vige to pick up Xiaoxiao and the others and wasted a lot of time. At this moment, many birds, beasts, and floral butterflies of various shapes were already flying in the clean blue sky.


    When the kite was a little further away, it looked just like a small dot. Xiaoxiao used her hand as a ckout curtain to cover her eyes and felt her neck ache after looking at it for a while.


    Not far away, Shen Tianci waved excitedly and called them over to open the gift together. However, when he removed theyers of protection and looked at the cute rabbit kite inside, Shen Tianci��s round face fell. He suddenly did not have the courage to put it in the sky.


    He shouldn��t have looked forward to Ning Xiaoxiao��s preferences. Girls definitely liked things like rabbits and flowers, but he was a dignified man. How could he fly a rabbit kite while everyone else wasmanding lions, tigers, and eagles? Then he wouldn��t be the prey of others. No, no, it wouldn��t be impressive!


    Xiaoxiao could clearly see Shen Tianci��s resentful expression. She could only pretend not to know and look away.


    Aiya, I forgot that Little Big Brother Ah Yan is a little cutie deep down.


    Looking up at the joy that filled the sky, Shen Tianci fell into deep sorrow. At this moment, He Ruhuan, who was wearing a light yellow dress, came over gracefully. She said shyly, ��Cousin, my butterfly paper kite can��t fly. Can you help me?��


    Shen Tianci thought to himself, You can��t fly yours, and 1 don��t even dare to fly mine. Who��s more unlucky?


    He sighed. ��Didn��t you bring your servants?�� Cousin He��s paper kite was even more feminine than a rabbit. He didn��t even want to fly a rabbit, let alone a butterfly.


    He Ruhuan��s face turned pale. She wanted to find an opportunity to get close to her cousin!


    ��My servant went to the carriage to get the gift for you. He��s not here now����


    After seeing the rabbit Xiaoxiao gave him, Shen Tianci did not have any expectations for Cousin He��s taste. He waved his hand when he heard that. ��Then go find my servants to help.��


    The two setbacks made He Ruhuan feel awkward and embarrassed, but her childhood teachings taught her that she should not show her emotions. Hence, she maintained a proper smile and raised her chin at Xiaoxiao. ��Then please lend me your maidservant, Cousin.��


    The girl was unruly. Who allowed her to stand so close to her master? It was obvious that she had ill intentions. Her cousin had a good personality, but she was not so easy to talk to. Since she had bumped into him, she naturally had to teach this servant a lesson on behalf of her cousin.


    Unexpectedly, as soon as she finished speaking, the smile on Shen Tianci��s face disappeared.. ��He Ruhuan, apologize!��

 Chapter 145 - 145: She’s My Friend

    Chapter 145: She��s My Friend


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He Ruhuan was stunned. Shen Tianci stood up straight and said, ��She��s not my maidservant. She��s my friend whom 1 invited. You were rude just now. You should apologize to her.��


    Xiaoxiao looked at Shen Tianci in surprise. She was very surprised that this yful little foodie could be so serious. Moreover, he was actually protecting her.


    He Ruhuan felt aggrieved. ��Cousin, why are you scolding me? H-how can she be your friend?��


    ��She��s so���� Poor��


    Xiaoxiao did not care about these words, but Shen Tianci was instantly angry. ��I don��t want to hear you continue!��


    He Ruhuan��s tears fell. Shen Tianci couldn��t re up at a girl, so he could only stomp his feet and call out to Xiaoxiao and the rest. ��Let��s go somewhere else.��


    When they reached a ce with fewer people, he awkwardly moved to Xiaoxiao��s side. ��Um, Ning Xiaoxiao, are you angry?��


    Xiaoxiao shrugged. ��Maybe you don��t believe me, but 1 don��t care.��


    Shen Tianci added, ��It��s my fault for making you suffer.��


    Xiaoxiao said sincerely, ��Actually, 1 think the person who feels the most aggrieved now is that youngdy just now.��


    Shen Tianci sighed. ��That��s my cousin. Although she��s my cousin, she��s actually a little distant�� Anyway, what 1 mean is that don��t listen to her nonsense. You��re much better than them. Actually, I don��t want to invite them here at all today. They��re on good terms with me because of my parents. They��re just hypocritical about celebrating my birthday. But you��re different. You��re different from them.��


    Xiaoxiao was suddenly d that she did not ask County Magistrate Shen for the rmendation letter. Otherwise, not only would Shen Tianci not treat them as friends at this moment, but he would also be very sad because he was deceived by someone they trusted.


    ncing at her brother, who was smiling faintly, Xiaoxiao pursed her lips and felt that he might have guessed everything.


    She was right. Ning Dng had guessed that his sister was on good terms with Shen Tianci because of him the day he officially met County Magistrate Shen. He also understood why his sister didn��t say anythingter��she was really sincere to be friends with Shen Tianci.


    Neither of them cared, but Ning Eng said angrily, ��When 1 earn money in the future, I��ll buy the most beautiful dress and the most expensive jewelry for my sister. Let��s see which of them still looks down on us!��


    With this interlude, Shen Tianci��s mood was obviously affected. Xiaoxiao deliberately teased him. ��Shen Tianci, do you know what you look like when you��re angry?��


    Shen Tianci asked, ��What?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��Pufferfish, round and full. It��s exactly the same as your expression now.��


    Shen Tianci��s conditioned reflex was to puff up his face, but he hurriedly tried his best to suppress his instincts.


    Xiaoxiao continued, ��The fish meat of the pufferfish is delicious and fresh without any thorns. There are also many ways to make it. Braised pufferfish, dried pufferfish roasted pork belly, rice-grass pufferfish, pufferfish stir-fried cabbage, fried pufferfish, abalone-juice pufferfish, and pufferfish soup. Every way of making it can provide a different fresh fragrance. There was once a poet who praised the saying, ��Flowers grow in Spring Continent, and flowers fly on the spring shore. At this moment, the pufferfish are precious.��


    Shen Tianci swallowed with difficulty. He turned around and asked the servant to bring him some snacks, but after eating them, he said in disdain, ��They��re not as delicious as your sponge cake.��


    Xiaoxiao was helpless. ��Then eat it.��


    Shen Tianci shook his head vigorously. ��There��s only so much. It��s all gone after eating!��


    Xiaoxiao:�� Alright, he should be the one praising her culinary skills.


    The servant had a bitter expression. ��Young Master, this is made by the chef of the Fragrance Restaurant.��


    Shen Tianci rolled his eyes. ��So what if it��s the Fragrance Restaurant?��


    Xiaoxiao found it strange. ��You have a grudge against the Fragrance Restaurant?��


    Shen Tianci had aplicated expression. ��Not really. 1 just don��t like their Boss.��


    Just as he finished speaking, he was knocked on the head. Shen Tianci turned around and instantly cowered. ��Mother����


    Mrs.. Shen said with a fierce expression, ��You��re talking bad about him again!��

 Chapter 146 - 146: She Actually Has The Cheek To Negotiate Terms

    Chapter 146: She Actually Has The Cheek To Negotiate Terms


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Then, she looked at Xiaoxiao and her siblings. ��Don��t listen to Tianci��s nonsense. We have a good rtionship with the Fragrance Restaurant. They��re also the ones who are holding a banquet for Tianci today.��


    She pushed her son out. ��You��re the host today. Stopzing around here. Go greet the guests!��


    He Ruhuan went to socialize with the youngdies. When she returned, she saw Xiaoxiao beside Mrs. Shen, chatting happily with her. She could feel her nails pinching her palm. She did not use her identity as Shen Tianci��s cousin to push away the other little vixens who wanted to get close to her aunt to make room for this country bumpkin.


    This vige girl was indeed ambitious. She knew that if she wanted to gain her cousin��s favor, she had to please her aunt first. However, with her, He Ruhuan, around, would she give that vige girl such a chance?


    In front of Mrs. Shen, she couldn��t re up. She could only pretend to be innocent and ask, ��Auntie knows this girl too? Ruhuan made Cousin angry because of this girl just now. I wonder if Cousin has calmed down.��


    As expected, Mrs. Shen asked, ��Tianci is angry? What happened?��


    He Ruhuan sighed and was about to put on a show ofining when she heard Xiaoxiao say casually, ��Oh, it��s nothing. It��s just that thisdy treats me as a maidservant and wants me to help her. Shen Tianci feels that she should apologize.��


    He Ruhuan secretly looked at Mrs. Shen��s unhappy expression and mocked this country girl in her heart for making two mistakes. Firstly, she shouldn��t have called her cousin by his name in front of her aunt. Secondly, she didn��t consider her own weight beforeining. She was the Shen Family��s cousin. What was this vige girl? Did she expect her aunt to speak up for her?


    She deliberately sighed and said aggrievedly, ��1 just happened to see her getting close to Cousin and thought that she was a maidservant arranged by Auntie. I wanted to ask her to help put away the paper kite. Who knew that Cousin would care so much����


    Aunt hated those people who had ill intentions towards her cousin the most. She did not believe that this vige girl would end up well!


    Just as she was waiting smugly for her aunt to re up, she heard an unknown voice. ��Have you apologized?��


    He Ruhuan pointed at herself in disbelief. She couldn��te back to her senses until Mrs. Shen nodded. Under everyone��s gaze, she felt embarrassed even if Mrs. Shen didn��t speak loudly.


    She was just a vige girl. What right did she have?! Could it be that Auntie really liked her and nned to let her be Cousin��s concubine?


    The more He Ruhuan thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt. She was so angry that she wanted to cry. However, in order to protect her image in front of her aunt, she could only grit her teeth and bow. ��Auntie is right. Ruhuan is rash.��


    This was the first time Xiaoxiao had seen such an insincere apology, but she did not mind. She nodded to show that she had received it and continued to talk to Mrs. Shen.


    Mrs. Shen was still thinking about the crystal jelly she had eatenst time. When she found out that Xiaoxiao had brought Shen Tianci new delicious food today, but that stinky son did not bring it to show his filial piety to his mother first, she could not sit still and wanted to settle the score with him angrily.


    At this moment, He Ruhuan, who had lost face, had already walked out of the crowd. She asked the maidservant in front of her, ��Are you saying that Ning Xiaoxiao is the farm girl Shopkeeper Xu wrote to say that she wants to cooperate with?��


    The maidservant knelt down and said, ��Yes. She was also the one who sold sour bamboo shoots not long ago.��


    He Ruhuan wiped her sweaty face with a handkerchief. ��A mere farmer dares to talk about ��cooperation�� with our family? If it weren��t for us, her family would still be digging in the soil. She actually has the cheek to negotiate terms.��


    He Ruhuan��s eyes were filled with disdain. ��Fortunately, this letter is in Aunt��s hands. Otherwise, if Cousin Li saw it, he would be kind enough to help these poor people again.��


    The maidservant looked up timidly. ��Miss, you mean����


    He Ruhuan put away the handkerchief. ��Call Shopkeeper Xu over..��

 Chapter 147 - 147: Taking Advantage Of Your Seniority

    Chapter 147 - 147: Taking Advantage Of Your Seniority


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After settling this matter, she raised her head and walked back to the main courtyard arrogantly. When she looked at Xiaoxiao again, she felt smug that victory was in her hands.


    Just as Xiaoxiao was feeling puzzled, a maidservant came to tell her that Shopkeeper Xu wanted to see her. She told her brothers and followed the maidservant to the guest hall.


    Shopkeeper Xu was surprised to see her. ��Miss Ning, why are you here?��


    Xiaoxiao understood. ��You didn��t call me over, right?��


    Shopkeeper Xu was dumbfounded. At this moment, a familiar voice sounded in the room.


    ��I heard that Miss Ning wants to cooperate with our Fragrance Restaurant?��


    It was He Ruhuan again. To be honest, Xiaoxiao was already a little annoyed after meeting her a few times today.


    Shopkeeper Xu frowned. ��How did you know about this?��


    He Ruhuan nced at him arrogantly. ��Shopkeeper Xu, you don��t have to know.��


    Then, she turned to look at Xiaoxiao. ��Pardon me for being blunt, but those who can talk about ��cooperation�� with our family are all outstanding figures. Miss Ning, you���� She smiled and scanned the siblings up and down without hiding anything.


    ��Your name is Ning Xiaoxiao, right?��


    ��Does anyone in the family have an official position or a title?��


    ��Do you have a farmyard? Or the best qualitynd?��


    ��Do you have any merchant shops? How much are they worth?��


    These questions were each more impolite than the other. Ning Dng and Ning Eng��s faces darkened, but Xiaoxiao acted very calm.


    ��Yes, my name is Ning Xiaoxiao. Since you know my name, you must have asked about my family��s situation from elsewhere. Just as you think, my family background is ordinary. I��m just a farmer. My family doesn��t have money or power, but so what?��


    Her expression was calm. ��I don��t feel inferior because of this. On the contrary, I��m very proud because if it weren��t for us farming, you youngdies wouldn��t even have enough to eat.��


    ��Since you don��t like me, why don��t you stay away and let me go?��


    It was clearly He Ruhuan who came to provoke her, but she was the one who turned pale from anger in the end. ��What an arrogant peasant girl. Let me ask you, you��re poor. Where did you get the confidence to discuss a coboration with our restaurant?��


    Xiaoxiao did not look at her and only asked Shopkeeper Xu, ��She��s your Boss?��


    Shopkeeper Xu, who finally found an opportunity to speak, immediately shook his head and denied it. ��Of course not. Miss Cousin, this matter has to be decided by Boss himself. In addition, Miss Ning has helped our restaurant a lot these days.�� It was inconvenient for him to say anything else. After all, strictly speaking, she was also one of the employers.


    What a joke. What could a country bumpkin like her do to help the restaurant? Wasn��t she just using some lousy things to cheat them of their money?


    He Ruhuan raised her head proudly and looked at Xiaoxiao with her nostrils. ��There��s no need for Cousin to ask about such a small matter personally. Aunt asked me to take care of some family business, so I��ll make a decision for her. Buy that Ruyi bun��s secret recipe for 20 taels of silver. You don��t have to interfere in the future.��


    ��Let��s talk business first. If I find out in the future that you used this secret recipe again, don��t me me for being merciless.��


    Xiaoxiao was amused. She could get 20 taels by selling the seasoning sauce for a month. With this price, He Ruhuan still wanted to buy it out?


    Without needing her to say anything, Shopkeeper Xu could not hold it in anymore. ��Miss Cousin, your price is simply����


    He Ruhuan had already lost her patience.. ��Shopkeeper Xu, are you taking advantage of your seniority to make a decision for your master?��

 Chapter 148 - 148: It’s Fine Not To Do This Business

    Chapter 148 - 148: It��s Fine Not To Do This Business


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Shopkeeper Xu��s face turned ashen. He could only bow to Xiaoxiao guiltily.


    Xiaoxiao knew that He Ruhuan was someone who could make the decision in the restaurant. She smiled and nodded at Shopkeeper Xu, indicating that she did not me him. However, she retracted her expression when she faced He Ruhuan. ��In that case, it��s fine not to do this business.��


    He Ruhuan was stunned. She didn��t expect Ning Xiaoxiao to be so unyielding, but on second thought, she looked enlightened. ��Don��t even think about asking Tianci and aunt for help. The Li Family��s rule is that married women can��t interfere in your maternal family��s matters. Aunt will definitely not help you.��


    Shopkeeper Xu sighed and exined, ��The county magistrate��s wife and our Boss��s father are siblings. They��re both from the Li Family of Jiangnan.��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t know who the ��Li Family�� was, but if she used the ��Li Family of Jiangnan�� to introduce him, he could only be the richest man in Jiangnan.


    So that was the case. Shopkeeper Xu and Shopkeeper Liu��s Boss was the eldest grandson of the Li Family, Li Muyan. The Fragrance Restaurant and Ruyi Clothing Shop were both the Li Family��s businesses.


    She sorted out the rtionship between the Shen Family and the Li Family in her mind, but He Ruhuan urged impatiently, ��Have you thought it through?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at her in confusion. ��Didn��t I just say that I don��t want to do this business with you? Why are you still here? Could it be that you want to buy and sell it forcefully on the county magistrate��s territory?��


    Since it was not appropriate to re up here, she red at Xiaoxiao and left.


    Shopkeeper Xu was filled with apology. ��I��m sorry, Miss Ning. I��ll talk to Miss Cousin again.��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��Do you really think she��s someone who can reason with you? She might think that I��m using you to plead for leniency. Shopkeeper Xu, I��m a prideful person. It��s better if you don��t.��


    Shopkeeper Xu knew that she was understanding and did not want him to offend his master. He could only sigh. ��Fortunately, I haven��t mentioned the crystal prawn dumplings.��


    Xiaoxiao asked him, ��Can she interfere with the cloth shop��s matters too?��


    Shopkeeper Xu shook his head. ��Shopkeeper Liu has a fiery personality. Other than Boss, no one dares to interfere in her matters. Not to mention Miss Cousin, even First Madam won��t interfere.��


    At this point, he exined to Xiaoxiao, ��First Madam is our Boss��s mother. Miss He is First Madam��s niece. She has been staying in the residence recently and helping First Madam manage the shop.��


    At the mention of ��managing the shop��, his face twisted uncontrobly. His heart was filled with ridicule�� What a waste of time! She might as well not care!


    Xiaoxiao did not interfere in other people��s family matters. It was fine as long as she knew that it would not affect the earnings on the fifth day. ��Shopkeeper Xu, don��t look for her even more. If she remembers about the cloth shop and insists on interfering, 1 will lose out.��


    Shopkeeper Xu sighed and apologized repeatedly. It was not easy for Xiaoxiao to persuade him to leave. She turned around and saw that her two brothers�� expressions were dark.


    ��Big Brother, Second Brother, don��t be angry. Not all influential people are like this. Perhaps the higher the status of a person, the more they read the sages�� books. Instead, they are more polite. Those who are so arrogant are just clowns.��


    Ning Eng recalled and pped his hands. ��Sigh, your words are simr to what the county magistrate said. Sister, why do 1 feel that you��re smarter than me sometimes?��


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes at him. ��Because I��m studying with Big Brother. You keep running away!��


    Ning Eng immediately lowered his head and looked into the distance.


    Everyone had their own ambitions. Second Brother��s ambition was not to study. After trying a few times and realizing that he was indeed not cut out for this, Xiaoxiao did not force him anymore. On the other hand, Big Brother was persistent and would give him a small lesson whenever he had the chance.


    He originally thought that he would hide if he could, but after today, he decided to calm down. Even if he was not cut out for it, he would not be able to get a schrly honor. At least he was smarter and more capable. The next time someone bullied his sister, he would not have to remain silent.


    Although Ning Dng did not say anything, he clenched his fists under his sleeves..

 Chapter 149 - 149: Take Him Out To Sell

    Chapter 149 - 149: Take Him Out To Sell


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    As the protagonist of this banquet, Shen Tianci was naturally the center of attention. Not only did the young masters pull him away to chat, but the youngdies from various families also looked at him shyly from time to time.


    Someone suggested ying drums and passing the flowers. In the next moment, the drums and flowers were ready.


    Looking at the eager expressions of the young masters anddies, Xiaoxiao knew very well that this was actually a talent exhibition in disguise. She was not interested in participating, but she enjoyed watching the performance. Seeing that her brothers were still in a bad mood, she leaned over and whispered to them, ��Who cares which young master or youngdy it is? They��re also performing for us for free now. Brothers, at least smile and give them some face.��


    Her nonchnt expression made He Ruhuan very dissatisfied. Not long after, a servant hurriedly ran over from the kitchen and reported to Mrs. Shen, ��Madam, bad news. Something happened in the kitchen.��


    Mrs. Shen frowned and heard this person say, ��The head chef identally injured his hand and still hasn��t made a few signature dishes. How can this be good?��


    Mrs. Shen waved her hand. ��Let the chef at home take over.�� The chef of the Shen Family was good at cooking, and ordinary chefs could notpare to her. The servant��s expression was ugly. ��The steward has already gotten someone to invite her just now, but for some reason, she hasn��t arrived yet. It��s almost time for the banquet����


    He Ruhuan used the time to drink tea to hide the smile on her lips. She nced at the young masters and youngdies in the hall, who were either influential or rich businessmen. If they treated people but neglected these guests at the banquet, the Shen Family could not afford to lose face.


    However, when she turned around, she met Xiaoxiao��s clear and bright eyes. When she looked at her, it was as if she knew everything. He Ruhuan retracted her gaze reflexively. After that, she felt that she had lost her aura, so she raised her head and red back.


    Coincidentally, the servant who came to report looked up at Mrs. Shen in panic, then quickly lowered his head and stammered, ��Why don��t we get Miss Ning to help����


    Xiaoxiao took a closer look and recognized that this person was one of the followers who had apanied Shen Tianci to her house for a meal.


    He did not dare to look up, but he still said what he had been instructed to say. ��After all, Miss Ning is a chef.��


    With a bang, the end of the servant��s sentence was covered by the sound of the teacup shattering. Mrs. Shen was still as gentle as before, but she leaned backzily. ��Go down and change a teacup for me.��


    The servant was worried that Madam did not hear him clearly. He looked up and was about to say, ��Madam, Miss Ning����


    Mrs. Shen rested her chin on one hand. ��Didn��t you hear me?��


    The servant shuddered. Only then did he see the coldness in his mistress��s eyes. His scalp went numb and his legs went weak as he left.


    When he got up, Mrs. Shen instructed the nanny beside her calmly, ��Take him out to sell.��


    {Wow,} Xiaoxiao eximed. So this was the aura of the mistress of a rich family.


    Noticing her gaze, Mrs. Shen took her hand and patted it. ��With me around, 1 won��t let anyone bully you.��


    Shen Tianci also said, ��That��s right. I invited you here as guests. How can I let the guests help me work?��


    Xiaoxiao was a little touched, but other than that, there was still no news of the cook from the Shen Family after 10 minutes. Not to mention Mrs. Shen, even Shen Tianci fell silent. But even so, they did not mention asking Xiaoxiao to go to the kitchen.


    He Ruhuan tightened her grip on her handkerchief. Why was she still unwilling to let Ning Xiaoxiao go?


    Mrs. Shen instructed calmly, ��Let��s not wait anymore. Just serve the dishes like this.��


    It was not inconvenient for the chef to cook, but it was just that without the signature dishes of the chef, itcked some style.


    Although Shen Tianci said that it didn��t matter, he couldn��t hide his disappointment. ��1 told you there��s no need to celebrate this useless birthday.��


    Xiaoxiao suddenly remembered what he had said when she first arrived. He said that those people were just hypocritical when they came to celebrate his birthday. If he knew that these hypocritical people were scheming, would he be very�� disappointed?


    Sighing, Xiaoxiao stood up and stretched her shoulders.. ��Shen Tianci, where��s your kitchen?��

 Chapter 150 - 150: A Young Child

    Chapter 150 - 150: A Young Child


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Shen Tianciposed himself and pretended not to care. ��Why are you asking?


    1 already said that you��re a guest today.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled at him. ��I just want to make delicious food for the birthday boy myself. No one has eaten it before, and no one knows how to make it except me. Do you want it?��


    Shen Tianci did not want to nod either, but her words were too tempting. Who did not want to eat Ning Xiaoxiao��s dishes on their birthday?


    Mrs. Shen frowned and was about to refuse when she heard Xiaoxiao say, ��I think 1 brought along the ingredients to make crystal jelly and crystal prawn dumplings before I left. Madam, don��t you want one?��


    Mrs. Shen clenched her fists and coughed lightly. ��Will it be too much trouble for you?��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��1��11 go get something from the carriage.��


    Before she came, she had underestimated the ��flower appreciation�� and ��hiking�� of the rich. She thought that she was going on an outing in the wilderness today, so she brought a lot of barbecued ingredients and so on. She left them in the carriage when she arrived at the courtyard. Now, she went back into the carriage and flipped her hand. The things she wanted to use were moved out of the space.


    Big Brother and Second Brother, who were following closely behind her to help carry the things, were very puzzled. ��When did you bring these?��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��I was drowsy in the morning. I stuffed them in a daze when 1 was taking my things.��


    Her brothers naturally did not suspect anything. They took one packet in each hand.


    Xiaoxiao followed them empty-handed. She had already started to think about the recipes in her mind. When she passed by the banquet hall again, she met He Ruhuan, who was smiling at her smugly. Xiaoxiao went forward. ��It wasn��t an ident in the kitchen, right?��


    She did not need He Ruhuan��s answer. ��Did you ever think that Shen Tianci would be sad if his birthday banquet was ruined because of this?��


    He Ruhuan��s expression froze. Xiaoxiao snorted and walked past her. ��So you��re not worthy of him.��


    He Ruhuan was infuriated by the mockery, but after gritting her teeth for a long time, she only said, ��Then 1��11 see how you use those vulgar farm vegetables to turn the tide.��


    Xiaoxiao was speaking from the bottom of her heart. A person like He Ruhuan, who did not hesitate to hurt others to achieve her goal, was really not worthy of the clean and simple Shen Tianci.


    In fact, all kinds of side dishes had been prepared in the kitchen. Fresh fish, prawns, and vegetables were also prepared. There was even a pot of ��Buddha Jumps Over The Wall��? on the stove.


    This was because the signature dish��s recipe was only in the hands of the chef. Once he was injured, no one could rece him. Shopkeeper Xu was so anxious that he ran around the kitchen, but he could not force the chef to tell him his ancestral recipe. He could only ask over and over again, ��Where��s thedy chef?��


    It was at this moment that Xiaoxiao came over. Shopkeeper Xu was stunned. ��Miss Ning?��


    Xiaoxiao did not want to waste time, so she rolled up her sleeves on the way here. ��Give me a few empty stoves.��


    Seeing her attitude, Shopkeeper Xu instantly understood. ��Miss Ning wants to cook?��


    The chef, who was sitting in the corner and covering his injured hand, sneered. She really thought she was a famous chef just because she knew how to stir-fry a few sour bamboo shoots?


    He was extremely unconvinced by Ning Xiaoxiao. Otherwise, He Ruhuan would not have persuaded him to cooperate with her so easily.


    However, why was the shopkeeper praising her as a great figure when she had only created some lowly pickles?


    He did not think that the seasoning that cost 20 taels of silver a month was anything special. If she had not made it into sauce, he might have tried the form himself in two to three days.


    He had worked so hard in the kitchen and only earned five taels a month. Could it be that he was conscientiously using his ancestral earnings to earn money for the restaurant, but in the end, he was inferior to a peasant girl?


    The Shen Family was really messing around. They actually handed the kitchen to such a young child.

 Chapter 151 - 151: “Stuffed Yellow Croaker”

    Chapter 151 - 151: ��Stuffed Yellow Croaker��


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Just as he thought this, he saw Xiaoxiao nimbly pick a big yellow croaker from the ice bucket and start to scale it. He curled his lips in disdain, certain that this girl did not dare to kill live fish, so she specially chose a dead one. How naive. Fish would smell if they were not cooked well. Even live fish were like this, let alone frozen fish.


    After removing the fish scales, Xiaoxiao nced at the chef who was staring at her. After taking a closer look at his expression, she smiled and moved her position, making him unable to see anything.


    Shopkeeper Xu also quickly reacted and began to clear the area. The chef and the other helpers were reluctantly chased out. They did not think that the girl inside could do anything.


    In the kitchen, Xiaoxiao inserted two chopsticks into the fish��s mouth and rotated them. She stirred its internal organs and slowly dragged them out. Then, she used a sharp knife to push them deep into the fish��s mouth and along the sides of the fish��s spine, separating the fish bones and fish meat. She had to be very careful in this step. She could not pierce through the fish skin.


    Next, she would cut off the fish skull and break the fish tail. Then, she could take out the entire fish bone.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    After washing the fish��s stomach with clear water and confirming that the fish body was intact and not leaking, she marinated it with onions, ginger, and a little white wine to remove the fishy smell. Then, he could carry out the key step��pour in the soup.


    The ��soup�� mentioned here was not ordinary soup, but the ��Buddha Jumps Over The Wall�� soup that Xiaoxiao had treated. The ��crystal powder�� that she used to make crystal jelly was actually fish gtin powder. In modern baking, there was a scientific name, ��gtine powder��. The effect could be referenced to mousse and jelly.


    The Shen Family was rich and imposing, so there were endless ice cubes in the kitchen. Xiaoxiao added the ��Buddha Jumps Over The Wall�� with pumpkin mash and fish gtin powder into the ice cubes to elerate the condensation into thick soup jelly. Then, she poured the soup jelly into the fish��s stomach and fried it with mushrooms before steaming it.


    The steamed fish was covered with shredded ginger, onion, and starch sauce. The yellow fish could be served after being filled with soup.


    Next, she picked vegetables, chicken, pork, and live fish, as well as a piece of tender tofu.


    Ning Dng and Ning Eng took on the responsibility of helping their sister. Xiaoxiao handed the processed chicken, pork, and fresh fish to them and they beat and sifted them into delicate meat paste. She mixed these three types of meat paste evenly with the same sifted southern tofu, added three egg whites and a suitable amount of seasoning powder, and ced them in the steamer.


    While waiting, she seasoned and mixed the broth prepared in the kitchen again. After the tofu was formed, she cut it into small pieces and spread the vegetables and mushrooms that had been simmered in the broth. Then, she drizzled it with thick golden soup. Another new dish that Great Xia had never heard of��braised tofu��was also prepared.


    She kept three portions of each dish and put the third portion into her space while her brothers tasted it.


    Her brothers�� surprised and amazed reaction made Xiaoxiao unable to help but show a smug expression, while the space��s reaction surprised her.


    [Ding! First premium dish ��Stuffed Yellow Croaker�� recorded. Reward: 500 points!]


    [Ding! First premium dish ��Braised Tofu�� recorded. Reward: 300 points!]


    [Total points: 7,000! Master, Master! We have 7,000 points!]


    Was it so valuable? If she made a few more, it wouldn��t be a dream to upgrade the space.


    An excited electronic voice sounded in the space: [Master, Master, high-grade ingredient matsutake mushroom, high-grade ingredient shark fin, high-grade ingredient bear paw��]


    Xiaoxiao, who had only nned to show off a little, licked her lips and squeezed her hands. She sharpened her knife and looked at the other side dishes in the kitchen.


    Big Brother and Second Brother had seen the Ruyi buns and prawn dumplings being made so many times that they were already familiar with them. There was no need for her to spend too much effort. Xiaoxiao squatted in front of the pile of ingredients and keptughing.


    The conventional record of these two things was 100 points each. The total score was already 7,200 points. Hehehehe��


    Putting aside the harm done to Shen Tianci, wouldn��t He Ruhuan be her lucky star?</font>

 Chapter 152 - 152: Braised Tofu

    Chapter 152 - 152: Braised Tofu


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    If not for her, when would she have the chance toe into contact with these high-end ingredients?


    With a sh of the de, she began to choose her materials without hesitation.


    There was nothing much to say about the bird��s nest, shark��s fins and abalone belly. They were known as ��better than gold�� when they were served. With her culinary skills, any dish she made could make people unable to stop eating. However, such ingredients were necessary for banquet guests. The chef had prepared it before he was injured. If she made it again, it would seem like she was deliberately provoking him. Moreover, she was a farm girl. It was easy for people to suspect that she suddenly knew how to make high-end dishes. Hence, what she had to cook next was still very regr.


    She had promised Shen Tianci that she would make fresh dishes for him that no one had ever eaten before, so she naturally could not go back on her word. Hence, she chose a few winter melons of moderate size and began to wash and process them.


    The winter melon was cut into half, and the edges were engraved in a wave. The melon flesh was dug out, and the outer skin was carved. Shen Tianci��s zodiac was the goat, so she carved cute littlembs all over it. She nched the melon cup before putting it into the ice water to cool it down. The winter melon cup was ready.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    In addition, she washed the dried shellfish, duck meat, ham, shiitake mushrooms, frogs, shrimp, and luffa. After wrapping them in starch and nching them in boiling water, she scooped them out and ced them in the melon pot to steam. Then, she sprinkled salt and minced ham on them and prepared the double boiled winter melon soup for the table.


    [Ding! ��Double boiled winter melon soup�� has been recorded for the first time. You have received 300 points. Current bnce is 7,500 points!]


    Finally, she had to make a ��Nine-Layered Three-Colored Threads Pagoda��.


    After cutting the 27 ingredients of nine colors into thin fments, she stacked each of the three types of thin fments neatly at the bottom of nine bowls of different sizes. After pouring chicken soup on them, she steamed them and took them out. She used a t te to hold the back of the bowl and ced them upside down. Then, she carefully moved the fments in the bowl to the white porcin te. She addedyers of cumtive towers ording to the order fromrge to small. Finally, she poured the thick broth sauce that she had prepared.


    [Ding! High-quality dish ��Nine-Layered Three-Colored Threads Pagoda�� has been recorded for the first time. After evaluation, this delicacy��s culinary skills are top-notch and its skills far exceed the current level of space and time. Reward: 900 points! Current bnce: 8,400!]


    Each level had one color and each level had three vors. This was the Nine-Layered Three-Colored Threads Pagoda, which had extremely high requirements for cutting skills and patience.


    Ever since Xiaoxiao��s first dish was served, the exmations in the hall had never stopped.


    The table was already set with cold dishes and some home-cooked dishes that did not need the chef to cook personally. The young masters and youngdies ate and chatted. The dishes could not be considered stunning. Anyway, it was the taste of the restaurant.


    When the ��Stuffed Yellow Croaker�� first entered everyone��s sight, they only thought that it was an ordinary steamed fish and did not even n to touch their chopsticks. However, when the fish was ced on the table, a unique fragrance began to drill into the noses of the young guests. They could not stop it.


    Shen Tianci was the first to pick up his chopsticks. When he knew that this was Ning Xiaoxiao��s doing, he reached out his chopsticks without hesitation and picked it up. The fish meat that did not have any bones was picked up simply. A golden ��Buddha Jumps Over The Wall�� thick soup flowed out from the gap in the fish meat. The umami of the soup fused with the unique fragrance of the yellow croaker, instantly whetting everyone��s appetite.


    ��What��s this?�� While the curious people were still asking, the smart people had already begun to eat.


    The waiter who served the dishes swallowed his saliva. ��The kitchen said that this dish is called ��Stuffed Yellow Croaker��.��


    Shen Tianci��s eyebrows were about to fly up. However, he had only reached for it for the third time and the entire fish was about to be finished!


    ��Anything else? Anything else?��


    The next dish happened to follow. As the servant put down the dishes, he introduced, ��It��s braised tofu. The kitchen said that this dish is one serving for each person. It��s more convenient to eat.��


    Some noble young masters and youngdies couldn��t help but look disdainful giving them tofu?


    ��If you don��t want to eat it���� Someone beside him probed, ��Can you give it to me?��</font>

 Chapter 153 - 153: Double Boiled Winter Melon Soup

    Chapter 153 - 153: Double Boiled Winter Melon Soup


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    There was already an empty bowl beside the person who spoke. The young master and youngdy who were questioned were a little curious. Is it delicious?


    They tried to taste it and could not stop.


    It was just a small piece of tofu, and it was gone in two to three bites. There was not even a single vegetable or mushroom left. To put it bluntly, if not for their pride, they would have licked the soup at the bottom of the bowl clean.


    This time, when the manservant served the dishes again, he was almost frightened by the young guests�� burning gazes. ��T-this time it��s dumplings. Crystal prawn dumplings and soup dumplings.��


    They knew that the soup dumplings were being sold in Fragrance Restaurant, but what were crystal prawn dumplings?<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    Shen Tianci, who knew the answer, sat upright and watched the guests make a fuss. He picked one up skillfully and dipped it in vinegar. He even introduced it with ease. ��Those who like to dip it in vinegar can dip it a little. You can eat it directly without dipping it. There are prawns peeled from fresh prawns, mushrooms, fungus, and diced vegetables.��


    Her friends�� ignorant gazes were refreshed by the pleasant surprise after tasting the delicious food. All of them threw away their contempt and looked forward to the next dishes.


    Hence, when a te of ordinary-looking cabbage stems appeared in front of them, no one spoke rashly. Shen Tianci took the kettle from the servant and volunteered, ��I��ll do it!��


    The broth was poured in and the cabbage bloomed on the te. The youngdies were the most curious and called it interesting. After taking a bite, they covered their mouths and narrowed their eyes in surprise. It was delicious!


    The originally boring banquet gradually became lively and interesting. Everyone was waiting for the next dish.


    The bright colors of the Nine-Layered Three-Colored Threads Pagoda made everyone speechless in surprise. After knowing that everyyer and color was a different ingredient and that eachyer had three different tastes, everyone was afraid of missing out on one. The sounds of clicking chopsticks immediately sounded incessantly.


    The thin threads were as thin as cicada wings. It was impossible to tell what the original ingredients were, but every bite was a surprise. Every bite was enjoyable. Every bite was the beginning and continuation of the next bite.


    When the servants brought the human head-sized winter melon to the table, their exmations were already in unison. ��What a big winter melon! Hey, there are carvings on this winter melon!��


    The servants steadied their hands and carefully ced the winter melon soup on the table. ��This is a double boiled winter melon soup. The kitchen said that the birthday boy is borned in the year of the goat, so they specially carved such a pattern for him. I hope he��ll be happy in the future.��


    Shen Tianci smiled so widely that his eyes were still a little hot. He really wanted to run to the kitchen and shout three times, but he was the host and had to calm down. Hence, he suppressed hisughter and instructed the servants to serve soup to the guests.


    When the soup entered their mouths, they realized that not only was this dish beautiful, but the soup also had the freshness of the ingredients and the sweetness of the winter melon. Most importantly, it clearly had meat and fish, but it was not greasy at all. It was refreshing and delicious.


    Thest staple food was naturally the longevity noodles specially prepared for the birthday boy. Other than a big bowl of noodles for each table, Xiaoxiao also prepared a small bowl of ��one strand of noodles�� for the birthday boy. As the name suggested, it was an entire set of noodles that would not break. Shen Tianci, who was picky about food, slurped the noodles clean without a word. His small belly was round.


    The injured chef originally wanted toe and take a look at the miserable state of the feast, but he did not expect the host and guest to have fun. The dishes that were left over on the table were the dishes he had prepared before he was injured.


    His hand was clearly injured, but he felt his face hurt.


    However, He Ruhuan��s face hurt more than his. She wanted to embarrass Ning Xiaoxiao, but she did not expect her to give her a chance to present her skills. Looking at Aunt and Cousin��s happy faces, she could almost see Ning Xiaoxiao��s smugness when she was taken into the Shen Family.


    How could she allow this to happen!</font>

 Chapter 154 - 154:1 Heard You Want To Take Me As Your Concubine

    Chapter 154 - 154:1 Heard You Want To Take Me As Your Concubine


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    While drinking tea, He Ruhuan nced somewhere. A certain young master who received her signal suddenly stood up. ��Aunt Shen��s family is indeed full of talents. One meal is an eye-opener for us!��


    Everyone rubbed their stomachs and echoed. They were not ignorant people, but the Shen Family��s meal still taught them a lesson.


    The young master continued, ��I��m not talented. I want to make a presumptuous request of you.��


    Without waiting for Mrs. Shen to answer, he said, ��My mother doesn��t usually have a good appetite, especially during the hot summer. It��s very difficult for her to eat anything. It wasn��t easy for my mother to raise me, and she��s suffered a lot for me all these years. I��ve been searching for a suitable chef for her, but I can��t find a suitable one for her, so I can��t sleep or eat in peace. Today, when I first tasted this chef��s cooking, I was shocked.��


    He cupped his hands and said, ��I wonder if Auntie is willing to part with this chef and give her to me?��<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    ��I promise to treat this chef well. In order to thank her for her help, I��m even more interested in taking her as a concubine����


    Shen Tianci almost rushed out to beat him up. Fortunately, Mrs. Shen was quick enough to get someone to hold him back.


    Across the door, Xiaoxiao looked at her brothers, who were also furious. She sighed and held their hands, shaking her head at them.


    In the inner hall, Mrs. Shen looked at the young master who spoke. ��You sound like you��ve studied?��


    The young master immediately revealed a smug expression. ��I��m not talented. I��ve been studying since I was five years old. It��s been 12 years. I��m preparing to apply for the Bowen Academy this year.��


    Mrs. Shen nodded. Just as Shen Tianci was about to scold him, her aura suddenly changed. ��You know how shameless you are. Since you��ve studied, you naturally know the principles of being a person. I��m curious. Which book and which sage told you that your mother needs someone else to be filial on your behalf?��


    The young master was stunned. ��B-but I will take her as my concubine����


    Mrs. Shen picked up her teacup and smiled. ��Take a concubine?��


    ��You can��t even take care of your own mother. You haven��t even gotten into a Xiucai[i.A person who has passed the county level imperial exam.] title after studying for 12 years. You can��t lift with your shoulders, you don��t know how to do business, and you don��t have a legitimate career. How do you have the time to think about taking a concubine?��


    ��Moreover, I��m not afraid of everyone��s jokes. Today, our Shen Family is holding a banquet, but the chef injured his hand. It was Tianci and my friend who helped just now so that this banquet could be held.��


    ��This Little Master wants to take our friend as a concubine?��


    She put down her teacup heavily. ��You��re quite shameless.��


    Shen Tianci finally seized the opportunity. He pointed at the young master and scolded, ��Let me tell you, you��re not worthy! Not to mention taking a concubine, even if you marry her officially, no, ptui! You��re not even worthy of mentioning her name! If 1 hear you disrespect my friend again, I��ll beat you to death!��


    The young master was embarrassed and his face was red. He looked around for help, but no one spoke up for him. Even He Ruhuan avoided his gaze and pretended not to know.


    He flew into a rage out of humiliation and gritted his teeth. ��Could this be how the Shen family treats their guests?��


    Shen Tianciughed. ��Did I invite you?��


    This person finally understood that he was asking for a rebuff. He covered his face in a panic and ran out. Just as he passed by the door frame, he suddenly tripped over something. When he looked up, he saw a beautiful little girl. He was stunned for a moment and saw two burly youths walking out from behind this youngdy to cover her. The two of them were even ring at him with unfriendly expressions.


    ��I heard that you want to take me as your concubine?��


    The youngdy��s delicate voice made the young master inexplicably expectant. However, in the next moment, she said, ��My cutting skills are quite good. Do you want to try?��


    The young master did not understand, so Xiaoxiao exined patiently, ��I know how to cut off limbs and cut open stomachs. Moreover, my hands and feet are nimble. You might not even feel any pain..��</font>

 Chapter 155 - 155: Too Ashamed To Freeload

    Chapter 155 - 155: Too Ashamed To Freeload


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The young master��s eyes were unfocused as he fled.


    After what happened in the front hall, Xiaoxiao naturally did not want to go out anymore. She simply returned to the kitchen with her brothers.


    Fortunately, she had already fed her brothers, so she was a little bored now. [How many points do I have now?]


    The space was so happy that it wished it could buzz. [The Steamed Chinese Cabbage in Supreme Soup received 100 points for its regr collection. The longevity noodles received 100 points for their first collection. The in noodles received 50 points for their first collection. The current points bnce is 8,650 points! Master! Leveling up is in sight!]


    Xiaoxiao understood the pattern. The first time high-grade ingredients were recorded, the points were usually very high. In the future, the regr record would be much lower. For example, prawn dumplings used exquisite ingredients, or more expensive ingredients like soup dumplings and braised pork. A regr record could be exchanged for 100 points. As for ordinary vegetables and noodles, no matter if it was the first time or the regr record, the points were much lower inparison.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    Xiaoxiao was quite happy. This was not a loss. She asked again: [Have you harvested all the rice seeds?]


    The space opened the warehouse for her to see: [You received 1,000 kilograms of rice and 1,000 kilograms of wheat.]


    The rice harvested in the space would automatically be converted to rice grains, and the wheat would also be automatically converted to wheat grains. The losses of molting were included. The harvest per acre was 500 kilograms. It was convenient, but it also put an end to Xiaoxiao��s thoughts of taking advantage of the situation and nting seeds directly. She pursed her lips andined: [Why don��t you just process it into wheat flour?]


    The space could not hear the dissatisfaction in her tone. It even told her happily: [Then I have to level up again. The ingredients processing factory can be opened in a level-four space.]


    Xiaoxiao��s interest was piqued. [Processing factory? What��s the use?]


    The space dutiful exnation: [It��s a function that can process ingredients ording to Master��s requirements. For example, rice will be ground into rice flour, wheat will be ground into flour, meat and birds will be cut, eggs will be beaten into a liquid, and the ingredients will be iced��]


    Xiaoxiao did not think much of the first few sentences. This beaten egg was a good function. It was too tiring to beat the eggs manually, especially when she did it too much. It was especially tiring for her brothers too.


    Just as she was thinking about the use of the upgraded function, loud footsteps came from outside the kitchen. Then, Shen Tianci rushed in anxiously. When he saw Xiaoxiao and his brothers, he heaved a sigh of relief and patted his chest. ��You scared me to death. I thought you had left.��


    Mrs. Shen followed closely behind. ��Xiaoxiao, I��ve let you suffer today.��


    Shen Tianci pouted and moved over step by step with a bitter expression. ��Ning Xiaoxiao, scold me. You can hit me too.��


    ��You came to celebrate my birthday with good intentions and made delicious food for me. Not only did I not protect you well, but I also implicated you with that trash Wang Min�� Ah, no, let��s not talk about him. In short, it��s all my fault. Beat me up to calm down.��


    Xiaoxiao almost couldn��t help butugh out loud when she saw his determined look.


    ��On the contrary,�� Xiaoxiao said. ��I��m more touched by your protection.��


    Mrs. Shen also said, ��We have to give you an exnation for this matter no matter what. Xiaoxiao, feel free to ask if there��s anything we can help with. Don��t stand on ceremony with us. Otherwise, 1 won��t have the face to go to your house to freeload from you in the future.��


    Her words were all jokes, but her tone was very serious. Xiaoxiao could tell that they really minded. If she did not make any requests, Shen Tianci and Mrs. Shen would probably feel guilty for a long time. She licked her lips. ��Then����


    Just as she was about to speak, she heard her brother cough lightly. Xiaoxiao turned around and red at him. Her brother patted her shoulder gently and Xiaoxiao pouted. ��Then I��ll have to trouble you to help me see where I can buy cow��s milk or goat��s milk..��</font>

 Chapter 156 - 156: Ning (Trickster) Xiaoxiao

    Chapter 156 - 156: Ning (Trickster) Xiaoxiao


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    If He Ruhuan interfered, Shopkeeper Xu and Shopkeeper Liu might not be reliable. It was double insurance.


    Mrs. Shen agreed without hesitation, but she still asked, ��That��s it? Is there nothing else?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at her strangely. ��Why do 1 feel that you want me to make more requests?��


    Mrs. Shen smiled awkwardly and retracted her gaze from Ning Dng.


    County Magistrate Shen had told her that the eldest son of the Ning Family was a promising talent and wanted to help him get into Bowen Academy, but he refused to ask for the rmendation letter. He couldn��t just give it to him, right? If he was a petty person, he might think that he looked down on him and think that he couldn��t get in on his own.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    Of course, they felt that the Ning Family would not think that way.


    After dinner, the guests went to the courtyard to y. Xiaoxiao and her brothers were actually no longer interested, but they thought that if they left first, the Shen mother and son would definitely think too much, so they could only follow them around.


    She did not see He Ruhuan in the afternoon. The flowers and nts in the courtyard could not be eaten, so Xiaoxiao was not interested. Hence, she told Shen Tianci she would go to the kitchen to make crystal jelly. Although the usual record was only 100 points, with every additional 100 points, she would be one step closer to leveling up, right?


    Hence, the young men and women running crazily in the courtyard were once again shocked by the Shen Family��s food standard. They hugged the crystal jelly and admired it for a long time with envy and reluctance before opening their mouths. After eating, they looked eagerly at the servants who came to deliver snacks.


    Thetter were speechless.


    They struggled to resist their masters�� gazes. ��It��s not that I don��t want to take it. It��s just that Miss Ning, who makes snacks, said that this thing is cold. The weather hasn��t warmed up yet, so it��s not good for your health to eat too much.��


    The young men and women recalled the coolness when the crystal jelly entered their mouths just now and could only reluctantly agree with this logic. However, after understanding the logic, their stomachs still felt lonely.


    ��Where��s the girl who made the snacks?�� If they took this opportunity to befriend her, they might be able to eat her food in the future!


    The servants of the Shen family only smiled.


    In the kitchen, Mrs. Shen was holding arge-sized crystal jelly to confirm with Xiaoxiao. ��You really don��t want to go out and make friends?��


    ��Although I can��t guarantee that everyone has a clean mind, if you n to do business in the future, there might be a few people who can help you.��


    Xiaoxiao looked at her and smiled. The spoon that Mrs. Shen was about to use on the crystal jelly suddenly couldn��t reach out. Xiaoxiao took a deep breath and put on a business smile. Her tone was very seductive. ��Mrs. Shen, summer ising. Do you want to eat the cold crystal jelly anytime and anywhere you want? Drink the sweet and sour fruit tea? And taste all kinds of delicacies and snacks that you��ve never seen before?��


    Ning Eng scratched his ears and calmly turned his back to Ning Xiaoxiao. Has it started? Yes, his sister had started again, but he didn��t expect her to target Mrs. Shen this time.


    Ning Dng smiled dotingly and poured a ss of water for his sister, lest she get thirsty if she spoke too much.


    Mrs. Shen��s rationality was violently shaken, as if she had fallen asleep under Xiaoxiao��s voice. In her dream, beautiful and delicious snacks grew wings and flew towards her.


    She shook her head hard to shake off these persuasive thoughts.


    Xiaoxiao added, ��By the way, I��ve been researching a dessert that��s as soft as a cloud recently. There��s also a drink that��s more fragrant than tea and purer than fruit juice. There��s also a dessert that melts in your mouth����


    Mrs. Shen took two steps back. ��Stop!��


    ��Xiaoxiao, it��s not that Auntie doesn��t want these, but you probably don��t know my rtionship with the Fragrance Restaurant..��</font>

 Chapter 157 - 157: There’s Such A Good Thing

    Chapter 157 - 157: There��s Such A Good Thing


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao took a sip of tea and put away her businessman��s face. She returned to being a harmless little lolita. ��I��d like to hear the details.��


    Mrs. Shen said, ��My surname is Li, and 1e from the Li Family of Jiangnan. The previous head of the family was my father, and the current head of the family is my nephew. I��m his father��s elder sister. These are not important. What��s important is that the Li Family has a family rule ��daughters who are married are not allowed to interfere with their maternal family��s shops.��


    ��Since you��ve worked with the Fragrance Restaurant for so long, you should know that it��s the Li Family��s shop. I can��t get involved in this business, let alone snatch its business away. Otherwise, it will be considered a vition of the family rules. If it��s serious, I��ll be kicked out of the genealogy.��


    So exaggerated? Xiaoxiao was surprised for a moment before she asked in an innocent tone, ��What if I don��t work with the Fragrance Restaurant anymore? Moreover, they took the initiative to suggest it.��


    Mrs. Shen was puzzled for a while and asked uncertainly, ��There��s such a good thing?��<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    Even she could see Ning Xiaoxiao��s value. She didn��t believe that her smart nephew would make such a mistake. Wait, I think he went to find a miracle doctor for Mother and hasn��t returned yet? Big Brother doesn��t like to take care of things, so the one in charge is Big Sister-inw now?


    Seeing that she had started to think, Xiaoxiao saw that it was gettingte and stood up to bid farewell. ��Madam, you can consider it. My brothers and I will go back first.��


    Shen Tianci still had to send the guests off, so only the siblings were in the carriage home.


    Ning Eng patted and touched everything, his face filled with envy.


    ��When can we afford a carriage too?��


    Xiaoxiao patted his head. ��Actually, it��s not very difficult.��


    Ning Eng felt that his sister was arrogant. ��With my small street stall, even if 1 don��t eat or drink for the rest of my life, how many horse manes can I buy?��


    Xiaoxiao felt that her brother was too humble. ��Second Brother, have you ever thought that you might not have to set up a stall all the time?��


    Ning Eng retorted instinctively, ��Then what else can 1 do? Be a shopkeeper?��


    Xiaoxiao��s smile was gentle and virtuous, making her second brother smile. His sister��s expression made him even more uneasy than when she was fooling him!


    ��Sister, why don��t you tell Brother first? What do you want?��


    Xiaoxiao snorted. ��Nothing much. I��m just unhappy and want to make a scene.��


    Ning Dng knocked her head in amusement. ��Looking at how magnanimous you are today, I thought you didn��t care.��


    Xiaoxiao pouted. ��I was pretending.�� There were so many people watching. Wouldn��t the angrier I acted, the happier the instigator would be?


    In fact, she was very angry. She was angry at lie Ruhuan for causing trouble again and again. She was angry at her for deciding for Fragrance Restaurant and cutting off its cooperation with her family. She was angry at her for causing trouble and getting someone to propose to take her as his concubine.


    Ning Dng rubbed the small bun tied to his sister��s head. ��No matter what you want to do, I��ll apany you.��


    Ning Eng hurriedly expressed his determination. ��There��s still me, there��s still me!�� Don��t just see how good Big Brother is.


    Xiaoxiao��s anger disappeared because of her brothers�� pampering.


    She understood that she had to lower her head when she was under someone else��s roof, but she wouldn��t be a bun.


    After returning home, the siblings did not want their parents to worry, so they only talked about happy things. However, the atmosphere in the Shen Residence was not so peaceful.


    Shen Tianci could not understand the seriousness on his parents�� faces. Fie looked here and there.


    Mrs. Shen caught the confused look in his eyes. ��Tianci, what did you gain from today��s incident?��


    Shen Tianci was most afraid of such a speech that seemed to make him summarize for a day. He stammered and could not speak. Mrs. Shen sighed and asked bluntly, ��Why do you think Ning Xiaoxiao and the rest were targeted?��


    Shen Tianci said loudly, ��Wang Min, that bastard, wants to eat swan meat!��</font>

 Chapter 158 - 158: She Did A Good Thing

    Chapter 158 - 158: She Did A Good Thing


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    County Magistrate Shen waved him off in frustration.


    Mrs. Shen sighed in the room. County Magistrate Shen wanted toin about his son, but he couldn��t say anything when he saw his wife like this. Mrs. Shen broke the silence first. ��Tianci can��t be so naive anymore.��


    ��Big Sister-inw is too ambitious. Not only does she want to control the Li Family, but she also doesn��t forget to think about me. I haven��t agreed to her niece��s matter yet, but she dares to reach into the Shen Family.��


    ��With Tianci��s personality, if we really let He Ruhuan in, wouldn��t he be fooled by her?��


    County Magistrate Shen finally couldn��t help but say, ��Our son might not be smart even if it were someone else.��<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    Mrs. Shen red at him, but found that she couldn��t refute him.


    The couple was silent for a long time. County Magistrate Shen said, ��1 received another secret letter today. I��m afraid that the dam in Luo Prefecture won��tst until the end of the year. By then, Prefect Yan will have left office and he can push all the responsibility away. The flood will wash away all the evidence and won��t hurt them at all, but the people will disce����


    Mrs. Shen held his hand. ��I��ll do whatever you want.��


    County Magistrate Shen held her hand. ��Leqing, what more can 1 ask for when I have such a wife like you?��


    Mrs. Shen blushed and chided him. ��Alright, tell me what you want to do first.��


    County Magistrate Shen paced back and forth and said as if he had made up his mind, ��I��m just a county magistrate. Even if I write a memorandum, I can��t send it out from under Prefect Yan��s nose. I want to go to Teacher.��


    Mrs. Shen asked, ��Teacher? You mean Dean Lu?��


    She said in surprise, ��But didn��t you swear to Teacher back then that you would never form cliques for personal gain and have to rely on yourself����


    County Magistrate Shen covered his mouth. ��It��s a p in my face. I was young and frivolous back then. I finally understand that the court is full of tricks. 1 can��t do anything alone. That��s befriending, not forming a party����


    Mrs. Shen covered her mouth andughed, but County Magistrate Shen pretended not to see it. He cleared his throat and said, ��I happen to have a rmendation from the academy. Why don��t 1 bring some gifts to the academy next time and apologize to Teacher and send Tianci to the academy?��


    Mrs. Shen couldn��t smile anymore. ��I heard that your teacher is quite strict?��


    County Magistrate Shen patted his wife��s hand. ��Tianci has grown up. He can��t be as carefree as a child all the time.��


    Under normal circumstances, Mrs. Shen might be reluctant, but what happened during the day and the danger her husband was about to face made her realize rationally that her husband was right. It was time for Tianci to grow up.


    Having said the serious thing, Mrs. Shen mentioned Xiaoxiao to County Magistrate Shen. ��That child seems to want to work with me. Although I don��t know what kind of business she is doing, 1 think it has something to do with food.��


    County Magistrate Shen paused and said calmly, ��Oh? That��s a pity. Your family rules don��t allow you to have conflicts with their business.��


    Mrs. Shen looked at him for a while and poked him with her finger. ��Then He Ruhuan will make the decision to ruin the business between Fragrance Restaurant and the Ning Family.��


    County Magistrate Shen pressed down the corners of his mouth. ��Oh? She did a good thing.��


    Mrs. Shen spat at him. ��Pretend, continue pretending! Then I��ll have a good chat with Xiaoxiaoter, right? I heard that girl��s words. She probably wants to cooperate with me on some business.��


    After some thought, she added, ��The food business!��


    County Magistrate Shen turned around and said in a serious tone, ��Since we are going to do business seriously, we can��t be too casual, or it will seem that we don��t respect her enough.. Why don��t we ask Tianci to visit her at her house some day?��</font>

 Chapter 159 - 159:1 Despise It

    Chapter 159:1 Despise It


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The couple finallyughed. They couldn��t help with the matters in Luo Prefecture for the time being, but it was necessary to take precautions.


    County Magistrate Shen felt that he had to make preparations for the viges along the river near Xijiang County without causing panic.


    The next morning, the county office��s notice was sent to Fortune Vige. They asked them to dig a canal along the river to divert the water and prepare for the remation ofnd. Anyone who was chosen could use it as their corvee.


    The vigers were instantly in an uproar. Every family had to submit to conscription. However, ording to ordinary corvee, they might have to travel through mountains, rivers in the cold weather. They were now near their houses and it was just digging a canal in the lukewarm weather in May. How could they not be enthusiastic?


    Ning Fengnian and Ning Eng couldn��t wait to sign up. Then, they saw Second Uncle Ning, whom they hadn��t seen for a long time. Of course, neither of them went forward to talk to him. After registering, they turned around and left, pretending not to see him.


    Second Uncle Ning didn��t want toe either, but he couldn��t count on Third Brother. His father was already so old. If his father went, he would be criticized by the vigers. He could only do it himself. It was just digging ditches. It was better than going on a long trip to serve corvee, right?


    It was really inconvenient for everything in the old residence without Big Brother.


    He went unwillingly, but he didn��t expect that not just anyone could be chosen. The name list had to be screened. County Magistrate Shen crossed his name out as soon as he saw it.


    When serving the conscripts, one person had toe from each family, but they could register a few more people for the job of digging canals. The list sent by Fortune Vige was very long, almost including the men who did not have any work at home for the time being. Everyone thought that there were more people and more opportunities, and the possibility of being chosen was also high. It would be very good if one of them was chosen.


    However, it was very enviable that both the father and son of the Ning Family were chosen.


    Firstly, the work of digging the river was not heavy. It was much easier than conscription. Secondly, if the people who came to work did not n to use it as their corvee, the sry would be quite generous.


    One of the father and son of the Ning Family could work asborer and get paid, while the other served the corvee. This ie wasparable to doing short-term work.


    On the other hand, Ning Eng was a little surprised. He had just listened to his sister and filled in his name. He did not expect to be chosen directly.


    ��But what about my county stall?��


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes. ��You only know how to miss your small stall.��


    Ning Eng pulled her ear. ��If I remember correctly, you��re the one who asked me to set up the stall, right? Tomorrow is the day to continue the stall��s rental. If I dig the river, who will pay for it?��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��There��s no need to pay.��


    Ning Eng red at her, but Xiaoxiao didn��t care at all. She said bluntly, ��1 despise earning dozens of copper coins a day.��


    Ning Eng gritted his teeth. This stinky sister was the one who mocked him for looking down on the ie from setting up a stall. Now, she was the one who despised theck of money. Was it fun to torture him?


    ��Then what do I do for a living from now on?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled at him. ��To be a shopkeeper.��


    Ning Eng felt that his sister was teasing him and did not take it seriously at all. Moreover, after a night of self-persuasion, he could already firmly ept the fact that he did not have to set up a stall in the future and had to dig the river with his father.


    It should not be a problem to set up a stall for a month. Perhaps the old customers would have been looking for him the next time he went.


    Ning Eng woke up happily to eat the breakfast his sister had prepared. Ning Fengnian wiped his mouth after drinking the hot rice soup that Xiaoxiao had given him. ��Our county magistrate is really fast. He did it just like that. He��s actually going to start digging after the Duanwu Festival.��


    Xiaoxiao and her brother exchanged nces. They remembered the conversation between them when they first met County Magistrate Shen..

 Chapter 160 - 160: The Student Knows His Mistake

    Chapter 160: The Student Knows His Mistake


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Dng could not hide the worry in his eyes. Since the county magistrate was so anxious, did it mean that there was really a problem with the dam in Luo Prefecture?


    Xiaoxiao sighed and turned to look in the direction of her neighbor��s house. ��Unfortunately, Little Big Brother Ah Yan and the others are not at home.�� Ning Engughed at her. ��Why? Do you miss him already?��


    After saying that, she was knocked on the head by her big brother.


    Xiaoxiao pursed her lips. With Little Big Brother Ah Yan and the others around, she could legitimately continue to give special treatment to her family. Ever since her neighbors entered the mountains and no one ate with them, her parents had lowered the standard of their food. They only let her cook in porridge for breakfast and did not even let her eat meat.


    However, Second Brother��s question was also a good question. Did she miss Little Big Brother Ah Yan?


    She missed that pleasant face after not seeing it for so many days.


    She went to Second Brother excitedly and said, ��Brother, did you guys notice that among Shen Tianci��s many friends, none of them are as good-looking as Little Big Brother Ah Yan?��


    Ning Dng looked at his brother��s expression and immediately became a little gloomy.


    Xiaoxiao was still unsatisfied. ��And he knows how to read and learn martial arts. Is this the legendary coexistence of wisdom and beauty?��


    Ning Eng had a bitter expression. ��Sister, stop talking.�� Besides, he felt that he was about to be beaten up by Big Brother!


    While the siblings were bickering, Rong Yan had just taken the letter from Xijiang County from the carrier pigeon. ��Digging a canal?��


    Yun Yi and the others could not understand, but Rong Yan could guess. ��Shen Congjun is taking precautions for the copse of the dam. Moreover, the canal is beneficial to the people. Even if Luo Prefecture is stabilized and nothing happens, Xijiang County can still use the canal to help the people water it.��


    ��Moreover, the canal can lead the Sunset River to the wastnd and make it easier to settle the refugees.��


    Yun Yi asked, ��But�� will the Imperial Court agree to the allocation of funds?��


    Rong Yan sneered. ��If he expects the Imperial Court to allocate funds, he can forget about digging it. Shen Congjun must be paying for it out of his own pocket.��


    Yun Yi sighed. ��What a good official. If everyone is like this����


    Rong Yan asked him, ��Do you think everyone has a powerful backer like the Li Family like him?��


    ��Moreover, his actions will probably arouse the dissatisfaction of the other officials.��


    ��But�� this might not be a bad thing.��


    ��At least it confirms that Shen Congjun is trustworthy. Moreover, he and Prefect Yan are definitely on opposite sides.��


    Others might suspect that County Magistrate Shen was using his position for personal gain, but Rong Yan and the others knew very well that Shen Congjun��s change was mostly to save the people after receiving the news that the dam was in disrepair.


    When the news that County Magistrate Shen paid the people to dig the canal spread, many officials scolded him behind his back.


    ��This damn Shen Congjun is really willing to do anything for his political achievements!��


    ��What should we do with his actions?��


    If they didn��t want to learn from him, it would seem that they weren��t working hard enough. Therefore, they discussed and handed over the memorandum to impeach County Magistrate Shen.


    At this moment, County Magistrate Shen, who was at the center of the storm, walked into Bowen Academy with two bags of snacks.


    Although the academy was newly built, the environment was quiet. There were many elegant flowers and trees nted in the courtyard, and the ssroom hall was neat and bright. Coupled with the paintings and poems hanging on the wall, it looked like the surroundings were filled with an academic atmosphere.


    County Magistrate Shen was very nervous. He followed the servant into the Dean��s courtyard.


    The moment he entered, he saw a straight back in a Confucian robe. County Magistrate Shen took a deep breath and prepared himself. He went forward and bowed deeply. ��Teacher.��


    ��Hmph.�� Dean Lu, who had his back facing him, turned around and raised his eyebrows. ��You tter me.�� Then, he turned back. If Xiaoxiao was here, she would definitely recognize that this was the old man she had met outside the academy a few days ago.


    County Magistrate Shen looked at where the servant was standing awkwardly and found that thetter had already left. He then rxed a little. ��Teacher, I know my mistake.��


    ��Back then, 1 was young and energetic. 1 mistakenly thought that I could be alone and brave for the rest of my life. I was dressed in in clothes and wrapped in a breeze.��


    Dean Lu dug up old scores with him. ��You even said that I formed a clique for personal gain!��


    County Magistrate Shen blushed. ��It��s all my fault. I��m sorry for Teacher��s hard work. I was arrogant and stubborn.��


    Dean Lu was speechless. This disciple had already said everything he wanted to scold. He didn��t know what to say for a moment, so he snorted and said, ��Do you think what you��ve done recently is worthy of my many years of teaching?�� County Magistrate Shen asked hesitantly, ��Teacher, what do you mean?��


    Dean Lu walked into the house. He was tired after standing for so long. ��Do you know how many impeachment memorandums there are for you today?��


    County Magistrate Shen followed him. ��If Teacher is talking about digging the canal, I will do it again.��


    Dean Lu nced at him from the corner of his eye. ��It��s been a few years since west met. Your ability to not be afraid of offending people has improved.��


    County Magistrate Shen opened the door so that he could see what was going on outside. Then he went to Dean and poured him a cup of tea. ��Teacher, 1 am here to tell you about this.��


    Dean Lu looked at him in confusion. ��Why didn��t you say so earlier?��


    County Magistrate Shen didn��t exin. He, who was familiar with his Teacher��s impatience, cupped his hands and said bluntly, ��The dam in Luo Prefecture is cracked.��


    A cold glint shed across Dean Lu��s eyes. ��Is the news true?��


    ***


    The master and disciple talked in detail in the academy. It was not untilte at night when County Magistrate Shen left in a hurry that he remembered something else. ��By the way, Teacher, you know that 1 have a son. This kid is not smart andcks discipline. I want to send him to the academy. Please teach him.��


    Dean Lu clicked his tongue and reached out to him. ��Where��s the rmendation letter?��


    County Magistrate Shen knew that he had agreed. After he left, Chen Yong, who was also the Dean��s disciple, looked at Dean Lu who was showing off the rmendation letter to him in amusement. ��Look, he said that he would never need my help. What is this? What is this? Hurry, find something to frame it for me!��


    Chen Yong did not know why Teacher gave the right to rmend him to Junior Brother Shen back then. Now that he thought about it, arge part of the reason was probably to find an opportunity to reconcile. Really�� He did not know who was more childish, Junior Brother or Teacher.


    As he wasining in his heart, Dean Lu had already opened the snacks that County Magistrate Shen gave him. He pushed the entire bag away after just one taste and said disdainfully, ��It��s these osmanthus cakes and poria cakes again. How boring.��


    ��Chen Huaimin, have you found the snack 1 asked you to find?��


    Huaimin was Chen Yong��s courtesy name. Usually, when Teacher called him Chen Huaimin by his full name, it was when his patience was about to run out.


    ��Teacher, I��ve already searched all the snack shops in Xijiang County, but����


    Then, he saw Dean Lu��s disdainful expression. ��You��re the clerk for the chambein ofw enforcement.��


    Chen Yong:�� This is my dear teacher. I can��t be angry with him!


    Dean Lu continued, ��Forget it. 1��11 give you another chance to atone for your sins.��


    Chen Yong��s expression did not change. ��Teacher, please speak.��


    Dean Lu stoppedughing. ��Get your men to make a trip to Luo Prefecture..��

 Chapter 161 - 161: Lack Of Silver

    Chapter 161: Lack Of Silver


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    While storms were brewing everywhere, Xiaoxiao was shopping in the county. It was the fifth of May, the Dragon Lantern Festival, and the county was filled with a festive atmosphere early in the morning. Before the digging of the canal started, her brother��s revision had to be bnced between work and rest. Xiaoxiao pulled ail her family members out to join in the fun.


    The transaction with the Fragrance Restaurant had already ended. In order to prevent awkwardness, she did not meet Shopkeeper Xu today.


    Although Ning Fengnian and Madam Song felt that it was a pity, they were already satisfied when they thought about their gains so far. The two of them did not take a single cent of the money used to sell seasonings and let Xiaoxiao keep them for herself.


    When they arrived outside the Ruyi Clothing Shop together, they were shocked by themotion at the door.


    The ground was filled with fine red paper left behind by firecrackers. The dragons and lions dance teams had always been the most respected. However, today, the team almost lost their footing due to the guests at the door. It was really strange.


    Seeing the confusion on her family��s faces, Xiaoxiao pulled them into the shop. Just as she entered, she heard several excited shouts. ��I won, 1 won, I won!��


    A big turntable beside the counter was quite eye-catching. Thedy who had just finished paying the bill happily chose a handkerchief. She was so excited that she did not look like a richdy.


    As soon as this ended, a maidservant behind her hurriedly protected her young mistress and followed. The staff in charge of paying the bill asked with a smile, ��May I ask if you��ll use it for the discount or the lucky draw?��


    The youngdy did not even think about it. ��Of course, the lucky draw!�� Did sheck that bit of money? How fun was a lucky draw! The grand prize was a custom-made screen!


    At the other counter, the ountant was calcting. ��Dear customer, you��ve spent a total of 90 copper coins. You can choose a free gift from 99 copper coins discount in our shop today. Do you need to add something to take away the five-colored threads or a dumpling?��


    ��Dear customer, you��ve chosen a total of four pieces of cloth. Our shop has a buy five get one free promotion today. If you buy six, one of them will be free. Do you want to add two more?��


    Ning Fengnian and his wife looked around in surprise. The cloth shop��s server did not urge them or chase them away. He just stood at the side good-naturedly, waiting for the guests to introduce themselves if they needed anything.


    Just this point alone made Xiaoxiao feel that Shopkeeper Liu��s maniption skills were quite good. The staff training was very diligent.


    Just by looking at the scene, Xiaoxiao knew that her little purse was going to bulge. Hence, she asked her brothers to apany her parents to admire the screen that was personally embroidered by Madam Song in the shop. She entered the room with ease and found Shopkeeper Liu, who was happily checking the ounts. She was even caught and made a sponge cake.


    ��I heard about Miss He.�� Shopkeeper Liu said as he ate the sponge cake, ��The He Family is stupid. They��ll suffer when Bosses back. Are you really not going to give Old Xu another chance?��


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows at her. ��Are you trying to persuade me on behalf of Shopkeeper Xu? As expected of a girl����


    Shopkeeper Liu almost threw the sponge cake at her.


    Xiaoxiao said, ��I have no objections to Shopkeeper Xu, and 1 won��t vent my anger on him. We can continue to cooperate in the future if there��s a chance. It��s just that 1 can��t wait for the snack shop to open.��


    Shopkeeper Liu chided her. ��Are you in such a hurry to open a shop? Do you need money to spend?��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t hide it from her. ��I want my brother to study.��


    Studying was too expensive.


    Moreover, if his family was not rich, not to mention his parents, even his brother would not be able to focus. For example, his brother almost wanted to register to dig the canal this time. It was not easy for her to stop him.


    Although she did not agree with the philosophy of some jealous schrs that ��nothing is better than studying��, she did not want her brother to hesitate even if he wanted to buy a pen in the future. Her brothers were the best brothers. They deserved the best.


    Moreover, she felt that just by cooking at home, the space upgrade was really far away. She was anxious!


    Although Shopkeeper Liu felt that it was a pity, he also expressed his understanding. ��Sigh, it��s a pity that the shopkeepers of the Li Family��s shops have all signed the contract. I can��t interfere. I grit my teeth when I think about how I won��t have a share in your wealth in the future.��


    Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hand. ��Are you so sure that I can earn money?��


    Shopkeeper Liu rolled her eyes.


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Then remember to bring me my share as soon as possible. I��m waiting for the money to rent a shop.��


    She was chased out by Shopkeeper Liu and lost half of the sponge cake. Xiaoxiao carried the basket and went out with her family to shop again. As she shopped, she paid attention to the shops that were waiting to be rented.


    Initially, she had nned to cooperate with the Fragrance Restaurant, so she did not pay much attention to the shop rental. Later on, when she went to ask the people, she was not satisfied with just the introduction of the avable shops. She decided toe out and try her luck.


    Her parents were mesmerized by the dragon boat by the river. Xiaoxiao simply told them and ran elsewhere. Ning Fengnian and his wife were worried and got Ning Dng to follow her.


    Choosing a shop front was also a skill. If the location was too remote and there would be no customers. If the location was too prosperous, she could not afford to rent it. In the end, she was most satisfied with a bookstore outside Bowen Academy. This shop was good in every way, except that the original shopkeeper only wanted to sell it and not rent it out.


    Ever since the academy was built, the surrounding shops had changed to selling pens, ink, paper, inkstones, and various books. However, this shopkeeper was actually not familiar with this aspect. He had just tried to follow the trend for a few days and did not earn any money. He kept losing money. After thinking for a few times, he decided to sell the shop.


    It sounded like it was quite profitable to open a bookstore and sell pens and paper outside the Bowen Academy. However, when the shopkeeper hung up the sign, half of this street had already be hispetitors. Other people��s positions were even better than his. From the looks of it, the price of buying a shop was not low, and they might not be able to earn money after buying it. That was something that needed to be considered.


    When Xiaoxiao passed by the shop, she happened to see the shopkeeper sighing against the ��Shop for Sale�� sign. She pulled her brother in to pick a brush and started chatting with the shopkeeper.


    During the conversation, she knew that the shopkeeper was in a bad year. He used to open a jewelry shop here, but the style was old and no one cared about it. He gritted his teeth and melted the gold and silver essories to open a grain shop. In the end, he lost his capital due to the grains getting damp. Recently, he tried to change his profession to open a book shop, but because he sold a writing brush of weasel bristle as a writing brush made of brownish rabbit hair, a buyer came looking for him and he identally broke his foot.


    His many experiences made anyone who heard them cry.


    ��I��ve finally figured it out. I might not have the talent in this aspect. Instead of forcing myself like a gambler, I might as well leave early and return to my hometown to farm with all my savings over the years.��


    This shopkeeper was quite happy. He said with a smile, ��Maybe 1 can even be a smallndlord.��


    Xiaoxiao chose a brush. When she was paying the bill, she saw the shopkeeper flipping through the booklet. Ning Dng couldn��t help but remind him, ��This is a goat hair brush.��


    Only then did the shopkeepere to a realization and take out the price. When Xiaoxiao took out the money, she casually asked, ��Since you��re not familiar with the bookstore, why are you doing this business?��


    The shopkeeper was straightforward. He sighed and told the truth, ��Actually, it was my good friend who suggested it back then. I saw that the other shops were doing well, and my friend said that he woulde to help. I was impulsive����


    Xiaoxiao looked around the shop and asked, ��Then where is he?��

 Chapter 162 - 162: The Unlucky Shopkeeper Qian

    Chapter 162: The Unlucky Shopkeeper Qian


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The shopkeeper paused for a moment. ��Later on, he fell ill. After he recovered, my reputation was already not good. Even if he wanted to help, he could not turn the tide. Fortunately, he ran around for me. Otherwise, with my legs���� Xiaoxiao only asked after he finished speaking, ��What price are you going to sell the shop for?��


    Before he could hear an answer, he heard someoneugh and walk into the shop. ��Brother Qian, 1 brought you good news.��


    The person who walked in with this voice was a middle-aged man who was about the same age as the shopkeeper. When he arrived, his face was red and he said energetically, ��I��ve finally found a buyer for your shop.��


    The shopkeeper also became happy. ��Really?��


    Although he was happy, he did not forget to cup his hands and greet Xiaoxiao first.


    The person reported a number excitedly. ��150 taels!��


    Shopkeeper Qian��s expression immediately turned moody, and his tone was quite bitter. ��Only 150 taels? I paid more than this when I bought this shop back then����


    Xiaoxiao was also very puzzled. Although the location of this shop was a little off from other bookstores, it was still near the academy. Why was it selling so cheaply? She had originally estimated that it would cost at least 300 taels. Why did it actually cost half? Did she misunderstand the prices of goods in the county so much?


    His friend disagreed. ��It��s already good enough that you can sell it at this price. Everyone on this street knows your bad luck now. Everyone says that this shop is unlucky. Whoever buys them will be unlucky too.��


    The ancients believed in feng shui. Inexplicable bad luck would indeed make people back off. Xiaoxiao listened quietly. Seeing Shopkeeper Qian wavering, his friend started to get impatient. ��This is already the highest price I can find for you. I can��t do anything if you don��t want to. However, if this drags on, we might not even be able to sell it for 150 taels.��


    Shopkeeper Qian thought for a while but still couldn��t bear to part with it. ��Let me think about it again.��


    Then, he asked, ��What did the middleman say?��


    This friend avoided his gaze for a moment. ��What else can I say? Because of your reputation as an unlucky person, who dares to take over? Only I kept working for you every day.��


    Shopkeeper Qian said guiltily, ��I can only me my legs for making you suffer.��


    Tong Bin, who was the friend, nced at Shopkeeper Qian��s leg. He sighed and took out a jar of ointment from his pocket. He bent down to help him apply the ointment. ��If you really want to thank me, don��t be stubborn anymore.


    Sister-inw is still bedridden. If you don��t sell the shop sooner, are you going to let your wife and daughter run around?��


    At the mention of his wife and daughter, Shopkeeper Qian��s heart softened. Guilt, worry, and gratitude mixed together. He suddenly did not understand what he was insisting on. ��Alright, then����


    Tong Bin��s eyebrows moved, but he heard a beautiful female voice say, ��Wait, the shopkeeper is preparing to sell this shop for 150 taels?��


    Shopkeeper Qian turned to look at Xiaoxiao, who was talking. Thetter smiled and waited for his answer.


    The shopkeeper said, ��There�� there��s no other choice.�� He could not hide the disappointment in his tone.


    However, Xiaoxiao said, ��Who said that? I��ll pay 200 taels. Why don��t you sell it to me, Shopkeeper?��


    The shopkeeper was puzzled and asked uncertainly, ��You?��


    Tong Bin��s expression changed slightly. ��Why is this child spouting nonsense? 200 taels is not a small sum. Can you take it out?��


    Ning Dng also wanted to ask this question.


    He knew that his sister had saved some money these days, but there should still be a huge gap between her and 200 taels of silver, right?


    Xiaoxiao pursed her lips and pulled Big Brother over. ��If I can take it out, will he sell this shop to me?��


    Tong Bin��s hand trembled as he applied the ointment on Shopkeeper Qian. The jar full of ointment rolled to Xiaoxiao��s feet. She bent down to pick it up and was about to return it when she heard the system ding.


    [Discovered ingredients: sea pepper, ginger, poisonous mushrooms��]


    Putting aside thest few ingredients, could the sea pepper and ginger be used as medicine in Shopkeeper Qian��s situation? Moreover, the poisonous mushrooms sounded strange, okay?


    [Are you sure poisonous mushrooms count as ingredients?]


    The space was silent for a while, as if it was thinking. Then, it replied.


    [Everything that can be eaten is considered edible. Poison mushrooms can be eaten, but�� you��ll die if you eat too much.]


    Xiaoxiao was speechless. Very good, the space��s identification ability was very strong.


    The space obviously couldn��t perfectly understand the true meaning of its Master��s sarcasm. It even told her happily: [I��ll be even more powerful when I level up again! At that time, I can even analyze the characteristics and value of the ingredients, including the medicinal properties of the herbs and the toxicity of the poison!]


    [Alright, alright, alright. You��re the best!]


    Xiaoxiao looked at the obvious swelling on Shopkeeper Qian��s bandaged calf and the wound that was still bleeding and fell into deep thought.


    However, Tong Bin took the ointment away impatiently and smeared ayer on Shopkeeper Qian��s calf. ��Brother Qian, don��t be deceived. Look at this little girl. I don��t think she can even take out 20 taels, let alone 200 taels!��


    Shopkeeper Qian nced at Xiaoxiao��s simple clothes and then at Ning Dng, who was simr to her or even simpler. He did not say anything, but it was difficult to hide his hesitation.


    Tong Bin immediately emphasized, ��As long as Brother Qian agrees, the person I found can pay the money today. Brother Qian, aren��t you in a hurry to sell your shop and go home to apany Sister-inw?��


    Shopkeeper Qian was indeed tempted. Xiaoxiao beat him to it before he could speak. ��It��s true that I can��t take out so much silver at once, but if Shopkeeper Qian agrees, we can sign a contract. I��ll pay 50 taels of silver first. In the next ten months, I��ll give you at least 15 taels of silver every month. If 1 can��t do it, 1��11 return the shop to you. You don��t have to return the silver. How about that?��


    It was not that she could not take out 200 taels of silver, but the operation of the shop also required money. She could not empty her assets at once, right?


    Whether it was Shopkeeper Qian, Tong Bin, or Ning Dng, who was beside Xiaoxiao, no one had heard of this gamey. Shopkeeper Qian calcted in his heart and asked in confusion, ��How can you do this? Won��t you lose out?��


    Xiaoxiao was amused by him. ��Shopkeeper, you don��t have to worry. If 1 really can��t take out 200 taels of silver, you might be able to wash away your reputation as an unlucky person. Isn��t that a good thing?��


    What she said made sense, but the shopkeeper did not want to take advantage of a child. Tong Bin sneered. ��Do you think this is a child ying house? How can there be such a cheap thing in the world?��


    Xiaoxiao sighed. She could only me herself for being young, but she really couldn��t call her parents over for this matter. Other than Big Brother, who in the entire family could tolerate her like this?


    She reached into the basket containing the sponge cake and took out an ingot of silver, another ingot, and another ingot. Then, she sat down in a row and pushed it in front of Shopkeeper Qian. ��So it��s a bargain. Do you want it?��


    She guided patiently, ��Even if I can only take out so much, you��ll get 50 taels for nothing in a month. The shop will still be yours. Even if the price of this shop has to be reduced again, where can it go? Is it reasonable for it to be lower than 100 taels? So no matter what, you have 150 taels as a guarantee.. You won��t lose out no matter what, right?��

 Chapter 163 - 163: Buying A Shop

    Chapter 163: Buying A Shop


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��I can write the contract now and we can go to the government office immediately. If you want to go home early to apany your wife, which buyer can be faster than me? I��m already here.��


    ��Besides, if you miss me, are you nning to sell this shop that you��ve worked so hard for many years for 150 taels of silver, or are you going to let this uncle continue to run around for you?��


    Shopkeeper Qian was speechless�� He could not refute her at all��


    Tong Bin was speechless. He did not expect himself to be one of the reasons for this girl.


    Shopkeeper Qian gritted his teeth. ��Alright, I��ll sell it to you!��


    Tong Bin wanted to persuade him a few times, but he could not find a reasonable reason. In the end, he put on a straight face under Shopkeeper Qian��s bow and said that he would reject the buyer for him.


    ��Don��t regret it!��


    Shopkeeper Qian was a kind person and did not immediately urge Xiaoxiao to sign the contract. ��Wait three more days. If you don��t change your mind in three days, I��ll ept your money.��


    Xiaoxiao agreed happily. Before she left, she thought for a moment and went forward to ask, ��Shopkeeper Qian, did you only get this injury recently?��


    Shopkeeper Qian looked down at his injuries and said helplessly, ��It��s been more than 20 days, but I haven��t recovered. I��m very anxious too.��


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��Did that uncle buy medicine for you?��


    Shopkeeper Qian replied, ��That��s right. It��s all thanks to Brother Tong.��


    The purchase of the shop started suddenly and ended suddenly as well. Xiaoxiao pretended to be cute and acted cute with Big Brother for an hour before she finally made him promise not to mention it in front of their parents and Second Brother.


    ��But how long can you hide it?��


    Xiaoxiao hugged his arm and shook it. ��Until the day the transfer is made. By then, what��s done will be done. Can Father and Mother still make me throw away the 50 taels?��


    ��Besides, Brother has to have confidence in your sister. How can I not earn a mere 200 taels of silver?��


    She was confident. The food in the space could ripen in a month or so. Even if she sold food, 200 taels was just a matter of points.


    Of course, it was a waste to do this. She would not waste points unless she had no choice.


    Although Ning Dng doted on his sister, he was also very worried this time. ��Have you thought about what to use this shop for?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Yes, but 1 stillck something now.��


    There was news of what wascking the next day. The Shen Family sent someone to tell Xiaoxiao that they had already settled on the milk she wanted and invited her to their residence to discuss it in detail.


    As expected of the daughter of the Li Family of Jiangnan, who had shops all over the world. She was very efficient.


    Xiaoxiao happily brought the freshly baked sponge cake to the county. Today, Second Brother and Father had already begun to dig the canal. Big Brother apanied her. There were still a few days left in the stall Second Brother had booked. Her family could not bear to waste it, so they asked Big Brother to bring some pickles to sell when he apanied her to the county.


    Ning Dng was worried about his sister acting alone. It was not easy for Xiaoxiao to convince her brother to wait for her at the stall. She could not bear to see her brother running around with so many things.


    After noting for a few days, there were really many repeat customers waiting for the Ning Family to set up their stall. Ning Dng was too busy and was afraid of dying Xiaoxiao��s business. He thought that it was not far to the county office and there was a main road on the way. Nothing should happen, so he reluctantly agreed.


    However, before she went to see Mrs. Shen, Xiaoxiao went to see Shopkeeper Qian to confirm her determination to buy the shop again so that he would not think that she was joking and sell the shop to others.


    Seeing that she was insistent, Shopkeeper Qian agreed to go to the county office two dayster to transfer the deed as previously agreed. Xiaoxiao had no use for the things in the shop, so Shopkeeper Qian needed some time to get rid of them.


    Shopkeeper Qian still did not take Xiaoxiao��s money. He said that he would wait for the day the ownership was transferred and even repeatedly emphasized that the adults in the family had to be present.


    Xiaoxiao was caught betweenughter and tears. She guessed that he was still worried about her. Perhaps he was worried that she was messing around with her parents�� money.


    The shop she wanted was almost decided, so she had to go to the middleman to inform him so that he would not have to work for nothing. She knew all about social favors. The middleman who had received the hard work fee was not dissatisfied at all. He only said, ��Continue to look for me if you need anything next time. I��m famous in the county for being honest with both young and old.


    I can handle all kinds of transactions. So far, there��s no deal that 1 can��t handle.��


    Xiaoxiao was about to leave, but she stopped when she heard this. ��Little Brother, do you know Shopkeeper Qian��s bookstore outside the Bowen Academy?��


    The middleman pursed his lips. ��I know. He wanted me to find a buyer at first, but he suddenly went back on his word for no reason one day. It almost ruined my reputation.��


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��Did Shopkeeper Qian personally look for you to go back on his word? 1 think his legs aren��t very good.��


    The middleman said, ��It��s his friend, Tong Bin. However, he said earlier that Master Tong��s words can represent his intentions.��


    At this point, he got angry. ��At that time, he was so rude. He even told me not to disturb Shopkeeper Qian again because of this. Otherwise, he��ll sue me for disturbing him.��


    Xiaoxiao found it strange. ��He can sue you for disturbing people just because he says so?��


    The young man spat on the ground. ��Miss, you might not know this, but Master Tong is awyer. He can even say that the dead are alive. I��m just amoner. How would I dare to offend him? At first, I wanted to ask Shopkeeper Qian, but Master Tong guarded him like he was guarding against thieves! I thought that this was not the only business in the county, so I let it go-��


    Xiaoxiao could basically confirm that Tong Bin was deliberately preventing Shopkeeper Qian from selling the shop. If she thought about it boldly, Shopkeeper Qian��s current situation might be Tong Bin��s doing.


    Thinking about Shopkeeper Qian��s character and his injuries, she knew that there was something wrong with the ointment that Tong Bin gave him, even without asking the doctor.


    However, she did not know how to remind Shopkeeper Qian. After all, she was not familiar with him. Shopkeeper Qian should instinctively trust his friend more.


    The middleman still had something to do. After saying that, he left in a hurry. Xiaoxiao was also prepared to continue to the Shen Residence. Her brother would be worried if she dyed for too long.


    As she passed by a not-so-busy alley, she suddenly heard a space reminder.


    [Master, someone is following you.]


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows and turned around to meet a few pairs of wretched eyes. A few burly men were holding clubs and looking like hooligans. ��B*tch, hand over all the silver on you!��


    Xiaoxiao sighed. This was the reason why she wanted to work with Mrs. Shen. She had no power or influence. Not to mention opening a shop, she would even be targeted when she bought a shop. Flow annoying.


    ��Tong Bin sent you here?��


    The few of them were stunned and immediately shook their heads. ��No, we��re just robbing money.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��Then why didn��t your first reaction be to ask me who ��Tong Bin�� is? Moreover, the taste of robbers has changed these days. Instead of robbing rich people, you��re robbing a little peasant girl like me? Your business ability isn��t good.��


    As she spoke, she flipped her wrist and the chili powder was ready.


    Damn it, they were even despised after leaking information! These thugs decided to give up. ��Be good and let me break one of your legs so that you won��t suffer more.��


    Xiaoxiao pretended to tremble, but her tone was t. ��Aiya, I��m so scared..��

 Chapter 164 - 164: Good Luck

    Chapter 164: Good Luck


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The thugs: Although this reaction is simr to what they expected, they are very angry Whats going on?


    Although they were a little uneasy, they still had to do the work that they had been paid to do. The thugs raised their clubs and had just stepped forward when they saw red powder dancing in front of them. Then, their eyes hurt so much that they felt like they had been dug out.


    ��All!! What the hell is that!��


    Xiaoxiao had enough chili powder and was prepared to take advantage of their blindness to take the broom ced by the wall and whip them before hiding in her space. Just as she was about to act, she saw a few flower pots urately smash on the thugs�� heads, knocking them out one by one.


    She did not see the stone that hit the back of these people��s heads along with the sound of the flower pot shattering, but she saw the bailiff rushing in from outside the alley.


    ��What��s going on? Alright, Scaldhead, it��s the few of you again? Come back to the government office with us!��


    After restraining the thugs, the bailiff looked at the victim who was being troubled. ��Eh? Miss Ning?��


    Xiaoxiao took a closer look. Oh, it was the bailiff who hade to her house for a meal with Lord Shen.


    But how could they patrol here so coincidentally?


    Bailiff Ding had a lingering fear. ��To think that we just encountered a little beggar who said that an evil person snatched the copper coins he begged and ran here.�� Although he did not catch the evil person, he at least saved Miss Ning.


    Xiaoxiao was surprised. What a coincidence? Then she was really lucky.


    Scaldhead and the others had done a lot of sneaky things in the county office. After returning to the county office, they were about to walk towards the prison when Xiaoxiao stopped the bailiff and said, ��Brother Ding, don��t believe them if they say that they��re robbing money.��


    Bailiff Ding expressed that he was willing to hear the details. Xiaoxiao smacked her lips. She was the best atining.


    ��They were bribed by someone called Tong Bin to find trouble with me. From what he said, they even wanted to break my leg today.��


    Bailiff Ding said seriously, ��How dare youmit crimes in broad daylight! We will definitely investigate this matter and give Miss Ning justice. However, does Tong Bin have any grudges with Miss Ning?��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��A good citizen like me definitely won��t offend anyone, but 1 guess it has something to do with me buying the shop.��


    ��What shop?��


    ��Who��s going to hit you?��


    Two voices sounded at the same time. Xiaoxiao looked in the direction of the voice and stared at Mrs. Shen and her son.


    ��Xiaoxiao, I thought you woulde, but 1 didn��t expect you toe like this.��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��To be honest, I��m quite surprised.��


    Shen Tianci strode forward and looked at her carefully. Then, he heaved a sigh of relief. ��Fortunately, you��re fine. Which bastard dares to bully my friend?��


    Interrogating criminals was the county magistrate��s job. After asking about the basic situation, Xiaoxiao was brought to the Shen Family to rest and take a look at the milk Mrs. Shen had just bought for her.


    While waiting, Xiaoxiao recalled the situation in the alley just now.


    There was something strange about the flower pots. Even though they were originally ced on the second floor, there was no one and no wind at that time. How did they fall and hit Scaldhead and the others so coincidentally?


    [Master, other than you and those thugs, another person appeared just now. However, he disappeared when the bailiff came. Unfortunately, I can only sense movements within a three-meter radius. I don��t know where he went.]


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. [It��s all thanks to you and me that we discovered it in advance and had time to prepare chili powder.]


    It seemed like he should prepare more of these things. It was better to be prepared.


    [By the way, if you level up again, can your perception range increase?]


    The space replied: [Yes! A level-four perception radius is four meters!]


    After all, it was a function that was equipped to find ingredients. It was already a pleasant surprise that it could help her investigate her surroundings.


    Xiaoxiao was satisfied.


    After a while, Mrs. Shen, who had sent Shen Tianci away, asked the servant to bring milk over.


    ��These are all bought from the herdsmen in the southern grasnd. See if they��re suitable.��


    Xiaoxiao shook the wooden spoon in the bucket. It was clean and a little pungent.


    Mrs. Shen had also used milk at home for a while, but she used it to soak in the bath. Later, she despised the smell and changed it to a petal bath, so she didn��t need milk anymore.


    Of course, Xiaoxiao was not so extravagant for the time being. She wanted milk to make pastries.


    However, after hearing her words, Mrs. Shen fell into a dilemma. ��Wouldn��t the pastries made with this smell fishy?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��You��ll know when you try itter.��


    Mrs. Shen started to look forward to it again. ��When?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��The 12th of May is my brother��s birthday. Madam, do you have time toe?��


    She added, ��I��ll cook.�� Mrs. Shen couldn��t refuse.


    Mrs. Shen pped her hands and didn��t forget to bring her family along. ��My husband happened to have a day off that day.��


    Xiaoxiao agreed readily. ��If the county magistrate is free, pleasee over for a simple meal. 1 have something to let Madam try that day.��


    After chatting about the meal, Mrs. Shen mentioned the shop again. Xiaoxiao told Mrs. Shen her guess and made Mrs. Shen very angry. ��In the name of ��friends��, they do all kinds of scams. He��s simply shameless!��


    The people in front had already confessed just now, but they only knew that Tong Bin had paid them to teach Xiaoxiao a lesson. They did not know any other details.


    Xiaoxiao did not care about what happened after that. Everyone had their own specialties. She only needed to believe in the county magistrate��s ability. When she left the county office, she happened to brush past Tong Bin, who had been summoned. Tong Bin red at her fiercely at first, but when he saw Shen Tianciing out to send his guest off, he became shocked, as if he did not understand why this vige girl knew the county magistrate��s son.


    The county office��s punishment rods were naturally intimidating to those who had a guilty conscience. In addition, there were witnesses and evidence, so what Tong Bin did could not be hidden at all. Only now did he personally understand that the new county magistrate was different from before.


    There was no need to torture him. Tong Bin told him honestly that he was the one who stopped Shopkeeper Qian from selling the shop. He was also the one who deliberately misled Shopkeeper Qian to open a bookstore. He was even the one who found the person who caused trouble and broke Shopkeeper Qian��s leg.


    Someone had long looked for him and said that they wanted to buy Shopkeeper Qian��s shop. They even gave him a deposit.


    County Magistrate Shen pped the gavel in a dignified manner. ��Then you can go through the proper procedure and introduce them to each other.��


    Tong Biny on the ground and trembled. ��I��ve already lost all the deposits. I��m afraid that 1 won��t be able to take out the deposit if Qian Tong sells the shop to others.��


    Hence, he deliberately made others think that Shopkeeper Qian was unlucky. Anyone who bought his shop would suffer. He even added all kinds of things to the medicine to prevent him from recovering. He even tampered with Shopkeeper Qian��s wife��s cold medicine��


    He just wanted the shopkeeper to be anxious and sell the shop to him at a low price in a moment of desperation. This way, he would not have to return the deposit and could even earn a sum of money from it. One had to know that the person who wanted to buy the shop paid a total of 280 taels!


    He owed the casino a lot of money. He was about to leave Xijiang County after earning money from Shopkeeper Qian and start over somewhere else. He had already been secretly sold all his house deeds and title deeds.


    County Magistrate Shen sneered.. ��You have a good n, but have you ever thought about what will happen to Qian Tong and his wife, who were drugged by you?��

 Chapter 165 - 165: Retribution

    Chapter 165 - 165: Retribution


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He took out an arrow banner ofmando from the table. ��I��ll give you 20 strokes of the paddle first, then 1��11 lock you up and wait for your punishment!��


    Outside the county office, Shen Tianci, who did not know what happened to Tong Bin, strongly requested Xiaoxiao to go home in his carriage. ��It��s not easy for you to take so much milk and fresh ice. Moreover, you just encountered such a thing. Why aren��t you afraid at all?��


    Xiaoxiao epted his kindness as a friend. When Big Brother found out about the consequences of his sister��s encounter today, he was so afraid that he broke out in a cold sweat. He also said that he would definitely not let her act alone next time.


    When they reached home, Xiaoxiao looked at the ice cubes unloaded from the carriage and felt that it was best for her family to prepare a cer or something. However, looking at her father and second brother, who were so tired that they didn��t want to talk, she felt that she could wait a little longer.


    What she had encountered during the day could not be hidden. Ning Fengnian and his wife were shocked and also knew that Xiaoxiao wanted to buy a shop. They felt that it was a little unreal and needed time to digest it.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    They were clearly still worried about food a few months ago. Why did they suddenly be people with shops?


    Moreover, they had never heard of the way to buy a shop that their daughter mentioned.


    Also, since when did their family have 50 taels of silver?


    The couple was in a daze and had countless intermittent dreams at night.


    The money from the Fragrance Restaurant��s business had always been given to Xiaoxiao to save. Ning Fengnian and Madam Song shared the same opinion as their sons. They felt that since Xiaoxiao earned the money with her own ability, it should be under her control. As long as she didn��t spend it recklessly or buy meat and eggs for them, the two of them had no objections to their daughter having a small treasury.


    But now, she was not buying sugar figurine toys or rouge and makeup. She was buying a shop?


    They were still confused when the day they agreed with Shopkeeper Qian arrived and the couple was urged by Xiaoxiao to talk about signing the contract.


    Before they couldment that their daughter and the Fragrance Restaurant were doing such a big business, the business was gone. Before they could feel sorry for the loss of this business, their daughter said that she wanted to open a shop. Please forgive them for being unworldly and can not react.


    Ning Fengnian still had to dig the canal, so he could only let his eldest son and Madam Song apany Xiaoxiao out. The couple stared at the 50 taels silver she brought out from the house.


    Previously, when they were selling sour bamboo shoots, they already felt that it was a pie that fell from the sky for them to sell more than four taels of silver a month. Their daughter��s sauce could actually be sold for 20 taels of silver a month?


    Wait, on the way to the county, Madam Song suddenly realized something. ��Where did the other 30 taelse from?��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��Mother, there��s something I haven��t told you.��


    Madam Song took a deep breath and waited for the next half of the sentence. Xiaoxiao smiled and pretended to be obedient. ��1 drew the designs you embroidered for the Ruyi Clothing Shop, including the designs you saw sold in the shop at Duanwu Festival.��


    Madam Song��s throat trembled. ��You mean you also earned 30 taels from the cloth shop?��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��Not only that, but some will only be known after the cloth shop settles the ounts for Duanwu Festival.��


    Madam Song looked at the sky and was silent for a long time. Xiaoxiao gave her time to calm down, but she gave her brother a look.


    Ning Dng sighed and went to persuade his sister.


    It was unknown if it was because Madam Song��s mental fortitude was too strong or if it was because of Ning Dng��s guidance, but she finally came back to her senses before she reached the city gate. She said faintly to Xiaoxiao, ��You can really hide it.��


    Xiaoxiao pretended to be stupid and chuckled. Madam Song asked again, ��Why aren��t you hiding it now?��


    Xiaoxiao tried her best to widen her eyes and pretend to be innocent. ��How can 1 keep hiding it from my dearest family!�� It was mainly because Shopkeeper Qian had to have an adult to sign the contract.


    She said, ��I didn��t mention it previously mainly to guard against the old residence. Now that Father has seen the true colors of that group of people, I naturally don��t have to continue hiding it.��


    Madam Song thought of what the old residence had done in the past and agreed with her daughter��s actions.


    If she told them everything, the money that the family had painstakingly saved would probably have been scammed away by those people in the old residence. The separation of the family was like child��s y in the eyes of the people in the old residence. As long as they saw benefits, they would not treat the eldest branch as an ��outsider�� at all times and take whatever they wanted. They were very at ease.


    When the group arrived at Shopkeeper Qian��s ce, his condition was obviously different from the previous few times. When he saw Xiaoxiao, he bowed deeply. ��I��ve implicated you.��


    Xiaoxiao knew that the county office had probably informed him about Tong Bin.


    Although Tong Bin had already received his retribution, one could imagine Shopkeeper Qian��s mood. Shopkeeper Qian was betrayed and framed by someone he trusted. Xiaoxiao originally wanted him to calm down and talk about the shop another day. Unexpectedly, Shopkeeper Qian sighed and said, ��Forget it, it��s better to resolve it as soon as possible.��


    ��I don��t want to keep this shop anymore.�� His heart ached with every nce.


    When he arrived at the county office to settle the procedures, Shopkeeper Qian was very silent. For the past two days, he had been wondering why their years of friendship could notpare to wealth. He did not understand, but his brows were filled with worry.


    ��Miss Ning, we��ll do as you say. The money for selling this shop will be 15 taels a month from now on. However, if you can��t gather it halfway or don��t n to keep this shop, we��ll calcte it at five taels a month.��


    ��Don��t reject me. Miss Ning suffered an undeserved cmity because of me. 1 feel guilty and have no face to take advantage of you.��


    When it was time to register, there were differences between the three members of the Ning Family, mainly between Xiaoxiao and the other two. Xiaoxiao wanted to put the shop under Madam Song or Ning Dng��s name, but Madam Song and Ning Dng agreed that the owner should be Xiaoxiao.


    No matter how glib her tongue was, it could notpare to her mother��s glib tongue and her brother��s soft persistence. Hence, the owner of this shop finally registered as ��Ning Xiaoxiao��.


    Seeing that it was already done, Xiaoxiao, who was outnumbered, did not dwell on it anymore. Anyway, no matter who it was registered under, this shop would be the first step for the Ning Family to be rich. Oh, of course. ��Mother, remember to persuade Father to keep it a secret for the time being. Don��t let the old residence know about this.��


    Madam Song flicked her little head. ��Do 1 need you to tell me?��


    Didn��t she know better than this little girl what kind of people the people in the old residence were?


    However, speaking of which, her family had indeed gradually gotten rid of the shadow of the old residence with Xiaoxiao��s hard work. At the thought of this, she rubbed the spot where Xiaoxiao had been flicked again. Although she was a little naughty, the little girl was also their family��s lucky star.


    She had discussed it with Ning Fengnian and the two of them did not intend to interfere with Xiaoxiao��s decision. Ever since the little girl woke up from her serious illness, she gradually revealed her extraordinary intelligence. It was unknown if she had gained wisdom from a desperate situation or if she was born extraordinary. It was just that she was burdened by their special family background in the past and could not use it.


    Actually, Madam Song did not have much ambition for this shop. It was nothing more than Xiaoxiao earning her own money and changing her usage. It did not matter if she earned or lost. It was fine as long as she was happy. Even if she unfortunately failed, she would just start from scratch. The Ning Family would notck her food. Thinking about it, these days were already something she did not even dare to think about before they split up. It was already a gain.</font>

 Chapter 166 - 166: Cupcake

    Chapter 166 - 166: Cupcake


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Everything in the shop was to Xiaoxiao��s liking. The small kitchen at the back wasplete. It would be of great use after tidying up. After the bookshelves at the front were emptied, she only needed to modify them slightly to satisfy her short-term requirements. She already had the blueprint in her mind.


    After returning home and cooking, Xiaoxiao quickly finished her meal and entered the house, handing the task ofmunicating with her father to Madam Song. She didn��t know what her mother said exactly, but the next morning, although Ning Fengnian was still looking at her in a daze, he adjusted his mindset two dayster and asked her if there was anything he could help with.


    Xiaoxiao immediately answered, ��I really need Father and Second Brother��s help when you are done with the canal.��


    Ning Fengnian was skilled. He could not doplicated carpentry work, but some simple work was not a problem. For example, making a rattan shelf and carving some small bamboo tubes. As for Ning Eng��


    Everything was going ording to Xiaoxiao��s n, except for one thing��she was short of money.<div>


    <font <="" div="">


    Buying a shop required money, buying materials required money, renovating a shop required money, getting tables, chairs, benches required money, and hiring a server required money. In that case, she was already in deficit before she even started opening a shop. She felt so poor.


    Bored, she began to rummage through her space, looking for the wealth password. Needless to say, she really found it.


    Due to the genes of the farmers, she had always been staring at grain seeds like rice and wheat in the past and did not take the time to flip through them. Today, she flipped through the seed bank and saw what she saw��


    [Ginseng seedling, exchange for 2,000 points.]


    [Lingzhi[i.Ganoderma lucidum, an oriental fungus, has a long history of use for promoting health and longevity in China, Japan, and other Asian countries. It is arge, dark mushroom with a glossy exterior and a woody texture. The Latin word lucidus means ��shiny�� or ��brilliant�� and refers to the varnished appearance of the surface of the mushroom. In China, G. lucidum is called lingzhi, whereas in Japan the name for the Ganodermataceae family is reishi or mannentake.] spores, exchange for 2,000 points.]


    Matured ones were even more expensive��


    [Hundred-Year-Old Ginseng, 10,000 points.]


    Hundred-Year-Old Lingzhi, 10,000 points.]


    It was already equivalent to an upgrade storage. Even if the space didn��t whisper in her ear, she wouldn��t do such a wasteful thing.


    Xiaoxiao had no choice but tofort the nervous small space. [Don��t worry, my current goal is still to upgrade you.]


    She was not stupid. How could she not understand the logic of ��sharpening the knife will not dy the chopping of firewood��?


    Now, spending points to level up was far away. That seed was still growing at three times the speed, but after leveling up, it could be four times the speed. The space could also activate new functions.


    Haste makes waste. Smart as she was, she was very calm and continued to save points by cooking for her family.


    Her daily ie of 200 to 300 yuan allowed her to umte her space wealth to 8,500 yuan. She and her space were very happy. It was in this happy atmosphere that the courtyard door next door was pushed open.


    Rong Yan could not hide his fatigue. Just as he was about to walk into the courtyard, he seemed to have sensed something. He turned around and saw the little girl next door sticking her head out of her courtyard door.


    The moment she saw him, the little girl did not hide the surprise on her face. ��You��re back!��


    She skipped over and sized him up before asking with concern, ��Have you eaten? Are you hungry?��


    Rong Yan only wanted to lie down and sleep, but after hearing her words, he subconsciously felt hunger in his stomach. ��What��s there to eat?��


    Xiaoxiao acutely felt that Little Big Brother was not as distant as before. This was a good thing, which meant that her feeding these days was not in vain. ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan, what do you want to eat? Steamed buns, noodles, and fried rice are all fine. If you can wait, I��ll bake you some more cakes.��


    Rong Yan would never forget the sponge cake he tried before he left. Naturally, he chose this one. Coincidentally, he also wanted to wash up and change his clothes beforeing to see her.


    Guard Yun and the others were already immune to the term ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan��. Other than their facial features twitching, they did not have any other reaction. However, the delicious food Miss Ning made�� Slurped. It seemed very difficult not to be tempted no matter how many times they had it.


    Rong Yan, who had returned to the courtyard, started to wash up and tidy up while the guards were busy. Xiaoxiao started to inspect the results of the past few days.


    Mrs. Shen found a lot of milk for her, enough for her to process the things she wanted, such as butter and cream. With these two things, she could�� hehehe.


    When Rong Yan walked out of the room after taking a shower, a fragrance that he had never smelled before wafted into his nose. His guards were all standing at the kitchen door and sucking in the air.


    Rong Yan wished he could cover his face with his sleeves to hide his embarrassment.


    However, as he got closer and closer to the kitchen, he strangely began to understand the guards�� actions.


    When he was outside, it was naturally difficult to eat and drink properly. Compared to the difference between the two houses, the difference was huge. Hence, it was very difficult for him to maintain hisposure. He asked in a calm tone, ��What��s wrong?��


    It seemed like she hade to his kitchen to cook?


    But didn��t she usually call them over to eat after she was done?


    Yun Yi swallowed his saliva. ��Miss Ning said that we have to eat this snack while it��s hot and it needs some box. She said that it��s not convenient to move it�� Master, I actually don��t understand����


    He just felt that it smelled so good that his brain couldn��t move.


    The wait was so unbearable, but the Yun guards would rather wait like this than return to the house to eat the remaining steamed buns and dry food.


    In the kitchen, Xiaoxiao was opening the simple oven she had custom-made. In the steam, the soft cake was waiting to take off its mold. She thought that her neighbor, Little Big Brother, and the rest must be extremely tired from traveling through mountains and rivers. Other than the cake, she had also made a pot of vegetable shredded noodles for them. It was convenient and fast to eat.


    She took out the cake mold with thick instion gloves and ced it upside down on the te. The noodles were ready too. She sprinkled a handful of fresh vegetables. The meat and vegetables were beautiful and delicious. She couldn��t help but scoop a small bowl of herself.


    After removing the pattern of the flower-shaped cake, Xiaoxiao was sure that Rong Yan and the others would note in, so she took out the cream stored in the space, squeezed it and put one cake back into the space.


    [Ding! The cream cake has been recorded for the first time. After testing, the raw materials and processing methods used for this delicacy far exceed the current time-space diet and water products. Reward: 1,000. Current bnce: 9,500!!! Ahhh, Master is still 500 points short!!!]


    Xiaoxiao looked calm on the surface, but her heart was surging.


    If not for the fact that a type of food could only be recorded once a day, she would have immediately exchanged all the cakes for points!


    After calming down, she called out from the kitchen, ��You cane and eat now!��


    Yun Yi and the others followed Rong Yan closely. Even for this small distance, they wished they could use Qinggong.


    The noodles were in the pot, but they did not scoop them up because there was something that attracted Yun Yi and the others�� attention.


    The flower-like pastry was a little different from the sponge cake he had seen in a hurry a few days ago. He didn��t know if it was because it had just been baked, but the fragrance was stronger and more tempting.


    Xiaoxiao picked up a small fork made of bamboo and brought it to Rong Yan��s mouth. ��It��s just out of the oven. Little Big Brother Ah Yan, try it?��


    She had eaten it herself and felt that it was perfect, but what if this taste did not suit others? The neighbor��s Little Big Brother was the most picky person she had ever seen. If he said it was delicious, it would definitely be delicious.


    Because she had confirmed with the space that there was noctose intolerance in this space-time, she only needed to consider the taste.


    Rong Yan looked at the sweet snacks that were so close to him and looked up at Xiaoxiao, who did not think that his actions were inappropriate. Her eyes were clear and there was a hint of anticipation. His eyshes fluttered and he opened his mouth to bite them..</font>

 Chapter 167 - 167: Our Little Secret

    Chapter 167: Our Little Secret


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The snack melted in his mouth and the tip of his tongue turned soft. This novel taste shocked Rong Yan so much that he forgot to be shy. ��Is this the sponge cake fromst time?��


    Xiaoxiao waved her fingers. ��This is a new product. It��s made with milk and flour. Is it delicious?��


    It looked simr on the outside, but the cake had milk added and had a more fluffy texture.


    Before Rong Yan could answer, she said proudly, ��You��re the first person besides me to eat it!��


    These words lingered in his mind for a long time. Even before he fell asleepte at night, Rong Yan seemed to hear Xiaoxiao say, ��You��re number one.��


    When he woke up the next morning, Rong Yan was in a rare daze on the bed.


    At this moment, smoke was already rising from the chimney next door. Early in the morning, their house had just opened the courtyard door when two pheasants and a piece of wild boar meat were sent over from next door. Ning Fengnian and his wife were too embarrassed to ept them, but Xiaoxiao epted them generously and even persuaded her parents.


    ��They don��t know how to cook it if they keep it.��


    Thinking about it carefully, it made sense. The couple, who had already epted the fact that their family wanted to open a shop, did not hesitate anymore and even asked Xiaoxiao to prepare a sumptuous lunch. Xiaoxiao smiled maliciously. ��Don��t worry, Father and Mother.��


    Ning Fengnian and his wife suddenly felt uneasy. However, since they had already said it, they could only let their daughter do as she pleased. Under this indulgence, Xiaoxiao made six dishes, one soup, and half meat and half vegetables.


    The tender sweet and sour pork ribs, fresh braised prawns, pheasant stewed mushrooms, coupled with the vegetables, cucumbers, and tofu at home, and a pot of delicious chicken soup. The entire family could not bear to put their chopsticks down.


    After dinner, Madam Song and Ning Dng brought the lunch they had prepared for Ning Fengnian and Eng to the canal. Xiaoxiao asked Rong Yan and the others to stay behind first and said that she wanted to make them a good meal.


    Rong Yan liked the hawthorn drink and fruit tea she had made in the past. This time, he was also filled with anticipation. When everything was ready in the kitchen, Xiaoxiao did not forget to say to Rong Yan, ��By the way, don��t let my brother know that I��m making cakes for you.��


    Rong Yan was puzzled. ��Why?��


    Xiaoxiao said mysteriously, ��That��s the birthday gift I prepared for Big Brother. Shouldn��t it be kept a secret? Oh right, you won��t leave for the time being when youe back, right? The day after tomorrow is my Big Brother��s birthday. Can youe to my house for a birthday banquet?��


    Rong Yan��s expression was a little strange. ��A gift for your brother?�� Why did she send a gift to someone else to him first?


    It was the same for Shen Tiancist time��


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment. Aiya, wouldn��t it seem like she was using the neighbor��s Little Big Brother if she asked him to be a taster? She hurriedly tried to remedy the situation. ��It��s mainly because I trust you the most. I just developed a new dish and 1 wanted you to try it first. You said it was delicious, but I felt that I seeded. If you say it��s not delicious, it means that I still have to work hard.��


    ��Anyway, this is our little secret!��


    She did not notice that the Little Master��s ears were slowly turning red. She even said as she cleaned up, ��For example, you��re the first person to drink this milk tea!��


    Perhaps the ��first�� in her words hit a corner of Rong Yan��s heart. When he took the strange ��tea�� in a small porcin bowl, he, who had always been very picky about tea leaves, picked it up and took a big sip without thinking.


    Unexpectedly, it tasted very good!


    Seeing that Rong Yan was sniffing and looking at this cup of milk tea curiously and even stirring it with a teaspoon, drinking the milk tea like the English afternoon tea, Xiaoxiao couldn��t help but sigh that some people��s temperaments were really innate.


    However, she did not know that the way she held her chin and admired him drinking tea made his ears feel warmer.


    ��Is it good?��


    Rong Yan nodded and praised, ��The tea fragrance and frankincense are very harmonious. It��s mellow and dense. There��s also a unique taste. It��s bitter and sweet.��


    He had never thought that cow milk and tea leaves could bebined.


    Xiaoxiao said, ��That��s because 1 made caramel for this cup of yours. If it��s matched with different tea leaves, it can be mixed into different vors.��


    She propped her chin on her hand and watched as Little Big Brother finished drinking a cup of tea elegantly. She was even more confident about the future. She cleared her throat. ��Little Big Brother All Yan, 1 bought a shop that opens outside the county��s academy. What do you think of me selling this milk tea in the shop?��


    Rong Yan had never taken care of a shop, so this question was not easy to answer. ��1 can only say that 1 like this tea very much personally.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��If you like it, there��s definitely no problem.��


    Did she trust him so blindly?


    Just as Rong Yan was thinking this, Xiaoxiao added, ��Actually, 1 still want to ask if Little Big Brother wants toe with me?��


    Rong Yan felt his heart skip a beat.


    Xiaoxiao waspletely unaware and added, ��Like I said just now, I opened a shop. Little Big Brother, it��s also very tiring for you guys to keep going up the mountain to hunt like this. Do you want to open a shop with me? Even if you don��tck money, you can still have an additional livelihood, right?��


    Rong Yan��s heartbeat returned to normal. So that was what she meant.


    ��Why do you want to work with me?��


    Xiaoxiao was very honest with her potential business partner. ��First of all, we need people to open a shop. You know my family��s situation. There is a lot of work but not enough people. I definitely can��t let Father and Mother help me. As for hiring people, firstly, I can��t afford it. Secondly, I��m not at ease. It��s a small matter to have my recipes stolen. It��ll be troublesome if the people 1 hire are sloppy and don��t do ording to my requirements.��


    She pointed at herself and said, ��After all, I��m young and can��t suppress my employees.��


    ��But you��re different. You have a good character and are highly skilled in martial arts. You can be intimidating when you encounter someone whoes to cause trouble. However, there��s no hurry. You can consider it first and give me an answer in a few days.��


    After Little Big Brother returned home, Xiaoxiao returned to the kitchen and filled a bucket of Ning Xiaoxiao��s hand-made caramel milk tea with a bamboo container made by her father. She ced it in the space and waited for the notification.


    [Ding! Caramel milk tea has been recorded for the first time. Reward: 500 points! Current total points are 10,000 points!!!!! Master, Master, do you want to use points to upgrade your space?]


    Xiaoxiao crossed her arms and nodded with a smile. [Upgrade immediately.]


    When Ning Dng came to the kitchen to help, he only saw a clean bamboo tube on the stove. The bowls and chopsticks had been washed, and a fragrance came from the pot. He lifted the lid of the pot and saw a pot of brown liquid. This was�� tea? Cow milk?


    Where was his sister?


    On the other hand, Rong Yan, who had returned home, found out about Xiaoxiao��s experiences over the past few days from Ying Zi��s report. When he found out that that bastard Tong Bin actually wanted to hurt her, his expression instantly turned cold. He suddenly remembered that Xiaoxiao had said just now, ��What if we meet someone whoes to cause trouble.��


    Was she�� frightened? She said that she wanted him to open a shop together with her, but she was actually afraid that she would encounter that kind of thing again?


    That was true. No matter how strong and bright she usually looked, she was still a youngdy��


    Yun Yi said, ��County Magistrate Shen has already ordered him to be stripped of hiswyer qualifications. Also, he will be punished with 20 strokes of the paddle and locked up in the prison to await his punishment.��


    Rong Yan put his hands behind his back and thought of Ning Xiaoxiao��s trust in him when she invited him to open a shop with her. ��It��s not enough..��

 Chapter 168 - 168: The Correct Use Of Space

    Chapter 168: The Correct Use Of Space


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    To him, such a punishment was like a joke.


    At night, blood spread all the way in the cell where Tong Bin was imprisoned. It was not until early in the morning that he was discovered. The prisoner inside hugged his broken arm. His eyes were dull and he was unconscious. His teeth were shattered and his chin was disced. His blood and saliva wet his clothes. No matter what others asked, he would only tremble.


    Before County Magistrate Shen could find out who did this, the government office received a letter from a beggar. The letter listed in detail the innocent people that Tong Bin had wrongly used and falsely used a few years ago. It was outrageous.


    The county magistrate still hired a doctor for him, but Tong Bin wasn��t happy because he would rather die like this than be sent to the mine after experiencing the pain of his broken bones and never be free again.


    Of course, Xiaoxiao did not know this at the moment. She was having fun in the space.


    [Upgrade is sessful. Current space level: Four.]


    [The food processing factory function has been sessfully activated. The time flow in the farnd has increased by four times.]


    [The space farm��s livestock function has been sessfully activated. The time flow is four times faster.]


    [Additional ability of space, ingredient identification.]


    [Reward for space upgrade. One random seed. Do you want to sow it?)


    A series of notifications made Xiaoxiao react for a while. [I��ll nt it.]


    If she did not nt it, the farnd would be idle. She did not have any extra points to buy other seeds now. No matter what it was, she would nt it first.


    The space sowing function was convenient. Xiaoxiao did not need to do it herself. She went to the food processing factory to experience the feeling of technology. For the convenience of cooking, she ced all kinds of food in the space warehouse. She could take them out to practice now.


    The milk was processed into butter and cream, the egg whites and cream were whipped, and even thest step of baking could be solved by the space. In its words: [Other than basic operations, I can perfectly replicate any steps that Master has handled!]


    In other words, no matter what cooking method it was, as long as Xiaoxiao personally cooked it once, she could get the space to do it for her if she needed it in the future. She had really gotten a treasure!


    Sensing its Master��s joy, the space also let out a few electronic sounds happily. Then, it cooperated with Xiaoxiao to make a perfect cream cake with the processing factory. It asked Xiaoxiao: [Master, do you want to use this as a birthday gift for Big Brother?]


    However, Xiaoxiao put the cake into the warehouse. [No, of course I have to make the gift for Big Brother myself. Besides, if 1 take such a thing out of thin air, how am 1 going to exin itter?]


    That was true. It was not disappointed that it had received Master��s affirmation and praise. It said happily to Xiaoxiao, ��By the way, Master, our livestock function has been activated. You can raise some chickens, ducks, cows, sheep, and so on in itter. They will all grow at four times the speed! Moreover, when they grow to the optimal maturity period, you can choose to let them maintain their current state or enter the warehouse to be meat reserves.��


    Xiaoxiao��s eyes lit up. She wished she could go to the county to buy some small animals now. Then, she suddenly paused. [1 say, Little Space. Since I can buy birds and animals from outside to rear, does that mean that 1 can also take the seeds bought outside to the space farnd to nt?]


    The space replied instantly: [Master is right!] Master finally understood!


    God knew how painful it had been to hold it in for the past few days!


    Xiaoxiao wanted to knock her stupid head. Previously, she had waited to exchange points for seeds because the production of rice and wheat seeds in the space was high. However, putting aside this requirement, she could totally take some spices, vegetables, and even medicinal herbs to nt in the space!


    It was still the same saying. This farnd was idle!


    [Why didn��t you remind me?]


    The space admitted its mistake honestly: [I��m sorry, Master. We have a set space rule that can only be explored by the host��]


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand. [I don��t me you. I didn��t think of it myself, but it��s not toote now.]


    She did as she was told. She jumped out of the space and searched her home first. Vegetable seeds, cucumber seeds, cabbage seedlings. She would throw them into the farnd first. Space would sort them out for her.


    She did not dare to take too much. Madam Song knew the number of seeds at home. It would arouse suspicion if she took too many. Even so, she worked for most of the night.


    She couldn��t take too many seeds, so she slipped into the vegetable garden and rummaged through the vegetables that had already grown. Anyway, she was the one cooking. If her mother found out, she would say that she had cooked too many vegetables! She was really too smart!


    The next day, Rong Yan saw Xiaoxiao under the cinnamon tree at the entrance of the vige. He didn��t know what she was thinking, but her gaze was fixed on the tree that had nothing but branches and leaves. From time to time, she would smile foolishly.


    Seeing him, Xiaoxiao��s eyes lit up as she ran over in big strides. She only braked when she was in front of Rong Yan. ��Little Big Brother, if you enter the forest next time, can you bring me along?��


    Rong Yan was puzzled. ��You? What are you going to do?��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��Dig wild vegetables! Pick fruits! Find fungi! Dig out bird eggs!��


    She wanted to pull everything into her space now, even the tree roots she picked up from the ground. If it weren��t for the space shouting for her to stop, she would have moved the entire mountain into her space to make up for the gains she had foolishly missed these days.


    If wild vegetables were nted, they would grow into arge field of wild vegetables, right?


    If she threw the fruits in, there would be many fruit trees, right?


    After putting the mushrooms in, would they spew out countless spores?


    Would an entire nest of birds hatch when the eggs were put in?


    Even if the tree root was buried and it could not produce juicy fruits, it could grow into a big tree and provide her with wood, right?


    From the looks of it, wouldn��t her space develop into a small world in the future, a gourmet warehouse and logistics fortress for her use?


    She imagined the future too well and couldn��t help but pat Rong Yan��s shoulder. ��From now on, I��ll definitely make you fat!��


    Pm so rich that I can support io of you!


    Her bold words changed in Rong Yan��s ears. He nced at Xiaoxiao��s small hand on his shoulder, clenched his fist, and coughed lightly. ��1 thought about your suggestion yesterday. I think it��s okay.��


    Xiaoxiao, who was overly excited, only remembered what she had said yesterday after a while. ��Have you decided to open a shop with me?��


    Rong Yan nodded and she jumped up. ��That��s great!��


    Rong Yan did not ask about Tong Bin anymore. He felt that Ning Xiaoxiao should be like this. As long as she was happy, he would deal with that evil person.


    After jumping, Xiaoxiao reminded him happily, ��Remember to go home for dinnerter!��


    Going home was another term that made people feel warm.


    Behind him, Yun Yi looked at Xiaoxiao, who had run away. There was a fatherly smile on his lips. Rong Yan turned around and rubbed his arms with a frown. ��How did it go?��


    Yun Yi went forward and made sure that there was no one around before saying, ��Tong Bin��s crimes were all sent to the county office in the manner that the victim reported. Now that his arm is broken, he will be sent to the mine in a few days. Master, do you need me to���� He made a gesture of raising his hand and cutting down, but Rong Yan shook his head. ��Since he was once awyer, it��s not surprising for him to meet an ��old friend�� when he was mining..��

 Chapter 169 - 169: Treating Me As A Beggar

    Chapter 169: Treating Me As A Beggar


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Yun Yi understood. Rong Yan wanted to get everyone who had a grudge against Tong Bin to his side. His Highness��s actions recently have really be more and more�� stylish.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao had already started to immerse herself in cooking. With the addition of her neighbor, Little Big Brother, and his guards, she generously cooked all the ��wild animals�� that they brought back. She stewed and braised them. Their fragrance wafted into Second Aunt Ning��s nose.


    Recently, the food in the old residence had been getting worse. In particr, her mother-inw had directly deducted everyone��s meat and vegetables in order to give her youngest son special treatment. Second Aunt Ning kept feeling that she was not full, but she could not eat secretly. Her mother-inw knew how many eggs there were at home. She had also tried her luck and strolled over. She did not expect to meet the eldest branch making delicious food.


    She wanted to walk in, but when she saw the burly puppy in the courtyard, she stopped and cleared her throat. ��Ahem, Xiaoxiao, scoop me a bowl of meat. I��ll bring it back for you to show filial piety to your Grandpa and Grandma.��


    When Xiaoxiao came out of the kitchen and saw her, she ran out without a word and closed the door with a ng. Second Aunt Ning got too close and almost bumped her nose. When she came back to her senses, she immediately started cursing.


    Xiaoxiao frowned. There was only her and Big Brother at home now. Big Brother was reading, and she was cooking. She didn��t care about Second Aunt��s wailing, but Big Brother couldn��t be disturbed from reading. She nced at ��Walnut�� who was wagging its tail at her feet, regretfully and patted its head. ��It would be good if you were older.�� Then, she went to the kitchen thoughtfully, picked up a basin of vegetable wash, opened the door, and sshed it.


    The weather in May was already very warm, but Second Aunt still shivered when she was suddenly drenched. ��Ning Xiaoxiao!��


    Xiaoxiao pretended to be shocked. ��Aiya, Second Aunt, why are you at my door? Are you here to pay me back?�� After saying that, she reached out her hand. ��It just so happens that my familycks money. Since you��ve found your conscience, quickly return the 20 taels of silver that you stole the designs and caused us to owe. Otherwise, I��ll have to trouble you to apany my family to the government office at the end of the year.��


    Second Aunt Ning wiped her face. ��Pfft! Dream on. Let me tell you, the separation has already been registered in the government office. Don��t even think about dragging others down!��


    Xiaoxiao smiled in satisfaction and looked at Second Aunt Ning inexplicably. ��Since you know that you��re ��someone else��, you should know that whatever my family cooks has nothing to do with you. Don��t wander around for no reason. My family doesn��t wee you.��


    Second Aunt Ning still wanted to make a scene, but a young man��s voice suddenly sounded behind her. ��What��s going on?��


    Xiaoxiao sighed. ��My Second Aunt is asking for meat.��


    Second Aunt Ning was so angry that her nose was crooked. ��What are you talking about? Do you think I��m a beggar?��


    Seeing her smile, Second Aunt Ning reacted. That brat was scolding her indirectly! Just as she was about to re up, she saw the tall men from the Zhao Family approaching her with dark expressions.


    ��What are you doing! Don��t you dare touch me! I��m pregnant. I��m pregnant with the precious grandson of the Ning Family. If anything happens to him, you��ll be in trouble!��


    Rong Yan said, ��Noisy.��


    However, something suddenly grabbed her under the arm and her feet suddenly left the ground. She looked down and saw that one of the men next door to the Ning Family was holding her up with a bamboo pole. She did not know what they were doing, but she was lying on the bamboo pole with a slight shake. She could not move or fall, but her posture was a little embarrassing.


    Rong Yan waved his finger at Yun Er and Yun San. ��In that case, send her back to the old residence unharmed. Remember to walk slowly.��


    Second Aunt Ning��s eyes widened. She felt that the two of them were really nning to carry her away with a bamboo pole!


    ��B*stard, put me down! Do you hear me? Put me down!��


    Yun Er turned around and replied good-naturedly, ��I��ll naturally put you down when we get there.��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. When she heard Rong Yan instruct Yun Er and Yun Xiao to carry Second Aunt Ning away in this amazing posture, she immediately apuded. Good lord. ��Well done. As expected of my most promising partner!�� She put down the basin. ��Bring me alongter. Let��s turn around and go to the vige chief��s house toin.��


    Rong Yan nodded and asked the two of them to listen to Xiaoxiao.


    Second Aunt Ning had really embarrassed herself in Fortune Vige. Yun Er and Yun San went around the vige in a big circle, letting the vigers see her embarrassed state. Ning Xiaoxiao even went to the vige chief��s house to cry.


    ��Uncle Vige Chief, 1 don��t want to disturb you, but Second Aunt came to ask me to get her a bowl of meat when 1 was cooking for my neighbors. Not to mention that this meat was hunted painstakingly by them, even if my family bought it, Second Aunt caused my family to owe so much money. How can she have the cheek to ask me for meat to eat?��


    The vige chief looked at Second Aunt Ning with disappointment and disgust. He couldn��t understand why the Ning Family in the old residence were so�� so�� so unruly.


    In the end, Second Aunt Ning was personally picked up by Second Uncle. Along the way, she wished she could bury her head in the ground. As Second Uncle Ning walked, he scolded, ��Are you brainless? Great, the vige chief asked you to stay at home and recuperate from today onwards. You��re not allowed to leave the house. Are you happy?��


    Second Aunt Ning pursed her lips. After a while, she suggested sneakily, ��Why don��t I pretend to be sick now and say that that brat frightened me and caused the pregnancy to be unstable? She even sshed water on me! That wild dog in the courtyard is also scary!��


    As soon as she finished speaking, they saw Xiaoxiao lying on a bamboo pole and whizzing past them. There was even a string of little kids behind her. They wiped their snot and shouted, ��1 want to y too, I want to y too!��


    It was the way Yun Er and Yun San carried Second Aunt Ning just now. Of course, the methods and strength were different, but others could not tell.


    Second Aunt Ning couldn��t say that her body was worse than a child��s. She shut her mouth in embarrassment, but she still felt indignant. ��Then let��s watch them live a good life while we eat the lousy food?��


    Second Uncle Ning mmed the table and kicked the stool. ��What do you know? I��m trying to think of a way.�� He was more anxious to get money than anyone else!


    He gritted his teeth and looked around. Finally, his gazended on Second Aunt��s stomach. ��Did you just say that Big Brother has a wild dog?��


    Tonight, Xiaoxiao added more dishes for everyone. She scored another 300 points for today��s meal. Although her bnce was reduced to zero after the upgrade, she had already realized the correct usage of the space farnd. The vegetables in the farnd grew one by one, piling up the warehouse even more spectacrly. She felt that the green vegetables, cabbages, onions, ginger, and garlic grew a little taller with every nce. It was really magical.


    Xiaoxiao originally thought that the sense of achievement, that she could not obtain from sowing seeds in the space, would also grow stronger as the seedlings grew. If not for the fact that the vegetables in the space were still harvested as soon as they matured and could not produce seeds, Xiaoxiao felt that she could nt thousands of mountains.


    She made up her mind to buy a few bags of all kinds of seeds the next time she went to the county!


    The waiting time was too unbearable. After everyone fell asleep at night, Xiaoxiao couldn��t help but go to the system shop again and exchange for the tomato seeds and cumin seeds that she had been longing for. Compared to the rice seeds, these two were really not expensive. They were 100 a piece. Its price was fair. However, there wasn��t that much. After all, which family would nt an acre of tomatoes? It wasn��t difficult to nt so many, but she could just exchange for a few more.


    Xiaoxiao secretly decided that when she had more points, she would nt all the seeds in this endless space. Aiyo, the farmer genes in the Chinese people��s bones had awakened.


    [Other than cooking, do 1 have no other way to obtain points?]

 Chapter 170 - 170: Special Mission

    Chapter 170: Special Mission


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    This 100 points process was too slow, and it was not realistic to cook a new dish every day.


    She had knowledge, but her family��s conditions did not allow her to put it into practice. It was fine if she made some vegetables, meat, fish, and prawns dishes as she clearly lived in the mountains. However, she suddenly knew how to make seafood,and she had clearly never eaten a banquet, but she made it to the standard of a state banquet. If she did it too many times, wouldn��t she be treated as a monster?


    Most importantly, her family could not afford those ingredients.


    The space told her: [Yes, but Master, you haven��t met the special mission trigger conditions.]


    Xiaoxiao asked curiously: [Special mission? What is it?]


    The space said: [In order to prevent the space system from cheating in order to level up, the content of the mission must not be leaked. I can only remind the host after you fulfill the conditions.]


    Xiaoxiao expressed her understanding and reached out to scoop the dog lying by her bed into the space.


    [Can it grow faster if it��s ced at the ranch?]


    There was no need to keep this a secret. The space gave an affirmative answer, and Xiaoxiao fell asleep in relief.


    The next day was her brother��s birthday. As they had agreed to invite many guests, the house had prepared a lot of ingredients. Fresh green leaf vegetables were plucked from the vegetable garden. The bean sprouts were ready, and the tofu was also ready. They were neatly ced in the kitchen, looking dazzling and bright.


    The knife in Xiaoxiao��s hand swayed very quickly. In the blink of an eye, she cut the vegetable and meat into the desired shapes. The red and green colors matched each other, making it very pleasing.


    The broth had been simmeredst night and was still emitting a strong fragrance in the stove. The ribs and chicken wings wrapped in sauce absorbed the broth in the basin. The golden egg liquid was stirred in a bnced manner and the cake paste was ready. Xiaoxiao rolled up her sleeves and started to work.


    Yun Yi and the rest wanted to help, but after Xiaoxiao checked their ability to start a fire, she chased them out decisively and mercilessly.


    The few of them did not want to eat and drink for free, so they chopped firewood in the courtyard. One strike resulted in one piece of firewood. They made Xiaoxiao feel that she could start a fire wantonly for the next month. Yes, it was just that it took up a little space.


    Today, Ning Fengnian and Ning Eng were still going to dig the canal, so the birthday banquet was set for tonight. However, the Shen Family sent someone to deliver the ice cubes and milk that Xiaoxiao wanted early in the morning. Xiaoxiao kept the use of this thing a secret from everyone. After the processing waspleted, she specially ced it in her room and made sure that her parents and brothers would not peek in.


    Actually, they could not understand what she was doing. They only knew that Xiaoxiao had boiled, stirred, and cooled the milk. They did not understand what she was doing at all.


    At noon, she made delicious omelet rice for everyone. The outer skin was golden, and the inside was fried rice wrapped in various vegetables and diced meat. In addition to the main dish, she also made four dishes and a soup to make up for theck of sauce. These two words were only for herself. Yun Yi and the others were shocked and amazed by the food. They almost had the words ��inexperienced�� written on their faces.


    Although Rong Yan acted naturally, he ate arge portion of omelet rice. If not for his elegance, he would have burped.


    This meal earned another 300 points. After deducting the 200 points for the seeds, there were still 400 points left in the space. However, Xiaoxiao was not satisfied with this speed, because��


    [How many points did you say you needed to level up next time?]


    The space probably knew that it was difficult to support. It replied awkwardly: [50,000.]


    The 10,000 pointsst time was all thanks to the Shen Family. This time, 50,000 points wouldst for a few years.


    Xiaoxiao was a little mncholic. She counted the money in her hands and prepared to apply to enter the county with her brother tomorrow.


    Considering that the two exquisite women, Mrs. Shen and Shopkeeper Liu, were among the people she invited today, she had to prepare Jell-O, oh no, Crystal Jelly. The May weather was already slightly hot like early summer. Xiaoxiao ced the various crystal jelly that had been refrigerated by the space processing factory on the ice cubes sent by the Shen Family to maintain its shape.


    Unfortunately, crystal jelly of different shapes was judged by the space to be simr delicacies. It could only be exchanged for points once a day. Otherwise, she would be so rich.


    She did not make fruit tea for today��s beverage, but the fragrance of the milk tea was even more alluring. As soon as it was ready, it attracted Big Brother to walk out of the house and say that he wanted to rest his eyes.


    Xiaoxiao sensibly scooped a cup for her brother. The exam was imminent. In order to prevent embarrassing idents like diarrhea, she firmly rejected her brother��s request to add ice and let him drink it while it was hot. Ning Dng did not force it. He did not like sweet food, but he liked this milk tea after drinking it once. It was very strange.


    The Ning Family members, who were enjoying the delicacies at home, did not forget their father and second brother, who had worked hard outside. Hence, their lunch today was enviable.


    County Magistrate Shen thought for the sake of the people. In the future, the vigers who dug the canal would be arranged to be near their homes, so their families coulde to deliver food as long as they didn��t find it troublesome. However, those who delivered food, whether they brought dry rations or steamed buns, had almost swallowed their shares because of the fragrance of the Ning Family��s food these days. It was even worse today. They had never heard of what the Ning Family ate. Steamed vegetable meat was ced on the golden egg skin. Everyone watched as the two people ate happily with big spoons.


    Those who were closer could even see the beautiful-colored fried rice under the egg skin.


    ��Evenndlords don��t have this kind of food, right?��


    Just as he was sighing, he saw the two of them open the bamboo tube that Madam Song had brought. Immediately, an unfamiliar fragrance dissipated.


    Everyone looked at the steamed buns in their bowls and felt extremely envious.


    Ning Fengnian and Ning Eng, who were surrounded by all kinds of gazes, were no longer as ufortable as they were at first. Now, they could eat calmly. asionally, they would politely invite the vigers who were close or on good terms. ��Do you want to try it? Our Xiaoxiao made it.��


    At first, the vigers were too embarrassed to move their chopsticks. Now, their eyes were burning. They were waiting for this sentence.


    If not for the fact that the father and son ate quickly, the food might have been eaten by others even more.


    After this incident, the news of the Ning Family��s daughter��s superb culinary skills spread. Along with this news getting famous in the vige, the eldest branch had more and more promising days.


    Compared to this, the old residence had really ruined their good days.


    A busybody couldn��t help but ask Ning Fengnian, ��Your family is rich now. Do you remember to be filial to your parents?��


    Ning Fengnian nced at that person. ��I��ve never neglected Duanwu Festival��s etiquette. It��s all prepared ording to the customs��


    That person��s eyes darted around. ��That��s not appropriate, right? Your family has meat every meal now. Yesterday, I heard that your second sister-inw was just asking for a bowl of meat. You��re not willing to give it to her?�� Without waiting for Ning Fengnian and Eng to speak, someone pulled him away. ��What do you know? If it were you, someone targeted your family��s money, caused you to owe 20 taels of debt and thought about exchanging your family��s things for silver for herself to spend, would you still give her meat to eat?��


    ��Besides, the second daughter-inw of the Ning Family promised not toe and cause trouble for them.. Now that she went back on her word, she should reflect on herself!��

 Chapter 171 - 171: Big Brother’s Birthday

    Chapter 171: Big Brother��s Birthday


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��Fengnian, ignore him. He��s just a freeloader. Buttface, 1 don��t know how he got to dig the canal. Let me tell you, if you have nothing better to do and like gossip, when the bailiffs see you, they��ll chase you home. Don��t cry then! Go away!��


    Ning Eng felt that his sister was smart from the bottom of his heart. Actually, he had never been afraid of bing enemies with the people in the old residence. However, if he lost his good reputation in Fortune Vige, he and his brother were not afraid of being told that they could not find a wife, but they were worried that his sister would not be able to find a good husband without a marriage proposal.


    After ail, Grandma was used to distorting right and wrong outside, and Second Aunt was addicted to gossiping. Whenever they made a small mistake, the two of them would shout it out everywhere.


    It was better now. Before they could exin anything, the vigers already hated the old residence to the core. No one listened to them pretend to be pitiful and aggrieved. Even though they knew that they didn��t like the old residence, they would only sigh and say, ��Serves them right.��


    He heard that after what happened to Second Aunt yesterday, the vige chief specially went to the old residence to warn them. It really made him so happy that he couldn��t help butugh.


    ��I know that. Previously, Buttface��s eldest brother was the one who signed up. However, for some reason, he fell and injured his leg before he came. That��s why Buttface reced him.��


    Ning Eng frowned. Why did this sound so familiar? Oh right, Buttface seemed to have a good rtionship with Second Uncle? Tsk, no wonder his words were so annoying.


    After eating and drinking their fill, they continued to work at noon. The father and son did not like to y tricks and were not careless when they needed to work. Others had just dug out a six-meter ditch, but the two of them had already drawn it to more than nine meters. The person in charge had always admired them. Hence, when he heard that the Ning Family��s eldest son��s birthday was today and his family had invited guests, he took the initiative to approve their leave and asked them to go back early.


    Ning Fengnian and Ning Eng naturally thanked him. Before they left, Ning Eng did not forget to say to the head, ��My sister said that she wants to make snacks today. I��ll send some over when she��s done. If you don��t mind, why don��t all of you try them together, Big Brothers?��


    That was good! To be honest, the vigers who came to work were not the only ones who craved the Ning Family��s food. The bailiffs were too embarrassed to ask when they smelled it every day.


    The two of them went home happily and saw that the courtyard was bustling.


    Shen Tianci carried the dog named ��Walnut��, but it quickly pushed him away in disdain. At this moment, he was yapping and saying it had turned hostile. He was much more eloquent than when he first came. Now that he was asked to quarrel with someone, he would definitely not only say ��rebound��.


    Mrs. Shen and Shopkeeper Liu sat under the bamboo shelf in the courtyard, each drinking a cup of tea with very enjoyable expressions.


    Shopkeeper Xu had a bitter expression on his face. He looked at the tea in his hand as if he was looking at an enemy. It was bitter hatred.


    County Magistrate Shen nodded at the wall with his hands behind his back. ��This vegetable farm is well-kept.��


    Madam Song said enthusiastically, ��Come,e, choose two pots and bring them back. It��s very convenient to cook. They��re even more lively than those bought at the market!��


    Mrs. Shen and Shopkeeper Liu really went to choose. Ning Eng listened to his mother��s story about the growth of the scallions and suddenly wondered what his mother��s expression would be if she knew Mrs. Shen and County Magistrate Shen��s identities.


    The moment she returned, Xiaoxiao asked her father and second brother to wash their hands and gave Rong Yan a secretive look.


    Thetter nodded and took the lead to circle out of the courtyard. Xiaoxiao said that she wanted to borrow chairs and cutlery next door and followed him out. The others did not take it seriously. Yun Yi and the others chuckled and followed them back to carry the things.


    In the end, they only returned mysteriously after a while. There were too many tables and chairs, so no one noticed the huge food box that Xiaoxiao hid behind the table. They did not see her avoid everyone��s gaze and sneak back to her room with the food box.


    The dishes had been prepared long ago. The broth continued to smell fragrant. When she realized that everyone was looking at the kitchen more frequently, Xiaoxiao suggested tentatively, ��Since everyone is here, should we start eating in advance? It��ll save us the trouble of walking back in the dark.��


    This proposal was good. Everyone approved it��they were already hungry, especially Shen Tianci. In order to eat more at night, he especially did not eat much at noon!


    Seeing that he was holding his stomach for the umpteenth time, Xiaoxiao asked him if he wanted to eat some snacks first. The experienced Shen Tianci shook his head firmly. ��I want to wait for the main meal!��


    If the servants at home heard this, wouldn��t they be moved to tears?


    Young Master was the same as Madam. They were both people who could fill their stomachs with snacks and would never eat more than a grain of rice for their main meal!


    Reality proved that Shen Tianci had made the right decision. Other than the ones he had eaten in the past, Xiaoxiao also served a few new dishes.


    The first dish was Shredded Chicken with Pea Sprouts. The chicken��s tendons and skin were peeled off. The chicken breast meat that had been cut into fine fments, was mixed with egg white and a little fine salt, wine, and corn flour. Then, the pea sprouts were cut into inch-long segments. The cookedrd was heated up and the chicken shreds were added in. After their color changed, they were scooped up. The stir-fried pot was left with the oil and the scallions and ginger were added to the pot. Then, the pea sprouts, chicken shreds, and seasonings were added. They were stir-fried evenly and drizzled with chicken oil before they were out of the pot.


    The second dish ��Jadeite Fan�� was a vegetable core washed and craved. The tender bamboo shoots were cut into suitable sizes. After stir-frying the vegetable cores with hot oil in the pot, she added in a broth and a little cooking wine, fine salt, and white sugar. She ced the tender bamboo shoots into the stew for 3 minutes and poured in a spoonful of clean soup. They neatly formed a fan shape on the te. After steaming the shiitake mushrooms, they were also added in. Then, she poured the chicken oil on the dishes with broth.


    The third one was ��All is Well��. It was stir-fried with bean sprouts and shredded ham from the head and tail and arranged in the shape of a wish. Then, she added a circle of seasoned quail eggs to the edge of the te. It meant that they would have a safe life and everything would go their way. [Ding�� Gourmet Shredded Chicken with Pea Sprouts has been sessfully recorded for the first time. You have received 300 points. Gourmet ��Jadeite Fan�� has been sessfully recorded for the first time. You have received 300 points. Gourmet ��All is Well�� has been sessfully recorded for the first time. You have received 300 points. Current total points are 1,300.]


    Ning Dng was all smiles the entire time. The way he looked at Xiaoxiao was as gentle as the spring breeze. Ning Eng was proud. After taking two bites, he sighed with emotion. ��My sister��s culinary skills are simply amazing!�� Fortunately, he did not forget his promise to the bailiffs. Before the dishes were served, he had already rushed to the ce where the canal was dug and sent a basket of sponge cakes to the bailiffs.


    This not only left a good impression on the bailiffs, but also made everyone remember Ning Dng��s name. This was because Eng specially emphasized when he went to deliver the snacks, ��Today is my brother Ning Ansheng��s birthday.��


    His sister had said that if his brother wanted to study, he could not call him ��Dng�� or ��Eldest Brother�� in the future. He had to earn face for his brother in front of his ssmates. Although Eng curled his lips, he did not mutter the words ��why are you so confident that Big Brother will definitely get into the academy��.


    Speaking of which, it was strange. After his sister said that, he felt that it was a matter of course for Big Brother to go to the Bowen Academy. Sometimes, he even suspected that he had been tricked by his sister. Now, she did not need to say anything more, and he could not be bothered to resist��


    It was one thing to think about it, but it was another to eat. The Ning Family had long practiced a skill that they talked about while eating.


    After County Magistrate Shen finished studying Ning Ansheng��s knowledge, he looked at his brother, Eng, who was also using his formal name Ning Anhui now.. ��Anhui, after digging the canal, do you still n to set up a stall in the county?��

 Chapter 172 - 172: Please Be The Shopkeeper

    Chapter 172: Please Be The Shopkeeper


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Anhui chewed quickly and was about to swallow the food in his mouth before answering when he heard his sister say, ��We��re not setting up a stall anymore.�� Ning Anhui thought about it and agreed. He woulde back to farm with his father. Then, he saw Xiaoxiao smile at him. ��Second Brother, I was about to ask you. Do you think my milk tea is delicious?��


    Ning Anhui nodded vigorously. How could it not taste good? He was a hunk, but he actually couldn��t bear to part with such a sweet drink. In the past, he felt that drinking tea was how rich people burned their money. It was no different from water made from soaking vegetables and leaves. Sigh, no matter what, he could really taste the fragrance of tea from milk tea now!


    What was this called? His sister had said that this was the sublimation of life!


    Xiaoxiao waited for him to swallow before asking, ��1 want to invite you to be a shopkeeper in the shop 1 bought. Are you willing?��


    Ning Anhui put down the bamboo tube containing milk tea in fear. ��Are you kidding me?��


    Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hand. ��Second Brother, why do you think I��m joking?��


    Ning Anhui stammered, ��But I-I-I���� After a long time, he didn��t say anything else. However, Xiaoxiao said, ��Second Brother, look. You��ve been setting up a stall for so many days. Do you know how to deal with customers, introduce goods, and settle ounts?��


    Ning Anhui nodded. Xiaoxiao asked again, ��Will you still be too embarrassed to ask now that you��re setting up a stall?��


    Ning Anhui shook his head. Xiaoxiao asked again, ��There��s not much difference between selling milk tea and salted vegetables. It��s just setting up a stall to sell some things. We��re just changing to a different ce to change goods. You could do it in the past, but why can��t you do it in the future?��


    Ning Anhui thought about it and felt that it made sense. Out of habit, he followed his sister��s train of thought and probed, ��Then I-I��ll give it a try?��


    Xiaoxiao rubbed his head in relief. ��This is my good Second Brother.��


    Ning Anhui pped away her restless little paws. ��You also know that I��m your brother?��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��Of course, of course. Then can my good Second Brothere with me to the house and help me take out the gift 1 prepared for Big Brother?��


    Ning Anhui said sourly, ��What kind of gift is so big that you can��t take it alone?�� However, he quickly walked past Xiaoxiao and walked towards her room.


    After entering the house, he watched as his sister opened the huge food box and took out the things inside. Ning Anhui


    (��A��)


    What was this?


    After the two of them left, Mrs. Shen looked at the milk tea in her hand thoughtfully. So this was the business that 1 wanted to do? It was really possible, but it was a little monotonous. A cup of tea was the best and she would get tired of it sooner orter. However, if she could drink it as she pleased after joining this business, she would definitely have no problem!


    After making up her mind, Mrs. Shen looked in the direction Xiaoxiao left with a burning gaze. Then, the room suddenly darkened. Rong Yan and his guards were standing by the window at some point in time. They raised their hands and lowered the heavy curtains that they had just changed into today. The evening sunlight was blocked, and the room fell into darkness. It was not so dark that they could not see their own fingers, but the candlelight that appeared from the corner door was exceptionally bright.


    Xiaoxiao, who appeared with a very beautiful white object, was all smiles. ��Big Brother, this is the birthday cake 1 made for you! It��s delicious!��


    The cloud-like soft and delicate cream covered the cake in ripples. There were limited tools, and Xiaoxiao only made an auspicious cloud pattern on it. However, this was already stunning enough. At least, no one present could take their eyes off this so-called ��birth cake��.


    Shen Tianci even swallowed his saliva. ��It��s so beautiful. Can it really be eaten?��


    Xiaoxiao was a little proud. ��Don��t worry, the taste of Ning Xiaoxiao��s products will definitely be guaranteed!��


    Shen Tianci said honestly, ��I��m not worried about the taste. 1 just can��t bear to eat it.��


    Xiaoxiao became even more smug. If she had a tail behind her, it would definitely be flung into the sky by her now and barely maintain herposure. She ced the cake steadily in front of her eldest brother and took the candle from her second brother��s hand to ce it on the table. ��Big Brother, close your eyes and make a wish. Then, blow out the candle. Your wish will be fulfilled!��


    Perhaps her expression was too serious, or perhaps her voice was too expectant, or perhaps her eyes were too beautiful and bright. Ning Ansheng, who never believed in religion, really closed his eyes and whispered in his heart.


    I hope that my sister will live a peaceful and carefree life.


    [Ding�� A total of 8oo points have been obtained from the regr dishes of the birthday banquet. Current total points are 2,100.]


    When he opened his eyes and blew out the candle, Xiaoxiao reminded him again, ��You have to hide your wish in your heart and not say it out loud. Next, invite the birthday boy to cut the cake!��


    Rong Yan and the others pulled open the curtains again, and the house regained its brightness. Only then did everyone know why Xiaoxiao would rather go through so much trouble to tidy up the space in the house than put the food in the courtyard.


    Xiaoxiao handed the fruit knife to her brother and taught him to cut out a small triangle. Then, she took over and scooped this piece for her brother. The rest was distributed to the guests. Next was the time to receive praise.


    Xiaoxiao was mentally prepared and even prepared to be praised. However, she did not hear anything after waiting for a long time. She turned around in confusion and realized that everyone who had eaten the cake seemed to be dumbfounded. For example, Shen Tianci even bit the small bamboo fork and was stunned.


    After a long while, he found his voice. ��Did I eat clouds?��


    ��Pfft.�� Xiaoxiao couldn��t help butugh. She felt that such praise was more important than simply giving her a thumbs up and saying that it was ��delicious��. She took a portion herself and started to eat the cake happily.


    Which girl didn��t like to eat cake? If it weren��t for the fact that she was afraid of gaining weight, she would have eaten this for her meal!


    Mrs. Shen and Shopkeeper Liu only felt that they had met something they liked in this life. They were so happy that they wanted to hug it and spin around. How could it be so delicious! Oh my god, it was really too delicious!


    She originally thought that Ning Xiaoxiao��s sponge cake was already top-notch. Who would have thought that she could make such a good thing!


    ��This heart should be called Cloud Cake!��


    Xiaoxiao pondered for a moment and felt that it was appropriate.


    The ancients did not understand why it was called cake. Birthday cake was also a little boring. Moreover, she had to rely on this to earn money. If it was decided that they could only eat it on their birthday, how much less business would she have to do?


    Everyone was extremely reluctant and couldn��t stop eating the ��Cloud Cake��. They looked at Xiaoxiao eagerly. Thetter spread her hands. ��That��s all. If you want more, then����


    Shopkeeper Liu rolled her eyes, thinking that she was going to say ��another price�� again, but she smiled at Mrs. Shen.


    ��Just waiting for me to open the shop.��


    She had thought about it seriously. It was not difficult to make cakes, oh no, Cloud Cake. What was difficult was the raw materials and sales channels.


    It was obvious that this thing was expensive. Furthermore, it walked the path of ��the rarer something is, the more precious it is��. Clearly, the consumer group was very clear��people with power.


    No matter how smart Ning Xiaoxiao was, she couldn��t do this business without connections.. Which rich family was willing to let a small farm girl handle the expensive snacks they wanted to eat?

 Chapter 173 - 173: This Is My Promise To You

    Chapter 173: This Is My Promise To You


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    However, Mrs. Shen was different. As an official��s spouse and a richdy, she did notck rich and powerful friends. With her around, the orders could be queued up until next year before the shop opened.


    Before Mrs. Shen could say anything, Xiaoxiao added, ��Of course, if Mrs. Shen doesn��t have any intention of cooperating to open a shop, with our rtionship, as long as you want to eat, inform me when youe to the shop at the entrance of the academy. I can arrange it as soon as possible.��


    Mrs. Shen��s eyes lit up. ��Cooperation! We have to cooperate! Whoever doesn��t cooperate with you is a fool! By the way, Xiaoxiao, if the two of us open a shop together, I can eat Cloud Cake anytime in the future?��


    Xiaoxiao winked at her yfully. ��It��s not just Cloud Cake. There are also more delicious pastries, drinks, and delicacies for you to choose from. I��ve always been generous and passionate to my business partners!��


    Rong Yan was speechless. Did the little girl forget that he was among her ��coborators�� when she used random words?


    Shopkeeper Xu thought he lost the right to participate and was scolded as a fool by Missy. He feels bitter��


    Mrs. Shen asked again, ��Is the shop we want to open the one you just bought outside the academy?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��That��s my and Little Big Brother Ah Yan��s shop. We��ll talk about our shop another time. But don��t worry, Madam can eat whatever Little Big Brother Ah Yan and I sell in our shop!��


    Rong Yan couldn��t help but smile when he heard the words ��my and Little Big Brother��s shop��ing out of her mouth.


    Shopkeeper Liu interrupted faintly, ��What about me?��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��Pretty Sister, if you want to eat it, I��ll�� give you a discount!��


    What she meant was that she had to pay! Little heartless thing!


    Shopkeeper Liu only hated that she had already signed the Li Family��s contract. She was the shopkeeper of the Li Family in life and the dead shopkeeper of the Li Family in death. She could not participate in this beautiful and delicious business.


    Of course, she knew that Xiaoxiao was deliberately angering her to y, but she still pretended to be angry and threw a small bag at her. ��Here, here, here. I��ll give you a deposit and see how many you can make for me!��


    Xiaoxiao quietly opened it and the light in her eyes intensified. ��Looks like 1 have to prepare Cloud Cake for you on your birthday every year in the future.�� Ah, ah, ah, its banknotes! This is at least 200 taels of silver, right? Looks like the Ruyi Clothing Shop earned a lot during the Duanwu Festival? Doesn��t that mean that Shopkeeper Liu will still buy designs from me and continue to let me earn money? Aiyo, Tin so happy! I��m not showing off, but I can pay in full for Shopkeeper Qian��s shop!


    Shopkeeper Liu rolled her eyes. Oh, the way she addressed her could even be upgraded. This little money-grubber! Shopkeeper Liu poked her head with her finger that was smeared with nail varnish. ��You little baddie, you��re definitely going to eat me up, right?��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled and heard her say, ��Remember to give me cheaper prices for the designs next time!��


    Xiaoxiao said seriously, ��Come,e,e. Let��s not talk about anything else. My brother is the protagonist today!��


    Shopkeeper Liu spat at her and the men started to drink happily with the dishes on the table. Rong Yan looked at County Magistrate Shen, who kept looking at him from time to time, and walked to the kitchen.


    Xiaoxiao followed after seeing this. She waited for Rong Yan to stand still before asking, ��Are you not full?��


    Little Big Brother was too weak. He was no match for Second Brother and Shen Tianci even when snatching food. Fortunately, she was prepared. She went forward and whispered to him, ��I left a portion for you in the kitchen cab.�� Actually, it was reserved for the space. She was going to leave it for the night and exchange it for points tomorrow.


    Recently, she seemed to have spontaneously opened the Conception and Governance meridians and developed some insights on how to obtain points from space.


    For example, she would leave two small portions of each meal. One portion would be exchanged for points today, and the other for points tomorrow. This way, she would gain twice. She was happy.


    Ever since he was young, no one had been like Ning Xiaoxiao, who missed him when he went out, weed him when he came back, cared about him with every move, and no one had put in so much effort to think for him��


    She did not know who he was, nor did she care about his status. She had always only cared about him. Rong Yan did not know if he would encounter such tant favoritism in the future if he let her leave.


    Rong Yan��s gaze changed. He looked at the bright joy in Xiaoxiao��s eyes and thought about how she had interacted with him. He was touched for a moment and finally said, ��I��ll ept your kindness.�� He took off the jade pendant that he had worn for more than 10 years and handed it to Xiaoxiao. ��This is my promise to you.��


    He decided to respond to this pure feeling.


    This jade pendant was a gift from his mother and his most cherished item. It was said that his nanny picked it for him when he was born on behalf of his mother. Rong Yan had always treated it as a treasure. He carried it around every day and wiped it every day.


    Xiaoxiao did not understand the meaning of these words. She looked at the jade pendant for a long time before she came to a realization��could this be the start-up fund given by her neighbor��s Little Big Brother?


    ��This is too expensive. Why don��t we change it to something else?��


    Rong Yan��s ears were slightly hot, and his tone was a little awkward. ��I��m giving it to you. Take it.�� It was not good to be too honest. Others wished that the token was as expensive as possible, but she wanted to get a cheaper one?


    Xiaoxiao blinked and stuffed the jade pendant into her pocket.


    Perhaps Little Big Brother only had this precious thing left now. She guessed it but would not expose it.


    Rong Yan waited for a while, but she did not return the favor. He thought to himself that she was still too young. Forget it, he would wait for her.


    Xiaoxiao was still thinking about what everyone said about the dishes. She waved at Rong Yan and went back. As soon as she left, County Magistrate Shen walked in from outside. He walked straight to Rong Yan with a look of surprise. ��May 1 ask if this is the ��Young Master Ah Yan�� that Tianci often mentions?�� He probed, ��Is your name Zhao Yan, young master?��


    Rong Yan��s expression was calm as he cupped his hands and bowed. His bow was not arrogant, but it was naturally cold. ��I��m Rong Yan.��


    County Magistrate Shen��s pupils contracted. Rong was the royal surname. He said seriously, ��Greetings, Your Highness!��


    Rong Yan helped her up and didn��t let him finish the bow. ��County Magistrate Shen, there��s no need to be so polite. I don��t want to expose my identity.��


    Thinking of how his son had been disrespectful in front of the Third Prince recently, he really broke out in cold sweat for that brat who made him worry.


    Fortunately, he heard that the Third Prince was amiable and never made enemies with others��


    He was thinking about that when Rong Yan said, ��What do you n to do about the dam, County Magistrate Shen?��


    County Magistrate Shen was stunned for a moment. Then he realized something. ��Your Highness is the one who sent me the letter?��


    Rong Yan did not deny it. ��The cracks on the dam have only been repaired to the minimum. If not for the continuous rain, it would havested for about three months.��


    County Magistrate Shen frowned. ��What if it rains? It��s the rainy season in June, and the rainy seasones at will. Then����


    Rong Yan��s face darkened. ��If it rains, Yan Lu will have already been transferred. With his methods, it won��t be difficult for him to erase all evidence and push the me to the next governor.��


    County Magistrate Shen��s heart sank. Rong Yan confirmed with him. ��I remember that one of the candidates for the next governor of Luo Prefecture happens to be your senior brother?��


    The Third Prince had investigated clearly. He cupped his hands. ��It��s my senior brother, Chen Yong.��


    Rong Yan went straight to the point. ��Could you introduce him to me?��

 Chapter 174 - 174: Boss

    Chapter 174: Boss


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It started to get lively again. They didn��t know what Shen Tianci said again, but it made Ning Anhui chase after him to beat him up. The two of them felt that they had stayed in the house for too long and decided to find an opportunity to talk about it in detail next time. After all, whether it was about the dam or the strictws, it wasn��t something that could be exined in a few words.


    However, County Magistrate Shen found that the Third Prince did not follow him after a few steps, so he showed a puzzled look. Rong Yan opened the kitchen cab and took out a Cloud Cake that was said to be gone. Noticing his gaze, Rong Yan said calmly, ��Miss Ning left it for me.��


    County Magistrate Shen was speechless. Why did he feel so depressed? Was he envious? No, he was jealous.


    Because of this feeling, County Magistrate Shen, who returned to the dining room, looked at Xiaoxiao strangely. The Ning Family couple didn��t even know who he was, but it was hard to say about these children.


    County Magistrate Shen thought that they were free in front of him mainly because they were young and didn��t have any concept of officials. However, His Highness was a prince! No matter how immature they were, they should understand what the royalty meant, right? Therefore, they should really treat His Highness as an ordinary young master.


    However, since they only treated him as an ordinary young master, why did they give him special treatment? Only His Highness could eat another piece of such delicious Cloud Cake��


    Just as he did not understand, there was suddenly a knock on the door. As the host, the Ning Family naturally had to go take a look.


    Xiaoxiao was idle at this moment. The moment she opened the door, she saw an unfamiliar face. ��May 1 ask who you��re looking for?��


    Before she could finish her sentence, Shopkeeper Xu, who was behind her, walked forward excitedly as if he had seen his family. ��Boss, you��re finally here!��


    Only then did Xiaoxiao start to size up the person seriously. This young man was about 17 or 18 years old. He had an outstanding appearance and a gentle and refined temperament. One look at his appearance and one could not help but have a good impression of him. Moreover, he always gave Xiaoxiao an indescribable sense of familiarity.


    After Li Muyan nodded at Shopkeeper Xu, he cupped his hands and said to Xiaoxiao, ��This must be Miss Ning. 1 heard that my family was rude and made you suffer. 1 feel guilty, so I specially came to apologize.��


    Was it that exaggerated? Xiaoxiao didn��t know that other than reading Shopkeeper Xu��s letter, Li Muyan also knew about the recent situation of the Ruyi Clothing Shop. He even saw endless business opportunities from those few tricks. Xiaoxiao only felt that this big boss was quite approachable.


    Li Muyan even took a few gift boxes from the servant beside him. ��It��s not early today, so 1 won��t disturb you anymore. I hope that Miss Ning wille to the Fragrance Restaurant when you��re free and let me do myte hosting duty.�� Xiaoxiao��s first impression of this person was not bad. Looking at the carriage waiting in the corner outside the door and Li Muyan��s travel-worn appearance, Xiaoxiao knew that he must have rushed over from his busy schedule.


    Initially, she was indeed very unhappy about Fragrance Restaurant breaking the contract. She also vented her anger on their Boss, whom she had never met before. She felt that He Ruhuan had more or less obtained their Boss��s approval for daring to do that, so it was not unjustified for her to vent her anger. However, after Li Muyan expressed his stance, she felt that there might really be a misunderstanding.


    Sheughed at herself for transmigrating and really living like a child.


    ��Young Master Li is too kind.��


    Just as she was about to say something, Xiaoxiao��s sensitive ears heard a gurgling sound. The words that were about toe out of her mouth turned into, ��Are you hungry because you haven��t eaten? Do you want toe in and eat?��


    Li Muyan was stunned for a moment. To be honest, his words and behavior just now had a deliberate purpose. However, when this inexperienced youngdy really asked such a question sincerely, he actually felt inferior for the first time.


    Of course, it was only for a moment. All these years, he was no longer the little master who would blush when he spoke. Hence, he quickly adjusted his expression and cupped his hands again. ��I��m preparing to go back now. Miss Ning, you don��t have to trouble yourself.��


    Xiaoxiao did not intend to force him, but he was a guest. Today was Big Brother��s birthday, and this person��s shop had let her earn money. He even brought a gift. No matter what, she could not let him leave empty-handed.


    Xiaoxiao told him to wait a moment and ran back to the kitchen to open the cab. She took out a few sponge cakes from her space under the cover of the partition and ran back.


    Rong Yan, who was eating cake, finished his extra meal curiously and followed her. Then, he saw Xiaoxiao hand the bamboo basket filled with pastries to an unfamiliar man. ��Take it and eat it on the way.��


    This waspletely Xiaoxiao��s instinctive behavior of treating herself as a big sister and taking care of a child. However, in Rong Yan��s eyes, he felt that this behavior was quite familiar and irritating.


    Li Muyan originally wanted to reject her, but this was a snack made by Xiaoxiao. When the fragrance wafted out, it did not intend to give anyone the right to reject it. Li Muyan was no exception. The moment he smelled the smell, his hand that was pushing out turned around and hooked onto the basket. He said, ��Thank you, Miss Ning. It��s impolite for me to reject you.��


    Xiaoxiao even exined to him, ��This is a snack made of eggs and flour. It��s called sponge cake.��


    Rong Yan, who had already eaten thetest version of Cloud Cake, feltfortable.


    Li Muyan nodded. He really nned to leave this time.


    He had just turned around when he heard a very familiar voice using him.


    ��Li Muyan? Why are you here?��


    ��Ning Xiaoxiao! Didn��t you just say that there��s no more Cloud Cake?!��


    Mrs. Shen patted the back of his head. ��How rude. Call him Cousin!��


    Shen Tianci immediately changed his words. ��Mother! Cousin snatched our food!��


    Mrs. Shen: ��My head hurts��


    Li Muyan narrowed his eyes and picked up a soft snack from the basket before handing it to his follower to put on the carriage. Then, he opened his mouth and bit down hard in front of Shen Tianci. He was just trying to anger him, but in the next moment, his chewing paused because of the soft texture. Li Muyan praised sincerely, ��It��s very delicious! Miss Ning, is this snack called Cloud Cake?��


    Shen Tianci was no longer angry when he saw what he was eating. He ced his hands on his hips and said proudly, ��Hehe, so you��re eating sponge cake! Let me tell you, I have already eaten it. The Cloud Cake 1 ate today is even sweeter and softer than sponge cake. You definitely haven��t eaten it before! Ning Xiaoxiao is so kind. What a friend!��


    Xiaoxiao, who did not understand, was speechless.


    She coughed lightly. ��1 just saw that this young master was in a hurry and didn��t have time to do anything else.��


    Li Muyan looked at Shen Tianci in surprise. ��Cousin, you��re much sharper than before.�� Unlike before, when he was angry with Shen Tianci, this guy only knew how to cry and look for his mother.


    Shen Tianci continued to put his hands on his hips. ��Of course. After all, I��m young and my reaction speed is much better than an old man like you!��


    The 17-year-old ��old man�� Li Muyan: {�� Cousin is more adorable with a stupid mouth.]


    Seeing that the two of them were about to argue again, Mrs. Shen hurriedly came out to smooth things over. ��When did youe back?��


    Since they had met, they decided to go back together. Just as they were about to get into the carriage, a figure walked towards the Ning Family so quickly that Xiaoxiao did not even have time to gather the gifts in the courtyard into the house.


    Second Uncle Ning��s eyes lit up when he saw the value of these items in the courtyard. However, he still tried his best to keep a straight face. ��Ning Xiaoxiao, it��s fine if you don��t respect your elders, but you even harmed my unborn son with outsiders!��


    Xiaoxiao��s face was wooden.. ��What are you up to now?��

 Chapter 175 - 175: Second Uncle, You’re Quite Amazing

    Chapter 175: Second Uncle, You��re Quite Amazing


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    What was this?! Second Uncle Ning thought that as long as he wasn��t embarrassed, others would be the ones embarrassed. He directly ignored Xiaoxiao��sints. ��I��m here to settle scores with you! Let me tell you, your Second Aunt��s stomach didn��t feel good when she came back from your house yesterday. If anything happens to my son, you won��t be able to escape responsibility!��


    He nced at Rong Yan. He was actually prepared to use him, but when he met the little young master��s eyes, he could only say, ��Y-you. Don��t even think about running away!��


    Xiaoxiao asked him, ��Second Aunt was fine when she went back yesterday. So many people in the vige were watching. Little Big Brother��s guards didn��t even touch her when they sent her back. Second Uncle, what kind of muddle-headed debt is this?��


    ��Don��t tell me that she bumped onto the bamboo pole. I��ve yed with Doggie, Donkey and Egg. Nothing happened!��


    Yun Er and Yun San came to a realization��so Miss Ning invited them to carry her around for this! She was nning ahead! They actually thought that she was just doing it for fun. They were really ashamed.


    Putting herself in his shoes, Mrs. Shen felt that the Ning Family probably didn��t want outsiders to see their mess, so she didn��t say anything. Li Muyan quickly identified Second Uncle Ning and guessed that he was the greedy rtive of the Ning Family who colluded with the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant.


    Second Uncle Ning knew that after his eldest brother��s family started selling food, there would often be a rich familying to his brother��s house to eat and buy things. However, he didn��t expect so many people toe. Fortunately, Li Muyan came in a hurry today and didn��t have time to tidy up after running around for a few days. The Shen family also deliberately kept a low profile. Otherwise, Second Uncle Ning wouldn��t be able to find his eyeballs.


    Even so, that restless gaze was still unpleasant. Xiaoxiao was short and could not block his gaze, so she could only apologize to the guests and ask them to forgive her for not being able to send them off.


    Of course, everyone understood. However, Shen Tianci, who was about to leave, jumped out of the carriage restlessly and stared at Xiaoxiao as he asked Mrs. Shen.


    ��Ning Xiaoxiao��s elders aren��t good people. Will she be bullied?��


    Xiaoxiao sighed. ��With Second Uncle��s intelligence, you should know that pretending to be sick is useless when you meet a doctor, right?��


    Second Uncle Ning said confidently, ��Why? Do you think I will lie to a little girl like you?��


    ��Your Second Aunt was frightened after being bitten by your beast. That��s why she almost had a miscarriage. She��s in danger now!��


    Xiaoxiao asked him, ��Are you sure?��


    Second Uncle Ning nodded firmly. Xiaoxiao asked again, ��Did Doctor He make the diagnosis?��


    Second Uncle Ning rolled his eyes in disdain. ��That old fool�� I mean what does that doctor know? Listen carefully. The person who checked your Second Aunt��s pulse this time is a divine doctor!��


    He did not notice that an unfamiliar young master in the courtyard looked up at him with an ambiguous gaze and was still bragging. ��Do you know the county magistrate of our county?��


    County Magistrate Shen lifted the curtain and looked at the setting sun.


    Xiaoxiao was silent for a moment before she nodded.


    Second Uncle Ning continued, ��Then do you know who the county magistrate��s wife is?��


    Mrs. Shen, who was also in the carriage, used the afterglow to admire the nail varnish that had just been applied on her fingernails.


    Xiaoxiao continued to remain silent. Second Uncle Ning looked at her as if she was an ignorant child and then bragged, ��You should know the Li Family, the richest family in Jiangnan, right?��


    Li Muyan, who had rushed over and was about to leave in a hurry, patted the dust off his clothes and retracted his boots from the carriage��s footstool with a gentle smile.


    Xiaoxiao��s face was wooden and she did not want to express her stance.


    Second Uncle Ning put his hands behind his back and looked smug as if he was talking about his own matters. ��The Li Family is a family that can throw money away for fun. Our county magistrate��s wife is the daughter of the Li Family. Sigh, you won��t understand even if I tell you this. Let me tell you, Old Madam Li has been very sick recently. The Li Family and the Shen Family are unanimously looking for a divine doctor to treat her. It��s said that this divine doctor can revive the dead. No matter what kind of difficult illness it is, it will definitely be cured����


    Interrupting his increasingly nonsensical bragging, Xiaoxiao asked, ��Don��t tell me you��re going to say that this divine doctor was the one who treated Second Aunt?��


    Second Uncle Ning��s eyebrows were about to fly up. ��Of course. This miracle doctor is elusive. Ordinary people don��t have the chance to see him. It was only yesterday that your Second Uncle happened to save the miracle doctor who had fainted on the mountain. In return, he treated your Second Aunt. When he did, I realized that my wife was almost killed by you!��


    Xiaoxiao was puzzled. ��But we didn��t touch Second Aunt yesterday. In order to prevent her from getting injured, we didn��t even let her walk much. It was Yun Er and Yun San who carried her back. Don��t tell me that she can get sick lying down. Second Aunt really has to be careful even when she breathes.��


    ��Even if this divine doctor is as godly as you say and really came to the mountain near our Fortune Vige for no reason, it��s really a coincidence that he fainted outside and was saved by you. Second Uncle, if you say that Second Aunt was bitten by my Walnut, I won��t admit it even if 1 didn��t see Second Aunt��s wound.��


    Second Uncle Ning immediately put on the face of a victim. ��Ning Xiaoxiao, if you admit your mistake honestly, I��ll just let you pay for the medical fees. If you don��t repent, I��ll sue you in court!��


    ��Don��t me me for not reminding you. This divine doctor is going to treat the county magistrate��s mother-inw. When the timees, he��ll hit you with the paddle 20 times first. Let��s see if you��re afraid!��


    Xiaoxiao was neither anxious nor angry. As Second Uncle Ning spoke, she counted in detail. ��In a sense, Second Uncle, you��re quite impressive.�� Other than the godly doctor that she had never heard of, everyone present was actually named by him.


    Naturally, Second Uncle Ning couldn��t understand the ridicule in Xiaoxiao��s words and thought that Xiaoxiao was bluffing. ��If you know that you��re afraid, why aren��t you being honest����


    Ning Fengnian frowned as he stood in front of his children.


    ��Second Brother, I don��t believe what you said.��


    Second Uncle Ning looked at his older brother, who was very different from before, in disbelief. ��What did you say?��


    Ning Fengnian looked at the chubby Walnut in Xiaoxiao��s arms. ��Our Walnut won��t bite.��


    Second Uncle Ning snorted. ��Who doesn��t say that their animals are obedient? Is Cuihua going to suffer for nothing just because of your words?��


    ��Let me tell you, this beast raised by your family is very fierce. There��s a huge wound on Cuihua��s leg. Yesterday, it was covered by her pants and clothes and no one discovered it. When 1 went home, I took a look. Aiyo, it��s simply unbelievably miserable!��


    Xiaoxiao seemed to be very curious as she asked, ��Second Aunt was bitten by my dog. Is this also what the divine doctor said?��


    Second Uncle Ning puffed out his chest. ��Of course. The divine doctor is amazing. He could tell at a nce that your Second Aunt��s illness was caused by this beast��s bite! Let me tell you, don��t try to deny it! I��m the one in the right when I tell the county office about this!��


    Ning Fengnian was about to say something when Xiaoxiao tugged at his sleeve and shook her head.


    At this moment, Second Uncle Ning��s gaze wandered. He looked at the two carriages at the door and then at the gift boxes that the Ning Family had yet to put away. The greed in his heart grew.


    The carriage was not big, but it was still a carriage. It was a carriage that only noble Masters could afford!


    When did Big Brother get to know these rich Masters?

 Chapter 176 - 176: A Larger Appetite

    Chapter 176: A Larger Appetite


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Initially, he only wanted to cheat them 10 or 20 taels. Now, it seemed that he could clearly magnify his appetite.


    Taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention to him, Second Uncle Ning moved to the side of the gift box. ��Big Brother, it��s not that I want to scold you, but you��re already rich now. Do you still want to me me for this?��


    As he spoke, he opened a gift box and looked at the chubby ginseng inside. Second Uncle Ning��s eyes widened.


    His mind raced and he pped his thigh. ��Aiyo, what a coincidence. The divine doctor happened to say that Cuihua needs the old ginseng to keep her alive. I think yours will do. Your family obviously doesn��t need it. I��ll take it away to save her!��


    Just as he was about to run away with the things, Rong Yan turned his body to block the way. At the same time, he stretched out his leg and tripped. Second Uncle Ning fell down because he was in a hurry. However, when he fell, his arms were empty. The ginseng box that he was hugging very tightly appeared in Rong Yan��s hand for no reason.


    Rong Yan held the box with one hand and handed it to Xiaoxiao, who was full of admiration. Young man, you��re so skilled and handsome!


    Madam Song couldn��t help but want to flick her head. Xiaoxiao hurriedly kept her expression and said seriously, ��1 mean thank you, thank you! Little Big Brother helped when he saw injustice. He��s really a chivalrous man!��


    Madam Song was unhappy. What kind of nonsense was this?! Only Ah Yan had a good temper and let this girl talk nonsense.


    Second Uncle Ning got up from the ground and said angrily, ��This is the Ning Family��s business. Zhao�� you dog�� why are you interfering as an outsider!��


    He actually wanted to say that Zhao Yan was a busybody, but when he met Zhao Yan��s gaze, he didn��t even dare to call him by his name. How could he say such nonsense?


    Without waiting for Rong Yan to answer, Xiaoxiao put her hands on her hips and spat at him. ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan is not an outsider!��


    Rong Yan felt his face heat up. Xiaoxiao did not realize that she had said something that could easily be misunderstood. He thought to himself, I��m her partner. Why am 1 called an outsider?! He hugged the gift box and wanted to smash it on Second Uncle Ning��s head.


    ��People like you who are so sweet-talking and scheming for my things are outsiders!��


    Second Uncle Ning spat on the ground. ��What do you mean by scheming? It��s clearly your animal who bit your Second Aunt!��


    Everyone from the eldest branch had cold expressions. Xiaoxiao even chuckled. ��Second Uncle, it��s not toote to turn back. Do you want to consider it?��


    Second Uncle Ning was d that he had foresight. ��If you don��t believe me, you can follow me back to take a look!��


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows. Oh, you��re ying quite big?


    She shook the heavy Walnut in her hand. ��Alright, go and clear our Little Walnut��s name.��


    Second Uncle Ning secretly mocked this brat for being naive and actually walked over first. ��Hurry up. Cuihua is waiting for the money to save her life.�� Xiaoxiao felt that something was wrong. She took two steps before stopping. Because her hands were carrying the dog, she could only tiptoe to Rong Yan��s ear. ��Little Big Brother All Yan, can you help pay attention to the movements inside and outside my houseter?��


    The girl��s sweet breath blew to his ears. It was hot and numb. Rong Yan slipped and forced himself to be calm. ��Okay.��


    After Xiaoxiao walked far away, he raised his hand and rubbed his ears. It turned out that he was ticklish and did not know it in the past.


    ��Yun Wu, Yun Er, stay. Yun Yi, Yun San, follow me.�� He was worried about Ning Xiaoxiao. Since he had epted her intentions, he naturally had to protect her.


    The Ning Family left with Second Uncle Ning. Shen Tianci patted the wall of the carriage. ��Father, Mother, you can leave first. Ning Xiaoxiao and the others are my friends! If I sit back and watch my friends be bullied, what right do 1 have to read the books of the sages in the future?!��


    The curtain of the carriage was lifted, and County Magistrate Shen and his wife came down one after another. ��Who said that we are leaving?��


    Shen Tianci was confused. County Magistrate Shen said, ��We have eaten so much of their food. Can we just watch the Ning Family being bullied? Besides, Ning Fengcai has mentioned your mother and me. We should go and take a look.��


    ��But�� since when did you study the sages�� books obediently?��


    Li Muyanughed rudely. Then, the curtain of his carriage was lifted and a young master in white walked out. This young master��s face was as cold as ice, and his tone was cold and arrogant. ��Divine doctor?��


    ��I want to go and meet him.�� After saying that, he followed.


    Li Muyan chased after him helplessly. ��Brother Gongsun, Mr. Gongsun? Doctor Gongsun? Don��t walk so quickly. Be careful not to be beaten up for causing trouble!��


    ��Shopkeeper Xu, Shopkeeper Liu, go back first. We��ll discuss anything tomorrow.��


    Unknowingly, the Ning Family had a tail behind them.


    Rong Yan was also among them. He was calmly taking a note from Yun Yi.


    It turned out that Second Uncle Ning had been idle these few days and was actually addicted to gambling. In just a few days, he already owed the gambling house dozens of taels. No wonder he was more unorganized than before and used any means to cheat others. All he could see was money.


    At the back of the crowd, County Magistrate Shen sighed and said to Mrs. Shen, ��Previously, the butler was worried that the children of the Ning Family were insensible and used my reputation to do whatever they wanted. I didn��t expect that these children could keep theirposure. Their second uncle is so bold that he dares to use me as a cover.��


    After talcing note of his surroundings, he lowered his voice and said, ��But your nephew doesn��t wake up early without benefits. Why is he suddenly concerned about the trivial matters of the Ning Family?��


    Mrs. Shen red at him. ��What are you talking about? What do you mean by ��not waking up early without benefits��? It��s so unpleasant! I think Tianci learned it from you!��


    Then, he said, ��Perhaps he has the intention to rope in Xiaoxiao again. He must have heard what Fie Ruhuan did.��


    County Magistrate Shenughed so hard that his image was ruined. ��Then why didn��t you tell him that you have decided to cooperate with the Ning girl?��


    Mrs. Shen slowly turned to look at her husband. ��I just didn��t have time to say����


    She didn��t do it on purpose.


    She did not hold a grudge because her dowry was confiscated by Li Muyan��s mother when she got married, nor did she mind that her second sister-inw annoyed her and guarded against her as if she was a thief. Naturally, she did not mind that the olddy of the Li Family had forced her to get married early in order to firmly hold the Li Family in her hands and almost ruined her marriage.


    As for the new family rules that were specially set for her and made her promise not to interfere in her maternal family��s matters and not to get involved in her maternal family��s business, she obviously didn��t care!


    Fortune Vige was only so big. Soon, everyone arrived outside the Ning Family��s old residence. Old Madam Ning was originally standing guard at the door. When she saw them, she coughed hard. Second Aunt Ning, who was in the house, immediately fell into character and started howling. Uncle Ning pushed open the door and frowned. ��Mother, are you done? How can I read when it��s so noisy?��


    Old Madam Ning immediately coaxed him nicely. ��Number Three, bear with it for a while. Didn��t you say yesterday that you liked an inkstone? I��ll buy it for you tomorrow after I teach your brothers a lesson.��


    Third Uncle Ning snorted and closed the door in the end..

 Chapter 177 - 177: Little Aunt Ning

    Chapter 177: Little Aunt Ning


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After Big Brother and Big Sister-inw left, this house became more and more out of ce. Eating and drinking were one thing, but more importantly, he didn��t have money. He just wanted to buy the Four Treasures of the Study, but his mother actually said that she could not fork out the money.


    Not long after, he was going to participate in the county examination. If he passed, he would be a Xiucai. Wouldn��t he beughed at if he didn��t even have a decent brush, ink, paper, and inkstone? Big Brother was really too much. After sharing it out in a fit of pique, he didn��t even give his parents any filial money.


    He heard from the vigers that Big Brother��s family had meat every meal now and was much morefortable than their old residence. They had the money to buy food, but they actually did not think of him, their younger brother? He should have been taught a lesson by his mother, but his mother and Second Sister-inw were too noisy. How could he study under such circumstances?


    At the thought of this, he put down the book he had just picked up and slowly moved to the bed, nning to take a nap first.


    In Little Aunt Ning��s room next door, she looked at herself in the mirror for a long time. No matter how she looked at it, she felt that these people brought by the matchmaker were not worthy of her. Her mother wanted to teach her brother a lesson, but she was not interested in watching. She walked to the window outside and pushed it open to look at the scenery. She happened to see a few young masters appearing from afar.


    The white-robed young master��s face was cold. He did not look easy to get close to, but his aura was very simr to the noble people written in the book.


    The blue-robed young master was gentle and refined. He had a smile on his face, and the jade crown that tied his hair up shone under the sunlight. It was obvious that it was expensive. He had two jade pendants at his waist and a thumb ring on his hand. Oh my god, how rich was this person?


    Behind him was a little fatty. Although his figure was a littlecking, he had delicate skin and tender flesh. He wore a golden cor with a longevity lock around his neck. The dark patterns on his clothes were dazzling under the setting sun. When he walked, he held his head high with his hands behind his back. He looked like the young masters of the influential families in the county.


    Just as she was wondering when so many outstanding young masters came to the vige, she saw an unforgettable handsome face. How could there be such a good-looking man in the world? Wasn��t this the ��face like jade, sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, high nose bridge, red lips, white teeth�� in the book?! This young master didn��t have the proud posture of the fat young master in front of him when he walked, but he had a noble aura that was difficult to ignore.


    She looked again and saw that these young masters were actuallying to her house. She lowered her head and looked at the blind date booklet. Little Aunt Ning held her face and was infatuated. Could they be here to take a look at her?


    Didn��t the matchmaker juste? Aiya, aiya, every one of them was so outstanding. Who should she choose?


    Goosebumps appeared on Shen Tianci��s head. He looked around strangely and met Little Aunt Ning��s heavily made-up face.


    The most terrifying thing was that she even winked at him.


    Shen Tianci hid behind Mrs. Shen. ��Mother, I��m afraid!��


    Li Muyan��s mocking words were already on his lips. He turned around and saw Little Aunt Ning��s face in the window frame. He suddenly felt that Shen Tianci��s fear was not unjustified. Little Aunt Ning saw that the second young master also met her eyes and waved her handkerchief, giggling.


    Li Muyan grabbed the cold-faced young master and pulled him in front of him. Gongsun Zhongjing looked impatient. ��What are you doing?�� He was in a hurry to see which bastard was pretending to be a divine doctor.


    Li Muyan��s smile remained, and his tone was irritating too. ��I��m afraid too.��


    Rong Yan, who was behind them as he was reading the secret letter, strode past them and ignored Little Aunt Ning who was still trying her best to show off.


    ��What an eyesore.�� Before he finished his sentence, he flipped a stone with his fingertips and it hit the window frame. The wooden frame Little Aunt Ning and she cried out in pain. She touched her nose and hurriedly rushed to the bronze mirror. She almost fainted when she saw her nose bleed, but she did not dare to open the window again.


    As if he had been pardoned, Shen Tianci rushed forward and elbowed Rong Yan. ��Zhao Yan, you��re really smart! Decisive! Well done!��


    County Magistrate Shen was speechless. He must have owed this bastard son in his previous life!


    At this moment, there was no one at the gate of the old residence. County Magistrate Shen��s family stopped at the door out of etiquette and were too embarrassed to enter the house directly. However, Rong Yan only asked at the door, ��Can Ie in?�� Then he walked straight to the ce where there was a sound.


    If they did not answer, it was a tacit agreement.


    The county magistrate was shocked. That work too?


    Although Li Muyan did not know Rong Yan��s identity, he also felt that he was an interesting person. He turned to Gongsun Zhongjing and raised his eyebrows. ��Are you going in? Are you going to meet that divine doctor?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing, who was also the young master in white, let out a cold snort filled with disdain from his nostrils and did not move.


    Li Muyan clicked his tongue and pulled him away. ��Alright, alright. Take it that I forced you to go. I��m the one who��s interested, alright?��


    When Xiaoxiao and the others came, they heard screaming in the room. Those who didn��t know better would think that Second Aunt was about to give birth. They said that they wanted to see Second Aunt Ning. Old Madam Ning scolded them indirectly but didn��t stop them.


    Xiaoxiao watched curiously as Second Uncle Ning confidently raised Second Aunt��s pants, revealing a chunk of fat and thick calf.


    There were several rows of bloody holes on her calf that kept bleeding. Not only that, but the ce where Second Aunt Ning was lying was also blood-red. Her rolled-up pants were quickly stained with blood. Her eyes were dazed, and she was biting a ball of cloth with tears and snot all over her face.


    ��Did you see that?�� Second Uncle Ning was very smug, as if he didn��t see Second Aunt Ning��s pain. He only raised his eyebrows at the Ning Family. ��Other than the injury on her calf, Cuihua was also bleeding. However, Big Brother, you don��t have the face to check that, right? What else do you have to say now?�� Second Aunt Ning��s head was covered in sweat. It was unknown if it was from the heat, pain, or embarrassment.


    With her eyes covered by a pair of hands, Xiaoxiao turned around. ��Little Big Brother All Yan, you��re here too?��


    Rong Yan nodded, and Xiaoxiao pushed his hand away. ��Don��t worry, I��m not afraid. I still have to look at the ��fang marks�� on Second Aunt��s leg.��


    Xiaoxiao started to admire Second Uncle Ning. In order to trick them, Second Uncle was really ruthless.


    No matter how hateful Second Aunt Ning was, she was still his wife. How could he bear to humiliate her like this?


    Second Uncle Ning, on the other hand, only cared about his foresight. Fortunately, Buttface was well-informed and knew that the Li Family was looking for a miracle doctor. Moreover, they really found him. That was why he had an idea and found a quack to act with them.


    Big Brother had been digging in the soil all his life. His entire family had never seen the world, so how could they know what a divine doctor or a county magistrate was? They were all bluffed by him. When they got the moneyter, they would go to the gambling house to gamble. Wouldn��t they be rich?!


    As for the wound, he found a rake and stabbed her a few times. He could say that she was bitten by a mad dog. Who could refute that?


    It was just that this woman was too delicate. She almost ruined his ns.


    Ning Fengnian was indeed frightened when he saw so much blood. Madam Song also asked in shock, ��Why didn��t you apply the medicine for her?��


    Old Madam Ning had been holding back her anger these past few days. No matter what, she raised her hand and was about to hit someone. ��If you don��t pay, how can we afford the medicine?��


    Fortunately, Xiaoxiao paid attention to her movements and pulled her parents away. The olddy even staggered when she missed hitting them. She became even angrier.. ��It��s you again, Wastrel?��

 Chapter 178 - 178: Why Didn’t You Say It Earlier?

    Chapter 178: Why Didn��t You Say It Earlier?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao was not angry. ��Grandma, you��re wrong. Now, Dad, Mom, and Brothers all say that I��m the best at earning money in the entire family. I��m the little God of Fortune.��


    Old Madam Ning was refuted and couldn��t be bothered to say anything else. She only nced at Second Uncle Ning and then at the people from the eldest branch. ��Did you bring the silver?��


    Ning Fengnian did not hesitate. He gritted his teeth and said, ��Mother, Second Sister-inw��s injuries have nothing to do with us.��


    Xiaoxiao was very gratified. Her father was no longer the obedient and honest person who let the old residence do whatever they wanted.


    Old Madam Ning was also stunned for a moment before she flew into a rage. ��Alright, Ning Fengnian, are you going to be an ingrate now? If 1 hadn��t saved Fengcai��s milk to feed you back then����


    Madam Song also straightened her back and said loudly, ��Mother, this matter has already been let go. You promised yourself that you wouldn��t mention it again! Second Sister-inw��s injury couldn��t have been bitten by Walnut!��


    If it weren��t for the fact that the asion wasn��t right, Xiaoxiao would have apuded andughed three times. So what if the old residence was pestering them? As long as her family was united, she was confident that her future would be bright. Now that her parents had stood up for what was right, what was there to worry about?


    Old Madam Ning suffered consecutive setbacks, and her facial features were about to twist. ��Bullsh*t! The evidence is right in front of you. How dare you deny it?��


    Second Uncle Ning also pulled a long face. ��Brother, look at how painful your sister-inw is. She only went to your house yesterday. The moment she returned, the vige chief asked her to stay at home and not go out. Tell me with your conscience that this injury wasn��t caused by the beast you raised. Who else could it be? Are you going to watch your sister-inw die because of you?��


    Xiaoxiao really admired his boldness to curse his wife and child just for money, but they definitely did not have money. They would not give it to him even if they threw it away.


    She hugged the Walnut and deliberately asked in confusion, ��But Second Uncle, Second Aunt��s injury doesn��t look like a bite mark. It looks more like����


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao saw an unfamiliar young master in white walk to Second Aunt Ning��s side. He stared at her wound and reached out to press it. Then, he took out a medicine bottle from his sleeve and nned to apply the medicine.


    Second Uncle Ning couldn��t take it anymore. ��Who are you? What do you want to do to my wife?��


    The young master in white didn��t like to talk. Xiaoxiao guessed, ��He probably ns to treat Second Aunt��s injuries.��


    Second Uncle Ning looked at the young master in white��s young face and immediately mocked, ��Where did this immature brate from? He��s not even grown up yet and he��s pretending to be a doctor?��


    Li Muyan smiled evilly while Gongsun Zhongjing held the medicine bottle. ��Her wound has rust. If we don��t clean it����


    Second Uncle Ning interrupted him guiltily. ��What rust? What nonsense are you talking about? How can there be rust where the dog bit her?!��


    Gongsun Zhongjing was not a patient person to begin with. Usually, it was always others begging him to see a doctor. He only nned to help because of his instincts when he saw the injured person. Seeing that Second Uncle Ning did not know what was good for him, he simply flicked his sleeve and did not speak.


    On the other hand, Xiaoxiao reminded him humanitarianly, ��Second Uncle, you should listen to her. Second Aunt��s injuries will be serious if they��re not treated properly, especially since she��s pregnant.��


    Although she hated Second Aunt, she did not want the little life in her stomach to be implicated. If her wound was caused by rusty iron and was not treated properly, it was very likely that she would have tetanus.


    Gongsun Zhongjing raised his eyebrows and nced at Second Aunt Ning��s pulse.


    Li Muyan opened his fan and leaned towards him. ��If you want to treat her, treat her.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing snorted, and Li Muyan scolded him. ��You��re so prideful.��


    Xiaoxiao��s heart skipped a beat. The way she looked at the two of them gradually became vulgar�� All no, it was with interest.


    Seeing that the young master in white had looked at Second Aunt Ning, who was lying weakly on the bed, a few times, she coughed lightly. ��Doctor, my Second Uncle is a blind and ungrateful person. A dark and shameless person like him can��t understand your kindness as a doctor.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing��s face was still cold. He thought that this family member would definitely ask him to be magnanimous. Hmph, why should he?


    Then, he heard Xiaoxiao say, ��It��s only right for you to be angry with him. Don��t forgive him.��


    Li Muyan stopped fanning himself. He was a little surprised, but when he thought of the matter between the Ning Family��s eldest branch and the old residence, he understood. Their rtionship was already at odds. It was human nature for her to do this. After all, not everyone was willing to be a fool who repay evil with kindness.


    However, Xiaoxiao changed the topic. ��But your kindness shouldn��t be let down. May I trouble you to give us a prescription?��


    Li Muyan watched in disbelief as this bad-tempered fellow, who had been pestered by him for months, really reached out and ced his hand on the patient��s wrist. At the same time, he said, ��Brush and paper.��


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and went to the kitchen stove with ease to take a piece of ck wood and sharpen it. Then, she tore off a corner of Second Aunt Ning��s clothes. ��We only have this. Can you use it?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing was in a difficult position. Seeing this, Xiaoxiao asked again, ��Then tell me. 1��11 write it?��


    Second Uncle Ning wanted to stop them, but Yun Yi and the others stood in a row with their arms crossed. He couldn��t squeeze through at all and could only bark helplessly. ��Let me tell you, the evidence is irrefutable. Don��t think of doing anything! Liu Cuihua, are you stupid? Hurry up and kick her away!��


    Liu Cuihua was Second Aunt Ning��s real name, but Second Uncle had not called her that for a long time. He only knew how to call her ��Hey��, ��Yo��, ��you b*tch��.


    Second Aunt Ning was stunned for a moment. Just as she was hesitating if she should do as she was told, she saw Xiaoxiao, who was recording the prescription, look up at her. ��Second Aunt, you have to think carefully. Second Uncle is hurting you for his own benefit, but this doctor is saving you�� and the child in your stomach.��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t keep the prescription for herself after she finished writing it. Instead, she stuffed it into Second Aunt Ning��s palm. ��Second Aunt, if you want to live well with the child, ept it.��


    Second Aunt Ning opened her swollen eyelids with difficulty. Her heart was filled withplicated emotions, but with a move of her fingers, she really gripped the prescription tightly. No matter what, she knew how to cherish her life.


    Second Uncle Ning shouted, ��Don��t do those useless things! Hurry up and pay up. Beat that biting beast to death next!��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. She took the Walnut from Second Brother and walked a few steps to Second Uncle Ning. Second Uncle Ning shuddered and screamed as he retreated, scaring the dog.


    Xiaoxiao hurriedly patted the Walnut tofort it.


    Second Uncle Ning pointed at her and scolded, ��You brat, what are you trying to do?! Did you let this beast bite your Second Aunt and now you want to harm me?��


    Xiaoxiao sighed. She did not expect Second Uncle to understand her with his stupidity. She raised the little Walnut high. ��Second Uncle, did you see that? My Walnut has yet to grow teeth. It��s not the match when ites to biting people.��


    She was different from what Li Muyan had imagined. This was the first time he had seen someone retort calmly while secretly mocking the other party for being a beast.


    From the corner of his eye, Li Muyan saw Shen Tianci��s excited expression. He wanted to take a pen and paper to record it. Li Muyan suddenly knew the reason for his cousin��s change in eloquence.


    Second Uncle Ning really hadn��t expected this. Seeing that this dog was big, he thought that it must be an adult dog.. ��Why didn��t you say so earlier?��

 Chapter 179 - 179: Try Touching Her

    Chapter 179: Try Touching Her


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao stroked the fur of the dog in her arms. ��To be honest, I did it on purpose. I just want to see you, no, 1 want to see what the people in the old residence are up to again.��


    ��Do you think my family is easy to bully? So we can only let you take, deceive, humiliate, and hurt us for the rest of my life?��


    ��Second Uncle, the heavens are watching. Those who do evil will die.��


    Second Uncle Ning gritted his teeth. He didn��t expect to be counter-attacked. In the past, this brat was silly and didn��t retaliate when he scolded or hit her. Now, she was sharp-tongued and unreasonable!


    Speaking of which, it was all this brat��s fault that he had encountered obstacles these days!


    If not for the fact that she was petty and hid the pickled vegetables like they were treasures, how could he have offended the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant?


    If not for the fact that she only cared about her family��s wealth and had no intention of taking out the Ruyi bun��s secret recipe, why would he take the risk and almost die?


    If he had not suffered consecutive setbacks, why would he enter the casino on impulse?


    If she had not gossiped and spread rumors, how could he have been criticized and despised everywhere in the vige? He could not even find a decent job?


    Now that he had been harmed to this extent, it was not easy for him to think of a n to remedy it, but she came to cause trouble again! She was simply a jinx!


    ��You impudent bastard!�� After squeezing out these words from between his teeth, Second Uncle Ning finally couldn��t help but pick up the thick wooden stick by the bed and was about to swing it down. Xiaoxiao stared at his ferocious face as an image shed across her mind.


    While she was in a daze, Second Uncle Ning became bold. He swung his arm with all his might and then heard a loud bang.


    Second Uncle Ning arched his body and flew backward, knocking the cabs in the room to the ground. Rong Yan retracted his leg with a cold expression and patted the dust off it. His tone was so cold that ice could fall off. ��1 dare you to touch her.��


    Second Uncle Ning was indescribably miserable.


    Although she did not intend to be beaten up obediently, Xiaoxiao felt her heart beat faster when she saw his back in front of her just now. She pressed her chest and thought to herself that she should not be moved with this age difference.


    Second Uncle Ning suddenly felt that this kick was about to shift his heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. He covered his stomach that had been kicked head-on and couldn��t even breathe. ��You��re�� killing me to silence me. Y-you��re disregarding human lives!��


    Yun Yi, who had not been seen for a long time, came in from outside the house. He stepped over Second Uncle Ning, who was struggling at death��s door, and presented a broken rake that was still stained with blood. ��Master, 1 found this in his woodshed.��


    Rong Yan found it dirty and did not touch it. He only asked coldly, ��I��m afraid you��re the ones who disregard human lives, right?��


    Ning Fengnian and the others had yet to understand what this rake meant, but everyone could see Second Uncle Ning��s intentions clearly just now. Ning Fengnian went forward and grabbed his cor. ��What did you want to do just now? Huh? What do you want to do?��


    ��Xiaoxiao is your niece. How could she withstand that swing?��


    Second Uncle Ning tilted his head and spat out a mouthful of blood. His attitude was still sloppy. ��She instructed the animals at home to bite people. I��m just teaching her a lesson for you. What��s the big deal?��


    Ning Fengnian threw a punch, and Second Uncle Ning��s head was hit to the side in shock. He coughed and spat out two teeth.


    ��Where did you get the right to lecture my daughter!��


    In pain, Second Uncle Ning blurted out, ��What daughter? She��s clearly�� Ah!��


    This time, it was Ning Ansheng who stepped on his face and stopped thetter half of his sentence.


    Second Uncle Ning shouted crazily, ��Murder! Murder! Ning Dng, I��m your elder!��


    Ning Ansheng exerted more force on his feet. ��You��re old but not kind. Why are you calling yourself an elder?��


    Second Uncle Ning had no choice but to seek external help. ��Mother! Mother, save me! Big Brother��s family wants to kill me!��


    Only then did Old Madam Ning, who was so frightened that she lost her ability to react, remember to make a scene. ��Ning Fengnian! How dare you behave atrociously in my house! Do you still have me in your eyes? Do you still have your father?! Stop! Did you hear me? I told you to stop!��


    Seeing that she couldn��t call for help, Old Madam Ning could only use her trump card. ��If you dare to touch Fengcai again, we��ll pretend that we don��t have a son like you!��


    Ning Fengnian��s hand paused. When he turned to look at her, he was not as nervous and regretful as she thought. He onlyughed self-deprecatingly. ��You didn��t treat me like a son in the first ce.�� With that, he punched him again.


    ��I want to beat him up for a long time. Since Father and Mother can��t ept it, take it that I have no parents from today onwards and remove me from the genealogy.��


    As he punched Second Uncle Ning, he recounted the past. ��1 don��t say anything when you��re usually sneaky and sly. I��m usually a little tired and bitter, so I��ll take it as repaying Mother for raising me all these years. But you shouldn��t have acted all mighty here and bullied my family!��


    ��It��s not enough to take advantage of us openly and secretly. You��re even jealous of our survival business after we split up.��


    ��You��re too greedy. You wanted to steal Xiaoxiao��s recipe but failed, so you had evil intentions and brought people to snatch it!��


    ��After snatching Xiaoxiao��s recipe for sour bamboo shoots, you were still greedy and nned to sell Xiaoxiao out at the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant with the Ruyi bun as an allegiance.��


    ��Why are you talking about elders? How are you acting like an elder?��


    ��The children are sensible, and Qiuniang doesn��t mind. I originally thought that you would turn over a new leaf after being taught a lesson. 1 didn��t expect you to have so many disgusting ideas! Now that you��ve been exposed, you still dare to hit her?��


    Second Uncle Ning felt so wronged. He wanted to hit her, but he didn��t hit her at all! Now, he was the one who was being beaten!


    Unable to escape, Second Uncle Ning could only quibble. ��Nonsense! The divine doctor said that Cuihua was bitten by your dog!��


    ��What do you mean by no teeth? How can such a big dog not have teeth? 1 think you deliberately pulled out your dog teeth to get away with it!��


    Coincidentally, a middle-aged man carrying a medicine bowl walked in. The man in a low-quality white shirt pretended to be profound. He stroked his beard and frowned. ��It��s been so long. Are you going to treat her or not�� What are you�� doing?��


    Due to his interruption and the fact that Ning Fengnian and Ning Ansheng had mostly calmed down, the two of them stopped and rubbed their fists. Old Madam Ning hurriedly cried and pounced on him. ��My Fengcai, aiyo, my son. W-why are you beaten up like this! Ning Fengnian, you heartless beast! You ingrate! I should have thrown you into the river and drowned you back then!��


    The harsh words came one after another, but Ning Fengnian realized that he no longer felt anything when he heard them. He only said calmly, ��Mother, it��s Second Brother��s fault first.��


    Old Madam Ning red fiercely at the people from the eldest branch. ��Don��t call me Mother! Don��t call him Second Brother either! You��re not worthy! I told you just now that if you dare to touch Fengcai again, your father and I won��t acknowledge you as our son. Don��t say that you��re a member of our family in the future!��


    Ning Fengnian remained silent, but Xiaoxiao stuck her head out from behind him.. ��Grandma, do you keep your word?��

 Chapter 180 - 180: You’re Finished

    Chapter 180: You��re Finished


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Old Madam Ning was speechless.


    Second Uncle Ning winked at the man who suddenly appeared with his swollen eyes.


    ��Miracle doctor, Miracle doctor, quickly tell these idiots that Cuihua was bitten by a dog!��


    ��Look, has this dog��s teeth been pulled out!�� He could not suffer this beating for nothing. He had to get the silver from the eldest branch!


    The ��genius doctor�� only retracted his gaze from Second Uncle Ning��s tragic face after a long while. It was hard for him to remember the lines he had discussed with Second Uncle Ning. ��Liu Cuihua��s bite mark is too deep. Coupled with the shock, her life is on the line now!��


    Without waiting for Xiaoxiao and the others to speak, Second Uncle Ning immediately emphasized, ��Did you hear that?! This is what the genius doctor said! He��s the genius doctor who��s going to be treated as an honored guest by the county magistrate and the richest man��s family. If you doubt the genius doctor, you��re disrespecting the county magistrate!��


    Second Uncle Ning felt that as long as the word ��official�� was mentioned, his eldest brother��s family would definitely be terrified. He did not expect that even the ignorant wild girl was very calm. She asked calmly, ��Does the county magistrate know that you��ve given him such a big official��s prestige for him?�� ��You!�� Second Uncle Ning choked. Then, he heard another voice ask, ��You��re the genius doctor?��


    The young master in white nced coldly at the genius doctor who was stunned by the shocking change in the room. There was a hint of mockery in his tone. ��What��s the use of ephedrine, Chinese herbaceous peony, asarum, dried ginger, honey-fried licorice root, cinnamon twig, schisandra chinensis, and pineilia ternata medicine?��


    The genius doctor��s unfathomable expression was a little stuck. Who was this person? What nonsense was he asking? How would he know what these things were used for?


    Seeing that he could not answer, the white-robed young master��s thin lips parted slightly. ��This is Minor Decoction of Green Dragon for typhoid.��


    The genius doctor��s face was tense. The white-robed young master asked again, ��What��s the use of coix seed, notopterygium root, divaricate saposhnikovia root, monkshood, angelica root, ck atractylodes rhizome, dried ginger, cinnamon twig, ephedrine, angelica sinensis, licorice, and Szechuan lovage rhizome?��


    The genius doctor��s face trembled and he could not hold it in anymore. The young master in white snorted. ��It��s still for typhoid.��


    He nced at the smelly chicken coop in the courtyard and continued to ask, ��What��s the use of chicken poop?��


    The genius doctor felt that he had grasped the pattern. He immediately said in a loud voice, ��Typhoid!��


    The disdain on the young master��s face deepened. Before he could speak, he heard Xiaoxiaough. ��This is the first time I��ve heard that chicken feces can treat typhoid fever. No wonder Second Aunt was treated so badly by you.��


    The ��genius doctor�� couldn��t help but open his mouth to vomit. ��C-chicken feces?��


    The white-robed young master said coldly, ��You don��t know the simplest prescription and you don��t know the medicine. Genius doctor? That��s it?��


    Although the ��genius doctor�� did not know anything about medicine, he knew how to pretend. ��Who do you think you are? In my realm, how can I have the time to study typhoid or even those dirty things!��


    Thinking of the chicken coop in the courtyard, the ��genius doctor�� looked rather disgusted.


    The young master in white did not say anything else. On Xiaoxiao��s side, Second Brother could not help but ask, ��Then what do you study?��


    The ��genius doctor�� looked arrogant. ��Of course it��s the Art of Immortality and Revival.��


    These words vited the taboo of the young master in white. He flicked his sleeve and caused the ��genius doctor�� to take a few steps back and fall to the ground. Thetter was about to re up when he heard the instigator shout, ��Nonsense!��


    The ��genius doctor�� was stunned. ��You dare to hit me?��


    He was whipped to Second Uncle Ning��s side. Although he looked much better than Second Uncle Ning, who had a swollen face, he was really frightened by this posture. This was different from what they had agreed on!


    Didn��t he say that his brother��s family would definitely be controlled firmly? He just had to cooperate and say a few words to make the illness sound more serious. The prescription would be more expensive, and he would be given 10% after the matter waspleted?


    Did they look like they were being controlled?


    Second Uncle Ning trembled and pretended. He pointed at Xiaoxiao and the others with trembling hands. ��You��re finished. Let me tell you, you��re all finished! The genius doctor is the county magistrate��s esteemed guest! If you offend him, he��ll arrest you and give you 50 strokes each!��


    If he said that, County Magistrate Shen couldn��t keep silent any longer. After listening for a while, he walked in. He was as elegant as the few young men present. More importantly, he had a handsome face and a beautiful beard. Second Uncle Ning instantly recalled the court not long ago.


    County Magistrate Shen said calmly, ��I don��t like to hit people.��


    Second Uncle Ning was dumbfounded. Why was the county magistrate here?


    Old Madam Ning still did not know how powerful he was. She opened her mouth and shouted, ��Who are���� you?


    Second Uncle Ning quickly covered his mother��s mouth and pressed her to her knees. ��Greetings, county magistrate!��


    This time, it wasn��t just the people from the old residence who were dumbfounded. Even Ning Fengnian and his wife were extremely shocked. ��County magistrate?��


    County Magistrate Shen rubbed his nose. ��Actually, I prefer the title of ��magistrate��.�� The county magistrate made him sound very old.


    Old Sir Ning, who was originally hugging his pipe and watching from the sidelines, hurriedly threw away his cigarette and knelt down. The ��genius doctor�� was too anxious and pounced on the ground and ate a mouthful of mud. Second Uncle Ning shouted, ��Third Brother, Little Sister,e out and greet the county magistrate!�� However, there was no movement from the two doors.m


    Ning Fengnian reacted and hurriedly wanted to pull Madam Song to kneel too. Xiaoxiao and her brothers pursed their lips and nned to bend their knees in ordance with the atmosphere. County Magistrate Shen hurriedly pulled them back. ��We��re not in court. You don��t have to kneel. Just treat me as Tianci��s father.��


    Madam Song��s legs went weak. She looked at Mrs. Shen, who was supporting her and not letting her kneel, and then at the smug Shen Tianci. She felt that it was unreal.


    The ��guest�� his daughter brought home was actually from the county magistrate? This young master who often came to his house was actually from the county magistrate��s son? The person who had chatted with her for a long time about nting vegetables was actually the county magistrate��s wife?


    Aiyo, no. Her head was dizzy.


    Ning Fengnian was not much better. If not for his two sons supporting him, he felt that he might have fallen in embarrassment. He looked at his calm sons and asked softly, ��Do you know?��


    The two of them did not want to lie to their parents, so they remained silent.


    Ning Fengnian thought of something and looked at his daughter, who was talking to Shen Tianci, no, Young Master Tianci. He asked again, ��Your sister knows too?��


    The two brothers continued to remain silent.


    Ning Fengnian looked at his fist, which was still stained with blood from his second brother��s nose, and silently wiped it on his clothes.


    Was it not good to hit someone in front of the county magistrate?


    However, if it happened again, he would still beat him up.


    Ning Ansheng walked in front of his sister. ��Are you hurt?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��I don��t think I have that chance?�� It felt good to be protected, and it felt good to have the entire family united.


    Ning Anhui also wanted to join in the beating of Second Uncle just now, but his father and eldest brother were too fast for him to interfere.


    Hearing his father��s question, he thought that at least his sister knew his identity when Shen Tianci first appeared. He was actually a little nervous, but his sister was too calm. He was identally affected and really treated Shen Tianci as an ordinary guest. Later on, he kept fooling around with him. Thinking back, he felt that he was really bold.


    Aiyo, from the looks of it, he had even kicked the butt of the county magistrate��s young master. It did not seem to be a big deal to be a shopkeeper..

 Chapter 181 - 181: Dogfight

    Chapter 181: Dogfight


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Everyone in the eldest branch had their own thoughts. The people in the old residence were already kneeling on the ground. County Magistrate Shen walked to the ��genius doctor��. ��Are you going to treat my mother-inw?��


    The ��genius doctor�� trembled and bit his tongue nervously. County Magistrate Shen continued to scare him with a straight face. ��Do you know what happens when you lie to the Imperial Court��s officials?��


    The ��genius doctor�� immediately cried bitterly. ��Sir, please spare me! I��m not a doctor at all. I��m����


    Just as he raised his head to look at Second Uncle Ning, thetter punched him. ��You liar!��


    Second Uncle Ning tried his best to act pitiful. ��Sir, I was deceived by him. My wife is very sick. I fell for it in a moment of anxiety. Please understand!��


    This swindler remembered the promised reward and did not dare to part ways for the time being.


    County Magistrate Shen didn��t expect that he had to work overtime for free meals. He could only sigh and listen to his nonsense.


    Second Uncle Ning spoke passionately and realized that no one paid attention to him. Thinking of his brother��s rtionship with the county magistrate��s family, he hurriedly endured the pain and tried to please Ning Fengnian. ��Big Brother, Big Brother, you have to believe me. 1 was just deceived.�� He grabbed Ning Fengnian��s clothes tightly and pretended to be as pitiful as possible.


    ��Brother, you��ve watched me grow up. You have to believe me!��


    Ning Fengnian pried open his fingers and pulled back his clothes. ��Do you take me for a fool?��


    County Magistrate Shen walked to the swindler genius doctor with a straight face. ��Is it really as Ning Fengcai said? You did everything today and he didn��t know anything?��


    The liar��s eyes flickered. County Magistrate Shen chuckled. ��If that��s the case, then you have ulterior motives����


    Yun Yi presented the bloody rake at the right time. ��County Magistrate, this is the murder weapon found in the woodshed. The woman��s injuries should be caused by this.��


    County Magistrate Shen nodded. ��Oh, we also need to add a premeditated injury. I just heard that it��s very serious. It��s almost an attempted murder. It��s a serious crime of imprisonment or exile or even beheading.��


    The swindler couldn��t take it anymore. He was afraid of being locked up for a few days and could tolerate being flogged. However, how could he casually take the me for exile and beheading?


    ��Sir! Sir, you��re wise! I��m innocent! Where did I get the guts to hurt someone? This woman was nailed by Ning Fengcai himself! 1 just listened to him and lied. 1 acted as a genius doctor to trick his brother��s family into taking out money!��


    Second Uncle Ning panicked and raised his hand to strangle him. ��Nonsense! You��re clearly lying to me. 1 don��t know anything!��


    With his life in front of him, how could the swindler be a scapegoat obediently? ��Forget it. If I injured your wife, would she cooperate with me obediently?


    Wouldn��t she have scratched my face long ago? It��s all because you took a fancy to your brother��s family business����


    The two of them talked about almost everything. There was no sense of achievement in the trial at all, and County Magistrate Shen was not excited at all.


    The more the two of them spoke, the uglier Ning Fengnian��s expression became. Xiaoxiao did not disturb her father, but it did not mean that others were tactful. Even with Old Madam Ning��s limited intelligence, she realized that her family had gotten into trouble. She did not dare to plead with the county magistrate and only came to plead with her eldest son.


    ��Feng Nian, look at this misunderstanding. Anyway, you guys have nothing to lose. It��s Feng Cai who was beaten up badly by you. 1 won��t argue with you. Why don��t we let this matter go?��


    She made it sound like she was magnanimous and her family was the one who did not mind. Xiaoxiao really admired her shamelessness and her unreasonable but strong aura. Did she think that no one in this world could subdue her?


    Xiaoxiao asked her, ��Grandma, if mountain bandits cause trouble and want to kill people to snatch their treasures, will they be innocent if the people didn��t die?��


    Old Madam Ning was stumped. She could feel that Xiaoxiao was scolding her, but she couldn��t find the words to scold her back. She didn��t dare to scold her in front of the county magistrate, nor did she dare to attack her as usual.


    She simply ignored Xiaoxiao and continued to look for Ning Fengnian. ��Fenggnian, I see that you��re familiar with the county magistrate. Why don��t you plead with him and ask him not to fuss over it?��


    Ning Fengnian was so angry that heughed. ��Mother, you��re mistaken. I��m just a farmer. 1 didn��t even know that he was the county magistrate before today, let alone have the face to get involved in the case.��


    He was telling the truth, but how could Old Madam Ning believe him? ��Think about it carefully. If you don��t save him today, don��t expect your third brother to help you in the future!��


    She made it sound like things would be different after helping them today. Oh, no, she made it sound like the Ning Family��s Third Brother was really promising!


    Ning Fengnian felt that these words were funny, but Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes and reminded her, ��Grandma, don��t worry. We still remember what you said just now about our families severing ties.��


    Old Madam Ning smacked her lips��she didn��t know that they were actually familiar with the county magistrate��s family!


    Second Uncle Ning and that swindler exposed each other and tricked each other. Second Uncle Ning shouted that this person was a habitual offender who seduced women. He was originally an opera actor, but he was found out by the husband��s family and had nowhere to go, so he scammed everywhere. The swindler also exposed that Second Uncle Ning was jealous of his Big Brother��s family��s money and hit it off with him to swindle them. He even spilled the beans��


    ��Ning Fengcai asked me to cooperate with him to keep everyone from the eldest branch here. He even asked others to go to the eldest branch��s small courtyard and break through the door. They will share with me as many good things as they can find!��


    Xiaoxiao recalled Second Uncle Ning��s gaze when he saw the gift boxes in the courtyard just now. ��Second Uncle, you��re so scheming. What��s this called? You��re attacking from both sides, creating a diversion, luring the tiger away from the mountain, killing two birds with one stone?��


    Ning Ansheng��s anger was half extinguished by his sister��s words. He raised his hand and rubbed his sister��s head. ��You��re spouting nonsense again.�� He thought for a moment and said, ��But you��re right. Our Second Uncle��s greed is getting bigger and bigger. I thought that he was just trying to scam some consultation fees. Who would have thought that Second Uncle has a valley in his chest and is thinking about emptying our entire family?��


    Ning Anhui was extremely anxious. ��Brother, Sister, you already know. Why aren��t you anxious at all? What if he really seeds?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at Rong Yan and smiled. ��Don��t be afraid. Little Big Brother Ah Yan left someone at home. The intruder should have been caught by now.��


    Speak of the devil. Yun Er carried a person and jumped in from outside. ��Master, Miss Ning, this person stuck his head out of the Ning Family��s courtyard. I saw him steal the things in the courtyard with my own eyes. He��s still hiding them in his clothes.��


    Oh my, he was caught red-handed.


    Xiaoxiao carefully sized up this person��s face and realized that she didn��t know him. Instead, Ning Fengnian and Ning Ansheng frowned. ��Buttface?��


    The person who came was Buttface, who had been sarcastic when they dug the canal. He didn��t know who the people present were and struggled to scold them. Ning Ansheng hurriedly covered Xiaoxiao��s ears. Before Rong Yan could move, Yun Er had already stepped on his face. ��Watch your mouth. 1 caught you trespassing and stealing.. Where did you get the confidence to shout?��

 Chapter 182 - 182: Learned From Your Good Second Uncle

    Chapter 182: Learned From Your Good Second Uncle


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Buttface struggled a few times, and a small bag wrapped inyers fell out. Rong Yan lifted his leg, caught it, and opened it. He realized that it was the ginseng that Second Uncle Ning had opened before.


    Buttface refused to repent. ��Bullsh*t. You said that this thing belongs to the Ning Family and it belongs to the Ning Family? How can it respond to you? How can it be? Their family is so poor. I can even say that I dug it up in the mountains!��


    At this moment, it was Li Muyan��s turn to speak. ��I can really prove that this ginseng was given to the Ning Family by me. It weighs two liang three qian ��) and is 70 years old. There��s also a gap at the top of the ginseng.�� Because of that gap, he felt that it was not suitable to give it to Gongsun Zhongjing as a gift to invite him out of seclusion. Hence, he stuffed it into the gift box for the Ning Family.


    The value of a 100-year-old ginseng was worlds apart from a 70-year-old ginseng. Otherwise, he wouldn��t have given it away casually. He wasn��t really the fool who threw away silver for fun.


    Buttface was speechless.


    At this moment, Second Brother had already told Xiaoxiao about Buttface��s life. When she heard that he was familiar with Second Uncle Ning and got the spot to dig the canal to rece his big brother, Xiaoxiao touched her chin and felt that things were not that simple.


    She stuffed the ginseng into her arms and took it out again. Then, she poked Buttface, who couldn��t move, on the ground with its ginseng roots. Buttface didn��t want to be disturbed, but his greedy eyes were fixed on the ginseng, unwilling to move away.


    ��Hey.�� Xiaoxiao asked with a smile, ��Do you want this?��


    Buttface thought to himself, Isn��t that obvious?His family couldn��t even save a few copper coins a year from digging in the soil. How many years could this ginseng save him from working hard? Wouldn��t he have the capital to get a wife?! That rich young master just said that this thing was 70 years old. Wouldn��t it be worth 50 taels of silver? He might not have to worry about food and drink for the rest of his life if he sold it!


    Xiaoxiao smiled even more brightly. ��How about this? Answer two of my questions truthfully. If the answers satisfy me, I��ll give it to you and won��t pursue the matter of you breaking into my house.��


    Buttface��s eyes widened. ��A promise?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Of course.��


    Buttface immediately became enthusiastic. ��Alright, ask away!��


    He was clearly still in a position where his four legs were facing the ground and his face was still being stepped on, but he was already starting to feel smug this stupid girl must have not seen the world and did not know the value of ginseng. He had to get the thing and run away before the adults reacted.


    Including County Magistrate Shen and the people in the old residence, everyone was very curious about what Xiaoxiao wanted to ask. She shook the things in her hand and asked in a casual tone, ��How did you rece your brother to get the spot to dig the canal?��


    Buttface was stunned for a moment. His eyes were flustered as he stammered, ��Ah, it��s just a coincidence. Coincidentally, my brother is injured, so we can��t waste the spot, right?��


    Ning Ansheng suddenly thought of something. He wanted to advise Xiaoxiao not to make such a loss-making deal with Buttface, but he swallowed his words. He even stopped his parents and younger brother. Ning Anhui wanted to say something, but he realized that his eldest brother��s expression was frighteningly dark.


    Xiaoxiao stood up and sighed. ��Looks like we can��t continue this business deal.��


    Buttface panicked. ��Hey, hey, hey, don��t go.��


    Xiaoxiao yed with the ginseng. ��If you don��t tell the truth, 1��11 report it to the officials. Be more specific. I��ll give this to you immediately. Don��t worry, my parents and brothers will listen to me and won��t go back on their word.��


    Buttface thought that he would run away after he got the ginseng and live a carefree life somewhere else. It was 50 taels! Second Uncle Ning, that stingy man, only promised two taels of silver. What was the big deal?


    ��1 was the one who injured my eldest brother. My parents are biased. They said that my eldest brother��s sry doesn��t have to go to the household ount. My eldest brother already has a wife and a son. I haven��t married yet, so 1 naturally have to receive the sry. Hence, 1 pushed my eldest brother down when he wasn��t paying attention!��


    His parents could not bear to throw away the spot that they had painstakingly obtained, so they could only give it to him. In the end, he found out that when his parents changed the spot for him, they actually secretly recorded it as offsetting corvee. Pfft! What he wanted was silver! It was none of his business if his eldest brother had to go to work.


    Noticing her family��s shocked expression, Xiaoxiao ced the ginseng in front of Buttface.


    ��Second question, where did you learn this move? Don��t tell me you came up with it yourself. If I ask, 1 naturally know the answer long ago.��


    She pointed at the ��ginseng�� lying on the ground and said to him, ��After you finish speaking, I��ll ask the big brother who steps on you to retract his foot. 1 can also guarantee that I won��t snatch this from you on behalf of everyone except the old residence��s people.��


    Buttface looked up at her suspiciously. His only impression of this girl from the Ning Family was that Second Brother Ning said that she was obedient and did not dare to make a sound no matter how he hit or scolded her. It seemed like that was not the case today?


    In addition, this girl said that she already knew? That meant that Second Brother Ning had already let it slip. No wonder he was beaten up like this. He chuckled.


    ��Since you already know, you don��t need me to tell you.��


    Second Uncle Ning��s heart pounded and he immediately wanted to rush over to stop him. Xiaoxiao had already noticed his actions, but before he could speak, Rong Yan had already pulled out Yun Yi��s sword and thrown it out. The tip of the sword was buried in the ground and it stuck between Second Uncle Ning��s legs. Just as he was about to die, he heard the young man��s cold voice. ��Listen quietly.��


    When Buttface saw this, he felt that this was settling scorester. He said, ��Of course I learned it from your good Second Uncle.��


    Ning Fengnian felt as if a bolt of lightning had struck his head, causing his old injuries to buzz.


    Madam Song��s legs went weak and her vision darkened.


    Ning Ansheng and Ning Anhui hurriedly went forward to help their parents up, but their eyes were also burning with anger.


    Xiaoxiao, who had known the truth long ago, was the calmest. She simply stuffed the ��ginseng�� back into Buttface��s arms and even asked Yun Er to let go of him. ��Oh? How did you learn it?��


    It did not matter if he said it or not. Anyway, Second Uncle��s actions could no longer be hidden.


    Buttface got up from the ground and wiped his face casually with his sleeve. He took out the thing in his arms and looked at it left and right. At the same time, he said, ��Don��t you already know how 1 learned it? Didn��t your Second Uncle get your father��s job as a short-term worker by smashing your father��s head in the dark?��


    As soon as he said that, the thunder above Ning Fengnian��s head seemed to quieten down. He looked at his parents, who were not surprised, and his heart was calm.


    On the other hand, Madam Song was so angry that tears streamed down her face. Not long ago, she was worried that it was inappropriate for the head of the household and her son to hit someone in front of the county magistrate. Now, she only felt that it was too lenient! That heartless thing!


    Xiaoxiao hugged her mother andforted her, but she was actually quite happy in her heart. It was better to suffer short-term pain than long-term pain. If it was going to hurt, it would hurtpletely. There was no room for redemption. Just from this point alone, Buttface��s appearance was very good. Little Big Brother Ah Yan, who had caught him, had contributed greatly. She had to reward him wellter!


    Seeing that this matter could not be covered up, Old Madam Ning and Old Sir Ning begged for mercy for their son while trembling. ��County magistrate, this, this is a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding����

 Chapter 183 - 183: Living Well

    Chapter 183: Living Well


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    County Magistrate Shen was very bold at the critical moment. Even when he smiled, he could make those who were guilty not dare to act rashly. ��Whether it is a misunderstanding or not, we will know after I take him back to the county office.��


    Old Madam Ning panicked. ��We still have to bring him back to the county office?�� Wouldn��t that mean that he would be punished again?


    ��Th-this is just a fight between brothers. There��s no need to go to the county office, right?��


    Of course, no one answered. In her panic, Old Madam Ning looked at Ning Fengnian for help. ��Fengnian, say something. Hurry up and tell the county magistrate that you and your brother were just fooling around, right?!��


    Ning Fengnian clenched his fists so tightly that he could feel a sharp pain in his palms.


    ��Mother, I almost died back then.


    II


    At the mention of the past, Madam Song sobbed uncontrobly. Not only her, but even Ning Ansheng and Ning Anhui revealed their emotions and their eyes turned red.


    However, Old Madam Ning frowned and said, ��Aren��t you alive and well now?��


    There was already arge crowd of people outside the courtyard. The vigers had nothing to do after dinner and came out to walk around to digest their food. Who would have thought that they would hear such shocking gossip? They eximed for a while and did not stop. At this moment, they did not know which matter to be surprised about first.


    At the side, Buttface, who was carrying the ginseng, wanted to slip away and run to his new life and hope. At this moment, he didn��t know how to react when two unfamiliar men suddenly held swords to his neck.


    II


    County magistrate? That��s the county magistrate?!


    II


    Oh no, oh no. He thought that he was just casually saying a few words in front of the Ning Family. It was fine if there was a crowd of people outside, but there was actually a county magistrate in the courtyard!


    His parents didn��t even care about him pushing his brother. Surely the county magistrate wouldn��t care so much, right?


    However, he forgot that he was arrested today not because he hurt someone and was exposed, but because he went to the Ning Family to steal.


    County Magistrate Shen waved his hand and arranged a cell number for him. He scolded Ning Xiaoxiao for lying to him, but Xiaoxiao said, ��I��m not lying. Our family and Little Big Brother��s family didn��t stop you from leaving. Do you think that I, a farm girl, can make a decision for the county magistrate?��


    Her words were so f*cking irrefutable!


    However,�� Xiaoxiao continued, ��on ount of you exposing Second Uncle��s ugly face for us, I��ll keep my promise and give this to you.��


    II


    Buttface was nervous, afraid, and excited. His expression also changed drastically. He didn��t look like a normal person. Rong Yan gently pulled Xiaoxiao away. Ning Anhui said unhappily, ��Are we really giving him such an expensive and good thing?��


    Xiaoxiao looked serious. ��A gentleman never goes back on his word! What I say is like spilled water. Of course, I have to keep my word.��


    Then, she whispered into Second Brother��s ear, ��That��s a tree root. I pinched a scar on the top of its head at thest minute.��


    Ning Anhui really wanted to give his sister a thumbs up. He knew it. His sister was so smart. Why would she be muddle-headed when it came to money?


    Li Muyan, who was at the side, had a detailed concept of the ��little smartie�� that Shopkeeper Liu mentioned. He also began to understand why Shopkeeper Liu said that it was best to think of a way to keep her in the Li Family.


    Others couldn��t tell the difference between tree roots and ginseng, but Buttface, who had hurriedly stolen it, didn��t have the chance to take a closer look. How could he, who was used to seeing good things and was the previous owner of the ginseng, not tell? However, this girl was really interesting. She even carried strange tree roots with her.


    Old Madam Ning flew into a rage out of humiliation and said to County Magistrate Shen, ��Since you want to pursue the matter, please pursue the matter of Ning Fengnian hitting someone today! Look at how our Fengcai has been beaten up!��


    The surrounding vigers eximed in surprise. They had to hand it to Old Madam Ning. They shouted at the same time, ��Old Madam Ning, how can you have the cheek? Your second son clearly deserved to be beaten up!��


    That��s right, that��s right. You don��t do anything all day long and only know how to think about Fengnian��s family��s things. Pfft! Trash!��


    II


    Xiaoxiao was quite happy to hear that, but Old Madam Ning and Old Sir Ning wished they could dig a hole and hide in it.


    County Magistrate Shen came to them. ��Are you going to punish your eldest son?��


    Old Madam Ning nodded repeatedly as if she had heard the sound of nature. County Magistrate Shen sneered. ��Alright, then I��ll punish him to cut ties with your family from now on. Anyone in your family who goes to the eldest branch from now on will be considered to have ulterior motives. They deserve to be caught and beaten again. How about that?��


    Old Madam Ning��s vision darkened. ��Is this considered a punishment?


    II


    County Magistrate Shen asked, ��Haven��t you been moring just now? Why are you dissatisfied with my judgment? Should I give you my ck official��s hat so that you can judge the case?��


    No matter how stupid Old Madam Ning was, she knew that she had angered the county magistrate. She was immediately pressed down by the equally terrified Old Sir Ning and knelt on the ground. ��I don��t dare, I don��t dare����


    County Magistrate Shen was used to the unruly people. How could he let a shrew like Old Madam Ning lead the way? After arranging for someone to take Second Uncle Ning and his two aplices away, he flung his sleeves and strode away as if he was not familiar with Xiaoxiao��s family.


    Xiaoxiao understood that he was trying to avoid arousing suspicion, but he did not know that County Magistrate Shen was bitter inside. With his identity exposed, he would not be able to freeload like an ordinary person in the future.


    This annoying Ning Family��s old residence.


    Take them all in and lock them up together. Get Buttface to bring the ginseng in too.��


    II


    After everyone got separated, the courtyard of the old residence creaked. The two doors that had been closed for a long time opened one after another. Little Uncle Ning, who was in a daze, covered his mouth and yawned. He asked, ��What time is it? What were you arguing about just now?��


    Little Aunt Ning put on makeup and pretended for a while before asking in surprise, ��Where are the young masters who came to take a look?��


    Old Madam Ning was mentally and physically exhausted. She wanted to p her. ��What young master? Your brother was taken away by the county magistrate!��


    Little Uncle Ning frowned. ��Did Second Brothermit a crime? Why does it have to be at this juncture?��


    Old Sir Ning sighed repeatedly. ��What should we do��


    II


    This night was destined to not be peaceful. In the county office��s prison, three formerpanions of the same kind fought. After they all lost to one another, Second Uncle Ning and the swindler genius doctor both targeted Buttface.


    As the saying went, a man��s wealth was his own ruin. He had already been unlucky enough to be imprisoned. It would be unreasonable not to get some benefits for himself, right?


    Themotion was so loud that the others naturally heard it. They lived in arge bunkhouse, and there were two people in the prison who looked like they were not to be trifled with. When they heard them muttering about ginseng, they immediately joined the chaotic battle. After fighting, they took a closer look. The ��ginseng�� that was originally fine was already in a sorry state. Buttface wailed and started fighting crazily.


    ��My money!


    II


    On the other side, the Ning Family members who had left the old residence were very silent. As the only calm representative, Xiaoxiao invited Li Muyan, who had helped and given her a big gift, and the young man in white beside her to her house to eat.


    Li Muyan wanted to reject him, but Gongsun Zhongjing said, ��I just heard that your father��s head was injured. If it��s not treated well here, it��s very easy to leave behind an illness.. Do you want me to check on him?��

 Chapter 184 - 184: Duck Blood’s Vermicelli Soup

    Chapter 184: Duck Blood��s Vermicelli Soup


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions


    Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Of course, Xiaoxiao agreed with both hands, and her family had no objections. What happened just now reminded them of Ning Fengnian��s miserable state back then, and they still had lingering fears.


    They were not as ungrateful as the people in the old residence, nor did they question this doctor��s age. This made Gongsun Zhongjing a little puzzled. Li Muyan was the same. He asked Ning Anhui, who looked more talkative, ��Don��t you think that this person is too young and ipetent?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing took a deep breath and forced himself not to hit Li Muyan��s head.


    Ning Anhui said matter-of-factly, ��There��s no rule that says that you can��t be capable just because you��re young. For example, my sister is younger than us, but our entire family can��tpare to her ability. It��s not just us. Which teenage girl in the surrounding viges is as capable and smart as my sister��


    ii


    Li Muyan:�� Alright, this person can��t stop talking about his sister.


    After returning home, Gongsun Zhongjing checked the back of Ning Fengnian��s head, and Xiaoxiao went to make some food for them.


    It was gettingte, so she did not have time to makeplicated food. They might not be able to wait for her either. The noodles were fast, but most of them had already eaten the longevity noodles just now. Xiaoxiao took out the mung bean vermicelli that she had just made two days ago and fried some tofu curd. Then, she took out the duck scraps left behind from today��s cooking.


    II


    Little Big Brother Ah Yan, do you want some too?


    II


    Rong Yan looked at Li Muyan and Gongsun Zhongjing, whom he had never met before. Putting aside the young man in white, the young man in blue kept stealing nces at Ning Xiaoxiao on the way back. He felt that they were not good people.


    ��Just a little will do.


    II


    Yun Yi and the others were no longer surprised by their master��s growing appetite. Sometimes, they were amazed. It turned out that one��s appetite could increase even more when they were full.


    However, the effect of Master eating too much was also very obvious. His arms and legs seemed to have grown a lot, and the bottoms of his pants seemed to be a little short. He had to go to the ready-made clothes shop to buy new clothes tomorrow.


    Xiaoxiao made the vermicelli herself. It was hard and translucent after drying, making her family wonder how to eat it for a long time.


    Xiaoxiao felt that ��eating�� was human nature. No matter if they were poor, rich, healthy, or ufortable, they could not mistreat their stomachs. Hence, she tried her best to persuade her parents and eldest brother to have a bowl too. Second Brother did not need her to persuade him. He had already started to set the table.


    After the pig intestine incident, the family��s tolerance for animal internal organs had greatly increased. Hence, they did not mind eating duck blood, duck intestines, duck liver, and duck gizzards. The neighbors, Little Big Brother and his guards were not picky either and let everything go. The other few only nned to have some ��crystal vermicelli�� that they had never heard of.


    The kitchen was Xiaoxiao��s world, so they did not know what it looked like before the crystal vermicelli was served.


    When bowls of translucent noodles appeared in front of them, no matter what family background they had, everyone looked like they had never seen the world.


    Mrs. Shen was d that she did not leave first. She touched her stomach that had yet to be digested and felt that she could still eat some more.


    Shen Tianci slurped up the vermicelli and shouted as he ate. His eyes were still fixed on the duck innards in Ning Anhui��s bowl. ��Is it delicious?��


    Ning Anhui hugged the bowl and bit on the noodles. He turned around and said in a muffled voice, ��This is mine!��


    To be honest, Li Muyan didn��t have much expectations for this ��crystal vermicelli�� and didn��t n to stay for dinner. However, Gongsun Zhongjing shamelessly sat there and didn��t leave. He could only stay. Who asked him to have a favor to ask from him?


    This chap had a picky mouth, a bad temper, and was unmoved by force or persuasion. He had used all kinds of methods to persuade him toe out of the mountains to treat his grandmother��s illness. During this period, he had tempted him with many foods. However, he had always disdained them. On the way, he would rather starve than deal with them casually. As a result, in order not to starve the genius doctor to death, he could only find a restaurant for him to eat at mealtime.


    However, such a Gongsun Zhongjing actually stayed in the farmer��s house obediently and waited for food?


    Li Muyan really didn��t understand until the servant awkwardly said something in his ear. He widened his eyes and kicked Gongsun Zhongjing. ��You ate all my sponge cake?��


    The young man in white��s expression did not change. He ate the vermicelli elegantly, but his speed was not slow. In just a short while, not only did he finish his bowl, but he also took away the bowl that Li Muyan had not touched.


    Li Muyan was dumbfounded. ��Is it that delicious?


    II


    The slurping sounds in the courtyard were his answer. asionally, Shen Tianci��s shouts could be heard. ��Is there any more! Give me another bowl of everything!��


    Xiaoxiao was already familiar with him. She pointed at the kitchen and said, ��I��ll cook another handful of vermicelli for you. Add whatever ingredients you want yourself, but you can only eat another bowl. You��ll get indigestion if you eat too much.��


    Mrs. Shen, who also wanted another bowl, pursed her lips and swallowed her udylike burp.


    Shen Tianci��s face fell. ��Actually, I can eat a lot more than you think. Really!


    II


    Xiaoxiao pulled a long face, so he could only ept it obediently. ��Alright, one bowl it is.��


    Only then was he obedient. Xiaoxiao decided to give him a reward. ��I��ll give you some dry vermicelliter. If you want to eat it, get the chef to make it. Make any soup. When it boils, put in the vermicelli that was soaked in advance. It��ll be done very quickly. It��s very convenient and fast.��


    Mrs. Shen also smiled, thinking that her son was still useful.


    The vermicelli were cooked with duck soup base. Compared to chicken soup, pork soup, and bone soup, the duck soup was fragrant but not greasy. It was more suitable for a slightly hot summer. Coupled with the perfect vegetables and secret spices, no one could resist its temptation.


    [Ding! Duck blood vermicelli soup has been sessfully recorded for the first time. After testing, the raw materials used for this delicacy have exceeded the level of this time-space diet. Reward: 1,000 points. Current total points are 3,100.]


    Aiyo, the reward this time was very generous. It was not in vain that she had fiddled with those green beans for so long. Of course, the food processing factory in the space had contributed greatly, saving her a lot of time and manpower. The vermicelli made was also clear and transparent, and the taste was superb.


    The space that received the praise chuckled foolishly. It was so happy that it wished it could y a song to celebrate.


    Xiaoxiao, who also wanted to celebrate, did not stop smiling the entire night. Her eldest brother and second brother were puzzled. They waited for the guests to leave before asking, ��Little Sister, aren��t you angry?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��I��m angry, but it has already happened. It��s harmful to the body to be angry. If I get sick from anger, it will only make my loved ones sad. It��s not worth it. Besides, County Magistrate Shen is fair and honest. I believe he will give Father an exnation.��


    Second Brother was relieved, but Big Brother wasn��t that easy to fool. Not long after he left with Ning Anhui, he came back alone to look for Xiaoxiao. ��Did you already know?��


    Otherwise, he wouldn��t have deliberately led Buttface to tell the truth.


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��I went back to the old residence and happened to hear Second Uncle and Second Aunt talking about this.��


    II


    Brother, I didn��t hide it from you on purpose. I just wanted to find evidence first. You also know that those people in the old residence are thick-skinned. Father didn��t have the ability to resist Grandma��s habit of taking advantage of him in the past. It��s useless to say it early. I even made you angry for nothing..��

 Chapter 185 - 185: From Now On, Big Brother Will Carry It

    Chapter 185: From Now On, Big Brother Will Carry It


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��But even without Buttface��s interlude, I n to discuss it with you after you finish your exams.�� After all, Big Brother was the smartest person in the entire family other than her.


    Ning Ansheng didn��t know exactly when ��this�� happened. He just thought that this was the root cause of his sister��s exceptional disgust and vignce towards the people in the old residence. It was also the reason for her personality to change drastically after she fell ill.


    Thinking of how she, who did not even dare to speak loudly in the past, had be so independent for her family, he felt his heart ache even more.


    A thousand words could notpare to his heart palpitating at this moment. He only said, ��If anything happens in the future, Big Brother will take the responsibility.��


    Xiaoxiao did not refuse. ��Alright, alright. From now on, I��ll be my brothers�� httle sidekick. I won��t pretend to have anything in my head other than recipes.�� Ning Ansheng was amused by her. Helpless and emotional, he was urged to sleep. ��The exams areing soon. Older Brother, you have to ensure that you have enough sleep.��


    Ning Ansheng was very efficient in adjusting his mental state. He still had a light sleep on the 12th day, but he could already fall asleep normally on the 13th or 14th. At home, Ning Fengnian, his wife, and Ning Anhui specially suppressed the matter at the old residence in their hearts and did not mention it to anyone, afraid that it would affect Ning Ansheng��s exams.


    This suppressionsted until May 15th, the day of the Bowen Academy��s entrance examination.


    For some reason, Shen Tianci, who had said that he woulde to join in the fun, did not appear. After Xiaoxiao and her mother watched her brother enter the academy, they brought Yun Yi and the others to clean the shop.


    On the way there, Xiaoxiao sincerely expressed her surprise. ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan is going to participate in the exam. Why didn��t he tell us?��


    Yun Yi and the others chuckled. They were too embarrassed to say that their master had only decided yesterday.


    They thought about it. The best way was to find a legitimate reason to meet and talk to the former clerk for the chambein ofw enforcement of the Court of Judicial Review without anyone knowing and join the academy. Chen Huaimin was now a Law Teacher specially hired by the Bowen Academy. He was in charge ofw books, punishment studies, and assessments.


    The academy had set an elective system. This ss was obviously an unpopr one. There would not be many people applying. At that time, he could use the lecture to discuss serious matters with Chen Huaimin.


    While waiting, they and County Magistrate Shen had secretly hoarded a batch Of supplies needed to build the dam in the name of repairing the canal. They also contacted the craftsmen to ensure that they could be deployed at any time. It had to be said that Rong Yan saw the function of money. Everything was going well with County Magistrate Shen��s support. However, there was still no news about the evidence that could expose Prefect Yan��s crimes.


    Xiaoxiao was just saying that. Deep down, she actually felt that it was better for Little Big Brother and Big Brother to go to the academy together. Not only could the two of them take care of each other, it was also more legitimate for her to borrow someone from this business partner, right?


    For example, her father and second brother were still digging the canal. As for the cleaning of this new shop, if it was just her and her mother, even if Big Brother came to help after he was done, it would be unknown how long it would take to arrange the shop to the extent that it could be open for business. However, it was different with Yun Yi and the other agile adult men.


    Even if Madam Song did not stay with them to avoid arousing suspicion, Xiaoxiao only needed to give them a few simple instructions and they would be able to do things in an orderly manner. What should be thrown away and reced would be piled together. The corners would be cleaned up and the old shop would instantly be a very empty shop.


    While Yun Yi and the others were Rong Yan��s personal guards, they also took on all the trivial matters other than cooking. They had long mastered housekeeping skills, making Xiaoxiao gasp in admiration.


    If you guys are so capable, what will happen to the maidservants at home?�� Yun Er opened his mouth and said, ��Master has never used a maidservant since he was sensible, lest there are always people with evil intentions���� The rest of his words were interrupted by Yun Yi��s violent cough. Idiot! How could you say such things in front of a youngdy!


    Yun Er, who came back to his senses, hurriedly tried to salvage the situation. They bullied Master when he was young!��


    This turn was stiff, but Xiaoxiao answered, ��Someone still dares to bully him? He��s so skilled in martial arts.��


    This time, Yun Er really sighed. ��Master�� isn��t very favored at home. He wasn��t beaten and scolded much on the surface, but he was ostracized in secret. He only learned martial arts to better protect himself.��


    Xiaoxiao��s hand paused. ��Is that so? No wonder I felt that he didn��t like to talk to people when I first saw him.��


    Seeing her fall for this, Yun Er, who was already in a daze, wiped her eyes and said, ��Master didn��t like to talk even more when he was young. He was also thin and small. If it weren��t for an elder with good culinary skills who couldn��t stand it anymore and brought him home to stay for a while, I don��t know how pitiful he would be.��


    Xiaoxiao pursed her lips and imagined the little Rong Yan hugging his knees and curling up in the corner to rub his stomach. She clenched her fists and walked out. ��I��ll get the oven down. I��ll bake the caketer.��


    The moment she left, Yun Er was puzzled. ��Miss Ning, why are you suddenly talking about food? Did I not perform well enough just now?��


    Yun Yi chuckled and asked him, ��Master, what do you like to eat the most now?��


    Cloud Cake, hey, hey, hey, wait. Miss Ning called that Cloud Cake without cream a cake, so she was nning to make delicious food for Master? Hehehe, it seemed like his glib tongue was not bad. He made Miss Ning��s heart ache for Master.


    There were many things to move today, so Rong Yan rented a carriage as a partner and let Yun Yi and the others volunteer to do the heavy work. He did not let Xiaoxiao and Madam Song run around and work. Hence, as soon as Xiaoxiao expressed her intention, a guard took over and moved the things out of the carriage before her.


    Shopkeeper Qian took away all the things that Xiaoxiao did not need, so it was not difficult to take care of them. Then, they ced the tables, chairs, cutlery, and other things that they had prepared in the empty shop.


    There was a simple small kitchen at the back of the shop. As it had not been used much, there was dust everywhere. Other than the iron pot, Xiaoxiao did not like the other kitchenware.


    She was not particr about how to provide for her. She could swallow wild vegetables without oil and eat steamed buns mixed with chaff. She could also fill her stomach with water if she was really not full. Only her requirements for the kitchen were extremely high. Even when she first transmigrated and the family split up, her family was poor and could not eat a full meal. She had to ensure that the kitchen was spotless. The knives were bright and sharp, and the raw meat and cooked food had to be cut with different knives. When the conditions were better, the vegetables and meat had to be treated separately.


    Looking at the pile of kitchen utensils in the small kitchen, she waved her hand. ��Buy new ones!��


    There were too many things missing from the kitchen, so Xiaoxiao simply handed the shop to Madam Song and Yun Er. Yun Yi thought that he would be reduced to a tool to move things, but he was not!


    Because Miss Ning had bought too many things, even he could not move them all. Xiaoxiao had already gotten someone to send them to the shop. There were rice, noodles, grains, oil, cutlery, and kitchenware. She even specially went to a porcin shop to order a few expensive and exquisite tea sets. The way she spent money like water made people unable to believe that she was just a farmer.


    Halfway through, Xiaoxiao suddenly stopped. Yun Yi took a look and saw that it was a ready-made clothing shop..

 Chapter 186 - 186: Even If The Money Dissipates, It Will Come Back

    Chapter 186: Even If The Money Dissipates, It Will Come Back


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin and looked down at her old clothes. When she came out, she went to check the ounts for seven taels of silver. Yun Yi carried a bag and smiled foolishly behind her.


    Hehe, Master had it too.


    Spending money made Xiaoxiao happy, even though after this happiness, she knew that she might have to face her mother��s Finger Flicking Technique. She bought clothes for Rong Yan because she noticed that Little Big Brother had grown taller and his original clothes no longer fit him. Yes, children grew up quickly. As an ��elder��, shouldn��t she show some concern for a little kid?


    Seeing that she was gradually losing her rationality, Yun Yi couldn��t help but remind her, ��Miss Ning, can you take it easy? What if Madam sees your generosityter and gets angry and doesn��t let you go out again?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at him as if she was looking at a silly child. ��Do you think my mother will let me go next time with my current results?��


    So you knew!


    Xiaoxiao, who had changed into new clothes, put her hands behind her back and shook her head as she said to him, ��As the saying goes, if you have wine today, drink today. If you worry tomorrow, worry tomorrow. I was born with a use for my wealth. Even if the money dissipates, it wille back.��


    Yun Yi felt that there was something strange about her words, but after thinking about it, he felt that she was right. He suddenly recalled the magical change in the Ning Family��s Second Young Master from struggling topromise to actively cooperating with his sister. He could not help but shiver.


    H-h-h-he did not want to lose himself and be Miss Ning��s believer!


    Xiaoxiao turned around and saw that Yun Yi was thinking about something that frightened him. She immediately felt that boys were soplicated.


    Not only did Xiaoxiao buy the things needed for the shop, but she also took the opportunity to add a lot of misceneous things to the house. From firewood, oil, salt, clothes, and bedding, she was prepared to change thempletely after getting rid of the old residence. She did not believe that those people would still dare to make a scene in her house.


    She wanted her family to be thriving and prosperous. She wanted the old residence to see them but not be able to touch them!


    Of course, taking advantage of the fact that she had bought a lot of misceneous things, she also bought all kinds of seeds. The variety was soplicated that Yun Yi could not understand it anyway.


    Madam Song, who was left in the shop, initially suspected that the shop owner had sent the goods to the wrong ce. Later on, she found a vine and pinched it in her hand with a wooden face. Later on, she took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. In the end, she was so angry that she could not move.


    Moreover, in the end, Xiaoxiao came back with Mrs. Shen. It was not appropriate for her to beat up the child in front of the county magistrate��s wife.


    Xiaoxiao blinked and hid behind her savior. She said to Madam Song, ��Aiya, I happened to meet Mrs. Shen on the way, so I invited her to our shop to drink milk tea and eat Cloud Cake.��


    ��Aiyaya, fortunately, I thought ahead and bought tables, chairs, and stools in advance. Otherwise, look, there��s no ce for the guests to sit when theye. Wouldn��t that be neglecting them?!��


    Madam Song was angry and amused. After giving her a ��get even�� look, she went to talk to the county magistrate��s wife cautiously.


    After knowing her true identity, Madam Song naturally couldn��t let go. Mrs. Shen also expressed her understanding, so she picked a topic that the Ning Family would be interested in.


    ��The person in charge of the entrance test today is the Dean. Dean Lu is the top schr at the age of 20. He��s an unprecedented genius. The questions he sets are also different from those ordinary old pedants. Compared to studying, he cares more about the students�� temperament and diligence.��


    It was indeed as she had said. In the academy, when the students rubbed their palms together and prepared to show off their literary attainments, they heard the examiner ask, ��Write your favorite essay or poem on the answer sheet. There��s no time limit. Those who finish it first, enter the next level.��


    The candidates could not help but fall into deep thought. Some people rubbed their palms together and prepared to write dozens of pages to prove their erudition. Some people carefully deliberated and wanted to silently say a few shocking sentences to show that they were extraordinary. Some people were full of confidence and wrote the original poems that they had carefully deliberated over the past few days. It could be said that they each disyed their own abilities.


    However, after writing this answer sheet, everyone was in a dilemma again. Since ancient times, anyone with some courage wanted to fight for first ce. However, those who had some secret schemes, were unwilling to be first. One had heard that the tallest tree would be destroyed by the wind. No one wanted to be the first to stand out��it would not be good if the examiner treated them as arrogant and impatient people.


    Just as he was hesitating and pondering, two youths in the crowd stood up almost at the same time and walked towards the invigtor. ��I��m done.��


    The two of them had different styles. One of them did not have any luxurious clothes, but he had an outstanding charm and a natural noble aura. The other was dressed in simple clothes that were slightly shabby, but he was neither servile nor overbearing. He had his own style. Coupled with their calm and determined expressions, it was impossible for anyone to ce the word ��arrogant�� on them.


    As expected, the examiner only nced at their answers before nodding and opening the door to the next level. ��Please.��


    The remaining students admired them and were vexed, but they all sped up their writing.


    It was Rong Yan and Ning Ansheng who handed in their papers just now. They had each recorded a poem that they liked. It did not have many words, but every word was written very seriously. Ning Ansheng��s handwriting was naturally much worse than Rong Yan��s, but he still straightened his back and did not look inferior.


    The examiner nodded secretly. He already felt that these two people would not be ordinary in the future.


    While the examination was intense, a unique fragrance was slowly wafting out of the brush and ink shop outside of the academy.


    At first, when the smell of fireworks wafted out of the shop, the shopkeepers of the bookstore were originally frowning and nning to protest. How could a bookstore be tainted by smoke?


    However, that fragrance actually smelled like tea?


    So the person who bought Old Qian��s shop was going to open a tea shop on this street?


    This was in line with the noble aura of a schr. Just as they were reluctantly acknowledging it, the fragrance of tea was mixed with a faint milk fragrance. After that, there was a very unfamiliar and tempting sweet fragrance.


    The moment the in cake was out of the oven, the fragrance was the strongest.


    Xiaoxiao put them aside to cool them and started to pick and choose from a pile of jars wrapped in ck cloth to cover the cream that she took out from her space. She didn��t need much, just enough to make a cake, so it wasn��t easy to arouse suspicion.


    Even Madam Song felt that she should never step into the kitchen. Unless Xiaoxiao called her, she could only smell the fragrance with Mrs. Shen and the others.


    Fortunately, Xiaoxiao was a considerate little girl. While waiting for the cake to be baked, she had already cooked fresh and delicious milk tea for everyone. She even poured it into beautiful teacups that she had just bought and served it on the table.


    Mrs. Shen ate and drank the milk tea and cake that had just been baked. She felt that thisbination was very beautiful.


    Just now, when she heard from the concierge that Xiaoxiao was here to get milk, she gifted herself to her without a word. In order not to miss the opportunity to freeload, she even forgot to bring her son along.


    At this moment, she sighed enviously with a milk fragrance. ��Your and Young Master Zhao��s shop is about to bepleted.. Where are our shops?��

 Chapter 187 - 187: Cooperation Method

    Chapter 187: Cooperation Method


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    As she was a female and had a special identity, Xiaoxiao was receiving Mrs. Shen in the guest room. She was not a serious person to begin with. At this moment, she took a sip of milk tea and a bite of cake. As she ate and drank, she became limp andzy like a cat.


    The ce she was at was not the usual tables and chairs for guests. Instead, it was a small sofa that Xiaoxiao had made based on a bean bag. It was filled with rags and cotton, and she did not want to get up after sitting down.


    ��Will this shop specialize in selling milk tea and Cloud Cake in the future?��


    Xiaoxiao refilled her cup of tea. ��I was just about to tell you about this.��


    Mrs. Shen immediately wanted to sit up straight, but she realized that her hands were busy, so it was difficult for her to adjust her sitting posture. She decided to continue leaning andy on the small sofa as though it was a chaise lounge. ��What do you mean?��


    It was difficult for her to insist on holding the teacup and cake in this magical position. Xiaoxiao no longer had any sense of distance from this official��s wife. She took the things from Mrs. Shen in amusement and asked, ��The milk tea is indeed sold in this shop, but I want to do the business of Cloud Cake with you, Madam.��


    Mrs. Shen was overjoyed, but she still tried her best to ask reservedly, ��Eh, why?��


    Xiaoxiao said seriously, ��Because with Little Big Brother Yan��s and my abilities now, we can��t guarantee that there will be ice to preserve the ingredients at any time and ce, and the production and preservation of Cloud Cake must satisfy this condition.��


    She added, ��You were the one who got the milk for the milk tea, Mrs. Shen. I��ll feel guilty if I still ept your help for the Cloud Cake for nothing.��


    Mrs. Shen felt that she was honest, but at the same time, she felt that she was too honest.


    ��Then can��t the three of us work together?��


    Xiaoxiao wagged her finger. ��Three of us will be tooplicated. It��s not easy to settle the ounts.��


    ��Moreover, I want to do business with Madam specifically targeting women. It��s not convenient for Little Big Brother Ah Yan to participate.��


    Mrs. Shen��s eyes were filled with teasing. ��Are you reluctant to let others covet your Little Big Brother?��


    Yun Yi happened to have something to report. Hearing this, he stood at the door, not knowing whether to advance or retreat.


    Mrs. Shen smiled. ��That��s true. Ah Yan is good-looking and has an extraordinary temperament. If you don��t keep an eye on him now, many little vixens will snatch him from you in the future.��


    Xiaoxiao��s face was wooden. ��Madam, is this from experience?��


    Recalling the scene of her husband attracting women when he was young, Mrs. Shen snorted and reached out to pull the ponytail on Xiaoxiao��s head. ��You��re just a child. Aren��t you embarrassed!��


    Xiaoxiao was very helpless. ��Madam, you��re the one who��s not embarrassed first.��


    Seeing that Xiaoxiao was bing more and more impudent, Madam Song hurriedly stepped on her foot to remind her, but Mrs. Shen waved her hand. ��It��s fine, it��s fine. She��s right. I saw that Xiaoxiao is smart and I identally forgot that she��s still young.��


    These words reminded Xiaoxiao. She touched her chin. ��Why don��t I pretend to be stupid in the future and try not to perform so well?��


    Mrs. Shenughed out loud. ��That will have to wait until you tell me about our shop��s idea.��


    Xiaoxiao was already prepared. She took out a drawing paper from the drawer and started to describe it to Mrs. Shen.


    ��To put it simply, I want to open a private elegant abode for women to rest. The furnishings are mainlyfortable. Other than the hall, there are more VIP rooms that pay attention to privacy. What do you think of this seat? I��ll call it the sofa. I��ll improve itter. We��ll put a few in each VIP room. The nobledies, who are usually tense, can rx faster if they want to. The overall style is inclined to a tea room. There��s no main meal, but it can provide all kinds of tea, snacks, and iced drinks to relieve their fatigue in summer����


    ��To put it simply, our elegant abode is for people to enjoy. It��s just to rx. It��s also targeted at rich and noble women.��


    The more she spoke, the brighter Mrs. Shen��s eyes lit up. This deal suited her too well!


    As the daughter of the Li Family and Mrs. Shen, she was best at enjoying herself. She also knew many women who had nothing to do and had nowhere to spend their money.


    Mrs. Shen was calm and unruffled as she casually asked, ��I��ll ask you directly. How are you going to calcte the dividends?��


    Xiaoxiao was also very calm. ��This is also an important question I want to discuss with Madam.��


    ��I have a few suggestions regarding our cooperation method. Madam, please listen and see which one is more favorable.��


    ��The first is that I only take care of the design of the dishes and the style of the shop. I won��t care about anything else. I don��t need any decision-making power or say. I won��t interfere with your decisions in the shop��s decisions. I��ll take 20% of the shop��s dividends.��


    Mrs. Shen nodded. ��What about the second option?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��The second is that I won��t participate in any decisions of the shop, nor will I give any suggestions. I��m only in charge of food and drinks. However, I won��t sell the drinks and snacks that are provided to the elegant abode anywhere else except the milk tea shop. The dividends of the elegant abode have nothing to do with me. I��ll sell as much as you buy.��


    Without waiting for Mrs. Shen to continue asking, Xiaoxiao continued, ��There��s also the third method, which is the sale of blueprints, beverages, and snack forms. After I give them to you, I��ll only sell milk tea. Nothing else in the elegant abode has anything to do with me.��


    ��Madam, you don��t have to be anxious. Think about it slowly and tell me when you��ve thought it through. However, Madam, don��t worry. No matter which one you choose, it won��t affect our future interactions.��


    Preparing such a shop was much moreplicated than her milk tea shop. It was not something that could be settled with a few words. Moreover, the shop still needed to be prepared. Mrs. Shen pondered and nestled on the sofa without any intention of leaving.


    Xiaoxiao did not rush her and went to the kitchen to work.


    This was a busy city and there were bookstores around. It was obviously not suitable for her to cook. She only nned to make snacks and milk tea.


    There were two big pots prepared in the kitchen. The amber milk tea inside was fragrant and pleasant. Xiaoxiao filled the bamboo container with the milk tea and brought Yun Yi and the others to the surrounding bookstores. Businessmen made money by being amiable. She did not have apetitive rtionship with the surrounding shops. As long as she paid attention to favors, there would not be any conflict.


    As expected, those shopkeepers finally tasted the milk tea after smelling the fragrance for a long time. All of them were full of praise and their expressions became even kinder. They all expressed that they would definitely bring their rtives and friends to support them on the opening day.


    Xiaoxiao thanked them one by one and was about to bring her mother and the guards to find a ce to eat when she saw two familiar figures at the door.


    Li Muyan had a migraine from Gongsun Zhongjing��s torture early in the morning. This b*stard first despised his chef��s cooking for being unptable, then he said the good Junshan Silver Needles he made him was vulgar. He even asked him to make a list of herbs he needed, but Gongsun Zhongjing insisted on personally handling it. He brought him out to Fragrance Restaurant for a meal. Halfway in the carriage, Gongsun Zhongjing made a fuss about getting out of the carriage and looking for a food shop himself. As he walked, he came to the bookstore again!


    If not for the fact that his grandmother��s body still needed this person��s help to recuperate, Li Muyan really wanted to pack him up and send him back to the Genius Doctor Valley immediately..

 Chapter 188 - 188: Taro Cake Roll

    Chapter 188: Taro Cake Roll


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The most magical thing was that there was really a shop among the bookstalls that was emitting a familiar fragrance of food. Even the youngdy at the door was quite familiar.


    He elbowed Gongsun Zhongjing. ��Do you have a dog��s nose?��


    Seeing Xiaoxiao��s greeting, Li Muyan put away his expression that was worse than death and put on his usual business smile. ��I was wondering where I had smelled this smell before. So this is the shop that Shopkeeper Xu mentioned that Miss Ning is going to open.��


    The day he arrived at the Ning Family was a littlete. He did not have a share of the milk tea, and he only ate one piece of the sponge cake. The rest was eaten by Gongsun Zhongjing, this inhumane fellow. He did not even leave a crumb for him!


    He asked casually, ��Miss Ning, are you nning to do a snack business here? I wonder if it��s possible to����


    ��Impossible.�� A smug voice came from the shop. Shen Tianci, who hade over at some point,ughed with his hands on his hips. ��Ning Xiaoxiao has already decided to work with my mother! You should know the Li Family��s rules best. Married daughters and the main family��s business do not interfere with each other. Whoever interferes with the other party��s business is against the family rules!��


    Li Muyan��s smile froze. Xiaoxiao did not want the surrounding people to see him as a joke. She invited these young masters into the house and poured them a cup of milk tea.


    Fortunately, she had prepared a lot today and had something to entertain the guests. However, she did not let anyone touch the small pot at the end. She even specially reminded Yun Yi, ��That pot is reserved for my brother and Little Big Brother Ah Yan. No matter how Shen Tianci pleads, we can��t give it to him.��


    This guy was simply extreme. He was either picky at home and did not eat anything, or he ate everything when he was at her ce.


    Just as she had expected, Shen Tianci, who had finished two cups in a row, sneaked into the kitchen with the cup. If Yun Yi had not caught him quickly, he would have sessfully drunk it.


    As the host, Xiaoxiao couldn��t really let the guests sit there with empty cups, especially when there was a genius doctor who had treated her father with acupuncture to clear his blood vessels. Her father was still waiting for him to do a few more treatments.


    That day, after Doctor Gongsun checked on the recovery of the back of her father��s head, he really discovered hidden dangers. Back then, they could not get rid of the clotted blood. He could not sense any difort now, but he might feel dizzy in the future. It was even more difficult to say if it got more serious.


    Previously, the Ning Family had also hired other doctors to treat Ning Fengnian. However, those doctors could only treat the external injuries and not internal injuries. Madam Song and the others did not understand, but Xiaoxiao knew the seriousness of the cerebral hemorrhage and hurriedly asked Doctor Gongsun to help treat it. This doctor was also cold on the outside but warm on the inside. He immediately administered acupuncture and promised to administer acupuncture to Ning Fengnian again every five days until the hemorrhage dissipated.


    How could Xiaoxiao dare to neglect such a good doctor?


    ��Doctor Gongsun, Young Master Li, please sit down for a moment. I��ll make some simple snacks. If you don��t mind, please stay and try them.��


    Shen Tianci hurriedly raised his hand high. ��There��s still me, there��s still me. Why didn��t you ask me?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��Because I know you definitely won��t mind.��


    Shen Tianci was instantlyforted. He even showed off to Li Muyan. ��Did you see that? With our rtionship, I��ll definitely get my share of food.��


    Xiaoxiao did not care how they bickered here. After asking her mother and finding out that Mrs. Shen had actually fallen asleep on the sofa, she was also convinced. Seeing that Mrs. Shen��s nanny and maidservant had already covered her with a thin nket, she let her be. The weather was good now, so she would not catch a cold.


    The oven had already been preheated. Xiaoxiao had plenty of flour, eggs and milk. This time, she wanted to roast a rectangr thin cake. While waiting for the cake to be baked, she started to process the other ingredients.


    After washing the taro, removing the skin, cutting it into pieces, and steaming it in the pot, she added a suitable amount of honey. Now that she had money, she could buy the honey directly. She did not have to go into the mountains to take the risk herself. It was very convenient. After the taro paste that she had prepared was ced at the side to cool down, the cake was also baked. She took out the mold and ced it to a level where it was not hot to the touch. She smeared the taro paste on the cake embryo and rolled it up.


    After rolling up the long strip cake into a roll, she cut it into rings with a clean knife.


    The light purple taro paste in the light yellow cake embryo was moderately sweet and melted in the mouth.


    She was telling the truth to Mrs. Shen just now. With her current ability, milk products like cream and butter could only be made in small quantities and could not satisfy a lot of needs, especially since summer wasing. She could not just put them aside after making dessert and let them fight against the high temperature.


    However, she had already gotten Mrs. Shen to contact the herdsmen to buy the milk. If the ice cubes depended on Mrs. Shen, then she would have to get involved in the milk tea shop. Xiaoxiao was unwilling.


    She just wanted a shop thatpletely belonged to her. It was simpler and morefortable. She could do whatever she wanted, even if she earned less money. She had enough to eat and drink.


    The milk tea shop meant a lot to her. This was the first ce that truly belonged to her after she transmigrated. It was not easy for her to buy the shop herself. How could she bear to share it with others?


    She wanted to do up this shop ording to her preferences and interests.


    Hence, if Mrs. Shen was interested in cream cakes, she might as well let her make them. Xiaoxiao nned to make milk tea as the main dish in the milk tea shop and make whatever snacks she wanted or her family wanted to eat ording to her mood.


    There was no need for arge quantity. If they really could not sell it, it would be very honorable for them to eat it or give it to their neighbors.


    But on second thought, why was she unwilling to break up with Mrs. Shen but willing to pull Little Big Brother Ah Yan in? Scratching her head, she put this question aside and took out a carefully selected set of cutlery to store snacks. Then, she poured a cup of chrysanthemum tea for everyone.


    [Ding�� The Gourmet Taro Cake Roll has been sessfully recorded for the first time. It has been tested that this gourmet��s usage of ingredients is unique and unique in this space-time. Reward: 1,000 points. Current total points are 4,900 points.]


    The points earned from cooking for the past two days were not evenparable to a Taro Cake Roll. It could be seen how important innovation was.


    Knowledge was power, knowledge was wealth, and knowledge was points.


    [Ding! Chrysanthemum Tea has been sessfully recorded for the first time. Reward: 200 points. Current total points are 5,100. Master,e to the space to take a lookter! The seedling rewarded for thest upgrade has grown up!] Oh, didn��t that mean that she would know its true colors?


    The space kept her in suspense and wanted to surprise her. It was not appropriate for Xiaoxiao to disappear in broad daylight, so she walked forward with food and drinks.


    There was a light purple snack in the middle of the goose yellow, and a few flowers floated in the flower tea. Just by looking at it, Shen Tianci had already started to swallow his saliva. ��You��re thinking of new snacks again? Are you going to put this in the shop where you worked with my mother?��


    He admitted that he had said it on purpose for Li Muyan to hear. Ever since he knew that his family had beaten him to it, he had not said anything. Hehe, he must be disappointed and sad.. He deserved it! He must be so angry!

 Chapter 189 - 189: A Good Official With A Boundless Future

    Chapter 189: A Good Official With A Boundless Future


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor. Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao put down the cutlery. ��There��s no need for this. I��ll cook as I please from time to time. These are all made based on my mood and are not conventional, so they��re not suitable to be sold in that shop.��


    The guests there were all nobledies. If they wanted to eat it one day and found out that they didn��t have it, they might throw a huge tantrum.


    Seeing Shen Tianci��s disappointed expression, Xiaoxiao found it funny. ��You can��t go to Mrs. Shen��s shop often, but I��m outside the academy now. Isn��t it more convenient for you toe?��


    Shen Tianci was happy again. Halfway through his happiness, he suddenly froze. He turned around awkwardly and chuckled. ��About this academy���� Xiaoxiao was all ears, but Shen Tianci was quite embarrassed.


    Li Muyan seemed to be at odds with him by nature and exposed him. ��Why can��t you say it? It��s just that you couldn��t get in, so you used Uncle��s rmendation to enter the academy.��


    Shen Tianci blushed. ��None of your business!�� Then, he looked at Xiaoxiao nervously.


    He was so afraid that Ning Xiaoxiao would look at him strangely. Would she look down on him? Or would she look down on him for getting in through the back door? Brother Ning and Zhao Yan relied on their own abilities to take the exam, but he relied on the rmendation letter. How embarrassing! He had been too ashamed to appear in front of them for the past few days.


    However, Xiaoxiao only took a bite of her snack and said, ��Mm-hm, then you��ll be studying with my brother and Little Big Brother Ah Yan in the future?�� Shen Tianci was surprised. ��That��s it? Don��t you have anything else to tell me?�� Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and asked uncertainly, ��Congrattions?�� That was not right. Shen Tianci downed his tea to moisten his throat.


    ��Shouldn��t you put your hands on your hips and mock me for not being capable and relying on my Dad?��


    Xiaoxiao asked sincerely, ��Isn��t your father also one of your abilities? Only a fool wouldn��t take an easier path. Do I look like such a muddle-headed person?��


    Hey, hey, hey. This was really the most pleasing thing he had heard in the past few days!


    Shen Tianci gritted his teeth. Only then was he in the mood to try this purple snack. It was amazing when he took a bite. Was this another cloud?


    Xiaoxiao refilled his cup of tea. ��Taro Cake Roll. Thatyer of taro paste is processed from taro. It��s delicious, right?��


    Taro? How could that thing be eaten like this? It was simr to Ning Xiaoxiao��s cream!


    Shen Tianci ate with a satisfied expression and even forgot to quarrel with Li Muyan. Thetter, on the other hand, tasted the Taro Cake Roll in his mouth and disliked He Ruhuan even more.


    If it weren��t for that self-righteous cousin, how could he have missed a talent like Ning Xiaoxiao?


    Seeing that he was deep in thought, Gongsun Zhongjing took his share without a word. He cut off the part that he had bitten and took a bite before Li Muyan could react. Li Muyan was speechless.


    He gritted his teeth. ��Didn��t you say that you had no appetite when you woke up this morning?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing sipped his tea freely. Looking at his expression, it was as if he was looking at a retard. ��Your food tastes bad.��


    He pointed at Xiaoxiao. ��It��s far inferior to hers.��


    Xiaoxiao dly epted this straightforward praise andbeled this young doctor as a ��honest person�� in her heart.


    Shen Tianci, who was unwilling to let Li Muyan have the chance to talk to Xiaoxiao more, pulled Xiaoxiao aside. ��Do you know what happened to your


    Second Uncle?��


    Xiaoxiao lowered her eyes. ��I don��t know.��


    Shen Tianci said exaggeratedly, ��You��re really the most carefree person I��ve ever met. Aren��t you curious at all?��


    Xiaoxiao was more concerned about seedlings, which were given to her by the space. ��I��m preparing to get my brother to ask the government office after the exam.��


    Shen Tianci patted his chest. ��Then you don��t have to go. I��ll tell you.��


    It was rted to other people��s family matters, so it was not good for Li Muyan to stay. However, he would not eat and drink for free. Hence, he invited Xiaoxiao and her family to the Fragrance Restaurant for lunch. Xiaoxiao readily agreed. Big Brother and Little Big Brother��s exams should end in half a day. Originally, they were prepared to find a restaurant to have a good meal to celebrate their admission.


    As for not getting in? Hehe, how was that possible?


    They actually wanted to talk about Second Uncle, so Xiaoxiao called Madam


    Song over to listen.


    It was said that when they first entered the prison, the three jackals were quite honest. Later on, for some reason, they fought. In the end, Buttface even went crazy and fought with the other two desperadoes in the prison. How could he be their match with his small body? In less than a night, not only him, but even Second Uncle Ning and that swindler were beaten up until they couldn��t take care of themselves.


    Among the three of them, Buttface was definitely not the one whomitted the biggest crime. Moreover, his family could not bear to pursue the matter at all. In addition, his brother��s injuries were not serious, so they just treated it as if the brothers�� fight had been left unsettled. The only thing he had to take responsibility for was the crime of theft, but Xiaoxiao also promised not to pursue it. Hence, he only needed to stay in the prison for a few nights and be beaten a few times to make him remember before he could go home.


    To be honest, he had long known about this process. He did not panic at all and even felt that he had earned a ginseng for nothing. He was very happy.


    He did not know that on the first night, he had suffered a double loss. The expensive ginseng was ruined, and he was also covered in injuries. When his family picked him up, he almost cried outside the county office. He might as well go to jail and be beaten!


    That swindler was guilty of fraud and an attempted crime. ording to thews of Great Xia, as long as he paid enough fines, it was not difficult for him to leave. He used to be an actor. It was fine for him to put on airs, but if he really fought with someone, he would only be beaten up. His face, which he was most proud of, was beaten up badly and he even lost a few teeth. It was said that a woman originally wanted to redeem him after receiving his letter. However, when she saw his face, she covered her face with a handkerchief and left.


    As for Second Uncle Ning, County Magistrate Shen understood that the Ning Family was focused on Ning Ansheng��s exams and put his matter aside. He hurt someone first and cheatedter. He was also involved in stealing. It was not a small matter to punish him for three crimes at the same time.


    However, he was still locked up and had yet to be interrogated. He had already been beaten beyond recognition and could not sleep in panic every night. In just a few days, he was so ragged and dispirited that he could ask for money on the streets.


    After Buttface was taken away, in order to reduce his crime, the county magistrate didn��t ask anything. He called the prison guards and said that he had confessed everything. That night, he signed a paper. He also emphasized that everything was Second Uncle Ning��s idea. He was just tempted and went astray.


    The swindler also left the cell, leaving Second Uncle Ning and the two desperadoes. Second Uncle Ning could not eat his fill or wear warm clothes, and the steamed buns provided by the prison were even snatched away. One could imagine the pressure.


    Shen Tianci pped his hands and smiled innocently. ��From the looks of it, the county office hasn��t done anything yet, but the matter is half resolved. Knowing that it was County Magistrate Shen who put these people together, Xiaoxiao smiled meaningfully. ��Your father will definitely be a good official with a bright future..��

 Chapter 190 - 190: Do You Know Who I Am?

    Chapter 190: Do You Know Who I Am?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Shen Tianci only thought that Xiaoxiao was praising his father. Although he and his father usually did not get along with each other like most father and son, he was still quite happy to hear this. After saying a few humble words, he asked, ��How do you n to deal with this matter?��


    ��Don��t tell me he��s going to let it go just like Buttface?��


    The matter with Second Uncle Ning and Xiaoxiao��s family was different from ordinary assault cases. If they really did not sue, the county office could only let them go.


    Shen Tianci had also heard a lot about his father��s cases. The familial matters in the vige were the most difficult to deal with. If he did not manage enough, themoners felt that the county magistrate had to make do with his job If �� he interfered too much, they felt that the county magistrate was just messing around. It was very difficult. He might even beined if he worked hard.


    Of course, Shen Tianci was confident that Ning Xiaoxiao was not an insensible person.


    However, mostmoners did not want to have anything to do with the government. They would settle things privately if they could.


    ��When I came this morning, I saw that olddy begging to see her son outside the county office.��


    Fortunately, his father had said that he would not let the old residence go to the Ning Family again. Otherwise, they would have cried and made a fuss long ago.


    Xiaoxiao was interested. ��Where is it? I��ll go take a look.��


    Madam Song was immersed in her emotions and did not react so quickly. When she came back to her senses, her daughter had already run away. Although she was worried about Xiaoxiao, she could not leave the shop and Mrs. Shen, who was sleeping in the shop, alone. Fortunately, Yun Er came to tell her that Yun Yi had already followed her. Little Master Shen also had a pageboy by his side, so Madam Song was relieved.


    Thinking of what their family head had suffered, she couldn��t help but clench her fists. This was too much. The old residence was simply too much! No matter what, she couldn��t let the matter rest. She had to make that bastard Ning Fengcai pay the price!


    On the way to the county office, Shen Tianci sighed with emotion about the ginseng that Buttface could not protect.


    ��Although Li Muyan is annoying, the things he gave are really good. Even if he doesn��t sell that ginseng, it��s not bad to find a pharmacy to make it into a medicine and keep it at home as an emergency item.��


    Xiaoxiao told him the story of Buttface and the tree root in a low voice, making Shen Tianci feel like he had discovered a new continent. ��That works too?�� Xiaoxiao said seriously, ��Special times are special. You don��t have to be open and aboveboard when dealing with vicious people. Don��t be so inflexible.�� Shen Tianci felt that these words were contrary to what was taught in the sages books, but he did not like the sages�� books.


    Xiaoxiao, who did not realize that she was leading a child astray, came to the county office excitedly and saw Old Madam Ning pacing back and forth Old Madam Ning also discovered Xiaoxiao with a sharpness that did not match her age.


    ��Ning Xiaoxiao!��


    Without waiting for her to shout, Xiaoxiao waved her finger. ��Grandma, I advise you to readjust your tone with me.��


    Old Madam Ning gritted her teeth. She was so angry at this brat��s smug look that she wanted to tremble. However, for her son, she really had no choice but to swallow her anger. ��Little Ning Girl, you can��t write two Ning words with one stroke. Our families are connected by blood and bones. Are you really so heartless as to watch your Second Uncle go to jail?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled sweetly. ��Then Grandma, why are you and Grandpa so heartless? You clearly know what dirty things Second Uncle has done, but you still cover it up for him and continue to shamelessly take things from my family?��


    After saying that, she pped her hands. ��Oh, I know, because you didn��t give birth to my father. You��re his stepmother, so Grandpa is like his stepfather.�� Old Madam Ning��s expression was ugly. ��Are you here to settle old scores with me?��


    There was no hint of repentance in her tone.


    Xiaoxiao was not surprised. She maintained her smile and said in a gloating tone, ��Of course not. I��m here to ask Grandma. If your second son goes to jail Will your proud youngest son still be able to participate in the imperial examination and be an official? Will he still be able to soar and earn wealth for you?��


    Old Madam Ning��s energy seemed to have been sucked away, and her soul was in a daze.


    No, she could not ruin Third Brother��s future because of this!


    Xiaoxiao continued, ��But what should we do? The evidence is irrefutable, and we don��t ept reconciliation. Second Uncle isn��t like my family who has broken off our rtionship with you, Little Uncle will definitely be affected.�� A ruthless glint shed across Old Madam Ning��s eyes.


    Xiaoxiao returned in satisfaction.


    She did not know what her parents were thinking. In any case, she did not n to let the original host��s bastard second uncle off.


    The unfamiliar and familiar feeling when she saw his ferocious face a few days


    ago made her recall some memories about the original host.


    Second Uncle Ning was experienced in telling others that Ning Xiaoxiao didn��t retaliate when she was hit or scolded. The original host, who was young, timid and naturally slower than others, didn��t dare to tell anyone even if she was hit �� for no reason. Second Uncle Ning also specialized in picking tricky spots to attack, hence, he had never been discovered all these years.


    It was true that Second Aunt Ning was the one who tricked the original host to the back of the mountain on a winter nightst year, but Ning Fengcai was the one who kicked her until she fainted and lost the strength to cry for help.


    How ruthless must they be to hit a child so hard? That made sense. They wanted the original host��s life to begin with.


    In that case, don��t me her for being merciless.


    Those people in the old residence were all jackals of the same tribe. They were rather united in being ruthless and selfish. Then let��s see if they would stick together in peace from today onwards, or if they would seek benefits and disintegrate. They would sweep the snow in front of their own door and fly away in the face of danger.


    Xiaoxiao, who had walked around, was in a better mood. If not for the fact that someone was treating her to lunch, she would have bought groceries and cooked a feast to celebrate.


    Everyone in the old residence was selfish and cold. Let��s see who was the most selfish.


    When she returned to the vicinity of the academy, it was about time. She simply went to the entrance of Bowen Academy with Yun Yi to wait for Big Brother and Little Big Brother Ah Yan. Not long after she stood still, she heard an angry voice. ��I finally found you!��


    Xiaoxiao focused her gaze and turned to ask Yun Yi, ��Who is it?��


    Yun Yi thought to himself, That Young Master Lei you humiliated at the entrance of the academy back then, but I can��t let you know who I know.


    Hence, I put on a puzzled expression. ��I��ve never seen him before.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and looked past Lei Shaoming, continuing to look for Big Brother and Little Big Brother.


    How could Lei Shaoming tolerate this? He immediately strode over with the servant who was waiting for him at the door.


    Out of etiquette, Shen Tianci did not listen to Xiaoxiao and her Grandma��s conversation just now, so he did not know what they were talking about. However, he could tell that Lei Shaoming did note with good intentions Hence, before he got close, Shen Tianci weed him with an even more arrogant aura than the other party.


    Lei Shaoming and Shen Tianci stared at each other. ��Who are you? Why are you meddling in other people��s business?! Do you know who I am?��


    After saying this, he recalled some unhappy experiences and red at Xiaoxiao with a dark expression. However, thetter did not look at him at all and was even looking around on her tiptoes.


    Students kepting out of the academy, but she did not see the people she was waiting for.


    At the side, Shen Tianci chuckled. As long as he was right in principle, he could almost do whatever he wanted in Xijiang County. Someone actually dared to be arrogant in front of him?


    He immediately put on the airs of the county magistrate��s son.. ��Then do you


    know who I am?��

 Chapter 191 - 191: The Uneducated Lei Shaoming

    Chapter 191: The Uneducated Lei Shaoming


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Pfft!


    Xiaoxiao almostughed out loud. She remembered now. It was that uncultured young master who didn��t know how to write.


    Heh! The anger in Lei Shaoming��s heart surged-it was this sentence again! It was this tricking sentence again! Back then, he was frightened by that brat��s words and missed the best opportunity to settle scores with her. Why was she here again today?


    I advise you to get lost as far as possible. It��s fine if you use your bluff once. Again, be careful not to y with fire and burn yourself.��


    Shen Tianci was confused. He turned around and asked Xiaoxiao, ��Is this person��s brain not working well?��


    Lei Shaoming was furious. ��Damn fatty, who are you scolding?��


    Shen Tianci��s round face tensed up. ��What did you call me just now?��


    Seeing that he was really angry, Lei Shaoming was even happier. ��Fatty, fat pig, I��m talking about you. What��s wrong?��


    Shen Tianci had never been someone who could swallow his anger. He immediately waved his hand and wanted to instruct the servants to go forward and beat him up, but he was stopped by Xiaoxiao. Shen Tianci did not understand. Xiaoxiao sighed and said pitifully, ��I remember now. Let��s not provoke this person. Otherwise, we might be ambushed in the alley and beaten upter.��


    From an angle that Lei Shaoming could not see, Xiaoxiao blinked at Shen Tianci. Shen Tianci had eaten so many of her meals after all, so they had a basic tacit understanding. He immediately stopped the servants. ��What do you mean?��


    Lei Shaoming was already starting to feel smug. Xiaoxiao asked, ��Did you send someone to follow mest time?��


    Lei Shaoming raised his hand and tidied up his hair. He said arrogantly, ��So what if I am? Who asked you to offend me? You were luckyst time, but next time����


    Xiaoxiao pped her hands. ��Sigh, I was just asking casually. You really admitted it?�� It was good that he admitted it. Fortunately, Shen Tianci did not have the time to introduce himself. Otherwise, whoever confessed would not be so straightforward.


    Shen Tianci was furious. ��How dare you!��


    At the same time, another angry voice sounded behind Xiaoxiao. ��Followed?�� Xiaoxiao stuck out her tongue and turned around with an embarrassed smile, <sup>be</sup>gg>ng for mercy. ��Brother, you��re out? Are you hungry? Are you thirsty? I made milk tea and freshly baked snacks for you!��


    For a moment, she could not be sure if her brother��s anger was purely because of this young master who was not very literate.


    Shen Tianci red at Lei Shaoming. Ning Ansheng and Rong Yan also stood in front of him with unfriendly expressions. Lei Shaoming��s face turned green. He almost flicked his sleeves and fled.


    After returning to the shop, Ning Ansheng did not say a word. He did not drink milk tea or eat Xiaoxiao��s Taro Cake Roll. He did not look unusual during lunch andmunicated normally with Li Muyan and the rest.


    Seeing that Xiaoxiao was unhappy and kept stealing nces at her brother, Rong Yan silently scooped a bowl of soup for her.


    Xiaoxiao took a bite and did not move much. She only listened to the others quietly.


    Today��s exam was to let the students write an article by themselves. Then, the examiner would ask questions about this article in detail.


    Xiaoxiao deduced that the examinee��s results should be judged based on the examinee��s understanding of this article. Then, if someone deliberately wrote some articles that they did not know much about and handed them in in order to pretend, wouldn��t they be shooting themselves in the foot?


    For example, Lei Shaoming had spent a lot of effort to enter the academy, but he failed to get the county magistrate��s rmendation letter. He had spent a lot of money to hire many students to give him advice and write poems. The article he submitted today was also the best article his advisers agreed on.


    It was indeed good literature, but he could not understand it. Hence, when the examiner asked, Lei Shaoming was dumbfounded. After returning to the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, he lost his temper and smashed everything in the private room.


    The servant came to report that he had seen that brat and fatty enter the Fragrance Restaurant just now. Lei Shaoming rolled up his sleeves with a ruthless expression. ��Get Ah Da to bring his men ande with me!��


    Shopkeeper Lei had also heard about his nephew losing his temper, but in his opinion, it was only natural that the Lei Family would not suffer. In addition, he was still having a headache over the decreasing profits of the Heavenly Fragrance Restaurant, so he let him be.


    Lei Shaoming waited near the Fragrance Restaurant for a long time before finally seeing a few familiar figures.


    He was not stupid. Even if he came to cause trouble, he would not do it in front of so many people. Hence, he followed them all the way and prepared to attack when there were fewer people.


    However, what he did not know was that not to mention Rong Yan��s guards, even the servants of the Shen Family had smartly realized that something was wrong.


    Mrs. Shen poked her son after hearing the servant��s report. ��What trouble did you cause again?��


    Shen Tianci felt aggrieved. He added fuel to the fire andined. He even emphasized, ��He personally admitted that he had ulterior motives for following Ning Xiaoxiao in the past. He even called me a fat pig!��


    Mrs. Shen��s gentle expression suddenly became murderous. She sneered and led her people around. They really followed Lei Shaoming��s expectations. The further they walked, the fewer people were left. As they walked, she evenforted Xiaoxiao and the rest. ��Don��t be afraid. Our Shen Family��s servants have all learned martial arts. We also sent someone to the county office to call for help just now. We won��t let you encounter any danger.��


    Ning Ansheng suddenly asked, ��Was this before or after Tong Bin got someone to ambush you?��


    Xiaoxiao nced at her brother timidly and said honestly, ��Previously, but I hid. They left before they could find me.��


    Ning Ansheng fell silent again.


    Xiaoxiao sighed repeatedly in her heart. Big Brother was rarely really angry with her. How should she coax him now?


    It wasn��t that she didn��t want to say it, but she had forgotten about it. She didn��t know that Lei Shaoming was so petty. It had been so long, but he still cared.


    Her bram was thinking of all kinds of ways to coax her brother when she heard Big Brother say faintly, ��Big Brother doesn��t me you for hiding it. 1 can only me myself for not being capable and not letting you rely on me without worry. I don��t know anything other than farming. I can��t help you or protect you. That��s why I let you hold it in yourself and shoulder it yourself. I��m useless.��


    ��It��s the same for Second Uncle��s matter. You were followed and in danger consecutively.��


    Xiaoxiao was instantly hit by guilt. This time, she really reflected on herself.


    She boasted that she had a lifetime of experience. When she interacted with her family, she could not help but think of herself as the person she used to be. She always thought of resolving problems herself, but she never thought that perhaps doing this did not represent protection for her family, but distrust.


    She sighed and raised her small hand to pinch the corner of her brother��s sleeve. ��Brother, don��t say that. You��re the best brother in the world. You were in the past, now, and even more in the future.��


    ��Brother, I really know my mistake. I won��t dare to do it again. Don��t ignore me and don��t say that about yourself, okay?��


    How could Ning Ansheng, who was addicted to doting on his sister, hold it in when she showed weakness like this? It was already his limit to persevere and not speak to her for so long. Ning Ansheng��s heart had long softened when she begged for peace so softly.


    However, he could not let this matter go easily. This girl was too bold. She would dare to do it again if he did not let her learn her lesson..

 Chapter 192 - 192: Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemum

    Chapter 192: Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemum


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He was also one of the people who understood Xiaoxiao the best. He knew that this little girl was amenable to coaxing but not coercion. Moreover, he could not bear to scold her in the first ce, so he decided to carry out the ruse of self-injury to the end. His expression was depressed, and his tone was low.


    ��Do you know how scared I was when I heard about this?��


    Xiaoxiao pouted and nodded obediently. This appearance was very rare.


    At least Rong Yan couldn��t look away.


    He also had younger sisters in the ��home��, but they were either domineering, arrogant, or good at scheming. None of them were like Ning Xiaoxiao, who was naughty and cute.


    He waved at Yun Yi and whispered a few words. Thetter��s eyes almost popped out, but he still answered honestly, ��Yes, I��ll find it when I get back.��


    As they spoke, Lei Shaoming, who had followed them, finally couldn��t help but jump out. ��Stupid girl, fatty, let��s see where you can still run to!��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head and sighed. After coaxing her brother, she was also in the mood toin to Shen Tianci. ��This kind of low-level evil person, who looks like he has no future, can��t hold it in at all.��


    Shen Tianci asked curiously, ��There are levels for evil people?��


    Xiaoxiao patted him lovingly. ��Young Master Shen, remember to study well after entering the academy.��


    Shen Tianci frowned and said to Ning Ansheng and Rong Yan, ��I think she��s looking down on me. Do you know what a high-level evil person is?��


    Ning Ansheng fell into deep thought. Rong Yan said, ��He will be using someone else to do his dirty work. She is two-faced, sweet-talking, and heartless.��


    Shen Tianci was speechless.


    The more he thought about it, the more he felt that Zhao Yan was either silent or hit the nail on the head.


    Lei Shaoming, who was ignored, was quite angry. He called for his thugs and was about to rush forward when his neck was pressed to the ground.


    ��What are you doing?! Do you know who I am? How dare you attack me! My uncle is Lei Wanjun, Great Shopkeeper Lei. We��re from the Yan Family!��


    A dignified voice with a hint of coldness behind him said, ��Should I, the magistrate, thank you for introducing yourself?��


    The magistrate?


    Lei Shaoming looked up in surprise and saw a handsome man in an official robe with an unfriendly expression.


    Mrs. Shen rubbed the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. ��Husband, in the county under your jurisdiction, I brought Tianci out for a meal and got us ambushed here. I was really scared to death!��


    Lei Shaoming��s mind was buzzing��it was over!


    ��Misunderstanding����


    Mrs. Shen snorted. ��Misunderstanding what? Did I misunderstand that you brought these thugs to block my way, or did I misunderstand that you scolded my son in front of me?��


    Anyone who had studied County Magistrate Shen knew that he was afraid of his wife and that his wife doted on her son.


    Good lord, Lei Shaoming suddenly realized that he had vited all the taboos.


    Next was the county magistrate��s negotiation with the Lei Family. Xiaoxiao originally thought that her brother would object to her going to the county to open a shop after this matter. She did not expect him to not only agree, but also help persuade Madam Song.


    ��Mother, the shop is open at the entrance of the academy. You don��t have to worry about safety. In broad daylight, in a prosperous ce with a crowd, even if some thieves want tomit a crime, they have to think twice. I go out with my sister every day. Even if she encounters any idents, Zhao Yan and I will be here. We can take care of each other.��


    Madam Song��s attention was diverted. ��You got in? You and Ah Yan both got in?��


    Ning Ansheng wasn��t a proud person, but he wouldn��t be vague when it was time to be confident. ��Most likely.��


    The nervousness and lingering fear of meeting an evil person were diluted by this good news. If Ning Ansheng hadn��t insisted on keeping a low profile without obtaining concrete news, Ning Fengnian would have bought a pot of wine to celebrate.


    Xiaoxiao could tell that her father was still forcing a smile, but he adhered to the principle of not revealing anything and joked together with them.


    However, after dinner, she found an opportunity to thank her brother. Her brother sighed. ��Opening a shop and cooking delicacies is what you like to do. If I don��t let you go, you will definitely be disappointed.��


    Xiaoxiao was so touched. ��Big Brother knows me well!��


    However, the next moment, Ning Ansheng said, ��Besides, if you stay at home, will Father and Mother be able to control you? Why don��t you be under my watch? I��ll be the first to discover anything.��


    Xiaoxiao:�� Being touched is just a fleeting cloud. It floats away with a swoosh.


    Since she had just made a mistake, she was too embarrassed toin to her brother. She pouted and returned to her room. She closed the door tofort herself. Her way offorting herself was very simple��enter the space.


    The space had been waiting for this moment. Just as Xiaoxiao shed in, it hurriedly brought her to the side of the space farnd to look at therge green seedling that was almost half her height.


    Xiaoxiao walked around the green Miaomiao and asked with uncertainty: [Chrysanthemum?]


    A detailed box popped up in the space��


    [Race: Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemum.]


    Xiaoxiao looked at this thriving flower seedling and specially touched the few branches that it had just split out. Then, she pinched off a small section. The sharp end that had been broken disappeared in the blink of an eye. She touched her chin and asked: [Space baby, can I take the flower seedlings rewarded for leveling up outside to nt?]


    The space gave an affirmative but iprehensible answer: [Yes, but Master, there��s a four-fold time flow on the space farnd. Don��t you want it?]


    Xiaoxiao smiled and did not say anything. She went out to sleep happily and put the dog into her space.


    Everyone in the eldest branch had a tiring day and slept deeply. They did not know how the old residence experienced a sleepless night, but Rong Yan heard it clearly from Yun Yi��s report.


    ��That youngest son of the old residence is selfish. When he heard that Ning Fengcai��s crimes would implicate him, his expression immediately changed and he made a scene. He kept saying that Second Brother ruined his career.��


    Rong Yan smiled. ��He��s quite confident.�� It was as if he was going to seed.


    ��It��s not just him,�� Yun Yi said. ��That spinster at the old residence wants to cry, throw a tantrum, and hang herself. She insists that her second brother will dy her marriage. If she can��t get married, it��s all Ning Fengcai��s fault.��


    Rong Yan did not want to hear about them. He waved his hand and asked Yun Yi to skip it. ��What are their ns? Are they going to beg the people from the eldest branch?��


    Yun Yi said, ��They don��t dare. Themoners are all weak in front of the officials. They really behaved when County Magistrate Shen said no. They are just a bunch of cowards who bully the weak and fear the strong.��


    He moved closer to Rong Yan mysteriously. ��Master, they actually want to chase Ning Fengcai out of the house and sever ties with him. They want to use this method to avoid affecting the youngest son��s participation in this year��s autumn examination.��


    Rong Yan smiled mockingly. ��He wants to be a Xiucai?��


    Yun Yi mocked, ��Isn��t that so? The key is that the entire family is full of confidence that he will definitely pass. Even that spinster in their family hasn��t married yet because she wants to wait for Third Brother Ning��s status to rise after he passes the examination and say that she has a high social status.��


    Rong Yan snorted and did notment. However, Yun Yi could not help but mention something else.


    ��Master, I heard from the spinster at the old residence that she has taken a fancy to someone. She wants her parents to propose marriage when her third brother is a Xiucai����


    Rong Yan suddenly had a bad feeling.. ��Who is it?��

 Chapter 193 - 193: It’s Simply Telepathy!

    Chapter 193: It��s Simply Telepathy!


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The corners of Yun Yi��s mouth twitched. ��You.��


    ��She also said that she wanted to find trouble with Miss Ning and warn her not to have any ideas about you and keep a distance from you����


    Rong Yan��s face darkened. ��Don��t let Ning Xiaoxiao know about this!��


    Yun Yi was in a difficult position. ��This�� I might not be able to control it����


    Rong Yan��s expression was saying ��what��s the use of having you?�� Yun Yi felt aggrieved. ��Even if I can control that spinster in the old residence, you won��t allow me to interfere with Miss Ning����


    Seeing that his master��s face was about to be even darker, Yun Yi quickly changed the topic. ��By the way, Master, do you want to try the clothes Miss Ning bought for you first?��


    Rong Yan��s expression turned from gloomy to sunny and he took it calmly.


    ��Don��t let her spend money next time.��


    Rong Yan didn��t sleep well that night. The next day, his eyes were dark when Xiaoxiao came to deliver breakfast. She even asked curiously, ��Are you tired due to the revision a few days ago?��


    Rong Yan did notment. Xiaoxiao looked at the new clothes on him and said regretfully, ��It��s a pity that there��s no good material in the county. It��s still a little inferior to your original one.��


    Rong Yan immediately said, ��This one is very good.�� He looked up at Xiaoxiao and said solemnly, ��Thank you. I like it very much.��


    Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes happily. ��Fortunately, you��re good-looking. You��re


    handsome no matter what you wear.��


    Rong Yan: /(/?/u/*//


    Xiaoxiao added, ��I wanted to ask when you were going into the mountains and wanted to y with you. Why don��t you go and catch up on your sleep?�� Rong Yan had a sh of inspiration and looked up from the vegetable porridge. ��Are you really going?�� He had heard her mention it before, but he only thought that it was a casual remark from the youngdy.


    Xiaoxiao did have this n, but she did not expect her neighbor Little Big Brother to coincidentally prepare to go into the mountains a few times in the next few days before school started. On second thought, it made sense. Going to the academy to study required money, and buying school supplies also required money. They needed money even more to do favors and socialize. Didn��t they have to do a big robbery first? Pfft, they had to hunt and sell some prey first.


    Both parties hit it off immediately. What was left was to convince the family.


    This was the first time Xiaoxiao had encountered such a huge resistance. Not to mention her eldest brother, who usually doted on her very much, even her second brother, who had long given up resisting, firmly objected. The reason was the same��


    ��It��s too dangerous!��


    Xiaoxiao looked around for an excuse. ��I��ve encountered a bottleneck in my cooking recently and need to enter the mountains to find inspiration.��


    Big Brother frowned. Second Brother��s expression was clearly saying, ��Do you think I��m stupid?��


    Xiaoxiao said seriously, ��I��ve used up all the herbs that are needed to remove the fishy smell in the milk. They are not sold in the pharmacy. I have to go to the mountains to pick them. Otherwise, our milk tea shop won��t be able to open!��


    They could not ignore this matter. Second Brother suggested, ��Why don��t we look for other pharmaceutical shops or give them a list for them to look for?


    Xiaoxiao looked at him from the corner of her eye. ��Our shop won��t open if we can��t find it?��


    Second Brother was also very vexed. ��Why didn��t you prepare more of such an important thing?��


    Xiaoxiao looked up at the sky. ��I was careless. It��s my fault for not being mature enough.��


    Her words made it difficult for her family to speak. Ning Ansheng rubbed his temples and asked her, ��Where did you get it from in the past? Can��t you find more with the same method? You don��tck money now. You can buy ready-made ones.��


    As expected, Big Brother was the hardest to fool in the family. Xiaoxiao��s mind raced. It was really not easy to find a reasonable excuse in a hurry. At this moment, the distant voice beside her said, ��I gave it to her.��


    Ning Ansheng was about to say that he would have to trouble him to help them find more when he heard him say, ��But she and I don��t remember what the grass looked like before it was processed.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded vigorously. ��I dried it and ground it into powder when I took it back, so I had to see it with my own eyes to remember how it looked when it was still healthy.��


    -You don��t have to worry. Little Big Brother Ah Yan vaguely remembers the ce where the grass grows. It isn��t deep in the mountains. We won��t encounter any danger, and we don��t have to stay at night. If we set off earlier, we can rush back before dark.��


    This was also the condition that Rong Yan agreed to bring her to the mountains to y-not to go deep and not to take risks, although she was also very puzzled about what they could hunt if they did not go deep into the mountains as hunters.


    Ning Ansheng looked at Xiaoxiao and then at Rong Yan. He frowned. ��I can go with you.��


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin and pondered for a moment. She suddenly made a suggestion that surprised everyone. ��Why don��t our entire family do it together?��


    ��Didn��t Father and Second Brother take three days off? If you��re not afraid of getting tired, why don��t our entire family go out for a spring trip? There��s strength in numbers. The earlier we go, the earlier we cane back!�� Second Brother knocked his head. ��Are you going to y?��


    Wasn��t that so? That was what she said with her bright eyes. Ning Anhui felt like hitting her again.


    Xiaoxiao stole a nce at her parents and went to her second brother��s side to clench her fists and clear her throat. Her posture made her second brother��s eyelids twitch. Here shees! She��s here again! Great Hoodwinker Ning Xiaoxiao is here again!


    Xiaoxiao lowered her voice and said to Second Brother, ��Second Brother, think about it. Second Uncle is locked up. This matter is rted to us. What if Grandpa and Grandmae and make a fuss and insist that we intercede? Are you willing?��


    Ning Anhui realized sadly that the time his sister needed to trick him was getting shorter and shorter. He could no longer find any reason to reject her with just a few words.


    He was betweenughter and tears. ��Father, Mother, Brother, I think Sister��s suggestion is very good. What if we find some ginseng and lingzhi on the mountain? We��ll be rich!��


    He did not believe this himself, but the matter of going out was actually decided so quickly.


    At night, Ning Ansheng reprimanded his second brother for being unprincipled. Hested for less than an hour before his sister settled it. Ning Anhui immediately retorted, ��Big Brother, you only know how to scold me. Didn��t you alreadypromise the moment you requested to enter the mountains with my sister? You��re even worse than me!��


    The two brothers were speechless. Theyy down obediently to store their strength for tomorrow��s trip.


    The next day, the old residence��s people hesitated for a long time. Before they could muster the courage to think of a way to ��coincidentally�� meet�� the people from the eldest branch, they heard from the vigers that they had entered the mountains with that child from the Zhao Family early in the morning.


    Little Aunt Ning twisted her handkerchief and bit her lip. No one knew what she was thinking.


    However, Old Madam Ning said with a dark expression, ��They��re deliberately avoiding us!��


    They didn��t have the guts to wander around when no one from the Ning Family was around. There were too many people in the vige. If some gossipy person said that they wanted to steal like Buttface and spread the word to the county magistrate, they would definitely have to bear the consequences!


    It waste May, and it was early summer. The mountain wind blew away some of the summer heat and brought with it the freshness of the flowers and nts. It was indeed refreshing.


    Along the way, Xiaoxiao could see flowers, nts, branches, leaves, and leaves that she was interested in. One moment, she asked Second Brother to help her dig a seedling, the next moment, she asked Big Brother to help her pick a vine, and the next moment, she said that it was spring so that her father could weave a hat and wear flowers for her mother.


    Even Yun Yi and the others took on their own jobs. Soon, everyone was assigned tasks by her, leaving her and Rong Yan alone.


    Rong Yan was speechless.


    He watched as Xiaoxiao pulled him behind a big tree to avoid everyone��s gaze. Then, she ced a hand on his shoulder and leaned over!


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! His heartbeat began to increase uncontrobly. However, Xiaoxiao did not notice Little Big Brother��s change at all. She just whispered to him in this very misleading posture. ��Little Big Brother is righteous! I can��t thank you enough for your kindness. I��ll cover your meals from now on!��


    Rong Yan��s expressionless face regained its calmness. He heard her say, ��You��re too smart! We haven��t even exchanged statements, yet you can help me pick up the conversation.. It��s simply telepathy!��

 Chapter 194 - 194: Scarlet Fruit

    Chapter 194: Scarlet Fruit


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan��s fingers moved. It was not the first day that the little girl had used random words. He could not be serious with her! She definitely did not know that there was a saying ��a pair of wings without a colorful phoenix�� in front of this sentence. Of course, she did not know that it was talking about lovers!


    Rong Yan didn��t know how to respond to that. Fortunately, Xiaoxiao was already used to his silence. She stuffed a handful of green grass leaves into his hand and raised her eyebrows. ��Here, let��s finish our lie and continue ying!��


    At this moment, Yun Yi, who hadpleted Xiaoxiao��s mission, walked around the tree trunk with a small sapling. ��Master, I���� Then, he retracted his reflexively widened eyes and retracted his gaze from the two people ��holding�� hands. He held his neck that had stiffened out of curiosity and took big steps back to stop Yun Er, who was also walking over. He said firmly, ��Master is not around.��


    Rong Yan was speechless. He wanted to change a group of guards.


    Xiaoxiao, who did not see this scene, had already adjusted her tone and eximed, ��Aiya, Little Big Brother Ah Yan, you found it so quickly?��


    ��Father, Mother, Brother, the cooling grass is indeed here!��


    She was talking about mint leaves. This mountainous area had grown a lot, so it was just right to cover up the lie. As for whether to put them in the milk tea, it was not up to her to decide.


    Ning Fengnian and his wife were very surprised. Even Ning Ansheng couldn��t help but ask, ��Really?�� He thought that his sister must be lying toe out and y.


    Xiaoxiao avoided Big Brother��s gaze and burrowed into the mint bushes.


    She chose mint to lie because it was the most luxuriant nt in the vicinity that was useful to her. It was the most suitable for secretly changing the ingredients. She stuffed her small hand under the mint bush and buried a few tomato seedlings with different growth. She stuffed them in again and again. The cumin in the seedling state was also rooted. It was very convenient.


    After exchanging dozens of redemption items in the space, she finally heard her second brother ask curiously, ��What are these fruits? They��re green and red and strange.��


    Xiaoxiao casually picked one. ��I��ll bring it back to y with.��


    Ning Fengnian was filled with worry. Madam Song also said, ��Don��t eat it blindly. Most of the good-looking fungi in the mountains are poisonous. This fruit is hard to say.��


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows, feeling that she was the kind of brat who would casually pick up things to eat in their eyes. ��Father, Mother, I��m already 12 years old!��


    The couple chuckled and knocked her on the head.


    Xiaoxiao was furious. ��Besides, doesn��t Doctor Gongsun still want to perform acupuncture on Father? We��ll know if this fruit is poisonous when we ask him.��


    Ning Anhui was used to bickering with her. ��Do you know how powerful he is again? What if he doesn��t know either? Look at how young he is����


    Xiaoxiao turned to look at her second brother. ��Brother, Li Muyan is the current head of the Li Family. With his status, he has always been polite to Doctor Gongsun, but he doesn��t dare to say anything. Guess who this young Doctor Gongsun is?��


    Ning Anhui thought for a while and admitted that his brain wasn��t working well.


    Xiaoxiao gritted her teeth and looked at thiszy thing. ��Have you forgotten what Second Uncle said when he found that swindler to cheat us?��


    Second Uncle had said too much. When Ning Anhui tried his best to recall, Ning Ansheng probably couldn��t stand it anymore. He reminded him from the side, ��The Li Family is looking for the genius doctor.��


    Ning Anhui was surprised. ��Isn��t that made up?��


    Ning Ansheng didn��t want to bother with this stupid brother anymore.


    Xiaoxiao continued to remind him. ��The identity of the person Second Uncle found is fake, but the Li Family and Shen Family��s search for a doctor can��t be faked. Didn��t you see that County Magistrate Shen didn��t deny it?��


    Ning Anhui rubbed his nose that was itchy from the grass on his shoulder. ��What does this have to do with Doctor Gongsun?��


    Xiaoxiao said in an old-fashioned manner, ��Second Brother, you should study more with Big Brotherter.��


    After a long while, Ning Fengnian and Madam Song were the first to react. Ning Fengnian asked in disbelief, ��Xiaoxiao, do you mean that this kind-hearted Doctor Gongsun is the genius doctor found by the Li Family?�� He was really lucky! The genius doctor, who was treated as a treasure by the richest family in Jiangnan and the county magistrate��s family, actually took the initiative to treat a farmer like him and did not charge him money!


    After Ning An recalled the key point, he raised a question that made Xiaoxiao want to beat him up. ��Since Doctor Gongsun has such a powerful background, isn��t it a little overkill to ask him to help you look at wild fruits?��


    Xiaoxiao thought to herself that she still wanted to put righteousness before family! Because of Second Brother��s words, her parents also looked like they agreed. She could only say weakly, ��I, I can make many, many delicious dishes for him.��


    Rong Yan, who had not spoken much, frowned and went forward to take the half-green and half-red ��wild fruit�� from her. ��You don��t have to ask him. I know what it is.��


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows and put on an expression that asked for more details. Rong Yan identified it carefully and said, ��This is a scarlet fruit. It��s an additional item. I don��t know why it grows here, but ording to the people who brought them here, fully ripe red fruits are edible and taste sour and sweet.��


    At this point, he specially turned to look at Xiaoxiao and said solemnly, ��But you can��t eat scarlet fruits that haven��tpletely turned red. They��re sour and seem to be slightly poisonous.��


    Xiaoxiao:�� Did everyone misunderstand herfWas she the kind of silly child who would stuff whatever she picked up into her mouth? Huh? Huh? Was she?


    She took a deep breath and swallowed herints. She tried her best to squeeze out a smile. ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan is so awesome. He knows everything in the country!��


    This time, Rong Yan��s heart tightened.


    It was impossible for an ordinary rich young master to know so much. He was too rash. He could not be so rash next time.


    But�� Why did he suddenly feel ufortable when he heard Ning Xiaoxiao say that she wanted to make a lot of delicious food for that genius doctor?


    Behind him, Yun Yi��s gaze darted back and forth between Rong Yan and Xiaoxiao, and he gradually understood.


    Since she was sure that it could be eaten, no, it could be eaten after it ripened, Xiaoxiao instructed her second brother to help her dig out more than half of the tomato seedlings in the mint bushes. ��We��lle back next time.��


    Ning Ansheng red at her. ��You��re thinking about it just like that?��


    Xiaoxiao said seriously, ��You have to leave some leeway for everything. If I destroy them all and find out that they can��t be nted when I go back, won��t there be no remedy?��


    Ning Anhui patted his eldest brother. ��Sigh, I think what Sister said makes sense. If we can nt it, we can juste again next time. It��s not far anyway.��


    Ning Ansheng had a headache. He doted on his younger sister, who was getting more and more tough, and his younger brother, who waspletely led by the nose by his younger sister. Now, he was even more d that he had allowed his younger sister to continue opening shops. If she was left at home, who would be able to keep an eye on her?


    ��You cane, but someone has to follow you!��


    He still did not realize that he had long beenpletely subdued by his sister.


    Xiaoxiao carefully hid her smugness and acted cute obediently. ��Alright, Brother! I��ll listen to you!��


    Big Brother was satisfied, Second Brother was jealous, and there was also Little Big Brother. He felt like his heart had been scratched by something and felt strange..

 Chapter 195 - 195: Overflowing Motherly Love

    Chapter 195: Overflowing Motherly Love


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The ce Ah Yan brought them to was indeed not far away. Logically speaking, there should not be any ferocious beasts. Once the Ning Family��s people calmed down, they started doing serious things.


    After perfunctorily helping Xiaoxiao dig up a few unfamiliar nts, the few of them gathered firewood and wild vegetables. Ning Anhui almost wanted to go down and fish when he saw a wild pond.


    Xiaoxiao was not greedy. After settling the main goal of this trip, she did not ask to go deeper. Instead, she spent 200 points to exchange for two sets of seeds and casually scattered some. This way, it would be more logical for her to grow the ingredients she had used in the mountains in the future.


    The moment the seednded, Xiaoxiao suddenly heard a ��ding�� from the space.


    [Hidden missionpleted��Growth of All Things. Reward: 5,000 points for triggering a new mission. Current total points: 9,900!]


    The surprise came too suddenly, and Xiaoxiao couldn��t hold back her smile. Her eyes immediately lit up and she continued to cast it elsewhere, but the space didn��t continue to send out notifications.


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and closed her eyes to lean against the tree trunk. In fact, she sank her mind into the space.


    As most of the vegetable seeds could be bought outside, she did not consider the exchange list in the space too much. However, since she could trigger the mission, she had no choice but to try again.


    [Exchange for one set of cucumber seeds.]


    The space��s reaction was very fast: [Exchange sessful. 50 points used.


    Current points bnce is 9,850.]


    Xiaoxiao followed suit and threw out the seeds.


    [Completed the regr mission of Growth of All Things. Reward: 100 points. Current total points are 9,950.]


    This was not a loss. Xiaoxiao, who had a lot of research spirit, flipped through the list and realized that there was actually a pattern to the price of the space seed. She tried to spend 200 points to exchange for a set of pepper seeds to nt. The space notification was clearer and happier than usual.


    [Exchange sessful. Current points bnce is 9,650.]


    [Congrattions to the host forpleting the introduction of a new species. You have received a new mission trigger reward of 5,000 points. Current total points are 14,650! Master, Master, you��re too awesome!]


    It was really lucky to meet its master who took the initiative to explore the mission!


    Xiaoxiao also felt so happy that she came out to take a walk. Her gains were too great. It seemed like it was not that difficult to upgrade the space again?


    She could not control herself at all from continuing to explore. She immediately spent another 100 points to exchange for a portion of peppercorns and nted them as usual.


    The space was extremely happy: [Exchange sessful. Current bnce: 14,550!]


    [Congrattions to the host forpleting the regr mission of Growth of All Things. You have received 200 points. Current total points are 14,750!]


    Xiaoxiao probed: [Does this space-time already have peppercorns?]


    The space answered readily: [Master��s guess is right. However, peppercorns, cumin, and tomatoes are all foreign products. They��re not thatmon in Great Xia.]


    Xiaoxiao asked again: [So if I find another seed that doesn��t belong to this time and space like peppers, I can obtain arge reward again?]


    This time, the space was silent. Xiaoxiao knew that it couldn��t say it out loud.


    However, sometimes silence was the best answer. She went to the space to exchange for some seeds without hesitation.


    There was not much scattered every time, but after a few attempts, she did not discover any new species. It was true that the space said Great Xia was rich in resources when she first bound to it.


    However, Xiaoxiao was not disappointed. This was because even if there were already local breeds to begin with, the space would still reward points ording to the usual missions. After a few attempts, she also obtained a lot. [Current total points: 16,500!]


    If not for the fact that it would be strange for this small piece ofnd to be too abundant, she could continue on.


    After trying more than half of the vegetable seeds, Xiaoxiao shifted her attention to the space farnd.


    [Precious Space, help me move one of the Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemums out.]


    The space wished it could put a fireworks disy to celebrate. Really! It tried its best to keep calm and y the notification.


    [Congrattions to the host forpleting the introduction of a new species. You have received 5,000 points. Current total points are 21,500!]


    The corners of Xiaoxiao��s lips curled up in satisfaction. So that was the case. There were enough vegetable varieties. She could still think about other things. Indeed, her thoughts could not be limited. Fortunately, she was smart enough!


    Just as she was about to continue exploring, she suddenly felt a little dizzy.


    [Master, using space consumes spiritual power. I suggest you rest for a while.]


    Xiaoxiao knew very well that haste makes waste. She rubbed her temples and stopped.


    As soon as she opened her eyes, she saw a pair of familiar amber eyes. These eyes were filled with worry. ��Are you feeling unwell?��


    Xiaoxiao said happily, ��Maybe I��m a little exhausted from ying too much?��


    As expected, she was still a child. Rong Yan greeted the others and brought Xiaoxiao to a tree stump not far away.


    This tree must have been quite old before it was cut down. The two of them did not find it crowded sitting on it. Xiaoxiao raised her hand to hide the light that came down because there was no canopy to cover it. Before she couldplete her actions, she felt a shadow fall over her.


    Little Big Brother Ah Yan, who had just sat down, suddenly stood up and ��coincidentally�� blocked the light for her.


    Xiaoxiao propped her chin on her hand and looked at his back. Her small mouth started to chatter. ��Little Big Brother, whoever marries you in the future, will be someone who has a blessing umted from three lifetimes.�� He was good-looking and meticulous and gentle. Tsk, looking at him made her motherly love overflow.


    Little Big Brother didn��t react, and she didn��t know if he didn��t hear her. Xiaoxiao was a little sleepy. She narrowed her eyes and started to nod. Rong Yan restrained the heat that was about to surge on his face. No one noticed that on the other tree behind them, there was a smear of green on the branch that shook and suddenly fell towards them.


    Rong Yan immediately turned around when he heard the sound and saw that the small green snake hadnded on the tree stump. It was only an arm��s length away from Ning Xiaoxiao. His pupils constricted and he rushed over to pounce on Xiaoxiao without thinking.


    ��Master!�� A guard eximed. Rong Yan was surprised to find that he did not feel the snake��s bite. He turned his head and saw that the little green snake��s tongue was restrained by two small hands halfway through its tongue.


    These two hands worked together. One was strangling its vitals, and the other was strangling its neck, making it unable to move at all.


    Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan, who was close to her, stared at each other. At such a close distance, she could not help but see the rapid change on his fair face.


    Aiya, she didn��t realize by reflex just now that her hands went around Little Big Brother��s neck to catch the snake. Wasn��t this a hug?


    Rong Yan also froze. He had never had such intimate contact with the opposite sex since he could remember. The fragrance of a girl wafted over. His first reaction was to hold his breath and hold his arms beside her to avoid offending her.


    The loyal guard, Yun Er, stopped halfway with his sword. He did not know if he should go forward or not. His eyes rolled around non-stop.


    Yun Yi, who was originally in charge of his personal guard, threw away the mint leaves and knelt on one knee. ��I have failed in my duty.. Master, please punish me!��

 Chapter 196 - 196: Motherly Love Had Changed

    Chapter 196: Motherly Love Had Changed


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    A sentence suddenly appeared in the space: [The ingredient, Emerald Green Snake, has been discovered. Do you want to process it?]


    Xiaoxiao frowned. ��Little Big Brother, my hands are sore.�� What f*cking ingredients, Emerald Green Snake? To Space, was there only two categories of everything in the world��ingredients and inedible things?


    After all, she was still young and her arms were not long. She had been holding a snake for so long that she felt like she was about to hug Rong Yan��s neck. Xiaoxiao thought about it carefully and suggested to Rong Yan, ��Why don��t I raise my arms higher and you slide out?��


    Rong Yan imagined that scene and his face turned red.


    An evil little person jumped around in Xiaoxiao��s heart, and four words popped up in her mind at the wrong time-Motherly love had changed!


    She cleared her throat. ��Why don��t we do this?��


    She suddenly got up and moved her face to Rong Yan��s shoulder. Then, at lightning speed, she whipped the snake hard on the tree stump. With a bang, the snake stopped moving.


    Yun Yi and Yun Er, who were waiting to be punished, felt the corners of their mouths twitch. They felt that Miss Ning was indeed unusual. Other girls would have been scared silly by now, but she kicked the dead snake and sighed. ��It��s a pity that it��s too small. It��s not even enough to make a pot of soup.��


    At this moment, Ning Anhui, who was the closest, also heard themotion and ran over to ask. Xiaoxiao kicked the snake into the grass and looked back calmly. ��Second Brother, you came at the right time. I want this seedling!�� Ning Anhui felt that he shouldn��t havee over. Firstly, he had to be a coolie for his sister. Fortunately, there weren��t many people in the mountains. The soil was quite loose, so it wasn��t difficult to dig.


    Rong Yan was still frozen on the spot, and his expression had already adjusted. Xiaoxiao blinked at him with her back facing Second Brother and made a secret gesture.


    What a joke. If her family knew that she had encountered a snake, what was the chance ofing out to y next time?!


    Rong Yan stood in the mountain wind for a while before patting the corner of his shirt.


    Only then did Yun Yi and Yun Er go forward. Seeing that their master did not me them, they went to work. However, they could not help but whisper to each other as they left.


    ��Chief, where did you go just now? Shouldn��t you be in charge of following Master?��


    Yun Yi scratched his head. ��I��m digging grass for Miss Ning. Moreover, I just felt that Master might not want us to follow closely.��


    Yun Er chuckled. ��Sigh, but why do you think Master didn��t draw his sword to cut the snake just now and instead pounced on her? With Master��s reaction ability, he clearly made it in time����


    Halfway through, Rong Yan��s calm voice sounded behind him. ��Because ordinary people won��t stay where they are when they panic. I just don��t want to hurt her when I swing my sword.��


    Yun Er:�� [It��s over! He��s done for! Definitely!}


    However, only Rong Yan, who had walked far away, knew that he did not think about anything at that moment.


    Xiaoxiao, who had gone elsewhere to circle around a few times, took advantage of the situation and ran back to look for her snake. However, this time, she used the space function: [Processing ingredients.]


    She didn��t want toin about the space��s habit of calling everything ingredientsAfter all, snakes could be eaten.


    In the blink of an eye, the snake that was lying in the grass had be a clean piece of snake meat in the space. It had even taken its galls.


    She asked the main point: [Can we deal with the live ingredients directly?] The space actually said yes.


    Xiaoxiao had to use a lot of self-control to resist looking for something to practice on. Of course, it was mainly because she was afraid that she would be caught and sent home if she overdid it. As the saying went, they would get familiar with something after a while. They would get used to it after three or four times. Everything had to be done step by step. She had to slowly explore the bottom line.


    Just as she finished testing the processing function of the ingredients, Xiaoxiao saw a shadow on the ground. Little Big Brother Ah Yan reached out to her. ��This is for you.��


    Xiaoxiao took the item that was wrapped inyers. After opening it, she obtained a small dagger. The de was cold and sharp. She wanted to use her nails to flick it, but her hand was grabbed.


    Little Big Brother��s palm was a little cold and his tone was disapproving. ��This dagger is sharp. Don��t touch it with your hands.��


    After saying that, he waved it and shed through the grass. Wherever it went, everything was indeed cut in half.


    Xiaoxiao��s eyes were sparkling. ��For me?��


    Rong Yan nodded. ��To protect yourself.�� Although he would protect her most of the time, she still had to have some means to protect herself.


    Xiaoxiao put away the dagger and smiled widely. ��Thank you, Little Big Brother Ah Yan. I like it very much!�� She had always despised the kitchen knife at home for not being sharp enough and not being able to make too detailed carvings. Now, more interesting recipes could be explored again!


    Rong Yan did not tell Xiaoxiao the value of this dagger, nor did he say that the emperor specially asked the swordsmith to make this gift for him when he was 10 years old.


    The royal family was like this. Even if his father and mother did not value him, they had to keep up appearances. Hence, it wasmon for gifts to be more �� valuable than rtionships.


    In the past, he felt that it was ridiculous and boring, but now, because it could make Xiaoxiao happy, he found the meaning of its existence. He did not even know that his smile was filled with warmth when he looked at Xiaoxiao now.


    ��By the way, what were you looking for?��


    ��Snake. I thought about itter. It��s still enough to make a bowl of soup.��


    Rong Yan was speechless.


    When they came, everyone carried empty small bamboo baskets. When they returned, they were all filled with huge gains. Moreover, because there was strength in numbers, it was not dark when they returned.


    Her brothers doted on Xiaoxiao and didn��t rest after returning home. They were busy sorting out the things she liked, washing them, and transnting them.


    Xiaoxiao smiled as she looked at the tomatoes, cumin, and Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemum that finally belonged to her after so many twists and turns. She went straight to the kitchen in a good mood. She ate a simple lunch, but she could not make do with dinner.


    The neighbor Little Big Brother and his guards were really good hunters. They casually shot a few arrows and brought back two pheasants-they had yet to enter the mountain.


    Initially, the task of killing chickens at home was handed to her brother and father. Today, she suddenly became interested and ran towards the river with the pheasant that was still pping.


    [Use the processing function of ingredients!]


    The space received the order: [Processing function activated, ughtered��dismembered��cleansed.]


    Xiaoxiao watched as the lively pheasant turned into clean meat in the blink of an eye, and her love for space increased. [Precious, I��ll definitely let you level up quickly!]


    The space emitted an electronic sound happily.


    Realizing that his sister had stolen his job, his brothers�� hearts ached and they were gratified. Their hearts ached for their sister, who did not hesitate to do such dirty work at such a young age. They were gratified and said, ��My brothers and parents have worked hard. You should rest.��


    Where could they find such a good sister? Didn��t they just like to dig up some strange things and nt them in the vegetable garden and courtyard? It was nothing!


    Dinner was extremely sumptuous again. Halfway through, Xiaoxiao started to reflect. ��From the looks of it, the courtyard seems to be too full.��


    Ning Anhui swallowed the food in his mouth. He wanted to tell his sister that it didn��t matter and that they didn��t mind, but she said, ��Let��s build a new house!��


    The whole family was speechless.


    Was that what you were waiting for?

 Chapter 197 - 197: If 1 Can Become An Eagle With Spreading

    Chapter 197: If 1 Can Be An Eagle With Spreading


    Wings??????????????????????????????????? <sup>5</sup>


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Their sister/daughter��s idea came so suddenly, but it seemed very reasonable after her analysis.


    ��Think about it. Our family has chickens, dogs, and vegetables now. Such a small courtyard is obviously not enough to build. There��s no ce for Walnut to have fun. Last time, it almost pulled away the green onions Mother nted.�� ��Moreover, my brothers are all grown up. They might be engaged one day When thedies see our situation, who will be happy to marry into our family?�� Even Ning Ansheng choked on his soup and coughed until his face turned red Father, Mo ther, can you not look like you agree?Moreover, is this something a younger sister should worry about?


    Nmg Anhui had long given up resisting. After his eldest brother finished coughing, he asked, ��Brother, where do you think our new house should be built?�� His gaze clearly said, ��Don��t struggle anymore. Anyway, you��ll have to listen to our sister in the end.��


    Ever since she made things clear with her brother, Xiaoxiao had also cleared the path with the banknotes that Shopkeeper Liu had given her. Hence, Ning Ansheng and his entire family knew that their family did notck money for the time being. Although it was a little sudden to be rich, there was indeed no need to live a hard life since they were no longer poor.


    The canal had to be dug for another 10 days. Everyone decided to make a trip to the vige and find a few strong people to help build a new house. There was no need to choose the location. Tomorrow, before Ning Ansheng started to go to the academy, they would go to the vige chief��s house and buy the piece ofnd around their house.


    This way, they could still live in the old house while building the old house. After building the new house, the old house would not be wasted. It would be renovated and used as a storage room. Oh, right, Xiaoxiao also said that she would dig a cer undergroundter and specially use it to ce pickled vegetables and pickled pickle jars. This girl even said that she wanted to make wine!


    Life was so beautiful and full of hope, so everyone unanimously threw Second Uncle Ning��s matter to the back of their minds.


    This time, Ning Fengnianpletely separated from the old residence. He was unmoved even when he found out that Second Uncle Ning would be locked up for two years ording to thew. However, he did not expect the old residence to not help his second brother either.


    The next day, when Xiaoxiao pestered her brother toe to the vige chief��s house, she happened to see the angry Old Madam Ning leave. The two of them hurriedly hid behind the house to avoid meeting her.


    After exining their intentions to the vige chief, the two of them sessfully obtained the title deed. The vige chief felt responsible Seeing that the eldest branch of the Ning Family was living better and better, he could only be happier. However, he could not help but mention the old residence when he spoke.


    ��You should avoid some people from the old residence these days. Just now your Grandma came over and asked me to write another separation document for her, but I didn��t agree.��


    That old woman had a bad temper. Who knew who she would look for to vent her angerter?


    The vige chief sighed. ��Dividing up the family can only be done with the consent of both parties. Wouldn��t she have to decide on her own to expel Fengcai from the family?��


    Although he also felt that the second son of the Ning Family was outrageous, Sigh, ��every family has its own difficulties��, but it should not be as difficult as the old residence.


    The siblings looked at each other and did not say anything.


    Recalling that she had just promised her brother that she would not hide anything in the future, Xiaoxiao walked out of the vige chief��s house andid er cards on the table. ��This matter might be rted to me. I told Grandma outside the government office previously that Second Uncle��s matter will definitely implicate Third Uncle. I even scared her Third Uncle that he might not be able to be an official because of this.��


    She pursed her lips. ��Does she really think that Third Brother Ning��s failure to be an official is only rted to her second son?�� She was simply overconfident.


    ��Looks like the old residence is going to explode.�� Second Aunt Ning was not someone who was easy to get rid of.


    Nmg Ansheng rubbed his sister��s little hair. ��Even if the house is in chaos they deserve it.��????????????????????????????????? �� <sup>y</sup>


    As they had expected, Second Aunt Ning immediately made a scene after knowing her inws�� intentions. If not for the fact that her calf was still bleeding and she was a little weak, she would have flipped the roof.


    Even so, the neighbors could hear themotioning from the old residence day and night for the past few days.


    Xiaoxiao was quite surprised to know that the matter of splitting up had been settled. Yun Er had just returned after hearing the news. Seeing her confusion, he immediately shared his gains.


    ��The head of the second branch was locked up in the government office. The olddy at the old residence asked the second daughter-inw to sign the separation papers. She didn��t want to at first, but her injuries worsened. She had a fever, was nauseous and exhausted. However, the olddy kept all the money at home. As long as she didn��t press her fingerprint, the olddy wouldn��t treat her. She had no choice but to agree for the sake of her and the child��s life.��


    ��However, she��s not easy to deal with. This time, it��s different from the time when you split up. She wants enough silver and food to ensure that she won��t starve or freeze.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled maliciously. She waszy and greedy. How long could the money that the old residence had dug outst?


    The news that the Ning Family had split up again quickly spread throughout Fortune Vige, and it also reached the ears of Ning Fengnian and his son, who were conscientious at the canal. After knowing that the second branch had received 20 taels of silver, Ning Anhui tugged at his fingers. ��ording to the calctions of each branch, Grandpa and Grandma have at least 80 taels of silver? However, they used toin to us that they were poor? They even gave us that little when we split up?��


    Ning Fengnian also briefly remembered that when he was injured, his mother kept saying that she had no money. He was indignant and indignant, but his sadness had long faded.


    ��When we go back tonight, go to Pork Qiang��s ce to buy a pork belly. Your brother is about to go to the academy. He has to nourish his body.�� At this point, he was about to mutter, ��Are you really not going to find an academy too?��


    Ning Anhui scratched his head. ��Father, Big Brother was able to go to Bowen Academy because he has been smart and diligent since he was young. I can��t even read a few words. Which academy would ept me? Besides, I still have to go to the county to help my sister. When the autumn harvestes, I can��t leave the fields to you and Mother����


    Ning Fengnian sighed. ��When you have a child, we��ll support him for his studies from young!��


    Nmg Anhui��s face turned red from embarrassment. ��Father, why are you like my sister? You��re just spouting nonsense when there��s no news!��


    Nmg Fengnian looked at him and smiled. ��Why? Are you shy?��


    The surrounding vigers also joined in themotion, causing Ning Anhui to almost give up.


    At home, Ning Ansheng was also talking to Xiaoxiao about his second brother.


    ��Are we really going to let him not study?��


    ��I don��t think there��s a need to take the imperial examination when one studies


    It��s good to learn more logic and know what to do.��


    Xiaoxiao said to her eldest brother, ��Second Brother has had no foundation since he was young. It��s more difficult for him to enter the academy He��s not interested in studying himself. It��s not very effective to force him to memorize everything every day. It��s also easy for him to have rebellious thoughts If they want to send him to the academy, he has to memorize the Three Character ssic with those brats with snot on their noses. Don��t you know Second Brother? He cares about his face. How can he agree?��


    What his sister said made sense. It was precisely because it made sense that


    Nmg Ansheng felt a headacheing on.


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��Actually, the key is still Second Brother himself. It��s not a problem if he wants to learn.��


    Ning Ansheng thought for a while and came back to his senses. ��So this is the reason why you asked him to be the shopkeeper of the milk tea shop?�� ��That��s right,�� Xiaoxiao said. ��The more knowledge you have, the more you can feel how small you are. The wider your horizons, the more you can understand your own narrowness.. If you can be an eagle with its wings spread, who will be willing to be a frog at the bottom of the well?��

 Chapter 198 - 198: Biased Towards You

    Chapter 198: Biased Towards You


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Ansheng��s heart was moved, but he couldn��t help but ask, ��Where did all these theoriese from?��


    Xiaoxiao replied casually, ��Who knows? Perhaps I��m talented and was born intelligent.��


    She had only wanted to brag and change the topic, but her brother actually nodded seriously. ��That��s right. Our Xiaoxiao was definitely not ordinary from birth.��


    Xiaoxiao became embarrassed. ��Brother, I think you��re a little biased towards me.��


    Alright, Big Brother said, ��Yes, I��m biased towards you.��


    Xiaoxiao covered her face. ��Brother, stop! Save these words for my future Big Sister-inw!�� She covered her face and ran away.


    Ning Ansheng chuckled helplessly behind her. ��Silly girl, where did this Big Sister-inwe from����


    As the days passed, most of the nts that Xiaoxiao had moved back from the mountains were alive. The remaining ��victims�� were just a few species to make up the numbers. This survival rate was reasonable and logical. Xiaoxiao did not eel any heartache at all and focused on taking care of her babies.


    The crops produced by the space were more tenacious. For example, the tomatoes and cumin she nted, and the rice seedlings in the Ning Family��s fields.


    While others were still slowly developing, the Ning Family��s paddy fields were already standing out. The fields were filled with greenery. The vigers said enviously that the Ning Family would definitely have a bumper harvest soon.


    Now that the ��Ning Family�� was mentioned, the first thing the vigers of Fortune Vige thought of was Xiaoxiao��s family. The old residence had long been living in a terrible state, making people sigh. As for their farnd, it was even more messy and unsightly.


    Without Ning Fengnian, Old Sir Ning and his second son��s plot ofnd was barely satisfactory. In addition, no one had taken care of it recently, so they didn��t know if it would have half the usual harvest.


    Every time Ning Anhui passed by the house, he would take a few gloating nces. When he realized that his father was looking at them indifferently he happily reported the good news to his sister.


    Xiaoxiao happily added dishes to the house and was pleasantly surprised to find that she and her brothers had grown taller. Then, she couldn��t wait to pack up the old clothes at home and hide them, forcing everyone to change into the new clothes she had bought long ago.


    It had to be said that the Ning Family members, who were in new clothes looked even more energetic. When Ning Fengnian went to dig the canal again he clearly felt that there were many more gazes on his son.


    Although Ning Anhui kept saying that it was too wasteful to wear new clothes to work, he didn��t resist after being praised a few times. Xiaoxiaoughed at him for being a vain person, so he chased Xiaoxiao around the courtyard a few times.


    Xiaoxiao panted as she hid behind Rong Yan, who had just arrived. ��That��s right. I even saw you posing in front of the water tank this morning!�� Ning Anhui wished he could block his sister��s annoying little mouth. ��That��s because my hair is loose!��


    Xiaoxiao pulled Rong Yan and made a face at him. ��You��re just vain! I already said that the material of this dress is soft. I bought it for you to wear to work but you insisted not to till I hide all your old clothes before you listened. Why* You clearly like it!��


    Themotion in the courtyard infected Rong Yan. He helped Xiaoxiao up with one hand to prevent her from falling and casually threw the rabbit that he was holding by the ears away with the other.


    Walnut��s ears pricked up as if he had discovered a new toy. He raised his ws and tried to pull it away. The rabbit was shocked and wanted to climb up Rong Yan��s pants.


    Xiaoxiao looked at Rong Yan��s dark face and was extremely curious. ��What��s wrong?��


    Rong Yan was still taking deep breaths, but Yun Yi had already suppressed hisughter and answered for him. ��It��s like this, Miss Ning. This rabbit has been getting bolder recently. It actually sneaked onto Master��s bedst night and���� When Rong Yan red at him, Yun Yi understood-


    ��This rabbit is so bold that it actually dares to leave a few round feces balls on Master��s bed.�� There was probably no chance to say this out.


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin. ��Then did you bring it here to eat it three ways, or���� Strange, strange. This rabbit actually seemed to understand humannguage.


    It raised its head and stared at Xiaoxiao with its red eyes. Under its gaze, Xiaoxiao seemed to be able to tell that it was begging for mercy.


    Xiaoxiao felt that she had to add spices, nope, a cage, to such a smart little guy. Although she was a chef, she had her own principles when it came to killing


    She would not kill those who had children, those who understood human nature, and those who had helped her.


    The exception was fish, because fish roes were unpredictable, but she would avoid reproduction period.


    Bending to stroke the rabbit��s soft fur, she liked it even more. ��Does it have a name?��


    It was just a matter of convenience for Rong Yan to take care of this guy. How could he have the time to give it a name? Xiaoxiao thought for a while and suggested, ��How about Scarf?��


    Rabbit ��Scarf�� felt a deep malice from its name. Its ears trembled.


    Pfft, how fun.


    Due to Xiaoxiao��s interest, the rabbit Scarf was spared. It even obtained a rabbit cage custom-made by Ning Fengnian for sleeping. It probably liked it too and hopped in and out of it happily.


    Xiaoxiao looked at the fur that flew out of its body and reached out to stroke it. ��Hey, it��s changing its fur.��


    That��s right, so Rong Yan despised it to death.


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��Can you give me the fur it changed out ofter?��


    Although he did not know what use this thing had, Rong Yan still agreed readily.


    That night, Scarf, who received the name, suffered a tragic treatment.


    Xiaoxiao had saved a small bag of rabbit fur in three days. When she got it, she was surprised. ��Isn��t this rabbit a little balding? Did it lose so much hair?�� ��


    Rong Yan looked calm and did not mention the rabbit in his courtyard at all ��Yes, maybe it��s weak.��


    Xiaoxiao went to prepare a nutritious meal for it for the entire day and said that it was a gift for Bunny.


    Rong Yan actually disliked it when he saw her carefully wiping the water off the various vegetables. He heard her say, ��Oh, right, I have a gift for you too Wait for me.��


    Yun Yi could clearly feel that his master was happy again. He suddenly did not understand if his master had be more mature or childish these days.


    Xiaoxiao��s gift was packed in a small bamboo tube. Not to mention Yun Yi even the knowledgeable Rong Yan could not tell what it was. Instead, he smelled a familiar smell from it. ��Is it the Silver Core Grass that you brought back from the mountains that day?�� It was mint.


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��I even used ginger juice, fine persimmons, poria, and other things to make ointment. I��ll teach you how to use it.��


    She stuffed the bamboo tube into Rong Yan��s hand and went to get the willow branches that had been ground out. She personally showed the entire process of brushing her teeth. Then, she proudly showed Rong Yan and the others her brighter smile. ��Brushing like this, your teeth are white, clean, and fragrant How is it? Am I awesome?!��


    Other people��s arrogance only made them look self-righteous, but when she bragged, she was filled with cuteness.


    Moreover, Rong Yan really liked this gift. It was much morefortable than rinsing his mouth with tea leaves.


    Xiaoxiao promised to make more for Yun Yi and the others, so the guards were also looking forward to it.


    Knowing that he was the first, Rong Yan did not stand on ceremony with Xiaoxiao anymore. He just instructed the guards to do all the work in the Ning Family.??????????? <sup>5</sup>


    A few dayster, Xiaoxiao��s spatial points reached thetest height of 23,000.


    The entry list from the Bowen Academy was also posted..

 Chapter 199 - 199: Let Me Go In A Little More

    Chapter 199: Let Me Go In A Little More


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Ansheng, Zhao Yan, and Shen Tianci��s names were among them. Lei Shaoming, who had a grudge against them, naturally had nothing to do with this matter.


    In order to celebrate, Xiaoxiao specially got a pot of wine for her father, making Ning Fengnian so happy that he called her ��good daughter�� a few times.


    She took the opportunity to suggest going to the mountains to y again. Ning Fengnian was no exception. In the beginning, his daughter was watching eagerly. Later, Young Master Ah Yan volunteered to apany her. Then, his two sons were defeated by his daughter��s stares one after another. He could only agree.


    However, they could not be absent from digging the canal these few days. The fields needed someone to rest and reorganize, so they could only entrust their daughter to their neighbor, the young master, who looked very reliable.


    However, they did not know that Ning Xiaoxiao, who had escaped their control, was not satisfied with the distance fromst time at all. She started to act shamelessly when they arrived.


    ��Eh, is it here? Why do I feel like we have to go in a little more?


    ��Little Big Brother, let me go in a little more. I promise it��s just a little more.�� Rong Yan was a very principled person and basically would not agree to unreasonable requests. However, he could not stand Xiaoxiao��s thick skin and kept calling him ��Little Big Brother��.


    It had to be said that shamelessness was something that could be achieved with practice. The first time she spoke, it was a little dry, but it was as smooth as silk in theter stages. It was quite smooth, especially when she realized that Little Big Brother, who was pretending to be calm, would actually be shy.


    Rong Yan pretended to be unmoved with a straight face, but he did not stop walking. Xiaoxiao immediately remembered how this person pounced on her without thinking when she met the little green snake.


    Sensing that she was staying where she was, Rong Yan turned around strangely. ��What��s wrong?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled and casually scattered the seeds. ��It��s nothing. I was just thinking that the so-called deste mountain also has rich produce. Why don��t we go to the county magistrate to buy a mountain?��


    County Magistrate Shen had been working hard to implement two policies recently. One was to ept refugees, and the other was to reimnd. Both were good policies that were beneficial to the people��s livelihood.


    In order to speed up the implementation, the conditions for exploring the wastnd were quite rxed. The wastnd belonged to whoever opened it, and the barren mountain only required a small amount of money. Xiaoxiao was ruthlessly tempted.


    Rong Yan asked her, ��Us?��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t think that there was anything wrong. ��That��s right. Didn��t we open a milk tea shop? We��ll open it when the canal is done. At that time, we��ll definitely need more and more raw materials. It��s so inconvenient to keep looking for people to buy it. If we buy a mountain, we can bepletely self-sufficient in the future.��


    When she said ��we��, she even considered ��the future��.


    ��Little Big Brother, are you very hot? Why is your face so red?


    Rong Yan��s facial features froze. ��Yes, a little. It��s summer.��


    Xiaoxiao realized that Little Big Brother only looked distant, but he was actually a soft and cute little cutie. He didn��t know how to reject and was easily shy. This contrast was extremely fun.


    However, she shouldn��t tease him too much. If Little Big Brother was scared away, no one would bring her out to y next time!


    As Xiaoxiao nted more seeds on the mountain, her desire for this barren mountain became stronger. At the thought that the fresh vegetables that she had specially nted would benefit someone else in the future, she felt reluctant.


    In order to express this reluctance more clearly, she squatted beside a dead tree in the middle of the road and poked the edible tree fungus on it with her hand. She said seriously, ��Precious, only I know how capable you are. You can be cooked with stir-fried green pepper, green vegetables, cabbages, and stir-fried cucumbers. You can be cooked with garlic shredded meat, home-cooked tofu, soup, cold sauce, and dumplings. I want to announce to everyone that you are my treasure.


    The corners of Rong Yan��s mouth twitched when he heard that. The guards hurriedly turned their backs to her and looked at the sky to suppress theirughter.


    However, Xiaoxiao still felt that it was not enough. She sighed and tugged at Rong Yan��s clothes. ��The child��s father, do you understand what I mean?��


    Rong Yan:??? ! ! ��? ��? ��? ��?


    IV- why are you saying that!


    Yun Yi and the rest vaguely felt that if they dared to turn around now, there was a high chance that they would not be able to see the sun tomorrow. Hence, they tensed their bodies and disyed the self-control that a personal guard should have.


    They were just tree stumps with no emotions. They would not smile, let alone be curious about their master��s expression now!


    Rong Yan, who was about to burn up, realized that Xiaoxiao��s small mouth was moving. He couldn��t take it anymore and hurriedly covered Xiaoxiao��s mouth. ��Didn��t I already say that I understood your intentions?��


    Although his voice was as soft as a mosquito, Xiaoxiao heard it and was a little puzzled. When did this happen? Was she too busy nting vegetables to listen? She nodded to show that she understood and asked impatiently, ��Then shall we register with the vige chief today?��


    Register? Register what! She was still so young!


    Rong Yan probably gave all the stunned moments in his life to Xiaoxiao and could not react to what she was saying for a moment.


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��After we register and pay the money, this mountain will belong to the two of us!��


    Rong Yan came back to his senses. ��Mountain? What mountain?��


    Xiaoxiao happily did something that she had always wanted to do but did not have the chance to do. She waved her hand and told Rong Yan her n. ��When we buy this mountain, I��ll nt whatever you want to eat. Next spring will be warm and the flowers will bloom. The flowers and willows all over the mountains will be the empire I��ve built for you!��


    Yun Yi and the others shivered and could only pretend that they did not hear this treasonous speech. Rong Yan wanted to say something, but he heard Xiaoxiao still fantasizing.


    ��In spring, we can admire the flowers. Peach blossoms, apricot flowers, and azaleas bloom all over the mountain. We cany mats on the petals for a pic.��


    ��In summer, we��ll hide under the lush trees and watch them bear fruits. We��ll enjoy the mountain breeze.��


    ��In autumn, we��ll admire the chrysanthemums. We��ll bring a small carbon stove to warm the Huadiao wine and a te of steamed hairy crabs. There��ll be finely cut ginger in the vinegar. The roe will be fat and full of fragrance.


    ��In winter, we look at the snow, wear thick clothes and fur hats, build snowmen, fight snowballs, build a bonfire, and cook a pot of hot meat soup���� Rong Yan was identally brought into the scene she was talking about. It was spring, autumn, summer, and winter. She said ��we��. He was her future. The words that were about toe out of his mouth turned into a soft, affectionate ��Yes.��


    With Little Big Brother��s approval, Xiaoxiao happily went to prepare lunch for everyone. Thest time the entire family went out, everyone followed the simplest rules and only ate some dry biscuits and steamed buns for lunch. This time, it wouldn��t do. She had eaten that thing once. As long as she had the means, Xiaoxiao wasn��t willing to eat it a second time.


    Hence, she brought a pot. Not only did Yun Yi and the others not find it troublesome, but they also took the initiative to bring more pots. They were strong and not afraid of doing heavy lifting.


    However, Xiaoxiao sincerely said that one was enough. It was really enough..

 Chapter 200 - 200: Identification Of The Ingredients

    Chapter 200: Identification Of The Ingredients


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    There was no need to bring the ingredients that were added to the pot. They found the ingredients on the spot. The fish and prawns in the river and the mushrooms in the mountains were washed and cut. A piece ofrd was rolled in the pot, and fresh river prawns were added. They were sprinkled with homemade Thirteen Spices. When they were out of the pot, they were still crispy. They ate the prawns and fried the fish with the prawn oil in the pot. When the two sides were golden, they added water and ginger to remove the fishy smell. When the soup boiled, they added the mountain fungus they had prepared.


    A milky white mountain treasures fish soup was ready.


    Xiaoxiao pasted the dry pancakes Rong Yan and the others had brought to the side of the pot. After heating them up, she took a sip of soup and a piece of pancake. They looked very delicious.


    White soup, mushrooms and ck fungus. Xiaoxiao felt that the soup was stillcking a little green.


    Fortunately, this was the mountain, and there was nock of all kinds of wild vegetables. She took away two pieces of firewood and made the fire milder. She immediately wandered around the vicinity. She scattered the seeds that needed to be scattered and dug up the things she wanted to dig. she even took the opportunity to dig out a few ripe tomatoes from her space. They were considered to have grown in the mountain. When her space points reached 24,950, she decisively walked back. When she returned, she even carried washed wild garlic, ferns, and wild amaranth because she felt that 25,000 yuan did not sound good.


    Just as she was about to put them into the pot, a notification suddenly sounded in the cheerful space today: [Master, someone added something to the soup. Do you want to appraise the ingredient?]


    Xiaoxiao paused. [Yes.]


    The space was very fast. In addition to the ingredients that Xiaoxiao had ced in the soup, there were also poisonous mushrooms. With the help of the space, she even picked out the poisonous mushrooms without stopping.


    All the farmers living near the mountain knew that mushrooms that they had never seen before could not be eaten, especially the ones with bright colors. Hence, she was 100% sure that she did not nt these poisonous mushrooms. Even if she failed, she would not make such a low-level mistake.


    The fresh fragrance of the fish soup spread far and wide. The guards, who had gone to hunt their own prey, were lured back. Yun Yi was the first to pick up a piece of pancake and soak it in soup. Seeing this, Xiaoxiao hurriedly raised her hand and pped it away.


    Yun Yi looked up at her innocently. Xiaoxiao��s eyshes fluttered, but her expression did not change. She smiled gently. ��You didn��t wash your hands.�� The rough man, Yun Yi, was forced to go to the river to wash his nails first. Xiaoxiao looked at the pot of soup. Although she was a little reluctant, she still poured it away decisively.


    It was toote to make fish soup again. Fortunately, there were enough mountain delicacies and wild vegetables. They were also delicious. This time, she watched from the beginning to the end and did not leave.


    She watched until Rong Yan returned.


    This feeling of someone waiting for him when he returned to a certain ce was very unfamiliar and wonderful. Rong Yan didn��t know what he was thinking, but he saw a beautiful wildflower just now and made a bracelet.


    His skills were not as good as the Ning Family��s, but his aesthetics were outstanding. The various wildflowersplemented each other andplemented each other. He was just a little embarrassed to give them away. It was Xiaoxiao who eximed when she saw them. ��They��re so beautiful!�� Only then did he look elsewhere and extend his hand. ��Then I��ll let you y with them.��


    He wanted to add, ��I just happened to see flowers and made them up.�� However, he swallowed his words when he saw her put on the bracelet and look around with a smile.


    Xiaoxiao had admired it enough. She jumped in front of him and asked, ��Does it look good?�� It was as if she had made it herself.


    Rong Yan, on the other hand, was very happy. He could not hide his feelings at


    Looking at the guards who were gradually returning not far away, Xiaoxiao leaned close to Rong Yan��s ear. ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan, do you believe me?�� Trust me. Can youe and find me alone tonight without alerting anyone?�� Rong Yan froze. After a long while, he hummed very, very softly.


    After that, he was a little distracted. The guards were the ones who discovered that the fish soup had turned into mushroom soup. Xiaoxiao did not tell anyone about the poisonous mushrooms and said regretfully, ��There were too many bones in that fish just now. They all melted in the soup. It��s too inconvenient to eat.��


    Everything she made was delicious. The guards only said a few regretful words before eating happily.


    Rong Yan was the only one who couldn��t sit still. He was wondering if he should really go. But was it good to be alone in the dead of night? What would happen to her reputation if others found out?


    The more he thought about it, the calmer he became.


    Based on his understanding of Ning Xiaoxiao, she was not an impulsive person who did not know etiquette. No matter how much she liked him, she would not do anything that went againstmon sense. So, what happened?


    Was someone bullying her?


    At this thought, he became even more anxious.


    When they continued to explore the mountains after dinner, Rong Yan wanted to ask her about it. However, Xiaoxiao saw that there were always one or two guards following him, so she avoided the topic and only stuffed a string of coral beads into his hand.


    It was night time. After dinner, Rong Yan asked the guards to help the Ning Family pack up and work while he walked towards the kitchen where Xiaoxiao was alone.


    He did not know that the guards behind him were winking andughing evilly. The growth of a young man was really mixed. In the past, they were worried that their master would not be enlightened, be unreasonable, and not know the ways of the world. They were even worried that he would die alone. Now that their master had suddenly been enlightened, his improvement was so fast that it was really overwhelming.


    Her brothers were all sent away by her. Xiaoxiao was focused on waiting in the kitchen. When she saw Rong Yaning over, she pulled him to the back of the woodpile.


    Rong Yan knew that he shouldn��t, but he immediately recalled some rumors about cornfields and firewood piles when he was walking in Fortune Vige. The warmth under his face almost seeped through his skin, but Xiaoxiao led him to a cramped ce.


    Only God knew that Xiaoxiao had not thought of any other convenient ce to whisper. She did not know that the young man in front of her was tense at this moment and asked directly, ��Little Big Brother, have these guards in your house been with you for a long time?��


    This question was a little strange, but it sessfully calmed Rong Yan down.


    ��They��ve been following me since I was young. What��s wrong?��


    Xiaoxiao felt that this matter was a little difficult to talk about, but she couldn��t be bothered to talk like on melodramatic television. Hence, she simply said bluntly, ��It��s like this. Do you still remember the pot of soup that I poured out in the mountains today? Actually, it��s not because there are bones, but because when I came back after I left, I realized that someone had put many poisonous mushrooms into the pot.��


    The thoughts that had been bothering Rong Yan until now instantly dissipated and turned into a basin of cold water that drenched him. ��Are you sure it wasn��t an ident?��


    Xiaoxiao had always been cautious about what she ate. ��I��m very sure that I didn��t put those mushrooms in. Moreover, I specially mentioned a few types when I was picking them and told everyone that they can��t be eaten.�� ��I didn��t mention that something was added to the pot after that. I thought that if someone made a mistake, they might say it.��


    Rong Yan��s lips tightened��but they didn��t.


    Xiaoxiao also noticed his abnormality. She didn��t know what to say. She scratched her head and only said, ��It was just an ident. They just forgot to mention it or didn��t think it was important.. I thought it was better to tell you about this����

 Chapter 201 - 201: Buying A Mountain

    Chapter 201: Buying A Mountain


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan knew that he would not be very happy at this moment, so Xiaoxiao did not disturb him anymore.


    As soon as she walked out of the kitchen, she met the guards who were poking their heads out. She blinked strangely. ��You guys are not full?��


    As the representative, Yun San chuckled. ��Miss Ning, our master seemed to have gone to look for you just now.��


    Xiaoxiao showed the coral bead in her hand and replied naturally, ��Yes, I dropped my beads. He picked it up and gave it to me.��


    Ah, so that was how it was.


    After taking a few steps forward, Xiaoxiao stopped and asked, ��By the way, will you guys follow Little Big Brother to the academy?��


    The few of them shook their heads. ��The Bowen Academy has a rule. Students have to do everything themselves. They are not allowed to bring their page boys.��


    Of course, the rules were dead, and the method was alive. There were many page boys who were allowed to enter as students. They were called students, but they were actually there to take care of their masters.


    After all, the academy��s assessment did not have high requirements for the overall knowledge of the students. This was a loophole.


    However, Rong Yan did not do such a thing. He already had ulterior motives for going to the academy. Wouldn��t it be too eye-catching if he was apanied by a page boy?


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin. ��How about this? I��ll prepare his lunch. You don��t have to worry about him.��


    They already had dinner together to begin with. With so many people in the Ning Family watching, even if there was something wrong with any of the guards, they did not have the chance to do anything.


    Rong Yan happened to hear this when he walked out. He did not reject Xiaoxiao��s good intentions and only asked, ��Can you handle it?��


    Xiaoxiao reassured him. ��To put it bluntly, I can cook for the few of us with one hand. It��s just that it��s definitely not as sumptuous as when we��re at home. Can you get used to it?��


    Rong Yan nodded. ��You can also buy some simple dishes from time to time.


    Xiaoxiao noticed that when he said thest few words, the guards revealed an expression as if they had heard a peerless joke but did not dare to react.


    Rong Yan saw it and gave them a response that made them regret it. ��We n to buy a mountain. Prepare to explore it.��


    It was as if a bolt of lightning had struck their heads, especially Yun Er, who had tried farming. He seemed to have experienced the feeling of facing the yellow soil with his back to the sky and the sickle shovel not letting him rest.


    It was not that they were afraid of suffering, but with their hands, they could kill and hunt, but they could not differentiate between weeds and vegetable seedlings! They did not know which vegetables to dig and which to keep!


    Thest time, a piece ofnd almost killed him. This time, it was actually a mountain?


    When did Master start to be interested in exploring mountains? Could it be that he was used to living in a mountain vige and was really affected and fell in love with farm work?


    Xiaoxiao could see their despair and fear. With a benevolent heart, she went forward tofort them. ��Don��t worry. Exploring mountains is different from farming. There��s no need for you to go through so much trouble.��


    Yun Er heaved a sigh of relief. He wiped the non-existent cold sweat on his forehead and asked studiously, ��Then what are we going to do?��


    Xiaoxiao��s eyes curved. ��nting trees.��


    The guards froze collectively.


    Miss Ning was unkind! No matter how ignorant they were about farming, they knew that nting trees on the mountain was definitely not easier than farming!


    As it was alreadyte when they returned today, they went to the vige chief��s house the next day. Everything went smoothly. The two of them quickly exined their intentions to the vige chief. The other party also patiently took out the map and exined the pros and cons to them. However, there was a small interlude when they paid to sign the contract.


    In Xiaoxiao��s opinion, since Little Big Brother Ah Yan��s ��family�� was in decline, and even the milk tea shop that he invested in could only be offset by jade pendants, he definitely did not have much savings left. Hence, she nned to pay for the entire mountain this time and let the guards work hard.


    Unexpectedly, Rong Yan paid for it in full before she could take out the money.


    The vige chief asked naturally, ��Is Xiaoxiao here to buynd with Ah Yan? Then shall we write Ah Yan��s name on this contract?��


    The mountain was not as cheap as the best qualitynd. However, because of itsrge area, the mountain they chose cost 300 taels of silver. This was not a small amount, but ording to the documents issued by the county office, buying the mountain could exempt them from taxes for five years. The wastnd at the foot of the mountain was also given to them.


    Rong Yan shook his head and said straightforwardly, ��It��s ours.��


    He actually felt his heart beat faster when he said ��ours��.


    Actually, in principle, this mountain only belonged to Xiaoxiao because the identity of ��Zhao Yan�� was purely fictional. After he left, he would exin the whole story. Xiaoxiao was the only owner of the barren mountain in the contract. This logic also applied to the milk tea shop in the county.


    The vige chief repeatedly exined to them that the barren mountains could notpare to the fields. The terrain and soil were not suitable for farming. The rice and wheat could not grow well. After confirming that they had understood, he gave them the contract and stamped it.


    ��Then I��ll go to the government office to create the record. From tomorrow onwards, that mountain will belong to the two of you.��


    ��In addition, there are ten acres of sand at the foot of the mountain. Other than tax exemption for five years, that wastnd is also a reward from the Imperial Court for your remation.��


    After all, many people were watching. No matter how good County Magistrate Shen��s conditions were and how cost-effective the price was, the decree could not continue if no one responded.


    For County Magistrate Shen, the poption of Xijiang County and the people��s livelihood were all rted to his political achievements, so he paid a lot of attention to it. It was not a big deal to give them a few acres of sand field.


    Rong Yan instructed Yun Yi to escort the vige chief to the government office to register while he went home with Xiaoxiao.


    Yun Yi thought that they would not encounter any danger in Fortune Vige. Moreover, Ying Zi was with them at all times, so he agreed obediently.


    Before he left, he saw Rong Yan take out another banknote and hand it to Xiaoxiao.


    ��I wanted to give it to you after you set a time for the opening. I��ll make it today. Just ept it.��


    ��If you don��t have enough manpower, get Yun Yi and the others to bring you to buy a few suitable servants.��


    Since she relied on her skills to open a shop, it was not convenient for others to secretly learn it. It was better to have their own servants.


    ��I can��t help with the shop. I can��t spare any time when I go to the academyter. Don��t worry and order Yun Yi and the others around. You can leave the matter of reiming thend and transporting the saplings to them to save them from being idle all day and causing trouble.��


    Yun Yi was speechless.


    Incredible, incredible. The child had grown up, and his temper had also grown bigger. He had onlyughed at him once with his eyes, but he had already thought that he was making trouble for nothing without saying anything?


    Moreover, his master, who usually spoke the least, suddenly opened his mouth without his exnation today? Lets go, let��s go, let��s go. This is a strange thing. I have to talk to my buddies when I get back.


    Xiaoxiao looked at the banknote in confusion. ��Are you that rich?��


    Rong Yan paused and suddenly realized that he might have gone overboard. Just as he was thinking about how to smooth things over, he saw this girl p her hands. ��Oh, I understand. This is for your wife, right?��


    Second Brother kept nagging that the things he had hidden from his parents in the past were for his future wife. She and Big Brother asked him a few times, but he refused to let them look at it and mention it. Every time he opened a stall and earned money, he would secretly save it. This umtion was probably enough to make him a rich young man in Fortune Vige.


    Hence, Little Big Brother Ah Yan��s money was probably of this use.. Xiaoxiao suddenly felt a heavy burden on her shoulders, so she promised him solemnly, ��Don��t worry, I��ll definitely open our shop wide!�� I guarantee that you��ll have a bright future when you get married!

 Chapter 202 - 202: Is It Too Late To Go Back On Your Words Now?

    Chapter 202: Is It Too Late To Go Back On Your Words Now?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan felt that he could not stay with this girl anymore. The back view of him bidding farewell to her was a little different from usual.


    Xiaoxiao automatically interpreted it as shyness. She chuckled and went home to announce, ��Father, Mother, Big Brother, Second Brother, I announce that our family is already a family with a mountain!��


    Ning Fengnian choked on a mouthful of tea and coughed until he was out of breath. Madam Song was busy calming him down. Ning Ansheng frowned. Ning Anhui was the only one who asked normally. ��What mountain?��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand with an imposing aura. ��The section of the Dusk River from the river to our house at the end of the vige.�� She gestured a parab with her hand and described it vividly. ��It��s a mountain in this shape.��


    The entire family fell into a strange silence.


    ��Sister, why are you so different from other children? Other children buy candy and flower ornaments for hair, but you buy shops. Other daughters buy jewelry and rouge, but you buy mountains!��


    Ning Anhui seemed to be sleepwalking. ��I can��t believe that we were still worried about starving to death a few months ago����


    Ning Fengnian and Madam Song��s concerns were more practical. ��Didn��t you just buynd a few days ago and n to build a house? How much did you spend this time?�� That was a mountain!


    Although they told their daughter not to tell them how much money she had so that they wouldn��t get into trouble if they were tricked by the old residence, they couldn��t help but be curious when they saw her spending so much.


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment. ��350 taels and 10 acres of sand field.��


    To be honest, the price was not high. Even if the sand field could not be nted with crops, it was still a lot of advantage to buy a mountain at this price. The problem was that County Magistrate Shen��s price was only for ordinary people, and thendowners and old money would all stand aside. He made this condition to prevent those people from stealing the benefits of themoners, but there was a drawback��even if the price was really cheap and County Magistrate Shen said that many people could buy it together, ordinary farmers could not afford it. They could not bear to take the money out.


    Only his sister/daughter, this little fool, was impulsive��


    Ning Fengnian��s heart ached. ��Is there still time to go back on your word?��


    Xiaoxiao was puzzled. ��Uncle Vige Chief has already gone to the county office just now. Why should we go back on our word? This price is simply unprecedented. We won��t be able to get this deal again if we miss it!��


    Ning Fengnian adjusted his emotions and did not let his heartache and regret be too obvious. ��Xiaoxiao, you might not know, but the sand fields and mountains can��t grow food. It��s also very inconvenient to go up the mountain.�� Xiaoxiao felt that her intelligence had been discriminated against. ��Dad, I still know thismon sense.��


    She sighed. ��I��m a farmer��s daughter after all. How can I go to the barren mountains to nt food?��


    Ning Fengnian thought about the 350 taels that disappeared and didn��t know if he should heave a sigh of relief. ��Then why did you buy the mountain?��


    Xiaoxiao said to them, ��Everyone should have realized that the resources of Dayan Mountain are far more abundant than we thought in the past. Of course, I don��t n to make a fortune purely by relying on those mountain delicacies. You don��t have to worry. I want to nt trees.��


    ��Since so many things can grow on Dayan Mountain, at least it means that there��s no problem with the soil fertility. We only need to consider it carefully and not worry about production. When springes and the flowers bloom, the mountains will be filled with flowers, red willows, and greenery. They��llpete for beauty. In a few years, the branches will bear the fruits of ourbor. At that time, it��ll be a matter of earning money by selling fruits and wood. The more wood, the better. We can even use them to build houses for my brothers and for them to raise their sons. Who wouldn��t be envious when they see grand houses connected together? As for the manpower to nt trees, Little Big Brother Ah Yan said that we��ll leave it to Guard Yun and the others to deal with it in the early stages. In theter stages, we��ll hire someone to take care of it when we��re too busy.��


    There was still a big difference between nting trees and farming. There was no need to remove weeds and insects like they did with the crops. They could harvest the entirend in a few months. Of course, it was still necessary to take care of it, but as long as the trees grew up, it would be much easier in the future.


    Ning Ansheng and his brother were so embarrassed by her words that they temporarily lost their ability to speak. However, Madam Song could not help but be brought into Xiaoxiao��s beautiful imagination.


    Ning Fengnian felt that he shouldn��t be convinced by his daughter so quickly, so he continued to ask seriously, ��What about the sand field at the foot of the mountain? What do you n to do with it?��


    ��Although our family��s few acres ofnd can still be handled, the sand field produces little. Even if we��re not afraid of hardship or tiredness, we can��t nt much food. We can��t use the sand field to nt trees, right?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��I��ve already nned that ce. Let��s nt grass.�� ��Grass?�� The entire family was puzzled. Only Ning Ansheng thought about her milk tea shop and had a vague guess.


    As expected, she said in the next moment, ��Father, Mother, you also know that I n to open a milk tea shop. At that time, there will be a lot of demand for cow milk. It��s troublesome and unsecure to keep asking Mrs. Shen for help. If the supply can��t be met one day, it��s nothing to stop earning money, but won��t be easy to salvage my reputation if I lose it.��


    She licked her lips. ��The grass can be harvested in 40 to 60 days, so I n to keep cows and sheep before the first batch of herbs ripens. I don��t need much. Let��s get familiar with them first. We��ll talk about the restter.��


    Ning Fengnian couldn��t help but nod. Madam Song, who hade back to her senses, thought of an important question. ��This isn��t a small matter. Do you still have money?��


    Xiaoxiao herself was stunned for a moment before she said in a daze, ��Aiya, the silver to buy the mountain seems to be paid by Little Big Brother Ah Yan.��


    Her family was speechless.


    At that time, he gave the banknotes too quickly. Later on, she was too excited and she forgot about it for a moment.


    At the thought of this, Xiaoxiao hurriedly wanted to run next door, but when she reached the door, she saw that it was almost time for dinner, so she went to cook first.


    People would be hungry if they did not eat. When it came to Xiaoxiao, they had to eat and drink well to not panic.


    Thebination of meat and vegetables, fish and prawns, and the rising standard of food made Ning Fengnian and his wife click their tongues. However, their daughter had said that it wasn��t like their family didn��t have the means now. Everything in the family would be better if they were in good health. Instead of eating chaff and vegetables and causing their bodies to copse before buying medicine to eat, it was better to buy more fish, meat, eggs and milk.


    How much did the medicine cost? How much did the vegetables cost? The vegetables were all nted by their own families, and the fish and prawns were caught by them. She needed milk to invent dishes to begin with. Meat did not cost many copper coins a day. It did not cost anything!


    The couple did not have the self-awareness to follow in their second son��s footsteps at all. They slowly got used to Xiaoxiao��s feeding. Indeed, their bodies were getting more and more energetic every day. In the past, Ning Fengnian had to sit for a while and slow down when he came back from the canal. Now that he was full of energy every day, people could not help but wonder if he had gone to work or was just walking around to find someone to chat with.


    On this bright afternoon, an unfamiliar and tempting fragrance wafted out of the kitchen where Xiaoxiao was.


    This taste was salty and fresh, but Rong Yan, who favored sweetness, could not help but be interested. Of course, he would not rashly disturb and pry. He only greeted Madam Song and naturally helped feed the chickens. That��s right, he was feeding the chickens..

 Chapter 203 - 203: Can She Take A Fancy With Another Man?

    Chapter 203: Can She Take A Fancy With Another Man?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    If it were a month ago, if someone told Yun Yi and the others that their master would do such a thing personally, they would probablyugh at them. But now, this unbelievable thing had really happened, and their master had done it well.


    The chicks that Xiaoxiao had pestered her brothers to buy back then had already grown up and weighed one kilogram. If not for her brothers and parents strongly stopping her, she actually wanted to give every chicken a name that belonged to them, such as Braised, Steamed, and Dry-Fried��


    She felt that these names were intimate and practical, but her brothers insisted that if they called them that, the chicks might be frightened to death.


    When she came out of the kitchen, she saw the handsome Little Big Brother calmly roll up his sleeves and sprinkle feed into the chicken coop. Then, she saw those chicks swarming towards him. She suddenly felt warm and satisfied.


    In the future, when she became rich, wouldn��t it be beautiful to find a good-looking husband, and have chickens, pigs, cows, sheep, vegetables, flowers, fruit trees, cats, dogs, and children?


    Noticing her gaze, Rong Yan turned around. Xiaoxiao was bewitched by his handsome face against the light for a moment. She was suddenly a little worried about her choice of a partner. She was used to seeing Little Big Brother��s heaven-defying looks. Would she still like other men in the future?


    As her thoughts strayed, she forgot about returning the silver again.


    Hearing her sigh, Rong Yan turned around in confusion. Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hand and said in a half teasing and half serious tone, ��So even they know how to differentiate beauty and ugliness. When good-looking peoplee, they will line up obediently and wait to be fed.��


    Rong Yan��s face heated up slightly. He twisted his gaze, clenched his fists, and coughed lightly. ��If you didn��t shout braised and steamed chicken, they definitely wouldn��t have avoided you.��


    Xiaoxiao pursed her lips, but soon smiled again. ��Little Big Brother, are you praising me indirectly for being good-looking?��


    She thought that Little Big Brother would blush and be shy again. Unexpectedly, his gaze was fixed elsewhere. The corners of his lips curled up slightly and he said softly, ��Mm.��


    Xiaoxiao: /(//?/Mfy


    This didn��t make sense! She was a mature girl with more than 30 years of additional experience points. How could she be flirted with by a brat?


    After not hearing her response for a long time, Rong Yan turned back in confusion and saw the girl puffing up her face, which was unusually red.


    ��I-I��ll go see what��s in the oven.��


    She didn��t know how gently Rong Yan was smiling behind her.


    So this girl could be shy too?


    They didn��t know that Ning Ansheng, who happened toe out of the house, clenched his fists unconsciously when he saw this scene.


    Xiaoxiao had just flipped the vegetables in the pot and was walking towards the oven when she heard footsteps at the door. She turned around and smiled. When she saw who it was, she was stunned before asking, ��Big Brother?��


    Ning Ansheng didn��t ask her who she thought he was. He only said, ��Is there anything I can help with?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled at him. ��Have you written the que for my shop?��


    Ning Ansheng sighed. ��I already said that my handwriting doesn��t look good. Why didn��t you let�� someone else write such an important thing?��


    Xiaoxiao said firmly, ��It��s precisely because it��s important that I have to let Big Brother write it. You��re my best Big Brother!��


    The little bad girl coaxed him to be the ��best big brother��, her second brother to be the ��best second brother��, and her parents to be the ��best parents��. In short, no one was left behind. Everyone was so happy that they could not find their way around. They even felt that they were the first in her heart.


    Although he could see it clearly, he was not immune to it. For the sake of that que, he had been practicing calligraphy at home for a few days. Hearing Xiaoxiao��s words, his heart could not help but warm. ��Fortunately, I didn��t disappoint you.��


    He took out the words ��So It��s You�� that he had only written on the paper after he was satisfied. He said uncertainly, ��Take a look.��


    Xiaoxiao only nced at him and gave him a thumbs up. ��As expected of my brother. It��s exactly what I want!��


    Today was also a day where he was all smiles after being coaxed by his sister. Ning Ansheng took a shallow breath and gave up resisting. He only tapped Xiaoxiao��s smooth forehead gently. ��You.��


    Ning Ansheng was already familiar with the kitchen. He didn��t have some men��s habit of staying away from the kitchen. He washed the dishes and pots even more nimbly than Xiaoxiao did herself. When everything was safe and orderly, the fresh fragrance in the oven was just right. Xiaoxiao put on her homemade instion gloves and took out her new work on an iron te. She put one into her space while she was turning around.


    [Ding! The delicacy ��Rice Cracker�� has been sessfully recorded for the first time. After testing, it has been determined that this delicacy��s usage of ingredients is unique in this time and space. Reward: 1,000 points. Current total points are 26,550.]


    From the looks of it, the next upgrade did not seem to be so far away.


    The dried prawns were chopped and mixed with the rice. They were kneaded and ttened into thin slices. Then, they were cut into rectangles the size of two fingers. They were brushed with a secret sauce, smeared with ayer of butter, and baked in the oven. As long as the time and temperature were controlled well, the rice crackers would not fail.


    Xiaoxiao had always felt that these snacks from the west were much easier to make than traditional Chinese snacks. As long as the ratio was fixed, it was difficult to make a mistake.


    However, this was very suitable for the current situation at home. Xiaoxiao stuffed one into her brother��s mouth and said, ��When I��m not at hometer, Father and Mother will definitely make do with eating. They might take the steamed buns to the fields to deal with lunch when they find it troublesome. I��ll study more snacks that canst and make some every day so that Father and Mother can eat them easily at any time.��


    ��How about this? I��ll bring Mianmian Cake today and Taro Cake Roll tomorrow. Then, I��ll change it to sponge cake and rice crackers. You can eat them every day. You won��t be bored with rich vors.��


    With such a sister who was thinking for her family, it was difficult for Ning Ansheng not to smile. Hence, even though the academy had many unknown and unfriendly gazes, he was not afraid.


    Under such a mood, time quietly passed. The canal of Fortune Vige gradually perfected, leaving only a little aftercare and strengthening. With the canal to ensure the water supply, the nervous refugees began to settle down in peace. They went to the county office to register for the remation one by one. Fortune Vige became unprecedentedly lively.


    Xiaoxiao��s ��So It��s You�� was already prepared. Xiaoxiao had already exined the things to take note of when opening the shop and making the milk tea. She also guided them to mix and fill the cups independently. Everyone found it novel and interesting, but they were also filled with a sense of aplishment.


    In private, the Yun guards even praised Xiaoxiao��s open-mindedness. Although they thought that they were open and aboveboard and were not despicable people who coveted other people��s secret recipes, Miss Ning did not know that. In Miss Ning��s eyes, they should be as poor and desperate as those refugees, but she still had no intention of guarding against them.


    Hehe, she really treated them as family.


    Rong Yan��s expression did not change when he happened to hear them talking. He did not mention that he had exposed his family background by giving her the banknotes..

 Chapter 204 - 204: Little Big Brother Ah Yan Is The Best Little Big Brother

    Chapter 204: Little Big Brother Ah Yan Is The Best Little Big Brother


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After that, he also reflected on himself. In the current situation, he should have persevered until the end, but the youngdy was busy. How could he have the face to enjoy the fruits of herbor? Was he really going to let Yun Yi and the others work as an exnation?


    He could not do this, so even though he knew that he was not rational enough, he would still be like this if he did it again.


    Seeing that his master, who was dressed neatly, was walking out of the door again, Yun Yi, who had just fed the rabbit, stood up, patted his clothes, and followed. ��Master, are you going shopping with Miss Ning again?��


    Rong Yan replied seriously, ��It��s for the milk tea shop.��


    In other words, it was a serious matter, not a casual stroll.


    Yun Yi saw through it but did not say anything. The entire time, he was using a father��s loving gaze.


    In the past, Master was not in the mood to buy anything. He would just give an order. How could he be so happy to do it himself?


    Since she had Rong Yan��s financial backing, Xiaoxiao went all out and plundered everything that she had taken a fancy to in the past but could not buy.


    For example, there were beautiful porcin tes for cakes, tea sets for drinking tea, and elegant small tables. If there were any ready-made ones, they would buy ready-made ones. If there were none, they would order them. They even made a few ovens and ced them in the kitchen of the shop.


    The charcoal used in the shops was all good silver frost charcoal. It did not cause any harm to the body or affect the surrounding shops.


    There were not many seats in the tea shop. The main thing was to do takeaways. The washed bamboo tubes had already filled one wall. They were prepared to prepare a pot of boiling water in the shop at any time. They could scald the bamboo tubes when they needed to use it. It was also fine if the customers brought their own containers. At that time, they could reduce the price by one copper coin.


    In this day and age, there was no ss, so it was inconvenient to show the snacks that she had made in advance. Xiaoxiao asked Rong Yan to help her draw a few paintings and turn all the goods in the shop into promotional pictures. A normal version and a cute version. Not to mention the customers who were about to see this gimmick for the first time, even Xiaoxiao herself wanted to have a bite when she saw these pictures.


    Mrs. Shen couldn��t wait to agree to the coboration to open the shop and was preparing the shop. However, to Xiaoxiao��s surprise, Mrs. Shen chose the first coboration method. As a boss, Xiaoxiao didn��t have to manage themon affairs and would get a 20% dividend.


    Her decision puzzled the nanny and butler who had apanied her for many years.


    ��The third method looks clean and straightforward, but it actually has an unreasonable feeling. It��s not suitable either emotionally or logically. Madam must hate it the most.��


    ��But if you choose the first method, will our people be convinced by Miss Ning?��


    Mrs. Shen said,


    ��Nanny, do you also think that Xiaoxiao took advantage of the 20% dividend?�� Nanny was puzzled. Wasn��t that the case? All the ingredients and furnishings in the elegant abode that Madam wanted to open were top-notch. Wasn��t it much more difficult than that girl sitting in the kitchen and enjoying the fruits of herbor?


    Mrs. Shen smiled and shook her head. ��Although I��m a daughter of the Li Family and my husband is an official, there are many people in the world who are more noble and rich than me. There are also many ces for those noblewomen to y and rest. Have you seen any ce that canpare to that girl Ning��s ingenuity?��


    Nanny shook her head honestly.


    Mrs. Shen said, ��Any problem that can be solved with money is not a big problem. Anyone can buy expensive furnishings and ingredients, but can you buy Ning��s original snacks and ideas for an elegant abode with money?�� For example, I��m not the only one who can buy milk, but other than Little Ning, who else knows how to make Mianmian Cake and Cloud Cake? I��m not the only one who can buy cloth and cotton, but has anyone thought of making such a soft cushion in the past?��


    ��Besides, as long as that girl still wants to earn money, there will be an endless stream of novel snacks and ideas. In this case, the profits from the elegant abode will be more than 20%.��


    Nanny was enlightened. ��In that case, we��re the ones who took advantage?�� Mrs. Shen snorted. ��Nanny was worried that our people wouldn��t be convinced by her just now, but you forgot that this girl didn��t intend to get involved in such nonsense from the beginning. Didn��t you hear her? She only wants the dividends and does not care about anything else.��


    ��Thiszy girl only ns to guard the kitchen. She leaves all the trouble to us to deal with ourselves.��


    Hence, there was no need to calcte who would take advantage. Nanny nodded. ��Madam is still the most thorough.�� This way, it did not hurt their rtionship or their interests. As expected of the eldest daughter of the Li Family, who used to be the most business-minded. Unfortunately, after the Second Madam entered the family�� Sigh��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t know what Mrs. Shen was thinking. She didn��t care which one she chose. She had just seen too many rtionships break down because of interests, so she made things clear in advance. She was just a farm girl. She partnered up with Mrs. Shen to earn money to support her family. She didn��t want to get involved in some strange entanglements.


    Actually, if she had to choose, she was more inclined to the second option. She had a cheating tool like the space processing factory after all. However, after thinking about it carefully, it would be unbelievable if she could supply the entire elegant abode with pastries and refreshments alone, so Mrs. Shen��s choice was quite good.


    Without having to worry about Mrs. Shen��s shop, Xiaoxiao was more in the mood to decorate her milk tea shop. She didn��t know for the time being if Mrs. Shen nned to let her go to the elegant abode to cook delicious food before leaving, or if she would make it at home and send it over. Hence, she didn��t add any consumables in this area for the time being. However, she bought arge cart of dishes and cutlery for herself.


    Anyone who often cooked could not stop when they saw good-looking dishes, especially when they had money. After buying them, she was shocked by her �� spending power and looked at Rong Yan in embarrassment.


    Would Little Big Brother doubt their future if his business partner was so prodigal?


    Noticing her gaze, Rong Yan leaned over and said very naturally, ��Although this te has a good artistic conception, it doesn��t match the snacks you made. The color of the plum orchid bamboo chrysanthemum te just now is brighter.��


    Aiyo, he was actually giving a serious opinion?


    Hearing no answer, Rong Yan clenched his fists and said, ��Of course, if you like the artistic conception set more, you can always use them after we bought them.��


    There was still no answer. He turned around strangely and saw Xiaoxiao resting her chin on her hands. She said in a rather exaggerated tone, ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan is the best Little Big Brother-��


    A few steps away, Yun Yi vaguely felt that he should not be here, although he did not know where he should be.


    Speaking of which, look at the pots and pans in this cart. Doesn��t Master and Miss Ning look a little like newlyweds buying a new house?


    Tsk, Yun Yi, who thought of that, looked up at the sky. Out of sight, out of mind.


    After shopping for half a day, the cart could no longer hold them. Rong Yan asked Yun Yi to send the things back to the shop while he stayed behind to continue apanying Xiaoxiao.


    In broad daylight, Yun Yi did not have to worry that his master, who had Ying


    Zi following him, would encounter danger. Moreover, he felt that if he continued to stay by these two people��s side, he might not be able to breathe properly, so he left obediently.


    The moment he left, Rong Yan��s rxed expression tensed up.


    Xiaoxiao guessed that the matter of the poisonous mushrooms had not been resolved. She had once heard Rong Yan mention that those guards were loyal servants who had been by his side since they were young. No matter who it was or why they betrayed him, they were all a sharp de in his heart. She pretended to be rxed and changed the topic. ��By the way, Little Big Brother Ah Yan, I developed a new delicious food today.��


    Rong Yan did not intend to affect others�� mood because of his own matters, so he followed her words and said, ��I know. It��s called a rice cracker, right? It��s a very nice name too. Your second brother especially unted it for a long time when he went out early.��


    Xiaoxiao was interested. ��What did Second Brother say?��


    Rong Yan looked up at her. ��Your second brother said that only he and your father have that. We don��t have any����


    Xiaoxiao was speechless.


    ��Second! Brother! Is! Really! Silly!��


    Rong Yan did not retort. Probably because he could not let go of the fact that someone among his personal guards had betrayed him, Rong Yan suddenly wanted to throw a tantrum and be childish for once.. He sighed and said softly ��But I really didn��t����

 Chapter 205 - 205: Promotion Reward

    Chapter 205: Promotion Reward


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    At such a close distance, Xiaoxiao, who had sharp ears and eyes, couldn t pretend not to hear them even if she wanted to. Her face turned red. ��I made it in advance because they were going out to repair the canal. I��m here anytime if you want to eat.��


    She was really good at saying warm words. It was no wonder that her family was full of smiles every day. If�� could he be like them?


    Xiaoxiao felt that her suggestion was very feasible and she also wanted to try out the new ones in the shop, so she decisively pulled Rong Yan back to start.


    The first time the oven was used, there was no need to do anything too difficult. It was very suitable to bake a box of biscuits after warming it up. The Yun guards were arranged by Rong Yan to prepare for nting trees in the barren mountains. Today, only Yun Yi was following them. Rong Yan was instructing him to adjust the decorations in the hall, so the work of biting the eggs was handed over to the space processing factory.


    She sifted the sieved low-gluten flour into the egg paste and mixed it evenly. Then, she used a small spoon to set the shape in the baking tray and adjusted the temperature. It was done in 10 minutes.


    This job was not challenging for Xiaoxiao. Since she had nothing to do, she picked up her spoon and started making fancy biscuits.


    First of all, it was the shape. It was not difficult for it to be round, square, and long. The flowers, fish, and clouds were also very easy. On a whim, she drew a te of cute little rabbits. When she came out with the finished product, Yun Yi��s eyes widened.


    Xiaoxiao chuckled and used her chopsticks to pick up the still warm biscuits.


    She ced them in a circle on the clean dessert te and pushed them towards


    Rong Yan. ��Here, Ning Xiaoxiao��s special rabbit baby biscuits.��


    ��With caramel milk tea. It��s perfect for afternoon tea.


    Yun Yi sincerely felt that his master��s treatment in terms of food was not much worse than when he was in the pce. Those imperial chefs would definitely be inferior to Miss Ning��s culinary skills.


    As his master��s personal guard, Yun Yi still bore the heavy responsibility of testing for poison, so he reached out to the fragrant biscuits with a righteous expression. However, before he could seed, Rong Yan pped him away with his chopsticks, picked up a cute rabbit baby, and bit it.


    If Ning Xiaoxiao had any ill intentions towards him, he would not have lived to this day.


    Moreover, this snack was obviously specially made for him. How could others


    eat it!


    Just as this thought shed through her mind, she saw Xiaoxiao pick one up and bite it. ��Mm, as expected of me. The taste is just right.


    Rong Yan poured her a cup of milk tea and pushed it over. ��Slow down.��


    Yun Yi looked at the back of his hand that had been pped red. At this moment, he really had the urge to look up at the sky and roar. Fortunately, Xiaoxiao did not favor one over the other and had also prepared snacks for Yun Yi. The little emotions that he had about a moment ago instantly disappeared. He took a bite of biscuits and a sip of milk tea, enjoying it so much that he beamed.


    Seeing that they all liked it, Xiaoxiao happily decided. ��TH bring you biscuits on


    the first day of school!��


    Ah, was this the joy of taking care of a child?


    Rong Yan still did not know that he had be a child in Ning Xiaoxiao��s eyes.


    He was full of warmth and his mouth was full of fragrance.


    After checking the shop and confirming that everything was ready, Xiaoxiao asked Yun Yi to help put the que that had just been sent into the hall. She did not let Rong Yan lift the red silk and said happily to Rong Yan, ��Our shop will open in a few days. At that time, the two of us will lift the veil of this que together!��


    This little girl really dared to say anything.


    Rong Yan coughed helplessly and said, ��Alright.


    The opening date of the shop had already been decided. It would be on the day the academy started school. In Xiaoxiao��s words, this was a double blessing.


    During the days of waiting, County Magistrate Shen met Rong Yan twice with the excuse of freeloading. Unfortunately, they still couldn��t get any evidence about Prefect Yan��s pocket. Fortunately, they got something. Just after the canal waspleted and before the academy started, County Magistrate Shen brought a piece of news.


    ��Recently, the Lei Family has been acting strangely. They seem to be looking


    for someone.��


    Rong Yan asked, ��Who is it?��


    County Magistrate Shen shook his head. ��I don��t know, but ording to my senior brother��s spection, it might be rted to thews.��


    Chen Yong, who used to be the clerk for the chambein ofw enforcement, was meticulous. He must have his reasons for saying this.


    It was not appropriate to talk in detail here. After exchanging information, the two of them returned to the dining room separately. Xiaoxiao had a new dish today and said that it was rted to the scarlet fruit they found on Dayan Mountain.


    Everybody was intrigued. Seeing her bring out a te of sweet and sour dishes from the kitchen, County Magistrate Shen and his wife hesitated for a moment, but the others reached out their chopsticks without hesitation and praised her from the bottom of their hearts.


    ��Delicious!��


    ��I never expected the rumored poisonous scarlet fruit to be so delicious after it ripened!��


    ��Xiaoxiao, you��re too magical. How can anything turn into a delicacy in your hands!��


    Xiaoxiao suppressed the corners of her mouth humbly as she listened to the space announcement in her mind: [Ding, the first time the delicious tomato scrambled eggs has been sessfully recorded. Due to the fact that the ingredients used in this delicacy are an unpopr variety, you will receive a promotion reward. The total reward is 1,000 points. The current total points is 28,000 points!]


    [Ding! Gourmet Tomato Egg Soup has been sessfully recorded for the first time. Reward: 200 points. Gourmet Sugar Mixed Tomato has been sessfully recorded for the first time. Reward: 200 points. Current total points are 28,400 points.]


    Afraid that Xiaoxiao would be dissatisfied, the space exined first: [Every ingredient can only obtain one promotional point. The other rewards areprehensively evaluated ording to the value of the dish, the rarity, and the difficulty of cooking.]


    Xiaoxiao expressed her understanding. She served other home-cooked dishes and pushed the points to 28,700. She ate a little too much for dinner. County Magistrate Shen said that he was going to inspect the lives of the vigers and digest his food. He pointed at Rong Yan casually and chose him to apany him.


    Shen Tianci was impatient to listen to his father talk about serious matters. He followed Ning Anhui, who had finally been liberated, and ran around crazily, listening to him give pointers about the country and the ns for his new home.


    Mrs. Shen was very interested in the new seedlings in the Ning Family��s courtyard. Madam Song introduced them cautiously. ��Xiaoxiao dug them back from the mountains. This child is curious about everything she sees. I wonder what she can grow.��


    Xiaoxiao called out on the way to the kitchen. ��That��s a flower seedling. I have a feeling that it will bloom with many beautiful flowers in the near future!�� Mrs. Shen gave her face. ��Call me over when the timees.�� Xiaoxiao patted her chest and promised, ��No problem. I��ll give you a pot of it!�� The reproduction method of the Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemum was mainly divided into nt reproduction and cutting reproduction.


    The new seedlings that she had experimented with two days ago had already taken root. Moreover, they were identified as ��new nt individuals�� after they were brought back to the space. This was a good sign.


    This meant that as long as she wanted to in the future, she could have new seedlings any time. The seedlings would give new seedlings again, and flowers would bloom everywhere, filling the courtyard with the fragrance of flowers. One had to know that the Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemum was said to be a high production variety that could grow 15 acres of flowers with one acre of seedlings.


    Mrs. Shen and Madam Song thought that she was bragging and went to chat. Ning Ansheng couldn��t bear for his sister to continue working after cooking, so he decisively snatched away the work of cleaning up.


    Xiaoxiao touched her round belly and prepared to go to the vige to take a walk.. At the same time, she wanted to see how many prawns she had caught in the bamboo basket by the river and��

 Chapter 206 - 206: Miss, Run Quickly

    Chapter 206: Miss, Run Quickly


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was still early. After looking at the prawn basket, she was curious about the seeds that had been scattered not long ago, so she walked into the mountains ording to her memory without hesitation. She thought that with the powerful backing of space, she would not encounter any danger alone. She could just hide in a sh if something happened.


    Moreover, she didn��t run around. She just took a look nearby and would be back soon, so there was no need to tell her family to make them worry. She wouldn��t let them know that it would cause lingering fear.


    With the n working, her footsteps towards the mountains immediately became even lighter.


    She did not notice that not long after she left, a figure followed.


    Thinking that she was already here and that this mountain already belonged to her, Xiaoxiao dug out some tomatoes that were stronger than the ones outside from her space and nted them. She even took out two Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemums that had already started to bud in her space. She nted them and split them at the same time.


    She didn��t know if it was because the nts produced by the space were especially strong or if the Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemum was full of vitality to begin with, but she didn��t take special care of the ones she split at home. They were all alive, so these should be fine.


    At this moment, the space was like an anti-addiction system. It thoughtfully reminded Xiaoxiao that the game time was up and asked her if it was time to go back. She did not want to ruin the joy of ying alone in the future just because she was greedy for the nting experience. She got up, patted the mud off her clothes, and prepared to walk back.


    She had only taken two or three steps when she suddenly felt goosebumps on her back. At the same time, a notification from the space made her shiver: [Ding, ingredient discovered��wild boar. Do you want to capture/process it?]


    Before Xiaoxiao could react to the meaning of this notification, she turned around and instinctively jumped onto a tree beside her.


    The appearance of the wild boar was very sudden and impactful.


    This pig was not big, and it looked like its legs were inconvenient as if it had been injured. Its anger was exuberant, as if it had the hatred of annihtion. The moment it discovered Xiaoxiao, it rushed towards her.


    Xiaoxiao had just steadied herself by holding onto the tree trunk when she felt a violent shake. From the way the wild boar shook its head, it should have used all its strength in this collision.


    ��What grudges do we have?��


    After muttering, Xiaoxiao remembered her precious space. However, her current position was more awkward. It was easy to enter, and if there was any deviation when she came out, she would have to fall. Helpless, she could only hug the tree trunk and wait for this boar to calm down��whether it was anger or strength.


    After the wild boar hit the tree trunk 10 times, it probably couldn��t take it anymore. It spun on the spot and roared helplessly. Xiaoxiao, on the other hand, was in the mood to take out a cornbread from her space and y with it.


    The wild boar on the ground twitched its nose and looked up instinctively.


    On the other side, Rong Yan, who had just finished talking with County Magistrate Shen, found that Yun Yi kept looking at him in panic. For various reasons, everyone avoided them when they talked. Even Rong Yan��s guards could only watch from afar.


    After asking, he said, ��Master, I think I saw Miss Ning enter the mountain just now����


    Rong Yan raised his eyebrows. ��What did you say? She��s alone?��


    Yun Yi nodded. ��That��s right, Master. Should we inform her family?��


    Rong Yan gritted his teeth. ��No need. Call the others and get her back quickly.��


    He added, ��Be quick. Don��t tell anyone yet.��


    It would be a waste of time to go back. Moreover, if the rest of the Ning Family found out, that girl would definitely be beaten up.


    However, she deserved to be taught a lesson! Was the mountain a ce she could go to as she pleased? Even if it was not dark yet, even if there were no jackals, tigers, and leopards near the mountain, it would not be a joke if she encountered poisonous snakes, insects, rats, and ants!


    With the enhancement of Qinggong and their anxiety, Rong Yan and the others entered the mountain very quickly and even took a shortcut. Unexpectedly, they discovered the tracks of another group before they met Xiaoxiao.


    Yun Er checked and reported, ��It��s the Lei Family.��


    Rong Yan frowned. ��Lei Shaoming has a grudge against Ning Xiaoxiao. We can��t let him meet Xiaoxiao first.��


    Unfortunately, Lei Shaoming was really near Xiaoxiao.


    The servants held their sabers and swords, some of them were even red with blood. ��Young Master, that person is seriously injured. He definitely can��t run far!��


    Lei Shaoming��s face darkened. ��Of course. Do I need you to say that? Find him for me. If you can��t find him, bring your heads to me!��


    The servants were trembling in fear and did not dare to say a word. They hurriedly spread out and cut through the grass and bushes visible to the naked eye with their swords. They swore to dig three feet into the ground and not let go of any possibility.


    Suddenly, someone looked in a certain direction in confusion. ��Young Master, there seems to be some strange movement over there. Could that person have encountered a beast in the mountains?��


    Lei Shaoming rubbed his shoulder, which was still in pain, and his anger rose. ��Let��s go. We��ll kill him and the beast together!��


    Before that old bastard Shen Congjun could get someone to hit him, he was assigned by his uncle to do this tiring work. However, he still hoped to use this opportunity to redeem himself so that he could regain Prefect Yan��s trust.


    At this moment, he could find an excuse to vent his anger even if he met people, let alone wild animals. He has been too unlucky recently!


    With a bang, the still hot cakes fell to the ground with an appetizing fragrance. The tired and hungry wild boar did not have the ability to think at all. It followed the fragrance and rushed over to bite the food. Xiaoxiao saw this opportunity and slid down the tree trunk. She held her breath and raised her small hand. [Little baby, it��s up to you next. Don��t let me be knocked away by this thing.]


    The space guaranteed: [Don��t worry, Master! I can handle it for you the moment your fingers touch the ingredient. I definitely won��t leave any momentum to hurt you!]


    Xiaoxiao nodded. [Alright, activate the space processing nt and use the function��ughter. ]


    The wild boar finished its food in a few bites. When it turned around, it realized that the human hiding on the tree just now was actually stupid and audacious. It immediately dug its hind hooves twice, lowered its head, and rushed forward. Then, there was nothing else. Its life ended here. Fortunately, it did not feel any pain. Everything happened in the blink of an eye.


    Just as the wild boar fell straight down, Xiaoxiao heard another space notification: [Someone is here.]


    Without a word, she first stored the ughtered wild boar into her space. Just as she was about to sh into the space, she saw a young man covered in blood staggering out from behind a tree not far away. When he saw Xiaoxiao, his first reaction was to turn around and run in the opposite direction.


    During this pause, an arrow came from behind and pierced into his shoulder.


    The young man fell in front of Xiaoxiao. He tried his best to hold on to hisst bit of consciousness and muttered, ��Miss, run. There��s a bad person���� After saying that, he fainted.


    At the same time, a slightly familiar voice containing anger and killing intent came from the direction he ran from.


    ��Chase after him! The person our Lei Family wants can��t escape even if he has wings!��

 Chapter 207 - 207: Easily Coaxed

    Chapter 207: Easily Coaxed


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    [Space baby, can you hold a live human?]


    The space replied instantly: [Sure!]


    Without hesitation, Xiaoxiao ced her hand on the young man��s eyes to block his vision. In the next moment, the two of them disappeared from the spot.


    When Lei Shaoming chased after them with his men, there was only a pool of blood on the ground that had yet to dry.


    He personally went forward to investigate. ��He must still be nearby. Search!


    It was definitely impossible to search. Xiaoxiao paid attention to the movements outside at all times in the space and looked down at the young man whose face was pale from excessive blood loss.


    With such a physical condition, he probably wouldn��t find out where he was even if she didn��t specially cover his eyes. Xiaoxiao let go and stuck her finger under his nose to check his breathing. It was already�� almost undetectable.


    [Master, this person��s vital signs are weak. He probably won��t live long.]


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and waved her hand to bring over the ginseng that she had already made in her interspace. [Can this keep him alive first?]


    The space was only in charge of researching delicacies and was not very familiar with treating illnesses and saving people. Before it could guess the answer, Xiaoxiao had already cut off two slices with the dagger Rong Yan gave her and pinched open the young man��s mouth.


    The young man gritted his teeth tightly. She had spent a lot of effort, but strangely, there was a thin bamboo tube under his tongue. No wonder his words were a little unclear just now.


    Xiaoxiao casually put the bamboo tube into her space and pressed the ginseng piece under his tongue. Then, she found something to blindfold him just in case.


    If he had continued running in the original direction just now, he might not have been injured. Realizing that this person was in danger and did not want to implicate her, Xiaoxiao had a good impression of him.


    Moreover, the person chasing him seemed to be Lei Shaoming. She hated that person, so she naturally had to go against him.


    Lei Shaoming firmly believed that the young man was hiding nearby, but his group of people had almost dug out the soil, but they still found nothing. He immediately gritted his teeth and said fiercely, ��If you can��t find him, set fire to the mountain. I don��t believe that he can dig a hole and hide in it in such a short period of time! At most, we��ll look for the corpse after this mountain is burned down!��


    This was much more ruthless than a wild boar hitting a tree. Comparing their vicious methods, Lei Shaoming was really the wild boar��s grandfather. Xiaoxiao was anxious when she heard this in the space. He couldn��t burn the mountain! This mountain had an owner now! It was not strange for Lei Shaoming, this bastard, to be put in a sack and beaten up in the future if he wanted to burn the mountain in front of Master.


    just as Xiaoxiao thought that she could only moum for these treasures, Rong


    Yan��s voice sounded like music to her ears.


    ��Whose mountain is Young Master Lei burning?��


    Lei Shaoming turned around and saw the handsome and extraordinary Rong Yan. Jealousy rose in his heart, and his tone was rather unfriendly. ��What has it got to do with you? How dare a poor schr interfere in our Lei Family��s matters?�� Don��t think that you��re so great just because you got into Bowen


    Academy!


    Rong Yan narrowed his eyes and could not be bothered to talk to him. Yun Yi said consciously, ��This mountain is under my master��s name now. Young Master Lei��s actions today are enough for you to go to the county office to receive dozens of paddles.��


    Lei Shaoming��s expression instantly darkened. ��Stupid schr, do you think I��ll be afraid of you without the county magistrate��s support today?��


    At this point, he suddenly sneered and waved his hand. ��Men, break this kid��s legs. I want to see if you want to crawl or kneel when the academy reopens in a few days.��


    Yun Yi and the others were furious. Thest person who dared to speak to their master like this was now a few feet under the soil.


    Rong Yan was not someone who could be humiliated. He raised two fingers and waved them gently, allowing the guards to look forward to taking action.


    The strength of both sides was one-sided. Lei Shaoming��s men were no match for Yun Yi and the others at all. They were ced on the ground and cried for their parents in a few moves. However, Lei Shaoming could not see the situation clearly. ��You��re just relying on the fact that I don��t have enough people. If my men were here, you would definitely be the ones kneeling and begging for mercy!��


    Rong Yan mocked, ��Unfortunately, there��s no ��if��.��


    Xiaoxiao was originally watching the show with relish in the space, but she was suddenly called out in the next moment.


    Lei Shaoming let out a weak roar fiercely. ��Don��t be smug. I��ll let you off today. If I meet that brat Ning Xiaoxiao and you again in the future, I��ll definitely make you����


    Rong Yan��s originally casual expression suddenly turned cold. He walked over from behind the guards with a murderous intent that Xiaoxiao had never seen before. He raised his foot and stepped on the back of Lei Shaoming��s hand. ��I advise you not to try. If you dare to touch her, I��ll make your Lei Family not have a chance to regret it.��


    Lei Shaoming screamed, ��You, how dare you?!��


    The next moment, Rong Yan retracted his foot from the back of his hand. ��I dare.��


    Then, he used Lei Shaoming��s other hand as a new target.


    His expression was calm, as if he was not a living person under torture, but a piece of wood and a stone brick.


    Rong Yan didn��t kill Lei Shaoming in the end. After Lei Shaoming ran away in a panic, Yun Yi asked in confusion, and Rong Yan answered, ��Our whereabouts are not hidden today. If he dies here, the Lei Family won��t be able to let it go. The Yan Family will be alerted easily, and it won��t be easy for County


    Magistrate Shen.��


    Yun Yi asked again, ��Then why did Master hit him so hard?


    Rong Yan wiped the soles of his shoes on the grass. ��If we don��t scare him more, how can we stop him from taking revenge on Ning Xiaoxiao? You can t stay by her side 24 hours a day.��


    Xiaoxiao had never seen Rong Yan like this, but when she thought about how he was doing this for her, she could not hate him or be afraid.


    After chasing Lei Shaoming away, Rong Yan asked Yun Yi and the others to continue looking for him. He also left. After confirming that they had all left, Xiaoxiao shed out of her space and randomly chose a direction with lush grass to enter. She took out the unconscious young man from her space, oh no, moved him out, removed the cloth that covered his eyes, smeared some of his blood on the ground, and ran out to chase after Rong Yan.


    Rong Yan was worried about Xiaoxiao��s safety when he suddenly heard a rustling sound behind him. He held the hilt of his sword and turned around. He saw the person he was worried about staring at him with her big ck eyes and asked innocently, ��Eh, Little Big Brother Ah Yan, why are you here?��


    Rong Yan pulled a long face. ��Ning Xiaoxiao, do you know how dangerous the mountains are?��


    Xiaoxiao thought to herself that she knew. It was exciting to have wild boars and people chasing after them, but did she dare to say that? She only dared to admit defeat obediently. ��Little Big Brother, I know my mistake. Don��t be angry, alright?��


    Rong Yan looked at her hand that was pinching the corner of his shirt and his anger seemed to be blocked. He couldn��t vent it no matter what. This trick again! Did she think that he was as easy to coax as her two brothers?


    Xiaoxiao looked at him and shook his hand. ��I won��t do it again. I just wanted toe and see if there were any more scarlet fruits. I��ll leave after picking them. Didn��t everyone say that they were deliciousst time? I just wanted to make delicious food for you.��


    Rong Yan knew very well that she was pretending to be obedient, but he couldn��t say anything to criticize her.. After holding it in for a while, he said, ��If we encounter any����

 Chapter 208 - 208: How Unscrupulous

    Chapter 208: How Unscrupulous


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao immediately raised two fingers. ��There��s no if! There won��t be a next time! If Ie again in the future, I��ll definitely report to you first! Otherwise,


    I��ll����


    Rong Yan covered her mouth. ��Just remember this promise.�� Oaths were inauspicious, so it was better not to say them.


    Xiaoxiao grabbed his hand and pulled it away gently. She then made a request tentatively. ��Til listen to Little Big Brother in the future, so, hehe, can Little Big Brother not tell my parents about what happened today?��


    Rong Yan was speechless.


    At this point, what else could he say? He couldn��t help but pitch the bridge of his nose. ��If I had nned to tell them, I wouldn��t havee to you in such a


    hurry����


    Xiaoxiao cheered and shook his hand even more. ��Little Big Brother is the best!��


    The guards were dumbfounded. They never expected their master, who always kept his word, to be so easy to deal with in front of Miss Ning. They even tried to think if they could muddle through like this if they made a mistake in the future. However, they almost vomited out their dinner the night before when they imagined themselves saying under their master��s gaze, ��Master, I know my mistake. Don��t be angry, okay?�� and ��I won��t dare to do it next time.��


    Hence, it was better to rely on others to act coquettishly. Miss Ning was just right.


    As they were thinking, they saw Miss Ning, who had just received amnesty, peek at their master with flickering eyes. ��Um, Little Big Brother, I still need your help to cover up something����


    Rong Yan��s heart skipped a beat. His first reaction was to see if she was injured. Only then did he realize that there was blood on the inside of her sleeve. Ignoring everything else, Rong Yan hurriedly held her hand carefully. ��Where are you hurt?��


    Xiaoxiao was stunned. She felt the hands holding her tighten and carefully control their strength. Her heart instantly softened. ��Little Big Brother, don��t be anxious. It��s not me.��


    She simply held Rong Yan��s hand and pulled him to where she was hiding. ��This person fainted when he rushed in front of me just now. I saw that Lei Shaoming seemed to be chasing after him, so I hid him.��


    Rong Yan felt a headacheing on. This girl was too bold. ��Have you thought of the consequences if Lei Shaoming saw you just now?


    He would probably kill to silence her?


    Xiaoxiao tilted her head. She definitely did not understand what she should not understand.


    Rong Yan couldn��t bear to scare her. ��Remember, if you encounter such a thing again in the future, run away first.��


    ��Nothing is more important than your own life.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded obediently. If the space could not hold a living person, she would have run away herself.


    This scene agitated the guards again��who was the person who was whispering now? Huh?


    Anyway, it was definitely not their master. Their master would only sneer and ask, ��Do you want to die?��


    Just as they were thinking this, they saw Rong Yan turn around and look at them unkindly. His gaze was clearly saying, Why? Do you want me to go to the bushes to fish him out myself?


    The guards reacted quickly and did their jobs.


    Xiaoxiao said, ��He is seriously injured. Is County Magistrate Shen still here? If he is, you��d better ask him to ask Doctor Gongsun for help.��


    Rong Yan also realized that other than the arrow in his shoulder, the unconscious youth had also suffered many fatal injuries. All kinds of signs indicated that Lei Shaoming did not intend to leave him alive, which made


    Rong Yan even more afraid.


    If Lei Shaoming realized that Xiaoxiao was with this young man�� Xiaoxiao was red at, but she didn��t dare to protest. At this moment, besides being touched, she couldn��t help but be puzzled. Was Little Big Brother��s identity really as he said, just an ordinary down-and-out young master?


    Could the ��ordinary�� young masters in this space-time have the same aura as him just now?


    However, who cared? Little Big Brother had no ill intentions towards her and even took good care of her.


    Xiaoxiao, who was in deep thought, subconsciously ignored some details. She only came back to her senses when she heard a shrill female voice. At this moment, they had already reached the foot of the mountain. Due to Lei Shaoming��s dy, the sky was already dark. However, this level of darkness did not prevent Xiaoxiao from seeing the face of the person who was screaming.


    ��Little Aunt?��


    Little Aunt Ning was pointing at Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan��s hands in fear. ��You, you, Ning Xiaoxiao, you��re simply shameless!��


    Xiaoxiao was confused. She followed her gaze and looked down. Oh my god, she forgot that she was still holding Little Big Brother��s hand.


    As heaven and earth could see, she had really forgotten and Little Big Brother happened to not resist or pull his hand away. It was also possible that he was worried that she would be afraid andforted her considerately.


    However, Little Aunt Ning did not care. She only knew that the silly and useless wild girl at home was shamelessly pestering that extremely good-looking Young Master Zhao! How dare she! She had clearly taken a fancy to this young master first!


    She had wanted to look for this young master several times in the past few days, but it was all in vain. It was not easy for her to meet him. How could Ning Xiaoxiao beat her to it!


    Perhaps she was used to tyrannizing others in the past, Little Aunt Ning rushed over to push Xiaoxiao without thinking.


    With Rong Yan around, how could Little Aunt Ning seed?


    Xiaoxiao didn��t see him move much, but she felt someone gently pull her arm. With a slip of her toes, she moved half a meter away from her original position. This distance made Little Aunt Ning miss and fall face-first. It could be seen how much strength she used just now.


    Xiaoxiao naturally did not sympathize with Little Aunt Ning. She widened her eyes and looked at Rong Yan. ��Is this the legendary Wave-Like Subtle Steps? Rong Yan burst outughing. This was the first time he had seen Xiaoxiao make a fuss. Usually, she was either mischievous or pretending to be mature. She never panicked when something happened. Why was she so excited to reveal this side of her that belonged to a child just because of a movement technique?


    Rong Yan, who thought this way, did not have the self-awareness that he was only a few years older than Xiaoxiao, nor did he know that the smile on his face was rare for him. Anyway, Xiaoxiao was dazzled. All she could think about was that ancient handsome men were so f*cking good-looking!


    The way the two of them looked at each other made Little Aunt Ning even more jealous. ��Ning Xiaoxiao, let go of Young Master Zhao!��


    Xiaoxiao looked down at Rong Yan��s hand that was holding her arm. At this moment, someone with a low EQ. would answer, ��He was clearly the one who held me.�� Xiaoxiao, who thought that she had a high EQ, pursed her lips. I won��t. If you continue nagging, believe it or not, I can be even more unscrupulous!��


    A question popped up in Rong Yan��s mind at an inappropriate time. How unscrupulous can it be exactly?


    Almost immediately, he hurriedly suppressed this outrageous thought. However, he did not let go of Xiaoxiao immediately. The Ning Family��s old residence was full of weirdos. God knew what Little Aunt Ning would do next.


    Little Aunt Ning was about to go crazy. ��Young Master Zhao, don��t be fooled by this brat��s pretentious behavior. A bad girl like her is not worthy of you at all!�� Xiaoxiao spoke quickly. ��If I��m not worthy, are you worthy?��


    Little Aunt Ning actually became shy and even winked at Rong Yan flirtatiously. ��I��m the future Xiucai��s sister after all.. Who do you think you are? You��re just a farmer who��s digging in the soil!��

 Chapter 209 - 209: Marriage Proposal

    Chapter 209: Marriage Proposal


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t help butugh. ��You make it sound like if your family doesn��t farm and food will fall from the sky.


    However, she didn��t know that Ning Ansheng, who couldn��t wait for her to return home, had coincidentally heard this conversation clearly. There were a few changes in his eyes. In the end, he pursed his lips and went forward to pull his sister behind him.


    ��Since you think you��re a Xiucai��s sister, Little Aunt, please go back and learn from Little Uncle what etiquette is.��


    Little Aunt Ning was so angry that she fell to the ground. However, she could not win against them with her words, and their martial arts skills were worlds apart. She cried and ran away in a fit of anger.


    What no one knew was that she was so hot-headed after returning to the old residence that she actually begged Old Sir Ning and his wife to propose marriage for her.


    Old Madam Ning was quite happy at first. ��Do you have a candidate you like on the list sent by the matchmaker?��


    Nobody knew what she was thinking. Old Madam Ning clearly didn��t have anything in her family, but she really took herself seriously with Third Brother Ning��s illusory reputation. She even put on airs and arranged for Little Aunt Ning to choose a husband. She asked the matchmaker to send her the list of candidates.


    It was unknown where Little Aunt Ning got her confidence from, but she really stayed in the house every day to study who was worthy of her.


    At this moment, when she heard her mother��s question, she blushed and gave a shocking answer. ��That��s right. I think the Zhao Family��s young man is not bad.


    Mother, let him propose marriage to me.��


    Old Madam Ning felt a chill run down her spine when she thought of Rong Yan. ��Why do you like that outsider? He��s a hunter. He doesn��t even have a decent field at home. Aren��t you destined to suffer with him if you marry him?


    Little Aunt Ning patted her chest. ��Mother, don��t worry. I��m not such an idiot. I��ve already thought of what you said. Look, his family is a hunter now, but didn��t they say that they were rich in the past? No matter how they are affected by the disaster, their foundation is still there. Didn��t Second Sister-in-Law say that they eat meat every meal with the Ning Family and have good food?�� Her eyes darted around. ��I guess they must have pretended to be poor to keep their wealth a secret. They��re very rich.��


    Old Madam Ning was worried. ��Isn��t this all your guess?��


    Little Aunt Ning looked down on her mother��s vision. ��Then I��m not guessing blindly. If his family doesn��t have money, how can they feed so many guards? Besides, with those servants around, whether it��s farming or hunting, as the master, does he need to work himself?


    ��When I get married, I��ll be their mistress. I won��t have to worry about no one doing the work at home, and I won��t have to worry about no one nting thend. You and Father can just wait to enjoy life!��


    Old Madam Ning was really a little convinced.


    To be honest, after splitting up the second branch, she was most worried about farming. In the past, with the eldest branch around, she had not done heavy work for many years and was not used to suddenly going to the fields. She did not want to follow the old man to care for the crops at all. It was so tiring.


    However, if she did not work, what would she eat next year? There were only dozens of taels of silver left at home. She would not have much left after she bought clothes for Third Brother to studyter.


    After thinking about it, she felt that her daughter��s choice was not bad. ��Alright, I��ll reply to the matchmaker now. Sigh, but Zhao Yan is a little young, right?��


    Little Aunt Ning didn��t know about this. Anyway, he was quite tall and might be about the same age as Ning Dng. Although he was a little younger than her, as the saying went, ��It��s fine if a woman is three years older.�� ��At most, well get engaged first. Ill wait for him for a few more years.��


    Old Madam Ning thought about it and agreed. It was good to be engaged. If there was a better choiceter on, they would just kick him out.


    At this moment, Rong Yan, who was exining to the Ning Family the reason for Xiaoxiao��ste return, suddenly felt a chill down his spine and could not help but shiver. Seeing this, Xiaoxiao hurriedly asked, ��Did you catch a cold?


    Ning Fengnian red at her angrily. ��It��s all because of you!��


    When it came to lying, one had to mix truth and lies. Hence, the two of them only said that they saw Lei Shaoming, who had a grudge against Xiaoxiao, when they were taking a walk, so they specially hid and dyed their return home.


    Rong Yan shook his head. ��Miss Ning can��t be med for this. Lei Shaoming was domineering and rude first. He was the one in the wrong.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded repeatedly, like a clockwork follower.


    Ning Ansheng felt that this scene was annoying for no reason. Instead, he suppressed his doubts and only stared at Xiaoxiao quietly after Rong Yan bade farewell.


    Xiaoxiao raised her hands in surrender. ��Brother, I don��t expect to be able to hide it from you. I��ll tell you everything.��


    After hearing the whole story, Ning Ansheng asked, ��Where��s the person you saved?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��He was taken away by County Magistrate Shen. He will send him to Doctor Gongsun overnight, hoping to save him.��


    She felt that the Lei Family was not a good person. If she could save that young man, she might be able to take them down with the evidence of the Lei Family��s evil deeds. This way, she would not have to worry about revenge in the future.


    ��Will Big Brother think that I��m a busybody who causes trouble?��


    Ning Ansheng sighed. ��The Lei Family and our family have been enemies since the sour bamboo shoots incident. It��s destined that we can��t be on good terms with them. We can��t avoid this trouble even if we don��t provoke them.�� The Lei Family had forcefully pushed this grudge over and didn��t give their family a choice. Moreover, if his younger sister hadn��t chosen to hide with that youth back then and appeared in front of Lei Shaoming, she probably wouldn��t have been able to escape unscathed.


    He and Xiaoxiao had the same idea. There was no reason to guard against someone forever. If they could let County Magistrate Shen take down the Lei Family because of that young man, it would be beneficial to them.


    However, they did not know that this young man��s life was not only rted to the Lei Family.


    Gongsun Zhongjing looked tired when he rushed over, but when he saw the young man��s appearance, he took out the silver needles without hesitation. After a set of acupuncture techniques, he was already sweating profusely. ��Thankfully, someone used the ginseng to keep him alive. Otherwise, not to mention me, even my master would be helpless.��


    County Magistrate Shen heaved a sigh of relief and said solemnly and respectfully, ��Can you save him? I can��t tell you in detail, but his life concerns the safety of countless people. Please help him!�� At the same time, he handed over the snacks that he had prepared beforehand-they were brought back from the Ning Family.


    Gongsun Zhongjing took a bite and nodded so nimbly that County Magistrate Shen, who was about to make a long speech, was quite surprised. Didn��t Muyan say that this genius doctor had a strange temper and was extremely difficult to serve?


    Gongsun Zhongjing, who was extremely tired, finished eating in two to three mouthfuls. After confirming that the young man��s life was temporarily safe, he copsed on the bed and even let out an even breathing.


    The medicine page, who had never had much of a presence, quietly went forward and tucked him in. ��Leave the brewing of the medicine to me. My young master hasn��t had a good sleep for three days. Please let him rest for a while.��


    County Magistrate Shen left two bailiffs at the door to deal with the unexpected situation after asking the medicine page for his opinion. Then he asked everyone to leave quietly.


    When they were about to reach the door, the medicine page caught up and asked in a low voice, ��Lord Shen, can you prepare some more of those snacks?�� He said honestly, ��To be honest, Young Master doesn��t have a good appetite these days and can��t eat much, but I think Young Master seems to like the snacks just now..��

 Chapter 210 - 210: Taking Down Little Big Brother

    Chapter 210: Taking Down Little Big Brother


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    County Magistrate Shen suddenly had some improper guesses. He nodded. ��111 get everything at home first.�� He would get someone to pack them up at the Ning Family at dawn. Well, Little Girl Ning was so well-behaved. She would definitely bring him one too.


    He was right. Xiaoxiao was not a petty person. Since she made a move, she was naturally generous and considerate. County Magistrate Shen smiled when he saw the full food boxes.


    While the Shen Family was enjoying their delicacies, the Ning Family was packing up the things Ning Ansheng needed to go to the academy.


    It had to be said that the Bowen Academy was really considerate of the students. What was the greatest expense of studying? Of course, it was books. The cost of buying a book wasparable to an ordinary farmer��s annual expenses, so most students with ordinary families would choose to copy books themselves.


    Even if brushes and ink cost money, it was still much cheaper than buying books.


    However, copying books firstly required models, and secondly, they were often mocked by those rich children. Hence, the students did not do it smoothly, and there was nock of cases of them giving up halfway.


    However, the academy was ingenious and established a ss of ��copying books��.


    To the public, it was only said that it was to practice calligraphy and calm one��s mind. At the same time, it was to avoid arrogance and impatience and consolidate one��s understanding. Actually, as long as one thought about it carefully, it was not difficult to understand that the academy asked them to copy two books. They would leave one in the academy, and take the other away. This was actually to take care of students in difficulty.


    Of course, Ning Ansheng would not miss this ss. Hence, he only needed to add some necessities, such as a bookcase, brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. At this point, Xiaoxiao had to praise the academy��s ingenious thinking again. In order not to let the students spend too much effort onparing and to let them cast away their sense of superiority and inferiority, the academy specially set a rule-students could only wear the academy uniform when they came to the academy. Otherwise, they were not allowed to enter.


    In this way, everyone was dressed the same and treated the same. The only thing that could make thempete was their true ability.


    If not for the fact that she was worried about bribery, Xiaoxiao would have made a few ovens of snacks for her brother to bring to thank and praise the Dean and teachers of Bowen Academy.


    In short, she thought very highly of the academy and her brother, so she took charge of the purchase and volunteered to take it. In other words, she took the carriage from the Shen Family to get the breakfast delivery and entered the county with Rong Yan.


    Initially, the Ning Family wanted to find someone to apany her, but it just so happened that Ah Yan also needed to buy things and his family had reliable guards, so everyone handed Xiaoxiao to him to take care of.


    Initially, Ning Ansheng felt that it was inappropriate. However, he thought that he would have to leave early and returnte for a long time. He also wanted to spend more time with his mother and help the family make more preparations, so he did not say anything.


    The moment Xiaoxiao went out, she started to look around uneasily. She couldn��t wait to lift the curtain as soon as the carriage entered the city gate. However, before she jumped down, she thought of something and turned to look at Rong Yan eagerly.


    She had promised not to act on her own in the future. She had to keep her word.


    ��Little Big Brother, I��ll open the shop when school starts tomorrow. Shall we confirm the opening of the shop again?��


    How could Rong Yan refuse? The two of them greeted the Shen family and left. Without her parents and brother to keep an eye on her, Xiaoxiao, who had not spent any money for many days, was like a ferocious tiger that had juste out of its cage. She bought everything along the way and identally made Rong Yan and Yun Er��s hands full today. She said awkwardly, ��Is it heavy? Why don��t I take some too?��


    With the two men around, how could he let thedy suffer? Rong Yan shook his head firmly and even arranged to hold everything with one hand. ��It��s not heavy.��


    Yun Er:�� How should he put it? He kind of understood what Fengnian said previously. He felt that his cheeks would hurt when he saw his master and Miss Ning together for a long time.


    Master seemed to have be a different person after staying with Miss Ning for a long time. Yun Er recalled all these days and felt that everyone liked to see this change. His master was too lonely before.


    After thinking it through, Yun Er moved her chin and followed happily. Xiaoxiao chuckled and suggested, ��Why don��t we go to the cloth shop to borrow the kitchen? I��ll make delicious food for you guys.��


    That was really a good thing for everyone.


    Yun Er instantly felt more energetic. Seeing that they were not far from the cloth shop, he decisively took the things in Rong Yan��s hands. ��Miss Ning, you guys go first. I��ll send these things to the shop.��


    This was not bad either. Yun Er walked happily as if he was flying. It could be seen that he really did not feel that the things were heavy. Xiaoxiao was sincerely envious of the physique of a martial arts practitioner. She could not help but lean over and ask Rong Yan, ��Little Big Brother, is it really toote for me to practice martial arts at my age?��


    Rong Yan thought about it carefully. ��You can strengthen your body, but it��s very difficult for you to achieve anything.��


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��To be able to fly over the eaves and walk on the walls like you�� I was joking. Can you beat Lei Shaoming and his thugs?��


    Rong Yan told her frankly, ��I can��t see you having any obvious results without three to five years of practice.��


    Xiaoxiao raised her small arm and asked unwillingly, ��Look carefully. Do I really don��t have any outstanding bones. Aren��t I a martial arts genius?��


    Rong Yan was speechless for a moment. Xiaoxiao sighed. Indeed, novels were all lies.


    Xiaoxiao was very disappointed. ��To think that I was looking forward to being powerful enough to travel in the martial arts world with a sword and tten the enemy.��


    Then, she heard Rong Yan say, ��There��s no need to be so powerful.��


    Xiaoxiao turned around in confusion and heard him say, ��I��ll protect you.�� Xiaoxiao looked at him in a daze. The little young master who had just finished speaking was so shy that his earlobes turned red, but he did not avoid her gaze and his expression remained solemn.


    Xiaoxiao felt her heart beating irregrly again and thought to herself that this was bad. It would probably be very difficult for her to forget this sentence or this person in her life.


    Because she was in a daze, she did not notice the pedestrians behind her. A burly man barged in and wanted to push her away. Fortunately, Rong Yan quickly pulled her back and protected her gently and firmly in his chest.


    Xiaoxiao looked at the chest that was not wider and firmer than an adult��s but was very reliable in her eyes and suddenlyughed.


    So be it.


    To think that she prided herself on being smart and was even foolishly worried that she would not fancy other men in the future. With Little Big Brother around, why would she need to find ��other men��?


    Were other people as good-looking as Little Big Brother? Were they as cute as him when they were shy? Would they protect her, help her make up nonsense? Did they have pectoral muscles? Pfft, that wasn��t what she meant!


    ��Little Big Brother, I seem to���� I seem to like you a little.


    ��Ning Xiaoxiao!��


    Xiaoxiao, who was called out, sighed. Why was there always someone causing trouble at the critical moment? She looked at the person unhappily and realized that it was Little Aunt Ning again.


    Behind her, Old Madam Ning and Little Uncle Ning were shopping in the shop. When they heard themotion, they squeezed to the door to take a look.


    Little Aunt Ning was already carrying many boxes in her arms. She applied makeup as usual, but no matter how thick the makeup was, it could not hide her valiant and fierce temperament.


    Seeing that there was no one else beside Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan, disdain and jealousy instantly ignited in her eyes. ��A man and a woman alone. The world is declining. Ning Xiaoxiao, where��s your face?��


    Xiaoxiao patted her little face that was getting more and more delicate. ��It��s here and beautiful. Why? Are you envious?��


    Little Aunt Ning was furious, but Rong Yan couldn��t help but want tough. His smile stunned the delusional Little Aunt Ning. She strode forward, but Rong Yan��s eyes were filled with disgust. Xiaoxiao even stood in front of Little Big Brother.


    ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan, let��s go quickly. A good-looking Little Big Brother like you must protect yourself well outside. You must be careful of those monsters who don��t know what reservedness is!��


    She was very protective of her food.. Since she had decided to take down Little Big Brother, Little Aunt Ning, who was delusional, had to step aside first!

 Chapter 211 - 211: Haven’t You Received Your Retribution?

    Chapter 211: Haven��t You Received Your Retribution?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions ] Editor. Henyee Trantions


    This was no longer a roundabout scolding, but a scolding directed at Little Aunt Ning��s nose! She was very angry and wanted to re up, but her Third Brother stopped her. ��Alright.�� He lowered his voice, but Xiaoxiao heard him clearly. ��Is this kind of poor and dpidated family worth your attention?�� As he spoke, he specially showed off the jade pendant he had just bought. He opened his fan elegantly and fanned himself. He concluded, ��There are so many people watching. Don��t embarrass me.��


    Little Aunt Ning also cared about her reputation, so she could only suppress her emotions. However, she still deliberately leaned in front of Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan and nced at Rong Yan��s empty waist. ��Whatever my brother��s family can give you, my family can too. At least you won��t be unable to afford to wear any decent essories.��


    Rong Yan��s clothes were given to him by Xiaoxiao. He couldn��t bear to change after putting them on. He even felt that the pendants at home weren��t worthy of it, so his belt was empty.


    Xiaoxiao was angry. She pulled Rong Yan into the shop, nced at Little Uncle


    Ning, and asked, ��What��s his pendant��s price?��


    Those who opened shops paid attention to harmony to make money, so they did not get involved in the customers�� grudges. They only said, ��Two taels of silver.��


    Xiaoxiao looked around the counter. She didn��t know much about these things, so she casually chose a more pleasing orchid pendant. ��What about this?��


    The shop assistant��s eyes lit up. ��to taels. It means that it��s a perfect ten. This is the best jade pendant in our shop. Our master personally carved it. The design is lifelike, and the jade used is the best.��


    It was indeed top-notch for a shop that Old Madam Ning could afford.


    Without another word, Xiaoxiao paid and hung the jade pendant on Rong Yan��s waist. Then, she raised her chin andughed as arrogantly as she could.


    Come on! I! Have! Money!


    Rong Yan let her do whatever she wanted and was very cooperative the entire time.


    Little Uncle Ning felt deeply humiliated when the three of them from the old residence asked for it. If Old Madam Ning hadn��t stopped him firmly, he would have smashed the embarrassing jade pendant on his waist on the spot.


    Seeing that they were still not leaving, Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes and said, ��If Second Uncle finds out that you guys are living so carefreely, I wonder if he can still eat in jail?��


    They could not continue this topic. The three of them were so smug just now, but now, they were fleeing in a sorry state.


    Xiaoxiao suddenly remembered. ��Your original jade is much more valuable than this, right?��


    Rong Yan didn��t hide it from her. ��My mother gave it to me.��


    Before Xiaoxiao could say anything else, he said, ��You keep it well.


    If she still did not understand what he meant, Xiaoxiao would have lived in vain in her previous life��Little Big Brother had liked her long ago!


    Ah, ah, ah, ah. Is this how it feels to be in love with each other?! Did such a lucky thing happen to her too?


    How stupid was she in the past to consider using the jade pendant to exchange for the money needed to open the shop together? Fortunately, she kept it well and did not sell it.


    She did not speak and Rong Yan pretended that he did not understand. Coincidentally, the shop assistant saw that Xiaoxiao was generous and took out another orchid hairpin with the intention of trying his luck. ��Sir, do you want to take a look at this again? It��s the same as the jade pendant just now. The design is also the same. There are top-notch eastern pearls embedded on it and the price is also 10 taels.��


    As soon as he finished speaking, he saw this extraordinary-looking young master ce an ingot of silver in his hand. Then, he took the box containing the hairpin in his hand and handed it to the girl.


    Xiaoxiao had yet to reach marriageable age and her hair was just a simple ponytail. It was a little difficult to wear this hairpin.


    Rong Yan said, ��Wear it when you grow up.��


    Xiaoxiao felt that there was probably another meaning behind these words. For example��I��ll wait for you to grow up?


    She pretended to be calm, but the little person in her heart was already rolling around. Actually, it did not seem bad to raise her? Strictly speaking, she was indeed a little girl now. Perhaps, she was not an old cow eating young grass?


    Most importantly, this grass smelled good.


    He had a handsome face and was obviously a person with high potential. Most importantly, he had good taste. He had chosen her in the vast crowd. If this was not fate, it could only be heaven��s will.


    Little Big Brother wanted to wait for her to grow up, but how could she not want to wait for Little Big Brother to be an adult?


    Otherwise, even if he was in ancient times, she would always feel a subtle sense of guilt. However, ahem, she had to wait for him to be legal first.


    She reached out and took the box. ��Okay,�� she replied clearly.


    For some reason, the shop assistant felt a little suffocated even though he had clearly earned money. He even strangely hoped that these two God of Fortune would leave quickly and walk out of his sight.


    What the two of them did not expect was that they would encounter unexpected people one after another on the short journey. This time, Second Aunt Ning blocked their way.


    After experiencing a huge change, she was much more tactful than before. At least, she did not dare to bare her fangs and brandish her ws in front of Xiaoxiao. Of course, this might have something to do with her uglyplexion.


    After separating from the old residence, she did not live a stable life. The consequences of being stabbed by a rake were indeed very serious. She quickly felt dizzy and feverish. Most of the money she earned from separating from the family was used to buy medicine.


    Fortunately, Gongsun Zhongjing left behind a prescription. Otherwise, ordinary doctors would not be able to treat her illness. She did not know if she remembered Xiaoxiao��s help because of this, but she was not as domineering and arrogant as before today.


    ��Ning Xiaoxiao, can you save my husband?��


    Xiaoxiao��s good mood was mostly gone. ��Huh?��


    Second Aunt Ning gritted her teeth. ��I know you have a grudge against me, but Mother is the one who instigated me to do many things. It was that old woman who instigated me to do it. Every grievance has its perpetrator and every debt has its debtor. If you want to hate someone, you should hate her!��


    Xiaoxiao��s face was cold. ��Is this what you came to say?�� Did she think that she would let bygones be bygones just because she left her a prescriptionst time? There was still a huge difference between humanitarianism and being a saint, okay?


    Second Aunt Ning held her already huge stomach with difficulty. ��If you can help save my husband, I-I��ll tell you a huge secret!��


    Afraid that Xiaoxiao was unwilling to listen, she continued, ��Aren��t you curious why you were unconscious back then and almost lost your life?


    Xiaoxiao was still unmoved, but Rong Yan shifted his gaze over. He was worried that Xiaoxiao would face Second Aunt Ning alone, but he also kept a sufficient distance. If there was anything inconvenient for him to hear, he did not intend to pry. But what did this woman say? Ning Xiaoxiao almost lost her life once?


    Second Aunt Ning waited expectantly for her niece��s reaction. After a while, she saw Xiaoxiao squatting in front of her and revealing a smile that made her hair stand on end. ��Haven��t you guys already gotten your retribution now?


    Second Aunt Ning felt as if she had fallen into an icehouse. She knew! She actually remembered everything!


    After this interlude, Xiaoxiao no longer had the mood to stroll around. She turned around and left, but not long after, she realized that Rong Yan was holding her wrist.


    He was not forceful. He was gentle, but he could not be refused.


    ��What did she mean just now?��


    Xiaoxiao patted the back of his hand. ��When my family split up, my father wasn��t the only one who was injured and fell ill. I was also unconscious in the mountain ditch. After I was found, my high fever didn��t subside. The doctor said that I definitely wouldn��t be able to survive and asked my family to prepare for my funeral.��


    Rong Yan��s lips tightened.. ��Did your Second Uncle and Second Aunt do it?��

 Chapter 212 - 212:1 Can Wait

    Chapter 212:1 Can Wait


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao nodded, and Rong Yan asked again, ��You didn��t tell your parents about this?��


    If she said it, with how much they doted on Xiaoxiao, they should have fallen out with the second branch long ago.


    Xiaoxiao sighed helplessly. ��I didn��t remember at first. I wasn��t very smart before I fell sick. You should have heard of this too. At that time, I was too feverish and my memories were blurred from the fever. Later on, when I remembered, I felt that there was no need to mention it again.��


    If her family found out that the original host was actually often beaten up by Second Uncle and was seriously ill because everyone��s attention was on Ning Fengnian and had ignored her, other than making them me themselves and feel guilty, it was useless.


    After some consideration, Xiaoxiao said to Rong Yan, ��I don��t like thoseplicated misunderstandings, so I won��t hide anything from you. I said that there��s no need to mention it, but it doesn��t mean that I��ve forgiven them. I��ll still do my best to give them the punishment they deserve.��


    She took out the box containing the hairpin and took out the jade pendant Rong Yan had given her from her space under the cover of her sleeve. ��I don��t want to pretend in front of you or lie to you, so�� if I say that Second Uncle��s arrest and the old residence and the second branch turning against each other is rted to me, are you still going to give me the jade pendant and hairpin?��


    Rong Yan took the jade pendant and tied it around Xiaoxiao��s waist. ��Don��t ask again in the future, but you can ask me for help.��


    Xiaoxiao suspected that she was grinning from ear to ear. ��My Little Big Brother Ah Yan is indeed the best Little Big Brother!��


    This time, Rong Yan was not shy anymore. He said solemnly, ��Actually, I��m hiding something from you too. I����


    With a bang, a flower pot fell on the road, interrupting Rong Yan. He frowned and looked over, but Xiaoxiao heard a space notification: [Master, someone is following you. He has been maintaining a distance of four meters away. He was the one who suddenly approached and pushed the flower pot away.]


    [Master, after the ingredient identification, this person is the one who helped you when Tong Bin sent thugs to chase after you!]


    What, what f*cking ingredient identification!


    Xiaoxiao recalled the space��s identification of poisonous mushrooms��they could be eaten, but they would die if they ate too much of it.


    This person was a friend, not an enemy. Hence, there was a high chance that this person was Little Big Brother Ah Yan��s man?


    Did Little Big Brother Ah Yan ask him to protect her that time?


    It turned out that he had been interested in her for so long.


    Rong Yan didn��t understand what Xiaoxiao wasughing about, but just as he was about to confess his identity, Xiaoxiao said, ��If you have any secrets that aren��t suitable for me to know now, I can wait.��


    Rong Yan heaved a sigh of relief. He didn��t want to hold back on purpose, but he was more worried that Ning Xiaoxiao would be burdened by him. After all, with her status, she would probably attract trouble if she knew too much.


    Before Yan Lu��s matter was settled, it was better to let her continue to treat him as an ordinary down-and-out young master.


    ��Okay.��


    Turning to look in the direction where Second Aunt Ning had appeared, Rong Yan asked again, ��Will you feel offended if I interfere?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��I��m not offended by your question.��


    ��And you want to help me, I can��t be pretentious. Do I look like someone who doesn��t know what��s good for her?��


    Rong Yan nodded. After sending her to the cloth shop, he turned around and walked back. Xiaoxiao looked at his back and could not help but smile. Aiya, so this was how it felt to have someone stand up for her?


    ��Beautiful Shopkeeper? Beautiful Sister? I��m here to make delicious food for you! Order whatever you want!�� rm in a good mood after making an appointment to leave singlehood today!


    Rong Yan��s heart ached for Xiaoxiao, but when he looked at Second Aunt Ning again, his gaze was not so friendly.


    However, it was too easy for Ning Fengcai to be jailed and the second branch to be separated.


    Under his gaze, Second Aunt Ning suddenly regretted her decision toe over today.


    She did not dare to hide it at all. Other than what Xiaoxiao said, she told him other details honestly.


    ��That day, the head of the household drank some wine and was very excited after hitting Big Brother��s head�� I mean, he was very agitated and came back to tell me the details. Coincidentally, he saw Ning Xiaoxiao squatting in the courtyard after he finished talking. He was worried that the matter would be exposed, so he immediately pressed that girl��s head into the water vat����


    Rong Yan��s face darkened and he exuded a cold aura.


    Second Aunt Ning didn��t dare to continue, let alone say it. She could only exin as she trembled, ��That girl looked like she was about to die at that time. It was Mother who said that we couldn��t let the eldest branch discover any clues. That��s why we listened to Mother and carried her into the mountains and threw her into the ditch. We wanted to pretend that she lost her footing and was unlucky enough to be bitten to death by a wild beast.��


    ��Who knew that the weather would be cold? Those animals were all hiding in the winter. The eldest branch��s eldest son realized that she was missing and had gone to look for her no matter what. That��s why�� that��s why he saved her.��


    Rong Yan took a deep breath. ��You only left her there and came back without worry? Aren��t you afraid that she will run home herself?�� This evil woman avoided his gaze. She must have something to hide.


    As expected, Second Aunt Ning stammered, ��At first, she did want to resist, but every time she came out of the pit, she would be kicked back by the head����


    What she didn��t dare to say was that at that time, the head of the family enjoyed the feeling of constantly kicking Ning Xiaoxiao into a pit. Each kick was heavier than thest. When she didn��t have the strength to climb up again, he even pulled her up and kicked her himself. In the end, they left in peace because after kicking her back thest time, that girl�� was no longer breathing��


    God knew how she came back to life.


    At first, Second Aunt Ning was uneasy and followed Ning Xiaoxiao every day. She only dared to rx after confirming that Ning Xiaoxiao did not remember anything. Otherwise, the head of the family would ask her to find a way to take Ning Xiaoxiao��s life again.


    No matter how much she tried to hide it, with Rong Yan��s intelligence, it was impossible for him to be fooled by her. Just thinking about Xiaoxiao being kicked down again and again made Rong Yan��s chest ache.


    ��After doing such a thing, you still have the guts to ask Xiaoxiao to help you save Ning Fengcai?��


    Second Aunt Ning was stunned for a moment. ��But it��s my mother-inw who asked the head to do this. We��re just listening to her. Young Master Zhao, you might not know, but my mother-inw has always been in charge of our family.��


    Rong Yan smiled coldly. ��You want Ning Feng to be released from prison, right?��


    Just as Second Aunt Ning didn��t have much hope, she heard the sound of nature. Zhao Yan said, ��Okay.�� However, his expression when he spoke was a little scary.


    After Second Aunt Ning left, Rong Yan leaned against the wall. ��Just this once. If you interfere with my decisions again in the future, you don��t have to be ��Ying Zi�� anymore.��


    After a long time, a nging of a de sounded from the dark. That was the secret guard��s answer��yes.


    Xiaoxiao did note to the Ruyi Clothing Shop just to borrow the kitchen. She also came to invite Shopkeeper Liu to attend the opening of her new shop and discuss new business with her.


    The Li Family��s real boss was back. Of course, that so-called cousin could no longer make any random decisions. The matter of Fragrance Restaurant was considered over. After the soup dumpling business was cut off for a few days, it quickly recovered before it aroused the customers�� doubts.


    In the contract this time, Li Muyan emphasized the Li Family��s responsibility for breaching the contract. If something simr happened again, the Li Family wouldpensate Ning Xiaoxiao with 100 taels ofpensation. It could be said to be very sincere.


    Fortunately, the soup dumpling business did not conflict with the business that Xiaoxiao was about to do with Mrs. Shen. She could take care of both.


    Shopkeeper Liu said faintly, ��You can earn money at both ends. Poor Shopkeeper Xu, you came toin to me..��<sup>1</sup>

 Chapter 213 - 213: Knowing And Guarding Each Other, One

    Chapter 213: Knowing And Guarding Each Other, One


    Person Is Enough


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao pouted and said, ��As the saying goes, reap fortunes in the business world but make ruins in love affairs. Why don��t you make it up to me, Sister


    Liu?��


    Shopkeeper Liu spat at her with a red face and tried to change the topic. ��Are you really not going to ept our Boss��s olive branch?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at her strangely. ��I didn��t ept it?


    Shopkeeper Liu pondered for a while and suddenly pointed at herself excitedly.


    ��Me?��


    Xiaoxiao nced at her from the corner of her eye. ��You don��t feel sorry for


    Shopkeeper Xu anymore?��


    Shopkeeper Liu said seriously, ��In business, you��ve already agreed to cooperate with Eldest Young Mistress. Oh, I mean, you��ve already agreed with Mrs. Shen. How can you go back on your word? Moreover, won��t it make you look easy to bully if you��re so easilyforted? No, no. This way, everyone will step on you in the future. How can that do?��


    Then, she added, ��My heart doesn��t ache for him. I��m just pretending to be pitiful for him because we worked together.��


    Xiaoxiao:�� You��re really good at selling your teammates.


    Shopkeeper Liu, who prioritized her career, couldn��t wait to ask, ��So what new things did you think of?��


    Xiaoxiao imitated Shopkeeper Liu��s usual manner and poked her. ��What��s the


    hurry! I have to work slowly to do the fine work.��


    Shopkeeper Liu was shocked. ��You made it yourself?��


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes at her. ��Do you understand business secrets?!


    Shopkeeper Liu understood too well, so she was also looking forward to it from the bottom of her heart. Little did she know that Xiaoxiao pushed back the delivery date purely because��


    Cough, cough. Then, Little Big Brother��s birthday wasing up. She wanted


    to give him a unique surprise.


    She knew that her needlework was not good, but if she could make exquisite dishes. With some effort, she could still make this gift herself.


    Shopkeeper Liu really wanted to scold her. It was a secret, so what was she blushing for? However, she did not want to push the little God of Fortune away, so she tried her best to hold it in. ��What are we eating today? Can we have Mianmian Cake?�� Mianmian Cake was their name for a cake without cream. It sounded appropriate.


    Xiaoxiao nodded generously. ��I��ll bake some biscuits and rice crackers for you.


    They��re sweet, salty, and delicious.��


    Xiaoxiao rushed into the kitchen. She was so excited that she couldn��t stop herself. If she hadn��t heard that Rong Yan had already returned, the table wouldn��t have been able to hold all the food. She scratched her head and asked Little Big Brother, who didn��t look very rxed, ��Why don��t we send some to Shen Tianci��s house?��


    Rong Yan was not in the mood to care about Shen Tianci��s treatment. He silently took the initiative to take Xiaoxiao��s things and handed them to Yun Er, who had just sent them back, before standing beside her.


    He was much taller than her. He could see a small swirl on the top of her head and two strands of hair that were still slightly yellow. The coral beads that he had given her were tied to the two strands of hair. As Xiaoxiao walked, they kept shaking and colliding. He raised his hand and touched them gently, only to receive Xiaoxiao��s puzzled gaze and the delicious snacks in her mouth.


    ��Is it delicious? It��s still hot!��


    How could she still smile so brightly and innocently after experiencing that?


    He suddenly understood why he was attracted to her. ��You look good when you


    smile.��


    Xiaoxiao suspected her ears, and Yun Er, who was not far away, suspected that there was something wrong with his head. Only Rong Yan, who had said this, was neither fast nor slow, as if his ears were not slightly red.


    Xiaoxiao was teased. Not to be outdone, she ran over. ��You look good even if


    you don��t smile!��


    She won!


    Yun Er was speechless.


    He wanted eyes he couldn��t see with, ears he couldn��t hear with, and a head


    that couldn��t think.


    Something had obviously happened between Master and Miss Ning! But their statuses were too different!


    Taking advantage of the fact that Miss Ning went to the Shen Residence, Yun Er couldn��t help but ask, ��Is Master prepared to take Miss Ning in?�� Were his buddies going to treat her as their future master��s concubine in the future?


    Rong Yan asked, ��When did I say I wanted a concubine?��


    Yun Er had yet to understand the meaning of these words when she heard him say again, ��It��s enough for one person to know and guard each other.��


    Yun Er admitted that he was rather stupid. Otherwise, how could he have understood that his master nned to make Miss Ning the main consort? Hahahaha! Help, his master had be abnormal!!!


    It was not that Miss Ning was not good, but with her status, even if her master was not favored, he was still a prince. How could he let a farm girl be the main consort?


    When Xiaoxiao finished knocking on the door and asked Yun Er to bring the things in, she realized that thetter was in a bad state. She looked at Little Big Brother strangely, but he only smiled.


    Aiya, a boy in love was even more charming.


    She said seriously, ��I think I should have let you knock on the door just now.��


    Why did Rong Yan ask?


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Because you look good when you knock-��


    Rong Yan:


    Yun Er: Save me, save me, save me!!


    Before lunch time, the Shen Family received the still hot snacks. Knowing that Xiaoxiao was outside, Shen Tianci uncharacteristically abandoned the snacks that had just been served in the kitchen and went straight to her.


    The servants were surprised that their young master had changed, but Shen Tianci secretly mocked them for being too stupid. Ning Xiaoxiao didn��t bring food this time? She had already brought food, so why would he eat the kitchen��s food?! Perhaps he could even ask her to cook some dishes!


    The mysterious shop outside the academy had opened for business, but up until now, no one knew what they were selling. They had asked the people in the surrounding shops. Some said that this was a teahouse, some said that they sold pancakes here, and some said that this was a snack shop. So, which answer was true?


    Xiaoxiao did not waste any of her help. She left bamboo sticks in the Fragrance Restaurant and Ruyi Clothing Shop that said, ��New shop opens for business and testing menu at half price.�� As long as they entered the shop with the sticks tomorrow, all the products sold could be obtained at half price.


    This generous business method really aroused a lot of curiosity. In Xiaoxiao��s words, they would be little fools if they did not take advantage.


    When they entered the county, they were empty-handed. When they returned home, Xiaoxiao only brought school supplies for her brother. The rest was hidden in the shop.


    She believed that Little Big Brother Ah Yan would not tell anyone. She had already given Yun Er his hush money��a big bag of snacks!


    She had bought a lot of things this time, so no one would notice that half of the variety of seeds was gone.


    The space was lush now, and the warehouse was full. Xiaoxiao felt sincerely proud every time she looked at it. When she looked at the total points that were close to 30,000, she was even more ted.


    Seeing the smile on her face, Rong Yan couldn��t help but touch the pendant at his waist. Although the people in the old residence were unlucky, there was one thing they did well today, and that was to interrupt what Ning Xiaoxiao wanted to say to him. How could a woman confess her feelings first?


    Yun Er didn��t understand why his master was smiling at this thing. Even if his master wasn��t favored, he wouldn��t have taken a fancy to such lousy jade in the past.


    Rong Yan said to Xiaoxiao, ��Can you leave your Second Uncle and Second Aunt to me?��


    She should do what she liked happily. Why should she be troubled by those despicable people?


    Xiaoxiao nodded and was pampered in peace.


    She was taken away by Mrs. Shen and most of her snacks were taken away by Shen Tianci. Rong Yan turned a corner and went to County Magistrate Shen. ��Please tell Ning Fengcai that the Ning Family��s old mansion is going on a shopping spree for Third Brother Ning and Little Aunt Ning.��


    He continued, ��When he��s at his most furious, let him go home with the excuse of ��Celebrating Noble Consort��s birthday��..��

 Chapter 214 - 214: The Best Xiaoxiao

    Chapter 214: The Best Xiaoxiao


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    County Magistrate Shen was confused. He thought that His Highness would stand up for the Ning Family when he saw that he was on good terms with the Ning Family. Why did he let him go?


    Rong Yan said, ��Ning Youcai seems to be quite addicted to gambling? I heard that he owes the casino a lot of money.��


    County Magistrate Shen suddenly realized that the old residence would never be peaceful again if Ning Youcai went back at this critical moment. His Highness was not satisfied with punishing Ning Youcai alone. He wanted the entire old residence to be in chaos.


    ��What did they do to anger Your Highness?��


    He told County Magistrate Shen what he could. ��Lord Shen, they deserve it.��


    County Magistrate Shen agreed. What a cruel family! If Little Girl Ning didn��t want to make her family sad, he would have caught them all and beaten them up. Teacher didn��t intend to teach them to be rigid nerds, so he was very


    flexible.


    ��In that case, I��ll add fuel to the fire. I must make this Ning Fengcai return with


    hatred.��


    Little Girl Ning was such a good girl. She was cute, had a likable personality, and most importantly, her culinary skills were peerless. Everyone would dote on her like a treasure. However, those idiots in the old residence were clearlyzy but they made the most diligent person in the family disappointed. They clearly loved money, but they offended the little God of Fortune, who was the most capable of earning money in the family. They had good cards, but they were ruined by themselves.


    In prison, Second Uncle Ning, who had finally recovered from his injuries, actually felt a strange sense of anticipation when he found out that he was about to be interrogated. He would rather the county magistrate send him away early. He would mine and serve in the army when he needed to, but never lock him up with these vicious fellows again.


    However, before he could smile, one of the fierce men, who was eating well, suddenly smashed his rice bowl and kicked him.


    Second Uncle Ning was dumbfounded. He held his back, which was in so much pain that it was about to twitch. ��How did I offend you?��


    The burly man wiped his mouth. ��I��m in a bad mood. What��s wrong with beating you up?��


    Second Uncle Ning was about to go crazy. ��Are you using me as a punching bag?��


    The burly man chuckled. ��So what? If you��re not convinced, resist.��


    Amidst the pain, Second Uncle Ning couldn��t help but recall some scenes-did Ning Xiaoxiao feel the same when he pulled her hair and hit her back then? Could this be retribution?


    The bailiff, who had been waiting patiently, sighed when he saw his injuries. -Aiyo, how did it end up like this? We aren��t in the mood to ask questions.


    Those who don��t know might think that our county magistrate is abusing his authority. Alright, recuperate first. We��ll interrogate you after you recover.�� Second Uncle Ning was almost in despair. They had said the same thingst time!


    Under Second Uncle Ning��s helpless and painful wait, the academy��s semester finally started. At the same time, this was also the opening day of Xiaoxiao��s milk tea and snack shop, ��So It��s You��.


    The old residence and the second branch had stopped, so no annoying people would appear at the door. Xiaoxiao, Rong Yan, and her family opened the door of the shop and lit firecrackers. Amidst the joyous crackling, she and Rong Yan, as the two bosses of the shop, grabbed the red silk on the que on both sides.


    With a ssh, the four flowery words ��So It��s You��, written by Ning Ansheng personally and carefully carved by a craftsman, were instantly disyed in the eyes of the onlookers. They were so rare that they surpassed the dragon and lion dance outside.


    ��What are these words? They look strange and a little good-looking.��


    ��I��ve seen this shop tidied up for a long time. I don��t know what it��s selling.�� ��I thought it was still a bookstore, but it doesn��t seem to be the case today?�� Hearing the lively discussion outside, Xiaoxiao gave her second brother a look.


    Thetter took a deep breath to calm his panicked heartbeat and said loudly, ��Our ��So It��s You��s�� refreshment shop is open today. It sells milk tea and snacks that are freshly made everyday. Anyone who enters with a discount stick will pay half the price. There��s no need to be anxious if you don��t have a stick. From now on until today, all the goods will be 20% off.��


    -In addition,�� he took a cup of milk tea with a bamboo tube, ��we will try a portion of all food ourselves before selling it to ensure that the food is clean and hygienic. The cutlery will also be washed and nched in boiling water. You can also bring your own tea set����


    The first sentence might have been a little stuttering, but towards the end, Ning Anhui felt that he was getting calmer and calmer, especially after his sister smiled at him and gave him a thumbs up.


    It turned out that it was not that difficult to be a shopkeeper.


    Yun Yi and a few other staff members were dressed in custom-made staff uniforms. They were all good-looking and had excellent temperaments. When they stood in such a dignified manner, they immediately attracted many youngdies who were watching. They also frightened a few hooligans who did not want to cause trouble.


    ��Second�� Anhui, I��ll warm up the ce for you!�� Amidst the bustle, someone pushed in from outside the crowd with a gift box. Everyone took a closer look and someone immediately revealed the identity of the person. ��Isn��t this the young master of the county magistrate��s family? Does he know this shopkeeper?��


    The hooligans, who were still having crooked thoughts, instantly became obedient. Even the other shopkeepers who hade to watch the show could not help but reevaluate this refreshment shop in their hearts.


    It was Shen Tianci. Since he gave her face, Xiaoxiao naturally had to return the favor. She said seriously, ��The Mianmian Cake and caramel milk tea that Young Master Shen ordered yesterday are ready. Do you want to eat in the shop or take them away?��


    Shen Tianci looked at the sky. He had to report to the academy quicklyter, so he could only choose reluctantly. ��I��ll drink the milk tea now and take away the snacks.��


    Under the curious gazes of the other onlookers, Ning Anhui skillfully took out a refreshing-looking teacup from the cupboard. He scooped adleful of tea from therge and deep iron pot and ced it on the tray for Yun Yi to carry away.


    Shen Tianci did not go in. He took the teacup and leaned against the door to enjoy it.


    To be honest, the moment the iron pot was opened, themoners at the door felt that they could hear the sound of the people around them swallowing. Looking at Young Master Shen��s enjoyable expression and smelling the fragrance of tea and milk brought by the wind, they were instantly curious. They wanted to drink it again.


    Five copper coins a cup was actually not expensive. Why not try it? It was even 20% off today. It only cost four copper coins.


    Xiaoxiao gave him a look and Second Brother understood. He turned around and took out the Taro Cake Roll that Xiaoxiao had made early in the morning. ��The first and tooth customers who enter the shop today can get the free Taro Cake Roll. Here, Young Master Shen, please try it!��


    Shen Tianci was really carefree. He took it and took a sip. As the milky sweet fragrance overflowed, he narrowed his eyes and became their live advertisement. ��Delicious!��


    Oh my god, I can��t take it anymore!


    The crowd stopped watching and rushed into the shop.


    Ning Fengnian and his wife, as well as the guards who were waiting with their arms crossed, were instantly so busy that their feet did not touch the ground. This one said, ��Dear customer, please slow down. Be careful not to bump into anyone.��


    The other one said, ��I��m sorry, dear customer. There aren��t many seats in the shop. It��s already full. Do you want to wait a moment or take it out? In order to show our sincerity, if you choose to bring it out, we can also consider it a half-price deal for you.��


    Looking at this lively scene, Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows at her brother and parents, asking for praise. Thetter were really proud. ��Our Xiaoxiao is indeed the best Xiaoxiao..��

 Chapter 215 - 215: Shop-Opening Mission

    Chapter 215: Shop-Opening Mission


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Even their style of praising people was exactly the same as hers.


    Actually, if Xiaoxiao openedter, it might be even more lively outside the shop. However, her brother and Little Big Brother Ah Yan were going to enter the academy to study today, and she didn��t want them to miss the opening of her first shop, so she specially brought it forward.


    No one could dissuade her, nor could they bear to disappoint her. They just let her be. Initially, Ning Fengnian and his wife were a little nervous, worried that their daughter��s excitement would be sshed with cold water. Unexpectedly, what they saw and heard far exceeded their imagination.


    It was also at the moment when her family��s praise fell into her ears that Xiaoxiao received a huge surprise��


    [Ding! Congrattions to the host for sessfullypleting the shop-opening mission. You have received 10,000 points as a reward. Your current total points is 40,800!]


    Xiaoxiao��s big smile had just climbed onto her face when she heard the space continue to broadcast excitedly��


    [Ding! The second channel to obtain points has been activated. From now on, for every delicacy sold through the shop, the host will receive 10 points as a reward. This channel is not mutually exclusive to the first channel! Ding, you will receive 10 points. Ding, you will receive 10 points!]


    Although she was very excited, Xiaoxiao still turned off the notification. The excitement of the space was indescribable. It confessed excitedly in Xiaoxiao��s mind: [Master, I like you too much!]


    With this love, Xiaoxiao��s good mood today also reached its peak. With such joy and happiness, she stuffed a huge box of cookies into the two of them. She had her older brother��s cookies in her left hand, and Little Big Brother��s cookies in her right.


    The box was a bamboo box crafted by Ning Fengnian. It looked ordinary, and every carving was done with great care. The bamboo box was covered in clean grease paper, and the small biscuits were still warm. They were crispy and fragrant after taking a bite.


    Rong Yan nced at Ning Ansheng��s round and square biscuits and then at the little rabbits in his box. He couldn��t suppress the smile in his eyes. He decisively closed the lid before Ning Ansheng looked over and said firmly, ��It saves them from getting cold.��


    Ning Ansheng agreed and did as he was told. Both of them had long legs. Xiaoxiao had only jogged for a short while before they arrived at the academy.


    Ning Fengnian and his wife did not send them to the door. Their son was already old enough, so it would be a joke if they were too clingy. Xiaoxiao did not have such scruples. ��Since there��s lunch at the academy, we won��t wait for you at noon. Let��s go home together tonight


    The two of them agreed in unison. After saying that, Ning Ansheng looked at Rong Yan, who answered naturally, and felt that something was wrong.


    Shen Tianci hugged his snack box and insisted onparing it to Rong Yan��s and Ning Anhui��s. ��Why don��t I have any carvings?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Because they are VIPs as my family members. I��ll borrow you for publicity under special circumstances today. I��ll prepare a special cup for you next time. Look, the cup just now was specially made for you. Do you like it?��


    Shen Tianci immediately beamed. All his dissatisfaction was gone.


    After watching the three of them enter the academy, Xiaoxiao and her parents quickened their pace. When they returned to the shop, they rolled up their sleeves and joined the grand opening army��Points, here Ie!


    When it was almost noon, Mrs. Shen and Li Muyan brought people to support them. However, they realized that they didn��t need to support Xiaoxiao at all when they arrived. Not only was the shop filled with people, but there was also a long queue outside. Without a word, Mrs. Shen instructed two servants to help maintain order and share the pressure.


    The Taro Cake Roll and Mianmian Roll that Xiaoxiao had prepared in advance were all sold out. Even the tworge pots of milk tea were quickly sold out. However, it did not matter. Xiaoxiao was already prepared. When she realized that there was not enough stock, she went to the fully equipped kitchen and started cooking.


    This was even worse. The unique sweet fragrance of the snack shop almost drowned the entire street. There was an endless stream of customers who came to smell it. Mrs. Shen loved it, but Li Muyan��s heart ached even more. If it weren��t for He Ruhuan��


    He looked at Gongsun Zhongjing, who had followed him from the Shen Manor, in frustration. ��Is my aunt��s house so good? You��re actually unwilling to return to the Li Family after making a trip.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing was very honest. ��The Shen Family��s chef is much better than yours.��


    Li Muyan held his forehead. ��Doctor Gongsun, do you still remember that you agreed to follow me down the mountain to treat my grandmother?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing replied, ��I��ve seen her. Your grandmother doesn��t want me to treat her. Please give me a Taro Cake Roll.��


    The first half of the sentence was for Li Muyan. The other half of the sentence sessfully made Li Muyan shut up. His grandmother was seriously ill. Other doctors only asked her to prepare for her funeral early. Only Gongsun Zhongjing said that it could be treated. However, his grandmother almost beat this genius doctor out after hearing his treatment method.


    Li Muyan was in a dilemma. Otherwise, he wouldn��t have agreed to let this genius doctor, whom he had painstakingly invited, stay at the Shen residence for the time being.


    Thetter half of the sentence was directed at Yun Er, who was acting as the server, but the person who served him snacks was Xiaoxiao, who had juste out of the kitchen. Her forehead was stained with flour, and her face was red from the oven, but for some reason, her eyes were especially bright.


    Her sparkling eyes darted between Li Muyan and Gongsun Zhongjing. She added a cup of milk tea for the two of them. ��Feel free to eat. It��s my treat.�� She even gave them a te of biscuits.


    Gongsun Zhongjing only took a bite before ignoring Li Muyan.


    Mrs. Shen was also d that she was smart enough not to eat breakfast. Her poor husband had to go to court today and could note.


    Just as she thought this, she saw Xiaoxiao take out a bamboo box with beautiful patterns as if she was performing a magic trick. ��If you don��t mind, Madam can bring it back and try it.��


    Mind? No way! Other than the fact that it was too little, she could not mind anything!


    Mrs. Shen divided the snacks in the snack box into three portions in her heart. Thergest portion was hers, and the secondrgest was her husband��s. However, her husband would definitely give her half of his. The third portion was her son��s, but her son had already eaten it just now, so it was also hers. She was very satisfied.


    Satisfied, she asked expectantly, ��Can all of these be sold in our shop?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and she smiled like Shen Tianci usually did.


    Li Muyan:�� He suspected that his aunt was saying it to him on purpose, but he had no evidence.


    Xiaoxiao sighed that the two of them were indeed biological mother and son, so she asked her, ��Do you want another Taro Cake Roll?��


    Mrs. Shen said without hesitation, ��Yes!��


    Gongsun Zhongjing followed closely behind. ��Me too!��


    Xiaoxiao was caught betweenughter and tears. ��Aren��t you guys going to eat lunch?��


    At this point, Li Muyan had no choice but to make his presence known. ��Why don��t youe to our Fragrance Restaurant for a meal and call Shopkeeper Liu over too? We can talk about our next coboration.��


    Mrs. Shen��s gaze swept over, as if to say, You already have me, why are you still looking for someone else?


    Suddenly, Xiaoxiao almost felt that she was a yboy. Mrs. Shen and Li Muyan were all fish in her pond, waiting for her to catch them when she was free.


    Unexpectedly, Ning Anhui was immersed in the joy of earning money and couldn��t bear to leave. ��How can a shopkeeper leave his business and go to eat? Sister, you can go as the representative. Bring me two buns when youe back..��

 Chapter 216 - 216: Returning The Favor

    Chapter 216: Returning The Favor


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The guards discussed for a while and decided that Yun Yi would apany and protect the future mistress. The others continued to work.


    Although they did notck that bit of sry, this was a shop opened by their future mistress. Wouldn��t they have to take good care of it?


    In the end, it was decided that Mrs. Shen, Xiaoxiao, and Ning Fengnian would follow Li Muyan and Gongsun Zhongjing to the Fragrance Restaurant for a meal. Ning Anhui would continue to guard his post with the other guards other than Yun Yi. Li Muyan would arrange for someone to send food over.


    After confirming that the milk tea and snacks she had just made should not be sold out for the time being, Xiaoxiao went to eat in peace.


    Although she liked to cook, it was also a form of rxation to asionally eat someone else��s cooking. Oh, of course, the premise was that it had to be delicious.


    Gongsun Zhongjing was quite satisfied with the food in the Fragrance Restaurant. However, after he picked up his chopsticks, he could not help butin, ��You can clearly make decent food. Why can��t you change to a normal chef in the residence?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing looked awkward. Mrs. Shen thought to herself that it was because that olddy of the Li Family had a tricky taste and was domineering and dictatorial. The entire residence had to follow her taste.


    For example, she liked to eat potatoes and the manor would have a pot of potatoes that were so stewed that she could swallow them without biting them. She did not like cabbage. Even if she saw servants secretly eating vegetables, she wanted to beat them up and sell them.


    Others dipped dumplings in vinegar, but she wanted to dip them in sugar. Tsk. Ever since the old master passed away, this old woman became even more unscrupulous. She would give strange orders every two to three days and never ept any retort. Otherwise, she would either fly into a rage, cry, make a fuss, and hang herself.


    Thinking of this, Mrs. Shen was d that she married early. Otherwise, without Old Master��s support, who knew what kind of marriage that old woman would find for her.


    Li Muyan couldn��t say anything since there was a rift between his aunt and grandmother. He could only toast a ss of wine to show that he was begging for mercy. Mrs. Shen didn��t have any grudge with her nephew and only ate in peace. However, after tasting Xiaoxiao��s cooking, she wasn��t very interested in these ordinary dishes.


    Xiaoxiao was also picking up food randomly.


    Since Li Muyan and Gongsun Zhongjing didn��t interact much for the time being, she went to the space and asked: [What��s your score?]


    The space had been waiting for this sentence for a long time!


    [Master, more than 200 delicacies have been sold. Your total points have already reached 43,280 points!]


    From the looks of it, leveling up was not far.


    She asked with interest: [What functions does a level-five space have?] The space happily exined to her: [Five-time farnd, five-time ranch, opening of the Exchange Mall, positioning of the space exit, and a replication function.]


    Xiaoxiao found it strange. [Isn��t the Exchange Mall avable long ago? What��s the exit positioning and replication function?]


    The space only said what could be said: [There are more types of goods in this mall. You��ll know when you see them. The location of the space exit is that after entering the space, you can choose any ce within a five-meter radius as the exit. The replication function is to spend points to immediately replicate the item you want.]


    What an interesting feeling!


    [Then can I replicate the silver directly?]


    The space was in a difficult position: [Master, you can only copy things from


    the outside into the space, and you can��t take them out.]


    Oh, even if that was possible, it didn��t seem to be useful for her to pile up a pile of unusable silver in her space.


    She had another question: [Will I get this treatment today when I open more shops in the future?]


    The space chuckled. Since the mission had been activated, its confidentiality use automatically expired: [That��s right! Best of luck, Master!]


    Xiaoxiao asked again: [What if I open a joint shop?]


    The space was very happy: [As long as Master is one of the owners of the shop.] Unfortunately, she was only in charge of supplying goods to Mrs. Shen��s shop. Sigh, wait, supplying goods was fine too. As long as Mrs. Shen asked for more goods, the total amount would be very impressive.


    ��Madam.�� Xiaoxiao moved to Mrs. Shen��s side and smiled kindly. ��When you go back to the shopter, take whatever you like.��


    Mrs. Shen enjoyed it very much.


    Li Muyan was actually very jealous. He nced at Shopkeeper Liu, who had just arrived, and conveyed his determination through his eyes.


    Shopkeeper Liu was speechless.


    She used the action of drinking water to hide the twitching of her lips, then cleared her throat and started talking. ��Erm�� Xiaoxiao, when do you n to implement the cooperation we talked aboutst time?��


    Xiaoxiao thought to herself, Aiyo, I was just thinking about the shop and here I am.


    Anyway, she was already full. She got up and walked to Shopkeeper Liu��s side.


    She sat down beside her and held her hand affectionately. ��We should have a good chat.��


    Li Muyan coughed. Shopkeeper Liu rolled her eyes speechlessly. ��Before that, I want to change the way we work together. Didn��t you make three suggestions to Shopkeeper Xu previously?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded, and Shopkeeper Liu said, ��It��s like this. I thought about itter. Why don��t you be one of the shopkeepers in this new business?��


    The surprise came too suddenly, and Xiaoxiao forced herself to stop smiling.


    Although the oue was the same, there was still a huge difference between the other party speaking first and her.


    She frowned. ��Ah, I see. But it sounds so troublesome.��


    Shopkeeper Liu guided her patiently. ��It��s not troublesome. You don��t have to worry about anything. Just put down your name and provide all kinds of designs for our shop. Don��t tell me that you don��t have them. I don��t have to think to know that you can draw as many as you want. Then, you don��t have to use needles and thread or look after the shop. You can just take the dividends when it��s time to settle the books. How about that?��


    Xiaoxiao pretended to think. After estimating that she was almost done, she said reluctantly, ��It sounds like I��m taking advantage of you too much, right?�� Shopkeeper Liu changed her usual style and coaxed her in an especially gentle tone. ��How can that be? It��s so hard for you to think of a design. After all, designs are the soul of a cloth shop. Without a good design, no matter how good the cloth is, it��s just an empty shell.��


    Xiaoxiao��s expression was serious. ��Sister Liu makes sense.��


    Shopkeeper Liu:�� For some reason, she really wanted to beat her up.


    If not for Boss��s strong request for her to be gentle with Xiaoxiao, she would have rolled up her sleeves now.


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��How do we split the dividends?��


    She did not get a share of the points from selling the goods at the cloth shop, but the one-time reward was also very sumptuous. She was very satisfied. Moreover, even without the share of points, she would still earn a lot and not lose out.


    Shopkeeper Liu was unwilling. ��30-70. You take 30, I��ll take 70.��


    Oh, so generous? She remembered that the cloth shop��s business was quite


    good. This was much more durable than a one-time deal.


    ��Isn��t this too much of a loss for you?��


    Shopkeeper Liu shook her head decisively. ��How can that be? If you agree, we��ll be family from now on. What��s there to lose for a family member? Everything we do is for the shop.��


    That was right. In that case, if Xiaoxiao wanted to earn more money, she would naturally use all her skills. Would she still need to worry about those novel designs?


    Moreover, after she agreed to cooperate, the promotion n she proposed at Duanwu Festival would probably be widely used in the other shops of the Li Family.


    As expected, in the next moment, Shopkeeper Liu said, ��Since we��re all from the same shop, if you have any novel ideas in the future, such as lucky draws, promotions and so on, can you let me and Shopkeeper Xu join in?��


    Xiaoxiao��s gaze inadvertently swept across Li Muyan, who was calmly drinking


    tea at the side. She smiled and replied, ��Alright, of course.��


    She naturally did not care about such a small matter.


    It was a win-win situation..

 Chapter 217 - 217: Level-Five Space

    Chapter 217: Level-Five Space


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao was even more surprised and happy that Shopkeeper Liu actually brought the contract along. She blinked, and Shopkeeper Liu blinked too. Then, she handed over a charcoal pen that Xiaoxiao was used to.


    Xiaoxiao had the feeling that God was chasing after her to give her money, but she could not show it. She tried her best to take the pen calmly. After confirming that the contract was correct, she wrote her name seriously.


    It was written in the contract that Ning Xiaoxiao would be the deputy shopkeeper of the Ruyi Clothing Shop from now on. Moreover, she was only in charge of strategizing and providing blueprints. She would get 30% of the profits from any goods that she thought of.


    It was obvious that they were trying to get closer to her. Xiaoxiao was smart enough to tell. Seeing that she had epted their kindness, Li Muyan and Shopkeeper Xu heaved a sigh of relief.


    Presumably, He Ruhuan��s matter waspletely over, right?


    The moment she wrote her name on the contract, Xiaoxiao was not surprised to hear a voice in her mind��


    [Ding! Congrattions to the host forpleting the shop-opening mission again. You have received 10,000 points! Your current total points are 53,800! Aiyaya, Master, Master, do you want to level up?]


    Seeing that it was happy, Xiaoxiao agreed readily: [Let��s upgrade-]


    The space cheered: [Beginning to level up! You have used 50,000 points. Your current bnce is 4,500 points. Master, don��t worry! I will definitely be worthy of the points you spent!]


    Oh my, the additional points must be the ie of the milk tea and snack shop, ��So It��s You��. It seemed that business was good.


    [The time flow in the farnd has increased to five times, and the time flow in the ranch has increased to five times!]


    [Congrattions to the host for activating the new function replication and exit positioning!]


    [Congrattions to the host for activating the Exchange Mall!]


    [Ding! Upgrade sessful! The current level of the space is level-five! The next upgrade requires 100,000 points, but Master, don��t worry. I��m very useful! I��ll work hard to umte points with Master!]


    [Ding�� Congrattions, Master, on obtaining the upgrade reward seed. Do you want to nt it?]


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t help but want tough. If space could transform into something, it would definitely be a cute little creature.


    [Of course. It��s five times faster.]


    Speaking of cute creatures��


    After settling the contract, Xiaoxiao decided to show her sincerity. Hence, she did not return the charcoal pen. Instead, she asked Shopkeeper Liu for a piece of paper to start writing and drawing. Not long after, a cute little mouse appeared onto the paper. Next, it was a cow, tiger�� Shopkeeper Liu knew at a nce that this was the second version of the zodiac.


    They thought that this was all, but they saw Xiaoxiao pick up the zodiac drawing again and draw beside the cute creatures. Everyone could not help but be curious. They craned their necks to look. Finally, when the first blueprint waspleted, Shopkeeper Liu took it and looked at it himself. Her expression was instantly filled with surprise and joy. She handed the blueprint to Boss and eagerly went to Xiaoxiao��s side.


    Li Muyan looked at the rat, boy, and girl on the paper and could not help but admire Xiaoxiao��s ingenuity.


    Under her pen, even the rats that were shouting during this festival could be so likable. ��Who are these two children with big ears?��


    Xiaoxiao replied without looking up, ��You can understand it as a zodiac simtion.��


    Next, everyone saw all kinds of men and women with animal characteristics. Every one of them had big eyes and cute bodies, making people unable to take their eyes off them.


    After drawing half of it, Xiaoxiao pinched the bridge of her nose. Shopkeeper Liu immediately handed her a cup of wolfberry tea at the right time. ��Take a break and drink a few mouthfuls. It��s good for your eyes.��


    She smiled widely. ��There��s no hurry. You��ll draw so much today. Don��t ruin your big ck eyes. I��m not in a hurry at all!��


    Only she knew if she was anxious. Anyway, Shopkeeper Xu, who was sitting beside her, was anxious and impatient. If not for the cousin, he would have been happy with Shopkeeper Liu!


    He downed a ss of wine gloomily and heard Xiaoxiao ask, ��Shopkeeper Xu, actually, I have a presumptuous request.��


    Shopkeeper Xu immediately wasn��t sleepy anymore. His eyes were as wide as copper bells, and his ears were like antennas. ��What?��


    What did she mean by a presumptuous request? This was a friendship that came knocking on his door!


    Xiaoxiao didn��t stand on ceremony either. Sometimes, she was too polite, so it wasn��t easy for the rtionship between people to continue improving. ��It��s like this. You also know that I opened a milk tea and snack shop. The kitchen of that shop can be used to make snacks, but it��s impossible to stir-fry vegetables in a pot. There are book shops around, so I��m embarrassed to let that oily smoke mix the book fragrance.


    Moreover, the shop is only so big. There is no way the kitchen could be expanded.


    ��That��s why I want to borrow the small kitchen of the Fragrance Restaurant asionally. Is it convenient for you? I won��t borrow much space. One stove and two pots will do.��


    Shopkeeper Xu patted his chest and immediately agreed. He thought to himself, What kind of help is this? She��s clearly sending benefits to him.


    When Little Girl Ning cooked, wouldn��t he have a chance to eat a few mouthfuls�� pfft, just ask a few words of advice?


    At that time, she might give him some pointers or sell him a few recipes. Wouldn��t the poprity of this restaurant soar?


    Ning Fengnian and his wife had been daydreaming ever since they started talking about business and had given up on understanding. Now, they were the calmest people.


    The information they could ept now was that their daughter was going to earn money again, and her daughter was a little too outstanding. They didn��t know if it was an illusion, but they kept feeling that the rich young master and the county magistrate��s wife seemed to be fighting to do business with Xiaoxiao.


    Let��s put aside what we can��t figure out first. Ning Fengnian picked up a piece of fish for Madam Song, and Madam Song picked up a piece of meat for the head of their household. Both of them felt that it was not as delicious as their daughter��s cooking.


    Xiaoxiao thought so too, but with her high EQ, she naturally wouldn��t tell the truth in front of others. She just suddenly started to worry about her brother and Little Big Brother Ah Yan. They were used to her feeding them every meal. Were they doing well in the academy?


    In fact, it was not good.


    Since they were going to school together, Shen Tianci, Rong Yan, and Ning Ansheng naturally had to move together.


    Although the students of the academy were all wearing the same schr��s uniform, the differences in their families could be seen from their temperaments and attitudes.


    Some people were still arrogant and spouting nonsense even though they were not wearing gold and jade. Some people were hunched over and avoided eye contact even though they were dressed neatly. Some people were filled with aggression and had to ask for an exnation even after being bumped into. Some people were submissive and did not dare to look anyone in the eye.


    Among all kinds of people, it was very easy to attract the attention of everyone when three outstanding youths suddenly came together.


    The academy was not just a ce to study. The young men from aristocratic families in their teens had already learned how to form cliques. When they saw the three of them, they immediately did not extend an olive branch, but asked from all sides to dig out their backgrounds.


    Shen Tianci��s identity was not a secret. He was the son of the county magistrate and the grandson of the richest family in Jiangnan. He was naturally a familiar face in Xijiang County. There were more than one or two people who wanted to curry favor with him. However, this kid had a bad temper when facing unfamiliar people. He would offend whoever came forward..

 Chapter 218 - 218: The Awkward Third Prince

    Chapter 218: The Awkward Third Prince


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    As for Nmg Ansheng and Rong Yan, since the others found out that one of them was the son of a farmer and the other was a down- and-out young master, they naturally lost the mood to chat.


    Their chatter was disturbing. Ning Ansheng and Rong Yan had the same goal. They silently moved their butts, wanting to move away from Shen Tianci. Sensing that the two of them despised him, Shen Tianci immediately became even more determined�� to offend the others��


    When the people who were rejected by Shen Tianci saw that he looked down on them but wanted to stay with the farmer and poor guy, they immediately looked at the two of them with hostility.


    Ning Ansheng let it go. Rong Yan had to use a lot of self-control to not kick away Shen Tianci, who was the center of those annoying flies.


    In the morning, they did not listen to much ss. The three of them were mentally and physically exhausted.


    Fortunately, today was the first day of school. The main focus was to let the students familiarize themselves with the environment and their ssmates, so they did not attend any serious sses. After being muddle-headed for half a day, the three of them habitually looked forward to their meal. However, they realized that they did not have any appetite after walking to the academy��s canteen and sniffing around.


    In order to let the students study in peace and not worry about trivial matters, the Bowen Academy specially set up a dining hall in the academy. In order not to make themselves look special and to not let Xiaoxiao suffer, they originally wanted to settle their lunch here, but��


    The food was not delicious. It was to the extent that they did not want to open their mouths.


    Ning Ansheng was still alright. After all, he was a child who had suffered. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. However, Shen Tianci and Rong Yan both used their chopsticks to poke at the vegetables in their bowls and sighed.


    It was easy to go from frugal to extravagant, but difficult to go from extravagant to frugal. The ancients did not lie to me.


    Seeing that Rong Yan and Ning Ansheng had only ordered the simplest dishes, some idlers came over and sat beside Shen Tianci. ��Brother Shen, do you want�� to try the snacks I specially brought from home?��


    Snacks?


    The three of them seemed to have been enlightened. They stood up at the same time and walked towards the ssroom.


    That person followed quickly and even said, ��Young Master Shen, you might not know this, but my chef has stayed in the pce before. Her culinary skills are exquisite, especially her ability to make snacks. That��s to the extent that she��s fought over by the nobles. If not for my family��s kindness to her in the early years, she wouldn��t havee to our house. These Walnut Cake and Date Cake are different from the ones bought outside����


    Shen Tianci was already annoyed after listening to him nagging for the entire morning. ��What difference can it make? Isn��t it just those cakes?��


    That person scratched his head. ��Look at what Young Master Shen is saying. Aren��t there only those few snacks��???��


    He watched in shock as the three of them opened small bamboo boxes of about the simr style and took out an unknown snack of various shapes. They put it in their mouths and bit it. The fragrance was delicious.


    The biscuits were already cold, but they were still crispy. After being chewed into pieces in their mouths, it was as if even their breathing had the taste of the milk��s sweetness. The three of them felt that their bodies, minds, and stomachs had been healed. The frustration and hunger from the morning were instantly wiped away.


    Initially, they thought that Xiaoxiao had given them too much. Now, they only felt that this little bit of biscuits were not enough at all.


    It was not only the student who was bragging about his snacks just now. More and more youths were attracted. Although they were embarrassed to stare, they could not help but look at them from time to time.


    Rong Yan and the other two paid attention to their limits and kept half of the biscuits. They stuffed one into their mouths after each ss. Little did they know that the other students were tempted when they smelled this. Even the teacher who was having ss in the afternoon could not help but ask, ��Who��s eating snacks secretly?��


    Everyone looked at Rong Yan and the other two, but they were sitting upright and listening to the ss seriously.


    Most of their sses were the same, but there was aw sster. Shen Tianci was really not interested in that, but Rong Yan and Ning Ansheng both signed up. He could only watch them leave. When he was not paying attention, his gazended on the small bamboo box where the two of them were.


    When Rong Yan and the others arrived at the study room specially prepared forw lectures, Chen Yong sniffed. ��What��s that smell?�� It smelled good.


    The two of them were unmoved, but for some reason, they were worried. However, they could not figure out what they were worried about for the time being.


    Chen Yong used his identity as a teacher to test their understanding of thew. Then, he ced Rong Yan in another ce and said to Ning Ansheng alone, ��You have the drive to study. It��s very good that you can learn everything you��ve learned in peace.��


    ��But on the other hand, you have a limitation that can��t be ignored. You haven��t read enough books.��


    Nmg Ansheng didn��t look embarrassed at all. He only bowed respectfully.


    ��Thank you for your guidance.��


    At first nce, Chen Yong liked this young man very much. However, since he was a serious person, he only led him to the bookshelf. ��But this is not a big problem. You can read these books first. You can also use the pens, ink, paper, and inkstones here. When Ie backter, tell me what you read and what you read.��


    Then, he walked towards Rong Yan and said in a voice that even Ning Ansheng could hear, ��Come next door with me. Don��t disturb the peace of our ssmates.��


    Rong Yan bowed and followed them. After the two of them went out, they closed the door gently. Ning Ansheng actually did not pay much attention to it. His mind was focused on the bookshelf in front of him.


    There were so many books that he did not even dare to think about in the past. When he reached out to touch them, he could not help but hold his breath, afraid that he would wake up from his dream when he touched them.


    It didn��t take long for Ning Ansheng to calm down. He chose two books from the bookshelf. ��The Doctrine of the Mean�� and ��The Laws of Great Xia��. He calmed down and started reading.


    On the other side, Chen Yong bent his knees when the door closed. ��Greetings, Third Prince.��


    Before he really knelt down, Rong Yan wanted to pull him back. ��There��s no need to be so polite.��


    However, Chen Yong insisted and bowed respectfully. ��This is my bow to you and also on behalf of thosemoners.��


    Rong Yan could not refuse, so he moved his body slightly and bowed to Chen Yong as a student.


    Chen Yong saw it from the corner of his eye and nodded in his heart. Of course, he knew that Rong Yan��s status in the royal family was awkward. As the son of a favored concubine, he was not valued. His biological mother had long expressed her support for the Crown Prince and turned a blind eye to her biological son. It was said that the Third Prince left the pce this time only because Noble Consort Ji did not want to see him at her birthday banquet.


    His Majesty doted on the noble consort, and his attitude towards this prince was even stranger. He had all the treatment he deserved and was notcking in honor. However, he only treated him as a luxurious decoration, as if he was doted on because he was the son of the noble consort, and neglected because the noble consort did not like him.


    If anyone in the pce was disrespectful to this prince, His Majesty would not let them off easily. However, as soon as the noble consort said that she did not want to see him, His Majesty followed the noble consort��s instructions and sent him out. It was confusing.


    Chen Yong was not a person who curry favor with the rich and powerful. If Rong Yan was selfish and stupid, even if he had a noble status, he would not be valued by him. However, when he found out that Rong Yan was working hard for the dam, he acknowledged the prince in his heart..

 Chapter 219 - 219: Completed The Shop-opening Mission Again

    Chapter 219: Completed The Shop-opening Mission Again


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Who was Yan Lu? Simply put, the current empress��s surname was Yan.


    Chen Yong looked down on these rtives from the bottom of his heart. However, Yan Lu was powerful and was an unshakeable existence in the court.


    It could be said that under the control of the Yan Family��s gang, no other voices could be heard in the court. Otherwise, Yan Lu would not dare to do such a thing as embezzling the official money for building dams.


    In Chen Yong��s opinion, those old fellows in the royal court who did not do their jobs had already decayed and were beyond redemption. The reason why he retired from his original position was also to set his sights on the new strength of the royal court in the future. The younger generation was the future of the royal court and even the vast empire.


    He had chatted with Teacher many times in private. The crown prince seemed to be amiable, but under the Yan Family��s influence, he could not help but act domineeringly.


    It was not that there were no wise princes in the Imperial Family, but they were either unlucky or had taken the wrong step. In short, they had long left the stage of thepetition for the throne.


    asionally, there would be censors who would criticize the Yan Family��s style or the Crown Prince��s words and deeds. However, without exception, these people would either change their words or encounter misfortune.


    It was fine if it happened once or twice, but it was always like this. Even a fool could tell that it was unusual.


    However, the crown prince��s party cleaned up the mess neatly and did not leave any evidence behind. However, the more they did this, the more worried Chen Yong and Dean Lu were. If the crown prince ascended the throne, what would Great Xia be like in the future?


    At least now, in the entire court, there were very few voices questioning the Yan Family and the Crown Prince.


    Was no one really aware of the dam? They were just protecting themselves and staying out of it. Even if they knew that once this matter broke out, countless innocent lives would be harmed��it could be seen what the Great Xia��s Imperial Court had be!


    Under such circumstances, the Third Prince, who had an awkward status, actually dared to go against Yan Lu. Chen Yong had no choice but to think highly of him. However, it was hard to predict people��s hearts, so that was all for the time being.


    The two of them exchanged the information they had found and realized that the key was still the young man who was recuperating in the Shen Residence and was still unconscious. Chen Yong said, ��The Lei Family being so ruthless means that that young man must have obtained some important evidence. This evidence might be rted to the Lei Family, but it��s more likely to be rted to Yan Lu.��


    Rong Yan felt the same. He frowned. ��We can��t lose this person. Please tell Lord Shen not to let anyone get close to that young man, including my people.��


    Hearing thatst sentence, Chen Yong raised his eyebrows slightly and thought to himself that His Highness was quite cautious.


    He naturally passed the message to County Magistrate Shen. Coincidentally, Xiaoxiao happened to go to the Shen Residence with Yun Yi. She was going to return the things that she stuffed into the space when she saved the man, but she gave up decisively after hearing that.


    In order not to let her get into trouble, no one knew that she was also involved in saving him. Yun Yi asked, ��Why don��t I bring Miss Ning in secretly?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at him as if he was an insensible brat. ��I became a thief when I was a guest. Do I still want my face after I��m caught?��


    Yun Yi felt that he had been underestimated. ��Miss Ning, to be honest, no one in the Shen Residence can catch me.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded perfunctorily. ��Alright, alright, alright, you��re the best. I��ll get Little Big Brother to increase your monthly sryter.��


    She didn��t take this matter to heart. She turned around and was pulled by Mrs. Shen to discuss the new shop. Then, she took out the contract valiantly and made Xiaoxiao sign it immediately as if she was fighting with Li Muyan.


    Xiaoxiao opened the contract betweenughter and tears and saw the different terms at a nce. She looked at Mrs. Shen in confusion. ��I��m the boss too?�� It said that Ning Xiaoxiao was one of the owners of the elegant abode.


    Mrs. Shen shrugged smugly. ��Otherwise, how can I make you willing to put in more effort?�� She would not say that she was jealous of the designs that Xiaoxiao had drawn for Shopkeeper Liu!


    Wasn��t it just a cloth shop? She had a dowry shop too! Why did Li Muyan, that brat, get to have the first pick?!


    ��It��s just in name. Even if there��s really trouble, I won��t let a brat like you worry. Don��t worry.��


    In the past, Xiaoxiao would not have been bothered to take on the job. However, this contract now not only represented her reputation in the shop, but it also represented millions of points!


    Xiaoxiao said solemnly, ��Mrs. Shen, don��t worry. I��ll definitely do my best for this shop.��


    After thinking for a moment, she said, ��I heard that your chef is quite talented in making snacks?��


    Mrs. Shen was stunned. She asked in disbelief, ��You want to?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled innocently. ��Madam, our elegant abode will definitely be filled with guests in the future. Xiaoxiao doesn��t have three heads and six arms. How can she settle so many mouths alone? Why don��t you send someone to help me?��


    Mrs. Shen was caught off guard by the pie that fell from the sky. She just didn��t want her sincerity to lose to Muyan. How did she get such a big surprise?


    ��Are you sure?�� She had a lot to do. If she needed someone to help, wouldn��t the person have to follow and witness the entire process? This was more or less the same as taking in a disciple, right?


    Xiaoxiao smiled and asked, ��Then, shall I think about it again?��


    Mrs. Shen hurriedly straightened her face. ��You can��t go back on your word. You have to keep your word. Just you wait, I��ll find someone for you now!��


    Xiaoxiaoughed. ��There��s no need to be so anxious.�� Then, she wrote her name on the contract.


    [Ding! Congrattions to the host forpleting the shop-opening mission again. You have received 10,000 points as a reward for opening the shop. Your current bnce is 16,500 points. After testing that this shop has met the subsequent mission requirements, all goods sold by the shop in the future can be rewarded with points!]


    When Xiaoxiao heard this, her first reaction was��why did ��So It��s You''��s points increase so much less than in the morning? Then, she thought for a moment, looked at the sky, patted her head, and bade farewell to Mrs. Shen.


    It was probably out of stock.


    Actually, Xiaoxiao had taught Second Brother the simple milk tea ratio, but he gave up after trying it himself. It was the same for the guards. Hence, when Xiaoxiao returned to the shop, she saw Second Brother and her parents packing up reluctantly.


    She was not surprised. She did not n to sell the goods toote. After all, she was young and everyone had to go home at night.


    Second Brother was rubbing the ount book and muttering, ��If we sell it for a while longer����


    Xiaoxiao continued, ��It would be dark!��


    Second Brother turned around and red at her. Xiaoxiao suddenly had a thought. ��Second Brother, Father, Mother, why don��t we buy a house in the county? This way, we won��t have to travel so much!��


    The three of them paused for a moment and quickly sped up. They packed up quickly and decisively. No one could bear to close the shop early anymore.


    Xiaoxiao pursed her lips. She did not expect to fool them sessfully in one go.


    She went forward and nced at the ount book that Second Brother had recorded. Her head ached when she saw his winding and rugged handwriting. She couldn��t help but got Second Brother to count and she wrote again..

 Chapter 220 - 220: There Was A Path For Hard Work On The

    Chapter 220: There Was A Path For Hard Work On The


    Mountain Of Books


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    When Rong Yan and Ning Ansheng walked over from the academy, they saw the little girl writing with her eyes lowered. Ning Anhui was frowning as he held up the ount book. Xiaoxiao sighed and took out a new book to draw a few lines on it. ��Second Brother, write like this.��


    Ning Anhui tried it a few times and instantly beamed. ��This is a good idea, this is a good idea! Sister, where did you learn it from?��


    Xiaoxiao looked kind. ��I learned it from reading.


    Ning Anhui slowly raised his head to look at her, then slowly lowered his head to look at the ount book.


    ��Really? The books teach this?��


    Ning Ansheng stared at his brother��s face and saw his sister winking at him.


    Hence, he went forward calmly and said, ��Yes, I��ll teach you.


    Rong Yan didn��t get too close to Xiaoxiao in front of Xiaoxiao��s parents and brothers. He just stood behind her and asked her softly, ��Are you tired?


    ��Are you happy?��


    ��Have you eaten?��


    ��You��re wearing so little. Are you cold?��


    ��Are your hands sore? I��ll get Yun San to send you some medicinal wer.��


    �� Yes, that was all he asked.


    After returning home, although all the members of the Ning Family who were involved in opening the shop felt their backs ache, they were still very happy on the surface. On the first day of opening the shop, ��So It��s You�� sold more than 500 cups of milk tea and earned a profit of more than 5,000 points and nearly two taels of silver. This ie was already a pleasant surprise to everyone, but they did not expect to earn almost one tael of silver from selling biscuits and Taro Cake Roll. One had to know that they were not confident when the new shop opened, so they did not ask Xiaoxiao to make more snacks. There were only 20 servings in total, but not only did they sell them all, but they also earned nearly one tael of silver?


    With this calction, they earned three taels a day? One day! Wouldn��t that be 80 to 90 taels a month? How much would it be in a year? Ning Anhui counted with his fingers. When he was done, he was shocked. His hand that was holding his elder brother��s trembled.


    ��Brother, is our family going to be a rich family with an ie of more than 1,000 taels in a year?��


    Ning Ansheng was much calmer than him. ��Do you think this money doesn��t need to be spent? Don��t you need to spend money on milk, flour, and tea leaves? Moreover, today is the first day after all. There are all kinds of promotional activities that attracted so many customers. Can it be the same every day in the future?��


    Ning Anhui calmed down a little, but it was just a little. He knew that he definitely wouldn��t be able to sleep tonight. He didn��t care about what Big Brother said about the expenses and activities. He grinned and went to wash up. Before he left, he said, ��Fortunately, we no longer have anything to do with the old residence. Otherwise, they would definitely be jealous and pester us.


    Ning Ansheng paused and retracted his gaze after taking a nce at his sister. Why did he think that his sister specially waited for the matter at the old residence to be resolved before she started to show her skills? He must be thinking too much. No matter how smart his sister was, it was impossible for her to be so meticulous.


    Besides, could it be that his sister had this ability early on, but deliberately hid it in order not to be pestered? One had to know that she was worlds apart from before she was seriously ill. With his sister��s age, how could she be so cautious that she was like a different person from before��


    Noticing his gaze, Xiaoxiao jumped over. ��Big Brother, why are you looking at me like that?��


    Ning Ansheng raised his hand and rubbed her head. ��It��s nothing. I just think that my sister is really amazing.��


    Xiaoxiao was smug. ��Big Brother should have said this in front of Second Brother just now so that he would be envious!


    She said, ��Brother, I will definitely let our entire family live a good life! Ning Ansheng put down his doubts and nodded. ��Alright, Brother will work hard with you.��


    When he said that he would work hard, he was really working hard. The candlelight lit upte into the night these few nights.


    He knew very well that his foundation was far inferior to others. There were no shortcuts to studying. If he wanted to catch up, he had to persevere with one principle��there was a path for hard work on the mountain of books. The sea of learning was endless. Hard work could make up for his shorings. If he wanted to seed, he had to work harder than the others.


    A few dayster, the shop and school��s matter became a daily routine. Xiaoxiao, Big Brother, and Second Brother left home early and returnedte. Ning Fengnian and his wife looked after thend, fed the chickens, and washed the clothes. At the same time, they visited Fortune Vige and put the n of building a house on the agenda.


    Knowing that the eldest branch was thriving, most of the vigers were sincerely happy for them, especially since the eldest branch did not forget the vigers even when they became rich. ording to Xiaoxiao��s suggestion, Ning Fengnian was asking the vigers to help make bamboo tubes.


    In Xiaoxiao��s words, bamboo tubes were not worth much, but if Ning Fengnian were to do it alone, it would be time-consuming andborious. The gains would not make up for the losses. If he let the vigers process it for him at a small price, not only could he save time to do something else, but he could also give the vigers a chance to earn some pocket money. Why not?


    After Ning Anhui became the shopkeeper, he saw things from a different perspective. Before Xiaoxiao started to fool him, he had already sensibly helped to persuade their father. ��Father, think about it. How many bamboo tubes can you make alone in a day? How many cups of milk tea can I sell with just the bamboo tubes you make? But if the vigers help make them, can I sell as many as I want?��


    Ning Fengnian pondered for a moment. That seemed to make sense. Moreover, when he told the vige chief, the vige chief was also beaming with joy. Then, the vigers who came to look for him to confirm their jobs came one after another��why not add to the family��s ie?


    He felt that he had done a good deed and could not help but be filled with joy. However, contrary to him, the people in the old residence had been gloomy these few days.


    No matter how good the eldest branch��s life was or how much money they earned, no matter how envious they were, they did not have the guts to approach them. The county magistrate��s paddle punishment was not a joke. Didn��t they see that Second Uncle Ning was still locked up inside?


    Originally, after the eldest branch was kicked out, the family was short of oneborer. Now that Second Uncle Ning was not around, the old couple could not expect the ��schr�� Third Brother Ning to help them with their work. They could not persuade Little Aunt Ning, who had alreadypletely treated herself as a dy from a wealthy family��, to do it either.


    The two of them were already so old. Not to mention managing the fields, they were also very busy with the matters at home. After a few days, their backs ached and their legs cramped. They cried out all day.


    Second Aunt Ning specially chose such times to either munch on melon seeds or eat with a bowl of food at the door.


    Since she had already fallen out with her inws, she could not be bothered to pretend to be a filial daughter-inw. Now that she was alone, no one cared how she used the money. After suffering enough from being controlled by her mother-inw, she could finally let herself go and spend the money however she wanted.


    However, there was also a problem. She had already spent a lot of money on medicine. With her frequent visits, she quickly ran out of money. She thought that this wouldn��t do. It was better to have a man at home, so she tried to run to the government office again.


    She was shocked by her own stunt.. They actually let her in this time?

 Chapter 221 - 221: Why Aren’t You Doing It If You Know?

    Chapter 221: Why Aren��t You Doing It If You Know?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor. Henyee Trantions


    In the prison, Second Uncle Ning no longer looked like before. Although he had not achieved anything in the past, he was confident. Hence, no matter where he went, he would look smug and inexplicably arrogant. However, today, he was like a trapped beast. He was in a sorry state and his eyes were crazy. He looked more like a lunatic.


    While he was recuperating, the jailer moved him to the cell next door. However, even through the bars, he could see the two pairs of malicious eyes next door every day. Second Uncle Ning wished he could look up at the sky and roar, ��How did I offend the two of you?��


    The two of them spat thick phlegm in his direction. Of course, they would not tell him that someone had promised them benefits to torture them. They only said, ��I don��t like you. Not everything in this world needs a reason. I just can��t stand your pretentious behavior, and I��m not willing to let you swagger out. Sigh, I just want you to stay and apany us. It��s best if you apany us for the rest of your life.��


    Thest words crushed Second Uncle Ning��s psychological defense. He threw everything he could reach at the opposite side and scolded them impurely. As he scolded, he heard the two people next door say, ��Do you think you can stay in a single room forever just because you��re slightly injured? When you recover����


    No! He couldn��t stay here any longer! He had to get out! He had to get out of here! Otherwise, he would die. He would definitely die!


    Second Aunt Ning appeared in front of him under such circumstances and saw his bloodshot eyes.


    The person in charge was very different from what she remembered. In the past, his face was considered top-notch in the vige, but now, his image waspletely devoid of hysteria. He was crying and screaming, shouting that he wanted to leave. ��When are you going to get me out? Why are Father and


    Mother so slow?��


    At this point, Second Aunt Ning didn��t have time to be sad. ��Don��t mention it.


    You don��t know how much I��ve suffered these days!


    Then, she exaggerated everything that had happened recently about the separation and severance. She emphasized that it was all Old Madam Ning��s fault.


    ��I originally thought that since you��re Mother��s biological son, she could at least smooth things over and let you suffer less. Who knew that she would kick our second branch out for Little Uncle? If I hadn��t argued for it, she wouldn��t have even given you a tael of silver!


    Second Uncle Ning didn��t care about money now. He looked a little stunned. ��What did you say just now? Not only did Father and Mother not n to save me, but they even removed me from the genealogy?��


    Second Aunt Ning��s expression was ugly. ��That��s right! She said that she was afraid of being implicated by you and ruining Little Uncle��s future.�� Second Uncle Ning was stunned for a while before he suddenlyughed like a lunatic. ��They want to kick me out? Dream on!��


    Although Second Aunt Ning also wanted to say harsh words, the truth was right in front of her. ��Husband, don��t me me for saying bad things, but everything at home is in your mother��s hands. She won��t listen even if I don��t agree. Back then, I said good things to beg Father and Mother to think of a way to save you, but Mother was focused on Little Uncle��s exam and didn��t take you to heart at all. It can be seen that in her heart, the most important son is still


    Little Uncle.��


    ncing at Second Uncle Ning��s expression, she continued to fan the mes. ��Mother said that she wants to wait for Little Uncle to earn a prestigious life for her, so she naturally won��t let you stand in her way����


    Under normal circumstances, Second Uncle Ning might have considered the instigation in Second Aunt��s words, but now, the strings in his mind were about to snap, and his thoughts instantly synchronized with Second Aunt��s. With his understanding of his mother, that old woman was really capable of doing such a heartless thing. He gritted his teeth, grabbed Second Aunt��s clothes, and whispered into her ear, ��Go find Mother and say����


    ��Mother, if you really don��t care about me, be careful that I��ll go to the county office and talk to the county magistrate about how our Little Uncle��s identity as a Tongsheng? came about!�� Students had to take the Tongsheng examination first when they participated in the imperial examination. Second Aunt Ning hadn��t married into the family when Little Uncle Ning took the Tongsheng examination, so she actually didn��t know what the story was. She only knew that her Little Uncle had been studying at home ever since the teacher left, saying that he wanted to concentrate on studying to prepare for the Xiucai examination.


    Second Uncle Ning only asked Second Aunt to pass on the message and did not go into detail. However, with Second Aunt��s intelligence, she could naturally guess that there was something fishy going on. Hence, although she did not know the reason, she threatened them very seriously.


    The moment they heard this, Old Sir Ning and Old Madam Ning��s pupils trembled. Old Sir Ning, who usually didn��t speak much, even knocked his pipe on the table. ��How dare you!��


    Second Aunt Ning was frightened, but she still put her hands on her hips the next moment. ��Why don��t we try?��


    ��Anyway, we��ve nothing now. We��re not afraid of anyone. At most, we��ll fight to the death. No one can have an easy time!��


    Old Madam Ning was also anxious, but she was more shrewd than the old man. She wanted tofort the second branch first. ��Cuihua, we��re all family. Why do we have to act like enemies?��


    Second Aunt Ning sneered. ��You can��t me me. Father and Mother started it first. I��m a pregnant woman, yet you have the cheek to chase me out to fend for myself. I don��t know where you got this heartlessness from!


    Old Madam Ning��s expression stiffened, but she still controlled her temper. ��Cuihua, you��re wrong about me. It��s not that we don��t care about Fengcai, so there��s nothing we can do, right? The county magistrate and the eldest branch are on good terms and refuse to make an exception. The eldest branch is also a nest of ingrates. In order not to help, they ran out whenever they saw the sun. Tsk, they��ll be torn apart by the wolves sooner orter!��


    After scolding him a few times, she continued, ��Mother wants Fengwen to go for the exam first. When he passes the examination, many people will want to curry favor with him. At that time, won��t you be able toe out?�� Second Aunt Ning didn��t answer. ��Mother, do you think I��m stupid? Alright, there��s no need to say such nonsense. I heard in the county office today that the current Emperor is going to grant amnesty to the world for the Noble Consort��s birthday. As long as we pay enough money, he can be released early. Hearing the word ��money��, Old Madam Ning instinctively wanted to fall out with him. However, in order not to let the second branch ruin things, she held back her anger. ��How can I still have money?


    Second Aunt Ning recalled what Second Uncle had taught her and immediately put her hands on her hips. ��Alright, you can��t bear to take out the money, right? Then I��ll go to the county office to kowtow now. From now on, don��t expect Little Uncle to bring honor to our ancestors. Let��s go to jail together to apany my husband!��


    Only then did Old Madam Ning panic. She grabbed Second Aunt Ning and squeezed out her words through gritted teeth. ��I��ll give it to you, alright?!�� After reporting these things to Rong Yan, Yun San raised his doubts to his brothers. ��Master knows that the old residence love money, so he wants them to empty their pockets?��


    Yun Yi touched his chin. ��I��m afraid Master isn��t that generous.


    Yun San expressed his willingness to hear the details with the others, soYun Yi activated his teaching mode. ��Look, is Second Ning going to cause trouble when hees back?��


    Everyone agreed. He asked again, ��Is the old residence in chaos?�� Everyone hummed in agreement. He continued, ��At a time like this, if the casinoes to ask for debt����


    Everyone eximed and stood up straight. ��Master!


    Yun Yi��s teaching expression froze and he slowly turned his head.


    Rong Yan sat down and poured himself a ss of Xiaoxiao��s special Fruit Tea. ��Since you know, so why aren��t you doing it?��

 Chapter 222 - 222: Taking Separation Like Child’s Play

    Chapter 222: Taking Separation Like Child��s y


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Yun Yi hurriedly pulled Yun Er along to work. After walking far away, he gasped and sighed. ��Master really takes Miss Ning to heart.�� Yun Er, who knew the inside story, could not suppress the desire to confide in him. ��Not only that, Master even wants Miss Ning to be the main consort! I was so frightened that I had nightmares all night!��


    It was rare for Yun Yi to have the time to be curious. ��What nightmare?


    Yun Er patted his chest. ��I dreamed that His Majesty was holding a banquet and was letting the princes and concubines perform their talents when our Third Princess Consort jumped up and shouted, ��Then I��ll stir-fry 18 delicacies for everyone.�� Needless to say, it��s quite fragrant���� After saying that, he even slurped.


    Yun Yi was speechless.


    He asked Yun Er, ��Do you think Master shouldn��t choose Miss Ning?��


    Yun Er shook his head repeatedly. ��Why would I doubt Master��s decision? If Master really thinks so, I��ll treat Miss Ning as our mistress. I��m justmenting.


    Yun Yi asked, ��Then what if someone questions our mistress��s identity in the future?��


    Yun Er sneered. ��We��ll beat him until he shuts up.��


    Yun Yi patted him in relief. ��Well said. This is a qualified guard. You have to guard Mistress like this in the future.��


    Yun Er didn��t think too much about it. ��Of course. We still have to apany Master until Little Master grows up under your leadership, Big Brother!


    The two of them used Qinggong. In less than an hour, the two of them walked around the casino a few times. Hence, when Second Uncle Ning came out of the county office with his fingerprint pressed, took the tofu from Second Aunt Ning, and finished it in two to three bites, he heard two gamblers say excitedly, ��How much did you win today?��


    Another person said, ��80 taels! What about you?


    ��146 taels. Let��s go and drink!��


    Second Uncle Ning��s heart and hands instantly itched. He pushed Second Aunt Ning, whose face and body were bing more and more swollen, away. ��Go back first. I��ll walk around.��


    Second Aunt Ning hadn��t seen him for many days and was a little reluctant. ��Where are you going? Shall I apany you?


    Second Uncle Ning looked away irritably. ��I��ve been in prison for so many days and now I want to bask in the sun to rx. Why do you have to ruin my mood?


    Did you bring money?��


    After this trip to prison, the head of her household��s temper had grown. Second Aunt Ning did not want to get into trouble. Moreover, she had been busy for days and her stomach was not veryfortable. She could only give him the pouch and walk away slowly with her head lowered.


    As soon as she left, Second Uncle Ning went straight to the casino. At first, he really won a few rounds, but unknowingly, not only did he lose all his money, but he also owed the casino 20 taels.


    However, someone beside him muttered, ��Fortunately, I didn��t give up just now and borrowed money to gamble a big one. Look, we have the money to buy a house now! The heavens still give us a chance. Let��s see if we can seize it!�� That��s right. He originally thought that he would definitely fall this time. Who would have thought that there would be no way out? Heh, Noble Consort��s birthday that had nothing to do with him could also let him escape.


    However, he had suffered a double loss. His future would not be easy. But then again, since he was so lucky because of a benefactor, he must be able to counterattack in the future.


    Just as he was thinking, the dealer had already started a new round-��Four, five, six. Big!��


    Damn it, he wanted to bet on ��Big�� just now! As expected, he should seize the opportunity! If he missed it, he would lose everything!


    With this thought in mind, he no longer hesitated and walked straight to the loan office.


    When Second Uncle Ning left the casino, he was a little distracted and fell asleep the moment he reached home.


    Second Aunt Ning wanted to ask a few questions, but he was covered in a nket and clearly didn��t want to talk to her.


    Although the second branch had split up, they still lived in their original house. Hence, they still lived in the same courtyard as Old Madam Ning and Old Sir Ning. When they found out that he had returned, the old couple was unwilling to face him at first. Later on, they felt that this son was outrageous. It was clearly them who paid to redeem him. Why didn��t he know how to be grateful?


    He didn��t evene to see his parents when he reached home?


    The more they thought about it, the angrier they became. They simply didn��t take the initiative to meet Second Uncle Ning and see who could oust the other until��


    ��Open the door!��


    ��I know you��re at home. Come out!��


    It was not until the unfamiliar, yet somehow familiar scene yed out again. The door of the old residence was smashed open again. This time, it was the people from the gambling house.


    Knowing that Second Uncle Ning was in debt as soon as he was released from prison, Old Sir Ning and Old Madam Ning��s first reaction was to close the door with a ng and pretend that it had nothing to do with them.


    Could Second Uncle Ning let them have an easy time?


    That was definitely not possible. Second Uncle Ning, who was woken up by the knocking on the door, rubbed his eyes and said in a disdainful tone, ��Isn��t it just eighty taels? It��s not like I can��t take it out!


    The people from the casino crossed their arms and sneered. ��Take it out then!�� Second Uncle Ning thought of his eldest brother��s family, who had made a fortune in the county, and his third brother, who was about to take the imperial examination, under his parents�� care. No matter how he thought about it, he felt that he was the most unlucky. He mmed the door and rushed to his parents�� house aggressively. ��Father, Mother, open the door. If you want Third Brother to take the examination in peace, take out the silver!


    Old Madam Ning wanted to pretend that she was not around, but Second Uncle Ning, who knew her personality well, was unwilling to give up until he achieved his goal. Not only did he force her to empty her pockets, but he also made her go to the vige chief��s house that day and put the second branch back.


    The vige chief was so angry that he almost couldn��t speak. ��Do you think splitting up is child��s y?��


    One moment, she didn��t wait for her son to agree to the separation, and the next moment, she wanted to cancel the separation for no reason! Did she think this was a joke or child��s y?


    Old Madam Ning stammered, but Second Uncle Ning was very thick-skinned. ��My mother was muddle-headed earlier. If you ask me, Brother Vige Chief, what you did was not right. I��m not around. How can you really agree to my mother��s request to split up?��


    The viger snorted and threw the family separation document to them. ��Alright, alright, alright. I can��t care about you anymore. Don��te to me for your family��s matters in the future!��


    Second Uncle Ning smiled from the corner of his eyes. If you don��t want me to look for you, so be it. You��re just a lousy vige chief. Who do you think you are to try to control me?


    ***


    After knowing this, Xiaoxiao smacked her lips. ��The wicked will be punished by the wicked. Second Uncle and the old residence are reallypatible.��


    It was unknown who tortured who first.


    Ning Fengnian once again recalled the scene when he was seriously injured. It turned out that his life could notpare to Second Brother��s ridiculous gambling debt.


    It had to be said that Second Uncle Ning was really a rare wonder in the world. Back then, he felt that it was reasonable for him to do whatever he wanted to the eldest branch. Now, he even exerted this shameless spirit to the extreme. Of course, this time, he used it on his parents.


    Old Madam Ning never expected that the vampire she had painstakingly raised would end up sucking her own blood. Other than smoking tobo and sighing, Old Sir Ning could not help at all. Seeing that the money at home was running out bit by bit, she was overwhelmed with regret. She could not help but think of her eldest son, who had always been obedient..

 Chapter 223 - 223: Don’t Come Again

    Chapter 223: Don��t Come Again


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Fengnian was originally happily admiring the thriving scenery in his field today. Just as he wasparing the rice in his field with others, he suddenly heard a familiar yet unfamiliar voice from the side.


    ��Fengnian����


    He said that it was familiar because he had heard Old Madam Ning��s voice for many years. He said that it was unfamiliar because it was rare for her to be so careful.


    Ning Fengnian sighed. Then, he realized that when he saw his stepmother again, the panic that lingered in his heart and the lowliness that he used to feel all year round had long disappeared. What reced it was boredom and resistance.


    ��Mother, why are you looking for me?��


    No matter how much Old Madam Ning felt good about herself, she could hear the difference in his tone. She first looked around nervously and only dared to speak after confirming that Xiaoxiao was no longer around. ��Your second brother has caused some trouble recently. Our family is in some trouble����


    She stammered for a long time before revealing her main goal. ��Look, your eldest branch is living so well now. You really don��tck that bit of money. Can you lend some silver to Father and Mother first? Father and Mother will slowly return it to you after this matter is resolved.��


    Ning Fengnian��s heart was calm. He said calmly, ��I��m sorry, Mother. My family doesn��t have idle money either.��


    Old Madam Ning frowned. It was already her limit to be patient and whisper to Ning Feng for a long time. In the past, when had her eldest son not agreed obediently the moment she spoke?


    ��It��s only 180 taels. Isn��t it just a drizzle to your family now? Is there a need to prevaricate like this? I heard that your family even opened a shop in the county? Why? Are you so ruthless as to watch your parents live a hard life while you live a good life? Now, you��re even leaving your younger siblings in the lurch?��


    Ning Fengnian was very calm. ��Mother, you must be joking. You can go to the entire Fortune Vige and ask. Who can treat ��180 taels�� as ��a drizzle��? As for my family opening a shop����


    Looking at Old Madam Ning��s ferocious face, Ning Fengnian knew that it was useless even if he exined his family��s hard work to her. In his daughter��s words, it was called ��ying the lute to a cow��.


    He took a deep breath. ��Since Mother knows that my family is opening a shop, you should naturally know that all the money my family has saved has been invested into the shop.��


    Old Madam Ning��s already mean face became even more vicious. She was used to being selfish, so she said, ��Then sell your shop first and give the money to me in silver.��


    Ning Fengnian was stunned for a moment. He suddenly felt that he was aplete fool in the past. Now that his heart had turned cold, his tone naturally turned cold.


    ��Mother also said that ��your shop��. Since it��s my shop, what right does Mother have to make decisions for us?��


    Old Madam Ning was stunned. ��What did you say?��


    Ning Fengnian simply said, ��If Mother doesn��t understand, I��ll exin it once more. I��m saying that the shop belongs to my family and you have no right to make the decision. In addition, Second Brother is in trouble with gambling debts. Not to mention that I don��t have the ability to help, even if I do, I definitely won��t use my hard-earned money to fill that bottomless pit for him. Mother, if you really feel sorry for Second Brother, you should persuade him to change his bad habit as soon as possible.��


    Old Madam Ning raised her hand and pped him. ��Who do you think you are? How dare you teach me?��


    Ning Fengnian raised his hand to block her attack. Old Madam Ning��s palm pped his muscr and firm arm. It was unknown which was more painful. ��Mother��s p can be considered to end our mother-son rtionship. From now on, please remember that I��m no longer your son.��


    ��As for Second Brother, I��m afraid Mother has forgotten again. He��s not qualified for me to help him.��


    As he spoke, he deliberately pointed at his head.


    Her daughter had just discussed with her sons a few days ago what it meant by ��how shall one repays kindness if one repays evil with kindness��.


    Now that he could clearly match thetter with the old residence, he was not willing to be the silly former.


    Old Madam Ning was not someone who would listen. She raised her hand and was about to hit him again, but this time, Ning Fengnian grabbed her wrist. ��Old Madam, the weather is hot. You should go back and rest early.��


    ��Don��t look for us if there��s nothing else in the future. Don��te again even if there��s anything.��


    Even after he had walked far away, Old Madam Ning was still rooted to the ground. Her wrist that had been pinched hurt, but she did not have the courage to continue moring��


    The way Ning Fengnian looked at her just now made her panic. He called her ��Old Madam�� and even asked her to ��don��te again����


    She finally realized that Ning Fengnian was no longer the sucker who could be beaten and scolded at will.


    She looked at her stepson��s tall figure and thought about the good times of the eldest branch on the way here today. They had opened a shop, had fields, bought a mountain, and even wanted to build a new house. She thought about her own house and then looked at the green rice that was clearly a head taller than the ones beside it. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. She really wanted to destroy the rice fields of the eldest branch and see how they could still be smug. However, seeing that the vigers were alling out to work in the fields, she could only endure her anger and go home dejectedly.


    For some reason, she slipped on the way back and fell into a ditch by the roadside. Then, she felt a pain in her thigh. She jumped up with a cry and realized that there were two big leeches lying on her leg. Just as she threw those away, an evil thought suddenly appeared in her mind.


    Elsewhere, Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan straightened up from the tall rice bushes. Xiaoxiao stretched and asked, ��Little Big Brother, you did my Step-Grandma fall just now, right?��


    Her father��s performance just now wasmendable. From now on, she did not have to worry about him being tricked into doing stupid things again. Little Big Brother��s godly strokes had even soothed her unhappiness because of Old Madam Ning��s p. She felt veryfortable now.


    Rong Yan didn��t hide it from her and even demonstrated the process of using stones as hidden weapons to her again. His precision and strength made Xiaoxiao��s eyes light up. ��Last time, you said that I couldn��t learn martial arts in time. Where are the hidden weapons?��


    Rong Yan smiled. ��I was just about to tell you that this kind of hidden weapon that only needs skill is more suitable for you. Do you want to learn it?��


    Of course, she had an advantage over others. Ordinary people could only hide a limited number of hidden weapons, but she had space as a cheating tool. She could hide as many as she wanted!


    The two of them found a shade and started to practice the simplest finger techniques. Unknowingly, the sky turned dark. After returning home, Xiaoxiao was scolded by her parents. She humbly admitted her mistake and refused to change. At night, she even specially tested it when feeding the chickens, scaring the little chicks until they cried out.


    In order to make up for them, Xiaoxiao secretly put them into her space when the adults were not around. After reaching level five, the space really underwent a heaven-shaking change. Not only was the five-fold time flow more visible to the naked eye, but the newly opened Exchange Mall was also really amazing.


    Not only were there countless seeds and saplings, but it had also opened the right to exchange for some animal cubs and rted items.


    Actually, Xiaoxiao had long felt that it was a pity to look at the empty ranch, but it was not difficult for her to secretly get some seeds. She really did not have the strength to expand the ranch.. Even if she could go to the county to buy some chickens, ducks, geese, cows, and sheep, she would not have the chance to hide in the space without a legitimate reason, right? She could not just lose them after buying them, right?

 Chapter 224 - 224: Making Century Eggs

    Chapter 224: Making Century Eggs


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Now, with a shake of the points, the cattle and sheep in the ranch were in herds, and chickens and ducks were in flocks. It was extremely lively.


    If she spent some points to exchange for feed, she would not have to worry about them being hungry at all. If she did not want to spend the additional points, she would nt some forage on the farm. When it matured in five to six days, she would have food for the cows and sheep.


    The space��s ssification was clear. Cows produced milk, cows produced meat, and harvesting with one click saved time and effort. Unknowingly, her warehouse was already quite impressive. All shecked was to exchange it for silver.


    However, she was not in a hurry. Anyway, the space was always fresh. There was no problem of food deteriorating and expiring. She would store it first and use it slowly. Could the money fly away?


    Before going to bed at night, Xiaoxiao usually went to shop in the Space Mall. There were hundreds of pages of goods, and she really couldn��t finish reading them all in a short period of time. Of course, there was another reason why she wasn��t in a hurry to read too much-she couldn��t help but buy them as she read them. She was addicted to online shopping. Once she started, she couldn��t stop.


    In order to prevent herself from spending too many points, Xiaoxiao strictly stipted that she could only spend 1,000 points a day at most.


    She exchanged a variety of things. They were a beautiful hair tie, a piece of cloth, seasonings, an iron pot and a kitchen knife. She even exchanged a sword and an inconspicuous slingshot.


    The slingshot was naturally prepared for her. It was very powerful after using a rubber band. She could shoot without any mistakes.


    As for that sword�� Ahem, at that time, she vaguely felt that it was silvery-white and shiny. It looked a little like a couple weapon with the dagger Little Big Brother gave her. She instantly liked it and thought that she would have a chance to give it to him in the future, right?


    She was shopping with her eyes closed on the bed, but she did not know that an uninvited guest had arrived at her house in the dead of night.


    A figure wrapped up tightly and secretly poured something into the Ning Family��s paddy field before running away.


    At night, Old Sir Ning turned over in bed and muttered, ��Where did you go sote at night? Why aren��t you back for so long?��


    Old Madam Ning, who was taking off her clothes, pursed her lips. ��Do I need your permission to shit?��


    It was unknown what the people in the old residence were thinking. After being rejected by Ning Fengnian, they actually thought of an even more roundabout n to save themselves. The entire family packed up early in the morning and brought Little Aunt Ning, who was all dressed up, to find a matchmaker.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao had just woken up and was making breakfast for her family. She definitely couldn��t stand eating in porridge and side dishes every day, but the weather was gradually getting hot. She was also a little tired of eating soup dumplings early in the morning. It was alright to eat prawn dumplings asionally, but it didn��t seem so delicious if they kept eating them. Alright, to put it simply, she wanted to cook new food again.


    Under the circumstances, Xiaoxiao��s mouth was very picky. Back in her glory days, she did not eat the same breakfast for a month. However, at that time, she had money and status. Most of the time, it was others who prepared it and sent it over, so it was less fun for her to do it herself.


    Thinking about it this way, transmigration gave her an opportunity to find her original intention.


    Two days ago, she bought fresh duck eggs from the county. She mixed the lime, tea grounds, salt, baking soda, nt ash, yellow soil, rice shells, and the massicot powder exchanged from the Space Mall evenly and marinated them in a vat to maintain a suitable temperature. Two weekster, she would obtain delicious century eggs!


    However, she didn��t have the patience to wait for two weeks, so she spent her points to exchange for 10 century eggs. This morning, she cooked a pot of century egg lean pork porridge that she had been longing for.


    She had been spending points very generously recently, but even so, with the support of ��So It��s You��, her space credit bnce still rose at a gratifying pace.


    Now, it was close to 30,000 again. One could imagine how rich she would be when Mrs. Shen��s shop was set up!


    Rong Yan, who was next door, had just washed up. This morning, he received news from County Magistrate Shen that the young man whom they saved had woken up. He nned to visit him today with the cover of the academy so that he could find out if this person had any evidence to take down Yan Lu.


    As soon as he pushed open the door, he smelled an unfamiliar and strange smell. How should he put it? It felt like rotten eggs at first, but after taking two more breaths, it strangely lingered�� It was really unbelievable.


    Yun Er, who was following closely behind, sniffed. ��What��s this smelly and fragrant scent?��


    His words were rough but reasonable. Just as the buddies were about to scold him for spouting nonsense, they instantly felt that it made sense.


    The Ning Family also woke up to this smell. Big Brother and Second Brother were very confident in the food that their younger sister cooked. Even though they felt that it was a little strange for the first time, they chose to eat century egg lean meat porridge for breakfast without hesitation. Seeing that their two sons were enjoying it, Ning Fengnian and his wife also scooped a big bowl each.


    The Yun guards had be more and more curious recently, so they all asked for a portion with the thought of testing their courage. Only Rong Yan had a bowl of chicken soup noodles in front of him.


    Xiaoxiao could tell that this Little Big Brother must have a noble status. Other than needing to hide it in front of them, his words and temperament were too outstanding. Even his eating posture and rules were not something an ordinary family could raise. Such a noble person would definitely be picky about the food he ate. Xiaoxiao originally thought that he would not want to try food that did not look good like century eggs.


    Rong Yan had mixed feelings. He didn��t want to try the ck century egg, but he felt that the sounds of the people eating porridge around him were too noisy. He even felt that he was gradually getting used to the taste of the century egg and was even a little eager to try it. Xiaoxiao looked at his expression and asked softly, ��Why don��t I scoop a small bowl for you to try?�� Rong Yan, who had a good appetite recently, pointed at her bowl. ��I want a big bowl.��


    Xiaoxiao understood immediately and even specially chose a bowl with the same pattern as hers.


    When she was cooking, she conveniently fed herself until she was half full and could not eat much, so she used a small rice bowl. Everyone else had to do physical work, so they used big bowls. Little Big Brother obviously had to grow taller with a bowl of noodles and porridge.


    Then she couldn��t fall behind others. She couldn��t possibly have the cutest height difference which she only reached his chest, right?


    Although that looked very cute, it made her look very weak. If she asionally wanted tounch a surprise attack or something, it would be embarrassing! Could it be that she had to jump up if she wanted to kiss him in the future?


    With that thought in mind, she heated up a ss of milk for herself and gulped it down.


    Ning Anhui couldn��t understand. ��It��s fine if you drink milk tea, but how can milk be delicious?��


    Xiaoxiao wiped her mouth. ��I can grow taller.��


    Ning Anhui looked at his eldest brother, who was a head taller than him, then at Rong Yan, who was slightly taller than him. He rubbed his stomach and leaned over. ��Give me a ss too.��


    Xiaoxiao expressed her suspicion. ��You just ate two big bowls of porridge!�� Ning Anhui burped. ��There��s still space if I squeeze it in my stomach.�� Then, he whispered to her, ��Don��t let Big Brother and Ah Yan drink it! They can��t grow any taller!��


    Xiaoxiao agreed deeply, but she still gave Little Big Brother special treatment and secretly brought two puddings-this thing was not easy to keep, so she specially reminded Little Big Brother to eat early.


    Rong Yan nodded. He felt sweet even before he ate it.


    ��I��ll go back and pack up. We��ll set off togetherter..��

 Chapter 225 - 225: Inappropriate Age

    Chapter 225: Inappropriate Age


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Considering that they had to enter and leave the county every day in the future, everyone could not rely on their feet to travel. Hence, the Rong Family prepared a carriage and the two families drove out every day.


    Horse carriages were also divided into grades. The one they bought was rtively cheap, but it was already the first carriage in the vige. Fortunately, with studying and opening a shop as the vanguard, everyone was surprised and slowly got used to it.


    They were used to understanding the Ning Family��s excellence and recognizing their excellence.


    However, of course, there were also despicable people who were unwilling to admit the existence of others. For example, Old Madam Ning, who was pulling a matchmaker to her door, was used to looking down on outsiders, especially when Rong Yan came with the name of fleeing. Hence, even though she saw the carriage, her mind was not filled with confidence or strength, but with the words ��pretending to be strong��, ��pretending to be rich��.


    This carriage was definitely rented to put on a show. How much could it cost?


    She sniffled and thought, If you can��t even bear to throw away rotten eggs, why are you pretending to be from a rich family?


    She had never gone to the Ning Family��s milk tea shop in the county. With her limited wisdom, she thought how delicious a beast��s milk could be? What kind of poor person would buy that thing? It was said that the Ning Family��s shop was rich. In her opinion, it was simr to selling sour bamboo shoots in the past. It was just a stall.


    She had such a mysterious mental fortitude. She could still exin her intentions arrogantly.


    ��As a young man, it��s not easy for you to even have a decent meal in our


    Fortune Vige.��


    The guards who had just eaten their fill: ???


    Old Madam Ning became a demon because of everyone��s silence. She rolled her eyes arrogantly and continued, ��To tell you the truth, my daughter has taken a fancy to you. I think you��re pitiful, so I don��t mind that you don��t have parents.


    I picked a day for you to marry into our family����


    Before she could finish, Rong Yan said, ��Get lost!


    The guards, who had noticed their master��s expression, moved out in unison. They picked up their brooms and chased her away before mming the door shut.


    Old Madam Ning scolded as she walked, ��Stinky outsider, don��t be shameless.


    You��re a jinx who jinxed your parents. Other than my family, who else can want you?! With your qualifications, there wasn��t even an elder in the family when I proposed the marriage. Who would like you?! Aiyo, who is it?!��


    Behind her, Zhao Hu and his wife, who were carrying bows and prey, put down the deer that was still bleeding with a cold expression. With blood all over their heads, they asked, ��Who said that he doesn��t have elders?��


    ��Auntie, I respect you as an elder, but you should act like an elder. My nephew��s life is hard, but this is not a reason for you toe and bully him.��


    He nced at the matchmaker and said coldly, ��Auntie Hu has been a matchmaker for so many years. Why don��t you know the rules today? How can anyone look for a junior directly when proposing marriage?


    Matchmaker Hu felt bitter. She didn��t want to either. Wasn��t she forcefully dragged here by Old Madam Ning?!


    ����Aiyo, look at me. I��m old and muddle-headed. Then Brother Zhao Hu, what do you think of this marriage?��


    Zhao Hu rejected him directly. ��Their ages don��t match. You can go to another


    house.��


    These words pinched Little Aunt Ning��s sore spot. An 18-year-old girl, who had high standards but low qualifications, had yet to get married. Countless people secretlyughed at her, but it was really rare for someone to point it out directly like this.


    Zhao Hu was obviously furious and did not n to save face for the old residence. He usually did not talk much because he hunted for a living. The couple did not have children or elders. Most of the time, they were not at home and were not very close to the vigers. However, he lived in the mountains all year round, and his iron-blooded aura was still very scary.


    At the very least, Old Madam Ning instantly shut up and didn��t dare to act rashly again. However, after walking far away, she still muttered something about a jinx, a fiend, and an extinction��


    The jinx was scolding Rong Yan, while the jinx and extinction were talking about Zhao Hu. His wife could not get pregnant for many years. asionally, the vigers would gossip in private. They all said that it was because he had killed too many animals and that it was retribution from the heavens. People like Old Madam Ning, who had no manners, would directly fabricate that they had no one to send them off after death. However, these words were also Zhao Hu��s sore spot.


    Even his usually shrewish wife was rarely quiet. The atmosphere was a little awkward.


    Zhao Hu was the first to break the silence. He brought the roe deer to Rong Yan. ��I was lucky today and got a roe deer. I��ll pick the camphor in its stomach and sell itter to buy you a pen, ink, paper, and inkstone.


    After some thought, he said, ��Reject whatever you��re unwilling to do. Just beat up those you don��t like. Don��t worry about anything else.��


    Zhao Hu was a man of few words and did not interact much with Rong Yan these days. Because the two families did not live together and their schedules were different, they did not even see each other much, but this person cared for his nephew.


    Other than staying at home for a period of time when Rong Yan��s house was built he often went out to huntter. He would stay in the mountains for a long time and would most likelye backte at night. Moreover, he was so tired that he slept for an entire day and missed Rong Yan perfectly when he woke up again.


    Of course, Rong Yan did this on purpose. After all, although he used his nephew��s identity, he really didn��t know how to interact with this uncle in name.


    Ever since he ��entered�� the Bowen Academy, Zhao Hu had started to go out at a higher frequency than usual. Rong Yan did not think much of it at first, but now that he saw the scattered silver coins in Zhao Hu��s hand, he realized that Zhao Hu was in such a hurry to hunt prey to earn money. Perhaps it was for him.


    Hearing themotion, Xiaoxiao opened the courtyard door and only saw the tightly shut courtyard door next door and Old Madam Ning��s back. She was also at a loss. Seeing that it was almost time to set off, she couldn��t think too much and ran back to pack.


    On the way to the county, Rong Yan suddenly asked Xiaoxiao, ��Have you chosen anyone to look after the fruit trees and that mountain from now on?�� Xiaoxiao shook her head. Previously, she wanted to give half of the money to Rong Yan to buy the mountain, but he rejected her, so she took on the mission of ��buying�� saplings. However, the person to look after the mountain was indeed not chosen yet.


    After the saplings were nted, someone needed to take care of them from time to time to prevent any idents. They also had to prevent anyone from secretly going up the mountain to cut the trees. This person did not have to be proficient in nting, but he had to be trustworthy.


    Little Big Brother��s family and her own family were the only ones Xiaoxiao could trust, but everyone was very busy.


    ��Little Big Brother, did you find a reliable person by asking this? Rong Yan handed her a cushion. ��H-how about my uncle and aunt? Xiaoxiao yawned. ��They��re quite good. Uncle Zhao Hu is kind and Aunt is also a warm-hearted person. Moreover, there��s a lot of prey on our mountain. When he patrols the mountain, he could set some traps while guarding the mountain����


    As she spoke, she fell asleep.


    She woke up early every day and would catch up on her sleep in the carriage. After she fell asleep, Rong Yan stopped talking. Ning Ansheng covered her with the nket, and the three men consciously sat outside the car.


    Ning Anhui replied, ��Uncle Zhao has a hard life. If not for Auntie Zhao, he probably wouldn��t even have been able to find a wife.�� Rong Yan was rarely curious about outsiders.. ��What do you mean?

 Chapter 226 - 226: Then I’ll Compensate You With A Wife

    Chapter 226: Then I��ll Compensate You With A Wife


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Anhui wasn��t sleepy at all when it came to gossip. ��It��s said that at that time, the girls in the vige despised Uncle Zhao for having no parents or fields. He didn��t live a stable life and had a scary scar on his face. No one was willing to marry him. In order to get a wife, Uncle Zhao Hu worked hard to hunt and sell game meat to save money. He couldn��t bear to buy or eat anything. He just hoped that a girl would give birth to a son for him for the sake of money in the future.��


    He chuckled and said, ��He saved Auntie Zhao from the mountains when he was hunting. She said that she was sold by her stepmother and escaped. At that time, she was covered in injuries. It was very scary.��


    Rong Yan asked, ��What happened next?��


    Ning An replied, ��Later on, that broker came looking for Auntie Zhao and wanted to take her away. It was Uncle Zhao Hu who redeemed her. Sigh, let me tell you. That scene was circted in our Fortune Vige for a long time.��


    ��It��s said that as soon as Uncle Zhao Hu received the indenture, he immediately returned it to Auntie Zhao. Then, the young Auntie Zhao took the indenture and asked Uncle Zhao Hu, ��Did you spend all the money you need to get a wife?�� Uncle Zhao Hu foolishly said yes, and Auntie Zhao stuffed the indenture back to Uncle Zhao Hu with a smile. She even said, ��Then I��llpensate you with a wife.�� Later on, the two of them tore up the indenture in front of the human broker and the vige chief and became engaged the next day.��


    After saying that, he sighed. ��It��s a pity that they haven��t been able to have any children all these years. Gossips like our step-grandmother talk nonsense about them.��


    Before Rong Yan could reply, he stuck his head out of the carriage. ��Why don��t we get Doctor Gongsun to take a look at Uncle Zhao Hu and Auntie?�� He was a genius doctor. He might be able to cure their infertility.


    Just as he arrived at the entrance of the academy, Shen Tianci, who was yawning, came over. He skillfully took out his snack box from the carriage and put back the empty box from yesterday. Then, he happily invited Xiaoxiao and the rest to the Shen Residence for dinner tonight.


    Xiaoxiao was thinking about the genius doctor, Gongsun, who lived in the Shen Family. Rong Yan had something important to do, and the Ning Family brothers were too embarrassed to reject him. Everyone was very happy.


    With this joy, he could not hide his smile in ss. The teachers had long expected better from Shen Tianci, who had entered through the back door. Instantly, he was selected to speak in every ss, making this happy little fatty dispirited into a depressed white steamed bun.


    As usual, Ning Ansheng and Rong Yan had to attend Chen Yong��s ss. After copying books for a few days, Ning Ansheng benefited greatly. The daily teacher-student questions and answers made him feel enlightened. Little did he know that Chen Yong was also very surprised. Other than discussing important matters with Rong Yan, he did not forget to give this rare intelligent student a lesson.


    Xiaoxiao often saw her brother��s tired look when he came back. She thought that he was being bullied, but after hearing what he said, she pped the table and made a box of biscuits for Chen Yong. She got her brother to bring it to him.


    Ning Ansheng felt that this was not good, but it was even worse for him to reject his sister��s good intentions. Hence, he could only brace himself and take out the snack box in today��s ss.


    At this moment, he was really d that he and Rong Yan were the only ones in Teacher Chen��s ss. Hence, he was not afraid of being too awkward. At most, he would be rejected and take it back to eat it himself.


    Chen Yong did not intend to ept it at first. As a teacher, it was his duty to teach and educate others. Moreover, this student caught his eye.


    Seeing that he was going to give gifts today, he frowned and thought that Ning Ansheng had finally been infected by the messy bad habits of those rich children in the academy. However, when he saw him open the snack box, the fragrance immediately assailed his nose.


    He thought, Oh, so its not those tacky gold and silver things, but snacks. This is a token of his sincerity. I shouldn��t let him down, so Hl eat one.


    With his teeth chattering, he finally knew what was going on with the ��scent that permeated between sses�� that the other teachers had beenining about some time ago.


    Chen Yong, who was a little unsatisfied, vaguely felt that he had forgotten something. As he thought about it, he picked up another piece. Crunch. Yo, it was quite crispy.


    Xiaoxiao��s box of snacks for Chen Yong was very sincere. She gave him more than what her brother and Little Big Brother usually had. She thought that the biscuits wouldst for two to three days and it would not be a problem for him to eat them. Who knew that Chen Yong would skip lunch?


    When school ended in the afternoon, Chen Yong still felt a little bloated. He did not have many hobbies in his life. He was just spoiled by the various snacks his junior brother brought from time to time. However, his junior brother had been at odds with the Teacher for many years. He had actually self-reflected and suppressed it.


    What happened today was an ident. Chen Yong felt that he had lost control of his self-control by chance. Tomorrow, he would still be the calm andposed Lord Chen and Teacher Chen.


    Thinking of this, he heaved a sigh of relief. How fragrant it was.


    Not only did the Shen Family invite Xiaoxiao and the others to dinner, but


    Dean Lu and Chen Yong were also invited. Xiaoxiao was happy to see it happen. Wasn��t it a good thing for students to get familiar with the teachers?


    Oh, that was not what Shen Tianci thought. He was not willing to see his teacher��s face when he returned home. However, seeing that Brother Ning and Rong Yan were so natural, he was too embarrassed to show too much resistance.


    He was much better than County Magistrate Shen and his wife had expected. They had thought that this kid would find an excuse to leave before dinner.


    There were many rules for big families to eat. It was impossible for everyone to sit at the table and wait for the dishes as soon as they arrived, so it was customary for them to drink tea and chat. Xiaoxiao was pulled by Mrs. Shen to see the growth of the green onions brought from the Ning Family, so the men gathered in the courtyard to study.


    Shen Tianci stuttered with a bitter expression. Hearing Rong Yan and Ning Ansheng��s smooth answers, he was envious and could not help but have the thought of working hard.


    As a heavyweight, Dean Lu was thest to appear. As soon as he entered, he sniffed and stopped in front of Chen Yong urately. ��What did you eat? Give me a serving.��


    Chen Yong suddenly remembered that he was fed because of Teacher. Teacher��s obsession with ��eating�� was even greater than his uncontroble state.


    Simply put, Teacher was even more gluttonous than him!


    Realizing this, Chen Yong realized at the same time��he was in trouble!


    He said that he seemed to have forgotten something. It turned out that he had forgotten to leave a portion for Teacher!


    As the former clerk for the chambein ofw enforcement, Lord Chen, who was praised for being smart, calm, and rational, had no change in his expression. A huge storm was already surging in his heart��what could he do to smooth things over?


    He was different from Shen Congjun. This kid could still use the excuse of his office to hide back in the government office after causing trouble. He had to face Teacher in the academy every day! He did not want to be taught a lesson in front of other teachers at his age. That would be too embarrassing!


    Just as his heart was in turmoil, Ning Ansheng and Rong Yan stood up at the same time and took out the gift that they had prepared. It was a full set of Xiaoxiao��s special snacks.


    ��Greetings, Dean. This is the first time we��re officially meeting. I brought some snacks. I hope you don��t mind.��


    Dean Lu nodded. Although he had long lost interest in such snacks bought outside, he still pretended to take the gift box. As soon as he touched it, he realized that this box was a little unfamiliar. It was different from the one Chen Yong, the useless clerk for the chambein ofw enforcement had bought for him previously. Curious, he quietly cracked open the food box.. Eh, it smells so good! ��It��s the pastry I ate previously!��

 Chapter 227 - 227: Attacking His Shortcomings With Her Ability

    Chapter 227: Attacking His Shorings With Her Ability


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Anhui wasn��t studying in the academy, so he wasn��t afraid of Dean Lu. When he heard this, he even leaned over curiously. ��Oh, you��re talking about sponge cake? This is already my sister��s early work. The new product is even better. Why don��t you try it, Sir?��


    As he spoke, he even guided him. ��For example, look at the light purple sandwich in the middle of this Taro Cake Roll. They��re all processed from taro, but the texture is very different from what we usually eat. Look at this Mianmian Cake. If not for the fact that the cream is too difficult to preserve, my sister would definitely pack the Cloud Cake for you. The texture is really like a cloud. It won��t be sweet or greasy when it enters your mouth. Also, this small biscuit is soft and crispy. It has any texture you want and is convenient to preserve. My brother and Zhao Yan like to bring it to school every day.��


    ��Oh, right. They seemed to have brought a portion for���� Teacher Chen today.


    ��Cough, cough, cough.�� Chen Yong coughed lightly and interrupted Ning Anhui. He still looked serious. ��Teacher, don��t eat too much. You still have to eatter.��


    Dean Lu stuffed another biscuit into his mouth in front of him. His eyes were filled with the anger of an old child. Chen Yong��s expression did not change. He turned around and asked Ning Anhui, ��Did your family make all these? It��s a pity that you don��t open a snack shop with your skills.��


    Ning Anhui narrowed his eyes and smiled. ��This gentleman really has good taste. To be honest, my family really opened a shop outside the academy. It��s called ��So It��s You��.��


    Dean Lu pondered for a moment. ��This name is quite interesting.��


    Ning Anhui immediately turned his head. ��Of course. My sister gave it that name!��


    After thinking for a moment, he added, ��My sister made the snacks herself. She came up with every novel method herself. Isn��t she awesome?��


    Seeing that his brother was about to start bragging about his sister again, Ning Ansheng pulled him back and cupped his hands at Dean and Chen Yong. ��I��m sorry, we only have this one sister in our family. We��re used to praising her, so he couldn��t hold back for a moment.��


    Dean Lu and Xiaoxiao couldn��t tell if he was being modest or affirming Ning Anhui��s words. At this moment, Mrs. Shen and Xiaoxiao finished looking at the flowers and nts. They guessed that the men had finished chatting and came back together.


    Dean Lu turned around. ��It��s you?��


    Xiaoxiao focused on her memories. ��Ah, Uncle, it��s you.��


    The others were stunned. ��You two know each other?��


    Xiaoxiao briefly exined what happened with Lei Shaoming outside the academy back then. She heard that she used unfamiliar words to embarrass Lei Shaoming. Shen Tianci, who knew about this for the first time, could not help butugh out loud. ��What did you think of this trick?��


    Xiaoxiao shrugged. ��He clearly wants to find trouble with me and won��t let it go easily. I don��t read as many books as him. Since I have a choice, of course I��ll use my strengths to attack his weaknesses.��


    Shen Tianci was a little anxious and tried his best to give her a look. The teacher and Dean of the academy were still watching. NingXiaoxiao, is it really okay for you to be so direct?!


    Of course, Xiaoxiao knew that the two of them were listening, but Dean Lu had participated in the entire incident that day and was already clear about it. As for the teacher who taught thew, he used to be the clerk for the chambein ofw enforcement. With her little thoughts, she could not hide it even if she wanted to, okay?


    Instead of covering it up, it was better to tell the truth. At least she could leave an honest impression.


    However, she naturally had to say everything she needed to say. ��I definitely won��t cheat people usually, but he doesn��te with good intentions. I can��t just ept it.��


    She was right. Because of this sincere exnation, Dean Lu and Chen Yong had a better impression of her. At the dining table, they even said that they would visit her shop in the future.


    Xiaoxiao only thanked her with a smile, but County Magistrate Shen and Mrs. Shen exchanged a tacitly evil smile. Did Dean Lu and Senior Brother Chen think that Xiaoxiao, a farm girl, would have a poor business?


    After the meal, the adults were in the mood to study again. However, for the sake of efficiency, they each took one away. Unfortunately, Shen Tianci was chosen by the big boss. When he followed Dean Lu into the study, he wanted to die. Ning Ansheng and Chen Yong went away together. It felt simr to going to the academy.


    County Magistrate Shen said that he wanted to discuss a few articles with Rong Yan. Xiaoxiao saw through it but did not say anything. She even reminded Little Big Brother to ask about the genius doctor.


    Yun Yi followed him out of habit and only retreated with a frown when he was stopped. Xiaoxiaoforted him very well. ��Don��t worry, the Shen Residence is safe.��


    Yun Yi said with a smile, ��Miss Ning, you must be joking. What��s there for me to worry about? Master is just studying. There��s nothing unsafe about it.��


    Xiaoxiao did not point out that he was exposing himself. She just skipped to the garden with Mrs. Shen.


    Mrs. Shen nted many beautiful flowers and nts in the backyard. What shecked was a target to show off. This time, she praised herself for catching Xiaoxiao. This made Xiaoxiao look forward to the seedling in the space that had yet to be seen.


    The space liked to be mysterious. It really didn��t give any notes before the seeds grew up.


    Neither of them noticed that Yun Yi��s expression was too dark, not far behind them.


    Did Miss Ning guess something?


    He lowered his eyes. It seemed that his master was not lying when he said that Miss Ning was smart.


    Through the conversation between Master and Miss Ning these few days, he already knew that Master had taken out the banknotes to buy the mountain with Miss Ning. Master was such a cautious person, but he made an exception for Miss Ning again and again. It could be seen how much influence she had on Master.


    In the hall, County Magistrate Shen went around the small door and took Rong Yan to the ce where the young man was recuperating. There were many guards outside the door, and no one coulde in without County Magistrate Shen��s order.


    The young man had indeed woken up once, but he was exhausted now and fell asleep again.


    Rong Yan went straight to the point. ��Did you get anything out of him?��


    County Magistrate Shen answered, ��He mentioned some bamboo slips. We��ve searched him, but we didn��t find it.��


    Although Gongsun Zhongjing��s medical skills were outstanding, he was still a human after all, not a god. The young man��s qi and blood were deficient. It could be said that he had wandered around the King of Hell��s Pce several times. It was already rare for him to recover to his current state.


    Rong Yan and County Magistrate Shen were not unreasonable people, so they didn��t rush or me him. Instead, they brought him a box of snacks prepared by Xiaoxiao.


    Since he let Gongsun Zhongjing participate in the young man��s treatment, it was not appropriate for him to leave the Shen Family for the time being. This was for the young man and also for Gongsun Zhongjing himself. Yan Lu was ruthless and would not care about the reputation of a genius doctor.


    Fortunately, Old Mrs. Li��s treatment hade to an end and the prescription had been prescribed. The follow-up treatment could not be carried out without Old Mrs. Li��s cooperation. Therefore, what the Li Family needed to do now was to ask the Li Family to persuade that stubborn Old Mrs. Li. Otherwise, County Magistrate Shen would not be able to handle them.


    He paced back and forth. ��Who was the first to discover this young man back then? Perhaps we can find the whereabouts of the bamboo slip if we ask.��


    Rong Yan pondered. Even in front of County Magistrate Shen, he didn��t n to drag Xiaoxiao into the mess.


    ��It��s me..��

 Chapter 228 - 228: Willing To Die

    Chapter 228: Willing To Die


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��When I found this young man, I had already personally checked the surroundings. I didn��t see anything resembling a bamboo slip. I also sent people to look for it after that, but I didn��t find anything.��


    County Magistrate Shen sighed. ��I think it��s really lost. It��s a pity that we��ve worked so hard to find a witness, but weck a piece of equally important physical evidence. Even if we make a scene in front of the emperor, Yan Lu will probably say that we just found someone to nder him.��


    He was really angry just thinking about it.


    Rong Yan looked at the young man��s pale face and thought for a moment before saying, ��If we lose it, we can find new evidence.��


    Seeing his look, County Magistrate Shen asked, ��Do you have an idea, Your Highness?��


    Rong Yan said, ��The Lei Family was determined to get this young man back then. If they knew that he was here����


    County Magistrate Shen��s eyes glowed. ��They will definitely send someone to take the young man��s life!��


    However, after saying that, he was a little hesitant. ��But this way, wouldn��t the young man be in danger again after escaping death?��


    Rong Yan suggested, ��Can you hire someone to pretend to be him?��


    County Magistrate Shen shook his head. ��Let��s not talk about the Lei Family. Yan Lu is a cautious man. He would never do anything unless he was sure of the young man��s identity. Otherwise, I would have been able to find something in him after so many years.��


    At this moment, a weak voice was heard from the couch. The young man was still weak, but his eyes were filled with hatred. ��I��ll do it. As long as I can make Yan Lu submit to thew, Han Qing is willing to die!


    The three of them looked at each other. Rong Yan and County Magistrate Shen both saw through Han Qing��s determination.


    ��Alright, in that case, please recuperate first. We��ll bring you out of the residence in three days.��


    After settling this matter, they returned to the hall and returned to their respective homes.


    It was alreadyte. When Xiaoxiao and her brothers returned home, Ning Fengnian and Madam Song were waiting anxiously outside the house. Under the dim candlelight, Xiaoxiao realized that there were many bloody spots on her father��s clothes. When she asked, she found out that there were inexplicably many leeches in the rice field.


    The leech was the most troublesome. They could not catch it all, nor could they ignore it.


    Madam Song said with heartache and reproach, ��Your father is also a big-hearted person. He used himself as bait to catch leeches when he was anxious!��


    She red at Ning Fengnian angrily. ��Aren��t you afraid of losing yourself!�� Her eyes turned red as she spoke.


    Seeing this, Ning Fengnian hurriedly apologized and coaxed her. He repeatedly promised not to do this stupid thing again. It was so difficult to coax Madam Song until she smiled.


    Only then did he dare to defend himself. ��I just couldn��t bear to see our paddy fields fail. Besides, this matter is really strange. Why is it that other people��s fields are fine except for ours?��


    Madam Song couldn��t figure this out either and could only guess blindly.


    ��Could it be because ournd is especially fertile?


    But didn��t they buy the middle qualitynd?


    Xiaoxiao had a guess, but before she exposed Old Madam Ning, another big event happened in the vige-the water level of the Dusk River rose again.


    The rainy season in June wasing, and the rain for the past few days made the rising water worse than the previous times. If County Magistrate Shen hadn��t asked someone to dig the canal in advance, many families would have suffered.


    Old Madam Ning was originally worried that it would not be easy to clean up after what she had done was exposed. When she saw the flood, she immediately rxed and urged the old man and the other vigers to catch fish.


    Although she had ced leeches in Fengnian��s fields on a whim in a moment of anger, she had also noticed that there was no one around at that time. No one could catch her wrongdoings. Now that the river water had washed over her, even if there were some traces left, they would be gone, right?


    After she was relieved, she boldly went to put leeches a few more times. If Fengnian did not help them, their eldest branch would not have a good life either!


    Rong Yan looked at the pouring rain. After discussing with County Magistrate Shen, he protected the young Han Qing and showed up on Dayan Mountain several times, trying his best to find something.


    The Lei Family also left someone nearby. Seeing that, they hurried to report. Just as they were rubbing their fists and nning to stop them in the mountains, County Magistrate Shen and the others suddenly stoppeding.


    There were only two reasons for this to happen. Firstly, they had given up on looking for the ount book. Secondly, they had already found it.


    This matter was of great importance, and the Lei Family did not dare to make the decision on their own. They could only send the news to Luo Prefecture. What was strange was that Lord Yan was still not in a hurry and only told them to wait for the news.


    While the Lei Family was waiting anxiously, County Magistrate Shen and Rong


    Yan were also anxious.


    The rain over the past few days was just a small sign. The vigers might still cheer for the sky that suddenly cleared, but knowing that the rainy season wasing, they had already reached a point where they could not sleep at night. What was even more depressing was that Yan Lu��s transfer order had already been issued. He did not care about the impact of the continuous rain on the people along the river. He only cared about escaping and staying out of it with the official money he had hidden.


    Even the guards had blisters at the corners of their mouths. When Rong Yan returned from the county office again, they couldn��t wait to ask, ��Master, how was it? Did you find it?��


    Rong Yan recalled everything that had happened these days and heaved a sigh of relief. ��Fortunately, I found it.��


    He did not look at the guards�� reactions. He only listened to the deliberately suppressed cheers behind him, hoping that everyone was sincerely happy.


    He asked County Magistrate Shen to rx the city defense these days and make sure that the news could reach Yan Lu��s ears as soon as possible. However, he felt suffocated when he thought that it was the people around him who sent the news.


    At this moment, he suddenly wanted to see Xiaoxiao and eat her food.


    However, while Xiaoxiao was busy, there were inexplicably more leeches in their field. Her parents only guessed that it had something to do with the water that had risen a few days ago, but Xiaoxiao found out with Yun Er��s help that Old Madam Ning took the opportunity to go into their field in the middle of the night.


    She didn��t think that this old woman would do anything good, but Xiaoxiao wanted to do something more than expose her.


    When there was no one around again, Xiaoxiao flipped to the page she needed in the space��s Exchange Mall and happily chose to exchange it. Then, she found an opportunity to go to the fields and took out a few.


    At first, the space was a little worried: [Master, this is an invasive species after all. Aren��t you worried that something will go wrong?]


    Xiaoxiao smiled until her eyes couldn��t be seen. [With me around, will they have this chance?]


    The space thought about it and agreed. With Master��s culinary skills as a supplement, it would be good enough if it was not eaten into an endangered species. Hence, it also sounded the notification happily.


    [Ding! Congrattions to the host forpleting the hidden mission��Origin of Species. You havepleted the introduction of a new species. You have received 10,000 points. Current total points are 53,000.]


    Aiya, why did it seem like she was going to level up again very soon? In the past, she thought that the higher the level, the harder it was to level up. Now, it seemed like she had misunderstood. Xiaoxiao happily reached out and stirred in the water. Every time she stirred the water, she could move dozens of crayfish out of the space.


    This little guy did not hurt the rice and was beneficial to the fields. Most importantly, it was delicious.


    At the thought of the crayfish��s cooking, Xiaoxiao felt that she could not help but drool.


    There were garlic crayfish, dried-fried crayfish, Thirteen Spices crayfish, spicy crayfish, baked egg yellow shrimp, clear water crayfish, and her favorite ice Huatiao drunk crayfish!

 Chapter 229 - 229: Crayfish

    Chapter 229: Crayfish


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After wiping her mouth, Xiaoxiao remembered that she should put another matter on the agenda.


    [Space baby, the other food we nted is almost ripe, right?]


    After nting a lot of rice and wheat, Xiaoxiao thought that she did notck points, so she started to exchange for other grain seeds from the space. With the enhancement of five times the speed, most of them could be harvested in less than 20 days.


    The space showed her the projection of the farnd. Looking at the golden corn and glutinous rice in the field, Xiaoxiao could not help but smile. At this moment, a pair of hands grabbed her wrist and pulled her up. Rong Yan��s angry voice rang in her ears. ��What are you doing!�� ��Previously, you said that you wouldn��t let Uncle Ning use such a silly method to catch leeches. Why did you do it yourself?��


    ��You can tell me if you��re worried about affecting the rice field. I��ll get Yun Yi and the others to help. Can��t a few men handle those insects? Do you have to be distant from me over such a small matter?��


    Seeing that the little girl did not react, he regretted scaring her with his harsh tone. Hence, he added awkwardly, ��I��m just worried about you.�� ��Quickly extend your hand for me to see if you��ve been bitten.��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t say anything just now because she was too surprised. It was rare for Little Big Brother to say so much in one go. Although his tone was a little fierce, every word was filled with worry for her. Of course, she couldn��t be so ungrateful and angry with him. When she heard thest sentence, she obediently reached out her hand.


    ��Little Big Brother, don��t worry. I��m not that great. I even feel silly when Buddha cuts off his flesh to feed the eagles. How can I do such an idiotic act of using myself as bait?��


    Rong Yan heaved a sigh of relief. ��Then what are you doing?��


    Xiaoxiao pretended to move a crayfish out of her space. ��I��m looking at this.�� In the future, crayfish were invaders from abroad, let alone in ancient times. Hence, Rong Yan, who was knowledgeable, rarely looked stunned. ��What��s this? It looks a little like prawns, but it seems to be fiercer.��


    Pfft, Xiaoxiao, who was amused by Little Big Brother��s description, grinned. ��They��re probably rtives.��


    ��I just saw it eating leeches.��


    It was true. Rong Yan and Xiaoxiao sat side by side on the field for a long time. Xiaoxiao even took out a snack box from the grass pile at the side and ate it with him.


    It was such a simple daily routine, but Rong Yan felt his heart gradually calm down.


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��Little Big Brother, is there something on your mind right now?��


    Rong Yan wanted to say no, but what he said was, ��I��m thinking who chose to betray me and why he did it.��


    Xiaoxiao immediately asked, ��Are you going to find that person?��


    Rong Yan paused. ��Sometimes, you��re so smart that you don��t look like an ordinary little girl who grew up in the Fortune Vige.��


    Xiaoxiao said very humbly, ��Perhaps I��m a fairy from the sky and God sent me down to save the world, so Little Big Brother, you cane to me to confide in me if you feel ufortable.��


    Rong Yan really asked, ��Then what do you think I should do with that person?�� Hearing the conflict in his words, Xiaoxiao sighed. ��As the saying goes, a pitiful person must have something hateful. A hateful person must have something to pity. It can be seen that evil people always have their reasons for doing evil.�� Rong Yan thought that Xiaoxiao would persuade him to be lenient like all the soft-hearted girls, but he heard her say, ��Then don��t care about those reasons. He betrayed you. You just have to pursue this point.��


    Rong Yan realized that he was being pretentious. Xiaoxiao was right. Why was he thinking so much? The most important thing now was to find the traitor and expose Yan Lu��s evil deeds.


    After thinking it through, Rong Yan could already calmly mention to the guards that Han Qing hade and found the bamboo slip. ��I��ll go to the Shen Residence tomorrow. When Han Qinges, he can unlock the secret signal on the bamboo slip.��


    He turned around and asked, ��Which one of you is going with me?��


    Yun Er reacted the fastest. He raised his arm. ��Master, let me do it!��


    Rong Yan lowered his eyes and hummed sleepily.


    Whether it was catching a spy or finding Yan Lu��s mistakes, it was not something that could be told to anyone. Even Mrs. Shen only knew that County Magistrate Shen tossed and turned all night and did not sleep well. He even asked her to leave the mansion early in the morning.


    Mrs. Shen sensed that something was wrong, but her husband looked serious. Obviously, it was not something that could be fooled. Therefore, she could only hold County Magistrate Shen��s hand and say with a smile, ��Then wait for me toe back for dinner.��


    County Magistrate Shen patted the back of his wife��s hand. ��You might be busy until veryte today. Why don��t you go to Fragrance Restaurant or ask Little Girl Ning to join you?��


    Mrs. Shen got angry. ��I don��t care. I won��t eat it if you don��t apany me.��


    County Magistrate Shen smiled. ��Okay, okay, I��ll go with you.��


    Bowen Academy was on holiday today, but Rong Yan disappeared early in the morning. It was rare for Ning Ansheng to rest, so he stayed at home to read books and help his sister tidy up the kitchen.


    Yesterday, she caught a strange prawn that no one knew from the rice field and said that she wanted to fiddle with it to eat it. Her family objected strongly, afraid that she would eat something wrong. However, they could not dissuade her from doing so, so they could only arrange for her eldest brother, who was the best at controlling her, to keep an eye on her.


    Xiaoxiao��s pot was fragrant. The crayfish turned red as she shook the pot, and its body curled up.


    [Ding�� Gourmet Thirteen Spices Crayfish has been sessfully recorded for the first time. You have received 500 points. Current total points are 53,500.] Smelling the fragrance, Ning Anhui whispered into his brother��s ear, ��Big Brother, smell it. Perhaps this thing can really be eaten?��


    Ning Ansheng red at him. ��You only know how to eat!��


    Sigh, Ning Anhui couldn��t take it anymore. ��I can even earn money!��


    ������ Ning Ansheng, the only person in the family who didn��t earn money and still spent money.


    Seeing that he was silent, Ning Anhui scratched his head andforted him. ��Big Brother, I��ll take care of the family and earn money in the future. I won��t let my sister and parents suffer. Don��t worry about studying and don��t feel guilty. Although our Grandpa has many other issues, his persistence in Studying isn��t wrong. It wasn��t easy for our family to have someone talented. You can��t dy it����


    Ning Anhui chuckled and continued, ��I know that my younger sister asked me to be a shopkeeper partly to find a livelihood for me, and partly because she hoped that I would read more and learn more so that I would have the thought of studying. However, I��ve tried. I really can��t take in sages�� books. You��re different from me. You were born to study. If the Ning Family is lucky enough to produce a schr, it will definitely be you.��


    What he did not say was that there had to be someone at home to take care of things. Instead of letting him stumble and force himself to be a dabbler, but let his parents and sisters work day and night, it was better for him to share the burden of the family so that Big Brother would be free of distractions. What was that word again? Oh right, it was twice the result with half the effort.


    Ning Ansheng was stunned. He had always thought that his younger brother was not serious and only had money and food in his mind. He did not expect his younger brother to have thought so much before he knew it.


    The brothers grew up together and their tacit understanding far exceeded that of others. They reached a consensus in just a few sentences, but they did not know that Xiaoxiao, who was in front of the stove, had sharp ears and eyes and heard their words..

 Chapter 230 - 230: Every Profession Produced A Top Scholar

    Chapter 230: Every Profession Produced A Top Schr


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    She put down the spat and sighed softly. Forget it. Based on the Ning Family��s current situation, if she had to make Ning Anhui, who had no foundation at all, study, not to mention the oue, this would probably be a form of torture for him.


    In life, the most important thing was to be happy. There were 360 professions, and every profession produced a top schr. Ning Anhui��s ambition was not to study, so let him do what he was good at and liked.


    Presumably, Big Brother would need his family��s help when he entered the royal court in the future.


    However, in this way, Second Brother��s learning direction would have to change.


    When she turned around again, she smiled. ��Brothers, are you really not going to try it?��


    Ning Anhui was actually eager to give it a try, but Ning Ansheng��s attitude was firm. Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hand. ��Why don��t we get Doctor Gongsun to help take a look?��


    Ning Ansheng��s face darkened. ��He��s a genius doctor! A genius doctor!��


    Xiaoxiao muttered softly, ��Even genius doctors have to eat���� Perhaps he liked to eat too! No one could resist the charm of Xiaoxiao��s crayfish!


    It was not easy for her to make it. She could not just do it for these points, right? Realizing that she no longer took 500 points seriously, Xiaoxiao felt that she needed to reflect.


    Recently, the tea shop had been doing well. She could earn thousands of points every day. Thinking of this, it did not seem a problem to be a little proud.


    Just as she was about to put her hands on her hips, Xiaoxiao heard a roar from the space: [Master! Get down!]


    Without another word, shey down. Then, she saw an arrow brush past the corner of her shirt and pierce into the wall.


    The Ning Family brothers, who were leaning against the wall and were not within the range of the crisis, immediately stood up, went forward, hugged their sister, and hid at the foot of the wall.


    Here, even if another arrow attacked, it could protect his sister.


    However, the cruel reality told them that this was just their wishful thinking.


    Because several burning torches were thrown in from outside the house, they instantly ignited the woodpile beside the stove.


    The three of them were in a dilemma. If they continued to hide, they would be roasted into charcoal sooner orter. If they went out, they would be pricked like hedgehogs again.


    They could only be d that their parents were not at home. Otherwise, wouldn��t they be scared silly?


    Just as they were feeling anxious, the three of them heard the sound of weapons shing again. In just a moment, a familiar call came from outside. ��Miss Ning, Young Master Ning, are you alright?��


    It turned out that the guards next door had arrived in time.


    Ning Ansheng wiped his sweat and opened the window slit before his younger siblings could answer. After confirming who it was, he heaved a sigh of relief. ��Thank you for your help, everyone.��


    The guards looked at each other and felt a little embarrassed. The Ning Family was clearly implicated, so why were they thanking them instead? ��No, no. Are you injured?��


    The brothers looked at Xiaoxiao at the same time. After confirming that she had not even scratched her skin, they started to worry about the kitchen that had already started burning.


    Even though the guards were fast, they had to capture people and put out the fire. They could not help but lose sight of one another. By the time Ning Fengnian and his wife rushed back when they saw the ck smoke, it was obvious that they could not live in this small courtyard that was not strong to begin with.


    However, the first thing they cared about was the safety of their children. ��Why would an evil persone out of nowhere?��


    The guards exchanged looks and said, ��I heard from County Magistrate Shen that raiders have been causing trouble recently. I didn��t expect it to be so chaotic.��


    It was alright to lie to the ignorant Ning Fengnian and his wife and the careless Ning Anhui, but Ning Ansheng frowned. Xiaoxiao quickly thought of the young man she had saved.


    As expected, it was also at this moment that Yun Yi suddenly slipped behind Xiaoxiao and exined softly, ��Miss Ning, I��m afraid these people are from the Lei Family. They��re here to settle scores with you for saving that young man. As long as you��re here, they definitely won��t let the matter rest. Although we brothers have practiced martial arts for a few years, it��s difficult for two fists to fight four hands. It��s hard to guarantee that there won��t be any idents. Why don��t youe with me to the county to ask County Magistrate Shen for help?��


    If they were here for her, these people would probably note again after she left. Xiaoxiao did not want her family to be implicated, so she agreed without much thought.


    However, when Yun Yi found an excuse to appease the Ning Family, she ran back to the kitchen where the fire had been extinguished. She took out a bowl of crayfish mixed with dust and stuffed it into the mouth of the restrained man in ck as she peeled them.


    Although the taste was not bad, the man in ck with a backbone asked gruffly, ��What did you give us to eat?��


    Xiaoxiao wiped her hands and stopped after everyone stuffed a few mouthfuls into her mouth. She couldn��t even be bothered to take the shrimp vein. ��I don��t know.��


    The man in ck was stunned. He repeated in a daze with a mouthful of fresh fragrance, ��What do you mean by not knowing?��


    Xiaoxiao shrugged. ��It means exactly what it means. I caught it outside yesterday. I don��t know what it is, and I don��t know if it��s poisonous. Coincidentally, you guys have ulterior motives, so you might as well try it for me.��


    After saying that, she turned to look at her eldest brother and second brother. ��Brother, watch them. If they have diarrhea or are poisoned to death, I won��t have any designs on that prawn in the future. If they don��t die, I��ll have to try tomorrow.��


    Ning Anhui tried to peel one as well. ��It looks simr to a prawn, but it��s a little big. A prawn monster? Heh, these pincers are impressive. Can they really be eaten?��


    The man in ck felt like he was about to copse��he really didn��t know what it was that she had to feed them!


    They immediately shut their mouths and refused to eat anymore. How could the guards allow it? If they hade a littleter just now and something had happened to Miss Ning, wouldn��t their master have made them take off their heads and use them as stools? Hence, they raised their hands to remove their chins and went forward to help feed them.


    Xiaoxiao felt that this group of bad people was a little too lucky. They were fed the crayfish she made and even looked like they didn��t know how lucky they were. She decided to disgust them.


    Hence, she pinched a lobster tail and said to her brother, ��Brother, do you see the ck lines here?��


    Ning Anhui helped to get the prawns from the river. ��Shrimp vein?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Probably. It��s probably filled with prawn feces. Remember not to remove it when feeding them. If it��s poisonous, it can take effect earlier.��


    The man in ck wanted to vomit, but with the guards guarding him, he had to swallow it even if he vomited.


    After settling down here, Xiaoxiao and Yun Yi rushed to the county office.


    At this moment, in the county office, Han Qing had taken some refreshing medicine and was leaning against the desk, writing and drawing something. The Shen Residence seemed to be normal today, but there were many guards in disguise outside. Whether it was County Magistrate Shen or Rong Yan, they felt that Yan Lu��s men would probably choose to attack after nightfall.


    Unexpectedly, at nine o��clock, a report came from outside. ��Sir, there��s something wrong!��


    The men in ck and the bailiffs of the county office suddenly fought. County Magistrate Shen was well-prepared and had enough manpower, but they fought leniently with the other party in order to keep them alive.


    There would be casualties if there was a fight. Han Qing took a deep breath and gave up on joining because of the pain in his chest and abdomen. He obediently became a live target in the house.


    The names that were scribbled on the paper were just a cover. He did not have time to look at the name list at all. He remembered that the bamboo slip was still in his mouth before he fainted. Why did it disappear after he woke up?


    Lord Shen and the others were bent on taking down Yan Lu, so it was naturally impossible for them to hide it. Then who could it be?


    He remembered seeing a girl before he fainted.. Why did this young master say that he was the one who saved him now? Could it be that he was too injured at that time and had an illusion?

 Chapter 231 - 231:1 Can Do Worse

    Chapter 231:1 Can Do Worse


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan, who had been stared at by him for too long, couldn��t help but frown. He almost suspected that Han Qing had some strange hobby.


    Young Master, was there really no one else beside me when you found me?�� Rong Yan��s expression did not change as he hummed faintly.


    Han Qing said muddle-headedly, ��Could it be that I was delirious at that time and mistook you for a girl because I saw that you were good-looking?�� County Magistrate Shen turned around and looked at the sky, pretending that he didn��t hear anything.


    Rong Yan asked with a straight face, ��What is Yun Er doing?��


    County Magistrate Shen replied, ��He��s loyal to you and hasn��t left for a moment.��


    Rong Yan originally thought that the person who volunteered toe to the Shen Residence with him was the most suspicious. In order to confirm this, he specially gave Yun Er a chance to get close to Han Qing. He was just waiting for him to make a move and get the Shen Family��s secret guards hiding in the house to take him down.


    But now, it seemed like that was not the case?


    ��Master!�� At this moment, Yun Er��s restless voice sounded outside the window. ��Chief brought Miss Ning here and said that the Ning Family was also attacked just now!��


    Rong Yan immediately opened the door. ��Where is she? Is she injured?��


    Yun Er patted his chest. ��Fortunately, Master asked our brothers to be on guard at all times. It was just a close call. However, Fengnian said that Miss Ning was frightened and insisted oning to see you.��


    Rong Yan stopped in his tracks and looked at Xiaoxiao, who was standing side by side with Yun Er in front of the guards without any panic. He seemed to have thought of something.


    ��Why are you here?��


    Yun Yi spoke first. ��The Ning Family was attacked very likely because the Lei Family knew that Miss Ning was the one who saved Young Master Han. I thought that the Shen Residence was safer, so I specially sent Miss here.�� Rong Yan got the guard to remove the sword and reached out to pull Xiaoxiao��s sleeve. However, Yun Yi chuckled and shed down with his sword.


    Rong Yan did not retract his hand and only took the guard��s sword with his other hand to block it. Seeing that Yun Yi��s sword was about tond on Rong Yan��s arm, Xiaoxiao pushed him away and let herself fall into Yun Yi��s hands.


    She sighed and craned her neck away from the de. ��So it��s you.�� Little Big Brother originally thought that Yun Yi was the least likely person to betray him.


    Yun Yi did not look at her, but looked at Rong Yan, who had a cold expression.


    ��How did Master realize that something was wrong?��


    Yun Er was already dumbfounded. W-what was going on?


    Why did Chief go against their master? Why did he hold Miss Ning hostage?


    Rong Yan held his sword tightly. ��1 didn��t tell anyone that she saved Han Qing.��


    Yun Yi had a nonchnt smile on his face that was different from usual.


    ��Perhaps Miss Ning wanted to take credit and told me herself.��


    Rong Yan said firmly, ��She won��t.��


    Yun Yi handed the sword over slightly. ��Master trusts Miss Ning very much.�� However, he changed the topic and said, ��She��s also very important to you. I wonder who you value more between Miss Ning and Han Qing in the room?�� In the past, the Grand Tutor had once asked Rong Yan a question. If he could only choose one of the people he cherished and themoners, who would he choose?


    Rong Yan, who was still young at that time, chose themon people without hesitation.


    However, at this moment, he hesitated. How could His Highness hesitate?


    Yun Yi moved the sword closer to Xiaoxiao��s neck. ��I know that it��s impossible to take away what I want under the heavy guards of the Shen Residence, so Master, please personally hand Han Qing and the ount book in his hands to me.��


    Rong Yan��s face was livid. ��Do you know what that ount book represents?��


    Yun Yi smiled and said in a rather sloppy manner, ��I know. It represents the lives of countless innocent people. If we can��t get evidence of Lord Yan��s corruption and concealment of the dam��s damage as soon as possible, when the rainy seasones, the dam that already has cracks will definitely copse. The people along the coast will be dead because of it.��


    Looking at Rong Yan��s expression, he asked cruelly, ��But what has this got to do with me?��


    ��You are the one who has to make a choice now.��


    ��Who do you want to choose between Miss Ning and Han Qing?��


    County Magistrate Shen and the others couldn��t help but look anxious. But seeing Xiaoxiao��s quiet face, they couldn��t persuade Rong Yan to give up on her in front of her.


    Rong Yan pursed his lips tightly, but Yun Yi did not seem to be in a hurry. He hid behind Xiaoxiao shamelessly.


    ��Master, have you thought about it?��


    Rong Yan looked at Xiaoxiao��s fearless eyes and said firmly, ��Let go of her.��


    Yun Yi was stunned. County Magistrate Shen and the others were also dumbfounded.


    ��Master, do you mean to choose Miss Ning?��


    ��Don��t you care about thosemoners and the arrangements these few days?�� These words were really heartbreaking, but Rong Yan��s expression did not change and he did not n to change his words. Xiaoxiao felt that Yun Yi��s hand was a little unstable, so she carefully ced her finger on the sword. The space that sensed the danger hurriedly expressed: [Don��t worry, Master. If he does anything abnormal, I��ll definitely destroy this sword immediately!] Xiaoxiao actually had the time to be curious: [How? Didn��t you say that no one can discover your existence?]


    The space exnation: [It��s just moving a very small part of the sword��s body and letting it break. It��s a very small part. No one can tell!]


    Who would have thought that the gourmet space had such a use?


    The space was actually a little puzzled: [Master, why do I feel that you don��t seem very afraid?]


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin. [Don��t I have you?]


    How could it know that Xiaoxiao cared more about her life than exposing her differences? If it came to that, she would definitely hide in the space without hesitation.


    Even if she was treated as an anomaly, she could hide her parents and brothers in her space to ensure that she did not have to worry about food and clothing. It was just that she would be a little bored. Moreover, she had a vague feeling that Yun Yi would not really hurt her.


    Just as the two sides were in a deadlock, the door was pushed open. Han Qing, who was still very haggard, said firmly, ��I��ll go with you. Let go of that girl!�� He recognized that it was this girl he had seen before he fainted! How could he watch his savior suffer an undeserved cmity because of him?


    He even gave Rong Yan a thumbs up. ��You did the right thing. How can we let innocent women be implicated in our own matters! If we really harm Miss��s life today, how can we live proudly in the future?��


    Yun Yi nodded and said, ��As expected of Young General Han, who dared to barge into the Yan Residence alone. What a backbone!��


    He changed the topic. ��But you��re not the one who has to make a decision today. Master, I��ll ask again. Do you really want to exchange Young General Han and that ount book for Miss Ning?��


    There were more reproachful and disapproving gazes towards Rong Yan in the crowd. Xiaoxiao saw it and naturally understood that in the eyes of most people, it was smarter to exchange her insignificant life for something more important. However, Rong Yan did not waver from the beginning to the end. County Magistrate Shen and the others secretly made hand gestures, ready tounch a sneak attack when they were about to exchange them. However, Yun Yi seemed to have seen through their thoughts and said, ��If so, please take out the ount book and kill yourself here, Young General Han.��


    County Magistrate Shen finally couldn��t help but say, ��Don��t go too far!��


    Yun Yi smiled coldly. ��I can do worse.. County Magistrate Shen, do you want to hear it?��

 Chapter 232 - 232: Exit Location

    Chapter 232: Exit Location


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He turned to look at Rong Yan. ��I want one of your hands, Master.�� With that, he kicked a sword on the ground to Rong Yan��s feet.


    Rong Yan��s expression was unreadable. He really bent down to pick up the sword. Xiaoxiao hurriedly said, ��Wait!��


    Rong Yan suddenly looked at her and was about to injure himself the next moment when Xiaoxiao shouted quickly, ��The ount book is with me.��


    It was unknown who blocked Rong Yan��s sword, but the nging sound did not stop for a long time. It could be seen how much strength he used and how determined he was when he swung just now.


    Xiaoxiao felt that from this moment on, this man, who was willing to give up everything for her and hurt his body without hesitation, would never be erased from her heart.


    He had done so much for her. How could Xiaoxiao bear to make things difficult


    for him and hurt him?


    She smiled and said clearly, ��What you��re looking for is a very, very small bamboo tube that was pressed under Young Master Han��s tongue, right? That thing is with me.��


    ��Brother Yun Yi, since you know that I was the first to find him, you should naturally understand that what I said is true, so there��s no need for you to make Little Big Brother Ah Yan choose.��


    Rong Yan, who had reacted calmly just now, could not stay calm at all. ��Let her go and I��ll let you live. Otherwise, I��ll make sure you die horribly no matter where you go!��


    Yun Yi smiled. ��Master, you��re joking. Since I��ve already obtained what I want, how can I���� Return it to you?


    Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly threw something on the ground. The moment this thing hit the ground, ck smoke suddenly filled the air. Xiaoxiao seized thest opportunity to shout, ��Little Big Brother, don��t be anxious. I��ll be fine!�� Then, someone covered her mouth and brought her out of the Shen Residence.


    Because of Xiaoxiao, County Magistrate Shen��s men held back. When the smoke dissipated, Xiaoxiao and Yun Yi were nowhere to be seen.


    Rong Yan did not say anything else. He looked up, found a direction, and chased after her.


    Yun Er followed without another word. ��Master, have you found traces of them?��


    Rong Yan shook his head with an ugly expression. Yun Er had no choice but to ask, ��Then why are you running here?��


    Because the guards here were the most rxed, and because Dayan Mountain was the closest to here, it would be even harder for them to find Yun Yi after entering the mountain. Because�� his intuition��


    He didn��t waste any energy to exin, and Yun Er followed him quietly. County Magistrate Shen, who was one step slower, left half of his men to interrogate the men in ck who were captured alive, and the other half followed him very quickly.


    In front of them, Yun Yi was indeed walking in this direction. However, he knew the principle of hiding in the busy county. Not only was he not in a hurry to escape, but he also disguised himself. He ced the dagger behind Xiaoxiao and pretended to be her grandfather and granddaughter as he slowly walked towards the city gate.


    Xiaoxiao slowed down. ��I have a question.��


    Yun Yi moved the dagger. ��I admire Miss Ning��s inner strength.�� Did she have any self-awareness that she was being held hostage?


    However, if he did not answer, Xiaoxiao would not cooperate and move forward. Helpless, Yun Yi could only give in. ��Miss, please speak.��


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��Were you the one who lured the wild boar to where I was in the forest that day?��


    Yun Yi nodded and admitted it. Xiaoxiao asked again, ��Were you the one who brought Little Big Brother Ah Yan to look for meter?��


    She did not understand the meaning of Yun Yi��s contradictory actions. Why did he let her confront Lei Shaoming and ask Little Big Brother to save her?


    Yun Yi did not intend to answer anymore. ��These are two questions. Alright, Miss Ning, I advise you not to waste time. Don��t force me to knock you out and carry you away.��


    Xiaoxiao muttered, ��Men and women shouldn��t touch each other.�� She really followed obediently.


    A good girl should not lose out. Moreover, the more remote she went, the more convenient it was for her to escape.


    Compared to disappearing in the bustling city, she was more inclined to wait for an opportunity to disappear in an uninhabited ce. Yun Yi had to rest and let go of her hand. When the time came, she would either ask to pee, jump into a valley or river. There would always be a way to avoid his gaze for a moment.


    If she really encountered a situation where he would not rest until she died, she still had the ingredient ughter function. Before that, she wanted to see if she could get any useful information.


    ording to the routine, she was a dead person in Yun Yi��s eyes. Typically, bad people could not help but tell secrets to such people. She could not be caught for nothing, right?


    County Magistrate Shen sent people to chase after Rong Yan in a hurry. Moreover, he subconsciously thought that Yun Yi had gone far away, so the city gate was slightly rxed. Before the strict order was given, Yun Yi had sessfully taken Xiaoxiao out of the city and went to Dayan Mountain ording to Rong Yan��s prediction.


    Xiaoxiao was even happier when she saw this. There were many trees and grass in the mountains. She would find an opportunity to fall and roll aroundter to ��disappear��. She was so looking forward to it!


    Yun Yi felt that Xiaoxiao was too cooperative. She did not cry, make a fuss, or cause trouble. She even walked very quickly. Sometimes, she would even walk in front to urge him. ��Walk faster. Haven��t you eaten?��


    There must be something wrong with this abnormality. He suspected that she had some scheme.


    Looking at the ground that she had stomped into a mess, Yun Yi sneered. ��Do you think you can get Master to notice this?��


    He restored the ground to its original state as quickly as possible in front of Xiaoxiao. Xiaoxiao pursed her lips and walked in front with a snort. When she was about five meters away from the exit, she instructed in her heart: [Baby, let��s work!]


    The space responded, and a trace of silver appeared on the ground that Yun Yi had just tidied up��[Sessfully used the exit positioning function.] After upgrading, she could leave the space anywhere within a five-meter radius and she could also let the things in the space appear within this range. It was really useful.


    Not far ahead of them, Rong Yan, who had realized that he might have guessed Yun Yi��s intentions wrongly, was returning to the mountain to check again. There were no traces of anyone walking on the ground. However, this was the strangest. He was anxious just now. Even if he used Qinggong, he would definitely leave a few footprints. How could there be nothing?


    Unless�� unless someone else came after them and it was that person who did something.


    Leaning against the tree trunk, he closed his eyes and forced himself to think calmly.


    Although Yun Yi��s Qinggong was good, he would definitely not be faster than him with Ning Xiaoxiao, who did not know martial arts. If he could think of this, so could Yun Yi. Hence, it was impossible for him topete with them in speed.


    Therefore, the first thing he had to do was definitely not to hurry, but to disguise himself!


    Rong Yan, who was filled with regret, realized that he had been too concerned and was schemed against by Yun Yi, who was most familiar with him. In his anger, he punched the tree trunk. When he saw the leaves fluttering down, he suddenly saw a silver light��that was!


    Her flustered heart was finallyforted. Ning Xiaoxiao was so smart. Even if she really had the ount book, she would not hand it to Yun Yi directly. As long as Yun Yi did not get the ount book, her life would not be in danger. At the thought of this, Rong Yan felt frustrated again. So what if her life was not in danger? The Yun Guards were all good at interrogating. In order to make her answer, Yun Yi might torture her in all ways.. How could a youngdy like her bear that pain��

 Chapter 233 - 233: Even Their Corpses Will Be Gnawed By The

    Chapter 233: Even Their Corpses Will Be Gnawed By The


    Wolves


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Opening his eyes, Rong Yan instructed in a low voice, ��Search a direction each and cause amotion in the mountains. The bigger the better.��


    As long as Yun Yi maintained the sense of danger from escaping at all times, he would not have the mood to interrogate Ning Xiaoxiao.


    He then said to the bailiffs who had followed him, ��Guard the various exits at the bottom of the mountain.��


    The bailiffs did not know his identity, so they asked curiously, ��Are you so sure that person is in the mountains? What if he took another path?��


    Rong Yan opened his palm, and there was an orchid hairpin lying quietly on it. ��She��s here.��


    Fortunately, she was a smart girl.


    Rong Yan couldn��t help but wonder if what she said before she was taken away woulde true.


    After calming down, Rong Yan chased in the direction pointed by the hairpin with Yun Er.


    On the way, Yun Er could not help but ask, ��Master, Chief�� I��m talking about Yun Yi. Did he really betray you?��


    Rong Yan pursed his lips and sped up.


    Yun Er knew that he had asked a stupid question, but he really found it hard to believe that Yun Yi, who was like a brother to them, would betray their master! Weren��t they all personal guards personally chosen by his master to apany him as he grew up?


    Wait a minute, they were personally chosen by their master, but Chief, pfft, Yun Yi was not.


    If she remembered correctly, when Master started choosing guards back then, Noble Consort casually pointed at one of them. But was that possible? Noble Consort was Master��s biological mother! What benefits could she get from harming Master?


    Suddenly, Yun Er��s body stiffened and he almost bumped into a tree. If he had to say it, it would be beneficial to her.


    Noble Consort favored the crown prince, and Yan Lu was obviously His Highness the Crown Prince��s man.


    But even if the noble consort didn��t want his master to hinder His Highness the Crown Prince, why did she let Yun Yi take one of his master��s arms?


    Yun Er, who suddenly thought of the key point, turned pale��the royal family had an unwritten rule that disabled people could not inherit the throne!


    Whatever he could think of, Master must have thought of it too. How terrible must he feel now?


    However, Yun Er was wrong this time. Rong Yan did not have the time to think about such nonsense at all. His mind was filled with the thought that nothing must happen to Ning Xiaoxiao!


    The two of them ran with all their might and quickly reached a fork in the road. Just as they were hesitating about where to go, Rong Yan��s sharp eyes saw a group of birds strangely surrounding the right fork. He went forward to take a closer look and realized that there were still some biscuit crumbs on the ground.


    Yun Er��s tone was uncertain. ��This�� was left behind by Miss Ning?��


    Putting aside how she did all this under Yun Yi��s nose, why did she bring snacks with her when she was kidnapped?


    ��Moreover, Yun Yi is so cautious. How could he not notice Miss Ning��s small actions?��


    This was a question worth thinking about. Yun Yi felt that: ��Could it be that Yun Yi did it on purpose to use this to confuse us?��


    Rong Yan didn��t think for long. ��Let��s split up. I��ll take the right and you��ll take the left. If you don��t find anything else after 10 minutes,e back and look for me.��


    He decided to believe in Xiaoxiao.


    Not long after, he saw the flock of birds that had just dispersed again and followed their trajectory to find the biscuit crumbs on the ground. Rong Yan knew that he had made the right choice.


    The first time he saw this, he could still suspect that Yun Yi was deliberately mystifying things. The second time he saw it, Xiaoxiao and Yun Yi must be on this road.


    The Dayan Mountain Range stretched on and on. The area close to the county was muchrger than the mountain that Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan had bought in Fortune Vige. They chased after each other and it became nighttime. Xiaoxiao was really amazed by Yun Yi. He did not eat, drink, or look away. He really kept a close eye on her. She suspected that even if she said that she wanted to relieve herself, this person might have to follow her��


    Otherwise, she would have disappeared in a second.


    Very good. It was decided happily. Seeing that Yun Yi did not intend to start a fire and expose his whereabouts, she would give him a surpriseter. Ah no, it would be horrifying.


    Xiaoxiao originally thought that since she had nothing to do on the way to escape, she might be able to get something useful from Yun Yi by chatting with him. However, this person was silent the entire time and almost did not say a word.


    Xiaoxiao was rather puzzled. ��Can you at least ask me where the ount book is?��


    Yun Yi did not speak, but under the afterglow of the setting sun, Xiaoxiao felt that Yun Yi seemed to be surprised at this moment.


    What was there to be surprised about? Could it be that he did not believe that the ount book was with her at first? Then why did he capture her?


    The mountain breeze was cold. Even though it was early summer, Xiaoxiao could not help but sneeze when she was blown by it.


    Yun Yi was indifferent, but the space notification: [Master, there is an ingredient approaching!]


    Xiaoxiao asked expectantly: [Is it Little Big Brother Ah Yan?]


    The space shattered her beautiful dream: [No, Master, it��s a real ingredient! Run!]


    Xiaoxiao suddenly stood up, hugged the big tree beside her, and jumped up. Fortunately, the original host��s small body was agile enough. It was not a problem for her to climb a tree.


    Yun Yi nced at her coldly and said mockingly, ��Miss Ning doesn��t think you can escape like this����


    The sudden wolf howl interrupted thetter half of his sentence. Yun Yi turned around and looked at the approaching pairs of green beast eyes. He tightened his grip on the sword in his hand and actually did something that Xiaoxiao did not expect.


    He shed at the tree trunk, where Xiaoxiao was, a few times in a row. After making a huge hole in it, he suddenly turned around and threw the lighter into the grass. He cut down the wolf and ran.


    Aiyo, this move was really vicious. First, he destroyed her hiding ce, then used the smell of blood to arouse the ferocity of the wolves before running away? Was he serious about taking her life?


    Xiaoxiao, who wasining, shed into the space before the tree fell. She was still puzzled. If he wanted to kill her, why didn��t he take action earlier? Also, generally speaking, she would be dead if there were wolves. Why did he need to set fire to the tree?


    Not far away, Rong Yan, who saw the fire, rushed in this direction without hesitation. However, he met Yun Yi, whose clothes were stained with blood, halfway.


    He raised his sword to meet it and asked coldly amidst the sound of weapons shing, ��Where��s Ning Xiaoxiao?��


    Yun Yi smiled wantonly. He did not care even if Rong Yan cut his face. ��Your Highness, don��t you think it��s unnecessary to ask this?��


    Even though the light was dim, Rong Yan could clearly see the blood on his body. He felt a dull pain in his heart. He attacked faster and faster, and he started to be merciless.


    ��You can��t escape.��


    However, Yun Yi smiled. ��Your Highness can continue to chase after me, but in a while, Miss Ning��s corpse will probably be eaten clean by the wolf pack.��


    As if to verify his words, wolf howls could be heard from the direction where the mes soared into the sky. Rong Yan could feel his panicked heartbeat. He did not hesitate and ran in that direction without any reluctance after forcing Yun Yi back. He did not even stop when Yun Yi cut him from behind.


    Seeing that Rong Yan��s back had disappeared and there were sounds of others chasing after him, Yun Yi ran towards the water source he had just probed.


    His Highness��s benevolence was no match for the ruthless people of the Yan Family..

 Chapter 234 - 234: Is This Little Enough?

    Chapter 234: Is This Little Enough?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    However, if he went over now, he might still be able to save Miss Ning��s life from the wolf��s mouth. It was only her life��


    Even if she was still alive, His Highness couldn��t possibly let her be the princess consort, right?


    ��Yun Yi! Stop right there!��


    Apanying this voice was a sword that shed with a cold light. It was a sword he was very familiar with.


    ��Yo, Little Two has grown up. You don��t even call me ��Chief anymore?�� Yun Er��s heart ached and her eyes turned red. ��You also know that you used to be our chief?��


    Yun Er��s sword moves did not stop. Yun Yi was older than them and everyone treated him as their real older brother. They hated him as much as they trusted him back then. ��Are you worthy of His Highness��s nurturing all these years?��


    -Are you worthy of His Highness personally jumping into the coldke in February to save you from His Second Highness?


    Yun Yi sighed and caught the swords that attacked him one after another. ��It��s just that we each have our own masters.��


    These words pierced the hearts of the other guards. Yun San and Yun Wu, who had just rushed over, also joined the battle. Under the siege, even Yun Yi, who was the most skilled among them, was gradually at a disadvantage. At this moment, they had already arrived in front of a waterfall.


    ��Yun Yi, surrender. You have nowhere to run.


    Yun Yi looked behind him and then looked at his body full of injuries. He suddenly smiled.


    ��Little brats, if you want to catch me, you can do it in your next life.�� After saying that, he jumped down the endless waterfall��


    On the other side, when Rong Yan arrived at the wolf pack surrounded by fire, he saw the fallen tree and the remains all over the ground in blood.


    His heart stopped, but in the next moment, his brain told him rationally that it was not a human corpse.


    ��Ning Xiaoxiao! Xiaoxiao!��


    Xiaoxiao, who was hiding in her space, immediately heard these shouts. The mes outside were too strong, so she simplyy in her space and closed her eyes During this period, she even took the time to eat something and drink a ss of water. When she suddenly heard Little Big Brother��s shout, she thought that it was an illusion.


    Looking again, this person was actually facing the wolf pack alone.


    Under such a situation, Xiaoxiao couldn��t see Rong Yan��s expression clearly, but she could feel a sense of determination from his actions. Seeing that this person was about to rush into the fire, she hurriedly let the space throw raw meat furthest away from the wolf pack while running out of the space to grab


    Rong Yan and run.


    The softness in her hand made Rong feel unreal. ��Xiaoxiao?��


    Xiaoxiao hummed. ��Hurry up and run, Little Big Brother. Wolves have four legs!��


    Rong Yan picked her up without thinking and jumped out of the range of the mes. He only remembered to ask when they were safe, ��How did you


    escape?��


    Xiaoxiao started to act freely. ��Originally, I was climbing trees to hide from the wolves. Who knew that Yun Yi would actually cut down the tree I was hiding in. Fortunately, I was lucky. When the tree fell, it happened to be on another tree. I moved over and avoided the range of the fire. After he ran away, I hooked onto the third tree��s branch from that tree and moved to the third tree. I was hiding and waiting for the wolf to leave when I heard your voice.��


    Rong Yan was not in the mood toin about her monkey-like exnation. When the wolves behind him were almost inaudible, he put her down and hugged her tightly.


    Between being reserved and her instinct, Xiaoxiao chose thetter. She also reached out to hug him and even patted his back. ��Don��t be afraid, don��t be


    afraid. I��m fine.��


    Rong Yan was so angry that heughed. This time, he was in the mood to remember what this girl had said before she was kidnapped.


    He straightened her up and said with a serious expression, ��Why did you tell


    Yun Yi that the thing is in your hands?��


    Xiaoxiao felt that she could tell from Little Big Brother��s tone that a storm wasing. Looking at his disheveled and anxious face, and his tattered clothes, her heart softened. ��Because�� I don��t like you to be put in a difficult position. I don��t like you to be gaslighted. I can��t bear to see you being looked at with such disapproving gazes by others.��


    ��My Little Big Brother, no matter who you are, I hope you don��t frown and don��t be sad. I hope that everything you want in this life will be fulfilled. I hope that you��ll be safe and carefree.��


    She took out a small fur ball from her sleeve. ��I shouldn��t say it now, but I��m afraid your birthday will be over soon.��


    She stuffed the little furball made of rabbit fur into Rong Yan��s hand and said, -I just don��t want you to be surrounded by bad moods on the day you��re born. Little Big Brother, happy birthday.��


    She smiled brightly, but Rong Yan felt his eyes sting.


    He originally thought that today would be the worst birthday in his life�� From afar, he saw torches approaching. Yun Er and the others�� worried voices were getting closer and closer. Rong Yan, who had been tense for the entire day, rxed and his entire body softened. ��Fortunately, you��re fine.�� Feeling that her shoulder had be heavier, Xiaoxiao was filled with panic. Only then did she realize that there was an abnormally sticky feeling on her palm that was holding Rong Yan. She raised her hand to look under the light of the fire. ��Quick! He��s injured!��


    Without thinking, she stuffed a few pieces of ginseng into his mouth. Xiaoxiao gently handed him over to Yun Er and the others while she obediently followed everyone out of the mountain.


    She only found out how serious Rong Yan��s injuries were after returning to the Shen Family. Gongsun Zhongjing frowned and cleaned his wounds. ��There are a lot of wounds, and the time to treat it was dyed. There are signs of pus in the blood, and his body temperature is abnormal. It will take a longer time for me to clean his wounds. I��m afraid he won��t be able to take it. Do you have ginseng, lingzhi, and other old herbs in Lord Shen��s residence? The older, the better.��


    County Magistrate Shen frowned so hard that it could kill a mosquito. Generally speaking, the rich and powerful people would have these life-saving things at home, but�� in order to keep Doctor Gongsun, the precious herbs of the Shen Family had been given to Li Muyan for the olddy to use not long ago��


    The older the ginseng and lingzhi, the more difficult it was to obtain them. It was not something that could be obtained just because one had money, just as he was trying to recall the surname of the person closest to him who might have these things, he heard Xiaoxiao, who was quiet at the side, ask, ��Is this okay?��


    She took out two pieces of fresh ginseng that looked like they had just been unearthed��


    [Ding! The 100-year-old ginseng has been sessfully exchanged.]


    [Ding! The 100-year-old lingzhi has been sessfully exchanged. Boohoohoo, your current points bnce is 33,000.]


    Even Gongsun Zhongjing, who was knowledgeable in the field of medicinal herbs, was stunned by the herbs. ��This�� This is actually fresh ginseng and lingzhi that are more than too years old and have excellent quality? Where drd you find them?��


    Xiaoxiao gave it to him. ��I saw it in the mountains when I was escaping. Can we use it?��


    Needless to say, Gongsun Zhongjing immediately took out a silver needle and stopped Rong Yan��s bleeding. Then, he carefully cleaned the soil on the herbs, cut off a piece the size of his fingertip, and wrote down the prescription. ��Fry the herbs ording to this prescription.��


    just as he was about to return the rest to Xiaoxiao, he saw her wave her hand. ��I��ll leave it with you. You can take it anytime if you want to use it.. Is it enough for his medicine?��

 Chapter 235 - 235:1 Want to See Him If He’s Alive, I Want to See His Corpse If He’s Dead

    Chapter 235:1 Want to See Him If He��s Alive, I Want to See His Corpse If He��s Dead


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Gongsun Zhongjing suspected that she was so generous because she didn��t know the value of these two things. In the end, when he fed Rong Yan medicine, he saw him sticking out his tongue and spitting out a few pieces of ginseng.


    He had never seen such a wasteful person who did not treat ginseng as treasure.


    Rong Yan��s injury was not fatal to begin with. With Xiaoxiao��s unlimited supply, the time he needed to recuperate could probably be greatly reduced. County Magistrate Shen heaved a sigh of relief and said to Xiaoxiao, ��Little Girl Ning, you��ve done a great job this time!��


    Thinking of the idea that popped up when she was being held hostage, County Magistrate Shen didn��t dare to look into her eyes. He asked in apensating way, ��What reward do you want? Name it! As long as we can do it, we will satisfy you!��


    Xiaoxiao was toozy toin about his coaxing tone. She pulled County Magistrate Shen aside.


    ��County Magistrate, Little Big Brother Ah Yan already knew that the ount book was with me. In addition, Little Big Brother said that he chose me just to protect the ount book.��


    County Magistrate Shen didn��t realize why she said that until she smiled. ��That is my request.��


    ��Oh, right. Also, don��t let my parents know about what happened today. As you know, they��re all ordinary farmers. They can��t withstand such stimtion.��


    Not until she left did County Magistrate Shen sigh in the yard. ��I��m not as good as a girl.��


    When Rong Yan woke up again, he felt that he was carrying something soft and fragrant in his arms. He was so shocked that his wound almost burst open. Gongsun Zhongjing, who was apanying him beside the bed, noticed themotion and stopped him in time.


    ��Miss Ning sent that over earlier. She said that it��s another birthday gift for you.��


    Rong Yan took the soft thing away and realized that it looked like a rabbit but not a rabbit.


    This thing was made of soft cotton on the outside, but it was unknown what was inside. It was soft and ttened with a pinch. After letting go, it returned to its original state.


    The rabbit had a pair of big ck eyes sewn on its face, a small nose, and pink lips. Rong Yan stared at these eyes and felt that they were a little simr to the person sewn them.


    There was a pair of especially long ears on the rabbit��s head. They hung down from its head to half its body, and below it was a furry short tail.


    Rong Yan reached out to touch it. It felt the same as the little rabbit that Xiaoxiao gave him that night.


    However, for some reason, some of the fur on its tail that should have stood up copsed.


    Gongsun Zhongjing hid his sleeve that was stained with fine hair and handed the medicine to him. ��You��ve been unconscious for a day and a night. Do you want to eat anything?��


    Rong Yan didn��t have much of an appetite, but Gongsun Zhongjing said, ��Miss Ning made some easy-to-digest snacks for you. Do you want to eat them?��


    Rong Yan nodded again.


    Gongsun Zhongjing:��


    Rong Yan didn��t know why Doctor Gongsun suddenly fell silent. The snacks Xiaoxiao made were as delicious as ever, making his aching stomach warm andfortable. ��Where is she?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing said, ��She went back to the shop after delivering the snacks.��


    After spending so many points, if she was not diligent, the Little Space would cry.


    Rong Yan felt that he had recovered some strength, so he requested to go out for a walk. Gongsun Zhongjing felt that he did not need to lie in bed since he was injured behind his back. Thinking about the herbs and snacks he ate and his strong muscles, he waved his hand and allowed Rong Yan to walk around the courtyard.


    Compared to this person, Han Qing, who had just been snatched back from the gates of hell, needed to be taken care of more.


    Rong Yan felt that something was wrong as soon as he walked into the backyard of the Shen Residence. Logically speaking, it was normal for him to be despised to death by the bailiffs after choosing to save Ning Xiaoxiao. But why were those people who knew about it arranged by County Magistrate Shen so respectful to him?


    Rong Yan, who was filled with doubts, met the guards who wereing towards him. Because of Yun Yi, everyone��s morale was low, but they were still happy from the bottom of their hearts to see their master wake up, even if he asked, ��Where��s Yun Yi?��


    ��One�� was no longer around, so Yun Er naturally became the leader of the Yun Guards. He had long abandoned his personal feelings. At this moment, he reported respectfully, ��Reporting to Master, Yun Yi jumped off the cliff after he was seriously injured by us. There was a waterfall at the edge of the cliff. The waterfall was more than 90 meters tall. Even if an ordinary person identally fell, they would not be able to escape death. We searched the pool at the bottom of the cliff after that, but we did not find any traces of him.��


    After this betrayal, Rong Yan��s expression became even more restrained. Yun Er couldn��t tell what he was thinking. He only heard Rong Yan instruct, ��Continue searching. I want to see him, alive or dead.��


    ��Since he was once your leader and has been hiding by my side for many years, he must have some abilities that others can��tpare to. It��s hard to guarantee that he won��t have any means to survive.��


    ��If you find any traces, capture him alive if you can and interrogate him. If not, kill him on the spot!��


    Thest two words were filled with killing intent and ruthlessly cut off their years of rtionship.


    Yun Er and the others felt bitter and indescribable, but they replied in unison, ��Yes!��


    The leader of the Yun Guards, Yun Yi, no longer existed. If they met again, they would be mortal enemies.


    While he was unconscious, the Yun Guards found something. They investigated the rest of the followers and found two spies. However, they were stopped by Rong Yan when they were about to pull them out.


    ��If it��s not them, there will be others. It��s better to betray them openly than to hide them quietly.��


    He could be considered to have expressed his emotions. The guards could only sigh in their hearts and swear that they would rub their eyes hard in the future and not give the traitors and spies a chance.


    After exining everything to the guards, Rong Yan returned to his room. It was not that he did not guess who Yun Yi served, but he did not dare to think too much about it.


    If it was really�� What should he do?


    Was Mother really so ruthless?


    His body was clearly fine, but he felt that it hurt a lot. It was as if he could only feel better by relying on the rabbit doll Xiaoxiao gave him.


    When Xiaoxiao came, she happened to see a handsome young master, who was usually carrying the rabbit doll she gave him, sleeping soundly.


    Ever since Yun Er and the others found out that their master treated Miss Ning differently, they directly ced her in a position second only to their master. Hence, when they heard that she came to look for their master, they let her go without a word. No one expected the self-disciplined Rong Yan to take an afternoon nap and sleep for so long.


    Xiaoxiao looked at his beautiful and handsome sleeping face. She flipped her hand and took out a pen and paper from her space to draw.


    Drawing was one of her hobbies that she had persisted in for a long time other than cooking. It was also the most healing and meaningful hobby she felt. She could read the beautiful records she had seen in her life at any time and anywhere. She could not help but smile in the future.


    Just as she drew rabbit��s feet, Rong Yan sensed that there was someone and opened his eyes. He only let down his guard when he saw that it was Xiaoxiao. However, he quickly sat up and started to tidy up.


    ��You�� Why are you here����

 Chapter 236 - 236: His Lucky Star

    Chapter 236: His Lucky Star


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    A man and a woman alone was not good for her reputation. What was wrong with Yun Er and the rest?


    Xiaoxiao looked at his slightly messy hairstyle and clothes that were not as t as usual. She packed up her pen and paper. ��I have something serious to talk to you about.�� She stretched out her hand in front of Rong Yan and opened her palm. A small bamboo tube rolled in her palm.


    Rong Yan raised his eyebrows and Xiaoxiao said, ��I found this when I was stuffing ginseng slices into Han ding��s mouth. It was a little in the way, so I took it away. Fortunately, I didn��t throw it away.��


    -I don��t know who to give it to either. I might as well wait for you to wake up.


    Here, take it.��


    The small bamboo tube was very light, yet heavy. The weight was light, but its meaning was heavy.


    Rong Yan realized that both Han Qing and this bamboo tube were found because of Xiaoxiao. She was probably his lucky star, right?


    His lucky star expressed that she was hungry. Rong Yan blushed and ate something with her.


    He naturally had to stay in the Shen Residence to recuperate while he was injured. He could not let Doctor Gongsun run back and forth.


    When the two of them went out of the house, the guards had strange expressions. Rong Yan only remembered to ask after Xiaoxiao left, ��How long has she been in?��


    Yun Er stammered, ��H-half an hour���� So what were you doing inside for such a long time! Miss Ning is still young, Master, you��re still injured!


    Rong Yan felt that thinking about what the guards were thinking was not conducive to his recovery, so he changed the topic and asked about the Shen Residence��s attitude towards him.


    Yun Er was not a scheming person. He said loudly, ��Everyone knows that you have great foresight and hid the ount book with Miss Ning long ago. They all feel regret and guilt for ming you!��


    Rong Yan paused. ��Who said that?��


    County Magistrate Shen, who happened to walk in, patted his chest. I did.


    But the next moment, he sighed and said, ��But it was Little Girl Ning who asked for it.��


    ��Your Highness has good taste. Little Girl Ning is a good girl.


    Xiaoxiao, who had left Rong Yan��s side, did not go home directly. She was mysteriously pulled into the carriage by Mrs. Shen. When they arrived at the most prosperous part of the county, Xiaoxiao quickly reacted. ��Is the shop ready?��


    Mrs. Shen pouted. ��Can you not guess so urately? I wanted to give you a surprise.��


    Mrs. Shen��s actions were indeed extraordinary. Back then, Xiaoxiao had simply exined a concept. Mrs. Shen had thought about it these days and directly released a PLUS version. Xiaoxiao was worried that she would be too aggressive. Looking at the dazzling array of porcin decorations, she expressed that she had invested too much.


    However, Mrs. Shen said lightly, ��I always thought that it would upy an area in the storeroom. Now, I can use it.��


    Xiaoxiao decided to hate the rich for three minutes.


    Mrs Shen��s wealth was vividly disyed in the elegant abode. Even Xiaoxiao, who had seen many good things, could not find anything wrong with it. Mrs. Shen was swift and decisive, even choosing the opening date.


    Of course, Xiaoxiao had no objections. The earlier the elegant abode opened, the faster her points would increase. And, Little Space wouldn��t continue to cry about the 20,000 points.


    After going through the rules, Xiaoxiao asked ��serious matters��, ��How are the people who ate the green prawns?��


    Mrs. Shen shook her head. ��Don��t worry, they��re all fine. They didn��t even have


    a stomachache. They��re fine.��


    ��Moreover, after you left the kitchen yesterday, that little genius doctor also went over and confirmed that the green prawns are not poisonous and arepletely edible.��


    Xiaoxiao was in a hurry to tell her parents and brother this good news. She greeted Mrs. Shen and returned to the shop.


    Ning Fengnian and his wife were not around today. A few days ago, half of the Ning Family��s courtyard was destroyed in the fire. The Ning Family thought about it and decided to put the n of building a new house on the agenda.


    The vigers who agreed to help them build the house, had long agreed. They only needed to inform them to start work on the spot. ording to their original n, the new courtyard would be built around the old courtyard. If it did not rain, they could still live in the old courtyard.


    However, Rong Yan couldn��t bear for Xiaoxiao to suffer, so he generously lent his house to them when he heard about this.


    He had not considered saving money when he built the house back then, so although he had already deliberately suppressed it and tried to keep a low profile, there were still many empty rooms at home. Xiaoxiao decided to thin carefully about how to persuade her parents to move over tonight.


    Today, Second Brother and Yun San were in the shop. Because they did not have enough manpower, Xiaoxiao simply stopped dine-in and only sold takeout. Hence, even though there were only the two of them, the shop was still busy and orderly.


    Ever since she understood that Little Big Brother��s identity was extraordinary and saw the abilities of the Yun Guards, Xiaoxiao felt that they should not lower themselves to her small shop. If Little Big Brother Ah Yan was worried no matter what, it would be enough to let the Yun Guards take turns to send one person to hold the fort.


    With their skills, it was not a problem for them to fight against 10 people alone. After Xiaoxiao��s ��So It��s You�� stood firm, there were more shops that followed her. However, the milk tea they made was incongruous and hard to swallow. Only some greedy people went to patronize them.


    Seeing that this shop was doing well, the greedy people sent people to sneak in and learn.


    However, who were the Yun Guards? They could investigate people thoroughly in minutes. How could they let them seed?


    Before Xiaoxiao came, they had just dissuaded a man who kept saying that he wanted to apply for a job as a shop assistant. Ning Anhui rubbed his wrist. ��I didn��t expect our shop to be so popr.��


    From the day before yesterday, the mostmon words the people of Jiang County said when they met were probably ��Have you eaten?�� ��What are you busy with?�� Now, because of Xiaoxiao��s shop, it had be ��Have you drunk milk tea today?�� ��Did you have the caramel or red beans vor?��


    On the streets, one could often see people drinking from bamboo cups as they walked.


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin. Hehehe, this feeling of bing a food trend was a little satisfying.


    Ning Anhui could tell at a nce that his sister was about to be arrogant. He coughed and asked, ��Why don��t we really hire a shop assistant?�� However, after saying this suggestion, Ning Anhui couldn��t help but frown again. ��But what if the person has ulterior motives and has the intention of stealing our secrets?��


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin and thought of a good idea based on the current situation.


    In the afternoon, she wrote and edited in her room for a long time. She ran out and pasted a piece of paper. On it were the words ��Sincerely recruiting members�� and a simple exnation.


    After hearing her exnation, Ning Anhui��s expression changed drastically. ��Sister, are you nning to teach this skill to someone else?��


    They had only heard that chefs hid their skills and wanted to make things difficult for their disciples. How could their younger sister simply impart skills like this?


    Xiaoxiao smiled andforted Second Brother. ��It��s not a troublesome technique to begin with. If they can��t learn it today, they can learn it tomorrow. In a few months, smart people will be able to develop it.


    Ning Anhui, who had learned how to make milk tea, knew that she was telling the truth. However, he felt ufortable. He just couldn��t get rid of his bitter expression and told his brother about this at night.


    Unexpectedly, Big Brother was quite supportive. ��It��s not easy to keep the secret recipe to begin with. I think you��re under a lot of pressure these days. Even a lot of your hair has fallen off. Sister��s method is more beneficial to our family and has fewer drawbacks..��

 Chapter 237 - 237: Franchise

    Chapter 237 - 237: Franchise


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He, his brother, and his parents analyzed, ��After more shops joined the franchise, those people who were watching us in the dark did not dare to be too presumptuous. After all, they touched our family��s interests in the past. From then on, this is themon interest of many people.��


    Ning An was not convinced. ��But if there are more shops selling milk tea, our family��s ie will definitely be reduced.��


    Xiaoxiao poked his head. ��Second Brother is so stupid. It��s not like I��m teaching milk tea recipes for nothing. I will collect money for the franchise. At that time, I will charge one shop 200 taels, so 10 shops will get us 2,000 taels. You don��t have to be busy and you can still count the money until your hands cramp.�� Sigh, thinking about it carefully, that seemed to be the case?


    Xiaoxiao continued, ��Besides, our shop was originally only famous outside the academy. When we open our franchise shops all over the country, won��t our reputation spread too?!��


    That��s right! Ning Anhui was enlightened. ��Sister, you��re so smart!��


    That was a must. Xiaoxiao continued to bluff. ��Aiya, but in that case, our shop��s ounts will definitely be moreplicated and difficult to calcte. I��ll also be busy teaching others and helping Mrs. Shen��s shop. I wonder if it is safe if we find an outsider to manage the ounts.��


    Ning Anhui was speechless.


    ��Alright, what do you want me to learn again? Just say it.��


    He finally realized that although his sister had given up on making him read and write, her heart of forcing him to learn had always been active. A few days ago, she had gotten him a ��Basics of Arithmetic�� from somewhere and stuck out her little head every day to urge him to read it. She even took out an abacus that she had bought. When she was free, she squatted beside him and said that she wanted to listen to the abacus.


    Did she want to hear the abacus? Did she want to hear his brain creak as he was tortured?!


    However,pared to the densely packed words, Ning Anhui felt that it was much easier to calcte, especially when he treated them as silver.


    Just as this naive thought appeared in his mind, Xiaoxiao took out a small notebook from her pocket and drew a bunch of iprehensible symbols. ��I like it when you��re so straightforward!��


    Ning Anhui was speechless.


    Xiaoxiao took out the basic knowledge of mathematics that she had copied. She had everything, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, but first, she had to teach her brother to understand Arabic numerals.


    ��Second Brother, look. Only our family can understand these symbols. Moreover, it��s easy to write with fewer strokes. Isn��t it especially suitable for recording ounts?��


    Ning Anhui wanted to press his ��clean and efficient�� self back into his mother��s womb, but it was toote. It was already toote. His sister was in high spirits and taught him for half the night!


    Xiaoxiao hated that she didn��t have enough time when it came to books. She felt that her brothers didn��t have enough time either.


    Moreover, she saw her Big Brother reading at night and Second Brother working hard and was a little tired the next day. This could not be replenished by eating and drinking alone.


    Sensing the change in its Master��s emotions and hearing her frustrations, the space wished it could raise an expert��s hand to attract attention. [Master, Master, your problem will be easily resolved once you reach level-six!]


    The space had never lied to her. Xiaoxiao nodded. [Don��t worry, why do you think I opened a franchise shop?]


    The space was extremely touched: [Master, I will definitely work hard to grow up and be a useful assistant in the future!]


    Xiaoxiao asked: [What��s the score now?]


    The space took a look and its tone was no longer as low as before: [Almost 40,000, Master!]


    The space was not in a hurry, but Xiaoxiao was a little anxious. Although she did not care about status, Little Big Brother was definitely noble. Even if she did not care about other people��s gazes, she wanted to be able to help when he needed it.


    There were many people watching the day after the franchise notice was posted, but not many people actually came to negotiate. These people either wanted to lower the price or had evil intentions. Clearly, they wanted to take advantage of the situation.


    What ��I��ll give it a try first and pay if it seeds�� and ��I��ll decide after taking a look��? Tsk, she was young, not a fool.


    What surprised Xiaoxiao was that she actually saw a familiar face among the people who came to consult.


    ��Shopkeeper Qian?��


    The appearance of Shopkeeper Qian��who had recovered from his leg injury�� reallyforted Xiaoxiao a little. This was because he was not like those people who came to cause trouble. He followed the rules from the beginning to the end and asked very serious questions.


    For example, how to train the employees, how to open a shop, and what requirements there were when opening a shop. There was a girl around the same age as Ning Anhui beside him. Xiaoxiao felt that this girl seemed to be even more serious than her father. Her heart skipped a beat and she asked, ��Shopkeeper Qian, may I ask if you want to open this shop?��


    Shopkeeper Qian, who had gained some weight, scratched his head and smiled a little foolishly. Seeing that he could not understand after hesitating for a long time, the girl beside him rolled her eyes. ��It��s me. Little sister, where��s your Boss?��


    Xiaoxiao was speechless.


    Ning Anhui couldn��t help but burst outughing.


    The girl brought by Shopkeeper Qian walked to his side solemnly and bowed. ��May I ask if you��re the Boss of ��So It��s You��? I��m Qian Jiao��er. Don��t worry. If you can agree to let me join the franchise tea shop, I��ll definitely open more and better tea shops for us under the premise of adhering to the industry��s regtions! Please believe me!��


    A confident and strong girl��s eyes would shine.


    Xiaoxiao had just finished thinking about this when she realized that her sharp-tongued second brother had suddenly be mute.


    He looked at the girl in a daze. After holding it in for a long time, he said, ��1,1, I��m not the Boss����


    Shopkeeper Qian covered his eyes and pulled his daughter back. ��Sorry, sorry.��


    ��This is my daughter, Jiao��er.��


    ��After hearing that your milk tea shop is going to have a franchise, she studied the franchise instructions you wrote for the entire night. Early this morning, she urged me to bring her here to sign up.��


    ��At first, I thought that with my luck, I really wouldn��t dare to do business again, but I couldn��t dissuade her.��


    Shopkeeper Qian sighed and said helplessly and dotingly, ��As a girl, she doesn��t want to stay at home to learn needlework and insists oning out to do business. She refuses to change her mind no matter what. Miss Ning, Young Master Ning, help me persuade her.��


    Xiaoxiao was a little disappointed. So he didn��t really want to franchise. He was here to ask them to dissuade his daughter.


    Ning Anhui looked at the indignant Jiao��er and then at his sister. He said disapprovingly, ��Shopkeeper Qian, you��re wrong.��


    ��What��s wrong with being a girl? As long as the girls want to, they can do a career that��s not inferior to a man��s.��


    ��I think there are many girls who are even more powerful than men. For example, my sister. Look at our ��So It��s You��. Wasn��t it established by my sister?��


    ��Do you know about Fragrance Restaurant? Their signature dish was also developed by my sister. Not to mention Xijiang County, it��s the only one even in the Luo Prefecture and the Imperial Capital!��


    Qian Jiao��er��s eyes lit up.. ��Little Sister Ning, you��re amazing!��

 Chapter 238 - 238: Partner

    Chapter 238 - 238: Partner


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Alright, she had changed from ��Little Sister�� to ��Little Sister Ning��. At least she had leveled up.


    Shopkeeper Qian only knew that it was Xiaoxiao who came forward to buy the shop, but he did not know that Xiaoxiao also had a share of the milk tea shop, nor did he expect that she was actually the one who set up this shop.


    Seeing the surprise on his face, Ning Anhui pushed his sister forward again. -My sister keeps a low profile, so let��s not talk about others. Shopkeeper Qian, you��re familiar with us, so I won��t hide it from you. The Boss of our milk tea shop is my sister, Ning Xiaoxiao!��


    Shopkeeper Qian: Eh!! (��A��)!!!!!


    Qian Jiao��er also widened her eyes. At this moment, she decided to treat


    Xiaoxiao as her goal.


    Who said that women were inferior to men? Women could clearly thrive in their careers and leave those men far behind!


    She did not mind that her father was indecisive and a good person, but she was really indignant that her father had made a good deal into a muddle. After the shop was sold, she had been thinking about how to remedy it. After knowing that ��So It��s You��s�� milk tea shop had created some ��franchise��, she knew that her chance hade.


    She had a clear understanding of herself. She did not have the ability to think of something new that others did not think of, but if the new thing was delivered to her door for her to learn, she could learn it even if she didn��t eat, drink, or sleep!


    She changed her words again and turned around to face Xiaoxiao. She held her hand. ��Hello, Boss Ning! I��m Qian Jiao��er. I��m hardworking and obedient.


    Choose me!��


    Xiaoxiao wanted tough, but she held it in. She felt the shallow calluses on Qian Jiao��er��s small hands and brought her to the kitchen. ��Make some tea for me first.��


    It was not pride, but Qian Jiao��er was familiar with this job.


    She was proficient in everything. Her mother��s health had not been good since she was young. She took care of her mother and trained herself to be an expert at housework. To put it bluntly, her mother��s sewing skills were not as good as hers now.


    Ning Anhui and Shopkeeper Qian were waiting outside. Seeing that business was a little busy, Shopkeeper Qian even consciously helped out.


    Putting everything else aside, he did not neglect his proficiency in greeting people. In addition, the price of milk tea had been set long ago. It was difficult to make a mistake at five copper coins a cup. The two of them really had a tacit understanding when they worked together.


    Shopkeeper Qian regained the feeling of being in charge of the counter and imparted some business tactics, benefiting Ning Anhui greatly.


    When Xiaoxiao and Qian Jiao��er came out of the kitchen, they realized that the two of them were chatting happily. They simply went to make two simple snacks and let Qian Jiao��er sit down and rest.


    There was no problem with Shopkeeper Qian, but where could they find the next partner?


    Just as she was thinking about this, Li Muyan personally brought Shopkeeper Xu to the door. Xiaoxiao��s eyes curved into crescents. Ah, did she get a cheat that allowed her to get whatever she wanted? She could receive whatever she wanted.


    As she had expected, Li Muyan and Shopkeeper Xu came here to seek cooperation.


    Shopkeeper Xu said half-truthfully, ��Little Girl Ning, you��re being unkind. You said that you would think of me first if there was such a good thing in the future. Why did you let me hear it from others?��


    Li Muyan went to Ning Anhui��s ce and ordered two cups of tea and two Taro Cake Rolls.


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand and waived the bill for them. ��I saw that you were busy and nned to tell youter.��


    Shopkeeper Xu became happy. ��Does that mean that I, Old Xu, have a share in this franchise shop?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded vigorously. ��Of course. We can��t do it without you. Otherwise, wouldn��t Shopkeeper Liue and knock on my head again?�� Shopkeeper Xu, who was middle-aged, actually blushed and looked a little shy. Clearly, his rtionship with Shopkeeper Liu had made substantial progress recently. Although he was embarrassed, he was still thinking about serious matters. ��I see from your instructions that you want to impart the form of the milk tea to the franchise shops?��


    He frowned. ��Aren��t you afraid that they will buy your form for 200 taels of silver and sell it to others?��


    Xiaoxiao knew that Shopkeeper Xu was really worried for her. She shook her head. ��It��s fine. I��ve already considered this.��


    She said bluntly, ��If I lose, we all lose. If I gain, we all gain. I��ll exin this to the shopkeepers who signed upter. I don��t mind if someone really values small profits and sells them, but they won��t have a share in the subsequent updates.��


    If everyone kept the secret together, everyone could earn money.


    If someone leaked the secret, everyone would suffer. Hence, Xiaoxiao did not need to spend much effort on this matter. The shopkeepers would supervise each other.


    It did not matter if they really could not supervise one another. After all, she was not doing this for money, but for points.


    They had the same philosophy in business, so it was especially smooth to chat. After Xiaoxiao and Shopkeeper Xu and Shopkeeper Qian agreed on the details, they signed the contract and Xiaoxiao asked them to choose the people who wanted to learn skills. After choosing the shop, they could arrange for people to learn skills while preparing to open the shop.


    Shopkeeper Xu and the others were about to leave when they were stopped by Xiaoxiao. ��Young Master Li, are you only going to open one milk tea shop? Initially, Xiaoxiao had the thought of slowly choosing a partner, but she suddenly lost her patience when she saw Li Muyan.


    Why would she still need to look for those unorthodox people when the richest man in Jiangnan, who had shops everywhere, was right here?


    Li Muyan misunderstood her. ��Miss Ning, don��t worry. I��m a principled businessman. I won��t leak this milk tea form to anyone else in the future.�� Xiaoxiao shook her finger. ��You��re mistaken. What I mean is, why don��t you open a few more shops?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Think about it. What��s the point of opening so many shops in the county? It��s just a fight between our own people. How good would it be if we opened shops in other ces and there��s nopetition between us?�� ��Moreover, it��s much simpler for you to open a milk tea shop than others. Shopkeeper Qian still has to look for a shop, but you only need to add a takeaway booth outside the various Fragrance Restaurants. You can open it at any time. You can also promote the consumption of the Fragrance Restaurant.�� Ning Anhui was still selling milk tea. He couldn��t help but say in his heart, The Great Hoodwinker is here!


    Li Muyan also discussed it with her seriously. ��Miss Ning, do you know where the main business of the Li Family is?��


    Xiaoxiao replied, ��The Imperial Capital.��


    She smiled. ��From the county to the Imperial Capital, it��s nothing more than changing the rough tea to Da Hong Pao and charging five copper coins to 50 copper coins.��


    Li Muyan was still hesitating when she said, ��Summer is here. Other than milk tea, it��s time to release some new dishes.��


    Not long after, Li Muyan cupped his hands. ��From the looks of it, I��ve benefited from Miss Ning.��


    Ning Anhui was stunned when he heard that. It was only when Li Muyan returned in the afternoon and handed over eight franchise contracts saying that he wanted to work with them for a long time that he realized something. ��We��ve gathered 10 shops just like that?��


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes. ��What do you mean by that? I��m just prioritizing quality over quantity.��


    Ning Anhui still found it strange.. ��Even the young master of the richest family in Jiangnan is fooled by you?��

 Chapter 239 - 239: Taking The Opportunity

    Chapter 239 - 239: Taking The Opportunity


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    However, Xiaoxiao put away the contract and patted her second brother lovingly. ��There��s always someone better. I never felt that I had the ability to control Young Master Li.��


    The more Ning Anhui listened, the more confused he became. ��Then why?�� Xiaoxiao stopped smiling. At this moment, Ning Anhui felt that his sister��s expression and aura were not inferior to Young Master Li��s at all.


    He s just taking advantage of the situation.��


    However, although Li Muyan wanted her help, she was also borrowing the Li Family��s power.


    In this ancient era where status was important, she had no power or influence. Even if there were peerless geniuses, there was no room for them to use their strategies.


    Xiaoxiao flicked the first rule of the contract and smiled. No matter how many milk tea shops the Li Family opened, they had to use her brand.


    The contract stipted that the shops opened after the teaching waspleted, and had to use the name of ��So It��s You�� Milk Tea Shop. Moreover, the entrance of the shop and all the cutlery had to be printed with a pattern specially customized by Xiaoxiao.


    Li Muyan sat in the house for a long time on the day he received the special picture of the shop. When he came out, he seemed to be smiling bitterly and admiringly. When Shopkeeper Xu apanied him to set up a refreshment window at the entrance of Fragrance Restaurant, he heard his Boss say, ��I still underestimated her.��


    The door essory that Xiaoxiao had gotten someone to customize swayed in the wind. Shopkeeper Xu pinched it and looked at it for a long time, but he could not tell what this scribble-like pattern was.


    Li Muyan took it from him and pointed at it from another direction. ��Xiao.�� ording to the rules of the contract, this token had to be hung all-year-round and the pattern had to be printed on all the equipment. If they could do this, new recipes would be given for free in the future. Otherwise, it would be at a different price.


    Li Muyan cherished her talent. ��Old Xu, do you think it��s possible for us to pull Miss Ning into the Li Family?��


    Shopkeeper Xu rubbed his palms together. ��To be honest, Shopkeeper Liu and I actually have the same thought. Miss Ning, she��s a good seedling in the business world.��


    Mrs. Shen came to look for her as soon as she heard that she was going to share the benefits of the milk tea shop.


    Xiaoxiao was almost burnt by the way Mrs. Shen was looking at her. ��What��s wrong?��


    Mrs. Shen used her and Xiaoxiao was betweenughter and tears. ��I only gave them the recipe for milk tea. You��re the only one who has the Mianmian Cake, Cloud Cake and Taro Cake Roll cake��s recipe. By the way, have you found an apprentice?��


    Mrs. Shen frowned. ��Why do I feel that you can��t wait to throw everything away?��


    The other chefs wished they could bring their culinary skills into the coffin, but she taught everyone like a money distributor.


    She had really guessed correctly. As someone who had a strong pursuit of delicacies, how could Xiaoxiao be satisfied with a small milk tea shop?


    Moreover, how could she study more delicacies if she guarded this tiny piece ofnd every day?


    All the delicious crayfish were waiting for her in the paddy field!


    In order to make the appearance of the crayfish more reasonable, Xiaoxiao specially found an opportunity to put them into the Dusk River inrge quantities. Recently, many vigers would see one or two of them when fishing. asionally, there would be people who would study them curiously. For the time being, everyone only knew that these things eat leeches under the reminder of the Ning Family, but they would not bite the roots of the rice. Raising them in the rice field was really a good help in removing insects.


    After knowing the use of this thing, Old Madam Ning smashed a bowl angrily. However, other than receiving an inexplicable nce from Old Sir Ning and Second Uncle Ning��s disdainful mockery, no one paid attention to her. Even her youngest son, who she doted on the most, only said unhappily, ��Mother, are you going to let me eat properly?��


    As the exam approached, Little Uncle Ning became increasingly frustrated. At this moment, he even threw away his chopsticks and muttered that he wanted to go back to his room to study.


    Second Uncle Ning couldn��t stand his younger brother��s pretentiousness now. He spat. ��As if he��s already a Master.��


    Without his eldest brother and his family busying themselves, he increasingly felt that his younger brother and sister��s idle lifestyle was an eyesore. His parents were biased, so he simply pushed his bowl and chopsticks after he finished eating. He stood up and left. When Second Aunt Ning saw the way the head of the family was acting, coupled with the fact that she had long fallen out with her mother-inw during the day they split up, she wiped her mouth and left.


    Old Madam Ning was dumbfounded. ��Fengcai, Cuihua, you��re leaving just like that?��


    Second Uncle Ning asked, ��What else?��


    Second Aunt Ning spat. ��Mother, don��t be too biased. Little Uncle and Little Aunt have good arms and legs, but you don��t want them to work. One of us is injured and the other is pregnant, but you have the cheek to let us do it? Why don��t we talk to the junior officer and see if this makes sense?��


    The old residence was now hated by all in Fortune Vige. Old Madam Ning didn��t want to cause trouble, so she could only endure the pain in her waist and clean up herself.


    After enjoying life for many years, she was no longer a meticulous person. She soaked the bowl and chopsticks in the water and took them out after casually swinging them a few times. She was the most diligent in cursing.


    The second branch turned a deaf ear to these voices. Second Aunt Ning had not seen her man for many days, so she was not very obedient as shey on the bed. However, Second Uncle Ning only felt annoyed when he saw her face. He smacked his lips and got off the bed.


    Second Aunt Ning was dumbfounded. ��Husband, where are you going?�� Second Uncle Ning didn��t even look at her. ��Why? Do I have to report to you where I go?��


    He had nowhere to go. He did not know what had possessed the vigers, but they could not stop talking about his eldest brother��s family. He gritted his teeth and felt ufortable listening to them talk about how good the grain was nted and how grand the new house was.


    He went to the eldest branch angrily to take a look. The red bricks, high walls, and green tiles made his eyes turn red with jealousy.


    In the past, the dpidated courtyard door and fence were reced by the awe-inspiring courtyard wall. From the outside, one could not see the situation in the courtyard, but they could see the high roof-it was actually a two-story building! What was he showing off for?


    What right did Ning Fengnian have! Since he was young, how could hepare to him in any way? He was the one who had his leftovers for food, clothes, and necessities. He didn��t dare to disobey them. Now, he was still �� hiding in that dpidated house in the old residence. What right did Ning Fengnian have to live in such a building!


    Second Uncle Ning, whose face was twisted, clenched his fists uncontrobly. He wanted to go forward again, but he realized that the surrounding vigers were staring at him warily. There was even a burly helper who picked up a hoe warily.


    Second Uncle Ning spat on the ground.


    What the hell? Were they guarding against him like a thief?


    ��It��s just a little money!��


    ��If I wasn��t unlucky, I would have f*cking hit the jackpot long ago.�� With this thought in mind, he suddenly stopped in his tracks. Two refugees who hade to the vige to do odd jobs were walking past him with their heads lowered. ��I��m so lucky today.��


    ��That��s right. I��m preparing to pack up and return to my hometown. The money I won today is enough for me to live without worry for the rest of my life.��


    ��Look, it��s all thanks to me reminding you to go to the brokerage shop just now, right? You just mortgaged your wife and sister for a moment and you earned back the money.. Weren��t you unaffected at all?��

 Chapter 240 - 240: Blessing From The Heavens

    Chapter 240 - 240: Blessing From The Heavens


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��That��s right, that��s right. It��s a pity that we��re all refugees and don��t have title deeds or anything. Otherwise, I would have won even more!��


    Second Uncle Ning, who was squatting on the road pretending to tidy up his pants, narrowed his eyes and fell into deep thought.


    However, he did not know that the two ��refugees�� had suddenly disappeared after taking a few turns in the vige.


    After returning to the old residence, Second Uncle Ning rolled around for the entire night and could not sleep. The next day, when the vigers were in high spirits, working in the fields or fishing in the river, he took advantage of his parents�� absence to enter their house. Aftering out, he wandered to the county.


    Yun Er went to the county office to report to his master when he saw Second Uncle Ning go to the pawnshop and brokerage. There was no pity on Rong Yan��s thin face. ��Let him be happy first, then����


    Second Uncle Ning felt that gambling depended on luck. When luck came, there was no stopping it. For example, today, he would boldly bet more every time. Sigh, he could win. He only lost money at all the small games. What did this mean? It meant that he had to let go more and open his hands to receive the blessings from the heavens!


    ��Aye, Big or Small. ce your bet now!��


    Second Uncle Ning gritted his teeth and bet more than half of the money in his hand.


    ��One, two, three, small!��


    Second Uncle Ning was so excited that he was trembling. He won! He won!


    This one was at least a hundred taels of silver!


    However, he was a little hesitant now. Should he continue to win or stop just like that?


    At this moment, someone muttered softly in his ear, ��We��ve finally made it. As the saying goes, nine out of ten gambles are scammed. This casino specializes in scamming poor people like us! How much silver have I lost to them!��


    Second Uncle Ning agreed. He retracted his hand and started to pack up the silver. However, he heard the same voice again. ��Fortunately, that old bastard who shook the dice today wasn��t around and they reced him with a newbie who��s still wet behind the ears. This kid��s skills aren��t mature enough and he can��t control the number he shakes out at all. I��m prepared to take advantage of today to win to my heart��s content!��


    ��That��s right. I��m the same. There won��t be such a shop after this vige. I��ll be scammed if Ie again in the future!��


    Second Uncle Ning��s hand stopped again. He turned to look at the young man who was shaking the dice in confusion.


    Indeed, it was rare to see such a young dealer in the gambling house. Young people were inexperienced and could not control the situation.


    He already believed 80% of the conversation between the two of them just now. He secretly nced at the dealer��s expression and realized that he was indeed in a difficult position. His forehead even began to sweat.


    How could he still want to leave now? Whoever left would be stupid!


    Seeing that Second Uncle Ning had sat down again, the two people, who had been by his side for two days, got into the crowd and disappeared in a few moments.


    Second Uncle Ning had disappeared from the house for an entire day, but the old residence was not worried. When had he not been strolling outside these few days?


    There was a lot of work to do at home. Old Madam Ning was flustered, but no one came to help her.


    Second Aunt Ning said that her stomach was not feeling good. Shey on the bed and cried out. She definitely could not get up to take over.


    It was even more impossible for Little Aunt Ning and Little Uncle Ning to help out.


    When the former found out that the Zhao Family had rejected her marriage proposal, she cried every day. Second Aunt Ning��s head hurt along with her stomach. However, although she cried, she didn��t really court death. She didn��t even miss a meal.


    Little Uncle Ning talked about studying all day long. At the mention of work, he would talk about ��a gentleman stays away from the kitchen��, ��nothing is more important than studying��, and ��it��s inauspicious to hold a broom��. It was as if doing chores at home could embarrass him, a ��schr��.


    As for Old Sir Ning, he took care of almost all the work in the fields. He could not even straighten his back when he returned home.


    It was only then that they remembered the good of the eldest branch. However, the ��thoughts�� were not her appreciation.


    ��Those ingrates from the eldest branch. We raised him, but they don��t know how to care about our rtionship at all!��


    ��I raised him up. Now, they just watch the two of us busy ourselves while they live well in their new house!��


    ��He opened a shop, but you don��t know how to help his brothers!��


    ��Pfft! You b*stard who��s been struck by lightning! Little b*stard! When our Fengwen bes an official in the future, he��ll be the first to confiscate their homes!��


    Then, she started to think. How rich was the eldest branch now? After confiscating the house, would the money and house belong to their old residence?


    However, she did not think about what the ��rtionship�� between the old residence and the eldest branch was.


    It was lying, bullying, oppression, and matters that almost destroyed their family!


    Old Madam Ning did not feel that her words were untenable at all. The more she scolded him, the more she felt that she made sense. She actually became more energetic at work.


    Xiaoxiao and her family, who had been ndered behind their backs, were surrounding the paddy field and jumping around.


    Today, the milk tea shop was closed for the day. As it had just entered July, the Ning Family��s rice fields were all hung with ears. The golden rice ears were especially dazzling in the fields that were still yellow and green.


    The vigers who came to work in the fields praised Ning Fengnian enviously. Thetter smiled radiantly. ��It��s all thanks to the heavens. Qiuniang and the children have also worked hard.��


    After checking the fullness of the rice for thest time, Ning Fengnian straightened his back and said firmly, ��Drain the water!��


    Before the rice was harvested, they had to drain the water in the rice field and harden the soil. This was beneficial to the harvest in the field and the return of the grains to the warehouse. It was also convenient to enter the next round of farming after harvesting the rice. However, while draining the water, Xiaoxiao rubbed her palms together and called out to her second brother, ��Let��s go catch green prawns!��


    In ancient times, the word ��dragon�� could not be used casually, so crayfish could not be called crayfish?. They could only be called green prawns.


    It didn��t matter what the name was. Xiaoxiao had already minced the garlic!


    Ning Anhui frowned. ��You asked me to close the shop and rest for a day just for this?��


    Xiaoxiao winked at him. ��Second Brother, do you believe that I can also sell green prawns?��


    Ning Anhui immediately felt energized. He grabbed a prawn in each hand and enjoyed the catching process.


    The vigers were very curious. ��Xiaoxiao, why are you catching this monster prawn?��


    The crayfish was much bigger than ordinary river prawns, which was what the vigers called it. Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��We call it the green prawn and are preparing to catch it and cook it! This thing is delicious!��


    The vigers were shocked. They thought to themselves that the Ning Family had been used to living a hard life in the past. Could it be that they still couldn��t change their habit of eating everything they saw? This thing looked scary. How did it look edible?


    They could only remind them tactfully, ��Don��t. Don��t make yourselves sick, all right?��


    Xiaoxiao raised her big face. ��Uncles and aunties, don��t worry. I��ve already taken this green prawn to a particrly famous doctor with especially good medical skills. It��spletely edible. Moreover, there were many ��good people�� who volunteered to try it before today. Now, they don��t feel ufortable and they don��t have diarrhea or vomit. They��re in good spirits. They��re thinking about this prawn every day.��


    Really?

 Chapter 241 - 241: Crayfish

    Chapter 241: Crayfish


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Since they were sure that it could be eaten, the vigers did not persuade them anymore. Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said, ��In the future, can you catch the green prawns in your fields when you collect rice? My family will collect them for five copper coins per 500 grams!��


    Not to mention five copper coins, even if it was three copper coins or two copper coins, the vigers were willing to take on this job. After all, they got it for free. They only collect them when they harvest the rice. Speaking of which, it was just an extra trip. After thinking it through, the vigers were embarrassed. ��We��re all vigers. You make us feel like we��re taking advantage of your family.��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand generously. ��Don��t say that. I can��t let everyone help for nothing. Besides, if I make this thing especially delicious, I might have to order inrge quantitiester. At that time, the price will increase. Otherwise, our family will take advantage of everyone.��


    Aiyo, from the sound of it, the Ning Family girl was quite confident? They chuckled and did not take it seriously. They watched as the Ning Family worked hard. They drained the rice field and caught the green prawns. They walked into the field again and the green prawns were gone in the morning.


    The sun was good at noon and it was just nice to dry the soil. There were not many days left after the rainy season to have such good weather.


    Actually, Xiaoxiao had asked County Magistrate Shen and found out that it was only during the sunny days that they suggested harvesting the rice earlier.


    Ning Fengnian also felt that his rice grew faster than others, so he agreed after confirming it.


    With the weather, the rice could be harvested in less than 10 days. He estimated and said to Madam Song uncertainly, ��Why do I feel that our harvest is much higher than what we expected?��


    Madam Song did not suspect anything and continued, ��Perhaps you took good care of it?��


    How could the farmer withstand such praise? He immediately chuckled and showed off their love to his children. The husband and wife returned home together.


    The corners of Ning Anhui��s eyes twitched as he asked Xiaoxiao, ��When you say ��good people��, are you referring to the bandits who were captured at our house previously?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded kindly. Big Brother had long sensed that something was wrong, but Second Brother believed herpletely.


    Fortunately, her brother did not ask her. Teacher Chen had given him a lot of homework these few days to enrich his extracurricr life. He did not have the energy to care about anything else at all. Recently, her big brother had been walking as if he was floating. His mouth was only talking about thews of Great Xia. He was pitiful.


    Xiaoxiao decided to make more delicious nourishment for him, such as crayfish.


    There were many people in the family, so there were many vors that she could make. Xiaoxiao was rich with crayfish that she had caught from the fields, so she secretly exchanged for some from the space. The two big pots in the new kitchen were full, and even the steamer was not idle. She chopped garlic with one hand and cut chili with the other. She could even mix a vor te from time to time and add a handful of peppercorns to the pot. She was especially busy.


    When the vigers who came to help build the house saw this, they could not help but have other thoughts.


    ��Qiuniang, your Xiaoxiao will be 13 next year, right?


    Madam Song nodded and smiled especially gently. ��Yes, she became a big girl in the blink of an eye. She��s the most capable person in the entire family now.�� The auntie looked around and leaned over to lower her voice. ��Are you talking about marriage yet?��


    This auntie had a good personality and often washed clothes and dug wild vegetables with Madam Song. Now that she also remembered not to affect Xiaoxiao��s reputation, she whispered to Madam Song. Hence, Madam Song replied good-naturedly, ��Not yet. You know what happened at home previously. Besides, she��s still young.��


    The auntie did not mention the ��big girl�� she had mentioned just now. She only said, ��Your daughter is a good person. She��s good-looking, smart, and has a good heart. Her family has be rich, but she keeps thinking of ways to help the vige. I reckon that when she grows up in the future, people proposing marriage will break your house��s threshold.��


    She leaned closer and whispered into Madam Song��s ear, ��Qiuniang, can you let my nephew queue up first? My nephew is 16 years old this year and is three years older than your girl. He��s not too old and knows how to dote on people. Although he hasn��t studied much, he learned craftsmanship from a carpenter. He can endure hardships and is honest����


    Madam Song nced at Xiaoxiao again and sighed with emotion. Back then, that girl was so soft that she even cried softly. Now, it was time to talk about marriage.


    ��There��s no hurry. We��ll see in two years.��


    The auntie did not rush them. She nodded and the two of them pretended that nothing had happened and continued with their work.


    At this moment, a fragrance that no one could refuse surged out of the kitchen. The vigers who were helping couldn��t help but sniff. Their eyes couldn��t help but look over.


    The sound of the spats colliding seemed to have suddenly be loud and clear, knocking on their ears. Seeing this, Madam Song stood up in amusement and pride. She walked to the kitchen door and asked, ��How is it?��


    Xiaoxiao sucked the freshly peeled prawns into her mouth and puffed up her cheeks as she gave her a thumbs up. Madam Song looked at the dozen or so pots of covered vegetables on the table in the room and shouted, ��Everyone, stop working. Let��s rest for a meal. My daughter is cooking today.�� The Ning Family did not have many people, but there were more than 10 people helping them. Hence, everyone usually brought their own food. It was rare for Xiaoxiao to be at home today and cook personally. The vigers, who were already curious about her skills, did not need any further prompting. They went to get water and washed their hands one by one.


    The women who came to help went to the kitchen to take out the dishes that Xiaoxiao had prepared.


    The farmers�� meal n was affordable and convenient. They were not particr about small dishes like rich people. They only felt that no matter how good-looking those things were, they would not be able to fill their stomachs. Hence, when Xiaoxiao cooked for them, the dishes were all big bowls and iron basins.


    The lids were lifted one by one. The hearty sauce, bone, and braised pork almost made the vigers embarrassed to move their chopsticks. Of course, they were only a little embarrassed at the start. No one was embarrassed when it was time to eat. After all, it was not New Year��s Eve. No one would eat meat every day.


    Generally speaking, when someone built a house in the vige, they would invite their neighbors and families to help. Then, they would look at the situation of the owners. Those who were richer would give them a sry. Those with tougher conditions would give them a piece of meat and a basket of eggs. Then, they would treat everyone to a meal with meat and fish. No one would say anything.


    There was also a variation for this meat. From meat chunk to minced meat, anything was possible. However, it was really the first time that someone directly served an entire piece of braised pork and the entire rack of ribs to the table as if they were free like the Ning Family. They even let everyone eat freely.


    The vigers identally ate too much and only realized that their table manners were shocking when they saw the bottom of the bowl. They thought that they were going to beughed at, but they heard Madam Song ask with a smile, ��Do you want to add more? It��s all physical work. How can you have strength if you��re not full?��


    The Ning Family was really kind, but they really couldn��t eat anymore. They were mainly embarrassed to continue eating.


    Xiaoxiao brought out the crayfish under such circumstances.


    Considering that the ancient people of this era were not familiar with the crayfish, she removed the inedible shrimp heads, shrimp cheeks, shrimp stomachs, and shrimp intestines before making the shrimp.


    Hence, all they needed to do now was to peel off the shell and start eating.


    Old Madam Ning, who was carrying her clothes outside, smelled the fragrance and looked into the house. Coincidentally, an auntie who had a grudge against her saw her. ��Aiyo, I was wondering who was peeking here. So it��s Sister Liu. Why? There��s no food or meat at home.. Are you here to borrow from your stepson?��

 Chapter 242 - 242: Grandchildren

    Chapter 242: Grandchildren


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was a ��separation�� and a ��stepson��. Her grasp of the key points could be said to be quite good.


    Without waiting for Old Madam Ning to speak, this auntie even said as she fanned herself, ��That won��t do, right? The matter of your biological son smashing Fengnian��s head hasn��t passed yet.��


    Old Madam Ning seemed to have thought of something and stole a nce at the courtyard. When she saw that familiar tall figure turn around, a trace of hope ignited in her heart. However, Ning Fengnian didn��t seem to see her and looked past her.


    Old Madam Ning immediately felt embarrassed. ��Pfft, do you think you��re so rich to give people these things?��


    The vigers couldn��t stand it anymore. ��Auntie, I have to stand up for Brother Fengnian. We only started eating this good thing after eating meat until we were full. In the entire Fortune Vige, who cane up with arge basin of meat for us helpers to eat?��


    ��Every piece of braised pork is the size of a child��s fist. There��s a thick brown gravy hanging on it. It��s fresh and sweet in one bite. You don��t even have to use much strength to bite off the meat. When you eat it, you just have to purse your tongue slightly and it will melt. I wonder how Little Girl Ning made it.��


    ��That bone with sauce is the same. It��s a big bone, but there��s really a lot of meat on it. After gnawing on it, I suck the bone marrow that��s soaked in soup. It��s extremely scrumptious.��


    ��Auntie, do you see that pile of bones beside us? They��re all ours!��


    The person who said this sounded quite proud. Xiaoxiao remembered this person and praised him in her heart.


    Old Madam Ning looked in the direction this person was pointing and saw the big dog from the Ning Family hugging a pile of bones. It licked and nibbled on them, letting out satisfied snores from time to time. It was enjoying itself.


    Meeting her gaze, the dog bit the pig bone in its mouth and made cracking sounds. Its size and ferocious appearance frightened her so much that she did not dare to move.


    The viger praised sincerely, ��Even a dog in their family is more outstanding than others. My Big Yellow was about the same age as your Walnut. When he first came, he was even bigger than your brat. Now that the two brats are together, Big Yellow is like a grandson of Walnut.��


    Xiaoxiao said humbly, ��Our Walnut is a big dog breed. He��s naturally more powerful.�� Of course, she wouldn��t mention that she stuffed the dog into her space from time to time.


    As Walnut got bigger, the naughtier it became. In the past, it was the only one alive in the space ranch. Recently, when she threw Walnut into the ranch, it immediately fought chickens, chased cows, chased sheep, and chased pigs. Its happy appearance made Xiaoxiao suspect that it was actually a husky in the skin of a mastiff.


    In order not to let Walnut tear down the Ning Family, Xiaoxiao specially threatened, ��If you behave like this at home, don��t even think about going to the ranch to y in the future!��


    It was unknown if it really understood. It was indeed very obedient at home. Other than calling out twice when people it did not know passed by, it was usually quite quiet. It was not picky and ate whatever it was given.


    The space said that Walnut was excited because the environment in the space was much better than the outside world. Animals were especially sharp. They were full of energy when they entered. They were full of energy and felt ufortable, especially in the pastures and farnds.


    Since it could elerate the growth of nts and animals, it could naturally give Walnut five times more nutrition and spirit than usual.


    Xiaoxiao felt that it was reasonable. She thought that it was rare for Walnut to go in now, and the animals were not affected. Moreover, it would soon be too big at five times the speed, so she let it be.


    After entertaining the vigers who helped, Xiaoxiao went to her and Rong Yan��s barren mountain to take a look. The grass that had been nted previously was already green, and the cowshed and sheep pen had been built. They were just waiting for Mrs. Shen to help contact the herdsmen to send the cows and sheep over.


    It was agreed that she would be the one to contact the fruit trees on the mountain. Recently, Rong Yan��s situation was special, so she did not take the next step for the time being. However, the tree seeds had been exchanged in the space long ago.


    When she bent down to confirm the growth of the grass, Xiaoxiao heard a reminder from the space: [Master, there are ingredients approaching from behind you. I suspect that they don��t have good intentions.]


    Xiaoxiao turned around and saw Old Madam Ning screaming in pain when a stranger grabbed her wrist.


    ��What are you doing, you stinky beggar!��


    That person was dressed in rags and did not look very dignified, but he was clean and neat and his back was straight. ��I��m not a beggar. In addition, you were plotting to harm someone. I just stopped you in passing.��


    Following Old Madam Ning��s hand, Xiaoxiao realized that she was holding a wooden stick.


    Her expression instantly turned cold. ��Step-Grandma, do you want to hit me?��


    If she was used as an ingredient, she would definitely be a poisonous ingredient.


    Old Madam Ning was provoked by the ��Step-Grandma��. ��So what if I hit you? I��m your elder. It��s only right for me to beat you to death. You heartless thing. I wasted so much food to raise you, but now I realize that I actually raised a beast!��


    She still wanted to do evil, but the man behind her was holding her tightly. She couldn��t struggle free, so she could only punch and scratch that person. ��None of you foreigners are good. If you don��t let go of me, I��ll report you to the vige chief and ask him to chase you all away!��


    The olddy was really ruthless. There were red marks on the man��s face. He was also a real man. He only frowned from the beginning to the end and did not even snort. Instead, he said to Xiaoxiao, ��Youngdy, run first. I��ll let her go when you��re far away.��


    It was obvious that this person did not know Xiaoxiao and she did not know this person. She responded and really ran away. However, after going around a few trees, she shed into the space and used the spatial exit positioning function to move to the hiding ce closest to them.


    Seeing that Xiaoxiao was gone, the man really let go of Old Madam Ning. The old woman scolded him for a long time before asking, ��Are you a pauper who was instructed by Ning Fengnian��s family to deliberately cause trouble for me?�� The man asked inexplicably, ��Who��s Ning Fengnian?��


    Old Madam Ning spat at him. ��Pfft, if you really don��t know him, why would you help that bastard?��


    The man dodged and could not be bothered with this uneducated and disgusting old woman.


    Old Madam Ning was a ssic All-Mouthy King who bullied the weak and feared the strong. She dared to scold and make a scene, but she didn��t have the guts to really provoke such a tall and strong man. If she forced him into a corner and he beat her up, she wouldn��t be able to reason with him. She could only spit a few times and leave angrily.


    Xiaoxiao looked at Old Madam Ning and then at the unfamiliar man. She decisively chose to follow the old woman.


    Taking advantage of the fact that most people were not around, Old Madam Ning ran to the farnd. The more she looked at Fengnian��snd, the angrier she became. No, to be precise, she was jealous.


    If they had not split up, these grains would have been hers. She only needed to let the eldest branch drink some chaff and they would obediently serve her like cows and horses. She did not have to wash clothes, cook, wash the dishes, or feed the chickens and clean the courtyard. She would be the one living in that luxurious building, and eating meat and white rice every meal.


    There was no one around. Old Madam Ning sneakily took out a fire lighter from her sleeve..

 Chapter 243 - 243: Hiring Someone

    Chapter 243 - 243: Hiring Someone


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Seeing the smoke that suddenly appeared in front of Old Madam Ning, Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes. She suddenly shed out of space with a slingshot and raised her hand to throw a stone.


    She aimed at the old woman��s knee. After the blow, Old Madam Ning fell into the farnd. She was only a punch away from the me. She was so frightened that she instinctively screamed, but her legs were weak. She couldn��t run even if she wanted to.


    Xiaoxiao shed back into the space and took out a special item that had been ced there for a few days-arge pot of leeches that Old Madam Ning had deliberately ced in the Ning Family��snd.


    She didn��t even need to leave the space to do this. As soon as the space exit was located, leeches appeared on Old Madam Ning��s back one after another. They didn��t cause much damage through her clothes, but they were very intimidating.


    A scream tore through the sky. Old Madam Ning fainted on the field.


    There was still no one around for the time being. Xiaoxiao put out the fire and took away most of the leeches, leaving only about 10 of them. She stuffed the fire lighter back into Old Madam Ning��s palm and used the spatial exit positioning function to go home by reappearing once every five meters.


    If anyone saw her five-meter-reappearance, they would probably think that they had seen a ghost in broad daylight.


    However, using this method, Xiaoxiao returned home very quickly and even pulled a handful of grass for Ning Fengnian to see.


    It was obvious at a nce that the grass hadpletely ripened. Xiaoxiao happily prepared the gift she would bring to the Shen Residence tomorrow.


    The crayfish were indispensable. The other vors would be made tomorrow, but they had to be soaked in the Huadiao today to get the vor in.<div>


    <h12 ss="h12container" data-pub="539c1ab3f42956732a30364d794fba32" data-adunit="34618" data-type="responsive" data-format="standard" data-init="false"></h12>


    The ice cubes that had been distributed from the Shen Family in advance were already in ce. Xiaoxiao used a suitable amount of ginger, fragrant leaves, star anise, cinnamon, peppercorns, rock sugar, salt, light soya sauce, and water to boil the soup ingredients. After it was cooled, she added Erguotou and Huadiao wine as backup. She added cold water to the steamer and spread the ginger slices. Then, she ced the washed crayfish in the pot and steamed them. After the water boiled, she quickly put the steamed crayfish into ice water to cool it. This way, the crayfish meat would be more refreshing.


    The crayfish thatpleted these steps needed to be soaked in the shade overnight. With enough ice and the space preservation functions, this pot of crayfish would still be fresh and delicious tomorrow.


    When the Ning Family was building a new house, they also built the cer at Xiaoxiao��s strong request. When Xiaoxiao put the ice bucket containing the prawns into the cer and came out, she happened to see a viger dancing and talking to Ning Fengnian.


    She pretended to pass by casually and heard the person exim in a hoarse voice, ��What��s wrong with your stepmother? She actually set fire to yournd and threw leeches onto it?��


    ��But she��s really unlucky. She fainted from fright after failing to set the fire.�� ��She��s still quibbling now, insisting that the leeches have nothing to do with her.��


    ��Hey, wait a minute. Does she mean to admit that she set the fire?�� Ning Fengnian did notment further. He poured a ss of water for the viger so that he would calm down and went to the fields to check on the crops. When he returned, he said to Madam Song, ��It��s not a big problem. The fire was extinguished before it started. Thend was just drained today and is very humid.��


    Madam Song was very worried. ��It��s very humid today. Where��s tomorrow? If it��spletely dry in the future, if she burns it�� won��t you have worked for nothing for so long?��


    She took off her apron. ��No, I have to talk to them!��


    Nmg Anhui had been waiting for this sentence. He picked up the shovel at the door and stuffed a wooden stick into his mother��s hand. Ning Fengnian was so angry that heughed. ��Are you going to reason with her or fight?��


    Nmg Anhui pursed his lips. ��As Sister said, we can��t have the intention to harm others, but we have to be wary of others.��


    Ning Fengnian didn��t lecture him. He only said, ��Protect yourself first. If they act unreasonably, your sister also said that we should be polite before resorting to force.�� 6


    Xiaoxiao:�� So she was the one who said it all?


    She cleared her throat. ��Actually, I think it��s useless for you to make this trip. No matter how clear the logic is, those people in the old residence would rather be muddle-headed. They might cry, throw a tantrum, and hang themselves. Don��t forget, Second Aunt is about to give birth. Besides, it��s obvious. We don��t have to waste our breath. Our priority now should be to protect the food in the fields.��


    Everyone felt that she was right. Ning Fengnian volunteered. ��From today onwards, I��ll stay in the fields.��


    Madam Song couldn��t bear to part with her husband, but she also couldn��t bear to part with the thriving crops. Just as she was conflicted, she heard Xiaoxiao say, ��Actually, there��s another way.��


    After Old Madam Ning��s incident, the Ning Family could not stay at home and wait for the crops to ripen. They no longer had any confidence in the old residence��s character.


    However, it was unbearable to keep an eye on her day and night, so Xiaoxiao suggested an idea��hire someone.


    There were also ready-made candidates-the refugees sent to the Fortune Vige by the county magistrate.


    Those people could not find work for the time being and were also anxious to earn their keep. Xiaoxiao suggested hiring them to watch the rice fields until the harvest. Actually, ording to her, hiring these people during the harvest would also make everyone��s life much easier.


    The first half of the sentence was approved by her family, but no one expressed their stance on the second half for the time being. The Ning Family had yet to adapt to the change in identity from being hired to hiring someone else.


    Xiaoxiao was not in a hurry. It was only a matter of time before she subtly influenced them.


    After hearing this news, more than 10 refugees came to the Ning Family��s courtyard door and rmended themselves.


    After experiencing the desert, no matter what status and family background they had in the past, they had already suffered enough. Guarding the rice fields was nothing to them. Moreover, it had only been 10 days. It was simply easy for them to get 50 copper coins just by sitting there and watching.


    If they were more diligent and did other work at the same time, such as peeling some small bamboo tubes that the Ning Family wanted, their daily ie would be enough to live for a short period of time.


    Perhaps they could gather enough money to buynd after a few more jobs. Even if it was a wastnd, as long as they were willing to suffer, they could always grow food to support themselves.


    Xiaoxiao recognized the stranger who had just helped her from the crowd. ��What��s your name?��


    The man was also very surprised. ��Chen Kuan.��


    Chen Kuan and another man called Wang He were chosen together. The two of them took turns to prevent themselves from running out of energy When Xtaoxiao brought the two of them to the field, she said, ��Actually, I still need someone to help look after another piece ofnd. If the two of you get used to itter, you can continue.��


    The work was very simple. It was already arranged before the sky turned dark. The two of them did not need any training and went straight to work. They even nimbly built a simple shed on the field. One of them rested and the other worked. They wouldn��t miss a single thing.


    With the two of them around, the Ning Family finally had a good night��s sleep However, Ning Anhui tossed and turned ufortably at night. ��Are we just going to let Grandma y tricks on us?��


    Ning Ansheng put down the book. ��Then do you want to go over and cause a scene, then get them topensate or apologize?��


    It was impossible to get them topensate for the money. Not to mention that the rice was fine, even if something really happened, they would be able to hide it.


    It was even more impossible for the olddy to apologize in this lifetime If she went overboard, the olddy might make a scene again. Ning Anhui understood this logic, but he still felt ufortable..

 Chapter 244 - 244: Useless Things

    Chapter 244 - 244: Useless Things


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Ansheng saw that he was banging on the brick bed and sighed. ��Isn��t Sister going to the county office tomorrow?


    Ning Anhui��s eyes lit up. ��Sister is going toin to the county magistrate?�� Ning Ansheng patted him with a book. ��What are you talking about? What do you mean by ining��? She is going to just mention it when we are chatting.��


    Ning Anhui locked himself under the nket. ��Big Brother, I realized that you��ve changed recently. You��ve be more cunning.��


    Ning Ansheng red at him and continued reading.


    Perhaps it was because he was tired from the day, or perhaps it was because he was born with good sleep quality, Ning Anhui blinked a few times and quickly


    fell asleep.


    Only then did Ning Ansheng sigh. His younger brother��s straightforwardness was indeed unsuitable for an official career. If he was really forced to study, he would probably only be able to be a bookworm. However, he had never heard of the new calction that his younger sister had given him. As expected, he had not studied enough.


    The next day, Xiaoxiao went to the Shen Residence with the crayfish. She was very proud when she saw that Mrs. Shen, who did not do any chores, could not stop even after peeling more than 10 crayfish.


    Knowing that Little Big Brother��s injuries had recovered and he had already gone to the academy today, she bid farewell to Mrs. Shen, who was engrossed in crayfish, and went to Fragrance Restaurant.


    Mrs. Shen was from a noble family after all, and she did not forget to send Xiaoxiao out at a time like this. Unexpectedly, when she returned to the house after sending her off, she saw that her husband, who was supposed to sleep in during the break, was already rolling up his sleeves and peeling prawns. There was a small pile of prawn shells beside him!<div>


    <h12 ss="h12container" data-pub="539c1ab3f42956732a30364d794fba32" data-adunit="34618" data-type="responsive" data-format="standard" data-init="false"></h12>


    She hurriedly jogged back and gathered her favorite Huadiao. Under the gazes of the servants, the couple began to peel the prawns at a faster speed.


    County Magistrate Shen got yful and peeled the prawns faster than his wife. When thetter was about to explode, he pushed the peeled prawns to her.


    The servants were speechless.


    In order to let Shopkeeper Xu truly appreciate the deliciousness of the crayfish, Xiaoxiao borrowed the small kitchen to heat up the crayfish when she went to the Fragrance Restaurant. As soon as the fragrance wafted out, the customers outside couldn��t sit still anymore.


    Those who coulde to the Fragrance Restaurant often for a meal were naturally gluttons. Those with sharp noses wereparable to Xiaoxiao��s Walnut. Those who were more familiar with Shopkeeper Xu went to the kitchen to knock on the door.


    ��Old Xu, oh, Old Xu, what new dish are you secretly researching?��


    ��We��ve been eating at your Fragrance Restaurant for 10 years. We��re as close as brothers, are we? Quick, quickly give me a bowl of the food in your pot!��


    ��Old Xu, you��ve been getting more and more unkind recently. You re always getting special treatment in the kitchen. Why can��t you bear to share what��s good with your brothers?��


    Every time Xiaoxiao came back to cook, the fragrance of the dishes would drift from the small kitchen furthest from the hall to the front, causing the customers to ask a few times.


    Shopkeeper Xu had been asked many times. He said that the kitchen was researching a new dish. As for when it would be on the menu? He did not know, but he was still considering it.


    Shopkeeper Xu wanted to bluff his way through like before, but he couldn��t. It was too fragrant. Even he was craving it.


    Xiaoxiao remained unmoved. She first scooped a bowl each of various vors of crayfish for Shopkeeper Xu to try.


    Shopkeeper Xu was horrified when he saw the thing she brought��could this thing be eaten?


    However, when he finished the small bowls, he looked down on his scared self just now. This thing was too f*cking delicious! Ah, it smelled so good! Unknowingly, he had finished all the small bowls. Shopkeeper Xu looked at the pot eagerly. Xiaoxiao extinguished the stove, put down the spat, and took out the iced Huadiao crayfish.


    Shopkeeper Xu was shocked! Shopkeeper Xu was dumbfounded! Shopkeeper Xu couldn��t stop himself! Shopkeeper Xu�� hurriedly got someone to invite Li Muyan over as quickly as possible.


    Thetter was originally troubled by his grandmother. When he found out that Shopkeeper Xu had something to discuss, he hurriedly ran out without even asking for the details. Old Madam Li, who wasining about her headache and stomachache just now, saw that he had really walked far away and immediately threw her handkerchief at her daughter-inw, who was standing at the side.


    ����Useless thing. I��m about to die. Haven��t you gotten back the assets that Li Leqing took away?�� Li Leqing was Mrs. Shen��s maiden name. When she got married, Old Master Li was still around. Her ��ten-mile red trousseau�� was still talked about.


    The Second Madam of the Li Family lowered her head. ��The Shen Family clearly doesn��t want Ruhuan. There��s nothing I can do.��


    Old Madam Li gritted her teeth. ��I, the Old Madam, have already asked her son to marry He Ruhuan. How dare she reject me?��


    Second Madam thought to herself, Its not the first time that Eldest Miss has disobeyed. Why are you making a fuss? Old Madam turned her anger on her again. ��It��s all because your niece is useless! She can��t even handle a fat and stupid Shen Tianci. Useless thing! If she��s so useless, I��ll immediately make the decision to bring my son��s mistress back!��


    Second Madam couldn��t get pregnant since she gave birth to Li Muyan. As the head of the richest family in Jiangnan, many people took the initiative to approach Master Li. A few days ago, they found out that he had a mistress and went to see her every few days. He treasured the mistress very much.


    Second Madam endured the scolding aggrievedly. Just as she returned to her courtyard, she saw her niece, He Ruhuan, crying.


    He Ruhuan��s originally delicate face was already distorted. ��It��s all that farm girl��s fault! I��ve be a joke now!��


    ��Aunt, I don��t like that pig Shen Tianci either. I don��t want to marry him!�� Second Madam suppressed the annoyance in her heart and went forward tofort her. ��Don��t be anxious. Although Shen Tianci��s figure is a little ugly, his mother, Li Leqing, took a lot of money from our Li Family when she got married. If you marry over, those will be yours. Aunt is doing this for your own good.��


    He Ruhuan cried until her eyes hurt and her head hurt. She blurted out, ��Isn��t Cousin Muyan much better than Shen Tianci? Why don��t you let me marry Cousin Muyan!��


    Second Madam��s expression changed. She thought to herself, After all, she��s the daughter of my younger sister, whose mother is a concubine. Her heart is higher than the sky and her life is thinner than paper. How dare she think of marrying into the Li Family?


    She hid the disdain in her heart and patted He Ruhuan��s shoulder. ��Don��t worry, I��ve already thought of a way. The Shen Family will have no choice but to acknowledge you soon.��


    On the other hand, after the pumpkin porridge that Xiaoxiao had prepared today was ready, Li Muyan walked into the small kitchen of the Fragrance Restaurant.


    The moment he entered, he saw Shopkeeper Xu eating porridge with a bowl in his left hand and a spoon in his right. There was even a fragrance of fresh and spicy wine floating in the room.


    He took a deep breath and felt hungry. He had a headache from his grandmother��s torture at home, but Shopkeeper Xu��s food was good. You didn��t eat breakfast?��


    Shopkeeper Xu, whose stomach was already full, burped. Then, he pushed the various vors of crayfish that he had prepared in front of Boss with a silly smile. ��Try them?��


    Li Muyan thought that he was quite sensible, but he hesitated when he saw what was in the bowl.


    Xiaoxiao personally peeled one and fed it to him. At the same time, she told him, ��Don��t worry, genius Doctor Gongsun personally identified it. Yes, there are also people who have tried it many times. There��s no problem..��

 Chapter 245 - 245’. Refusal

    Chapter 245��. Refusal


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Li Muyan nodded. Although he despised that genius doctor who liked to put on airs, he knew that he would not joke about this. It was definitely edible if he said so.


    After eating a prawn tail, Li Muyan, who had only taken a few mouthfuls of porridge and had no appetite at home, quietened down. Only the sound of the prawn shell being peeled could be heard in the small kitchen.


    After he tried every vor, Li Muyan elegantly washed his hands in the water handed to him by the servant. ��Miss Ning, I��ll be straightforward. Are you nning to sell this dish in our Fragrance Restaurant?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. Just as Shopkeeper Xu was about to sigh, she said, ��But is Young Master Li interested in working together?��


    Li Muyan asked, ��How do we work together?��


    Xiaoxiao pushed out the crayfish. ��I believe Young Master Li and Shopkeeper Xu can also tell that although this green prawn is delicious, it��s not suitable as a main meal. This is because peeling the shell of the crayfish is time-consuming and easily dirty our clothes. It��s more suitable for two to three friends to gather together and eat it when they��re chatting. If it��s really sold in the Fragrance Restaurant, I��m afraid the customers won��t be able to leave for a while. It��s not conducive to your busy situation.��


    Li Muyan��s expression did not change, and Shopkeeper Xu felt deeply ashamed.


    He could not tell anything, but he felt that it was delicious! It could be sold! It would be popr!


    Li Muyan continued to wipe his hands and deleted the reasons in his mind for persuading Xiaoxiao to agree to supply the Fragrance Restaurant. ��Then what do you think, Miss Ning?��


    Xiaoxiao ced her hands behind her back. ��I suggest that we work together to provide supper.��


    Summer wasing and the summer was scorching. She did not want to eat dinner, but she had a preference for supper. She wondered if ancient people were like her.


    ��There��s no need to find another shop. Just use the kitchen of the Fragrance Restaurant or set up a few more stoves. After dinner, we��ll start selling them in our free time. They can eat it in the main hall or pack them up. The customers can peel prawns and drink in the shop. They��ll talk about everything. Those who care about their image will bring them home and close the door to eat. What do you think, Young Master Li?��


    How was it? Li Muyan struggled to maintain hisposure. His heart was about to surge. He felt that it was simply too awesome!


    Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hand and said, ��But this way, the chefs and staff of the Fragrance Restaurant will probably have to work even harder.��


    Hard work? That was impossible!


    Who did not know that the Li Family was kind? That also meant that the remuneration was sumptuous! Who could bear to not earn money? At most, they would split the kitchen into two shifts and take turns to rest. They would not miss out on anything.


    Both parties reached an agreement amidst the fragrance of prawns in the small kitchen. Li Muyan even got someone to get a pen and paper. Soon, he finalized the details of the cooperation with Xiaoxiao and pressed his fingerprint on it.


    Before Xiaoxiao left with the warm prawns, Li Muyan tried to hold it in, but he couldn��t. ��Miss Ning, do you have any ns for the future?


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows and looked at him in confusion. Li Muyan said, ��For example, settling down to be a manager and managing a few shops?�� Thinking about Li Muyan��s words, Xiaoxiao understood that this was an olive branch from the Li Family, but she shook her head. ��I��m used to being idle. I��m afraid it��s not appropriate.��


    Everyone was smart. Li Muyan also understood that she was rejecting him politely. He was not someone who liked to force others, but he still felt that it was a pity. It was also at this moment that Shopkeeper Xu sighed. ��Whoever marries Miss Ning will be lucky in this life!


    Li Muyan turned to look at him. ��There��s still sauce on your mouth.��


    When they returned to ��So It��s You�� milk tea shop, Xiaoxiao and Ning Anhui checked the number of shops that had signed up for the franchise in the past few days.


    Including Li Muyan, there were a total of 15 shops. After the Yun Guards investigation, these were all partners with rtively good character and strength. As soon as Xiaoxiao made the decision, she went out to withdraw the offer to franchise.


    When the customers who came and went saw her and asked, she replied, It s full. We won��t ept anyone whoester.��


    Those who were still watching regretted it. There was an endless stream of them at noon, but Xiaoxiao was determined and rejected them all. Only then did those people know that she was not ying hard to get, nor was she fooling around like a child. She really only epted 15 shops.


    Xiaoxiao did not like to do things sloppily. She got someone to send a message to gather and sign the contract tomorrow. After that, she started to work in the kitchen.


    In Bowen Academy, Shen Tianci stared at Ning Ansheng��s food box for the entire day. Rong Yan also looked at it several times without batting an eyelid. Helpless, Ning Ansheng could only share his snacks with the two of them. The pale yellow skin was soft and tender. After biting it open, it was wrapped in smooth cream and small pieces of Crystal Jelly. Shen Tianci fell in love with it immediately.


    Rong Yan took a small bite and tasted it. Apart from enjoying it, he missed the person who made the snacks.


    The Shen Residence was under martialw while he was recuperating. It was not appropriate for Xiaoxiao to go there often, and Rong Yan did not want her to be noticed by the Yan Family frequently, so they had not seen each other for a few days.


    Ning Ansheng protected the remaining few and looked very guarded. ��Sister said that this is called Xue Mei Niang.��


    Shen Tianci licked his lips. ��It��s delicious and the name is nice, but Ning Xiaoxiao favors you over us. Why did she only make yours?��


    Ning Ansheng smiled. ��I��m her older brother.��


    What a powerful reason. Shen Tianci admitted defeat, but he still retorted stubbornly, ��Til see if you still have this treatment after she gets married!�� Because of this, not only did Shen Tianci not get to eat another bite of Xue Mei Niang, which was specially made by Xiaoxiao, but he also looked at the back of Ning Ansheng��s head for the entire day-Ning Ansheng ignored him.


    One of them was angry, and the other was guilty. No one noticed that Rong Yan��s face turned red secretly and he even secretly took away two more Xue


    Mei Niangs.


    Shen Tianci returned from the academy and finished the pitiful few prawns his mother had left for him. He looked at Mrs. Shen worriedly. ��Mother, these prawns are so delicious. Why did you give this deal to Li Muyan?�� Mrs. Shen tidied her hair elegantly. ��Xiaoxiao said that a richdy like me is not suitable to do such a dirty business. It will damage my image.��


    Shen Tianci looked at the sauce on his mother��s sleeve and marveled at how her mother, who was so pampered, could still be worried about this when she was peeling the prawns herself. It was probably because Ning Xiaoxiao��s trickery technique had started to create a miracle again.


    Xiaoxiao brought a lot of prawns, but coincidentally, County Magistrate Shen was on leave at home today. For the first time, Shen Tiancimented in his heart why his mother wanted to find him a father.


    The meat of the Thirteen Spices crayfish was firm. The flicked-tooth prawn tail was dipped in a little fresh and spicy soup. It really tasted soft and tender. His taste buds were stimted and his tongue was numb, but he could not help but continue eating one after another while panting and blushing.


    He usually didn��t eat dishes with garlic and despised the taste, but the garlic paste crayfish that Xiaoxiao made wasn��t overwhelming at all. Other than the red crayfish, there were also green peppers and white rice cakes in the golden soup. After eating the crayfish, he put in a handful of cooked noodles ording to Xiaoxiao��s instructions. The taste was delicious.


    The steamed crayfish had the original taste and one could enjoy the natural deliciousness of roe the most. The peeled white prawn meat rolled in the sauce, and it was different and delicious.


    The mother and son loved the smell of the Huadiao wine the most. The fragrance of the Huadiao wine hadpletely fused into every prawn. The prawn��s yellow tail and even the shell of the prawn carried the fragrance of aged wine, making one unable to help but roll up their sleeves when they smelled it. The most wonderful thing was that they could still savor the aftertaste after eating it..

 Chapter 246 - 246: Marrying His Sister

    Chapter 246: Marrying His Sister


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    That night, Xiaoxiao returned to the vige with Rong Yan.


    It was strange. Fortune Vige was clearly not his home, but Rong Yan felt


    calm.


    Especially when he looked at the girl beside him.


    Xiaoxiao was a little embarrassed by Rong Yan��s gaze and was a little afraid of being discovered by her eldest brother. Her second brother was more simple-minded, but she was not worried. He was counting how much money he could earn in the future.


    Rong Yan asked, ��Is it settled tomorrow?�� Then, he stuffed something into her palm.


    Xiaoxiao secretly nced at her eldest brother, who was looking at the road, and covered her hand with her sleeve. ��Yes, we��ll sign the contract tomorrow and start teaching the day after tomorrow.��


    Before Rong Yan could continue asking, he heard Ning Anhui sigh. ��I feel like I��m in a dream. It��s as if our family didn��t have enough to eat or wear yesterday.


    Suddenly, we set up a stall to earn money.��


    Xiaoxiao pinched him. ��Does it hurt?��


    Ning Anhui cried out in pain. ��Can you be gentler? I��m your brother! Isn��t there a saying that a gentleman uses his words but not his fists?


    Xiaoxiao held her chin and blinked. When she did not speak, she was as beautiful and cute as a little fairy. ��Then let��s talk. Second Brother, let��s assume that every franchise shop will sell 200 cups of milk tea every day in the future.


    One cup of milk tea will cost five copper coins. How much will the 15 shops sell in a day?��


    Ning Anhui was speechless.


    His hands, his fingers were not enough!


    After being mischievous for a while and confirming that Second Brother had taken the initiative to move away and would note back for a while, Xiaoxiao used her sleeve to cover her hand and secretly scratched the back of


    Rong Yan��s hand.


    It was like being scratched by a rabbit that had retracted its ws. It was a soft cushion. It did not hurt, but it was a little itchy.


    When the carriage left the county, Xiaoxiao was a little dazed. She did too many things today and her small body couldn��t take it. She really couldn��t help but tilt her head and fall onto Rong Yan��s shoulder.


    A second before her head came into contact with Rong Yan��s shoulder, a hand held her head. Rong Yan looked up along the arm and saw Ning Ansheng��s gentle face. He lowered his voice. ��I��m sorry, Xiaoxiao is tired.


    Ning Anhui took the opportunity to put her down in the carriage and skillfully stuffed a small pillow under her head. Seeing this scene, Ning Anhui covered his sister with a nket. The brothers worked together seamlessly and gave Xiaoxiao a stable sleeping environment in minutes. Then, they walked out of the carriage together.


    Rong Yan nced at Xiaoxiao��s sleeping face and followed them out without hesitation.


    Actually, it was a little crowded for three people to sit outside the carriage. Yun San, who was driving the carriage, had already mounted the horse. He casually sighed. ��Young Master Ning, your family is quite particr about avoiding suspicion, right?��


    Ning Anhui said carelessly, ��That��s right. Ever since I can remember, we��ve never stayed in the house alone with Little Sister. We��re separated from each other when we wash up and rest. Moreover, no matter how difficult our family is, Father and Mother insist on letting Little Sister sleep alone in a room, even if it��s only separated by a curtain. If the two of us dare to approach, Father can break our legs.��


    Ning Ansheng nced at him. ��Remove the word our.


    Ning Anhui felt that their brotherly love was in danger. Although he was the only one who was always curious about his sister back then, didn��t Big Brother draw the line too quickly?


    He put his hands on his hips angrily. ��Hmph, I just want to be close to my sister, but Big Brother, you said something silly like ��I want to marry my sister��!�� Who was more childish than whom!


    As soon as he finished speaking, Ning Anhui regretted it. He saw that his eldest brother��s expression had turned very ugly. It was the kind of ugly expression that one would have before one killed his family member. He shrunk his neck and tried to salvage the situation in a low voice. ��Ah, it must have been a long time. I remembered it wrongly.��


    Ning Ansheng had the urge to p his younger brother into a mute. Although he was young and ignorant back then, he was really the one who said it. He cupped his hands at Rong Yan with a warm face. ��Sorry for making a fool of myself.�� He was no longer in the mood to speak.


    Although Rong Yan did not react, he still felt a little jealous.


    He was jealous because he did not have the chance to participate in the little girl��s life all those years ago.


    He started to think about a question. Since the two of them had already made their intentions clear, should he bring her back to the Imperial Capital? He could see how much she cherished her family. Could she�� bear to?


    When Xiaoxiao woke up, she realized that her two brothers and Little Big Brother were deep in thought. She guessed that they were either discussing knowledge or studying national matters, so she hid in the carriage alone and started to admire Little Big Brother��s gift.


    It was a pair of red coral bead earrings. They were of the same style as the hair essories he had given her previously, and she liked them too.


    She lifted the curtain of the carriage and let her brothers and Little Big Brother in. At a nce, the three of them saw the little beads dangling from her ears. Rong Yan couldn��t help but smile, but he suppressed it in front of her brothers. Ning Ansheng asked curiously, ��Where did thise from?�� Xiaoxiao did not blush or pant. ��I bought it from the county. Does it look good?�� Ning Anhui reached out to fiddle with it, but Xiaoxiao pped him away. ��A gentleman uses his words and not his fists!


    He pretended to be sad and touched the back of his hand. ��It does look good, but it looks a little in. I think the youngdies of the rich families in the county wear gold and silver. Why don��t I get you goldter?��


    Xiaoxiao was speechless.


    ��Please let me off. Second Brother, with all due respect, if you don��t change your aesthetic standards, you might not be able to get a wife in the future.�� For some reason, Qian Jiao��er��s face suddenly appeared in Ning Anhui��s mind. Then, he fell into a strange silence alone.


    Xiaoxiao was so happy that Second Brother had reservations. She hooked the coral beads on her ears and said, ��I like this.��


    Ning Ansheng looked at his younger sister and then at his younger brother. He felt that something was amiss.


    This strange feeling was temporarily suppressed when he saw themotion at the entrance of the vige. Out of curiosity, Ning Anhui jumped off the carriage and ran to ask. When he returned, his expression was veryplicated.


    ��Second Uncle lost money in the county and secretly mortgaged the old residence��s deed. In the end, he lost again, so he����


    Xiaoxiao widened her eyes and nudged him to urge him. Ning Anhui gritted his teeth. ��He sold Second Aunt and Little Aunt.��


    Oh my god, Xiaoxiao didn��t know if she should p or give him a thumbs up. Second Uncle was so good at betraying his teammates.


    Ning Ansheng looked at his younger brother disapprovingly. ��How can you say such dirty things in front of our younger sister?


    Ning Anhui sighed. He hadn��t even said anything more disgusting, such as where Little Aunt had been sold to.


    ��It��s all over the vige now. Even if I don��t say it now, we can��t hide it from Sister.��


    After Xiaoxiao was happy for a while, she suddenly thought of something and turned to look at Rong Yan. Thetter only paused for a moment before nodding at her imperceptibly.


    He was a little nervous. Would Xiaoxiao think that he was too ruthless? However, Xiaoxiao only cupped her fists at him and nodded in a very pugilistic manner.


    Was this�� a thank-you?


    That was true. She was not the kind of person who repay evil with kindness.


    After this incident, those people in the old residence probably would not have the chance to cause trouble for the Ning Family again.


    Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hand and made a decision not long after. ��Big Brother, Second Brother, go and fetch Father and Mother. Well stay in the county today..��

 Chapter 247 - 247: You’re An Animal

    Chapter 247: You��re An Animal


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions I Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Ansheng and Ning Anhui quickly understood their younger sister��s concerns. The two of them discussed on the way and said that the school��s workload was heavy and the shop��s business was busy. They had to fetch their parents to help for two days.


    The old residence was in a mess. Little Aunt Ning hugged the door and wailed, shouting that she was to be a young mistress. Second Aunt Ning was dumbfounded. She knocked on the door in disbelief.


    ��Husband,e out! Tell me that this isn��t true! How can you sell me out? I��m still pregnant with your Ning Family��s child!��


    Second Uncle Ning locked the door. He was fearless when he did this, but he was too ashamed to face anyone in the old residence now.


    Second Aunt Ning shouted until her voice was hoarse, but she didn��t get a response. She finally believed that what the human broker said was the truth. She couldn��t help but cry. ����Ning Fengcai, you��re not human! You��re an animal! What sin did I, Liu Cuihua,mit in my previous life to be humiliated by you like this in this life? Ah����


    Herst voice was filled with grief and indignation, but there was a hint of pain that could not be concealed. ��My, my stomach����


    Her stomach was throbbing, but ever since she was pregnant, she had caused too many troubles in the vige under the pretext of her stomach being ufortable. For a moment, no one believed her until water started flowing out from under her��


    ��Blood, it��s blood! Second Ning,e out quickly. Your wife is bleeding!�� The human broker wanted people, not human lives. It was not appropriate to stop her now. He could only let a few vige women carry her into the house. There was no time to find the midwife. Everyone could only boil water and boil scissors ording to their experience, preparing to deliver her baby. Old Madam Ning wanted to take advantage of the chaos and escape, but the door was guarded tightly. If she could not take out the money or hand over the person, no one could leave.


    The old woman ced her hands on her hips and said aggressively, ��Do you still have thew?! Aren��t you afraid that the county magistrate will hit you?�� The person snorted in disdain. ��It��s only right and proper to repay a debt Your second son signed a contract. Even if we look for the county magistrate, we��re still in the right.��


    Old Madam Ning was unconvinced. ��I already said that he stole the deed!��


    The person chuckled. ��You��re all family. There��s no need to talk about stealing.�� Old Madam Ning��s heart skipped a beat and she swallowed some words that were stuck in her throat. ��I��m not running. I��m just going to raise money. You guys know that I have an eldest son, right? His family is rich. It��s not a problem for him to pay 300 taels.��


    The surrounding vigers gasped��300 taels? And it was ��mere��?


    They did not know if they should be shocked by this old woman��s tone of not taking 300 taels of silver seriously, or by Second Ning��s courage to lose so much money without money, or by their shamelessness?


    Did this group of people think that no matter what happened, as long as they found the eldest branch, someone would clean up the mess for them?


    They couldn��t help but worry about Ning Fengnian and his family.


    The viger, who couldn��t stand it anymore, said loudly, ��Auntie, have you forgotten that you��ve long cut ties with the Fengnian��s family?��


    There were even more directments. ��Isn��t it a little inappropriate for you as a stepmother?��


    Old Madam Ning��s face didn��t turn red at all. She pulled the old man over. ��I��m his stepmother, but this is his biological father, right? I don��t care about cutting ties with him. If Ning Fengnian doesn��t care about his biological father he��s unfilial!��


    They had never seen such a shameless woman like her!


    After dissing the vigers, Old Madam Ning ced her hands on her hips and red at the debt collectors. ��Put down my things and my daughter! I guarantee that you won��t be able to get a single cent if you dare to touch her!�� ��See the one giving birth inside? That��s my daughter-inw. It��s very dangerous for a woman to give birth. Let me tell you, if she dies, you won��t be here to collect debts, but to kill! If it weren��t for you, she wouldn��t have suddenly given birth.��


    -When the timees, I want to see if owing money or killing people is the more serious crime at the county magistrate!��


    These words really intimidated them. Taking advantage of this moment, Old Madam Ning said, ��People inside, listen up. If they don��t let me go to the Ning Family, you��re not allowed to deliver Liu Cuihua��s child! Otherwise, if anything happens, I��ll go to each of your houses to scold you!��


    The faces of the women, who wanted to help deliver the baby, turned ashen. They threw away the scissors angrily. ��This unreasonable evil woman! We want to help her save her, but she actually clings to us?��


    Second Aunt Ning was barely breathing. She had been feeding herself a lot recently. The child had grown too big, and she couldn��t get it out no matter how hard she tried. Instead, she was about to use up all her strength. Hearing this, she looked at the people in the house with pleading eyes.


    ��Please, save me and my son����


    The women sighed. ��It��s not that we don��t want to save you, but your mother-inw won��t let us!��


    Second Aunt Ning��s tears kept flowing down. She felt her eyelids getting heavier and heavier. She bit her tongue hard. She actually gained strength from somewhere and screamed as she leaned down.


    The women��s faces turned pale. ��Why is there so much blood!��


    When the debtor heard themotion, he thought that he was just asking for money. Hence, he sent a few thugs to walk towards the Ning Family with Old Sir Ning and Old Madam Ning.


    The thugs�� eyes lit up when they saw the imposing manner of the Ning Family��s courtyard. Such a huge courtyard. They might really be able to take out 300 taels of silver?


    However, the smugness on Old Madam Ning��s face disappeared as she got closer.


    Old Sir Ning was nervous on the way. He usually did not like to take care of things and let the old woman take care of everything at home. He did not interact much with his eldest son. He did not know how to start when he was suddenly asked to ask his son for money.


    Hence, when he saw a string ofrge copper locks on the tightly shut courtyard door, he strangely felt relieved for a moment. After that, he was filled with panic. Fengnian was not around, so who else could they look for?


    Old Madam Ning was also used to tyrannizing others. She raised her foot and was about to smash the lock. Just as she did so, Walnut��s fierce cry came from the courtyard. Yun Er, who was holding a sword, walked out of the courtyard next door. ��What��s all the fuss about?! Miss Ning��s family has gone to the county. They��re not at home.��


    ��Yo, Auntie, did you change from stealing to snatching?��


    Rong Yan, who was refined but cold, walked out from behind him. ��You entered and stole. You��ll be flogged 30 times and imprisoned for three years.��


    This was a threat!


    However, Old Madam Ning did not dare to ignore it!


    ��What��s there to be smug about!�� She muttered softly. ��You simply went to a lousy academy but my son is still a Tongsheng!��


    However, when she turned around and met the unfriendly gazes of the two thugs, she could not help but shiver.


    ��I-I��Il go back and gather money for you����


    The thugs were even more speechless. ��After all this time, you have money. Then why did you let us run around for nothing? Are you ying with us?�� Old Madam Ning clenched her fists. ��We don��t have enough money at home.�� She made a decision in her heart that no one knew.


    After returning, Old Madam Ning endured her heartache and took out the jewelry she had bought for Little Aunt Ning. She also mortgaged the bracelet she had hidden for many years. After the value of the jewelry was suppressed to 50 taels by the people from the gambling house, there was still a huge gap from the 300 taels they wanted. Old Madam Ning lowered her voice and said that it would take time to sell the things and asked the two of them toe back in the future..

 Chapter 248 - 248: A Crooked Beam Is A Crooked Beam

    Chapter 248: A Crooked Beam Is A Crooked Beam


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After obtaining something, the people from the gambling house were not so aggressive. They said a few harsh words and left.


    It was mainly because the smell of blood and long silence in the room was not easy to ignore. They were unreasonable, but they did not have the courage to disregard human lives.


    After sending these troublemakers away, Old Madam Ning kicked open the door of the second branch.


    Second Uncle Ning covered his head with the nket. Hearing themotion, he had no intention to get out of bed.


    Old Madam Ning was furious. She grabbed the wooden stool in the room and threw it at the nket.


    As long as Second Uncle Ning didn��t want to be smashed to death, he had toe out obediently. However, his tone was also very arrogant. ��Mother, what are you doing? Are you nning to take my life?��


    Old Madam Ning roared, ��You��re the one who wants your mother��s life, right? Why don��t you rob someone for 300 taels?��


    Second Uncle Ning was still in the mood to talk back. ��Sell all the books and ink in Little Brother��s house. You��ll be able to gather most of them.��


    Old Madam Ning pped him again. ��Bullsh*t! Third Brother��s things are all for studying. How can he be an official if you sell them? Are you going to let him be like you, useless for the rest of his life, and expect the family to support you? You��re inferior to your oldest brother. You don��t know how to study or farm or learn how to do business. In the end, you can��t earn as much as others can with a finger. You even pushed us into a fire pit! Let me tell you, you��re a joke!��


    Second Uncle Ning narrowed his eyes. Thebination of old and new grudges also made him speak without thinking.


    ��Official? With his half-baked standards, I think he��ll be still waiting for death at home when Big Brother��s eldest son bes an official.��


    ��Mother, now that you know how good Big Brother is, why didn��t you chase him out back then? Why? Do you think of Father��s first wife and what you did?��


    Old Madam Ning pped him, but Second Uncle Ning was not as honest as her step-son, Ning Fengnian. Not only did he not let her hit him obediently, but he also pushed her to the ground.


    ��Mother, don��t me me for not reminding you. You have to take out these 300 taels. Otherwise, I��ll tell Big Brother everything you��ve done all these years! Let him know that you got together with my father long before his mother passed away and was discovered by his first wife. His biological mother was angered to death by the two of you adulterers!��


    Old Madam Ning was about to break down. ��How did I raise such a thing like you? You actually threatened your biological mother!��


    Second Uncle Ning smiled insincerely. ��As the saying goes, if the upper beam isn��t straight, the lower beam will be crooked. You can use Dad��s deceased wife��s matter to threaten Dad to listen to you in everything, so why can��t I follow suit?��


    ��I��m at my wits�� end anyway. Either you settle it for me, or I��ll go to Big Brother and tell him everything.��


    Old Madam Ning looked at her son��s bloodshot eyes and her throat trembled. ��Fengcai, I��m your mother!��


    Second Uncle Ning spat. ��Now you know. You��ve been biased towards Little Brother all these years. You let him do nothing at home, but you let me go out to suffer. Why didn��t you think that I��m also your son?��


    However, he forgot that he was not the one who had been working hard for many years.


    The mother and son were speechless. They both felt extremely disappointed.


    Second Uncle Ning was the first to speak. ��Mother, tell me. Don��t me me for not reminding you if you can��t take out the silver. Big Brother and his family know the county magistrate. With your crime, it��s not too much to be beheaded, right?��


    Old Madam Ning clenched her fists and the corners of her lips curled up stiffly. ��Look at what you��re saying. I��m your mother. Can I not care about you? Even if I have to take out my coffin money, I have to help you pass this stage, right? But don��t gamble anymore in the future, okay?��


    Second Uncle Ning clicked his tongue. ��When I win the money back, I definitely won��t go again! By the way, Mother, where is our title deed?��


    Old Madam Ning��s mind snapped.


    Second Aunt Ning felt that she had slept for a long time. When she opened her eyes, there was only a woman who usually liked to talk nonsense with her left by the bed. She was wiping her body.


    Her lower body was painful, numb, and covered in blood. She definitely did not have the strength to clean herself up. However, if she did not clean it up in the summer, she would probably have some infection in the future.


    Seeing that she had woken up, the woman put down the handkerchief.


    ��Since we know each other, I can only help you to this extent.��


    That old woman and Little Aunt from the Ning Family could not be counted on. Although they did not have a deep rtionship, they had quarreled with others and pulled their hair together.


    Second Aunt Ning was not in the mood to be touched now. She asked in a trembling voice, ��I gave birth? Is it a boy?��


    After saying that, she changed her words. ��A girl is fine too. Where��s the child?��


    The woman��s expression froze. She didn��t know what to say. Second Aunt Ning was extremely anxious. She stood up abruptly and her vision immediately darkened. ��What��s wrong? What happened? Did they sell my child?��


    ��It��s good if they sell it���� The woman sighed. She had no choice but to tell her the truth. ��You and that child might not be fated.��


    Second Aunt Ning had given birth to a stillbirth. It was said that it could not breathe or move after it was born. It was covered in bruises and looked strange. Old Madam Ning felt unlucky. Before Second Aunt Ning could wake up and take a look, she wrapped it in rags and threw it in the mountain.


    Second Aunt Ning endured the pain and limped over. She only saw torn pieces of cloth with dark bloodstains and a few pieces of flesh that she couldn��t tell what they were.


    It was ironic that this was the ce where they wanted Ning Xiaoxiao to be gnawed by wild beasts back then. The difference was that when Ning Xiaoxiao was abandoned by them here, the wild beasts were all sleeping in winter, and now was the time when they were active.


    Second Aunt Ning covered her mouth and couldn��t control her desire to vomit at all. She cried as she vomited. Her tears and stomach acid stained her hands, but she wasn��t even in the mood to wipe them.


    She had been pregnant with her child for 10 months and regarded it as everything!


    It was that damn old woman. It was the old Ning Family who caused its death! It was them, these animals!


    Second Aunt Ning pped herself hard and pulled away the groggy feeling. She then went to the river to wash her face. Looking at her ugly expression in the river, sheughed like a lunatic.


    When she returned to the vige again, she was expressionless and seemed to have returned to normal. After walking into the old residence, she even called out to Old Madam Ning, ��Mother.��


    Old Madam Ning almost dropped her bowl. ��What are you shouting for? Are you shouting for your soul?��


    After cursing, she realized that something was wrong. She coughed again and pretended that she did not say anything. She reached out her hand. ��Here, I made chicken soup for you. Drink it quickly.��


    When did Old Madam Ning, who had never treated her as a human, be so considerate and caring?


    In the past, she would be scolded even if she wanted to eat a bowl of noodles with more oil, let alone kill a chicken.


    Could it be that she was remorseful because of her dead grandchild?

 Chapter 249 - 249: There’s Poison In The Soup

    Chapter 249 - 249: There��s Poison In The Soup


    Trantor. Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Old Madam Ning gave the chicken soup to Second Aunt Ning and left. Thetter didn��t seem to feel the heat either. She stood in the courtyard with the soup for a long time before sneering and sshing the chicken soup into the chicken cage.


    Why was she pretending to care? She had been back for so long, but she had never seen anyone with a conscience tofort her, let alone mention the child.


    Just as she was burning with anger, she suddenly heard a few abnormal chicken cries. She turned around and saw the big rooster at home lying on the ground. After stretching its neck and letting out strange cries as if it was choking, it kicked its legs again and stopped moving.


    Second Aunt Ning was shocked. She crossed the fence, picked up the chicken and shook it. She realized that it was really dead. She looked at the basin containing the chicken food again and broke out in cold sweat.


    just now, she had poured in the chicken soup that her mother-inw had given her. That big rooster had always been protective of its food and wanted to be the first to eat everything.


    Second Aunt Ning understood that it was against the heavens to make chickens eat one another, but she had never heard of chickens dying because of that. So, the soup was poisonous?


    Her mother-inw wanted to kill her!


    Fear and hatred surged in her heart at the same time. She had yet to attack that old woman, but that old woman wanted to kill her?!


    Hearing movement in the front yard again, Second Aunt Ning quickly threw the dead rooster into a corner of the chicken coop.


    When Old Madam Ning came, she only saw the empty bowl in her daughter-inw��s hand. She clicked her tongue and despised her for being gluttonous. She was also a little puzzled. Why was she still fine? Since she was fine, she would work for her.<div>


    <h12 ss="h12container" data-pub="539c1ab3f42956732a30364d794fba32" data-adunit="34618" data-type="responsive" data-format="standard" data-init="false"></h12>


    She handed the other bowl full of chicken soup to Second Aunt Ning. ��This bowl is for your man. It��s not hot anymore. Tell him to drink it while it��s hot. Tomorrow, think of a way to go to the county to earn money to pay off his debts!��


    This was abnormal. Based on Second Aunt Ning��s understanding of her mother-inw, even if he was her mother-inw��s biological son, it was impossible for her to let the matter go so easily. She didn��t hit or scold him, but she gave him food?


    Second Aunt Ning bent down and covered her stomach. ��My�� my stomach suddenly hurts. Mother, it hurts so much. Can you get me a doctor?�� Old Madam Ning heaved a sigh of relief. ��What doctor? Don��t you know what your man did? How can we still have money to hire a doctor? If your stomach hurts, go to the toilet. What��s there to be pretentious about!��


    Then, she cursed and personally delivered the soup.


    As soon as she left, Second Aunt Ning walked around the courtyard wall and went outside the second branch��s house. She pricked her ears against the wall to listen to the sound.


    ��Fengcai, at this point, it��s useless for me to me you.��


    ��We still have to live. Come, finish your soup and have a good sleep.�� She didn��t know if it was an illusion, but Second Aunt Ning could hear a sinister viciousness in these words that made her hair stand on end. If she shouted now, she could still stop Ning Fengcai from drinking the chicken soup with extra ingredients. However, she thought of the indenture contract with Ning Fengcai��s handprint, her poor dead child, and Ning Fengcai, who was indifferent to these things and even caused these things��


    She gritted her teeth and covered her mouth.


    The sound of a broken bowl and suppressed painful struggles came from the room. Second Aunt Ning actually felt happy. All kinds of things between husband and wife shed across her mind, and love and hatred intertwined into endless tears.


    Sheposed herself and heard a panicked voice. ��Mother, what are you doing?��


    Old Madam Ning moved her hand away from her second son��s face and pulled her youngest son up from the ground in fear before closing the door. ��Your second brother knew that he had let us down andmitted suicide. Little Uncle Ning trembled in fear. ��Mother, what are you talking about? I clearly saw����


    Old Madam Ning said sternly, ��He threatened me to go to the government office to report that your Tongsheng status is illegal.��


    Little Uncle Ning stopped talking abruptly. Old Madam Ning continued, ��Some time ago, I spent money to redeem him from prison because he told your second sister-inw that you became Tongsheng back then because you used Dng��s identity. The name ��Ning Anwen�� originally belonged to Dng.�� What she didn��t know was that even when Second Uncle Ning was in prison, he thought more highly of his brother and parents than Second Aunt Ning. He could use Second Aunt Ning as an excuse to scare Old Madam Ning, but he didn��t tell Second Aunt, an ��outsider��, what was really rted to his family��s secret.


    Second Aunt Ning��s eyes widened as she heard her uncle and mother-inw say, ��What? He actually doesn��t care about kinship?


    He nced at his ignorant second brother on the couch and snorted. ��Then he only has himself to me for what happened today.��


    This was the brotherly love of the Ning Family��s old residence.


    With this thought in mind, Second Aunt Ning went to the woodshed, lit the fire, and threw the fire lighter onto the woodpile.


    Seeing her staggering out of the vige, Yun San, who was secretly following her, asked Yun Wu, ��Should we stop her?��


    Yun Wu thought for a moment. ��Let��s see what she wants to do first. I��ll follow her and you can report to Master.��


    Second Aunt Ning found an abandoned straw hut and hid inside. Ignoring the cold and pain on her body, she gritted her teeth and took out a steamed bun that was notpletely cold, forcing herself to eat it.


    She had to live. She had to live to see those animals in the old residence die first!


    As it was still early, everyone was awake. Old Madam Ning quickly noticed the fire she set. However, the olddy looked in the direction of the fire and only started to put out the fire after it spread to the toilet. She even specially shouted, ��Ignore the toilet first. Put out the fire at the side first. It��ll be bad if it burns to the main house!��


    Everyone thought about it and agreed. There was nothing valuable in the toilet, and the silver was in the main room with Little Uncle Ning and Little Aunt Ning!


    It was rare for the two of them, who were usually extremelyzy, to be nimble. They were afraid that their house would be implicated. With everyone working together, when the vigers felt that something was wrong and rushed over to help put out the fire, half of the old residence had already been burned down, but the toilet waspletely destroyed.


    Of course, Old Madam Ning did this on purpose-what a joke. How could she exin it if others found out that Cuihua had died from the poison inside? Although burning down the house made her heart ache,pared to her youngest son��s future and her future wealthydy��s identity, it was better to let Liu Cuihua��s corpse be burned more thoroughly. At that time, she would say that she was unlucky and was burned to death.


    Old Madam Ning was mentally prepared to be sad when she heard the viger say, ��Fortunately, it didn��t hurt anyone.��


    Her heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly went forward and searched the burned toilet, but she really did not stab anything with the stick. Where was she? Where was Liu Cuihua?


    ��Sigh, it��s so hot. Why isn��t your Fengcaiing out?��


    Old Madam Ning calmed down. ��He said that he wanted to sleep for a while and asked us not to disturb him. I thought that this fire didn��t reach the second branch��s room, so I didn��t pay much attention to him just now. Now that it��s fine, I��ll go take a look.��


    After saying that, she staggered and grabbed a woman who came to help. Seeing that she could not even stand steadily, the woman could only call her man to shout for Fengcai.. Unexpectedly, as soon as the man entered, she heard a shout����Quick,e quickly! Fengcai, Fengcai is hanging on the beam!��

 Chapter 250 - 250: My Mother-In-Law Wants To Kill Me

    Chapter 250 - 250: My Mother-In-Law Wants To Kill Me


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After Second Uncle Ning died, Old Madam Ning got her youngest son to hang him from the beam and make him look like he hadmitted suicide. A letter even fell out of his sleeve. On it was written guilt towards his parents. It said that he was too ashamed to face his family, so he decided to die.


    Along with the letter was the separation document. It clearly stated that the second branch of the Ning Family had long separated from the old residence and had nothing to do with his parents.


    Old Madam Ning cried sadly and hugged him. ��Fengcai, do you not want to implicate Father and Mother and n to use your death to settle the gambling debt?��


    ��Why are you so stupid!��


    Ning Fengcai��s hand hung down softly and he would never answer again.


    Little Uncle Ning watched this scene from afar. For some reason, he felt a chill run down his spine. His mother had asked him to imitate Second Brother��s handwriting and write the letter. He had always thought that the separation document had been destroyed. His Second Brother was even hung up by him personally. His mother, who was preparing the white cloth and giving all the instructions, did everything in detail, as if she had rehearsed it many times in her mind.


    Little Aunt Ning��s face was pale and ugly. Just as others thought that she was sad about her brother��s death, they heard her say, ��Since we��ve already split up, I don��t have to mourn for him, right? I can��t wait three years before getting married.��


    The vigers who came to help felt that it was ridiculous. What was this family?


    The rules of the casino were that the family members could repay their debts, but reality proved that the second branch of the family was only an independent family in the old residence. Their debts could only be paid by their own family.


    However, apart from Second Uncle Ning himself, there was only��<div>


    <h12 ss="h12container" data-pub="539c1ab3f42956732a30364d794fba32" data-adunit="34618" data-type="responsive" data-format="standard" data-init="false"></h12>


    ��Where��s his wife?��


    Old Madam Ning��s eyelids twitched. ��Who knows? She might have been burned to death in the fire.��


    ��In short, death is like amp going out. Fengcai��s debt doesn��t count anymore, right?��


    The debt collector cursed fiercely, ��How f*cking unlucky!��


    The county magistrate��s rule was extremely strict. Not long ago, the gambling house was implicated because of awyer��s crime and was severely punished by the county magistrate. Hence, he did not dare to be too rash now. Seeing that the old residence had taken out evidence of their separation from the second branch, or rather, expelled the second branch from the genealogy, and the date was before the debt, it was not good for them to hold on to it.


    Both sides took a step back. The betting house returned the house deed ��stolen�� by Second Uncle Ning and Little Aunt Ning��s indenture. However, it was impossible to return the jewelry Old Madam Ning had given them previously. Second Aunt Ning��s indenture was also in their hands. They were just waiting to take her away immediately when they found her.


    When Old Madam Ning heard these people swear that they would never give them a chance to meet again, she looked bitter, but her heart was filled with smugness. It was not like she would ever see them again.


    After they left, she spat a few mouthfuls of thick phlegm on the ground. Her heart ached when she looked at the burned ce.


    If she had known that Liu Cuihua was not inside, she would have gotten someone to put out the fire quickly.


    Now, even the chicken coop was burned, and the most majestic and mighty rooster was charred.


    She kicked him hard. ��Stupid thing, don��t you know how to run?�� She couldn��t eat it even if she wanted to.


    But where did Liu Cuihua go? Did she fall into a feces pit?


    Then she shouldn��t fish her out for the next few days. If she was soaked for long enough, it would be even harder to tell how she died.


    She did not suspect that she had made a mistake at all. After all, her second daughter-inw was so greedy. How could she hold back from drinking chicken soup? She had drugged her daughter-inw more than her son.


    She was definitely dead.


    Second Aunt Ning didn��t know if she had fallen asleep or fainted. Her body wasn��t in good shape, and there was always blood flowing out. When she woke up and was about to find a ce to wash up, she heard someone outside.


    ��That old woman from the Ning Family is really ruthless. She said that she promised the debt collector that if she finds her second daughter-inw, she will sell her to the dirtiest and messiest brothel and let her receive customers every day. She will do it until her death to pay off her son��s debts!��


    ��If she gets pregnant, her son will drown and her daughter will be raised in a brothel. She will continue to receive guests����


    They were all unbearable words that made the veins on Second Aunt Ning��s forehead bulge.


    She did not know where she got the strength, but she held back her anger and rushed out of the dpidated house and out of Fortune Vige. She was even ��lucky�� to encounter an ox cart. It took her to the county office and she sounded the drum.


    County Magistrate Shen started work as soon as he got to work. The person looked a bit familiar to him.


    Second Aunt Ning knelt down fiercely. ��I want to seek justice! I want to sue my mother-inw. She wants to kill me!��


    County Magistrate Shen had heard this many times. Since ancient times, mothers-inw and daughters-inw always had problems . They had been arguing every other day. Both sides guessed the same thing about each other. However, Second Aunt Ning continued, ��She wanted to give me poisonous chicken soup. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to escape, but my husband probably died an unnatural death. It��s my mother-inw. She killed my man with her own hands!��


    County Magistrate Shen��s face turned serious. ��So, your mother-inw�� killed her own son?��


    Second Aunt Ning nodded vigorously, but the long period of fear and postpartum weakness made her ck out and she fell.


    ��Sir, this woman seems to be injured. There��s blood on the ground!��


    It was more important to save her. County Magistrate Shen made the decision. ��Get the doctor first.��


    Xiaoxiao��s family didn��t know about the situation in the county office and the vige for the time being. Last night, they only knew that there was another problem at the old residence. Ning Fengnian and his wife asked about the situation and left home decisively. They even couldn��t wait to leave.


    After staying at the inn for the night, they arrived at the shop early.


    Under Xiaoxiao��s guidance, Madam Song was already familiar with the simple milk tea mix. After all, she was a woman. Compared to Ning Anhui��s clumsiness, the milk tea she made was no different from Xiaoxiao��s.


    If Xiaoxiao concocted the paste for the snacks and let her watch the hourss to control the time to take the snacks out of the oven, it would also be fine. This way, Xiaoxiao would be able to teach the ��apprentices�� sent by the franchise shops freely.


    Other than Qian Jiao��er, most of the 15 apprentices in the franchise were chefs in their forties. Xiaoxiao really felt that they were misusing their talents, but she did not say much. She would teach whoever was sent over.


    Before teaching, Xiaoxiao and the shopkeepers still had an important thing to do, which was toplete the signing ceremony of the franchise shop together.


    The process was not thatplicated. They signed their names one by one, fingerprinted them, and sent them to the officials for stamping.


    Many businessmen in Great Xia were not used to filing cases with the government. They simply signed them privately. However, Xiaoxiao was unwilling. Firstly, she was used to modern legal documents. Secondly, their cooperation would be more guaranteed with the official seal of the government. Only then would the shop owners who participated in the franchise be able to better follow the rules of the contract.


    However, sending the contract to the government was just a process. Hence, after the contract was signed, Xiaoxiao started teaching.


    Today��s lesson was the trick to brewing milk and the heat of brewing tea. The tea in the milk tea was different from the tea brewed in the family, but the chefs felt that it was easy at first until Xiaoxiao started to talk about small ingredients.


    ��This pearl ball h, h����


    ��This taro round h, h����


    ��This red bean, pudding, snow top, h, h����


    The chefs who walked out of ��So It��s You Milk Tea Shop�� with their notes felt that they had not listened to this lesson. They knew it, but they didn��t know it either..

 Chapter 251 - 251: Level-Six Space

    Chapter 251: Level-Six Space


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Their contempt was swept away. So milk tea was really a skill.


    As for those with ulterior motives, they were calcting in their hearts. Should they wait until they learned that taro round before thinking about finding another ce? Or wait for the snow top? But the cheese sounded good��


    The contract said that if they opened a branch or leaked the form, other thanpensating the silver, they would have nothing to do with the new product.


    Then they should consider it again and wait a little longer.


    Qian Jiao��er bowed to Xiaoxiao with admiration. ��You��re indeed young and promising. You��re smart and outstanding!


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand in embarrassment. ��Low-key, low-key. Let��s go. I just baked a pie. Want to try it?��


    This was how the friendship between young girls came about.


    The bailiff from the county office was the same. When they suddenly appeared outside ��So It��s You Milk Tea Shop��, the customers in line thought that their boss was in trouble, but they saw the bailiff take out a wooden box amiably.


    ��Here, Miss Ning. This is the contract you sent over today. It��s all stamped and


    registered.��


    Xiaoxiao was very surprised. ��So soon?��


    What was even more surprising was yet toe.


    The moment her hand touched the wooden box, she heard a melodious sound from the space.


    [Ding! You havepleted the shop-opening mission x 15. You have received 150,000 points! Your current total points is 195,800! Master, do you want to level up?]


    That was a must.


    [Ding! Space upgrade sessful. Current level is level-six. Current total points are 95,800. The next upgrade requires 100,000 points.]


    Xiaoxiao nodded silently. It seemed like it was normal for her to level up with 100,000 points in the future. Fortunately, it seemed like she would level up again in the next few days. Her efficiency was really high. She liked it. The space agreed with her. It wanted to give its master 10,000 likes!


    [The time flow in the farnd has increased. The current speed is six times!] [The time flow in the ranch has increased. The current speed is six times!] [Activate aquaculture. Current water flow speed is six times!]


    [New function obtained��Time Hut!]


    [New function obtained��Range Control!]


    [You have obtained one seed for the upgrade reward.]


    Xiaoxiao was extremely curious about this new ability, but it was obviously not a good time to ask.


    The happy Xiaoxiao felt that everyone should be happy, so she treated the bailiffs who came to deliver the news to a set of milk tea and snacks each. Thetter��s faces were filled with unconceble satisfaction.


    After looking around mysteriously, a bailiff approached Xiaoxiao. ��Little Boss, something happened in our government office today. Your Second Aunt suddenly appeared in the government office and said that she wanted to sue her mother-inw for murder����


    After hearing the whole story, Xiaoxiao did not know how to evaluate the old residence. Should she say that evil people would be punished by evil people? Or was it retribution?


    After returning to the shop, Xiaoxiao deliberated for a moment and briefly told her family about this when her brother came home from school.


    Ning Anhui was stunned. ��Really? Grandma poisoned Second Uncle? She even wanted to poison Second Aunt? Second Aunt gave birth to a stillbirth and was thrown away by Grandma?�� He had more or less summarized everything.


    The elders in the vige felt that children who died prematurely were not blessed and would bring bad luck to their families. Hence, not only did such children not enter the genealogy, but they could not even be buried near their ancestral graves. Typically, they would dig a pit in the mountains and casually turn it into a wild grave. They could not even erect a tombstone. However, it was rare to see someone like Old Madam Ning, who was not particr and simply fed it to wild beasts.


    While the Ning Family was sighing, Rong Yan��s eyes were cold. If Liu Cuihua was not lying, that old woman nned to deal with Xiaoxiao after she was harmed by them. What a vicious woman!


    The Ning Family fell into a long silence. In the end, it was Ning Anhui who asked first, ��Then are we going home today or continuing to stay in the county?��


    Ning Fengnian stood up. ��Running away won��t solve the problem. We��ll go home. Father knows that you��re mainly worried about me. Don��t worry, Father has long thought it through. My family is only our family and only you are my family members.��


    Everyone was relieved to hear this. Because there were many people, Rong Yan got Yun Er to rent a carriage. Then, the men squeezed into one, Madam Song and Xiaoxiao took one, and Yun San was in charge of driving the carriage for them.


    In the car, in order to liven up the atmosphere, Ning Anhui suggested that they buy a carriage too. Ning Fengnian was initially a little hesitant, but he nodded without hesitation when he heard his eldest son say, ��Little Sister has grown up and it��s not suitable for her to always squeeze with us men.�� When they returned to Fortune Vige, they even discussed the style and price of the carriage. They were so efficient that Rong Yan couldn��t help but��ment��


    Yun Er, who was driving the carriage outside, shook his head. Yun Wu asked him what he was thinking and smiled so sneakily. Yun Er whispered to him, ��From now on, Master can��t go home in the same carriage as Miss Ning.


    As expected, when they bade farewell to the Ning Family, the Yun Guards felt that their master��s smile was a little forced.


    But when Miss Ning, who had barely woken up, bounced over to ask their master what he wanted to eat for breakfast tomorrow, his smile returned. ��I like everything you make.��


    The Yun Guards:�� Were they worrying for nothing?


    No, when did Master be so good at sweet-talking? Where was the silent and cold Third Prince in the past?


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��Then let��s have some of everything. Some prawn dumplings, some noodles, some biscuits, and I miss you a little.��


    Rong Yan: /(/?/oY*/Y


    The Yun Guards:�� Solved the case! So that��s whom he learned it from!


    If they are guilty, please punish them with thew instead of being cruelly fed dog food between the master and Miss Ning.


    Oh right, the word ��dog food�� was also taught by Miss Ning. She said that she had read a book that called those who could not find a partner and single, as��single dog��. Which b*stard wrote this book!


    The two of them secretly and openly went home after a round of sweetness. Rong Yan felt that the mncholy he felt not long ago had disappeared. However, when he remembered that Lord Shen said that the news could not be sent back to the Imperial Capital, the smile that he had painstakingly gathered disappeared again.


    The Yan Family��s influence was really too much.


    Since when did the memorandums sent to His Majesty��s case have to go through the Yan Family��s screening?


    No wonder Yan Lu was so bold and dared to do anything.


    The royal court wasplicated. No one knew which lord would be a spy for the Yan Family. If the evidence that they had painstakingly found fell into the hands of the Yan Family, how could they face the 123 members of the Han Family who had been wiped out to bring down Yan Lu?


    For now, he could only return to the capital personally.


    But�� What about Ning Xiaoxiao?


    Even though he had already sped up to eliminate trouble for her, he was still worried. Was this the feeling of having someone to worry about?


    On the other hand, Xiaoxiao washed up and went back to her room as soon as she returned home. The new house had already beenpleted. They were just waiting for the old residence��s trouble to pass before holding a housewarming banquet to invite everyone to drink. In ancient times, there was no need to paint a house. They could stay there after the smell dissipated a little. Her new room was on the second floor. The space in her room wasrger than Big Brother��s and Second Brother��s, but the two of them had no objections. Or rather, this was the result of their persistence. They both felt that their sister deserved the best.


    Not only was the new roomfortable, but it was also more private, so Xiaoxiao shed into the space the moment she entered..

 Chapter 252 - 252: Time Hut And Range Control

    Chapter 252: Time Hut And Range Control


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The space was different from before. In addition to the farnd and lively pastures, there was another water source here. The water surface was sparkling and beautiful. When one walked in, they could see the bottom of theke at a nce.


    This clearke water made Xiaoxiao want to y. She really jumped in without hesitation.


    She could swim. She was as agile as a fish after jumping down.


    As she yed with the water, she asked the space: [What do the two new functions mean?]


    The space was also very happy that Master liked its change: [Time Hut, as the name suggests, you can increase and reduce the time flow in the house at will within the current six-fold speed.]


    [Range Control. ording to the space level, you can choose six target objects to control their actions for a second or choose a target object to control their actions for six seconds.]


    Through the limitations of time and targets, Xiaoxiao saw the heaven-defying power of this ability. She asked: [Will I be able to control a target for 10 seconds or 10 targets for a second when I reach level-10 in the future, and so on?]


    The space replied: [Yes.] It knew that Master was so smart and would definitely be able to see its potential quickly.


    Xiaoxiao started to think about the use of the Time Hut again.


    On the surface, this hut only had an additional slow functionpared to farnd, but what could slow be used for?


    The space did not remind her or urge her. It let her y for a while. She walked into the Time Hut to dry her hair slowly. It explored other usage methods and looked at the level-five mysterious seed that finally appeared.


    [The in Crown Lotus Cauldron requires soft, breathable, good drainage, and nutritious soil cultivation. It has extremely high requirements for the environment: it likes light, but it can��t withstand the sun; it likes warmth, but it can��t withstand high temperatures and cold; it likes moistness, but it��s afraid of water and floods; it consumes a lot of nutrients for growth and needs to be fertilized. It��s easy to die if the environment is notfortable.]


    Xiaoxiao decided that this thing was only suitable to stay in the space! The outside world was not worthy of it! This flower was even harder to maintain than her!


    The space asked again: [Do you want to nt the seeds given by the upgrade today?]


    That was a must. How could the six times faster time flow in space not be used?


    The space told her: [Then I��ll nt it in the water?]


    It seemed to be an aquatic nt.


    After finishing her space exploration, Xiaoxiao went to the Time Hut to sleep. Then, she came out full of energy and went straight into the kitchen to prepare tomorrow��s things.


    Strictly speaking, today was their first day officially staying in their new house. Of course, tomorrow��s breakfast had to be more sumptuous. She chatted with the space as she handled the ingredients briskly.


    [You don��t say. Your Time Hut appeared at an extremely good time. I happen to feel that I don��t have enough time recently.]


    At this point, she suddenly paused. A thought shed across her mind.


    This thought was not very clear at first. It was only when she saw the candlelight in Big Brother��s room that she was enlightened. How could she be the only one who did not have enough time? Big Brother had been reading at night and waking up early before dawn these days. He could not sleep enough at all, okay?


    However, his parents and second brother had told him not to, her eldest brother still did whatever he wanted. Hence, his dark circles gradually covered half of his face.


    Xiaoxiao understood her brother��s thirst for knowledge and eagerness to learn. She really did not know where to start persuading him. Now, what was there to persuade him about? She could cheat for her brother!


    As her mind raced, Xiaoxiao thought of the function that had never been used after the space was upgradedst time��replication.


    She asked the space: [Can the appearance of the Time Hut be changed? For example, after adding the replication function, it will look like my house?] The space knew that Master had understood. [Master, you��re so smart!]


    Xiaoxiao was the one who built the new house. She knew all the structures. She closed her eyes and watched as the originally simple time hut in the space slowly turned into the small courtyard of the Ning Family. She nodded in satisfaction and opened her eyes to knock on her brother��s door.


    ��Brother, go to the kitchen and have a bowl of soup before revising.��


    Ning Ansheng was afraid that his family would stop him from working hard. He had no chance in the past. Now, he wished he could spend all his time with books and make up for all the lost time. He was not afraid of fatigue or hardship. He was only afraid that he would let down his parents, brother, and sister.


    Seeing that Xiaoxiao only wanted him to drink soup, Ning Ansheng did not reject her.


    While he was out, Xiaoxiao��s gaze swept into the room. The room that belonged to her brother in the space underwent some slight adjustments.


    She smiled as she watched her brother finish the soup and eat some snacks. Then, she pulled his sleeve and walked back to the ��room�� with him. When she pressed her hand on the door, she said to her brother, ��If you��re tired from studying, sleep for a while. I��ll call you at dawn. There��s still a lot of time.��


    Although Ning Ansheng didn��t know what time it was, he didn��t think that it was too long before dawn. However, his sister was concerned about him, so he didn��t refute her.


    After opening the door, Xiaoxiao apanied him into the house before retreating. At that moment, there was a ripple in the air that was difficult to see with the naked eye. If anyone was around, they would only see her and Ning Ansheng disappear in the blink of an eye.


    Using the action of opening the door, Xiaoxiao sessfullypleted the switch between reality and space and sent her brother into the Time Hut.


    Why was she so awesome?!


    Ning Ansheng didn��t notice any abnormality. The appearance of the space was adjustable, so Xiaoxiao had changed it to stars that filled the sky. The moonlight was hazy, and he didn��t think about anything else other than wondering if the pages were wrong.


    However, slowly, he felt that something was wrong. Why was it still dark after reading a book? Could it be that he had woken up too early tonight?


    Then he would listen to his sister and take a nap.


    Wait, why wasn��t his sister asleep yet?


    He immediately pushed open the door and wanted to go out, but when he saw that the courtyard was dark, it was obvious that there was no one in the kitchen, so he turned back.


    Xiaoxiao, who was hiding nearby and experiencing the joy of personally chopping vegetables, heaved a sigh of relief and slowed down the time flow at her brother��s room.


    This was a good idea. She had to think of a way to benefit everyone.


    Hence, early the next morning, when Ning Ansheng woke up in satisfaction and his dark circles had faded a lot, he heard his sister and second brother say that they wanted to set up a study room at home.


    ��The learning environment is very important. In the future, let��s buy more books and fill the bookshelves. You and Big Brother can read inside when you��re free. You can apany each other and encourage each other. Only then can your learning be twice as effective.��


    Ning Ansheng agreed wholeheartedly. Second Brother��s studies were like fishing for three days and drying the for two days. Ning Ansheng wanted to scold him when he saw that.


    However, Ning Anhui looked like he was about to cry. He had yet to memorize the multiplication table!


    Xiaoxiao continued, ��In the future, when your children are born, they can have a good educational atmosphere from a young age.��


    Ning Anhui imagined it for a moment. His face turned red and he nodded..

 Chapter 253 - 253: Death Is Like Lights Out

    Chapter 253: Death Is Like Lights Out


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Ansheng looked at his younger brother thoughtfully and only looked away from him. Xiaoxiao clicked her tongue and pretended to be experienced as she sighed. ��Ah, Second Brother has grown up.��


    Ning Anhui almost choked on his own saliva. Not to be outdone, he retorted, ��You��re the youngest in our family!��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��That��s right, so you should get married first.��


    Ning Anhui couldn��t win against her, so he asked with a straight face, ��Is there enough bricks and wood?��


    Hehe, look at how anxious he was.


    In order to prevent her brother from exploding, Xiaoxiao didn��t joke anymore and only told her parents about this.


    The two of them naturally did not object to the matter of their descendants studying. Not only did they not object, but they also immediately got to work The vigers who came to wrap up today were busy for two more days. When they heard that the Ning Family was going to build a study room the Vigers were really impressed and envious. However, books were so expensive. They probably wouldn��t be able to learn such skills in their lives. During the discussion of the n, a viger asked hesitantly, ��Fengnian, have you heard about the old residence?��


    Yesterday, they were not at home and came backte. Ning Fengnian��s expression became a little calmer. ��I only heard a portion of it.��


    The vigers filled in the gaps that they did not know yet.


    For example, the old residence had suffered heavy losses. Half of the courtyard had been burned down and a son had died.


    For example, Second Aunt Ning had yet to be found. Old Madam Ning suspected that she had absconded after setting the fire.


    For example, Old Madam Ning was preparing to hold a funeral for her second son and had sent news to the vigers to send Fengcai off for thest time Everyone was saying in private that they wanted them to pay to make up the losses in the family.


    It had to be known that regardless of whether it was, a gift was definitely indispensable when they were participating in a happy matter or a sad event. But what was wrong with the old residence? Their son died and they used him as a business to make money?


    Someoneined angrily, ��She can��t possibly be nning to ask us to send back the 50 taels of silver that Second Ning gave away, right?��


    ��We��re not that rich.��


    As they were talking, Little Aunt Ning, who looked reluctant, appeared outside the Ning Family with a bamboo hat covered by a veil. ��Big Brother, Big Brother are you at home?��


    Wasn��t this obvious? There were so many people. Could it be that they were all trying to break in?


    Madam Song was close. She wiped the water off her hands and walked over ��What��s the matter?��


    Little Aunt Ning rolled her eyes behind the veil. ��What has it got to do with you that I��m looking for my brother?��


    Before Madam Song could speak, she heard Ning Fengnian say angrily, ��If it has nothing to do with my wife, I don��t think it has anything to do with me Leave.��


    Little Aunt Ning was anxious now. She realized aggrievedly and unwillingly that Ning Fengnian did not intend to give in, so she reluctantly called him ��Big Sister-inw��.? <sup>5</sup>


    Madam Song was originally quite angry, but she was relieved to see Ning Fengnian protecting her.


    The old residence was in a mess now. It could be considered karma.


    Little Aunt Ning felt that Big Brother was much more dignified than before He was already muscr to begin with. It was quite scary for him to put on such a stern face. She remembered the mission her mother had given her and lowered her head to look at the ground.


    ��Big Brother, no matter what misunderstanding there is between us, you should at leaste and send Second Brother off. It can be considered as fulfilling our rtionships all these years.��


    ��A person��s death is like amp going out. Even if Second Brother did anything wrong to you in the past, you should forget about it now that he��s gone.�� ��Father and Mother are already old. Even if Second Brother is muddle-headed Father and Mother have really worked hard to raise you. If you still care about�� our old rtionship, it��s not too much to visit Father and Mother every festive season, right?��


    Ning Fengnian did not know if he would feel a little guilty if he did not know what his second sister-inw had said and done in the county office. Anyway he only felt cold and his scalp went numb.


    If what Second Sister-inw said in the county office was true, how ruthless must his stepmother be?


    But with Second Sister-inw��s personality of bullying the weak and fearing the strong, how could she have the courage to lie to the county magistrate? Little Aunt Ning, who was used to being spoiled at home, lost her temper when she didn��t hear his response for a long time. ��I��m talking to you, Big Brother Are you going or not? I don��t think you��re unwilling to attend Second Brother��s funeral just because you don��t want to give a gift of money, right? Father and Mother have already removed him from the genealogy, but they are still willing to help him. How can you have the cheek?��


    Looking at the grand house behind them, Little Aunt Ning felt jealous. ��Indeed, the richer they are, the stingier they are!��


    As soon as she finished speaking, Xiaoxiao walked out of the kitchen ��We��ll go.��


    Little Aunt Ning couldn��t stand how the eldest branch doted on that little girl but it wasn��t appropriate for her to refute her now. She could only remind her sourly, ��Don��t go empty-handed and make a fool of yourself.��


    ording to the bailiff, Second Aunt Ning had fainted yesterday, so County Magistrate Shen would definitely settle the matter today. At least, he would have to summon the relevant people to court.


    She also wanted to use the original host��s eyes to take a good look and see what happened to the old residence.


    Since his sister had said so, Ning Ansheng and Ning Anhui had no objections. Coincidentally, today was the academy��s day off. Ning Ansheng also felt that his learning efficiency had improved greatlyst night, so he didn��t mind taking the time to make a trip.


    Even though Ning Anhui only cared about money, he wasn��t in a hurry to leave. He was afraid that those lunatics in the old residence would act up and hurt his sister and mother.


    Little Aunt Ning hadpleted her goal for this trip. She looked at the imposing new house of the eldest branch longingly before leaving. She could not help but mutter as she left.


    ��What��s so great about it? When I marry a rich officialter, it��ll be 10 times bigger than your house!��


    Xiaoxiao had sharp ears and eyes. She only wanted tough when she heard that.


    The old residence was really capable. They were clearly living such a poor life, but they raised a daughter who was very ambitious. It could be seen how important education was to the next generation!


    She turned around and emphasized solemnly, ��We have to build our study room well!��


    Since she was going to participate in the funeral, the construction of the study room could only be put on hold for the time being. In ordance with the principle of casting a wide and fishing more, Old Madam Ning informed the entire vige, causing the outside of Second Uncle Ning��s mourning hall to be filled with people. It was as if he was a big shot with a high status.


    Old Madam Ning and Old Sir Ning were entertaining guests in the mourning hall. They were dressed inly and looked miserable. To outsiders, their faces were filled with sorrow.


    However, Ning Fengnian found her performance even more terrifying. Noticing everyone from the eldest branch, Old Madam Ning��s eyes lit up. Her cry was even louder than before.


    ��My son, you went so miserably!��


    Everyone from the eldest branch felt goosebumps quickly crawl up their arms. Seeing that they were standing outside withouting in, Old Madam Ning quickly lost her patience.


    ��What do you mean, Fengnian? Your second brother did let you down in the past, but now that he has already died to apologize, you still want to hold a grudge and let him die with grievances?��


    Now that things hade to this, she still had to y the me game. Ning Fengnian sighed. Before he could speak, he heard horse hooves and footsteps not far away.


    The vigers looked around in confusion. Only the eldest branch, who knew some inside information, made way withplicated expressions..

 Chapter 254 - 254: Autopsy

    Chapter 254: Autopsy


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Old Madam Ning was inexplicably looking forward to the eldest branch paying for the funeral, but she did not expect a group of bailiffs toe.


    ��You��re Madam Liu, right?��


    Old Madam Ning looked at the official nervously. ��Yes, I��m��


    Second Aunt Ning, who was pale but full of hatred, walked out from behind the bailiffs. ��It��s her. She poisoned my man!��


    When the vigers understood what he meant, they were all shocked. Old Madam Ning naturally refused to admit it. ��What nonsense are you talking about? That��s my son. Why would I take his life?


    She rolled her eyes. ��Alright, I was wondering why there was a sudden mishap at home and you disappeared. I think you fled aftermitting murder and arson. When you realized that you couldn��t escape, you cried thief, right?��


    The bailiff didn��t have the time to talk to them. ��Go in and search.


    The bailiff first followed Second Aunt Ning��s instructions and found the charred chicken in the corner of the chicken coop. However, this thing was already burned hard. No matter how good the coroner was, he probably wouldn��t be able to find anything.


    Old Madam Ning was feeling smug when she saw the bailiffs walking towards


    the mourning hall.


    ��What are you doing?��


    The bailiff said concisely, ��Autopsy.��


    How could Old Madam Ning be willing? ��My son died miserably enough. Do you


    still want to disturb his peace after death? No, you can��t do that!��


    The bailiffs�� strength was not something ordinary vigers couldpare to. Moreover, Second Aunt Ning was swearing behind them. ��I heard her poison my husband with my own ears. It��s definitely not wrong!��


    The coroner inserted a silver needle into Second Uncle Ning��s stomach and slowly pulled it out while everyone held their breaths.


    ��It��s ck! It��s ck! It��s poisonous!�� Second Aunt Ning cried andughed, but Old Madam Ning said confidently, ��Fengcai doesn��t want to implicate us. He already wants to die, so isn��t it normal for him to hang himself after taking the poison?��


    Second Aunt Ning suddenly looked at the coroner. He was taking out some undigested food from Second Uncle Ning��s stomach and mixing several things with the things he took out to see the changes. He tried a few times but to no avail.


    Selling the poison that killed snakes, insects, rats, and ants needed to be registered. If it was found to be arsenic or something, they could verify the murderer��s identity by asking the sales office who had bought it. However, why couldn��t this thing be verified?


    Old Madam Ning was relieved. She had learned about the poisonous grass from a traveling doctor when she was young. Other than her, not to mention Fortune Vige, even the old doctors in the county could not recognize it.


    The bailiffs who went to the house to search did not find anything either. They were all proper officials and could not steal anything. Seeing that there were no suspicious items in the house, they could only give up.


    Xiaoxiao��s eyes had long been covered by her brothers to prevent her from looking, but sometimes, she did not need to use her eyes.


    [Baby, analyze the ingredients and see what poison Second Uncle has been poisoned with.]


    The space received the order: [Analyzing, Master. The deceased took a nt called ��Pennial Red�� in the database. There��s even a pot of this in the Liu


    Family��s house.]


    Should she say that Old Madam Ning was bold because of her skills, or that she did not have a strong sense of aftermath?


    Xiaoxiao suddenly sighed and said, ��No matter who��s right or wrong here, we��re already here. Why don��t we go offer incense to Second Uncle and send him off on hisst journey?��


    Offering incense was an excuse. She only wanted to get closer. Knowing that she was already six meters away from the pot of grass, Xiaoxiao stopped in her tracks.


    [Use Range Control. Target object, the rat in the corner.]


    The old residence did not care about hygiene, and the insects and rats at home were never absent. Xiaoxiao chose the one closest to her and controlled it to run into the house to take a bite of the Pennial Red��s stem and leaves. Then, she pushed down the flower pot with all her might.


    ��Eh, what��s that sound?��


    Seeing that some bailiffs were attracted by the noise, Xiaoxiao moved aside and continued to act as an unrted passerby.


    When it was her turn to light incense, she said to ��Ning Xiaoxiao��, who could no longere back, in her heart, ��The person who killed you did not have a good ending after all.��


    The incense burned and the smoke twisted and dissipated, as if someone was responding.


    ��Boss, there��s something strange here. A rat died in this house.��


    Old Madam Ning��s expression changed drastically!


    She originally thought that that thing might still be useful in the future. Since no one knew it, she only ced it in the house. Who would have thought that there would be rats to eat it? Now, she only hoped that the bailiffs would not think about it.


    The chief of the bailiffs walked in. ��What��s this? A pot of grass? Why did you put this grass in the house?��


    Xiaoxiao nced sideways. ��Oh, that��s my Grandma��s baby. She has had it since


    I was young. I usually put it outside to bask in the sun.�� After saying that, she tried to activate the Range Control function again. Unexpectedly, the space told her heartlessly: [Master, the special function can only be used once a day.]


    Tsk, the cooldown time was so long. She could not afford to y.


    Fortunately, those who could follow County Magistrate Shen and be entrusted with important tasks were not ordinary people, especially his right-hand man who was sent to deal with Fortune Vige today.


    Bailiff Tang��s gaze darted between the rat and the potted nt. He made a prompt decision. ��Bring them all back.��


    Old Madam Ning panicked. ��You��re here to take evidence. Why are you taking my grass?��


    Bailiff Tang looked down at her coldly. ��Whether it��s evidence or not, we��ll know when we bring it back for examination.


    Xiaoxiao chimed in, ��Grandma, you don��t have to worry. The genius doctor, that Second Uncle mentioned, lives in the county office. With him around, he will definitely clear your name!��


    Old Madam Ning felt that she could see a cold arrow in Xiaoxiao��s gaze. She felt like her entire body was soaked in ice water.


    What did she mean by ��return your innocence��? She wanted her life, right?


    No, she could not sit back and wait for death!


    At the thought of this, Old Madam Ning rushed towards the strapping bailiff. She reached out to snatch the pot of Pennial Red. Then�� then she was taken down.


    Bailiff Tang raised the unidentified grass and looked coldly at Old Madam Ning, who was screaming in pain with her hands behind her back. ��Mrs. Liu, have you ever heard of the saying ��exposing yourself? You��re admitting it without asking.��


    Although Madam Liu was ruthless, she was still a peasant woman who had never seen the world. She had never seen the methods of an official. When she was brought to court, she could not help but curse her former second daughter-inw. ��Do you think you��re free just like that? If you sue me, you��ll also be pulled away by the brokers to pay your debts. You might as well hide and live!��


    Second Aunt Ning��s face was filled with hatred. ��So what? Even if I have to be a ve and a prostitute for the rest of my life, I want you to pay with your life.�� Old Madam Ning said angrily, ��A life for a life? Who are you talking to? If you want to save your man, you could have reminded him when I fed him poisonous chicken soup. Why do you have to use such an afterthought?�� Second Aunt Ning smiled even more mockingly than her. ��Who said I wanted to take revenge for that heartless thing?


    Old Madam Ning was stunned. Second Aunt Ningughed out loud. ��I��m taking revenge for myself and my child who didn��t get to see this world at this time. What has your heartless son��s death got to do with me? Let me tell you, not only do I have to watch him be poisoned to death by his biological mother, but the casino also said that they want to sell me to a brothel, right? Alright, I��ll make your son a cuckold even if he bes a ghost!��


    ��I also want your entire family to suffer!��

 Chapter 255 - 255: The Identity Of Tongsheng

    Chapter 255: The Identity Of Tongsheng


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Old Madam Ning was so angry that she almost spat out a mouthful of blood.


    The conversation between the two of them stunned everyone. Ning Ansheng and Ning Anhui hurriedly covered Xiaoxiao��s eyes and ears, afraid that their sister would hear any vulgarities.


    At this moment, Second Aunt Ning knelt down and took a few more steps forward. ��County magistrate, I still have to sue her!��


    Her tone was so fast that Old Madam Ning could not stop her in time.


    ��I want to sue the Ning Family��s third son. His identity as Tongsheng was snatched from his nephew! Please investigate clearly, County Magistrate. When he went to take the Tongsheng examination back then, the name ��Ning Anwen�� clearly belonged to Dng!��


    As she spoke, her fingers waved andnded on Ning Ansheng.


    The children in the countryside did not have a proper name. They have been called Eng, Dng or Egg since they were young.


    Ning Ansheng had never fought for anything since he was young. Only when he was taking the test for Tongsheng did he kneel outside Old Sir Ning and Old Madam Ning��s house for a day and a night. He only wanted a chance to take the test. Later on, they agreed. He felt that it was not formal enough to write the name ��Ning Dng�� on the test paper, so he asked his father to give him a name.


    His parents studied and discussed for a few days before deciding on the name ��Ning Anwen��. He happily wrote it down on the test paper.


    Later on, when the rankings were released, he saw this name. At the same time, he learned that the person who had this name in the Ning Family��s genealogy was Little Uncle.


    On the day the rankings were released, Little Uncle Ning even mocked him. ��You��ve only been my page boy for a few years, and you think you��re really cut out for studying?�� Then, he chased him home to work and didn��t allow him to follow him to the academy anymore.


    From then on, he wasted his time until now.


    County Magistrate Shen pped the gavel. ��How dare you!��


    Xiaoxiao tugged at her brother��s sleeve and shook it. ��Brother, so you��ve suffered so much.�� She even reached out to pat his head.


    Ning Ansheng took a deep breath and bent down to ce his head in his sister��s palm. ��I don��t feel aggrieved. We��re all fine now, so I don��t feel aggrieved.��


    The past was in the past. The long arms of justice did not let anyone off. Now that the truth was out, the old residence could not escape punishment. As long as everything went smoothly in the family in the future, everything else was nothing.


    Second Aunt Ning��s words were shocking. She raised her head and said, ��I even wanted to sue my mother-inw for trying to kill Ning Xiaoxiao! Before we split up, Ning Fengcai not only smashed Big Brother��s head, but he also pressed Ning Xiaoxiao into the water vat and almost suffocated her. Later on, I was afraid that she wouldin to her family, so my mother-inw ordered us to throw her into the mountains and feed her to wild beasts!�� Her tears fell. ��Just like my newborn child!��


    ��However, Ning Xiaoxiao was lucky enough to escape. If the Ning Family had found herter, they might only have seen her corpse!��


    She even highlighted how Second Uncle Ning kicked Ning Xiaoxiao, who was struggling to survive, into the pit again and again until she stopped moving��


    Everyone in the Ning Family froze. They never expected that Xiaoxiao, who was usually full of smiles, would have experienced such a thing. Ning Anhui, a man, cried until tears and snot covered his face. ��Sister, you��re the one who feels the most aggrieved, alright?! Why didn��t you tell us?! Second Uncle, no, how could Ning Fengcai do such a crazy thing?! He��s worse than a pig or a dog!�� He deserved to not have a good ending!


    ��We actually lit incense for him just now? I��ll go back and pull them all out immediately!��


    Ning Ansheng��s face was ashen and his heart ached. ��It��s me who didn��t take good care of you���� If he hadn��t been so frightened by his father��s injuries that he forgot about his younger sister in the courtyard that day, she wouldn��t have suffered such pain.


    After such a period of dy, the pot of grass sent to Gongsun Zhongjing was also fruitful.


    The bailiff said loudly, ��ording to the genius doctor, this poisonous grass has the effect of making one��s entire body numb and weak. The poisoned person will not be able to breathe well, have tinnitus, and will not be able to move. They will also lose their ability to speak. In other words, even if they know that they are poisoned, they will not have the ability to call for help. After death, there is a high chance that they will bleed from their seven orifices.��


    ��We��ve checked Ning Fengcai��s corpse. There are traces of blood in his ears, nose, and mouth. It should have been wiped away after the incident.��


    County Magistrate Shen, who was experienced and knowledgeable, found it unbelievable. ��How could you do that to your own son?��


    Seeing that the matter had been exposed and that she had been frightened out of her wits by the paddles, Old Madam Ning could only tell the truth. ��He was the one who threatened me that he was going to tell everything. Moreover, he wanted my title deed and still wanted to gamble! How can our family withstand such trouble����


    In the end, the murderer, Old Madam Ning, was sentenced to be executed after autumn and was temporarily detained in jail. Second Aunt Ning was almost killed because she had exposed the deeds. Considering that she might not be able to save him even if she spoke up when Madam Liu killed him. She would only lose her life too. She had just experiencedbor that was far more painful than ordinary people. County Magistrate Shen taught her a lesson and let her go-


    Little Uncle Ning��s title as Tongsheng was revoked, and his path to the imperial examinations was cut off from then on.


    The gambling den��s debt collectors rushed overter and brought Second Aunt Ning, who was honest and very cooperative, to collect the debt as Second Uncle Ning��s surviving wife.


    ��A life for a life, a debt for a debt. You killed my man, so you naturally have to take care of his debt.��


    What was surprising was that the things found in Little Uncle Ning��s house alone were sold for more than 150 taels. The rouge powder and jewelry that Little Aunt Ning hid also offset 50 taels of gambling debt. At this point, Second Uncle Ning only had 50 taels of silver debt with the casino.


    Xiaoxiao originally thought that Second Aunt Ning woulde to look for them again, but she didn��t expect her to keep her word and really sell herself into a brothel. She started to receive customers after recuperating and even said that she was the second daughter-inw of the old Ning Family in Fortune Vige and that the head of the household was called Ning Fengcai��


    Of course, that was a story for another day.


    After witnessing the destruction of the old residence with their own eyes, the members of the Ning Family did not feel good either. Of course, they would not sympathize with those b*stards in the old residence. They only felt extremely heartbroken when they recalled what happened to Ning Ansheng and Xiaoxiao.


    It was obvious that they could not do anything else in this state. Xiaoxiao suggested that everyone walk around the county to change their mood, while she was called over by Mrs. Shen.


    She thought that Mrs. Shen was going to talk to her about choosing a disciple, but she cried when she saw her. ��Girl,e and give me a hug.��


    Shen Tianci also had a pair of rabbit eyes and kept blowing his nose.


    ��Ning Xiaoxiao, tell me if anyone dares to bully you in the future. I��ll beat them to death!��


    Xiaoxiao was betweenughter and tears, but she also felt warm. ��Madam, you smell so good.��


    Mrs. Shen pretended to be angry. ��Why are you calling me Madam? Call me Auntie!��


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment. ��Aunt Beauty?��


    Mrs. Shen smiled through her tears. This child was really lovable!


    Shen Tianci suddenly felt proud. ��Then call me Brother in the future. I��ll protect you!��


    Xiaoxiao said faintly in Mrs. Shen��s arms, ��To put it bluntly, you might be beaten up by my brothers.��


    At the thought of their physiques, Shen Tianci frowned. ��Don��t say such unpleasant words next time..��

 Chapter 256 - 256: Must Have Political Results

    Chapter 256: Must Have Political Results


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Laughter came from the house. Rong Yan, who had been tossing and turningst night, looked at the little rabbit pendant hanging on his sword hilt and made an unquestionable decision.


    After chatting with Mrs. Shen for a while, Xiaoxiao pushed open the window to get some air and happened to see Rong Yan walking over with County Magistrate Shen. She knew that they must have something to discuss, so she waved her hand as a greeting. Unexpectedly, Rong Yan walked towards her. ��Come with me?��


    This was a question, but it made Xiaoxiao especially surprised.


    County Magistrate Shen was even more surprised than her. He was so frightened by the Third Prince that he identally broke one of his whiskers. His heart ached.


    ��W-What are you doing?��


    Rong Yan turned to look at him and said firmly, ��There��s no need to hide my matter from Xiaoxiao, including Yan Lu��s matter. She can��t stay out of it after saving Han Qing.��


    After analyzing everything with her, she could be more careful when she met Yan Lu��s people in the future.


    Before County Magistrate Shen said anything, Xiaoxiao came out of the room and said with a smile, ��Okay.��


    Following the two of them to the room where they usually discussed business, Xiaoxiao heard County Magistrate Shen bowing helplessly. ��Please, Third Prince.��


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows. She was surprised, but she didn��t think it was that surprising.


    ��I was wondering why any young master in the wilderness could be so good-looking. So it��s a royal production.��


    County Magistrate Shen choked and lost his ability to speak for a moment.


    Did this child know the meaning of the words ��Third Prince��? The person in front of her was the prince! No matter how unfavored he was, he was still of the emperor��s bloodline. Was it really good for her to be so casual?


    However, Rong Yan did not care. Not only did he not care, but he also felt more rxed. He was even more afraid that Xiaoxiao would alienate and distance herself from him because of his identity. Fortunately, she was still her, and they were still them.


    County Magistrate Shen was dazzled by the Third Prince��s smile again. Suddenly, an incredible idea popped up in his mind!


    Because he was shocked by this thought, he was stunned. Hence, Rong Yan brought Xiaoxiao into the house first. The moment they entered, Dean Lu and Chen Yong, who were waiting inside, almost lost their grip on their teacups. ��Your Highness, this�� you�� Little Girl Ning?��


    Rong Yan cupped his hands at the two of them before saying, ��Everyone knows that the person who saved Han Qing in the forest was Xiaoxiao. Since she��s already involved, I think she naturally has the right to know.��


    ��If we hide everything from her, how can she avoid danger if she encounters Yan Lu or the Lei Family again in the future? She won��t have such good luck every time.��


    The three of them felt that this made sense, but it was a little unreasonable.


    ��Also,�� Rong Yan continued, ��I hope everyone can help take care of the Ning Family and Xiaoxiao after I leave.��


    The three of them suddenly had an epiphany. Teacher Chen, aka Lord Chen, who was the only one among them who had yet to get married, asked with a wooden expression, ��Have you decided to leave?��


    Rong Yan nodded. Since he had decided not to hide anything from Xiaoxiao, he would tell her everything.


    ��Yan Lu��s tail is hidden too tightly. It wasn��t easy for us to catch hold of his weakness this time, so we definitely can��t miss this opportunity. However, half of the people in the capital are from the Yan Family. The most hateful thing is that the local news is strictly guarded by them. Only by passing the Yan Family��syers of screening can we go to the emperor to hear it. Other than me returning to the capital to meet the emperor personally, I can��t think of any other foolproof method.��


    Xiaoxiao was a little surprised. So his Little Big Brother could say so much in one go. Moreover, it was undeniable that he seemed to be even more charming when he was serious.


    Rong Yan was actually very nervous. He had just expressed his feelings to Xiaoxiao not long ago. If he suddenly said that he wanted to leave, would she think that he was going to abandon her? Would she be angry?


    However, seeing her usual expression, he heaved a sigh of relief and continued, ��Unfortunately, Lord Shen��s construction of the canal can only stop here. There��s no reasonable excuse for him to continue further up.��


    County Magistrate Shen was also anxious about this. ��In my opinion, they��re a group of cowards. They clearly know about the dam, but they��re unwilling toe with me. I don��t want them to openly resist the Yan Family. It��s just building a river. Can��t they just say that they want to increase rice cultivation?��


    Lord Chen nced at him. ��They don��tck food in their territory. It��s better to avoid trouble. Which official doesn��t understand that?��


    County Magistrate Shen sighed. ��They��re all not motivated. Can��t they think about how to make more political achievements?��


    Lord Chen retorted habitually, ��Can you achieve political achievements just by growing a season of rice? Then don��t you think it��s too simple to be an official? You��re painting a big picture for them. Can they ept it stupidly?��


    County Magistrate Shen was furious. ��I just said it casually. Senior Brother, do you have to argue with me?��


    Mr. Chen, who was single, didn��t tell him. This was called venting his anger.


    Back then, they agreed that their fellow disciples would focus on learning and working hard for the strength of the country, but their junior brother secretly became engaged and even had a son!


    The 16-year-old Third Prince had also found his dream girl. Even this 12-year-old girl had caught his eye. What about him? Where was his Springtime?


    Just as one person was grieving and the other was sighing, a soft voice suddenly sounded. ��Then�� if we can definitely have political achievements, the other officials will cooperate and repair the channels. This way, we can save more people if the dam copses before the Imperial Court sends people over?��


    County Magistrate Shen was full of emotions. He said, ��I thought you would ask, ��Since you already know that the dam is in disrepair, why don��t you expose it and deal with it quickly? Why are you wasting your time here? What kind of officials are you?����


    Xiaoxiaoughed. ��I understand the logic of an official being superior to others. Moreover, Lord Shen and Lord Yan are the county magistrate and the governor. They belong to the empress��s maternal family. Even if you beat the gong and drum to make this matter public, it will only cause a civil disorder in vain.��


    The little girl was so smart. County Magistrate Shen wanted to give her a thumbs up, but Rong Yan said proudly, ��Xiaoxiao is so smart.�� County Magistrate Shen immediately retracted his thumbs up. Then he thought for a moment. No, he had a wife, so he didn��t have to be jealous. ��Indeed.��


    Lord Chen didn��t want to speak, so Dean Lu asked, ��What did Little Girl Ning mean when she said that they must have political achievements?��


    It had nothing to do with culinary skills. He only asked this because he saw the girl��s calm expression.


    It had nothing to do with culinary skills. He just felt that this girl was really calm and did not seem to be someone who spoke without thinking.


    It had nothing to do with cooking. He was just curious about what Little Girl Ning��s ��political achievements�� would be.


    Xiaoxiao had actually hesitated whether she should say it or not, but Little Big Brother had no reservations about her, so she naturally had to express something.


    ��For example, rice seeds that produce more than 400 kilograms per acre?��


    County Magistrate Shen got up and the teacup rolled to the ground and broke.


    ��Little Girl Ning, you can��t say that casually. Do you know how much ordinary rice produces in an acre?��


    She had Ning Fengnian, the experienced farmer, at home, so how could she not know? ��About 150 kilograms.�� And that was the best qualitynd..

 Chapter 257 - 257: 400 Kilograms Of Production In An Acre

    Chapter 257: 400 Kilograms Of Production In An Acre


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    County Magistrate Shen paced back and forth. ��It��s not that I don��t believe you, but the number is too shocking.��


    However, if this was true, there was no need for him to rush them. Wouldn��t Lord Wang, Lord Xu, and Lord Sun beg him for seeds?


    Xiaoxiao expressed that she could understand. Then, she asked, ��I wonder if you��ve been to Fortune Vige recently. If you have, have you seen mynd?��


    As a good county magistrate who loved the people and cared about their livelihood, County Magistrate Shen went to the countryside from time to time. He had indeed heard from the vigers of Fuyuan Vige that Ning Fengnian farmed well, but he had never thought that it would be ��good��.


    Xiaoxiao said to him, ��Lord Shen, why don��t you take a look and estimate?��


    ��Oh, right. My father hasn��t even reacted to this yet. Don��t tell anyone yet.��


    How could County Magistrate Shen not know that? He was such a steady man!


    County Magistrate Shen, who was about to ask his wife about himself.


    With something on his mind, County Magistrate Shen didn��t want to do anything except checking out the two acres ofnd of the Ning Family. After walking back and forth several times, he pped his hands. ��Let��s go and take a look!��


    They left immediately. The carriage was ready-made. Xiaoxiao sent a message to her parents and brothers and said that she would go home with the county magistrate and the others first. She asked them to go back directly after shopping before leaving with the main group.


    Although Ning Fengnian and the rest were a little confused, the county magistrate was a trustworthy person, so they did not think too much about it. Instead, Ning Ansheng asked his younger brother thoughtfully, ��Where��s Ah Yan?��


    Recently, there had been many people on the streets who had learned to sell milk tea from their shop. Ning Anhui had just bought a cup when he choked on the incongruous, fishy, and pungent smell. He was spitting out the milk tea when he heard his elder brother��s words. He turned around and asked in a daze, ��What��s that?��


    Ning Ansheng looked at his younger brother��s face, which was stained with syrup sauce and milk tea after eating the candied hawthorn and meat buns. He didn��t want to say anything else and handed over a handkerchief. As the eldest brother, he let out a long sigh.


    Ning Anhui was speechless.


    On the other hand, Xiaoxiao also heard Rong Yan tell her what he had done with Lord Shen and the rest these days on the way home.


    They had long wanted to send the news of the dam back to the Imperial Capital, but the Yan Family had many spies. They had failed many times and almost exposed themselves.


    They were not afraid of going against Yan Lu. They were only afraid of making unnecessary sacrifices. They were afraid that no one would dare to fight against the queen��s rtives for the peace of the royal court after they failed. They were afraid that they would waste the efforts of so many people.


    Realizing that this path was blocked, they were not discouraged. Instead, they shifted their focus fromining to saving people.


    County Magistrate Shen��s digging of the canal was beneficial to the people, but more importantly, it minimized the danger of the flood disaster. While asking the people to dig the canal, County Magistrate Shen also arranged for more channels to be built. However, these measures could only be carried out in Xijiang County. They could not do anything else.


    He tried his best to persuade them, but the effect was minimal. Coupled with the fact that he did not know who his enemy was, the most dangerous upstream area became the least guarded ce.


    However, once the dam fell, the upstream would be the first to suffer.


    County Magistrate Shen was not an official of Luo Prefecture, but he cared about the lives of themoners there as well.


    They were originally prepared to overturn the dam regardless of the consequences. Even if the people revolted, it was better than letting countless innocent people die. At most, they would lose their lives when the Imperial Court med them.


    At this moment, Han Qing appeared.


    The heavens gave them a surprise. As long as they could send Han Qing to the Imperial Pce, the evidence he had was enough to make Yan Lu unable to turn things around. Hence, Rong Yan decided to do it himself.


    Although he was not favored, he was still a prince and was born by the noble consort. As long as he could sessfully return to the Imperial Capital and enter the Imperial City, Han Qing would definitely be able to see the Emperor.


    County Magistrate Shen and the others did not ce all their hopes on the Imperial Court, because the problem of the dam was not something that could be solved in a few days even though Yan Lu was sentenced by the emperor. They still had to take precautions.


    If Ning Xiaoxiao was right, this problem would be easily solved.


    When they came to Fortune Vige, County Magistrate Shen and the others went straight to the Ning Family in casual clothes.


    The Ning Family��s rice was indeed the most outstanding in the vige. Earlier, County Magistrate Shen thought that Ning Fengnian was a skilled farmer who might have a higher harvest than others, but he couldn��t estimate how much he could get.


    Today, he specially brought along someone from the government office who was good at farming. The results stunned everyone for a long time.


    ��Reporting to Your Excellency! ording to my rough calctions, the harvest of these two acres ofnd can be at least 800 kilograms! This doesn��t even take into ount the weight that the grains can increase by hanging the grout!��


    County Magistrate Shen felt that he was hit on the head by a huge surprise. ��How much did you say?��


    The person who reported was even more excited than him. He shouted in a hoarse voice, ��800 kilograms! After it matures, the production of these two acres ofnd will be about 400 kilograms per acre! Heavens, Lord, such high-yielding food has never appeared in the history of Great Xia!��


    As an official who specialized in farming, he wished he could jump up and express his feelings. He turned around and looked at Xiaoxiao with shining eyes. He couldn��t wait to ask, ��How exactly are these nted?��


    On the way here, Xiaoxiao had already thought it through. ��Actually, when my family just split up, we couldn��t gather the seeds needed for two acres ofnd. When Father and Mother were running around, I met an unfamiliar old man at the foot of Dayan Mountain. He was the one who gave me a bag of rice seeds and said that the yield of these rice was extremely high.��


    She said vividly, ��I saw that the old man had a kind face and didn��t look like a bad person, so I asked for the price. Unexpectedly, he didn��t take any money at all. He put down the rice seeds and left.��


    ��Although I don��t know how to farm, I felt that there was no difference between this rice seed and the ones at home, so�� I used it to exchange for the seeds my parents gathered.��


    The agricultural official couldn��t help butment, ��You��re really bold. What if that person is lying to you?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��That person��s eyes are clear and he��s full of righteousness. Moreover, my family is poor. He has no reason to lie to me at all. Later on, I��ve also been paying attention to the situation of rice growing. I was prepared to confess to Father and Mother as soon as things went wrong.��


    The farmer asked again, ��But that person is not rted to you. Why did he give you such a good seed?��


    Xiaoxiao replied, ��I��ve asked him this question too. He said��I just hope that there will be no more famine in the world.��


    Xiaoxiao��s tone was firm. ��Just based on these words, I believe him, and reality has proven that I believe the right thing.��


    County Magistrate Shen stopped the agricultural officer who was about to say something else and nodded emotionally. ��He is a respectable old man. Did he leave his name and address?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��He only asked me to call him Grandpa Yuan.��


    In her previous life, there was a grandfather with the surname Yuan. He dedicated his entire life to the earth and farnd. With his efforts, he sessfully cultivated high-yield hybrid rice. He was the father of hybrid rice��Academician Yuan Longping.


    This was also where the rice seeds in Xiaoxiao��s space came from. If anyone wanted to thank the appearance of this new rice seed in the future, they should thank Grandpa Yuan..

 Chapter 258 - 258: Parting

    Chapter 258: Parting


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After confirming the value of the rice, County Magistrate Shen and the others had a discussion. Xiaoxiao simply invited everyone to her house for dinner. Who would reject such a good thing?


    The new courtyard of the Ning Family was more spacious andfortable. County Magistrate Shen and the others asked the servants and bailiffs to help them clean up the dining room very quickly. The dining room of the Ning Family was especially bright. There was a small round turntable on the big roundtable. With a wave of their hand, it spun around and transferred the dishes that they wanted to eat closer to them. It was very interesting and practical.


    Before Xiaoxiao��s dishes were on the table, these men, who were more than 100 years old together, could not stop ying with it.


    Of course, it was mainly because they had let go of the heavy burden in their hearts.


    nting an acre ofnd required 1 to 1.5 kg of seeds. Then, the Ning Family would be able to obtain a total of 800 kg of seeds after harvesting the rice. They could nt 800 acres ofnd. At first nce, this number did not seem to be shocking, but as long as they nted these 800 acres ofnd, they would obtain 320,000 kg of high-yielding rice seeds after a season! In the long run, would there still be a famine in Great Xia?


    Before today, who could guarantee that everyone in Great Xia would not starve in three years?


    When she heard their discussion when they were serving the dishes, Xiaoxiao said calmly, ��Sir, I forgot to say that mynd is only the middle qualitynd.��


    Huh!


    County Magistrate Shen and the others gasped. Didn��t that mean that the yield of the rice would be even higher if it was nted in the best qualitynd? Perhaps, they could make a bold guess �� 500 kilograms?!


    A strategist asked, ��If only the two acres of the Ning Family��s harvest is used as bait, will those guys with low standards look down on them?��


    County Magistrate Shen pped the table. ��They cane or not! There are only 1,600 kilograms of rice seeds in an acre. Anyone who doesn��te is a fool!��


    ��The rarer something is, the more precious it is. Do they think it��s easy to nurture such a good seed? If they��re not convinced, they can nt one too!�� Dean Lu was even more transparent. ��When the timees, release the news that a total of 500 kilograms will only be distributed to the other counties. Firste, first served. Moreover, the new grains are delicate. We will only give it to those who have reserved a ce where the canals are dug in advance and there are excellent nting environments.��


    Lord Chen added, ��Whether the canal is regted or not will be decided after our inspection. After all, this concerns the granary of the world. If they don��t believe me, they can also visit the Ning Family��s high-yieldingnd in Fortune Vige. At that time, we��ll make a biggermotion so that we can attract the Yan Family��s attention and make the Third Prince��s journey back to the capital more stable.��


    The three smart people spoke one after another and decided on the progress for the next 10 days. As soon as Ning Fengnian and the others arrived home, they were pulled into the house by the abnormally excited county magistrate and told about it.


    Everyone in the Ning Family was stunned.


    ��What? Xiaoxiao exchanged the rice seeds that we had gathered from the vigers. I nted it especially well because of that rice seed?��


    ��What? My rice acre produces 400 kg? Did my sister get the rice seed from an old man?��


    ��What? My rice seeds are going to be requisitioned by the Imperial Court, and mynd is going to be visited by the lords of Lin County?��


    Other than Ning Ansheng, everyone else was extremely puzzled.


    Ning Ansheng was calmer than his family, but he nced at his sister disapprovingly.


    Xiaoxiao immediately raised her hand and swore. ��I definitely won��t take matters into my own hands next time. It��s mainly because I felt that Grandpa Yuan was very friendly at that time, so I was impulsive. Later on, I thought that the rice seeds were all the same. Perhaps that kind person saw that our family was in trouble and helped us. It was only when we were about to harvest that I suddenly felt that something was wrong����


    After saying that, she sighed. ��I was still too young at that time.�� Everyone in the room was stunned. Ning Anhui pinched her little face. ��Do you think you��re big now?��


    Xiaoxiao pushed him away. Rong Yan put down his teacup and stood quietly between Ning Anhui and Xiaoxiao to stop him from doing evil again.


    Xiaoxiao said proudly, ��But it seems like my luck is not bad. I really met an expert.��


    ��Father, Lord Shen said that if we can promote our rice seeds, no one in the world will go hungry in the future!��


    Ning Fengnian didn��t expect that he could be connected with all the living beings in the world just by farming. He was surprised and happy. He didn��t know what to say at all. County Magistrate Shen couldn��t help but ask again, ��Mr. Ning, do you agree?��


    Ning Fengnian was slow to react. ��Huh?�� He realized that the county magistrate was actually still asking for his opinion?


    ��Of course I agree. Of course I agree. This is a great thing. Of course I agree.�� The good man chuckled. ��If the adults from the other counties want to see it, let them see it. It��s fine.��


    County Magistrate Shen touched his beard and pulled Ning Fengnian away. ��Then let��s talk about how to deal with the visitors.��


    For example, the importance of this canal. For example, how delicate the rice was. It would not survive if it was not served well.


    How to make an honest person answer outsiders�� questions in an artistic manner was a skill. Dean Lu and Lord Chen also went on stage personally. The three of them took the Ning Family away and decided to talk all night.


    Xiaoxiao looked at her courtyard. ��Fortunately, we changed to a new house. Otherwise, we wouldn��t have anywhere to live.��


    As soon as she finished speaking, Rong Yan pulled her back. ��I�� am leaving soon����


    The dam matter involved many things, and there were many twists and turns. Time was tight, and they could not dy.


    Rong Yan couldn��t hide the reluctance in his tone. ��Doctor Gongsun said that Han Qing��s injuries will recover at least until tomorrow. He counted the days on his fingers. We��ll leave quietly tomorrow morning.��


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said, ��Since you want to go ��quietly��, I won��t send you off.��


    Rong Yan felt a little empty, but he heard her say, ��I��ll think of you here and wait for you toe back safely.��


    Rong Yan looked into her eyes and said softly, ��Yes.��


    That night, many people could not sleep. Before dawn, Rong Yan pushed open the courtyard door and found a huge bag at the door. He opened it and saw that it was a fiveyer food box.


    He didn��t know what materials Xiaoxiao used to make it. It was clearly so big, but it didn��t take much weight.


    The food box was filled with snacks that were to his liking.


    ��Silly girl, you��re up so early.��


    The corners of his mouth curled up. When the Ning Family woke up and the two families, together with County Magistrate Shen, Dean Lu and Mr. Chen, ate together, Xiaoxiao pretended that she didn��t know anything. Rong Yan didn��t say anything, as if they wouldn��t part today.


    The shop was operating normally today, and Xiaoxiao went to do the second round of training for the people sent by the franchise shop. After sending away the dizzy chefs, Xiaoxiao leaned on the table in the small kitchen and sighed. What should she do? They hadn��t even separated and she already missed him. The space wanted to make its Master happy, so it shared good news with her. [Master, the total points in the space have reached 100,000. Do you want to level up?]


    There was nothing to hesitate about. Xiaoxiao nodded. [Upgrade.]


    [Ding�� Space upgrade sessful. Current space level: Seven.]


    [The time flow in the farnd has increased. The current time flow is seven times faster!]


    [The time flow in the ranch has increased. The current speed is seven times!] [The time flow in the water body has increased. The current speed is seven times!]


    [Time Hut��s current adjustable speed is plus or minus seven times!]


    [Range Control ability upgraded!]


    [New function acquired: Spatial projection. The projection range is 7��7.] [You have obtained one seed for the upgrade reward. Current total points are 1,450..]

 Chapter 259 - 259: Space Projection

    Chapter 259: Space Projection


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Putting everything else aside, Xiaoxiao was very interested in this spatial projection function. [Baby, tell me in detail?]


    The space replied: [Master, from today onwards, you can project a gourmet space of seven meters by seven meters in any area. This range can obtain the attribute function of the gourmet space, such as preservation and multiplication time. This function is a special function that can only be used once a day. The duration of use is unlimited and can be retracted at any time.] This was good. She did not need to change it again and again. She immediately used the projection function on the kitchen where the ingredients were ced. Now, she did not have to worry that the food would be stale too quickly in summer.


    She could also make more without worry.


    However, after finishing the milk tea and snacks that she was going to sell today, Xiaoxiao was a little bored. [nt the seeds of the reward too.]


    The space agreed and threw the seed into the water.


    Xiaoxiao understood. This time, it was an aquatic nt.


    She nced at the uninteresting kitchen and started to daydream.


    Little Big Brother should already be on his way. They weren��t far from the Imperial Capital, but it was still a journey of more than 10 days. Little Big Brother and the others were in a hurry and would probably speed up. However, there was an injured person with them, so he probably wouldn��t be that fast either. They would take at least seven to eight days to arrive.


    She did not know if the meeting process was troublesome. Coupled with the unexpected dy, they would not see each other for at least 20 days. She stood up with a whoosh and decided that there was no time like the present. She would go to the Shen Family to teach her disciples today. Anyway, she did not have to worry about the freshness of the food. She could make more first.


    Mrs. Shen weed Xiaoxiao��s arrival and quickly brought her to meet her chosen disciple.


    The chef, who was dressed nimbly, looked down at Xiaoxiao, who was a head shorter than her, and the corners of her mouth twitched. ��Greetings, Master.�� Logically speaking, after learning her true ability, the two of them would be master and disciple from now on. It had nothing to do with age or background.


    Xiaoxiao was yful. She brought a stool over and stepped on it to touch her head. ��Hey, my good disciple, tell me, what do you want to learn today?�� Her disciple��s name was FurongO. Xiaoxiao praised, ��Is it the Hibiscus Flower?�� She said, ��Master, it��s that hibiscus of the hibiscus chicken slice.�� Xiaoxiao:�� She sounded like a good seedling to be a chef.


    Mrs. Shen asked shyly, ��Then, can you teach me how to make simple snacks too?��


    Xiaoxiao was surprised. ��Aunt Beauty, do you have to cook whatever you want to eat?��


    Mrs. Shen tugged at her sleeve and said in a low voice, ��I want to make something for my husband.��


    Realization dawned on Xiaoxiao. Oh, this damn sour smell of love. She really wanted to teach Mrs. Shen how to make stinky tofu.


    However, she held back because of her kindness.


    In Xiaoxiao��s opinion, the easiest thing to make was biscuits, so today��s teaching content was happily decided.


    What Xiaoxiao did not expect was that Mrs. Shen��s culinary skills were actually a ck hole. After an afternoon of teaching, Furong had already learned the secret of baking biscuits and could do it alone. Xiaoxiao was very satisfied with this new disciple. On the other hand, Mrs. Shen was sighing at a pile of charcoal.


    ��Why can��t I learn it?��


    Xiaoxiao also wanted to ask this question. How did she roast several furnaces of carbon at a fixed temperature with a fixed amount of ingredients?


    Furong patted Xiaoxiao��s shoulder. ��Master, don��t be surprised. You��ll get used to it.��


    She said with some emotion, ��To be honest, I came to the Shen Residence to teach Mrs. Shen how to cook. However, after teaching her for three months, she still couldn��t even make a bowl of edible noodles.��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Then you��re quite patient.��


    If it were her, she would most likely dissuade such a disciple.


    Cooking did not necessarily depend on talent, but it was better to eat ready-made food when one was rich.


    Furong crossed her arms and looked at the sky. Her tone was a little distant. ��I have no choice. They gave me too much monthly sry.�� Then, everyone was used to her cooking, so they simply let her stay in the Shen Residence as a cook. Even though she yearned for freedom and the vast rivers and mountains,pared to the money the Shen Family gave her, it seemed that those longings could be put aside first.


    Xiaoxiao felt that her disciple was an interesting person.


    Mrs. Shen said that the opening date of the elegant abode had already been set. It would be a good day at the beginning of next month. Coincidentally, the Ning Family��s rice harvest had also been finished. She wouldn��t be too busy. By then, she would be able to train Furong well.


    Furong was a natural chef and was smart. Xiaoxiao had confidence in her, but it was hard to say about Mrs. Shen. Mrs. Shen was too lively and active when she cooked and often did unnecessary things. In less than three days, Xiaoxiao couldn��t help but chase her out of the kitchen.


    The next day after the discussion with the Ning Family, County Magistrate Shen spread the news of the new rice seed. The officials who ignored him immediately came to Xijiang County and couldn��t wait to check the Ning Family��s rice field under the lead of the bailiffs.


    All the lords smartly brought their agricultural officers with them. As soon as the professionals took action, they quickly confirmed that County Magistrate Shen was not exaggerating. The yield of this farnd was more than 400kg. They were all smart, especially since this matter was rted to their political achievements.


    The lords who were eager to get rice seeds immediately talked with County Magistrate Shen and wanted to get more seeds. County Magistrate Shen calmed them down neither servile nor overbearing. ��But as you can see, these new rice seeds are delicate and can��t be nted casually. Have you dug the canal?��


    The adults expressed that they would go back and dig immediately. They would start digging today! They would definitely dig well and quickly!


    County Magistrate Shen smiled without saying anything. He didn��t promise anyone.


    The smart people immediately turned their horses around and stood up overnight. They dug fiercely at the shore of the Dusk River. Their enthusiasm caused the water level in Fortune Vige to clearly decrease in the next five to six days.


    Under such an atmosphere, Xiaoxiao��s family entered the countdown to harvest.


    At this moment, Rong Yan was driving a carriage towards the Imperial Capital with Yun Er, Yun San, Yun Wu, and a few trusted guards that he had carefully chosen.


    In the carriage, Han Qing, who was still wrapped in bandages, was shouting impatiently, ��How long will it take to reach the Imperial Capital with this turtle��s crawling speed? Why is a man sitting in a carriage? I��m fine. Let me ride a horse!��


    Rong Yan had a headache from his argument, but he couldn��t leave him alone and leave first, so he could only persuade him nicely.


    ��Doctor Gongsun said that you have to stay in the carriage for three more days. Otherwise, you won��t have the strength toin when you see the Emperor.��


    Han Qing waved his hand confidently. ��Impossible! I��m not a pale schr like him. I was fine when I was stabbed 18 times!��


    He was fine? As if!


    Yun Er couldn��t help but interrupt. ��If we didn��t meet our Miss Ning, it��s really hard to say what your current situation is, Mr. Han.��


    Han Qing choked and fell silent for a moment. Then, he waved his bleeding arm. ��Then I��m fine now, right? Going to the capital is very important. How can I have the time to dawdle? I��ll grit my teeth and endure this small injury. Quick, let me ride a horse!��


    Rong Yan turned around and sighed. He handed him a water bag. ��Drink some water first.��


    Han Qing drank and was about to continue speaking impassionedly when his head tilted and he fell over.

 Chapter 260 - 260: Take Care

    Chapter 260: Take Care


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Yun Er looked at his master in shock and admiration, wanting to give him a thumbs up.


    Rong Yan said calmly, ��Help him onto the mat and feed him from time to time. It��s a sleeping medicine specially made by Doctor Gongsun. It won��t hurt his body.��


    Yun Er asked, ��Then how long is Master going to let him sleep?��


    Rong Yan thought for a moment. ��Two days. He��s still injured. It��s not good for him to starve for too long.��


    Hence, two dayster, Han Qing, who woke up, couldn��t wait to lose his temper. He took the food and started wolfing it down. Halfway through, he copsed again.


    Without Rong Yan��s reminder, Yun Er skillfully carried him into the carriage and ced him on the soft cushion. He undressed him, changed his dressing, and bandaged him before continuing on their way.


    The hardships along the way were impossible to describe, and only half of the followers were left. On the fifth day, when Han Qing woke up, Rong Yan gritted his teeth and abandoned the carriage. He got the remaining guards to drive in another direction to attract the attention of the pursuers. Then, he only brought Yun Er, the other two, and Han Qing along with him. Finally, Han Qing, who had been thinking about riding a horse, was satisfied.


    He was indeed a man. He did not make a sound even when the bandage was dyed red with blood. He forcefully swallowed the ginseng pill and did not faint once. asionally, he would even have the time to tease when he was resting. ��The effect of this ginseng pill is not bad. Gongsun Zhongjing is quite capable.��


    Rong Yan did not say anything. Yun Er had already mastered ��Ning Xiaoxiao��s bragging��. ��Of course. This is made with our Miss Ning��s loo-year-old ginseng and lingzhi. There��s no market for it. One of them is enough for an ordinary family to spend for decades.��


    Han Qing immediately felt that the medicine was hot, but Rong Yan said, ��But if you live, you can avenge hundreds and thousands of people and save countlessmoners.��


    Han Qing nodded heavily and was the first to get on her horse. ��When Ie back from the Imperial Capital alive, I��ll definitely thank Miss Ning personally. Let��s go and save themon people first.��


    ***


    Because the Ning Family��s rice fields were requisitioned by the government, even heavy work like harvesting rice would be helped by someone sent by the government office. The seeds for next year were still left for the Ning Family. The other rice seeds were set by County Magistrate Shen at a price 10 times that of ordinary rice seeds. It was said that the Imperial Court might reward them in the future.


    The vigers did not know what exactly happened. They only heard that the Ning Family��s rice seeds were given by the county office. It was said that they were new rice seeds cultivated by a Mr. Yuan. The yield of these rice seeds was many times higher than ordinary rice seeds. County Magistrate Shen was about to nt them widely. When there were more rice seeds, they would be distributed to every farmer so that they could eat white rice from now on!


    They were so excited just thinking about it! County Magistrate Shen was really an official who was devoted to the people. The Ning Family was really lucky!


    Of course, there were also people who did not think so. For example, Little Aunt Ning, who had been poor recently.


    Other than her, everyone else in the family was in jail. They were sold off, their houses were gone, and theirnd was gone. She was alone and could only live in the dpidated house that Second Aunt Ning had once hidden in.


    She used to have a great ambition, but now, she was even inferior to those foreigners who had fled to the disaster. She did not know how to farm, nor did she know how to sew. Her culinary skills were even a mess. To put it simply, she did not have any means to support herself.


    She originally wanted to marry herself off. Only then did she realize that she had already offended all the men of the marriage trial age when she really went to see the matchmaker. Other than those who were already married, those who were still single, swore that they would never be blind enough to fancy her, Ning Xiao��er, even if they could not get a wife in their lives.


    She had looked down on them back then. They returned the favor. Now that she was homeless without any rtives, she really could not retort.


    Other than crying, she really did not know what to do.


    Little Aunt Ning heard all the praises for the Ning Family under such circumstances. How could she tolerate this?


    Ning Xiaoxiao was nothing. Those praises, those honors, and those silvers should belong to her, Ning Xiao��er!


    She secretly went to the vicinity of the Zhao Family��s nephew��s courtyard to see if she could meet him by chance. Unexpectedly, just as she arrived, she saw Ning Xiaoxiaoing out of the Zhao Family��s courtyard with a rabbit in her arms.


    ��Why did you enter someone else��s house and take their things?��


    Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes for a long time before she recognized who it was. She raised the key in her hand and raised her eyebrows at her. ��Did you see that? Little Big Brother Ah Yan personally handed it to me and asked me to help him take care of the house.��


    Little Aunt Ning��s jealousy was like a raging fire. Without thinking, she nned to beat this little girl up like before.


    Xiaoxiao carried the rabbit tight and dodged to the side. She looked around at the same time and confirmed that there was no one around. She held the rabbit in one hand and Little Aunt Ning in the other, pulling the two of them back to the Zhao Family��s small courtyard.


    It was time for every family to prepare dinner. No one would wander around for no reason. Xiaoxiao closed the door and slowly squeezed out a malicious smile at Little Aunt Ning before rolling up her sleeves.


    Little Aunt Ning panicked. ��What do you want?��


    Xiaoxiao grinned. ��I��m beating you up.��


    Little Aunt Ning couldn��t believe her ears. ��What did you say?��


    Xiaoxiao rolled up her sleeves and pursed her lips when she heard that. ��You��re young, but why are your ears not good? I said I��ll beat you up.��


    As soon as she finished speaking, she punched Little Aunt Ning in the stomach. Xiaoxiao was an adult after all. She knew her limits and wouldn��t really hit her until there was a problem, but it would definitely hurt. Hence, she decisively covered Little Aunt Ning��s mouth after she attacked.


    After the punch, Xiaoxiao pinched Little Aunt Ning��s mouth with one hand to prevent her from making a sound. With the other hand, she picked up the stick at the door and hit her butt.


    [Space control. Keep her quiet for seven seconds.]


    Little Aunt Ning realized that Ning Xiaoxiao had let go of her hand, but she was about to shout when she realized that she couldn��t make a sound. She attributed this phenomenon to excessive shock, but her butt hurt! Her stomach hurt too! How could Ning Xiaoxiao dare!


    When Xiaoxiao stopped after hitting her enough, Little Aunt Ning saw Xiaoxiao raising the stick again. She could only lower her voice and sob. At the same time, she threatened without any deterrence, ��I��m going to tell the entire vige that you��re a shrew who hits people!��


    Xiaoxiao ced the stick on her shoulder. ��Go and see if others will believe your words or use you of spouting nonsense to extort money.��


    Little Aunt Ning��s face was filled with fear. ��Y-you did it on purpose. You pretended to be a good person in the past!��


    Xiaoxiao shrugged and did notment.


    Little Aunt Ning returned in defeat and cried uncontrobly. At this moment, she strongly felt the feeling of being alone. She felt that she was the most pitiful and miserable person in the world, but she did not know that this was already the result of Rong Yan showing mercy.


    As expected, Little Aunt Ning went to the vigers toin, but the ces where she was beaten up could not be seen casually. She had no evidence and the people only said, ��Why do you have to make things difficult for Xiaoxiao? She��s so good. Your family has let her down so many times, but they��ve always repaid kindness with kindness. On the other hand, your old residence, tsk.��


    Someone else said, ��I advise you to take care of yourself. In the future, find an honest person to marry and stay at home to take care of your husband and children. Don��t always be jealous of the Ning Family.��


    What was even worse was that one said, ��Didn��t you see that your parents and brother are in jail because of bad intentions? Are you trying to follow in their footsteps?��

 Chapter 261 - 261: Ning Xiaoxiao Was Adopted

    Chapter 261: Ning Xiaoxiao Was Adopted


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The aggrieved Little Aunt Ning had nowhere toin. After thinking about it, she went to the prison to visit her family.


    Old Madam Ning was on death row and was only waiting to be executed after autumn, so the bailiff did not reject her request. However, when Little Aunt Ning saw her unkempt mother, she did not recognize her at all.


    Her mother always cared a lot about her image at home. Even if she did not have the money to buy meat, she had to dress neatly and brightly. No matter who she met outside, her mother would be the limelight. She could make others respect her when she was unreasonable, but now��


    Little Aunt Ning looked at the person in front of her who was wearing a prison uniform. Her hair was spread out like straw, and her eyes were turbid and she emitted a stench. She could not believe that this was her mother!


    Old Madam Ning was the first to look up and see her daughter. She, who had been living like a wild beast for the past few days, immediately jumped to the cell door, scaring Little Aunt Ning so much that she fell to the ground.


    Old Madam Ning asked in a hoarse voice, ��Are you here to save me? Can I go out just like your Second Brother in the past?��


    Little Aunt Ning could not help but cover her mouth and nose when she smelled the sour stench. She frowned and could not hide her disgust. ��Mother, how can I be so capable? Moreover, Second Brother was let gost time because Noble Consort was celebrating her birthday. How can there be any amnesty now?��


    Old Madam Ning fell back into her seat and returned to her half-dead state.


    Little Aunt Ning didn��t care about her feelings. She simply narrated her grievances. No one answered when she said that she had been beaten up by Ning Xiaoxiao. However, when she mentioned that the eldest branch was relying on new rice seeds to meet high-ranking officials and nobles every day and might be rewarded by the Imperial Court in the future, a sneer came from the cell next door.


    ��Commendation? It��s good enough that they didn��t kill him.��


    Little Aunt Ning turned around. ��Third Brother?��


    It turned out that Third Brother and Father were also there. They were locked next to Mother.


    However, Third Brother and Father��s appearances were not much better than Mother��s. The two of them could be considered to have cheated in the Imperial Examination. They valued this matter very much. The two of them would be exiled in a few days, and they would only regain their freedom from their exile in at least five years. Moreover, Little Uncle Ning would be cklisted by the officials from now on. He would not even be qualified to be a doorman for an official in the future, let alone an official.


    Old Sir Ning looked like he was waiting for death. With his age, it was questionable if he could survive for five years if he went to the mine. However, this was already the result of Old Madam Ning insisting that all the killings were done by her alone and had nothing to do with others.


    Little Uncle Ning, on the other hand, looked cynical. It was his dream to be an official and be worshiped by others. Now that his dream was shattered, he could only dig for food like his father in the future. He even had to be despised and scolded. What was the difference between living like that and dying?


    He was also not interested in the nonsense that his sister said. What beatings and grievances? Didn��t they get beaten up in the prison? Wouldn��t they feel aggrieved? The people in this prison were all viins. They would punch and kick them if anything went wrong. Who was worse? However, when he heard that his brother��s family had to be rewarded by the Imperial Court, he couldn��t help it at all.


    ��If others find out about Ning Xiaoxiao��s identity, it��ll be good enough if this family isn��t beheaded, let alone rewarded!��


    Little Aunt Ning��s eyes immediately lit up. When the siblings met each other��s eyes, they looked like they wanted to drag them down and perish together. Even Old Madam Ning, who was originally in a daze, sat up straight and said repeatedly, ��Yes, go and report them. They might be able to exonerate us! I might not have to die!��


    Little Aunt Ning was in a hurry to hear Third Brother tell her about the situation and ignored her mother.


    Little Uncle Ning recalled the past and revealed a shocking secret.


    ��Do you know why he didn��t dare to say a word when I snatched Dng��s Tongsheng title?��


    ��Because I have something on him!��


    He said fiercely, ��Because Ning Xiaoxiao isn��t Big Brother and Big Sister-inw��s child at all. Their youngest child was a stillborn. Then Ning Xiaoxiao is a bastard child they picked up somewhere!��


    Little Aunt Ning was wondering how picking up a child had be a weakness when she heard Third Brother continue, ��That bastard was the child of a mountain bandit. He was being chased by the Imperial Court at that time!��


    ��It was that brat, Dng, who was bold enough to hide her at home and let her escape!��


    Little Aunt Ning��s mouth fell open in shock. ��Why didn��t I know about this? Why didn��t you say so earlier?��


    Little Uncle Ning looked at his sister in disdain. ��When you were young, you only ate and slept. What else could you know?��


    ��Why didn��t you say so earlier? Even if Dng made the first move to save her, if the officials pursue the matter by hiding her in our house, do you think we can escape?�� Initially, they were just afraid of being implicated, but at this moment, it was not a loss for them to order the eldest branch around.


    ��Besides���� At this point, he was not afraid to tell the truth. ��Why do you think such a poor family suddenly has the money to send me to school and buy jewelry for you? Do you really think that there��s some family heirloom like our father said?��


    The Ning Family had been farming for generations. What family heirloom did they have?


    It wasn��t easy for Little Aunt Ning to figure out the ins and outs. She was instantly very smug. ��I��ll turn them in immediately! Let them all go to jail!��


    Old Madam Ning reminded her, ��Remember to tell the officials that we didn��t know about this at first. It was the eldest branch who hid her. We only discovered itter.��


    Little Aunt Ning nodded and couldn��t wait to get up and run. Little Uncle Ning thought of something again. ��Don��t look for the county magistrate.��


    His face twisted. ��The county magistrate is in cahoots with them. He must be biased towards them. He might suppress this matter.��


    Little Aunt Ning was stunned. ��Then who should I look for?��


    Little Uncle Ning expected better from him. ��Didn��t you say that there have been many officialsing to the Ning Family��s paddy fields recently? Just find anyone who doesn��t seem to have a good rtionship with the county magistrate!��


    Little Aunt Ning muttered to herself a few times. Because she had a guilty conscience, she looked very sneaky.


    Xiaoxiao sneezed at home. Ning Anhui asked nervously, ��Sister, have you been too busy recently? You��ve sneezed a few times. Don��t fall sick from exhaustion.��


    Xiaoxiao rubbed her nose. ��I��m fine. It��s just a little itchy.��


    Ning Anhui asked again, ��Then are you really not going to take on the job of entertaining those officials?��


    Tomorrow was the day of the official harvest. The lords who were interested in the new rice seeds wereing to observe. At the same time, they wanted to confirm the real harvest. At the same time, it would be even better if they could take the seeds away.


    Because there were quite a lot of people and it would not end anytime soon, County Magistrate Shen came to the vige to ask who was going to volunteer to receive them.


    At that time, Ning Anhui was tempted.


    With his sister��s culinary skills, she could casually make two dishes and impress those lords? If they were happy, wouldn��t they be rewarded�� Hehehehe.


    Xiaoxiao nced at him. ��Are you thinking about entertaining people or earning money?��


    Ning Anhui said righteously, ��Am I the kind of person who falls for money?��


    Xiaoxiao said firmly, ��You are.��


    Ning Anhui was speechless..

 Chapter 262 - 262: I’ll Go First

    Chapter 262: I��ll Go First


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Our family has already caught Lord Shen��s eye. We can��t take all the other benefits. There are so many families in Fortune Vige, so we have to give others a chance, right?��


    ��Besides,�� she said mysteriously, ��what if some lord asks us to open a back door for him and give him more seeds? Should we agree or not? How are we going to exin it to Lord Shen if we agree? If we don��t agree and offend them, we might end up getting ourselves in trouble.��


    Ning Anhui widened his eyes at his eldest brother, who just came back from the academy. ��Is that so? What Sister said seems to make sense?��


    Ning Ansheng couldn��t be bothered with him. He was curious about something. ��Teacher said that he is giving Zhao Yan extra lessons. Why hasn��t Zhao Yane back after so long? Could it be that he��s preparing to take the exams this year?��


    Xiaoxiao did not reply and only asked, ��Then do you want to try, Brother?��


    Ning Ansheng shook his head. ��I know my limits. I haven��t even understood what I��m doing in school. Why should I take it?�� Since his younger siblings had no intention of getting involved in this mess, he returned to the study room to continue revising his studies. At the same time, he dragged Ning Anhui away.


    Xiaoxiao heard the two of them chatting as they walked. ��What is 8��9?��


    Ning Anhui��s face was bitter. ��72.��


    Ning Ansheng continued to ask, ��6��9?��


    Ning Anhui replied, ��54?��


    ��What��s 9��9?��


    Ning Anhui��s mind went nk. ��Ah, do I have an uncle??��


    Xiaoxiao burst outughing and then started to worry about Little Big Brother. Where were they now? The longer he was away, the more worried Xiaoxiao became. She knew how difficult it was to bring Han Qing to lodge aint. Although Little Big Brother repeatedly emphasized that as a prince, he was not in so much danger, Xiaoxiao still felt that he was justforting her.


    Unfortunately, she had no strong martial arts and no family power, so she could not help him.


    She did not wallow in self-pity. If she could not help, she would try not to be a burden to him.


    It was hard to guarantee that Yan Lu was not among the officials in Fortune Vige this time. It was better for her family to not stand out.


    In order to prevent Yan Lu from tampering with Little Big Brother��s house, County Magistrate Shen had posted arge number of guards around his house in the name of looking after the farnd recently. Even if she went to patrol the fields, there would definitely be people apanying her. Xiaoxiao knew that Little Big Brother must be deliberately protecting her, and��


    [Baby, do you think that secret guard has always stayed by my side?]


    The space expressed affirmation: [Master, my ingredient identification won��t be wrong. These few days, as long as there��s a cover, he will stay within seven meters of you.]


    Xiaoxiao went to look at the Space Mall again. [What are the total points?]


    The space took a look and was ted. [Master, it��s really not easy to earn money from 16 shops at the same time. The operating points ie has already exceeded 10,000 today! The current total points are 11,560.]


    Just yesterday, Xiaoxiao announced that the franchise shop could start selling simple milk tea. Although there were fewer varieties, this thing was rare everywhere. Coupled with the fact that it was the first day of business, everyone started a promotion under Xiaoxiao��s authorization, and business was quite brisk.


    She looked at the things on the page and instructed the space: [I��m sorry, Baby. After 100,000 points this time, I want to change something. I won��t level up yet]


    Although the space felt regretful, it was very obedient: [Alright, Master. I��m not in a hurry. With so many shops around, I��m just waiting a few more days.]


    As they were talking, Xiaoxiao saw County Magistrate Shen rushing to her house with a terrible look on his face.


    Xiaoxiao went over and asked in confusion.


    County Magistrate Shen looked serious. ��I have something to tell you.��


    Xiaoxiao was still quite calm. ��Has the news of me saving someone been exposed?��


    County Magistrate Shen shook his head. ��Someone said that you are the daughter of a bandit.��


    Xiaoxiao:�� What?


    County Magistrate Shen said solemnly, ��We were observing the harvest just now. She came out of nowhere and told someone that she had a big secret to report.��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��Who did she get?��


    Why did she get to the point so quickly? County Magistrate Shen found it boring. ��Chen Yong.��


    The two of them had just finished arguing and were ignoring each other while thinking about how to quarrel next time. Suddenly, Little Aunt Ning appeared in front of Chen Yong.


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��Then she��s really good at choosing people.��


    County Magistrate Shen was confused. ��Why aren��t you in a panic?��


    Xiaoxiao shrugged. ��If something really happened, you wouldn��t havee to look for me alone. Then there would definitely be bailiffs with you and other officials to keep an eye on you. They can��t wait to take advantage of your mistake to exchange for more rice seeds. How can they let go of such a good opportunity?��


    It was not fun for children to be too smart. Back then, it was so easy for him to tease Tianci. He could scare him to tears with just a few words!


    Xiaoxiao also raised her question. ��Aren��t you worried that I��m really the daughter of a bandit, Lord Shen?��


    County Magistrate Shen waved his hand. ��It��s not a big deal. You didn��t do any evil and didn��t harm anyone. You even sent this high-yielding rice seed to me. Is it that important who gave birth to you?��


    Xiaoxiao cupped her hands. ��Lord Shen is magnanimous. I��ll go back and ask Father and Mother about this. How��s my Little Aunt now?��


    County Magistrate Shen raised his eyebrows. ��Don��t worry. She has been taken care of properly. At least, she won��t show up for the time being. By the way, she gave me a piece of evidence that can prove your real identity.��


    After saying that, he took out a pawn ticket. It recorded that many years ago, Old Sir Ning gave a jade pendant to the pawnshop at a price of 500 acres. The appearance of the jade pendant was imprinted at the end, but it was too old to be seen clearly.


    Little Aunt Ning said that after Xiaoxiao was carried back, there were people in official uniforms who went door to door to search for the injured. That person looked fierce and said that he wanted to capture the bandits.


    County Magistrate Shen coughed. ��Go back and ask. If it��s true, why don��t you find a ce to hide for a while and show up when the Third Princees back? Then you can take down Yan Lu and you will be rewarded ording to your contributions. Your background will be nothing.��


    Xiaoxiao thanked County Magistrate Shen and bowed respectfully.


    Fortunately, everyone��s attention was on the rice, so no one noticed Little Aunt Ning��s hurried arrival and departure. The rice in the Ning Family was all golden and full. Soon, a tall pile of rice was piled up on the ground.


    There were professionals waiting to dehusk and weigh them. All the processes were carried out in front of everyone. There was no possibility of fraud.


    There were a total of two piles of rice in front of everyone. The first pile had already been removed and they began to weigh it. However, the official in charge of measuring stared at the abacus for a long time, but he could not shout out the results.


    An official from Lin County was impatient. He pushed his measuring officer over, but he was also stunned.


    Then, the two of them looked at each other under everyone��s urging. After confirming that their eyes were not ying tricks on them, they said in unison, ��The harvest of the Ning Family��s rice acre is a total of 431.5 kg.��


    Although they were already mentally prepared, everyone still gasped in unison. Then, they hurriedly urged them to weigh the next acre ofnd. The results were out very quickly. This time, the measuring officer was experienced. He announced loudly in an excited voice, ��The harvest of this Ning Family��s rice field is a total of 443 kg! The two acre fields harvest a total of 874.5 kg of rice!��

 Chapter 263 - 263: Xiaoxiao’s Background

    Chapter 263 - 263: Xiaoxiao��s Background


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was not only these officials. The vigers of Fortune Vige who came to inquire jumped up excitedly.


    This rice was nted by their Fortune Vige! They would have face when they went out to brag in the future!


    A harvest of more than 400 kg per acre was something that he did not even dare to dream of in the past!


    County Magistrate Shen said that the rice distributed by Fortune Vige was also specially chosen by the county office to be nted. The first choice was Ning Fengnian. After all, he had nted it once and was experienced.


    Thinking that she had to repay County Magistrate Shen for his protection, Xiaoxiao remembered something else. ��By the way, have you been having a headache about the resettlement of those refugees recently?��


    County Magistrate Shen nodded and squeezed his eyebrows together tightly. ��Of course. I want to arrange jobs for them, but the county is so long-lived. If we give it to them, the locals will be affected and there might be conflicts.��


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin. ��Then if there��s suddenly an extra job that needs people, won��t this matter be resolved?��


    County Magistrate Shen threw a look at Chen Kuan and Wang He, who were standing on the side cautiously. ��You mean to hire them to look after thend? But we don��t need so many refugees in the future.��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��That��s only part of it. It��s like this, Lord Shen. I��ve been preparing a business deal with that young master from the Li Family recently����


    As the two of them chatted, County Magistrate Shen��s eyes became brighter and brighter. He even wanted to pick up Xiaoxiao and weigh her in his arms. What bandit��s daughter? Which bandit could give birth to such a daughter? He would immediately recruit her at all costs!


    The harvesting of the new rice seeds came to an end. The distribution was Lord Shen��s job. Xiaoxiao followed her family members home to eat and pack as usual. When everyone was about to get busy, she cleared her throat. ��Um, there��s something I want to ask.��


    In the past, she might have investigated alone, but now, she really treated herself as a part of this family.


    Seeing her serious expression, her parents and brothers sat back down. ��Did someone bully you?��


    As Ning Anhui spoke, he rolled up his sleeves.


    Xiaoxiao tugged at his clothes in amusement. ��No, Little Aunt came to say something today.��


    Hearing this, everyone��s reaction was considered normal. They thought to themselves that it was that she wanted either money or meat. It was boring.


    However, Xiaoxiao said, ��She said that I was adopted.��


    Ning Anhui mmed the table and shouted, ��Bullsh*t! What nonsense! Don��t think that I won��t beat her up just because she is my aunt!��


    After saying that, he realized that his family, who should have shared amon enemy with him, did not react.


    Turning around, he saw that his parents�� lips were trembling and his brother��s face was pale. His heart skipped a beat. ��You�� What kind of reaction is this?��


    Ning Ansheng��s voice was a little hoarse. ��What did she say?��


    Xiaoxiao sighed.


    ��He said that I��m the daughter of a bandit and an important criminal that the Imperial Court wants to capture.��


    At this point, everyone recounted what happened many years ago.


    That day, Old Madam Ning shouted at Madam Song to wash her clothes while she was pregnant. In the end, she identally hurt the baby. Ning Fengnian was originally at the construction site. When he heard the news, he hurriedly rushed back. Unfortunately, when he reached home, he only saw his wife crying uncontrobly while carrying a motionless child.


    Ning Ansheng was young that year, but he was already a very sensible child. He knew that his mother was sad and her health was damaged, but Grandma was determined not to care. He wanted to go to the river to try his luck and see if he could catch fish to nourish his mother.


    However, when he went out, he was discovered by Little Uncle Ning, who was five years older than him. Little Uncle Ning thought that he was going to publicize that Madam Song��s child was because of her mother-inw, so he followed him.


    Before he could start catching fish, the two of them saw a small swaddling cloth among the reeds. In the swaddling cloth, a fair-skinned child did not cry or make a fuss. She was hugging her fingers and sucking them. Not far away, a strong many on the ground. His body was covered in blood. When he heard a sound, he immediately looked up, revealing a murderous face.


    There were still people approaching from afar. The hunky man carried the swaddled child out and handed him to Ning Ansheng. He then took out a candy from his pocket.


    ��Child, give her the candy and she won��t cry. Hide here and don��t make a sound, okay?��


    Before Ning Ansheng could say anything, Little Uncle Ning was unhappy. He didn��t want to be involved in any dangerous matters, but the man said, ��If anyone finds out, those people will definitely kill you.��


    Little Uncle Ning was frightened and could only cooperate passively. The two children hid in the dense reeds with the baby. Then, they watched as the man forced himself to stand up and carried the empty swaddling clothes into the mountains. The people following him decisively followed and did not return for a long time.


    At that time, Ning Ansheng was still young and could not think of much else. He only felt that his mother had lost a child and he happened to pick up another one. Moreover, the one he picked up was very beautiful. He felt that his mother might be happy when he brought it back.


    Moreover, this baby was so small. If he left it alone, it would starve to death very quickly.


    However, Ning Anhui took a fancy to the jade pendant in the baby��s arms and even snatched it before running away.


    After returning home, this matter could not be hidden. Old Sir Ning and Old Madam Ning were strongly against it at first, but the jade pendant the child was carrying looked really valuable. They thought that perhaps she was a child from a rich family. They might be able to repay them by raising her.


    Unexpectedly, before the child��s family arrived, a group of soldiers in official uniforms came to the vige that day. Those soldiers searched every house, saying that they were looking for a bandit with a child. That day, Old Sir Ning and Old Madam Ning nned to stand out and admit it, but Ning Ansheng looked at the obedient and cute baby in his arms and recalled what the man in front of him had said. Hence, he said, ��The person protecting her said that he would kill us if anyone found out that we had seen him.��


    Little Uncle Ning nodded to show that this was indeed the case.


    The soldiers who came to search were really not friendly. They flipped the table and threw the basin. When they saw valuable things, they even took them away. It was obvious that they were not reasonable. They even shouted, ��Search, find them and kill them without mercy!��


    Old Sir Ning and his wife cherished their lives and did not dare to take the risk at all. They shivered and decided to grit their teeth.


    When the soldiers found the Ning Family, their entire family unanimously said that the child was just born by Madam Song, and they had never seen anyone suspicious.


    Madam Song had lost her beloved child. At first, she had some feelings for Xiaoxiao, but as she slowly grew up, her real family never appeared, so she really treated her as her biological daughter.


    A few yearster, Old Sir Ning and the others carefully found a pawnshop further away to exchange the jade pendant for silver and used it to send Little Uncle Ning to school.


    All these years, whenever the eldest branch and the old residence had any objections, other than using their past rtionship to suppress them, Old Madam Ning would use Xiaoxiao��s background to threaten them. If Ning Fengnian��s life was not in danger back then, Madam Song would not have insisted on splitting up.


    Xiaoxiao sorted it out and felt that although Old Madam Ning always threatened Ning Xiaoxiao with her background, she actually didn��t have the guts to say anything at all. This was because if anything really happened, they wouldn��t be able to escape punishment. This might also be an important reason why Old Madam wanted Ning Xiaoxiao dead.


    Looking at the silent Xiaoxiao, the Ning Family members were nervous. They were worried that she would not be able to ept this fact, and they were also worried that she would be separated from them from now on or that she would have to look for her biological parents soon. Just as they were worried, they felt a small soft body lean over and take the initiative to hug them..

 Chapter 264 - 264: Both Giving Birth And Nurturing Are Grace

    Chapter 264 - 264: Both Giving Birth And Nurturing Are Grace


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The Ning Family was stunned. ��Xiaoxiao?��


    Xiaoxiao��s head arched in their arms. ��Although I still don��t know who my biological parents are and why they parted ways with me, I��m afraid I would have been a lonely ghost without you guys. It��s all thanks to you guys You guys have long been my family. You were in the past, now, and even in the future.�� ��However, the most important thing now is to find out whose daughter I am If I��m really some bandit���� She paused. Then, she had to think of a way to make the Ning Family not be implicated by her or hide this secret forever.


    At this moment, Ning Ansheng said, ��No matter who you are, you��re still my younger sister and the daughter of our Ning Family. Moreover, isn��t the award for the new rice seeding up soon? As long as we can dy it until then, perhaps your identity won��t be that important.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Brother is so smart. He thought of the same thing as the county magistrate.��


    When she called him ��Big Brother��, it was the same as before. Ning Ansheng was relieved.


    There was only one pawn ticket left in the old residence regarding Xiaoxiao��s identity. It was said that this pawnshop had changed owners a long time ago. It was simply like fishing for a needle in the sea to find that jade pendant. However, Xiaoxiao would not give up because of this. After the matter at the paddy field was over, she still had to go to the county to take a look at that pawnshop.


    It couldn��t be said that everyone slept soundly tonight, but at least they didn��t have insomnia all night. Xiaoxiao rolled around on the bed to calm her emotions. She took her time to miss her Little Big Brother.


    If he was around, he should be able to help her find clues about her background, right? She wondered where they had gone and how difficult the road was.


    Rong Yan and the others had already arrived near the Imperial Capital, but it was not that smooth to enter. The guards at the city gate were extremely strict with the passingmoners. They were so strict that they checked the portraits carefully every time someone passed by. Hence, there was a long queue at the city gate.


    The five of them exchanged views and felt that this matter was definitely rted to the Yan Family.


    However, what should they do now? If they could not enter the Imperial Capital, all their previous efforts and sacrifices would be in vain.


    Han Qing��s patience was exhausted, and his hand was already on the hilt of his sword. At the critical moment, Yun Wu suddenly snatched the signal re from Rong Yan��s waist. ��Master, I��ll make a move first. Yun Er, Yun San, I��ll leave Master to you in the future.��


    Before he could finish his sentence, he had already blended into the crowd. Rong Yan and the others didn��t want to attract attention, so they couldn��t make too much noise. About five minutester, a signal re suddenly lit up somewhere east of the Imperial Capital, followed by fireworks of different colors. There was amotion at the city gate, but hundreds of people gathered in a moment and rushed towards the ce where the fireworks were set off.


    Han Qing wanted to rush out again, but he was stopped by Rong Yan. Only then did he notice that although a group of city guards had already left, the defense here was notx.


    This time, Yun San was gone.


    Han Qing couldn��t stand it anymore. ��Are you going to watch your subordinates die one by one?��


    Yun Er covered Han Qing��s mouth. ��If you don��t want my two brothers to work in vain, please calm down, Young Master Han.��


    His eyes were filled with tears. ��They��re not only going for Master, but for you, the people, and the world. Moreover, my Master is the most indignant and reluctant to part with them at this moment, Young Master Han. Please be careful with your words.��


    Only then did Han Qing notice that Rong Yan was gritting his teeth and his fists were trembling. ��I��m sorry, I����1


    Rong Yan suddenly stood up and pulled him into the crowd.


    Yun San rushed towards the city gate with an ��unconscious person�� on his back. ��Move aside. Do you know who I am?��


    The guard couldn��t see his face at all, but from his tone, this person must have an extraordinary identity. That��s right. Two long spears were ced in front of Yun San. ��You look like a bandit who has been wanted recently!��


    Yun San shouted angrily, ��How dare you? I��ll give you onest chance. Hurry up and move aside. If you dy me�� If you dy my matter, I��ll kill your entire family!��


    Hearing his words, the city guard did not retreat but advanced. ��What nonsense are you talking about? I think your identity is suspicious. Come with us to the government office!��


    Yun Yi��s betrayal must have already given their news to Yan Lu, so it was very likely that they knew that Master would be among the people escorting Han Qing back to the capital. Yun San deliberately revealed the information.


    Seeing that they were suspicious, Yun San looked straight ahead and shed at the people blocking the way. ��I��ll kill anyone who stops me!��


    The city gate was in chaos. Yun San��s martial arts were also outstanding among the Yun Guards. Even if he could not deal with all the city guards, it was more than enough to disrupt the order at the city gate.


    The crowd shouted chaotically, ��Murder!�� Themoners were in a mess.


    It was unknown which one of them exerted strength first, but the queue that was originally obedient, surged towards the city gate.


    The city guards were focused on dealing with the target and did not pay much attention to it. However, Yun San was paying attention to Rong Yan and the others at all times. Seeing that they were about to sessfully infiltrate, he took a deep breath and protected the person on his back while taking the opportunity to enter the city.


    Young Master Han, hold on. We��re almost there!��


    The city guards were anxious and focused all their attention on him, giving Rong Yan and the others a chance to blend into the crowd and enter the city. However, at this moment, the ��unconscious person�� protecting Yun San suddenly slid down, revealing a pale face that had long stiffened.


    ��Ah! A dead person!��


    This was a corpse he had bought from the roadside. The youth who was kneeling beside him to ��sell his body to bury his father�� had already run far away after receiving the silver.


    With the corpse exposed, Yun San frowned fiercely and shouted outside the city gate, ��Master, leave quickly! There��s always hope. Leave quickly!��


    Everyone was anxious and did not have time to think too much. They immediately guarded the city gate and did not let anyone in. Yun San shouted again, ��Master, if there��s a next life, I��ll still be your guard! Run now!��


    Rong Yan��s footsteps were heavy as he heard Yun San shout behind him, ��How dare you disrespect the Third Prince? Are you rebelling?��


    After calling out his true identity, Yan Lu��s men would not spare Yun San��s life. Rong Yan could not bear to listen anymore and grabbed Han Qing to run away.


    However, there were naturally smart people among the city guards to be entrusted with such an important task by the Yan Family. He quickly realized Yun San��s intentions and shouted, ��He��s misleading us. The real criminal must have already infiltrated the city! Quick, take down the people who just entered!��


    ��Those in front, stop right there. If you take another step forward, you will be punished as aplices. Kill without mercy!��


    Then, he retorted loudly, ��He��s clearly an imperial criminal from the Imperial Court. How dare he pretend to be a prince? The Third Prince is still in Jiangnan. How can he appear in the Imperial Capital?��


    Themoners did not have the ability to distinguish right from wrong. They instinctively chose to believe the officials�� words, so they obediently stopped in ce. The timid ones even hugged their heads and knelt on the ground.


    In this way, Rong Yan and the other two stood out.


    The person who gave the order just now pointed his sword at them.. ��Take him down!��

 Chapter 265 - 265: Heroine General Xiao

    Chapter 265: Heroine General Xiao


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Seeing that the situation was not good, Yun San threw the sword in his hand to strike at the enemy��s neck without thinking. As blood spewed out, countless city guards waved their swords at him. He wanted to block, but without his weapon, he could only raise his arm to block.


    When he saw the weapons fall, the only thought in his mind was: How good. He finally blocked their footsteps for His Highness.


    At the critical moment, a dark red arrow with a red tassel on its tail shed across the air and pierced through the neck of the injured person. The dangerous de pierced into Yun San��s flesh and was stuck half an inch away from Yun San��s left arm. It was not fatal.


    Han Qing realized that Rong Yan had stopped. He was staring at the man and horse quickly approaching on the street.


    If one took a closer look, they would discover that other than the person Han


    Qing saw, there were dozens of people behind him who were also rapidly approaching. No, it should be said that it was her .


    The valiant woman in men��s clothes had long hair standing up and a longbow in her hand. She drove her horse and stopped in front of Rong Yan. With a gesture, she got the people behind her to overturn the city guards. When she saw Rong Yan and the others clearly, she frowned. ��How did it end up like this?��


    Rong Yan pursed his lips and was about to bow when he was stopped by the person. ��You��re already like this. Why do you still care about etiquette? You��re pedantic!��


    Rong Yan did not insist and only called out, ��Aunt Xiao.��


    Then, he pulled Han Qing in front of him. ��Auntie, bring us into the pce! I


    have something to report to Father.��


    Han Qing wiped the blood off his face. ��This is?��


    The woman stepped on the head of the deputy general of the city guards, which had been carried over by her subordinates. Her movements were rather unruly.


    ��Sure, I��m Xiao Ran.��


    Han Qing��s eyes widened. ��A heroine, General Xiao?��


    Xiao Ran only smiled. Then, she threw the two of them and Yun Er, who was about to faint, into the handcart by the roadside. ��Let��s talk on the way. Let��s enter the pce.�� She didn��t forget to remind him, ��I��ll buy the handcart. Remember to take the bill at the general��s residence. I left in a hurry and didn��t bring any silver.��


    It took Han Qing a while toe back to his senses from the pain all over his body. ��You actually know General Xiao? If you had said that General Xiao would receive you, why would we have run?��


    Rong Yan was also puzzled. ��Aunt Xiao came because you saw the fireworks?�� Wasn��t it too fast?


    There was a de of grass in Xiao Ran��s mouth. She patted the horse��s neck and approached the handcart. Then, she threw Rong Yan a letter. It said: Third Prince is in trouble. Reinforcement at the city gate.


    She asked, ��Didn��t you get someone to send it over?��


    Rong Yan shook his head. ��My people are all around me, and there��s also Yun


    Wu. I��m afraid����


    Xiao Ran had already sent someone to look for Yun Wu, but after so long, he


    was probably doomed.


    This was strange. Everyone was here. Who could have sent this letter?


    Rong Yan sighed. ��Aren��t you afraid of being tricked?


    Xiao Ran threw the grass path away. ��I��m just making a trip. If I��m wrong, 111 treat it as training. By the way, I can save your life. It��s not a loss.��


    As for leaving everything and her husband behind when she saw the letter, there was no need to tell the child about this.


    ��Tell me what happened first. Didn��t you go to Jiangnan to patrol? It shouldn��t be a small matter to make a child like you risk your life.


    Rong Yan nodded and briefly exined what Yan Lu had done. Han Qing realized that the more he spoke, the quieter the atmosphere became. She looked up and saw that the cold-faced General Xiao was expressionless. It reminded her of the rumors that were all-powerful back then.


    ��Yan Lu, right? Don��t worry. If your father doesn��t care about this, I��ll cut him


    down.��


    Then, she added, ��I mean Yan Lu.��


    Han Qing: Who else?


    The rumors did not say that General Xiao was so fierce��


    With Xiao Ran��s protection, Rong Yan sessfully entered the pce and met the emperor.


    The emperor, who was in his prime, smashed the inkstone after hearing the ins and outs. ��Summon the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. In addition, the Third Prince was the imperial envoy. Bring the imperial army to take down Yan Lu.��


    Xiao Ran coughed lightly at the side. The Emperor nced at her and said,


    ��General Xiao will apany you.��


    Xiao Ran took a step forward and was about to kneel when the emperor waved his hand. ��No need for formalities.�� She quickly stood up. ��Thank you, Your Majesty. I ept the decree.��


    Han Qing looked at her regretfully. This female general who used to make the border barbarians tremble in fear, had trouble walking now. Her abnormally bent right leg reminded those who saw her what she had suffered in thest battle.


    Rong Yan turned around to block his vision and bowed respectfully. ��I obey.�� Only then did Han Qing feel that he had offended her and hurriedly lowered his head.


    Thetter wanted to stay behind to listen to the emperor ask about the details, so Rong Yan walked out with Xiao Ran. Just as he walked out of the Hall of Diligent Government, he saw two women dressed in formal attire walking towards him.


    Rong Yan paused and said calmly, ��Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings��


    Mother����


    Noble Consort Ji walked up to Rong Yan with a dignified posture, but her tone was very cold. ��Why are you back so early? Didn��t 1 tell you to stay until next month?��


    Rong Yan��s heart seemed to have been stabbed. Xiao Ran was about to explode on the spot, but the empress stopped her. ��The mother and son are talking. General Xiao and I shouldn��t stay and be an eyesore.


    Xiao Ran nced at her. ��I��m good-looking. I won��t be an eyesore.��


    The empress:�� Who are you calling ugly?


    Noble Consort Ji was born beautiful. Even though she was almost bare-faced and only casually wore a wooden hairpin on her head, she still looked like a thick and colorful painting. It was just that her expression was too cold andcked the aura of the mortal world.


    Even when facing her biological son, she was still as cold as a piece of ice that had not melted for a thousand years.


    ��I saw youing out of the Hall of Diligent Government. Have you seen His Majesty?��


    Rong Yan looked up, wanting to find some warmth in her eyes. Unfortunately , there was only indifference and impatience. She didn��t even want to look at his face.


    ��Yes.��


    It was probably rare for Noble Consort Ji to hear such a calm and simple answer from her son. She raised her brows slightly. ��What did you talk about?


    Rong Yan looked into her eyes and tried to find himself. After a long time, he asked, ��Mother, can you answer me a question before I answer you?��


    Noble Consort Ji still had the same expression, like an ice sculpture carved out of snow. ��Go ahead.��


    Rong Yan asked, ��Is Yun Yi the person you nted by my side?�� Noble Consort Ji��s long eyshes moved, as if she had turned from an ice sculpture back into a real person. Her gaze bypassed Rong Yan andnded on empty space. ��So, he��s dead?��


    Rong Yan felt a pain in his heart, as if he had been sshed with ice water on a cold day. The bone-chilling cold made his heart ache. ��Why?��


    Noble Consort Ji asked instead of answering, ��Seeing that you came alone, that Han guy was taken down, right?��


    At this moment, the Empress suddenly said, ��By the way, Sister Ji, Ying��er said something interesting today. He asked us to take a look and didn��t answer when we asked him what it was. He really has many tricks.��


    The ice-cold Noble Consort Ji suddenly smiled. This smile was like the first melting of ice and snow, bringing all things back to life. ��That��s his filial piety.�� The Empress was a little jealous.. ��Is his filial piety for me or for you?��

 Chapter 266 - 266: Clearly An Adult

    Chapter 266: Clearly An Adult


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The two of them chatted andughed as they walked away. Behind them was Eunuch Zhao, whom His Majesty had just sent.


    ��Your Highnesses, His Majesty has decreed that the weather has been unpredictable recently. In order to prevent your noble bodies from being damaged, please return to the hall to rest����


    When she passed by Rong Yan again, Noble Consort Ji did not even look at him. Rong Yan suddenlyughed when he thought of those people who had apanied him all the way but could not apany him to the end.


    ��Sorry to disappoint you. Young Master Han is now in the Hall of Diligent Government.��


    Anyway, they would find out soon. It didn��t matter if it took a while.


    Noble Consort Ji��s face, which seemed to have remained unchanged for 10,000 years, finally turned pale. She even turned around abruptly. ��What did you say?��


    Rong Yan smiled and bowed to her. ��Mother, rest well. I��ll take my leave.��


    He didn��t look at Noble Consort Ji, who was clenching her fists tightly behind him. He even walked much faster back to the hall. He only turned around and asked Xiao Ran, who had been waiting for him, ��Aunt Xiao, shouldn��t I be so childish?��


    Xiao Ran pped his back. ��How old are you? Do you have to hold it in if a young man like you wants to lose his temper?��


    She sighed and patted his shoulder. ��Alright, you can be angry whenever you want with me. You can cry even if you want to. Didn��t your emperor father tell you to rest for a day before leaving? Let��s go to my house to eat. You definitely didn��t eat well outside. Look at you, you must have lost weight�� Eh? Why do you look a little stronger?��


    Rong Yan seemed to have calmed down a lot because of this nagging, and he missed Xiaoxiao even more. Was Xiaoxiao alright? Ying Zi should be able to protect her if he stayed by her side, right?


    With County Magistrate Shen around and the old residence��s issue solved, she would never put herself in danger.


    Xiaoxiao, wait for me. Til be back soon.


    Xiao Ran thought that Rong Yan would be depressed because of his mother and was trying tofort him. ��Don��t be sad. There will always be someone in this world who will be happy because you��re happy and sad because you��re sad. They will value you more than anyone else.��


    As she spoke, she thought of that person and did not hear Rong Yan grunt.


    Two figures of about the same height walked into the General��s Residence side by side. The food had long been ced on the table. They were just waiting for them toe back and lift the lid of the instion bowl. A handsome and slender man tied up his hair neatly and wore an apron around his waist. When he saw Xiao Ran and Rong Yan return, he turned around and instructed, ��Bring the soup over first. It��s good for your health to drink the soup before dinner.�� There were four sets of bowls and chopsticks on the small dining table. One of them was for Rong Yan, but the other was constant. It was unused every day, but could not becking. This was the General��s Residence��s rule.


    After dinner, the couple in the General��s Residence habitually walked around the courtyard to digest their food. Rong Yan was with them today. As they walked, he suddenly blushed. ��Aunt Xiao, Uncle Gu, I want to introduce someone to you after this matter.��


    The two of them were a little surprised. Looking at his expression, Xiao Ran asked uncertainly, ��Is it a man or a woman?��


    Rong Yan coughed lightly and pursed his lips. ��A woman.��


    Xiao Ran and her husband, ��Oh~��


    The next day, the Emperor got someone to order troops and hand them to Xiao Ran as quickly as possible. Then, he handed the jade ruler and the imperial edict representing the imperial token to Rong Yan. They set off from the Imperial Capital to capture Yan Lu and bring him back to the capital.


    Looking at their backs as they left, the Emperor calmly asked Eunuch Zhao, ��How are the Empress and the Noble Consort?��


    Eunuch Zhao bowed and replied, ��Your Majesty, the two of them are in their respective abodes and have never gone out. However, Prime Minister Yan said that he missed the empress and went to the Phoenix Pce.��


    He added, ��But he left when he heard outside the hall that the Empress was unwell.��


    The Emperor chuckled. ��Old fox. He must already know.��


    Eunuch Zhao was puzzled. ��Will Lord Yan receive the news in advance?��


    The Emperor raised his eyebrows. ��How can someone who dares to do something under my nose not leave any backup ns?��


    Eunuch Zhao said worriedly, ��Then when the Third Prince goes����


    The Emperor moved his shoulders. ��Young people have to suffer a little to grow. Moreover, after he bes an Imperial Censor, he can��t be an idler anymore.��


    Eunuch Zhao immediately went forward to massage the emperor��s shoulders.


    ��His Majesty has really put in a lot of effort to train the princes.��


    The Emperor nced at him. ��You��re thinking too much. I just want to see who Noble Consort Ji will help if Third Prince goes against the Crown Prince.�� This question wasn��t easy to answer. If it were anyone else, they would definitely help their biological son, but Noble Consort Ji��


    As this concerned the secrets of the royal family, Eunuch Zhao knew his limits and pretended to be mute.


    After a long time, the Emperor said, ��I��m a little curious. What made the third prince, who doesn��t fight for anything, suddenly have the motivation. Proceed to the Jadeite Pavilion? I��ll go take a look at Noble Consort Ji.��


    On the way there, someone had long submitted the news that the Emperor wanted. After reading the secret agent��s report, the Emperor��s expression turned even uglier when he walked into the Jadeite Pavilion.


    Noble Consort Ji was still as cold as ever. When she heard from the pce servants that His Majesty hade, she only bowed indifferently.


    The Emperor sat down on his own, but she ignored him.


    The pce servants wished they could hold their breaths and not dare to move.


    When the other consorts saw His Majesty, they were all enchanting. Only their consort looked like she wanted His Majesty to leave quickly.


    After an unknown period of time, the Emperor suddenly asked, ��Do you hate Third Prince that much?��


    Noble Consort Ji��s voice was cold. ��Your Majesty, you��re joking. Who dares to hate Third Prince, who has the royal bloodline?��


    The Emperor chuckled. ��Speaking of which, Third Prince is already 16 years old, but he doesn��t have a proper job. He��s really a little free. Why don��t we���� Noble Consort Ji gradually clenched her fists under her sleeves.


    While Rong Yan was rushing with the troops ordered by the Emperor, the lights in the Luo Prefecture government office were still on all night.


    The strategists went around in circles, constantly thinking of ways to overturn the me.


    In the end, most people agreed with one person��s idea. ��We can only make a contribution before the Third Prince arrives. I believe His Majesty will be able to punish us lightly on ount of the Yan Family.��


    Then how should they make this achievement?


    Yan Lu took out a letter from a pile of letters. ��I heard that Fortune Vige has discovered a new rice seed?��


    The strategists were stunned, and they reacted quickly with serious expressions. ��How is that Fortune Vige��s discovery? Lord Yan clearly got someone to go through painstaking effort to nt it.��


    Someone even added, ��The construction of the dam was done by the people under his lord. His Excellency was too focused on the new rice seeds and was negligent, so he did not notice it!��


    Yan Lu nodded in satisfaction. ��Go get it done.��


    The first thing to do was to take the rice seed.


    Xiaoxiao did not know that the fruits of herbor were targeted. After thinking about it, she felt that Mrs. Shen was the most suitable person to ask for help. Firstly, Lord Shen would not hide what he knew from her. Secondly, Mrs. Shen was rich and had countless connections with the Li Family. There was no problem with her connections. Thirdly, and most importantly, that pawnshop was bought by the Li Family..

 Chapter 267 - 267:1 Can’t Cure Her

    Chapter 267:1 Can��t Cure Her


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    However, as soon as she arrived at the Shen family��s house, she bumped into Mrs. Shen, who was in a hurry. She wanted toe back another day, but Mrs. Shen waved her hand and asked her to get into the carriage.


    ��This morning, Old Madam Li suddenly fainted and hasn��t woken up yet.


    Doctor Gongsun is already there. I just packed some herbs from home and am preparing to send them over.��


    No matter what their rtionship was in reality, she was still the Old Madam��s daughter in name. She could not let others talk about her filial piety.


    Otherwise, even if she did not care about herself, she had to consider the impact on her husband.


    However, after closing the carriage curtain, she did not have to pretend to be worried. ��Girl, you must have something to tell me. Come, tell me so that we won��t be bored on the way. When we reach the Li Familyter, 1��11 get the carriage to send you back. Just treat it asing out with me for a walk.�� Xiaoxiao finished speaking in a few words and said, ��I know that the Li Family has rules. You can��t interfere in your maternal family��s matters. If it��s


    inconvenient, I��ll find another way.��


    Mrs. Shen frowned. It wasn��t because she didn��t want to help, but��


    Mrs. Shen held her hand. ��It��s just a question. It��s not considered interfering.


    My husband told me about your background. Even if you didn��t ask, I nned to volunteer to help, but����


    ��However, I can��t asknow even if I want to. If I remember correctly, that shop is selling medicinal herbs now. Old Madam is in charge of it.


    Old Madam Li cherished her life and thought that precious herbs were the life-saving charm under the premise that she was rich in gold, silver, and treasures. Hence, no one was allowed to interfere with anything in that shop.


    She kept it firmly in her hands. Not to mention Mrs. Shen, even her biological grandson, Li Muyan, was not allowed to interfere.


    Hence, the herb shop was considered her private property. After she fainted, no one was able to ask about the shop.


    Xiaoxiao was also very mncholic. From Mrs. Shen��s tone, it was probably very difficult for Old Madam Li to survive. Doctor Gongsun had already said that if that olddy did not cooperate with the treatment, it was very likely that she would never wake up again after fainting one day.


    With this sense of mncholy, when the carriage arrived at the Li Family, Xiaoxiao alighted on her own, nning to walk back to rx. However, she was stopped by Li Muyan, who was greeting her at the door. ��Miss Ning, please wait.��


    Xiaoxiao stopped and turned around. In her confusion, she saw Li Muyan take three steps forward and bow in front of her. ��Grandmother is seriously ill. Please forgive me for being rude. I heard from Doctor Gongsun that Miss Ning once found rare medicinal herbs in the mountain. Do you still remember the ce where you found the hundred-year-old ginseng and lingzhi?��


    It turned out that the olddy needed life-saving herbs after she fainted. However, he couldn��t find them even after searching the shop. Li Muyan was so anxious that he couldn��t care less about his grandmother��s orders. He smashed the olddy��s private vault and couldn��t find them. Only then did he listen to the olddy��s personal nanny. ��The olddy hid all the hundred-year-old herbs. Other than her, no one knows where they are.��


    This was awkward. The olddy was afraid that the life-saving medicine would be secretly taken away, but she hid them too well and they could not save her life now.


    Li Muyan was anxious. He first asked Gongsun Zhongjing to stabilize Old Madam��s condition at all costs before asking for help everywhere.


    As the head of the Li Family, he often lived in the Imperial Capital and had a widerwork there. If he was there, he could even borrow 200-year-old ginseng from the noble families he knew, let alone 100-year-old ginseng.


    However, this was a county. Where could he find it in a short time?


    Old Madam was suspicious and domineering by nature, but she had watched him grow up. She was Li Muyan��s biological grandmother. He couldn��t watch his grandmother die from illness, so he didn��t want to miss any possible hope. Xiaoxiao said, ��We definitely can��t find the ce. After all, the mountains are so big and we can��t distinguish the direction.��


    Although Li Muyan was disappointed, he was mentally prepared when he asked Xiaoxiao. Unexpectedly, he heard Xiaoxiao say, ��But I still have one more ginseng. Do you want me to go home and get it?


    Actually, it was not impossible to take it out immediately, but who would run around with this thing in their arms for no reason?


    What did it mean by there was a silver lining in the dark!


    However, Li Muyan hesitated again. The fastest way to go back and forth was obviously to ride a horse, but Xiaoxiao did not know how to ride a horse. He was a man. If he rode with her in broad daylight��


    He gritted his teeth and held the horse rope as he said to Xiaoxiao, ��Miss Ning, after today, I will definitely����


    Before she could finish, Mrs. Shen went forward and took the horse��s reins.


    ��Girl, get on the horse. I��ll take you back��


    Li Muyan heaved a sigh of relief and cupped his hands at Mrs. Shen. ��Thank you, Aunt.��


    Mrs. Shen asked the maidservant to help tie her sleeves. She waved her hand when she heard that. ��There��s no need for verbal thanks. Remember that you owe me and Xiaoxiao a favor.�� She could ask about the jade pendantter.


    It was impossible to tell that Mrs. Shen��s horsemanship was actually quite impressive when she looked delicate and noble. She galloped wildly with Xiaoxiao, and the horse ran quickly and steadily. Other than her butt being a little numb, everything else was fine when she got off the horse.


    With a dying old woman waiting for them to save her, Xiaoxiao didn��t dy anything. She went into the backyard where they nted arge pile of flowers and nts and rummaged through them. With her back facing Mrs. Shen, she exchanged for a hundred-year-old ginseng from the space.


    [Ding! The hundred-year-old ginseng has been sessfully exchanged. Current total points are 9,560.]


    Mrs. Shen, who had tied up the horse, was amazed. ��No wonder you said that no one would be able to find it if you didn��te. But what are you thinking? You actually dug up the ginseng and buried it in the ground. Aren��t you afraid that you��ll nt this noble thing to death?��


    Xiaoxiao changed the topic as she walked. ��Isn��t it alive? Besides, it was dug in the mountains anyway. It didn��t cost anything.��


    When the two of them returned to the Li Family, Gongsun Zhongjing was pricking the olddy��s head with silver needles.


    Through the door, Xiaoxiao heard this young master, who didn��t like to talk much, say angrily, ��You��re letting her not drink the medicine just because she said so?��


    Li Muyan was helpless and anxious. ��I know it��s my fault. If this happens again, I��ll squeeze Grandmother��s nose and pour it in even if she scolds me!��


    Gongsun Zhongjing snorted coldly. ��There��s a next time? After this, find someone else. I can��t treat such an uncooperative patient.��


    In a moment of desperation, Li Muyan said without thinking, ��Don��t forget that you agreed to go down the mountain because you lost to me. Could it be that the sessor of the Genius Doctor Valley is actually a person who goes back on his word? Aren��t you afraid that the reputation of the Genius Doctor Valley will be ruined in your hands?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing��s tone became even colder. ��Are you threatening me?


    Seeing that the atmosphere had frozen and the servants did not dare to knock, Xiaoxiao could only do it herself.


    The door wasn��t closed tightly. She pushed it open. Li Muyan and Gongsun Zhongjing stood in front of the bed, confronting each other. Most importantly, neither of them had any intention ofing over to take their things.


    Helpless, Xiaoxiao could only go forward herself. ��Here, ginseng..

 Chapter 268 - 268: Why Don’t I Do It

    Chapter 268: Why Don��t I Do It


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Li Muyan was the first toe back to his senses, but he had just said something wrong and was embarrassed. He could only take Xiaoxiao��s hand and push the ginseng towards Gongsun Zhongjing.


    Thetter snorted and took the ginseng. He changed the topic. ��It��s still connected to the soil. Did you just dig it out?��


    Mrs. Shen coughed lightly. ��Of course. This girl actually buried the ginseng in the courtyard. The most magical thing is that it was still alive.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing looked at Xiaoxiao in surprise, then walked out with the ginseng. ��I��ll go wash it and brew the medicine. You guys look after the patient. Call me if there are any changes.��


    Xiaoxiao took a nce at it. With this nce, she heard the space ask: [Discovered ingredient lesion. Master, do you want to use the ingredient identification function?]


    This work too? Out of curiosity, Xiaoxiao thought that it was not a loss to use it since it was free. She let the space try.


    [Identification results: One-third of the stomach lesion. Suggested treatment method: Removal.]


    Thinking of the nature of the space in the past, Xiaoxiao asked cautiously: [Will she die after cutting it?]


    The space seemed to think for a moment: [Considering ancient medical conditions, if there��s a hemorrhage or postoperative infection, yes.]


    Xiaoxiao was speechless.


    While Gongsun Zhongjing was brewing the medicine, the olddy vomited blood again while she was unconscious. If it had not been discovered early, she would have choked to death on the blood in her mouth.


    Li Muyan��s anxiety was obvious. Xiaoxiao also found out about the olddy��s situation from everyone��s intermittent descriptions.


    At first, she only often felt nauseous, vomited, and could not eat. However, she was seriously afraid of doctors and did not trust any doctors found by others. Instead, she went to make some prescriptions herself. Later on, she started to vomit blood as she ate��


    It was not easy for Li Muyan to find Gongsun Zhongjing. Thetter said that he wanted to cut open the olddy��s stomach and remove the necrotic part. However, when these words reached the olddy��s ears, she cried, made a fuss, and threatened to hang herself. She refused to cooperate no matter what. She even scolded Doctor Gongsun for being a quack.


    It had always been others begging Gongsun Zhongjing for treatment. He had never encountered such an unreasonable patient. Gongsun Zhongjing had never coaxed anyone, let alone someone like Old Madam Li, who spoke domineeringly and unpleasantly. He could only prescribe medicine to stabilize her condition and wait for the Li Family to persuade her. Unexpectedly, before Old Madam Li could relent, her illness suddenly acted up again and she fainted.


    The doctor in the residence had also seen her. He only said to prepare for her funeral��


    Although Gongsun Zhongjing said that he wouldn��t care anymore, he still got into the Li Family��s carriage without a word when he heard that the olddy had fainted. After brewing the medicine and giving it to the olddy, Li Muyan lined up the things he would useter. Another problem appeared.


    He needed an assistant, a female assistant.


    The nanny beside the Old Madam rmended herself, but she was old and had poor eyesight. The maidservants were usually afraid of the fierce Old Madam, so they did not dare to volunteer now. They were afraid that if anything happened, they would not be able to bear the responsibility. They were also afraid that the Old Madam would me them for messing around with Young Master after she was saved��she was not a reasonable mistress.


    Li Muyan rubbed his temples and said, ��No matter what the oue is, the girl who helped today can receive her indenture and 50 taels of silver. She can leave the Li Residence and regain her freedom.��


    When he said that, a few people were tempted. However, Gongsun Zhongjing nced at them and shook his head. ��If they tremble now, how are they going to help meter? If they get nervous and drop a knife into your grandmother��s stomach����


    Alright, when she said that, the maidservants who were originally tempted immediately retreated obediently.


    This couldn��t go on. Just as Li Muyan was thinking about whether he should thicken his skin and ask Mrs. Shen for help, Xiaoxiao slowly raised her hand. ��Why don��t I do it?��


    She said, ��As you all know, I��m a chef. Putting everything else aside, at least I don��t faint when I see blood. My hands are steady enough.��


    Li Muyan bowed repeatedly. ��I will never forget Miss Ning��s kindness. If you ask me in the future, I will definitely go through fire and water!��


    Xiaoxiao did not hypocritically say that there was no need. She only asked Gongsun Zhongjing, ��What do I need to do?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing had taught her to recognize the things he neededter. He realized that this youngdy was very smart. She could remember them after he said them once. She even started tying her hair and got Li Muyan to help her find a clean cotton shirt without any decorations.


    Seeing Gongsun Zhongjing looking over, Xiaoxiao said, ��I think this is more convenient. Otherwise, it��ll be quite troublesome whether it��s the sleeves fluttering or the hair blocking your eyes. If your clothes are clean, it��ll save you from having any dirty things floating to the wounds.��


    After revealing her smooth and full forehead, her eyes seemed to be brighter. Gongsun Zhongjing nodded and started to teach her to use special mps to hold the things he neededter and put them into boiling water to boil.


    Other than his medicine page, this was the first time Gongsun Zhongjing had met such a smart and perceptive person. She learned everything immediately and even did everything in ordance with his requirements.


    However, Xiaoxiao was actually also eximing in her heart. She thought to herself that as expected of the Genius Doctor Valley. Surgery was not something ordinary people dared to do, especially in ancient times. The first senior to pioneer was definitely a hero.


    Her expression was solemn as she memorized every point. No one should disturb the surgery, but Old Madam��s nanny insisted on keeping an eye on it, as if she was afraid that Gongsun Zhongjing and Xiaoxiao would kill her for money.


    The two of them did not mind. As long as she did not move anything, they would ignore her. Xiaoxiao even gave her a look that said she was on her own. Then, as Gongsun Zhongjing shed down, the nanny��s eyes rolled back and she fainted without making a sound.


    Xiaoxiao did not even look at her and let the arrogant old servant lie on the ground. Seeing that the Old Madam��s stomach was exposed under Gongsun Zhongjing��s knife, she calmly reached out and wiped the blood.


    Gongsun Zhongjing��s tense nerves rxed.


    People would affect each other. Even if it was him, he would not be able to perform normally as if nothing had happened if his assistant was in a panic. Xiaoxiao��s calmness made him more confident in thisparotomy.


    The human body was veryplicated. Without the help of modern equipment, Gongsun Zhongjing could not directly find the ce that needed to be removed. The blood that kept gushing out increased the difficulty of finding it.


    As an assistant, Xiaoxiao��s first priority was to clean up the blood. This job was indeed not suitable for people with weak mental fortitude. If it were those girls just now, they might really shake and drop off their things.


    Gongsun Zhongjing did not stop for a moment. As he searched, he had to pay attention to the olddy��s condition at all times. This matter could not be dyed. As time passed, just the loss of blood could take the olddy��s life. No matter what kind of illness it was, Gongsun Zhongjing was unwilling to see them lose their lives.


    Looking at the sweat on his forehead, Xiaoxiao changed to a clean cloth to wipe it off for him. At the same time, she asked the space to scan the lesion area for her. Then, she found an opportunity to point at the target and ask, ��Doctor Gongsun, I think the color of this ce is different from other ces..��

 Chapter 269 - 269: Something Only Adults Can Know The Effect

    Chapter 269: Something Only Adults Can Know The Effect


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Gongsun Zhongjing, whose eyes were already bloodshot, calmed down. He used the knife in his hand to push away the flesh that blocked his vision and heaved a long sigh. ��I found it.��


    Finding it was one thing, but removing it was another difficulty. After all, it was a human organ. The unconscious olddy felt the pain and actually started to struggle. With this struggle, Gongsun Zhongjing��s knife deviated a little, and arge amount of blood immediately surged out.


    Fortunately, Xiaoxiao��s sharp eyes noticed it and she went forward to press the Old Madam down immediately. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    Gongsun Zhongjing did not give up. He personally sucked the blood dry and continued. However, the blood kept gushing out and seriously interfered with his stitching. He could only wipe and stitch continuously.


    Seeing this, Xiaoxiao called out to the space without hesitation: [Baby, use Range Control to stop the Old Madam��s wound from bleeding within seven seconds!]


    Fortunately, she felt that the cooldown time of this function was too long. She had to use it at the most critical moment. She had held back from using it previously. Seven seconds might be a few breaths or a few words to ordinary people, but to Gongsun Zhongjing, this was time that could save her life.


    He did not have the time to think about why the bleeding that gave him the most headache suddenly stopped. He quickly finished what he was about to do��


    One door away, every second in the house was filled with danger. Outside, no one dared to make a sound.


    From Second Master and Second Madam to Li Muyan and Shen Tianci, who had just rushed over from the academy, no one dared to speak.


    After a long time, Second Madam, who still couldn��t hold it in, said faintly, ��Nanny didn��t say anything. There should be no problem, right?��


    Second Master red. ��What do you mean by ��should��? My mother must be fine! Didn��t they say that this person is a genius doctor? If he can��t treat her, he��s fishing for fame����


    He was interrupted by Li Muyan. ��Father, Mother, life and death are up to fate. Doctor Gongsun is a doctor, not a god. Besides, it��s not like you don��t know Grandmother��s condition. The other doctors have all asked us to prepare for her funeral. Only Doctor Gongsun dares to try for her. As a genius doctor, he��s not afraid of damaging his reputation and is willing to work hard to save her. Yet, you want to me others for Grandmother��s problem. Isn��t that disappointing?��


    Second Master was just throwing a tantrum, so he quieted down after hearing Li Muyan��s words.


    Time passed bit by bit and the sky gradually darkened. Just as Li Muyan was hesitating if he should light the lights in the room, the door opened. The extremely tired Gongsun Zhongjing and the yawning Xiaoxiao walked out and called out, ��Get the two of them to change into clean clothes and tidy up. Don��t touch the patient.��


    As for the nanny, hmph, she did not care. She would lie in the corner and wait for the servants to discover her.


    Li Muyan took a step forward. No matter how awkward he was, he forced himself to cup his hands and bow to Gongsun Zhongjing. ��Thank you.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing nced at him. ��If I��m willing to bet, I have to admit defeat. Otherwise, wouldn��t I be fishing for fame?��


    Li Muyan��s ears turned red and he bent down even more. ��It��s my fault. I said the wrong thing. Doctor Gongsun is benevolent and kind to the world. I was petty and spouted nonsense. No matter what happens to my grandmother, the Li Family will remember Doctor Gongsun��s kindness.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing slightly dodged this bow. ��Hmph, who cares?��


    Xiaoxiao, who was at the side, wished she could hold her breath and let the two of them chat for a while more. However, Gongsun Zhongjing had already gotten to the point. ��The necrotic part has been removed, but we��ll see your grandmother��s condition after tonight. I��ll rest next door. If she��s feverish, call me immediately.��


    Second Madam was in a hurry to show off. She bypassed the two of them and nned to run into the house. Fortunately, Xiaoxiao closed the door quickly. Second Madam red and was about to re up when she heard Gongsun Zhongjing say seriously, ��If you don��t want your grandmother��s life, let them enter as they please.��


    Li Muyan went forward to pull her back, but Second Madam was unconvinced. ��Mother is not feeling well. I have to attend to her illness.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing said bluntly, ��You��re covered in fragrance powder and have dangles on your waist. Do you know that you will cause her wound to split open when she sneezes?��


    Second Madam was frightened. Then, she remembered and asked, ��Wound?


    Did you really open her abdomen?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing couldn��t be bothered with her. He gave Li Muyan a look and walked towards the resting room. As he walked, he didn��t forget to remind him, ��Miss Ning is also exhausted.��


    Li Muyan felt ashamed and hurriedly got someone to bring Xiaoxiao to wash up and rest.


    Xiaoxiao looked at her bloodstained body and was afraid of scaring her parents and brothers, so she epted this kindness and went to change clothes with the maidservant.


    Behind her, Second Madam narrowed her eyes and tugged at her son. ��She��s Ning Xiaoxiao?��


    Li Muyan was not in the mood to chat with her now. He chased after Gongsun Zhongjing.


    Mrs. Shen was worried about Xiaoxiao and was prepared to stay and wait for her. She wanted to wait, so Shen Tianci was naturally not in a hurry to leave. Second Madam looked at the mother and son, whispered a few words to her personal maidservant, and personally brought them to the room to rest.


    After all, Mrs. Shen was a daughter of the Li Family. The Li Family��s courtyard was big enough, so there was still her courtyard. There was a swing tied to a thick sycamore tree in the courtyard. When the wind blew, it made a babbling sound. Mrs. Shen wanted to go up and sit down, but seeing Second Madam following closely behind, she could only give up and enter the house.


    She asked the servants to bring Xiaoxiao hereter so that it would be convenient for her to leave with them, so she leaned against the bed and closed her eyes to rest.


    This was already her intention to send Second Madam off, but Second Madam seemed to not understand and insisted on asking about their well-being until�� a graceful figure walked in from outside the door.


    Shen Tianci frowned in disgust. Why was He Ruhuan here?


    Second Madam pulled her over to greet her. ��I heard that your cousin and the others are here, so I specially came to pay my respects, right? Aiyo, you��re really polite.��


    Mrs. Shen did not want to continue the conversation, so she yawned and pretended not to hear her. Unexpectedly, Second Madam took advantage of the situation and said, ��Looks like Sister is tired. Ruhuan, why don��t you take your Cousin Tianci out for a walk? He hasn��t been back for a long time, and he doesn��t know what changes have happened in the residence.��


    Mrs. Shen could tell what Second Madam meant at a nce. Seeing that she did not leave, she was furious and did not stand on ceremony. ��Old Madam��s life and death are unknown. Sister-inw asked Tianci to go to the garden. Those who don��t know might think that her grandson is heartless and ungrateful.��


    Second Madam was a little anxious. She was also afraid that she would have no one to back her up after Old Madam left. Seeing that Mrs. Shen was angry, she hurriedly stood up and bowed. ��I was insensible as your sister-inw. I was just panicking about Mother-inw.��


    ��To be honest with Sister, Mother-inw is the backbone of our Li Family. I��m not confident about her illness. Fortunately, Sister disregarded the past at this critical moment����


    Mrs. Shen was really impatient. If it wasn��t for the fact that she had to wait for Xiaoxiao, she would leave immediately. Her second sister-inw was shameless. She pretended to be obedient and ttered Old Madam, instigated trouble in front of Second Brother, and yed both sides of the coin with her. She smiled on the surface, but she bad mouthed her behind her back.


    Fortunately, Xiaoxiao was quick and came over after changing her clothes.


    At this moment, a maidservant happened toe over with a few bowls of soup. When she passed by her, she identally bumped into her. Xiaoxiao helped her up and heard the space ring.


    [Master, special ingredient discovered. Beep��]


    Xiaoxiao was curious: [Why does the name of the ingredient have a silencer?]


    The space said seriously: [Only the adults can know the effect. It can��t be heard by minors.]


    Xiaoxiao was speechless..

 Chapter 270 - 270: Cousin, He...

    Chapter 270: Cousin, He��


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions �� Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Seeing He Ruhuan in the room,bined with the various tricks she had seen, she felt that she already knew what was going on: [Baby, which cup has the special ingredients?]


    Second Madam received the gaze of her personal maidservant and nodded in satisfaction. She personally took the teacups one by one and put them down. When she turned around, Xiaoxiao seemed to have lost her bnce and tripped. She supported herself on the table and casually switched the two teacups.


    Seeing this scene, Mrs. Shen and Shen Tianci thought that it was an ident and did not take it to heart. Anyway, it was the same tea. It did not matter which cup they drank.


    Second Madam pushed the teacups in front of everyone. ��You��ve been working all day and haven��t drunk any water. If word gets out, people willugh at our Li Residence for not entertaining you well.��


    That was more like it. Mrs. Shen��s mouth was indeed dry. She had alsoined inwardly that her second sister-inw did not know etiquette. She picked up the teacup and drank it all without thinking. Shen Tianci did not think too much about it, nor did he notice the unusual gazes from Second Madam and He Ruhuan when he drank the tea.


    However, Xiaoxiao was watching. She used the teacup as a cover and looked at one end and the other.


    Coincidentally, the cup that was supposed to be given to Shen Tianci happened to be in He Ruhuan��s hands.


    After drinking tea, someone suddenly came to report that there was a situation with Old Madam and asked the madams to take a look. Second Madam pulled Mrs. Shen and Xiaoxiao over and chased after them in panic. However, when Shen Tianci was about to follow them, she waved her hand. ��Don��t go with us, child. Wait for our news here.��


    Shen Tianci��s surprised gazended on Xiaoxiao. Second Madam said, ��Miss Nmg is different. Perhaps Doctor Gongsun even needs her help.�� With that, she pulled Shen Tianci away without waiting for Shen Tianci to react.


    Miraculously, Second Madam lost the servant not long after she chased after him. When she arrived at Old Madam��s ce, she was told that no one was calling for her. Second Madam covered her lips with a handkerchief and spat. ��Let me know which bastard is spouting nonsense. I��ll skin him alive!��


    Mrs. Shen��s face darkened. She turned around, picked up her skirt, and rushed back to the ce where she had rested just now. Second Madam said, ��Sister, don t be anxious. Just go back slowly.�� However, she couldn��t help but look smug.


    Whafs done is done. Let��s see how you can refuse.


    Xiaoxiao shook her head repeatedly, her heart filled with gossip. She wondered if Second Madam was helping He Ruhuan or harming her.


    Second Madam did not stop Xiaoxiao. When they went over together, she even called for some servants. Xiaoxiao guessed that she wanted to find some witnesses for He Ruhuan.


    Xiaoxiao watched coldly and sighed that the heavens could be forgiven for their sins, but they could not live from their own sins.


    When she was a little closer to Mrs. Shen��s courtyard, Second Madam heard He Ruhuan��s cries. She was overjoyed-it was done! She immediately quickened her pace. ��What��s going on? Hurry up and go in to take a look!��


    Xiaoxiao was not in a hurry. When she walked into the courtyard, she saw a group of servants gathered under the parasol tree. Shen Tianci sat among the branches and crossed his legs. ��I��m not going down. It��s cool here. I��ll stay here.��


    Looking inside, there was a big hole in the door. He Ruhuan was crying inside.


    The servant of the Shen Family went forward and said, ��After Madam left, Miss Cousin suddenly�� something��s wrong. Someone locked the door and we��re not able to push it open.��


    Mrs. Shen��s face darkened. ��Where were you at that time?��


    The servant lowered his head. ��We��re outside the door. We were about to knock the door open, but before we could do anything, Young Master smashed the door and ran out to climb the tree. His actions were so fast that we didn��t have time to do anything. Hence, we guarded under the tree and didn��t let anyone approach. It also proved that no matter what Miss Cousin did, it had nothing to dowithourYoung Master.��


    Mrs. Shen walked to the door and saw that Miss He Ruhuan was tearing off her clothes with an intoxicated expression.


    Mrs. Shen felt a torrent of anger rush to her head. She knew that Second Madam wanted her niece to marry into the Shen Family, but she did not expect her methods to be so unorthodox. After all, she was a girl raised by a rich family. How could she be more shameless than a despicable person in the market?


    ��Someone, wake Miss Cousin up.��


    He Ruhuan, who was in a special state, suddenly woke up when she was drenched in a bucket of cold water. She met pairs of unreadable eyes and trembled as she cried.


    ��C-Cousin, he����


    Mrs. Shen smashed a vase. ��I advise you to think carefully before you speak.��


    Second Madam arrivedte after asking. Before she could speak, she was pped mercilessly by Mrs. Shen.


    Second Madam was stunned by the p. Mrs. Shen was not appeased. She grabbed her cor and scolded, ��He Qiaoqiao, I usually won��t argue with you on ount of my second brother. Don��t cross the line just because I give you some face. Let me tell you openly that my Tianci doesn��t like someone like your niece. If you use such a despicable method to marry her into the Shen Family, do you believe that I��ll sell her off as a lowly concubine the next day after you�� send her over?��


    Xiaoxiao was dumbfounded and tried her best to suppress the urge to p.


    With thismotion, Mrs. Shen did not want to stay in this house for a moment longer. She pulled the two children along and left without even saying goodbye. Only when she got into the carriage did she remember that if Xiaoxiao had not changed the teacup by ident, Tianci would have drunk that dirty thing.


    She couldn��t help but pat the back of Xiaoxiao��s hand. ��You��re really our lucky star.��


    Xiaoxiao��s face was innocent as she heard Mrs. Shen say to Shen Tianci, ��Your grandfather��s face won��t count from now on. Tianci, if that He girl has the cheek to look for you again in the future, just chase her out. You don��t have to care about your uncle��s face.��


    Shen Tianci actually looked like he was eager to try��


    Then, Mrs. Shen sighed. ��Fortunately, you and Eng of the Ning Family learned how to climb trees. Otherwise, wouldn��t you be med today?��


    When Xiaoxiao went home, she also brought a bunch of gifts from Mrs. Shen.


    As it concerned their family matters, Xiaoxiao did not say much and only told Second Brother that Mrs. Shen was thanking him for training Shen Tianci to be agile.


    Ning Anhui had never thought that teaching tree climbing would earn him tuition fees. He chuckled foolishly for a long time.


    The next day, the Li Family specially sent someone to send a thank-you gift and a few heavy banknotes. Xiaoxiao counted them carefully and felt that she was considered a rich woman, so she started to nt trees on the mountain The tree seeds were naturally supplied by the space. As for nting trees, after she showed her wealth, her family agreed to hire someone to do it.


    Xiaoxiao��s first consideration was Chen Kuan and Wang He, who had already worked together once. The two of them could endure hardships and were honest and dutiful. Moreover, they were both big and tall. They belonged to the type that could intimidate people just by standing up.


    Most importantly, the two sides had already worked together once and were more familiar with the various processes. It would be more convincing for them to lobby the other refugees.


    If she was faster, she might give Little Big Brother a surprise when he came back..

 Chapter 271 - 271: Azure Frost Sword

    Chapter 271 - 271: Azure Frost Sword


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions J Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Chen Kuan and Wang He really lived up to Xiaoxiao��s expectations. However, they brought over a dozen applicants in a day. What was even more surprising was that there was a couple who used to grow fruit trees in their hometown. They were the experts.


    Xiaoxiao decisively hired these people and handed the tree seeds to them.


    ording to the couple, these tree seeds were the healthiest they had ever seen. They would definitely thrive and bear fruits in the future.


    Ning Fengnian and his wife only felt that they were saying festive words, but they were quite happy to hear it. Looking at the busy figures on their daughter and Ah Yan��s mountain, they also revealed satisfied smiles.


    The deste mountain that the two of them had booked was not big and was considered inconspicuous in the sprawling Dayan Mountain. The advantage was that because it was not deep in the mountains, the possibility of encountering wild beasts was very low. Xiaoxiao��s fruit trees were nted on this side facing Fortune Vige. She could not help but look forward to it when she imagined the peach blossoms blooming on this entire mountain next spring.


    nting trees was not as simple as digging a hole and burying the tree seed. They still had to remove the weeds and thorns on the mountain. Xiaoxiao took this opportunity to follow the main group up the mountain and ��coincidentally�� brought some ripe vegetables and fruits home. For example, the tomatoes that were popr with her family some time ago. She also coincidentally�� saw a few cumin fields that were growing.


    The couple in charge of nting fruit trees guessed that there were few people on the mountain. These things bloomed everywhere and unknowingly grew into one big patch. Xiaoxiao smiled and did not say anything. She only focused on harvesting the fruits of victory.


    It had to be said that this mountain was the biggest cheating tool she had used to move the crops out of her space. If not for theck of time, she would even want to walk on the other side of the mountain.


    In order to ensure everyone��s safety, Xiaoxiao hired Zhao Hu and his wife as guides when they entered the mountain. They only worked during the day. The hired refugees had also gone to other ces to work before they met Xiaoxiao, but those bosses either deducted their wages or exploited them. They did not even care if they were sick or injured. They only thought that they were unlucky. There was no harm withoutparison. The generous and caring Ning Family really made them, who had left their hometown, feel a lot of warmth.


    This warmth was sublimated after they returned and realized that the Ning Family had even cooked arge pot of meat porridge for them. After returning to the refugee gathering ce, they spared no effort to spread the news and received envious gazes from theirpanions.


    The refugees who did not register regretted their hesitation and missed a good opportunity.


    With the help of the workers, Xiaoxiao brought the ripe cumin and tomatoes home. The cumin still needed to be processed, and the tomatoes��now called red fruits��had be tes of delicious food.


    Ning Ansheng and his brother ate tworge bowls of white rice with the soup. Ning Fengnian was nning to buy a few more plots ofnd and grow more food next year. The county magistrate promised to leave behind the rice seeds he needed first. In other words, the harvest in hisnd next year would still be so good.


    The family approved of this matter. They invited the vige chief over for a meal and a chat, and the 10 acres of the best qualitynd in the vige belonged to the Ning Family.


    Ning Fengnian was going to nt rice in the best qualitynd next. The two acres of middle qualitynd were bought by the government at a high price because of the unique meaning of nting new rice seeds. County Magistrate Shen was very generous. The Ning Family��s 10 acres of the best qualitynd were exchanged with two acres of middle qualitynd. It was unbelievably worth it.


    Xiaoxiao took a sip of soup and announced that the grass on her wastnd was ready. She could start collecting cows and sheep tomorrow. ��In the future, we can get milk from our own ranch.��


    The nomads that Mrs. Shen found were very reliable. Not only did they deliver goods to their doorsteps, but they also left two good ranchers in charge of imparting their experience. Seeing that they were meticulous and considerate, Xiaoxiao simply asked if they were interested in staying to work.


    The other party was shocked and decisively signed the contract. Xiaoxiao only found outter that the herdsmen��s lives were hard. They had long been envious of the richness in Great Xia. However, they did not have any other skills other than raising cattle and sheep. They could not find a fixed job, so they could not afford to settle in Great Xia at all.


    On the other hand, the people of Great Xia raised cows mostly for farming. The taste of cow milk and mutton was not very eptable, so their skills were useless. It was rare for them to meet a big customer like Xiaoxiao, so they naturally had to seize the opportunity. Moreover, they had feelings with the cows and sheep after raising them for a long time.


    With someone to take care of her, Xiaoxiao was even more at ease with the ranch. Of course, she was even more free to do other things.


    The cumin should be nted in March and April and harvested in June and July. Therefore, other than a little that she brought back from the mountains, most of the harvesting methods could only be picked from the mountains. This showed the importance of space projection functions.


    The hired workers who went up the mountain to nt trees would find mature cumin from time to time. Then, they would uproot it and bring it back ording to their Boss��s request. Then, they would thresh it and sieve it to obtain seeds.


    Due to the special fragrance of cumin, in order to prevent this special fragrance from evaporating, cumin had to be sealed and preserved before it was used. This was not a problem for Xiaoxiao. After all, she was a cheat girl with a space weapon.


    The space had been very busy recently. The milk tea shop��s ie was about 10,000 yuan a day, and Master praised it every day for being a capable little helper. This life could not be better. However, for some reason, Master had clearly umted a lot of points, but she did not level up.


    [Master, your current total points are 185,800. Are you still not going to level up?]


    Xiaoxiao chuckled and flipped to the page she had been staring at for a long time. [I want to change this first.]


    Although the space��s heart ached, it still did as it was told. [Exchange for weapon-Azure Frost Sword. Characteristics: Cutting iron like mud and invincible. Points used: 160,000. Current total points: 25,800.]


    Xiaoxiaoforted the space: [Don��t worry, I��ll earn back the points I used very quickly. I��ll level you up again soon.]


    The cows and sheep in the ranch slowly adapted to the new environment, and Xiaoxiao nted red fruits in an empty field specially cleared in the wastnd. This was how she convinced her family��


    It can grow in the wild without anyone taking care of it, which means that it��s not very difficult to nt. Anyway, it was dug in the mountains. There��s no loss even if it��s not nted well.��


    The Ning Family felt that what she said made sense, so they let Xiaoxiao do whatever she wanted.


    When Little Big Brother was not around, Xiaoxiao tried her best to make herself very busy. This way, she would have more time to date properly when Little Big Brother came back. Now that she had nothing to do, she secretly moved the in Crown Lotus Cauldron out of her space and mixed it in with the things she dug up from the mountains.


    Just as she was watering this delicate orchid, she heard a space notification. [Ding! Congrattions to the host forpleting the hidden mission��Origin of Species. You havepleted the introduction of a new species. You have received 10,000 points. Current total points are 35,800.]


    Xiaoxiao giggled. As expected, everything produced by the space was top-notch. This was another new species of orchid that did not exist in this time and space..

 Chapter 272 - 272: Opening Of The Elegant Abode

    Chapter 272 - 272: Opening Of The Elegant Abode


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    To her surprise, this delicate lotus flower actually grew three new buds in the space. Hence, after taking out the original nt, there were still three seedlings growing healthily in the space.


    Of course, such a noble species could not be raised in a natural environment alone. At this time, why would Xiaoxiao hesitate to use space projection?


    The Ning Family did not notice this green flower at first, but Xiaoxiao squatted in front of it every day and did a good job of weeding and maintaining it, so everyone could not ignore it.


    They realized that this grass that they did not remember its original appearance was slowly budding. It looked quite clean and beautiful.


    Everything was going well. Just then, Mrs. Shen��s elegant abode finally opened for business.


    On the day of their first opening, all the rich youngdies and madams came to support them. They fell in love with the abode the moment they entered.


    When Mrs. Shen introduced her new shop, she said that it was a ��special refreshment shop�� and everyone took it seriously. They didn��t expect to be so surprised when they walked into the independent and unique VIP rooms in the elegant abode.


    The menu of the elegant abode was different from other ces. Every beverage and snack with a nice name was apanied by colorful and cute drawings, making people feel pleasing to the eye and interested.


    The ss used to hold the drinks was actually a rare crystal ss. It was clear and sophisticated, making the liquid in the ss look even more noble and crystalline. As the weather was getting hot, there were ice cubes in every guest room. Xiaoxiao took into ount that these noblewomen were delicate and noble, so she did not add ice cubes into the drinks directly. Instead, she ced the ss in broken ice to chill it. It was refreshing to drink, but it would not cause any awkward situations.


    At this moment, women in the same uniforms entered and presented everyone with a small milky white snack. Mrs. Shen proudly introduced, ��This is milk jelly. It��s a snack for you today.��


    The customers took it curiously and realized that it was soft and bouncy. When it swayed, it would even twist in the porcin-white te.


    Such a snack was really unheard of. ��How interesting. What is this made of?��


    Mrs. Shen didn��t hide it. ��It was made with cow milk and something else.�� As for what this ��something else�� was, the sensible guests naturally wouldn��t ask anymore.


    However, at the mention of ��milk��, the nobledies who kept a distance from it revealed looks of disdain. Who didn��t know that it tasted strange and difficult to swallow?


    Some of the more picky ones pushed the snack tes to the side.


    Mrs. Shen was not angry. She gave the people around her a look. The women in charge of serving picked up a small pot from beside the snack te and poured some red jam on the milk jelly. Very few women could resist the sweet fragrance.


    Someone thought that they might as well give it a try. At most, they would take a bite. At least they would give the county magistrate��s wife some face. After taking a sip, it melted in their mouth and left a fragrance. ��Eh! Why is it so delicious?��


    Mrs. Shen��s lips curled up. ��What was poured just now was jam made from fragrant pears. There��s also honey, matcha, berries, and various other vors on the menu.��


    ��The fruit juice I brought you just now was also iced after being squeezed with fresh fragrant pears. The milk tea is all brewed with fresh cow milk and top-notch tea leaves. It��s not fishy or smelly. If you��re not used to it, there��s also fruit tea that you can try. All kinds of snacks are also drawn on the menu. By the way, I personally rmend Cloud Cake. Eating it is like plucking a cloud.��


    If she said that, the customers would not be sleepy anymore. They picked up the menu and studied what to eatter.


    Mrs. Shen was in charge of greeting the guests. Xiaoxiao had always kept a low profile and only cared about guiding her disciple in the kitchen. ��Aiyo, not bad. Your culinary skills can finally be mastered. I��ll give you my order for ��So It��s You�� tomorrow, okay?��


    Furong��s face was wooden. ��Master, why do I feel that you took in disciples to ck off?��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand and frowned. What nonsense was she spouting? ��I��ll give you double your monthly sry?��


    Furong pulled a long face. ��Master, am I the kind of person who is greedy for money in your eyes?��


    Xiaoxiao sighed. ��Three times, no more.��


    Furong raised her hand. ��Then I request that I have the right to eat freely.��


    Xiaoxiao decided. ��Deal.��


    Almost every outstanding chef had a foodie who liked delicacies hidden in their bodies. Furong was no exception. She especially liked desserts, but there were no new styles to the pastries that were popr in Great Xia. She was already sick of them.


    After handing over a few troublesome matters, the other families in Fortune Vige also started to harvest rice. Hence, the crayfish that they had agreed on earlier began to be sent to the Ning Family in an endless stream. Then, they were brought to the Fragrance Restaurant by the Li Family��s carriage to wash up and prepare a hot shower.


    Recently, there were two new things in Xijiang County. Firstly, the elegant abode opened by the county magistrate��s wife became thetest gathering ce for the nobledies. Its poprity even exceeded that of the World��s Teahouse, which was said to have several tea doctors presiding over it. Secondly, Fragrance Restaurant specially added a supper service at dinner and provided a new delicacy��green prawns.


    In order to let everyone eat at ease, the Fragrance Restaurant specially held a tasting event on the 15th of July. The crayfish that were served that day were free!


    Regardless of whether they ate it in the future, the gimmick of ��free�� attracted arge number of customers, especially after the soul-stirring fragrance wafted out of the kitchen of the Fragrance Restaurant that day.


    The foodies who were familiar with Shopkeeper Xu, sniffed. ��Good lord, this is the good thing you��ve been fiddling with in the kitchen some time ago, right? You��re finally willing to take it out? Come, serve me a te first!��


    Shopkeeper Xuughed at him. ��Aren��t you afraid that it won��t taste good and you��ll be tricked by me?��


    The glutton chuckled. ��Do you think I��ve been eating at your ce for a few years? Don��t I know better than you if it��s delicious? Cut the crap. Are you going to give it to me?��


    Shopkeeper Xu naturally wouldn��t be stingy with his old guest��s support. He immediately announced, ��As long as you want to try it, Old Xu will get the kitchen to send you a bowl. Sigh, but I have to say this in advance. This green prawn has been checked by the doctors and tested by real people. It��s fine, but if you��re allergic to prawns, crabs, and river creatures, don��t try it easily.��


    He even personally demonstrated how to peel prawns and extract meat, as well as where they could and could not be eaten.


    The crayfish had received a lot of good reviews from the citizens of Xijiang County. They had already obtained extremely high expectations before they were officially sold. Shopkeeper Xu received dozens of reservations that night. While the Ning Family��s milk tea shop was still open, he specially sent a sumptuous dinner and an order.


    The vigers of Fortune Vige had just heard that the Ning Family had another livelihood to earn money. Before their jealousy could ferment, they saw Ning Fengnian stroll out and ask if they were interested in selling green prawns..

 Chapter 273 - 273: Might As Well Give Him A Cart

    Chapter 273 - 273: Might As Well Give Him A Cart


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Of course! The riverside of the Dusk River in Fortune Vige immediately became lively. Coincidentally, the water level had fallen, and the green prawns that had just appeared were a bunch ofs. Was this any different from picking up copper coins for free?


    Xiaoxiao had long found an opportunity to exchange points for arge number of crayfish to put into the Dusk River. It had no natural enemies for the time being. Even if it was caught one full after another, it would probably adapt to the environment quickly and reproduce quickly. Then, she would have endless crayfish!


    The Ning Family had be the most popr family in Fortune Vige now because not only did they get rich themselves, but they also helped the entire vige to get rich! It was obvious that this green prawn was not vignt. They could basically be fished out easily with the. Why didn��t they do it themselves? Wasn��t it to give everyone a chance to earn money?


    What a kind family! No wonder they got rich. This was good karma!


    After the new rice seeds of the Ning Family were harvested, County Magistrate Shen did not take them away directly. Instead, he arranged for an official to help dry them in the grain farm of Fortune Vige. The official saying was that it was to prevent the depletion of the rice seeds. In addition, the county did not have such arge open space for operation.


    However, Xiaoxiao knew that County Magistrate Shen did it to show off to the lords of Xllin County, especially those who missed a good opportunity.


    County Magistrate Shen told them that they could distribute some rice seeds to the ces that had already built the canal. However, those who dawdled and had no achievements could only watch helplessly.


    In County Magistrate Shen��s words, it was better to make them anxious.


    Seeing the new rice seeds nted in the middle qualitynd of the Ning Family, the officials were tempted. Those who were thick-skinned went back to build canals and negotiated with County Magistrate Shen.


    County Magistrate Shen looked down on them from the bottom of his heart, but as a social expert, he promised that he could reserve new rice seeds for them in advance for the next season if they met the requirements.


    Hence, the officials arranged for themoners under their rule to dig holes. The water level of the Dusk River started to press down again.


    The vigers of Fortune Vige were not in a hurry, because the experienced elders had already said that it would probably rise back in a few days because therge-scale precipitation would happen at this time.


    It was good news for County Magistrate Shen and the others that Yan Lu, the governor of Luo Prefecture, had not received the transfer order for a long time, but Yan Lu could not sit still.


    The news from the Imperial Capital made him urge his subordinates in Fortune Vige to speed up. It was precisely because of his impatience that the people who lingered around were discovered by the vigers who frequently went back and forth to Dusk River.


    It was precisely because the Ning Family had formed good karma in advance that the vigers ran to Ning Fengnian to tell him about the strange strangers who had been wandering around the Ning Family��s grain-sunning field in the past few days.


    Ning Fengnian didn��t take it seriously, but Xiaoxiao listened.


    After taking in a disciple, she cked off openly. She went into the mountains every day in the name of watching the progress of the nting of fruit trees and brought back some ��local specialties1�� to improve her food. asionally, she would go and see her milk and mutton skewers, no, cows and sheep. There was a small w in her happy life. In order not to keep looking at the empty courtyard next door, Xiaoxiao ran out to see her rice seeds spread out with the excuse of walking the dog and rabbit.


    With this look, she really saw a few suspicious people. Most importantly, she happened to have seen one of them before. This person was involved when Lei Shaoming sent people to follow her back then. Since this matter was rted to the Lei Family, it was definitely not simple. Xiaoxiao put away the rabbit and dog and followed quietly.


    Walnut and Scarf��s reactions were very different after entering the space. Walnut rushed into the herd of cows and sheep and started to make a scene. Scarf trembled, as if it did not understand how the scenery changed in the blink of an eye.


    With thepany or encouragement of its friend, Scarf was only a little afraid for a while. Soon, it started to run in another direction��Xiaoxiao��s precious farnd.


    If not for the space��s quick reaction and timely discovery, the precious in Crown Lotus Cauldron would probably have been bitten by it.


    In order to make the rabbit behave, Xiaoxiao opened up a rabbit garden on the farm and even exchanged for a few of Scarf��s kind. At least she made it behave and she focused on following it.


    Xiaoxiao��s tracking was different from others. She did not have to follow him at all times. She only had to look in that person��s direction and use the exit positioning technique to instantly appear seven meters away before he disappeared from her sight. She reappeared every seven meters repeatedly. It was convenient, effortless, and not easy to attract attention.


    When she followed them to a deserted ce, Xiaoxiao hid in her space and heard their plot.


    ��It��s more troublesome to secretly transport it away from the grain farm, but the county magistrate will send someone to collect the rice seeds tomorrow. At that time, we��ll take the carriage back to Luo Prefecture and change the owner of this new rice seed without anyone knowing.��


    ��Your Excellency is wise. We��ve already found a scapegoat for the dam. If we hand over this rice seed andbine it with the pressure from the Yan Family, His Majesty can only turn a blind eye.��


    Xiaoxiao did not know if the Emperor would turn a blind eye to this, but she could not.


    Her family had worked hard to nt the rice. The evidence of Yan Lu breaking thew was found by Little Big Brother and County Magistrate Shen. They had gone through countless difficulties to seek justice in the capital. How could they let Yan Lu get away with it and reap the benefits?


    As soon as these people left, Xiaoxiao went to the county office to look for County Magistrate Shen and tell him about this. She was still young. Only a fool would rush up and shout at the Lei Family.


    County Magistrate Shen looked at Xiaoxiao in shock for a long time. ��I don��t know if I should agree with you taking the risk or thank you for hearing the important news.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled innocently and said, ��It��s just luck. Recently, there have been rice poles and haystacks everywhere in the vige. They thought that they were hidden, but I happened to be there. Perhaps this is fate.��


    County Magistrate Shen paced back and forth and said with a frown, ��I��ll ask someone to take away the rice seeds in advance.��


    However, Xiaoxiao said, ��Sir, wait.��


    She asked County Magistrate Shen, ��Mr. Yan just wants the rice seeds. He might not give up until he achieves his goal. Since you are so generous, you can give him a cart. Anyway, you can��t see any difference in the rice seeds before they are nted.��


    County Magistrate Shen was speechless.


    ��What are you suggesting?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��It��s what you think.��


    The next morning, the county office sent someone to carefully collect the rice seeds on the farm and prepare to send them back to the county office.


    However, just as the carriage was about to turn onto the main road, a group of masked people suddenly rushed out from the side. These people did note with good intentions. They were all holding weapons.


    ��Coincidentally��, there were not many bailiffs transporting the rice grains. Their martial arts skills were just so-so. The coachman��s mental fortitude was too poor. He screamed and abandoned the carriage to escape..

 Chapter 274 - 274: Everything Is Under Control

    Chapter 274 - 274: Everything Is Under Control


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The masked man was secretly overjoyed. After a close battle with the bailiffs, he quickly left with the spoils of war. Little did he know that after they left, the bailiffs, who were supposed to be in a difficult position due to their serious injuries, got up one after another. They took out the broken blood bags and hard iron armor from their clothes, sleeves, and pants. They heaved a long sigh. ��Aiyo, this thing hurts me.��


    Hispanion kicked him in the side. ��It��s better than really getting stabbed, right? You don��t know that if I hadn��t reacted quickly and blocked it with my arm, I would have been cut in the neck. It was really dangerous.��


    The other bailiff, whose face was a little swollen,ughed bitterly. ��It��s about time for the two of you. The person I faced this person just now was the real bastard. He actually attacked my handsome face. He must be jealous of me!�� After chatting for a while, they sorted out their images and made a tragic scene of surviving a cmity. They limped into the city. The city guard was immediately dumbfounded. ��What��s wrong with you, brothers?��


    The bailiffs fell into character. ��Quickly report to the county magistrate that the new rice seeds have been hijacked!��


    After the news spread, not only was County Magistrate Shen anxious, but even the other officials, who were waiting in the county office for the rice to be distributed, were like ants on a hot pan. ��What�� what should we do?��


    County Magistrate Shen said anxiously, ��Don��t worry. I will go to Fortune Vige and borrow the rice seeds of the Ning Family to distribute to you first.��


    However, the county office was not the only one who was targeted. When the bailiff received the order and came to the Ning Family to exin his intentions, he realized that the room where the Ning Family was stacking the rice seeds was empty. Ning Fengnian felt as if he had been struck by lightning. ��It��s broad daylight. H-how could there be a thief?�� Ning Fengnian was anxious, but Ning Ansheng looked at his younger sister, who was ying with her fingers with her head lowered, in deep thought.


    When Xiaoxiao went to wander around the fields as usual, she saw her brother as expected. She chuckled and pulled him to an empty spot to lower her voice. ��Brother, I have something to tell you.��


    Her brother��s wisdom was enough for him not to expose himself in front of outsiders, which was approved by County Magistrate Shen and Mr. Chen. They agreed that they would discuss anything together in the future, so Xiaoxiao had to give his brother enough trust.


    As expected, Ning Ansheng immediately asked after hearing what had happened, ��Did you deliberately make it look like they were sessful so that Prefect Yan would let down his guard?��


    Xiaoxiao liked her brother��s sharpness. ��Not bad. Let him think that he still has a way out so that he won��t cause trouble.��


    Ning Ansheng asked again, ��Is Ah Yan��s disappearance also rted to this matter? He wasn��t brought to seclusion by Teacher Chen to study, but the county magistrate arranged other missions for him, right?��


    Xiaoxiao just nodded. Most of the facts had already been told to Ning Ansheng, but it was not appropriate to reveal Little Big Brother��s identity for the time being.


    The panic and anger of the Ning Family and the robbery of the official��s carriage quickly spread throughout Fortune Vige. The vigers were all united against amon enemy. In their free time, they carried farming tools and looked around for the culprit. Unfortunately, they found nothing. The officials, who had worked hard to get the seeds promised by County Magistrate Shen, went to the county office every day and were more concerned about the results than County Magistrate Shen himself.


    However, the officials who were originally causing a ruckus uncharacteristically gradually quietened down.


    When the news reached the instigator, they were exchanged for a victorious smile that said, ��Everything is under control.��


    Knowing what was going on, County Magistrate Shen sneered and asked someone who could be trusted to breed all the rice seeds secretly.


    Before the results of the new rice seed were obtained, the heavy rain suddenly came.


    The rice in Fortune Vige had basically been harvested. Even the rice in the unsightly fields in the old residence had been taken away by the casino to pay off their debts. The thatched house where Little Aunt Ning had lived had been destroyed by the heavy rain. Only then did the vigers realize that she had not appeared for a long time.


    Thanks to the old residence��s terrible rtionship with people, no one cared about her whereabouts. Everyone only guessed in their free time that Ning Xiao��er probably couldn��t live anymore and ran to seek refuge with her other elders.


    When the rain lessened a little, the Ning Family had guests early in the morning. A familiar nanny alighted from the Li Family��s luxurious carriage. ��Miss Ning, our Old Madam is awake and wants to see you.��


    Xiaoxiao remembered her jade pendant and readily agreed.


    Ning Fengnian and his wife thought that the Li Family wanted to express their gratitude, but Ning Anhui frowned.


    Ning Ansheng, who was also feeling uneasy, looked at his younger brother. ��What��s wrong?��


    Ning Anhui scratched his head. ��I keep feeling that if it��s to thank Sister, that nanny��s attitude is a little too aloof.��


    He was a frequent businessman after all. He interacted with many customers and was more sensitive to people��s attitudes. After he said that, Ning Ansheng also felt that something was wrong. Hence, he opened the oil-paper umbre and pulled out their carriage.


    Ning Fengnian and his wife looked at him strangely. ��Didn��t the Li Family say that they would send Xiaoxiao backter?��


    Ning Ansheng set up the carriage. ��I��m worried.��


    Ning Anhui put down the things in his hands and followed him out. ��Big Brother, I��ll go too. I��ll go to the shop after picking up Sister.��


    In the Li Residence��s carriage, the nanny deliberately closed her eyes to rest and put on airs, waiting for Xiaoxiao to ask questions. She was already prepared. When the time came, she would definitely teach this rude brat a lesson. However, there was no movement in the carriage even after she memorized the script a few times. She opened her eyes and saw that the little girl had fallen asleep!


    She gritted her teeth angrily. Alright, let��s see if you can still be so calm in front of Old Madam ter!


    Xiaoxiao had already recognized that the person who picked her up was Old Madam Li��s personal nanny. She was the one who had stared at her and Doctor Gongsun and fainted after Old Madam��s abdomen was cut open. She heard that she had caught a cold after lying on the cold floor for a long time and could not turn around for a few days because of her inappropriate sleeping posture.


    She did not know if this nanny��s attitude was because of her or��


    Actually, Old Madam Li had already been awake for two days. The day before, when she opened her eyes and felt the unbearable pain in her stomach, she wanted to settle scores with Gongsun Zhongjing. However, her grandson was determined and refused to let her find trouble with the young doctor. When she changed her dressing, the more she looked at the scar on her stomach, the more terrifying she felt. She closed her eyes as if she could imagine Gongsun Zhongjing stabbing her stomach with a knife. She couldn��t even sleep well.


    After she woke up, she refused to let Gongsun Zhongjing change her dressing again. After a few words of persuasion, she said that the entire family wanted to force her to death. Li Muyan had a splitting headache and wanted to apologize to Gongsun Zhongjing. He was so busy that he could not do anything else. In the end, he still looked at himself in the mirror and felt inferior.


    He was really too tired. He fell into a deep sleep after drinking a cup of calming tea today. He had no idea that Old Madam had immediately sent someone to look for Gongsun Zhongjing after he fell asleep. When she realized that Gongsun Zhongjing was in the county office and she could not find trouble with him, she asked the nanny to look for the little girl who ��helped the evildoer�� at that time.


    Old Madam��s logic was very simple. Anyone who disobeyed her should be scolded.


    In addition, the nanny hated Xiaoxiao for not taking care of her that day and letting her lie on the ground after she fainted. She had really said a lot of bad things about Xiaoxiao these few days.


    For example, ��The girls in our residence were tactful and refused to help. That doctor originally nned to give up, but this girl kept thinking about the reward and insisted on volunteering. I saw the two of them stab a knife into Old Madam��s body with my own eyes. At that time, the blood�� I was terrified. They were quacks who harmed people. I��ve never heard of any treatment that required stabbing.. Is this saving people or killing them?��

 Chapter 275 - 275‘- Gone

    Chapter 275 - 275��- Gone


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Old Madam was so frightened by these words that she could not sleep the entire night. She was not a reasonable person. She immediately got someone to send calming tea to her grandson and angrily instructed the nanny to get


    Xiaoxiao over.


    When she heard that Xiaoxiao had entered the residence, Old Madam started to brew her anger and swore to teach this girl a lesson.


    When Xiaoxiao arrived at the Li Residence, she first asked Li Muyan where he was. The nanny rolled her eyes and ignored her. She even asked her to wait in the house. ��Old Madam��s health is very poor and she needs to rest more. She��s probably asleep at this time. Wait for a while. I��ll inform you when she wakes


    up.��


    With such impolite words, it was difficult for Xiaoxiao not to understand their attitude.


    Would the Old Madam, who did not know how to repay kindness, really tell her where the jade pendant was honestly? She would probably hide it and deliberately make things difficult for her, right?


    The nanny thought that Xiaoxiao would be anxious, afraid, or uneasy when she realized that she was being ignored. Unexpectedly, she got up and wanted to leave after waiting for a mere 10 minutes.


    Without thinking, the nanny stretched out her arm and blocked her. ��Miss, where are you going? Old Madam isn��t awake yet.


    Xiaoxiao��s face turned cold. She usually respected human rights and did not like to put on airs, but she did not have to be polite to such a ve who bullied her.


    ��Since Old Madam isn��t feeling well, I won��t disturb you anymore. Another day����


    The nanny thought that she would say, ��I��ll visit you another day.�� Unexpectedly, the girl said arrogantly, ��Just send the thank-you gift to my shop another day.��


    The nanny wanted to stop her again, but Xiaoxiao pulled a long face. ��Why? Are you forcing me to stay? Is this how the Li Residence treats their guests?�� Seeing her unfriendly expression and remembering that she was the ��esteemed guest�� that Young Master had mentioned, the nanny felt a little guilty. However, she always felt that the person in charge of this family was Old Madam. Hence, when Xiaoxiao nned to bypass her and leave, the nanny immediately puffed out her chest and said firmly, ��You can��t leave.�� After saying that, she even summoned a few servants.


    Xiaoxiao and the nanny looked at each other for a few seconds before she raised her feet decisively. ��I insist. Bite me?�� She was really about to walk to the


    door.


    The nanny shouted angrily, ��What are you standing there for? Hurry up and stop her!��


    The servants at the door did n to do that, but when they met Xiaoxiao��s eyes, they realized that their bodies were stiff and they could not move. Xiaoxiao, who had activated the space��s range control, walked calmly to the door. The nanny scolded ��useless things�� and simply went forward personally to grab Xiaoxiao��s arm.


    Tsk, there was still someone hiding outside the range of the space skill. It seemed like she could only do it herself.


    Xiaoxiao dodged nimbly and twisted her wrist at the same time. Be it her or the original host, they were both really strong people. The nanny usually relied on Old Madam��s power to do whatever she wanted in the residence and treated herself as half a master. At this moment, she did not have the ability to retaliate at all and could only cry out as her arms twisted.


    Xiaoxiao pushed her away in disdain. The nanny flew into a rage out of humiliation and shouted, ��Take her down!��


    Before Xiaoxiao could speak, the blocked door suddenly opened and hit the nanny��s face.


    The person who walked in from outside kicked her away. At the same time, he took out the sword at his waist and used the hilt to p the servants away one by one. Then, he looked at Xiaoxiao amidst the painful screams in the room. He walked in front of Xiaoxiao and carefully checked if she was injured. Xiaoxiao blinked hard and looked at the person who came. She originally thought that it was not a big deal, but she suddenly felt especially aggrieved. She pouted and looked as pitiful as she could. ��Little Big Brother, I��m scared.�� The servants covered the ce where they had been pped and were extremely shocked. She was lying! What was she afraid of!


    Rong Yan��s heart ached. Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms and patted her back clumsily. ��Don��t be afraid, don��t be afraid. Little Big Brother is here. Little Big Brother will protect you and avenge you.��


    Yun Er and Yun San turned around and grabbed the cor of the Li Residence��s servants with a murderous aura. ��You��re quite bold. How dare you touch our


    Miss Ning?��


    The servants were all dumbfounded. They did note with good intentions and were too ruthless. The nanny even covered her wounded parts and threatened, ��How dare you behave atrociously in our Li Family. Do you believe that I won��t let you out of this door?��


    Rong Yan turned his wrist without looking back, and the sword flew out of the scabbard. It brushed past the nanny��s ear and stabbed into the door frame. The nanny��s legs trembled and her eyes were dull, but she finally shut up.


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t help but raise her hands and p. ��So handsome.�� Rong Yan couldn��t even be bothered to look at the servant from the corner of his eye. He pulled Xiaoxiao away casually when he passed by the door. The tip of the sword ��coincidentally�� cut across the top of the nanny��s head and cut off her bun.


    The nanny��s scream was stuck in her throat because of fear. At this moment, her hair was disheveled and her heart almost stopped. It was a long time before she remembered to stumble and report to Old Madam.


    After walking out of the small courtyard she had just stayed in, Xiaoxiao finally knew how Rong Yan came in to look for her. From the door to the inner courtyard, the Li Residence was now filled with servants lying on the ground. This scene of people lying everywhere made Xiaoxiao click her tongue. She turned back to look at Little Big Brother and heard him say, ��I was a little anxious.��


    Since the servants of the Li Residence did not let him in, he could only use extreme methods. He was already being lenient by not taking their lives.


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��How did you know that I was here? You even knew that I was in trouble?��


    Rong Yan told her, ��I met your brothers on the way and they were stopped when they came to the Li Residence. If they really treated you politely, why would they hide it?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at the door. ��What about my Big Brother and Second Brother?�� Rong Yan clenched his fists and cleared his throat. ��They are waiting for County Magistrate Shen at the gate. I�� am worried that they will be frightened if they see something.��


    Xiaoxiao looked at the servants who were lying on the ground and crying in pain, then at the sword Rong Yan had pulled out from the door. It seemed a little scary?


    How could she know that if Rong Yan hadn��t been in a hurry to find her and only wanted to be fast, the current situation would be much more tragic? These people could be said to have survived.


    When the servants, who had been taught a lesson by this group of fiends, saw them return, they even tactfully reduced their cries of pain, afraid that they would be noticed again.


    Xiaoxiao wanted tough, but when her gazended on Yun San��s abnormally drooping left arm, her expression gradually turned serious. [Baby, what��s wrong with Yun San��s arm?]


    The space replied quickly: [After the ingredient identification, the�� the man��s left arm tendons are broken. He might be disabled if treatment is dyed.] Master said that the word ��ingredients�� could not be used on her own people. Xiaoxiao looked behind the two of them again. She could clearly feel Rong Yan, Yun Er and Yun San��s expressions stiffen. Rong Yan tightened his grip on her hand. ��Yun Wu�� is gone.��


    The simple word ��gone�� was too heavy for the few of them, including Xiaoxiao, and even the joy of reuniting after a long time was suppressed.


    Rong Yan had yet to put away his sword. When he got closer, Xiaoxiao could see the dents on the de.


    This sword that apanied him back to the Imperial Capital had be like this.. It could be seen how difficult the journey was��

 Chapter 276 - 276: Your Savior

    Chapter 276 - 276: Your Savior


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao did not know how tofort him, so she firmly held Rong Yan��s hand.


    Ning Ansheng and Ning Anhui were already pacing back and forth at the door. They had clearly exined their intentions, but the Li Family insisted on stopping them outside. How was this an attitude of thanking them?


    If Ah Yan had not asked them to wait for the county magistrate at the door, they would have rushed in long ago.


    Sigh, but Big Brother, Ah Yan asked us to wait here. Why did he rush in first?�� The answer to this question was answered when he saw his sister walking towards the door. Ning Anhui looked at their hands that had yet to separate and his eyes almost popped out. ��Y-you two?��


    Ning Ansheng frowned and went forward. He had originally admired Ah Yan for being superior to him in terms of academics, but now, he suddenly found him an eyesore.


    Luckily, County Magistrate Shen��s carriage came at this moment and broke the awkwardness.


    Ning Ansheng stood in front of the two of them and red at Rong Yan. ��Why aren��t you letting go?��


    Rong Yan didn��t want to affect Xiaoxiao��s reputation in front of outsiders. Hence, when County Magistrate Shen came to everyone, he and Xiaoxiao were already standing on either side of Ning Ansheng. Ning Anhui didn��t know where to look. He looked at this and that. He couldn��t understand when they were together and why they were under their noses�� What was that word again?


    He felt a little emotional. His little cabbage was finally going to be taken advantage of by a pig. Fortunately, they were very familiar with Ah Yan and knew each other well. If his sister really liked him, she would not marry far away and they could take care of her at any time. Moreover, he heard from Big Brother that Ah Yan was knowledgeable. He might even be able to get a schrship in the future. Their family did not have high expectations. It was fine as long as he could be a Xiucai and let his sister live a good life in the future.


    While he was thinking, County Magistrate Shen bowed to Ah Yan. ��Third Prince, this way please.��


    Rong Yan passed by Xijiang County in a low profile manner because he had heard that the new rice seed had been robbed. His intuition told him that this matter might be rted to Yan Lu.


    There was no need for unnecessary small talk. General Xiao and the imperial guards were still waiting in a hidden spot beside the official road. The dy could not be too long. Unfortunately, after meeting Xiaoxiao, they were about to part again. He wanted to say goodbye, but he saw that Xiaoxiao had already jumped into her family��s carriage.


    Before Rong Yan could feel mncholic, she came out quickly with a long cloth bag in one hand and a food box in the other. She stuffed the two acre things into Rong Yan��s arms. ��Have a safe trip.��


    Rong Yan used to look down on those sentimental people the most, but now, he felt that Xiaoxiao was too decisive and was a little depressed. He couldn��t hide his smile when he opened the food box in the carriage.


    They were all his favorite snacks. Yun Er took a look and was filled with envy. Why does Miss Ning have the habit of bringing food boxes with her? What she brought are all your favorites. Is this the legendary longing for people by looking at their favorite things?��


    Rong Yan darted a look at him and gave him some. Then he turned to County Magistrate Shen. ��What��s with the new rice seeds?��


    County Magistrate Shen sinctly exined what happened during this period of time in the fragrance of the snacks. He was greatly relieved when he learned that Yan Lu only stole the ordinary rice seeds after they exchanged them. Hearing that it was Xiaoxiao��s idea, he looked a little proud, but then he was a little worried. ��Why is she always in danger?��


    If she was discovered eavesdropping, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    Yun Er wiped his mouth. ��Fortunately, Master left Yun San behind. I can be more at ease in the future.��


    Outside the Li Residence, Xiaoxiao, Big Brother and Second Brother were looking at each other. Ning Anhui was in a daze. ��What did the county magistrate call Ah Yan just now?��


    Ning Ansheng suppressed the shock in his heart and turned to look at Xiaoxiao. ��Shouldn��t you have something to tell us?��


    Xiaoxiao retreated guiltily. At this moment, Yun San, who had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders, took a step forward. ��Young Master Ning, Second Young Master Ning, you can��t me Miss Ning for this. My Master has been hiding his identity. It��s like this����


    Yan Lu��s matter was very important, but since Master had already obtained the imperial edict and was only waiting to capture him and bring him back to the capital, Rong Yan did not intend to hide it anymore. If Yan Lu retaliated before he died, the Ning Family would be on guard.


    ��Young Masters, things have been very tense recently. In the future, you will be escorted by me and these brothers. If you encounter anyone you don��t know or don��t want to see, you can reject them.��


    Other than Yun San, Rong Yan also left behind a few guards who looked like they were not to be trifled with. Hearing Yun San��s words, these people went forward respectfully. ��Greetings, Young Masters and Miss.��


    They knew that His Highness valued the Ning Family, so they would not look down on them just because of their status. After greeting them, they nimbly followed behind Ning Ansheng and his brother. It was obvious that they had started their guard duties.


    Yun San and another guard stayed in front of Xiaoxiao. ��Eighteen and I will be in charge of Miss Ning��s safety. Also, Master Ning and Madam will also have someone with them.��


    Ning Anhui couldn��te back to his senses because of this series of greetings, but Ning Ansheng couldn��t remain calm. ��Is it very dangerous?��


    Yun San had received Master��s instructions in advance and was not perfunctory. ��Yan Lu is the person the Yan Family thinks highly of all these years. He��s also cunning and won��t surrender obediently. Even if Master has already received the imperial edict, it��s hard to guarantee that he won��t resist with his life.��


    Ning Ansheng clenched his fists under his sleeves.


    After they left, the Li Residence was in chaos. Li Muyan had just opened his eyes when he heard that Old Madam was in a critical state. After listening to his personal servant tell him what had just happened, he looked at the teacup on the table haggardly. Then, he washed his face and walked towards Old Madam.


    Before he entered the house, he heard the sound of ss smashinging from inside. He pushed open the door and Old Madam leaned against the pillow with her forehead wrapped in a bandeau. Her face was filled with anger. I m not drinking it! Any country girl can make me angry. Why should I drink medicine!��


    Li Muyan took a deep breath and walked over to her. ��Grandmother, the country girl�� you��re talking about is your savior.��


    Old Madam sneered and didn��t think much of it. ��She simply assisted that young doctor. Is this considered my benefactor?��


    Li Muyan interrupted her rude words. ��Without her, I wouldn��t have been able to find the 100-year-old ginseng that can keep you alive. You wouldn��t have been able tost until Doctor Gongsun opened your stomach. Don��t say that opening your stomach is a killing technique. We saw the festering thing in your stomach clearly. We didn��t say it in the past because we were afraid of scaring you. Without Doctor Gongsun and Miss Ning, you would have died in less than three months even if you drank ginseng, lingzhi, and deer antler soup every day. Even if you��re not afraid of death, are you not afraid of pain?��


    Previously, your abdominal pain was unbearable. I was the one who begged Doctor Gongsun to prescribe you medicine for pain relief. When your illness activates and there��s no cure, you will be tortured by such pain day and night. No matter how much medicine you drink, it��s useless.��


    ��Don��t mention those folk prescriptions to me either. I��ve found you living examples of the prescriptions you��ve tried. They��re either in a sorry state because of vomiting and diarrhea after drinking talisman water, or because of the abdominal closure after eating the y.. Do you still want to try?��

 Chapter 277 - 277: I’m The Head Of The Li Family

    Chapter 277: I��m The Head Of The Li Family


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Old Madam was stunned. Li Muyan continued, ��You look down on Miss Ning for being born in a farming family, but you don��t know that she went home without hesitation to get that priceless 100-year-old ginseng when she heard that you were critically ill.��


    Old Madam muttered softly, ��That��s because she knows that our family is rich. That ginseng can be sold for a high price.��


    Li Muyan was tired. ��Why do you have to distort other people��s good intentions?��


    Looking at the foul atmosphere in the room, Li Muyan sighed. ��Continue brewing the medicine. If Old Madam wants to smash it, let her smash it. Brew it again until she��s willing to drink it.��


    ��All the medicines are the best. The expenses are from my private vault.��


    Old Madam didn��t look like she was going to admit defeat with a straight face. Li Muyan continued, ��In addition, from today onwards, Old Madam has to recuperate. From now on, no matter who you want to invite back to the residence, you have to get my permission. No one is allowed to disturb the Ning Family without my instructions. Also, Nanny Chen is old. It��s time for you to return to your house and enjoy your family life. I��ll leave Grandma to Nanny Zhao.��


    Old Madam��s eyes widened. ��What do you mean?��


    Li Muyan walked out with his hands behind his back. ��Grandmother, I��m the head of the Li Family.��


    After that, no matter who came to plead for leniency, they were forcefully stopped outside the door by Li Muyan. Li Muyan��s personal servant asked worriedly, ��What if Old Madam still refuses to take the medicine?��


    Li Muyan frowned deeply. After a long time, he said helplessly, ��She won��t. She will drink it after it hurts.��


    Old Madam Li had never suffered all these years. However, after smashing two cups of medicine, she was tortured by the faint pain in various parts of her body until she seemed to have lost half her life. When she was waiting for the third bowl of medicine, her sweat wet the bed, leaving behind a sour smell.


    The servant came to report, ��Young Master, Old Madam has taken her medicine.��


    Li Muyan put down the gift list in his hand. ��Send these to the Ning Family.��


    The servant took a look and was secretly shocked. Young Master really valued Miss Ning. However, the gift sent this time was actually returned. The servant scratched his head and said, ��Miss Ning said that the silver for the ginseng has already been given.��


    Li Muyan sighed. ��Miss Ning is really angry.��


    That was true. Xiaoxiao was not made of y. She was kind enough to help, but Old Madam Li took her down a notch. She would definitely be unhappy. Not every ��sorry�� could get an ��it��s alright�� in return. Last time, it was He Ruhuan. This time, it was Old Madam. What about next time? Would it be Li Muyan��s parents and aunties next time?


    It seemed like the coboration with the Li Family could be postponed until Li Muyan cleaned up the mess at home.


    The wastnd at the foot of their mountain was now emerald green. It was filled with pasture that had grown after cattle and sheep ate it. Xiaoxiao propped her chin on her hand and looked at it for a while before asking the space: [How many points are there?]


    The space jumped for joy: [Current total points: 65,800. Master, it��s been increasing very quickly recently!] At this speed, it could level up in four to five days.


    Xiaoxiao nodded and looked at her mountain. Under the lead of Chen Kuan and Wang He, the refugees who came to the Ning Family to apply for jobs had cleared the weeds and withered trees on the mountain and nted the saplings she had prepared. Xiaoxiao did not know if it was because of her heart, but she felt that even from afar, this mountain looked much better than the other mountains beside it.


    Just as she was admiring it, Chen Kuan and the others moved over hesitantly. ��Boss, can we continue to work for the Ning Family after nting the trees?��


    The Ning Family was magnanimous and gave them enough money. They never owed them money. They could not bear to miss such a good boss.


    Xiaoxiao said, ��I was about to ask. Which one of you has farmed before?��


    There were quite a lot of people. As a dabbler, Xiaoxiao could not take on the assessment, so she invited Ning Fengnian over and asked him to find some people who knew how to farm, leaving them to continue farming the second season of rice.


    Chen Kuan and the others were a little puzzled. ��Didn��t they say that the new rice seeds were stolen by thieves?��


    Ning Fengnian also turned around curiously. Xiaoxiao was helpless. ��Without new rice seeds, we still have to nt crops.��


    That was true. They couldn��t just leave the 10 acres of the best qualitynd empty every day if they couldn��t find the rice seeds, right?


    The next day, Ning Fengnian started to prepare the seedlings for the rice seeds that Xiaoxiao ��bought�� with a few newly selected helpers. The others looked at Xiaoxiao eagerly. ��Miss, you said that there are other jobs for us. Is that true?��


    ��Yes, I do,�� Xiaoxiao said. ��But you��ll be busier and more tired.��


    Without waiting for them to retreat, Xiaoxiao continued, ��But at the same time, you earn more money.��


    Everyone��s eyes began to glow. They were not afraid of hardship or tiredness, but they were afraid of being poor.


    The green prawn business in Fragrance Restaurant was not stingy with sharing the experiences of the old gluttons who had participated in the food tasting. There was an endless stream of customers, and the other restaurants imitated them. This made the vigers of Fortune Vige, who discovered the green prawns first, earn a lot of money. Every time they saw the Ning Family, they couldn��t stop smiling.


    However, soon, the shopkeepers who were in the supper business encountered the same problem.


    It was too hot during the day in July. Everyone liked to go outter. However, they would not notice the time when they were happy. Usually, as soon as supper was served, the watchmen outside would already start to urge them. The bailiffs of the county office also began to patrol. In order not to waste it, they could only stuff it into their mouths. It was fine if they could not enjoy it leisurely, but they were all so anxious that they could not finish it in time. After a few times, they lost the mood to wait.


    The shopkeepers of the restaurant were all anxious. They were busy processing money for the chef and waiters to speed up and persuading the customers to pack it up. However, their efforts were in vain.


    Seeing that the profitable business that had just be popr was about to fail again, the shopkeepers, including Shopkeeper Xu, were anxious, but they could not find a solution.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao rented a house in a remote part of the county and got someone to release the news to call over the diligent refugees who could not find work.


    With Chen Kuan, Wang He, and the others as guarantors, the refugees quickly gathered when they found out that there were busy but money-making jobs. They were shocked when they went��because there were actually officials outside the residence.


    As refugees, it was very difficult for them to be epted no matter where they fled to. They were ostracized and expelled by the authorities often. Hence, when they saw the bailiffs, their first reaction was that they had to leave again. However, Chen Kuan and Wang He, who were already familiar with Xiaoxiao, walked over generously.


    ��Miss Ning, where do we register?��


    Xiaoxiao pointed at the bailiffs who were trying their best to put on a kind face. ��Leave your name and identity information there ording to the instructions of the bailiff big brothers. After registering, you can receive your token.��


    With someone taking the lead, the refugees became bolder and could listen to the bailiffs in peace. They heard that the job they were going to do was called ��takeout��..

 Chapter 278 - 278: A Good Samaritan Who Doesn’ t Want To Disclose His Name Or Receive An Apology

    Chapter 278: A Good Samaritan Who Doesn�� t Want To Disclose His Name Or Receive An Apology


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The so-called takeout was to send the food from the restaurant to the guests�� houses so that the guests could enjoy the delicious food at home leisurely. They did not have to worry about the curfew or their image being damaged.


    Every delivery man was registered. When they received the goods and delivered them, they had to stamp them with the seal issued by the government. This way, both parties were more at ease. They could find the source immediately if anything went wrong.


    ��Therefore, I have to say this first. You have to consider it carefully before taking on the job. If you identally break someone��s things, you have topensate them.��


    Hearing this, everyone started to hesitate again. After about 30% of the people left, the remaining people had firm gazes. At this moment, the bailiffs added under Xiaoo��s signal, ��But you can rest assured that not all the ingredients can be taken out. We��ll tell those shop owners first that they��ll still be in charge of expensive ingredients like shark��s fin and bird��s nest. They will also avoid using too expensive cutlery when sending them out.��


    To put it bluntly, this takeaway business wasunched by Xiaoxiao to relieve the pressure of supper. What was more suitable to be delivered than crayfish?


    As long as there was an iron pot that could be covered tightly, regardless of whether it was the garlic paste Thirteen Spices crayfish or the steamed and stir-fried egg yolk crayfish, it would still be steaming when the lid was lifted at the customer��s house. It was very difficult not to be tempted.


    The originally weak supper business was lively again. The shopkeepers continued to smile until their eyes couldn��t be seen. They were all very grateful to ��Miss Ning��, who had suggested the delivery method. Hence, when this girl came to ask them if they wanted to add a new convenient and fast supper, everyone expressed their willingness to hear the details.


    Xiaoxiao gathered these people together and had a happy tasting meeting. The charcoal oven and various ingredients that she had prepared long ago were ced on the spot. Then, a wonderful fragrance wafted into everyone��s noses.


    That��s right, what Xiaoxiao wanted to cook was barbecue.


    Ah Da and Ah He��the herdsman who had a deep rtionship with their sheep��ate more than 30 spicy mutton skewers with tears in their eyes. Then, they contacted theirpanions and asked them to prepare more sheep to send into the pass.


    The other herdsmen who had just received the news felt that the two of them were daydreaming. However, when the real money was in their hands and they exchanged it for food that could prevent them from starving in the winter, everyone immediately rubbed their palms together and fought for the opportunity.


    ��That��s strange. Haven��t the people behind the pass ever been used to mutton? We were talking about strong-smelling meat. Why do they suddenly want it so much?��


    ��I don��t know. I heard from Ah Da and the others that a farmer made some spices. When they sprinkled it on the mutton, there was no smell at all. It was even fragrant and strange. The two of them couldn��t stop eating. Now, they drool when they herd sheep.��


    ��Those two bastards didn��t know to bring some back����


    Mrs. Shen did not expect Xiaoxiao to start a new business after she bought milk for her. Now, almost all the restaurants had set up carbon stoves to sell barbecue. Roastedmb skewers were the mostmon and sold the best. The rest, such as roasted vegetables, roasted mushrooms, roasted eggnt, and so on, were in short supply because of the cheap price.


    In this way, the troublesome green prawns became takeout, and the fast and convenient barbecue became a new hobby. Let��s talk about the fragrance of meat on the way home after work at night. Who couldn��t resist the temptation of 1,2,3 4,5,6,7,8 or 9 skewers?


    One skewer of mutton cost two copper coins, two skewers of roasted vegetables cost one copper coin. They worked diligently for the entire day. It was not too much to asionally improve their food quality at night, right? The key was that this price was not expensive! Compared to the meat dishes in the restaurant that cost dozens of copper coins a serving, the mutton skewers were simply too worth it. If word got out, they would also be someone who ate meat every day. How showy!


    County Magistrate Shen looked at the prosperous streets and thought that the harvest that was secretly cultivated by the Shen Family would be shocking in a few months. He felt that the whole world was wonderful.


    The adviser, who knew the inside story, secretly said to him, ��The refugees are properly settled and can get along with the local people. The taxes and food in Xijiang County will increase greatly in theing year. Lord, with your political achievements, there��s hope for your promotion!��


    County Magistrate Shen shook his head. ��I��ve only been in Xijiang County for a short time. I��m not in a hurry to be promoted. I��m already satisfied to see the people living and working well.��


    Speaking of which, this was all thanks to that girl from the Ning Family.


    The appearance of new rice seeds, the stability of the refugees, the brisk business of the restaurants, and the pots recently sold by the cksmith were all facilitated by her. Could this girl be his lucky star?


    Just as he was thinking, someone came to report that Young Master Li was visiting again. County Magistrate Shen was about to say that he was not here, when the usually polite boy came in himself.


    ��Uncle.�� After bowing to County Magistrate Shen, Li Muyan said, ��I know that the Li Family has done very bad things to Miss Ning. It��s only right for you and Aunt to me me, but I really want to apologize sincerely. Can you help me?��


    He had already wanted to apologize to Xiaoxiao several times, but Xiaoxiao did not want to see him. Every time he rushed to Xiaoxiao��s ce, thetter had already left a step ahead. He could not stay at her house and wait, so he could onlye to ask for help.


    County Magistrate Shen sighed. ��Little Girl Ning lent you the ginseng and helped the genius doctor to save your grandmother. Instead of treating her as a distinguished guest, you guys repaid kindness with ingratitude and allowed a servant to bully her. If my son did this, I would definitely beat him to death!��


    As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Tianci ran in excitedly. ��Father, haven��t you always treated Cousin like your biological son?! With our rtionship, we��re definitely biologically rted!�� After saying that, he even handed over a feather duster that he had taken out at some point in time.


    County Magistrate Shen was speechless.


    Li Muyan was speechless.


    After sending Shen Tianci away, County Magistrate Shen saw that Li Muyan was really distressed and really wanted to apologize, so he said slowly, ��Actually, there is a way.��


    Li Muyan looked up abruptly. ��Uncle, please tell me. Even if you really beat me up, I won��t fight back.��


    Although he was really tempted, County Magistrate Shen still talked about business seriously. ��Do you know that your grandmother has a herbal shop that no one is allowed to touch? It used to be a pawn shop?��


    Li Muyan had an impression of it. County Magistrate Shen asked him, ��Can you find anything about the pawnshop now?��


    He had already ordered people to investigate carefully. There were no bandits nearby when Xiaoxiao came to Fortune Vige for a few years. Even so, he was still at ease with Li Muyan��s character. He said, ��Old Madam of the Ning Family sold Little Girl Ning��s mother��s dowry a few years ago. Among them were the belongings of their elders. They wanted to get them back.��


    ***


    Xiaoxiao was going to think of a way to find the jade pendant when she was free, but County Magistrate Shen asked her for it mysteriously and asked without any mystery. ��Guess who wants to help you find something?��


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes at the sky. ��I guess it��s a kind person who doesn��t want to reveal his name and doesn��t ask for anything in return, let alone apologize.��


    County Magistrate Shen could only ask his wife��s nephew to pray for mercy himself..

 Chapter 279 - 279: Level-Eight Space

    Chapter 279 - 279: Level-Eight Space


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Actually, Xiaoxiao didn��t care much about her background. As County Magistrate Shen said, even if she was really the daughter of a bandit, the Emperor would ignore it because of her new rice seed. Therefore, she should focus on her career at this time.


    [Bao��er, how many points do you have?]


    The space was so happy that it was about to fly. [Master, Master, you��re really too smart. The reward points from the supper stall every day are really too many. Now, the total points are already more than 180,000!]


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin. [Then let��s level up a little first.]


    She felt that she had only really grasped the trick of using space now. The three to four times speed in the past was nothing. When the space leveled up again, the QQfarm would be in her control. It was fantastic just thinking about it.


    When it came to upgrading, the space reacted quickly: [Upgrade sessful. Current space level: 8.]


    [The time flow in the farnd has increased. The current time flow is eight times faster!]


    [The time flow in the ranch has increased. The current speed is eight times!] [The time flow in the water has increased. The current speed is eight times!] [Time Hut��s current adjustable speed is plus or minus eight times!] [Range Control ability upgraded!]


    [New function obtained: Spatial projection. The projection range is 8��8.]


    [You have obtained one seed for the upgrade reward. Current total points are 83,650.]


    From the looks of it, if nothing went wrong, she would be able to level up again in two to three days. Xiaoxiao could enjoy the joy of winning without doing anything before going to see her mountain.


    The fruit trees on the mountain were still growing normally ording to thews of nature, and the fruits in the space were already ripened one after another. It was a pity to leave them there. She brewed fruit wine in the space, thinking that it would be good for her to secretly take a sip in the dead of night. After the busyness in the space ended, Xiaoxiao stretched her muscles and found a big tree with lush leaves in the vige. She leaned against the shade of the tree and enjoyed the shade, watching the peopleing and going.


    The farmers had just finished their work, so the vigers were still quite free. Usually, at this time, everyone would either take the opportunity to rest or nt some beans in the fields to nourish theirnd or coarse grain that could be conveniently stored.


    However, now, everyone was happily usings to catch those stupid green prawns. Every time they returned with a full load, they would sell them to the restaurant in exchange for money to improve their living conditions.


    This was like a pie falling from the sky. It was quite happy, but apart from being happy, everyone was also worried about what they would have to rely on to make a living if they caught all the green prawns in the river one day.


    Hearing the vigers�� reluctant discussion, Xiaoxiao had an idea. ��Why don��t we dig a river pond and raise green prawns ourselves?��


    The vigers were attracted by her words. One by one, they leaned over and discussed. ��Is it reliable?��


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��They could survive in the paddy field back then. How can they die from digging a pond for them?��


    ��Besides, even if it doesn��t work, it��s just a waste of effort. If it works, won��t we have a long-term livelihood in the future?��


    As soon as her train of thought started, she could not stop. ��When the timees, we won��t be just raising prawns and fish in the pond. We can nt some lotus flowers. We can pick lotus seed pods in summer and collect lotus roots in the future. Isn��t that another livelihood?��


    ��Lotus seed soup, lotus seed porridge, honey lotus root, lotus root pork ribs soup. They all taste good.��


    She was just making suggestions, but after saying that, she felt that it was feasible. She went home and chatted with her family.


    The vige chief sold a few more empty plots ofnd in half a day and was feeling puzzled. When he found out that it was the Ning Family��s girl who started it, he decisively boughtnd and dug the pond. After working for a long time, he remembered that he had yet to buy lotus seeds.


    Xiaoxiao was familiar with this job. ��Leave it to me, Uncle Vige Chief. I know someone in the county.��


    When Xiaoxiao bought the lotus seeds from the county, the vigers who knew a little better praised her repeatedly. ��This lotus seed is good. The grains are big and plump, and the skin patterns are meticulous. Moreover, it has already sprouted considerately. I can tell at a nce that they��re all good things!��


    Of course. How could a space product be substandard?


    After all, she was the one who persuaded them to nt lotus flowers and rear green prawns. How could she let everyone suffer a loss?


    She thought of asking the vigers of Fortune Vige to rear lotus flowers because the level-seven reward seeds she had received in the space had long revealed their true colors��twin lotus flowers on one stalk.


    Under the effect of seven times the speed, the lotus flowers hadpleted the blooming and fruiting process. They had also harvested two lotus pods and 60 lotus seeds. Because the lotus seeds were seeds, the space very generously recognized the implementability of them continuing to sow seeds.


    Therefore, in the endlesske in the space, there was arge number of spectacr and beautiful twin lotus flowers on one stalk blooming.


    Lotus flowers weremon, but twin lotus flowers on one stalk were rare. Not only was this kind of top-grade lotus flower good-looking, but its meaning was also auspicious. However, it was very far-fetched to use Dayan Mountain as an excuse to take it out. Now, when the vige was filled with lotuses, it would be only logical for a few twin lotus flowers to appear in any river pond.


    Lotus seeds did not have a dormant period. As long as the temperature was suitable, they could bloom in 50 to 60 days. Furthermore, Xiaoxiao had given the vigers lotus seeds that had germinated in the space. Presumably, they would be able to show the beautiful scene of the lotus leaves reaching the horizon in 30 to 4.0 days. At that time, it would be midsummer, and it would probably be interesting to row a boat to pick lotuses.


    The vigers of Fuyuan Vige did not know what kind of change their lives would wee. They only shed their hardworking sweat and began to catch prawns in their river pond.


    ��Speaking of which, it��s strange. I��ve never seen this green prawn before. It suddenly appeared this year and seems to be endless.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled and hid her achievements. ��Perhaps the Dusk River rose a few times and brought them back from elsewhere.��


    Elsewhere?


    Everyone looked up the Dusk River at the same time, and so did Xiaoxiao.


    Little Big Brother is already in Luo Prefecture, right? She wondered if this trip was smooth.


    As she was thinking, Yun San, who was not far away, rushed over with his arm hanging. ��Miss Ning, Master has sent a letter.��


    Xiaoxiao looked at the messenger pigeon in his hand and her face turned a little hot.


    Xiaoxiao felt that it was familiar the first time she saw it. If nothing went wrong, the foreign pigeon that she had eaten back then should be this one��spanion.


    Clearing her throat, Xiaoxiao avoided Yun San��s gaze. ��Have you sent all the biscuits you made for Doctor Gongsun?��


    Yun San replied loudly, ��Yes, Doctor Gongsun said that he wants to eat Mianmian Cake next time.��


    After discovering the problem with Yun San��s arm, Xiaoxiao brought him to Gongsun Zhongjing. When they were still in the Imperial Capital, Rong Yan had asked the imperial physician to treat Yun San��s injuries, but he could only save this arm at most. However, Doctor Gongsun was different. He said, ��If you want it to recover, we still have to break it again. Can you tolerate it?�� This made Yun San so excited that he almost broke his arm himself.


    Although he was not a person who felt sorry for himself, he could endure hardships and practice a one-handed sword technique even with only one hand. Who would still want to be a one-armed warrior after he could be cured?


    After his treatment, Yun San could already feel the numbness and itchiness in his wounds recently. Although it was a little unbearable, it made him overjoyed.


    With such medical skills and curative effect, this genius doctor did not want real money, but only Miss Ning��s snacks. This was really a rather unique consultation fee..

 Chapter 280 - 280: Serving Again

    Chapter 280 - 280: Serving Again


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After opening the letter and reading it, Xiaoxiao knew that Rong Yan and the others had already arrived at the Luo Prefecture a few days ago. She thought that they would be resisted by Yan Lu, but she did not expect the actual situation to be theplete opposite. Yan Lu surrendered and submitted obediently, making the imperial guards specially sent by the Emperor useless.


    Things went smoothly. Rong Yan originally wanted to return to Fortune Vige, but an urgent call suddenly came from the Imperial Capital and asked him to return to the capital immediately. Helpless, he could only send a message to Xiaoxiao to prevent her from mistakenly thinking that he had left without saying goodbye.


    ��When you received this letter, we were probably already on the way back to the Imperial Capital. We didn��t have the time to introduce you to a very important elder. After I bring Yan Lu back to the Imperial Capital, I will definitely officially visit with this elder again.��


    Xiaoxiao��s face turned slightly red. Why did she have to visit him? It was not like she did not know him. Why was he talking so seriously?


    Yun San said, ��Master said to let me stay by Miss��s side in the future. If there��s anything in the future, feel free to instruct me to do it!��


    Xiaoxiao asked curiously, ��Didn��t we already leave a secret guard behind? If we keep you here, will there be enough people around Little Big Brother in the future?��


    Yun San scratched his head. Aiya, Master even told Miss about Ying Zi. Since she was going to be his mistress in the future, he did not have to hide anything from her. ��Master has done a good job in capturing Yan Lu this time. His Majesty will definitely reward him when he returns, so he won��tck people around him. Moreover, the secret guard has already left with Master. He��s good at hiding and it��s inconvenient for him to follow Miss, but he��s more suitable to follow Master than me.��


    Xiaoxiao fell into deep thought. ��Left?��


    If the secret guard had already left, who was the one who had appeared near her from time to time these few days?


    Receiving Master��s question, the space immediately dutifullypared the data: [Master, my ingredient identification won��t be wrong. I can be sure that the ingredient, nope, secret guard is nearby.]


    Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hand and looked around fruitlessly before giving up for the time being.


    Yun San��s left arm was still recovering. Xiaoxiao thought that she did not have anything to do for the time being, so she sent him back to look after the courtyard and continued to hide under the shadows of the trees.


    During Little Big Brother��s absence, everything seemed to be normal, but it also seemed like something was missing. Xiaoxiao walked back and forth between her shop and Mrs. Shen��s elegant abode, and then walked a few rounds to the county. She felt that Xijiang County was much livelier than before.


    Although she hadmented about the prosperity of the county when she first arrived, that waspared to Fortune Vige. The streets were bustling now, and it was very different from before.


    At the thought that she had contributed to this, Xiaoxiao felt proud. However, Xijiang County was only so big. Even if she had more ambitions, she had nowhere to show them for the time being. Thinking about it, some experts were really lonely.


    At this moment, an imperial edictnded on Bowen Academy. The emperor ordered Chen Yong to head to Luo Prefecture immediately to deal with the repair of the dam. At the same time, he was also appointed as the new Luo Prefecture Governor.


    After hearing this news, the students of the academy suggested holding a farewell party for Teacher Chen.


    Shen Tianci, who came to ��So It��s You�� after school to drink milk tea, pursed his lips. ��What are they talking about? There are only a few people in Teacher Chen��sw ss. I don��t even know where one of them, Zhao Yan, is. The rest of them are not familiar with Teacher at all. Why are they pretending to miss him?��


    Ning Anhui, who was already a mature shopkeeper, replied, ��They��re just trying to get close to him. Isn��t it obvious? It��s not the teacher-student rtionship that made them miss him, but as a potential connection.��


    Her brother had indeed grown up. Xiaoxiao apuded and was flicked on the head.


    Ning Ansheng red at his younger brother. He lifted his sister��s bangs to see if her forehead was red. Ning Anhui felt very aggrieved. ��I didn��t even use any strength!�� It wasn��t like he was the only one who doted on his sister.


    Ning Ansheng didn��t even look at him. He tidied his sister��s hair and said, ��Teacher Chen is worried about the repair of the dam. We��ll set off tomorrow.�� Xiaoxiao was a little surprised. ��So soon?��


    Shen Tianci added, ��It��s more than that. Because I��m thinking about the dam, the official document for the government office��s recruitment has already been issued.��


    Logically speaking, the government would not conscript them again so quickly after the canal was dug. However, special circumstances asked for special measures.


    The Dusk River extended from north to south, and there were countless viges along the coast. If the dam copsed, thesemoners would be the first to suffer. Hence, themoners responded positively. However, they could not help but secretly scold Prefect Yan, who had already been brought back to the Imperial Capital, as they packed their things.


    To Xiaoxiao and the rest��s surprise, they heard that their father had also signed up when they returned home.


    Ning Fengnian said, ��Coincidentally, there��s nothing going on at home recently. One more person will have more strength to repair the dam.��


    He was not the only one. Hunter Zhao, who was not at home all year round, was also on the list to go to Luo Prefecture. Xiaoxiao realized that the vigers of Fortune Vige were quite enlightened. Other than a few hooligans, no one questioned the fact that there were two conscriptions in a short period of time. Xiaoxiao thought at home for the entire night and went to the houses of people she was familiar with the next day to buy a few sacks of green beans.


    Ning Anhui asked her curiously what she wanted to do. Xiaoxiao answered with a bowl of sweet mung bean soup to relieve the heat.


    ��It��s too hot. I��m worried that everyone will get heatstroke.��


    Ning Anhui felt that his younger sister was really the most considerate, kindest, and adorable sister in the world. He did not care if she was his biological daughter. Because he was too proud, he bragged to Shen Tianci. Then, County Magistrate Shen came to look for him before closing time that day.


    County Magistrate Shen said that it was a good idea to prepare mung bean soup and other summer relief supplies for themoners participating in the conscription, but he had to change her method.


    Hence, when themoners of Xijiang County who had volunteered to participate in the repair of the dam were ready to set off, the Ning Family siblings and Madam Song were added to their team.


    County Magistrate Shen said that the Ning Family could not help for free, so the county office hired Xiaoxiao.


    Actually, it was fine for others to do this, but Xiaoxiao and Madam Song could not bear for Ning Fengnian to be busy alone. After all, they were leaving their vige this time. Hence, even if the remuneration was not much, the Ning Family volunteered themselves.


    Xiaoxiao and Madam Song didn��t intend to let Ning Anhui follow them, but he, who was usually obsessed with earning money and couldn��t wait to save time to eat and sleep to do business, didn��t hesitate and closed his shop.


    In his words, ��Silver is nothingpared to family. Big Brother has to study and can��t leave, but I can��t let Mother and Sister work hard while Ize at home.��


    Although Madam Song said that he was wasting his time, she actually enjoyed his considerations very much.


    Lord Chen could ride a horse to take up his post first, but the citizens who applied could only walk. It was a hot summer day and they had to travel. It would have been miserable, but there was a supply of cold mung bean soup every once in a while. This made everyone look forward to the road ahead. Their heavy legs seemed to have strength again.


    ��Walk faster. There will be mung bean soup to drink if you go a little further!��


    ��To say that I��ve participated in so many conscriptions, this is really the first time I��m willing to run on the road..��

 Chapter 281 - 281: Level-Nine Space

    Chapter 281: Level-Nine Space


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao had long changed the green beans she bought into space products when no one was paying attention. The beans were round and plump, and the green bean soup that was cooked was sweet and dense. The big pot containing the summer soup had been ced on ice to chill it. When it entered their mouths, it was refreshing and instantly chased away the summer heat.


    There were so manymoners who were conscripted to serve. It was impossible for the county office to let the Ning Family handle all the matters with just three people. Hence, they specially found some refugees to help. When Chen Kuan and Wang He heard the news, they signed up first and helped Xiaoxiao distribute one bamboo tube after one bamboo tube of mung bean soup to themoners on their way.


    Themoners drank as they walked. It did not dy their schedule. When they were a little tired, they would see familiar carriages passing by them. It was the youngdy who was distributing the mung bean soup. They had to go to the front to prepare for the next round of distribution.


    Xiaoxiao and the rest had prepared a few carriages. Some had charcoal stoves to stew mung bean soup, and some were to transport ice cubes. Xiaoxiao was resting in the one that was specially for her.


    Actually, with the existence of the space cheat at night, she had already rested enough. However, her mother and second brother felt sorry for her, so she closed her eyes to rest. She asked: [Baby, what��s your score?]


    The space was very happy: [Master, Master, it��s already 150,000 yuan! Do you want to level up?]


    Xiaoxiao nodded. [Go ahead.]


    The space was originally worried that Xiaoxiao still wanted to exchange for something, so it did not say anything. Now that it got her permission, it happily announced��


    [Upgrade sessful. Current space level: Nine.]


    [The time flow in the farnd has increased. The current time flow is nine times faster!]


    [The time flow in the ranch has increased. The current speed is nine times!]


    [The time flow in the water body has increased. The current speed is nine times!]


    [Time Hut��s current adjustable speed is plus or minus nine times!]


    [Range Control ability upgraded!]


    [New function obtained: Spatial projection. The projection range is 9��9.]


    [You have obtained one seed for the upgrade reward. Current total points are 52,800.]


    It was unknown when, but Xiaoxiao really fell asleep under the steady bump.


    In her sleep, she saw the Luo Prefecture��s dam copse in the heavy rain. The flood destroyed countless viges and fields along the shore. The people along the Dusk River were in misery and wailing. Themoners had lost their loved ones and hometown. They closed their turbid eyes in pain and despair.


    As for those who were unwilling to submit to fate, they picked up the clubs and iron weapons in their hands, causing more chaos and taking away more innocent lives��


    After waking up, Xiaoxiao broke out in cold sweat. She lifted the curtain and looked at the overly warm sunlight outside the window.


    In her dream, it rained consecutively after the sun rose. However, the counties and towns in her dream did not have any protection. There were no canals, no government notice, and no sudden conscription.


    Hopefully, it was just a nightmare that would never happen. Lord Chen, County Magistrate Shen, and Little Big Brother had already made preparations. Things would definitely not develop to that extent.


    When Chen Yong arrived at the government office of Luo Prefecture, he didn��t care about the servants and soldiers�� non-violent but uncooperative attitudes. He didn��t care that others criticized him for making things difficult for him. He dealt with a few troublesome stewards quickly and used the people he borrowed from County Magistrate Shen and Rong Yan to fill the vacancy. Then, he rushed to the dam himself.


    It was true that Yan Lu was a corrupt official, but he was not brainless. He knew that letting the dam copse would affect his career as an official, so he did some simple measures.


    With County Magistrate Shen��s support and Rong Yan��s secret preparations, Chen Yong didn��tck manpower or money. He didn��t even have time to eat. He quickly announced that Luo Prefecture was in an emergency..

 Chapter 282 - 282: Thoughtful And Meticulous

    Chapter 282: Thoughtful And Meticulous


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    By the time Xiaoxiao and themoners who came to serve entered the city, the vigers next to the Dusk River had already been relocated to other hignds and the materials needed to rebuild the dam were ready. Xiaoxiao heaved a sigh of relief. Fortunately, it was different from her dream.


    Relieved, she moved Mother and Second Brother into the space-time hut to have a good sleep when they were not paying attention. Then, she watched the long line of 10,000 people fighting with the heavens for time for a while.


    Before theborers from other ces arrived, Chen Yong had already recruited workers to repair the dam. At this moment, everyone was lying on the ground to rest. Time was so tight that they did not even have the leisure to return to their residence. After sleeping, they still had to continue working.


    Xiaoxiao looked around and confirmed that no one was approaching. The workers here also fell asleep. She immediately instructed the space: [Baby, use space projection. Make it nine times slower. Let them rest well.]


    The people lying on the ground actually did not dare to fall asleep, afraid that they would identally oversleep and dy their work. However, when they suddenly woke up, they realized that there was still starlight above their heads. After asking around and knowing that they had only slept for less than an incense stick of time, they immediately lie down again in confusion.


    She would not be puzzled. How could she have the time to think about such nonsense at this juncture? She would seize the opportunity to sleep.


    After watching them sleep well, Xiaoxiao put away her space projection and walked towards the dam. From afar, it looked like a huge dam that far exceeded her current ability. Otherwise, she would definitely find an opportunity to use the space function to stabilize the copse.


    However, with the space in hand, there were more than one or two methods. When they reached the upper reaches where there were fewer people, Xiaoxiao reached her hand into the river��


    A few dayster, dark clouds covered the sun, and the warm sunlight was covered tightly. The heat of the past few days was swept away, and everyone actually felt a trace of coolness on this hot summer day. However, be it themoners and craftsmen who were in a hurry to repair it, or Lord Chen Yong, they could not be happy.


    Because this kind of weather meant that rain would fall at any time.


    In addition to cutting off the flow and building the dam, the craftsmen had also built arge-scale canopy over the past few days. However, everyone knew very well that all their efforts could not withstand the storm of nature. Chen Yong was anxious. His clean image of a schr was reced by a dirty one. The corners of his eyes were filled with bruises and there were blisters at the corners of his mouth.


    ��How is it?�� Even he, who did not do much physical work, could not take it after working hard every day, let alone those craftsmen andmoners who sweated under the hot sun all day. Hence, when he asked this question, he was already mentally prepared to ept the worst oue.


    Every time, many people would faint, fall sick, be injured, or�� die. He had been busy confirming the safety of the interception area and the subsequent construction materials. He had just woken up when he remembered that he had never heard such news from the dam construction area. He was afraid that he would be so busy that he would forget and dy the treatment of the injured and sick.


    The adviser carefully flipped through the booklet. He was also very surprised. ��Sir, everything is normal. Although there are some idental injuries, they��re all small injuries. I��ve already asked the doctor to treat them properly.��


    Chen Yong took the notebook and asked as he read, ��Is anyone suffering from heatstroke on such a hot day?��


    The adviser was full of admiration. ��The chef hired by County Magistrate Shen is so considerate. She provides cooling soup for the workers every day and even built a simple shed where everyone rests. There are also straw mats and rough cloths on the ground. I don��t know if it��s because they slept well, but the craftsmen andmoners are all energetic after the shift change. They all say that they feel like they have slept for a few days and nights, so they have never made a mistake when working.��


    ��County Magistrate Shen is indeed your junior brother. He is so thoughtful and meticulous..��

 Chapter 283 - 283: Descending From The Sky

    Chapter 283: Descending From The Sky


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Chen Yong, who had finished reading the notebook, rolled his eyes. ��Bullsh*t, Little Girl Ning did this herself. What has it got to do with Shen Congjun?��


    The adviser coughed lightly and remembered something. ��By the way, Miss Ning heard that you haven��t been eating and drinking for the past few days, so she specially made a bowl of lotus seed soup for you. It��s iced now. Do you want to have some?��


    Chen Yong touched the blisters at the corner of his mouth and got someone to send it over. He prepared to read the documents while eating.


    It was only when the things were in front of him that he realized that not only had Xiaoxiao prepared lotus seed soup to reduce the heat, but she had also made him a te of various snacks. There was the Mianmian Cake that Shen Congjun often bragged about, as well as the small biscuits that the Third Prince and the others often brought to the academy. In short, they were very fragrant.


    The adviser, who was worried about the adult��s health, heaved a sigh of relief when he saw the empty te. He was filled with gratitude to the Ning Family��s good cook.


    The prefect had been worrying too much recently. He did not know how long it had been since he had a decent meal. He was afraid that the prefect would tire himself out.


    After eating and drinking his fill, Chen Yong felt energetic again. His endurance should be stronger, so he asked what he had been worried about the past few days. ��How much has the water level increased after the cut-off?��


    The adviser was also puzzled for a long time. ��It didn��t increase. Instead, it decreased a little.��


    Chen Yong stopped flipping through the documents. ��Huh?��


    In order to properly repair the dam, they had painstakingly cut off the river water. Logically speaking, the water that was cut off should rise higher and higher. How could it fall?


    Filled with doubts, he personally went to the dam and realized that the water level was really below the previous scale. He could not help but look up at the sky and mutter to himself, ��Could it be that the weather is too hot and the water has dried up?��


    As he turned around, he saw a familiar figure not far away.


    ��Little Girl Ning?��


    Hearing someone call her, Xiaoxiao retracted her hand from the river and greeted him. ��Hello, Sir. Have you eaten?��


    Relying on the seemingly endless water body in the space, she absorbed the rising water of the Dusk River after it was cut off, trying her best to buy time for the dam to be repaired.


    Chen Yong touched the corner of his mouth. After confirming that there were no snacks left, he walked closer. ��Girl, you��re so considerate. What are you doing?��


    Xiaoxiao pointed at the river and said, ��There are so many fish inside.��


    Chen Yong saw that it was true. ��Why are there so many? There was nothing a few days ago.��


    Xiaoxiao, who had just scattered more than 10 portions of bait inside, said, ��Perhaps the heavens know that everyone has worked hard and specially sent them over to give the hardworking people a meal?��


    Chen Yong��s heart skipped a beat.


    The government could not afford the food of so manyborers, so everyone who did manual work could only eat steamed buns and dry rations to quench their hunger. There was no oil or water in the big pot of vegetables, and there was nothing to look forward to. Chen Yong did not mind paying for some meat, but the Imperial Court did not allocate such money. This precedent could not be set. Otherwise, it would be difficult to serve conscription in the future.


    What Shen Congjun did could not be repeated unless they did not want to be in the bureaucracy anymore. Moreover, Shen Congjun could use the new rice seeds to make up for itter, but he could not.


    But what if what he used to subsidize was ��falling from the sky��?


    Chen Yong was a person who did as he thought. That afternoon, he called for a few bailiffs and started fishing under Ning Anhui��s guidance. He reaped a huge harvest.


    At night, he even let his thoughts wander and announced that two wild boars had identally crashed into a tree and fainted when they came to drink water. After some consideration, the officials decided to stew the fish they caught during the day and the wild boars that came knocking on their door for everyone to eat.


    Themoners cheered and worked even harder..

 Chapter 284 - 284: Being An Official Is Really Brain-Consuming

    Chapter 284: Being An Official Is Really Brain-Consuming


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Although it was amunal meal, it would only be a waste of food if it was not cooked well. Hence, Chen Yong asked Xiaoxiao to do it without any hesitation.


    Thetter also agreed right away.


    While taking care of the ��wild boars�� that had been cut into pieces, Ning Anhui held their hind elbows and narrowed his eyes. ��Why doesn��t this look like a wild boar to me?��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t stop and said softly, ��You saw through it but didn��t expose it.


    This is Lord Chen doing a good deed without leaving his name.��


    Ning Anhui pondered for a while and sighed. ��It��s really tiring to be an official. Fortunately, I don��t have that ability.


    Xiaoxiao:�� You sound quite proud?


    There was nothing left after the two pigs were distributed to everyone. If they wanted a reasonable distribution, the method was very important.


    There was no need to consider braised pork and stewed pork ribs which neededrge pieces of meat. The meat had to be shaved as much as possible and then cut into minced meat and shredded meat. The bones could not be thrown away either. It would be made into a pot of meat soup with grease.


    That day, theborers showed unprecedented enthusiasm. Not only did theyplete the day��s mission in advance, but they also took the initiative to work overtime. They were waiting for the ce with the fragrance outside to shout-


    ��Alright, time to eat!��


    The huge iron pot that was specially used for mass cooking was lifted. There were tender meatballs floating on the steaming soup inside. The meatballs were white and pink, and a few green leaves. They could be considered abination of meat and vegetables.


    ��Everyone has a fishball and a meatbail. Line up and don��t snatch them.


    Everyone has them.��


    These ��balls�� were not small balls the size of a finger. The two balls filled the bowl. The bone soup had the umami taste of fish meat, so it was most suitable for dipping steamed buns. Some tender vegetable leaves were quite delicious after absorbing the soup and oil.


    After eating their fill, they went to a morefortable resting ce after being perfected by the officials. They did not believe it themselves. They closed their eyes and opened them. They actually woke up naturally.


    Their fatigue disappeared. They, who were full of energy, greatly increased the efficiency of repairing the dam.


    That night, the heavy rain that hung in the air and in everyone��s hearts finally fell. Chen Yong looked at the spot where the water stopped, worried. He did not know when the water would suddenly rush down.


    However, miraculously, the water level, which was originally expected to soar in 12 hours, was still stable in ce 24 hourster. While everyone was d, they worked overtime and worked hard.


    As they rested well, their food was also improved. Everyone worked in an orderly manner and cooperated seamlessly. Soon, the cracks on the dam were repaired. It was also at this moment that the cut-off area was clearly about to withstand the water pressure. Although the Dusk River sounded unimpressive, it was actually a river hundreds of meters wide. If it overflowed, not to mention the dam that was only half repaired, even the surrounding hundreds of meters would suffer.


    Chen Yong decisively ordered the retreat and opened the drainage channel. Everyone saw the surging river water rush out along the channel that had just been dug with an extremely shocking aura. It circled around them and continued to surge downstream.


    The water current was so strong that everyone was speechless and their hearts raced. Everyone was worried about the coastal towns. Fortunately, someone came to report not long after. ��Sir, thanks to those canals, the Dusk River was dispersed by the canals before it could break the dam. There were no serious consequences.��


    Chen Yong��s heart, which was in his throat, returned to its original ce. He instructed someone to set up the interception area again and continue construction.


    At a spot that no one noticed, Xiaoxiao retracted her hand that was soaked in water and heaved a long sigh. She had just barely walked back to her residence when she fell.


    She did not know how long she had slept for, but she vaguely heard a familiar electronic prompt: [Current total points are 132,200. Do you want to upgrade?] Relying on her instincts, Xiaoxiao said: [Yes.]


    Her head was a little dizzy when she heard the space broadcast��


    [Upgrade sessful. Current space level: 10.]


    [The time flow in the farnd has increased. The current speed is 10 times faster!]


    [The time flow in the ranch has increased. The current speed is 10 times faster!]


    [Time flow in the water has increased. Current speed is 10 times!] [Time Hut��s current adjustable speed is plus or minus 10 times!]


    [Range Control ability upgraded!]


    [The Space Exchange Mall category is updated.] [New function obtained: Spatial projection. The projection range is 10��10.] [You have received one brocade bag for the upgrade reward. Current total points are 32,200.]


    [Master, do you want to open the brocade pouch?]


    Xiaoxiao felt that she was too tired. After being tired for so many days, she also wanted to rest well, so she let herself fall into a deep sleep. Hence, she did not hear the space ask��


    [Master, do you want to open the brocade pouch?]


    [Master, do you want to open the brocade pouch?]


    [The host has no answer. The space will automatically make a choice in three seconds. 3, 2,1. The brocade pouch has been activated and you have received an interim space reward. Please choose the reward content-]


    [One, 1��1 farnd speed multiplied by 10.]


    [Two, 1��1 ranch speed times 10.]


    [Three, lxi water speed multiplied by 10.]


    [Four, Hidden reward.]


    [The host has no answer. The space will make a choice in three seconds. 3, 2,1, it has automatically chosen to upgrade the farnd��s speed. The current speed of the special farnd is too times faster.]


    Xiaoxiao felt that she might have used too much space to cause her brain to be tired. To exin it in fantasy terms, this was probably called overdrawing her mental strength. However, the strange thing was that while she was asleep�� or rather, unconscious, she felt herself floating in the space.


    Then, she saw the full view of the space in the air. She also saw the four options that suddenly floated in the void when the space gave the choice. She understood after reading the first three, but what floated at the fourth option was a semi-intangible door.


    When she woke up, her mother and Second Brother were guarding her window with worried expressions. They heaved a sigh of relief when they saw her open her eyes. Madam Song��s tears fell. ��You scared me to death.�� As she spoke, she hugged her tightly.


    Although Second Brother did not say anything, his eyes were red.


    Xiaoxiao smiled and pulled Second Brother��s sleeve. ��I��m fine. I��m just a little sleepy, so I identally slept a little longer.��


    Second Brother��s eyes were filled with resentment, but he did not say anything. Hence, Xiaoxiao only knew that she had slept for an entire day and night after eating and drinking her fill.


    However, after waking up, she clearly felt that she was full of energy, ears, and eyes. Even her eyesight seemed to be much better.


    Wait it didn��t ��seem�� to be. Xiaoxiao realized that she could even see the butterflies flying over 10 meters away clearly. She calmed down and listened. The footsteps of the pedestrians passing by outside were especially clear. What was going on?


    The space was also waiting for her to wake up: [Master, Master, I��ve broken through and leveled up! I��m Level-Ten now. As my master, you will also undergo a rebirth!]


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and asked: [Will I grow taller? Will I be prettier?]


    The space was a little unhappy.. [Yes�� but Master, it��s not just your appearance�� I��ll be very capable and useful��]

 Chapter 285 - 285: Hidden Reward

    Chapter 285: Hidden Reward


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. The space data stream trembled and it reacted: [Master is teasing me again.]


    Only then did Xiaoxiao say: [I can already feel that I have sharp ears, sharp eyes, and good spirits, but I haven��t seen my appearance yet, so I��m asking you this.]


    The space became energetic again and briefly exined the changes in the space when she fell asleep. Without a word, Xiaoxiao exchanged for five ginseng seedlings and five lingzhi seedlings to nt in the 100-fold farnd. Then, she looked at the ripe rice and wheat on the farnd and then at the rich warehouse. She decisively changed to othermonly used medicinal herbs after harvesting them.


    She might have a slight obsessivepulsive disorder, but she only feltfortable when she saw it neat and tidy.


    After doing this, she asked: [What exactly is the fourth option?]


    The space fell silent. Obviously, this was another unanswerable question.


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment. [Then I��ll ask in another way. Can I take a look?]


    The space replied this time, but what it said was: [No, Master, because it��s a hidden reward. A hidden reward is like a blind box in your previous life. I can��t tell you the specific content before opening it.]


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows, and the image of the door shed across her mind again.


    Although she did not know what it was or why she had clearly seen its appearance when she was unconscious, she had a feeling that it must be something very important to her.


    [Will the fourth item appear again the next time I level up? Is it still the same?]


    The space gave an affirmative answer: [The content of the hidden reward for the phase upgrade remains unchanged.]


    In other words, she would still see that door when she reached Level 20.


    When choosing theborers, Chen Yong chose those people whose houses were close to the riverbank. Hence, they saw the scene of the river breaking with their own eyes. Themoners and craftsmen who built the dam were even more careful and diligent, and they wished they could work on it even harder. Hence, after a day and night, the dam had already changed.


    When Xiaoxiao came to the construction site, everyone who saw her smiled even when they were tired. Ning Anhui whispered to her, ��Everyone was very worried when they found out that you fainted from exhaustion.�� ��There are also many people who say that even a youngdy like you can do her best to this extent. Men like them can��t fall behind.


    What Xiaoxiao could cook for everyone was delicious food that could replenish their strength. Hence, the smell of food floated up from the construction site at noon the day she woke up.


    Hearing her actions, Chen Yong could not help but nod repeatedly. He, who was squatting by the dam, hadpletely lost his elegant and elegant appearance from before. Not only was he disheveled, but he also had a huge beard. Xiaoxiao did not know if he drank the soup or his beard.


    However, his actions of going through thick and thin with the people really benefited theborers and bailiffs. At this moment, they called him ��Lord Chen�� with more respect and recognition.


    Xiaoxiao praised him inwardly. Chen Yong had just taken office and originally needed a long time to integrate into this government office. Now, his efficiency was much higher. Speaking of which, County Magistrate Shen was also a smart and capable person. It seemed that Dean Lu of Bowen Academy was indeed good at teaching students. She was looking forward to her brother��s future.


    While chatting, Xiaoxiao heard someone sigh. ��It would be good if there were more officials like Lord Chen in the court.��


    She had heard from Little Big Brother that most of the officialdom was controlled by the Yan Corporation now. It was a chaotic mess. This was also the fundamental reason why Dean Lu resigned dejectedly. Lord Chen bade farewell to the high officials and asked to be demoted.


    The Imperial Court had already decayed and needed new vitality.


    She seemed to suddenly have some ideas, but she had no one to confide in. It would be great if Little Big Brother was around.


    Where did her Little Big Brother go now?


    In order not to cause amotion, the 500 imperial guards had already entered the city separately. Yan Lu was also secretly sent to the Imperial Capital under Rong Yan��s supervision.


    Yun Er, who had been following him all the way, was a little angry. ��The evidence is clearly conclusive. Why are you still giving this old man face?�� Rong Yan wiped the Azure Frost Sword that Xiaoxiao had given him and his expression was calm. ��If not, how could we have returned to the Imperial Capital without any idents?��


    Yun Er��s heart ached slightly. They had just passed by the ce where Yun Wu died. That kid was clearly the youngest among the brothers and had yet to get married and have children, but he died so tragically. Every time she thought of the blood and deformed body that was everywhere when he found him, the anger and sorrow in Yun Er��s heart could not be suppressed.


    However, at the same time, he knew very well that Yun Wu��s matter was also an undeniable dark cloud in His Highness��s heart. His Highness did not resist the capital��s request to bring Yan Lu back in a low profile manner. Perhaps it was because he did not want them to be injured again.


    His Highness�� was such a gentle person. Why did Noble Consort��


    Yan Lu was very rxed on the way back, as if he was not a prisoner who had returned to the capital to be interrogated, but a free person who had nothing to do. He even had the leisure to ask for a cup of tea and chat with Rong Yan. ��Could it be that you��re unhappy because Noble Consort dotes on His Highness the Crown Prince, so you deliberately targeted our Yan Family?


    Rong Yan��s hand that was holding the cup paused for a moment. Then, a hand grabbed his wrist and sshed the tea on Yan Lu��s face.


    Thetter pretended to be profound. ��You!��


    Xiao Ran raised her leg and kicked him. ��What? You��re a prisoner. Who gave you the cheek to point at the dignified prince? If you continue to nag, do you believe that I��ll p you into the crack in the wall so that you won��t be able to get off it?��


    The originally tense and dejected atmosphere immediately became cheerful. Yun Er felt that the best decision for His Highness on this trip was to travel with General Xiao. Compared to the Noble Consort, General Xiao was more like His Highness��s mother.


    After beating him up, Xiao Ran walked up to Rong Yan and ced his hand on her shoulder. Then, she said insincerely, ��Aiyaya, Your Highness, don��t pull me so hard. I just don��t like him!��


    After saying that, she rolled her eyes and looked around. ��Remember, I don��t like that b*stard. Your Highness tried his best to pull me back, but he couldn t.


    Rong Yanughed. ��Aunt Xiao, don��t be angry. I really don��t care.�� Xiao Ran took a closer look at his expression and was relieved when she realized that he was really calm. Noble Consort Ji, who wouldn��t care about her son for no reason, had written a letter so that Rong Yan could not frame the Yan Family. She even urged them to clear their names as soon as possible. It was obvious that she would rather let her biological son bear the taint of framing an Imperial Court official to protect the Crown Prince��s party.


    She was worried that Rong Yan would feel ufortable, but she could not find a ce nearby that could divert his attention for the time being. Coincidentally, Yan Lu was asking for a beating, so she beat him up to coax the child.


    As for the Emperor pursuing the matter when she returned, she was not afraid. She used hidden force to beat people up. It was impossible to tell from his appearance.


    She sized up Rong Yan. ��You seem to have changed a lot after going out.��


    Xiao Ran��s eyes warmed as she looked at the sword at his waist. ��Everyone says that a young man��s growth is either for ambition or for a girl.. Which one does our Little Rong Yan do it for?��

 Chapter 286 - 286:1 Have To Thank Him

    Chapter 286:1 Have To Thank Him


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan, who had been deliberately provoked and did not move, blushed slightly. Xiao Ran did not need him to answer anymore. ��It��s a pity that we didn��t see him this time. I don��t know if your Emperor��s butt is on fire or something. Why is he in such a hurry to rush us back?��


    Rong Yan coughed lightly. ��Aunt Xiao, after we send Yan Lu back, can you apany me to Fortune Vige again?��


    Xiao Ran raised her eyebrows teasingly. ��Do you want to bring a betrothal gift?��


    She wanted to tease this serious young man after he grew up, but he said


    seriously, ��Yes.��


    Aiyaya, the iron tree is blooming.


    This was a good thing. ��Do you want me to prepare it with you?��


    Rong Yan nodded firmly, feeling a little embarrassed.


    Xiao Ran pped her thigh. ��Alright, I��ll acknowledge her as my goddaughter.��


    No matter how unfavored he was, as a prince, it was just a fantasy for him to marry a little girl with no status. However, if she had the identity of General Xiao��s adopted daughter, everything would be logical.


    Rong Yan had originally nned this too. He did not expect Aunt Xiao to take the initiative to mention it first. He bowed respectfully, and Xiao Ran also epted it. After that, the army gathered outside the Imperial City and entered the city without alerting themoners.


    In the Imperial City, in the Hall of Diligent Government, the Emperor, who was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, looked at the Empress with a faint smile. The Empress stood up confidently. ��Your Majesty, don��t worry. Our Yan Family��s rules have always been strict. How can we be selfish? Lord Yan was just busy preparing a surprise for you and was deceived by someone.�� The Emperor��s smile seemed to be engraved on his face. It looked warm, but one could not find any warmth on a closer look.


    ��Since you were deceived, why didn��t you report it after discovering it?


    The Empress immediately knelt down. ��Your Majesty is wise. If this matter spreads, it will definitely make the people of Luo Prefecture live in fear. It might even cause civil unrest. Lord Yan is also thinking about the overall situation����


    The Emperor��s smile faded. ��In that case, I have to thank him?


    The Empress��s body stiffened and she immediately knelt on the ground. ��I don��t dare. I��m guilty. If I hadn��t instructed Yan Lu to work for me in private, he wouldn��t have����


    The Emperor was calm and unruffled. ��Oh, so this matter is rted to the Empress?��


    Cold sweat broke out on the Empress��s back. In the past few years, the Emperor had be more and more unpredictable. The Yan Family was powerful, so he must have disliked them for a long time. This time, he would definitely use the opportunity to make a fuss.


    It was precisely because of this that they had to think of a way to protect Yan Lu��he was the Yan Family��s face!


    The Empress only cared about admitting her mistake, but she did not mention what that ��surprise�� was at all. This piqued the Emperor��s curiosity. What exactly was it that made the Empress and the Yan Party so sure that he would pardon Yan Lu for this?


    Even if they found a scapegoat, it was an indisputable fact that Yan Lu��s rule was not strict and dangerous. Unless a miracle happened, there would definitely be no room for this person to speak in the court in the future.


    After helping the Empress up, the Emperor sighed. ��Forget it. It seems that as long as the Empress has made up her mind not to let me know, it��s useless for me to ask anymore. Then I��ll wait for Third Prince to return in peace.��


    The Empress was terrified by these words. Her movements when she stood up were not so smooth. ��Yes, I��ll take my leave.


    After the Emperor helped her up, he turned around and walked to the table to continue dealing with political matters, as if he did not see her. He had really just said it casually just now, but the Empress��s eyelids kept twitching when she left. After returning to the Phoenix Pce, she could not help but call her trusted aides to confirm it again.


    ��Is Yan Lu��s n really foolproof?��


    This person nodded repeatedly. ��Your Highness, don��t worry. Lord Yan is meticulous. He has long prepared the farnd and all kinds of evidence for ��nting new rice seeds��. The rice seeds have also been secretly sent to the Imperial Capital. Although there are a lot of people in Fortune Vige who know about it and can��t silence them all, who could guarantee that no one else other than them can develop the new seeds.��


    -As for those officials, hehe, they have long shut up obediently after hearing about the Yan Family��s reputation. Other than Shen Congjun, no one dares to continue investigating����


    The Empress finally found an outlet to vent her emotions. ��Shen Congjun? Like Chen Yong, he��s also that old fart Lu Chen��s disciple, right? Only idiots from his faction dare to go against our Yan Family in court now.��


    ��When the Crown Prince ascends the throne, hmph.��


    Not long after, Rong Yan and Xiao Ran brought Yan Lu to the Emperor. Yan Lu changed his annoying calmness on the way and wanted to cry. ��Your Majesty, I��m guilty!��


    This pretentious behavior made Xiao Ran want to vomit, but the Emperor sat down as if he was used to it. ��Oh, tell me in detail. What��s your crime?��


    Yan Lu had already thought through his words clearly along the way. After a generous speech, he pushed all the me to his local magistrate. Then, he concluded, ��My rule was not strict and I was busy with other things. I couldn t restrain my subordinates, causing the dam construction funds to be pocketed by the traitors!��


    The Emperor asked calmly, ��Oh? Official Yan, do you mean that this is all your local magistrate��s fault and has nothing to do with you?��


    Yan Lu��s head hit the ground with a thud. ��I wouldn��t dare. It��s all my fault.


    Please punish me, Your Majesty!��


    The Emperor watched him act for a while before asking slowly, ��Then what do you think is the best way to deal with him? Will he be executed after autumn, or will he be sent to the army, or will his entire family be implicated?


    Yan Lu eximed and was a little stunned.


    The Emperor��s expression suddenly turned cold. ��Stop pretending in front of me. If you have something to say, say it. If you y hard to get with me again or pretend to be hesitant, go to the prison of the Ministry of Justice to wait for your head to fall. You can keep those words that you can��t say with the King of Hell.��


    Yan Lu had not seen the dignity of an emperor for a long time and was instantly frightened to the ground. The knock was so hard that Xiao Ran felt that his kneecaps were about to crack. She almost couldn��t help but shout for him to do it again.


    ��I��m sorry, I��m actually secretly nting new rice for His Majesty. The yield of the new rice can reach more than 500 kilograms per acre, more than three times that of ordinary rice seeds. I��m sorry, I was too focused on the new rice seeds, that��s why I was careless. That local magistrate took advantage of the loophole and coveted the silver acreage, almost causing the dam to copse. However, I immediately remedied this matter when I discovered it. That��s why the dam is still fine.��


    The words that were originally meant to take credit were immediately turned into begging for mercy after being frightened by the Emperor. Yan Lu looked up at the silent Emperor and immediately added, ��I made a huge mistake, but I didn��t deliberately hide it and didn��t report it. It was because after inspection, I realized that the dam wasn��t a big problem and could be repaired quickly. I was afraid that this matter would cause chaos among the people after it spread, so-so����


    He was so frightened that he suddenly couldn��t remember that word.


    Xiao Ran coughed lightly and reminded him, ��You didn��t report what you knew? You lied to your superiors?��


    She pped her hands. ��The crime of deceiving the emperor!��


    Yan Lu was drenched in cold sweat. Fortunately, the Emperor was already sessfully attracted by his words. ��How much do you think the acre yield is? Yan Lu calmed down. ��Your Majesty, a conservative estimate is that the production capacity of an acre is 500 kilograms.��


    Unlike those incapable rulers, the Emperor of Xia valued agriculture, so he had long known the value of food production. Yan Lu��s words really overturnedmon sense. Even he could not help but be a little excited..

 Chapter 287 - 287: We Young People Are Healthy

    Chapter 287 - 287: We Young People Are Healthy


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Among the people in the world who knew the Yan Family, no one dared to say that they knew the Yan Family better than him. They loved to fish for fame and were extremely hypocritical. When they did all kinds of bad things, they still wanted a good reputation.


    In the eyes of the public, they really had to erect a memorial arch of good deeds even after doing something evil.


    Such a person dared to lie to him, so he knew very well that since Yan Lu dared to use this as a death exemption, it at least proved that the new rice seed really existed.


    What did producing 500 kilograms of yield per acre mean? It meant that the citizens of Great Xia would no longer have to starve! It meant that Great Xia would prosper and rule for a long time.


    It had to be said that if the Yan Family could really take out such a thing, he was willing to let them off even if he saw the Yan Family as a thorn in his side.


    The Emperor narrowed his eyes. ��You should know the consequences of deceiving the emperor, right?��


    Yan Lu, who thought that he had found his rhythm, knelt on the ground. ��Your Majesty, I��m telling the truth! Moreover, I��ve already sent someone to send that new rice seed that can produce 500 kilograms back to the Imperial Capital!��


    Rong Yan, who had not spoken, finally gave him a look. Yan Lu could not see the mockery in his eyes and even felt that he had defeated them.


    ��Your Majesty, I know that I��ve made a huge mistake. I don��t dare to ask for Your Majesty��s forgiveness. I only hope that I can present the rice seeds and nting records to Your Majesty before punishing me!��


    The Emperor��s eyes flickered. ��Permitted.��


    After achieving his goal, things were developing ording to n. Yan Lu did not believe that such a great merit could not be exchanged for His Majesty��s light punishment. After all, there was nothing wrong with the dam.


    He couldn��t help but nce at Rong Yan and Xiao Ran, but the two of them were still unmoved. Not to mention defeat, even their expressions didn��t change. The vulgar Xiao Ran even opened her mouth and yawned.


    His heart skipped a beat. He felt that something was wrong, but what was it?


    On the way to the Imperial Capital, the two of them were afraid of the Yan Family and the empress and did not dare to do anything to him. They couldn��t even make a move outside the Imperial Capital. Now that the rice seeds had arrived sessfully and His Majesty was indeed attracted by the new rice seeds, they had never mentioned anything about punishing them. It seemed like there was no problem��


    Since they were going to the Yan Family to get the rice seeds, the Emperor asked Rong Yan and Xiao Ran to go back first. However, Xiao Ran said directly, ��Don��t, Your Majesty. We young people are in good health. We canst for more than 20 days even if we travel continuously.��


    The Emperor, who was in the same generation as her:��


    Xiao Ran pointed at Yan Lu. ��But Your Highness and I escorted Yan Lu back from afar. If we don��t hear him out, how will he quibble�� Your Majesty understands me. I��ve always done things to the end. If I don��t know what happens after that, I won��t be sure. Not to mention resting, I��m afraid I won��t be able to eat or sleep at night����


    The Emperor had a headache and waved his hand to stop her. ��Alright, alright. Dezi, bring General Xiao and the Third Prince to change their clothes and instruct the imperial kitchen to make some food.�� He red at Xiao Ran, who was about to speak again. ��Call the two of them over when the Yan Familyes.��


    Xiao Ran thanked the emperor for his kindness and left with Rong Yan. She even ��identally�� flicked her sleeve and pped Yan Lu when she passed by him. It was such a coincidence that she pped his mouth. Coincidentally, Yan Lu��s front teeth fell to the ground.


    It was not lethal, but it was very insulting.


    After leaving the hall, Xiao Ran clenched her fists and said, ��I should have broken his legs.��


    Rong Yan found it funny. ��If I really break his legs, Father will find out even without Yan Luining.��


    Xiao Ran chuckled. ��Do you think your old man can��t tell what��s going on now? At least he��s from the same school as me. Although his martial arts aren��t as good as mine, you can still see that hidden force.��


    Rong Yan was stunned. Xiao Ran continued, ��Don��t think that your father is thinking about our rtionship as follow disciples. He just feels more at ease that I��m not scheming.��


    Xiao Ran, who was walking towards the entrance of the Imperial City, sighed. ��I didn��t expect to be so scheming towards my former junior brother one day.��


    The world only thought that the eldest daughter of the Qin Family was brave and good at fighting. She was a powerful general. Some people were sharp-tongued and even gossiped behind her back, saying that she only knew how to dance with knives and guns. She was vulgar and stupid.


    What a joke. She could set up an army and defeat the external enemies of the barbarian border, but those stupid people actually doubted her intelligence?


    Rong Yan had not been valued since he was young. Even the Grand Tutor that the Emperor had engaged for the princes would ignore him, intentionally or unintentionally. It could be said that 90% of his growth was thanks to Xiao Ran.


    She cared about his food, drinks, and knowledge. She cared about his health when he was hot. She added nkets for him when he was cold and watched him grow up bit by bit. Although he called her ��Aunt��, he had long treated her as his mother.


    When the Emperor sent someone to the Yan Family to get the ��new rice seed��, Rong Yan and Xiao Ran had already eaten their fill and even rested for a while. Compared to the two of them, who were radiant and full of energy, Yan Lu, who had been kneeling in the Hall of Diligent Government for nearly four hours, felt his legs go numb.


    At first, he did not understand that it was only an hour��s journey from the Imperial City to the Yan Family. If the people he sent were more agile, it would be enough to make two to three trips.


    Then, he slowly realized that His Majesty did it on purpose.


    In the past four hours, Yan Lu was kneeling, and the Emperor was sitting. He read through the memorandums one after another. The Emperor, who was focused on political matters, seemed to have long forgotten about Yan Lu��s existence. Thetter��s legs hurt and his waist ached, and he felt indescribably ufortable where Xiao Ran had beaten him up.


    He cursed that martial woman in his heart. He wanted to look up at the Emperor, but he did not dare. Large beads of sweat crawled down his forehead and into his neck, quickly drenching his clothes.


    Yan Lu felt that every day felt like a year. The four hours of kneeling in the Hall of Diligent Government seemed to be longer than the more than 10 days of being escorted into the capital. Finally, when the Emperor finally spoke, he said, ��Official Yan hid the matter of the rice seeds very well.��


    Yan Lu bit the tip of his tongue to keep himself calm and clear-headed. ��Your Majesty, I didn��t say it at first because I was worried that I wouldn��t be able to harvest it. Look, I just finished measuring the harvest in the rice field and prepared to submit the memorandum, but����


    He carefully moved his knees twice and felt the numbness and itch as if he had been bitten by an ant, but he did not dare to show it at all. However, a mocking voice suddenly sounded. ��Greetings, Your Majesty.��


    It was Xiao Ran and Rong Yan.


    Xiao Ran pulled Rong Yan behind her with a straight face.


    ��Yo, ording to Lord Yan, are you ming us for catching you at the wrong time?��


    ��Then in Lord Yan��s opinion, when do you think is the right time? Is it when the flood destroys the homes of the people of Luo Prefecture and the people are in dire straits, or when you transfer and leave and it has nothing to do with you?�� ��Looks like Lord Yan is very dissatisfied with us, but what should we do? The Third Prince and I are following the emperor��s orders. Why don��t we discuss it with you before we arrest you next time and get your approval? Otherwise, will His Majesty ask for your opinion before writing the imperial edict in the future?��


    These words were quite heart-wrenching. Yan Lu hurriedly kowtowed. ��I wouldn��t dare. I definitely wouldn��t dare. Your Majesty, you��re right. General Qin is ndering me!�� After a few times, his forehead was bleeding.


    Xiao Ran snorted. She had to stop while she was ahead. She had to be careful in front of the Emperor.


    Amidst Yan Lu��s flustered voice, a report came from outside that the rice seeds had been delivered. The Emperor put down the pen and memorandum in his hand and nced at the eunuch beside him.


    Eunuch De understood and personally took it and sent it to the Emperor..

 Chapter 288 - 288: Planting New Rice Seeds Too

    Chapter 288 - 288: nting New Rice Seeds Too


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    One could not tell anything about rice seeds before nting them, but Xiao Ran and Rong Yan still gave them face and looked at them.


    Xiaoxiao was also very careful when she chose the replica. This bag of seeds was carefully selected grain seeds. At least, the difference was very obvious when the Emperorpared it to the ordinary rice seeds that Eunuch De had gotten someone to deliver.


    The Emperor controlled his strength to grab a handful of rice seeds and take a closer look. On the other hand, Yan Lu had already begun to talk nonstop about the hardships of studying new rice seeds. He talked about the perseverance of several years, the Yan Family members who lived in the fields, the best fertilizer and the most meticulous care. They were just short of cutting off their flesh and letting out their blood.


    In the end, he added, ��After knowing that I nted new rice, many people asked to nt it, and many people imitate me. However, I wanted to offer it to His Majesty first, so I didn��t agree.��


    ��However, despite all the precautions, some of them were still stolen by thieves. I was afraid that there would be another mistake, so I immediately sent people to secretly send the rice seeds to the Imperial Capital. It was to avoid alerting the enemy and causing trouble.��


    The more Xiao Ran listened, the more disgusted she became. Rong Yan��s expression was calm, but his heart was filled with disgust.


    If Xiaoxiao was not smart, the new rice seeds that her family had painstakingly nted would have be the Yan Family��s property. If she did not go with the story, she would even be beaten up and framed that the Ning Family��s rice seeds had stolen from his Yan Family.


    He was simply shameless to the extreme and had no bottom line.


    The Emperor only looked calm on the surface to maintain his dignity as a monarch, but there was already a hugemotion in his heart.


    With his understanding of the Yan Family, they did not dare to lie to the emperor about this, so the yield of the rice seeds must be real. Since it was real, he had to be flexible in his treatment of Yan Lu.


    ��Then what��s with the ount book submitted by the young man from the Han Family?��


    Yan Lu was already prepared. ��Your Majesty, my local magistrate has been a loyal servant for many years. I didn��t expect him to be greedy. I also handed over more of my family��s ounts to him for safekeeping. All these years, I��ve been overly concerned about the rice seeds, but I didn��t expect him to be so bold as to do such an unforgivable thing����


    The Emperor said, ��In that case, is it understandable?��


    Yan Lu immediately took advantage of the situation. ��Your Majesty, I��m terrified!��


    Just as the Emperor was about to give him a way out, Rong Yan ignored Xiao Ran��s obstruction and took a step forward. ��Father, coincidentally, I also have a memorandum with a new rice seed.��


    He took out County Magistrate Shen��s memorandum and presented it to the Emperor.


    With Yan Lu��s impassionedmentary just now as a foundation, the Emperor read quickly. After reading it, he frowned and looked at the signature. ��Shen Congjun? The county magistrate of Xijiang County?��


    Rong Yan said, ��That��s right. Father, I happened to meet County Magistrate Shen before I returned to the capital. I learned that there was a bumper harvest of new rice seeds, so I brought the memorandum back for him.��


    The Emperor��s gaze shifted between Yan Lu and Rong Yan. ��Oh, so Shen Congjun is also nting new rice seeds? My subjects keep their secrets quite well.��


    Rong Yan said neither servile nor overbearing, ��Father, County Magistrate Shen didn��t report it early because he didn��t know if the yield of the rice was true at first. To be honest, when he first nted the new rice seeds in two acres, he just thought that it wouldn��t be a loss to try them, so he didn��t even look for the best qualitynd and only tried the middle qualitynd that happened to be empty.��


    This was new. The Emperor asked, ��He nted the rice himself, but he doesn��t know?��


    Rong Yan then exined, ��Lord Shen doesn��t dare to im credit. That rice seed was actually given by someone else.��


    They had changed the story of Mr. Yuan sending rice seeds to County Magistrate Shen, who was going home after leaving the government office, instead of Xiaoxiao. County Magistrate Shen felt that his statement about production was unrealistic and thought that the old man was either joking or he was old and confused.


    He did not expect that when it was time to harvest this year��Good lord, the middle qualitynd��s yield per acre was at least 400 kg!


    ��But County Magistrate Shen is not sure if this crop of rice is the only one with high yield or if it has been like this ever since it was nted. Therefore, he left most of them for testing and asked me to bring a small bag to the capital to present to Father.��


    After saying that, he took out a small cloth bag.


    Yan Lu, who thought that victory was in his grasp, narrowed his eyes and looked at Rong Yan in shock.


    Then he said, ��Oh, by the way, there was a small episode during this period. I heard that some mountain bandits tried to take away the new rice seeds. Fortunately, County Magistrate Shen took precautions and used ordinary rice seeds to muddle through. The real new rice seeds are all intact. I believe that the seedlings have been nted and they are ready to sow autumn rice.��


    Yan Lu only felt that his knees were in so much pain that he could not feel them. His mind was filled with��it was over!


    What kind of person was the Emperor of Xia? He could hear the profundity in just a few words, not to mention that Yan Lu was already in a daze.


    Xiao Ran naturally wouldn��t be absent from kicking Yan Lu when he was down. ��Lord Yan looks very surprised. Actually, we��re the same. I didn��t expect Lord Yan to also nt a new rice seed. I didn��t hear you mention it on the way. Otherwise, we would have brought it in for you when we entered the pce. It would have saved you from kneeling for so long.��


    Oh, right. Since they��re all new rice seeds, why don��t we nt them together?�� How could Yan Lu dare? He could only lower his head deeply and avoid the Emperor��s gaze.


    No matter how cunning he was, he could not think of a way to save himself when he suddenly encountered such a sudden reversal. In a short moment, cold sweat had already drenched the ground.


    Seeing this scene, how could the Emperor not understand? He put down Yan Lu��s rice seed and asked coldly, ��What do you think, Official Yan?��


    Yan Lu stammered, ��I-I-I����


    The Emperor chuckled. ��Why? Lord Yan, are you really going to make a decision for me?��


    Yan Lu was stunned. He heard a dignified and cold voice. ��Lock him in the prison of the Ministry of Justice and wait for his punishment.��


    When he was escorted by the guards past Rong Yan and Xiao Ran, Yan Lu asked with a trembling voice, ��Did you deliberately make me think that I had obtained the new rice seed?��


    Rong Yan cupped his hands. ��If not, why would Lord Yan follow us to the capital obediently and not cause any trouble?��


    Yan Lu��s eyes were unfocused. He opened his mouth to speak a few times, but he was forcefully dragged away by the guards.


    The Emperor flipped around and looked at the small bag of rice seeds. Then, he suddenly wanted to nt them in the pce. He had to work in the Hall of Diligent Government every day, so he simply plucked the flowers and nts in the courtyard to make room for the rice seeds.


    It was impossible for the Empress to pretend that she did not know about such a hugemotion. Yan Lu went for wool and came home shorn. He was taken into custody by the Ministry of Justice, but he had not been convicted yet. The Empress rushed to the Hall of Diligent Government and saw the Emperor in his prime taking off his dragon robe and personally hoeing the ground.


    She was scared out of her wits. Just as she was about to go forward, she saw Eunuch De, who was serving the Emperor, ask in a low voice, ��His Majesty is in high spirits. Do you need me to pass the message to the Empress?��


    How could the Empress dare to do that?


    Under the scorching sun, she stood in the open and waited until the Emperor was done. The Emperor asked in surprise, ��Eh? When did the Empresse? Dezi, what��s wrong with you? Why didn��t you tell me?��


    The two of them were so close that he would have seen her if he wanted to see her. The Empress was tactful and wiped her sweat. ��Your Majesty, don��t me me. I saw that Your Majesty was engrossed and didn��t want to disturb you.�� She knew very well that the Emperor must have seen through the Yan Family��s n. Not only would Yan Lu not be able to escape punishment, but he would also implicate the family.


    ��Men, get the imperial chef to send a bowl of green bean soup over. Your Majesty, please take care of your dragon body.��


    The Emperor returned to the Hall of Diligent Government. ��Why is the Empress looking for me on such a hot day?��


    The Empress��s mind raced and she smiled widely. ��I��m here to congratte Your Majesty.. I heard that an iron mine was found in Liang City����

 Chapter 289 - 289: Invader

    Chapter 289: Invader


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The next morning, the Emperor announced that the Luo Prefecture��s Prefect Yan Lu��s rule was not strict. The local magistrate almost caused an irreparable oue. The main offender, the local magistrate, was immediately beheaded and his rtives were implicated. Yan Lu was dismissed and his assets were confiscated.


    The ministers felt the Emperor��s thunderous anger and did not dare to say anything until the news of the iron mine in Liang City came.


    Seeing that His Majesty finally smiled, before the officials could catch their breath, they heard someone report, ��Your Majesty, urgent news at the border. The Xiongnu has invaded!��


    The atmosphere instantly became very tense.


    The ministers scolded the Xiongnu for not following the rules and tearing up the alliance without permission. The Emperor waited for them to finish scolding before asking, ��What do you think we should do?��


    A tall official with a heroic appearance stepped out of the crowd. ��How dare they offend the heavenly might of Great Xia? Your Majesty, I request to fight!�� However, a civil official immediately objected. ��It��s a waste of money to make a fuss. In my opinion, why don��t we send an envoy to lobby and try to negotiate peace?��


    Many people quickly agreed with his opinion. Someone even suggested, ��The Xiongnu and Great Xia��s territory are connected. It will be troublesome for both sides if there is a dispute. If we can be on good terms for generations, that will be the best. Why don��t we reconcile?��


    The Emperor did notment. He waited for them to speak a few times before turning to the ministers. ��Third Prince, what do you think?��


    Rong Yan was very surprised to be suddenly called out. Although he had been allowed to go to court since he turned 14, he was basically an invisible person. This was the first time he was called out by the Emperor.


    He had already thought of this problem just now, so he said confidently, ��Your Majesty, Official Chen is right. The Xiongnu and Great Xia��s territories are connected. If we fight like this from time to time, it will indeed be troublesome for the country and the people.��


    Official Chen was about to reveal a smug expression when he heard him say, ��Hence, I��ll be fighting. I��ll beat them until they submit and be obedient. I��ll beat them until they don��t dare to invade the territory of Great Xia anymore.��


    ��Great Xia advocates peace, but now that foreign enemies have invaded right under our noses, it would be cowardly to retreat.��


    ��Asking for peace is an act of the weak. We have to make the Xiongnu ask for it.��


    The Emperor raised his eyebrows. ��Well said.��


    ��The vast country of Great Xia asks for peace?�� He pped the dragon table. ��That��s ridiculous!��


    The minister who had raised the suggestion was anxious and did not dare to look up. The general who stood up first requested for the decree again, ��Your Majesty, I request to fight!��


    The Emperor nodded. Just as the ministers thought that he was going to agree with General Chu, he said, ��I understand General Chu��s intentions, but I have other things for you to do.��


    Then, his gazended on Rong Yan. ��I heard from the Grand Tutor that you��re quite talented in setting up troops and formations?��


    During the morning court assembly that day, the Emperor mainly issued two decrees. One was the way to deal with the dam incident in Luo Prefecture. The second was to let Third Prince Rong Yan bring 100,000 elite soldiers to the border to defeat the Xiongnu.


    On the way back, Rong Yan and Xiao Ran had many guesses about the reason why the Emperor asked them to rush back to the Imperial Capital, but no one expected this.


    Xiao Ran was so angry that she didn��t even want to eat. ��What��s your stupid father thinking? How old are you? How can he let you go to the battlefield?��


    Rong Yanforted her. ��Aunt Xiao, I heard that you were only 15 years old the first time you went to war?��


    Xiao Ran red at him. ��Rascal, how can this be the same?��


    Rong Yan scooped a bowl of soup for her. ��I know. The Xiao Family has been militarymanders for generations. Aunt Xiao, you grew up under the guidance of the previous generals. Even when you went to war for the first time, you were not inferior to men.��


    He smiled and said, ��But I was taught by the most outstanding General Xiao in the Xiao Family. A great teacher produces a great disciple. It��s just a small Xiongnu invasion. How can I be afraid?��


    Xiao Ran flicked his forehead, and Rong Yan picked up some food for her.


    ��Aunt Xiao, I��m not a child anymore.��


    ��Besides, Father has obviously made a decision long ago. Instead of worrying, why don��t you teach me another set of spear techniques?��


    This was a serious matter. Xiao Ran finished her meal and drank the soup in no time. Under her husband��s urging, she endured for an hour to digest it. Then, she immediately went to find Rong Yan to practice the spear.


    When she came, she happened to see Rong Yan let the carrier pigeon fly. ��Is it for Yun Er or that little girl?��


    Rong Yan��s slightly red face was not obvious under the moonlight. ��I have to tell her.��


    He looked in the direction of Fortune Vige. The news from Lord Chen and Lord Shen had already been sent. The repair of the dam was very smooth, so Fortune Vige, where Xiaoxiao was, should be safe, right?


    What would she be doing at this time? Was she fishing for prawns or studying new dishes?


    Xiaoxiao was invited to the celebration banquet. Lord Chen strongly urged her to celebrate the end of the crisis and even firmly forbade her from cooking.


    ��You��ve been tired for so many days. You should rest.��


    Xiaoxiao looked at Furong, who had a wooden face and was obviously not willing toe, and sat down happily.


    On the other hand, Furong said that Boss and Lord Chen did not have any protective feelings for the fairer sex, but she entered the kitchen nimbly. Lord Chen brought Xiaoxiao toplete the dam renovation ceremony and came back just in time to eat.


    When the drainage channel was withdrawn and the water surged towards the dam again, everyone��s hearts were in their throats, afraid that there would be another change. At this moment, a notification sounded in Xiaoxiao��s mind�� [Congrattions to the host forpleting the hidden mission��Benefitting The Common People. You have received 100,000 points for outstanding contributions!]


    [Current total points: 168,800. Do you want to upgrade?]


    That was a must. She was still waiting to take a look at the mysterious door that hid the reward when she leveled up to 20.


    [Upgrade sessful. Current space level: Level 11.]


    [The time flow in the farnd has increased. The current time flow is 11 times!]


    [The time flow in the ranch has increased. The current time flow is 11 times!]


    [The time flow in the water has increased. The current time flow is 11 times!] [Time Hut��s current adjustable speed is plus or minus 11 times!] [Range Control ability upgraded!]


    [The Space Exchange Mall category is updated.]


    [New function obtained: Spatial projection. The projection range is 11��11.]


    [Current total points are 68,800.]


    As expected, it was good to open more shops. Her points soared by themselves.


    Xiaoxiao, who was in a good mood, rushed into the cheering crowd and celebrated too. It would be great if Little Big Brother was here when she was happy. Thinking of this, shey in the carriage again regretfully and returned to Fortune Vige.


    When they went home this time, Lord Chen specially sent someone to escort them. When theborers they met along the way saw this familiar carriage, they would wave and greet it in a friendly manner. Unknowingly, Xiaoxiao woke up. Xiaoxiao lifted the curtain of the carriage and saw a familiar courtyard.


    Opening the door, the first to rush over was the sad-faced Walnut and Scarf, whose fur had lost its luster.


    Only their big brother, who left early and returnedte, was at home. They were already grateful that the two of them did not starve to death. Of course, they could not eat and drink well every day like when Xiaoxiao was around. Hence, the two of them showed great enthusiasm when they saw their dear Mistress return..

 Chapter 290 - 290: The Especially Peaceful Xiongnu

    Chapter 290: The Especially Peaceful Xiongnu


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao had just pushed open the door when she was almost knocked down by these two fellows. She immediately wanted to push them away angrily, but she had fed this dog and rabbit too well and their weights were shocking. She could only threaten, ��I��ve recently researched two new dishes, dog meat hotpot and charcoal-roasted rabbit lips. Do you want to try them?��


    The rabbit and dog duo immediately moved to the side obediently, like soldiers weing the Queen��s return.


    Ning Anhui was amused by them. ��As expected of my younger sister��s pets.


    They actually seem to understand human nature.


    He didn��t mean it. After saying that, he yawned and returned to his room. However, Xiaoxiao squatted in front of Walnut and Scarf and started to think seriously.


    In the past, she did not notice it when she saw them every day. This time, after being separated for a few days, she suddenly realized that the two of them seemed to be very different from their kind. Other than their size, their expressions were more alert and their reactions tonguage were quite sharp.


    She held out her hand. ��Give me your paws.��


    Walnut obediently raised his front foot and ced it in Xiaoxiao��s palm. Scarf also stood nimbly on its two hind legs and pressed its front ws on Walnut��s ws.


    Xiaoxiao ordered again, ��Roll.��


    The rabbit and dog obediently did as they were told. Xiaoxiao added, ��Roll three


    rounds.��


    Very good, one round was not less.


    Xiaoxiao tried to give a harder order. ��Walnut, bring me the bamboo basket.


    Scarf, help me get the bamboo shoot.��


    They actuallypleted it without any mistakes��.


    Scarf and Walnut could be said to have grown up eating space produce. She often let the two of them y in space. Would they undergo any magical changes because of this?


    After asking, the space exined: [Master, Master, after being nourished by the space, the intelligence level of these two ingredients is much higher than their own kind. They now have the intelligence of ordinary human children when they were seven or eight years old��.]


    Oh, this was a pleasant surprise. Let her think about how to use space well.


    Xiaoxiao asked: [Then are the cattle, sheep, and pigs that my ranch raises geniuses?]


    The space denied it: [No, they��re just ordinary ingredients. From exchange to ughter, all the data is stable. There won��t be any changes.]


    In other words, only animals brought in from outside could produce such a change?


    The happiest thing in the space was that Master praised it for being capable. The electronic voice did not stop for the entire afternoon and kept reporting the changes after the upgrade to Xiaoxiao.


    Xiaoxiao had slept enough in the carriage and was not sleepy for the time being. She could only patiently listen to it present its treasures. However, when she heard this, she realized that many things had been updated in the Space Mall that she had not paid attention to for a long time. Not to mention anything else, Xiaoxiao was a little tempted when she saw thebel on the ��Books�� column. [The font can be customized.]


    After trying to customize it ording to the requirements of Great Xia��s handwritten calligraphy, an ancient mathematics book that looked identical to the one in the bookstore appeared in Xiaoxiao��s hand. She chuckled and used it to torture, nope, benefit her second brother.


    Ning Anhui��s studies were definitely not a proactive process. Initially, he could still rely on his sister��s busy schedule to ck off. However, his sister actually ��found�� the book that she had mentioned in the past. The heavens really wanted him dead!


    Xiaoxiao, who hadpleted her preaching, was in a good mood. She skipped back to the courtyard and saw Yun San��s overly serious face.


    ��Miss, this is a letter from Master to you.��


    Xiaoxiao opened the envelope and asked, ��What happened?��


    Yun San said solemnly, ��Master went to the border. His Majesty asked him to lead the troops to fight the Xiongnu.��


    The word ��war�� made people unhappy no matter what. Xiaoxiao read the letter quickly. Other than not being able to fulfill her promise to bring his elders to see her, Rong Yan also mentioned that he would go to the border and wouldn��t be able toe back for a while.


    He glossed over the dangers and only told her that it was not the most difficult time for outsiders yet, so the other party would not be ruthless, so she did not have to worry.


    However, Xiaoxiao frowned. Generally speaking, those outsiders would only take the risk to start a war when they could not afford to eat or live. However, it was only summer now��


    Either they had encountered some natural disaster or their wild ambitions were premeditated.


    She asked Yun San, ��Has anything major happened to the Xiongnu recently? For example, drought, floods, gue, famine, or major changes in the n.��


    As Rong Yan��s personal guard, Yun San knew this very well. ��No.- After some thought, he said, ��Two years ago, the Xiongnu Khan suddenly died of an acute illness and the second prince took over. Does this count?��


    Why not? Xiaoxiao folded the letter and put it away.


    ��If I��m not wrong, has the Xiongnu been especially well-behaved in the past two years?��


    Xiaoxiao��s heart sank when Yun San said yes.


    It was impossible for Little Big Brother not to think of the problems she could think of. He just didn��t want her to worry and deliberately hid it and didn��t mention it. The Xiongnu had been dormant for two years. This battle was definitely not simple.


    After changing a few more books that were suitable for Big Brother in the Space Mall, Xiaoxiao couldn��t sleep in the middle of the night. She only went to sleep lightly when it was close to dawn. It was rare for her family to wake up earlier than her. Everyone��s heart ached for her, so no one disturbed her. Hence, when Xiaoxiao woke up, her parents went to the ground and her brothers also went to the county. They only left a note for her on the table and kept breakfast warm in the kitchen.


    Xiaoxiao knew that she couldn��t be anxious about the border, but she definitely couldn��t settle down today. She might as well stay at home and calm down. As a farm girl, the original host didn��t know much about anything beyond Fortune Vige, so she didn��t leave any relevant memories for Xiaoxiao. It was impossible to count on Ning Fengnian, his wife, and those vigers. Hence, she still had to look for County Magistrate Shen.


    It was not good to ask for advice empty-handed. To Xiaoxiao, the best way to stabilize her emotions was to cook delicacies. Hence, she locked the door and rushed into the kitchen.


    Yun San, who was guarding the courtyard, watered the flowers with his much more agile left hand. As he watered them, the fragrance began to enter his nostrils. At this moment, he felt a little regretful and d.


    It was a pity that he could not follow Master into battle to kill the enemy and protect him. He was d that he could eat Miss Ning��s cooking every day. At the thought of this, he suddenly felt a little guilty.


    Hence, when Xiaoxiao asked him, ��Do you have a way to send things to your master?��


    Yun San thought hard. ��If it was any other time, we could have found a caravan or an escortpany if the price was higher. However, the war is about to start. After all, it��s at the border. I��m afraid no matter how much money we pay, no one will be willing to take on this business.


    ��But if it��s an emergency, I can gather my brothers to send them.


    It was overkill to let the guards be couriers. There was no need to do this unless it was absolutely necessary.


    Xiaoxiao shook her head and took out the ��Great Xia Records�� that she had borrowed from her brother. She started to flip through them.


    The Great Xia Records was a rtivelymon book. It recorded some local customs of the Great Xia and foreign races. Xiaoxiao did not read this because she was bored, but to find useful information through the records in the book.


    The border was bitterly cold and the soil was barren. The closer they were to the foreign races, the scarcer the rations.


    The ce Little Big Brother Ah Yan went tocked water, food, and money. Hecked everything. He relied on the Imperial Court to send troops to escort him. However, vegetables and fruits were not suitable to be preserved, and it was impossible for him to fill his stomach.


    Xiaoxiao felt a little uneasy and it was very difficult for her to read. At this moment, a guest came to visit..

 Chapter 291 - 291: Fate Was Really Wonderful

    Chapter 291: Fate Was Really Wonderful


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was Li Muyan.


    After going back and forth in Luo Prefecture, Xiaoxiao no longer took Old Madam Li��s matter to heart. In addition, Li Muyan had put down his status as the head of the family and came to seek peace personally, so she did not n to bicker with him anymore.


    Li Muyan first handed over Xiaoxiao��s dividends from the shop during this period of time. Then, he said, ��I didn��t manage my family well and your servants were rude to Miss Ning. Miss Ning is magnanimous and unwilling to ept my apology gift, but I can��t feel at ease. However, I have to go on a long trip in the future. This is the token of the head of the Li Family. If you need anything in the future, Miss Ning can take this to any shop under the Li Family to seek help.��


    cing the jade ring on the table as a token, Li Muyan continued, ��In addition, I heard that you��re looking for Auntie��s dowry. This is a copy of the document when you handed over the pawnshop back then. I hope it can help Miss Ning.��


    If he gave her gold, silver, and treasures, Xiaoxiao would definitely reject him. However, Xiaoxiao had no choice but to ept this very old document.


    ��I, Ning Xiaoxiao, will remember Young Master Li��s favor.��


    She didn��t dwell on whether it was the evil servant who was domineering or Old Madam who targeted him. It was obvious that Li Muyan was a filial grandson. She couldn��t let him say anything bad about her grandmother.


    However, she asked, ��Mr. Li, where are you going to get rich?��


    Li Muyan cupped his hands. ��To be honest, I want to go to the border.��


    Ever since he took over the Li Family, his position as the richest man in Jiangnan had been shaken many times. Now that the Lei Family was suppressing him, it was not easy for his grandmother��s illness to stabilize. Naturally, he had to turn the tables. As the saying went, riches came from danger. It was time for him to do something that matched his title as the head of the family.


    Xiaoxiao cupped her hands. ��Young Master Li is so bold.��


    Li Muyan said humbly, ��I��m a businessman. I��m going there for money.��


    However, Xiaoxiao said, ��The borders are tough. Although Young Master Li is looking for money, this trip will not be in vain if he can let the people there live better because of this.��


    There were many cows and sheep outside the pass, but they couldn��t grow crops. Li Muyan nned to use Great Xia��s vegetables, fruits, and salt to exchange for leather goods and horses outside the pass. The main group was setting off, so he didn��t have to keep his itinerary a secret. Hence, he told Xiaoxiao in a few words.


    ��Great Xia has abundant resources, but the people outside the pass only want to live well more than enjoyment. Hence, the basic needs of life are what they want. Unfortunately, vegetables are not easy to store. I can��t bring much with me, and food is even more eye-catching. I��m afraid I won��t be able to return.��


    Xiaoxiao suddenly had an idea. ��Young Master Li, can you help me send something? It��s not heavy and doesn��t take up space.��


    Li Muyan couldn��t wait for her to make a request of him, so he agreed immediately. The two of them agreed to meet again in three days. After sending Li Muyan off, Xiaoxiao looked for Yun San again.


    ��I believe you can still send a letter to Little Big Brother, right? Can you arrange a ce? I��ll get Young Master Li to help send some things to him.��


    Miss Ning really missed Master at all times. Yun San nodded and started to write a letter.


    Xiaoxiao used the kitchen as a cover again and slipped into her space.


    When the Ning Family came back in waves, they saw all kinds of dried vegetables hanging everywhere in the courtyard. Madam Song asked Xiaoxiao curiously, ��In the past, we only dried them to preserve them because we were worried that we wouldn��t have any vegetables to eat. However, we don��t have this worry now. Dried vegetables don��t taste good.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled mysteriously. ��Mother, the dried vegetables I make are different from the ones you used to eat.��


    Then, she told him about Li Muyan��s visit.


    After all, she still had an identity crisis. She couldn��t tell anyone else except County Magistrate Shen and the others who knew about it, so finding the dowry was the safest excuse.


    Ning Ansheng asked, ��Will there be any problems with Little Aunt?��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��She����


    It was definitely impossible to let her talk about it everywhere, but with the two lords�� characters, it was not appropriate to forcefully imprison her. Hence, they found a good-looking young man and put on a show of falling in love at first sight. They also said that he had to take the imperial examination in the future and could not marry a questionable wife.


    Little Aunt Ning left Xijiang County without another word. Then, she hid in the small courtyard that the young man had prepared for her, waiting for the young man who was said to be going for the exam toe back and marry her.


    Little Aunt Ning was used to living in the old residence of Fortune Vige. When she first saw this imposing courtyard, her eyes widened. She also saw that the young man was generous enough to give her a maidservant and some silver. There was even someone to take care of her food and drink, so she really settled down.


    She had never suspected that she had been deceived��who would lie and give money, maidservant and a house to her? Wasn��t that stupid? Moreover, she was quite confident in her beauty and felt that it was reasonable for the young man to value her.


    It was unknown if it was because she was used to squatting at home in the past, but she did not feel ufortable at all. She dressed up in the courtyard every day in front of the mirror. Even if the male master said that he would be in the capital for a long time and did note back, she had no intention of going out. Of course, if she did, she would be persuaded by the maidservant. When she could not be persuaded, there would be ��idents�� where she would have diarrhea.


    What Xiaoxiao did not say was that the maidservant was sent by Rong Yan. With her around, no matter if Little Aunt Ning was willing to cooperate or not, she could forget about leaving the courtyard.


    Presumably, although Little Aunt Ning was also annoying, she was the only person in the old residence who had never harmed them. Hence, Xiaoxiao had never thought of taking her life. She ate and drank well while she was sick. It could be considered that the two of them were even.


    On ount of that, as long as she did not cause trouble, Xiaoxiao would not do anything to her.


    For the sake of the two lords�� image, Xiaoxiao did not go into too much detail. She only said that Little Aunt Ning took the reward money and left with her lover.


    Everyone sighed and stopped caring. They did not hate Little Aunt Ning, but they had long lost their kinship with her.


    It was night time. Xiaoxiao tried out a few books from the space and gave them to Big Brother. Big Brother��s eyes immediately lit up as if he had obtained a treasure. The candlelight never extinguished after he entered the study room. Xiaoxiao thought that it hurt his eyes like this and knocked on the door to urge him to sleep. After knocking a few times, Second Brother opened the door. He raised his finger and made a shushing gesture. ��Big Brother is asleep. I��ve already covered him with a thin nket. Let him sleep for a while.��


    Big Brother probably didn��t sleep well these few days when they weren��t around.


    Xiaoxiao decisively used space projection to extend Ning Ansheng��s rest time and sent Second Brother back. Then, she left chicken soup in the kitchen and returned to her room to sleep.


    The Ning Family was no longer the same as before. Her brother and parents could take care of her, so��


    She spread out the document and pointed at the signature.


    The original shopkeeper of the pawnshop, Qian Zheng.


    Coincidentally, the original owner of the pawnshop was Jiao��er��s father, Shopkeeper Qian Zheng.


    Fate was really wonderful.


    Xiaoxiao did not see any records of jade pendants being sold in the ount book, and it was even more impossible to redeem them. With a glimmer of hope, she went to Qian Jiao��er��s milk tea shop the next day.


    When Jiao��er saw Xiaoxiao, she was as excited as a fan seeing her idol. She served tea and showed Xiaoxiao the ount book. She was like a little bee that could not stop. Xiaoxiao pulled her back helplessly. ��Why are you showing me that? You��re the Boss of this shop..��

 Chapter 292 - 292: Qilin Pendant

    Chapter 292: Qilin Pendant


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Jiao��er scratched her head. ��I just want you to see if I did well.��


    Shopkeeper Qian looked like a retired old man as he drank the milk tea with relish. He looked at his daughter with pride.


    Xiaoxiao was not stingy with her praise. She gave Qian Jiao��er a thumbs up and even taught her how to make a new drink. This made Jiao��er extremely excited. Afterforting her fan, Xiaoxiao revealed her purpose foring today. ��Actually, I��m here to look for Shopkeeper Qian today.��


    Shopkeeper Qian was confused. ��Me?��


    Xiaoxiao took out the pawn ticket. ��To be honest, I want to ask Shopkeeper Qian if you still remember this.��


    A trace of nostalgia shed across Shopkeeper Qian��s face when he saw the name of the shop on the pawn ticket. However, he was a little stunned when he saw what was on the pawn ticket.


    After looking at it carefully a few times, he finally recognized the copy of the jade pendant on the pawn ticket that was yellow with age and could not see its original appearance.


    ��This is����


    To be honest, Xiaoxiao did not have much hope of finding this thing, so she was already mentally prepared to return empty-handed. Unexpectedly, Shopkeeper Qian said, ��Isn��t this the Qilin Pendant?��


    Xiaoxiao could not see any traces of Qilin from this iplete copy, so she was very surprised. ��Shopkeeper Qian, you have a good memory.��


    Shopkeeper Qian scratched his head. ��It��s not that good. I remember this mainly because����


    Jiao��er, who was hurriedly sending food and drinks to Xiaoxiao, came over to take a look. ��Eh? Isn��t this the dowry you prepared for me, Father?��


    Shopkeeper Qian red at his daughter, who made him proud and helpless. ��Why are you saying everything!��


    Xiaoxiao was speechless.


    Shopkeeper Qian told her, ��Miss Ning is my family��s benefactor, so I won��t hide it from you. Actually, there are so many things in my shop. It��s been many years, so it��s impossible for me to remember everything clearly. However, after I obtained this jade pendant, I got someone to evaluate its price. This jade is rare and is conservatively worth 700 to 800 taels.��


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��Then why didn��t you sell it?��


    Shopkeeper Qian was a little embarrassed. ��To be honest, I wasn��t around at that time. The shop assistant didn��t think too much about it and epted it. Later on, I asked and heard that the person who came to it was just an ordinary person. He didn��t seem to be from a family that could have such good things. I thought that he might have an illegitimate background and was afraid of causing trouble. How could I dare to sell it out?��


    ��Although it was still calm after a long time, I didn��t hear of any big family losing anything after asking around. The original owner never came to redeem it. I thought that my family happened tock an heirloom, so�� I kept it myself.��


    Later on, seeing that Jiao��er was slowly growing up, he thought of giving his daughter something to keep. This thing was best for her to keep. It shouldn��t be eye-catching, but it had to be valuable. After thinking about it, was there anything more suitable than the Qilin Pendant? Hence, it naturally became Jiao��er��s dowry.


    As it concerned her background, Xiaoxiao said directly, ��Uncle Qian, I��ll be honest with you. The person who came to sell the jade pendant back then was my grandfather, but he snatched it from my house. Moreover, it��s very important to me.��


    Before she could finish speaking, Qian Jiao��er, who had just left, ran back in a hurry with a wooden box in her hand. ��Sister Xiaoxiao, is this what you��re talking about?��


    Shopkeeper Qian also pushed the box to Xiaoxiao. The two of them did not look like they were forcing themselves. Xiaoxiao could not help butugh. She bowed respectfully to Shopkeeper Qian and his daughter. ��Thank you.��


    Of course, she had to take it, but she could not take them for free. Xiaoxiao followed the market price and forced Shopkeeper Qian to give her 800 taels of silver notes before she was willing to take back the jade pendant. Shopkeeper Qian could not refuse and could only take it. He only reminded Xiaoxiao, ��Back then, I heard from the master that it is very likely toe from the Imperial Capital.��


    Xiaoxiao remembered it in her heart. After returning home, she held the jade pendant and studied it for a long time.


    Was this the thing that could reveal her identity?


    If there was a chance, should she make a trip to the Imperial Capital?


    She suspected that she was blessed. Otherwise, she wouldn��t be given whatever she thought so much. She had only thought about going to the Imperial Capital when County Magistrate Shen came to her.


    ��His Majesty wants to see the person who nted the rice. Who should your family send?��


    Ning Fengnian and Madam Song couldn��t do it. First of all, their mental fortitude wasn��t good. Just thinking about it made their hearts beat faster and their breathing quicken. They almost fainted. Ning Anhui couldn��t do it either. He was too jumpy. In front of a noble, even someone who had been in the officialdom for a long time had to be careful with his words. He could easily get into trouble like this.


    From the looks of it, only Xiaoxiao and Ning Ansheng could go to the Imperial Court. However, there was another awkward matter. Ning Ansheng was going to participate in the academy examination in August and take the Xiucai examination.


    The academy examination was held twice in three years. It had only been held oncest year, so if he missed this time, he would have to wait another two years.


    Xiaoxiao did not hesitate at all. ��I��ll go.��


    Her family was worried, and Ning Ansheng also said that he was still inexperienced and needed to settle down for another two years. Xiaoxiao sighed. ��Brother, aren��t you afraid that Dean Lu will whip you with a ruler when you say this?��


    With Ning Ansheng��s tireless efforts and the help of Xiaoxiao��s cheat, his knowledge could be said to have advanced by leaps and bounds. The talent he disyed made Dean Lu gasp in amazement. He deeply felt that no one in the academy could be his teacher after Chen Yong left. Hence, he rolled up his sleeves and personally taught him.


    Therefore, Ning Ansheng became County Magistrate Shen and Lord Chen��s junior brother, which made the other students envious.


    County Magistrate Shen didn��t approve of his junior brother wasting two years either. It wasn��t easy for him when he was dragged down by the old residence in the early days. It wasn��t easy for him to make up for the lost years. It would be heartbreaking if he was dyed any longer.


    However, this was the Ning Family��s matter after all. He could not interrupt.


    Xiaoxiao looked at everyone��s expressions and had no choice but to take out the jade pendant.


    ��With Lord Shen, Big Brother Yun San, and a few other guards protecting me, Father, Mother, and Brother don��t have to worry about my safety. I��m so smart and have a good mentality. Even if I see His Majesty, I��ll definitely be careful with my words and actions. Moreover, the jade pendant I wore back then came from the Imperial Capital. I want to take a look.��


    As soon as she said this, no one tried to persuade her anymore. However, when Xiaoxiao passed by her parents�� door at night, she saw that their candles were still lit. She did not have the habit of eavesdropping on others, but her hearing was too good after the space upgrade.


    ��Qiuniang, do you think we can still see Xiaoxiao after she goes?��


    ��Even if she really doesn��te back, are you going to cut off her ties with her family because we can��t bear to part with her?��


    Ning Fengnian sighed. ��Of course not. Xiaoxiao is so lovable. Her biological parents must miss her too much. As long as her parents aren��t bandits, I naturally hope that she can reunite with her family.��


    ��We watched Xiaoxiao grow up. Even if she finds her biological parents in the future, we��ll still treat her as the daughter of the Ning Family.��


    Xiaoxiao tiptoed and left slowly.


    If her biological parents had long forgotten about her, she would just treat herself as a passerby. There was no need to forcefully acknowledge them. If she found her biological parents and they had been missing her and looking for her, she would only have more rtives. The Ning Family would always be her home, and the Ning Family would always be her family.


    She knew that her parents would still be worried even if she said it many times that they wouldn��t lose her. Hence, after packing up, she hugged her parents and told them, ��Wait for me to bring you the specialties of the Imperial Capital..��

 Chapter 293 - 293: Entering The Capital

    Chapter 293 - 293: Entering The Capital


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    County Magistrate Shen had not been in office for long, so it was not convenient for him to leave for a long time. However, the new rice seeds were very important, so the Emperor felt that he had to meet him.


    Xiaoxiao was not worried at all. She knew best what was going on with the rice seeds. When County Magistrate Shen wrote the memorandum, he specifically said that he did not know if the next batch of rice would have high-yielding characteristics. He did not set a trap for himself.


    The envoy from the Imperial Capital also knew that the two of them were going to receive the reward, so he was still quite polite to them.


    Of course, this courtesy was different when facing County Magistrate Shen and Xiaoxiao.


    County Magistrate Shen was the disciple of the Great Confucian Lu Chen and the youngest top schr in the history of Great Xia. He had a bright future and no one would offend him. Ning Xiaoxiao was just a farm girl, so it was fine as long as he had given her enough face.


    However, the more they traveled with them, the more the envoy felt that something was wrong.


    Logically speaking, ignorant farmers should be anxious and excited when they found out that they were going to the capital, but Miss Ning ate and drank as normal. asionally, she would pluck grass, dig a seedling, y with it, and throw it away. She was not nervous at all along the way. Sometimes, she was even calmer than County Magistrate Shen.


    What made them even more puzzled was that County Magistrate Shen came from a good family and his wife��s family was rich. It was fine that he spent a lot of money, but why did Miss Ning not seem to be inferior to Lord Shen?


    She had to buy anything interesting on the way, as if she had never considered the price.


    It would have been fine if she only bought some girls�� toys. Along the way, she actually bought books the most.


    The envoy was puzzled. He only found out from the county magistrate that this youngdy had a brother who was studying. Moreover, he was actually Great Schr Lu��s disciple. He immediately valued her more.


    Xiaoxiao did not notice this at all. After walking out of Xijiang County, it was as if she had discovered a new continent. She could not store all the food and drinks in front of so many people, so she ate as much as possible. After eating, she would guess the cooking method. No matter how delicious it was, she would never let the space use ingredients to identify it.


    She was a very professional person. Other people��s recipes were developed through their hard work. If she cheated, what was the difference between it and giarism?


    Even if she tasted the form with her tongue, she would never use it formercial purposes or tell others. At most, she would make it herself when she was hungry.


    As she wanted to eat too many things and there was limited space in her stomach, she distributed all kinds of food and snacks to the people around her. This action seemed ordinary, but it made the guards along the way have a good impression of her. They enthusiastically told her about the local customs along the way.


    Xiaoxiao returned the favor. During a break on the way, she made a roastedmb for everyone. The cumin fragrance wafted for hundreds of miles, attracting many passersby to stop.


    Xiaoxiao did not shy away and introduced it generously. ��This is the new way of eating that our Xijiang County has recently developed. Many people like this now. There��s also the green prawns caught in the Dusk River. The meat is tender and fresh, and it��s more delicious than river prawns.��


    She even cut some out for passersby to try.


    Those who had eaten were full of praise. They even expressed that they would definitely go to Xijiang County to take a look when they had the chance.


    Xiaoxiao continued, ��If you can��t travel far, you can also go to the Li Family��s shop near home and buy ready-made seasonings to make at home.��


    Yun San was amazed by his future mistress��s ability to do business wherever she went. With admiration and guilt towards her, Yun Er and his other brothers ate more than half of themb leg.


    Rtions between people were often established in one meal. If one meal was not enough, it would be two meals.


    Anyway, when they arrived at the Imperial Capital, the apanying guards had long lost their sense of distance from Xiaoxiao and were very familiar with her. They kept calling her ��Little Sister Ning�� and ��Little Girl Ning��. Meanwhile, the envoy in charge of announcing the decree secretly pointed out some of the Emperor��s preferences.


    What they could say and what they could not mention anything. Xiaoxiao and County Magistrate Shen understood what His Majesty wanted to know about the rice seed.


    County Magistrate Shen was actually as worried as the Ning Family that Xiaoxiao was too young and it would be inappropriate for her to meet His Majesty. But now, it was so good.


    The city gate of the Imperial Capital was many times higher than that of Xijiang County. The envoy looked at Xiaoxiao proudly. He thought that he could see the shock on her face��just like the many people who had firste to the Imperial Capital. Who would have thought that she would only use her hand to block the sunlight and say appreciatively, ��Wow, so high and mighty.��


    Her tone was like that, but it didn��t seem to be the case.


    The envoy gave up on thinking and sped up towards the Imperial City with 120,000% seriousness.


    It wasn��t that Xiaoxiao looked down on the majestic city gates of the Imperial Capital, but she had seen modern skyscrapers and walked on the majestic Great Wall. She had already given him face by praising just now.


    However, she also understood that as a farm girl, she should not appear too calm. Hence, when the envoy brought them outside the Imperial City, Xiaoxiao still pretended to be ignorant. The pce in the Imperial City was majestic and imposing. It was indeed something she had never seen before.


    Satisfied, the envoy went to report and asked the two of them to wait for the summons. County Magistrate Shen asked Xiaoxiao, ��Are you nervous?�� Xiaoxiao nodded vigorously. ��Yes!��


    But why did County Magistrate Shen think that she was lying? He shook his head and threw away the idea. How could it be possible? She was just a little girl, so how could she not be nervous when she met the Emperor the first time she came to the capital?


    He thoughtfully took out something from his pocket. ��Here, this is the Heart Cleansing Dew given by genius doctor Gongsun. If you feel dizzy, take two breaths before you go in.��


    Xiaoxiao understood. It probably meant the same thing as the medicated oil. It was used to refresh her mind.


    She also took out an oil paper bag from her pocket and returned the favor. ��Here, this is the pea flour cake we bought by the roadside just now. It��s almost time for dinner. Do you want to eat some first?��


    County Magistrate Shen was speechless.


    As a serious official, County Magistrate Shen thanked her and rejected her politely. Xiaoxiao had to finish the three pea flour cakes in small bites andmented, ��It��s a little dry and a little sweet. Unfortunately, there��s no tea.��


    Sigh, it was a pity that there was no milk tea shop like her ��So It��s You�� by the roadside. Otherwise, wouldn��t it be very beautiful to take away a cup?


    County Magistrate Shen stood straight and waited for the Emperor��s call. Two hours passed.


    It was not that the Emperor deliberately ignored them, but he was furious when an urgent report came from the border just now that more than half of the rations transported had been burned.


    When the eunuchs finally came out, Xiaoxiao and County Magistrate Shen also saw the ministers running out of the Hall of Diligent Government with sweat all over their foreheads. They were so focused on going home that they did not notice Xiaoxiao and County Magistrate Shen.


    After walking into the Hall of Diligent Government, Xiaoxiao lowered her head the entire time ording to what the envoy had taught her. She definitely did not peek at the Emperor out of curiosity.


    County Magistrate Shen answered the Emperor��s questions. Before they came, they had already described Mr. Yuan��s appearance, what he said, and how he left the rice seeds.


    The Emperor was unsatisfied. ��In that case, he��s an otherworldly expert who views gold, silver, and power as dirt..��

 Chapter 294 - 294: Reward From The Palace

    Chapter 294 - 294: Reward From The Pce


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He nced at Xiaoxiao again. ��Dear Official Shen, why did you think of letting a farmer nt this rice seed?��


    County Magistrate Shen bowed. ��I don��t dare to lie to you, Your Majesty. Actually, I didn��t believe in the new rice seeds after meeting Mr. Yuan, because the yield was unbelievable. Therefore, I just thought that it was a joke and didn��t tell anyone else.��


    The Emperor expressed his understanding. He wouldn��t have believed it if it wasn��t for the fact that the item was delivered to him and there were concrete records and Third Prince Rong Yan��s guarantee that he saw it with his own eyes.


    County Magistrate Shen continued, ��Coincidentally, the Ning Family had just split up and were having a hard time. Other families had nted the rice and only their family had not gathered the rice seeds yet, so I gave the seeds to her.��


    At this point, he coughed awkwardly. ��At that time, I wanted to tease the child, so I told her the story of the new rice seeds. I didn��t expect her to take it seriously. When she went back and saw that her family had already gathered the rice seeds, she even secretly changed them.��


    The Emperor was originally in a bad mood, but when he heard this, his expression rxed a little. ��That was really a freakbination of factors.�� After Dean Lu��s teaching, County Magistrate Shen understood how to be an official. He had to tter the Emperor when he needed to. Hence, he said sincerely, ��It should be God��s will. God is protecting Great Xia.�� The Emperor rxed his eyebrowspletely. He looked at County Magistrate Shen and then at Xiaoxiao. He really didn��t understand how these two seemingly unrted people could be friends, so he asked.


    County Magistrate Shen said honestly, ��Because she is a good cook and my son has a great appetite. He bought pickled vegetables from the Ning Family in the market and we became friends.��


    With 90% truth and 10% lies, his words were even more seamless.


    The Emperor had actually investigated it long ago, so he did not suspect anything whenparing the information submitted.


    The rice seeds were given by others, so Shen Congjun did not have the cultivation process, nor did he know how to develop this new rice seed.


    At first, he did not believe it, so he did not tell anyone or report it to the Imperial Court until he found the surprise at the harvest.


    It sounded reasonable. The only pity was that the Ning Family actually used the middle qualitynd to nt new rice seeds because they did not take it seriously. Otherwise, how many more seeds would be produced?


    The Emperor asked expectantly, ��Has that Mr. Yuan appeared again?��


    County Magistrate Shen shook his head. ��I haven��t seen him since we first met. I couldn��t find him either.��


    ��I thought that he might not want to be disturbed, so I gave up.��


    ��After all, this rice seed has already been nted. As long as it��s nted again, it will still produce a high yield. Even if we don��t look for Mr. Yuan, within three years, Great Xia will no longer have people who can��t eat their fill!�� The Emperor pped the table. ��Good, what a good ��no longer have people who can��t eat their fill��! If this wish is really fulfilled, Dear Official Shen should receive the first credit!��


    Eunuch De heaved a sigh of relief. His Majesty finally rxed.


    After talking about the rice seeds, the Emperor noticed the quiet girl next to County Magistrate Shen. ��Is this the Ning Family that Dear Official Shen mentioned?��


    County Magistrate Shen said, ��That��s right. The eldest son of the Ning Family is preparing for the academy examination. The others are going to continue to tend to the autumn harvest, so they let their daughtere to the capital as the representative.��


    The Emperor did not mind that the Ning Family let a girl into the pce He only asked, ��Your family has contributed to nting rice. What reward do you want?��


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and really answered, ��Silver?��


    The Emperor was stunned for a moment before heughed out loud. ��You��re quite honest.��


    He had seen all kinds of people asking for rewards, and he had also seen hypocritical faces that pretended to be noble. This was really the first time someone had said her request so bluntly.


    County Magistrate Shen was worried for Xiaoxiao. Little did he know that she had learned from the envoy that His Majesty didn��t like pretentious people the most. Recently, he had been favoring those straightforward ministers.


    The Emperor asked again, ��Is there anything else you want other than silver?�� When he said this, no one saw the coldness that shed across his eyes. Xiaoxiao pretended to be in deep thought and said, ��Farmnd?�� County Magistrate Shen��s heart was in his mouth. Little Girl Ning, you really dared to answer His Majestys question. It was fine if you answered, but why did you increase the reward?


    The Emperorughed for a while more. ��Are you sure this is all you want?��


    Xiaoxiao was respectful. ��Your Majesty, yes. My family farms, so the reward I can think of is to havend to nt and money to spend.��


    The Emperor held his chin. ��I heard that your brother is studying. Why don��t you beg for something for him?��


    Xiaoxiao still said in a childish voice, ��But he has to study by himself. He has to take the exams for his achievements. There��s nothing to ask for. It��s better to eat and drink our fill.��


    ***


    A few dayster, the government office of Fortune Vige sent a decree from the Imperial Capital, bestowing the Ning Family with 100 acres of the best qualitynd and 100 taels of gold.


    In the Imperial Capital, this reward might not sound like much, but it was unprecedented in Fortune Vige. However, after this decree was issued, the Ning Family was troubled. They could not settle down in the best qualitynd. After all, Fortune Vige was just a small ce. It was not that they could not gather too acres of the best qualitynd, but it was definitely not ced not together.


    The envoy who reported the news brought a letter to Ning Fengnian. In the letter, Xiaoxiao suggested buying a house in the county. This way, her brother would not have to go back and forth to study in the future.


    The second half of the reason was too convincing. Ning Fengnian agreed not long after. After all, it was indeed too tiring to watch his son wake up early and travel in the dark every day. Hence, after sending the messenger away, the vigers fought toe and congratte them. Chen Kuan, Wang He, and the others, who had worked with the Ning Family before, also made appointments to sign up to work on the 100 acres of the best qualitynd.


    Ning Fengnian had never dreamed that he would be andlord one day He even woke upughing several times in his dreams. As he smiled, he could not help but sigh. ��Xiaoxiao is indeed a benefactor of our Ning Family.�� However, when would this ��benefactor�� daughter return after being gone for so many days?


    As he had long known that the road to the Imperial Capital was long, this trip was rather important. Ning Ansheng had already made ns that she would not be able to make it back in time before the exam, so he was not disappointed. If he wanted to part ways less in the future, he would have to work harder today.


    Under the meticulous care of his family and the patient guidance of his Teacher, Ning Ansheng was thirsty for knowledge. He was humble and hungry for knowledge. He wrote essays and did not let go of his scrolls. However, he did not forget to ensure that he had enough rest. From time to time, he would take care of the flowers nted in the courtyard for his sister when his eyes were sore.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao was shopping under the enthusiastic lead of the Shen Family.


    The Imperial Capital was truly prosperous. The liveliness made Xiaoxiao want


    to buy a shop and open a shop every minute.


    His Majesty had not thought about County Magistrate Shen��s reward yet. Also, he had an idea and asked County Magistrate Shen to teach him how to farm every day.


    Since the Emperor gave the order, County Magistrate Shen had no choice but to do it. Therefore, Xiaoxiao could only stay in the Shen Family for a few more days.


    Most of the Shen Family weed Xiaoxiao, especially after she made snacks for everyone, except for a girl who liked to wear yellow.


    This girl��s surname was Gu. The Gu and Shen families were long-time friends, so the children of the two families often yed together. When Xiaoxiao realized that everyone was snatching the Cloud Cake she made, only this girl ate the snacks she brought and looked angry. When Xiaoxiao went to ask, this girl snorted and turned her head away, ignoring her..

 Chapter 295 - 295: How Should We Beat Him Up?

    Chapter 295: How Should We Beat Him Up?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor. Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao did not have the personality of being nice when others were cold. She simply ignored her and only yed with others.


    The Shen Family was prosperous and had a lot of sons and daughters. Shen Tianci had five cousins, and their younger siblings were still popping out from time to time. In their own words, the children could form a big table during the holidays. They might even have to add another table in two years.


    A group of brats were causing trouble at home. Even their biological parents despised them. Hence, when they heard that they were going out to y, they immediately prepared carriages and snacks for the servants and chased them out of the residence in minutes.


    The young masters anddies did not think that they were annoying and rushed out like a swarm of bees.


    Today, everyone was going to the horse ranch to y. Most of the young masters anddies in the Imperial Capital had to learn horsemanship. If anyone were to be afraid of horses, they would beughed at.


    In the words of County Magistrate Shen��s father, Premier Shen, as long as they finished their homework, they wouldn��t be punished even if they were naughty. Premier Shen meant what he said. Therefore, although the Shen Family had many naughty children, none of them fell behind in their skills. They started to y on their own foals not long after they arrived at the racecourse.


    Xiaoxiao thought that they would forget about her after they had fun. She did not expect them toe back in twos and threes after running two rounds.


    One said that they wanted to teach her how to ride a horse, and the other said that they wanted to bring her to choose a horse. The children��s enthusiasm was too high, and Xiaoxiao could not find a chance to reject them. She was dragged to the horse shed in a daze.


    There were tall and mighty horses here, as well as docile and obedient foals.


    The children swarmed Xiaoxiao and went to see the foals. They even gave her ideas.


    One said the red one looked good, while the other said that the brown one ran fast. However, Xiaoxiao��s gaze turned to the side.


    A group of ranch workers was rushing over. ��She��s going to give birth. This mare is going to give birth!��


    The children were naturally curious and followed after hearing that.


    The ranchers recognized that these were the young masters and youngdies of Premier Shen��s family and did not dare to stop them. They could only make way for them and carefully protect them to prevent them from being injured. ��Ancestors, don��t go forward again. The mare has a bad temper when she s pregnant and giving birth. Be careful that it goes crazy and kicks people!�� The young masters and youngdies of the Shen Family really did not go forward.


    However, the Shen Family was not the only one having the horses in this horse farm. When the other masters heard themotion, they also swarmed over. They were not as obedient as the Shen Family��s children and only cared about moving forward. In this chaos, Xiaoxiao felt herself being pushed. She immediately fell out of the crowd and fell in front of the mare.


    Their eyes met. When Xiaoxiao saw the mare��s actions, she also heard the exmation behind her. ��Not good, it��s going to raise its hooves!��


    At the critical moment, Xiaoxiao naturally had to use her space control ability.


    The mare was stuck before she could raise her head. Xiaoxiao also saw a light yellow figure suddenly pounce on her and roll a few times with her until she was far away from the danger range.


    ��Are you stupid? Don��t you know how to run?��


    Little Miss Gu ced her hands on her hips in exasperation. Just as she finished scolding Xiaoxiao, she eximed and realized that she had twisted her ankle.


    This girl paid a lot of attention to her image. Every time she appeared, she would wear exquisite clothes. However, now that she was covered in dust and tears, Xiaoxiao actually found her even cuter.


    She walked over and pinched Little Miss Gu��s ankle. ��Thankyou for saving me, but don��t you hate me?��


    Little Miss Gu pouted and held back her tears. ��I hate you. Who asked Brother Tianci to specially write a letter to tell us to take care of you? He didn��t even get anyone to take care of me!��


    ��He even praised your snacks for being delicious. In the past, he said that my snacks were the best in the world!��


    Xiaoxiao blinked and waited for her to continue. She said, ��But Brother Tianci already said that we have to take care of you. How am I going to answer to him if I don��t take good care of you?��


    {What an interesting youngdy,} Xiaoxiao thought. Then, she bent her hand and heard Little Miss Gu suddenly scream. She almost wanted to reach out and hit Xiaoxiao. ��How can you repay kindness with enmity�� Sigh, it doesn��t hurt anymore?��


    Xiaoxiao stood up with a smile on her face and looked at the crowd with frost


    in her eyes.


    What happened just now was not an ident. Someone deliberately pushed her.


    [Baby, which ingredient wanted to harm me just now?]


    She called that person an ��ingredient��. It was obvious that she was quite angry. The space and its Master share amon enemy: [Master, Master, it��s that ugly boy in blue with pockmarks on her face!]


    Just as Xiaoxiao��s gazended on that person, she saw that Little Miss Gu had already stridden forward and kicked him out of the crowd. From her stance, Little Miss Gu couldn��t kick him so skillfully without dozens of experiences.


    What was even more amazing was that the young masters and youngdies of the Shen Family did not stop her. They all surrounded her.


    ��Sister Gu, how should we beat him up?��


    Xiaoxiao:�� Heh, these children are a little interesting.


    Little Miss Gu put her hands on her hips. The gentle and virtuous act she had put on for the past few days was all ruined. She was angry�� and angry.


    ��It��s this bastard who pushed Ning Xiaoxiao!


    What! He dared to push their little friend? Did he know how delicious Ning Xiaoxiao��s snacks were?


    Fists rained down and the pockmarked guy was knocked unconscious. His servant wanted to help, but the Shen Family��s attendants stood in a circle with their arms crossed, clearly not letting anyonee over.


    At this moment, someone shouted, ��It��s born!��


    There were only 11 seconds of space control. As soon as these 11 seconds passed, the foal in the mare��s stomach couldn��t take it anymore and slid out of the mother��s body.


    The onlookers let out all kinds of exmations and were very surprised to see the foal stagger to trot.


    Seeing that the foal could already run, the staff of the ranch took it away forcefully without caring that the mare was snorting. Someone exined to Xiaoxiao, ��The ranch will filter out strong ponies to be fed well. Those who are weak will be sold at a low price or simply killed.��


    Taking advantage of this moment, the freckled man��s servants hurriedly squeezed in and carried their unconscious master away.


    Xiaoxiao did not have to do anything the entire time. Although she did not participate, she was quite energetic. However, she was a little worried. ��Will the family punish you if you do this?��


    The young men and women puffed out their chests. ��Grandfather said that as long as we do our job properly and don��t lie or bully others, he won��t beat us up.��


    The Shen Family��s discipline style was really interesting.


    This group of little ancestors saw the horse, beat someone up, and chattered about wanting topete. Xiaoxiao didn��t know how to ride a horse, so she nned to cheer them on. After taking a few steps, she heard the space say: [Master, there��s another one in the horse��s stomach, but the situation doesn��t seem too good.]


    She stopped in her tracks, touched her waist, and turned to them. ��I think I dropped my things. Please wait for me. I��ll be back soon.�� They were not far from the horse shed. Even if they did not follow her, they could see her. Moreover, they had just taught the troublemaker a lesson. The Shen Family was very relieved and continued to discuss the bet.


    Xiaoxiao walked all the way back to the stable and indeed saw a dying pony lying beside the mare who had copsed to the ground.


    The mare was nudging the foal, trying to help it stand up.


    However, perhaps because it had stayed in the mother��s body for too long or had suffered some other injuries, the foal did not move.


    Recalling that Miss Shen had told her that the weak foal might be killed directly, Xiaoxiao couldn��t bear it.


    She asked the space: [Is there any way to save it?]

 Chapter 296 - 296: Making An Example

    Chapter 296: Making An Example


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions <sup>1</sup> Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The space replied: [Just keep it in the ranch for a period of time.] Thinking of Walnut and Scarf, Xiaoxiao reached out to the foal.


    The mare had been whipped many times when she tried to prevent the ranchers from taking the foal away. She was also weak now, but she immediately became vignt when she saw Xiaoxiao��s actions.


    Xiaoxiao touched its head gently and took out a carrot from her space. ��I don��t have any ill intentions. Let me help you, okay?��


    The mare stared into Xiaoxiao��s eyes and opened her mouth to bite the fragrant


    food.


    When Xiaoxiao ced her hand on the foal, it disappeared in the blink of an eye The mare stopped chewing and stood up to pace back and forth. Xiaoxiao took out another handful of grass and ced it in its feed basin. ��Don��t worry, it��s very good.��


    The young masters��petitions and the youngdies�� y were very happy. When they heard that Xiaoxiao had taken a fancy to the mare and its child, they persuaded her a few times, but when they saw that she was determined, they stopped persuading her and only instructed the racecourse to do it.


    This mare was of average quality and was old. The ranch could not wait to get rid of her. As for the foal, there was nothing special about it for the time being. Since the young masters of the Shen and Gu families had spoken, they would


    sell it to them.


    When it was time to pay the money, Little Miss Gu wanted to rush to pay the bill. Unexpectedly, Xiaoxiao reached out and took out a stack of banknotes


    worth too taels.


    The group of young men and women, who originally thought that they were very rich, widened their eyes and asked quickly, ��Is this the reward from His Majesty?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��Those are for Father, Mother, and Brothers. This is


    my own money.��


    Little Miss Gu looked down at her silver ingots and then at Xiaoxiao��s banknotes. ��Your money?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and paid the bill. She replied, ��Yes, I earned it by opening shops.��


    The boys and girls had heard from County Magistrate Shen that Xiaoxiao opened her own shop. They thought that it was just a small stall, but they didn��t expect it to be so profitable.


    Hearing her briefly tell the story of the milk tea shops and the green prawns and barbecue skewers, the young nobles, who could only take monthly silver from their families, actually felt envious.


    The people from the ranch quickly brought the mare and the foal out. Xiaoxiao brought the horse and followed the young men and women back to the Gu


    Residence.


    On the way back, Yun San and the guards, who were disguised as grooms, were furious when they heard that Miss Ning was in danger. They turned around and exchanged nces.


    On the surface, Xiaoxiao was just a farmer��s daughter. It would arouse suspicion if she had powerful guards with her. Besides, her rtionship with Rong Yan could not be exposed for the time being, so County Magistrate Shen asked Yun San and the others to pretend to be servants, but they could not show their faces.


    It was inconvenient for them to follow her in the ranch just now, but they thought that nothing would happen with so many people. Who knew��


    On the way back, Xiaoxiao thought about how that pockmarked young master��s servant did not even dare to say anything harsh, and she understood the Shen


    Family��s status even more.


    Lord Shen really hid his strength well.


    Lord Shen, who came from a prestigious family and had grown up with luxuries, had mixed feelings. Although he had seriously studied the livelihood of the people, he was only an armchair strategist when it came to farming.


    He waspletely clueless about the specific process of raising the seedlings, the actual operation of the paddy field, and the particrities of nting seedlings. After enduring His Majesty��s gaze of looking at a fool for a few days, he came back with a red face and said to Xiaoxiao, ��His Majesty wants you to enter the pce again tomorrow.��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t care. She even asked County Magistrate Shen, ��Are you going?�� County Magistrate Shen nodded heavily. Xiaoxiao asked again, ��Do you want to bring some snacks to fill your stomach?��


    God knew how much he regretted not eating pea flour cake when he brought Little Girl Ning into the pce.


    County Magistrate Shen nodded quickly. He felt that Little Girl Ning was right about one thing. Food was the most important thing for the people, and he was also a person. He would not be able to take it if he did not eat.


    Especially since His Majesty was in a high mood and was especially enthusiastic about farming. He did not even ask the pce servants and guards for help!


    County Magistrate Shen felt that it was too difficult for him. He had to treat himself better. ��Make cookies. They are easy to bring along.


    The oil paper bag was stuffed into his sleeve. He could take it out easily if he wanted to eat it.


    The foal recovered very well in the space. It stood up that night and ran and jumped. Xiaoxiao did not n to turn it into an ingredient and did not want it to grow too quickly and arouse suspicion, so she did not raise it at double the speed.


    ��You brothers will be called Lightning and Wind. Your brother��s name is Wind. You��re Lightning. Do you understand?��


    The grass in the space was fresh and tender, but Lightning and Wind were foals that had yet to wean, so they still needed their mother��spany.


    Xiaoxiao was not as heartless as the people in the racecourse. In order not to let the foals be attached to their mother, they split them up early and did not let them drink Windsher��s milk. Windsher was this mare��s name. Wind and Lightning were a pair of twins who looked almost identical, so she could exchange for the brothers at any time. She could let one of them drink milk beside its mother and the other y in the space. She could exchange them at any time when no one was paying attention.


    The officials of Great Xia had to get up before dawn to go to court. Premier Shen could not stand to get up early himself while his son wasfortable, so he insisted that the entire family eat breakfast together.


    In the past, the children had to get up to do their homework, but because Xiaoxiao was here, Premier Shen said that the children had to grow, so he let everyone sleep in.


    Hence, Xiaoxiao gained a lot of attention again. The juniors called her ��Big Sister�� non-stop. They were even closer to her than their own biological sisters. It was rare that those biological sisters were not jealous and also called her ��Little Sister��, causing Xiaoxiao to reconsider the word ��lively�� again. Yesterday, the children exaggerated how Xiaoxiao was in danger, how she escaped death, how domineering and vicious that Wei guy was, and even listed the crimes of the Wei Family looking down on the Emperor by daring to do evil to the person who was rewarded by the Emperor.


    Premier Shen only said yesterday that the Wei Family had alreadye to apologize. They said that the child was in a hurry to look after the horses and did not pay attention, let alone know Xiaoxiao��s identity. However, Premier Shen snorted at breakfast today. ��The Wei Family has been quite close to the Yan Family recently, right?��


    They didn��t know Xiaoxiao. He just knew that the Yan Family was dissatisfied with the new rice seed and didn��t dare to cause trouble for the Shen Family directly. They wanted to make an example out of them to please the Yan Family.


    The Wei Family��s idiots didn��t even think about who was the example.


    Third Master Shen, who had just advanced to the third rank, asked, ��Father, what should we say to the morning court assembly today?��


    Premier Shen looked at the others. Second Master Shen raised his hand. ��The Yan Family��s matter can��t be made public, and the new rice seed is even more so. His Majesty didn��t mention that Yan Lu wanted to take the new rice seed for himself. Clearly, he wants to leave a cover for the Yan Family.


    Premier Shen nodded, and Eldest Master Shen also expressed his opinion. ��Then let��s say that the Wei Family is targeting our family, but they don��t dare to offend our family and the Gu Family directly, so they deliberately vent their anger on a little girl!��


    Everyone in the Shen Family agreed unanimously. They rubbed their fists and prepared to participate in the morning court quarrel. As the youngest, County Magistrate Shen yawned and felt that his parents were really good at giving birth. Moreover, his three older brothers looked like their father. Fortunately, he looked like his mother and was much better-looking than his brothers.


    Smelling the familiar fragrance, County Magistrate Shen thought regretfully that he didn��t have a younger sister or a younger brother�� Forget it, forget about a younger brother..

 Chapter 297 - 297: Each Sleeping Her Own

    Chapter 297: Each Sleeping Her Own


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Premier Shen also smelled the sweet fragrance of the biscuits. He red at his youngest son. ��She��s a guest. Why does she have to cook all the time?�� County Magistrate Shen shrugged and was about to exin that the girl was really itching to cook every day when his father said seriously, ��Since she has made it, give me a share. Don��t waste it.��


    County Magistrate Shen was speechless.


    Father, you��re thinking too much. Its impossible to waste it. You can��t even snatch what Little Girl Ning made if you��rete. Didn��t you hear that those little fellows who stayed in bed jumped up?


    Hey, wait a minute. Father, you��re just greedy!


    County Magistrate Shen, who had finally snatched a bag of biscuits, washed his face and cheered up. He carried ��The Basics of Farming�� and brought Xiaoxiao into the pce valiantly. He did not know that his father, Premier Shen, and his third brother had gently scolded the Wei Family as the victims in the morning court just now, causing them to not only apologize andpensate, but also be demoted by His Majesty.


    When they brushed past each other in the pce, the father and sons looked at one another for a while before separating under Xiaoxiao��s curious gaze.


    County Magistrate Shen said to Xiaoxiao, ��Don��t worry. The Wei Family has been punished, and the others in the Imperial Capital know that you are not to be trifled with. No one will dare to make you unhappy in the future.


    Xiaoxiao looked at County Magistrate Shen��s thick eyebrows in surprise and stuffed a small biscuit into her mouth.


    Oh my, did the Shen Family have a secret technique tomunicate with their eyebrows?


    It was time to work.


    Reality proved that although the Emperor was obsessed with farming, he was not to the extent of letting a youngdy work. He would call Xiaoxiao over to demonstrate when he encountered something he did not understand. Xiaoxiao acted very obediently and left whenever he asked her to. She even remembered not to look up at the Emperor at all times.


    On the other hand, the Emperor took the time to look at her pink face and felt that it looked a little familiar.


    ��Dezi.��


    Eunuch De stepped forward. ��Your Majesty, I��m here.��


    The Emperor took the towel from him and wiped his hands. ��Look at this Ning Xiaoxiao. Do you think she looks like anyone?��


    Eunuch De looked puzzled. ��I�� didn��t notice����


    Since when did His Majesty care about the looks of a peasant girl?


    The Emperor snorted. ��She entered the pce twice, and you don��t even know what she looks like. Why is the Empress here to propose marriage on behalf of the Xu Family? And she��s virtuous, virtuous, beautiful, and talented? Just from this evaluation, I thought that the Xu Family and the Ning Family were longtime friends who watched Ning Xiaoxiao grow up.��


    Eunuch De couldn��t answer that. Fortunately, the Emperor didn��t really want him to give an answer.


    ��First, she made the Wei Family plot against her, then she made the Xu Family propose. She��s determined to hold her in her hands. If I really allow it, guess how long this girl can live?��


    Eunuch De broke out in cold sweat. He knew very well that the people serving His Majesty had to be deaf when they should be deaf and blind when they should be blind.


    The Emperor sneered. ��The Empress and the Yan Family are getting more and more outrageous.��


    ��Third Prince ruined their business, so they dared to tamper with the military rations. This girl nted the food they wanted, so they want to make things difficult for this girl. Then, should they do something to teach me a lesson after I deal with Yan Lu?��


    Eunuch De would only answer this sentence if he wanted to die. He bent down and poured a cup of tea for His Majesty.


    ��Then should we deal with the people sent by the Yan Family to Fortune


    Vige?��


    The Emperor waved his hand with a headache. ��They��re still causing trouble for me at a time like this�� Forget it. Think of a way to inform Shen Congjun��s people and get them to protect the Ning Family.�� He really did not have the energy to care about these bastards now.


    After taking a sip of tea to moisten his throat and drive away his sleepiness, the Emperor��s expression was dark. ��Call General Chu over.


    The grains had to move before the troops. If the grain was not in ce, the 100,000-strong army would not be able to survive.


    Seeing that the war was imminent, if they did not quickly replenish the lost rations, could they expect food to fall from the sky?


    Wait a minute��


    He waved his hand. ��It��s toote today. Call him tomorrow.�� If Third Prince was in trouble, would Noble Consort Ji take out the secret?


    Eunuch De took his orders and retreated. However, after taking a few steps, he heard His Majesty sigh. ��Forget it, let��s call him over.��


    This matter concerned more than 100,000 soldiers at the border and Great Xia��s rivers and mountains. The provisions could not be dyed. He could test the Noble Consortter.


    That night, the Emperor asked General Chu to prepare the army and send food and supplies to the border. General Chu patted his chest loudly, indicating that he would not let the Emperor down. However, the national treasury was not that abundant. The Emperor could only let him bring a portion of rations and set off first. He would send the rest when he was ready.


    It was a little troublesome, but it was better than letting the soldiers in front of the formation feel disappointed on an empty stomach.


    ��If you encounter any thieves who try to get their hands on military rations, kill them without mercy.��


    At night, he went to Noble Consort Ji��s pce. When thetter faced him, she always looked cold, as if she couldn��t wait for him to leave immediately.


    The Emperor was used to it. He drank a cup of tea poured by the pce maids and had dinner. He even lit amp and handled a batch of memorandums at night. Noble Consort Ji couldn��t chase him away, so she used needles and thread to embroider randomly.


    The Emperor said casually, ��Third Prince is almost at the border.�� Noble Consort Ji didn��t react at all and only focused on embroidering her flowers. The Emperor then said, ��But the provisions were destroyed.�� ��There��s only a little food left now. Even if 1 get someone to quickly gather the fast horses and send them over, there will be a lot of dy on the way. I wonder if they can hold on.��


    Noble Consort Ji slowly cut off the embroidery thread. ��The harem can��t interfere in politics. I believe His Majesty has his own decision.�� The Emperor stared at her for a while before getting up to stretch his muscles. ��I��m tired.��


    Noble Consort Ji��s movements froze for a moment before she looked up at him. The Emperorughed self-deprecatingly. ��I��ll sleep on the bed. You can sleep wherever you want.��


    Noble Consort Ji obviously heaved a sigh of relief. The Emperor lowered his head to look at her embroidery. ��Noble Consort Ji��s duck embroidery is not bad.��


    Noble Consort Ji put down the embroidery. ��Your Majesty, I embroidered mandarin ducks.��


    The Emperor had already walked towards the bedroom. When his figure gradually disappeared into the distance, the pce servant asked in fear, ��Your Highness, where are you sleeping tonight?��


    Noble Consort Ji stuffed the embroidery thread into the bottom of the embroidery basket. ��Set up my couch.��


    It was the same every time His Majesty came to rest. Although the pce servants were puzzled, they did not dare to question their masters�� decisions.


    The news that the Emperor was staying overnight quickly spread to the Empress��s Phoenix Pce. However,pared to hearing that the Emperor had flipped Noble Lady Liu and Noble Lady Wu��s cards two days ago, she was very calm now.


    Because she knew that Noble Consort Ji had no intention ofpeting for favor at all. ��Are they still sleeping separately?��


    The person agreed, and the Empress rewarded her with a golden hairpin and sent her back. This person left Phoenix Pce sneakily and returned to Noble Consort Ji��s pce.


    She did not understand what these masters were thinking at all.


    For example, Noble Consort Ji was clearly doted on, so why wasn��t she willing to serve him in bed?


    For example, since Noble Consort Ji wasn��t willing to serve him in bed, why did His Majesty still flip her token?


    However, she also knew very well that the people in the pce should not be curious because the more curious they were, the faster they would die. She only wanted to send news to the empress and earn more gold so that she could let the pce live a carefree life in the future.


    After she left, in the Phoenix Pce, the nanny sent the Empress a bowl of bird��s nest. This small bowl of top-grade blood swallows�� nest was equivalent to the lifetime expenses of ordinary people, but the Empress only took a sip and pushed it away. ��I��m tired of it. I don��t want to eat it.��


    The nanny casually took it away and handed a handkerchief to the Empress to wipe her mouth.


    ��Your Highness, this is the Prime Minister��s letter..��

 Chapter 298 - 298: Catching A Big Fish With A Long Line

    Chapter 298: Catching A Big Fish With A Long Line


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After the Empress finished reading the letter, she ced it on the candle and lit it. There was nothing to eat at the border? Serves them right. No one can have a good ending when they go against the Yan Family.


    The nanny couldn��t help but interject, ��Should we think of a way to hide the matter of provisions from Noble Consort Ji?


    The Empress waved her hand. ��There��s no need.


    The nanny said, ��Does Your Highness believe that Noble Consort Ji will stand on His Highness the Crown Prince��s side?��


    The Empress said something that was not easy for others to understand. ��Who asked my son to look too much like the dead Emperor Ren, and Third Prince looks too much like His Majesty?��


    The nanny understood the meaning and quietly retreated.


    After returning to the kitchen with the bowl of blood swallow��s bird nest, a hand suddenly reached out from the side. Nanny pped it away. ��What are you doing? You scared me.��


    The little pce maid, Chunliu, pouted. ��It must be that the Empress is tired of it and doesn��t want to drink it again, right? Mother, just give it to me. I don��t mind drinking the Empress��s leftovers. This thing is so expensive. It��s a waste to throw it away!��


    However, the nanny poured the blood swallow��s bird nest into the slop bucket without hesitation. ��Don��t even think about it. How many times have I told you? No one is allowed to touch what the Empress has used, unless you want to die!��


    In the past, a pce maid had secretly eaten the pastries that the empress had bitten in the end, she was beaten to death. Chunliu rubbed her arms. ��I know, I know. I won��t drink it.�� The richer a person was, the more abnormal they were!


    There were so many people outside who could not eat. The Empress only took one bite of such a good thing.


    ***


    At the border, Rong Yan confirmed again. ��The letter about the provisions has indeed been delivered, right?��


    Yun Er replied, ��Your Highness, Yun San also replied to the urgent document.


    He said that His Majesty was very angry about this.��


    Rong Yan sneered. ��What��s the use of being angry? It��s more important to send the food over as soon as possible.��


    Yun Er frowned. ��These bandits are really bold. They even dare to have crooked thoughts on the rations.��


    Rong Yan flipped through the military report for a while before suddenly turning around and asking, ��Do you really think this was done by bandits?�� Yun Er was puzzled. Rong Yan said, ��How could the bandits have the guts to provoke such an army?��


    ��Moreover, bandits do things for their own benefits. Why would they risk being chased by the soldiers to burn the rations? They did it without anyone knowing. We didn��t even have a chance to save them.��


    Yun Er widened his eyes. ��Master, you mean?��


    Rong Yan��s expression was cold. ��Find the spy.


    Not to mention him, even Yun Er hated the word spy .


    He gritted his teeth. ��Yes!��


    Rong Yan was still puzzled after arranging the matter. His father was also extremely anxious about the border. Why was he not replenishing the rations now? There were so many soldiers. If they did not have enough to eat, how were they going to fight the enemy?


    -Men, borrow food from the surroundings first. Remember to be polite to themoners. Don��t let them cause trouble and hurt people.��


    However, the border was so difficult. Themoners could not even eat their fill, so how could they gather extra food?


    ��In addition, send someone to the officials in the surrounding towns to ask for help. Get them to open a granary and return the grains to them immediately when the food from the Imperial Capital is delivered.��


    What was annoying was that the nearby officials said that the grain harvest had not been good in recent years and the granary was empty. They could only reluctantly send some old grain, and some of them even had mold.


    Rong Yan suppressed his anger. ��Sort out the food and remove the moldy ones.


    Sort out the edible ones, dry them, and store them properly.�� Yun Er asked, ��Are we going to throw away the moldy ones?�� Rong Yan sighed. ��Keep it for now. I hope it won��t be used one day.�� ��Get Twelve to bring some people to the town and buy food from the grain merchants. We��ll ept it even if the price is high.��


    Yun Er said worriedly, ��But Master, you��ve already used your silver to buy arge number of medicinal herbs on the way here. We�� don��t have much left�� The current food supply is still enough tost for a while. Why don��t we wait first?��


    The Third Prince��s residence was not as rich as the other princes to begin with. Moreover, no one expected that they would have to spend money at the border, so they did not bring much.


    Rong Yan said firmly, ��Buy it first. We can think of a way to get the silver anytime, but we can��t wait for rations.


    ��Besides, the longer we wait, the more those profiteers will ask for an exorbitant price.��


    Yun Er felt that Master was right and immediately went to pass down the order.


    The Third Prince��s subordinates were all mobilized to search for more rations. However, this was not something that could be seen in a short period of time. Yun Er was very worried that the remaining rations would run out very quickly. There was no movement from the Xiongnu for the time being, so Rong Yan could only let them change the rice to thick porridge and add some dried meat to it. The soldiers ate in silence and tightened their belts.


    The news of the destruction of the rations could not be hidden. The fire in the camp burned into everyone��s hearts. Hence, when the spy was found, every soldier wanted to go forward and sh him. He was hung in front of the tent for three days and three nights. Every night, someone came to take his life. Death was very scary, but that was just a matter of raising the hand and shing down. It could notpare to the pain of being frightened every night and not dying��


    Fortunately, Rong Yan brought him into his tent in order to ensure his safety after being assassinated a few times. His expression wasplicated. ��Are you from the Yan Family?��


    The spy kept quiet, but Rong Yan asked someone to let go of him. Knowing that every time they thought about killing that b*stard, they would be stopped by the Third Prince��s men, the soldiers in the army had someints. They all felt that the Third Prince was not from the battlefield after all and was always so wishy-washy. This thought reached its peak when they heard that the Third Prince was going to let this person go. A few deputy generals rushed into Rong Yan��s tent to reason with him. Unexpectedly, the Third Prince was stubborn and spoke anxiously. He even tied up the deputy generals and threw them out of the tent, ordering people to watch them closely.


    The deputy generals who were treated as prisoners were furious. Even though they were tied up, they still cursed and said all kinds of unpleasant words.


    The Yun Guards in charge of guarding were angry, but they obeyed His Highness��s orders and did not argue with them.


    The spy was let go under such circumstances. He bowed to Rong Yan before he left.


    ��A wise man submits to circumstances. Looks like Third Prince is a smart person.��


    ��When I go back, I��ll tell Master that His Highness doesn��t want to�� be enemies with us.��


    He did not mention the Yan Family at all, but how could Rong Yan not guess? After he left, Rong Yan walked to the deputies and untied them.


    The deputy generals rolled their eyes at him. Just as they were about to scold him for being hypocritical, they heard him ask, ��Generals, do you dare to take revenge with me?��


    The deputy generals were puzzled. Rong Yan said patiently, ��There were many people attacking the camp that day. They appeared suddenly. There must be a ce for them to hide nearby.��


    ��Among the spies caught, this person is the most timid and cherishes his life. He��s also the least smart. We might gain something by following him.��


    Of course, there was more than one spy. However, those who resisted with all their might and were loyal were all killed in front of this person.


    Based on the oue of him fainting from fear and incontinence, this person must be afraid of death.


    His Highness was not letting the tiger back to the mountain, but fishing for a big fish..

 Chapter 299 - 299: Magical Dried Vegetables

    Chapter 299: Magical Dried Vegetables


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The deputy generals came to a realization and cupped their hands to apologize for their previous disrespect. Rong Yan did not mind. Just as he was about to go with them, he heard someone say, ��We can��t have no generals in front of the formation. Leave such a lowly person to us.��


    They were all experienced in front of the array, so it was not a problem for them to follow and hide. Rong Yan knew that he was a newbie in this matter, so he did not interfere and really stayed behind.


    The deputy generals chose two people and followed the spy at a safe distance with 500 elite soldiers. The rest stayed behind and guarded against foreign enemies with Rong Yan.


    Most of the generals who guarded the borders all year round were angry. Furthermore, they did whatever they wanted and were not easy to discipline. Especially since the person sent by the Imperial Capital to lead the troops was a prince who lived a pampered life. They felt that they had been underestimated. They had been perfunctory with Rong Yan��s orders on the first day he came.


    To put it bluntly, if not for that, those traitors might not have been able to sessfully destroy so much rations.


    Their originally inharmonious rtionship seemed to have be much stronger after this incident. Rong Yan could be considered to have gained a foothold in the border camp, which was the greatest gain among the misfortunes.


    That night, when the Xiongnu did not move, Deputy General Xiong sessfullypleted the tracking mission with the 500 people and destroyed an earthen stronghold with a total of nearly 1,000 people. When he returned, he said proudly, ��Isn��t it just setting fire? I know how to do it too.��


    ��I burned their vige and stole their food.��


    After saying that, he looked at Rong Yan worriedly. He heard that those young masters in the Imperial Capital didn��t know anything and only knew how to preach. Would the Third Prince be dissatisfied with his actions?


    Rong Yan gave him a thumbs up. Deputy General Xiong could not understand this action, but His Highness said, ��Well done.��


    After almost all the money was spent, Rong Yan collected a little food from the nearby cities. However, the borders were mostly sand fields. Not only could they not grow food, but they could not even grow vegetables. The soldiers were used to not eating vegetarian food, but Rong Yan could not take it.


    He did not like to eat meat to begin with, and his food had always been exquisite. Although he did not say anything aftering to the border, he had lost a lot of weight. The guards were anxious but helpless.


    At this moment, Yun Er received a letter from Yun San. Seeing the word ��Xiao�� signed on the envelope, Yun Er hurriedly sent it to His Highness.


    Rong Yan had just discussed with the military counselor the possibility of Xionghu taking any action in the past few days. His jawline was bing clearer, and his face was filled with solemnity. The conclusion was worrying. ��Master, there��s a letter from the Imperial Capital.��


    Rong Yan��s gaze softened when he saw the word ��Xiao��. When he saw the contents of the letter, he looked even more rxed. Yun Er had sharp eyes. ��Is there good news?��


    Rong Yan nodded. ��She said that she asked the Li Family��s caravan to bring me something.��


    Yun Er thought that Miss Ning had asked someone to bring over just some trinkets to talk about longing. Unexpectedly, when he saw Li Muyan, he saw him carrying a sack from the carriage.


    ��These are some ��trivial things�� that Miss Ning asked me to bring to Young Master Zhao.��


    Yun Er was dumbfounded. ��So many?��


    After taking it from Li Muyan, he was surprised. ��It��s so light?�� To be honest, Li Muyan was also in a dilemma when he saw the things Xiaoxiao had brought. He had a lot of goods to bring out of the pass, and the carriage had long been stuffed to its limit. It would definitely not be able to withstand an additional sack of weight.


    Unexpectedly, Xiaoxiao mysteriously asked him to lift it. After that, Li Muyan followed Xiaoxiao��s instructions and hung this sack casually. It was indeed not heavy at all.


    He was very curious about what was inside, but Rong Yan had no intention of sharing it with him. Just as he was about to say a few more words, someone rushed over. ��Your Highness, General Xiong is looking for you!�� Rong Yan hurriedly went back.


    Li Muyan was stunned. He turned his head mechanically to Yun Er, who had left behind instructions for him. ��Your Highness?��


    Yun Er nodded and gave him the remuneration and the gift Master gave Miss Ning. The head of the Li Family revealed a rare dull expression. ��Aren��t you here to join the army?��


    It seemed that Miss Ning had yet to tell this person about His Highness�� identity.


    Yun Er blinked. ��That��s right, but my Master volunteered for the leadership position.��


    Oh, right. If you bring any food on this trip, we��ll take them all.��


    Li Muyan didn��t bring much with him, so he gave it all to Yun Er immediately. The price was fair and the efficiency was extremely high. The business went smoothly, but his brain, which had been praised by countless people, couldn��t process it now.


    He felt that he had to go back and have a good chat with Ning Xiaoxiao.


    How did Zhao Yan be ��Your Highness��?


    No one had expected the grain shortage at the border to be so urgent. Rong Yan and the rest would not miss even a grain of food now. After putting the small amount of food they obtained from Li Muyan into the tightly guarded granary, Rong Yan could not wait to open the things Xiaoxiao had brought for him.


    What he saw was a patch of green.


    He picked up some from inside and sniffed it in confusion. He was not wrong. Xiaoxiao had brought him dried vegetables.


    Yun Er wanted tough. ��As expected of Miss Ning.��


    Others might have brought something that they missed, but Miss Ning only wanted Master to eat well. It was just that this dried vegetables�� It was said that only poor people could make them. The taste was even more indescribable. Miss Ning went through so much trouble to get Li Muyan to bring these dried vegetables?


    There was also ayer of oil paper in the sack, probably to prevent the dried vegetables from getting wet. There was also a piece of paper with words written on it.


    ��Soak a small handful with boiling water. There will be a surprise.��


    Important hint, it��s a small handful! Don��t take too much! Open this piece of paper after soaking it and continue reading.��


    Rong Yan couldn��t help but smile. He could almost imagine Xiaoxiao��s delicate face when she said this. He instructed someone to boil hot water and put the dried vegetables inside��


    ��Eh, w-what��s going on? When did Miss Ning learn how to conjure tricks?��


    It was clearly just a small handful of light dried vegetables. Why did it be arge bowl of emerald green vegetables after soaking in water? The key was that it smelled fragrant and refreshing!


    ��Tve seen other people��s dried vegetables in the past. Even if those vegetables were put into the soup to cook, they would still look listless and ugly. They even smell strange and sour, but Miss Ning�� It��s impossible not to believe that they��re not fresh vegetables.��


    Rong Yan put down the bowl and opened the paper again ording to Xiaoxiao��s instructions. There were naughty words neatly written on it. ��Little Big Brother, try it.��


    Rong Yan did not suspect anything. He picked the vegetables with chopsticks and put them into his mouth.


    Before Yun Er could stop him, he saw Master rx his brows and finish the entire bowl.


    When he saw Yun Er��s silly face after eating, Rong Yan asked him to do the same once, and Yun Er became a fool.


    ��It��s cooked! It��s edible! And the taste ispletely different from ordinary dried vegetables!�� Was Miss Ning a god? How could she make such a magical thing?


    Rong Yan felt that his mind was much clearer now that he finally had vegetables after so many days, and they were very fresh

 Chapter 300 - 300: Being Beaten

    Chapter 300: Being Beaten


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was at least 20 days�� journey from Fortune Vige to the outside of the pass on a fast horse. After such a long journey and no special preservation, Xiaoxiao��s dried vegetables could still maintain a fresh taste. If they could be used widely��


    Yun Er was extremely excited. ��Wow, I really admire Miss Ning. If she starts this business in the future����


    Rong Yan interrupted him. ��I��m afraid it won��t be peaceful.��


    Yun Er didn��t understand. He was his man after all, so Rong Yan exined to him patiently, ��Think about it. Which of her recipes didn��t cause amotion in the past? It��s just a simple pickled vegetable recipe, but the Lei Family shamelessly tried to take it for themselves, let alone this vegetable that can maintain its freshness and texture and is easy to store?��


    Yun Er was suddenly shocked after recalling. That��s right. Moreover, they were all outside the pass now. She didn��t know if Yun San could protect Miss Ning alone.


    ��Master, why don��t we quickly write a letter to Miss Ning and exin the pros and cons?��


    Rong Yan shook his head and smiled. ��Do you still remember what Li Muyan said when he gave us the things just now?��


    Yun Er thought for a moment. ��Trivial things?��


    Rong Yan nodded. ��Xiaoxiao is much smarter than you.��


    Yun Er:�� Although this was the truth, why did it sound so ufortable?


    Miss Ning clearly had no intention of sharing her secret with the Li Family. ��That��s true. Even if the Li Family opens this sack to take a look, they will only think that these are themon dried vegetables of the farmers. At most, they will wonder if the portion is too small.��


    They had tried just now. A small handful could make arge bowl of vegetables. This sack could let Master eat it for a month!


    However, Rong Yan said, ��Add these to the soldiers�� food.��


    He remembered Xiaoxiao saying that it was easy for people to fall sick if they didn��t eat vegetables for a long time.


    There was ack of food at the border, but there was also ack of doctors and medicinal herbs. Many people would never have the chance to recover their health once they fell sick.


    Yun Er wanted to persuade him, but seeing Master��s serious expression, he could only do as he said.


    He was thinking about whether he should secretly write a letter to Yun San and ask Miss Ning to get someone to send some more over.


    However, he did not know that the moment Xiaoxiao made these dehydrated vegetables, she was already thinking about how to produce and supply them inrge quantities without causing trouble.


    Initially, she had two candidates in mind, Li Muyan and Mrs. Shen. However, after the Emperor became obsessed with farming, he called her into the pce from time to time. This caused her to be unable to return to Xijiang County in a short period of time, let alone Fortune Vige. After writing a letter to her family to exin the situation, she was actually a little anxious.


    She could wait, but she couldn��t bear to let Little Big Brother starve in that arduous ce.


    The earlier the dehydrated vegetables were sent to the border openly, not only Little Big Brother, but also the soldiers who protected the country would also suffer less.


    They had fought against foreign enemies at the border and shed their blood for the country, but in the end, they could not even eat their fill. Was this appropriate?


    Her anxiety reached its peak when she heard that more than half of the rations at the border had been destroyed. She was even a little distracted when cooking.


    County Magistrate Shen didn��t hide anything from her, so she heard that the grain issue might be rted to the Yan Family.


    Because Little Big Brother Ah Yan got in their way, they disregarded their country and the people and used this method to vent their personal grievances? They were simply a group of scum and troublemakers!


    Ever since she heard about the border, Xiaoxiao had left a message for Li Muyan at the Li Family��s shop.


    She had gone to several escortpanies to send food to the borders. Even if her small amount of money was just a drop in the bucket for a 100,000-strong army, it was better than doing nothing. However, the escortpanies in the Imperial Capital were unwilling to take on the work at the borders. She could only see if the Li Family dared to take on this business.


    At the same time, she realized that many grain shops were starting to run out of food, but the prices were quietly rising.


    The news of the border could not be hidden from everyone. At least, some merchants had already received the news and were prepared to make a huge profit.


    Xiaoxiao did not have the time to despise and condemn these profiteers. Instead, she wrote a letter and asked Yun San to find someone to send them back to Fortune Vige as soon as possible.


    Of course, she had also thought of the problems that Rong Yan could think of. Not only did she hide the secret of dehydrated vegetables from Li Muyan, but she didn��t even mention it in front of her family. Everyone thought that she had only made some ordinary dried vegetables and evenughed at her for giving these to Little Big Brother. How could he take a fancy to them?


    Most of the borders were sand fields, so there were not many things that could be nted, let alone vegetables. However, they were an important source of vitamins and trace elements that the body could notck.


    Otherwise, constipation would not be the biggest problem. As time passed, anemia, night blindness, and scurvy would appear. Their immunity would also be greatly reduced. If they got sick at the border, they would die regardless of their size.


    Not only that, but Xiaoxiao had also tried to make some other things, but she couldn��t take them out directly without being conspicuous.


    She was not afraid of the form being coveted, but she was afraid that the things she made would not reach Little Big Brother and the rest at all.


    If people like the Lei Family and the Yan Family obtained the form, they would probably only profit at a high price and pocket it, right?


    She did not develop these things to let those heartless dogs earn money.


    Then the question was, what kind of backer should she find to stop all shameless people from spying on her?


    Knowing that the guest went to the kitchen again, Old Master Shen looked at his youngest son with a dangerous look. County Magistrate Shen raised his hands in a hurry. ��It��s not me, it��s not me, it��s really not me!��


    Some people liked to sleep when their thoughts were in a mess. Some liked to listen to music, some liked to read books, and Xiaoxiao liked to cook.


    Over the past few days in the Shen Residence, she had already prepared the ingredients she often used. She had obtained the help of the Shen Family and Miss Gu Ruoruo for the racecourse and was about to find an opportunity to treat them to a meal to thank them.


    County Magistrate Shen��s favorite prawn dumplings, small and cute Ruyi buns refreshing and appetizing Pickle Boiled Fish, refreshing and fragrant pan-fried mushroom stuffed shrimps, thick and fragrant ��Stuffed Yellow Croaker��, low-key braised tofu with unique tastes, colorful Nine-Layered Three-Colored Threads Pagoda and Shredded Chicken with Pea Sprouts, green ��Jadeite Fan��, and double boiled winter melon soup engraved with auspicious clouds��


    The Shen Family and Gu Ruoruo, who was asked to stay for dinner, were stunned. This, this, this! This was all the imperial banquet could do, right?


    When they heard that these dishes were all created by Xiaoxiao, they were even more shocked!


    ��Father and Mother often say that some people are born geniuses. I didn��t believe it in the past����


    The elders of the Shen Family did not expect the brat to understand the reasons from dishes. However, they couldn��t care less about lecturing their children now. They picked up their chopsticks and began to think about which dish to start with.


    Tonight, everyone sat at the same big table. Xiaoxiao raised her ss and used tea to toast. ��Today, I finally found an opportunity to thank everyone for taking care of me. Xiaoxiao is not talented. I only have this bit of culinary skills. I hope everyone doesn��t mind.��


    Mind? What a joke! Do you believe that I won��t even leave soup for you at this table tonight?!


    Halfway through the meal, someone suddenly mentioned, ��By the way, I heard that the young master of the Xu Family was beaten up on the streets recently..��

 Chapter 301 - 301: There Should Be No Xiao Bloodline

    Chapter 301 - 301: There Should Be No Xiao Bloodline


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor. Henyee Trantions


    Someone else added, ��That person is a loafer and ackey. He even teases proper women. The magistrate didn��t hit him because of Lord Xu. There are many people who want to beat him up. He deserves it!��


    What a coincidence. He was beaten up just after pushing her?


    Xiaoxiao held her chin and happened to see Yun San and Eighteen looking up at the sky in the corridor. She was speechless.


    With the younger generation around, Old Master Shen and his sons almost couldn��t eat their fill. It was hard for them to maintain their elegance while eating quickly. Just as they were thinking about going back tonight to teach their children again, especially their sons, what ��filial piety�� was, the servants brought over the after-dinner snacks that Xiaoxiao had specially prepared.


    Everyone thought that they would probably be full by now, but when they saw the beautiful, soft, and sweet Taro Cake Roll and the clear Crystal Jelly, they wanted to tell the world loudly that they were alright!


    By the time all the snacks were distributed, the group of young people who were of the same generation as Xiaoxiao could not wait to burn incense and be sworn siblings with her. When Xiaoxiao was amused by them and looked at their bulging stomachs, she felt that it was best to make them a hawthorn drink to digest their food.


    Looking at her back, Gu Ruoruo hesitated again and again. She followed her and walked to an empty spot. She turned to Xiaoxiao. ��I admit defeat!��


    ��From now on, I won��t fight with you for Brother Tianci. Remember to treat him better!��


    Gu Ruoruo was about to cry when she said thest sentence. Xiaoxiao helplessly grabbed the youngdy who was about to run away. ��I��ve already said that Shen Tianci and I really don��t have that kind of rtionship��


    Gu Ruoruo finally burst into tears. God knew how much courage she had used to give up on Brother Tianci. ��How is that possible? Brother Tianci is so good. How can anyone spend time with him but not like him?


    Xiaoxiao tried her best to exin, but she realized that this girl was really stubborn. Helpless, she could only tell her, ��I have someone I like.��


    She added, ��That person is not Shen Tianci.��


    Gu Ruoruo still did not believe it. Seeing that her teary eyes were not suitable for others to see, Xiaoxiao suggested bringing her back to her room to wash her face. ��I exchanged a token with the person I like. If you don��t believe me, I��ll


    show it to you.��


    It was unknown if Gu Ruoruo was afraid that she would be embarrassed if others saw her like this, or if she was really curious about the keepsake Xiaoxiao mentioned. She sniffed and really followed her.


    Xiaoxiao instructed the space: [Take out my jade pendant and put it in the wardrobe.]


    She couldn��t let Gu Ruoruo see her perform tricks after she went in.


    However, the space was only sensitive to food. When Xiaoxiao mentioned the jade pendant, it did not know which one it was, so it took both out.


    Xiaoxiao felt that the design of the jade pendant Rong Yan gave her was quite low-key. It should not expose its Master. It was good to use it to dispel Gu Ruoruo��s doubts. She did not want to always be Gu Ruoruo��s imaginary enemy.


    Most importantly, what if Little Big Brother found out in the future that she was jealous?


    After entering the house, Xiaoxiao was even more d that she had already asked the space to prepare in advance. This little girl, who kept saying that she would admit defeat and give up on Shen Tianci, was following her closely.


    She deliberately teased Gu Ruoruo. ��Are you in a hurry?��


    Gu Ruoruo turned her head. ��I didn��t!�� However, she couldn��t help but look


    over.


    She said that but her body was upright. Heh, so she was a tsundere.


    Xiaoxiao did not keep her in suspense and opened the box.


    Seeing the two jade pendants lying inside, she didn��t say anything. She just put down the box and handed the jade pendant Rong Yan gave her to Gu Ruoruo.


    This jade pendant that clearly belonged to a man but did not belong to Shen Tianci made Gu Ruoruo smile unconsciously. Xiaoxiao handed her a handkerchief. ��Go wash your face?��


    Little Miss Gu, who had thought it through, was especially obedient. After washing her face, she even epted Xiaoxiao��s good intentions and applied snowke cream to her face. After applying it, she moved to Xiaoxiao��s side with a red face and thanked her softly. She happened to see thetter put the jade pendant back into the box.


    She did not notice it at first nce. This time, when she looked at the other jade pendant in the box, Gu Ruoruo felt a sense of deja vu.


    Where had she seen it before? Why couldn��t she remember?


    ��Do you want some hawthorn drink?��


    Gu Ruoruo immediately threw away the thought. Yes��.


    That night, everyone except Xiaoxiao was stuffed. Gu Ruoruo was still rubbing her stomach when she reached home. Fortunately, the hawthorn drink helped to digest some of it. Otherwise, she felt that she might vomit when she got out of the carriage.


    The two elders of the Gu Family poked her forehead helplessly. ��Y-you��re already so old. How can you still�� How delicious is it that you can��t help but eat until you��re full? You��ve eaten a lot of Uncle��s cooking since you were young!�� Gu Ruoruo, who was frowning and listening to the scolding, suddenly jumped up. ��Ah! It��s Little Grandpa!��


    The two elders looked around. ��Ah? Uncle is here? You brat, you��re lying to us again! Also, I told you to call him Grandpa. What Little Grandpa? How rude!�� Gu Ruoruo was about to rush out. ��I��m going to find Little Grandpa!��


    The two elders grabbed her. ��It can��t be that serious, right? You want toin to your Grandpa after saying a few words to you?��


    Gu Ruoruo shook her head repeatedly. ��No, no. I have something to ask him. It��s serious!��


    The two elders reminded her to look at the sky. ��Don��t you know what time it is? Your Grandpa��s house is at least an hour away from us. Let��s talk tomorrow.�� Gu Ruoruo did not sleep well the entire night and really ran to look for her Little Grandpa early in the morning.


    Her Little Grandpa was a legendary figure. He was clearly born into a studious family, but he did not like to study. He even endured the admonishment of ��a gentleman stays away from the kitchen�� at home. Not only did he cultivate good culinary skills, but he also entered the imperial kitchen directly.


    Since he was working for the Emperor, it was not good for his family to stop him. They wanted to get him a wife as soon as possible and swindle him home. Without paying attention, he married the famous female general at that time. Most importantly, he even married into her family!


    At that time, the Gu Family did not agree, but he said, ��The Gu Family does notck descendants with the surname Gu. It��s not a big deal to have me or not. The Xiao Family is loyal, so we should maintain the bloodline of the Xiao


    Family.��


    After that, not only did the Gu Family not make things difficult for him, but they also supported him in front of outsiders. Whenever anyone gossiped, they would be scolded by the Gu Family��s schrs who were well-read. From then on, no one dared to criticize the Gu Family��s Chang��an for marrying into the General��s Residence.


    Gu Ruoruo had been very interested in this person, who was her Granduncle ording to seniority, when she was young. After eating his cooking, she immediately became his little tail.


    She remembered that she seemed to have seen a Qilin Pendant on Little Grandpa��s waist before. It looked very simr to the one Ning Xiaoxiao took out yesterday!


    When she arrived at the General��s Residence, General Xiao had already gone to court. Gu Ruoruo went straight to the kitchen and indeed saw Little Grandpa preparing food for his wife. Seeing here, Gu Chang��an pointed at the table. ��Here, there are still a few pieces of mung bean cake for Ran��er. You can have them first.��


    Gu Ruoruo leaned over and nced at it. ��Eh, there��s even a Taro Cake Roll


    here..��

 Chapter 302 - 302: Another Qilin Pendant

    Chapter 302 - 302: Another Qilin Pendant


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Gu Chang��an was stunned. ��You know about it too? There��s a new milk tea shop in the Imperial Capital. These are snacks that their family released two days ago. Oh, they call them desserts. Ran��er bought a few. I think they��re too sweet and want to try making them again.��


    Gu Ruoruo took a bite and looked disgusted. ��It��s too inferior to what Ning Xiaoxiao made. Let��s not worry about that first. Little Grandpa, where��s the jade pendant you used to carry with you?��


    The gentle smile on Gu Chang��an��s face froze. ��I put it away.�� He was afraid that Ran��er would cry her eyes out if she looked at it every day.


    Gu Ruoruo asked carefully, ��C-can I take a look?��


    Others might not know, but Gu Ruoruo knew that there were two Qilin Pendants as a token of love between Little Grandpa and General Xiao. One was in the General��s Residence, and the other�� was with Little Aunt, whom she had never met before.


    She bit her lip. ��Little Grandpa, I think I saw another Qilin Pendant.��


    With a ng, the porcin bowl in Gu Chang��an��s hand fell to the ground and shattered. His usually gentle voice was trembling. ��You, what did you say just now?��


    Gu Ruoruo was shocked. ��I said, I think I saw the Qilin Pendant, but I��m not sure if it��s the same as yours. Little Grandpa, calm down first. It might not be Little Aunt��s.��


    Moreover�� Actually, the Gu Family had already guessed the unlucky girl��s situation. Everyone felt that the possibility of her being alive was slim. Even if they found the jade pendant, it was very likely that it was only her belongings��


    Gu Chang��an��s eyes were red, as if he was about to cry the next moment.


    ��W-where did you find it?��


    Gu Ruoruo felt terrible when she saw Little Grandpa like this.


    She, who had been following Gu Chang��an around since she was young, knew best how gentle he was. At the same time, she knew better than others how guilty and heartbroken he was towards his daughter whom he had never met.


    ��At someone I know, but I didn��t ask or say anything. But I still remember what that jade pendant looked like.��


    Although Gu Ruoruo did not have a photographic memory, the things that she had made up her mind to remember were still fresh in her mind overnight. On the other hand, she had only seen the General��s Residence once when Little Grandpa and his wife were looking at it. That was many years ago.


    Gu Chang��an��s hands, which wouldn��t even stop when he was cutting tofu, trembled non-stop. When he walked out of the house with the box, he almost fell several times. When Gu Ruoruo really saw the Qilin Pendant, she took a deep breath. ��Little Grandpa, I��m 80% confident.��


    ��What 80%?�� A cool female voice sounded. Xiao Ran threw away her court clothes and her expression froze when she saw the mahogany box. ��Why�� did you take it out?��


    Her husband��s face was filled with tears as he replied, ��Ran��er����


    In less than an hour, Gu Ruoruo arrived at the Shen Residence in a low-key carriage again. However, when she asked around, she found out that Ning Xiaoxiao had gone out for a walk. She had no choice but to pass on this matter. The two people sitting stiffly in the carriage seemed to be dumbfounded. ��Ah? Then, then what should we do?��


    Gu Ruoruo:��


    Ever since the two of them asked Ning Xiaoxiao��s age, they had been like this. They were worried about gains and losses and panicked.


    She had agreed to wait at the door, but the two of them paced back and forth in circles, making her dizzy.


    When Xiaoxiao came from afar, Gu Ruoruo seemed to have seen her savior. ��You��re finally back. Where did you go in the morning?��


    Xiaoxiao pointed at the big package that covered Yun San��s entire face. ��I customized a new oven some time ago. I just went to take a look and realized that it was already done, so I brought it back ��on the way��.��


    ��I��ll make you delicious Mianmian Cake and biscuitster. Sigh, I might as well teach you. Your Brother Tianci likes it the most.��


    Gu Ruoruo blushed, but she still remembered the serious matter. ��Actually, I came to look for you because I have something to ask you.��


    In the carriage, Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an held each other��s hands. For some reason, they were especially nervous.


    Ruoruo had clearly said that this girl��s surname was Ning and she had parents and brothers. She might not be their child. It was very likely that she had obtained the jade pendant by chance. But why couldn��t their hearts beat faster when they heard her words?


    Xiaoxiao asked Yun San and Eighteen to send the things she bought in while she pulled Gu Ruoruo to follow. However, thetter stood rooted to the ground and bowed. ��If my next words offend you, you can punish me however you want.��


    With a strange serious expression, Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Go ahead and ask.��


    Gu Ruoruo said first, ��When you showed me your love token yesterday, I saw another jade pendant in your box.��


    The smile on Xiaoxiao��s face faded, but she did not say anything.


    Gu Ruoruo hated the habit of the descendants of aristocratic families of dawdling and causing misunderstandings. Hence, she said directly, ��To be honest, I once saw the same jade from an elder in the family.��


    Xiaoxiao��s guard suddenly rxed, reced by a trace of nervousness and anticipation.


    ��That jade is very important to my elders, so I want to ask you first. Can you tell me where your jade came from?��


    Xiaoxiao stared into her eyes carefully. She believed in her ability to read people, so she also believed in Gu Ruoruo.


    ��I think my family left it to me.��


    Gu Ruoruo was stunned. ��Why ��think��?��


    What she didn��t know was that Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an unconsciously held their breaths in the carriage.


    Xiaoxiao��s tone was calm, but her heart was actually beating very loudly. She said, ��Because I was picked up by the Ning Family. I heard that when they picked me up, they had this jade pendant with them.��


    She even told him a detail that only the Ning Family knew. ��At that time, there was a red string tied to this jade pendant and a safety knot hung on it. From the way it was done, the person who made the safety knot should be a newbie.��


    With a thud, the agile General Xiao almost fell when she got out of the carriage. Fortunately, Gu Chang��an was quick to support her.


    Xiaoxiao looked at the two unfamiliar yet familiar-looking men and women before looking at Gu Ruoruo.


    Thetter lowered her eyes and bowed, giving the three of them the space to interact.


    The jade pendant, background, age, and culinary skills matched. Ning Xiaoxiao was 99% Little Grandpa��s daughter.


    Sigh, but what about Ning Xiaoxiao��s name in the future? Would she be called Xiao Xiaoxiao?


    When there were only three of them left, they did not know what to say. Seeing that they could not stand like this, Xiaoxiao suggested finding a ce to sit first.


    It was not appropriate to settle her own matters in the Shen Family. Xiaoxiao went in first to ��take�� the jade pendant, then left a message for Yun San and followed Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an to the General��s Residence.


    However, it was really awkward for the three of them to stay in the carriage together on the way. Xiaoxiao said that she had never seen the culture and customs of the Imperial Capital and wanted to sit outside.


    Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an wished they could pluck the moon from the sky for her. How could they bear to reject such a small request?


    When Xiaoxiao lifted the curtain, she stuffed the jade pendant to them. ��Take a look at this first..��

 Chapter 303 - 303: The Heroine General is My Mother

    Chapter 303: The Heroine General is My Mother


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    She had to let them confirm that they didn��t recognize the wrong person first. He did not want to make a big mistake, but it was really awkward to watch the confirmation process with her own eyes. It was better to hide outside.


    As soon as the curtain was lowered, Xiao Ran and her husband��s eyes turned hot. They felt that it was fortunate that Xiaoxiao was not around. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing to see their parents crying.


    Gu Chang��an said affirmatively without looking at the jade pendant, ��She��s our daughter!�� He knew from the first time he saw her that this was his biological daughter!


    Xiao Ran��s mind was filled with all kinds of thoughts. For a moment, she thought��hehehe, ��Dad�� and ��Mom��. After so many years, she could finally hear her daughter call them ��Dad�� and ��Mom��.


    She became nervous for a moment��wait, would her daughter acknowledge them? Would she me them for not protecting her well and causing her to wander around all these years? She had not been able to find her lost daughter for more than 10 years. Wasn��t she too useless?


    Just as she was gradually falling into the strange circle of scaring herself, the carriage suddenly stopped and an annoying and arrogant voice sounded outside.


    ��It��s you, brat?��


    Xiaoxiao recognized his facial features uncertainly. ��Young Master Xu?��


    She nced at the Xunxiang Pavilion behind Young Master Xu, which was not in business mode. The brothel had not opened in the morning, so he must have spent the night there. No wonder people said that one could be flirtatious even if they died under a peony flower. He had been beaten up so badly, but he did not forget toe out to sleep around. She really admired the youngdy who served him for being able to do it with this face. She was really professional.


    The man surnamed Xu reeked of alcohol. It was obvious that he had drunk a lot yesterday. He was not very clear-headed at the moment, and it was time for him to follow his instincts. In addition, he had been served and addressed as ��Young Master�� and ��Eldest Young Master�� the night before. Now, he was filled with confidence and wished he could walk unhindered on the streets of the Imperial Capital.


    He stopped Xiaoxiao in front of the carriage and did not let her go. Xiaoxiao was speechless. ��What do you mean?��


    Xu put his hands on his hips. ��Do you know how much I��ve suffered because of you?��


    He didn��t see the Shen Family��s people around Xiaoxiao and guessed that they were all in school. His eyes darted around and he thought of a good idea. ��Ning Xiaoxiao, right? I suspect that you have something to do with the person who hit me two days ago. Men, take her down!��


    A teacup flew out of the carriage with a whoosh and hit him on the head. Xu did not see who attacked, but he could not suppress his anger.


    ��What are you waiting for? Take her down!��


    ��If I don��t teach you a lesson today, you won��t know how many eyes Prince Ma has!��


    However, more teacups flew out of the carriage and smashed all the Xu Family servants back. Xu was furious. ��You still dare to resist? Let me tell you, Ning Xiaoxiao, when I take you in, I��ll beat you up three times a day! I��ll beat you until you beg for mercy!��


    Xiaoxiao��s gaze turned cold. ��Take?��


    Xu said proudly, ��My family has already prepared to take you in as a concubine! With your status, it��s already an honor to let you be a concubine!��


    Xiaoxiao��s scolding words instantly surged out of her heart, but they were useless because two figures suddenly rushed out of the carriage. One of them was valiant and heroic. She flew up and kicked the person surnamed Xu��s face, causing him to fall to the ground. ��If you��re tired of living, just say it!��


    If not for the fact that she was afraid of scaring her daughter, she would have immediately shown this brat a set of techniques to cut off his descendants.


    Gu Chang��an did not know martial arts. At this moment, he was holding Xiaoxiao��s hand and sizing her up. ��Are you injured? Are you frightened?��


    Looking at the redness in his eyes, Xiaoxiao felt that she knew why Xiao Ran only threw the cup and did not appear.


    She was probably dealing with her tears.


    She did not know their identities for the time being, so she was very worried about causing trouble for her parents. ��Is the Xu Family very powerful? Why don��t we run?��


    Unexpectedly, Gu Chang��an, who looked gentle and good-tempered, snorted in disdain. ��Who does the Xu Family think they are?��


    Coincidentally, Xu was in so much pain that he sobered up. At first nce, he trembled in fear when he saw Xiao Ran��s face. ��General Xiaoxiaoxiaoxiao?��


    At first, Xiaoxiao thought that this bastard was calling her name, but she was a little surprised when she heard everything. ��General Xiao?��


    Gu Chang��an originally wanted to talk about their identity when they got home, but now, he could only nod and say proudly, ��That��s right. Your mother��s name is Xiao Ran. She��s a general.��


    Xiaoxiao was shocked. ��The heroine general is my mother?��


    She didn��t know that Xiao Ran almost cried again when she heard this unconscious ��Mother��. Gu Chang��an also had mixed feelings.


    My daughter has heard of me! Xiao Ran, whose mind was filled with this thought, was overly excited. She knocked Xu out with just a few punches. If Gu Chang��an hadn��t reacted and pulled her away, he would have been crippled.


    The servants of the Xu Family were still alive, so Xiao Ran let them take them away. She snorted and pulled Xiaoxiao back to the carriage with Gu Chang��an.


    At this moment, they were not far from the General��s Residence, but the two of them still felt like years had passed. They hugged Xiaoxiao tightly the moment they reached home and closed the door.


    ��Daughter, it��s our fault for making you suffer.��


    Xiaoxiao felt a little ufortable. ��Am I really your daughter? Could there be a mistake?��


    Xiao Ran wiped her face with her sleeve boldly. ��Is there a small red birthmark on your right shoulder? Isn��t it very round?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. Aiya, it was really so. However, she looked at her ��parents�� who were about the same age as her in her previous life and was a little embarrassed to call them that.


    Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an brought Xiaoxiao to the room specially reserved for her. The snacks and fruits filled the table in the blink of an eye. They wanted to ask Xiaoxiao how she had been living all these years, but they didn��t know where to start.


    It was their fault for losing her child, no matter what the cause and effect was, let alone after more than 10 years, they actually let her drift outside without anyone to rely on. The more they thought about it, the more bitter they felt. After holding it in for a long time, they could only say, ��We��ve let you down.��


    Looking at the neat and clean room, it was not difficult for Xiaoxiao to guess that someone cleaned it every day. There were girls�� clothes, shoes, and socks in the wardrobe in all colors, and they happened to be suitable for 12-year-old girls. There was a row of makeup boxes on the dressing table. They looked heavy and must be filled to the brim.


    They should be looking forward to their daughtering home every day, right?


    The original host did not know her background, but the two of them thought about their lost daughter day and night. They were afraid that she would suffer, that they would not be able to find her, and even more afraid that she would no longer be alive��


    Looking at the white hair on their temples, Xiaoxiao thought: How torturous it must be for them.


    She thought to herself that she should try harder when she heard someone outside the door. ��Mistress, His Majesty wants to see you.��


    Xiao Ran replied without thinking, ��I��m not free.��


    Gu Chang��an was still rational and patted her.


    Xiao Ran looked impatient. ��I��m not free to begin with. It��s not court time now.. Do I have nothing to do to watch him farm?��

 Chapter 304 - 304: Your Majesty, Do You Think You Should Punish Me?

    Chapter 304: Your Majesty, Do You Think You Should Punish Me?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Speaking of ��farming��, she felt like she had forgotten something.


    The person who sent the message outside the door was in a difficult position. ��But Mistress, I heard from that pce servant that someone reported you.��


    Xiao Ran was puzzled. ��What did I do?�� After saying that, she remembered.


    Could it be that the Xu Family had gone to the Emperor?


    Not only did she not feel guilty, but she also straightened her back and opened the door. ��Alright, I don��t find trouble with them, but they bumped into me themselves? Let��s go. Let��s see if I don��t break his bastard son��s legs!��


    ��Daugh�� Mm�� Xiaoxiao, rest at home for a while. Wait for Mother�� I��lle back.��


    The guard didn��t understand why Mistress stuttered when she was confused. He just scratched his head awkwardly. ��The Imperial Censor asked if Miss Ning was around just now. If she was, His Majesty would summon her too.��


    The three of them looked at each other in the room. Xiao Ran went back into the house. ��Oh, then let the Imperial Censor wait. We have to prepare.��


    Mistress had always been casual when she entered the pce. Sometimes, she couldn��t even be bothered to change into her court clothes. What was she preparing now?


    Just as the guard was feeling puzzled, he saw Mistress and Master pull the unfamiliar Miss Ning towards the wardrobe. Their tone was so gentle that it was almost doting. ��Come, let��s change our clothes first. Do you want to take a bath? We have soap from the Western Region here. It��s fragrant and veryfortable to use. You should eat more fruits, right? Are you hungry? Can I cook a bowl of noodles for you?��


    The guard was dumbfounded. It was a long time before he remembered�� wasn��t the clothes prepared for Little Mistress, who was wandering outside? Mistress would make new clothes and buy new jewelry for Little Mistress every year. They said that she would be able to wear them immediately when she returned. Unfortunately��


    Hey, hey, hey, hey! Wait! The things in Little Mistress��s room were all personally prepared by the masters. Even their personal maidservant and servant were not allowed to touch them. Now, she was letting that girl wear them. Didn��t this mean that it meant that!!!


    The guard��s eyes turned red. Could that girl be-


    lt was impossible to take a shower. There was no need to take a shower in broad daylight and no need to eat as well. Xiaoxiao had a stomach full of fruits now, and there was still a sound when she swayed. She changed her clothes ording to Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an��s instructions and wore some simple but grand jewelry under their insistence.


    When they reached the door, Yun San and Eighteen, who were already waiting there, widened their eyes in admiration.


    The two of them had just ced the things that Miss wanted in the kitchen and washed them ording to her request when they heard that she and General Xiao had gone to the General��s Residence. The two of them were still puzzled. When did Miss Ning be familiar with the General��s Residence? Could it be that Master asked General Xiao to take care of Miss Ning? Aiyo, Master was quite anxious. He couldn��t even wait for General to propose marriage first.


    Thinking that she would definitely not be in any danger at General��s Residence, the two of them simply waited at the door. What if the two of them were cultivating their rtionship?


    They didn��t dare to recognize Miss Ning, who had dressed up just now. If Master saw this, wouldn��t he be stunned? From the looks of it, Miss Ning really didn��t look like a girl who was raised in the countryside. With such a dress, no one wouldn��t believe that she was the daughter of a rich family in the Imperial Capital.


    On the other hand, Xiao Ran was a little surprised to see the two of them. ��Yun San, Eighteen, why are you here?��


    The two of them bowed and looked at Xiaoxiao. ��We were ordered to protect Miss Ning.��


    Xiao Ran finally calmed down because she was too excited to see her daughter.


    Her daughter��s name was Ning Xiaoxiao. She came from Xijiang County and was even protected by Little Yan��s guards��


    She pped her head. ��Ah, so that��s how it is.��


    She was wondering where the poor Xu Family got their guts from. They clearly knew that the Shen Family was protecting Xiaoxiao, but they still dared to have ill intentions towards her. It turned out that the Yan Family was adding fuel to the fire behind their back. Why? Did they want to vent their anger on her daughter after suffering a loss in Yan Lu��s matter? Did they think she was dead?


    Gu Chang��an��s face also turned cold. At this moment, he actually regretted his choice. If he had listened to his family back then and given up on cooking to study hard, would he be able to seek justice for his daughter in the imperial hall now?


    They had been husband and wife for many years. Xiao Ran could tell what her husband was thinking at a nce. She held Gu Chang��an��s hand and patted it gently. ��Don��t worry, leave it to me.��


    Yun San and Eighteen were speechless. What did they miss???


    The Emperor listened to the Xu Family��s cries in the hall for a long time. His ears were almost calluses before he heard the eunuch report, ��General Xiao is here!��


    He thought that Xiao Ran, who had hit someone andmitted a crime, would at least feel a little guilty. Unexpectedly, her footsteps were steady and her pretty face was cold. She walked in and kicked the Xu family��s son, who was kneeling in the middle, over without a word.


    Everyone was stunned. The Emperor felt that it would be unreasonable not to re up now, so he pped the dragon chair.


    ��Your Majesty, I want to sue Xu Eng!��


    The Emperor was stunned and even forgot that his hand hurt. ��You, sue them?��


    The Xu family felt that there was something wrong with their ears. If they weren��t in front of the hall, they really wanted to reach out and dig out their ear wax.


    Assistant Minister Xu was used to arguing with others in the court, so he reacted quickly. He couldn��t be bothered to help his son up. ��General Xiao, don��t go overboard. You were the one who hit someone on the street first. Why are you suing my son?��


    Xiao Ran nced at him coldly and added, ��I still want to sue the Xu Family for being unruly. Lord Xu, you should reflect on yourself for raising your son to such a state!��


    Assistant Minister Xu was furious. He knelt in front of the Emperor. ��Your Majesty, I��m innocent. Please uphold justice for me!��


    ��My son only strolled on the streets today and did not provoke General Xiao. She suddenly rushed out and injured my servants. She even beat my son up like this. Although my status is low, I can��t be trampled on like this. Your Majesty, please give me justice!��


    The Emperor was looking at Xiao Ran��s expression carefully. With his understanding of Xiao Ran, he could tell at a nce that she was really angry and faking it. She really wanted to chop up the Xu Family��s people now. It was obvious that there was more to it.


    He did not want to be pped in the face after standing up for the Xu Family.


    ��Dear Official Xiao, do you have anything to say?��


    Xiao Ran looked up with a hint of sadness in her solemn expression. ��Your Majesty, do you still remember that you promised topensate my daughter well if I found her?��


    Although the Emperor did not understand why she mentioned this now, he still agreed. ��Of course. Back then, in order to protect the country, you could not return home even after giving birth. On the way back to the capital, you were severely injured by a spy. Until now����


    Xiao Ran waved her hand to interrupt the Emperor��only she dared to do this in the world.


    ��That��s not important. What makes me regret the most is that someone stole my child while I was unconscious and separated me from my flesh and blood. We��ve been in pain until now!��


    The Emperor sighed. He had long forgotten to denounce her. Xiao Ran asked again, ��His Majesty said that you will also treat my daughter as your biological daughter when I find her. Does that still stand?��


    The Emperor��s words were precious. How could he go back on his word? ��Of course.��


    Xiao Ran snorted and pointed at the Xu Family��s son.. ��If he wants to take Your Majesty��s daughter as a concubine and even says dirty words at the entrance of the street, does Your Majesty think he should be punished?��

 Chapter 305 - 305: It’s Really Gu Chang’an’s Child

    Chapter 305: It��s Really Gu Chang��an��s Child


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The son of the Xu Family, who had been pretending to be pitiful and in pain, couldn��t be bothered to be an injured person at this moment. ��Nonsense. The concubine I want to take in is clearly Ning Xiaoxiao, who came from the countryside!��


    Xiao Ran stepped forward and kicked again. This ruthlessness made the Xu Family cry out, but they didn��t dare to go forward. They could only look at the Emperor pitifully. However, the Emperor had already reacted. ��Dear Official Xiao, you mean����


    Xiao Ran finally let go of the useless son of the Xu Family at her feet and turned to bow to the Emperor. ��Your Majesty, back then, my personal soldiers protected my infant daughter to avoid being hunted down. They followed the river all the way south and went to Fortune Vige, where they were saved by the Ning Family! I only realized this morning that the Ning Xiaoxiao you summoned from Xijiang County to the Imperial Capital is my daughter!��


    ��I was so happy that I didn��t know what to do. I was thinking about how to bring all the good things in the world to my daughter when I heard this dog spouting sh*t. Not only did he humiliate my daughter as a concubine, but he also f*cking shouted at my daughter. How can I tolerate this?��


    Good lord, the more she spoke, the more outrageous it became��


    The Emperor pretended not to hear her vulgarities, but turned his surprised gaze to Xiaoxiao. Wasn��t this too much of a coincidence?


    Xiao Ran blocked her in a sh and didn��t let anyone see her like a treasure. The Emperor was so angry that heughed. How could she lose a piece of flesh iff took a look? She has entered the pce several times these days, I��ve already seen what she looks like.


    No wonder he felt that she looked familiar. It turned out that she looked like Gu Chang��an, Xiao Ran��s husband.


    To think that that kid even said that he looked burly when he was young. He was clearly still like an ordinary woman when he grew up! He wondered what Xiao Ran liked about him. Because he was good at cooking?


    This was really too unexpected. The Xu Family failed toin and was beaten up again. They were even punished by the Emperor to reflect on their mistakes. They suffered so much that their intestines turned green.


    When they left the pce, the martial woman, Xiao Ran, insisted on going the same way as them. As she walked, she kept stabbing them with her eyes. If looks could hurt, they would probably have been dismembered.


    When they saw their carriage, the Xu Family almost ran up the carriage. They did not dare to greet them and whipped the horses to escape.


    Xiaoxiao saw Xiao Ran take out a peanut unhurriedly and flick it at the Xu Family��s carriage.


    Amidst the exmations, the horse suddenly ran out and knocked everyone in the carriage over, especially Xu Eng. He was originally carried into the pce, but after a scream, he suddenly stopped moving. It was unknown if he was unconscious or in pain.


    Either way, it was quite satisfying.


    Xiao Ran even said to the guards following her, ��Pass down the order. Take good ��care�� of the Xu Family��s shops in the capital. At the same time, find out what dirty things they��ve done all these years. After you��re done with your investigations, sort them out and send them to the Imperial Censor��s residence.��


    How dare he bully her daughter?


    Xiaoxiao felt that her mother was simply too handsome. However, the next moment, when her mother, who was still cool and arrogant, turned to look at her, she immediately became the kind of loving mother who doted on her children. She was at a loss, looking like she wanted to hold her but was too embarrassed to do it.


    Xiaoxiaoughed and reached out to hold Xiao Ran��s hand. ��Let��s go home.��


    There was still someone waiting for her in the residence.


    As expected, before they reached the General��s Residence, Xiaoxiao saw Gu Chang��an, who was looking forward to them. He was tall and handsome. When the wind blew, his robe fluttered. He was worthy of the descriptions of ��a handsome tree in the wind�� and ��as graceful as an immortal��.


    However, when he saw Xiaoxiao, he immediately changed his expression. ��You��re back? Are you tired? Are you hungry? I made peach blossom drinks and snacks and fruits. Which one do you want to eat?�� After saying that, he really took out the wrapped and still hot snacks from his chest.


    Although she was very full, Xiaoxiao still pinched the smallest one and stuffed it into her mouth. ��Father, Mother, let��s go in first.��


    Otherwise, the eyes of the two soldiers guarding the door would fall out.


    Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an were stunned. Looking at Xiaoxiao, who was already a ��big girl��, all the memories of missing her surged up. The two of them, who were eloquent, were speechless and could only repeat, ��Sigh! Sigh! Good! Good! Go in, go in! Father and Mother will listen to Xiaoxiao!��


    Xiaoxiao told them some interesting things about Fortune Vige and unknowingly stayed until night. When the three of them ate at the same table, not to mention Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an, even the servants couldn��t help but sigh when they saw that the bowl and chopsticks that had been empty for more than 10 years were finally used.


    When the three of them interacted, they did not know that the Emperor had already looked at the distance between Fortune Vige and Luo Prefecture several times on the map.


    It was not that she could not make it in time, so did Xiao Ran already know Ning Xiaoxiao��s identity, or did she only find out by chance today as she said?


    If it was thetter, it was too much of a coincidence. If it was the former, why did she hide it from him? Or rather, was Ning Xiaoxiao really her daughter?


    Could the child really live until now when she went missing as a baby back then?


    With a belly full of doubts, he went to see County Magistrate Shen who was farming. He was interrupted by the Xu Family when he was busy.


    Shen Congjun was not stupid. Seeing that he was not around, he moved to the shade. When the Emperor came, he happened to see County Magistrate Shen taking something out of his sleeve and stuffing it into his mouth.


    He waved his hand and told the servants to be quiet. Then he walked behind County Magistrate Shen.


    ��What are you eating?��


    County Magistrate Shen almost choked when he heard His Majesty��s voice. Fortunately, Xiaoxiao��s cookies were crispy and delicious. They would melt after a few bites.


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty.��


    It was just that when he spoke, he smelled like biscuits.


    The Emperor felt that he was really hungry, so he reached out to County Magistrate Shen.


    As the Emperor, he had hundreds of imperial chefs. This was the first time the Emperor had seen Shen Congjun��s snacks.


    ��Fresh folk stuff?��


    County Magistrate Shen swallowed the food in his mouth. ��It was made by Xiaoxiao. She likes to think about these foods. Our whole family has been benefiting from it recently.��


    When he heard this, the Emperor had just taken a bite. It was crispy and fragrant!


    The snacks made by the imperial chef were also outstanding, but they were still inferior to this inconspicuous biscuit. ��What��s this called?��


    County Magistrate Shen sounded proud, although he didn��t know what he was proud of.


    ��It��s called biscuits. Little Girl Ning knows how to make a lot of them. There��s also Mianmian Cake, Cloud Cake, Crystal Jelly, and Taro Cake Roll. Each one is better than thest!��


    The Emperor finished all of County Magistrate Shen��s biscuits and got an answer to one question.


    It seemed like she was really Gu Chang��an��s child.


    Otherwise, where could they find a little girl who looked like him and had his culinary skills?


    Emperor Gu Chang��an was angry at the thought of it. Why couldn��t he be the head chef after getting married? Could it be that his cooking could only be tasted by his wife, Xiao Ran? He wasn��t worthy as the Emperor, right?


    Seeing that the Emperor had finished all the snacks that Lord Shen had brought, Eunuch De asked calmly, ��Your Majesty, it��s gettingte. Why don��t we get the imperial kitchen to prepare and let you eatter?��


    The Emperor clicked his tongue. ��It��s the same things back and forth. I��m not hungry. Continue hoeing.��


    County Magistrate Shen: You finished all my biscuits. You are not hungry, but I am!


    Then, the Emperor asked, ��What will you bring to eat tomorrow?��

 Chapter 306 - 306: Is Third Prince Still Worthy of Her?

    Chapter 306: Is Third Prince Still Worthy of Her?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    County Magistrate Shen was immersed in grief and indignation. He answered immediately, ��Little Girl Ning said that she would make sponge cake for me.�� It was another term that he had never heard before. The Emperor carried the hoe and said, ��Bring more.��


    County Magistrate Shen:�� Would he dare to refuse?


    However, after a while, the Emperor frowned again. ��Can Xiao Ran and Gu


    Chang��an bear to let her cook?��


    County Magistrate Shen was confused. ��What does Little Girl Ning��s cooking have to do with General Xiao and his wife?��


    The Emperor looked at County Magistrate Shen for a long time. Judging from County Magistrate Shen��s honest look, he thought that this guy really didn��t know. ��Dear Official Xiao told me something today����


    When he returned to Shen Residence, County Magistrate Shen��s footsteps were light.


    Little Girl Ning was General Xiao��s daughter?!


    He pushed open the door. ��Father! Big Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother!


    Big news, big news!��


    Xiaoxiao suddenly met her parents and only remembered to send a message to Shen Residence after dinner. The content of the message was concise, but clear enough. It was only at this moment that Premier Shen and his family believed that County Magistrate Shen was not muddled in the pce.


    The Shen Family was immersed in this unbelievable fact and did not sleep well at night. Unlike them, Xiaoxiao opened her eyes early in the morning and felt that she should do something.


    She thought that she didn��t care much about the Host��s background, but that wasn��t the case. She couldn��t wait to return 120% of the kindness that others treated her well. Moreover, Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an were really to her liking, especially after she heard the maidservants talk about the bowls and chopsticks that they never forgot at home.


    Hence, she found Yun San and Eighteen and ran back to the Shen Residence. County Magistrate Shen was dragged up by Premier Shen and his brothers who were going to court early in the morning. Before he was fully awake, he sniffed twice. ��Am I still dreaming? Why do I feel that I smell Little Girl Ning��s cooking?��


    Premier Shen was also very surprised. It was not that he was humble, but he felt that his chef did not have such skills.


    The group of people looked towards the kitchen. Oh my god, what kind of good stuff was this table full of?


    Xiaoxiao scratched her head in embarrassment. ��Good morning, Sirs. I wanted to make some snacks just now, but I identally made too much. Have you eaten?��


    They haven��t eaten! Of course they haven��t eaten! They wished they hadn��t eatenst night!


    They had long heard Youngest Child/Little Brother show off his good fortune.


    Today, they finally had a chance to put it into practice.


    ��Is this the Cloud Cake that Little Brother was talking about? Drink, it��s really as soft and white as the clouds. Is this made of cow milk? Why doesn��t it smell fishy at all?��


    ��This is Taro Cake Roll, right? The color is so beautiful. I can��t bear to eat it.��


    ��If you can��t bear it, give it to me!��


    ��Dream on, ahhh! It��s in my mouth. Hahaha, it��s so delicious!��


    Hearing the Shen Family��s cheers and praises, Xiaoxiao packed some of everything with a red face. Her parents would like them too, right?


    County Magistrate Shen was happy for Xiaoxiao too.


    Such a good girl now had a good background. This way, her future with the Third Prince would be guaranteed. Aiya, wait. Was the Third Prince still worthy of her now?


    With such a question, County Magistrate Shen filled his big food box with every snack, which was strongly criticized by the whole family. He said calmly, It s hard to disobey the emperor��s order.��


    He was asking for a beating.


    They wanted to ask Little Girl Ning about her background, but seeing that she was in a hurry to go back and that it was not easy for the couple who missed her, they did not stop her.


    Premier Shen even specially sent her to the door. After thinking about it, he still said to Xiaoxiao, ��With your mother��s temper, she probably won��t tell you some things.��


    ��Back then, she discovered she was pregnant with you on the battlefield. However, she had the emperor��s orders and her country was on her shoulders. Great Xia was filled with internal and external troubles and dangers, so she had no choice but to gallop on the battlefield with a pregnant body. After defeating the Gobi Barbarians, she gave birth to you on the battlefield.


    ��At that time, she was already seriously injured, but she gritted her teeth and returned to the capital because she was worried that you wouldn��t be taken good care of in the Gobi. Who knew��


    ��in order to look for you, she disregarded her leg injury and forced herself until she fainted. She almost died. Even if she saved her life, her leg was unable to be treated because it was dyed for too long. She hasn��t been able to walk smoothly since then.��


    Premier Shen sighed. ��There are very few people I admire in my life. General Xiao is one of them.��


    He patted his left leg. ��She has an arrow tip in here. When she returned to the Imperial Capital, it had already grown into her flesh and bones. She couldn��t take it out. People often say that it��s as painful as being twisted by a knife, but to her, she��s really being twisted by a knife every time she walks.��


    Xiaoxiao��s heart was shocked and painful.


    Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an basically didn��t sleep. They were afraid that when they woke up, they would realize that everything today was just a dream. Hence, the two of them barely rested for a moment when it was almost dawn. They suddenly woke up and went straight to Xiaoxiao��s room.


    They pushed open the door. It was clean and empty.


    Was it all fake?


    ��Masters, Miss said that she��s going to the Shen Residence to get some things. She��ll be back soon.��


    The maidservant said, ��By the way, Miss also asked the residence not to prepare breakfast.��


    The two of them felt their hearts finally fall back into their throats. They looked at each other and found it funny again.


    They were already so old, but they were still so impatient.


    After washing up, they appeared at the door together.


    Gu Chang��an coughed lightly. ��The weather is very good today. Is Madam nning to take a walk too?��


    Xiao Ran nodded vigorously. ��Yes, yes, yes. Okay, okay, okay. Let��s go.��


    This silly look was like a different person from the one who had proposed with the red tassel spear.


    Hence, when Xiaoxiao carried the food box back to the General��s Residence, she saw two familiar figures circling back and forth on the mam road.


    She took a deep breath. ��Father! Mother! I��m back!��


    These words were like a curse that soothed the wounds in Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran��s hearts for many years andforted their uncontroble uneasiness.


    ��Sigh! It��s good that you��re back.��


    Yes, it was good that she was back.


    As long as their daughter returned safely, the suffering over the years was not important.


    It did not seem difficult to call them ��Father�� and ��Mother�� after the first formal greeting. Indeed, everything was new to her. In less than 10 minutes, Xiaoxiao could already very naturally pass food to Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran while introducing them.


    ��Mother, this is Cloud Cake. I call these white soft ones cream. Try them!�� ��Father, this is a biscuit. It��s crispy and delicious. It��s filled with the fragrance of milk I added jam here. It��s sandwiched. Try it?��


    ��The Taro Cake Roll is made of taro. For the sake of color and texture, I added a little purple sweet potato. Oh, the purple sweet potato is simr to a red sweet potato, but the color is different. I found it in Dayan Mountain.�� ��Father, Mother, I��ve bought a mountain on Dayan Mountain and nted many fruit trees. When they bear fruit, I��ll make wine for you, okay?��


    Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran��s smiles never stopped. They looked at their obedient and cute daughter, who had no estrangement from them at all. Then, they felt the novel and delicious snacks in their mouths and felt that this was what life wanted..

 Chapter 307 - 307: The Apprentice Surpasses The Master

    Chapter 307: The Apprentice Surpasses The Master


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    In order to spend time with her daughter, Xiao Ran simply applied for leave and did not go to the morning court assembly. The Emperor allowed it. They naturally did not know if he agreed so readily because General Xiao had been separated from her flesh and blood for many years, or because of the huge food box Lord Shen brought next time.


    It had been many years since the Emperor had eaten such delicious food. It should be said that ever since Gu Chang��an resigned from the imperial kitchen, he had disliked eating almost every meal.


    He felt that Gu Chang��an should be med for this. He was so good at cooking, but he couldn��t teach a decent disciple. He even valued his wife over duty. He forgot about the Emperor after getting a wife.


    Originally, he thought that after finding his daughter, that Gu would be able to return to the imperial kitchen without any distractions, right?


    However, he changed his mind today. He felt that Ning Xiaoxiao seemed to have surpassed her master!


    The Emperor, who was reading the memorandums, nced at County Magistrate Shen. ��Are the prawn dumplings really that delicious?��


    County Magistrate Shen was sweating profusely and was hungry. He said without thinking, ��Not only that, Ruyi buns, crystal prawn dumplings, Steamed Chinese Cabbage in Supreme Soup, Stuffed Yellow Croaker�� All of them are the best delicacies. What a taste!�� He couldn��t help but smack his lips. The Emperor asked with mixed feelings, ��You��ve eaten before?��


    County Magistrate Shen chuckled. ��Of course. Two days ago, that girl just�� Ahem, ahem, ahem. Your Highness, I��m telling you that I was indeed lucky enough to try it. I was wondering how a little girl like her could have so many wonderful ideas. I thought that it was right after knowing her background.�� Many years ago, the Emperor had fantasized that Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an would give him and Great Xia another brave and good general. In the future, the mother and son would dominate the battlefield and unify the country for him. Later on��


    Now that he thought about it, it was actually not bad for a woman to take over her father��s business, right? He had given Ning Xiaoxiao too few rewards previously. Since she was Xiao Ran��s daughter, as the Emperor, he naturally had to keep his promise andpensate her well. Apart from gold, silver, and jewelry, it was not too much to give her the title of imperial chef, right?


    After the three of them had their fill, the General��s Residence started to discuss establishing Xiaoxiao��s name. ��We still have to find time to meet your other two parents. It��s all thanks to them taking care of you all these years.��


    Xiaoxiao felt warm inside. They said ��the other two parents��, which meant that the two of them did not object to her continuing to interact with the Ning Family.


    ��And your brothers. From what you said, they dote on you too. It��s all thanks to them that we can meet again like this.��


    ��Your brother is going to take the exam soon, right?��


    Unexpectedly, her parents even thought of this. Xiaoxiao straightened her expression. Actually, she was about to tell her parents about this. ��Father, Mother, can I����


    ��The imperial decree has arrived����


    A call came from outside the door. Hearing this, Xiao Ran frowned and pursed her lips. ��Tsk.�� ��Don��t let the Emperor cause trouble again and organize a banquet.��


    She had guessed correctly. The Emperor was happy that the General��s Residence had found their long-lost daughter and nned to celebrate with a banquet. At the same time, he would reward this only daughter of the General��s Residence who had just returned.


    If this matter happened to anyone else, it would be a huge honor. They would have to brag about it to others for a day. However, in the General��s Residence, Xiao Ran only found it time-consuming,borious, and unptable.


    ��If only we had an excuse not to go.��


    She suddenly pped her hands. ��Got it!��


    The Emperor was originally happily waiting for his n to bepleted at the banquet, but he didn��t expect Xiao Ran to say that she wanted to take her daughter on a long trip! He had a straight face. In a court full of civil and military officials, who would dare to refute his good intentions like this?! However, she brought a letter for him. The beginning of the letter said-


    ��Junior Brother, I have a request.��


    How many years had it been since she called him that?


    Looking at the General��s Residence packing up the bags, Xiaoxiao asked worriedly, ��Can it really work? It��s all said and done. His Majesty��s imperial edict is already here. Will he agree?��


    Xiao Ran waved her hand nonchntly. ��Don��t worry. With my letter, he has to agree even if he doesn��t want to.��


    As long as he saw the form of address junior brother, he would remember how she had given up her freedom to fight for Great Xia for him all these years. He would remember how much he owed Xiao Ran. How could he not agree?


    As expected, the new imperial decree arrived before they could move everything into the carriage. It said that he could wait for them to return.


    Xiaoxiao admired her mother so much that she wanted to prostrate herself on the ground. Xiao Ran smiled and said that it was alright, while Gu Chang��an went to check the items in the carriage. The General��s Residence��s style of doing things was probably to be swift and decisive. They had just made ns in the morning and set off in the afternoon.


    There were only two carriages. One was for people, and the other was for things. The people driving the carriage and apanying them were all guards of the General��s Residence. Many of them had once galloped on the battlefield with Xiao Ran.


    Xiaoxiao looked at the various old injuries on their bodies and crawled back into the carriage to find a few bags of snacks for them.


    Uncle Chen, Uncle Wang, Brother Liu, do you want to eat?��


    The few people who were called almost had tears in their eyes. They more or less had some terrifying injuries on their bodies. Ordinary children would immediately cry when they saw them, but not only did Miss not look at them strangely, but she even sent them food!


    Look at this snack. It was fragrant and beautiful. It was made like a flower!


    The heavens had finally let the general find Miss. Moreover, was Miss a fairy who had descended to the mortal world? How could she be so cute?! It was fine if she was good-looking and likable, but her personality was too warm!


    Additionally, Miss��s culinary skills were also impressive. If she worked with Master, she could make people unable to stop eating even if they were cooking in the mountains!


    The more Gu Chang��an looked at his daughter, the more he liked her. He had also taken in disciples to teach them culinary skills, but none of them could make inferences like his daughter. He even felt that Xiaoxiao��s culinary skills were better than his.


    Xiao Ran only cared about the two people she loved the most in the world. She crossed her legs and looked at the sky. This was great.


    Of course, she did not go to the Emperor��s banquet just because she found it annoying and the food disgusting. She knew that the Emperor��s banquet was not purely to celebrate.


    In the Phoenix Pce, when they found out that the Emperor had actually agreed to Xiao Ran��s request to go on a long trip and postponed the imperial banquet, they were so angry that they smashed another set of good tea sets.


    ��This damn Xiao Ran!��


    When a new pce maid saw this, she winked and went forward. ��His Majesty is so obedient to General Xiao. Could it be that he���� She heard that His Majesty had been friends with General Xiao before he ascended the throne. Wasn��t it easiest for senior brothers, junior sisters, and junior brothers to fall in love over time?


    The Empress��s expression suddenly turned cold. ��Take her away and flog her to death.��


    The pce maid was still immersed in the beautiful dream of bing sessful after sessfully currying favor with the Empress. She did not expect to lose her life because of her quick tongue.


    Who did she think she was? How dare she gossip in front of her? How could a b*tch like herment on the Emperor?


    Moreover, if the Emperor had designs on Xiao Ran, that married woman, where would she put her face as the Empress? She was spouting nonsense without knowing anything.


    The Emperor was so tolerant of Xiao Ran because of her military power..

 Chapter 308 - 308: Your Little Cutie Suddenly Appeared

    Chapter 308: Your Little Cutie Suddenly Appeared


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Back then, that martial woman had indeed stayed at the border for many years and suffered many injuries. However, didn��t the reputation that the Xiao Family had umted in the army also fall on her? However, she broke a leg, making it seem like the entire Great Xia owed her.


    The Yan Family��s power could be extended everywhere, but they were helpless in the military.


    Those rough men did not recognize power or money. They only recognized the feelings of struggling at the border with them. All of them were blockheads and did not understand.


    How long has it been since Xiao Ran left the border? They were still thinking about their ��General Xiao��. The Emperor had sent many people over, but they could not win their hearts.


    Xiao Ran��s ce was impregnable and no one could rope her in. However, now that she suddenly had a daughter waiting to be married, she was naturally in high demand. Everyone wanted to take a bite.


    It wasn��t just her. Didn��t those vixens in the harem who had given birth to sons also hope to get close to that wild girl that the General��s Residence had found at the imperial banquet?


    No matter what, did they think that they could have a say in the army by using that girl to curry favor with the General��s Residence?


    She heard that a few quick-witted people had started to whisper to His Majesty yesterday that they wanted to marry her to their son as the main princess consort.


    Thinking about it this way, it was good that Xiao Ran left. It saved that wild girl who had never seen the world, from being coaxed by Fourth Prince and Fifth Prince and causing trouble for her sonter.


    After waiting for a while and seeing that the Empress had calmed down, the nanny asked, ��Your Highness, what about this set of hair jewelry?��


    The Empress tidied her temples. ��Keep it well. His Majesty said to postpone it, not cancel it. We��ll send it to the eldest daughter of the General��s Residence when General Xiao and the otherse back after they��re done.��


    ��Oh, right. Tell the Crown Prince to collect more things that girls like these few days.��


    With more time, she would be able to make more preparations.


    Instead of letting those vixen��s sons benefit, it was better to hold the Xiao Family in the hands of the Yan Family. The Crown Prince had yet to be his main princess consort.


    Xiao Ran could no longer go to the battlefield. The Xiao Family had no sessor, so even if they had some prestige and loyalty in the army, how long could theyst? Although marrying the Xiao Family��s daughter would make the Crown Prince feel a little aggrieved, who couldpete with the Yan Family with military power in the future?


    ***


    Recently, Xiaoxiao had been sneezing so many times that Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran almost brought her to the doctor.


    Xiaoxiao was neither cold nor ufortable. In addition, the space repeatedly guaranteed that she was very well, so she naturally did not want to waste time. ��Maybe someone misses me.��


    If she said this, Xiao Ran would not be sleepy anymore. She pulled Xiaoxiao and her eyes became indecent.


    ��You and Ah Yan����


    Xiaoxiao blushed. ��I��m not talking about him.�� However, she still missed him a little.


    ��Mother, can we send the rations over in time?��


    Xiao Ran straightened her expression and sighed before she could speak. ��It��s hard to say. Recently, it��s been raining continuously and there have been dys on the road. What��s even more troublesome is that Chu Zhong didn��t bring enough food, and he hasn��t gathered the second batch for a long time.��


    The price of food in the Imperial Capital had skyrocketed. Ordinary people were beginning to be unable to afford food. This was not a good sign.


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Actually, I went to Fortune Vige early to see if I could buy some nearby first.��


    The price of food increased, but the farmers who really farmed could not benefit from it. The grain merchants were the ones who earned money, and themoners were the ones who suffered.


    Xiao Ran stroked Xiaoxiao��s head. ��I��ve long heard from Ah Yan that you��re smart. I didn��t expect such a smart person to be my daughter. By the way, let me ask you for the time being. Should the new rice seed have a yield of 4.00 kg?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��Only more, not less.��


    Gu Chang��an looked at the mother and daughter who were leaning against each other in jealousy. ��Let��s eat something first. Even though this is the wilderness, the wild animals are even fresher than what we usually eat at home.��


    Uncle Chen, who was helping, couldn��t help but sigh. ��Unfortunately, this thing is too difficult to keep. The brothers at the border haven��t eaten fresh vegetables for a long time.��


    Xiao Ran��s smile faded.


    If possible, she would rather spend all her wealth to let her brothers live a better life. She did that, but it was a drop in the bucket. The General��s Residence was already stretched thin, but she could not change anything.


    She could think of a way to send food, clothes, and medicine, but even if she could, how much could she help those 100,000 people with her own strength?


    Every time she thought of her helplessness, her heart ached.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao tugged at their sleeves. ��Father, Mother, there��s something I want you to see.��


    She ran back to the carriage. When there was no one around, she waved her hand and a small cloth bag appeared out of thin air in her palm. She wanted to give this to the Shen Family, but after suddenly reuniting with her parents, she felt that Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran were more suitable.


    This was a bag of dried dehydrated vegetables. Just like the one for Rong Yan, it could be eaten directly after soaking in boiling water. Moreover, it preserved the freshness and nutrition of the vegetables to the greatest extent.


    From the taste alone, this thing could notpare to the snacks Xiaoxiao made, but how could its value be evaluated by just the taste?


    Xiao Ran was so excited that her throat trembled. ��W-Where did thise from?�� As soon as she asked, she had an unbelievable guess. As expected, Xiaoxiao pointed at her with her thumb the next moment. ��Hehehe, I made it.�� After saying that, she even presented it like a treasure to Gu Chang��an, who was also shocked. ��Father, I��ll teach you when we reach Fortune Vige.��


    She chuckled. ��I wonder if everyone will be shocked if I go back so suddenly.��


    After Xiao Ran calmed down, she said, ��They will just be shocked. They will definitely be very happy. They must miss you too.��


    ***


    The Imperial Capital was so far away, and the Ning Family had long been mentally prepared not to see Xiaoxiao for a period of time. However, as the days passed, everyone started to worry more than miss her.


    There were so many high-ranking officials and nobles in the Imperial Capital. Would Xiaoxiao be bullied? Would she be wronged? Would she have enough money? Would the food be to her liking?


    However, they did not dare to mention it in front of Ning Ansheng, afraid that it would affect his exams. Currently, he was the only one in the family who was considered calm.


    Upon hearing his parents�� evaluation, Ning Anhui nced at his eldest brother��s shoes, which he had put on wrongly. He sighed helplessly. Steady my foot. His eldest brother had almost dipped fried dough sticks in ink yesterday.


    However, he really admired his brother. He was clearly very worried, but he still forced him to study seriously.


    However, he could only calm down in the study room that his sister had prepared. As long as he left the room, his gaze could not help but drift out of the door, as if he could��


    Eh? Ning Anhui widened his eyes and eximed when he saw the little head that suddenly appeared at the door. His voice cracked����Sister?!!!��


    Ning Ansheng wanted to beat up his younger brother. Was it that fun to tease him?


    ��Do you think I��ll believe you?�� How many times has it been?


    He had already begun to clench his fists, but a familiar ��Pfft�� sounded in his ears. It was so real that it did not seem like a dream.


    ��Father! Mother! Big Brother! Second Brother! Your little cutie suddenly appeared ~ Did you miss me?��

 Chapter 309 - 309: We Are Also Her Parents

    Chapter 309: We Are Also Her Parents


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Fengnian and Madam Song hurriedly put down the things in their hands. Ning Anhui also threw away the bowl and rushed towards the door. Ning Ansheng didn��t move much, but he urately grabbed his brother��s cor and threw him behind him. He rushed to Xiaoxiao first.


    ��You��re fine. You didn��t lose weight.��


    Xiaoxiao:�� Big Brother, is this apliment? You won��t be able to find Big Sister-inw like this. Let me tell you.


    The four members of the Ning Family surrounded Xiaoxiao, asking about her well-being and teasing her. This made Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran, who were one step slower than her, a little jealous.


    Although their daughter had epted them, they had only known each other for a short time after all. They stillcked some intimacy. For example, Xiaoxiao would not throw herself into Xiao Ran��s arms and act sweetly like she did with Madam Song.


    The parents, who had just taken over, looked at their ��seniors�� enviously. They also wanted to experience the joy of their daughter throwing herself into their arms.


    Although they had specially changed into ordinary people��s clothes, their presence was so strong that it was difficult for the Ning Family not to notice them.


    ��Who are these two?��


    Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran had been husband and wife for many years, so they had a tacit understanding. There was no need for words or eye contact. They went forward at the same time and bowed deeply to the Ning Family.


    Ning Ansheng and his brother hurriedly avoided this bow. Ning Fengnian and his wife reacted a little slower. After receiving the bow, they were about to remedy the situation when they heard the two extraordinary people say firmly, ��Thank you for raising and protecting Xiaoxiao.��


    Ning Ansheng��s heart skipped a beat. When he looked at Xiaoxiao and the two of them again, his gaze had changed. He had watched his younger sister grow up. Has she finally found her real family? Was she�� leaving?


    Realizing the simrity between Xiaoxiao and Xiao Ran, Ning Fengnian and Madam Song��s faces turned pale. What they had been worried about for a long time still happened��


    They subconsciously let go of Xiaoxiao��s hand, but it was quickly held back by Xiaoxiao.


    Sadness crept into her heart. Just as she was about to cry, she heard Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran say, ��We��re also her parents.��


    They were indeed Xiaoxiao��s biological parents. Wait, what did ��also�� mean?


    Xiao Ran walked up to Madam Song first. ��This is Big Sister Song, right? I��m Xiao Ran, Xiaoxiao��s biological mother.��


    Gu Chang��an also came to Ning Fengnian. ��Greetings, Big Brother Ning. I��m Gu Chang��an, Xiaoxiao��s biological father.��


    The two of them bowed again. The Ning Family couple wanted to stop them, but they did not have enough strength. ��What are you doing? You can��t do this.�� Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran said in unison, ��You deserve it! If you can��t, no one in the world can deserve this bow!��


    The Ning Family couple epted it helplessly, but they refused to continue standing in front of the two of them, afraid that they would do it again.


    They had once thought that when Xiaoxiao found her biological parents, thetter would most likely control Xiaoxiao and cut off contact with her former adoptive parents to prevent affecting their closeness. If it was more serious, it was possible for them to sever ties. However, looking at the words and actions of these two today, they did not seem to be from a domineering family. Then, could they also meet Xiaoxiao asionally and take care of her?


    After getting to know each other, Xiaoxiao helped her parents move many gifts down from the car. Ning Anhui craned his neck to take a look. He was relieved not to see the gold, silver, and jewelry that were written in the book that told the adoptive parents not to disturb them anymore.


    Xiaoxiao��s chattering could not stop. ��This is for Father. When I saw it in the shop, I felt that this color was suitable for Father. Unfortunately, I don��t have the skills. It��s safer to let Mother do it.��


    ��This is for Mother. It��s said to be the best snowke ointment in the Imperial Capital. It��s made of some herbs. Mother, rub it on more. From now on, you��ll be as fair and tender as a youngdy!��


    Madam Song blushed and spat at her for talking nonsense.


    Xiaoxiao smiled as she took out a box and stuffed it into Ning Anhui��s hands. When Ning Anhui opened it, he frowned. ��Sister�� Xiao���� He suddenly didn��t know what to call her. ��Why did you buy me a girl��s thing? This pearl flower is also for Mother, right? Did you take the wrong one?��


    Xiaoxiao smirked. ��I��ll give it to you for my future sister-inw. I��ve already asked around. She likes red.��


    Good fellow, her words made Ning Anhui��s face look even more beautiful than a pearl flower. ��What nonsense are you talking about? W-w-what sister-inw!��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��Then I��ll take it back?��


    Ning Anhui looked up at the sky and hugged the box in his arms.


    Everyone was amused by him. Ning Anhui had actually taken a fancy to Shopkeeper Qian��s daughter, Jiao��er. This was something that no one had expected. However, he always mocked himself and said that Xiaoxiao was the topic eight out of 10 times when Jiao��er spoke to him. He didn��t know if she had taken a fancy to him or him as his sister��s brother��


    The gift she brought for Ning Ansheng was a set of Four Treasures of the Study. Xiaoxiao did not specifically exin where it came from. She only said that she felt that it was suitable for her brother when she saw it, so she bought it immediately.


    It was only after everyone received the gift that they realized that Xiaoxiao had still called them ��Big Brother�� and ��Second Brother�� as she used to. Wasn��t she afraid that her biological parents would be unhappy if she called them ��Father�� and ��Mother�� again?


    Ning Fengnian and Madam Song had been secretly watching Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran��s reactions. Seeing that they were smiling, they couldn��t guess if they really didn��t mind or if they didn��t show it.


    Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an were no ordinary people, so how could they not see their uneasiness? However, this was the first time they had encountered such a situation, and they did not know how to deal with it. They could only look at each other eagerly.


    At this moment, the Ning Family actually had a guest.


    Although she was a guest, the knocking on the door was not very friendly. Everyone opened the door and looked out, only to see an unexpected figure. ��Little Aunt?��


    After knowing Xiaoxiao��s real identity, County Magistrate Shen couldn��t be bothered to waste any more manpower on Little Aunt Ning, and the maid in charge of guarding Little Aunt Ning couldn��t stand her ridiculous self-confidence looking in the mirror all day long. She left immediately after receiving the news.


    Little Aunt Ning was chased out by the people who took over the courtyard.


    She was stunned when she heard from the other party in a daze that the rent for this month had not been paid. ��Rented?��


    She was unfamiliar with the ce and no one paid attention to her even if she wanted to make a scene. Her first reaction was to return to Fortune Vige.


    However, she did not have any money. After rummaging through her luggage, she carried the pearls and jewelry that the schr had given her to the pawnshop. In the end, the other party smiled as soon as she touched it. ��That��s it? You want to pawn these props for 10 taels of silver? Are you kidding me!��


    These words were like a bolt from the blue, striking Little Aunt Ning squarely. After crying for an entire two hours at the entrance of the pawnshop, she could only bear the pain and sell her silver hairpin for travel expenses before following the caravan back to Fortune Vige.


    She was stunned the moment she returned to the vige. This was a big house and a pond. Was it really Fortune Vige, which she had lived in for more than 10 years? If she hadn��t seen a few familiar faces, she would have thought that she had been deceived again and thrown somewhere by the convoy.


    Following her memory, she returned to the old residence first. Things remained the same, but people had changed. After the house became an item to repay the debt, it had long been emptied. Even the roof had been torn off.


    Little Aunt Ning walked around like a headless fly with a bitter expression. She realized btedly that there was no ce for her here anymore..

 Chapter 310 - 310: Unrelated Anymore

    Chapter 310: Unrted Anymore


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    In a daze, she walked to the entrance of the Ning Family��s house and looked at the imposing courtyard, then at the smoke wafting from the roof. Then, she saw Madam Song, who came out to pick vegetables in a dignified manner.


    How was that possible? She had clearly reported them to the officials. Why were they still living here? Shouldn��t they have been arrested?


    Could it be that she left too quickly and the officials did not clearly hear which family she was talking about? Or could it be that they did not find any evidence and were deceived by them?


    How could that do!


    Her mind was in a mess. She watched hatefully and jealously as Xiaoxiao brought Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an in.


    The courtyard was filled withughter, but Little Aunt Ning��s attention was on the ��drivers�� beside the carriage. She saw the scar that ran across half of one of their faces at a nce and was so frightened that she almost cried out- bandits! That person must be a bandit!


    Ning Xiaoxiao was indeed rted to the bandits. She even brought them home!


    Could it be that the Ning Family had actually found Ning Xiaoxiao��s bandit parents long ago? No wonder the eldest branch was clearly poor at first, but they suddenly opened shops and built buildingster. That bandit must have secretly given them money!


    Those were all ill-gotten gains from killing and plundering!


    Little Aunt Ning suddenly remembered that she saw officials in the vige for some reason when she was in the vige. If she reported the Ning Family, would she be able to obtain arge bounty? If all the Ning Family members had to go to jail, would this big house be hers?


    At the thought of this, she quickly rushed to the ce where she had seen the official and shouted, ��Brother Official! There are bandits! The bandits are going to kill someone!��


    When the officials heard that, they were shocked. Lord Shen had specially instructed them to protect the Ning Family. Wouldn��t they be ipetent if the bandits injured someone? Hence, they all picked up their knives and left with her.


    The officials did not recognize her, but they knew the way to the Ning Family. The more they walked, the more anxious they became. What they were afraid of came true. Those bandits were really targeting the Ning Family!


    Everyone subconsciously quickened their pace and drew their swords. Little Aunt Ning was shocked by this aura, but at the same time, she became more confident. She did not feel any pain when she knocked on the door. As soon as the courtyard door opened, she pointed inside and said, ��The Ning Family is colluding with bandits. Hurry up and arrest them!��


    ��Ning Xiaoxiao, don��t think that I don��t know that you��re not from the Ning Family at all!��


    ��Brother Official, you might not know this, but this wild girl is the daughter of a bandit. Capture her quickly! And the people in this courtyard, since they don��t report it, their crimes will increase!��


    ��Ning Xiaoxiao, I think these strangers are rted to your biological parents! Now that we��ve caught them red-handed, let��s see how you can escape!��


    Xiaoxiao took a few steps back to avoid her saliva. When she heard this, she evenmented, ��In a way, you��re quite impressive.��


    The official and the people inside looked at each other and asked Little Aunt Ning, ��Where are the bandits?��


    Little Aunt Ning pointed at the two unfamiliar faces inside. ��It must be them!��


    However, looking at the temperament of the two of them, the officials felt that they could not be rted to bandits.


    However, this matter concerned the Ning Family. They raised their swords and stood in front of the Ning Family while the two of them were not paying attention.


    Xiaoxiao was amused. ��Which eye of yours saw that they were bandits? Do you have evidence?��


    Little Aunt Ning sneered and pointed her spear at the outside this time. ��Don��t think that you can hide it from everyone just because the two of them look human. There are a few monsters outside who don��t look like humans or ghosts. Look at them yourselves. They��re either inhumanely ugly or missing an arm�� Boohoohoo! Pfft, pfft, pfft!��


    Ning Xiaoxiao, what are you doing!


    ��What did you put in my mouth?��


    Xiaoxiao had been taken care of by the guards of the General��s Residence along the way. How could she tolerate them being humiliated? Moreover, Little Aunt Ning couldn��t say anything good. She let go of Little Aunt Ning coldly. ��Horse dung, wash your mouth properly.��


    She was just scaring Little Aunt Ning. It happened so suddenly that even if Windsher and Wind could pull her back in time, she wouldn��t be able to catch them in time. She just casually grabbed a handful of mud to make Little Aunt Ning shut up.


    However, Little Aunt Ning believed her. She cried and vomited.


    Seeing that the officials were also looking at the door suspiciously, Xiaoxiao immediately said seriously, ��Those uncles and big brothers are all heroes. Their injuries are medals left behind by protecting the country. You can be ungrateful, but you have no right toment.��


    Everyone from the General��s Residence cupped their hands warmly. ��Thank you, Miss. We��re fine.��


    ��We��re fine�� was fake. When they were looked at by those disgusted and terrified gazes, they hated and resented them, but at this moment, they didn��t seem to care anymore.


    Miss said that they were heroes!


    Little Aunt Ning spat everything out with all her might. Her face was already covered in tears and snot. ��Do you mean whatever you say? Even if they used to serve in the army, aren��t there many deserters who became bandits? Who are these two? I��ve never seen them in Fortune Vige!��


    ��If you don��t understand, they��re bandits!��


    Without waiting for Ning Fengnian, Madam Song, and the officials to exin, Xiaoxiao said crisply, ��Greetings, everyone. They��re my parents.��


    The officials looked at Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an, then at Ning Fengnian and his wife, their faces filled with confusion.


    Xiaoxiao said casually, ��As she said, I��m a child adopted by the Ning Family. These two are my biological parents.��


    Little Aunt Ning red at her and was about to continue nagging when she heard Xiaoxiao ask coldly, ��Little Aunt, oh no, this aunt insists that my parents�� identities are suspicious. Dare I ask if you have evidence? Do you know that false usations also require flogging?��


    Little Aunt Ning was a person who bullied the weak and feared the strong. When she heard this, she really did not dare to say anything else. However, she said, ��Aunt? Who do you call Aunt?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��Have you looked in the mirror?��


    Little Aunt Ning was shocked. She strode to the water vat and immediately screamed��


    ��Ah!! How did I be like this?��


    She prided herself on her beauty and had been pampered at home. However, not only was she in a sorry state, but her face was also tragic. Thinking of how she had been loitering in the vige like this just now, she immediately felt that she could not get married. She covered her face and ran away.


    Xiaoxiao shrugged. ��Weakling.�� She ran away before she could even start.


    Ning Ansheng had exams tomorrow, and Xiaoxiao and the rest had rushed back day and night. Ning Fengnian and his wife thought of Xiaoxiao��s soft and cuddly appearance when she was young and wondered if they would see her often in the future. However, seeing how travel-worn they were, they suggested that they go and rest first.


    At this moment, Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran said, ��Wait a moment. There��s something I need to discuss with everyone.��


    The Ning Family was a little nervous for no reason, afraid that they would hear the nightmare-like sentence, ��Xiaoxiao is our daughter, not yours. She has nothing to do with you in the future.��


    Their throats moved as they swallowed a mouthful of dryness with difficulty.. ��W-what��s the matter?��

 Chapter 311 - 311: Xiao Ning

    Chapter 311: Xiao Ning


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Gu Chang��an took out something that looked like a scroll from his pocket. Xiao Ran took it and handed it to Ning Fengnian and his wife. ��Since we��ve acknowledged Xiaoxiao, we naturally have to ce her in the genealogy, so we want to change her name. Everyone, take a look. What do you think of this name?��


    Ning Fengnian and Madam Song��s eyes became aching. Ning Anhui and Ning Ansheng didn��t feel good either. However, when they opened the scroll, they were instantly filled with incredulity and gratitude.


    ��Xiao Ning?��


    It was the Ning Family��s Ning. It was their Ning!


    Gu Chang��an was not good atmunicating with others, so Xiao Ran said, ��The Xiao Family is her surname, and the Ning Family is her name. From now on, everyone will always be her family.��


    The huge weight on their hearts was lifted. The Ning Family couple cried tears of joy and repeatedly agreed. Xiaoxiao ran to look for her brother. ��Brother, have you prepared the things for tomorrow��s exam? Shall we check them together?��


    Ning Ansheng asked, ��Could it be that you specially rushed back for this?��


    Xiaoxiao said matter-of-factly, ��Of course. This is your big day. Oh, no, I��ll definitely be present when you and Second Brother get married in the future.��


    Ning Anhui blushed, but Ning Ansheng��s heart trembled slightly. However, he only said, ��Naughty.��


    Xiaoxiao had long known that her brother was reliable, so she was not surprised to find that everything was ready after checking. She urged her brother to rest early today. It was most important to keep a clear mind. After all, Ning Ansheng was different from those people who madest-minute preparations. He had a solid foundation and was diligent in his studies. What he needed was a clear train of thought and appropriate grooming.


    Ning Ansheng couldn��t dissuade her and agreed obediently.


    Ning Anhui gave her a thumbs up. ��It��s still Xiaoxiao who has a way. If it were us, it would be useless no matter how we tried to persuade you.��


    Xiaoxiao raised her head proudly. ��Of course. I��m Big Brother��s most beloved sister!��


    Ning Ansheng smiled gently and tapped her forehead. ��You��re arrogant because you��re pampered.��


    After a simple dinner, everyone rested. That night, the Ning Family slept well, and Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an slept peacefully. Little Aunt Ning could only find a random roof to make do with. She rushed to the county office��s prison before dawn the next day.


    County Magistrate Shen was not here, so the people who reced him at thest minute did not know what happened to the Ning Family. Seeing that she was here to see the death row prisoner, they were more amodating. The people in the old residence were even worse. They could not eat or sleep well in prison and were beaten up from time to time. The only thing they cared about was whether the eldest branch was finished.


    Every time a neer came to the prison, they would perk up to see if it was a familiar face. When they realized that it was not, they would continue to wait in disappointment and anticipation. This was probably their greatest motivation to continue struggling to survive.


    It wasn��t that they hadn��t been curious about Little Aunt Ning��s whereabouts during this period of time, but they had no choice and didn��t even have a ce to ask. It wasn��t easy for them to wait for her toe, so they immediately surrounded her and fought to ask questions.


    ��How is it? Have they been arrested?��


    ��Are they enlisted or executed?��


    ��Is their family finished?��


    ��Has the money of the eldest branch all fallen into your hands? You brat, you haven��t been here for so long. Have you gone to enjoy yourself? Have you forgotten about us long ago?��


    Little Aunt Ning��s head hurt from the noise. The throats of everyone in the old residence were dry and hoarse, and it was very ear-piercing. She took a step back in difort, instantly arousing even more suspicion. ��You��re guilty, aren��t you?! You used my idea to get the eldest branch��s assets, but now you can��t bear to use them to save me at all? I��ve long asked around. As long as there��s money, I don��t have to work!��


    Little Aunt Ning looked at Third Brother Ning. ��Third Brother, what are you talking about?��


    The gentle Third Brother back then seemed to have be a fantasy. The person in front of her now was disheveled and had a fierce gaze, like a demon.


    He had been pampered by Old Madam Ning since he was young. He had always thought that he was a prodigy. He had been gnawing on cold and hard steamed buns in this prison and smelling an indescribably disgusting smell. He was about to break down.


    ��What did I say? You know very well what I said! Otherwise, why didn��t you look for us for so long!��


    Little Aunt Ning��s tears fell. ��I was deceived!��


    After she finished talking about the schr incoherently, she did not notice that her family waspletely indifferent. The few of them wolfed down the steamed buns that Little Aunt Ning had exchanged for with the remaining copper coins. They did not even care about drinking water. It was only when they finished eating that Third Brother Ning asked curiously, ��What a coincidence. You just went to expose Ning Xiaoxiao��s identity and you were deceived?��


    Of course, she was deceived because she was stupid. There was no need to mention this again, in case she was desperate and refused to do anything for him.


    Little Aunt Ning was also puzzled, but she didn��t like to use her brain, so she couldn��t understand at all.


    Third Brother Ning looked at the dirt between his fingers and snorted. ��Isn��t it obvious? Ning Xiaoxiao must have deliberately hidden you because she was afraid of you exposing her identity.��


    As soon as he said this, everyone felt that it made sense and started cursing again.


    Amidst the increasingly unbearable scolding, Third Brother Ning said smugly, ��The fact that she did this means that she has a guilty conscience.��


    Ning Xiaoxiao��s background must be something that the eldest branch could use against her!


    ��Do as I say����


    Little Aunt Ning didn��t have much of an opinion to begin with. She was convinced by him in a few sentences and started to nod like an acknowledging bug.


    The second day was an important day for the academy examinations. The entire Ning Family set off to send Ning Ansheng to take the examinations.


    Seeing that he had entered the examination hall, no one went home. They just sat in the milk tea shop. They were busy, so time passed faster.


    Gu Chang��an was very interested in his daughter��s shop. After running around a few times, he even changed into a shop assistant��s uniform and got busy. Ning Anhui originally felt that it was not appropriate, but when he saw his sister say that it was fine, he let him be.


    Xiao Ran looked at this harmonious family. She was d that her daughter had grown up in love, but her heart ached for her for suffering too much at such a young age.


    It was said that children from poor families took charge early. If life wasn��t hard, why would she think about this?


    As she was thinking, she saw her husband ask his daughter as if he had discovered a treasure, ��Is that the oven you mentioned?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and jumped over. ��That��s right, that��s right. Father, didn��t you ask me how to make cakesst time? Do you want to try?��


    The two of them squatted down in the small kitchen. About an hourter, they came out with a few freshly baked Mianmian Cakes. ��Father, Mothers, try them. These are the ratios that Father just modified for me. See which is better!��


    The form of address was messy and confusing, but everyone looked at Xiaoxiao��s glowing eyes and smiled. ��Looks like we can save on lunch today.��


    Xiao Ran took a few bites and looked at her daughter��s and her husband��s identical expressions. Under their expectant gazes, she pointed at the second one. ��This is softer.��


    Xiaoxiao cupped her fists at Gu Chang��an. ��As expected, the older, the wiser.��


    Gu Chang��an said humbly, ��Your mother is used to my cooking. She likes this kind.��


    Xiaoxiao had an idea. ��Father, I suddenly have a new idea.. Shall we do it together?��

 Chapter 312 - 312: A Toad Wanna Eat Swan Meat

    Chapter 312: A Toad Wanna Eat Swan Meat


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Gu Chang��an had already rolled up his sleeves. ��Alright, let��s do it together.�� Xiao Ran suppressed her heartache. This girl was indeed her Father��s daughter. No matter how hard her life was, she could still find joy.


    The Xiao Family and the Ning Family were busy in the milk tea shop and did not notice the passage of time. Unknowingly, all the exams passed. During this period, everyone did not dy anything and evenmunicated with each other, bing more and more familiar with each other.


    While waiting for the rankings to be released, Xiaoxiao brought her parents to see thend she had conquered. She walked past the mountain she had bought and saw the fruit trees she had nted. She passed by the pond she had dug and urged others to dig. She could not help but sigh. ��You��re quite busy?�� Xiaoxiao scratched her head in embarrassment. ��It��s alright.��


    She told her parents about her business history, from the fresh fruit preserved wine to lotus seed and lotus root powder. Xiao Ran raised her hand and apuded. ��Your Father and I don��t have the talent to do business. From the looks of it, you��re better than us.��


    She thought that if she could work harder, at least her brothers in the border province would have a better life.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao asked with a smile, ��Ahem, since I��m so strong, are you interested in cooperating with me?��


    Cooperating?


    Gu Chang��an wiped the flour off his face and looked at his daughter with his wife. ��Please borate.��


    Xiaoxiao ran into the house and brought over an ordinary-looking cloth bag. She pushed it in front of them. ��This is it.��


    The two of them untied the bag and were not surprised to see an entire bag of dehydrated vegetables lying inside.


    Xiaoxiao said, ��I made this before I entered the capital. It��s been more than a month since I put it there. It��s midsummer now, and food is the easiest to go bad, but they seem to be fine.��


    In order to confirm this, they prepared boiling water and soaked the vegetables.


    The originally crispy dried vegetables quickly unfolded under the boiling water. The green color was not lost at all. Instead, it seemed to have be even brighter. Even though they had seen it before, Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran were still amazed. ��You n to do this business?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Actually, it��s not mainly to do business.��


    ��I heard that the weather at the border is strange. It��s extremely hot in summer and extremely cold in winter. Thend there can��t grow food and vegetables, so both the soldiers and themoners are living extremely hard. If we can send them over, I believe everyone will live a better life.��


    ��But I didn��t think of how to let the people at the border benefit without being used for personal gain. Father, Mother, why are you looking at me like that?�� Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an looked at each other and smiled. ��It��s nothing. Continue.�� They were just happy to have such a daughter.


    If they could see the value of dehydrated vegetables, those who valued profits would definitely see it.


    Xiaoxiao did not take out the dehydrated vegetables immediately back then because she was afraid that she would not be able to protect them.


    It was a small matter if they lost the form at that time, but it would not be worth it if she implicated her family. After all, in order to ensure their own interests, the person who obtained the form might get rid of all the other people who knew. How could a farmer like them resist the pressure of power? It s different now. With General Xiao��s reputation, who would dare to covet this form?��


    ��Father, let��s start today.��


    The earlier they were mass-produced, the earlier they could be sent to the border.


    With Xiaoxiao��s umted understanding of Gu Chang��an over the past few days, she thought that Father would immediately rush into the kitchen like her. Unexpectedly, when she turned around, she saw that his expression wasplicated. ��Xiaoxiao, you don��t seem to know Father very well.�� ��Have you heard of the Gu Family in the Imperial Capital?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head honestly. As a girl who grew up in a farming family, the original host naturally didn��t know anything. As for her, well�� the Imperial Capital script hadn��t been updated yet.


    Gu Chang��an sighed and pulled his daughter over to sit down. ��If your grandfather finds out that you only know Dean Lu and don��t know him, he��ll probably be so angry that he��ll go to Bowen Academy to challenge him.�� Everyone knew that Dean Lu, who had been personally conferred the title of the top schr at the tender age of the crown decades ago, also knew that there were actually two top schrs that thete Emperor liked that year. The two of them were equally knowledgeable and had their own merits. Thete Emperor and the officials in charge of grading the papers at that time found it difficult to choose. They almost wanted to make a unique move of ��double top schrs��.


    One of the two people who were equally favored was Dean Lu Chen, who waster conferred the title of Hanlin Academy��s Compiler by thete Emperor He was now indifferent to fame and fortune and came to Xijiang County to open an academy to be the Dean.


    The other person was the current Left Premier, the head of the Gu Family, Gu Yuzhi. He was also Gu Chang��an��s father and Xiaoxiao��s grandfather.


    Xiaoxiao asked curiously, ��Then how did you decide on the title of the top schr? Did you draw lots?��


    Gu Chang��an gently knocked his daughter��s head. ��How can you treat it like child��s y?�� However, after saying that, he smiled. ��It depends on their looks.�� He coughed lightly. ��Actually, the knowledge of the top three schrs in the Imperial Examination is not much different. ording to tradition, the title of the first schr belongs to the talented. However, the role of the third schr has to be a good-looking person. Ahem, at that time, your grandfather was a handsome man who was famous in the Imperial Capital, so����


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t help butugh. ��No wonder Father and I are so good-looking.


    So we look like Grandfather.��


    In the past, Gu Chang��an hated it when others said that he was good-looking. For this reason, he even fabricated the nonsense that he was ��big and burly�� when he was young. However, when these words came out of his daughter��s mouth, they seemed to be quite cute.


    Gu Chang��an looked at his daughter��s big ck eyes and couldn��t help but reveal a ��secret��. ��Actually, it was your grandfather who took the initiative to take the number three position at that time. Because an envoy from another country was visiting at that time and the number one schr was going to entertain guests, he couldn��t be bothered to quarrel with those rough people.�� Xiaoxiao really wanted to apud. So her grandfather had such a personality? ��It��s best if the number one scorer is knowledgeable and good-looking. In that case, wouldn��t the second scorer back then be very ordinary?�� It sounded a little tragic.


    Of course. Back then, the weak glow of the number two scorer waspletely suppressed by the top scorer and the number two scorer. Themoners did not hesitate to mention it after dinner.


    Xiaoxiao asked curiously, ��What happened to this top scorer?��


    Gu Chang��an looked into the distance. ��He��s the current Right Prime Minister, Yan Liandao.��


    Oh, the Yan Family. Xiaoxiao asked, ��Does our family not have a good rtionship with the Yan Family?��


    Gu Chang��an was surprised. ��How did you know?��


    Xiaoxiao pretended to be unfathomable. ��I guessed.��


    Xiao Ran had heard Rong Yan mention that Xiaoxiao was very smart many times. She also knew that Xiaoxiao was destined to be involved in the court intrigues in the future, so she said to Xiaoxiao with a serious expression, ��My good daughter, you have to be careful when you meet the Yan Family in the future. As you said, not only does the Yan Family have a distant rtionship with your father��s Gu Family, but they also have some rifts with our Xiao Family.��


    After a moment of silence, she said directly, ��When your maternal grandfather and the others were still alive, the Yan Family tried to rope them in, but your grandfather was an upright person and hated those power struggles the most. He did not ept the olive branch from the Yan Family.��


    At this moment, Gu Chang��an, who had always had a good temper, snorted. ��They��re toads wanting to eat swan meat. They actually proposed marriage to the Xiao Family..��

 Chapter 313 - 313:1 Have Evidence

    Chapter 313:1 Have Evidence


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao looked at Xiao Ran, who was secretlyughing, and then at Gu Chang��an, whose eyes were cold. She suddenly had an idea. ��I remember that Mother is the only daughter of the Xiao Family?��


    Xiao Ran nodded with a smile. ��But the Yan Family has a lot of children. Other than the Shen Family, they have the most children in the entire Imperial Capital. There was even a girl who took a fancy to your father back then.��


    Gu Chang��an��s dissatisfaction turned to helplessness. ��I ignored her at all, but you went to the appointment.��


    Xiao Ran pursed her lips. ��I just wanted to beat up that toad. Aiyo, so you were secretly paying attention to me at that time. Are you jealous?��


    Good lord, she suddenly had goosebumps. Xiaoxiao started to miss Little Big Brother.


    However, the mountains were far and it was very troublesome to write a letter to him. She could only obediently teach Gu Chang��an how to make dehydrated vegetables step by step. She also started to buy suitable vegetables and other stuff from the surroundings in a low profile manner.


    At this point, Xiaoxiao surprisingly realized that her parents were actually very poor. She only found out after asking that her mother had been supporting her brothers in the army.


    She couldn��t care less about the border, so she was mainly taking care of the soldiers who could not continue to stay on the battlefield because of their injuries.


    As the saying went, a general��s achievements were tens of thousands of bones. How many people could rely on the military to make a name for themselves? It was even more so for ordinary people who had fought hard in the past and still had to worry about their livelihood after returning. It would be fine if they were healthy and strong after their military service ended. They could at least support themselves. However, what should they do about the injured who could not even take care of themselves? How about those who had unfortunately died, leaving behind a family of orphans and widows?


    In order to help these people deal with the aftermath as much as possible, the General��s Residence was only left with the mansion given by the Emperor. As for the Gu Family�� They were called the ��Clearwater Family��. Who didn��t understand the meaning of ��Clearwater��?


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin and ran back to her room to take out a few banknotes worth a few thousand taels. She was stunned by her biological parents��was their daughter so rich?


    Xiaoxiao gave them a rough estimate of her ie. When she looked at the dehydrated vegetables, she had some thoughts.


    Initially, she thought that she could do this for nothing. Now that she thought about it, she might need to think about it at length.


    Money was not omnipotent, but with money, she could do more useful things.


    In the blink of an eye, it was time for the results to be released. The Ning Family was the same as the day they sent Ning Ansheng for the exam. The entire family was mobilized and was rather solemn. However, Ning Fengnian and Madam Song were the first to cower when they arrived at the results. One of them was at a loss and the other was dizzy. Neither of them dared to go forward to take a look.


    There was already a dense crowd at the front of the rankings. The two of them were squeezed out, making it difficult for them to move forward.


    Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an were too embarrassed to squeeze in with the younger generation, but they had to protect Xiaoxiao from those unfamiliar men. Ning Anhui didn��t care and dragged his brother into the crowd like a fish.


    The two of them were tall and strong, so it was not difficult for them to squeeze to the front of the rankings at all. Xiaoxiao tiptoed and watched the two of them enter, noting out for a long time.


    ��That��s strange. Why did it take so long?�� Regardless of whether he was on the rankings or not, he had toe out.


    Xiaoxiao also found it strange. She saw Ning Ansheng and Ning Anhui being pushed out by the crowd with dull expressions. They even stood rooted to the ground in a daze, not knowing how to move. Madam Song nervously pulled them back to her family, not knowing how to ask.


    Ning Fengnian patted his eldest son��s shoulder. ��It��s fine. Juste back next time. How many people can get into the Xiucai examination in one try? Look, he��s still working hard even though his hair is white. Let��s build a solid foundation����


    Ning Anhui interrupted his father with a dreamy expression. ��No, no, Father. Big Brother got it!��


    As soon as he said this, Ning Fengnian almost bit his tongue. His eyes widened as well. Looking at his expression, he even wanted to dig out his ears. ��What did you say? Got it? Got it? What did he get?��


    Ning Anhui had already regained hisposure as a shopkeeper. ��Father, I mean, Big Brother got it. He��s a Xiucai!��


    They had started searching at the bottom of the rankings just now. They were a little nervous when they didn��t see Ning Ansheng��s name in the middle. They didn��t expect Ning Ansheng��s name to be in the top 10!


    ��Big Brother is ranked seventh in the academy examination!��


    Madam Song��s eyes were red with excitement. ��Ancestor, thank you for the blessings!��


    Just as the entire family was happy, a disappointing voice suddenly came from the side. ��If the Ning Family��s ancestor is in heaven, he won��t bless you unfilial descendants!��


    Xiaoxiao turned around and instinctively wanted to pull out a mirror to let Little Aunt Ning look at herself again. It would be best if she could make herself cry after looking at herself.


    This time, Little Aunt Ning came prepared. When the Ning Family came, she had already rehearsed what Third Brother Ning had taught her in her heart. Hence, she was very eloquent now. She shouted at the top of her lungs, ��Scum like you who have an unclear rtionship with bandits, why are you still taking the imperial examination? You should be arrested and brought to court!��


    After saying that, she waved at the officials standing on both sides of the rankings. ��Brother Constable! Brother Constable! Come and catch the bandits!��


    The officials�� expressions changed when they heard that. Themoners also made way in fear. Xiaoxiao was speechless. ��Can you make up such a thing?��


    Little Aunt Ning was waiting for her to say this. ��I have evidence!��


    This surprised Xiaoxiao. Little Aunt Ning took out a rusty iron weapon from her arms and raised it in front of the official. ��Big Brother, you might not know, but this wild girl called Ning Xiaoxiao was picked up by them from the river more than 10 years ago. The person with her had this weapon with him at that time.��


    Third Brother said that this was a crossbow with a blood groove. It fell from the man who protected Ning Xiaoxiao back then.


    ��How could an ordinary person bring such a sinister and vicious thing? Ning Xiaoxiao��s family must be bandits! This thing was covered in blood back then!��


    As the officials started to be on guard, they quickly released signal fireworks to call for theirpanions. However, what puzzled them was why those suspicious figures did not show any signs of running away.


    More soldiers quickly surrounded Xiaoxiao and the rest. Although the Ning Family did not know Xiaoxiao��s biological parents�� identities, they felt from their words and actions that they were definitely not viins who killed the innocent. Moreover, they trusted Xiaoxiao more than Little Aunt Ning.


    Little Aunt Ning was still smug. ��Back then, Third Brother was afraid that the viin would take revenge, so he had no choice but to take Ning Xiaoxiao in. However, he specially left this evidence behind in order to find an opportunity to bring the viin to justice. You guys think that you��ve already escaped the authorities�� pursuit, but you don��t know that justice has long arms. Ning Xiaoxiao, hurry up and surrender!��


    Xiaoxiao turned to look at her parents. Xiao Ran looked at the arrowhead with the bloodletting trough and triangr thorns and recalled the personal guard who protected Xiaoxiao back then. His corpse was discovered in the opposite direction of Fortune Vige. It must be to prevent her enemies from discovering Xiaoxiao��s traces.


    She took a step forward and extended her hand to the official. ��Can you�� let me see this arrowhead?��


    The officer drew his saber and was about to sh, but before he could see what happened, he felt his hand empty. The arrowhead appeared in Xiao Ran��s hand.


    Gu Chang��an stood behind his wife and pressed against her trembling body.


    ��Is this the thing that took their lives?��

 Chapter 314 - 314: Both Witness and Evidence Are Here

    Chapter 314: Both Witness and Evidence Are Here


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Back then, she was seriously injured and unconscious. Although she did not have many personal guards with her, they were all brave and good at fighting. It was impossible for them to be defeated in a single exchange with the enemy. They were defeated by the other party��s cunning and ruthlessness.


    Those people had no morals or principles when they attacked. They used hidden weapons, traps, and even used civilians as hostages. They had all kinds of methods. What they hated the most at that time was the crossbows used by that group of killers.


    The crossbow was poisoned and supplemented with barbs and blood troughs. How many of their brothers had died because of this thing?


    She gripped the damn arrow tip tightly. Then, she suddenly paused and brought it in front of her eyes.


    Gu Chang��an knew that this thing had evoked the most painful memories in Xiao Ran��s heart. This was also the hatred in the hearts of the guards who came with her. Everyone fell silent at the same time with solemn expressions. However, in Little Aunt Ning��s eyes, she only felt that they had a guilty conscience. ��They want to destroy the physical evidence! Brother, look at those people. Which one of them looks like a good person? Hurry up and arrest them!��


    Although they did have to arrest them, why was thismoner who reported the case so annoying?


    Little Aunt Ning had stayed in the prison for a long time a few days ago and really learned something from Third Brother Ning. Hence, when she saw that the officials did not take any substantial action, she immediately shouted, ��There are witnesses and evidence. Why aren��t you arresting her? Could it be that the officials are colluding?!��


    A schr who had been away for three days should be treated differently. Little Aunt Ning��s ability to pester others had improved. Xiaoxiao was wondering if she should praise her when she saw a familiar elder stride forward from the group of people who heard themotion and was stopped by the officials. ��Dean Lu, be careful. They might be evil people!��


    Dean Lu smiled and red at Gu Chang��an. ��Why? Do I have to bow to you first?��


    Gu Chang��an hurriedly tidied up his appearance and bowed to him. ��Chang��an greets Mister Lu.��


    Dean Lu waved his hand. ��Mister? It��s not too much to ask you to call me Uncle


    Lu just because your father tricked me back then, right?��


    Gu Chang��an changed his words. ��Greetings, Uncle Lu. How have you been?��


    Dean Lu pursed his lips. ��In any case, I��m definitely tougher than your father.��


    He looked around in confusion. ��What��s going on?��


    Before the official could answer, Little Aunt Ning hurriedly said, ��These two are bandits. The constable is about to arrest them!��


    The official was speechless. Dean Luughed out loud. ��Bandits, the two of them?��


    Little Aunt Ning was far away and didn��t hear Gu Chang��an and Dean Lu��s conversation, but the official didn��t miss it. ��Dean knows them?��


    Dean Lu wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes. ��As expected, the longer you live, the more knowledge you have. I��ve heard of thieves calling thieves. This is the first time I��ve seen someone point at the heroine general of Great Xia and call her a bandit.��


    Since her identity had been exposed, Xiao Ran bowed respectfully. ��Xiao Ran greets Mister Lu.��


    The heroine general?!!!


    Was it General Xiao, the heroine who guarded the territory of Great Xia as a woman and defeated the Gobi Barbarians?


    Themoners might only be afraid of other officials, but everyone knew and was disrespectful when it came to General Xiao, who guaranteed their stable lives. Looking at the guards beside her who originally looked terrifying, themoners�� fear turned into admiration.


    Seeing that things werepletely different from what she had nned, the ignorant Little Aunt Ning straightened her neck and forced herself to look imposing. ��Who is this dirty old man! Is he right just because he says so?�� There were many people who knew this question. A young master in blue who looked a little familiar to Xiaoxiao put away the folding fan in his hand, and his expression darkened. ��Who is he?��


    He snorted. ��He��s the Dean of our Bowen Academy, the youngest top schr in the history books of the past dynasties. He was once conferred the title of Hanlin Academy��s Compiler by the Emperor. He��s also the person we students admire the most, Dean Lu!��


    He raised his chin slightly and tried his best to suppress the disdain in his tone. ��You can not know our Dean, but you can��t use your ignorance as an excuse to be disrespectful to him. At the very least, he��s an elder and didn��t say anything bad to you. It��s too rude for you to say ��dirty old man��.��


    This familiar fanboy��s performance made Xiaoxiao immediately remember who he was-the person who was with Lei Shaoming in front of the academy back then. However, he was much more gentlemanly this time thanst time. He was clearly so angry that his hands were trembling and he was already paying attention to his limits. He was worth teaching.


    Unfortunately, Little Aunt Ning, so it was really difficult for her to understand what he had just said. She only knew that this old man��s identity was a little powerful, and he had seen His Majesty�� so��


    She looked at Xiaoxiao in a daze. ��Your mother is a general? Then you����


    Wouldn��t she be a noble?


    Xiaoxiao could tell what she was thinking at a nce. ��Little Aunt, do you know that ndering an Imperial Court official is punishable by flogging?��


    Little Aunt Ning covered her mouth, knelt down, and started kowtowing. ��Sir, please spare me. Please spare me! I-I didn��t do it on purpose. It��s my third brother. He instigated me!��


    Ning Anhui snorted. ��You��re really persistent.��


    He deliberately made Little Aunt Ning create a ruckus on the day of the release of the rankings and specially kept the arrowhead from back then.


    Ning Ansheng said coldly, ��If he has such a scheming mind, how good would it be to use it in his studies?��


    Dean Lu agreed deeply. The more he looked at his disciple, the more satisfied he became. After the exam, he specially met Ning Ansheng and asked him how to answer the questions. He knew that Ning Ansheng would definitely be among the top today.


    Hence, he was not surprised when he saw the results. Compared to praising his little disciple, he was more concerned about��


    Xiaoxiao saw that the old man had already arrived in front of her with agility that far exceeded his age. He looked at Xiaoxiao, then at Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an. ��Little Girl Ning is actually your daughter? Fate is really wonderful. No wonder her snacks are so delicious!��


    Xiao Ran looked up at the sky helplessly. So it had nothing to do with her.


    Since her identity was clear, she naturally had to greet him again. Xiaoxiao tidied her skirt and bowed to Dean Lu with the etiquette she had just learned. ��Xiao Ning greets Dean Lu.��


    ��Xiao Ning?�� Dean Lu stroked his beard and smiled gently. ��This name is good.


    You re all good children. I��ll call you Xiaoxiao from now on, okay?��


    Hearing this, Xiao Ran became happy again. ��Xiaoxiao�� and ��Xiaoxiao��. Hehe, how nice.


    Xiaoxiao nodded. Dean Lu asked again, ��I heard from Ansheng that his thoughts when answering the questions came from a book you gave him?��


    Seeing the unconceble urgency in the Dean��s eyes, Xiaoxiao smiled and said, The sun is so bright. Why don��t wee to my shop and talk while eating?��


    She added, ��My father and I have developed a new product these few days.�� Dean Lu turned around and left with a smile. He thought to himself, This girl is smart..

 Chapter 315 - 315: Those Who Submit Will Prosper, Those Who

    Chapter 315: Those Who Submit Will Prosper, Those Who


    Refuse Will Die


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao had exchanged the book for her brother from the mall and it was about strategy. She had given it to her brother after taking a look and confirming that there was no illegal content. Now, it was in Dean Lu��s hands.


    Seeing the darkness in the Dean��s eyes, she knew how precious he was. As soon as she sat down and finished a cup of milk tea and a te of snacks, she asked, ��Girl, where did you buy this book? Is there anything else?��


    Xiaoxiao really did. Thinking that Dean Lu took good care of her brother and was an old friend of her grandfather, Xiaoxiao nodded generously. ��I forgot where I bought it too. Perhaps I saw it when I was shopping and wanted it.�� It was not a secret that she liked to buy things. Everyone easily epted this setting and only praised her for being lucky.


    Dean Lu quickly hugged the book and discussed it with his disciple. During this period, he could not help but mutter, ��Who exactly is this ��Anonymous��? Why have I never heard of him? Logically speaking, since he has such knowledge, it��s impossible for him to be an unknown person.��


    Xiaoxiao:�� She had also thought about this question when she was young. At that time, ��Anonymous�� was the most powerful and mysterious person in her heart because he knew everything, but he never showed up. It was onlyter that she finally couldn��t help but search for this name out of curiosity��


    After making arrangements for Dean Lu and the rest, Xiaoxiao used the excuse that she needed help to pull her parents into the kitchen.


    ��Mother, did you find something?��


    Xiao Ran was surprised by her daughter��s sharpness, but she did not intend to hide it from her. Sometimes, she would unconsciously treat Xiaoxiao as her peer tomunicate. It was strange.


    She took out the arrowhead again and pointed at the few deep scratches on it. ��This is a secret signal. Only my personal soldiers and I can understand it.�� Xiaoxiao asked, ��What did it say?��


    Xiao Ran��s forced smile disappeared. Her pretty face was cold, and her eyes were deep. ��Yan.��


    ��So the person who attacked you and Xiaoxiao back then is rted to the Yan Family?��


    Xiao Ran nudged the arrowhead. ��The Yan Family probably thinks that they can interfere with the military if our Xiao Family has no descendants.��


    Gu Chang��an��s expression was ugly. ��Those who submit to me will prosper and those who resist me will die?��


    Xiaoxiao also understood. The Yan Family��s way of doing things was to ��destroy it if you can��t get it��. They were really ruthless.


    However, she suddenly had an idea. ��Does that mean that not only did the Yan Family almost harm countlessmoners because of the dam, but they��re also the culprit who caused me to be separated from my parents more than 10 years ago?��


    Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an nodded and said in a heavy tone, ��You have to pay special attention to the Yan Family after you return to the capital. They might not have given up yet.��


    After leaving, they did not give up on contacting the Imperial Capital. Naturally, they knew what the Empress was urging the Crown Prince to do. Not only the Crown Prince, but the Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince, and the descendants of those aristocratic families suddenly announced at the same time that they had entered the ��marriageable age�� and began to wander around the various official matchmakers.


    The gatekeeper of the General��s Residence had also received dozens of invitations of various sizes. One could imagine how busy and vexed they would be when they returned.


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��Father, Mother, I have an idea����


    After hearing Xiaoxiao��s n, before Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an could express their opinions, they heard someone knock on the door.


    ��Xiaoxiao, Boss Li is looking for you with Doctor Gongsun.��


    That was great! Xiaoxiao pulled her parents and rushed out.


    She had gone to the Fragrance Restaurant to look for Li Muyan and Gongsun Zhongjing as soon as she returned. However, one of them was on the way back from the border, and the other had gone to an unknown mountain to pick herbs. They couldn��t find them for a while. Xiaoxiao was still worried that Xiao Ran��s leave wouldn��t be enough.


    Xiaoxiao was stunned the moment she saw him. What was going on? Li Muyan was fine, but why was Gongsun Zhongjing, who cared so much about his image, so ragged?


    Noticing Xiaoxiao��s puzzled gaze, Li Muyan sighed. ��This guy ran to Dayan Mountain.�� Ignoring Gongsun Zhongjing��s protesting gaze, he added, ��Then, he lost his way inside. We just found him.��


    Xiaoxiao immediately went to bring out some food and drinks. When the food was ced on the table, Gongsun Zhongjing had also washed his hands and face. He was really hungry, so he did not stand on ceremony. He sat down and started to eat heartily.


    Xiaoxiao could only ask Li Muyan, ��Why did Doctor Gongsun go to Dayan Mountain?��


    Li Muyan was speechless. ��Picking herbs����


    The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. ��What do you want that my family can��t find? Must you go to Dayan Mountain to look for it yourself?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing spoke quite clearly as he ate. ��Your medicines have all been concocted. I want fresh ones. Besides, which doctor doesn��t pick herbs? Why are you making a fuss?��


    Li Muyan wanted to hit him. ��Why am I making a fuss? If I had gone a few dayster, you might have starved to death in the cave. Are you stupid? Can��t you ask for help when you��re lost? If you really can��t, can you light a fire and smoke to give me a signal?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing slowly swallowed the food in his mouth and said casually, ��I forgot.��


    Then, he took out his gains from his bag. ��10 fresh ginsengs! Three wild lingzhi! And these����


    Xiaoxiao:�� He��s showing off, right?


    After showing off his gains, Gongsun Zhongjing sighed again. ��It��s a pity that I can��t find the 100-year-old ginseng. Logically speaking, there should be other ginseng around. This won��t do. I have to go in and take a look another day.��


    Go again? Li Muyan��s eyebrows were about to rise. ��I��ll give you the


    100-year-old ginseng if you want it. Why do you have to go to the mountains to look for it? And you��re not willing to bring servants?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing looked at him in confusion. ��Your family��s consultation fees have already been paid. Why are you still giving me ginseng? Besides, it��s my own business to enter the mountain. Why am I bringing your servants?��


    Li Muyan said, ��Since I��m the one who brought you down the mountain, of course I have to ensure your safety. Credit is naturally the most important thing in a business.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing looked at him as if he was looking at a fool. ��Don��t tell me you still think that I went down the mountain with you because I lost a bet?��


    ��The disciples of our Genius Doctor Valley have to go down the mountain to train before they can be considered masters. It��s just a coincidence that you didn��te.��


    Li Muyan had mixed feelings, and so did Xiaoxiao. She raised her hand. ��So Doctor Gongsun, you entered Dayan Mountain to find a 100-year-old ginseng?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing nodded. ��That��s right. I even specially stayed at the ce where you said you found them for a longer time, but I couldn��t find them. I even encountered a rampaging wild boar. Otherwise, I wouldn��t have lost my way and even lost my rations and medicine page.��


    A feeling of guilt arose in Xiaoxiao��s heart. ��Why are you looking for that ginseng?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing straightened his expression. ��I want to prepare some medicinal herbs and bring them to the border.��


    Hearing this, even the depressed Li Muyan instinctively turned around.


    Gongsun Zhongjing said, ��When the war starts, the people suffer. Although there��s no news of a huge battle at the border, the Xionghu are ambitious. They must be plotting something. I want to go to the border and be a military doctor.��


    Only then did Xiaoxiao know that Doctor Gongsun had such an understanding. ��I know where the ginseng is. I��ll look for itter. Doctor Gongsun, feel free to take it if you need it.��


    Before he could reject her, Xiaoxiao said, ��Take it as consultation fees..��

 Chapter 316 - 316: The Biological Mother And Adoptive Mother

    Chapter 316: The Biological Mother And Adoptive Mother


    Are Both Mothers


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The consultation fee? Gongsun Zhongjing, who was almost full, looked up


    from his heart. ��Are you feeling unwell?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head, and Gongsun Zhongjing looked at Yun San, who had already removed the bandage on his arm. Thetter also shook his head and waved his hand to indicate that he was very well.


    Pulling Xiao Ran to sit down, Xiaoxiao bowed to Gongsun Zhongjing. ��Can you help take a look at my mother��s leg?��


    Xiao Ran was stunned, and Gu Chang��an also felt a warm current in his heart. Although Xiao Ran��s leg injury had been treated by the imperial physicians countless times, they were still touched by their daughter��s intentions, so they did not reject this young doctor��s treatment.


    They had heard the apology countless times, so the two of them were already mentally prepared.


    After carefully asking about the details of the injury and doing some simple checkups, Gongsun Zhongjing said to Xiaoxiao, ��I��m only 30% sure after so


    long.��


    Xiao Ran suspected that there was something wrong with her ears.


    Xiaoxiao��s expression was serious. ��Is there a way to improve it?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing said, ��If you can learn from me for a period of time, we might be able to improve by 10% if you help me.��


    Xiaoxiao agreed without a word. Gongsun Zhongjing frowned and fell into deep thought. Xiaoxiao bowed respectfully to him. ��I��m already very grateful that Doctor Gongsun is willing to help. You��re tired today. Why don��t you go back and rest first?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing��s mind was filled with how to use the knife on Xiao Ran��s legs. Halfway there, he remembered to ask, ��You have two mothers?


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��That��s right. My biological mother and adoptive mother are both my mothers.��


    As a medical fanatic, Gongsun Zhongjing did not ask further. He yawned and went back to rest. His little medicine page had not seen him for many days and was probably anxious.


    Only then did Li Muyan remember to ask, ��By the way, Miss Ning, that Young


    Master Zhao����


    Xiaoxiao guessed that he should already know Rong Yan��s identity. ��He��s the Third Prince of Great Xia. Please forgive him for hiding it previously. Thank you for helping me send the things. How were Young Master Li��s gains on this trip?��


    The Li Family��s caravan was strong, and the bodyguards they hired were also powerful. Hence, they did not encounter any danger on the way. asionally, they would encounter robbers, but they were safe.


    ��To be honest, I n to go again in a few days.��


    If a businessman wanted benefits, he would go again, which meant that there were benefits to be had. Xiaoxiao smiled as if she had been fooled by Second Brother. ��Young Master Li, I have a business deal, but Ick a partner. Are you interested?��


    Xiaoxiao wanted to send things to the border, but be it finding someone to escort her or hiring a caravan escort, they were not as familiar to her as the Li Family. Wouldn��t she be stupid not to ask them?


    After figuring out the ��deal�� that Xiaoxiao was going to do, Li Muyan was amazed. He immediately changed the list of goods that the Li Family had nned to bring to the border.


    After the two of them finalized the details of their cooperation, Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an finally came back to their senses from Gongsun Zhongjing��s diagnosis. Xiao Ran rubbed her ears. ��I think I heard that young doctor say that my leg can still be treated. Did I hear wrongly?��


    Gu Chang��an hugged her and was so excited that he could not speak.


    No one knew how it felt to see Ran��er, who used to ride a horse, suffer pain even when she walked. If he could, he would give up everything in exchange for her health for the rest of her life.


    ��That��s great. I was wondering why the heavens were so unfair and made you suffer so much����


    Xiaoxiao, who had just reached the door, silently closed the door for them and turned to look at Yun San.


    Thetter suddenly had a bad feeling.


    As expected, in the next moment, Miss Ning, no, Miss Xiao, said to him, ��Oh, don��t you think you should be filial as a child? As an ordinary person, shouldn��t you keep your word?��


    Yun San:��


    Xiaoxiao asked him, ��You heard it too. My mother needs Doctor Gongsun, who has superb medical skills, to treat her illness. Doctor Gongsun needs Dayan Mountain��s precious ginseng to save her. Aiyo, I happen to know where those ginsengs grow. Do you think this is fate?


    Yun San was determined not to be involved in Miss Xiao��s words.


    ��But Miss, before Master left, he repeatedly reminded us not to let you enter the mountains and take risks. You also agreed at that time. You should keep your promise to Master!��


    Xiaoxiao thought to herself, Aiyo, you��ve indeed be smarter after following me for a period of time. You��re not easy to fool.


    She said seriously, ��It was dangerousst time when I was kidnapped. This time, with you guys, my parents, and the guards of the General��s Residence, how can there be any danger?!��


    Seeing that Yun San still wanted to resist, Xiaoxiao sighed. ��Do you not have confidence in your own ability, or in the strength of the General��s Residence?�� This question was a trap! Yun San, who had been scammed, could only frown. He really brought Xiaoxiao into the mountains. Yun San was now facing two pieces of news, one good and one bad.


    The good news was that General Xiao didn��t agree with Miss Xiao taking the risk either. The bad news was that she came along too.


    Arge group of people carried their bags and walked into Dayan Mountain majestically like they were on an outing.


    It was difficult to ignore Yun San��s bitter face. Xiao Ran was in a good mood, so sheforted him. ��Don��t worry, with so many of us around, even wild boars can only be a dish.��


    Yun San was worried. ��What if wolvese? Those things move in groups.��


    Xiao Ran turned to ask her husband, ��Can wolf meat be eaten?


    Gu Chang��an nodded. ��You can braise it or stir-fry it with the other side dishes.�� Gongsun Zhongjing exined medical knowledge at the side. ��Wolf meat can nourish the five internal organs and thicken the stomach. It��s good for treating fatigue and removing cold umtion. If you encounter it, you can bring some back.��


    Yun San:�� Wasn��t there anyone normal who would feel afraid?


    What made him even more helpless was that after walking for about two hours, everyone started to set up an earth stove, gather firewood, and prepare to start a fire. He went to confirm that the surroundings were safe. When he returned, he saw that everyone had even taken the pot to the river to wash and boil water!


    Wasn��t this efficiency too high? It could be seen that they had done this many times in the past!


    However, to be honest, Miss Xiao and her father worked together to cook this meal. Hehe, it smelled so good!


    Yun San asked as he nibbled on the pheasant, ��Miss Xiao, are you really not going to tell Master about this first?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��He��s fighting at the border. He must have had a lot on his mind recently, so don��t find other jobs for his brain. Besides, hehe, I mainly want to give him a surprise myself.��


    Yun San could taste the lovey-dovey mushiness from the chicken and immediately shut up.


    Xiaoxiao strictly controlled the time, allowing everyone to discover the ce where they ��found the ginseng�� at the right time and also found a few 100-year-old top-grade goods nearby. Of course, Xiaoxiao moved them out of her space when no one was paying attention.


    She had a lot of points now and was not stingy with these one or two. As long as she could treat Xiao Ran��s leg, she could even take out 200-year-old-ginseng, let alone 100-year-old ginseng.


    After all, there were still 10 medicinal herbs growing healthily on the farnd in the space that was 100 times faster..

 Chapter 317 - 317: Anesthesia Powder

    Chapter 317: Anesthesia Powder


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After knowing Gongsun Zhongjing��s purpose of picking herbs, Xiaoxiao generously took out some other herbs from the space, making Gongsun Zhongjing pleasantly surprised and puzzled. ��Why do I feel like I��ve been to this ce before?��


    Xiaoxiao quickly stopped what she was doing and went home.


    Xiao Ran was also unsatisfied. The mother and daughter were equally reluctant to leave as they walked out of Dayan Mountain in a daze. Behind them, Gu Chang��an smiled dotingly, feeling satisfied.


    Doctor Gongsun said that Ran��er could not walk around casually after she started her treatment. That would be even more ufortable for her, who was active, than going to jail. If she wanted to y now, he would let her.


    After returning home, Gongsun Zhongjing taught Xiaoxiao some tools to useter as he concocted medicinal herbs. At the same time, he exined, ��That thing must have grown with the flesh. If you want to take it out, I have to cut the flesh. This way, this area will be missing a portion in the future. Its


    appearance����


    Xiao Ran didn��t care. ��It��s fine since outsiders can��t see it and my family doesn��t mind.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing nodded. ��In addition, I want to tell you the worst possibility first. As that��s an old injury, I don��t know what the arrowhead inside looks like. If you want to take it out, I first have to cut the flesh on your leg to the arrowhead. It will be very painful, very painful, and it will hurt for a long time.��


    What Gongsun Zhongjing said was very scary. Only Xiao Ran could say ��it��s fine�� calmly.


    Gu Chang��an frowned, but he could not say anything to persuade his wife to reject it.


    Xiaoxiao did not even blink, afraid that she would miss a word. ��What if it��s with my tendons?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing said, ��I��ll cut it off and reconnect it, but the pain is not something that ordinary people can endure. Are you sure you want to do this?�� Gu Chang��an asked, ��I��ve only seen it in ancient books. It��s said to be a very difficult skill. It��s not that I don��t believe Doctor Gongsun, but please tell me the truth. What are the chances of sess?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing did not feel offended. ��I have more than 70% confidence in seeding if it��s just breaking the tendons and reconnecting them. However, firstly, I still don��t know the situation of the tendons and the iron weapon being entangled. Secondly, if General Xiao can��t help but feel pain when reconnecting the tendons�� I��m afraid all my previous efforts will be in vain.�� He sighed. ��If only the legendary form for Anesthesia Powder hadn��t been lost.��


    Xiaoxiao perked up and suddenly got up to run away, scaring the others. She quickly ran back with a book in her arms that the system had made it look old.


    cing the book in front of Gongsun Zhongjing, Xiaoxiao said, ��I saw this at a small stall when I was shopping. I thought that I had to get to know the herbs and poisonous herbs when cooking to prevent any idents, so I bought it. Later on, there was a table in the house that was unstable, so I used it as a


    cushion.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing read it out as he looked at the cover. ��Hua Tuo��s Medical Prescription?��


    Hua Tuo did not exist in this era, so these words did not cause much of a reaction from Gongsun Zhongjing. However, he became even more excited when he started reading. When he saw the words ��Anesthesia Powder��, he suddenly stood up. ��T-t-this is����


    This was the first time Xiaoxiao had seen Gongsun Zhongjing lose hisposure like this. In the past, even when he was pestered by the unreasonable Old Madam of the Li Residence, he still looked unhurried. Now, he even spilled his tea.


    ��This is Anesthesia Powder. Y-y-you want to show it to me?


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Yes, but I��ve never tried it before. I don��t know if it��s useful.�� Gongsun Zhongjing almost couldn��t speak anymore. ��I-I-I think a few of them are the same as what I know. The quantity is right. This should be true. You, you��re really showing it to me?��


    ��This is the Anesthesia Powder! It��s the lost Anesthesia Powder! Even in our Genius Doctor Valley, this is a treasure that can��t be bought with money! Other than the Anesthesia Powder, the other recipes recorded in this book are also very mysteriously interesting. You��re just showing them to me casually?�� He suddenly closed the book and pushed it to Xiaoxiao. ��No, I can��t. This belongs to you. Take it back quickly!�� Ning Xiaoxiao didn��t know how precious this book was, but he couldn��t take advantage of her openly. Otherwise, what was the difference between him and those shameless people?


    Xiaoxiao said, ��I��m not a doctor. This thing is either a reference when cooking or a cushion for the table. Are you sure you want to waste it on me?�� Gongsun Zhongjing looked hesitant and struggling. Xiaoxiao handed the book to him again. ��Doctor Gongsun, this book can only be of greater use in your hands. I can at most use it to save a rickety table, but you can use it to save the world.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing��s heart began to surge because of these words. His original intention in studying medicine was to rely on his own hands to fight against the heavens. If he could save the dying and heal the injured as much as possible, so what if he thickened his skin and epted the favor?


    At the thought of this, Gongsun Zhongjing no longer hesitated. He thanked Xiaoxiao respectfully. ��Regardless of the authenticity of this medical book, Gongsun Zhongjing is grateful and admires you from the bottom of my heart. From now on, if there��s anything I can help with, please feel free to ask!�� To be honest, Xiaoxiao wanted to look at Xiao Ran��s personal guards at that time, but when she thought about how they were old injuries that could not be recovered, she could only hold it in.


    With this ��Hua Tuo��s Medical Prescription��, Gongsun Zhongjing had to make another adjustment to Xiao Ran��s treatment n other than verifying the authenticity of the Anesthesia Powder form. When he left, he swayed as if he was dreaming. Xiaoxiao snickered behind him as she looked at his back. Afterughing, she turned around and met her parents�� proud gazes.


    This made her feel quite embarrassed, so she blushed and slipped into the kitchen.


    The next morning, Xiaoxiao had just woken up in a daze when she heard a ��ding�� from the space.


    [��Anesthesia Powder�� has officially appeared. Congrattions to the host forpleting the hidden mission ��Benefitting The Common People�� again. You have received 100,000 points. Current total points are 183,850. Do you want to level up?]


    During this period of time, although Xiaoxiao was far away in Beijing, there was no problem in increasing her points. Hence, apart from acknowledging her family, she also upgraded her space three times. She was already level 14 now.


    She nodded. [Let��s upgrade.]


    The space agreed happily.


    [Upgrade sessful. Current space level: Level 15.]


    [The time flow in the farnd has increased. The current time flow is 15 times faster!]


    [The time flow in the ranch has increased. The current speed is 15 times!] [The time flow in the water body has increased. The current speed is 15 times!] [Time Hut��s current adjustable speed is plus or minus 15 times!]


    [Range Control ability upgraded!]


    [The Space Exchange Mall category is updated.]


    [New function obtained: Spatial projection. The projection range is 15��15.] [Current total points are 83,850.]


    It was only a few days away from Level 16. Xiaoxiao was very satisfied, and the space was also very happy. The master and servant happily went to exchange for Wind and Lightning.


    Because she did not know how long she would be back, and she could not bear to miss the opportunity to nurture her rtionship with the foals, Xiaoxiao brought Wind and Lightning back with their mother.


    With the nourishment of space, Wind and Lightning did not have the meekness or weakness of a foal at all. They had unlimited energy along the way. Of course, this was also because Xiaoxiao would secretly exchange the two brothers when she found an opportunity.


    These two horses looked almost identical. She had changed them so many times that no one noticed any ws..

 Chapter 318 - 318: Shadowless Lamp

    Chapter 318: Shadowless Lamp


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    When she went to see the horses, Wind was ying with Walnut and Scarf. Although it was called ying, it was actually Wind lifting the hooves to kick Scarf. Scarf jumped around Walnut to avoid it.


    This horse, dog, and rabbit seemed to be having a good time. There was no species estrangement at all.


    The world of children�� Ah no, the world of small animals was really simple and happy.


    Xiaoxiao suspected that the space was a training base for brats. Otherwise, why would Wind and Lightning start to be as tough as Walnut and Scarf after just a few rounds in the space.


    If she didn��t pay attention, they would kick the courtyard wall curiously. Xiaoxiao was worried that her small courtyard would be demolished by them, so she let the three of them go when she saw them forming a team to expend their energy. When she was free, she would even bring them to the ce where she reared sheep.


    There was no need for her to hold the reins. She walked in front and the three animals behind chased after her obediently.


    The vigers clicked their tongues in wonder when they saw this scene, saying that Xiaoxiao was an expert at domesticating animals.


    Ah Da and Ah He had alreadypletely adapted to their new life. They had heard that they had been askingdies to marry them recently. At this moment, the two of them were chanting as they drove the sheep. ��Grow up quickly, grow up quickly, and grow into fragrant mutton skewers!��


    Xiaoxiao felt that she might have led them astray. Ah Da and Ah He, who treated the sheep like their own son back then, seemed to have be different people now. They were thinking about mutton skewers all day long. Hearing Xiaoxiao��sughter, the two of them scratched their heads awkwardly and turned around. ��Boss, you��re here.�� Eager to change the topic, he hurriedly took out the letter sent by his nsmen. ��Take a look. Is this the spice you wanted?��


    Xiaoxiao actually recognized it at first nce, but she still pretended to identify it carefully. ��I��ll take it back andpare it. If it��s not wrong, we��ll charge ording to the price we agreed on.��


    Ah Da and Ah He rubbed their hands happily, other than herding, their herdsmen didn��t know anything else. If they could earn some money by selling spices, they wouldn��t have to live on a tight budget in the future. Perhaps they could save enough money earlier and bring their father and mother over.


    After settling the spices, the skewers business could continue for a long time. In the past, she kept a low profile because she was afraid of being ruthlessly suppressed by reality. Now that she had a big tree behind her, there was naturally no need for that.


    There were still many shops under Xiao Ran��s name, but she didn��t know how to run them. The livelihood of the shops was barely enough to cover the expenses of the General��s Residence. However, with Xiaoxiao, this wouldn��t be a problem in the future!


    During this vacation, Xiaoxiao and Gu Chang��an finalized a few desserts and also disyed their furry charm. Xiao Ran stared at the very familiar furry pendant that Xiaoxiao took out and sighed as she teased her. ��I remember seeing this thing at Ah Yan��s ce. It��s hanging on the sword��s handle. He can��t bear to take it off, but he can��t bear to dirty it. So it��s from you. It��s really hard to keep a grown man and a grown woman apart.��


    Xiaoxiao stuffed a mouthful of souffle made of eggs into Xiao Ran��s mouth with a red face and begged for mercy.


    The cooking method and ingredients were very simple. First, she separated the egg white and egg yolk. SHe added corn oil and milk to the egg yolk and stirred it evenly. After sifting the low gluten flour, she added it to the egg yolk and stirred it into a batter.


    White sugar is added to the protein in batches, and it is turned into meringue. A portion of the meringue is added to the egg yolk paste and stirred evenly.


    He added the remaining egg yolk paste into the meringue and stirred it evenly. The paste was ced in a piping bag and squeezed into the pan. After frying each side for two minutes, the fluffy souffle was ready.


    Now, it had a new name. It was called Souffle.


    As soon as the Souffle wasunched, it was immediately liked by arge number of customers. Every time it was released, it was immediately sold out. During the time that Xiaoxiao learned from Gongsun Zhongjing, the space had leveled up again and it was now a Level 16 baby.


    Now that there was more and more food in this warehouse, Xiaoxiao took the opportunity to mix her private goods with the food she collected from nearby, surprising and gratifying Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an.


    ��The Imperial Capital is alwaysining about not being able to receive food. I didn��t expect this big problem to be resolved by our daughter. I��ll arrange for someone to send them to the Imperial Capital now.��


    While Gongsun Zhongjing was making preoperative preparations, Xiaoxiao thought of something.


    Seeing that his sister had started to fiddle with new things, Ning Anhui��s first reaction was that there was delicious food again. However, when he asked, Xiaoxiao gave him a disdainful look. ��Second Brother only knows how to eat!��


    Ning Anhui:�� Why don��t you think about who caused your older brother to be like this?! If you hadn��t fed me in different ways, I wouldn��t even be picky about eating chaff buns now!


    He watched as his sister instructed Father to weave a tree-shaped thing with bamboo. Then, she changed it here and there. She inserted candles and continued to move around. He could not understand what she was doing at all until night��


    When the sun set and the sky was covered by the night, every family lit up theirmps. Xiaoxiao lit up the bamboo treemps she had made during the day one by one and then raised her chin high. ��Look!��


    Ning Anhui nodded perfunctorily. ��Yes, yes, yes. Not bad. It��s quite bright.��


    Xiaoxiao gave him a disdainful look and then looked expectantly at the smartest brother of the Ning Family. Ning Ansheng was under a lot of pressure, but he really couldn��t see any clues. The family studied thismp for a long time but couldn��te to a conclusion. Xiaoxiao could only light another ordinarymp for them to see.


    This time, Gu Chang��an reacted the fastest. He widened his eyes and circled the twomps a few times, his face filled with disbelief. ��Thismp doesn��t cast a shadow?��


    Xiaoxiao was satisfied. Looking at her family members who rushed over to exim, she exined happily, ��This is the Shadowless Lamp I saw in some book. Think about it. Doctor Gongsun doesn��t necessarily treat patients during the day. What if someone urgently needs treatment at night?��


    ��It��s fine if it��s just to prescribe medicine. If it��s such a coincidence that we need to use a knife, how can we not see clearly in the dark? Doctor Gongsun also said that Mother��s condition might not be settled in a day. Then, if it��s night or if he��s unlucky and there��s no sun that day, how can he treat Mother��s wound?��


    I don��t mind holding themp for him, but firstly, the candle me isn��t bright enough, and secondly, the candle wax can��t be controlled. It is not a joke if it drips.��


    ��Uh�� Why are you all looking at me like that?��


    This was because she was too surprising. The ideas she came up with were too unbelievable.


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��Coincidence, coincidence. I happened to see that book and happened to turn to that page. I originally thought that the style was not bad and wanted to make a snack counter ording to it.��


    The corners of Ning Anhui��s mouth twitched. She was indeed their younger sister.


    The next day, Xiaoxiao found someone to give the Shadowless Lamp that she had just made to Gongsun Zhongjing. Unexpectedly, he ran over at lunchtime.. ��I��ve just verified the Anesthesia Powder, and you��re actually giving me such a big surprise again?��

 Chapter 319 - 319: NPC Projection

    Chapter 319: NPC Projection


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao was a little embarrassed. ��It��s all the wisdom of our predecessors. I just happened to see it.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing straightened his expression. ��Actually, I came this time with a presumptuous request.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and gestured for him to speak. She poured him a cup of hot cold tea. Gongsun Zhongjing drank it all in one gulp. ��I won��t beat around the bush. I��ve already applied for the effect of that Anesthesia Powder. It��s indeed the same as the rumors, or even better. I want to ask���� He poured himself another cup, as if the tea could strengthen his courage. ��Can I buy this prescription?��


    Xiaoxiao propped her chin on her hand and asked, ��Why did you want to buy it?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing said, ��It��s a pity that I��m the only one who knows such a prescription. I want to teach it to others so that more people can learn it and benefit from it. Also, Miss Ning might not know about the Shadowless Lamp. Thismp is extremely important to doctors!��


    Many people died because they could not be treated in time, but injuries to their lives were unexpected. How could they have a chance to choose night or day?


    Xiaoxiao waited patiently for him to finish speaking before saying, ��Alright, I agree, but you have to let me set the price.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing did not hesitate. ��I have no objections!��


    Xiaoxiao smiled and stretched out her hand. ��Then please give me two coins. One copper coin for the Anesthesia Powder and one copper coin for the Shadowless Lamp.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing was stunned. ��What did you say?�� Then, he slowly realized that if Xiaoxiao had the intention to hide them, why would she give these two things to him without thinking? Miss Ning could open a shop and work with an unscrupulous businessman like Li Muyan. How could she not see the business opportunity of Anesthesia Powder and Shadowless Lamp?


    He stood up again and said solemnly, ��Gongsun Zhongjing was too narrow-minded. I admire Miss Ning��s magnanimity. These two coins will be sent over as soon as possible. Gongsun Zhongjing thanks Miss on behalf of himself and the people in the world who are about to owe you a favor!��


    Xiaoxiao epted this bow calmly in case Gongsun Zhongjing felt guilty and invited him to stay for a meal.


    It was very difficult to reject this request. Gongsun Zhongjing did not intend to make things difficult for himself. Since he was already here, he would finalize the details of the surgery.


    Miss Ning was very talented in medicine. Many of her suggestions were of great reference value. Under her inspiration, the possibility of sessfully treating Xiao Ran increased greatly again. In their discussion and preparation, everyone chose a sunny day to give Xiao Ran the Anesthesia Powder that had been adjusted and determined.


    [Baby, time to work.]


    The system was also energetic. [Don��t worry, Master. Food�� System scanning��]


    Xiao Ran��s situation was different from Old Madam Li��s. Although her life was not in danger, she was Xiaoxiao��s important rtive. She could not maintain her calm, so she simply asked the system to be on standby.


    The arrowhead in Xiao Ran��s flesh was indeed extremely troublesome. In terms of difficulty, it was even moreplicated than Old Madam Li��s situation.


    Gongsun Zhongjing was fully focused. He had done his homework these few days and rehearsed the possible situations he might face several times, so he was still methodical at this moment.


    Moreover, Xiaoxiao was already proficient as an assistant, so he could achieve twice the result with half the effort. Seeing that the sun was about to set, Xiaoxiao quickly brought over the second bowl of Anesthesia Powder and lit the Shadowless Lamp that she had prepared long ago.


    Gongsun Zhongjing��s eyes were filled with surprise, but it was only for a short moment. After blinking to relieve his fatigue, he looked at his patient again and was about to continue operating when he suddenly heard Xiaoxiao say, ��I��m feeding my mother Anesthesia Powder. Doctor Gongsun, eat that biscuit on the table.��


    The biscuit was very small and would not break off when stuffed into his mouth. Gongsun Zhongjing knew that he indeed needed to replenish his strength. He did not say anything else and quickly stuffed this biscuit that did not look like it could fill his stomach into his mouth.


    Something strange happened. It was clearly just a small piece, but Gongsun Zhongjing felt inexplicably full.


    He suspected that he was hallucinating from hunger, but this was obviously not the time to investigate. After drinking a simple cup of tea, Gongsun Zhongjing washed his hands. Coincidentally, Xiaoxiao had also finished feeding her mother the medicine. The two of them continued to work together and spent the night in the blink of an eye.


    The situation with the arrowhead was moreplicated. To think that Xiaoxiao thought of a way to remind him. Fortunately, it did not hurt her too much. Gongsun Zhongjing��s medical skills were extraordinary, and Xiaoxiao also found an opportunity to exchange for anti-inmmatory medicine from the mall for Xiao Ran to take. The two of them guarded for another night. Xiao Ran��s temperature was a little high, and her wound was bleeding. Gongsun Zhongjing was busy changing her dressing and debriding her wound. Xiaoxiao also stayed behind to lower her mother��s temperature.


    Xiao Ran only felt that she had simply slept. When she woke up for the first time, there was a numbing pain in her legs. Her daughter with dark eye circles had a smile on her face. ��Mother, I��ll wait for you to recover and show me the Xiao Family��s spear techniques!��


    She knew that it was done.


    Something warm slid into the pillow from the corner of her eye. Xiao Ran seemed to hear Gu Chang��an��s sobs.


    ��Finally����


    Xiaoxiao was also very tired after helping Gongsun Zhongjing.


    After leaving her mother in Father��s care, she plunged into her room. She couldn��t even be bothered to take a shower. She wiped her face a few times,id on the pillow, and fell asleep.


    In her sleep, she heard a happy notification from the space: [Master, your current total points are 115,680. Your current space��s level is 19. Do you want to upgrade?]


    Xiaoxiao shuddered and forced herself to be energetic. [I will! I must!]


    If she remembered correctly, there were hidden rewards for every 10th level!


    The space started to ring happily��


    [Upgrade sessful. Current space level: Level 20.]


    [The time flow in the farnd has increased. The current time flow is 20 times faster!]


    [The time flow in the ranch has increased. The current speed is 20 times!]


    [Time flow in the water has increased. The current speed is 20 times!]


    [Time Hut��s current adjustable speed is plus or minus 20 times!]


    [Range Control ability upgraded!]


    [The Space Exchange Mall category is updated.]


    [New function acquired: Spatial projection. The projection range is 20��20.]


    [You have received a brocade pouch for leveling up. Current total points are 15,680.]


    [Master, do you want to open the brocade pouch?]


    Xiaoxiao tried her best to widen her eyes. [Open!]


    [The brocade pouch has been activated. You have received a stage space reward. Host, please choose the reward content��]


    [One, 1��1 ranch speed times 10.]


    [Two, 1��1 water speed times 10.]


    [Three, NPC projection.]


    [Four, Hidden reward.]


    Xiaoxiao, who wanted to choose the fourth reward, turned her attention to the third reward out of curiosity. She asked the space: [What does NPC projection mean?]


    The space projected a few workers in uniform in the room and exined to her with their actions.


    Xiaoxiao was shocked at first, but the more she looked at it, the more she found it interesting.


    These NPCs�� clothes were embroidered with the word [Empty], and their smiles were the same. It was obvious that they were mass-produced. They looked like real people, but there was no reaction from them.


    [How do I use it? Is there a quantity and time limit?]

 Chapter 320 - 320: Limited Settings

    Chapter 320: Limited Settings


    Trantor Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The space told her: [You can use it at any time after exchanging for the reward. Now that rm level 20, you can use up to 20 NPCs. You can use them for an hour for every 10,000 points.]


    Xiaoxiao understood immediately: [What exactly can they do?] The space was a little embarrassed: [They can only show up, say a few words, and walk around. After all, I��m a gourmet space. 1 don��t have much offensive power.]


    Xiaoxiao did not care, but she, who was originally only thinking about the spatial door in the hidden reward, suddenly hesitated. At this moment, the space said: [During the use of NPCs, they will be your eyes and can share what they see with you. Moreover, the reward is random. In other words, the brocade pouch might not be able to get NPCs when you reach Level 30.]


    Could any girl reject this restriction? Anyway, Xiaoxiao couldn��t.


    Or perhaps she was not especially obsessed with that door now.


    in the past, she was anxious to know if the world behind the door was her previous world. Now, she seemed to care more about the people on the other side of the door.


    [Exchange Reward Three.]


    After changing the reward, Xiaoxiao ced the NPCs in the space and waited.


    She was finally satisfied and fell asleep.


    This time, she began to dream again. In her dream, the Xiongnu��s schemes were endless and Great Xia��s border was lost.


    However, the person leading the troops that time was not Rong Yan, and the Great Xia Imperial Court did not manage to gather enough food for a ioo,ooo-strong army. Under the insufficient military forces and the sinister attack of Xiongnu, the city at the border was lost. The Second Prince of Xiongnu stepped on Great Xia��s face to im the throne and used the conditions of emptying Great Xia��s treasury to exchange for the Xiongnu��s retreat.


    Two yearster, half of Great Xia��s territory did not see rain for months. Food and vegetables could not grow. The rivers andkes dried up and stopped flowing. Under the famine, the people were struggling to survive, but the Imperial Court could not take out food for disaster relief. The corrupt officials could not find a way to solve the problem. The dissatisfaction of the people continued to ferment, and the civil rebellion led to a mutiny. Great Xia fell apart overnight��


    in her dream, Xiaoxiao saw the dry and cracked ground, saw desperate faces, saw starving people everywhere�� All she saw was death and sorrow. As she looked, she still couldn��t walk out of the pain when she opened her eyes.


    She sat on the crouch for a while longer and shook her head to try her best to calm down. However, the images in her dream became clear in her mind over and over again, especially when the border was breached, the empty gazes and rotten bodies of themoners, and the panic that no one dared to approach when the city was in a depression.


    She had a bad feeling.


    Because of this premonition, she nted herbs all over the space farnd. If she didn��t have enough points, she would go to the pharmacy to buy them. She wouldn��t stop until the space farnd was full.


    Everyone in the family had their own things to do. No one knew what kind of big thing Xiaoxiao had secretly done.


    When Xiao Ran��s body temperature subsided and she woke up again, she saw her precious daughter carrying a small bag and saying to her firmly, Mother, I want to go to the border with Doctor Gongsun.��


    Xiao Ran blinked and pinched her husband, who had yet to shave his stubble.


    ��Does it hurt?��


    Gu Chang��an thought for a moment and decided to answer honestly, ��It hurts.�� It wouldn��t be a dream if it hurt. She took the tea from her husband to moisten her throat and asked Xiaoxiao, ��What made you have such thoughts?�� Xiaoxiao said, ��Everyone has a responsibility when the country is in trouble. Actually, I met a kind person by chance. He wrote to me and said that he was willing to provide some food and medicinal herbs to the soldiers at the border for free, but I have to take his token and go get it myself.


    Xiao Ran was puzzled. ��Why?�� Xiaoxiao straightened her expression and said in all seriousness, ��It��s like this. This great phnthropist met a bad person and was once poor and homeless in Fortune Vige. At that time, 1 helped him and even gave him money to go home. On the way, he received a lot of help from our Great Xia soldiers, so he wanted to repay their kindness.��


    She sighed andmented, ��He��s a good person who knows how to repay kindness.��


    Xiao Ran was worried. ��Xiaoxiao, you��re still young and don��t understand the dangers of the world. You probably don��t know that there are many sanctimonious swindlers in this world. Have you thought about what if this person is lying to you? What if he has ulterior motives? What if he can��t take out the things he said at all?��


    Xiaoxiao looked up at the sky and put her hands behind her back in an unfathomable manner. ��I can��t say anything else. As for food, he should be able to take it out.��


    She leaned close to Xiao Ran and Gu Change��s ears and said mysteriously, ��Because this mysterious phnthropist is the person who gave me new grain seeds.��


    Before Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an could react, she said, ��He said that there are more seeds.��


    Xiao Ran, who was originally a little sleepy, immediately perked up. ��There��s more?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��I haven��t told anyone about this. Mr. Yuan��s seeds were developed by his elders in his family, and there��s a limited number. He knows very well that if others know about the new rice seeds, he will cause huge trouble for his family, but he also wants to do something for Great Xia.�� Apart from being excited, Xiao Ran did not forget to ask rationally, ��Why didn��t he look for other officials directly and turn to you, a child who hasn��t reached adulthood yet?��


    Xiaoxiao said solemnly, ��Because money moves people��s hearts, he doesn��t believe in those people who only have themselves and benefits in their hearts. That elder who nted the new grain seeds doesn��t ask for power or wealth, only for there to be no famine in the world. He knows how I deal with the new grain seeds, so he hopes that I can help him again, his elders, and the people of the world.��


    This reason made Xiao Ran��s back go numb, and goosebumps appeared on her arms. She instantly felt impassioned, but she no longer had the confidence to refuse.


    She looked at Gu Chang��an for help, but thetter looked away guiltily. If he could convince his daughter, would he need his wife toe forward?


    How could he say no to his precious daughter, whom he had finally found? Xiaoxiao continued, ��TH go with Doctor Gongsun. It��s more convenient to collect herbs with him.��


    Xiao Ran actually also learned about the many conflicts at the border and was worried. The two things theycked the most in war were food and medicinal herbs. Although she had not been on the battlefield for a long time, her heart had never left.


    However, this did not mean that she was at ease with her daughter going. The mother and daughter looked at each other, and neither of them relented for a moment.


    Helpless, Xiaoxiao could only take out her trump card. ��Dad and Mom know that I was kidnapped by evil people, right?��


    Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an��s hearts tightened at the same time, feeling lingering fear.


    Xiaoxiao said, ��I wasn��t lucky to have escaped.��


    In order to prove that she had the ability to protect herself, Xiaoxiao suggested letting Xiao Ran��s personal guards y hide-and-seek with her at Dayan Mountain.


    ��The range is 3 meters. If the personal guard brothers and uncles can find me, I won��t mention going to the border again. On the other hand, if they can��t find me, Father and Mother will acknowledge my ability to protect myself and agree to let me go to the border..��

 Chapter 321 - 321: A Gentleman’s Word

    Chapter 321: A Gentleman��s Word


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an had interacted with the personal guards for many years and were very confident in their strength. Hence, they agreed to this request that they thought they would definitely win without hesitation.


    This was good too. She wouldn��t have to rack her brains to think of a way to make her daughter give up. She would give up herself.


    Xiao Ran stretched out a hand. ��A gentleman��s words.


    Xiaoxiao still had a serious expression on her young face. ��A gentleman��s


    words.��


    When they heard this request just now, the personal guards didn��t know whether tough or cry. However, looking at the cute and adorable youngdy, everyone took the initiative to y with her without saying a word. The child was still young, so it was normal for her to be a little yful. After all, the youngdy was also worried about the general a few days ago. It was not easy for her to rx now. How reasonable it was for her to rx.


    They decided to hide their strengthter and pretend that they could not find


    Miss to make her happy.


    However, two hourster, the personal guards realized that they really could


    not find her��how was that possible?


    Even after leaving the battlefield, their martial arts skills did not fall behind. At least, themotion within one meter could not escape their ears. They were certain that their Miss had not moved more than 30 cm since she hid behind the first tree.


    The few of them surrounded the short bush around the tree in confusion. ��I


    think she should be here.��


    Another person scratched his head. ��I thought that my martial arts skills had deteriorated. Third Brother, you think so too. Then I shouldn��t have made a


    wrong judgment.��


    The third person probed the bushes with a puzzled expression. ��But where is


    she?��


    The few of them looked at each other in confusion. ��Did Miss get lost in the mountains?��


    Thinking of this possibility, the few of them hurriedly took out signal fireworks from their arms and prepared to deal with it as an emergency.


    Xiaoxiao, who was watching everything in the space, hurriedly shed out.


    -Hey, no, no, no. I��m here. It��s my own mountain. How can I get lost?��


    The personal guards were stunned. They did not believe it and ran to her ce to circle a few times.


    That��s not right. They had juste here. There was no one here. When did


    Miss run over?


    Xiaoxiao ced her hands on her hips and looked smug. ��Am I powerful?��


    It was more than amazing. It was simply amazing. They went around a few more times. ��How?��


    How could Xiaoxiao say anything? She raised her chin and said mysteriously, ��The heavenly secrets can��t be leaked. Just say who won. I can ept two out of


    three rounds.��


    Everyone was speechless. It was�� very difficult to go back on their word.


    When they returned to the Ning Family��s courtyard, Gu Chang��an��s expression changed from rxed to worried. Xiao Ran was also puzzled. She endured it and couldn��t help but ask, ��Did you go easy?��


    The personal guards had bitter expressions. ��I feel even more embarrassed because I didn��t go easy and lost.


    It was rare for Xiao Ran to be stunned. ��My daughter is so powerful?�� If not for the fact that her leg was still injured, she really wanted to investigate it herself.


    After thinking for the entire night, Xiao Ran decided to keep her promise. ��How do you n to go? With the military doctors arranged by the Imperial Court?�� Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��Doctor Gongsun is impatient with the Imperial Court, so we want to leave with Li Muyan.��


    The Li Family��s caravan was strong and experienced. They might even be faster than the Imperial Court.


    Moreover, they used light-carts and packed simply. The goods were not heavy, and they did not upy much space. Even if they encountered robbers, they would look down on these sacks filled with dried vegetables.


    In conclusion, it was fast and safe to follow the Li Family.


    Xiaoxiao felt that her parents were really the role model among all her parents. They did not take her promise seriously just because she was young and really agreed to let her go to the border that night.


    However, there was a small additional requirement��


    The news that Xiao Ran wanted to treat her leg injury naturally couldn��t be hidden from the Emperor. The Emperor was very gratified to know that someone was able to stop her from being tortured by the foreign object in her flesh and blood. How could he not approve her leave? Moreover, his mind had been filled with the problem of food at the border recently.


    This group of profiteers in the Imperial Capital could be considered to have been fattened up. They were very proficient in raising the price and hiding food. The Emperor decided to deal with them ruthlessly in his spare time.


    ��Is this Li Family a former royal warrant?��


    Among the rich businessmen in the Imperial Capital, only the Li Family��s price was reasonable.


    Eunuch De had an excellent memory. He remembered everything the Li Family said to the Emperor without even reading it. As most of them were good deeds, the Emperor remembered them.


    The next day, the Emperor spread out the matter of gathering food and found an aspiring courtier who volunteered to take on the responsibility. The entire court immediately had an intense dispute because of this. Ever since General Xiong set off for the border with the first batch of supplies, the remaining officials started to push each other. They usually degraded their opponents to nothing, but now, they praised them so much.


    This said that Lord Wang had a high reputation and would definitely be able to persuade the rich merchants to donate food. The other said that Lord Li was capable and would definitely make the grain merchants take the initiative to lower their prices. In any case, he was just a useless person who could do nothing.


    There were also some people who could not find anyone to praise. They were filled with righteous indignation and scolded the unscrupulous merchants for being shameless. They were simply ridiculous! However, after scolding them for a long time, they did not exin how to gather enough food and send it to the border.


    The Emperor took in all of this indifferently, his heart filled with sarcasm. This was the current royal court of Great Xia.


    It was no wonder that people like Lu Chen, who was clearly capable, would rather teach in that remote vige. If he was not the Emperor, he would not have bothered to look at this group of clowns. No, they were old clowns.


    After listening to the nonsense for a long time, the Emperor wanted to yawn. At this moment, a stupid official asked a useless question, ��Why don��t we buy the food at a high price first and settle the border matters before thinking about how to deal with those profiteers?��


    The Emperor only wanted to sneer. If there was still money in the treasury, would he have to listen to so much nonsense in the morning court?


    His gaze drifted and he nced at the Crown Prince, who was standing obediently in the crowd. He asked, ��What do you think, Crown Prince?�� The Crown Prince paused for a moment before stepping forward respectfully. ��Your Majesty, I think that we can buy grain on credit or reduce taxes in exchange for the grain merchants to give up a portion of the grain to satisfy the border.��


    The Emperor narrowed his eyes. Although this method was feasible, he was unhappy.


    Moreover, he knew that more than half of those businessmen were rted to the Yan Family.


    The reason why he let this group of trash in the royal court curse and swear was because he wanted the Crown Prince to hear it. However, even though he heard it, he had no intention of making the Yan Family back down.


    The Yan Family, what a Yan Family.


    When he looked at the Crown Prince again, the Emperor��s gaze turned cold. With a slight tilt of his head, Eunuch De understood and swung the duster in his hand. After seeing his actions, an urgent report immediately came from outside the hall��


    ��Your Majesty, General Xiao ordered people to send back 100,000 dans of food.. There are still more on the way����

 Chapter 322 - 322: All’s Fair In War

    Chapter 322: All��s Fair In War


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The ministers�� expressions changed rapidly. Some were surprised, some were shocked, some were d, and some were stunned. The Emperor saw all of this and said to the Crown Prince, ��Since the matter of food has been resolved, quickly arrange for it to be sent to the border.��


    He swept his gaze across the crowd. ��The Crown Prince will be in charge of this matter and personally transport it.��


    He enunciated thest four words very clearly. It was obvious that he could not refuse. The Crown Prince lowered his eyes. ��I obey.��


    After the court assembly, the Crown Prince was called over by the Empress, who said that she had to think of a way to make the Emperor retract his order. ��What kind of ce is the border? It��s dangerous and barren. Where are you supposed to go?��


    The Crown Prince poured a cup of tea for the Empress. ��Mother, don��t be anxious. On the contrary, I should go now.��


    The Empress was puzzled. The Crown Prince said, ��Mother, haven��t we been unable to find a way to win the hearts of the soldiers?��


    The Empress pondered for a moment and the corners of her lips curled up.


    The Crown Prince added, ��Besides, Mother and Grandfather have been too anxious recently. It��s not good for our Yan Family to anger Father.��


    The Empress snorted and did not refute.


    The Crown Prince said inwardly that moreover, he really had no interest in the daughter of the Xiao Family who grew up in the countryside. However, his mother and maternal grandfather urged him to take this woman into the East Pce. Heh, was she worthy?


    He liked women who were both beautiful and talented. It was simply a joke for him to marry a peasant girl as his main princess consort.


    Even if she was Xiao Ran��s daughter, would she know how to recite poetry? Would she know music and y the zither? Not to mention marrying her as the crown princess consort, even if he took her in a concubine, he would feel his stomach churn at the thought of a burly peasant woman in the East Pce in the future. It would be embarrassing if word got out!


    Instead of staying in the Imperial Capital and waiting for the vige girl to return before being forced to deal with her, it was better to hide at the border. Anyway, those rough people would handle the fighting and killing. It had nothing to do with him. When he returned, that ignorant vige girl might have already been coaxed away by some young master.


    When the Crown Prince gathered the food that Xiao Ran had sent to the Imperial Capital, he realized that she had even brought a fewrge bags of dried vegetables for Rong Yan. He was even more disgusted. She had only been in the countryside for a few days, but she was actually tainted by such a poor habit. Was this the influence of that vige girl��s daughter?


    He actually wanted to throw this thing away, but the Emperor had decreed that he had to bring everything Xiao Ran sent over. Moreover, those dried vegetables looked like a fewrge bags, but they actually did not take up much space. The Crown Prince had no reasonable excuse to throw them away.


    Thinking that Xiao Ran had a good rtionship with his third brother and might have sent a letter saying that she wanted to send these ��local specialties��, the Crown Prince did not want to lose out on a small matter, so he put the dried vegetables into the grain carts.


    The food crisis at the border was resolved before it arrived. The soldiers, who were afraid that they would starve, rxed and even took the time to hunt a few sand field wolves and foxes.


    The wolf meat was dry and the fox meat was smelly, but no one cared, especially after they sprinkled the spices given by the Third Prince. It was very fragrant.


    After eating that, they would have a bowl of hot vegetable soup. They were still full of energy tomorrow.


    Ever since Rong Yan came to the border, he had fought with the Xiongnu dozens of times, but every time, they would pull back. The Xiongnu saw that the situation was not good and retreated early, looking like they were afraid.


    The soldiers were overjoyed and even said that they wanted to celebrate.


    However, Rong Yan was not so optimistic. He and a few deputy generals continued to deduce using the sand table in the main camp. They felt that the Xiongnu was holding back something bad. Just as they were puzzled, news of someone having diarrhea came from many ces in the army.


    At first, no one took it seriously, but as more and more people vomited and had diarrhea, everyone began to realize that something was wrong.


    It was also at this moment that the Xiongnu attacked at night��so annoying. They did not even let them have a good meal?


    Actually, the Xiongnu people were even more frustrated than the Great Xia army. ording to their n, the Great Xia army should have cut off their food long ago and they should be desperately looking for food everywhere.


    They were either so hungry that they did not have the strength to parry their Xiongnu warriors�� scimitars, or they should be poisoned. They would pull until their legs went weak or even see the King of Hell. However, more than half of the beasts that they had fed with poison had died. Why was there still no movement from the Great Xia army?


    They really could not hold it in anymore. The Xiongnu soldiers, who had been waiting for a long time, decided to attack at night to investigate. They still had hope in their hearts and felt that perhaps the Great Xia army had been poisoned long ago. Now, they were just pretending to confuse their Xiongnu warriors!


    If not for the fact that the people they had nted in Great Xia had all been killed, would they have made things soplicated?


    The Xiongnu used the same trick again. Rows of burning arrowsnded in the night. The color of the mes was very dazzling. Thebination of new and old hatred angered the soldiers so much that they raised their weapons and rushed out.


    The Great Xia army was well-trained and obeyed their orders. Even though they were in a panic, they faced the enemy in an orderly manner ording to their military orders. Other than those soldiers who had diarrhea, the others wanted to seek revenge for their hatred. They fought with the Xiongnu.


    This battlested from night to day and from day to night. It made the Xiongnu retreat in defeat and regret. They found the opportunity to retreat like a tide.


    Following the principle of not chasing after a desperate enemy, Rong Yan asked the soldiers to return to the camp and arranged for guards. He hurriedly instructed someone to start a stove to cook.


    The Xiongnu was ambitious and ruthless. Rong Yan and the deputy generals were furious.


    ��So what if it��s a war? They even poisoned us? Don��t they have any shame?��


    Rong Yan was rtively calm. ��As the saying goes, all is fair in war.��


    The deputy generals were dissatisfied when they heard him say, ��Previously, I��ve been thinking that it��s actually very disadvantageous for us to fight against Xiongnu, who had nned it long ago, when we don��t have enough rations.�� ��If we want topletely subdue them, we can��t fight them head-on for the time being. Instead, we have to use our wits. I originally didn��t think it was appropriate to use some methods, but now that Xiongnu is heartless and shameless, we don��t have to y fair and square with them����


    The deputy generals�� eyes lit up with Rong Yan��s words.


    During the meal, these burly soldiers stuffed their mouths and sighed fiercely. ��I really don��t dare to imagine how we��ll fight this battle if our rations are cut off.��


    Rong Yan swallowed thest vegetable soup in his mouth, and his smile disappeared as his face was filled with coldness.


    At night, the Xiongnu army, led by General Mengel, changed into special night clothes and nned tounch a night attack while Great Xia was rxed.


    They were dreaming. The Great Xia army had just stopped fighting in the day, so they definitely did not expect them to secretly hold back and have a second sneak attack. Tonight, the Great Xia army was tired and hungry, and they even thought that they were going to celebrate their victory. However, these invading camps had already prepared backup ns. Wasn��t it obvious who was stronger?


    The second prince had just ascended the throne and was in need of merits that could make people submit. This time, he was determined to take down the border of Great Xia. The n against the Great Xia army was one after another. It was guaranteed to be one in a million�� Eh?


    ��Oh no, it��s a trap!��

 Chapter 323 - 323: Take It Back

    Chapter 323: Take It Back


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Before the smug thoughts could finish running through their minds, the stealthy Xiongnu soldiers fell into traps one after another. In order not to attract the attention of the Great Xia army, they specially held back their screams. Immediately, their faces turned red and their veins bulged. General Mengel, who was leading the army, looked around nervously and was relieved to see that they did not rm the Great Xia army.


    As expected, this group of pampered people in the pass had long rxed because of their previous victory. If they were not resting now, they were definitely celebrating.


    Heh, did they really think that their Xiongnu had retreated and Great Xia had won?


    After pulling them out of the pit, they continued forward in the dark. Then, they encountered tripping ropes, hidden crossbows, and bows one after another. From swallowing their anger at the beginning to being exasperatedter on, they gritted their teeth and chose to change their route.


    There were two paths outside Great Xia��s city. The other was a sand field, but because there was no cover, everything on the way could be seen clearly, so it was not taken into consideration by Xiongnu. Now that he thought about it, it seemed like the Great Xia army had expected that they would choose t ground, so they specially set up a trap early.


    Hmph, the solution was dead, but people were alive. Couldn��t they change ces?


    At the thought of this, the Xiongnu soldiers silently moved to the sand field under the cover of the night.


    What they did not know was that at this moment, on the seemingly empty roof of the city, Rong Yan was leading a group of soldiers who were crouching and watching Xiongnu��s every move from the spyhole.


    The deputy generals were filled with righteous indignation. ��Damn it, these barbarians are simply shameless to the extreme! They��re using sneak attacks repeatedly! These bastards!��


    Although they were angry, no one ran down the city tower impulsively. Everyone focused on watching the movements of the Xiongnu soldiers. When they stepped into a certain range, they subconsciously held their breaths.


    The Xiongnu people lived in the sand field all year round and were very sensitive to the ground under their feet. The moment they walked into the sand field, they knew that this was just ordinary barren soil. Hence, when everyone suddenly felt their feet sink, they did not react to what had happened.


    At this moment, shouts suddenly came from behind the Xiongnu soldiers and arrows kept falling. Everyone panicked and fell into the quicksand that should not have appeared here.


    ��T-this is impossible! What exactly is going on?��


    On the city tower, the deputy generals also looked at Rong Yan, only to see him smile gently. ��An old friend taught me.��


    The deputy generals looked at the captured Xiongnu soldiers and felt that the Third Prince��s old friend was really a talent.


    Strictly speaking, there was a difference between man-made quicksand and real quicksand. However, Xiongnu was in a panic and could not react for a moment or break free. In a battle, whoever took the initiative first would win 30%.


    Relying on this advantage, half of the night raiders were captured, and the remaining half were either dead or fleeing.


    Rong Yan still said the same thing. Don��t chase after a desperate enemy. There will be plenty of opportunities to catch them all in the future. There��s no hurry.


    After arranging for the captives to be taken in, he let the soldiers continue to take turns to rest. He returned to his residence and took out a locked wooden box.


    The box was filled with letters. He took out one and read it carefully��


    ���� Basically, let��s do this with the simple version of quicksand. Although it��s not as powerful as the naturally formed ones, it��s still enough to scare people for a while. Wouldn��t they be at the mercy of others if their legs were bound? Also, I saw this when I was reading the gourmet records of the western regions of the country. In order to pick spices, people will wear such special shoes to walk in the sand field. This way, even if they unfortunately encounter real quicksand, they won��t sink immediately. As long as they have enough time to save themselves, the quicksand might not be so terrifying. Also, bring along a piece of rope. Not only can it be useful at such a time, but it can also provide first aid when one is injured. I heard this from Doctor Gongsun. It can��t be exined in words. I drew a picture for you����


    Rong Yan seemed to be able to hear the crisp female voice nagging beside his ear. It was not easy tomunicate with letters at the border, especially when he fought with the Xiongnu. It was already very rare for him to receive Xiaoxiao��s letter once a month.


    ��Others say romantic things, but this girl����


    Yun Er, who was tidying up at the side, secretly looked at Master��s expression and gritted his teeth.


    If she��s not romantic, why are you smiling so gently?


    He had just made the bed when he heard Rong Yan mutter softly, ��It��s almost time for you to turn 15, right? You can get engaged after you turn 15����


    Yun Er:�� Master, my ears are quite good. Do you want to consider reciting it in your heart?


    However, after silentlyining, he couldn��t help butugh. It was good to have someone who cared about Master and missed him.


    ��I heard that the food that��s going to be sent to the border this time was received from near Xijiang County.��


    Rong Yan put the letter away and hummed softly. He sounded quite calm, but the smile on his lips was too wide.


    Unfortunately, there were too few opportunities tough easily here because there were too many things to worry about, such as the captives who had just been captured.


    ��Your Highness, the Xiongnu is causing trouble again!��


    It was usual for Xiaoxiao to send letters these few days, so Rong Yan was originally in a good mood. However, his expression instantly darkened when he saw the Xiongnu people being watched shouting, ��Great Xia is abusing captives��.


    ��Captives?��


    The Xiongnu knew that this thin young man was the most powerful person in Great Xia��s army, so they turned their attention to him. ��That��s right. How can you treat captives like this? Look at what these are!�� With that, they waved the food in their hands.


    They did not know if it was intentional, but a bowl of soup happened to be spilled on Rong Yan��s clothes.


    Rong Yan looked down. The conditions were harsh, and the chef could not even bear to add oil when cooking, so there were only some water stains left after shaking these dishes.


    Yun Er wanted to wipe him clean, but he was interrupted by Rong Yan with a wave of his hand. He walked step by step to the person who threw the food just now and kicked him to the ground. While he was eximing, Rong Yan picked up the food mixed with sand on the ground and stuffed it into the Xiongnu��s mouth.


    After stuffing the food into his mouth, Rong Yan covered the Xiongnu��s mouth with all his might and pped his chest with his other hand, forcing him to swallow everything in his mouth before letting go.


    The Xiongnu regained his freedom and wanted to vomit from this rough treatment. Before he could vomit, he saw the handsome young master standing at the side with his arms crossed. He said to the soldiers beside him, ��After he vomited, stuff it back.��


    This tone instantly made Xiongnu mellow down. From the looks of it, this person did not seem to be joking.


    Rong Yan looked around and said, ��They don��t look hungry. Their next meal will be halved. If they don��t eat again, there��s no need to prepare anything in the future. After all, we have the final say in the number of captives.��


    He looked like a refined young master, but why did he act like a living King of Hell?


    If not for the fact that he still needed to use them to exchange for the Great Xia soldiers, would he really kill them?

 Chapter 324 - 324: Make Them Grateful And Submissive

    Chapter 324: Make Them Grateful And Submissive


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was all thanks to the Second Prince��s precautions that he kept the captured Great Xia soldiers alive. When they were exchanged back, he had to tell his brothers how difficult it was to deal with the Third Prince of Great Xia.


    However, what they did not know was that at this moment, in the Xiongnu camp, the Second Prince did not n to give them such a ��future��.


    ��Prince, do you mean that we won��t exchange captives?��


    ��Not only do I not want to exchange, but I also want to send more people to them.�� The second prince revealed a cruel smile.


    ��Are Big Brother and Third Brother��s men still jumping around?��


    Advisor Jun quickly reacted. ��Prince, you mean����


    The second prince licked his lips, his eagle-like eyes filled with sharpness. ��Great Xia is short of food, but in order to exchange for the soldiers we captured, they had no choice but to distribute the food to the captives. Listen, it��s so interesting.��


    ��If they refuse to take good care of the captives, we��ll say that the Third Prince of Great Xia is cold-blooded and heartless. We��ll see who will want him as a general in the future.��


    ��If they really take good care of the captives, I don��t believe that those soldiers will really be willing to starve themselves. Besides, how can soldiers who can��t eat their fill be a match for our Xiongnu warriors? No matter what, the Third Prince is wrong. Xiongnu will definitely win this battle.��


    The military advisor was a little worried. ��But I heard that Great Xia��s next batch of food is already on the way. There��s quite a lot of them. When the timees, they won��t have to worry about not having enough food.��


    The second prince turned around and looked at him meaningfully. ��Don��t worry, there��s no such possibility.��


    In Great Xia��s city, the deputy generals were indeed having a headache over food.


    ��How long before His Highness the Crown Prince arrives?��


    No one could answer this question. Rong Yan pondered for a moment and instructed, ��Reduce the Xiongnu people��s food by half.�� It was fine as long as they did not starve to death.


    Xiongnu did not respond to Great Xia��s request to exchange for captives. Instead, itunched a few more attacks. Great Xia tried their best to teach them a lesson. Even though their stomachs were growling, they returned victorious every time.


    The battle report might make the emperor happy when it reached the Imperial Capital, but Rong Yan couldn��t smile at this moment.


    Deputy General Xiong and the others were puzzled. ��Your Highness, we��ve won many times and captured so many captives. Why don��t you look very happy?��


    Rong Yan swallowed the thick and hard steamed bun in his mouth because there was really not enough food. ��Arrange for a team to hunt and look for wild vegetables and�� weeds nearby. Make a pit with the boiled dried vegetables and buns.��


    He hesitated for a moment before saying, ��Mix rice chaff into the bun.�� At least they could fill their stomachs.


    These were all temporary measures. If the Crown Prince did note, they would only be able tost five days at most even if they made do.


    At this moment, the Crown Prince, who was setting up camp halfway through the march, was putting down his bowl and chopsticks with a look of disdain. He was born noble and was the Crown Prince. He was also the person whom the entire Yan Family supported with all their might. He had used intricate and precious things since he was young. He had never eaten such ��rough tea and in rice��.


    The aide asked, ��Your Highness, when do we leave?��


    The Crown Prince threw away his bowl and chopsticks and picked up a snack that could be considered extravagant on their march. ��If I appear now, they will only think that it��s natural for me to send food. But if I appear again when they can��t hold on����


    They would treat him as their savior.


    Since he was here, he naturally had to maximize the benefits of this trip. He wanted the rough people in the military camp to be grateful to him and bow down to him.


    However, he had never thought about what irreversible and terrifying things would happen if he really caused the border to fall because of his deliberate dy.


    The soldiers at the border endured another two difficult days. From the ordinary soldiers to Rong Yan, their faces were sallow and their footsteps weak. Even the Xiongnu people who had been captured in the captive camp were already breathing less and less. They only had the strength to lie down and struggle.


    At this juncture, Rong Yan��s identity was special. He could have given some special treatment, but he insisted on eating and sleeping with the soldiers.


    Apart from being touched, the soldiers also changed their opinion of the prince, who looked delicate and pampered. They sincerely admired and trusted him.


    People fell one after another in the military camp. However, not only was the army short of food, but they were also short of medicine. The lives of the injured and the sick could only be left to fate.


    Today, the young soldier who came to deliver food to the injured, staggered. His eyes were clearly green, but he still put down the steamed bun that had been curled into small pieces. ��I��m not hungry. Hurry up and eat.��


    However, the injured also looked away. ��It��s a waste for us to eat it. On the other hand, you can kill a few more Xiongnu b*stards after eating.��


    The soldier��s eyes turned red when he heard this. ��What nonsense are you talking about? What do you mean by waste?! How can you recuperate if you don��t eat? I��m still waiting for you to kill Xiongnu together! Eat quickly!��


    The two sides pushed each other. Neither of them had much strength, but both of them were determined.


    At this moment, a fragrance that made the people hungry wafted over. Everyone��s first reaction was that Xiongnu was up to no good again! Their anger allowed them to find the strength to stand up, but when they went out angrily to take a look, the smell actually came from behind them?


    Rong Yan was speechless when he was told that someone was asking to see him outside the garrison camp and was cooking on the spot. ��Cooking on the spot outside the camp? Why?�� Were they provoking him?


    The person who came to report scratched his head. ��I think the person who came said that she was sending food to us. Everyone thought that there was no such good thing in the world. It must be a trap created by that Xiongnu, so they weren��t allowed in. That person said that she knew you, so everyone didn��t believe her even more. Then����


    Rong Yan suddenly remembered that Xiaoxiao��s letter was many dayste.


    He only felt that his head was buzzing, and unbelievable thoughts were stirring. However, his footsteps were so fast that he did not seem like a person who had been hungry for many days. The messenger followed behind him, and he had to jog to keep up.


    Yun Er, who was following behind Rong Yan, had already smelled an unlikely possibility from the fragrance of the food.


    The two of them quickly left the others far behind and strode out of the military camp.


    A few familiar-looking iron stoves were emitting smoke and sweet fragrance. There were burly men with fierce eyes surrounding them with their arms crossed. The petite figure in the middle darted around like a butterfly. Looking at the temperature of this stove and the heat of that stove, she was extremely busy.


    Rong Yan recognized the burly men and cupped his hands to greet them, but he did not know what to do with the person in the middle.


    She probably felt that it was enough. She put on her homemade instion gloves and took out a te of small biscuits.


    Coincidentally, someone said something to her. She cried out in pain and her hand trembled, as if she had been scalded..

 Chapter 325 - 325: A Gift To The World

    Chapter 325: A Gift To The World


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan immediately threw away all the thoughts in his mind, such as Why is she here��, ��How did shee here��, ��Why did shee��, and ��I have to send her back like a way��. He came to her using his Qinggong. ��What��s wrong? Where are you hurt? Does it hurt?��


    Xiaoxiao stuffed a biscuit into his mouth as she turned around. ��I��m fine. How did you end up like this?��


    The messenger and the soldiers who followed him were stunned. Then, they saw the dignified and calm Third Prince��s cheeks move as he started to chew with a cold expression.


    Xiaoxiao sighed. ��It wasn��t easy for me to fatten up this child.��


    Rong Yan couldn��t help but smile. ��Does your family know that you��re here?


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��They know.��


    Rong Yan asked again, ��They all agree?��


    Xiaoxiao��s eyes flickered. ��They didn��t agree at first����


    However, she straightened her back at the second half of the sentence.


    ��However, everyone has a responsibility for the rise and fall of the country. No matter how reluctant they are, they can��t refuse.


    She blinked at Rong Yan. ��Let��s see what I brought you first.��


    Rong Yan��s gaze first swept across the ovens and baked biscuits. To be honest, he was very grateful for Xiaoxiao��s intentions, but it was a drop in the bucket. To a 100,000-strong army, these were really��


    It was really too little. It was not even enough for each person to take a bite.


    Just as this thought passed through his mind, he saw Xiaoxiao grab his hand.


    Her eyes were serious and her tone was a little anxious.


    ��Bring your men and follow me to a ce.��


    Li Muyan still had something to do. When he saw Xiaoxiao and the others enter the military camp, he left on his own. He really didn��t know if he had escorted them and protected them along the way or the other way around.


    asionally, they would encounter bandits who blocked the road. Their escorts had yet to take action, but those people, who were with Ning Xiaoxiao, dealt with them in a few moves.


    Perhaps they just wanted to use his business as a cover toe to the border openly?


    Shaking his head, he threw away his doubts and began to walk towards his destination with the goods from the Imperial Capital.


    On a fork not far from them, Rong Yan followed Xiaoxiao��s request and brought


    200 strong soldiers to a grotto.


    The soldiers who followed her were actually quite dissatisfied. They were already tired and hungry, but they still had to run around with this youngdy. What was going on?


    Those who were more arrogant were already whispering, ��Don��t tell me you want us to take this girl on a sightseeing trip?��


    ��Not to that extent. Third Prince doesn��t seem to be such a troublemaker. Besides, this ce is deste. What mountains and rivers can there be to sightsee?��


    Just as they were whispering to each other, Yun Er and the other guards�� faces suddenly darkened. ��Who is it?��


    A smiling man walked out from the dark. He was wearing a navy blue robe with the word ��empty�� embroidered on his chest. When he saw everyone, he did not dodge and only walked to Xiaoxiao openly. ��Miss, do you have the token?�� Xiaoxiao took out a small lock with a serious expression and handed it to this person. That person looked at it for a moment, but his smile did not change. ��The thing is inside. We��ll take our leave first. Miss, please don��t forget your agreement with our Master and don��t mention him to anyone.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Don��t worry, Sir.��


    Rong Yan, Yun Er, and the others were all curious. Xiaoxiao raised her chin and they walked into the cave warily and expectantly.


    The torch illuminated the darkness and the neat sacks in the cave. Rong Yan s heart was pounding. ��This is?��


    Xiaoxiao only smiled at him as she opened the sack closest to them.


    ��It��s food. It��s a gift from Mr. Yuan to the world.��


    Other than Grandpa Yuan, Xiaoxiao could not find anyone else who was more qualified to be owed a favor. She hoped that the kind old man would not me her.


    Rong Yan was stunned. ��Mr. Yuan?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Yes, it��s the one you know. He��s actually outside the pass. After knowing the situation at the border, he collected a lot of rice and grains and was just waiting to send them to you.��


    She pursed her lips. ��If it weren��t for me, he wouldn��t believe in others. If it weren��t for you, he wouldn��t believe that there was nothing wrong with the food I brought. So, do you think I have to speciallye to look for you?�� ��Wouldn��t it be inappropriate if you keep pulling a long face at me?


    Rong Yan couldn��t win against her. Coupled with this sudden surprise, he was really happy. The corners of his lips finally curled up.


    Xiaoxiao pped her hands. ��That��s more like it. Let��s move the food back now, alright? Oh right, remember to tell the soldiers not to follow Mr. Yuan��s men. He only wants to focus on studying farming and doesn��t want to be disturbed.�� Rong Yan naturally wouldn��t refuse. He immediately called for the soldiers who were dumbfounded to start moving.


    No wonder Xiaoxiao specially asked him to bring the tall and strong people over and even prepared many carts to pull the goods. After they returned to the military camp, Rong Yan went to arrange the military matters, while Xiaoxiao personally rolled up her sleeves and found someone to lead the way to the kitchen.


    The soldier who led the way was shocked. ��Miss wants to cook for us?


    Xiaoxiao nodded and said without any modesty, ��I cook very well. I guarantee that you guys will still want to eat after eating!��


    The soldier was conflicted. ��It��s good to eat, but we don��t have much food. We have to be thrifty.��


    Xiaoxiao patted her chest and promised, ��You can eat all the rice we brought. We won��t be able to finish it in three to five days!��


    The little soldier thought to himself, What about three to five dayster? Should we continue to starve?


    However, looking at Xiaoxiao��s young face, he still swallowed his words.


    Forget it, forget it. The youngdy hade all the way here to help. Why did he say those disappointing words? He could just happily ept her kindness. This youngdy clearly did not understand what kind of hard work it was to cook for so many people. She might justin that she was tired and quitter. At that time, they could control the amount of rice they used.


    When Xiaoxiao went to familiarize herself with the stove, Rong Yan also learned about this trip from the Xiao Family��s guards.


    ��So those people already said that they would only be willing to give food to Xiaoxiao when they saw her?��


    No wonder Uncle Ning and Auntie Ning let here to such a dangerous ce. ��Brother Chen, did you follow her because Aunt Xiao has met Xiaoxiao too? Does she�� like Xiaoxiao?��


    The guards of the Xiao Residence nodded repeatedly. ��Miss is smart and kind. General and Mr. Gu dote on her from the bottom of their hearts. If it weren��t for the fact that General��s leg is injured and it��s inconvenient for her to walk, she definitely wouldn��t be willing to be separated from Miss.��


    Rong Yan��s eyes lit up. ��Miss? Aunt Xiao has already acknowledged Xiaoxiao as her daughter?��


    The few of them looked at each other and exchanged nces. They remembered that the General and Miss had said that they wanted to surprise the Third Prince, so they were vague. ��More or less.��


    After figuring it out, Rong Yan couldn��t wait to finish his work and run to the kitchen to look for Xiaoxiao.


    The soldier who brought Xiaoxiao to the kitchen could no longer find his chin. He saw that after this thin and small girl walked around the kitchen a few times, she acted as if she was at home and stood beside the huge stove, busy. Not only that she wasn��t tired, this youngdy was in high spirits and looked quite happy. Her slender arms were holding the spat and waving it vigorously!


    Retreat in the face of difficulties? No way!

 Chapter 326 - 326: Tired?

    Chapter 326: Tired?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The soldier originally thought that he would persuade her to leave when it was about time. The reasons were all ready-made. The journey was tiring, she was a guest, she was still young, and so on. However, his n was disrupted by the increasingly rich fragrance.


    When he came back to his senses, the fragrant pot of vegetables and meat porridge had already been made. The fragrance of the meat mixed with the fragrance of the rice. The soldier did not dare to open his mouth to speak, afraid that he would make a fool of himself by swallowing his saliva.


    At this point, he could only find other ways. For example, when this girl leftter, he would secretly add some water to the pot and make dinner.


    Heh, he was really too smart!


    However, Xiaoxiao only nced at him before she moved a small stool over and sat down. Then, she widened her eyes and waited for everyone to start eating.


    The soldier was at his wits�� end. Helpless, he could only run to ask the Third Prince.


    Ever since Rong Yan led the troops, the soldier had only used a short month to change from unfamiliarity to admiration for him. He really did not expect him to say, ��Let her do it.��


    He could not hide the smile in his indifferent tone. ��It��s still her sincerity to everyone.��


    The soldier was stunned and his expression was conflicted.


    Rong Yan did not want others to misunderstand Xiaoxiao, so he softened his attitude and exined patiently.


    ��We��ve been starved of food for a long time. The Xiongnu is ambitious and has probably sensed it long ago. If they wait for the right time to take advantage of us when our soldiers are starving, how should we deal with them?��


    ��Besides, Xiao�� Since Miss Ning said that the food she brought is enough for three to five days, it will definitely be enough.��


    The soldier could not help but ask again, ��What about three to five dayster?��


    Rong Yan��s gentle face was a little cold. ��His Highness the Crown Prince is too useless if the food isn��t delivered in three to five days.��


    The soldier immediately went deaf and mute. However, after thinking about it carefully, he couldn��t agree more.


    To think that something as important as transporting food could be dyed until now. The Crown Prince�� Tsk.


    It would be the greatest joke in the world if he was not careful and starved to death instead of dying in the hands of the Xiongnu!


    The soldier left angrily. Of course, this anger was not directed at Rong Yan and Xiaoxiao, but at the ipetent Crown Prince. As a nameless soldier, he did not dare to speak ill of the Prince, but he could mutter in his heart��if he let a person like the Crown Prince sit on the throne in the future, would he take them, who were far away at the border, to heart?


    The soldier thought about the national affairs that seemed to be thousands of miles away from him. He took his porridge and took a sip. He feltfortable and his stomach was especially warm.


    After eating and drinking his fill, he felt that his attitude towards the youngdy just now was not good enough, so he decided to see if there was anything he could help with. Just as he walked out of the kitchen, he heard a few familiar voices��they seemed to be the few people beside the Third Prince?


    ��Miss Ning, you��re really a female Bodhisattva who saves people from trouble. You don��t know how hard it has been for His Highness these past few days. His Highness didn��t eat much of the dried vegetables you brought for him and distributed them to the soldiers!��


    ��Actually, one person can��t eat much of that when it is mixed in a big pot of rice, but His Highness insists on sharing joys and sorrows with everyone. Look at his face, he��s so thin!��


    ��It��s not just his face. His Highness grew a little fatter after eating the meals that you cooked every day in Fortune Vige. He��spletely thin now! Now, the bones in his chest can y the pipa!��


    Xiaoxiao was amused by them. She added a spoonful of meat porridge for each of them before saying, ��You can��t add any more after eating this. It��s not that I��m petty and don��t give you special treatment, but you��re too hungry. You can��t eat too much at once, or it��ll hurt your stomach.��


    ��I made porridge for everyone today to let your stomachs adapt first. I put a lot of dried vegetables in the porridge and added some herbs that don��t affect the taste and can nourish the stomach ording to Doctor Gongsun��s prescription. Eat two meals of porridge first and I��ll cook meat and rice for you tomorrow.��


    ��I brought enough food for everyone to eat at ease. You��re all heroes who fought for Great Xia with your lives. You shouldn��t starve.��


    This simple sentence made the eyes of the soldier outside the door turn red.


    He joined the army because his family was poor and he could not find any other way out. Initially, he felt that he was quite useless and ordinary. Why did Miss Ning say that he was quite powerful?


    The soldiers vaguely felt that it had been a long time since theyst ate their fill. They drank this big bowl of porridge in satisfaction and restraint. The veterans knew the consequences of gluttony under such circumstances. The recruits also stopped themselves from going to the big pot again under the exnation of their seniors. It was night. Their stomachs, which had been burning for a few days, felt much better and they slept much better.


    In the dead of night, a petite shadow tiptoed into a small courtyard. This courtyard was clearly heavily guarded, but she entered it as if there was no one around. A new guard was about to step forward to stop her when he was stopped by the Third Prince��s men. He even winked at him. ��You don��t have to stop her.��


    Xiaoxiao held the te with one hand and prepared to exert strength with the other hand after her qi settled in her dantian. However, just as she pressed on the door frame, she hurriedly restrained her strength.


    What if Little Big Brother was taking a nap and she scared him or interrupted his hard-earned rest? The gains would not make up for the losses. It was better to y with surprises after it was peaceful.


    With this thought in mind, she changed the direction of her palm and knocked on the door frame. However, before the first sound could ring, the door was opened and Xiaoxiao saw a face that she only had time to catch a glimpse of during the day.


    He had indeed lost weight and looked haggard. The shadow under his eyes looked like he had not slept for a few days and nights. However, when he looked at her, his eyes were like water, hiding his fatigue.


    ��You��re here? Are you tired?��


    It was not that he did not miss her, nor did he not want to see her. It was just that he could not let go of the heavy burden on his shoulders for a moment.


    But asionally, he would worry that she would me him.


    When he saw the supper in her hand, he knew that his worries were unnecessary. There was a soft biscuit stuffed into his mouth. He heard Xiaoxiao say faintly, ��Should I ask you this? Are you tired?��


    Rong Yan forgot to chew. He asked himself, ��Are you tired?��


    How could he not be tired? He had to worry about the Xiongnu b*stards ying dirty. He also had to worry about the trivial matters in the military camp. He had a splitting headache every day. However, as themander-in-chief, he could not reveal his physical and mental fatigue in front of others. He could not give the enemy a chance or shake his morale�� Hence, whenever someone else asked this question, he would say that he was not tired.


    However, the person in front of her was none other than Xiaoxiao.


    So he said, ��A little, yes.��


    Xiaoxiao scanned the room and handed the tray to Rong Yan. Then, she ced one hand on the door frame and pulled Rong Yan��s sleeve with the other, making a gesture to cross the threshold. At the same time, she said to the space in her mind: [Baby, time to work. Copy the space.]


    Taking a step forward, the world changed, but no one noticed it. Xiaoxiao added: [Adjust time to 20 times slower.]


    Then, she said to Rong Yan, ��Do you want to eat or drink anything?��

 Chapter 327 - 327: Instant Noodles

    Chapter 327: Instant Noodles


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan did not decline. After all, almost no one could reject Xiaoxiao��s delicacies, and he was really hungry.


    Rong Yan sighed in satisfaction when the soft and sweet food entered his mouth. Xiaoxiao said, ��I also brought some seeds. I��ll find a ce to nt them tomorrow and see if I can nt them sessfully. One more crop, one more chance of survival.��


    The border area was deste. There were only a fewnds that could be farmed. Not to mention food, vegetables, and vegetables, even wild vegetables and weeds were very rare.


    Rong Yan couldn��t bear to dampen her spirits, but he couldn��t bear for her to hit the wall, so he told Xiaoxiao everything he knew. As he spoke, he suddenly felt drowsy. He wanted to force himself to stay awake, but Xiaoxiao put a thin nket on his shoulder. ��Sleep for a while. I��ll wake you up in an hour.��


    Rong Yan nced at the documents piled up on the table. After some thought, he nodded.


    He was indeed too sleepy. It would probably be a bad thing to deal with work in this state.


    ��What about you?��


    Xiaoxiao walked out of the door. ��I still have some things to pack.��


    Rong Yan thought that she was going back. Although he was reluctant, he understood that it was not appropriate for her to wait for him while he slept, so he wanted Yun Er to send her off. Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��I��m so familiar with them. Do I need you to take care of me? I��ll go find them myself. Go to sleep. Oh, right, I can use your small kitchen, right?��


    When she turned around, she saw that he was already lying on the table, his breathing steady.


    Hehe, the calming tea given by Doctor Gongsun was really useful.


    Xiaoxiao walked out of the door and gestured for Yun Er, who was about to speak, to keep quiet. She said softly, ��Little Big Brother is asleep. Don��t let anyone disturb him. I told him I��ll wake him up in an hour. Brother Yun Er, Brother Yun San, can the two of you help me bring the indigo and yellow bag and oven in my house? Brother Yun San knows where the things are.��


    Yun Er turned to look at his brother and realized that he actually swallowed his saliva! Could it be! Could it be!


    The two of them walked quickly, while Xiaoxiao simply found a ce to sit down on the porch.


    The night sky at the border was especially clean. The starlight and moonlightpeted for brilliance and reflected each other. It was actually beautiful scenery. How good would it be if there was no war under this scenery?


    Yun Er and Yun San returned very quickly. Xiaoxiao asked the two of them to find someone to put the oven and kitchen utensils in the small kitchen while she started to sort the seeds in the corridor where the night wind blew.


    Of course, she knew what could be nted and what could not be nted. However, in order to keep a low profile, she still brought a few more wrong choices. She originally nned to put on an act to lower the sess rate. After Rong Yan said that just now, she saved a lot of trouble.


    She paid attention to the movements in the space at all times. When Rong Yan was about to wake up, she opened the yellow bag and took out an oil paper bag. Yun San��s eyes lit up and she quickly prepared the bowls and chopsticks. The hot water on the small stove was also in ce.


    Seeing this, Xiaoxiao simply took a few more noodle cakes and asked Yun San to find a big iron pot. She ced the noodle cakes, dehydrated vegetables, dried meat, and the seasonings she had prepared. Finally, she poured the freshly boiled water in.


    Yun Er, who had seen this scene for the first time, was confused. He really couldn��t figure out why Miss Ning soaked the noodle cake in water. However, looking at his brother��s greedy expression, he could conclude that it was delicious food!


    As expected, not long after, a rich fragrance floated out of the iron pot. Yun Er quickly wanted to lift the lid to investigate, but she was stopped by Yun San with a serious expression. ��Miss Xiaoxiao said that you have to count to 180 before you can open it.��


    Yun Er was speechless.


    When they counted to 150, the sleeping Rong Yan��s body swayed slightly. His first reaction when he opened his eyes was to look at the hourss.


    He felt energetic now, as if he had slept for a few days and nights. However, if there was nothing wrong with the hourss, it had not even been an hour.


    The door opened and Xiaoxiao asked with a smile, ��You��re awake? Are you hungry?��


    Rong Yan wanted to say that it had only been a short while, and the snacks he had just eaten must not have been digested. How could he be hungry? However, his stomach strangely started growling.


    Rong Yan was extremely shocked for a moment. Could he eat so much?


    Thinking that it might be because he had been hungry for a long time or that the smelling from outside was too fragrant, Rong Yan blushed and replied, ��Yes.��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��Come, let me give you a surprise.��


    Rong Yan knew that Xiaoxiao had created new delicacies. When he came out, Yun Er and the others had already set up tables, chairs, and cutlery in the courtyard. There was a big pot in the middle of the table. Rong Yan looked at the small stove at the side in surprise, wondering how such a small stove could hit up such a big pot.


    Yun San eximed, ��180!�� As soon as he finished speaking, he immediately lifted the lid of the pot and started stirring with chopsticks. As he moved, the strong fragrance in the pot dissipated. Rong Yan was even more surprised. ��Chicken soup?�� But where did the chickene from?


    Rong Yan took the bowl and tasted it. He was sure that this was indeed chicken soup. This made him, who still had pillow marks on his face, reveal a stunned expression that reflected his exact age.


    Xiaoxiao felt that it was fun, so she deliberately teased him. ��It��s not just chicken soup. There��s also pork bone, beef bone, spicy, fresh, and fragrant. There��s anything you want to eat.��


    Rong Yan couldn��t help but look into the pot and confirm that there were only noodles and vegetables inside. What exactly��


    Yun Er, who couldn��t hold it in anymore, immediately raised his hand. ��Master, what��s even more amazing is that Miss Ning didn��t make soup at all just now. There��s no need to cook the noodles. I watched her put the things into the pot and boil the water to soak them. Yun San counted to 180 and the noodles were actually ready!��


    Rong Yan knew that Yun Er would not lie, so he felt even more amazed. He had never heard of any noodles that could be soaked with boiling water. He looked at Xiaoxiao for confirmation, and she chuckled. ��I��m awesome, right? Try it!��


    Just as they were waiting for this sentence, the three of them put the slightly curly noodles into their mouths almost at the same time. Unexpectedly, the noodles that were only soaked in water were abnormally strong. Their taste was actually different from ordinary noodles.


    The rich smell of chicken soup made them look into the pot a few more times curiously. The dehydrated vegetables hadpletely rxed after being soaked in boiling water. When they closed their eyes, they felt as if they had returned to the Imperial Capital and were eating their signature Eight Immortals Noodles in thergest restaurant in the city.


    ��In my opinion, the food of the Tasty Restaurant is nothingpared to your culinary skills!��


    ��That��s right! Who would have thought that there would be noodles that can be soaked?! With this, we don��t have to worry about Master not eating well in the future even if Miss isn��t by our side!��


    ��What you said is wrong. It should be said that every time Master eats this bowl of noodles in the future, he will think of Miss!��


    Rong Yan coughed lightly and reminded the two of them not to go overboard. At the same time, he expressed his attitude. ��We won��t be separated.��


    Yun Er and Yun San suddenly felt full, while Xiaoxiao silently looked away..

 Chapter 328 - 328: You’re The Blessing Of Many More People

    Chapter 328: You��re The Blessing Of Many More People


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan, who had eaten and slept well, was in high spirits. Afterpleting his work with extreme efficiency, he went to the injured soldiers�� area. There was a strong smell of medicine here, but unlike a few days ago, the cries of pain were much less. The injured and sick soldiers were arranged ording to their injuries. Although their faces were still pale, they looked hopeful.


    At the front, Gongsun Zhongjing led a few doctors from the Genius Doctor Valley and gestured at the patients on the bed. ��This hand can still be reattached. I��ll do itter.��


    ��It��S not like this leg has to be cut off. If we can clear all the dirty things inside and drink the medicine for a few days, at least his life will be saved. Junior


    Nephew, leave this to me.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing nodded and walked to the next patient. This person��s injuries were more serious. The most troublesome thing was that there was an inverted arrowhead in his chest. When it was pulled out, the huge hole in his chest would immediately make him bleed to death. If he did not pull it out, that broken thing would block his flesh, causing the patient��s chest to swell up. If it was cut open a little, an ugly thick liquid would immediately flow out.


    Gongsun Zhongjing��s white coat was already covered in all kinds of marks, but he did not care. After carefully examining the wounds, he exchanged views with the others and finally decided. ��I��ll cut this person. Tonight, I��ll focus on the ten people just now. The medicine pages will boil the medicine first and prepare the things we need. Senior Uncles and Senior Brothers, let��s go next


    door.��


    The military doctor was already very grateful to these doctors who hade from afar to help. After knowing that they were from the Genius Doctor Valley, he became even more respectful. However, when he heard this, he could not help but remind them, ��Everyone�� Seniors, aren��t you a little anxious tonight? Even if you light all the candles, it��s very difficult to achieve the effect during the day. The most troublesome thing is that the shadows under the candles are really troublesome����


    Everyone from the Genius Doctor Valley looked at each other and revealed a tacit smile. A month ago, they would also be worried about this.


    ��Doctor, don��t worry. We��ve already considered this. It��s just that these people��s injuries are serious and can��t be dyed. The earlier they are treated, the more chance they have to recover.��


    The military doctors could understand. After all, the patients chosen by the people from the Genius Doctor Valley were all people who they had long determined could not survive.


    They also wanted to save the dying and heal the injured, and they did not want to watch their lives flow away. However, reality was cruel and they had no choice. Forget it. It would be a great thing if the people from the Genius Doctor Valley could really ignore the drawbacks of the candlelight and save them.


    If it didn��t work, at most, they wouldn��t sleep tonight. They would hold the candles and oilmps with their hands and move them wherever they needed light. At the same time, they wouldn��t let the oil of themps drip anywhere they shouldn��t.


    Although they were tired and sleepy now and their eyelids were drooping, it was better to see the secret techniques of the Genius Doctor Valley than to hear them. How could they bear to miss this opportunity?


    Rong Yan went forward. ��Is there anything you need us to prepare?�� Gongsun Zhongjing recognized him from this person��s familiar face. As Xiaoxiao had already greeted him, he was not too surprised. He wrote down everything he needed and handed them to Rong Yan. At the end, he added, ��Also, it��s enough after we get Miss Xiaoxiao for help.


    Rong Yan was stunned. ��Get Xiaoxiao for help?


    Gongsun Zhongjing was busy checking the matterster. Without turning his head, he said, ��That��s right. She helped me a lot in Xijiang County. With her around, the possibility of recovery will increase by at least 20%.��


    Rong Yan looked at Xiaoxiao, who was holding her chin and thinking. Then, she used a sharpened charcoal pen to write and draw on a piece of paper and decided on a medicinal diet for the injured. They had also brought many herbs this time. To the people at the border, this was equivalent to timely rain and charcoal in snow. To them, only they knew how difficult the road was.


    The soldier who came to look for Rong Yan in the day sighed. ��Miss Ning is really different.��


    He had just said it casually and did not expect the Third Prince to continue.


    ��Indeed, she��s unique.��


    The temperature difference between day and night at the border was huge. The hotter it was in the day, the colder it was at night. The sleepy military doctors patted their faces with cold water to wake themselves up. Then, they valiantly but orderly walked into the rooms where the doctors of the Genius Doctor


    Valley were.


    Immediately after, exmations that were forcefully suppressed came from everywhere. ��Anesthesia Powder? Is this the long-lost Anesthesia Powder?�� ��Shadowless Lamp? The Shadowless Lamp really exists?��


    ��As expected of the Genius Doctor Valley!


    However, the person praised only looked in a certain direction humbly. ��We didn��t take these two things out.�� Miss Xiaoxiao was really rare. Not only did she hand over the Anesthesia Powder and the Shadowless Lamp to them for free, but she also treated fame and fortune as dirt and didn��t let them say her name.


    Fortunately, the military doctors were more concerned about the Anesthesia Powder and Shadowless Lamp themselves and did not ask further. Soon, they held their breaths under the dazzling acupuncture and saber techniques.


    Where Gongsun Zhongjing was, Xiaoxiao was using a piece of cloth that had been boiled to help wipe off the blood that seeped out of the wound. The military doctor who was learning at the side wanted to vomit and hold it in. He really admired this youngdy. She didn��t look old, but why was she so calm even if Mount Tai copsed in front of her?


    Gongsun Zhongjing was a man of few words. However, as he moved, he tried his best to remind the people observing him. He actually did not have any thoughts of hiding anything.


    Xiaoxiao was sure that she had not misjudged him. During the break, she sighed sincerely. ��It��s the fortune of these injured people to have Doctor


    Gongsun.��


    She thought that Gongsun Zhongjing would not answer or would only give a casual ��uh-huh��. However, she saw him turn around and look at her seriously. ��No, having you is the blessing of even more people in the world.��


    He rarely admired others. When he was young and arrogant, he did not even listen to the advice of the elders in the valley. However, the longer he knew Xiaoxiao, the more he felt that he was childish and arrogant in the past. Xiaoxiao was embarrassed by the praise. She scratched her head and blushed.


    When this scene fell into the eyes of the doctors watching at the side, it immediately triggered a powerful association.


    Hence, when Rong Yan came to visit the injured in the future, he heard the doctors chatting with strange smiles on their faces.


    ��Our Genius Doctor Gongsun and Miss Ning are really a match made in heaven!��


    Rong Yan: ?


    Yun Er: ???


    The military doctors continued, ��That��s right. They��re both talented and beautiful, and they��re both kind-hearted. One of them is helping the world, and the other is sending food from afar. They��re really matching!


    ��I saw that the two of them cooperated seamlessly yesterday. I think a good thing ising.��


    With a click, Yun Er looked at Master worriedly and suggested hesitantly, ��Why don��t I exin it to them so that everyone won��t misunderstand?��


    Rong Yan said calmly, ��Is that necessary? It��s just a casual joke.��


    Yun Er��s face was bitter as she shouted in his heart-Master, do you believe what you said? Do you want to lower your head and take a look? This bowl is about to break!

 Chapter 329 - 329: Inviting Him Into The Trap

    Chapter 329: Inviting Him Into The Trap


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    This morning, Rong Yan��s work efficiency was extremely high. He even went to the kitchen to help in the afternoon, but Xiaoxiao did not reject him. She nned to cook braised rice for everyone today and prepare a sufficient amount of vegetable soup. There was not much fresh meat. Other than the small amount of beast meat obtained from hunting, there was only some jerky left in the kitchen.


    It was definitely not enough to replenish the soldiers�� nutrition.


    Of course, such a small matter was not a problem for Xiaoxiao, who carried a cheater with her. She nced at Rong Yan, who was chopping meat enthusiastically for some reason. When she turned around and poured the minced meat into the pot, she used her back to cover herself and waved her hand to sneak into the space.


    Yun Er, who did not know much about the kitchen, nced over asionally and felt a little puzzled. ��Why do I feel that the more the meat is stir-fried, the more it bes?��


    Xiaoxiao was very calm and replied naturally, ��It��s our Little Big Brother��s cutting skills that are good. He can only distribute them evenly if he chops them meticulously.��


    Yun Er didn��t know if it was an illusion, but he seemed to see Master smile and be even more energetic!


    If the conditions allowed it, Xiaoxiao also wanted everyone to eat meat in big mouthfuls. However, now, vegetable braised meat rice was the food that could hide the true meat content the most and was the most convenient for the soldiers to replenish their strength. Before it was time to eat, the fragrance that wafted out of the kitchen stove was so strong that it was difficult to resist. Even the deputy generals who were training could not help but feel hungry and secretly came to the kitchen several times.


    Xiaoxiao calcted the time and asked Rong Yan, ��Why don��t we start eating early today? It��s better to eat the braised rice while it��s hot.�� Actually, even if the deputy generals didn��te, she nned to find an excuse to bring forward the meal.


    Rong Yan, who was facing the fragrance, also felt that he could not let down this fragrant braised rice, so he agreed decisively. Xiaoxiao smiled and scooped a bowl for him first. Then, she said casually, ��Oh right, did you gain anything from the trap I made? Is it convenient for you to get someone to help me take a lookter?��


    Yun San volunteered and said that his Qinggong was good and that it would not dy anything.


    Xiaoxiao naturally agreed and even specially added a spoonful of her own side dish for him.


    Today��s lunch looked very simple, but there were actually vegetables, meat, rice, and soup. There was an unlimited amount of soup made with dehydrated vegetables and soup stock ingredients. After drinking it, a new pot could be produced immediately. Everyone ate very contentedly. They just felt that the meat in the bowl was especially chopped up. Some of them could almost fuse with the rice.


    However, m this way, the food was really fragrant. The soldiers felt that they had not eaten sofortably for a long time.


    The soldiers thought that this was to save money or to let everyone taste meat. However, Yun Er, who had apanied and witnessed the entire process, could only chuckle.


    He even mustered his courage to ask Rong Yan, who had been unhappy the entire day. ��Since Master minds so much, why don��t you tell Miss Ning?�� Rong Yan looked up at him. ��What��s there to say? It��s just random spection.�� ��Besides, Xiaoxiao did everything for the soldiers. It would be disrespectful to her if I were to be calctive.��


    Yun Er looked enlightened andined in his heart. You understand the logic, so don��t be angry!


    As he spoke, Yun San, who had returned, rushed in anxiously. ��Master, there��s something wrong with the Xiongnu!��


    He had eaten quickly just now, so he went to help Miss Xiaoxiao see the traps earlier. Unexpectedly, he discovered that there were Xiongnus lying in ambush nearby. Those guys actually circled to the back without anyone knowing and had ill intentions. Yun San relied on his concealment ability to sneak over and actually heard them say that they were going to attack the city gate from both inside and outsideter!


    Rong Yan was holding back his anger. When he heard this, he immediately gathered his deputy generals in a low profile manner. The Xiongnus wanted to catch them off guard, so they cooperated and caught them in a trap.


    Yun San said angrily, ��These bastards have been looking for trouble at night the past few times. Today, they actually changed it to broad daylight and deliberately stuck at mealtime! If we hadn��t eaten in advance today, if I hadn��t gone to show Miss Xiaoxiao the trap, wouldn��t I have fallen into their trap?�� Xiaoxiao sighed in relief, but her heart tightened.


    She was relieved that everyone might be able to sessfully avoid a cmity What was most important was that what she saw in her previous dreams was actually true. Today, while the soldiers at the border were exhausted, Xiongnu took advantage of the situation and attacked the city. He ughtered tens of thousands of soldiers andmoners and carved a colorful and humiliating chapter in the history of Great Xia.


    She took a deep breath and clenched her fists. ��Not this time.��


    In the past few nights, when it waste at night, she thought of a way to stroll near the sleeping soldiers and use space projection to change the flow of time so that they could rest well.


    20 times slower was enough for everyone to replenish the energy they had lost some time ago.


    Moreover, the food that Xiaoxiao brought in the name of ��Mr. Yuan�� was not everything she could take out. As long as she had the opportunity, she would move more out of her space. The cooks in the kitchen only felt that the food was reallysting, but they would never have thought that this thing had an unlimited refill function.


    The current Great Xia army would not lose!


    Xiaoxiao snickered. Moreover, the Xiongnus thought that victory was in their hands, but they did not know that Great Xia had reallye prepared.


    Just as she had expected, when the Xiongnu people gathered in a hidden ce, their minds were filled with thoughts of what would happen after they won. The second prince had said that the number of enemies killed would count as military merits after the battle. Later, as long as they cut off the ears on the corpses of the Great Xia soldiers, they could go back and exchange them for credit!


    It was said that themander-in-chief of the army was a prince. Then, they would be able to ask the Emperor for a lot of gold, silver, and treasures after breaking through the city gates of Great Xia, right?


    The ce where the Xiongnu gathered was a natural barrier. They had spent a lot of effort to build a stairway here. Although not many people coulde at once, as long as they could sessfully infiltrate the back of Great Xia and catch them off guard, victory would be at their fingertips!


    Good thoughts kept sprouting, but the Xiongnu people did not know that hundreds of meters away from them, the Great Xia soldiers were paying attention to the enemy��s movements while�� uh�� peeing��


    A recruit asked his senior for advice in confusion. ��Since we already know where the Xiongnu people are, why don��t we just kill our way over and wait here?��


    The veteran smacked his lips. ��Third Prince said that he wants to invite them into his trap. Do you know what this word means?��


    The recruit shook his head. ��If I knew, I would have taken the imperial examination long ago.��


    The veteran smacked his lips again. ��Actually, I don��t understand either. The gist is to set a trap and wait for the Xiongnu people to enter. This time, we saw through Xiongnu��s evil n long ago. If we charge over now, we can indeed ruin their n. However, if we pretend not to know, we can beat them at their own game. Wouldn��t we be able to capture this group of annoying things in one fell swoop?��


    Seeing that the recruits still did not understand, the veteran changed his words. ��It means that if we only scare them away this time, they will still be annoying tomorrow and attack from time to time. However, if we take the opportunity to beat them down in one go, the Xiongnus will be able to behave for a long time.��


    The recruit understood, but he was still curious about something. ��But what does this have to do with us peeing so much?��


    The veteran revealed a sly smile. ��You��ll see..��

 Chapter 330 - 330: Deliberately Sent You All To Death

    Chapter 330: Deliberately Sent You All To Death


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions �� Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The premeditated Xiongnus even changed into Great Xia��s clothes and specially smeared mud on their faces to fool them. As long as the city was in chaos, very few people would notice that they were Xiongnus. Everything was ording to n. Theyy on the ground and waited for the signal from the second prince. After a long horn sound, the Xiongnu army swept over with billowing smoke and dust. They brought cumbersome but extremely powerful catapults. The kerosene that had been stored for many days wrapped around the huge rock, creating a hugemotion.


    The burning arrows fell towards the city wall. They thought that the unexpected would definitely cause chaos in the city. Unexpectedly, the Great Xia soldiers on the city wall seemed to be prepared. As soon as the arrows were fired, they raised their shields. At the same time, a rain of arrows that was not inferior to theirs rained down, catching the Xiongnu off guard.


    ��What��s going on?��


    ��Why is there more?��


    ��Are the Great Xia soldiers free? Why are they preparing so many arrows on the city wall?!��


    ��It��s fine. We were just stalling for time. The main thing is to wait for our brothers in the city to receive us����


    With this thought in mind, the Xiongnu people did not use their full strength for the time being. Instead, they focused on disruption. However, the infiltrators they were waiting for were drenched in a stench and fleeing in shock and panic.


    The veteran took the time to teach the new recruits a lesson. ��Did you see that? Find the few who look like the leader of the messengers and ssh a bucket of urme on them. No matter what signal fireworks they light, don��t even think about lighting them!��


    ��As long as they can��t report it, we can slowly ughter themter!�� When the veteran said this, he shed his honest face. His tanned face was filled with ruthlessness and hatred. ��Brothers, attack! Let them never return!��


    Everything happened too suddenly. When the Xiongnu people were shed by the enraged Great Xia soldiers, they almost did not have time to scream.


    The Xiongnu people��s feint attack had already been going on for an entire two hours. During these two hours, there was no signal in the city, nor was there any sess. If he still did not notice that something was wrong, the second prince could give up on fighting for the throne.


    No matter what happened to the infiltrating Xiongnu people, the n had already failed. The second prince��s face was ashen as he made a difficult decision. ��Retreat!��


    The defeat of the Xiongnu people caused the Great Xia soldiers to cheer. At the same time��


    Rong Yan shook off the enemy��s blood on his sword and snorted. ��How can youe and go as you please in the territory of Great Xia?��


    The soldiers were in excellent condition today. Xiongnu��s n had failed and he was fleeing. Naturally, he had to pursue victory.


    Xiaoxiao, who was standing on the city wall, looked at the g raised by the


    Great Xia army and clenched her fists. She was worried and proud.


    That was her Little Big Brother.


    Rong Yan had been at the border for more than a month and had fought with the second prince of Xiongnu many times, so he had umted resentment for a long time. He stared at his horse and chased after it relentlessly. The second prince, who had just turned around, saw the distance between the two of them getting shorter and shorter. He was shocked. After gritting his teeth, he looked at Rong Yan angrily, then pulled a few soldiers and threw them behind him without looking back.


    Rong Yan was stopped by a human shield. He pulled out the sword at his waist and shed down, disying a scene that made the Xiongnu people tremble in fear. Those soldiers who were thrown over were actually cut in half at the waist! Blood sttered, stunned the Xiongnu soldiers who were also fleeing. The Great Xia soldiers seized the opportunity and shed them one by one like cutting melons and vegetables.


    The second prince and the other Xiongnu soldiers were in disbelief. Didn��t they say that the food supply was cut off for many days? Where was the fatigue of the army? All of them were clearly as strong as bulls! Which bastard sent out the fake news?


    Especially this seemingly thin and weak Third Prince. Was he a monster? He could actually cut someone into two with a single strike?


    Although Rong Yan used the Azure Frost Sword that Xiaoxiao gave him to show off his might, he could not stop the second prince from speeding up and escaping when he was stopped. Seeing that thetter was running faster and further away, Rong Yan was furious. He drew his bow and nocked an arrow on his horse in one go.


    The arrow pierced through the crowd and hit the second prince��s right ear. He screamed and covered his wound that was constantly nourishing blood. He did not look back.


    In the end, Rong Yan was stopped by the crowd and lost the chance to capture the second prince alive. However, the sword sh and arrow just now had already greatly boosted their morale. Amidst the battle cries, 3,000 people from the Xiongnu died, 5,000 were injured, and 1,000 were captured. The second prince lost an ear, his aide died, and his deputy general��s heart was pierced by arrows. The number of casualties was heartbreaking and humiliating.


    However, at this moment, the Third Prince of Great Xia suggested exchanging hostages. The Second Prince covered his right ear that had yet to stop bleeding and kicked over the table. ��Hurry, hurry, hurry! Let him wait!��


    After receiving this response, Rong Yan immediately went to the captive camp and chose 100 people who were either seriously injured or on the verge of death from hunger. He cut off their heads and let the envoy bring them back. He also told the second prince clearly, ��If you don��t agree, I��ll kill 200 people tomorrow.��


    The second prince was about to go crazy. ��How dare he! How dare he be so arrogant! Isn��t he afraid that I��ll do the same to the captives of Great Xia?��


    Someone from Great Xia raised the same question. Rong Yan chuckled. ��Because he didn��t dare to refuse.��


    ��During the war, he used the lives of his nsmen to exchange for time to escape. If he still dares to ignore the lives of these captives, he won��t be able to hold on to his status as the second prince, let alone the position of the King of Xiongnu.��


    The young man��s childish face was filled with calmness and confidence. ��If he can��t react in time, we can help him.��


    Just as Rong Yan had expected, the second prince��s idea of stalling for time was strongly condemned by all parties in Xiongnu, especially the other princes who were still thinking aboutpeting with him for the throne. Rumors began to spread in the army that he did not take the lives of the Xiongnu warriors seriously.


    The rumors spread so quickly that the second prince knew that this was caused by the people of Great Xia, but he had no choice but to step into this open scheme obediently.


    After all, the captives could still be captured, but the opportunity to seize the throne would nevere again.


    After Xiaoxiao made two more meals for everyone, the Xiongnus sent a letter and announced that they agreed to exchange captives.


    Xiaoxiao happily added a dish to everyone to celebrate. Everyone even specially brought out those Xiongnu captives and let them watch them eat.


    ��Don��t be envious. It��s your second prince who��s stingy. The rations he prepared for you are only so little. You won��t starve to death.��


    The Xiongnu captives kept their mouths shut to prevent their saliva from spilling out and embarrassing themselves.


    The Great Xia soldier continued, ��We specially sent our brothers rations ording to the amount that can fill their stomachs. The ingredients used to make those buns and steamed buns are all real. On the other hand, is your Xiongnu really poor, or is the second prince stingy enough to give you half a hard naan for every meal?��


    Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan sat together. They looked like they were concentrating on stirring the noodles in the pot, but they had actually been listening to themotion over there. Seeing the soldiers sowing discord, they couldn��t help butugh. Although it was just a small matter of eating and drinking, they had umted a lot of experience. The resentment in the Xiongnu captives�� hearts was still there, so she also chimed in��


    ��Hey, did you offend the second prince? Otherwise, why would your prince hope for your death?��


    ��Or perhaps you��re not on the second prince��s side? Did he deliberately send you to your deaths to eliminate dissidents?��

 Chapter 331 - 331: The Speaker Is Sincere, The Listener Is Interested

    Chapter 331: The Speaker Is Sincere, The Listener Is Interested


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��Aiya, he��s so ruthless! No matter what, you��re brothers who went through life and death together.��


    How is it? Is it sinister enough?


    The speaker was thoughtful, but the listener was interested. This was because there were indeed many people from the First Prince and the Third Prince��s gang among the captives. They could not help butin and suspect as they reminded themselves not to be bewitched.


    Rong Yan tapped Xiaoxiao��s head in amusement. ��Naughty!��


    Xiaoxiao stuck out her tongue and admitted honestly that she would dare to do it again.


    She poured all the dehydrated vegetables and broth cubes into the soup. Who could stand that fragrance?


    Xiaoxiao generously called a few deputy generals over to try it too. These few people were even more interesting. They sat in front of the captives with their bowls and ate happily.


    The captives were so hungry that their eyes were about to fall out. However, these Great Xia soldiers carried fragrant noodles and insisted on swaying the bowls in front of them before putting them into their mouths. They were simply heartless!!!


    Actually, everyone only had a bowl of noodles, but it made the deputy generals feel the noodles were inexhaustible. The captive Xiongnus were already dizzy from hunger. Now, they werepletely hung up on negative energy and still could not eat anything. However, he heard everything the Great Xia people said about the second prince not caring about their lives.


    Xiaoxiao dared to guarantee that even if these people could return to Xiongnu alive in the future, less than 10% of them would not be at odds with the Second Prince.


    The Xiongnu was really afraid of being beaten up and did not dare to y any tricks on the exchange of captives. When Rong Yan brought people to deal with this matter, Xiaoxiao finally decided on the types of nts to nt at the border.


    The geology here is severely sandy, vegetation is scarce, and there is ack of water and food.


    However, this situation was actually a vicious cycle. The drier it was, the harder it was to grow crops. The less green it was, the more serious the sand would be. In the long run, this ce would slowly be a deadnd.


    Only the soldiers andmoners here knew the hardship of guarding the border. They did not live well and did not eat well. They even had to be harassed by outsiders. It was really miserable.


    Xiaoxiao used a shovel to push back the sand that had been dug out and went to carefully tidy up the shelter. Yun San, who had been following her all the way, asked hesitantly as she helped, ��Miss, can you really nt it?��


    Xiaoxiao wiped the sweat off her head with her sleeve. ��Give me three months and I��ll return you a miracle!��


    Yun San couldn��t help butugh. Miss really knew how to tell jokes. There had been nothing but wind and sand for so many years. What could she change in three months? However, he still didn��t say anything in front of Miss.


    At such a young age, the girl was already willing to follow them to the border for the sake of the country. What was wrong with ying with mud with her for a few days?


    However, Yun San felt that it was inappropriate when he saw the sweat on her forehead. ��Miss, why don��t you rest first? I��ll find someone to help.��


    Xiaoxiao pped her hands. ��Good idea. Then help me spread the news that I��ll pay them to farm. I can give them money or food as remuneration. If they nt them well, I��ll give them seeds for free when I collect the goods.��


    Yun San:�� Miss, you��re quite confident?


    Initially, Yun San thought that it was Miss��s first time trying to nt it and it was just a small test. It was only when he really followed Xiaoxiao��s instructions and prepared it that Yun San realized in shock��how generous!


    Xiaoxiao chose an empty space not far from the military camp. The reason was that the light intensity here was just right, and the salinity of the soil and the depth of the groundwater happened to meet her needs. In order to prove the credibility of her words, she specially took out a book with the words ��You Reap What You Sow�� on the cover.


    Yun San took a look at the handwritten copy and looked at the author��s signature. It was Anonymous again. He began to be curious. ��Who is this Anonymous? Why is he involved in everything?��


    Xiaoxiao shrugged. ��Who knows? He��s probably a very powerful person.��


    Yun San looked at the vast experimental field and went to report to Rong Yan worriedly. How could thetter dampen Xiaoxiao��s interest? More importantly, he had a mysterious confidence in Xiaoxiao. ��Do you still remember what you said when you found out that the Ning Family nted new rice seeds?��


    Yun San thought for a moment. ��Would it be good if it was nted in the best qualitynd?��


    Rong Yan nodded and said, ��When Xiaoxiao is sessful in a few months, we��ll definitely feel that it��s a pity that we weren��t bold enough today and the fields weren��t wide enough.��


    Yun San realized that Master had never considered that Miss would fail. Rong Yan even said, ��I told you long ago that you��re Xiaoxiao��s guard from now on. Listen to her orders. If there��s a next time, I��ll remove you from the Yun Guards.��


    Yun San shivered and hurriedly admitted his mistake seriously.


    With the thought of redeeming himself, Yun San did this very quickly. In less than four hours, he had already found more than 20moners nearby who were interested in working.


    Most of the people at the border were poor, but those who could live in such a harsh environment were all diligent people.


    Actually, they did not care much about Xiaoxiao��s wild wish to farm. As long as they could exchange for food, they would work anywhere.


    Before they started working, the rules had to be set. If anyone did it nonchntly, they would definitely be fired. Just as Yun San was seriously exining the things to take note of, Xiaoxiao was facing away from everyone. She pressed her hand on the ground and closed her eyes��she wanted to try to do something.


    Her consciousness sank into the space, and Xiaoxiao��s attentionnded on the water and farnd in the space. She had tried to move the seedlings out of the space along with the soil, and she had also sessfully collected the surging river water. Then-


    Taking a deep breath, Xiaoxiao opened her eyes and moved her palm away. She noticed that the area covered by her palm was clearly different from the rest of the soil��Sess! Although it was only a small portion, she could move the soil out of the space and secretly water it with the water in the space!


    The space told her: [As my level increases, Master will be able to operate the space more and more meticulously. It��s not impossible to move me out entirely in the future!]


    Aiyo, she was enticed. Xiaoxiao asked: [What��s your score?]


    The space report: [Current space level is 22. Total points are 65,680. Master, we��re so rich.]


    Opening a shop and having a franchise was the wisest decision Master had ever made!


    However, Xiaoxiao propped her chin on her hand and pretended to be deep in thought. [The points are alright, but I still want to get rich. Sigh, I��m really a woman who doesn��t know how to be satisfied.]


    Space: [��]


    When Xiaoxiao and the space worked hard, the ground shook slightly. Xiaoxiao looked over from afar and saw the rolling dust raised by the hooves in the distance.


    The conditions at the border were really poor, but even so, the Emperor of Great Xia had never thought of giving up on this ce. No matter how poor it was, it was still Great Xia��s territory. However, someone did not think so.


    For example, the Crown Prince, who was ��rushing�� to the border city under the heavy protection of the guards.


    ��Your Highness, the sun is shining brightly at the border. Why don��t we travel at night so that we can reach the border city earlier���� Yesterday, a staff member with a conscience made such a suggestion. He was very worried that if they dyed too long, it would affect the delivery of food and the soldiers in the border city. He wanted to urge His Highness the Crown Prince to set off early and hurry on his way. However, his worry could not change His Highness��s decision. They still waited until dawn before setting off under the scorching sun..

 Chapter 332 - 332: Hardtack

    Chapter 332: Hardtack


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The advisor couldn��t understand. It was difficult for others not to notice the two ck circles under his eyes because he couldn��t sleep. Seeing that he was still stuck in a dead end, the colleagues who had a good rtionship with him couldn��t help bute over and counsel him. ��As advisors, you and I just have to follow our Master��s wishes. It��s not something you should worry about. Don��t worry blindly.��


    The advisor frowned. ��But what if the pass fell����


    His colleague sighed and pulled him aside. ��If you can think of something, how can His Highness not think of it?��


    The advisor��s eyes widened, as if he could not believe what he had heard. His colleague and friend patted his shoulder. ��You��re just too straightforward. Otherwise, why would you always be overtaken by those who are not as knowledgeable as you?��


    The aide was stunned on the spot and could note back to his senses for a long time. He naturally did not know that in order to avoid the scorching sun, the Crown Prince, who was sitting in the carriage, was actually having a headache over something simr. However, his anxiety was in the opposite direction of the aide.


    ��Then why hasn��t Chernan sent the news over yet?�� They had agreed to hand the border to him and help him ascend to the throne in the future. Moreover, the Xiongnu would not fight in the next 10 years and would not interfere with Great Xia. Why was there no more news?


    His confidant shook his head and lifted the curtain to estimate the distance. He reminded him, ��Your Highness, we��re almost there.��


    The Crown Prince also stuck his head out to take a look. He frowned fiercely and gritted his teeth as he came out of the carriage. ��Increase the speed of the march!��


    That was why Xiaoxiao saw the thick dust cloud.


    When the army approached, everyone was drenched in sweat and dark and tired, especially the crown prince, who was in the lead. He looked like he had been fished out of water. The moment he got off the horse, he even swayed. ��Quick, call your Third Prince over. This is the food sent by the Imperial Court���� After saying that, he coughed a few more times. His voice was quite dry and hoarse. Those who didn��t know better would think that they hade day and night without sleep.


    Xiaoxiao stood at the back of the crowd in a low profile manner and watched this scene coldly. From the beginning to the end, her expression did not even change. Yun San was quite puzzled. ��Miss doesn��t seem to wee them much?��


    Xiaoxiao nced at him. They were on the same side, so there was no need to be hypocritical and polite. ��He schemed too much and made people hate him.


    In her dream, she also saw the Crown Prince, who hade to deliver food. However, at that time, he pushed all the responsibility of the city��s destruction to the general guarding the city. He did not mention anything about his dy. He even suggested in the court that they should not guard these barrennds at the border��


    You don��t want it just because you say so?


    What was the protection of the soldiers at the border all these years? What were the heroes who sacrificed themselves to protect their territory? What should the innocent citizens who have lost the protection of their country do? Their country had not fallen, but they were going to be ves of other countries?


    How could such a person be the Crown Prince? Ha Pf ft!


    The Crown Prince saw Xiaoxiao��s back in the crowd at a nce. It couldn��t be helped. It was difficult not to see a woman��s figure suddenly appear among a group of men.


    Who was that? Why was there a woman in the army?


    The high and mighty Crown Prince was only curious for a moment. When he saw Rong Yaning to ��wee�� him, he put down his curiosity and prepared to receive a warm wee from the army.


    However, Rong Yan strode over and bowed slightly to him. Then, Rong Yan pushed the person in charge of money, food, and logistics out. ��Just hand over the rations to Yu He.��


    Then, he instructed his subordinates, ��Your Highness, it��s been hard on you along the way. Men, quickly bring His Highness to wash up and rest. Prepare


    some food.��


    The entire process of arranging and exchanging pleasantries took less than 10 minutes. The Crown Prince was still in a daze when he was brought to a ce to rest. That was it? That was it? Shouldn��t he cry andin to him about the hard work of the past few days before thanking him for sending food?


    The Crown Prince, who could not figure it out no matter how hard he thought about it, was really too puzzled. After resting for a while, the advisors he sent out had already inquired about everything that had happened over the past few days. The Crown Prince felt very upset when he found out that not only did his third brother, who did not show off, did not cause any trouble during his first expedition, but he even won a battle.


    ��How��s Third Brother��s prestige in the army now?��


    The advisor looked at his expression and mustered his courage. ��The deputy generals follow the Third Prince��s lead.��


    ��Now, everyone in the army says that the Third Prince is General Xiao��s disciple. Yes, he��s the next victorious general����


    The Crown Prince��s expression was distorted as he kicked over the table with the food.


    So, the soldiers were all stupid. They were easily won over after fighting with them a few times as if they were ying house?


    After venting his anger, the Crown Prince looked at the food on the ground and felt hungry. He waved his hand. ��Go and get that food again.�� Unexpectedly, such a small matter in his opinion would actually be rejected. The servant who went to do something only returned with a frown after a long time. ��Your Highness, the kitchen said that everyone can only eat a fixed amount of food for every meal during a special period. Your portion�� has just been sent over.�� The Crown Prince didn��t sleep well the entire night. He kept feeling that his good brother did it on purpose. Could it be that he was angry that he was dyed on the way? Hey, wait a minute. He was already five dayste on purpose. Why did this 100,000-strong army still have food?


    He found out after sending someone to ask, ��Some kind-hearted people who don��t want to reveal their names voluntarily sent them over. It just so happened to resolve the urgent matter.��


    The Crown Prince��s expression darkened. ��Find out who it is.�� He wanted to see who was meddling in his business.


    As soon as he finished speaking, his stomach growled again. The Crown Prince red at his subordinates. Seeing that they were all deaf and mute, he turned to look at the door in satisfaction. It was probably time to deliver food, right?


    Breakfast was steamed buns and porridge. The soldiers ate until they were full andfortable. Especially after knowing that new food had been delivered, they were not worried about not eating the next meal when they saw the more viscous porridge.


    Rong Yan had not eaten breakfast because of Xiaoxiao��s request and was drinking tea and chewing on her new test work.


    Xiaoxiao asked expectantly, ��How is it?��


    This was the first time Rong Yan encountered difficulties in evaluating Xiaoxiao��s food. How should he put it? It was a biscuit, but it was too dry, too hard, and too firm. Although it tasted good, it was really far from Xiaoxiao��s previous works.


    Seeing that he was frowning, Xiaoxiao stopped teasing him. ��You just ate half a piece. Do you think you can still eat it now?��


    How could he not eat it? Even if Xiaoxiao��s food tasted strange and difficult to swallow, he had to�� Eh? Rong Yan, who just blurted out that he could eat it, touched his stomach strangely.


    He had to admit that he had a picky mouth. He didn��t eat anything that didn t taste good. He didn��t eat anything that was too salty, too light, or too sweet. He didn��t like to eat when the weather was hot and he probably couldn��t be bothered to eat when it was cold. However, he had the best appetite in the morning. He had clearly only eaten a small piece of biscuit just now. Why did he feel full now?


    Yun Er found it strange and tried it herself. ��Eh? Why am I not hungry anymore?��


    Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hands and swayed her two slender legs. ��This is calledpressed biscuits. Its disadvantage is that it��s dry and hard. Its advantage is that it��s convenient to eat and it canst..��

 Chapter 333 - 333: There Are More Solutions Than Problems

    Chapter 333: There Are More Solutions Than Problems


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan��s eyes burned when he looked at the biscuits again. He had actually had this thought for the past few days at the border, but he did not officially mention it after considering all aspects. He turned around and asked Xiaoxiao, ��Is it troublesome to make this?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled and wrote down the form for Rong Yan. ��Here, just make it as per the instructions. It��s very simple.��


    Rong Yan was about to say something when Xiaoxiao folded the paper and stuffed it into his hand. ��I��ll be angry if you decline.��


    Rong Yan nodded heavily and clenched his fists. The steps to makepressed biscuits were written in detail. As long as the ingredients wereplete, they could start preparing immediately. It was not difficult to make them, but it would cost more money. Xiaoxiao had already thought of who to take the money from.


    The Crown Prince, who had just finished eating breakfast, sneezed loudly. He felt that it did not make sense. It was a hot day. Could he catch a cold? Could it be that he kicked the nket when he cooled downst night? Which bastard was on dutyst night?


    As he rushed out of the door, he immediately smelled a fresh fragrance.


    On the way here from the Imperial Capital, he did notck food or dried meat. asionally, he could replenish some snacks, but vegetables were the only thing that became harder to eat the further he went. The harder it was to eat, the more he wanted to eat them. When he was in the Capital, he did not expect to miss those green leaves so much one day.


    Following the smell, he arrived at Rong Yan��s residence and happened to see Yun Er and Yun San each holding a bowl of vegetable soup. They hid in the shade and drank happily.


    Perhaps no one would believe him if he said it. Just based on the green color in the bowl, he, the honorable Crown Prince of Great Xia and the future emperor of the Yan Family, was craving for it.


    With the Crown Prince��s status, he naturally couldn��t rush out and say ��I want to drink it�� directly. He had to stand on the moral high ground and control them.


    ��How dare you! Don��t you know what period we��re in? Where is this ce? How dare you steal precious vegetables!��


    Yun Er and Yun San seemed to be shocked. They had spilled quite a bit of the soup, which made the Crown Prince��s heart ache. Just as he was about to say more, he heard the two of them say, ��What is His Highness the Crown Prince talking about? This is vegetable soup for the soldiers in the canteen. Everyone has it. There��s no limit.��


    The Crown Prince couldn��t believe it. ��Everyone has it? And there��s no limit?��


    Yun Er and Yun San nodded. ��That��s right. The bucket with the soup is in the hall. Whoever wants it, go get it yourself. Tell me if it is finished. The kitchen will make it again soon.��


    The Crown Prince was puzzled. ��Vegetables�� aren��t they very rare at the border?��


    Yun Er and Yun San were Rong Yan��s men. The Crown Prince didn��t believe what the two of them said, so he personally went to the kitchen. It was only after this that he found out that the ingredient used to make soup was a special dried vegetable, and this thing was the so-called ��specialty�� he brought.


    He did not know yesterday because he had asked someone to bring back food from the kitchen because of his status. The servants who went to do things didn��t even look at the inconspicuous soup bucket.


    The Crown Prince hurriedly gathered his advisors and asked each of them to bring back a bowl of soup with more vegetables. After trying it, they confirmed that the taste of the vegetables in the soup was almost the same as when they were fresh��this was simply unbelievable!


    There were also people from poor families who had dried vegetables before. It was precisely because they were familiar with them that they knew the difference between the two. ��Other than the taste being preserved well, I heard from them that this dried vegetable can be preserved for an extremely long time. As long as it��s not damp, it won��t be a problem to store it for a year. Transportation is even more convenient because it doesn��t reduce the quantity or take up space.��


    The Crown Prince pondered for a long time and decisively wrote a letter to return to the capital.


    Xiao Ran, that martial arts woman, was only thinking about fighting and killing. She did not see the meaning of this thing at all and only treated it as an ordinary ��local specialty��.


    They couldn��t even recognize a mountain of gold and silver. They deserved it for the Xiao Family to fall to such a state. Forget it, let their Yan Family take over.


    ��As long as the Crown Prince isn��t too stupid, he will definitely be able to see the business opportunity in this dehydrated vegetable. Back then, it was just a pickled vegetable prescription. The Lei Family even thought of ways to take it for themselves, let alone this thing.��


    Xiaoxiao said mockingly, ��I��m afraid they��ll send news back to the Yan Family immediately and get them to get the production method of dehydrated vegetables at all costs.��


    Yun San��s reaction was slow and she did not understand. ��The Yan Family has fresh vegetables and expensive ingredients. What��s the use of these dehydrated vegetables?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at him as if she was looking at a child, while Rong Yan looked like he could not expose his family��s scandals in public. He personally wet a handkerchief and handed it to Xiaoxiao to wipe her hands. Yun Er sighed and pulled her stupid brother to the side. ��His family doesn��t need it, but what about elsewhere? For example, a ce where we can��t grow food and vegetables, the border, or�� the Xiongnu in the desert?��


    Yun San��s eyes widened as he listened. He felt enlightened. ��Dream on! We must����


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin and continued happily, ��I must sell it to them for a high price.��


    Yun San said, ��Yes! Eh? What?��


    He did not understand. Shouldn��t they grasp such a unique form in their hands?


    How could he know that Xiaoxiao had just heard the space notification not long ago?


    [Congrattions to the host forpleting the hidden mission again��Origin of Species. You have received 10,000 points. Your current points bnce is 86,880.]


    The Origin of Species mission originated from the sessful nting of a nt that did not belong to this space-time. In other words, the seed she nted two days ago was alive.


    She patted Yun San happily. ��Young man, do you think dehydrated vegetables will still be so precious when this city is covered in green?��


    Although it sounded unrealistic, Yun San felt that he was bewitched by the confidence in the girl��s tone and was really about to believe her.


    Rong Yan scooped another bowl of soup for Xiaoxiao and watched her finish it before saying, ��You can do anything you want, just a little. Don��t put yourself in danger.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Don��t worry, I��m very smart. Other than you and Doctor Gongsun, no one here knows who I am.��


    Otherwise, the Crown Prince would have gone to look for Xiaoxiao directly.


    Calcting the time, it would take at least a month for the Yan Family to find the form for the dehydrated vegetables in Fortune Vige. If they dyed and tormented them, they would have to wait a few months. At that time, the first batch of watermelons nted by Xiaoxiao would be ripe.


    Aloe vera, sweet potatoes, cactus, hawthorn, and peanuts all had new appearances.


    In the future, she would nt more por trees, make the sand field green, and change the appearance of the border. Would this ce, which was huge and abundant, be as barren as it was now?


    At the end of the day, the Crown Prince and some people did not value the border because this ce was poor. However, if this ce was no longer the same as before one day, would they still be willing to let it go?


    In fact, she had secretly nted arge number of new seedlings on the space farnd in the past few days. For example, the por tree. The por tree was a good thing. It was resistant to high temperatures and barrenness. It also had a strong resistance to sand and heat. It had a long lifespan and would not decay after falling. It was excellent as the first choice for greening and the source of wood.


    There were many nts simr to it that could be nted in the desert, such as red willows, buckthorns, cactuses, sand dates, shuttles�� Look, as long as one was willing to work hard, there were more solutions than problems..

 Chapter 334 - 334: Dispensable Person

    Chapter 334: Dispensable Person


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��Report!�� A soldier outside the door reported with a flushed face. ��Commander, the Xiongnus have brought our captured brothers to exchange for captives!��


    The Crown Prince stood on the city wall and gritted his teeth when he saw that both sides had sessfullypleted the exchange, especially when he saw the captured soldiers bow deeply to Rong Yan and say, ��Thank you for saving my life, Third Prince.��


    He was the one who should be the center of attention. He was the one who brought life-saving food to save them from danger. He was the one who resolved the food crisis. Why did he seem like a dispensable person now?


    A trace of viciousness shed across the Crown Prince��s long and narrow eyes. Rong Yan, no matter what happens in the future, you can only me yourself for being overjoyed and in the limelight. He wanted to see how long these stupid martial artists couldst.


    Under the city gate, Rong Yan was about to personally help up the soldiers kneeling on the ground when he heard amotion behind him. He turned around and saw Xiaoxiao striding over with Gongsun Zhongjing and the other doctors. The doctors led by Gongsun Zhongjing were wearing white robes and what was said to be a ��mask�� that they had recently made.


    Xiaoxiao, who had changed into men��s clothes, said to Rong Yan seriously, ��The soldiers were captured for many days and must have been tortured by the Xiongnu people. They might have many hidden injuries. Why don��t we let the doctors take a look first?��


    Rong Yan agreed. ��You��re so thoughtful.��


    Then, he said to the soldiers in a loud voice, ��There��s no need for formalities. Everyone, go with the doctors. Take care of your bodies so that you can fight alongside your brothers in the future.��


    The soldiers who had just returned were even more touched. Not only did this Third Prince remember their lives at all times, but he was also meticulous. He even prepared doctors for them!


    Rong Yan still had to deal with the handover of the Xiongnu captives and the subsequent matters. They could not go together, but Xiaoxiao quickly followed and quietly maintained the distance between the soldiers returning to the camp and the people passing by.


    When the soldiers all entered the resting ce that she had specially prepared, the space dinged��


    [Congrattions to the host forpleting the hidden mission again�� Benefitting The Common People. You have received 100,000 points as a reward. Your current points bnce is 186,920. Master, you have satisfied the upgrade conditions. Do you want to upgrade?]


    ording to Xiaoxiao��s experience, the prerequisite forpleting the Benefitting The Common People mission was that she had done something that could change the original trajectory of history. Hence, the soldiers sent back by Xiongnu were indeed tricked.


    She could not forget the festering faces of the citizens and soldiers in her dream, let alone the entire city that was enveloped in mes after the Crown


    Prince gave the order.


    [Upgrade.]


    [Upgrade sessful. Current space level, level 23. Point bnce: 87,010.] [The time flow in the farnd has increased. The current time flow is 23 times!]


    [The time flow in the ranch has increased. The current speed is 23 times!]


    [Time flow in the water has increased. Current speed is 23 times!]


    [Time Hut��s current adjustable speed is plus or minus 23 times!]


    [Range Control ability upgraded!]


    [The Space Exchange Mall category is updated.]


    [New function obtained: Spatial projection. The projection range is 23��23.]


    The higher the level of the space, the more confident she would be.


    She wanted to exchange for more soil, get more water, nt more nts, and save more people.


    The soldiers who returned from Xiongnu were all injured, but Xiaoxiao was especially concerned about the rashes on their exposed skin. Others thought that they were caused by the insects�� bites, but Xiaoxiao specially got the space to scan them.


    [Ding! Identification of ingredients. Confirmed that the ingredients have infectious virusponents in their bodies. The specific manifestation is pus herpes. Virus strength��low-grade, infectious level medium.]


    Xiaoxiao frowned. Gongsun Zhongjing, who was at the side, followed her gaze and noticed the yellow pus on the back of a soldier s neck.


    Just as he was about to say something, someone retreated with trembling hands. ��Smallpox!��


    Gongsun Zhongjing wanted to say something but hesitated. He stopped the people behind him with a dark expression and asked them to stop outside the door. Then, he immediately used a silver needle to take some pus for examination. With a cautious attitude, he rejected all the visitors and specially stopped the military doctors who wanted to enter the room, letting them carefully decide if they wanted to participate in the subsequent treatment.


    The atmosphere instantly became heavy. The rxed military doctors all froze.


    ��Is it really smallpox?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing said cautiously, ��I��m not sure yet.��


    Xiaoxiao frowned and the space immediately said: [No, no. Master, don��t worry. This isn��t smallpox. This is just a rtively infectious herpes. It looks terrifying, but the fatality rate isn��t high. If it��s treated with anti-inmmatory medicine from the Space Mall, he will recover quickly!]


    Xiaoxiao heaved a sigh of relief and hated Xiongnu��s evil intentions even more. Therefore, although what they saw in their dreams was true, those infected people would not die from illness. Most of them would starve to death,mit suicide, or�� be burned alive!


    Xiaoxiao��s gazended on Gongsun Zhongjing. It would not happen this time. With Gongsun Zhongjing around, no one would have to die in vain.


    [Baby, help me exchange for enough anti-inmmatory medicine.] The space immediately did as he was told: [Alright, Master. Exchange for anti-inmmatory medicinex8oo. Current credit bnce is 7,500.]


    About half of the military doctors withdrew from the treatment after thinking about it. In their opinion, smallpox was an incurable terminal illness. Once it was infected, it was equivalent to having a name in the King of Hell��s Pce. Hence, even if they felt sacrificial at this moment, it would only add a few lives.


    It was fine if they were afraid of death. They wanted to live.


    Gongsun Zhongjing and the other doctors did notment on their decision. They only handed over the treatment of the ordinary patients in the military camp to the doctors who had withdrawn from the smallpox treatment.


    All the members of the Genius Doctor Valley had originally decided to stay, but Gongsun Zhongjing insisted that half of them leave after considering the problem of the military doctors�� manpower. He first chose those who were still unmarried and had no children to be in charge of the other patients in the military camp while he stayed with these doctors who already had descendants.


    The moment Gongsun Zhongjing noticed that something was wrong with the patient, he did not let Xiaoxiao touch anything and urged her to leave. However, just as she was pushed out of the door, she suddenly felt a strong forceing from behind and she was pushed back.


    Turning around, Xiaoxiao saw an unfamiliar man at the door swaggering andmanding a guard with a saber to block the door. He nced at her. ��Who asked you to suddenly appear and scare me?�� Then, he sneered and looked at where she was. ��Serves you right. Consider yourself unlucky.��


    Behind him, the Crown Prince had a strange expression as he covered his mouth and nose with his sleeve.


    The Crown Prince only looked at Xiaoxiao for a moment before he gestured to the advisor and said loudly, ��What, it��s actually smallpox? That��s an incurable illness and it��s extremely easy to spread to people who have interacted with it!��


    The Crown Prince��s face darkened. ��Pass down the order. No one in this house is allowed to leave from now on!��


    If Rong Yan took the initiative, he would definitely try his best to hide the news of smallpox. That wouldn��t do. He wanted the city to be in chaos..

 Chapter 335 - 335: Smallpox

    Chapter 335: Smallpox


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Everyone in the world knew how terrifying smallpox was. As long as themoners had it, they could only trap all the patients and burn the source of this illness.


    The Crown Prince cherished his life. He wanted to disturb the morale of the army, but he did not want to be exposed to danger. If he let this group of sickly people with smallpox live, wouldn��t it be dangerous for him too?


    Hence, he said, ��Smallpox is not a small matter. No one knows when or under what circumstances it will be passed on to others. If we��re not careful, it will be a catastrophe that will cause the entire city to fall. The soldiers should know that they can��t harm more innocent people just to make an exception for a few people.��


    ��Pass down the order. Everyone in this hut will be���� killed without mercy!


    He wanted to act first and reportter before Third Brother came. No, pfft! As the Crown Prince, he did not need to report to Third Brother. He wanted to kill these soldiers who had just returned to the city and destroy the prestige Rong Yan had painstakingly umted!


    If Rong Yan agreed, he would go from amander who cared about the soldiers to an executioner who killed his buddies and be hated by the entire army. If he objected, the Crown Prince would immediately escape far away with his people and turn this smallpox into a gue that filled the city. This way, Rong Yan would make a bigger mistake and the citizens and soldiers with infectious diseases would only hate him for being soft-hearted. After that, the border city fell, and the deal between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince of Xiongnu could be counted.


    Coincidentally, at this moment, the advisor, who had finished using his authority, cupped his hands and stepped behind the Crown Prince��s back. Just as he was about to put on a mighty appearance, he suddenly tripped uncontrobly and ced his hands on the Crown Prince��s back.


    The Crown Prince was really unprepared. Moreover, he staggered forward a few times and realized that his body��s momentum did not decrease. He actually did not show any signs of stopping.


    Everyone watched helplessly as the Crown Prince hopped into the house.


    When the Crown Prince and everyone in the room stared at each other, a glint shed across Xiaoxiao��s eyes. She retracted her space control and looked at the door frame. It was time for space control, so she had to do the rest herself. Hence, she hooked her toes and the wooden door shook slightly before closing.


    Xiaoxiao��s big eyes flickered as she asked the Crown Prince innocently, ��What did you say about the people in this hut just now?��


    The advisor and guards originally wanted to pull the Crown Prince back as soon as possible and pretend that nothing had happened when he entered the house just now. However, their n failed. Moreover, Rong Yan had already rushed over with Yun Er and the others and had personally witnessed the Crown Prince staggering into the house. They couldn��t quibble even if they wanted to.


    The Crown Prince had just opened the door again after ring at Xiaoxiao when he was blocked by the swords pulled out by Yun Er and Yun Zheng.


    Rong Yan clenched his fists tightly. The guard exined the situation concisely in his ear and asked for punishment. He took a deep breath and met Xiaoxiao��s gentle gaze.


    Xiaoxiao shook her head slightly. How could she me the guards? They upheld the distinction between men and women and kept a proper distance from her. Who would have thought that the advisor would suddenly push her just because he thought that she was in the way?


    Rong Yan��s voice was as deep as theherworld. ��I also want to know what the Crown Prince wanted to say just now. How should we deal with the people in the hut?��


    The Crown Prince thought to himself, Kill them all! However, he was also in the hut now. How could he lose himself too?


    He said with a dark expression, ��We must treat the people in this hut well!��


    The advisors reacted slowly. How could Rong Yan allow them to take the Crown Prince away?


    The Crown Prince was now Xiaoxiao and Gongsun Zhongjing��s life-saving talisman. If he left, the Crown Prince probably wouldn��t leave anyone alive in the next moment. Seeing Rong Yan suppress his anger, Xiaoxiao was worried that he wouldn��t be able to help but sh the Crown Prince apart.


    The Crown Prince��s aides and guards insisted that their Master had a noble status and that he had just entered. It was impossible for him to be tainted with smallpox. On the other hand, there were so many patients inside. They might implicate the Crown Prince��s noble body if he stayed too long.


    Yun Er and the others snorted coldly, indicating that nothing could be done without rules. If everyone had such wishful thinking, if ��a careless mistake would cause the entire city to fall��, everyone would naturally know that they could not harm more innocent people just to make an exception for a small number of people.


    The advisors�� faces turned purple��this person actually used His Highness the Crown Prince��s words to shut them up!


    The Crown Prince��s forehead was already covered in sweat. He gritted his teeth and asked Rong Yan, who was outside the door, ��Third Brother, I��m your brother. Do you really have to do this?��


    Rong Yan was unmoved. He only walked past the Crown Prince and secretly looked at the very calm Xiaoxiao.


    The Crown Prince asked again, ��If something really happens to me, how are you going to answer to Father? How are you going to answer to my mother? How are you going to answer to�� Noble Consort Ji?��


    Rong Yan frowned slightly. He took a step forward and red at the Crown Prince.


    ��Your Highness, even if you want to threaten me, you��ve really found the wrong method. Do you think I��ll still care at this point?�� After saying that, he watched Xiaoxiao stride into the house with the intention of stepping in.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao, who was standing not far behind the Crown Prince, shook her head at him and mouthed, ��I��ve had it before.��


    Seeing that he still refused to stop, Xiaoxiao sighed. ��Commander, please wait.�� Rong Yan finally stopped before he stepped into the house. Yes, as Rong Yan, he could go in and apany Xiaoxiao, but as themander of an army of 100,000, he could not.


    He was in a bad mood and his tone was unfriendly. ��If you really want an exnation����


    ��Let��s say that the Crown Prince loves the people like his child. In order to advance and retreat with the soldiers, he willingly stepped into the ward. What do you think, Brother?��


    The Crown Prince��s eyes widened in anger. ��You!��


    Rong Yan looked at the advisors behind him and his gaze uratelynded on the person who pushed Xiaoxiao. He raised his leg and kicked him forward. ��Although the Crown Prince is righteous, I can��t let you treat your body carelessly.��


    ��Later, I will arrange for this courtyard to be surrounded. From now on, it will be specially used by doctors to treat illnesses. Please lower yourself to stay here for a few days, Your Highness. In addition, you can leave a few considerate people to serve you.��


    The Crown Prince wanted to reject it, but he looked at his dozens of guards, at the murderous personal guards behind Rong Yan, and then at his unsheathed sword, Azure Frost, which was said to be able to cut someone in half at the waist. Thinking of the current situation of the 100,000-strong army, he could only grit his teeth and swallow his anger.


    ��I��ll be staying alone in a side courtyard. No one is allowed to approach me. No one is allowed to interfere with my food and amodation.�� He had never interacted with patients. As long as he stayed far away, he would only be imprisoned for the past few days and his life would not be in danger. He thought that Third Brother would not have the guts to do anything to him. When he returned to the capital, he would definitely repay today��s humiliation double!


    Rong Yan nodded. ��Sure.�� The Crown Prince shifted his gaze to the crowd.


    The advisor who had pushed Xiaoxiao and the Crown Prince broke out in cold sweat. He immediately felt that he could not keep his life. As expected, a momentter, the Crown Prince stretched out his hand and pointed. ��Shao Lin,e in..��

 Chapter 336 - 336: If You Have Something, I’ll Accompany You

    Chapter 336: If You Have Something, I��ll Apany You


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Oh no, oh no. How could he make His Highness believe that he really didn��t do it on purpose just now? Would His Highness believe him if he said that he was possessed?


    The Crown Prince��s orders had to be obeyed, so Shao Lin could only follow them in with trembling legs.


    Rong Yan instructed his men to pack up the courtyard immediately and arrange many things, but he said coldly, ��The Xiongnus shouldn��t have gone far, right?��


    The Xiongnus did not expect their wless n to be seen through so quickly Their speed of returning was really not fast, so they were caught up by the Great Xia army after walking a dozen kilometers. Although they did not understand why, they immediately quickened their pace. However, Rong Yan and the soldiers were filled with anger. How could they let them escape? ��What do you mean? We agreed to exchange hostages, but your Great Xia soldiers actually chased after us again. This is treacherous and will be despised!��


    Rong Yan shed this person to death. ��Stop talking to me about morals. You��re not worthy!��


    The deputy general beside him shouted, ��What have you bastards done to my brothers in Great Xia!��


    The Xiongnu captives, who had just regained their freedom, were confused but the eyes of those who knew flickered as they were even more anxious to escape.


    At Rong Yan��s order, the archers nocked arrows on their horses and used a rain of arrows to cut off the Xiongnu captives�� retreat. The Xiongnu captives, who already knew what their people had done, gritted their teeth. ����Are you deliberately trying to kill us?��


    As expected, Rong Yan said in a low voice, ��Since you��re not sincere, why should Great Xia repay evil with kindness? Boys, kill!��


    By the time the second prince received the news that almost all his subordinates who went to exchange for captives had been wiped out the captives who were ��lucky�� to have survived had already spread the news of what happened today to the Xiongnu camp.


    ��The Xiongnu are a bunch of bustards. Even if we specially left them alive, will they search their conscience because of this? Perhaps everyone already knew about the Second Prince��s vicious n and are secretly cheering in their hearts.�� On the way back, the deputy general was still regretting that he did not kill all the Xiongnu people.


    Rong Yan said calmly, ��The Xiongnu probably didn��t have a conscience.�� The deputy general was even more puzzled. ��Then why, Your Highness?�� A dark glint shed across Rong Yan��s eyes. ��In order to rightfully�� destroy the Xiongnu after this!��


    He had already had such thoughts, but if Xiaoxiao had not been implicated today, he did not n to carry out his n so quickly.


    It wasmon sense that people who had smallpox would not have it again. When thete Empress Dowager unfortunately fell ill, it was the nanny beside her who said that she had smallpox and volunteered to serve her. During that period, the nanny did all the matters rted to thete Empress Dowager herself. She applied medicine on her body, changed her clothes, washed up and did not leave a single piece behind. However, until thete Empress Dowager passed away, the nanny never had smallpox.


    Even though he knew and was worried, Rong Yan still ran to the small courtyard to look for Xiaoxiao the moment he returned.


    ��You have to bring my oven over. There��s also enough dried vegetables and food. Oh right, it��s best if you help me get the nket too, so that I won��t have to find new bedding. Ah, there��s also the Mianmian Cake I baked today in the kitchen. Leave two for me. You guys can split the rest. It won��t taste good if it��s left for too long�� Eh, Little Big Brother, where did you go just now? The snacks are almost cold!��


    Rong Yan was speechless.


    He let out a long sigh and put on his smile again. ��Xiaoxiao made it. It��s delicious even if it��s cold.��


    If it were any other girl, she would have cried in fear at this moment. However she acted as if nothing had happened.


    The two of them chatted for a while. In the end, Rong Yan couldn��t help but ask, 111 get someone to take you away secretly.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled at him. ��Stop fooling around. You know you can��t.�� Rong Yan lowered his head and was silent for a long time. He really couldn��t do this. He wasn��t worried that his reputation would be affected, but he couldn��t bear to see Xiaoxiao being criticized in the future. Moreover, with his understanding of Xiaoxiao, he knew that she would never agree. Hence, he said, ��Protect yourself. If anything happens to you, I��ll apany you.���� Xiaoxiao was stunned. Yun Er and Yun San, who heard this, also widened their eyes. Master actually��


    Rong Yan��s tone had always been gentle and quiet. He med himself for not being able to think of anyforting words and would only ask, ��Are you afraid?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��I believe in Doctor Gongsun and the others�� medical skills!��


    Rong Yan��s feelings were a littleplicated, but it was obviously not the time to be jealous. He was also willing to pray to the heavens, hoping that Gongsun Zhongjing was really a genius doctor who could snatch people from the King of Hell.


    Xiaoxiao continued, ��Moreover, I have a feeling that this illness might not be as scary as we think. After all, the Xiongnu people are only vicious to others. If it��s really smallpox, aren��t they afraid that they will be the first to be unlucky when they escort them along the way and get along with them day and night?�� Rong Yan was actually a little convinced by her. Thinking back to the time when they exchanged captives, the Xiongnu people did not deliberately keep a distance from the soldiers of Great Xia. If they did it on purpose to deceive Great Xia, they did not seem to care much about their lives during the pursuit just now. If they were a little more ruthless, they would cry for their fathers and mothers.


    However, he still kept a straight face. ��Just stay in the house obediently and don��t wander around. Be good and don��t make me worry more, okay?�� He specially chose thergest courtyard for patients. In principle, as long as Xiaoxiao stayed in her room like the Crown Prince, she would not have the chance to interact with those infected people.


    Xiaoxiao nodded and said to him, ��Then you have to pay attention to your health and safety. Remember to eat well and sleep well. Don��t do anything dangerous to make me worry, okay?��


    Rong Yan, who had just led 1,000 people to pursue and kill the Xiongnu, nodded seriously.


    Not far away, the frustrated Crown Prince was hiding behind a tree and looking at the two of them.


    Previously, he felt that the short boy who Shao Lin pushed into the house looked familiar. Now that he took a closer look, he realized that she was actually the woman he had seen when he first arrived. He already felt that she was strange, but now, he actually saw that she was familiar with Third Brother?


    Who�� was she?


    No matter what her identity was, Third Brother clearly valued her very much Otherwise, he would not have met her without caring about anything else in the dead of night.


    After Yun Er and the others sent the things Xiaoxiao wanted, Xiaoxiao also started to urge them to leave. They were all people who had serious matters to attend to. What was with them always guarding?


    Rong Yan was very unwilling to leave, but there was nothing he could do. Just as Xiaoxiao had said, he did have something important to do.


    ��Go back and rest first. I��ll watch you enter the house.��


    Xiaoxiao thought to herself that Little Big Brother was quite good. In order to let him leave earlier, she didn��t say anything else. After taking out something from her sleeve and throwing it to him, she obediently turned around and left Rong Yan looked down at his palm and realized that this was the Yuan Family��s token.???????????????????? <sup>7</sup>


    The ce Rong Yan arranged for Xiaoxiao to stay was closest to the exit This was clearly out of selfishness. Yun Er and Yun San wanted to tease Master when they saw him staring at his girl like a stone, but they knew that this was not the time. It was too far-fetched for them to squeeze out a smile to make Master rx.


    With how much Master valued Miss Xiaoxiao, he must be feeling terrible now right? ��


    He had almost killed all those Xiongnu people today. It had to be said that there was definitely a reason for him to vent his anger.


    Rong Yan stopped smiling at Xiaoxiao. ��Don��t tell her about us chasing after the Xiongnus today..��

 Chapter 337 - 337: Everyone Is Trash

    Chapter 337: Everyone Is Trash


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Yun Er agreed. Yun San was half a beat slower. He was thinking about a question. Master said that Miss would be his mistress in the future and asked him to listen to Miss. If Miss asked, should he say it or not?


    As she already knew the condition of the illness, Xiaoxiao slept especially soundly. When she woke up and went to the kitchen, she saw that Doctor Gongsun��s eyes were dark and she was a little embarrassed.


    Seeing that it was her, Gongsun Zhongjing immediately took a few steps back and covered his mouth and nose. ��Miss Xiaoxiao, why are you here? Didn��t you say that there��s a small kitchen in the front yard?��


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows. ��You guys know how to cook?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing was speechless.


    However, between his desire for food and the lives of innocent people, he could still distinguish between priorities. ��It��s fine. Someone will send steamed buns over. I still know how to boil hot water. I��ll just soak them in water.��


    Xiaoxiao suggested sincerely, ��Why don��t you do this? Since you think it��s not appropriate for all of us toe to the kitchen, this ce will be given to me. None of you cane. You can eat by yourselves when I��m done cooking.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing was about to reject her when Xiaoxiao counted with her fingers and reasoned with him. ��You��re all doctors. You��re good at treating illnesses and saving people. I��m a chef and I��m good at cooking. We can only increase our efficiency if we all show our strengths. It can��t be good for you doctors to use the method of brewing medicine to cook and eat until you��re dizzy and your limbs are weak to administer acupuncture to the patients, right? If you all fall sick if you��re not careful, who will treat the patients? Me?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing didn��t like to talk and was only slightly eloquent in front of Li Muyan. He really couldn��t find a reason to refute Xiaoxiao��s words. Xiaoxiao took the opportunity and said, ��Why don��t I bring the prepared food to the courtyard every time and you can take it yourself? If you��re sure that everyone has smallpox, you can boil the bowls and chopsticks after eating. If not, you can wash them yourself and boil them or expose them to the sun. You can use them again next time. How about that?��


    She was too considerate. Gongsun Zhongjing was urged to check on the patient��s condition, so he could only put this matter aside for the time being. He thought that he would discuss it next time. Unexpectedly, when he returned from the patient��s office, tworge buckets of fragrant food and simple bowls and chopsticks were already prepared.


    Everyone felt that the Third Prince sympathized with the soldiers. Even though he knew that they had a serious illness, he did not give up on them. However, Gongsun Zhongjing felt that most of the credit belonged to Xiaoxiao.


    She even specially prepared arge bucket of warm water with a note on it. ��The raw water is not clean. This is warm water that has been boiled and cooled. Let everyone drink this.��


    The doctors all praised Xiaoxiao for being meticulous, so when they felt that the warm water was a little bitter, they treated it as an illusion and ignored it.


    After confirming that the patients had all drunk the water with anti-inmmatory medicine, Xiaoxiao returned to her residence and locked the door.


    She was worried about the outside world, so she entered the space and used the exit positioning function to slip into the military camp.


    Because the Crown Prince was ipetent and could not do anything wrong, the news of the so-called ��smallpox�� could not be handled in a low profile manner. It had long spread.


    This illness was too shocking. It was impossible not to cause panic. Even though Yun Er and Yun San had already exined quickly and strictly forbidden themoners to discuss it, it could not be appeased.


    At this moment, some people among the military and civilians began to question Rong Yan.


    Xiaoxiao changed her clothes in the space and heard suchments when she was strolling on the street��


    ��In my opinion, the Third Prince is still a little young. Those experienced veterans should be themander-in-chief.��


    ��That��s right. He��s short of food and was ambushed. Now that something like smallpox has happened, it can be seen that he��s still a little young.��


    The people who heard this sighed repeatedly, their expressions heavy and panicked. It was obvious that they were persuaded and were dissatisfied with Rong Yan.


    The troublemakers took the opportunity to take the next step. ��If His Highness the Crown Prince takes over����


    Xiaoxiao tightened her fists. Xiaoxiao��s small hand, which was covered by her sleeve, moved. The NPC who was on standby in the space raised his head. A light shed on his body, and his clothes embroidered with the word ��empty�� suddenly changed. The next moment, he appeared in the crowd out of thin air. ��What about letting His Highness the Crown Prince take over? Is he going to bete as he was delivering grain?��


    The person who caused trouble just now frowned and looked in the direction of the voice with an unfriendly expression. However, no matter how he looked, he could not find the figure that shed past just now. He could only clear his throat and say, ��The weather is unpredictable. The weather at the border is variable and the road is difficult. His Highness the Crown Prince tried his best and was already sick when he arrived. It can be seen that he was very attentive to this matter. Wouldn��t we be ungrateful and heartless if we criticize him because of this?��


    The voice from before immediately continued, ��Third Prince turned the tide when the military rations were running out. Not only did he resolve the soldiers�� food shortage crisis, but he also saw through the Xiongnu��s scheme to infiltrate and avoid a disaster. Isn��t that worthy of admiration and gratitude?��


    The man rubbed his mrs and lost track of the person who spoke again. Seeing that these foolish people were showing signs of changing their opinions, he hurriedly said, ��But Third Prince actually didn��t notice that the people who returned from Xiongnu were sick!��


    The mysterious person continued to retort, ��If you��re capable, go ahead. You have such good eyesight. You can tell who��s sick at a nce. Why don��t you be a military doctor? With you, perhaps the 100,000 people in the entire military camp will be free of illness, pain, and cmity.��


    Some of the surroundingmoners couldn��t help but burst outughing. This made the Crown Prince��s spies fly into a rage out of humiliation. They mmed the table and stood up. ��Who? Who��s hiding there?��


    A man in green walked out of the crowd with a smile. ��Who��s hiding? I��m so big. Only you are blind and can��t see me.��


    The Crown Prince��s spy knew very well that if he could not get back at them today, he would definitely not be able to destroy the Third Prince��s increasingly powerful prestige in the army and messed up the Crown Prince��s big n. Hence, he said loudly, ��It��s an undeniable fact that the Third Prince knew how terrifying smallpox was and still let those sick people enter the city, right? He has a good reputation, but where does he ce the safety and lives of the entire city��s soldiers and citizens?��


    When themoners heard the word ��smallpox��, their hearts started to tremble. They instantly forgot about the Third Prince��s kindness and only med him.


    Xiaoxiao sighed secretly. She didn��t me themoners for being stupid, but she couldn��t let this person ruin Rong Yan��s reputation. Hence, she narrowed her eyes and started to pass her lines to the NPC.


    The NPC in green raised his head and puffed out his chest. ��Then ording to you, how should we deal with this matter? Do you want to kill the soldiers who fought with the Xiongnu for the sake of stability at the border, and chill the hearts of the soldiers who are also fighting for the peace of the world outside the borders, so that no hot-blooded men in Great Xia are willing to fight for the country from now on? At the same time, you want the citizens who can live and work in peace to be aplices who repay kindness with enmity and live in guilt and sin for the rest of their lives?��


    Themoners and the spy were stunned at the same time. Themoners, who were really persuaded by thetter and indeed thought that the infected deserved to die, could not help but lower their heads to hide their shame. Xiaoxiao secretly raised her eyebrows and smiled smugly. She also knew how to gaslight. Hmph, she could say without modesty that everyone present was trash..

 Chapter 338 - 338: Indistinguishable

    Chapter 338: Indistinguishable


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��Besides,�� the NPC snorted, ��the military doctor didn��t even confirm that the soldiers got smallpox. How did you know?��


    The spy refused to give up. ��What if the illness spreads? Should we innocent people die with them? They don��t even let us discuss it. They clearly have a guilty conscience!��


    Xiaoxiao��s lips moved slightly, and the NPC said, ��Aiyo, your idea is too dangerous. You can��t spread it. The Third Prince is clearly saving us. Think about it. If there��s a suspected ��smallpox�� in the city and the high-ranking officials in the Imperial Capital happen to have the same thoughts as you, then the lives of our city��s residents����


    Many people��s faces turned pale. They no longer resisted the strict orders of the soldiers to not discuss smallpox.


    The NPC said slowly, ��The Third Prince immediately asked all the patients to stay in the courtyard. In order not to implicate others, the soldiers never stepped out of the door. There are even doctors who are not afraid of death who treat them wholeheartedly. Although we can��t help much, we shouldn��t make a fuss like this brother and make the people panic.��


    That person still wanted to speak, but he realized that his mouth seemed to be out of his control. He closed it tightly and could not make a sound.


    The NPC suddenly thought of something. ��Ah, right. I heard that the Xiongnu people have the habit of secretly sending spies to infiltrate. You look strange. First, you ndered our Great Xia��smander-in-chief, then you instigated us to discuss an unconfirmed illness. What��s more, you even maliciously sowed discord between the Third Prince and the Crown Prince. What are your intentions?��


    Suspicion fell on him like a de, but this hidden pir just couldn��t say anything to exin. He could only hold it in until his forehead was covered in sweat. Coincidentally, at this moment, the officer appeared and was immediately attracted by the crowd. ��What��s wrong? What happened?


    The NPC cupped his hands and moved aside with a serious expression. ��Official, there seems to be a spy from Xiongnu!��


    ***


    After this matter subsided, Xiaoxiao arranged for all the NPCs in the space to be mobilized and help the soldiers remove the Crown Prince��s spies one by one.


    Rong Yan had long discovered that someone was causing trouble in the city, but he did not expect that the matter would be perfectly resolved before he could have a headache. After catching a few troublemakers in a row, he followed the clues and discovered the Crown Prince��s intentions.


    ��Master, is His Highness the Crown Prince afraid that you have too much prestige in the army and will overshadow him?��


    At this moment, Rong Yan suspected even more that the Crown Prince��s te arrival�� was on purpose. He might as well go all out and confirm the identities of the few ��Xiongnu spies�� who had already been confirmed.


    After that, as long as someone spread rumors and tried to control the hearts of the people, before the officials could discover any clues, themoners would already stare at these people suspiciously and take the initiative to report them.


    ��However, it��s strange. These people should be carefully selected talents. Why didn��t they say anything to defend themselves at the critical moment?


    Rong Yan couldn��t figure it out either. He could only think that they had a guilty conscience and were at a loss for words.


    Other than dealing with the Crown Prince��s secret spies, Xiaoxiao also walked around the military camp. She took turns to increase the sleeping time for the soldiers in the dead of night. Under the effect of the space, she could treat a day as 23 days. She ran around purely to strengthen her body, and her mental state was not affected at all.


    At the same time, she went to the field where green seedlings had already grown and changed some space soil.


    The seedlings�� growth was gratifying. Not to mention Xiaoxiao, even themoners who originally came to work for food were looking at them eagerly every day. One moment, they were afraid that the seedlings would be exposed to the sun, and the next moment, they were worried that they would dry out. If Rong Yarns people did not strictly follow the precautions Xiaoxiao gave them, they might have been drowned by these worriedmoners.


    For thest trip, Xiaoxiao went to the big kitchen. After many days of her guidance, even if she was not around, the standard of the food was guaranteed. No one would let the soldiers starve in order to save food. As for the taste, although it could not bepared to what Xiaoxiao made herself, with the semi-finished seasonings she left behind and her previous unreserved exnation, the culinary skills of everyone in the kitchen were also improving day by day.


    When she left in satisfaction, she vaguely heard someone sigh behind her. ��Fortunately, Miss Xiaoxiao left behind a lot of seasonings previously, and they were all pre-mixed. Otherwise, we would have been scolded by the deputy generals for letting them eat pig food����


    After finishing all the trivial matters, Xiaoxiao returned to the quarantine courtyard. This semi-quarantine state was actually what she wanted. Even without the push from the Crown Prince��s advisor, she would still think of a way to enter. There were two reasons. Firstly, she had to be close to them to have a chance to help treat the illness. Secondly, aftering to the military camp, she was almost under everyone��s noses and did not even have the chance to go to the space to do her own things, such as brewing wine.


    High concentrations of alcohol could be used to kill bacteria and disinfect wounds, and it could also prevent wound infections. However, alcohol was even scarcer than food at the border. Even if they could find it and were willing to use it, the quantity was far from enough.


    It was not difficult for Xiaoxiao to brew wine. Now that she had the NPC projection function, it was also justifiable for her to take out the brewed wine. She would do it as she pleased. She would soak the sorghum in cold water for 24 hours and change the water every six hours. Then, she would steam the sorghum until it bloomed and then dry it. When the temperature of the sorghum rice fell between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, she would mix the wine into the rice and ce it in the bucket. After sealing it and fermenting it for about 10 days, she would obtain transparent wine.


    At this moment, she obtained the first bottle of wine. The sorghum dregs after the first bottle of wine was distilled would be taken out of the pot, cooled with grain shells, and added to the wine song to ferment for 12 days. Then, she would obtain the more mellow and pure second bottle of wine.


    During this distition process, the alcohol flowed out. The alcohol concentration that was distilled first was more than 80%. ording to the need, Xiaoxiao made them into edible white wine and high-level alcohol respectively and sealed them for use.


    Of course, the time measured during the brewing process was natural speed. With the help of the space, she got what she wanted in less than two days. Then, taking advantage of the night, Xiaoxiao used the exit positioning function of the space to leave the camp without anyone knowing and arrived at a cave.


    She waved her hand, and in the blink of an eye, 10 NPCs in uniform clothes appeared in the cave. Immediately after, a pile of wine jars and rice bags filled with food appeared out of thin air.


    It was also at this moment that Rong Yan received a letter signed ��Yuan��. There was not much content in the letter, only one sentence: ��Same ce.�� However, this sentence made Rong Yan immediately put aside other less important matters and quickly choose someone to go to the cave he had been to once. When they arrived, the NPCs had yet to leave. Rong Yan took out the token that Xiaoxiao had given him and was actually a little nervous. What if they didn��t admit it?


    Fortunately, the NPCs stared at Rong Yan��s face for a while before making way. Someone asked in a daze, ��Is there no need for Miss toe personally?��


    One of the NPCs smiled. ��It��s fine. Miss saidst time that this person is indistinguishable from her.��


    Rong Yan��s heart beat even faster, and the smile on his face widened.


    Yun San couldn��t help but ask curiously, ��What if someone elsees with a token?��


    The NPC narrowed his eyes and blew on the lighter at his waist. ��Then they won��t get anything..��

 Chapter 339 - 339: Griddle

    Chapter 339 - 339: Griddle


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    This time, other than food, there were many jars in the cave. Yun Er opened one of them and his eyes lit up. ��Master, it��s wine! Heh, it��s quite strong.��


    The others were all happy, but Rong Yan took another deep look at the lighter on the waist of the Yuan Family member guarding the cave.


    It was true that one could not get anything when the strong alcohol was torched.


    Seeing that everything was going smoothly, Xiaoxiao quickly used the space to return to her residence in the quarantine courtyard. When she was about to reach the door, she seemed to see a sneaky figure outside the house.


    Shao Lin, who was leaning against the window, narrowed his eyes. ��Strange, where is she?��


    Xiaoxiao took out her precious slingshot from her space and aimed it at that person��s head.


    Shao Lin was looking into the room when he felt a sharp pain at the back of his head. He instinctively let out a cry and turned around. Xiaoxiao took this opportunity to sh into the room and shouted, ��Who is it?��


    Shao Lin ran away and rushed back to report to the Crown Prince. ��Other than going to the kitchen to cook, that woman has been staying in the house. asionally, she will meet the Third Prince through the door. He will say a few words from afar and send some food in. He didn��t mention anything about secretly taking her out.��


    The Crown Prince paced back and forth in the room. How could this be?


    ��Doesn��t Third Brother have an extraordinary rtionship with this woman? How can he let her stay in here?��


    The Crown Prince originally wanted to catch Rong Yan in the wrong and make good use of him. He did not expect this kid to abide by the rules beyond his expectations. Or��


    Shao Lin spat. ��I heard that she��s only in charge of cooking for the Third Prince. It seems that she��s just a ything.��


    Although the Crown Prince did not say anything, he thought so too.


    He even thought that he had something on Third Brother. After all this time, she was just a chef. How unlucky.


    ��When you watched her, did you see her leave other than cooking?��


    Shao Lin thought for a moment and shook his head. He thought that she was not in the house, but she did walk outter.


    Shao Lin asked nervously, ��Your Highness, do I still have to keep an eye on her?��


    The Crown Prince was a cautious person. Even if he could not verify Xiaoxiao��s rtionship with Rong Yan now, he was still unwilling to miss the opportunity. ��Continue to keep an eye on him. As long as we find evidence of Rong Yan using his position for personal gain, we won��t give him a chance to exin!��


    Xiaoxiao had the space rm. As long as someone appeared within 23 meters of her, they would not be able to hide. Hence, this self-righteous guy was already visible under her nose. However, it was really annoying to be followed like this. Hence, after hearing Rong Yan say that the ��Yuan Family�� had sent a lot of wine and ingredients over at noon today, Xiaoxiao rolled up her sleeves and decided to make a griddle tonight to reward the doctors and make this follower salivate.


    The weather at the border was very strange. It was so hot in the day that they felt like they were about to be roasted, but at night, it was so cold that it made people shiver. It was difficult for neers to get used to this huge difference between cold and hot. Even if they stayed here for a long time, they would still shiver under the nket at night.


    Every night, the doctors wrapped themselves in tattered jackets and treated the patient with acupuncture. They also rubbed their hands until the hands were warm and stopped trembling before they dared to do it. They often atete because they took too long and their food was already cold.


    No matter how delicious the food was, it was tasteless when it was cold. Everyone basically just stuffed a few mouthfuls into their stomachs.


    They thought that they would have to live like this in the courtyard, but when it was time for dinner, the person in charge of fetching food returned and started to set the table. ��Miss Xiaoxiao left us a note and asked us to set the table after lighting the fire. We can eat after setting the dishes.��


    The doctors sighed and thought to themselves, Do I have to cook today��s food myself? Forget it. Why do I have to get the youngdy to cook for us? I just don��t know if we have time to eat when the food is ready.


    Sigh, none of them knew how to cook, so their requirements were not high. It was fine as long as they could eat, even if it was just a mouthful of cold rice. They were afraid that they would not be able to hold on�� Eh? What smell was so fragrant?


    As they did not have much hope for this meal, they were not very enthusiastic about setting the table. Hence, when the people who went to get the food came back with two big pots, some of them were not ready.


    At this moment, everyone realized that the Genius Doctor Gongsun, who usually did not care about anything, was already washing his hands and sitting at the table obediently. He held a bowl in one hand and a chopstick in the other.


    Recently, time was tight, so there was no need to pay attention to rules when eating. They had to eat first and continue to be busy after eating. Hence, Gongsun Zhongjing only nodded at everyone and consciously scooped rice for himself. He then picked up the chopsticks from the pot and started to enjoy the delicacies.


    With just one bite, he narrowed his eyes in satisfaction. Then, he ate much faster.


    As the person-in-charge, he was really hungry and tired. He could even eat a steamed bun with relish, let alone Xiaoxiao��s culinary skills. Moreover�� he finally confirmed today that what those soldiers got was not smallpox!


    Gongsun Zhongjing was not the only one. The other doctors were also so tired that their limbs were weak. At night, when the cold air appeared, they felt that their lungs were freezing with every breath they took. Seeing that he was eating well and even nned to add rice, everyone was no longer in a daze and ate happily.


    ��This culinary skill is amazing! Who made it?��


    ��Who else could it be, Miss Xiaoxiao!��


    ��Eh? Didn��t she tell us to do it ourselves?��


    ��It��s for us to heat it up. Miss said that this is called a griddle. The dishes inside are all prepared in advance. Just heat up the bottom of the pot when you eat.��


    Everyone followed the instructions of the person who spoke and looked at the bottom of the pot. They suddenly realized that there was something else about this pot. There was a basin filled with charcoal at the bottom of the pot. It was heated as they ate. There were also half-finished dishes in the other pot. After eating, they could continue to add ingredients at any time. There was also a lot of rice, so no matter if they came early orte, they could eat something hot and be full.


    ��Hehe, Miss, this meal came at the right time. It��s as if you��re celebrating for us. Sigh, but isn��t this too sumptuous?��


    Everyone��s chopsticks paused. It was still Gongsun Zhongjing who said, ��It��s already done. It��s better to eat it than to waste it.��


    That made sense. She had already made it and they had eaten it. Why was he thinking so much? He could not waste thedy��s good intentions, right? Burp-


    Everyone enjoyed this meal to their heart��s content. After eating their fill and being energetic, they learned that the Third Prince had sent several jars of strong wine for them. That was really convenient!


    After the meal, their fatigue seemed to have been swept away. No one would know how many personal goods Xiaoxiao secretly put into the pot in the kitchen.


    They had already eaten it. Who would notice?


    Everyone was a beneficiary, except for His Highness the Crown Prince, who did not dare to leave the room because he was afraid of getting into trouble.


    As soon as he finished listening to Shao Lin��s exnation of Xiaoxiao��s dinner, he felt hungry and cravings churning in his stomach.. As soon as a unique rich smell floated in front of him, he could not help but secrete more and more saliva��

 Chapter 340 - 340: Borrowing A Residence

    Chapter 340 - 340: Borrowing A Residence


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Why didn��t he know that Shao Lin was so talented in speech in the past? If he had used this talent for the imperial examinations, did he still need to wag his tail and tter him?


    To be on the safe side, the Xiongnu did not tell him the true situation of those soldiers�� illnesses. The Crown Prince cherished his life and could be considered to have lost his appetite these few days. Of course, the main reason was that the food was too unptable.


    As the noble Crown Prince, he naturally disdained to eat the same things as those rough people. Hence, he specially called his chefs in and trapped them in his small courtyard. They were not allowed to go anywhere.


    The chef was quite diligent, but even a clever housewife couldn��t cook without rice. He usually made things like bird��s nest and abalone belly for the Crown Prince, but what were the ingredients in the kitchen now? Potatoes, sweet potatoes, dried vegetables, and a pitiful bit of dried meat. Were they edible? He had tried his best, but how could he satisfy the Crown Prince��s mouth, which was used to eating delicacies?


    Hence, as soon as the fragrance of the griddle wafted up, he was reprimanded by the Crown Prince again.


    Was he to me for this? If there was anyone to me, it was thedy chef. It was the Third Prince��s fault for being unfair! The things he gave thedy chef were definitely different from what he gave the Crown Prince!


    With this thought in mind, he secretly sneaked into Xiaoxiao��s kitchen and scattered some things into the dehydrated vegetables she was soaking in before slipping away. When he left, he even took away the skewer of meat that Xiaoxiao hung on the eaves. Little did he know that just as he walked out of the door, Xiaoxiao��s figure suddenly appeared in the originally empty kitchen.


    She was catching up on sleep in the space just now and was sleeping soundly when she heard the space tell her that a stranger was approaching. She saw with her own eyes the process of the chef scattering the medicinal powder into the ingredients in the space, so her expression was extremely unfriendly when she came out.


    Space prompt: [Master, the ingredients have been contaminated.]


    Xiaoxiao asked: [What are the consequences of eating it?]


    The space replied: [At best, you will vomit and have diarrhea. At worst, you will lose your life.]


    What a vicious mind and selfish behavior!


    There were still ingredients that could be reced in the space, so even though the chef was too ruthless, he did not seed. However, Xiaoxiao was unhappy, so she brought the drugged ingredients back to the space and followed the chef to the Crown Prince��s kitchen when no one was paying attention.


    Things were different now. There were only a few people serving the Crown Prince. Hence, after the chef finished his work, he still had to send the food to the Crown Prince beforeing back to eat his portion. The moment he left, Xiaoxiao stared at the full bowl of food on the table.


    This chef did not treat himself badly. The meat in his bowl was no less than what he gave the Crown Prince.


    Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes and poked the things on the table.


    The chef only returned with the cleared bowls and chopsticks after the Crown Prince finished eating. He ced the tray on the stove. He couldn��t wait to fill his stomach. He was amazed by his culinary skills after just one bite. Look, only he could make such delicious food like pig food!


    Who was the Third Prince��s cook? She was just trying to please the crowd! She was just relying on the novelty of the seasonings. He knew that one could buy these at the Li Family��s shop. It was said that even an idiot with bad culinary skills could make good dishes. That cook was relying on these little tricks to seduce the Third Prince so that she could climb up�� Eh? Aiyo, why did his stomach suddenly hurt?


    Hey, hey, hey, no. He had to go to the toilet!


    However, it was strange. The chef seemed to be especially unlucky today. He fell every two steps. He kept feeling as if something had hit his knee. However, when he turned around and looked around, there was no one around. He continued walking and falling. The chef was extremely anxious. He covered his butt with one hand and rolled on the ground with the other.


    However�� he did not manage to catch up, nor did he hold it in. He heard a series of pops. The chef was choked by themotion and smell he made. He wanted to struggle for a while, but his feet slipped and he fell again. This time, there was no water on the ground, but he heard the sound of water sshing��


    In his embarrassment and anger, his vision turned ck and he fainted.


    Xiaoxiao, the instigator, could not look at that scene, but she did not regret it. This person deserved it. No matter how much pain he suffered, he deserved it.


    This chef was discovered the next morning. However, no one wanted to recall the scene at that time.


    He was so dirty and smelly that he started vomiting and diarrhea again. Naturally, the Crown Prince would not use him again. Even though the doctor had taken his pulse and prescribed medicine, he was not allowed to step into the Crown Prince��s courtyard. Shao Lin said, ��If you bring this dirty illness in and affect the Crown Prince, can you bear the responsibility? Get lost, get lost!��


    The chef did not want to stay with those sick men, so he targeted Xiaoxiao again.


    Xiaoxiao was woken up by the sound of knocking on the door this morning. The chef��s knocking made Xiaoxiao��s anger rise when she woke up. The moment the door opened, the chef said to himself, ��I want to stay in this courtyard from now on. Change to another ce.��


    Xiaoxiao looked at him expressionlessly. The chef raised his chin. ��Think carefully. If you offend me, I��ll make you regret being born in this world. I��m the Crown Prince��s man.��


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes. ��Are you sure you��re not his dog?��


    The chef put on a straight face, ced his bag on the ground, and began to roll up his sleeves. ��I think you won��t cry until you see the coffin�� Aye, aye, aye, aye, aye!��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t even need to shout one, two, or three to deal with such a person. She grabbed his wrist and threw him away. He was still lying on the ground as Xiaoxiao turned around, kicked his bag away and smashed his face back into the ground.


    Heh, ever since she had the space, her physical fitness had improved. She was so strong that it was not a problem for her to throw a pig.


    ��Since you��re shameless, I don��t have to leave any for you.��


    She was clearly a little girl in her teens. Why was he so frightened that he didn��t dare to breathe loudly? This aura was something that the chef had only seen on his Master.


    Because he was stunned, the chef forgot to react. He only came back to his senses when Xiaoxiao closed the door again.


    He wanted to kick the door again, but he didn��t dare to. Coincidentally, Yun Er, Yun San, and Rong Yan came to deliver ingredients to Xiaoxiao. Rong Yan��s face instantly darkened when he saw the chief lurking outside Xiaoxiao��s door.


    Actually, there was no need for Rong Yan to do such a small matter like sending ingredients himself. He was just looking for a reason to meet the person he missed. However, Yun Er and Yun San knew this, but the chef did not. He rushed to Rong Yan as if he had seen his savior. ��Third Prince, Third Prince, help me uphold justice. This woman is domineering and unreasonable. I just wanted to borrow this ce from her, but she actually attacked me directly. She��s simply vulgar, rude, and vicious!��


    Rong Yan said calmly, ��Borrow a ce to stay?��


    The chef��s eyes rolled. ��It��s like this. I was a little ufortable yesterday and didn��t dare to approach His Highness the Crown Prince��s noble body, so I moved out of the small courtyard. However, I couldn��t stay with those patients who were infected with smallpox, so I wanted to squeeze in with this youngdy.. Unexpectedly, not only did she not agree, she even beat me up!��

 Chapter 341 - 341: Aren’t The Lady And The Genius Doctor Gongsun Together?

    Chapter 341: Aren��t The Lady And The Genius Doctor Gongsun Together?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He did not notice that Rong Yan��s expression darkened the moment he said ��squeeze��. The chef was about to say something when he suddenly felt his neck tighten. He was instantly lifted off the ground and thrown against the wall.


    Rong Yan said coldly, ��Who do you think you are?��


    Then, when he saw Xiaoxiaoing out after hearing themotion, he waved his hand and handed him to Yun Er and Yun San to deal with.


    The two of them crossed their arms and smacked their lips. You didn��t take the path to heaven and insisted on charging into hell. It was already a miracle that Master didn��t whip you to death for being disrespectful to Miss Xiaoxiao. You should thank Miss for appearing in time. Master didn��t want her to be frightened when she saw blood, right?


    Yun Er sighed. ��Aiya, Third Prince ordered that no one in the courtyard is allowed to go out. Today, someone actually wants to sneak out of the courtyard. What should we do?��


    Yun San spat. ��This person knows that he��s not feeling well, but he still dares to run out. Clearly, he doesn��t take the military order seriously, nor does he take the safety of the othermoners and soldiers seriously. He must be severely punished!��


    The chef was stunned. ��No, I��m not. I��m different from those sick people. I just have diarrhea����


    However, the two of them couldn��t be bothered to listen to his nonsense anymore. They attacked and easily hung him on the tree at the entrance of the courtyard without getting close. After doing this, they even looked at Rong Yan and Xiaoxiao to ask for credit, but Rong Yan didn��t receive it.


    Xiaoxiao crossed her arms and rejected him. ��Be good. Stop at the door and don��te in.��


    Was he a child? Rong Yan was helpless and amused. He wanted to walk forward, but Xiaoxiao threatened him. ��I��ll enter the house if youe any closer. You won��t be able to see me!��


    Yun Er and Yun San were caught betweenughter and tears. Who could she scare with this?


    Rong Yan stopped in his tracks and stood rooted to the ground. Yun Er and Yun San, who were dumbfounded, could not see his expression, but they could tell that he sounded very aggrieved.


    ��You��re threatening me.��


    The two of them turned around and threw a stone at the chef. They were purely venting their anger.


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��You��re themander-in-chief. You have to set an example.��


    Rong Yan nced behind him. ��No one saw it.��


    Yun Er Yun San:�� Ah, yes, yes, yes. We��re not humans!


    How could they solve their worries? The only way was to throw stones! Smash him. Smash this blind person to death, causing them to be injured for no reason!


    Oh my, Little Big Brother has gone astray! Xiaoxiao sized him up as if she had discovered a new continent, making Rong Yan��s face burn.


    He had never missed her in his life. That was why he missed her so much.


    He had not seen her for so long when he first came to the border. It was fine if he endured it, but now that he knew that she was close to him, he could not withstand these few days of separation. He did not know that he would be so affectionate.


    Xiaoxiao coughed lightly and started to ask about serious matters. ��Is everything alright outside?��


    Rong Yan did not tell her that the outside world had been in a mess because of the smallpox rumors. If not for that, he would not have onlye to see her asionally. However, for some reason, he always had the illusion that he had a good night��s sleep even though he had only slept for two to four hours every night.


    He nodded. ��Fortunately, the doctors reacted in time. Everything is fine in the army.��


    ��The Xiongnu has just suffered a huge loss and there��s no new movement for the time being. However, from what I know of them, this peace is only temporary.��


    As he spoke, he was about to move forward again when Xiaoxiao really ran into the house. Her agility made Rong Yan shake his head andugh. He stood at the door and asked, ��Do you really think this wooden door and window can stop me?��


    Xiaoxiao pressed against the door, wondering if he was going to break in. Was it so�� exciting��


    With a faint smile on her lips, Xiaoxiao heard a voice suddenly not far away. ��Third Prince? Coincidentally, we have good news for you.��


    The few doctors changed their worried expressions from a few days ago and followed Gongsun Zhongjing inrge strides.


    ��Your Highness, more than half of the soldiers have recovered! That��s not smallpox!��


    Yun Er and Yun San were so excited that they threw all the stones they had just picked up at the chef. Their eyes widened, and Rong Yan could only turn around. ��Really?��


    The doctors all looked at Gongsun Zhongjing. As the representative, thetter briefly exined the situation over the past few days.


    ����It just looks like it, and it��s more contagious. In fact, the person who has an illness doesn��t feel much difort. This is also the biggest reason why the soldiers don��t know that their bodies are affected. After these few days of treatment, more than half of the soldiers have already recovered. Their pulses are no different from ordinary people. To be safe, we observed for a few more days and confirmed that the people who have already recovered won��t act up again.��


    After saying that, they started to wonder why the Third Prince came in. If he was looking for Miss Xiaoxiao, was he sending ingredients to her? But did His Highness need toe personally for such a small matter?


    Of course, they did not think that Xiaoxiao should have been isted like the patients after crossing the threshold back then. Moreover, if she had not been in charge of the ingredients, they would not have devoted themselves to the treatment of the patients. However, they really did not expect His Highness to personally send things to them.


    Rong Yan��s smile grew wider and wider. Then, he heard them say, ��It��s all thanks to Doctor Gongsun��s amazing skills!��


    Gongsun Zhongjing still looked indifferent. ��It��s the result of everyone working together. Everyone has worked hard.��


    Everyone chuckled and scratched their heads. ��It��s not hard. Otherwise, how can we have the chance to see the medical skills of the Genius Doctor Valley? Instead, we have profited.��


    Another person also said, ��That��s right, that��s right. Moreover, I seem to have gained weight����


    Everyone looked at each other andughed. ��We have unknowingly eaten too much with Miss Xiaoxiao��s culinary skills. In that case, Miss and Doctor Gongsun are really����


    Rong Yan raised his eyebrows and knocked on the door a few times, ��identally�� interrupting him. ��Why aren��t youing out? Didn��t you hear it? As you expected, it��s not smallpox.��


    Xiaoxiao stuck her head out of the house and smiled at Rong Yan. ��Congrattions.��


    Rong Yan raised his hand and flicked her head. It was not hard, but it was quite intimate. ��You��re not avoiding me anymore?��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. Rong Yan gave her a letter. ��Here, it��s from Aunt Xiao.��


    Hearing that it was a letter from her mother, Xiaoxiao took it and leaned against the door to read it.


    Rong Yan did not leave either. He skillfully reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Then, he adjusted his position to block the overly dazzling sunlight before saying to the doctors who were already stunned, ��I��ve troubled everyone these days. It��s all thanks to you that the soldiers have improved and the ��smallpox�� rumor has subsided. Rong Yan is here to thank everyone on behalf of the soldiers and the people here!��


    The doctors no longer had the energy to understand what he was saying. Looking at the interaction between him and Xiaoxiao, they could not say the words ��Miss and Doctor Gongsun are really a match made in heaven�� just now.. Wasn��t Miss a couple with genius doctor Gongsun? What was going on? Why did the Third Prince seem to be so different from Miss Xiao?

 Chapter 342 - 342: Mistake

    Chapter 342: Mistake


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Their gossipy gaze darted back and forth between the two of them, but it suited Rong Yan��s intentions. Rong Yan��s gaze swept past Gongsun Zhongjing inadvertently before looking at Xiaoxiao. ��Is there anything to eat? I��m hungry.��


    Xiaoxiao, who was halfway through reading the letter, nced at this person��szy posture and smiled teasingly. She entered the house and took out a bag of freshly baked snacks. When she came out, she saw Rong Yan taking out a military report from somewhere and reading it. His hands looked very busy.


    She asked, ��Do you want to eat it?�� Rong Yan turned his head around, and Xiaoxiao��s smile deepened. She ignored the doctors�� dumbfounded expressions and brought the snacks to his lips.


    Rong Yan smiled and bit it. He felt that the snacks today were especially sweet.


    Good lord, what was there to be puzzled about now? It must have been a mistake in the past. It was really awkward. Fortunately, the Third Prince didn��t mind.


    Of course, Gongsun Zhongjing also saw Rong Yan��s actions. He didn��t say anything and just lowered his eyelids before turning to leave.


    Rong Yan turned around and saw his back. The corners of his lips curled up slightly.


    Yun Er and Yun San looked at their Master��s heart-stopping expression and turned around to knock out the chef who was still making weak grunts. It was hard to say what was avable in the courtyard, but there were all kinds of stones that could be thrown around.


    This unlucky chef already felt an indescribable awkwardness in his stomach. After being hit, he could not hold his breath. After a shocking sound, his legs felt wet and hot. At this moment, he did not know if it was shame or pain.


    The doctors who had yet to leave looked at each other and finally noticed this unlucky person that no one cared about. However, the unlucky person would rather still have no sense of existence at this moment and be stared at by these gazes. Then, a small wind blew away the smell and disyed his embarrassing situation in front of everyone. Their fragile hearts immediately could not take it anymore. Their eyes rolled back and they fainted.


    The doctors scratched their heads. ��This is?��


    Yun Er and Yun San didn��t blush or pant. ��Oh, this person is infected, but because he��s afraid of death, he��s unwilling to follow the rules and stay here obediently. He even ns to sneak away when there��s no one around.��


    Even though the chef was in a state that even dogs despised, there were still some doctors who took the initiative to check his pulse out of worry for his condition. They could not help but frown and look surprised. ��This doesn��t seem to be a disease.��


    Yun Er and Yun San were just spouting nonsense. Now, they looked at him in surprise. The doctor thought carefully and confirmed, ��It��s poison. This person has been poisoned.��


    Xiaoxiao swept her gaze over and let the space scan him.


    The space quickly locked onto a certain location: [Identification of ingredients. Poisonous ingredients discovered.]


    Xiaoxiao moved her fingers. [Space control.]


    Then, everyone saw the chef move his waist and a small bottle fell out. The doctor picked up the small bottle, opened it, and sniffed it. Then, he took out some tools and fiddled with them for a moment. Soon, he said firmly, ��It��s this poison.��


    This was a little strange. He was poisoned by his own poison. What was going on?


    How suicidal was he to poison himself?


    Xiaoxiao sighed. ��It��s really scary to think about it. If we really believed in smallpox back then and let some people kill these infected soldiers, there would definitely be people who couldn��t wait to crown the Third Prince with the infamy of killing ruthlessly.��


    ��However, even if we don��t kill them, there might still be other idents. For example, we��re clearly staying in this courtyard and not hindering others, but a patient inexplicably appeared outside, causing everyone to panic, themoners to be in turmoil, and even the entire city. At that time, I��m afraid the consequences will be unimaginable.��


    The spread of the illness would be Rong Yan��s responsibility, and the citizens and soldiers in the city would probably not be able to escape death.


    Yun Er and Yun San looked at each other in admiration and surprise.


    Coincidentally, Miss and Master thought of the same thing.


    Their Master had been taught by General Xiao since he was young. He was meticulous and flexible. It was not strange for him to deduce these principles. However, it was very rare for the girl to be able to see the profundities in a proper book without even reading a proper book since she was raised in Fortune Vige.


    It could only be said that thedy was naturally intelligent and that Master was blessed.


    Since the smallpox was no longer valid, it did not seem to matter if this small courtyard was isted or not. However, Xiaoxiao nced at a certain someone hanging on the tree. ��Thinking about it this way, this person��s thoughts of bringing poison are very worth thinking about. Could it be that he knows that his illness has improved and wants to cause trouble again?��


    The doctors�� expressions immediately became indignant again.


    Hearing Xiaoxiao��s words, Rong Yan held her hand tightly. ��Xiaoxiao, I want to do something.��


    Two dayster, the chef was tied up and hanged in the city. The official who was looking after him said to the surroundingmoners, ��The illness that made everyone uneasy some time ago was poisoning! The Xiongnu were ambitious and tried to use the so-called smallpox illness to disturb the stability of Great Xia. They are simply unforgivable!��


    After the 100,000-strong army was gathered, Rong Yan rode on the horse in his military uniform. ��The Xiongnu is ambitious. I can��t take it anymore. Men, follow me to kill!��


    In the past, Xiongnu would always invade and Great Xia would counterattack. Great Xia had always been in a passive position. But today, he was going to take the initiative and kill his way back with the soldiers of Great Xia!


    Xiaoxiao stood on the city wall and watched Rong Yan leave. She knew that this was the best time to defeat Xiongnu, but she couldn��t help but worry. Even if Rong Yan didn��t want to be a famous general who would achieve great things, casualties were inevitable in a war.


    Seeing the dust and smoke caused by the soldiers gradually calm down, she sighed and said that she wanted to go back to her room to calm down.


    Under Xiaoxiao��s strong request, Yun Er and Yun San followed Rong Yan. Now, a few young Yun Guards were protecting her. Everyone was under the orders of their seniors and knew that the person in front of them was the future mistress. Hence, they were very respectful to her. When she said that she did not want anyone to disturb her, the Yun Guards really guarded the courtyard door obediently.


    ��Miss is worried about Master. She must be in a bad mood now. We must not let anyone cause trouble for Miss.��


    ��You��re right.��


    The guards were very considerate, but someone liked to cause trouble for others. The Crown Prince, who had been trembling in fear in the small courtyard for many days, only found out at noon that Rong Yan had already led the soldiers to chase after the Xiongnu army.


    ��Why didn��t anyone report such a huge matter to me first? Does Rong Yan still take me seriously as his elder brother, the Crown Prince?��


    Deputy General Yu, who was left behind to guard the city pass, was already in a bad mood because he did not have the chance to go into battle to kill the enemy. Naturally, he did not have the patience to exin to him now. ��The Third Prince is themander-in-chief and holds the Tiger Talisman to lead the three armies. His Highness the Crown Prince is just under orders to transport military supplies. Why does themander-in-chief have to get your permission first?��


    The Crown Prince��s face was ashen. Just as he was about to step forward and argue, Deputy General Yu took a step back. ��Your Highness, you have to be careful. If you continue forward, you will walk out of the small courtyard..��

 Chapter 343 - 343: A Tiger Is Bullied by A Dog

    Chapter 343 - 343: A Tiger Is Bullied by A Dog


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    That��s right. Rong Yan didn��t let anyone tell the Crown Prince that ��smallpox�� was a rumor. The doctors kept it a secret, and Xiaoxiao specially stayed in the courtyard without leaving. She wanted to righteously trap the Crown Prince here so that he wouldn��t cause trouble.


    The Crown Prince looked at the stern and unreasonable expressions of these martial men in front of him and was furious. ��This is really a tiger being bullied by dogs!�� He flicked his sleeves and shouted, ��Guards! Where��s Shao Lin?��


    He was fine after living in the courtyard for so many days. It was reasonable for him to ask to leave now. If Rong Yan��s men still made excuses, they must be deliberately obstructing him. He naturally wouldn��t tolerate it anymore!


    Deputy General Yu was in a difficult position, filled with annoyance.


    The difficult thing was that the person in front of him had a noble status. He was annoyed that he was like most other noble people. He was useless, but he had a lot of problems. He waste to deliver food and his meals had to be brought into the house for him to eat. They could just bring it over and eat it well. He identally knocked it over and actually asked for an extra serving! It was fine if he did not know how to empathize when his brothers were captured, but he actually shouted and made a fuss. Tsk, in short, he did not like him.


    Although he was a martial artist, he could tell that the Crown Prince was deliberately looking for trouble today. He had seen many such people. If he really let this person leave the small courtyard, his next step would be to interfere in military matters.


    It would be fine if he really had the ability to be a general like the Third Prince, but he only knew how to put on airs as the Crown Prince when he encountered trouble. What did he know about serious matters?! At least the Crown Prince clearly did not agree to pursue the Xiongnu!


    Deputy General Yu gritted his teeth. At most, he would force the Crown Prince to stay even if he had to offend his superiors!


    His brothers had all gone to kill the enemy with the Third Prince. How could he hold them back?


    Seeing that this martial artist actually dared to stop him, the Crown Prince shouted angrily, ��How dare you!��


    At this moment, the tightly shut door at the side suddenly opened and a girl with a face full of e walked out. She was originally holding a basin of water in her hand, but at this moment, she seemed to be frightened by the Crown Prince��s voice. Her hand trembled and the water fell over.


    The Crown Prince looked down at his wet pants and then at the terrifying pustules on the girl��s face. He turned around and vomited. Behind him, Xiaoxiao gave Deputy General Yu a look. ��Hey, what��s going on? Why is there someone outside my door?��


    ��General Yu, move further away. I��ve identally developed smallpox these few days���� Deputy General Yu was not stupid and immediately reacted. ��Aiya, could it be that Miss contracted this when you prepared food for the doctors and patients? I��m impressed by your righteousness!��


    Xiaoxiao looked at the Crown Prince ��nervously��. ��I didn��t expect it to be like this just by touching something they used. Aiya, what should I do? I just washed my hands with the water just now����


    Deputy General Yu sighed and said respectfully to Crown Prince, ��For Your Highness��s safety and the stability of the border city, I implore Your Highness to go back and observe for a few days. Only then can you get the doctor to treat you in time if you feel unwell.��


    The Crown Prince gritted his teeth, but he could not refuse. He could only re at Xiaoxiao angrily and remember this grudge.


    Xiaoxiao lowered her eyes and waited for him to leave before wiping her face with her sleeve under everyone��s worried gazes. She winked at them. ��It��s fake. Am I good? I made it with rice paste!��


    Deputy General Yu and the guards heaved a sigh of relief.


    The Third Prince had entrusted the girl to them. How could they answer if anything happened to her!


    Moreover, Miss did her best for the soldiers. Wouldn��t the heavens be blind if she still contracted the illness?


    Xiaoxiao��s smart brain had already gone through a rapid process. She smiled and said to everyone, ��However, since I used this excuse to fool the Crown Prince, I definitely have to pretend to be sick next. It��s a waste of time and food to refine this thing every day. So, why don��t I lie in bed every day?��


    She put on a serious expression and lied to Deputy General Yu. No, she said to Deputy General Yu, ��The more seriously I��m sick, the more reasonable it is for you to keep the Crown Prince.��


    Deputy General Yu took a look and bowed to thank her. ��Thank you for your help, Miss!��


    Xiaoxiao thought to herself that there was no need to thank her. It was good for everyone.


    Although she helped keep the Crown Prince, she sessfully offended this person. The guards decided to take turns guarding the door and not let her be unguarded. The Yun Guards and secret guards would arrange it to ensure that nothing went wrong.


    They were well-guarded, but they did not know that the Crown Prince did not even have the mood to find someone to kill Xiaoxiao when he thought of her face that was filled with ��impurities��. He was disgusted for a long time before he ordered, ��Keep an eye on her. She��s lucky to be sick and dead. If she��s alive, we��ll definitely make that ugly freak wish she was dead!��


    ��Also, quickly send the letter out����


    Xiaoxiao waited in the room until midnight. After confirming that the Yun Guards were really loyal, she ced an NPC on the bed. Then, she used her space to sh 23 meters away and rushed over. When she walked out of the line of sight of the people in the border city, Xiaoxiao shed out of the space and waved her hand to release Lightning, who could not hold itself back anymore.


    When she came to the border, in order to be able to ride a horse legitimately in the future, Xiaoxiao also brought along Wind, who had already grown up a little. He was usually raised in the stable and stayed with the warhorses. Every time she went to see him, Xiaoxiao would have a twin exchange. The two of them seemed to have be spirits and imitated each other in front of others. Sometimes, even Xiaoxiao would mistake them for the wrong horse.


    The moment Lightning came out of the space, it raised its hooves excitedly and neighed non-stop. If Xiaoxiao hadn��t patted it, it probably would have run away immediately.


    The saddle was always in the space. Lightning cooperated and let Xiaoxiao saddled it up before turning back and waiting for her to signal. Xiaoxiao patted the horse��s butt in amusement. ��Let��s go. Let me see how fast you can be now.�� Aiyo, if Master said that, it wouldn��t be sleepy anymore. Lightning snorted and even dug the ground, then rushed out like the wind.


    To be honest, its speed was not slower than the sh of 23 meters in the space. Xiaoxiao had a good experience of riding a horse. Her butt went numb when she saw the Great Xia army from afar. She rubbed her butt and dismounted with difficulty. She red at the instigator and shed into the space with the horse.


    Using the space function required mental strength. Xiaoxiao did not want to suddenly faint at a critical moment. She would save as much as she could.


    Lightning continued to run in the space, unsatisfied. Xiaoxiao took the opportunity and suddenly shed into the camp.


    The border city was still a distance away from Xiongnu. If the army rushed on, they would be exhausted before the battle started. Hence, necessary rest was naturally indispensable. Now, everyone was setting up camp and taking turns to replenish their strength.


    The deputy generals surrounded the bonfire and munched on biscuits. ��This is thepressed biscuit that themander-in-chief mentioned, right? When I first saw it, I thought themander-in-chief was joking with me. It��s just a small piece, and even dogs can��t eat their fill! I didn��t expect�� Burp!�� He burped and exchanged admiring looks with the others.. ��This thing is really amazing!��

 Chapter 344 - 344: Someone Notified Him

    Chapter 344 - 344: Someone Notified Him


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Another person added, ��On the march, the most difficult and indispensable thing is food. However, if we start a fire on the way, it will easily attract Xiongnu��s attention. That will be too time-consuming andborious.��


    Someone nodded repeatedly. ��That��s true. Moreover, thesepressed biscuits are easy to carry. They��re fast and filling. After eating them in a few bites, we can seize the time to sleep more. If we don��t have time to cook when we fight, we don��t have to force ourselves to cook either. Who thought of such good stuff?��


    ��I heard that the person who came up with this good thing is rted to General Xiao����


    ��The General has been injured for many years. Although she can��t fight alongside us again, she has never forgotten us.��


    ��By the way, do you know that ourmander was personally taught by General Xiao!��


    ***


    Leaving these words behind, Xiaoxiao walked towards the soldiers�� resting area. Before she arrived, she had already thrown a slow projection of space over.


    Now, the range she could project was 23��23. Under the multiplier time, the soldiers sleeping in this range could rest fully. When they woke up, Xiaoxiao did not take away the projection function and waited for the second batch of soldiers to continue sleeping.


    The space projection function could only be used once a day, but as long as Xiaoxiao did not take it back, there was no limit to how long it could be used.


    Now that it was dark and quiet in the middle of the night, no one could notice that there was something wrong with everyone��s actions. After midnight, Xiaoxiao changed to another tent and did the same thing. However, this time, she left an NPC behind and went to look for Rong Yan herself.


    Recently, she had developed a magical use of NPCs��long-range surveince. All NPCs released from the space could be her eyes and ears, so she could leave the soldiers�� tent under the space projection without worrying about being exposed.


    Although NPCs did not have the ability to think and move on their own, it was not difficult toplete some simple instructions ording to Xiaoxiao��s instructions. For example, they could bring in the food sent in from outside the door every day and leave a secret signal to let everyone know that she was fine.


    As themander-in-chief, Rong Yan had to advance and retreat with the soldiers. However, when the others were resting in shifts, he had to continue deducing on the sand table��where the Xiongnu people would set up an ambush, where the terrain was beneficial to them, what military tactics were applicable, and what strategies were reasonable. Unknowingly, more than half of the night had passed.


    Afterpleting what he had to do tonight, he could rest assured and take a nap. Looking at the dawn of the sky, Rong Yan covered his mouth and yawned. Hey down, fully clothed.


    ��Yun Er, wake me up in an hour.��


    Outside, Yun Er��s heart ached and he agreed helplessly. He couldn��t help but say to Yun San, ��At least the two of us can take a nap. How can Master��s body hold on like this?��


    Yun San ced his index finger on his lips. Master was stubborn. No one could change his decision. Instead of wasting time persuading him, it was better to let him rest quietly for a while.


    Yun Er also knew this logic. He only mouthed, ��I��ll definitely let Miss talk about him properly when we get back!��


    In the tent, Rong Yan had just closed his eyes when he felt his body tremble slightly. He opened his eyes to take a look and only fell asleep when he saw that everything was normal.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao, who had already changed the world in this tent, sighed helplessly and adjusted the time flow to the slowest.


    After he fell asleep, Xiaoxiao shed out of the space and whispered with her hands on her hips, ��I have to talk to you properly.�� Rong Yan frowned, and Xiaoxiao covered his mouth. Forgetit, Lil teach him a lesson another day. Let him rest well first.


    At dawn, Xiaoxiao secretly added manypressed biscuits to the ce where the military rations were stored to make up for yesterday��s consumption. The soldiers ate and slept well and did not feel any change in weight at all.


    Time was precious during an urgent march. Xiaoxiao knew how useful her space could be, so she had to think of a way to follow them.


    The next morning, the soldiers inexplicably felt that they should not feel so refreshed and set off on the journey again. Xiaoxiao followed silently all the way. When night fell, she would slow down to replenish everyone��s sleep. Time passed quietly.


    When they discovered the Xiongnu��s traces, the Great Xia soldiers realized that this chase that they thought would exhaust them seemed to be easy now. They had rushed thousands of miles just for today��s battle. In the space, Xiaoxiao only heard Rong Yan��s order, and the Great Xia cavalry rushed out with fighting spirit.


    A battle was about to break out at any moment. In order to take down the border cities of Great Xia, the Xiongnu had almost gone out in full strength. Rong Yan had brought many people with him in order to take them down in one go. Hence, since the two sides had met, it was impossible to keep a low profile. The soldiers of Great Xia did not expect to be able to sneak an attack, but wasn��t the other party��s reaction too fast?


    Putting aside the battle stance and the long-prepared formation, what was going on with the ambush?


    If the Great Xia was careless, they would suffer heavy casualties the moment they met.


    ��Commander, something��s wrong with the Xiongnu.��


    Rong Yan��s face darkened. ��Either someone among them predicted it well, or we weren��t careful enough to expose our whereabouts, or someone tipped them off!��


    When he said thest sentence, his tone became much colder. It was obvious that he was thinking of the unhappy past again.


    Rong Yan��s guards all knew that their Master hated betrayal the most. He could not tolerate spies in the army.


    Taking a deep breath and suppressing his unhappy past, Rong Yan calmly analyzed the current situation. ��Deputy General Xiong, take 20,000 people and go around from the side. The target is those archers hiding high up. The rest of you, follow me and hold back the Xiongnu!��


    Deputy General Xiong was a little hesitant, but he epted Rong Yan��s order respectfully. ��Yes! I will definitelyplete the mission!��


    The Xiongnu��s territory was mostly a desert. It was obvious that it was premeditated to be able to find such a suitable ce for an ambush. However, the military spy had long been killed. Why did this happen?


    Could it be that there was a new one��


    At the border city, the Crown Prince was pacing back and forth in his courtyard. When Shao Lin stepped in, he couldn��t wait to ask, ��How is it? Wait, stop. Let��s talk over there.��


    Shao Lin stopped in a hurry. He wiped his sweat and reported, ��Your Highness, half of the patients are gone. I saw a piece of scorched earth in the inner courtyard. It seems that something was burned not long ago. The doctor and the medicine page will go around it when they pass by. I saw it from afar. There are still some rags in the grass nearby that haven��t been burned clean.��


    He swallowed his saliva. ��I thought that the illness would be passed on. It would be very disrespectful to you if I encountered something I shouldn��t have touched. Hence, I stood on the spot and looked. It should be the clothes of those infected soldiers.��


    The Crown Prince narrowed his eyes. ��So, it��s true that most of them died from an illness. My third brother was so exasperated that he led his troops to hunt down the Xiongnu people?��


    Shao Lin thought about it and felt that it was true.


    The Crown Prince snorted. ��Third Brother is still too inexperienced. He did such a foolish thing in a moment of anger..��

 Chapter 345 - 345: How Can You Come And Go As You Like?

    Chapter 345: How Can You Come And Go As You Like?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Shao Lin pretended to shake his head. ��Of course. It��s a long way to Xiongnu and the terrain is harsh. Even if they��re not afraid of carrying too much weight and bringing more food, it will go bad in a few days. Xiongnu is not like Great Xia. It��s difficult to replenish rice and water. Soon, they will know the price of being impulsive.��


    The Crown Prince sighed. ��It��s a pity that I��m trapped here by these stubborn martial artists. Even though I understand the situation and have the heart to turn the tide, I can��t escape and can��t use it. Just thinking about it makes my heart ache and I me myself.��


    He rolled his eyes. ��If not for the Third Prince��s orders, how would those martial artists dare to offend their superiors? Moreover, the Third Prince��s trip will definitely cause Great Xia to suffer heavy losses. Should we report him in?��


    The Crown Prince nced at him and said mockingly, ��Will the exhausted Great Xia army still be alive when they encounter the prepared Xiongnu?��


    He had already told Second Prince Xiongnu in the letter that the Great Xia army could not be killedpletely, but there was no need to show mercy to Rong Yan��s life.


    ***


    The arrows flew towards Rong Yan like a rain curtain. After many times, anyone would realize that something was wrong.


    ��Master, the other party seems to being for you!��


    Rong Yan shed off the arrow and looked around. He snorted. ��Let��s see if they have the ability.��


    He flew up from his horse. Wherever the Azure Frost Sword went, only the remains of broken arrows were left. The soldiers of Great Xia were imposing, but the Xiongnu people were furious. ��What kind of monster is he! He can��t even be shot to death!��


    The second prince, who was missing a right ear, looked greedily at the Azure Frost Sword. ��What monster? He clearly has a divine weapon in hand. Pass down the order. Kill him and bring that treasure sword to me.��


    Rong Yan looked back and gave the order to kill the enemy but not go too deep. He abandoned the guards and led the tail that was chasing after him to the archers�� ambush, revealing himself openly. This stumped the archers who had a clear target.


    It was easy to identally injure their own people. If they didn��t shoot, they would miss a rare opportunity. Later, when those Great Xia soldiers protected Rong Yan again, they wouldn��t be able to kill themander-in-chief of Great Xia!


    Just as they were hesitating, they heard a bugle call. The archers gritted their teeth and continued to fire their arrows. The Xiongnu soldiers, who were trying to find an opportunity to sh Rong Yan, did not expect this development. They were instinctively stunned for a moment, and soon, someone fell for it. Rong Yan seized the opportunity and reaped more than 10 lives.


    The sword that Xiaoxiao gave him was very sharp, saving him a lot of effort. Killing people was as easy as cutting melons and vegetables. It also made him gradually be a killing god in the eyes of the Xiongnu people.


    ��Damn it, he did it on purpose!�� He deliberately made them use Xiongnu��s arrows to kill Xiongnu��s soldiers!


    The braver he was, the more determined the second prince was to get rid of him.


    Many years ago, Great Xia had a fierce general, Xiao Ran. This person, as a woman, beat up the Southern Barbarians until they didn��t dare to let out a fart. If Third Prince Rong Yan grew up, he would definitely be a huge problem for Xiongnu in the future! The Second Prince gritted his teeth. He didn��t want to follow in the footsteps of the Southern Barbarians!


    He wanted to kill Rong Yan at all costs.


    At the same time, he raised his hand to signal the archer to stop. He rolled up his sleeves and put a short arrow with a green gleam on its tip into the crossbow on his arm. Then, he mounted his horse and went into battle himself.


    He did not n to fight Rong Yan one-on-one. Instead, he got the archers to cover him and his personal guards to block Rong Yan��s vision. He took advantage of Rong Yan��s unpreparedness and darted to his blind spot before decisively pressing the trigger.


    The sound of air being torn apart was almost inaudible on the battlefield. Not to mention Rong Yan, even the second prince, who was shooting arrows, could not hear it. He had sessfully plotted against countless people with this move, and he was also full of confidence today.


    When the Third Prince of Great Xia was poisoned by the arrow, he would take away the sword and use it to cut off Rong Yan��s head and send it to the border city for public disy!


    This sneak attack was indeed tricky and Rong Yan really did not notice it at first, but he had an advantage that others could notpare to��Xiaoxiao!


    How could Xiaoxiao be at ease with him facing such a dangerous moment alone? Hence, Xiaoxiao��s spatial control was already prepared the moment the green gleam appeared.


    The second prince had never doubted his uracy. Hence, he was the most surprised when the short arrownded on the shoulder of a Xiongnu soldier.


    He could see through everything in a hundred steps. How could he drop the ball at such a time when everything was ready?


    As soon as the Xiongnu soldier bled, he foamed at the mouth and fell to the ground, twitching. This way, it was difficult for Rong Yan not to notice it. He swept his gaze around and found the second prince of Xiongnu, who had raised his arm again.


    There was still a distance between the two of them, so it was impossible for them to talk directly. Hence, Rong Yan gave him two heads and a disdainful gaze that could be seen from dozens of meters away.


    The second prince gritted his teeth when he saw that he could clearly kill more, but each strike only killed two people.


    ��Could it be that he deliberately killed the two people to show off because our prince��s ranking is second?��


    The second prince��s chest tightened. ��You��re so smart.�� Do you want me to thank you for exining to me?


    What was even more infuriating happened. Those Xiongnu arrows suddenly seemed to have made a mistake and flew towards the second prince. Although he had ordered the archers to kill Rong Yan at all costs, he did not expect them to disregard his life.


    Could it be that his Eldest Brother and Third Brother��s men wanted to take the opportunity to get rid of him?


    At this thought, he could no longer stay here in peace. ��Retreat!��


    As soon as he finished speaking, the second prince turned around and was shocked to discover that Rong Yan had already crossed half the distance. He seemed to have seen through his thoughts. ��How can youe and go as you please where the soldiers of Great Xia are?��


    At this moment, he was covered in blood and his face was covered in red. With the momentum of a killing god, anyone who blocked him would be killed by his sword.


    Even though the second prince was still greedy for this sword, he was terrified at this moment. ��Quick, stop him!��


    Dozens of Xiongnu guards suddenly appeared in front of Rong Yan. They were all fully armed, and their weapons and armor were different from ordinary soldiers. It was obvious that they were the Second Prince��s personal guards. These people were especially fierce. Their scimitars were broken, and they simply snatched the weapons of others before continuing to fight.


    Even though Rong Yan had grown up under Xiao Ran��s training since he was young and had never cked off. At this moment, with the Azure Frost Sword that Xiaoxiao had given him, he could not help but show signs of fatigue under the continuous concentrated attacks. Seeing this, the second prince, who was staring at him, casually pulled a Xiongnu soldier over as a shield and rushed over.


    The Xiongnu soldier did not want to die and instinctively struggled. Unexpectedly, the second prince took advantage of the fact that no one saw him and stabbed the Xiongnu soldier in the back, cutting off his thoughts of resisting.


    The second prince was born with great strength, so it was not difficult for him to lift a dead body with one hand. It was also very easy for him to block the arrows. On the other hand, Rong Yan was gradually losing his strength..

 Chapter 346 - 346: Adding Fuel

    Chapter 346: Adding Fuel


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao was furious in the space. The second prince of Xiongnu was equally ruthless to his own people and enemies. He was a standard beast. In that case, she did not have to show mercy.


    [Space Baby, Range Control!]


    The dead Xiongnu soldier��s body was not stiff yet, and the knife in his hand did not fall because of Xiaoxiao��s control. Just as the second prince let down his guard, he suddenly turned around and shed at the second prince��s shoulder. The second prince looked at this ��corpse�� in disbelief. He did not even realize the pain.


    ��How could you����


    It was only because this Xiongnu��s saber paused too much, and the second prince��s bones were too hard. The saber cut into his flesh and bones, making it difficult for him to advance any further. Xiaoxiao, who was still angry, calcted the time. In thest few seconds of her control, she made the corpse look up at the second prince and open its eyelids to the maximum.


    The bold and ck-hearted second prince was also frightened by this strange scene. He let go and retreated. The corpse fell heavily to the ground and did not move anymore. He suspected that his eyes were ying tricks on him, but the personal guard beside him was also filled with surprise. What was going on�� A zombie?


    The second prince had never believed in ghosts and gods. Otherwise, he would not have the guts to do all kinds of evil things. It wasmon for him to break the alliance, but today�� He was really a little shocked. In just a sh the second prince��s intuition, which had been honed from life and death�� made the hairs on his back stand up. He almost instinctively took a few steps back.


    A long sword that flickered with cold light was stuck in the ground where he was originally standing. If he had been a step slower, the ce where the swordnded would be his flesh and blood.


    The second prince��s heart raced in fear. He could not help but look at the sword again.


    Xiaoxiao broke out in cold sweat in the space. This war was unpredictable and She couldn��t get involved blindly. The range control and space projection were both special functions that could only be used once a day. Hence, she could only find an opportunity to throw some stones and gravel she picked up on the way to the Xiongnu people to cause trouble. If she rashly attacked experts like Rong Yan and the second prince, she might cause more�� chaos!


    How could she tolerate it?! Xiaoxiao, who was dressed in the same way as the soldiers, suddenly appeared in the field and hit the second prince��s left eye with a whoosh.


    As themander-in-chief of Xiongnu, the second prince naturally could not shout about this little pain. However, his eyes were so fragile. After being hit, he could not remain no different from an ordinary person just by being strong. Moreover, he could not find the person who ambushed him. This was too strange!


    Coupled with the fact that the corpse had juste back to life, this was the first time in his life that the second prince felt goosebumps all over his body because of those groundless things.


    At this moment, another sneak attack came from behind. The second prince nimbly dodged, but when he turned around, he clearly saw that there was no one behind him, and there was no ce to hide.


    ��Who is it! Get out here!��


    Xiaoxiao was not. After she tampered with it for a while, Rong Yan had already retrieved the Azure Frost Sword. His silver armor turned into a white ray of light. He drew his sword and attacked in one go. The sword light went straight for the second prince��s face.


    The second prince could not dodge in time and was injured again. He couldn��t care less about his face and hurriedly called for his personal guards to save him.


    He did not have any noble character to sacrifice himself to achieve great things. He only felt that if he died, no matter how much glory and wealth he had, it would benefit his brothers who coveted the throne and did not give up. Hence, at this moment, nothing was more important than his life.


    As soon as the Xiongnu��s formation was in chaos, the soldiers of Great Xia immediately found a w. It was also at this moment that Deputy General Xiong sessfully sneaked behind the Xiongnu, making the archers who were focused on thinking about how to kill Rong Yan without hurting the second prince no longer have to use their brains.


    The corpses were thrown from a high ce in front of the Xiongnu soldiers, crushing their remaining fighting spirit. The evenly matched battle quickly �� leaned towards Great Xia��s side, and Xiongnu only had the intention to escape. Don��t chase after a desperate enemy, but you can chase after bastards like Xiongnu.


    At Rong Yan��s order, the tens of thousands of soldiers he brought wiped the blood and sweat off their faces and waved the swords in their hands tirelessly. At first, when the Xiongnu was defeated, they thought that they would definitely take the initiative to retreat when the people of Great Xia exhausted their rations and were not used to the desert. However, as time passed, why did these lunatics not feel tired?


    Not to mention them, even the soldiers of Great Xia were puzzled. Were thosepressed biscuits so delicious? Why hadn��t they decreased after so long? Seeing that everyone went to confirm the food in confusion, Xiaoxiao left after she was done. She hid her achievements and reputation and felt that she could only cheat to this extent. If she added more ingredients to the food, it would not be sending warmth, but causing trouble for the soldiers in charge of counting the supplies before they set off.


    They were already very vexed. Every day, they wondered if they had brought too much food and if they had increased the burden on the army and slowed down everyone��s marching speed.


    If not for the fact that they had checked the records repeatedly to confirm that there were no mistakes, they would have taken the me.


    There was enough food, but the water reserves were about to run out. Before they went deep into Xiongnu��s territory, everyone could still use soil to obtain water from the sand. Now, the further they went, the thicker the sand became. No matter how deep they dug, they would not be able to see wet soil, let alone get water.


    The soldiers were also very worried, but seeing the victory in front of them, no one could bear to give up. Seeing that the limit was about to be reached, everyone was waiting for Rong Yan��s decision.


    Rong Yan looked at this unfamiliar desert from afar and deduced the distance between this ce and the border city and the capital of Xiongnu on the sand table. He could not help but clench his fists.


    The Xiongnu always had a way to replenish their logistics in their territory. At the very least, their people would transport rations and replenish their soldiers from the capital. In short, it was more convenient for the Xiongnu to ask for help than them asking for help from Great Xia.


    They did not seem to be taking advantage of the right time, ce, and people. However, he had finallye here. Was he going to give up just like that? Xiaoxiao saw his troubles and pressure. She was also anxious in the space Then, she spun around. She had an idea and smiled.


    [Look at me. I��m so stupid. The water problem isn��t a problem at all. Why didn��t I think of it until now?]


    The space watched as Master ran happily into the water and slowly understood: [Master is so smart!]


    Outside, the second prince had just received water and food from the capital and was in an extremely good mood.


    ��What��s the use of chasing us for so many days? Without water, this desert is a ce where they won��t be able to return!�� He hated the Third Prince of Great Xia to death! He couldn��t shake him off even if he couldn��t defeat him. He was almost driven crazy!


    He hoped that those crazy Great Xia soldiers would die of thirst! Starve to death! They would pay the price for their arrogance and ignorance!


    ��Prince, should we take this opportunity to add fuel to the fire?��


    The second prince chuckled. ��Prepare the ck water!��


    When they said that they wanted to add fuel to the fire, they were really adding fuel to the fire. Arrows with mes lit up the night sky, and they also ignited the anger in the hearts of the Great Xia soldiers..

 Chapter 347 - 347: Processing Of Ingredients

    Chapter 347: Processing Of Ingredients


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��These bastards! If I don��t cut them into pieces when I rush over, I��ll write my name upside down!��


    Anger and panic filled the entire camp. At this moment, neither Great Xia nor Xiongnu noticed that dark clouds were surging in the deep night.


    This cloud was like a rain cloud, but it was strangely close to the ground.


    Without anyone noticing, the rain clouds umted and became thicker. Finally, when the fire on the ground reached its peak and the Xiongnu people��s smugness was extremely arrogant, the heavy rain arrived silently-


    ��That��s impossible! How can it rain today!��


    ��I haven��t seen rain in months. Why today?


    The Xiongnu soldiers were dumbfounded. Seeing that the fire on Great Xia��s side was gradually subsiding, they did not know what to do. Even if they had the sharp weapon, ��ckwater��, it would be a waste of effort to light such a heavy rain.


    ��What a pity for our secret weapon!�� They had originally nned to use it when attacking Great Xia. Great, if Great Xia found out about it in advance, they would suffer a huge loss.


    Looking at the soldiers of Great Xia, they wiped their faces with the rain to refresh themselves. Everyoneughed. ��The heavens are helping me!��


    Although they did not know what Xiongnu used to light the fire, it was not easy to put it out. If not for the heavy rain, they might have really suffered a loss. ��Brothers, the heavens bless Great Xia. Charge!


    ��Charge!��


    One side suffered consecutive setbacks, while the other side was majestic. It


    was obvious who was stronger.


    As the Xiongnu were close to their imperial city, they had received supplies, and they had ck Water as a cheat, they had long rxed. However, the soldiers of Great Xia were different. They had fought all the way here with the determination to win.


    ��Let��s settle the scores today! Brothers, kill!��


    After being harassed by Xiongnu for decades, they had never been so proud. If they could still lose, they would not have the face to face their fellow vigers when they returned!


    At this moment, as themander-in-chief, Rong Yan frowned and asked


    Yun Er and Yun San, ��Did you see����


    The two of them waited for him to continue with confusion, but Rong Yan took


    a deep breath. ��Nothing. Focus on killing the enemy first.��


    He was probably seeing things. Why did he feel that he had seen Xiaoxiao just now?


    Suppressing his distracting thoughts, the Azure Frost Sword appeared again. Rong Yan once again became the evil spirit in the eyes of the Xiongnu soldiers and the hero in the hearts of the Great Xia soldiers.


    A ripple that was difficult to see with the naked eye appeared in the air where his gazended just now.


    [Congrattions to the host forpleting the hidden mission-Benefitting The Common People. You have received 100,000 points. Current credit bnce is 188,920. Your space level is 28. Master, your total credits meet the upgrade requirements. Do you want to upgrade?]


    Recently, she had spent a lot of points. Otherwise, why would she only level up five times till now? Xiaoxiao did not hesitate: [Upgrade!]


    [Upgrade sessful. Current space level, level 29. Point bnce: 88,960.] [The time flow in the farnd has increased. The current speed is 29 times!] [The time flow in the ranch has increased. The current speed is 29 times!] [Time flow in the water has increased. Current speed is 29 times!] [Time Hut��s current adjustable speed is plus or minus 29 times!]


    [Range Control ability upgraded!]


    [The Space Exchange Mall category is updated.]


    [New function obtained: Spatial projection. The projection range is 29��29.] Xiaoxiaoy in the space, rubbing her temples as she waited for the space notification to end. When thest sentence was announced, she felt dizzy.


    [Master, this is a sign that your mental strength is exhausted. You need to rest quickly.]


    Xiaoxiao shook her head and couldn��t rx when she saw the earth-shattering battle cries outside.


    [Master, all the special functions have been used today. You can��t help much even if you force yourself.]


    She understood the logic, but she couldn��t do it. Hence, she ran to the water to wash her face and force herself to wake up before shifting her attention back to the battlefield.


    The home ground was in chaos, so it was inconvenient for her to appear. Hence, she strolled into the Xiongnu camp.


    Logically speaking, the more people guarding the ce, the more important it was. Hence, Xiaoxiao specially ran to ces with many people. After shing a few times, buckets of sticky ck liquid appeared in front of her. Without thinking much, Xiaoxiao determined the origin of this thing��crude oil.


    Although she did not know where the Xiongnu people got this thing, its existence was suitable for the Xiongnu people to suffer the consequences.


    A few guards were whispering, ��What kind of dogsh*t luck does the Great Xia soldiers have? It hasn��t rained in the desert for a few months, but it suddenly rained.��


    ��That��s right. If it weren��t for this damn unlucky rain, they would have been burned to a crisp.��


    ��It��s a pity that our Second Prince has been hiding ck Water for a long time.


    He was originally prepared to use it to attack Great Xia.��


    ��It��s not impossible in the future. ck Water Mountain produces a lot. If we save more, it might be enough to turn the entire Great Xia into a sea of fire.


    Hahaha!��


    ��That won��t do. I heard that the youngdies of Great Xia have delicate bodies. Wouldn��t we keep them for our brothers to enjoy?��


    ��Heh, aren��t you already married? Aren��t you afraid that your wife will make a scene if you dare to have such thoughts?


    ��Pfft, what can she do? Besides, the youngdies of Great Xia are just here for leisure. After we��re done ying with them, they��ll be put in ck water and burned clean. Who knows? Heh, I heard that the women of Great Xia like to put on makeup. They might even smell good when they burn.��


    ��It sounds interesting. The Great Xia soldiers I killed a few days ago were all smelly men. Moreover, their expressions didn��t change even after their limbs were cut off. They didn��t even shout. It��s too boring.��


    The more Xiaoxiao listened, the more her face turned ashen. Seeing that they had no intention of leaving, she simply shed out of her space.


    The two of them wanted to shout when they saw this, but they were restrained by the newly updated Range Control and could not make a sound.


    The space reminded Xiaoxiao: [Master, they will still attract more people in 29 seconds at most.]


    Xiaoxiao��s face darkened. [They won��t have a chance in this life.]


    She walked forward step by step and ced her hand behind the two of them.


    [Use ingredient procession.]


    The space was stunned, but it still did as he said: [Please choose the processing steps.]


    Xiaoxiao looked away and closed her eyes. [ughter.]


    The strong smell of blood made her want to vomit, but she did not regret her actions.


    These were animals who did not care about human lives. They deserved to die.


    [The processing of the ingredients isplete.]


    Hearing the notification, Xiaoxiao retracted her hand and turned around to walk towards the oil barrels again. She ced her hand on the barrels containing the oil. Xiaoxiao put half of them into her space and lit the rest. After the fire burned, Xiaoxiao did not leave immediately. The Xiongnu people were not fools. When they saw the fire, they naturally had to put it out. She guarded here and used the ingredient procession and disposed of a group of Xiongnu soldiers who had rushed over. She only left this ce when the fire spread and there was no possibility of putting it out.


    Taking advantage of the fact that the Xiongnu people��s attention was attracted by the burning mes, Xiaoxiao went to another ce. Then, she followed suit and lit five big fires on Xiongnu��s territory.


    The Xiongnu people were busy putting out the fire, so they were a little powerless against the Great Xia soldiers. Although Rong Yan did not know why the enemy camp was suddenly covered in mes, he knew that this opportunity could not be missed. ��Soldiers, follow me and fight!


    ��Charge! Charge! Charge!��


    ��Kill! Kill! Kill!��

 Chapter 348 - 348: Teleportation, Unlimited

    Chapter 348: Teleportation, Unlimited


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor. Henyee Trantions


    The situation was one-sided. The soldiers of Great Xia were unstoppable. As Xiaoxiao watched from the space, her vision finally darkened and she fell.


    The space scanned where Xiaoxiao was anxiously and found that Xiaoxiao was only in a deep sleep. Only then did it let out a humane sigh of relief.


    Xiaoxiao did not sleep well. It was as if she had seen a terrifying scene in her dream. Her brows could not rx as she muttered, ��They deserved to die�� I��m doing what needs to be done����


    Killing was not so easy for Xiaoxiao, who was used to modern life. When she closed her eyes, she seemed to be able to see herself holding a blood-stained sword and pulling them out of a stranger��s body. She seemed to be able to smell the strong smell of blood. This smell was so fishy that she wanted to vomit in her dreams.


    The voice in the space became much gentler. [Master, I thank you on behalf of the living beings in this world who were spared the pain of war because of you. This time, they will definitely be able to live a stable and happy life.]


    Xiaoxiao, who was sleeping, snorted and changed her posture.


    She did not know that at this moment, a faint light was gathering around her body. With every breath she took, this light quietly entered her body. With every inhtion and exhtion, her face became visibly rosier.


    She was exhausted. Even though she had time to rest, she had almost exhausted her energy from worrying and using the various functions of the space almost non-stop. However, although she was tired, she did not forget to set it at the slowest speed before falling asleep.


    Because she was tense, Xiaoxiao did not sleep well. About five minutester, she opened her eyes again. This time, when she woke up, the Xiongnu people had already been pressed back hundreds of kilometers by the soldiers of Great Xia. She could vaguely see the Xiongnu Capital City.


    [Master, the current total points are 100,230. It meets the requirements for leveling up. Do we want to level up?]


    Xiaoxiao rubbed her eyes and looked at the hazy city tower in the yellow sand.


    She nodded. [Of course.]


    [Upgrade sessful. Current space level: Level 30.]


    [The time flow in the farnd has increased. The current speed is 30 times!] [The time flow in the ranch has increased. The current speed is 30 times!] [The time flow in the water body has increased. The current speed is 30 times!] [The current adjustable speed of the Time Hut is plus or minus 30 times!]


    [Range Control ability upgraded!]


    [The Space Exchange Mall category is updated.]


    [New function obtained: Spatial projection. The projection range is within 30��30.]


    [You have received a brocade pouch for leveling up. Current total points are


    280.]


    [Master, do you want to open the brocade pouch?]


    It was what she was waiting for: [Hurry up!]


    Hidden reward, here Ie!


    Xiaoxiao rubbed her palms together and heard the space notification with high fighting spirit��


    [The brocade pouch has been sessfully activated! Host, please make a choice.]


    [One, 1��1 ranch speed times 10.]


    [Two, ixi water speed times 10.]


    [Three, Teleport.]


    [Four, Hidden reward.]


    Xiaoxiao��s hands trembled slightly as she moved towards the fourth reward. She clicked on the hidden reward. Perhaps her path home was about to open, but what should she do? The third reward was also very attractive!


    Or should she get to know it first?


    She said to the space: [Exin the third reward.]


    The space told her: [The teleportation function can be used in conjunction with a Level 20 NPC projection. It can allow you to instantly appear where the NPC is. It consumes 10,000 yuan per use. There is no limit to using it one day.]


    ��Unlimited�� was such a beautiful word.


    Moreover�� Looking out of the space, Xiaoxiao��s gaze urately found the familiar back view in the crowd. She asked herself: Is it really that important to go back?


    [I choose the third option.]


    The soldiers of Great Xia approached gradually. The Xiongnu soldiers finally reacted��


    ��Oh no, they didn��t follow us to hunt us down! They want to attack the imperial city!��


    ��Damn it!�� The second prince was furious. ��The Crown Prince of Great Xia didn��t mention any of this!��


    That was because the Crown Prince did not know either. He only found out that Rong Yan chased after Xiongnu. The only crimes he could think of were ��greedy for sess�� and ��impulsiveness in doing things��. It was even more far-fetched to say that his actions were ��out of anger for a beauty��. The person in the courtyard had yet to recover.


    It had been more than a month since Rong Yan left the border city. It was obviously impossible to trap the Crown Prince for so long, and the news of the soldiers�� recovery could not be hidden forever. Hence, the patients in the courtyard had gradually recovered and left, and the Crown Prince had regained his freedom.


    The first thing he did aftering out was to send people to keep an eye on Xiaoxiao��s location. However, as time passed, that woman still did not appear. Although the Crown Prince felt that there was still a long way to go and she could not escape his grasp, the more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Today, he brought his personal guards over aggressively and insisted on confirming her illness.


    Deputy General Yu and the Yun Guards blocked the courtyard door, determined not to let the Crown Prince go forward again.


    The Crown Prince said with a straight face, ��Why? I don��t even have the right to care about a patient?��


    Deputy General Yu was straightforward. ��It��s fine if Your Highness cares about others, but it��s better to keep a distance from your future sister-inw.�� The Crown Prince felt disgusted at the thought of Xiaoxiao��s face that was covered in pustules and rashes. When he heard this, he felt even more offended and was directly angry.


    ��How dare you, Yu Qian!��


    Deputy General Yu knew that he had misspoken, but the most important thing now was not to let the Crown Prince disturb and hurt Miss Xiaoxiao. Hence, he straightened his neck and refused to let him in.


    The Crown Prince had been supported by all the civil and military officials in the capital since he was young. The Yan Family had done their best to support him, but he was repeatedly frustrated at the border. That nameless anger had long burned to his head. ��Do you still have me, the Crown Prince, in your eyes.�� Deputy General Yu was very brave when he went into battle to kill the enemy, but he was really poor at arguing. Otherwise, he wouldn��t have stayed at the border for more than 10 years and didn��t want to return to the Imperial Capital. He hated those civil servants who picked on him the most. Every time he encountered such a thing, he just wanted to cover their mouths and drag them to a corner to beat them up.


    However, the person in front of him was the Crown Prince. He could not be beaten or scolded. Deputy General Yu gritted his teeth and crossed his arms, standing like a door god.


    The Crown Prince took a deep breath and looked at Shao Lin. Thetter��s eyes rolled, and when he stood up again, he looked unforgiving. ��Half of the other patients have recovered, and the others are also getting better. Why is she the only one who ims that she can��te out? His Highness the Crown Prince sympathizes with the patients, but you deliberately misinterpreted the meaning. This makes me wonder if there��s anything wrong with the people in this house.��


    ��Aiya, could it be that he��s a spy with ulterior motives like that chef back then?!��


    The matter of the chef was also considered a thorn in the Crown Prince��s heart. As the saying went, one had to look at the master before beating a dog. Third Brother even dealt with his people so openly. Wasn��t this a clear p to his face?


    In that case, don��t me him for giving him a taste of his own medicine!


    Shao Lin was used to being ackey. He could guess the Crown Prince��s thoughts from his expression. Hence, he ced his hands on his hips and shouted, ��Someone, smash open this door.. I want to see what kind of monster is hiding inside!��

 Chapter 349 - 349: Clairvoyance

    Chapter 349: irvoyance


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The Yun Guards pulled out their sabers. Deputy General Yu also widened his eyes and started to knead his joints. Clearly, there was no way to settle today��s matter peacefully. At the very least, they had to fight fiercely. As for how they would be punished after that, hmph, who cared!


    Just as the two sides were about to fight and the Crown Prince��s men were about to attack, the door behind the Yun Guards and Deputy General Yu creaked open and Xiaoxiao, whose face was already smooth and rosy, walked out. She blinked and looked at everyone. ��Looking for me?��


    This delicate and innocent appearance instantly stunned everyone present. There were not many women they could see here. When they happened to see them, they were all dark, thin, and shriveled. They had never seen a youngdy as lively as Xiaoxiao.


    She had been growing taller quickly recently. In the past, she was short in Fortune Vige, but now, she was much taller than her peers. She looked a little older than her true age, like a girl who was already 15 or 16 years old. In Great Xia, 15-year-old women could already start talking about marriage.


    Realizing that everyone��s gazes were unfriendly, the Yun Guards blocked her immediately.


    What are you looking at! This is our future mistress. If you keep looking, Fll gouge out your eyes!


    Shao Lin had some old grudges with her, so how could he let go of the opportunity to hit her when she was down?


    ��She��s hiding and sneaking around. She must be doing something shameful!��


    Xiaoxiao raised a finger. ��Wrong, very wrong. Not only is the thing I am doing very open, but you can also see it especially clearly.��


    ��You��ll definitely be shocked when you see it. You��ll be full of praise!��


    Of course, she knew that it would arouse suspicion if she disappeared for so long, so she had long prepared a backup exnation to smooth things over. This reason could not be rted to food and had to be practical. She flipped through the Space Mall for a long time before making a decision.


    Naturally, the Crown Prince didn��t believe her. As the representative, Shao Lin��s words were very ear-piercing. ��You? You��re just lucky enough to catch the Third Prince��s eye with your looks. Do you really think you��re something?��


    There was no need for Xiaoxiao to speak. The Yun Guards�� gazes were already cold, but Xiaoxiao did not care. She took out something from her pocket and handed it to Deputy General Yu. After asking him to put it in front of his eyes, she pointed outside the courtyard. ��Brother Yu, please help me take a look from here. How many leaves does the green seedling outside the courtyard have now?��


    Shao Lin looked in the direction she was pointing at and smiled. ��Do you think he has irvoyance? He can��t even see the distance between here and the flower bed����


    ��Five���� Deputy General Yu was stunned when he answered. He put the thing Xiaoxiao that gave him back in front of his eyes in disbelief and looked at them again. After looking at them again, he repeated with a surprised expression, ��I saw them clearly. Five!��


    Shao Lin thought that he was talking nonsense and mocked him. However, Deputy General Yu had already handed the item to the other Yun Guards. After the others tried it, they had the same expression as Deputy General Yu.


    ��Th-th-this. Miss, what kind of divine item is this?��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. It was a telescope. In order to adjust the craftsmanship to be more in line with this era, she had specially made it rougher.


    She deliberately nced at Shao Lin, who had his words stuck in his throat. ��The term irvoyant is quite good. It��s obvious at a nce. Let��s call it that.��


    The Crown Prince��s men still felt that they were deliberately mystifying things. Hence, under Xiaoxiao��s signal, the Yun Guards gestured for them to open their dog eyes and see through the irvoyant clearly.


    Not long after, everyone, including the Crown Prince, was stunned on the spot. They were very shocked.


    ��Why can this thing allow people to see things nearly 100 meters away?��


    Xiaoxiao thought to herself, A hundred meters? That��s because I��m still hiding my strength.


    ��How did this happen?��


    Xiaoxiao thought to herself, How can I tell you this?


    The Yun Guards took back the thing impolitely and respectfully returned it to Xiaoxiao. ��So you��ve been studying this thing recently. I��m impressed by your talent.��


    ��If such a divine item is used on the battlefield, wouldn��t it be like adding wings to a tiger? Indeed, the heavens are helping our Great Xia!��


    Aiyo, this young man was smart. Xiaoxiao nodded. ��That��s right. You also know that I like to buy things, especially all kinds of books. In the past, I bought an iplete book whose pages were not very clear. Recently, I��ve been recuperating and had nothing to do, so I took it out and flipped through it again.��


    ��What a coincidence. Although the page that recorded irvoyant was also very damaged, I actually managed to make it after fiddling with it.��


    She had seen the method in the iplete book. She did not say it in advance because she was not sure if it would work. She did not leave the room after he recovered to focus on research. How was it? He could not find anything wrong with her, right?


    Not only could he not find any fault, but the Crown Prince also pped Shao Lin��s face. ��B*stard, this girl is clearly working hard for Great Xia! Hurry up and kneel down and apologize to her!��


    Xiaoxiao immediately said, ��There��s no need!��


    Shao Lin thought that he had escaped a cmity, but he heard her say again, ��It��s fine to apologize, but there��s no need to kneel down. I��m still alive. If you kowtow here and there, won��t it make me look����


    ��Ahem, ahem, ahem, ahem, ahem!�� The Yun Guards did not dare to let her finish speaking. They coughed and interrupted her. ��Miss, it��s been hard on you. You definitely haven��t rested well these few days. Why don��t you sleep a little more?��


    It was mainly because the Crown Prince was staring straight at the girl that they were worried.


    Although the Crown Prince had not been close to women for many days and was indeed a little lonely, Xiaoxiao was just a little girl to him. The Crown Prince already had several beautiful concubines. He was not as hungry as Rong Yan, who had never seen the world.


    What he wanted now was the old book that Xiaoxiao had mentioned��there must be something else good if it could record a wonderful thing like irvoyant.


    Seeing that Xiaoxiao was really about to leave, the Crown Prince couldn��t help but ask, ��Where��s that book?��


    Xiaoxiao yawned and turned around. ��You want it?��


    Shao Lin covered his swollen face and shouted, ��How dare you call His Highness ��you��! That��s disrespectful!��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t even look at him. Not only did the Crown Prince not me her for thinking about the book she was talking about, but he even clicked his tongue at Shao Lin. ��It��s just a form of address. Don��t be rude to Miss! I, the Crown Prince, just feel that if I can solve more records in this book, it will definitely be more beneficial to the soldiers, no, to Great Xia. I wonder if Miss can lend it to me?��


    Deputy General Yu and the Yun Guards scolded the Crown Prince for being shameless in their hearts. He was shameless for lying to a youngdy in such a dignified manner! He said that Xiaoxiao wasn��t rude and pretended not to care, but he kept calling himself ��the Crown Prince��. Wasn��t this showing off?


    As if she did not understand, Xiaoxiao took out a wrinkled and ck old book from the house and handed it to him when she heard his question. ��Alright, here, for you.�� After saying that, she opened her mouth and yawned. ��Then I��m going to sleep. I want to sleep for three days and three nights. Don��t disturb me!��


    The Crown Prince could not wait to go back and study it after obtaining a good thing. Of course, there was nothing to refute. As soon as they left, Deputy General Yu and Yun Guards�� hearts ached. ��It��s a pity about that ancient book.��


    Ancient book? Xiaoxiao smiled evilly. ��It��s fake..��

 Chapter 350 - 350: There Are No Men In Great Xia

    Chapter 350: There Are No Men In Great Xia


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Deputy General Yu and the Yun Guards were stunned for a moment before asking worriedly, ��Will we be discovered?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��Don��t worry about me. I have many old books that I can��t see their original appearance. Why don��t you confirm it yourself?��


    After seeing it, everyone praised Xiaoxiao. It was so damaged that even the Immortals could not save it.


    Xiaoxiao left the other book behind. ��If hees looking for me again, tell him that I took the wrong bookst time and ask him to take another book back. When I wake up, I still have to study how to lengthen the distance that irvoyant can see. I can take the food by myself by cing it at the door.��


    This was a big deal, so everyone had to take it to heart.


    The Crown Prince first ced the old book properly after returning. Then, he found his trusted aide. ��How is it? Did you respond to the letter sent to Fortune Vige?��


    The confidant said proudly, ��Your Highness, don��t worry. What does that martial woman Xiao Ran know? Although she was unwilling to hand over the secret recipe at first, she agreed when she found out that a few of her former subordinates�� families were in urgent need of money. In addition, our Yan Family offered a high price.��


    ��Perhaps they heard that Her Majesty the Empress likes that wild girl and specially expressed goodwill����


    The Crown Prince was halfway through nodding when he heard this.


    The confidant asked, ��Now that we have the secret recipe, should we get Master and the others to start preparing?��


    Of course. Before long, this dried vegetable, no, this dehydrated vegetable, would be the Yan Family��s cash cow.


    He looked down on the copper coins of these poormoners at the border, but he was looking at the othernds in the desert.


    For example, the Xiongnu and the Southern Barbarians.


    One was a desert, and the other was a swamp. There was no suitable environment for farming. If he sold these dehydrated vegetables to them in the future, wouldn��t he be able to exchange them for arge sum of wealth?


    Weren��t the Southern Barbarian��s herbs and witchcrafts, Xiongnu��s iron ores and gems not more valuable than that ordinary dried vegetable?


    Unbeknownst to him, while he was daydreaming, a few kilometers away from the military camp, an empty field was already filled with joyful greenery. The citizens of the border city who were helping to farm had also turned from tears of joy to anticipation and joy.


    ��Grandma, look, there��s a small fruit here!��


    ��Don��t move. Miss said that you have to take good care of the little fruit when it grows. You have to prepare to pinch its head and pay attention to the light. Don��t give it too much water!��


    ��I know, Grandma. We��ll just take a look. We won��t touch it or cause trouble!��


    This was the fruit of hope at the border!


    After returning to the house, Xiaoxiao left the NPC behind as usual and went back to Xiongnu with a whoosh.


    Now, she was very d that she had chosen the teleportation function. Otherwise, she could only let the NPC act as if she had disappeared. However, there would definitely be a lot of trouble after that. It would be too difficult toe back.


    Unlike now, when she coulde and go as she pleased.


    [Teleportation has been used. 10,000 points have been deducted. Master, the current total points is 230.]


    Xiaoxiao:��


    Alright, only with points could shee and go as she pleased.


    It took two trips back and forth. Coupled with the NPC��s renewal fee, the points were consumed a little quickly. It seemed that the current way of earning points was not enough for her to mess around.


    Time passed by unintentionally. It had been more than three months since Rong Yan left the Imperial Capital. The Emperor received letters from his two sons almost at the same time.


    The Crown Prince��s letter seemed to be ming himself, but one moment, he mentioned that he had been under house arrest for many days because of his carelessness. The next moment, he mentioned that he was controlled by others at the border and could not do anything. There was a hidden meaning in his words, making the Emperor sneer repeatedly.


    On the other hand, the Third Prince��s letter did not mention the Crown Prince at all. It only wrote about the situation at the border, including how the Xiongnu burned, killed, and plundered, how sinister and vicious they were, and how they deliberately sent the infected soldiers to the military camp in an attempt to destroy the entire city.


    The Emperor was furious. He threw away the unpresentable letter from the Crown Prince and continued reading.


    ��I��m not talented. I really can��t stand the Xiongnu��s arrogant actions. I��ve probed them for many years and they haven��t changed their ways. It��s enough to show that the Xiongnu is ambitious. We can��t tolerate them and they��re pushing their luck. If today��s matter is resolved, others will still think that there are no men in Great Xia!��


    The Emperor pped the dragon table. ��No men in Great Xia? What a ��no men in Great Xia��!��


    The letter also said, ��Father, I��m not doing this on impulse. The terrain of Xiongnu is special and the climate is variable. It��s the golden autumn of October now, the coldest and hottest season at the border. It��s the best time to pursue victory. Moreover, Xiongnu has been defeated and their morale has declined, but the soldiers of Great Xia are full of fighting spirit����


    ��Besides, I��ve recently obtained a unique food recipe that��s suitable to make dry rations for the army����


    ��This matter is very important, but the border is 5,000 kilometers away from the Imperial Capital. It��s an urgent matter. Please forgive me for not being able to report it to Father before taking action. I��ll leave first and let the Xiongnu experience the cavalry of Great Xia!��


    After reading the letter quickly, the Emperor flipped through it carefully again. After that, he fell into a long silence. When he received the letter, the Third Prince should have already gone deep into Xiongnu. Heh, why didri 11 see that this kid was so bold in the past?


    Eunuch De waited at the side for a long time until His Majesty put down the letter. Then, he handed over a stack of memorandums. ��Your Majesty, these have just been sent over. They��re memorandums from the ministers regarding war and peace with the Xiongnu.��


    The Emperor only flipped through two of them and he could not stop rolling his eyes. ��A group of idiots! They actually proposed to make peace with the Xiongnu? And reconcile? Pfft! Why don��t they just turn the books of the sages they read in the past into loudspeakers and take them to the streets to shout, ��We��re afraid of Xiongnu��?��


    After throwing the memorandums and the Crown Prince��s letter together, the Emperor snorted coldly. ��They think that Great Xia doesn��t dare to fight their way over just because they��re in the desert? Why? Has poverty be their advantage?��


    Eunuch De wisely remained silent and did not mention that Xiongnu was rich in ores, including the advantage of having arge number of iron ores and ironware.


    The Emperor was justining. He naturally understood what he needed to understand. After his temper subsided, he approved two more memorandums. Then, he looked up and asked calmly, ��Did I underestimate this son of mine in the past?��


    Eunuch De pretended to be confused. ��What is His Majesty saying?��


    The Emperor nced at him from the corner of his eyes, so Eunuch De could only say honestly, ��After all, the Third Prince was raised by General Xiao. Didn��t Your Majesty send the Third Prince to the border because you recognized his ability?��


    ��Moreover, Your Majesty is also brave and good at fighting in the cities. Third Prince is also like you.��


    The Emperor revealed an ambiguous smile. ��Old thing, your ttery skills are getting better with age.��


    ��How��s Noble Consort Ji?��


    Eunuch De said, ��As usual.��


    The Emperor chuckled. ��Her biological son barely escaped death at the border, but she��s calm.. Does she hate my son who she gave birth to so much?��

 Chapter 351 - 351: There’s Someone Understanding

    Chapter 351: There��s Someone Understanding


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions <sup>1</sup> Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Eunuch De knew that it was time for him to y dumb again, so he lowered his head again, as if he was just an ordinary old man who did not hear anything. The Emperor was in a bad mood now. He knew that the more he looked at the minister��s memorandum, the angrier he would be. Hence, he changed out of his dragon robe and got someone to call Shen Congjun, who was still in the Imperial Capital.


    County Magistrate Shen couldn��t figure out why the Emperor wanted him to stay. In just a few months, his beard was messy. He sighed when he heard the summons from the court. His father, Premier Shen, pped him. ��Why are you lowering your head? His Majesty has his reasons for keeping you. Stop guessing.��


    County Magistrate Shen continued, ��Father, can I transfer Furong to the Imperial Capital? Xiaoxiao has been away for more than three months. The chefs in the pce are really not good. They cooked the same things every day.�� He found it delicious for the first two days, but he got sick of it after 10 days.


    Later on, he basically swallowed it with his eyes closed.


    How did His Majesty survive all these years?


    Premier Shen:�� After all this time, you can��t eat well?Aiyo, rll throwaway


    such a useless son!


    At the thought of apanying the Emperor to eat those unchanging dishes again today, Shen Congjun felt that his mouth was sour, bitter, and ufortable. He felt that something was wrong with his tongue. He looked at the bronze mirror. Oh my god, it was blistering!


    The butler said that this kind of blister had to be rubbed in with salt. At first, it would hurt a little, but it would stop hurting soon. Shen Congjun pondered for a while and ran into the house to carry out his precious small jar of pickles.


    Premier Shen widened his eyes. ��You��re bringing this to the pce?��


    Shen Congjun rubbed his face. ��It��s the same as salt. At least it��s edible. This was given to me by Xiaoxiao!��


    Premier Shen��s expression changed. ��You��re quite good at hiding!��


    Shen Congjun almost ran out of the house and rushed to the pce.


    When he arrived, the Emperor was already wearing a straw hat and sitting beside a patch of golden yellow.


    No Emperor in the past dynasties had turned the imperial garden into a paddy field. It had to be said that His Majesty was quite creative, especially when the rice ears were full and golden under the sunlight.


    Shen Congjun subconsciously smiled. ��Your Majesty, our rice is nted really well.��


    The corners of the Emperor��s lips curled up. He felt that all the annoying things had drifted away. He adjusted his straw hat proudly. ��Of course.


    His tone made it seem like he had really nted it himself. Isn��t such arge piece ofnd served by me and the pce servants?


    Shen Congjun swallowed his criticisms and obediently took off his official uniform. He put a sweat towel around her neck. ��Your Majesty, look at this ear. It��s time to release the water. The Imperial Astronomer has calcted that it won��t rain for the next 10 days. Let��s release the water. You��ll be able to see the fruits of our sess in three to five days.��


    The Emperor looked at the rice ears with relief and pride. He had already gotten someone to calcte that the harvest of thisnd was only more than what Shen Congjun had reported. It could be seen that the new rice seeds were not fake.


    Watching Shen Congjun dig a canal, the Emperor took the teacup from Eunuch De. ��There��s no rain here. I wonder how it is at the border.


    Shen Congjun��s ears were quite good. His hands did not stop moving, and his mouth did not dy his answer. ��It��s difficult over there. It��s possible not to see a drop of rain for half a year, but in December, the snow and wind mixed with the snow and ice. I don��t know which is more unbearable.��


    The Emperor continued to ask, ��Shen Qing, don��t you think that the border is so barren and difficult that it can��t grow food or raise livestock?��


    Shen Congjun paused for a moment. ��But the people of Great Xia live there. Where the people live, it won��t be a useless ce.��


    The Emperor tapped his fingertips on the table. ��Official Shen is right. Let s go. Leave the rest to the pce servants. Official Shen should be hungry.�� Finally, there was someone who understood.


    Looking at the dishes that remained unchanged for years, Shen Congjun happily opened the pickle jar. Fortunately, he was prepared! Then, he looked up and met the Emperor��s curious gaze. ��What is this?��


    Shen Congjun hid the pickle jar behind him. ��It��s medicinal herbs. There are blisters in my mouth. This is used to rub it in.<sup>1</sup>


    The Emperor put down his chopsticks and reached out to him. ��What a coincidence. Me too.��


    Shen Congjun wanted to resist, but he did not dare. He cried as he watched the Emperor leave him a pair of chopsticks and take away the entire pickle jar. He hated his insensible self in the morning.


    Why did he bring the pickle?! Great! It was gone! It was all gone! This was thest jar!


    The Emperor took a sip and felt that it tasted good. ��Where did you buy it?��


    Shen Congjun smiled fakely with a bitter expression. ��It was made by Xiaoxiao that child, whom General Xiao��s family just found.��


    The Emperor was a little surprised, but then he understood. ��That��s true. After all, she��s Gu Chang��an��s daughter.��


    What should he do? He wanted to abduct her even more.


    ��It��s been nearly a hundred days since that child followed Official Xiao back to Fortune Vige, right?��


    Shen Congjun was still mourning the passing of the pickles and said listlessly,


    ��Ah, yes?��


    The Emperor handed the pickle jar to Eunuch De for him to put away. Then, he said in disdain, ��Alright, I won��t take yours for nothing. You must be bored from farming with me these days. Do you want me to give you an errand?�� Shen Congjun��s eyes lit up. ��I will follow Your Majesty��s instructions.


    That day, the Emperor ordered rations and supplies to be transported to the border again. If there was not enough food, they would borrow it from the grain merchants. The Imperial Court did not give them any silver, but they did not suffer a loss.


    ��Repay us three times next year? Really?��


    Shen Congjun, who was in charge of collecting food, nodded. ��We��re not joking.��


    His Majesty was a cunning old fox. Not to mention that he was taking advantage of the merchants for nothing, he would even earn three times the amount of grain back next year! No wonder he had been hiding the matter of the new rice seeds and dying the rewards for the Ning Family.


    When the officials who did not know about the new grain seeds heard this, they submitted reports excitedly. They said that Shen Congjun was rash and naive. His rash promise would shake the foundation of the country and affect the 100,000 soldiers at the border. Oh no, His Majesty was sending more people. How much grain would it take to be enough? Would he be able to repay them three times next year?


    The Emperor suppressed all the memorandums and ignored them. Shen Congjun continued to wander around unhurriedly. On the other hand, those grain merchants were afraid that they would miss the opportunity to get rich and take advantage of them. They sent the food over at lightning speed.


    The two sides continued to argue. As Shen Congjun was scolded, he scolded those censors in his heart for being stupid. The Yan Family watched coldly, but they were too tired to get involved.


    Seeing that the additional manpower and rations had been prepared, the Emperor did not know who to let lead the troops. At this moment, a carriage arrived at the Imperial Capital very low-key.


    ��Your Majesty, General Xiao requests an audience!


    The Emperor didn��t know how to describe his feelings when he saw Xiao Ran again. He wanted to ask how her legs were, but he didn��t dare to. It was still her who frowned. ��If you want to ask, just ask. I��m fine now. I can still go on the battlefield to kill enemies in the future!��


    The Emperor stood up excitedly.. ��Is it really healed?��

 Chapter 353 - 353= Pregnant

    Chapter 353= Pregnant


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Shen Congjun was almost done pretending. ��Father, His Majesty is going to harvest rice tomorrow.��


    The rice in the pce was farmed extremely well, and the harvest time was greatly shortened. It was harvested almost at the same time as the other new rice seeds given by the Ning Family.


    Shen Congjun had also given away the rice seeds that he had promised back then. However, to the officials�� surprise, the Royal Guards appeared in front of them along with the rice seeds.


    All the rice seeds entered the harvest period under the Emperor��s strict watch. It was not an exaggeration to say that in the past few days, the relevant people had been unable to sleep at night and could barely eat or drink.


    Even the knowledgeable emperor came to harvest rice with dark circles under his eyes.


    After cutting two handfuls of rice in a ritualistic manner, the rest was handed over to his subordinates. The Emperor was thinking about the harvest and could not even be bothered to eat the snacks.


    Shen Congjun apanied him the entire time. When Shen Congjun saw that the final production was calcted, his smile came from the bottom of his heart.


    ��Congrattions, Your Majesty. The heavens have blessed Great Xia!�� The Emperor tried his best to hold back hisughter, but he gave up when he realized that he could not hold it in.


    ��Hahahaha, good, good! God bless Great Xia!��


    ��Official Shen has stayed in the capital long enough. From tomorrow onwards,


    I��ll give you a mission����


    Shen Congjun knew that the Emperor had not left him in the Imperial Capital for so long just to let him farm. ��Your subject, ept the decree!


    Counting the days, the Emperor asked Eunuch De to pack up the memorandums he had received during this period of time and bring them to the court. The officials who had long been impatient, especially the imperial censors, started to impeach them as soon as they came to court.


    Most importantly, the impeached person, Shen Congjun, was calm andposed. He allowed them to be impassioned the entire time and watched their saliva fly everywhere. His father, Premier Shen, was also calm andposed. He naturally had the aura of a breeze blowing over the mountain. When they were done scolding and talking, they finally remembered that they should quietly wait for His Majesty��s verdict. Dozens of pairs of eyes looked at the Emperor in unison, only to see him yawn unhurriedly.


    ��Let��s go take a walk in the imperial garden.��


    The ministers were puzzled. Didn��t His Majesty announce a few months ago that the imperial garden was closed and no one was allowed to enter?


    Moreover, weren��t they discussing the impeachment of Shen Congjun? Why did the topic suddenly change to going to the garden?


    The Emperor would not wait for them. After saying that, he left with Eunuch De. Of course, the officials did not dare to stay where they were. After looking at each other, they followed obediently.


    Shen Congjun and his father exchanged nces. They slowly strolled over. The grains that had just been collected were piled up in the imperial garden. All the exotic flowers and nts that were usually in sight were gone, and in their ce was�� farnd?


    The rice stalks that had just been cut, and the packed rice each upied half of the garden. The officials looked puzzled.


    The Emperor asked them, ��Dear Officials, do you know how much rice can be produced in an acre ofnd? How much rice does an adult need to eat every day?��


    The officials could not answer any of these questions. This was the kind of ignorance that the Emperor wanted. After throwing out the questions, he rewarded them with disdain. ��Dear Official Shen, tell them.


    Shen Congjun tidied his official uniform and snorted in his heart. Did you enjoy scolding me just now? Its not that the time hasn��te. Its time for me to show off.


    ***


    Other than leaving some of the rice seeds for the original farmers, the rest were taken away by the Imperial Court. Then, the grains that were taken away, returned to Fortune Vige with Shen Congjun. Shen Congjun knocked on the Ning Family��s door.


    ��Eh, Brother Ning isn��t here?��


    Madam Song nodded. ��They were invited away by the bailiff����


    Shen Congjun looked puzzled. ��Bailiff?��


    The matter was like this. Today was the day Old Madam Ning would be executed. The entire Ning Family had already decided to have nothing to do with them from now on. Unexpectedly, Little Aunt Ning was instigated by someone to make a scene at the county government office.


    The new county magistrate couldn��t stand the disturbance. Two hours before the execution, he sent someone to the Ning Family to exin the situation.


    ��It��s not a big deal. I just want you to take a look at her and send her off onest time����


    After receiving the county magistrate��s instructions, the bailiff knew that there was someone powerful in good terms with the Ning Family, so his attitude was quite warm.


    Ning Fengnian did not say a word. Madam Song and the Ning Family brothers also had dark expressions.


    ��There��s nothing to see.��


    Just as he finished speaking, another person rushed in from outside. ��Brother Ning, look at how this matter has blown up. Your sister said that if she doesn��t see you, she will shout about your unfilial deeds in the execution ground. They even said����


    The bailiff wanted to say something but hesitated. However, he had to make things clear. ��She even said that if this affects Eldest Young Master��s future career, it��ll be toote for you to regret it in the future.��


    ��She said that not only will she find trouble with you today, but she will also go to the examination hall in the future and all the ces you will go in the future. She wants to tell all the vigers how your family only cares about their wealth. You watch your blood rtives die or be exiled. Let the world judge you and see if you are worthy of the rewards given by the Imperial Court.�� These words did sound infuriating, but in fact, this was already a slightly tactful retelling. Even an outsider like him wanted to punch Little Aunt Ning when he heard her original expression and attitude.


    ��Brother Ning, urn, I��ll be honest with you. If outsiders who don��t know better hear your sister��s nagging, they might really misunderstand. After all, they don��t know you and don��t know your character��


    Little Aunt Ning��s wails were heart-wrenching. She looked like she had suffered a huge grievance. It was really a little scary.


    The lifeline of the Ning Family now, other than Xiaoxiao, was Ning Ansheng, who was studying hard. Ever since Xiaoxiao left, he had been studying harder and harder. If it weren��t for Dean Lu, he probably wouldn��t even n to eat or sleep. He would have to spend the rest of his life with books.


    Madam Song rolled up her sleeves. ��It��s not over yet, right? Is she addicted to bullying our family?��


    Ning Fengnian stopped her. ��Leave this to me. Rest well at home.�� After saying that, he deliberately nced at her stomach. ��You know Little Sister. She can do anything when she��s angry. It won��t be good if she bumps into you.�� Madam Song could only suppress her anger when she heard this. She looked down at her stomach, which had not changed much, and was filled with emotions.


    Less than a month after Xiaoxiao left, she suddenly felt dizzy and nauseous. The head of the household was nervous about her body and immediately invited the doctor home to take her pulse. When her pulse was checked, the entire family was surprised and happy��she was actually pregnant.


    Eng, oh no, Anhui said that God waspensating their family for losing a daughter. Although Madam Song said that he was talking nonsense, she was indeed much relieved..

 Chapter 354 - 354: Exemption From Beheading

    Chapter 354: Exemption From Beheading


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Although General Xiao did not mind that Xiaoxiao still treated them as family, they all knew in their hearts that the precious girl they had watched grow up would walk towards a wider world in the future. They had no intention of restraining her, but they were still a little disappointed.


    The appearance of the child gave themfort and anticipation. It would be great if it was a girl like Xiaoxiao.


    Madam Song knew Little Aunt Ning��s behavior. After thinking about it, she still couldn��t feel at ease with her husband��s soft heart.


    Ning Fengnian was helpless but couldn��t refute. At this moment, Ning Ansheng, who had been in the house for half a day, walked out. ��I��ll go with


    Father.��


    Madam Song immediately rolled down her sleeves. ��Then I��ll cook for you at


    home.��


    Ning Fengnian:�� Was he that worrying? Was he inferior to his son?


    Ning Ansheng had always been a calm person. Now that he had a schrly aura on him, he was wearing the new clothes that Xiaoxiao had prepared for him before she left. When he walked out, he attracted all kinds of gazes.


    ��Which family��s young master is this? He��s too good-looking.


    ��It��s not just good-looking. Look at his imposing manner. One look and you can tell that he��s a schr.��


    ��I think he must have been born well. One look and you can tell that he��s a rich young master raised by a rich family!��


    ��You know so much at a nce?��


    Ning Fengnian suddenly understood the meaning of his soning with him. There was a congestion beside the guillotine. The bailiffs were annoyed, but there was nothing they could do.


    ��Shopkeeper Lei, Young Master Lei, why do the two of you have to get involved?�� Themoners were fine, but the Lei Family was powerful and had countless connections with the Yan Family. Previously, when Lord Yan Lumitted a crime and was punished by the Emperor, they thought that the Yan Family would restrain themselves. They did not expect�� Sigh, but why did they get involved in the Ning Family��s matters?


    Shopkeeper Lei and Lei Shaoming chuckled. It was at such a time that they could not tarnish the Yan Family��s reputation. Otherwise, wouldn��t it make them look afraid? They could not afford to lose face, let alone the Yan Family. Even Xiao Ran, that martial artist, was eager to express goodwill to the Yan Family. Who did the Ning Family think they were?


    Before, without the support of the General��s Residence, the Ning Family dared to use the courage given by County Magistrate Shen to go against the Lei Family. Now, Xiao Ran��s wild girl wanted to enter the East Pce and Shen Congjun was impeached by the officials.


    They wanted the Ning Family to know that even if they knew the General��s Residence, they were still nothing in the eyes of the Lei Family!


    Others might not know, but they knew that the Ning Family had been rewarded with the best qualitynd and money by the pce because they had raised the lost child for the General��s Residence. Hmph, those short-sighted people might be so smug now. It was a good opportunity to kill their drive and let them see their status.


    Little Aunt Ning nced at the tall and well-dressed Lei Shaoming and squeezed out a look that she thought was enchanting and beautiful. ��Young Master Lei, do you think I��m good at it?��


    Lei Shaoming retreated and avoided her tantly. ��Continue making a scene. I believe your ��good<sup>1</sup> brother wille.


    Little Aunt Ning giggled shyly, but she did not know that her hoarse voice was only disgusting to Young Master Lei who was a frequent guest of the brothel. She thought that she had finally found a good person and swaggered to find trouble with the bailiffs.


    The bailiffs were simply aggrieved. In the past, they had never been put in a difficult position. However, this shrew relied on the power behind her, the Lei Family. She even said, ��Let me tell you, everyone in the surrounding viges knows that my brother is a filial son. He only has a small conflict with my parents. Who knows when he will figure it out? He still has to be filial in front of my parents�� beds. At that time, be careful that my brotherins to His Majesty and takes off your county magistrate��s hat!��


    The bailiffs felt that she was spouting nonsense to scare them, but there seemed to be a trace of possibility in her nonsense. After all, didn��t the former county magistrate, Lord Shen, specially instruct their Master to take care of the Ning Family before he left?


    Moreover, the Ning Family could be considered to be known by the Emperor now. General Xiao had just led troops to support the border a few days ago. It could be seen that these two families were at their peak. What if, that was to say, this farmer��s family was muddle-headed and really repaid kindness with ingratitude��


    Themoners were stupid. It was not that they had never been instigated to be ingrates. The officials above were used to ttering their superiors. If something really happened, their superiors might not investigate the truth. At that time, they would be the unlucky ones.


    It was too difficult for them.


    As they were thinking, they saw Ning Fengnian and Ning Ansheng from afar. They heaved a sigh of relief and went forward to wee them.


    Ning Fengnian��s gazended on the crowd waiting for the execution. He immediately saw the white-haired Old Madam Ning.


    Although her life in the past was not thatvish, his stepmother always took care of herself in high spirits and would never let outsiders see her old and sloppy side. However, at this moment, her white hair was scattered and she was dirty. Her eyes were turbid and her entire body was trembling.


    She was afraid of death. She was so afraid that she was frightened all day long. Every person who walked towards her made her feel that they were going to chop off her head. Before today, she still had a glimmer of hope in her heart, hoping that stupid Ning Fengnian would save her life on ount of the many years of nurturing��


    However, she didn��t think about what she had done to Ning Fengnian��s family all those years.


    Old Madam Ning was already old and dizzy, but she still recognized her stepson from the crowd.


    ��Fengnian! Fengnian! Save me, save me. I don��t want to die, I don��t want to die!��


    ��I raised you up, cleaning your shit and urine. Even if I don��t have any credit, I have worked hard. You can��t treat me like this!��


    ��You��re killing your mother. You��ll be punished by the heavens! You��re heartless!��


    Ning Ansheng turned his head and nced at his father. Seeing that he didn��t have much of an emotional fluctuation, he walked towards Little Aunt Ning.


    ��I originally thought that you were just stupid and hadn��t really participated in the dirty things in the old residence, so I nned to let you off.��


    Little Aunt Ning felt a chill run down her spine and inexplicably had goosebumps all over her body. Was this person really her honest and silent big nephew from before?


    However, after looking at the Lei Family members who were supporting her, she returned to her high and mighty self. ��What are you talking about? I��m the one who doesn��t want to let you off now!�� She even reminded softly, ��Do you see that? These are Young Master Lei and Shopkeeper Lei. Do you know the Lei Family? They��re with the Yan Family. You��ve heard of the Yan Family, right? They��re the Empress��s maternal family! Let me tell you, you can��t afford to offend me now!��


    Ning Ansheng looked at Shopkeeper Lei and Young Master Lei, who were sitting on chairs. He asked Little Aunt Ning, ��What are you doing here?�� Little Aunt Ning did not expect him to be so straightforward. She was stunned for a moment before replying, ��I want my mother to be exempted from the punishment of execution!��


    Ning Ansheng sneered. ��Dream on..��

 Chapter 355 - 355: You Can Only Choose One Person

    Chapter 355 - 355: You Can Only Choose One Person


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Little Aunt Ning choked. Seeing that her nephew, who was very different from before, had a look of non-negotiability on his face, she looked at Ning Fengnian for help. ��Big Brother, are you so heartless?��


    Ning Ansheng asked her back, ��Your mother almost killed my sister and even killed your brother herself. Don��t you think that she��s heartless enough? Yet, you want to me us for killing her? What kind of logic is that?��


    Little Aunt Ning gritted her teeth. ��I��m talking to your father. Why are you interrupting!��


    ��Look, everyone, take a good look. With him like this, why is he still studying the sages�� books?! I think even if he gets into the High Schr Examination in the future and bes an official, he will definitely be a corrupt official!��


    It began. The Lei Family looked like they were watching a good show, but Ning Fengnian��s heart turned cold. He had no intention of agreeing to Little Aunt Ning��s request to begin with. Now, he hated her even more.<div>


    ��Shut up!��


    Little Aunt Ning had never been shouted at by Ning Fengnian in her life. In her impression, Big Brother was a sucker and a softie. Anyone in the family could step on him. She had never seen him so tough. She immediately felt extremely aggrieved. ��Big Brother, how can you treat me like this?��


    Ning Fengnian took a deep breath. ��Why can��t I?��


    ��You know very well how you��ve treated our family all these years. Even if I don��t care about your bad words, we barely have any grudges and are like strangers.��


    ��Reasonably speaking, I��m your big brother. The eldest brother is like a father. You��re not doing well. What��s wrong with me scolding you?��


    How did her silly big brother be so eloquent?


    How could she have known that Xiaoxiao had prepared a lot of books for Ning Ansheng before she left? From beautiful essays to unusual literature, there was everything she needed. Ning Fengnian flipped through them carefully and realized that there were even introductory books that taught one how to read.


    Based on the principle of not wasting anything, Ning Fengnian read books when he had nothing to do. After reading them, he even repeated them to Madam Song��s tummy. Now, he was no longer the ignorant and filial farmer from before. He naturally knew more words and logic.


    As she was at a loss for words, Little Aunt Ning��s sharp eyes saw a few familiar figures not far away. She snorted and ced her hands on her hips. ��My father is still around. You don��t have the right to control me. Moreover, we��re not born from the same mother. What��s the point of a brother being like a father!��


    Following her gaze, everyone saw Old Sir Ning and Third Brother Ning, who were still wearing their prison uniforms.


    The two of them were also much more haggard than before. Their clothes were tattered, and their expressions were dazed. It was only when they saw Ning Fengnian and Ning Ansheng that hope suddenly rose in their hearts.


    The day Old Madam Ning was executed was also the day the two of them were sent away. Just now, they heard a message that there was no need to suffer at the mine as a good opportunity had emerged. The two of them followed eagerly. When they saw Ning Fengnian, the two of them rushed over quickly and said,


    ��Big Brother! Save me! I don��t want to go to the mine. I don��t want to go!��


    ��Fengnian, Fengnian, look at me. I��m already so old. Won��t I die if I go there?��


    ��Big Brother, Big Brother, you dote on me the most. I can be considered to have been raised by you. You can��t watch me and Father die!��


    ��Fengnian, I��m your father, your biological father!��


    Ning Ansheng turned to look at the bailiff who had brought them over. Thetter pointed at the Lei Family helplessly, indicating that they had instructed them to bring the prisoners over.


    Ning Ansheng had long heard from Dean Lu that the Yan Family controlled everything. This was his first time experiencing it personally. Magistrate Shen was able to suppress the Lei Family when he was still around because of his father, Premier Shen. The current county magistrate without any backing was no different from amoner in Lei��s eyes.


    The Lei Family was just a dog of the Yan Family, but it was already like this, let alone those people with the actual surname ��Yan��? He also knew that the Yan Family had sent people to buy the food from General Xiao a few days ago. Although General Xiao repeatedly rified that she agreed not because she was coerced, but because Xiaoxiao had other ideas, Ning Ansheng still felt a ball of fire burning in her heart.


    Little Aunt Ning was very proud. She couldn��t win against them alone. Now, she still had Father and Third Brother, and the two noble Lei Family members behind her.


    Father and Third Brother were guilty, but didn��t they bring them here just like that?


    ��Big Brother, think about it carefully. If you��re still so selfish and don��t care about Mother��s life and death, Third Brother, Father, and I will announce your scandal to the world!��


    Ning Fengnian��s face was cold. ��How? It��s only right and proper to pay with her life.��


    Even Ning Ansheng was very surprised by his father��s performance. It was a pity that his younger sister was not around. Otherwise, she would definitely be very gratified to see that Father could already take charge.


    He didn��t realize that there was something wrong with his thoughts at all. He asked Little Aunt Ning, ��Are you going to save your mother or Father and Third Uncle?��


    He couldn��t even be bothered to call her ��Grandma�� anymore, but Little Aunt Ning had no time to care about that. ��What do you mean?��


    Ning Ansheng��s tone was calm. ��We��re just ordinary farmers. We only received some rewards because of Xiaoxiao. Don��t tell me you really think we have the face to change the punishment of three people at the same time?��


    Did that mean that they could only save one person?


    Ning Fengnian was very surprised. He wanted to save them?


    Ning Ansheng whispered in his ear, ��Father trusts me. Calm down.��


    Little Aunt Ning thought about it carefully. Father and Brother wouldn��t die. If Mother couldn��t get away with it today, she would be dead!


    Hence, she said, ��Save Mother!��


    The other two voices spoke at the same time as her, ��Save me!��


    Shopkeeper Lei and Lei Shaoming continued to sit and watch the show. They didn��t care who benefited today. As long as the Ning Family dared to say this, they could immediately fabricate the crime of them relying on the Emperor��s kindness tomit evil. At that time, not to mention that Xiao Ran couldn��t protect them, she would probably also be implicated!


    Aiyo, they were looking forward to it.


    Little Aunt Ning met her brother and father��s eyes and tried to persuade them. ��Father, Third Brother, you��re just going to the mine, but Mother will be beheaded. Of course, we should save Mother first!��


    ��Just to go to the mine?�� Old Sir Ning, who had been in prison for many days, felt that his favoritism for his daughter all these years was in vain. ��Do you know how difficult it has been for me these days? I don��t even dare to close my eyes every night, afraid that I won��t be able to open them again. Now, you��re telling me that it��s just to go to the mine?��


    ��Do you know what kind of ce a mine is? It��s dark there. They mine in the underground cave all day long. They can��t eat their fill and can��t rest well. What if the heavens don��t treat them well and the mine copses����


    He did not want to go! He was supposed to be at the age where he could livefortably. It was already bad enough for him to be like this. If he died in another county and became a lonely ghost, wouldn��t he not be able to die peacefully?


    ��Your third brother is young and strong. He can hold on for a while, but how can I do that?��


    Third Brother Ning was unhappy when he heard that. ��Father, what are you talking about? How am I strong? It��s not like you don��t know that I��ve never done heavy work since I was young. At least you work in the fields to train your body.. I stay in the house all day to study and fight for glory for you!��

 Chapter 356 - 356: Dogfight

    Chapter 356 - 356: Dogfight


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions �� Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��Besides,�� he pursed his lips, the hope of living made him speak without thinking. ��At your age, you��re already on the verge of death. Even if something really happens now, you��ll die of old age. If you let me stay, at least you��ll have someone to offer incense to you, right? Moreover, I��ve studied for so many years. I might be able to take the imperial examination again after I��m free. Wouldn��t you be relieved to know in theherworld?��


    ��Bullsh*t!�� Old Sir Ning roared and pped Third Brother Ning. ��Unfilial son!


    You beast!��


    Third Brother Ning was indeed as delicate and weak as he said. He saw stars from his father��s p.


    Ning Ansheng looked at them coldly and asked, ��But what should we do? Little Aunt is making trouble because she wants to save Old Madam��s life.<div>


    Old Madam Ning immediately nodded. ��Yes, yes, yes! Good daughter, I didn t dote on you for nothing!��


    Ning Ansheng sighed. ��Then����


    Old Sir Ning immediately interrupted, ��No, Fengnian. You can��t choose this vicious woman!��


    Afraid that Ning Ansheng would give away his hard-earned chance to live on impulse, Old Sir Ning quickly revealed something. ��She��s the person who killed your biological mother!��


    Old Madam Ning was stunned. She looked up at her husband in disbelief.


    Old Sir Ning had already thrown caution to the wind. ��Back then, your mother��s illness was strange and she died suddenly. However, I remember that the day she died, she died in the same manner as your second brother when he was poisoned. That poisonous grass was already tall when she married him!


    Moreover, I clearly remember that your mother fell ill after this vicious woman came to our house!��


    Ning Fengnian suddenly turned to look at Old Madam Ning. Thetter seemed to see the King of Hell approaching step by step. She knew that Ning Fengnian definitely wouldn��t save her! Even if Xiao��e was crying and begging, it wouldn��t do. If this d*an old thing cut off her life, he wouldn��t have a good life either!


    ��If you hadn��t sweet-talked me and seduced me, I wouldn��t have done such a thing.��


    ��You��re the one who said that you couldn��t stand her prudeness long ago. You��re the one who said that you like my sluttyness. You��re also the one who said that you want to rece your wife with me whenever there��s a chance. Why? Shouldn��t you thank me for fulfilling your wish for you?��


    ��Don��t forget that you were in the bed with me on the day she died!


    The more she spoke, the worse her words became. The hidden truth became dirtier and scarier. Ning Fengnian roared, ��Enough!��


    He looked at Old Madam Ning. ��The hatred of killing my mother is irreconcble. Not to mention that I don��t have the ability to save you, even if I do, it��s impossible!��


    After saying that, he looked at Old Sir Ning. ��From today onwards, pretend that you don��t have me as your son. I won��t have you as my father either!


    Third Brother Ning, who had recovered from Old Sir Ning��s p, immediately got up impatiently. ��Big Brother, Big Brother,pared to Father and Mother, I��m the most innocent one. Save me, save me!��


    Ning Fengnian was speechless. ��Don��t call me Big Brother. I don��t have parents now, let alone a younger brother. To me, you��re just the son of the enemy who killed my mother. So, why should I save you?��


    Third Brother Ning was stunned on the spot. What Big Brother said seemed to be right. However, he had agreed to everything he asked for for so many years. Third Brother Ning was already used to it. ��Anyway, you have to choose someone to save. It��s much better to choose me than them, right?��


    When Old Sir Ning and Old Madam Ning heard this, they were naturally very unhappy. ��What are you saying? You also know that your brother used to dote on you the most. Why didn��t you think about that when you stole his son��s name and impersonated him? You repay kindness with ingratitude. You��re even worse than us!��


    Third Brother Ning looked at Ning Fengnian nervously and hurriedly retorted, ��That��s just a bastard thing I did when I was young. It��s my fault for not being raised properly. To put it bluntly, isn��t it because you didn��t teach me well? Besides, I didn��t participate in your bullying and exploitation of the eldest branchter on!��


    Old Madam Ning sneered. ��You didn��t participate? Didn��t you spend the money we took from the eldest branch? Didn��t you eat the meat we bought at home? How do you think you��ve been eating, drinking, and reading all these years? Whose money did you get by casually buying brushes, ink, paper, and inkstone?��


    Third Brother Ning was speechless. ��B-but at least I didn��t take the initiative to harm them. I��m not like you, Mother. You harmed his biological mother and caused the death of the child in Big Sister-inw��s stomach. Now, you even killed your own son. If an evil woman like you can get away with it, then the heavens really can��t see!��


    He nced at Old Sir Ning again. ��Father, don��t pretend to be stupid. Don��t say that you don��t know what Mother has done all these years. Without your tacit approval, would she have done so much?


    The three of them were engrossed in exposing each other for a moment and did not notice that the people around them were looking at them strangely. When they were tired of arguing and had no more words, Third Brother Ning turned around again and said, ��Brother, Dng, think carefully. How precious is His Majesty��s grace? Is it worth it to use it for these two people?


    Ning Fengnian frowned and looked at his son. He had thought it through. If his son was soft-hearted this time, he would y the bad cop.


    However, Ning Ansheng looked up at the three ugly people and squeezed out a smile slowly. ��Of course it��s not worth it.��


    With a smug smile, Third Brother Ning continued, ��His Majesty��s grace is vast and mighty. If we still bargain, it will seem like we��re pushing our luck and don��t know who��s superior.��


    Third Brother Ning felt that something was wrong. ��What do you mean?��


    Ning Ansheng stopped smiling. His cold expression actually had an aura that made the people in the old residence not dare to look at him directly. He said, -What I mean is that I have no intention of pleading with His Majesty on your behalf.��


    ��Ning! Da! Lang!��


    Ning Ansheng interrupted their shouting. ��I have a proper name. My name is Ning Ansheng.��


    ��No matter what reward His Majesty gives, it��s all because of the emperor��s vast kindness. We can��t, nor can we be arrogant just because we received the favor of the emperor. Moreover, are you worthy?��


    ��You killed my biological grandmother, caused my mother to miscarry, and even tried to kill my adopted sister. What do you think is wrong with me? It��s fine if I don��t kick you when you��re down, but I actually have to save you?


    He cupped his hands at the county magistrate who had just appeared. ��The officials will decide what punishment you should receive. The county magistrate is fair and strict and will naturally deal with it impartially. Are you ignoring the officials or looking down on thew by causing trouble again and again? It��s no wonder that such an insensible person treats human lives as grass and etiquette and integrity as nothing.��


    ��If people like you can escape the punishment of thew, won��t those viins who kill and rob others in the future be treated the same? How can themoners live in peace in the long run? How can Great Xia be stable?��


    How did it rise to such a height all of a sudden? Third Brother Ning was confused. He couldn��t understand the deeper meaning in his big nephew��s words, but he understood one thing��they had been tricked!


    Ning Dng was deliberately lying to them, giving them hope for survival and then provoking them to frame each other. Now, themoners who were gathered by his younger sister did not be their help.. Instead, they became witnesses to prove their crimes��

 Chapter 357 - 357: Commander Han

    Chapter 357: Commander Han


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��You�� are so scheming! Even if a vicious and cunning person like you is lucky enough to get into the imperial examination, you will definitely not have a good ending in the future and die with an iplete bod����


    Ning Ansheng pretended not to hear him. He didn��t have to talk to such a person openly.


    Seeing that he was stubborn and Third Brother Ning was about to look for Ning Fengnian again. Ning Fengnian strode forward and punched Third Brother Ning��s chin. ��Shut your stinky mouth!��


    ��Say one more word and I��ll knock out your teeth!��


    Little Aunt Ning screamed and was about to pounce into Lei Shaoming��s arms. Lei Shaoming dodged with disdain and swaggered forward to ask, ��Aiyo, the Ning Family dares to hit someone in the street in front of so many people and the county magistrate? Won��t we have to see how to punish them?��


    The county magistrate was sweating profusely. He felt that he had sinned in his previous life and was assigned to be the county magistrate of Xijiang County in this life. He could not afford to offend either of them! Lord Shen, where are you? Come back quickly. I need you. Xijiang County needs you!


    Just as this thought shed through their minds, everyone heard a smiling voice. ��Oh, then I want to ask first. Why would the prisoners who should be imprisoned appear in the execution ground?��


    The county magistrate blinked and felt like crying. ��Lord Shen!��


    Ning Fengnian and his son also cupped their hands. ��Lord Shen.��


    Although he did not regret hitting his brother just now, Ning Fengnian still heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Lord Shen appear. If he was given another chance, he would still punch him. However, he would naturally avoid punishment if he could. If not, the punishment could be gentler.


    Ning Ansheng looked behind Shen Congjun expectantly. Seeing that he did not see the person he wanted to see, he lowered his eyes and stood rooted to the ground.


    The county magistrate had a stomach full of bitterness, but now was not the time. He could only try his best to tactfully say a few words about the Lei Family forcefully taking the prisoners out, but that was enough.


    Shen Congjun patted his sleeve and said mockingly, ��I don��t know when the shopkeeper of a restaurant can make decisions for the government.��


    Lei Shaoming clicked his tongue. Why was he pretending? Looking at his tanned and thin appearance, he must have been impeached badly. ��Look at what Lord Shen is saying. We just feel that she��s about to die, so at least her family can send her off. The heavens are kind. Is Lord Shen so heartless?��


    Shen Congjun did not fall for his tricks. ��ording to Young Master Lei, if any bandits look for the Lei Family in the future, shouldn��t you be merciful too? You can give them whatever they want and let them kill whoever they want. Before the officials arrest and execute them, you can find their family and friends to send them off. At the same time, you can cry and cause trouble on the streets, forcing the officials to reduce their sentences? You��re so awesome, why don��t youin to the imperial court?��


    Ning Ansheng was surprised to discover that his glib tongue was far inferior to his senior brother��s. He had to practice.


    Lei Shaoming��s face turned red. Shopkeeper Lei went forward to avenge his junior. ��Shen, don��t be smug. You offended a lot of people with what you did in the capital, right? Are you sure you still want to be enemies with our Lei Family and the Yan Family?��


    Shen Congjun replied with his actions. He took out the imperial edict with a whoosh and kicked Lei Shaoming��s knee. ��Kneel and listen.�� Then, he looked at Shopkeeper Lei, who was a distance away from him, threateningly and raised his foot.


    Shopkeeper Lei gritted his teeth, but when he saw the bright yellow imperial edict in Shen Congjun��s hand, he could only kneel down obediently.


    The general idea of the imperial edict was to let Shen Congjun return to Xijiang County to be the county magistrate. Currently, the current magistrate would be his deputy to help him deal with the trivial matters of the county office because he had to start handling another big matter��


    ��Requisition all the idle fields in Xijiang County to nt new rice seeds.��


    After reading the imperial edict, he looked at the Lei Family duo in disdain. ��It��s fine if it��s others, but you clearly know about the new rice seeds. Why are you like those idiots? Do you think I��m going to suffer?��


    The two people from the Lei Family:�� Didn��t they get carried away just because His Majesty didn��t react��


    Shen Congjun had been idle at home for a long time. He had even lost the title of a county magistrate. They thought��


    There were many things to hide in the officialdom. The credit for the new rice seeds was given to the Third Prince, so someone had to bear the Yan Family��s resentment. They thought that Shen Congjun was that unlucky person.


    The smart Shen Congjun could tell what they were thinking at a nce. He chuckled. ��I��m really sorry to disappoint you.��


    ��Guards, take down these b*stards who broke into the prison!��


    Shopkeeper Lei was furious. ��How dare you?!��


    Shen Congjun continued to smile. ��Why don��t you try?��


    The officials rushed forward and pressed everyone from the Lei Family to the ground. This time, neither Shopkeeper Lei nor Lei Shaoming dared to resist because the people who restrained them were the Royal Guards.


    The Emperor was very optimistic about the follow-up situation of the new grain seed. This time, he specially gave Shen Congjun an imperial envoy and also supported hisbat strength. The person who came was also an acquaintance of the Lei Family��Han Qing.


    As the leader of the Royal Guards who came this time, Han Qing was very excited to return home in glory. He even avoided the gazes of themoners and ced his foot on the back of Lei Shaoming��s hand. ��Young Master Lei, long time no see.��


    It was clearly a friendly message, but his tone was filled with the coldness of revenge. Lei Shaoming shivered. ��H-Han Qing?��


    Han Qing raised his eyebrows and exerted strength in his feet. ��You called me wrongly. It��s Commander Han.��


    Lei Shaoming cried out in pain, ��You! You used your position to take revenge!��


    Han Qing snorted. ��You were clearly disrespectful to the imperial envoy. I��ll teach you the rules. Come, take him away. We��ll interrogate himter.��


    Wasn��t he very happy when he chased after him back then? Did he ever think that he woulde back for revenge one day?


    To be safe, he went to whisper to Shen Congjun first. ��Lord Shen, how far can I go?��


    Shen Congjun expected better from him. ��His Majesty has already made you the leader. What do you think?�� The Han Family was loyal and devoted, but their fates were tragically destroyed. His Majesty could let Han Qing be a high-ranking official and give him a generous sry, gold, silver, and jewelry, but he could not return his family to him, so what if Han Qing vented his anger on theckeys of the Yan Family?


    Han Qing blinked. Of course�� he would take revenge!


    He rubbed his palms together and didn��t forget to greet Ning Fengnian and Ning Ansheng before leaving. Thetter greeted Shen Congjun, ��Lord Shen.��


    ��Senior Brother.��


    This ��senior brother�� sounded wonderful. In the past, he was almost the youngest in the sect. Everyone would call him junior brother when they saw him. Now that he had finally been promoted in seniority, he found Ning Ansheng much more pleasing to the eye.


    They were all acquaintances to begin with, so he asked, ��Is there food at home?��


    Ning Fengnian:��


    Ning Ansheng:��


    The two of them nodded. ��As long as you don��t mind, it��s just a matter of adding another set of bowls and chopsticks.��


    How could he dislike it? He was about to vomit from eating the few dishes in the pce! There was not a jar of pickled vegetables and side dishes left at home! God knew how much he missed the Ning Family��s food!


    Realizing that she was ignored, Little Aunt Ning wiped her tears and cleared her throat.. ��Sir, then, then what should we do?��

 Chapter 358 - 358: Beheading

    Chapter 358: Beheading


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    County Magistrate Shen, who had returned to his post, rolled his eyes. ��You reminded me. Those two, go to the mine now. This unruly person can��t be taught. Let her catch up on her lessons in the prison. Also, it��s almost noon. What are you waiting for?��


    Old Madam Ning immediately trembled uncontrobly. ��I-I don��t want to die. I don��t want to die! Please let me go. I don��t want to die!��


    County Magistrate Shen clicked his tongue. ��If you knew that this would happen, you wouldn��t have done it. Does the Ning Family��s first wife want to die? Does your second son want to die? Does the young mistress of the General��s Residence, who was almost killed by youst year, want to die? You don��t show mercy when you kill people, but you know how to be afraid now?�� These crimes were each more terrifying than thest. They also clearly let the surroundingmoners know what kind of character Old Madam Ning had. It was already good enough that they didn��t throw rotten eggs at her, let alone defend her.


    As she was thinking, a pile of rotten vegetables, leaves, and rotten eggs suddenly flew over and smashed into Old Madam Ning��s face.


    ��Oh my, the heavens have finally opened their eyes. They��re finally going to take you in, you horrible old woman!��


    Looking at the beautifully dressed woman in front of him, Ning Fengman almost didn��t recognize her.


    The former Second Aunt Ning was now Miss Cuihua. Her lips were bright red and she was wearing a bright dress. She was dressed especially festively as she waved her handkerchief at the crowd. ��Hello, everyone. I was once the daughter-inw of the Ning Family��s old residence. Now, I��m working at Huaman Brothel on South City Street. If anyone throws vegetables at this old woman today, I��ll apany him for a night for free!��


    Oh my, themoners hurriedly covered their children��s eyes and ears and sighed at how immoral she was.


    Second Aunt Ning acted as if she couldn��t hear them. She exined her grudge with the Ning Family��s old residence at the top of her voice, making Old Sir Ning want to find a hole to hide in.


    Before he was pulled away by the officials, he looked at Ning Fengman with hope. ��I��m your biological father!��


    Ning Fengnian sighed, knelt on both knees, and kowtowed to him three times.


    ��Not anymore.��


    Old Sir Ning wanted to say more, but Ning Fengnian had already stood up. -There��s something you and Third Brother might not know. If I sue further, your crimes won��t be sent to the mines, but��


    He pointed at the execution tform. Old Sir Ning��s knees went weak and he almost knelt down.


    They wished they could leave as soon as possible, but County Magistrate Shen changed his mind. ��Since you��re already here, you three can watch the execution first.��


    W-watch what? Old Sir Ning, Third Brother Ning, and Little Aunt Ning looked at the execution tform shakily. Could it be��


    Shen Congjun narrowed his eyes and patted Ning Ansheng. Did you call that woman over?��


    Ning Ansheng looked down and didn��t admit or deny it.


    The people in the old residence were thick-skinned, so they needed someone with even thicker skin than them to suppress them. After thismotion, he did not believe that those people would dare to cause trouble in the future.


    Oh, they didn��t have a chance anyway.


    ��It��s time!�� The muscr executioner took a sip of wine and sprayed it at the de. Every time the cold sabernded, it created a scene of blood sttering. Little Aunt Ning screamed and fainted. Although Third Brother Ning was still conscious, he and Old Sir Ning emitted an embarrassing stench at the same time-they were so frightened that they lost control of their bowels.


    Seeing this from below the stage, Old Madam Ning, who was experiencing the threat of death at close range, rolled her eyes and fainted.


    The bailiff on the execution ground asked with a look County Magistrate Shen waved his hand. ��Kill the others first.��


    This was not preferential treatment. Old Madam Ning woke up halfway, but the moment she opened her eyes, she saw a head fall to the ground again. She was so frightened that her soul almost left her body. This feeling of knowing that she would die but not knowing when was too torturous. She trembled and felt that every day felt like a year. She felt that it was better to die early and reincarnate.


    The longer it took, the more terrifying Old Madam Ning felt. Old Sir Ning, Third Brother Ning, and Little Aunt Ning trembled even more.


    They were all native farmers. In their lives, they would usually tremble in fear when they heard about it, let alone watch people beheaded. After today, they would have nightmares for who knew how long!


    Hence, when the executioner called Old Madam Ning��s name, they actually had a strange feeling that they were about to be released from their torture. Old Madam Ning wanted to die but didn��t want to at the same time. She fainted again after being picked up. County Magistrate Shen ordered calmly, ��Wake her up with water.��


    ��It��s only right and proper for you to pay with your life. There��s no reason for the person you killed to die innocently, but you can die in ignorance. Wouldn��t that be very unfair to the dead?��


    The surroundingmoners agreed. Second Aunt Ning even took the lead and shouted, ��The county magistrate is wise!��


    A bucket of cold water was poured over her head. Old Madam Ning couldn��t continue to faint even if she wanted to. County Magistrate Shen just wanted her to be executed awake and had no intention of torturing her. Therefore, the executioner ended her life with a sh. County Magistrate Shen looked at Ning Fengnian��s expression and said, ��Brother Ning, why don��t you go back and rest first? I��ll disturb you another day. I��ll talk to my junior brother first today.�� Ning Fengnian must have mixed feelings now. It wasn��t appropriate for him toe and freeload at this time. However, he had serious matters to attend to and couldn��t dy. Hence, he pulled Ning Ansheng to ��So It��s You�� and ordered a bunch of food with familiarity. He only asked him after he was half full.


    ��Have you chosen the location of your fields?


    ��Do you mind if I help you choose?��


    ��If you��ve chosen, do you mind changing it?


    Ning Ansheng:��


    Ning Fengnian, who had returned home, thought that he would be a little disappointed or guilty for a while. However, when he saw his wife, whose abdomen was slightly protruding, watering the flowers and nts in the courtyard with a kettle, he realized that his heart was filled with relief. Hearing her husband��s voice, Madam Song turned around. ��How is it? Is it troublesome?��


    Ning Fengnian strode forward and hugged his wife. ��It��s all settled. Let��s live our lives in peace in the future. We��ll raise the baby and take care of the children. In the future, when we have nothing to do, we��ll give birth to a few more brats.��


    Madam Song blushed and spat at him.


    From the looks of it, the matter should have been resolved. ��Where��s Ansheng?�� Ning Fengnian told her, ��He left with County Magistrate Shen. Oh, I forgot to tell you that County Magistrate Shen is back and is still the county magistrate of Xijiang County. He is going to nt new rice seeds in Xijiang County.�� Madam Song was surprised. ��In Xijiang County? Are yournds also in Xijiang County?��


    Ning Fengnian pped his head. ��Oh right, what a coincidence!��


    It was not a ��coincidence��. Even if he did not choose the best qualitynd in Xijiang County, County Magistrate Shen would persuade him to change it. Because County Magistrate Shen needed a farmer to help with the nting of new rice seeds, he thought of Ning Fengnian at once.


    It was true that Ning Fengnian was wasted in the old residence, but it was also true that he had trained his farming skills.


    He was not like others who started toin and cked off after being thrown a lot of work. Even if the old residence was filled withzy people who left all the work in the fields to him, he had never thought of casually dealing with them. He was a diligent and humble person. If some old people nagged at him about some tricks to farm, he would listen carefully, unlike others who were not bothered to listen.


    The more he was willing to listen, the happier the older generation was to teach him. After this exchange, he really learned his skills..

 Chapter 359 - 359: S-Grade Hidden Mission

    Chapter 359: S-Grade Hidden Mission


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    At least in Xijiang County, few people dared to fight for the spot as the best farmer with him. County Magistrate Shen was familiar with him and was very confident in his character. Besides, they had worked together once and Ning Fengman was a veteran in nting new grain seeds. Therefore, County Magistrate Shen wasn��t going to take the risk with an unknown stranger.


    After Ning Ansheng went home, he conveyed County Magistrate Shen��s thoughts to his father. The two of them hit it off right away. Then, they started to integrate those fields and moved their 100 acres of the best qualitynd next to the government��s. This time, the Ning Family realized that their fields had long been targeted.


    It was a trap. If not for royal fields and County Magistrate Shen and Han Qing, they might not have been able to nt these fields safely.


    Thinking about it, County Magistrate Shen might be helping them again. ��County Magistrate Shen is a good person. Ansheng, if you are lucky enough to get into the imperial examination in the future, don��t forget his kindness.�� Ning Ansheng nodded. ��Father, don��t worry. Don��t forget that he��s still my senior brother.��


    Under the efforts of many people, the official fields specially used for the new gram seeds were cleaned up majestically. The tenants and officials who came to participate in the farming also fulfilled their duties and were ready to take their positions at any time. His Majesty had decreed that anyone who participated in the nting of the new grain seeds would be given priority to receive the grain seeds next year!


    County Magistrate Shen thought that His Majesty was very cunning. His promise made these people willing to pay and work hard. They even kept a close eye on those people who were up to no good and was ready to report them at any time.


    Sigh, but at this moment, he finally experienced the joy of the Emperor watching him farm. He got afortable chair to the side and enjoyed the spring breeze while dealing with the official documents. It was very rxing! ording to Ning Fengnian, those seeds would be able to take root on the ground when spring arrived in April.


    It was a pity that Xiaoxiao was not around. Otherwise, how could he have missed out on the snacks when he was reviewing the official documents?


    The person he was thinking about was looking at the space credit bnce in confusion: [Baby, say it again. What are my points now?]


    The space��s electronic voice sounded twice: [Master, Master, the system has just approved an S-Grade hidden mission-��A grain of millet in the spring harvests 10,000 seeds in the autumn.�� As the mission level is too high, it was not approved and rewarded until the nting conditions reached the standard. The current total points are 536,790! The current space level is 32. Master, should we level up?]


    What hidden mission was so awesome that it gave him 500,000 as a reward at once?


    Xiaoxiao thought about the mission name and reacted: [Is it a rice seed?] Anyway, the mission had beenpleted, so there was no need to keep the space a secret. [That��s right, that��s right. This time, the new rice seed is going to benefit the people of the world. It��s different from the few acres you nted at home!]


    Xiaoxiao understood. At first, she only exchanged for the new rice seeds for her own benefit, so she did notplete the mission. But County Magistrate Shen told the world about the rice seeds. This time, it would benefit the people.


    Xiaoxiao smiled. [It��s indeed not wrong to follow Grandpa Yuan.]


    Compared to the points she obtained, she was more happy with the implementation of the grain seeds. In the future, those farmers who faced the yellow soil and had their backs to the sky would no longer have the days of ��there are no idle fields in the four seas, but farmers will still starve to death��.


    [Upgrade!]


    The new grain seeds were promoted, and the space jumped to level 37. Their skills also took a qualitative leap. The army led by Rong Yan sessfully surrounded the capital of Xiongnu. In addition, there was news from the border city that the provisions and reinforcements from the Imperial Capital were on their way and would arrive in a few days. There was so much good news that it would be unreasonable not to celebrate.


    In the past, it was always the Xiongnu who sent troops to attack the borders of Great Xia. Now that the tables had turned, they could also taste the frustration of being attacked.


    The second prince was already annoyed by his other brothers��ints Back then, no one saw him defeat Great Xia. Now, he had only been surrounded for a while, but it was all his fault for causing trouble?


    When he said that he wanted to attack Great Xia to exchange for gold, silver, treasures, food, and beauties, why didn��t anyone stand up to object? They only said that in hindsight!


    ��Shut up!�� The second prince couldn��t take it anymore and pped the table. ��The Great Xia soldiers are only showing off now. In the desert after December even us native Xiongnu people find it difficult to survive, let alone these Great�� Xia people who grew up in good mountains and rivers!��


    ��We��ll see. Before long, they��ll either freeze to death or starve to death!��


    Although he said it in a fit of anger, it made sense.


    It was a process of walking from summer to winter from the border city of Great Xia. Especially after December, a snowstorm dyed everything in front of them into a world of ice and snow. The Xiongnu people took the opportunity to pour water on the city wall. After freezing for a night, they became slippery ice blocks that no one could climb up.


    A monthter, the cold wind was bone-piercing, and it hurt people��s faces. The Xiongnu people did not even use the ck water that they had prepared long ago. They were unwilling to let the people of Great Xia feel even a trace of warmth.


    After another heavy snow, the second prince was very proud. ��After so many days, their food must be running out!��


    What he said was right. The soldiers of Great Xia were already mentally prepared to scrimp and save for the next period of time. They had even thought of how much sand they had to eat to fill their stomachs without blocking their intestines. However, neither side knew that there was a bug hidden in Great Xia��s camp.


    Bug Xiao flipped through the space and counted her points bnce. She exchanged for arge group of them from the space without any pressure��


    ��Prince, look! It��s a desert wolf pack!��


    ��Hahaha, you deserve it! Let��s see what these Great Xia people will do!��


    As soon as he finished speaking, he was pped to the ground by the second prince. The second prince��s face darkened. ��Idiot!��


    The desert wolf pack might be a threat to those who were alone, but in the eyes of the tens of thousands of hungry elite soldiers of Great Xia-


    ��Aiyo, I was just about to say that we should eat sparingly when this meat came knocking on our door?��


    The soldiers of Great Xia grabbed their weapons happily and weed the wolf pack happily. Yun Er and Yun San even pressed their palms together and imitated Xiaoxiao��s tone.. ��Thank you for the gift of nature!��

 Chapter 360 - 360: Watermelon

    Chapter 360 - 360: Watermelon


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan, who had a straight face all day, couldn��t help but smile. ��Soldiers, follow me to stock up on food!��


    ��Alright!��


    ��I thought that I would die on this trip. I didn��t expect the heavens to be so kind.��


    ��That��s right, that��s right. We thought that we were going to starve and be thirsty for a while, but the heavens sent it to us. The heavens really bless our Great Xia!��


    ��Hey, how many camels are there?��<div>


    Naturally, Xiaoxiao had secretly stuffed them in. It was better to be prepared. Although her points had decreased greatly after this operation, Xiaoxiao was happy! If not for the fact that this ce was not suitable, she would have sent a bunch of wild boars and geese for everyone to eat at a barbecue banquet! She would make those Xiongnu drool!


    Just as the second prince had expected, the desert wolf pack really became food for the soldiers of Great Xia. No one ate and drank recklessly. They prepared to dry the remaining meat and hang it up after they were 70 to 80% full. They would slowly eat it in the future.


    At this moment, the marinade that Xiaoxiao had prepared for everyone seemed very practical. The barbecued ingredients that had been ground into powder did not take up much space, but a small bag could add a lot of vor to an entire wolf.


    The remaining stench of the dry wolf meat was minimal under the effect of Xiaoxiao��s secret barbecue ingredients, but the fragrance went over the city wall and floated into the nose of the Xiongnu soldiers guarding the city.


    The happier Great Xia was, the more depressed Xiongnu was.


    The people of Great Xia did not have much food, so how could they be rich? Seeing that the people of Great Xia were eating happily, they secretly sent people to look for the desert wolf den. Unexpectedly, not only did they return empty-handed, but they were also discovered by the people of Great Xia and almost could not return to the city��


    They couldn��t y like this. They weren��t sofortable when they attacked Great Xia��s border city back then! Could it be that they really agreed with what the Great Xia soldiers said? ��Is the heavens really on Great Xia��s side?��


    Then aren��t we not only fighting with people, but also with the heavens?��


    ��Can we win this?��


    These words boosted the morale of others and diminished their own prestige. The aura of the Xiongnu soldiers weakened greatly because of this. However, when the exasperated General Xiongnu discovered this and wanted to severely punish the instigator, he realized that he could not find him.


    Xiaoxiao, who was constantly monitoring themotion here, hid in her space and looked at the NPC she had just put into her space. She smiled, revealing her neat white teeth.


    After this matter was over, she spent another 10,000 points in pain and teleported back to the small house in the border city. This was because the Yun Guards were reporting outside, ��Miss, the reinforcements from the Imperial Capital have arrived!��


    Xiaoxiao pretended to be still asleep and opened the door. Just as she was about to rub her eyes to increase her credibility, she saw Xiao Ran, who was dressed valiantly, smiling at her with a red tassel spear in one hand. ��Not bad. You��ve grown taller and haven��t lost weight.��


    Xiaoxiao blinked and suspected that she was still in a dream. ��Mother?��


    Xiao Ranughed and opened her arms to hug her daughter. Xiaoxiao listened to her heartbeat that didn��t seem calm and knew that Xiao Ran must be worried about her every day.


    Xiaoxiao raised her hand and patted her mother��s back. ��Mother, I��m fine. I��m not sick, in pain, or in danger. Don��t worry.��


    ��I won��t let you worry anymore in the future.��


    On the other hand, why have you lost weight?��


    Before Xiao Ran could answer, a slightly jealous voice said, ��Of course it��s because your mother misses you and is in a hurry to travel. She refuses to eat properly.��


    Xiaoxiao was even more surprised. ��Father? Why are you here too?��


    Gu Chang��an sighed. ��Both of you came to the border. How can I stay in the Imperial Capital in peace?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled inwardly when she saw him pursing his lips and looking at the two of them. She reached out and pulled him into a hug. ��Father, Mother, I missed you!��


    Gu Chang��an wanted to say that she had forgotten her parents with Rong Yan, but he couldn��t bear to see her acting sweetly.


    Are you hungry? Father will make you supper?��


    Her father��s way of expressing his concern was so simple and practical. Xiaoxiao nodded. ��I want to eat noodles.��


    Then, she rolled her eyes. ��Don��t make so much. I��ll prepare something delicious for you too. It��s a surprise!��


    Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran knew that the rations at the border were almost exhausted, so they did not take her words of ��delicious food�� too seriously. They did not make too many noodles. Firstly, it would be ufortable to eat too much in the middle of the night. Secondly, they did not want to give special treatment to Xiaoxiao.


    When the fragrant and hot noodles were out of the pot, Xiaoxiao also came back with a giant bag. She asked her parents to close their eyes with a mysterious expression and shouted, ��Open your eyes one, two, three!�� She shocked her parents, who were sitting opposite her.


    It was smooth and big. What was this?


    ��It��s said to be a seed found in the west. Let��s call it a watermelon.��


    Xiaoxiao opened the melon with a smile. It was green and red flesh, rich in juice, and had a refreshing fruit fragrance.


    She handed a piece to her parents and took a bite herself. ��It��s so sweet! Father, Mother, eat quickly!��


    ording to China��s original history, there were already watermelons in China during the Western Han Dynasty. However, at that time, it was called Cold Melon. However, she had never heard of the Great Xia Dynasty that she was currently in.


    Of course, the watermelons produced by the space were much sweeter and more delicious than the cold melons in history. Hence, be it Xiaoxiao, who was nting watermelons, or Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran, who were trying it for the first time, they were very satisfied.


    Xiaoxiao knew that her parents must be tired and thirsty from traveling day and night. While they were eating supper, she had already gotten someone to tidy up a ce to rest and chased them to sleep after they were full.


    ��We��ll talk tomorrow. Go to sleep first!��


    Of course, the skills that had just been updated in the wee hours of the morning had to be used on the soldiers who were on their way. With Xiaoxiao using the space ��stealing the beam to rece the pir�� to bring them into the space to rest, it was perfect.


    About an hourter, Xiaoxiao opened her eyes and retracted her space superpower. At this moment, even if the soldiers woke up very quickly, they could recover their spirits without sensing the abnormality of time.


    She was also fully awake, so she went to the fields to take a look.


    Thend at the border could not grow rice and wheat, but it did not mean that nothing could be grown.


    This climate with a huge difference in temperature between day and night and sandy soil was just right for watermelons to grow. The watermelons nted were big, sweet, and juicy. Not only could they make up for theck of water at the border, but they could also generate ie for the people at the border after nting them inrge quantities.


    She had already found a partner.


    Just as the watermelon harvest wasing, themoners were even more nervous than Xiaoxiao, the watermelon owner. They held every watermelon carefully, afraid that they would identally break one.


    ��Miss, if you really nt it, you��ll give us seeds for free. Does that still count?��


    ��Of course.�� Xiaoxiao walked forward. ��I, Xiao Ning, will keep my word. I��ll give you guys the seeds from this batch.��


    Themoners cheered and worked even harder. Only then did Xiaoxiao turn around and greet Li Muyan. ��Young Master Li, why are you here too?��


    Li Muyan cupped his hands. ��Miss, you trust me, so I naturally have to show my sincerity.�� When he heard that they were going to harvest melons, he immediately brought people to help.


    Xiaoxiaoughed and handed him a melon that had just been cut open for testing. ��I don��t know if I should say that you��re honest or tactful. How is it? I told you that I��m confident in my melon.. I didn��t lie to you, right? Any one of them is so outstanding!��

 Chapter 361 - 361: General

    Chapter 361: General


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Li Muyan was a little dazed. At first, he did not believe Xiaoxiao when she said that she wanted to do a ��specialty�� business with him.


    The fur business had almost been divided up. He did not think that Xiaoxiao had the ability to snatch meat from those wolf-like merchants. Who would have thought that she did not like it at all? Instead, she took another path and created a novel thing that no one had ever seen?


    Xiaoxiao told him, ��Doctor Gongsun has already taken a look at this melon. It��s not poisonous or harmful. It��s durable and even quenches your thirst. Don��t be in a hurry to take the goods from me. I can��t sell them inrge quantities for the time being. In the future, you can look for melon farmers to harvest melons. At that time, won��t you earn a lot if you sell them to the Imperial Capital? Do you still remember what you promised me? When the timees, we��ll pay the price we agreed on. Don��t let thesemoners suffer.��


    Li Muyan cupped his hands. ��Miss, don��t worry. Although my Li Family is only


    a merchant, we still have our conscience.��


    She chose Li Muyan to cooperate because although he was a businessman, he was not like those profiteers who only cared about profits. She believed that with the Li Family taking over the watermelon business in the future, themoners at the border would definitely receive the remuneration they deserved. At that time, their lives would definitely be better.


    ��Then take your time. I��ll go check the other crops!�� After saying this, Xiaoxiao skipped away. Themoners she met along the way bent down sincerely to thank her, their faces red from the wind full of smiles.


    Their borders would definitely undergo a tremendous change! All of this was thanks to the kind, capable, and knowledgeable Miss Xiaoxiao in front of them!


    ��I hope that the heavens will bless Miss��s safety and sess. Good karma will befall good people����


    After improving thend slightly, Xiaoxiao even sessfully nted peanuts, potatoes, pumpkins, grapes, and dates in this experimental field that had a shed. Fat peanuts and potatoes were hiding in the soil and quietly thriving. Grape seedlings and date trees stretched their bodies in their respective territories, and small orange-yellownterns could already be seen on the pumpkin vines��


    Although they had yet to see the final results, with the sess of the watermelon case, themoners were filled with anticipation for the other crops and their trust in Xiaoxiao increased day by day.


    Even though the seeds used for the experiment were not all prospering, themoners were still happy. With each additional crop, they had an additional possibility of settling down.


    While calcting the harvest date, Xiaoxiao continued toplete her n of stealing the beam and changing the pir. It was not feasible to rece the space andnd directly. Not to mention her current ability, she would probably be dizzy and overloaded before she could exchange an acre. Even if she could, the change in thend was too obvious. It was so obvious that even a self-righteous fool like the Crown Prince could see it. Wasn��t she looking for trouble for herself?


    The scale of her farming here was not small. Since the Crown Prince had already regained his freedom from confinement, it was naturally impossible for him not to notice it. With his methods and status, it was not difficult for him to steal some fruits from thesends.


    Unlike other crops that had yet to bear fruit, it was really difficult not to notice the huge watermelon. The Crown Prince immediately felt the value of this item.


    Of course, he would not give credit to Xiaoxiao for sessfully nting this thing. In his opinion, that girl was just lucky and obtained a precious seed from somewhere.


    ��Your Highness, someone saw that woman go there to try farming.�� She was so secretive about farming that she even specially built a shed to cover it up so that no one could see it. What a person! He guessed that the vige girl must be afraid that she would not be able to nt it and embarrass herself, so she was deliberately acting mysterious!


    The Crown Prince tidied his clothes. ��She��s notpletely useless.


    Initially, he thought that this woman had first caused him to be locked up for so many days. Then, she gave him the wrong ancient book and made him work for nothing for more than half a month. Once she recovered from her illness, he would definitely settle the score with her. Unexpectedly, she announced that the melons she nted had a great harvest just as she came out.


    The Crown Prince didn��t think much of it at first, but when he saw the big watermelon with ck and green stripes and the red melon flesh that was rich in juice after being cut open, he immediately changed his mind and wanted to take this thing for himself first-especially after hearing that the girl was preparing to cooperate with the Li Family.


    It was no longer a novel thing for the Li Family and the Yan Family to fight for the position of the new royal warrant. He had been taught since he was young that all the good things in the world should be in his hands. The Yan Family s status and wealth could not be shaken. Of course, he would not let go of this item.


    ��Your Highness,�� Shao Lin asked softly before they set off, ��are we going to reason with her, or����


    The Crown Prince sneered. ��Is that necessary?��


    He was the Crown Prince, second only to one person and above tens of thousands of people. That woman was just a vige girl from the mountains. How could that vige girl not obediently hand over what he asked for? Even if she really couldn��t figure it out and thought that she could rely on Third Brother��s power, hmph, then let her understand the price of disobeying him.


    In order to show his nobility, the Crown Prince specially changed his clothes and tidied himself up until he looked radiant. Other than being too tanned at the border and unable to remedy it, he felt that he was dignified and luxurious. He would definitely make that vige girl retreat.


    When he arrived at the farnd, the Crown Prince angrily realized that he was actually stopped. Shao Lin naturally wouldn��t give up this opportunity to show his loyalty. He went forward and shouted, ��Do you know who this is?��


    The gatekeeper drew his sword. ��No one can enter.��


    Shao Lin was so frightened that he took a step back. Then, he felt that he had lost his momentum and wanted to find someone to make up for it. Hence, he shouted even louder, ��This is His Highness the Crown Prince!��


    The Crown Prince had already gotten into a posture to continue walking, but these stupid soldiers were still unmoved.


    ��We��ve already said that no one can do it.��


    Shao Lin found it unbelievable. ��You don��t even listen to the Crown Prince?��


    The guard general said sternly, ��This is the military camp. Military orders are absolute. Unrted people are not allowed to enter. Those who vite the militaryw will be punished!��


    The Crown Prince clenched his fists tightly in his sleeves. What a military order! What a third brother!


    In the past, he did not show his face. Now that he had power, he indeed revealed his true colors. He had just obtained a chance to control the military. Third Brother already did not care about him, the Crown Prince, at all. In the long run, would he have to take the supreme position in the future��


    The Crown Prince��s expression was ugly. Thinking about the grievances he had suffered in the border city recently, and then thinking about how not only did the emperor not punish his third son after he wrote to his father, but he also ordered more troops to send food��wasn��t this obvious support?


    He flicked his sleeves. ��Let��s see who dares to stop me today!��


    In order to achieve his goal, he brought his personal guards today. Their number was no less than the soldiers guarding the door. The atmosphere between the two sides was immediately tense. Just as they were about to fight, a voice sounded behind everyone.


    ��Crown Prince, you��re so impressive.��


    Why did this voice sound so familiar? Before the Crown Prince could turn around, he saw the soldiers who were looking at him with disrespect and disdain suddenly widen their eyes. They knelt on one knee with excited expressions and looked pious and respectful. General!!


    General? Deputy General Yu? However, Deputy General Yu was a man. The voice just now was clearly a woman��


    Wait! Which other woman in the dynasty would be called a ��general�� and be respected so much?

 Chapter 362 - 362: Your Mother Is Definitely That Thief

    Chapter 362: Your Mother Is Definitely That Thief


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He slowly turned around and saw that hateful face. ��General Xiao? Why are you here?�� After asking, he reacted. ��Are you the one the Imperial Court arranged to send food this time?��


    As he spoke, his gaze inadvertently swept across Xiao Ran��s injured leg. It was obvious that he did not know that Xiao Ran had recovered.


    Xiao Ran��s heart skipped a beat. She tilted her shoulder and immediately pretended that it was inconvenient for her to walk. ��Yes.��


    Gu Chang��an helplessly reached out to support her. His wife was ying. Other than helping her, what else could he do?


    Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an were here to look for Xiaoxiao. Seeing that the Crown Prince had ill intentions, they naturally had to ask, ��What is the Crown Prince doing?��


    The Crown Prince had not studied for nothing all these years. He knew better than anyone the principle of striking first at critical moments. Hence, his face was filled with righteous indignation. ��As everyone knows, thend at the border is not suitable for farming, but there are some ignorant and ipetent people who want to use Third Brother��s name to coerce themoners to farm for her.��


    ��She��s simply fooling around! The lives of themoners here are already difficult, and she��s still bullying others like this. I naturally can��t ignore her. Such a person who uses her power to intimidate others needs to be severely punished.��


    He had also thought about itter. After discovering that the vige girl had actually nted watermelons indiscriminately, he would take over those watermelon fields on the grounds that this person was shameless and ignorant. In this way, the rare items would naturally fall into the hands of the Yan Family.


    Xiao Ran was new here and definitely didn��t know anything about what had happened. She would do whatever he said.


    Xiao Ran smiled, but her eyes were cold. ��Oh, is that so?��


    She patted her husband��s hand, which was tightened a little tightly on her arm. Then what do you think should be the appropriate punishment, Your Highness?��


    The Crown Prince snorted and habitually nced at Shao Lin to let him speak. Thetter cleared his throat and said, ��This is the military camp, so it��s natural for her to be punished ording to militaryw. With what she did, she should be punished with 50 military strokes, right?��


    Her husband��s hand was tightened, but Xiao Ran could empathize with him Would their daughter really be bullied by the Crown Prince if they didn��te? They couldn��t even bear to say harsh words to their precious daughter, let alone be beaten up?


    This b*stard advisor was bold enough to ask for 50 military rods that could kill her 10 times.


    Very good, they would remember thisckey.


    Coincidentally, Xiaoxiao found out that her parents wereing and ran over excitedly to wee them. Then, she saw the Crown Prince��s long face.


    They clearly had the same father. Why was it that Little Big Brother was handsome and good-looking, while the Crown Prince only had the face of a stepmother? He looked like everybody owed him millions of taels of silver. They didn��t know what was wrong with Noble Consort Ji, but she didn��t dote on the handsome man she gave birth to and actually liked this sulky type. Xiaoxiao hated the Crown Prince too much, so she greeted him perfunctorily and looked at her parents. She blinked and said, ��Greetings, Chef Gu. Greetings, General Xiao. I heard that the two of you want to see my vegetable garden?�� It was fine with General Xiao, but Chef Gu? Gu Chang��an was betweenughter and tears, but the anger in his heart dissipated a little.


    Her daughter��s eyes flickered. It was unknown if she wanted to show off more results to the two of them or if she wanted to be naughty. The two of them followed her instructions and did not expose their rtionship for the time being. They nodded. ��I��m indeed a little curious.��


    Xiaoxiao immediately smiled. ��Then I��ll show you around! I nted a lot of things!��


    This was the first time the Crown Prince had seen her smile like this. For a moment, he felt that this vige girl did not look bad. Other than her thick bangs being an eyesore, she had a pair of big and round eyes, a small nose, red lips, and white teeth. Her skin was not as dark as the ordinary people at the border. Her fair skin that was not covered by her clothes seemed to be worthy of being ��as fair as cream��?


    He suspected that there was something wrong with his eyes because he had not been close to women for many days.


    As usual, Shao Lin wanted to make his presence known. ��How bold and unruly.


    Why did they stop His Highness the Crown Prince from entering?��


    Xiaoxiao looked puzzled. ��Why is the Crown Prince going in?��


    The Crown Prince took a deep breath. ��I��m doing what General Xiao and her husband are doing.��


    Xiaoxiao scrunched up her face. ��Chef Gu and General Xiao came to study the vegetables in the field and see if they could make anything delicious to add to the soldiers�� meals. Are you the same? But do you know how to cook? Didn��t the chef you brought get executed because he betrayed the country? Did you bring another chef? Or are you also a culinary enthusiast? Do you know how to make <sup>e</sup>gg fried rice? Do you know how to cut potato shreds?��


    This series of words came out of her mouth like a series of bullets. The most hateful thing was that the Crown Prince could not answer a single word. He simply changed his reason. ��I came to look for you to get the ancient books that recorded irvoyant. This time, don��t say that you got the wrong one again!�� He couldn��t hold back his anger. It was an ident that she took the wrong book once, but she gave him the wrong iplete book twice. If he still didn��t realize that she did it on purpose, he wouldn��t be the Crown Prince anymore! Xiaoxiao was vexed. ��Ah, but I��m in the midst of research and don��t want to give it to you.��


    How dare she! She was simply bold! If he did not let her see his methods, this short-sighted vige girl would probably not know how many eyes he had.


    The Crown Prince nced at Shao Lin again. Thetter understood and immediately put his hands on his hips. ��This is your fault. How can you take someone else��s things for yourself so naturally?��


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows. ��Oh? What do you mean?��


    Shao Lin said, ��When we went back, we suddenly remembered that there was a book in the Crown Prince��s residence that recorded the method of making irvoyants. Later on, it was stolen by a servant at home and disappeared without a trace�� His Highness doesn��t intend to hold you responsible. You just have to return the things obediently now.��


    Good lord, did this mean that the book that recorded the irvoyant came from the Crown Prince��s residence and was stolen by her? He was clearly nning to snatch it if he could not get it.


    Even if her parents weren��t around, Xiaoxiao wouldn��t let him show off. Moreover, her backers were beside her now. Xiaoxiao tilted her head. ��You must be mistaken. My mother gave me this book.��


    Shao Lin immediately said, ��Then your mother must be that thief! The Crown Prince is kind and didn��t intend to argue with you. If you��re stubborn, we can only take you and your mother down and punish you for stealing! How many lives do you have to steal from the Crown Prince!��


    They didn��t see that Xiao Ran��s smile was gone and she was filled with a murderous aura.


    Good, very good.


    What they saw today was enough to prove how the Crown Prince and his subordinates bullied Xiaoxiao when they were not around!


    Shao Lin was still nagging. ��Besides, I can tell at a nce that this irvoyant is used in the army. You, amoner, hid this thing and refused to return it to the Crown Prince. Who are you thinking of giving it to? The Xiongnu or the Southern Barbarian? This is a crime of colluding with the enemy!��


    Xiaoxiao sighed. ��You��re scaring me like this. I����


    Before she could finish speaking, the guards suddenly knelt down in unison..


    ��General, we can guarantee that Miss doesn��t have that intention!��

 Chapter 363 - 363: My Daughter

    Chapter 363: My Daughter


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��When the border city��s food supply was running out, it was Miss who brought


    people to send food to help us tide over the crisis.��<sup>1</sup>


    ��She has been cooking delicious food for us all day long at the border. Ever since she came, the food in the army has be better. We��re also full of energy. Moreover, she even spent a lot of effort thinking of a way to nt crops at the border.��


    ��As everyone knows, the soil at the border is poor. Whatever we nt will die. However, Miss createdrge patches of green on suchnd. There are also big watermelons that have recently been harvested. They were nted with the seeds you found!��


    ��Just now, this advisor said that Miss is using her power to oppress people. That��s even more impossible. Everymoner who came to participate in the farming is voluntary. They��re provided with food and grains. Even if they��re not paid, they��re trying their best to help. Moreover, Miss gave them a lot of money and even promised to give them seeds for free after nting the crops!��


    ��How can such a girl be a coborator!��


    ��General, please don��t misunderstand Miss!��


    Shao Lin spat. ��That sounds good. She let themoners farm for herself. If the melons she nted can be sold for money, won��t they be in her pocket?��


    Xiaoxiao turned to look at him from the corner of her eye. ��No, really.��


    ��I only care about testing the seeds. The experiences and things to take note of during the nting process will be recorded. From now on, I��ll copy them into a book and distribute them to the people of the border city for free.��


    ��As for the melons, that��s also a transaction between themoners and


    merchants. I won��t interfere.��


    Shao Lin chuckled. ��Who would believe that? Every man for himself. Why are


    you so busy? Are you bored?��


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin. ��Maybe it��s because I have a good upbringing and


    know how to take care of the world since I was young.��


    ��I estimate that half of this morality came naturally and was inherited from my parents. The other half came from my nurturing. It��s just that I��ve been influenced and learned well. A selfish person like you definitely won��t


    understand.��


    Shao Lin��s face turned pale. He felt very embarrassed. ��Do you think His Highness and General Xiao will believe your nonsense?��


    The Crown Prince hadn��t expressed his stance yet, but Xiao Ran reached out and patted Xiaoxiao��s little head.


    ��I believe her. How can I not know my daughter��s character?��


    Shao Lin��s eyes almost popped out.


    The Crown Prince, who had been pretending to be cool for a long time, was


    also speechless.


    Xiaoxiao chuckled and threw herself into Xiao Ran��s arms. ��Mother, they��re so


    fierce. I��m so afraid.��


    Xiao Ran patted her daughter��s back and looked at Shao Lin coldly. ��I didn��t hear you clearly just now. Whose family members are you going to kill?��


    Shao Lin was shocked and in disbelief. What did that vige girl call Xiao Ran?


    Xiaoxiao looked up andined aggrievedly, ��Mother, he said that you��re a thief!��


    She even repeated to Gu Chang��an, ��Father, he said that your wife is a thief!


    The couple looked coldly at the Crown Prince and the others, who had yet to understand the current situation. ��Hehe.


    Although she didn��t know what book they were talking about, Xiao Ran still pulled out a guard��s sword and ced it on Shao Lin��s neck. ��I gave that lousy book to Xiaoxiao. Why? Is there a problem? If you say that I stole the book from the Crown Prince��s residence, you have to show evidence. Otherwise, let��s go to His Majesty and have a good talk.��


    ��I also want to see how many lives you have since you tried to frame an


    Imperial Court official.��


    After saying this, she didn��t have the patience to listen to the Crown Prince and the advisor��s excuses. She pulled her precious daughter Xiaoxiao into her experiment field. This time, the Crown Prince wasn��t in the mood or the face to follow them forcefully.


    Shao Lin trembled on the spot. ��Y-Your Highness, h-how is this possible? How can that vige girl be Xiao Ran��s daughter? She never said anything.��


    The Crown Prince was not any calmer than him, but he understood one thing better than Shao Lin. Xiao Ran��s family was clearly watching a show just now! Watching his show!


    He felt that his face had been peeled off and trampled on. He was ashamed and humiliated!


    However, Shao Lin was still talking nonsense. ��Your Highness, what if they keep harping on this matter andin to His Majesty?��


    The Crown Prince��s expression was dark as he looked at Shao Lin indifferently. Thetter broke out in cold sweat. ��Crown Prince�� Your Highness?


    The Crown Prince��s eyes darkened. ��Shao Lin, haven��t you always felt guilty for causing me to be trapped in the small courtyard and wanted to find an opportunity to make up for your mistakes? Now, your chance is here.�� Shao Lin trembled. He wanted to run, but the two guards at the door had already drawn their swords at the Crown Prince s signal.


    As the cold light approached his neck, he thought in fear and despair, In the end, I still can��t escape��


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t wait to show off the results of herbor to her parents, so she had long forgotten about those annoying people. She actually didn��t like disputes. All she wanted in her life was to have Little Big Brother and delicious food to apany her.


    ��Mother, do you see these small yellow and orange fruits? This is a pumpkin, and there are vines that climb very high over there. Those are grapes. Don��t miss the underground area. Those are peanuts and potatoes, but they are all in the soil. You have to dig them out to see them. I nted many seeds here to see


    which ones can grow.��


    Xiao Ran didn��t know much about farming, but as a qualified chef, Gu Chang��an still knew more about ingredients. ��But it��s not like no one has tried it before. Why are you the only one who seeded?��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��Because the soil is different. Didn��t you notice that the color of the soil here is different from other ces?��


    When Gu Chang��an and Xiaoxiao saw that it was true, Xiaoxiao counted with her fingers and told them how she fertilized thend back then, how she plowed it, and how she specially nted por trees and date trees to control the speed at which the soil turned into sand.


    ��This shed isn��t built casually. Did you notice that the temperature inside is different from outside?��


    ��Don��t think that it��s just a small plot ofnd. It took a lot of effort from themoners!��


    The surroundingmoners who were working, said, ��As long as we can nt good things, it��s worth it no matter how hard and tiring it is! Moreover, this is all Miss��s idea. We just put in some effort.��


    Actually, when they heard the Crown Prince��s men criticizing Xiaoxiao just now, they also wanted to rush out to testify, but Xiaoxiao got someone to stop them.


    This was because Xiaoxiao felt that as the only daughter of the General��s Residence and with many contributions, it was nothing to fight with the Crown Prince. However, themoners could not. It was not that she was afraid, but she did not want the powerlessmoners to be implicated because of this.


    The Crown Prince could not touch her, but could he not do anything to a fewmoners?


    She could always try her best to let people take care of themoners, but there was always a loophole. She could protect themoners for a while, but she could not protect them forever. She did not want these hardworking and cute people to face despair again when they saw hope.


    Besides, she had her parents by her side. She definitely couldn��t suffer a loss, right?


    Xiaoxiao pulled Gu Chang��an around excitedly. The methods she mentioned to manage the soil were all the experiences of theter generations. They were knowledge that had been umted through generations of trying.. Although these methods could not immediately change the current situation at the border, as long as they persisted, they would definitely be effective!

 Chapter 364 - 364: Complete Convinced

    Chapter 364: Complete Convinced


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    During the visit, Xiaoxiao did not forget to suggest, ��Mother, erase the record of today��s dutyter. The soldiers�� armor covers their faces. So if there��s no record, even the Crown Prince won��t be able to find them when he wants to settle scores with themter.��


    Xiao Ran tapped her little nose. ��You��re smart.��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��I can��t let them protect me and get implicated.��


    Xiao Ran had the same intention. She took advantage of her daughter��s reminder and instructed.


    Regarding the crops to be nted at the border in the future, Xiaoxiao said to Gu Chang��an, ��Father, I think it��s better to nt watermelons, grapes, and those trees first.��


    ��These are nts that can grow in the sand field to begin with. As long as the season is right, they can be nted inrge quantities with a little modification of the soil. The rest will require too much manpower and effort Currently, if we want to increase the scale, the expenditure won��t be any less than what we import from the Imperial Capital.��


    ��Why don��t we nt arge number of fruits first and develop them into border specialties? They have a short growth cycle, a high survival rate, and a good harvest. In the future, be it selling them at a high price to the border or attracting customers, it will be beneficial to the border city����


    Gu Chang��an looked at his daughter, who was talking confidently, and felt gratified and yet, heartbroken. How much did she have to experience to grow to this extent?


    ��You haven��t eaten breakfast, right? Father made you a burrito with your favorite sour and spicy sauce.��


    Xiaoxiao cheered. She took the burrito and took a bite. Only then did she realize that her father had brought a lot. ��Could it be that Father and Mother haven��t eaten yet?��


    The two of them nodded, and Xiaoxiao busied herself moving the simple table and chairs under the grape vines. ��Let��s eat together!��


    Father, Mother, let��s set up like this at home in the future. We��ll build a grape trellis. It can shelter us from the sun and cool us down in summer. We��ll admire the flowers and the moon in autumn.lt can block the wind and we can watch the snow in winter. The grass will grow and the orioles will fly in spring How beautiful.��


    Xiao Ran imagined that scene and was quite happy. ��Where did you find these seeds? I��ve never heard of watermelon and grapes.��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��I bought them everywhere. I went shopping and bought some of them from wandering peddlers. Big Brother and Second Brother happened to see some of them and collected them for me. Some of them were left for me by Little Big Brother Ah Yan. There were also County Magistrate Shen, Shen Tianci, Li Muyan, and the others who helped me find them everywhere. In short, they were sourced all over. Oh right, some of them were dug from Dayan Mountain!��


    ��Perhaps I��m fated with the earth. I really discovered many good things when I nted them randomly!��


    The couple smiled when they thought of the orderly variety of flowers and nts in the Ning Family��s courtyard. They even had ginseng. ��Then if Father and Mother see seeds in the future, we��ll also collect them for you.��


    However, at this point, Xiao Ran scratched her head awkwardly. She knew her own storeroom very well, so she could only buy those trinkets for her daughter. However, at this point, she remembered something. ��Xiaoxiao, what do you mean by writing to me to sell the dehydrated vegetable��s recipe to the Yan Family?��


    Although her financial resources were limited, she did not have to sell her daughter��s secret recipe in exchange for money, let alone give the Yan Family face.


    The corners of Xiaoxiao��s mouth curled up even more. ��Father, Mother, if the Yan Family hides it excitedly and is prepared to show off, will they explode in anger when the recipe suddenly loses its value?��


    ��Although it��s convenient to preserve dehydrated vegetables, there��s still a certain difference in tastepared to fresh vegetables. Rich families who want to eat fresh vegetables will no longer be interested after eating them a few times. Ordinary families are not willing to spend money unnecessarily, so the main target of selling dehydrated vegetables is ces thatck water and are dry and don��t produce fruits and vegetables.��


    ��Firstly, it��s the border. The rest is the Xiongnu.��


    ��The borders don��t have much desire for that anymore. Aren��t fresh fruits more fragrant than dry vegetables? If they want to earn money, the Yan Family can only do business with the Xiongnu.��


    Could the family be tainted by doing business with the Xiongnu?


    Especially�� if the Emperor discovered that the Yan Family had some unusual connections with the Xiongnu in the future, how could he let it go?


    After Xiaoxiao chatted with her parents for about two hours, a guard came to report to Xiao Ran with a strange expression. After hearing his words, Xiao Ran also frowned.


    The Crown Prince killed that aide and said that he tried to distort the truth and instigate trouble.�� What he didn��t say was that the aide��s head was sent over by the Crown Prince as a show of sincerity.


    The Crown Prince had good and ruthless methods.


    He was really proficient in finding someone to take the me. He was indeed well taught by the Yan Family. Even if His Majesty found out about what happened today, he could deny itpletely.


    ��Xiaoxiao, you must stay away from that Crown Prince in the future.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded vigorously. ��I have the same intention. I��m going to find an excuse to go back to my roomter, but before that, I have something to give


    Mother.��??????????????????????? <sup>8</sup>


    She brought the two of them back to her residence and took out the irvoyant and production blueprints that had already been adjusted from the closet.


    The blueprint was rough and simple, but she believed that Xiao Ran could resolve this small w.


    The two of them couldn��t bear to part with it after trying it out. Apart frommenting that their daughter was smart again, they didn��t doubt Xiaoxiao��s excuse of ��identally buying an ancient book�� at all. She even took the initiative to say that she was the one who gave it to her if anyone asked in the future.


    ��Your mother has traveled around for so many years and has collected a lot of strange things.��


    Xiaoxiao��s words might be questioned, but as a general, it was not strange for Xiao Ran to obtain this thing. Besides, so what if someone really dared to interfere? She would just whip them with her spear.


    Xiao Ran only rested for a short period of time in the border city. She was going to set off again in the afternoon to send food and reinforcements to Rong Yan and the others who were deep in Xiongnu. Xiaoxiao asked her quietly, ��Is the Imperial Court nning topletely subdue Xiongnu this time?��


    Xiao Ran tapped her nose. ��You don��t have to worry about these things. Just take care of yourself. I��ll go with your Big Brother Yan and beat up those bastards who dare to covet Great Xia.��


    Gu Chang��an nced at her from the corner of his eye. ��Didn��t you say that this is a secret and can��t be revealed?��


    Xiao Ran shrugged. ��I didn��t say anything.�� At least she didn��t admit it directly.


    Her daughter could guess that she was smart.


    What she did not tell Xiaoxiao was that most of the people in the Imperial Court now were muddle-headed. Not only were they timid, but they also came up with all kinds of bad ideas, such as ��Don��t chase after a desperate enemy��, ��Turn hostility into friendship��, ��Prefer peace��, pfft! When she heard someone suggesting an marital alliance, she almost could not help but beat someone up in front of the Emperor.


    Those old farts were stubborn and did not dare to make up their minds to attack Xiongnu.


    One moment, they said that Xiongnu produced iron ore and had abundant weapons. The next moment, they said that Xiongnu��s terrain was dangerous and easy to defend but difficult to attack. The next moment, they said that this battle had already exhausted the money and rations in the treasury. If another war started, wouldn��t it hurt the foundation of the country? The gains did not make up for the losses!


    They felt that it was enough to make Xiongnu retreat and behave for a period of time. However, they did not think about how Great Xia��s prioritization of peace was being weak and useless in the eyes of others?


    Xiongnu provoked them every year and Great Xia gave in every year.. Then wouldn��t Great Xia be taken as soft persimmons that could be bullied by others? It was true that they had repelled Xiongnu this time, but who could guarantee that they wouldn��te again next year? Who could guarantee that Great Xia would still be able to defend the next time?

 Chapter 365 - 365: Missing

    Chapter 365: Missing


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    If other countries saw that Xiongnu behaved like this every time, wouldn��t they


    have other thoughts?


    The Southern Barbarians that had been repelled more than 10 years ago had been watching them covetously!


    It was true that conquering the country and the people consumed a lot of energy, but it was better to fight in one go than to struggle at death��s door, right?


    After saying so much, those old things pretended to be deaf and mute. Pfft, they were all fools who were afraid of death and content with the current situation! In fact, in order to shut the officials up, she made a military pledge in front of the officials before she set off. If this trip failed, she would bear all the responsibility with Rong Yan.


    However, with the irvoyant that her daughter had given her, her original 80% chance of winning had increased to 90%. She was even more confident.


    As for what if they really lost��


    At most, they would ��die��.


    It would be even better if the rations were more abundant. However, she knew that this was an extravagant hope. Great Xia was still recovering from the battle with the Southern Barbarians. Otherwise, they would not have tolerated Xiongnu for so long. If not for the appearance of the new grain seed, the Emperor would probably not have agreed to her sending troops even if she was willing to make a military pledge.


    His Majesty had already mobilized the entire country to support this battle. It was not appropriate to make any more requests.


    just as he was thinking, a soldier came to report from outside. ��General, someone outside wants to see Miss Xiaoxiao. They said that they��re here to deliver food!��


    Xiao Ran immediately walked out. ��What��s going on?��


    This soldier did not know the inside story. Fortunately, she happened to meet


    Xiaoxiao, who was yawning on the way.


    She had just used space teleportation to sneak out and arrange for some NPCs


    to work. Now, she was already here.


    The Crown Prince also received the news. When ��Mr. Yuan�� sent someone to send food over the previous two times, he was in the small courtyard and was under house arrest. Hence, by the time he found out that someone was sending food, those Yuan Family people would have long disappeared.


    On this trip, he would definitely get someone to keep an eye on this group of strange people of unknown origins!


    There was no such selfless person in the world. They must have a motive for sending food to the army. He had to investigate clearly and figure out where those people got so much food!


    The Crown Prince��s men were only a step slower than Xiaoxiao and Xiao Ran, so they happened to see the majestic grain cart at the entrance when they arrived.


    Xiaoxiao stole a nce at her mother��s shocked and ecstatic expression andughed in her heart. Since she had confirmed that Great Xia was going to fight a tough battle, there was no need for her to conserve her strength. She couldn��t just watch helplessly as these soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the country and the people made things difficult for them and ignored them, right? Besides, the new grain seeds were about to be promoted anyway. It was not a big deal even if the name ��Yuan Family�� spread.


    Not to mention Xiao Ran and the Crown Prince, who were seeing the Yuan Family��s generosity for the first time, even the experienced soldiers were stunned. ��How many are there?


    The NPC in uniform cupped his hands. ��I heard that the Third Prince is fighting against Xiongnu. My Master can��t help anything else. Only the food saved over the years might be able to help a little.��


    Xiao Ran scratched her head. She wanted to say that she couldn��t, but she couldn��t bear to. Under Xiaoxiao��s control, the NPC said, ��My Master has already heard about the promotion of the new grain seed. Master has fulfilled all his wishes and doesn��t have any regrets. From today onwards, the Yuan Family will live in seclusion in the mountains and wilderness and never appear again.��


    Without waiting for anyone to react, he left the grain cart and left.


    The Crown Prince immediately gave his subordinates a look and asked them to follow quietly. He went to Xiao Ran and Xiaoxiao. ��He��s unountably solicitous. There��s nothing wrong with this food, right?��


    Xiaoxiao nced at him. ��What problem? Too much food to handle?�� The Crown Prince choked. ��What I mean is, why would they send us food for no reason?��


    Xiaoxiao pretended to be experienced and sighed. ��The people at the border more or less have some enmity with Xiongnu. Is it very strange for them to send food to us for patriotism and revenge?��


    ��Besides, if they want to harm us, they can just watch us starve to death. Why waste so much food?��


    These words made too much sense. Moreover, there were people in the army who specialized in checking if there were any problems with the food. With the help of Gongsun Zhongjing and the people from the Genius Doctor Valley, they knew that the grains were full and the rice cooked was especially fragrant. Other than that, there were no other abnormalities.


    When the soldiers found out about this, they could not hide their smiles when they returned to their posts. The only person in the entire border city who was unhappy was probably the Crown Prince.


    ��You actually lost track of so many people? What are you doing?��


    The person kneeling in front of him did not dare to breathe loudly. ��We followed them well at the beginning, butter on, they entered a cave one by one. We were afraid of being discovered, so we waited for a while. However, when we entered, those people were all gone����


    The Crown Prince was furious. ��So many living people disappeared just like that? Are you blind, or did you see a ghost in broad daylight?


    The people who had followed the ��Yuan Family�� shivered. ��Your Highness, we checked the surroundings after that and sent people to search the cave carefully. The strange thing is that we actually didn��t find any other way out other than the entrance����


    The Crown Prince thought that these were just excuses to hide their ipetence. ��Continue searching! There are so many people. It��s impossible for them to disappear just like that! We have to find out what shameful business they have with Rong Yan!��


    Judging others by his own standards, the Crown Prince felt that the Yuan Family must have been instructed to send food. Just like how he used the bordernd to make a deal with Xiongnu, Rong Yan must have agreed to their request that no one should know! As long as he caught hold of this weakness of his, there was no need to worry about him not being able to make aeback. However, it was impossible to find the ��Yuan Family�� because Xiaoxiao had already put them back into her space and teleported away after Xiao Ran set off.


    This time, she did not return to the Great Xia military camp. Instead, she ran to where the Xiongnu was.


    Now, the NPCs were simply used asndmarks by her. She could leave one wherever she wanted.


    The second prince��s residence was heavily guarded, but who would have thought that the infiltrator would be a cheater like Xiaoxiao?


    After locating the space a few times, Xiaoxiao slipped into an empty room without anyone noticing.


    Before she came, she had checked the information. The second prince had gone to discuss with his advisors and military advisers about the next way to retreat from the enemy. He would only return after at least two hours.


    Xiaoxiao walked around the house and skipped over the ugly weapons and decorations. She rummaged through the cabs to look for anything useful.


    It could only be said that most treacherous people were good at hiding things. Xiaoxiao, who had searched for a long time and found nothing, was a little annoyed. If she dyed any longer, she would not be able to make it in time for Great Xia��s dinner and could not add any more ingredients to them.


    Hence, she went all out and kicked down a stool.


    The Xiongnu soldiers guarding outside the door immediately realized that there was a thief. As they guarded all the exits, they sent representatives to report to the second prince. Not long after, the nervous second prince rushed over.. ��Where is he?��

 Chapter 366 - 366: Little Thief

    Chapter 366: Little Thief


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The guards patted their chests and promised confidently, ��We��ve guarded all the exits. I guarantee that not even a flying insect can leave!��


    The second prince had ordered that no one was allowed to enter his room without permission. Anyone who disobeyed the order would be killed without mercy. Hence, they could only watch from the outside and could not go in to arrest the person directly. However, they were not worried at all, because even the windows and roof were guarded by their people. They guaranteed that the thief would not be able to escape even if he had wings.


    However, when the second prince and his personal guards entered the house warily, they realized that all the ces where they could hide were empty. The second prince suddenly panicked. He strode to a bookshelf and twisted the mechanism. Xiaoxiao saw the wall turn, revealing a secret room.


    Yes, as expected, there were always traps in a bad person��s room.


    She did not know when she would be able to find it herself. Why not let the second prince lead the way personally? She was so smart. She loved herself!


    Even the personal guards were not allowed to enter this ce. The second prince personally entered with a scimitar, but he returned empty-handed. ��Trash, that person has long run away!��


    He waved the scimitar in his hand in anger and actually cut off the guard��s head. ��I, Chernan, don��t need trash!��


    The rest of the people trembled and knelt on the ground. Chernan still wanted to kill more, but when he thought that he was in need of manpower, he gave up under the advice of the military counselor. ��Each of you will receive 20 rods!��


    The things in the house had been rummaged through, so it was obvious that a thief had indeed entered. However, there was no sign of the thief in the secret room or the room. The room was only so big. Unless he knew how to turn invisible, he must have slipped away under their noses!


    ��Search! Search the entire city and find him!��


    After confirming that these people had left, Xiaoxiao shed out of her space.


    There were even more guards outside. Even the windows and roofs had been set up to keep an eye on them, but what did this have to do with her?


    She didn��t even have to worry that the sound of the mechanism being turned on would rm the guards. As soon as the space exit location function was activated, she would pass through the wall and enter. The secret room was a basement. After turning around the not-too-long stairs, Xiaoxiao saw rows of bookshelves.


    Unlike the furnishings outside, the books on the shelves here had traces of being frequently flipped through.


    After Xiaoxiao opened a few drawers, she found many neatly arranged letters inside. She did not recognize most of the words on the envelopes. Xiaoxiao asked the space: [Can you trante for me?]


    The space expressed that it was in a difficult position: [I can only help Master in ces rted to ingredients. These can barely be considered firewood for cooking.]


    Xiaoxiao did not force it. At most, she would stuff them all into her space and look for them slowly in the future.


    Just as she was about to take action, a drawer on the bookshelf was swept by her clothes and pulled open. Xiaoxiao looked at the very obvious word ��Rong�� on the envelopes inside and felt that she had some protagonist aura on her.


    The space: [��] Hiding its achievements and reputation.


    She thanked the fated coincidence and the second prince for his clear habit of keeping letters. She epted this drawer of letters with a smile.


    After opening one and reading the contents, Xiaoxiao was not in a good mood.


    Although she did not have a good impression of the Crown Prince and had suspected him of having ulterior motives many times, who would have thought that as the Crown Prince of Great Xia, he would actually hand over a border city of the country to others in order to consolidate his status? He even deliberately dyed the delivery of military supplies and disregarded the lives of the soldiers andmoners. This was simply infuriating!


    After putting the letter away, Xiaoxiao had already started to think about how to find an opportunity to send this to the Emperor in the future. Just as she turned around and pushed the drawer back to its original ce to leave, she heard a voice.


    She looked in the direction of the voice and saw a man covered in injuries in the corner of the secret room.


    This person was blindfolded and tied up.


    ��Chernan@ #��%����


    Other than the pronunciation of the name, Xiaoxiao did not understand anything. After this person scolded him passionately, he suddenly fell to the ground and could not get up. Xiaoxiao poked him: [This man is an ingredient. Can you scan it?]


    Of course, these words were directed at the space. Thetter did as he was told: [Master, this person should have fainted. ording to the scan results, this ingredient has not been eaten for many days. It��s in a state ofck of water and food��]


    Xiaoxiao:�� She tried not to think about how the space wanted to describe it. Then, she took out the least special dry food from the space. After thinking for a while, she took out an old water bag and stuffed it into this person��s arms, bringing him out of the secret room.


    To be imprisoned in such a secret ce by the Second Prince without food or water, and with injuries everywhere on his body, it would be unreasonable if they did not have a blood feud.


    The enemy of an enemy was a friend. Saving this person was simply convenient for Xiaoxiao, but it was troublesome for the second prince. She was very happy to cause trouble for the enemy, so not only did she save him, but she also specially found a safe ce where he would not be easily discovered and put him down.


    However, because of the nourishment of the space, he was already a little awake when Xiaoxiao put him down and left.


    The person beside her did not speak, but from the footsteps and breathing, as well as the fragranceing from her body, she should be a woman.


    It was impossible for Chernan to let him off. If not for the fact that he still wanted to find out the whereabouts of the golden staff, Chernan would not have spared his life. Besides, he had seen Chernan kill his father. How could he let him leave alive?


    ��You��re not Chernan��s man?��


    ��Did you save me?�� Unfortunately, this sentence was still asked in Xiongnu��snguage, so Xiaoxiao did not understand. She only patted the things in the man��s arms to remind him that there was food.


    The man tried to ask a few more questions, but he didn��t get a response. After resting on the spot for a while to recover, he tried to raise his hand and pull off the cloth covering his eyes. There was no one around him, only the food and water in his arms proving to him that that person had really existed.


    He tried his best to stuff the food into his mouth and took a sip of water. He had no doubt that the food would not be poisoned. If he wanted him to die, he could continue to let him stay in Chernan��s secret room. There was no need to move him.


    After eating, he recovered a little strength. He took a deep breath, picked up a stone, and cut a terrifying red and swollen wound on his arm. He dug out a small tube-shaped thing from it and blew it between his lips.


    Not long after, a gray eagle swooped down from the sky andnded on the man��s shoulder. After a while, a small team of Xiongnu people rushed over and knelt down when they saw the man.


    ��First Prince!��


    ��I��ve finally found you! Where have you been these past few days? Why haven��t we found any traces of you even after searching the pce?��


    ��Oh my god, who kidnapped you? Why are you so injured?��


    First Prince Chercha raised his hand to stop the guard from asking endless questions.. ��Have you seen a girl on the way here?��

 Chapter 367 - 367: A Hero Can’t Resist A Beauty

    Chapter 367: A Hero Can��t Resist A Beauty


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He pointed at the footprints on the ground. ��Her feet are so small and she��s about this tall. There��s a sweet fragrance on her.��


    The guard scratched his head awkwardly and helplessly. ��We were only focused on looking for you and didn��t pay attention to any girls. There are quite a few at this height, but we didn��t pay attention to their feet. As for the fragrance�� Your Highness, not everyone has your sharp sense of smell.��


    Chercha was silent for a moment. ��Forget it. Well postpone finding him. Listen, don��t tell anyone about finding me for the time being, because the person who imprisoned me these few days is Chernan����


    Seeing that he had someone to pick him up, Xiaoxiao hid in the space for a while more in peace. She had used teleportation a little frequently in the past two days. Coupled with the expenditure of the NPCs, she did not have many points left. She was still a little short of the 10,000 points needed for the next teleportation. Hence, she walked around Xiongnu City and returned to the Great Xia military camp after realizing that there was nothing delicious or fun. It was quite useless to use points, so Xiaoxiao waited obediently for a few days. At the same time, she adjusted the soldiers�� sleep and made sure that there were enough teleportation points in the space to escape before returning to the second prince.


    It had been a few days, so the second prince naturally realized that the prisoners in the secret room were gone. This made him have another guess about the identity of the thief who hade not long ago. Could it be that he was not from Great Xia but sent by Big Brother?


    At the thought of this, he became even more nervous. He could not let Chercha return to the capital alive!


    Hence, he immediately sealed the city and sent arge number of trusted aides to search the city.


    The disappearance of Chercha and arge number of letters made him very uneasy, but he still found nothing when Xiaoxiao returned. Hence, in his anger, he vented his anger on his innocent subordinates and beheaded several people in a row.


    Xiaoxiao would not pity these people. They could only me themselves for being blind and following the wrong person. She did not know if the Xiongnu people were all bastards or only the second prince was a bastard.


    Chernan��s anger and grievances had reached a certain height, but at this moment, his subordinates sent the news that he had encountered the Great Xia army and was defeated again.


    He suspected that the people of Great Xia did it on purpose. They deliberately defeated them time and time again, crushing their confidence like grasnd wolves toying with their prey.


    Xiongnu was mumbling and Xiaoxiao couldn��t understand a word. However, this didn��t stop her from guessing this bastard��s n when she saw that Chernan had asked someone to bring a strangely familiar woman over.


    The next day, when Great Xia and Xiongnu met again, the second prince got someone to press the woman who had specially dressed up onto the city tower. At the same time, the Xiongnu envoy walked between the two armies under his guard.


    Third Prince of Great Xia, if you don��t want your woman to die, put down the sword in your hand immediately!��


    The distance was too far, so no one could see the woman��s appearance clearly. Deputy General Xiong and the other Deputy Generals thought that this person was bluffing, but Rong Yan did not say anything.


    Yun Er and Yun San knew that even if Master thought that the person on the city gate tower was 99% not Miss, he did not dare to gamble on the remaining possibility.


    Rong Yan looked up. At such a distance, even if she stood on the city wall, he wouldn��t be able to see his face clearly. However, he had a feeling that it wasn��t Xiaoxiao.


    Xiaoxiao was clearly still in the border city. How could a weak woman like her travel a long way to Xiongnu City Pass? Even if she thought about it, the dozens of Yun Guards were not just decorations. The possibility of the Xiongnu people abducting her from the border city was even slimmer.


    The situation today was more like a trap set up by the cunning Second Prince Xiongnu.


    Look, he understood the logic, but just as Yun Er and Yun San had expected, he did not dare to gamble.


    Envoy Xiongnu had heard of the invincible Azure Frost Sword in Rong Yan��s hand. He swallowed his saliva. ��Our prince said that as long as you dare to wave your sword and give the order to attack, your lover will immediately fall from the city tower.��


    As expected, Rong Yan did not wave the sword in his hand, nor did he give the order to attack. Seeing that there was a chance, Envoy Xiongnu became even more smug. ��That��s right. There��s a saying in the pass, ��A hero can��t resist a beauty��. Looks like this is indeed true.��


    ��There��s no point in fighting and killing. Why don��t we find a ce to sit down and have a drink and a good talk?��


    Rong Yan frowned. ��What right does a prodigal dog have to negotiate with us?�� The envoy stiffened. ��Don��t you care about your confidante��s life?��


    Rong Yan sat on the horse and looked down at this person. For a short moment, thetter felt like he had died.


    It was also at this moment that the person holding the woman hostage on the city wall pushed the woman up the city wall because the people below the city tower could not see clearly. Then, he tore the woman��s coat in front of so many people.


    Rong Yan��s eyes turned red, even though there was a voice in his heart that kept reminding him-that wasn��t Xiaoxiao, that wasn��t Xiaoxiao! That couldn��t be Xiaoxiao!


    The Xiongnu envoy was shocked, but he still mustered his courage to threaten, ��If you don��t put down this sword, what will be torn apartter won��t be as simple as a piece of clothing!��


    As soon as he finished speaking, an arrow suddenly shot out from the army. The arrow flew through the crowd and hit the woman on the city gate tower. Seeing that person fall from the city wall, Rong Yan felt his heart tighten. His hand that was holding the reins was about to shake it off in the next moment. It was also at this moment that the fear of falling made the woman pretending to be Xiaoxiao shout uncontrobly. This hoarse and strange emphasis and clear foreignnguage instantly exposed her identity.


    ��Xiongnunguage! That��s a Xiongnu woman!��


    Rong Yan��s heart, which was about to break, finally calmed down, but the anger in his heart burned the moment he rxed.


    ��Yun Er, Yun San.��


    ��I��m here!��


    Rong Yan looked in the direction where the arrow had been shot. ��Find the person who shot the arrow.��


    At this moment, he could not be sure if that person did this because he knew the identity of the hostage or if he did not care��


    At the thought that Xiaoxiao would suffer the same treatment as the scene just now if she was captured, he could not calm down no matter what.


    The two of them received the order and left. Rong Yan whipped the Xiongnu envoy.


    ��Go back and tell your second prince that he has angered me.��


    He raised his sword again. ��TH count to 20. You have to run faster.��


    The envoy wanted toin and protest, but when he heard this, he hurriedly scrambled onto the horse and ran. Rong Yan��s voice sounded behind him like the King of Hell.


    ��One, two, three����


    Why was he still counting so quickly!


    The envoy used all his strength to pull the horse��s butt and rushed to the city gate without looking back. Rong Yan really kept his word. Just as he finished counting, he waved his sword and shouted, ��Attack the city!��


    The envoy could only charge forward with all his might. When he reached the city gate, he shouted, ��The prince of Great Xia wants me to bring something to the second prince.. Let me in!��

 Chapter 368 - 368: Borrowing Arrows

    Chapter 368: Borrowing Arrows


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    If not for this sentence, the city guards would not even open the small door for him.


    As soon as he entered, there was a heavy collision behind him-it was the Great Xia soldiers! How could they be so fast!


    After the Second Prince found out about the contents of the envoy��s message his expression was very ugly. He had been threatened instead of being threatened. No one would be in a good mood. He also began to wonder if he had chosen the wrong way to deal with the Third Prince of Great Xia.


    Xiaoxiao, who was hiding on the city tower and had originally nned to do something, scratched her head. She was actually a little afraid. She had to be careful not to be caught in the future. If she was really so unlucky to be held hostage, she would definitely have to escape quickly even if she had to expose her superpower. Otherwise, someone who was worried that she would affect Little Big Brother��s judgment might suddenly shoot her.


    Although she didn��t see it with her own eyes, she believed that the arrow just now definitely had nothing to do with Little Big Brother. Sigh, her Little Big Brother was so soft and cute. He must be scared out of his wits now. It was a pity that it wasn��t convenient for her to appear now. Otherwise, she would definitely pat his back andfort him.


    Since she couldn��t hug Little Big Brother, she would take revenge on Xiongnu�� ��S-Second Prince, Second Prince, bad news! There��s a fire in the city!�� The second prince felt his vision darken. He did not have the time to care about this damned excuse that seemed to be cursing him. ��What is it?��


    The soldier reported the location, and his expression immediately became even uglier. That was the ce where the ck water was stored!


    Of course, Xiaoxiao was the one who did this. She was not willing to wait until it was dark and lit all the ck water in the storage area in broad daylight. She also made up her mind not to level up and save more points for the time being. This way, she coulde over to walk around when she had nothing to do. As long as Xiongnu Border City was not destroyed, she would make the ck water they brought useless!


    The fire was getting bigger and the temperature was getting higher. Xiaoxiao wiped her sweat and shed into the space. She retreated after seeding- let��s see if this hot me could warm up these heartless things.


    It would not be hot. It would be fine even if it was roasted.


    The fire in the desert was extremely difficult to put out, but it spread very easily. Someone panicked and wanted to ssh water on it, but he was stopped. This person was exasperated. ��You still can��t bear to part with water at a time like this?��


    Everyone knew that water was precious, but if this fire spread, the entire city might suffer!


    The person who stopped him pped hispanion on the head. ��That��s not the problem. ck Water��s fire won��t extinguish when it encounters water. Instead, it rises even faster!��


    There was such a thing?


    So what should they do?


    The second prince ordered with a dark expression, ��Go and open the mechanism.��


    Xiaoxiao saw his personal guard run to the fire pit and press and poke. Then, with a loud bang, the area surrounded by mes suddenly sank. She could not help but narrow her eyes and look at the bottom of the pit that was filled with sharp des. Then, she looked at the width of more than 10 meters. If someone came to steal, there was a high chance that they would fall in and lose their lives.


    This thing was definitely prepared for the soldiers of Great Xia, right?


    He probably knew that when the soldiers of Great Xia knew how powerful ck Water was, they would definitely think of a way to destroy it, so he prepared a trap for them in advance.


    The second prince did not expect his meticulously designed trap to be used under such circumstances. Not only did he destroy so many houses for nothing, but he also opened the graves prepared for the people of Great Xia in advance. He was really angry.


    The fire outside the deep pit could still be extinguished with yellow sand but the ce surrounded by the deep pit could only be left to fend for itself. There were still people in those houses��


    The soldiers asked hesitantly, ��Prince, should we save them?��


    The second prince gritted his teeth. ��Save what? Do we have the time? They can only me themselves for running too slowly.�� Then, he asked, ��Did you find anyone suspicious?��


    The soldier shook his head repeatedly. ��Second Prince, we��ve been guarding here and haven��t left. No strangers havee here.��


    The second prince��s expression became even uglier. Could it be that the weather was hot and the ck water was burning on its own?


    Speaking of which, they discovered the ck water back then because arge amount of ck smoke suddenly floated out of the desert. They followed the ck smoke and found it. At that time, the ck water caught their attention because it was too hot��


    At the city gate��


    ��Is there something wrong with this damn Xiongnu? The city gate is poured with iron. It��s very hard. We can��t break it open!��


    Why did they have to produce iron ore so generously? Otherwise, how could such a small country survive under the nose of Great Xia for so long?


    ��Besides�� we��re almost out of arrows����


    The iron gate was much harder to attack than the wooden gate. This was a battle of strength and strength. As the attacker, Great Xia was naturally at a disadvantage. Not only was it more tiring, but they also had to risk being shot by the arrows above their heads at all times.


    In order to solve this problem, Rong Yan specially arranged for another team of soldiers to raise the shields they had specially made these days to block the arrows falling from the city wall for them.


    The Xiongnu archer looked at it for the entire morning before reacting. ��That thing seems to be tied up with our arrows?��


    ��Using our arrows as shields to deal with us. The people of Great Xia are really shameless!��??????????????????????? <sup>1</sup>


    Not to mention that the soldiers of Great Xia could not hear this, no one would care even if they heard it. How could despicable people like Xiongnu have the cheek to say that others were shameless? Moreover, they were not stupid. Were they going to obediently be live targets for them to y with?


    What was even more infuriating happened. When these ��shields�� that were tied up with arrows and covered with straw mats were filled with arrows, the people of Great Xia actually changed their targets again! After this happened a few times in a row, the not-so-smart Xiongnu finally realized what was wrong. At this moment, the straw mats that were already filled were sent to the army. The arrows that were pulled out were quickly sent to the rows of archers who were already in position. After being replenished, the archers drew their bows and aimed at the heads of the Xiongnu on the city gate tower. ��Fire!��


    The Xiongnu archers were so angry that they cried out. If they continued to shoot arrows, their weapons would be the reserves of the Great Xia people. However, if they did not do anything, they could not just stand there and watch the Great Xia soldiers hit the city gate. In short, they were very angry no matter what they did��


    ��Brothers, don��t be anxious. If they attack the city like this, won��t they only be able to break through next year?��


    What they did not know was that the number of soldiers pretending to hit the city gate was not as many as they thought. At the Great Xia camp, Deputy General Xiong was rubbing his fists. ��Third Prince, your idea is too good. Tie up the arrows they used to deal with us and be used to pretend to attack the city. This way, the arrows they keep shooting can be used to replenish our military supplies. How did youe up with such a good idea?��


    Rong Yan couldn��t help but think of a certain someone. It was the ��grass boat borrowing arrows�� that she told him that made him have such an idea to make up for theck of military supplies.


    Rong Yan said in a low voice, ��Although the Second Prince of Xiongnu has a bad character, he��s very cunning. Logically speaking, he should have realized that something was wrong long ago. How could he����


    Their gains were much greater than expected.


    It was at this moment that the ck smoke that floated up from the city was already too conspicuous. It was so conspicuous that even through the tall city tower, it was seen by the soldiers of Great Xia.


    Deputy General Xiong covered his eyelids with his hand and looked into the distance.. ��Is the city on fire?��

 Chapter 369 - 369: The City Gate Opens

    Chapter 369 - 369: The City Gate Opens


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan immediately gave the second order. ��Attack the city! Set up thedder!��


    After discovering their actions of borrowing arrows, no matter how stupid the Xiongnu people were, they would realize the fact that Great Xia did not have enough military equipment. Hence, Deputy General Xiong immediately understood that the true decisive battle was about to arrive. No matter why the city was on fire, something must have happened that the Xiongnu people did not expect to see with so much ck smoke.


    War was to take his life when he was sick. They had already survived such a cold day. If they could not break through Xiongnu Border City, all his efforts these days would be in vain.


    The Third Prince said that if the siege failed and reinforcements did note their attack on Xiongnu could only end here because Great Xia could not afford to dy any longer.


    They needed to end this quickly.<div>


    ��Yes!��


    Although they did not know why there was a fire in the city, this panic helped the Great Xia army attract the attention of the Xiongnu people. The Xiongnu people were very sure that the Great Xia people had already infiltrated the city and were up to no good. Hence, they searched everywhere in fear. In order to help them confirm their thoughts, Xiaoxiao caused trouble everywhere in the city. She set fire to a wall and demolished another wall. She managed to create the effect of an army alone, scaring the Xiongnu people so much that everyone looked like spies from Great Xia.


    When she was almost done, Xiaoxiao disappeared on the spot and slipped away.


    The Xiongnu people, especially the second prince, were about to explode from anger, but someone came to report. ��Second Prince, bad news! The people of Great Xia are climbing the city wall!��


    The second prince was so angry that his mouth was almost crooked. How many times did he have ��bad news�� a day?


    ��Then kill them!��


    The Xiongnu soldier who reported the news did not know what to say ��Kill we can��t kill them all����


    The soldiers of Great Xia were all lunatics. Even though they knew that they would die, they still rushed forward one after another. Even if the people in front were already seriously injured, they would take another blow for the people behind them even if they had to die.


    ��Prince, what should we do? If this continues, they will soon ascend the city tower!��


    The second prince guessed Great Xia��s intentions. ��The people of Great Xia realized that they can��t break through the city gate and want to find another way to enter the city and open the city gate! Quick, bring a few more teams to guard the city gate! All the main and side gates are guarded. We can��t let the Great Xia soldiers approach!��


    There were the most people at the main entrance. Xiaoxiao gave up decisively after taking a look. If she chose this ce, even if she was not worried about exposing her superpower and could endure the disgust to use the space��s ingredient processing function to deal with the Xiongnu people, she could not stop the archers outside the range of the space function. It was not easy to fight alone.


    Fortunately, she was fast. In the blink of an eye, she chose a breakthrough point��a side door in the south.


    She chose this ce firstly because there were few people here, and secondly, because a fight had already started here when she arrived.


    First Prince Chercha had been tortured by his brother for too long. His body was so fragile that he couldn��t travel. His trusted aides were also afraid that he would die before he could seed. They thought that the ��most dangerous ce is the safest�� and chose to hide in the city. They didn��t expect that they wouldn��t be able to leave after hiding.


    Today, the entire city was in chaos and there were fires everywhere. They were identally implicated and exposed their whereabouts. They met the Second Prince��s men. Now that the Second Prince��s men were going to report and the First Prince��s men wanted to leave the city, the two sides were in a deadlock. Neither of them wanted to give the other a way out.


    Xiaoxiao could not understand Xiongnu��s gibberish and could not be bothered to listen. She had targeted this ce when she was certain that these people at the city gate did not like each other and would not rest until they died.


    The key targets of both sides were the city gate. One tried his best to approach, and the other used all means to iste them. They fought and killed back and �� forth. Under the premise that they were evenly matched and did not care about their lives, the area closest to the city gate was vacated.


    Xiaoxiao thought to herself that the heavens were helping her. She saw that both sides did not notice the door and rushed out with a whoosh, cing her hand on the iron rod that was against the city gate.


    The second prince��s men were shocked. ��When did that person pop out from?��


    No one could answer this question. Just now, everyone was in the midst of fighting and could not take care of themselves. They did not pay attention to their surroundings at all, but this did not stop them from being nervous. ��What should we do? He��s going to open the city gate!��


    Xiaoxiao, who was wearing men��s clothes, pushed it hard�� but it didn��t budge. The Second Prince��s menughed out loud. ��Seriously, you scared me. I almost forgot that the bar is also a metal rod. It��s very heavy. I know that it can��t be moved just by looking at this kid��s body!��


    ��Of course. Usually, when the city gates are opened, they have to be lifted up by three burly men like us!��


    Xiaoxiao flicked the hard top and realized that this was not a problem that could be resolved with strength. However, when did she, Bug Xiao, rely on strength to do things?


    [Baozi, get to work. Prepare your control ability.]


    At this moment, the tip of First Prince Chercha��s nose, who was also in the fighting circle, twitched. He smelled a familiar sweet smell and immediately turned his gaze to the only stranger in the field. He also waved his saber and shed away the Xiongnu soldiers fighting with him. He quickly came to Xiaoxiao��s side at the cost of his arm being cut.


    This person was thin and small. He wore the most ordinary cotton clothes and his hair to cover his face, revealing only a pair of round ck eyes. Chercha was stunned for a moment. As he got closer, he was even more certain that it was him! The person who saved him was him!


    Xiaoxiao didn��t recognize him. Seeing that Chercha had also ced his hands on the bar, she quickly activated her space control ability and let the iron rod move on its own.


    Of course, Chercha was here to help. Looking at Xiaoxiao��s size, he felt that there was a high chance that she did not have much strength. However he said, ��I��ll do it with you���� Before he could finish speaking, he saw the thick iron rod lift up and slide away.


    He had really misjudged. This skinny young man was actually a strong man?


    The eldest prince��s guards cheered. ��Master is mighty!�� However, they didn��t know that their master hadn��t even touched the rod.


    Xiaoxiao blinked and could already feel the vibration outside the door Out of goodwill, she pushed Chercha. In order to be foolproof, she specially used the power of space when she pushed him.


    Chercha really did not expect this young man to suddenly attack him. His conditioned reflex made him wave his scimitar at Xiaoxiao. However, the person opposite him only tilted his head in surprise. As the door was knocked open, he nimbly hid behind it.


    Chercha was enlightened and realized that he had misunderstood the youth However, it was obvious that he did not have time to exin now. In order not to be killed by the Great Xia people who rushed in, he got his subordinates to disperse. At the same time, he jumped up like Xiaoxiao and clung to the back of the city gate.


    The strength of the Great Xia soldiers smashing the door was no small matter If he had not been prepared, he would have been seriously injured even if he was not crushed into meat paste.


    At this moment, he was a little worried about the kid opposite him. He reacted quickly when the door was closed. He pulled something and ced it behind the door to make a safe space for himself. That kid could not be stupid and only know how to hold on to the door��


    The door opened suddenly, but the soldiers of Great Xia reacted extremely quickly. The signal fireworks that had sessfully broken through the city gate were set off in the sky, instantly raising the morale of the army There were not many people attacking this side gate, but after the signal was set off they believed that their brothers would definitelye to support them soon.��. Before that, they had to guard the city gate!

 Chapter 370 - 370: Overdraft Warning

    Chapter 370 - 370: Overdraft Warning


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    When the soldiers of Great Xia saw the signal fireworks, the Xiongnu saw it too. When they learned that the side gate had been broken through, the second prince immediately ordered arge number of Xiongnu soldiers to the side gate. Taking advantage of the chaos, Chercha and his subordinates mixed into the crowd and killed their way out. Before they left, they even sighed. ��What a pity.�� There had been no movement for so long. That kid was probably already dead.


    However, he did not know that there was nothing behind the door.


    Xiaoxiao had already shed to another ce to help the Great Xia soldiers resist the Xiongnu people.


    It was not that she was not worried about Little Big Brother, but she understood rationally that as long as they guarded this door, Little Big Brother and the soldiers�� efforts would not be in vain!


    After all, this city was Xiongnu��s home ground. Although the city gate was open, it was not that easy to break in. Not only were the Xiongnu soldiers facing them difficult to deal with, but the rocks that kept falling from above and the dense rain of arrows were also difficult to deal with.<div>


    The Xiongnu people had just had a hard time. Now, they did not have to worry about the arrows being used by the Great Xia people. They shot proudly, but the Great Xia soldiers were unwilling to give up on the city gate that they had painstakingly opened.


    ��Brothers, hold on! It won��t be long before the otherse to support us. We can definitely defend this lousy city gate! When the otherse, we��ll rush to the city wall and kill the archers above. We also have to open the other city gates so that Xiongnu has nowhere to escape!��


    It was not easy to break it open. They would rather die than let the Xiongnu close it again!


    Coincidentally, one of the Xiongnu people could understand Great Xia��snguage. ��Wait for reinforcements? Dream on. Do you think our Xiongnu warriors are pushovers?��


    The border city could not be left unguarded, so when they came, Rong Yan only brought 80,000 people. These 80,000 people were attacking the city and climbing the wall. It was indeed not a state where they could rush over immediately, but the soldiers had already made up their minds to block this door even if they had to use corpses!


    Seeing through their ns, the Xiongnu people also worked hard. ��Let��s see if your bones will break first or our knives will be blunt first!��


    Everyone understood that it was difficult for two fists to fight four hands, and Xiaoxiao��s skills could not take care of everyone. On the other hand, the Xiongnu people became more and more energetic. They even used sand as weapons. They threw buckets of sand in front of the Great Xia soldiers and killed them while they could not open their eyes.


    Xiaoxiao was about to disregard everything and deal with these inedible ��ingredients�� when she suddenly felt something and looked towards the east��that was the direction of Great Xia��s border city.


    Xiaoxiao had never felt that the yellow sand that was stepped on by the horses�� hooves was so beautiful. The g of Great Xia that was raised high corresponded to the war drums. In the eyes of the soldiers, it was the most beautiful scenery.


    ��Brothers! Our reinforcements are here!��


    ��Charge! Kill these damn bastards!��


    Great Xia was unstoppable. The reinforcements were invincible. The soldiers did not rx because of this. Instead, they held their weapons tightly and rushed towards the main door. ��Let��s go and open the city gate for the Third


    Prince!��


    The moment the door opened, the killing cries of the Great Xia soldiers shook the sky. Xiongnu tried his best to make up for it, but it was already impossible to close the already opened door. Hence, he sent out Xiongnu soldiers and nned to stop the people of Great Xia outside the city. At this point, the soldiers of Great Xia and the Xiongnu people fought head-on outside the city gate.


    Xiaoxiao looked around for Rong Yan. He was themander-in-chief. Whether it was tomand the army or attract the attention of Xiongnu��s main force, he had to stay at the main entrance.


    This was the ce with the most Xiongnu soldiers, and it was also the most dangerous ce in all directions of attack. Even with the Yun Guards guarding him, he was still shot in the back.


    Yun Er and Yun San were not any better. The two of them were in pain all over and did not know how many injuries they had suffered. At this moment, they were smiling bitterly. ��I��ll definitely be scolded by Miss for not protecting Master well when I go back.��


    ��Why don��t we take the initiative to apologize?��


    Their conversation did not stop them from cutting off another arrow that was about to hit Rong Yan.


    ��That damned Xiongnu b*stard. Are they only targeting our Master?��


    That was Second Prince Xiongnu��s n��capture the leader first!


    However, in order to attract more archers, Master even took the initiative to leave the other soldiers and expose himself in front of others.


    ��Come on, the Second Prince has ordered us to capture the Third Prince of Great Xia alive and get a thousand taels of gold!��


    Due to this condition, be it the archers or the Xiongnu soldiers who rushed over, they avoided his vital points when they attacked. However, when the Second Prince saw the billowing smoke and dust raised by Great Xia��s reinforcements on the city tower, his heart skipped a beat and he changed his mind. ��Kill him! Kill the Third Prince of Great Xia! Whoever takes his head will be rewarded with a thousand taels of gold! And a thousand kilograms of food and a thousand sheep!��


    If he couldn��t catch him, he would kill him! He had to teach the people of Great


    Xia a lesson!


    The Xiongnu people who received the order rushed over crazily. Even though the Yun Guards were experienced in battle, they could not withstand such torment. If they did not know that victory was in sight, they did not know if they could persist.


    However, perseverance was one thing. In the face of such a violent attack, they let a cold scimitar pass through the gap and fly towards Rong Yan, whose back was facing them. If they ignored it, the scimitar would definitelynd on Rong Yan��s neck!


    Yun Er��s eyeballs were about to fall out. At the critical moment, he saw two daggers suddenly fly out of the crowd, and one of them broke the scimitar. Before he could heave a sigh of relief, the ubiquitous Xiongnu people took advantage of their nervousness to rush over. They raised the scimitar high and were about to sh at Rong Yan.


    ��Master!��


    ��Your Highness!��


    ��Commander!��m


    ��Little Big Brother, get out of the way!��


    Amidst the chaotic voices, Rong Yan felt that he was hallucinating. Otherwise, why would he hear Xiaoxiao��s voice on the battlefield?


    However, this voice sessfully made him realize the danger. Hence, he used his Qinggong and stood up. He stepped on the heads of a few Xiongnu soldiers and left his original location.


    Several cold scimitars instantly shed at the horse��s back at the same time. The horse wailed and fell to the ground. Rong Yan��s heart ached, but he was helpless. He suppressed his anger and quickly entered the battle again. However, he did not know if it was an illusion, but he felt that the Xiongnu people beside him were too slow.


    Sometimes, when the scimitar was about tond, it suddenly slowed down as if it was stuck. The Xiongnu��s expression was filled with gritted teeth. Clearly, it was impossible for them to go easy on them on purpose. Moreover, when their movements were slow, the soldiers of Great Xia would definitely seize the opportunity to kill them with a single strike. They were ying with their lives. Thest wave of Xiongnu��s counterattack was like cutting off all means of retreat. Everyone in Great Xia held their breaths. Seeing that the other party had revealed a w, they no longer had the time to hesitate and be puzzled. In an instant, the blood of the Xiongnu people dyed the ground red, and the soldiers of Great Xia had a chance to ease up.


    In a battle, life and death only took a moment, so Rong Yan only had a moment of doubt and quickly threw himself into the next battle.


    What no one knew was that in the unnoticed space, Xiaoxiao was sweating profusely.


    When she saw that Rong Yan was in danger just now, she used space projection in a hurry. Then, she realized that within the projection range, as long as she focused, she could actually choose a different time flow for different targets at the same time. For example, when she applied slow speed on the Xiongnu people, she could speed up the soldiers of Great Xia. However, when she did this, she felt countless needles stabbing into her head at the same time. It was extremely painful.


    A panicked notification sounded in the space.


    [Warning, warning! Mental power overdraft warning!]

 Chapter 371 - 371: Jade Pendant

    Chapter 371: Jade Pendant


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    [Host, please stop using the space projection skill immediately! Please stop using the space projection skill immediately, or you will face a bacsh!]


    The space began to tremble, and Xiaoxiao could not stand steadily. However, looking at the approaching sabers, she gritted her teeth and refused to stop. Five more seconds or three seconds was fine! One second, just one more second!


    The space trembled as if it was shaking. A long crack suddenly appeared under Xiaoxiao��s feet. She could not stand steadily and fell to the ground. The jade pendant hanging on her waist happened to fall into the crack.


    [Detected that the host��s mental strength has been overdrawn to the warning line. The space is unstable. The space projection function is forcibly deactivated!!]


    As soon as the notification sounded, the restlessness in the space calmed down. The cracks on the ground automatically repaired. In the outside world, the Xiongnu people, who originally felt that the air was obstructing them, instantly regained their mobility. However, they were still so shocked that they broke out in cold sweat. What happened just now? Were they possessed?


    They had long heard that there was something fishy about the people of Great Xiaing this time. It was as if the heavens were secretly helping. Could it be that the heavens really could not stand it after their Xiongnu did too many bad things?


    At the thought of this, they were already thanking the heavens for being able to calm their emotions and save their lives, let alone continue killing Rong Yan. The time that Xiaoxiao had worked hard to buy was precious. The reinforcements were right in front of her. Seeing the familiar spear break through the air and pierce through the chest of a sneak attacker, Xiaoxiao closed her eyes in her space in relief.


    [Baby, teleport me back to the border city.]


    Before she fainted, she thought in a daze, Did I drop something just now?


    The spear tore through the air and the insensible Xiongnu encouraged himself. ��He��s out of weapons. Kill him first!��


    Xiao Ran sneered and pulled out another spear from behind her. ��I have many weapons. If you don��t want to die,e!��


    Female?


    Which female general of the Great Xia Imperial Court could lead troops and speak with such confidence?


    ��Xiao Ran! It��s Xiao Ran!��


    They did not have much courage left to begin with, and they trembled even more when they heard Xiao Ran��s name. However, the soldiers of Great Xia were energized. ��Kill! Kill! Kill!��


    Xiao Ran��s warhorse arrived unimpeded beside Rong Yan, who was already covered in blood. She reached out to him. ��It��s been hard on you. Leave the rest to us.��


    Rong Yan��s vision was already blurry, but just as he was about to hold Xiao Ran��s horse, he slipped and seemed to have stepped on something. When he instinctively lowered his head to look, his pupils constricted, and all the blood in his body seemed to rush to his brain. His vision darkened, and he fell head over heels, but he did not forget to hold the jade pendant that had fallen to the ground tightly in his palm.


    Why was the jade pendant he gave Xiaoxiao here?!


    Could Xiaoxiao really��


    Rong Yan fell down firmly. Xiao Ran, who was frightened, hurriedly jumped off the warhorse and picked him up. Seeing that his eyes were lifeless and his face was pale and there was blood all over his body, she was instantly furious. ��I raised this child painstakingly and can��t even bear to say harsh words. How dare you hurt him to this extent?��


    ��Boys, follow me to teach these ignorant bastards a lesson. Let them know that the dignity of Great Xia cannot be vited!��


    For a moment, the Xiongnu did not know if she was brave this time to avenge the Third Prince or to raise the might of Great Xia. Anyway, he felt that she was quite ruthless. The Southern Barbarians�� defeat back then was not unjust.


    For some reason, the Third Prince, who was already weak, suddenly seemed to have been possessed by a god. He kept waving the divine weapon that was stained with the blood of the Xiongnu people with a terrifying expression.


    The resistance of the Xiongnu people was like child��s y in front of Rong Yan. No matter how many scimitars there were, they were no match for his sword. In just a moment, the Third Prince of Great Xia seemed to be soaked in blood and looked like an Asura.


    It was as if Rong Yan could not see the enemy in front of him at this moment. He stared at the woman��s corpse that no one cared about anymore. His hands did not know fatigue. He only remembered that he had to kill everyone in front of him to see who it was.


    When he finally got close, he realized that he did not have the courage to look at her face.


    What if��


    What if she��


    It was only when the Xiongnu rushed out of the city and kicked the corpse away that Rong Yan, whose heart was in his throat, regained his senses. He would leave this person��s corpse intact.


    With Xiao Ran��s powerful reinforcements, the Xiongnu soldiers, who had long been beaten up by Great Xia��s soldiers, could notst a day. Before dawn the next day, the second prince escaped through the secret passage with his trusted aides.


    Xiao Ran and Rong Yan worked together. Rong Yan was seriously injured and needed treatment, so he stayed behind to clean up the city at the same time. Xiao Ran led her men to chase after the second prince. At night, the Xiongnu Border Citypletely fell into the control of Great Xia. When the Xiongnu soldiers found out that their second prince had abandoned the city, they threw down their weapons and gave up resisting.


    The Xiongnu Border City was broken.


    This evening, heavy snow fell on the border city of Xiongnu, which had already changed owners, covering the blood and corpses.


    Rong Yan ordered that Xiongnu��s surrendered troops would not be killed, the innocent citizens would not be killed, and those who caused trouble would be killed without mercy.


    At night, the Xiongnu Border City hadpletely fallen into the control of Great Xia��s soldiers.


    The next day, Xiao Ran returned to the border city angrily. She drank water and scolded Second Prince Xiongnu for an hour.


    ��As a prince, doesn��t that kid have any shame?��


    ��It��s fine if he escapes, but he lets the personal guards pretend to be him and die one after another. He slipped away in women��s clothes! Women��s clothes! Those dance girls�� clothes that show off their thighs! He��s really shameless!��


    After scolding him enough and getting tired, Xiao Ran got someone to study ink and started writing the battle report. ncing at Rong Yan��s expression, she sighed. ��The old officials in the court are very dissatisfied with you leading troops to attack Xiongnu this time. Now that Xiongnu has beenpletely defeated, we can only stop while we��re ahead.��


    Rong Yan��s face was still dark. Xiao Ran patted him. ��Back then, in the battle with the Southern Barbarians, Great Xia suffered a huge blow. Although your father was muddle-headed in some things, as an Emperor, he has the world and the people in his heart. This time, he has already emptied his food reserves by sending troops. If he starts a war again, even in the territory of Xiongnu, Great Xia probably won��t be able to withstand it.��


    Rong Yan nodded. ��I also thought of this, so I decided to end the battle quickly.�� With Great Xia��s current situation, the longer it dragged on, the more disadvantageous it would be for them.


    Xiao Ran also felt that the child she had taught couldn��t act rashly, so she was even more puzzled. ��Then why are you frowning?�� It made her think that this kid was addicted to fighting and wasn��t willing to stop here.


    Rong Yan tightened his grip on the jade pendant. If he had not confirmed the woman��s corpse that the Xiongnu had used, he would not know what he would look like now.


    Xiao Ran continued, ��Oh, right. Xiaoxiao was worried that you wouldn��t eat properly, so she asked me to bring you some�� what��s it called? Instant noodles? There��s also a surprise. She said that she wanted us to celebrate the day we breached Xiongnu Border City. It��s so mysterious.��


    ��Heh, but this girl is confident in us. She firmly believes that we will win from the beginning to the end.��


    Rong Yan changed the topic.. ��Is everything okay with her in Border City?��

 Chapter 372 - 372: There’s No Need

    Chapter 372: There��s No Need


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiao Ran nodded. ��She��s fine. Look at this child. Everyone else is tanned, but she��s still fair and tender. She just can��t bear to part with us. We��ve already left the border city for nearly a thousand meters, but she��s still staring at us from the city tower.��


    Rong Yan felt that there was something strange in her words. Before he could sort out his messy mind, Xiao Ran, who couldn��t wait to show off her irvoyant. ��Do you think it��s strange that I can see her from a thousand meters away?��


    ��Look, this is a good thing. Xiaoxiao found the method in the book and figured it out herself!��


    ��If it weren��t for the fact that she wanted to continue improving and researching this, that girl would havee with us!�� Of course, these words were just words. Even without the irvoyant, she wouldn��t have let Xiaoxiaoe along and take the risk.


    Rong Yan asked again, ��Has Xiaoxiao been staying in the border city too?�� Xiao Ran thought for a moment. ��At least three days ago, when we corresponded with Border City, she said that she wanted to buy more sheep.�� Rong Yan heaved a sigh of relief. He hid the matter of the jade pendant and said, ��I just remembered that Chernan is indeed immoral. When we attacked the city previously, he actually got someone to pretend to be Xiaoxiao to disturb my heart����


    He briefly exined what happened that day. After hearing this, Xiao Ran picked up the spear leaning against the side expressionlessly and was about to walk out. Rong Yan asked, ��Aunt Xiao, where are you going?��


    Xiao Ran looked at the cold gleam on the spear tip. ��Kill Chernan!�� If she had known about this earlier, she would have chopped that damn Chernan into 18 pieces even if she had to turn the desert upside down! By the time Xiao Ran calmed down, it was already two hourster. Rong Yan slowly expressed his worry. ��I haven��t found the person who shot the arrow yet.��


    Xiao Ran also fell silent. ��Do you think that if the person on the city gate tower was really Xiaoxiao that day, would this person still know how to shoot arrows?��


    Rong Yan looked unhappy. ��Yes.��


    Xiao Ran took a deep breath. She thought so too. So, who was that person? In the border city of Xiongnu, the soldiers of Great Xia were eating and sleeping ording to their shifts, seizing the time to recover their strength Only one person sat at the side in a daze after receiving his rations.


    If the person who was shot was really Miss Xiaoxiao, he could only apologize with his life now, right? However, even if he had to do it again, he would still not hesitate to shoot that arrow.


    It was not easy for the Third Prince to establish his prestige in the army. He could not be dragged down by anyone or anything!


    The fragrance of instant noodles quickly wafted into the room. The two top decision makers in the military kept spouting intermittent words as they ate- ��Three years at most����


    ��When the timees, I��ll skin that Chernan alive����


    When Xiaoxiao woke up, she realized that she was lying in her room in Great Xia��s border city. There was a nervous little girl standing by the bed.


    Seeing her open her eyes, the youngdy put down the basin and rushed out. ��Miss is awake! Miss is awake!��


    Xiaoxiao looked at the skill panel. There were two bright red [Disabled]s hanging on the space projection function. She had a bitter expression. [This function hasn��t cooled down yet? When can it be used?]


    She still wanted to activate another skill for Little Big Brother and the rest. The space was also very helpless: [You have to wait for the next stage upgrade to be unlocked, because every stage upgrade is equivalent to an update of the space.]


    Fortunately, it could still be used for other functions and could also understand the situation thousands of meters away through the NPCs left in Xiongnu Border City. Xiaoxiao confirmed the safety of her parents and Little Big Brother and was relieved to know that Gongsun Zhongjing was already treating Rong Yan��s injuries.


    Her head was also buzzing. When she was half-awake, a familiar voice came from outside the door. ��Miss Xiao, are you feeling any difort? I��ll get Imperial Physician Sun to take your pulse.��


    The space told her: [Master, you��ve been unconscious for a long time. Everyone is very worried about you.]


    It even added: [Especially the Crown Prince.]


    Xiaoxiao:�� I don��t need it. Thank you.


    After knowing that she was Xiao Ran��s daughter and the only daughter of the General��s Residence, the Crown Prince��s attitude towards her changed 180 degrees. ��I didn��t know your identity previously. Otherwise, I would have gotten closer to you long ago.��


    Xiaoxiao was full of question marks. He was talking about ��closeness�� just like that? There was no need, really.


    She had suddenly fainted and did not have time to set up the NPC to help her get the food sent outside. If she did not eat a meal, it could be treated as her neglecting sleep and food for research. If she did not move for two or three meals, it would cause the Yun Guards to worry.


    They were all men and it was inconvenient for them to enter, so they went to look for the female doctor. When they checked, the female doctor realized that Xiaoxiao was lying on the bed and seemed to have fallen unconscious. This frightened everyone and they hurriedly went to invite the military doctor. Fortunately, the military doctor said that there was no problem after taking a look. He only left a female doctor to take care of her and asked her to pay attention to the pattern of her three meals. He left a small bag of brown sugar and was about to leave. His casual attitude made the personal guards distrust him, so they ran to hire other military doctors.


    The military doctors came and went with simr excuses, but Xiaoxiao��s face was already red when she heard this. Very good, almost all the military doctors knew that she was on her period now!


    Xiaoxiao��s body was about to reach adulthood, and her period gave her a legitimate reason to suddenly faint. However, it was precisely because she could not refuse or exin in hera that she made a mistake.


    Fortunately, the military doctors were familiar with Xiaoxiao and understood that they could not say anything about her having her period. No matter how the Yun Guards threatened and tempted them, they insisted that she was a little weak.


    How could the Yun Guards understand the ways of women? When they heard this, they immediately found medicine, hunted, and found prey to nourish Xiaoxiao��s body.


    However, where did this supplemente from in the wilderness? At this moment, the Crown Prince, who did not know the truth, rmended himself and got his men to stew shark fins and bird��s nest for Xiaoxiao.


    The Yun Guards looked at the soup, at the Crown Prince, and then at the door. They were very conflicted.


    After epting the Crown Prince��s supplements, they had to let the Crown Prince see the girl. If they didn��t let the Crown Prince see the girl, they wouldn��t have any supplements to nourish the girl��s body. This question was so difficult that they didn��t know how to do it.


    Just as she was in a dilemma, the door behind her opened. Xiaoxiao, whose face was red, stretched and said, ��Aiya, it��s not good to be young. I can��t get up after staying up for a few nights.��


    Whether you believe it or not, rm just sleepy.


    The Crown Prince had a new aide beside him. This person was smart. He immediately couldn��t wait to make his presence known and im credit for the Crown Prince. ��It��s good that Miss is awake. This is a tonic that His Highness specially prepared for you. Drink it while it��s hot.��


    After saying that, he did not forget to nder the Yun Guards. ��His Highness the Crown Prince said that he wanted to send you in just now, but these people refused. They��re about to die!��


    Xiaoxiao nced at it. ��Yo, what big shark fins. What a thick bird��s nest.�� The Crown Prince was smug but did not show it, but the advisor was so proud. ��Of course. These are all from His Highness the Crown Prince��s private stash.


    When he heard that Miss was not feeling well, he immediately found the best-looking ones and sent them to you.��


    ��Look at this shark fin. Fishermen might not even get one serving a month..


    Also, this bird��s nest is from an expensive blood swallow!��

 Chapter 373 - 373: No Need For This

    Chapter 373: No Need For This


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��With just these two things, ordinary people might not even have seen them in their entire lives, let alone not be able to afford them!��


    Everyone:�� You��re amazing. You make it sound like this thing belongs to your family.


    Xiaoxiao waited quietly for him to finish before asking, ��Do you know what bird��s nest is?��


    The aide was stunned for a moment. ��A swallow��s nest?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Then do you know how swallows make nests?��


    Without waiting for the aide to answer, Xiaoxiao directly announced the answer. ��It used its saliva to glue its fur, tree branches, dried leaves, and other nesting things it picked up. These bird��s nests that the nobles usually like to eat are actually dried swallow saliva.��


    Everyone was speechless. Suddenly, they felt a little disgusted��


    Their hatred for the rich was swept away. They even sympathized with those rich people.


    Was the steamed bun not fragrant, or was the meat dish not beautiful? Why did they have to eat the swallow��s saliva? Most importantly, they treated this thing as a treasure and showed off everywhere after eating it.


    The Crown Prince��s face alternated between green and white. Thinking of the fate of his former colleague, Shao Lin, the advisor was sweating profusely as he tried to find a way to cover himself. His gazended on another bowl of supplements. He cleared his throat. ��Miss, try this shark fin. It��s fragrant and nutritious. It��s most suitable for an overworked person like you.��


    Xiaoxiao frowned. ��Looking at the size of this shark fin, it should be from a shark��s back fin, right?��


    The advisor felt that something was wrong, but he could only nod obediently. Xiaoxiao said, ��This shark fin is made from the fment-like cartge in the shark��s fin. A shark can only produce a few pieces. And after removing the shark fin, no one will eat the shark because its flesh is dry and fishy.�� ��Moreover, sharks are big. If they stay on the fishing boat, they will take up too much space to store other seafood. In order to leave more space, fishermen usually throw the sharks back into the sea after cutting off their fins.��


    However, sharks without fins and seriously injured can��t survive at all, so they��re basically caught and killed.��


    She was very eloquent and did not give the aide a chance to interrupt.


    ��The shark fin itself doesn��t have much taste, and it��s not very nutritious. The degree of seasoning and nourishment depends on the broth stewed in it. Our border citycks everything, so it��s very difficult to find the ingredients to boil the broth. Even if we find them, it��s very likely to be the entire wealth of a family. There��s no need to waste the people��s money for a bowl of shark fin. I can��t eat shark fin made like this.��


    ��Sir, if there��s no buying, there��s no killing.��


    What she meant was that he was wrong no matter what?


    The advisor was speechless. If it were anyone else, he would p the table and scold her for not knowing what was good for her. However, she just had to be a member of the Xiao Family that the Crown Prince wanted to rope in.


    It was difficult for the Crown Prince to not be angry when he saw Xiaoxiao��s smiling side profile. Instead, he took the initiative to take the tray. ��In that case, I didn��t consider it carefully.��


    ��Miss Xiao, rest well. I won��t disturb you anymore.��


    These were just polite words, but Xiaoxiao really nodded. ��Alright, alright. I��m indeed still sleepy and want to sleep a little longer.��


    The advisor looked depressed. ��Your Highness, are we leaving just like that?�� The Crown Prince didn��t even look at him. With a wave of his hand, a personal guard covered his mouth and dragged the aide away.


    He didn��t need trash by his side, and he didn��t want to remember how Xiao Ran��s daughter bared her fangs and brandished her ws in front of him every time he saw this face in the future.


    On the other side, the Yun Guards were also a little worried. ��Miss, aren��t you afraid that His Highness will take revenge when you don��t give him face?�� Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��We��ve already formed a grudge. We don��tck this one.��


    She counted with her fingers for the Yun Guards to hear. ��Look, I��m the one who got him locked up in the courtyard for a few more days. I��m the one who gave him fake ancient books and made him waste 10 days. I��m the one who ignored his status as the Crown Prince and didn��t even let him enter a vegetable garden. I clearly have the secret recipe for dehydrated vegetables, but I��m the one who made him go to Fortune Vige to look for it���� rm still the one who will use this thing to cheat him in the future.


    When she was almost done counting, she concluded, ��So look, I don��t have to worry since I have too many debts. Anyway, the situation��s already like this. He doesn��t look like a magnanimous person. Why should I suffer and be submissive to him?��


    The Yun Guards smacked their lips and felt that it was really as thedy had said.


    Since she was already up, of course Xiaoxiao had to go out for a walk, especially after finding out from the NPCs in Xiongnu Border City that everything was stable there and that Little Big Brother had already met up with her mother.


    She wanted to see her vegetable garden.


    Although it was called a small vegetable garden, the scale was not small now. The seeds produced by the space were of high quality. Other than the big watermelon from before, the remaining potatoes, peanuts, and so on were also produced abundantly. Themoners who helped couldn��t stop smiling.


    It was not that the soil here could not grow anything at all, but the output was so low that they could not be self-sufficient. They spent a lot of effort to farm, but in the end, they could not even support themselves. After weighing the pros and cons, themoners could only give up on this unrealistic n.


    If not for His Majesty��s understanding and the low taxes set outside the pass, they would not know how to survive.


    It was not that they had never thought of walking out of this poor desert, but without the customs document, where could they go?


    They were not afraid of hardship or exhaustion. They were afraid that they could not buy enough food to support their families even after working hard to earn some copper coins.


    The only thing that could thrive in thisnd was grass. Hence, themoners of the border city did not rear chickens or ducks. They only raised sheep. No matter how smelly the mutton was, they could at least make a living. However, the Xiongnu people attacked every year. At that time, ordinary people like them were the first to suffer.


    They had to prevent the sheep from falling sick, getting lost, and being ambushed by wolves. They had to be on guard, but in the end, they could not defend against the scimitars of the Xiongnu people. They were busy all year round and finally came to nothing.


    To them, the outside of the pass was not their hometown. Instead, it was more like a cage, a cage without hope.


    Hence, when themoners heard that someone wanted to buy their sheep at a high price, they suspected that there was something wrong with their ears.


    The people in the pass were not used to drinking goat��s milk or eating mutton. They were already nning to find another way out. Why did they suddenly see the light?


    After asking, they learned that the person who bought the sheep was the same person who asked them to farm previously.


    Why did that youngdy buy so many sheep?


    Out of goodwill, themoners who sold the sheep reminded her, ��This mutton doesn��t taste good, and no one wants the milk. At most, there will be merchantsing to collect the wool. Do you really want to buy so many?�� Xiaoxiao looked up and saw the honest and true concern of themoners. She tilted her head and smiled at them. ��Thank you for your concern, Uncle. Don��t worry. This might not be enough.��


    Themoners epted the money skeptically and heard her say crisply. ��It��s been hard on everyone on the way here. Have a melon to moisten your throats.��m


    This melon was nted in our experimental field.��


    ��The experimental field is recruiting workers.. They will be paid for food, amodation, and work!��

 Chapter 374 - 374: A Pie From The Sky

    Chapter 374: A Pie From The Sky


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao understood that even if she had the means and ideas, she would only be able to nt a hundred acres ofnd with the dozens ofmoners she had originally invited.


    However, if she could mobilize more people, wouldn��t this grayish-yellow desert be dyed green faster?


    The news of the sess of farming needed more people to spread it by word of mouth to be more convincing. Hence, she chose the ce to buy sheep today to be the experimental field. She even let everymoner who came to sell sheep or check things out, taste it themselves.


    The people at the border who ate this sweet melon fruit for the first time were all stunned. There was actually such a refreshing melon in the world? Moreover, why was it so juicy? Was this really something that could be grown from the dry sand at the border?


    Seeing was believing. Even though they had already determined that farming was a lie fabricated by the officials to deceive them into staying outside the pass, they were still shaken at this moment.


    Xiaoxiao saw their expressions. ��Ah, speaking of which, today is also our harvest day. Do you want to take a look?��


    Everymoner who walked past the experimental field felt that they had a daydream just now. However, this dream was quite realistic.


    They couldn��t help but pinch themselves. It didn��t hurt very much, but for some reason, they felt like crying.


    Themoners were trembling when they arrived and were distracted when they returned home. When their rtives at home saw them, they thought that something had happened to them.


    ��What��s wrong? Did an ident happen halfway?��


    ��The sheep ran away?��


    ��You met the Xiongnu people?��


    ��Or�� did the officials lie and not give you money?��


    They put down the money they had just received. ��No, nothing. It��s just that it seems like a pie has fallen from the sky.��


    The experimental fields�� first batch of harvest was not for sale. They were just waiting for the seeds to be nted.


    Themoners who participated in the nting were all registered. Before they obtained the seeds, they were each given a drawing board of nting instructions. The instructions were clearly and meticulously recorded.


    It was precisely because they had participated in the entire process that themoners could tell that Miss Xiaoxiao had no intention of patronizing them. She had really selflessly taught them her nting tips!


    Xiaoxiao realized that themoners had been looking at her strangely when she went out recently. How should she put it? They were overly enthusiastic and respectful. Anyway, she felt goosebumps all over her body.


    At the Xiongnu��s border, Rong Yan and Xiao Ran opened the surprise Xiaoxiao gave them. They were paper bags that had been divided one by one. Some of the paper bags contained dried rice grains and dehydrated vegetables that everyone was already very familiar with. Some of them had the words ��Do not open�� written on them.


    The letter Xiaoxiao left for them detailed the usage method.


    Hence, many Xiongnu people were lucky enough to see a magical scene that night��


    The Great Xia people ced the shriveled rice, dried vegetables, and water into a simple steamer. There was no fire under the steamer, only a small paper bag. Then, they poured water into theyer where the paper bag was. In just a short moment, the steamer suddenly emitted a fragrant steam. After a while, the Great Xia people opened the steamer. The Xiongnu people were dumbfounded and in disbelief as they saw delicious food!


    T-t-this. What kind of trick was this? A diversion?


    At first, the Xiongnu people did not believe what they saw. However, when they saw that the Great Xia people had used this method to cook everyone��s meals and ate them very enjoyably in front of them, they were immediately filled with doubt.


    The people of Great Xia knew how to do magic! No wonder they lost! Who could f*cking defeat them?!


    As the natives, they often ate cold steamed buns and drank snowwater. But look at the people of Great Xia. They had hot rice, hot dishes, and meat! They even boiled the snow water in a steaming pot before drinking it. Were they here to enjoy themselves? How could they defeat them?


    At night, Rong Yan and Xiao Ran released some of the captives on the grounds that they could not afford the captives�� food. However, they had all witnessed Great Xia��s unique cooking method with their own eyes.


    Before long, news came from the Xiongnu Imperial City, requesting a truce and peace negotiations.


    When this news reached the border city of Great Xia, Deputy General Yu was so happy that his beard was about to curl up. The soldiers also jumped three feet high, and their cheers almost pierced through the clouds.


    Because of the war, everyone missed New Year��s Eve and the Lantern Festival. Although the soldiers were used to it, they more or less felt a little regretful. When Xiaoxiao suggested celebrating at the bonfire party at night, Deputy General Yu agreed with her with both hands even though he rejected her suggestion of roasting a whole sheep.


    How could he not celebrate such good news? Wasn��t it worthy of his brothers�� hard work over the years?


    Xiaoxiao got someone to take out the dried stalk leaves that had been stored after harvesting to use as fuel for the bonfire. Then, she instructed everyone to kill the sheep and set up the grill. She washed her hands and started to mix the marinate.


    The mutton that was marinated with Xiaoxiao��s secret sauce for four hours, no longer had the gamey smell. The spices were rich and assailed their noses. Before it was even on the grill, it was already emitting an alluring fragrance. The soldiers who were initially not interested in the mutton, immediately felt hungry.


    Indeed, as long as Miss Xiaoxiao made a move, there was no yucky food in this world.


    The moment the sun set, the bonfire banquet officially began. The soldiers who were not on duty cheered andughed around the fire. They danced with joy and used the most straightforward method to rx their hearts.


    Xiaoxiao, who had roasted the entire sheep, decided that when Little Big Brother and the rest returned, she would definitely make arge table of delicious food to nourish him.


    Sigh, if it wasn��t to keep the space a secret, she really wanted to pluck vegetables and fruits and send them to him.


    At this moment, Rong Yan was lying on the couch and staring at the jade pendant in his hand in a daze.


    Thest time he saw Xiaoxiao, she clearly hung this jade pendant on her waist. Why did it suddenly appear here?


    He recalled the scene of seeing and hearing Xiaoxiao��s voice a few times. Could it be that it was not a dream?


    But how could an ordinary youngdy like her appear on the battlefield?


    In order to eliminate the possibility that she had disguised herself as a man and sneaked in, Rong Yan had already walked around the entire military camp in the past two days. He only felt relieved after confirming that he did not see Xiaoxiao.


    A figure passed by outside the window. Yun Er lowered his voice and said to Yun San, ��There��s a letter from the border city. Do you want to show it to Master?��


    Yun San hesitated. ��But Master just fell asleep. Why don��t we wait for a while?��


    The door creaked open. Rong Yan took the letter from the two of them and skipped over the other content. Rong Yan saw at a nce that the letter said, ��Miss Xiaoxiao led everyone to harvest the huge melon field yesterday. That melon is big, sweet, and quenching����


    Great, she was still in the border city.


    As long as she was fine, it did not matter how this jade pendant came about.


    Rong Yan finally rxed and fell asleep.


    The joyous songs andughter in Great Xia��s border citysted until midnight. Only when the firewood was burned away was everyone willing to calm down.


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t do anything to them. She didn��t have the space projection function today to let everyone rest at a slow speed.


    However, Deputy General Yu had said that it wasmon for them to be on tenterhooks and unable to sleep at night in this city. They were already used to taking advantage of every opportunity to sleep. It was rare for them to be at ease these few days. With their current energy, it was not a problem for them to not sleep for three days and three nights.


    These words made her feel helpless and sad.


    Looking at the soldiers�� energetic backs, Xiaoxiao smiled and nced at thepletely roasted sheep.


    As expected of me. My culinary skills are really good..

 Chapter 375 - 375: Natural Phenomenon Simulator

    Chapter 375: Natural Phenomenon Simtor


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    She said to the soldiers who had taken the initiative to stay behind to clean up, ��Don��t throw away the grass ash. I have use for it. Throw the goat bone into the remaining fire and let it dry.��


    The soldiers did as they were told, blushing.


    Miss Xiaoxiao was good-looking, gentle-spoken, good at cooking, and knew how to farm. She was also kind and had a good temper��


    It was said that Miss and the Third Prince were in love. One of them was in charge of external affairs and led troops to kill the Xiongnu. The other was in charge of internal affairs and knew how to cook and farm. The two of them were really a match made in heaven.


    Out of courtesy, Xiaoxiao still got Deputy General Yu to invite the Crown Prince to the bonfire banquet. However, the Crown Prince did not like the smell of mutton, nor was he willing to sing and dance with low-ss people. He only appeared for a while like a leader at the beginning and quickly left.


    This border city had nothing. With Xiaoxiao��s description of bird��s nest and shark fin, he lost his appetite even more.


    The Crown Prince, who had nothing to do, took the opportunity to approach Xiaoxiao. Xiaoxiao was extremely annoyed and found an opportunity to secretly sprinkle something into the Crown Prince��s food��


    After that, the number of times the Crown Prince appeared decreased drastically, making Xiaoxiao feel more at ease.


    However, he was very embarrassed. A few dayster, the Crown Prince finally decided to return to the capital.


    Although he said that they would go back early to tell the Emperor the good news of the victory at the border, Xiaoxiao felt that this fellow definitely did not have good intentions.


    The battle report had long been sent back on horseback. If nothing unexpected happened, they would reach the Imperial Capital tomorrow at thetest. The Crown Prince had longpleted his debriefing and refused to leave. He was in a hurry to leave at this time. Perhaps he was going toin about Little Big Brother in front of the Emperor!


    Hence, she gritted her teeth and spent points to get an NPC to sneak into the Crown Prince��s entourage and follow him.


    As expected, the Crown Prince was in a hurry to leave. Firstly, as Xiaoxiao had expected, he had to make the first move and nder Rong Yan in front of the Emperor to prevent his third brother from climbing over his head because of his military achievements. Secondly, he really couldn��t stay in this lousy ce anymore.


    Putting aside the food and clothes, his digestion had not been smooth recently. It was already difficult for him to go to the toilet. His lower abdomen was bulging, and he often could not help but fart.


    He was the dignified Crown Prince. How could he make such a fool of himself in front of others?


    However, before he left, he still asked Xiaoxiao sincerely, ��If we leave now, we can reach the Imperial Capital in April. The Duanwu Festival in the Imperial Capital is very lively and prosperous. Miss Xiao will definitely like it. Why don��t you go with me and go back early?��


    Xiaoxiao rejected him tactfully. ��I want to wait for my parents.��


    The Crown Prince did not have the time to argue that her attitude was not sincere and humble enough, because he was about to lose control of his next fart.


    After sending the Crown Prince and the others away, Xiaoxiao felt that the air was much lighter and fresher. She could continue to focus on her farming.


    The goat bones left behind at the bonfire banquet were shattered ording to Xiaoxiao��s request. Then, they were buried in the newly cultivatednd with the nt ash and farm fertilizer.


    Of course, she had secretly added a lot of space soil during this period.


    She couldn��t use space projection these few days, so she stepped on the upper limit of her mental power to harvest the soil in the space farnd.


    She did not know if it was an illusion, but she felt that with every harvest, the farnd seemed to sink by a level.


    Fortunately, the space had a powerful self-healing ability. Other than sighing when she dug up the soil, there was no substantial damage. Basically, after a night, the farnd returned to normal.


    After she was done, Xiaoxiao shed out of the space to go to the new experimental field and mud. However, she felt that although this was effective, it was very inefficient. After working for a few days, it was only enough to change a few acres ofnd.


    If only there was a way to resolve it in batches.


    A wave of yellow sand interrupted Xiaoxiao��s thoughts. She spat out the sand in her mouth and looked at a sand wall in the distance that became clearer. That was��


    ��Miss, Miss, the sandstorm ising. Go in and hide first.��


    ��Sandstorm?�� Xiaoxiao stared at the sand wall thoughtfully.


    The soldier at the side thought that she was frightened and hurriedly exined, ��But Miss, don��t be afraid. This is just an ordinary sandstorm. As long as you hide in the house and close the doors and windows, there won��t be any danger. After the sandstorm passes, the ground will be no different from before.��


    The people who had lived here for a long time were already used to the existence of sandstorms. When they were working, they even exined to Xiaoxiao, ��Most of the sandstorms here are small-scale and don��t cause much harm. They��re not as bad as when the Xiongnu robbed us.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and returned to the house obediently.


    This was indeed a natural phenomenon that could not be seen in the Imperial Capital or Fortune Vige. She leaned against the window and secretly pulled open a crack to take a look. Then, her face was covered in sand.


    She spat a few times and obediently followed the method taught just now. She locked the window and returned to the house to wash her face. Halfway through, she finally heard the voice she had been waiting for.


    [Current points: 100,150. Current level: 39. Master, do you want to level up?]


    Of course!


    [Ding! Upgrade sessful��]


    After a series of familiar notifications, Xiaoxiao heard a system notification.


    [New items in the mall have been refreshed.]


    [The space projection function has been unlocked. You have received a brocade pouch as a reward for leveling up. Do you want to open it?]


    It was what she was waiting for: [Hurry up! ]


    Hidden reward, here Ie!


    Xiaoxiao rubbed her palms together and heard the space notification with high fighting spirit��


    [The brocade pouch has been sessfully activated! Host, please make a choice.]


    [One, lxi ranch speed times 10.]


    [Two, 1��1 water speed times 10.]


    [Three, Natural phenomenon simtor.]


    [Four, Hidden reward.]


    Xiaoxiao was silent for a long time. It was so long that the space could not help but say: [Master?]


    Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes and asked: [Let me make a bold guess. Can the so-called natural phenomenon simtor simte the sandstorm outside?]


    The mechanical voice of the space actually sounded a little guilty: [Ah, yes, yes.]


    Xiaoxiao looked at the newmodity ��space soil�� on the mail��s homepage that was red and thick. She asked again: ��Can I also exchange space soil and mix it in?��


    The space: [��] Sometimes, it��s not good for Master to be too smart, but what can it do? Could it be that Master will make it barren?


    After a while, it heard Xiaoxiao say: [You��re really a considerate space- I like it.]


    Space: [O(A_A)O��V(^o^)r] Master praises me! Happy


    The space��s joysted for a few days. After Xiaoxiao gathered the required points, bags of spatial soil exchanged from the mall were neatlyid down. This was also the first time Xiaoxiao had activated the natural phenomenon simtor function.


    [Simtion phenomenon: Sandstorm. Material used: space soil.]


    A seemingly ordinary sandstorm quietly spread out from the border city. Xiaoxiao knew that such a change was not enough to change the soil problem that had been troubling the border city for many years, but if one time was not enough, what about ten or a hundred times?


    The tiny grains of sand would eventually cover the entire ground..

 Chapter 376 - 376: Battle Report

    Chapter 376: Battle Report


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The citizens of the border city were already used to sandstorms. Although there had been a lot of them recently, fortunately, the scale was not big and did not affect their lives. Moreover, the sand brought by these sandstorms was very different from before. In the past, it was dry yellow sand that ran away when the wind blew. This time, they seemed to feel that the color of thend at their doorstep had darkened after the sandstorm.


    Without the Xiongnu people doing evil and benefiting from farming and selling sheep, themoners were in a good mood, so they did not pay much attention to it. Only Xiaoxiao often paced in the empty space with her hands behind her back��


    This was not an ordinary sandstorm. This was a special sandstorm, hahahaha!


    Initially, she was worried that themoners would not be able to make the seeds grow. Now, hehehe.


    She only had to wait for the Imperial Capital to send a letter to make a final decision on the Xiongnu war. Then, she, her parents, and Little Big Brother would havepleted their mission perfectly and could happily return home together!


    In the Imperial Capital��s court, the civil and military officials were expressing their opinions.


    Someone said, ��Third Prince is young and energetic. He won by luck this time, but what about the next time? We can��t entrust the fate of Great Xia to that illusory luck, right?��


    Some said, ��It��s said that a desperate enemy should not be pursued. Xiongnu has already been defeated and this matter is over. Why does the Third Prince have to chase after them all the way to the border city?��


    Someone said, ��This is great. We��ve really fallen out with Xiongnu. In the beginning, we could still negotiate, but now, we really can��t!��


    Without saying a word, the Emperor sat on the dragon throne and let them talk.


    A general couldn��t stand it anymore. ��ording to you, the Xiongnu people have repeatedly offended Great Xia. Not only should we not fight them back, but we should also let them marry another of our princess with a smile and let them waste her youth? Are they worthy? Are we sick?��


    The few civil officials who had spoken just now stammered. They felt that it was very embarrassing to be said that they had outspoken by a rough man, but they could not find any words to retort. After a long time, they said, ��Third Prince can��t ignore the lives of the soldiers for his military merits. Why must we fight and attack Xiongnu Border City when it can clearly be resolved peacefully? How many people will die!��


    Premier Shen nced at the person who spoke. ��Did Official Liu think before he spoke? As long as you think about it in your mind, you can��t say the words ��resolved peacefully��.��


    ��Is this the first year that Xiongnu invaded our Great Xia? When did they stop? After we take a step back, do you think they will take a step back or continue to jump around and step on our face to find our bottom line?��


    ��Marriage? I remember that Official Liu has an unmarried daughter in her prime, right? Why don��t you let your daughter go?��


    Official Liu said reflexively, ��No, no, no way!��


    Premier Shen sneered. ��Why? His Majesty��s princess can marry the Xiongnu, but your daughter can��t. Is your Liu Family��s daughter more noble than the princess? Your daughter isn��t even willing, so what right do you have to ask the princess to marry?��


    Official Liu��s mind raced. ��No, no. It��s just that my daughter��s status is low. Even if she goes, I��m afraid she will make the other party think that our Great Xia doesn��t value her enough. Moreover, the princesses were born in the royal family and have read a lot of poetry since they were young. They understand the righteousness and understand that they should take on the heavy responsibility of the country.��


    A new young official alsoughed at this moment. Official Liu shouted angrily, ��What are youughing at!��


    The young official was neither servile nor overbearing. ��I��mughing that our vast country is being bullied at our doorstep, yet not only do some people not dare to hit back, but they also want to send the noble princess over to beg for mercy. They would send her there to be humiliated. They��re even worried that the status of the person sent to be humiliated is not high enough. This is simply the biggest joke in the world!��


    ��What do you mean by reading a lot of books and understanding righteousness? Why? If they won��t marry those executioners who killed the people of Great Xia, they��ll have studied for nothing for so many years, don��t understand logic and don��t have a country in their hearts?��


    Premier Shen was full of mockery. ��Official Liu is so magnanimous. It��s really a waste of your talent to be a civil official. Why don��t you just change your clothes and go to the temple to sit and let others worship you as a Bodhisattva?��


    Official Liu was speechless. Prime Minister Yan coughed lightly, and immediately, someone rushed forward. ��You can��t say that. Everything has to be done properly. Didn��t we agree to provide the provisions and horses to let the Third Prince defeat the enemy? But since he has already seeded, why must he go deep into Xiongnu?��


    ��My fellow officials are just feeling sorry for the soldiers who lost their lives because of this.��


    Premier Shen continued to retort, ��Feeling sorry? The soldiers have been stationed there for many years and have never been rich in rations. Why didn��t Official Xie feel sad when they starved and froze? Why didn��t anyone feel sad when everyone was eating and drinking happily every day?��


    Official Xie was unconvinced. ��Then I��m a civil servant. I can��t help with the war at the border. I��ve never seen Premier Shen donate your assets to help with the war!��


    As soon as he said this, Prime Minister Yan knew that he was in trouble. As expected, Premier Shen raised his eyebrows high and adjusted his clothes before saying, ��I��m ashamed. I��m honest and clear-minded. Although I��m not stingy with my family��s wealth, it��s only a drop in the bucket. Fortunately, I gave birth to a useful son and found a high-yielding new rice seed. ording to the production of that rice seed, in just three years, no one in Great Xia, be it themoners or the garrison soldiers, will go hungry!��


    They had lost. As long as the new rice seed appeared, their Yan Family would losepletely!


    Prime Minister Yan gritted his teeth and heard Premier Shen say smugly, ��Ah, right, Your Majesty. A few days ago, I received a letter from Xijiang County saying that those rice seeds are growing well. In a few months, it will be another great harvest!��


    The Emperor��s ugly face finally rxed.


    At this moment, Official Xie couldn��t help but mutter, ��Premier Shen also knows that the harvest is next year. He hasn��t seen the harvest yet. What��s there to brag about?��


    At this moment, someone shouted outside the door��


    ��Report! Your Majesty, the battle report has arrived! Xiongnu has been defeated. They asked to make peace!��


    The Emperor seemed to be in a dream and was stunned for a long time. Premier Shen was the first to smile. ��Official Xie, did you hear that? Great Xia won, and Xiongnu lost.�� He especially emphasized, ��What just happened is now.��


    With that, he lifted his official robe. ��Congrattions, Your Majesty. The heavens have blessed our Great Xia!��


    Official Xie was speechless.


    ��Congrattions, Your Majesty. God bless Great Xia!��


    The officials echoed in the hall, but no one knew what they were thinking.


    It was unknown who could not bear to see Premier Shen and the others in high spirits, but they insisted on ruining the atmosphere at this time. ��Your Majesty, even though the Third Prince was lucky to win this time, we can��t act so rashly in the future. After all, there��s no food production at the border. We can��t help at all when we really fight. We have to travel a long way to send food over. It��s exhausting and costly.��


    The Emperor frowned again. He suspected that this group of Imperial Censors had not grown their brains when they were born. They did not know what was good for them at all. He was so happy. Did they have to make things difficult for him at this time?


    At this moment, Premier Shen coughed lightly and said with a smile that made the Yan party panic, ��Ah, speaking of which, I almost forgot. Your Majesty, I have good news to tell you..��

 Chapter 377 - 377: Negotiator

    Chapter 377: Negotiator


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The Emperor had been listening to nonsense all morning andcked good news to wash his ears. ��Please speak, Premier Shen.��


    Premier Shen cleared his throat. ��Your Majesty, do you know that the girl from the Xiao Family is also in the border city?��


    Some time ago, he heard that the Emperor nodded. ��I also heard that she has nothing to do there and is farming.��


    Children were insensible. They thought that farming was just digging a pit and burying the soil.


    Official Xie also decisively started to mock, ��Ha, this Xiao Family girl is too ignorant. If she could nt something at the border, would she have given us such a headache?��


    ��The child is insensible. Could it be that the adults there are also insensible and let her fool around?��


    ��What is the situation now? Why is she still wasting the people��s money���� You guys talk too much. Premier Shen said calmly and clearly, ��She sessfully nted it.��


    ��I knew it. Of course she�� She what? P-nted it? nted what?��


    Official Xie was clearly frightened. Hisst sentence broke.


    Premier Shen liked to see them shocked. At this moment, he had already chosen to forget his own reaction when he saw the watermelon and told the Emperor calmly.


    ��That��s right. That girl is really capable. She actually nted crops in the border city, and they��re melons and fruits that are full of water. A few days ago, she asked the Li Family��s caravan to bring a few back. The taste was very sweet.��


    The Emperor��s gazended on him, and Official Xie reacted even faster. ��Impossible!��


    Premier Shen rolled his eyes. ��I knew that ignorant people like you wouldn��t be able to understand things that exceed your understanding, so when I came to the court today, I specially brought one. Your Majesty, I����


    The Emperor waved his hand. ��Bring it up.��


    This was the first time the green-skinned striped watermelon had appeared in front of the Emperor. The melon was not nervous, but the Emperor was very excited. In order not to lose his dignity in front of the officials, he suppressed his curiosity and asked Eunuch De to cut the watermelon.


    As the knifended, the bright red flesh and ck seeds immediately attracted everyone��s attention.


    Premier Shen was the first to cut arge piece for himself. He opened his mouth and bit it. After moving his mouth a few times, he spat out the melon seeds.


    ��Xiaoxiao said that this is a seed and it��s best not to swallow it.��


    As he spoke, the fragrance of melons filled the air.


    A melon that was not very big was instantly divided up. For the sake of his face, the Emperor only took a small bite and was a little unsatisfied. Fortunately, after the court assembly, Eunuch De told him that Premier Shen had not left and said that he had something to give to His Majesty.


    The Emperor got into position and let them in. When he saw the melon in Premier Shen��s arms that was obviously bigger than the one just now, he was in a good mood. A senior statesman was indeed a senior statesman. He was sensible!


    ��Your Majesty, not only did Xiaoxiao nt these fruits, but she also nted potatoes, peanuts, and other crops on thend she modified. There are also some fruits and trees that will take a few more days to ripen.��


    The Emperor held the melon and was very curious. ��I��ve never seen this before. Where did she get it?��


    ��This girl resembles her mother. Xiao Ran used to like to collect all kinds of strange things. She was even more so than Xiao Ran. She liked to collect seeds that she didn��t know and nt them for fun. It��s said that when she was still in Fortune Vige, she would seize the opportunity to run to Dayan Mountain from time to time, scaring her adoptive parents����


    ��As for thosemon peanuts and potatoes, that girl seems to have been modified and fattened up a field to grow them. Seeing that it��s effective, she ns to continue trying.��


    The Emperor nodded. ��It��s a pity that she only nted a small area after months of hard work.��


    Premier Shen did not think so. ��Your Majesty, a spark can set a prairie aze Moreover, even if it��s a little slower, it��s better than doing nothing. At least this sess has given many people hope.��


    Seeing that it was about time, Premier Shen said, ��Your Majesty, look, watermelons can grow at the border. They might really be able to grow food in the future. The problem of food in the border city will no longer be a problem.�� ��In addition to that new rice seed, we can beat back any foreign invaders in the future!��


    The Emperor nced at him and did not say anything. Premier Shen continued, ��Now that the problem of food has been resolved, what��s left is weapons. Speaking of weapons, our Great Xia doesn��t have much iron ore, but�� Xiongnu has a lot.��


    The Emperor��s gaze became more and more weird. Premier Shen continued unhurriedly, ��If Xiongnu was only forced out of the border city, he might just admit defeat and be punished. However, they have now been conquered by the Third Prince. Now, they are begging for peace, but they����


    ��If the Third Prince doesn��t force Xiongnu to this extent this time, even if there are outputs at the border in the future, they will still be obtained by Xiongnu. Moreover, Xiongnu is ambitious and definitely won��t behave themselves. The more time they are given, the harder they will be to deal with. Why don��t we take this opportunity to take their mines����


    The Emperor was surprised. ��They��re willing?��


    Premier Shen smiled like an old fox. ��That depends on the ability of the negotiator.��


    The Emperor asked, ��Looks like there��s someone Premier Shen wants to rmend?��


    Premier Shen nodded and said, ��Lu Chen.��


    The Emperor did not spend too much time recalling this name. He had praised this person��s knowledge and eloquence. Thinking back, even he had been rendered speechless by Lu Chen. It was time to let the Xiongnu people see it.


    However, after Premier Shen left, he said to Eunuch De meaningfully, ��Guess, is Premier Shen just giving me ideas, or is he trying to speak up for Third Prince?��


    After asking for a long time, there was no response. He turned around and saw that this old thing was pretending to be deaf and mute again.


    The Emperor was angry and amused. He picked up a memorandum that criticized Rong Yan from the table and smashed it.


    ��Who asked you to pretend!��


    Of course, the previous news quickly reached the Empress��s ears. Unlike most people, the first thing she noticed was Xiaoxiao��s name.


    ��This girl sure knows how to stir up trouble. Although she��s digging for food in the fields, she has made another huge contribution to His Majesty.��


    The Empress calcted. ��Xiao Ran is also very lucky. She can actually recover from such serious old injuries. I��m afraid she will continue to be valued by His Majesty in the future. Although she doesn��t have any other abilities other than hghtmg, her name is very useful in the army. Didn��t you see that Third Prince, who went to the border without a reputation, is quite respected now? He simply benefited from Xiao Ran.��


    ��The army is filled with brainless hooligans. They don��t know how to respect my son, the Crown Prince and are making things difficult for him. Instead, they are trying to please an unfavored prince raised by Xiao Ran.�� ��Father, have you seen the letter my son sent back? If that irvoyant is really so magical, the Xiao Family��s girl will be unstoppable even if she grew up in the countryside. If my son can marry her����


    Prime Minister Yan felt that his daughter was also amazing. Every time she spoke, he felt that she was talking nonsense, but her nonsense seemed to make sense. For example, it was beneficial to the Crown Prince to marry Xiao Ning, especially when it came to fighting for military power.


    He could not be bothered to correct the inappropriate things in her words one by one. He only asked, ��But isn��t the Crown Prince unwilling to marry her?�� The Empress waved the letter in her hand. ��My son has changed his mind..��

 Chapter 378 - 378: Isn’t It Exciting?

    Chapter 378: Isn��t It Exciting?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Although they did not know what happened at the border to make the Crown Prmce change his mind, how could they fail if their family worked together? Prime Minister Yan thought about it and felt that there was nothing wrong with marrying Xiao Ning, but��


    ��Will Xiao Ran agree?�� Her rtionship with the Yan Family was not good. The Empress tidied her phoenix crown. ��That��s not up to her.��


    Look, there it was again. Just as he felt that his daughter was starting to think with his head, she started to put on airs again. ��Xiao Ran is different from the pce maids and concubines you dealt with. It��s useless to threaten or bribe her.��


    The Empress red at her father unhappily. ��Father, do you think I��m stupid? Of course I know that Xiao Ran doesn��t know what��s good for her.��


    Prime Minister Yan asked, ��What are you going to do?��


    The Empress said proudly, ��Father, do you know what��s most important to a woman?��


    Without needing her Father to speak, the Empress answered her own question ��It��s her reputation.��


    ��If a woman��s reputation is damaged, she has to marry even if she doesn��t want to����


    After Prime Minister Yan left, the nanny reminded the Empress, ��Should we tell the Prime Minister about the Lei Family��s uncle and nephew?��


    The Empress said disdainfully, ��He��s just a dog reared by our Yan Family. What��s there to say?��


    The nanny said, ��But the ones interrogating them are the remnants of the Han Family after all. It��s hard to guarantee that they won��t find out something they shouldn��t.�� <sup>y</sup>


    The Empress frowned. ��In that case, make them shut up.�� she said coldly ��Forever.��??? <sup>J</sup> ��


    It was just dogs. Their Yan Family had many of them.


    Thend in the far suburbs of Xijiang County was lush at this moment. County Magistrate Shen was very satisfied with the results of thisbor. He was about topose a poem when he heard his subordinate report, ��Official, someone is assassinating the prisoners in the prison.��


    County Magistrate Shen suppressed his interest in poetry and said excitedly to his subordinate as they walked, ��Let��s go, call Han Qing and pull in the!�� ��Official Han is already here.��


    He��s a young man after all. He was very agile, unlike his messenger. Tsk, he could not even catch up to the first one.


    Han Qing was pouring himself tea with his legs crossed. He was so excited that he didn��t even notice the tea spill.


    He kicked the dead body in front of him and asked Lei Shaoming, ��Was it exciting?��


    If it weren��t for me, the two of you would have been beheaded.��


    He even kicked the head of one of the corpses in front of the two of them at a perfect angle so that it could face them.


    Seeing this, County Magistrate Shen took a step back and gave the messenger a look of approval.


    Forget it. He was old, so it was better not to watch some of the fun. It was disgusting to watch this when he had just eaten.


    The two people from the Lei Family did not have much courage left when they were assassinated. It was not that they had never killed anyone before, but they had never thought that such a fate would fall on them one day.


    They were so scared that they peed their pants before Han Qing threatened him.


    ��Now, I will give you two choices����


    ��First, I��ll announce that the two of you are not dead. The assassin killed the wrong people today. They��ll ��y�� with you again next time.��


    ��Second, tell me honestly what the Yan Family has asked you to do all these years. For example, how to destroy my Han Family. This way, I��ll hide the news that you��re still alive and send people to protect you so that you can stay alive.�� Shopkeeper Lei felt that something was wrong. ��You don��t n to let us go?�� Han Qing clicked her tongue. ��Even if I dare to let you go, do you dare to leave? Do you believe that the two of you will be cut into pieces by the people sent by the Yan Family the moment you walk out of the prison?��


    What he said made f*cking sense!


    Shopkeeper Lei and Lei Shaoming did not struggle for long. ��Let��s choose the second option.��


    The more evil they were, the more afraid of death they were. They had yet to enjoy the riches of the world. They did not want to die.


    Han Qmg immediately got someone to bring a pen and paper, as if by magic ��Then write it.��


    Shopkeeper Lei was surprised. ��Now?��


    Han Qing was even more puzzled than him. ��Otherwise, would we have to find the Imperial Astronomer to pick a date?��


    ��If you want me to save you, you have to let me see your value first, right? What if I spend all my effort to save your lives, but the two of you don��t know anything at the critical moment? Wouldn��t I have worked for nothing?�� He was still quite f*cking cautious. Shopkeeper Lei still had his rationality. ��Then how do I know if you��ll kill me after that?��


    Han Qing��s face was cold. ��Can��t you have somemon sense? Don��t you know that we need witnesses to investigate a case? Oh, you don��t know. You only know how to destroy the witnesses.��


    Although it was very infuriating, Shopkeeper Lei listened to his logic. Seeing that Han Qing was about to lose his patience, he hurriedly picked up his pen and started writing.


    After he finished writing and pressed his fingerprint, Han Qing took the paper away. Shopkeeper Lei pulled him nervously. ��Let me make it clear first. If you go back on your word, I��ll say you force us to make this confession! So, will you really protect us?��


    Han Qing replied, ��No, I��ll kill you immediately and hand over the evidence. I��ll say that you gave it to me before you died. Your death will confirm the authenticity of this paper.��


    Shopkeeper Lei froze. ��Y-you!��


    Han Qing spat. ��Do you see that? I can kill you at any time if I want to. You two aren��t the only witnesses. Stop ying tricks with me. Protecting you? You��ll be lucky if I can let you live. Behave yourself and you will live long. Jump around blindly, you��ll die quickly.��


    He took his sleeve away and threw Shopkeeper Lei to the ground. He turned around and left. When he met County Magistrate Shen at the door, he asked ��Do you still have melons?��


    County Magistrate Shen was surprised that he could still eat it. He found that Han Qing��s face had turned green and white when he walked into the sunlight. After taking a few steps, he leaned against the wall and vomited. He looked like he wanted to vomit all his guts out.


    County Magistrate Shen felt sorry for him. At the end of the day, he was just a kid in his early twenties. His family had undergone a huge change and he had to bear the blood feud alone. He had to suppress his hatred in front of his enemies and pretend that he didn��t care about the corpses to scare people.


    How could he not be afraid?


    At the thought of this, County Magistrate Shen patted his back. ��Are you feeling better after vomiting? Do you want to eat hot pot at the Ning Family tonight? Tell your Uncle Ning to make some blood nourishing brain food or something to nourish you.��


    Han Qing: Ugh�� I was already fine! I want to vomit even more now!!! Official Shen, why do you have to mention blood tonic at this time��


    In the evening, Han Qing, who had vomited until his stomach was empty, still came to the Ning Family resolutely. He stuffed the two extreme ingredients that County Magistrate Shen asked the Ning Family to prepare into his mouth and bit them into pieces. Despite the nausea in his throat, he tried his best not to vomit again.


    After the meal, County Magistrate Shen handed him a handkerchief. ��If your parents know in theherworld, they will be d that you have grown up so well.��


    Han Qing pressed his eyes with a handkerchief. ��Won��t they me me for not killing my enemies immediately to avenge them?��


    County Magistrate Shen said with a cup of hot tea, ��No, they will think that you are brave and smart. You are indeed their child.��


    Han Qing��s voice was a little muffled. ��Mm, that��s good..��

 Chapter 379 - 379: The Third Prince

    Chapter 379: The Third Prince


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    God knew how much perseverance he had to use to keep reminding himself��he could not kill these two people because the Lei Family duo were just pawns of the Yan Family. The one who really killed his family was the Yan Family! That blood feud could only be appeased by the destruction of the Yan Family!


    He asked County Magistrate Shen, ��Where are the melons?��


    County Magistrate Shen smiled. ��You are a genius.�� He was not affected by his emotions or lost control of his hatred. He was a good seedling.


    Han Qing said, ��Even if you praise me, you have to give me a melon.��


    County Magistrate Shen said, ��I��m so annoyed. Got it. I��ll get it for you now.�� The Lei Family��s twockeys were finally obedient. They were afraid of death, afraid that Han Qing would ignore them and let them be killed by the Yan Family. They were also afraid that Han Qing would not like them and kill them himself. For a moment, they were considered obedient.


    That night, County Magistrate Shen also went to see his teacher. The next day, Dean Lu came out of the academy in a refreshed state with only a little disciple. The carriage was already prepared. His usually calm little disciple could not wait to ask again, ��I��ll be able to see my sister after we go to the border city, right? Is everything okay with her there?��


    Dean Lu nced at him disapprovingly. Ning Ansheng took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. ��I know my mistake.��


    Dean Lu nodded and asked calmly, ��Your sister should still have a lot of watermelons, right?��


    Ning Ansheng:��


    ***


    The news of Great Xia��s soldiers breaking through Xiongnu��s border city quickly spread. Themoners were all overjoyed. Even the Ning Family who was far away in Fortune Vige, held a banquet to celebrate. ��I wonder how long Ansheng will take to return.��


    Ning Fengnian lowered his voice. ��They said that they��re going to negotiate with Xiongnu. What��s the oue? Are we still going to fight?��


    ***


    ��I don��t think so.��


    Xiao Ran put down the map and nced at Rong Yan from the corner of her eye. ��Kid, you didn��t want to attack their capital from the beginning, right?��m Rong Yan didn��t deny it. After all, he was taught by Xiao Ran. How could he do such an impulsive and brainless thing?


    ��However, I wanted to end the battle quickly and take down the second prince at the same time. This way, I would have more bargaining chips during the negotiations.��


    Unexpectedly, that person actually abandoned the city and fled shamelessly,pletely disregarding the dignity of the royal family and the dignity of a �� general.


    ��Is this all that��s left of the Xiongnu royal family?��


    Xiao Ran pursed her lips. ��The previous King of Xiongnu wanted to give birth to a few more kids, but I don��t know if it was because of his congenital deficiency or retribution. The more he indulged in lust, the more he felt destitute and empty. He married arge number of wives and gave birth to five to sixprinces and seven to eight princesses before he suddenly fell sick and stopped having children. Later on, he was seriously ill and was about to die, so those princes fought among themselves. Only the first three princes remain.��


    ��The eldest prince was born by the Queen and is the eldest son. Originally, he was the most popr among the heirs of the King of Xiongnu, but it��s said that e disappeared for no reason a long time ago. The Third Prince is an idiot. He can��tpare to his Second Brother when ites to ying dirty, and he can��tpare to his Second Brother when ites to ying hard. He basically makes a fuss every day.��


    Rong Yan asked, ��I heard that although the Third Prince is brainless, he has a bad temper. Does he have to go against his Second Brother in everything?�� Xiao Ran also thought of the same thing. ��Get him here during the negotiation and let them fight among themselves first.��


    Rong Yan had the same thought when Xiao Ran asked him again, ��Have you thought about what requests you have for the negotiation?��


    Rong Yan said without hesitation, ��I want their iron ore.�� The rest could be discussed slowly, but iron ore could not becking.


    The military strength wasrgely determined by weapons. Although Great Xia had a vast territory and abundant resources, their number of iron ores was indeed inferior to Xiongnu��s. In the past, when the King of Xiongnu was around, the Xiongnu people used iron ores to exchange for living supplies with Great Xia. Both sides were considered to be in harmony. However, ever since the King of Xiongnu passed away and the South Barbarians fought with Great Xia, Xiongnu suddenly changed its trading style.


    Not only did they greatly reduce the number of iron weapons sold to Great Xia but the price also increased again and again. Now that he thought about it, they should have been preparing to attack Great Xia from then on, right?


    For such a small ce, their ambitions were not small. In this case, they would cut off their thoughts from the root.


    Rong Yan said, ��My n is to destroy their mine if the peace talks don��t work�� That way, Xiongnu wouldn��t feel that they had something to rely on.


    Xiao Ran raised her eyebrows. ��Kid.��


    Every morning, the soldiers of Great Xia would only wear thin clothes to train However, the battle cries shook the sky, making the spies who were still hiding among themoners tremble in fear. They were even more certain that Great Xia was serious this time and really wanted to destroy them.


    The soldiers of Great Xia would gather in different directions every few days It looked like they were familiarizing themselves with the cold, but in fact, they secretly left a group of people behind every time to scout the way in.


    The news of the drill was not suspiciously confidential. When the Xiongnu officials heard that, he looked for the second prince anxiously. ��They��re about to attack. What should we do?��


    The second prince pretended not to care. In fact, he had already clenched his fists under his sleeves. ��So what? In our own territory, can we be afraid of them?��


    ��As long as they have the guts toe, we can make them never return!�� If this had been said a month ago, the officials might have believed it. However, the second prince had just escaped without an ear not long ago�� ��Second Brother, don��t brag. You only managed to survive after escaping with your tail between your legs. Aren��t you afraid of biting your tongue when you brag now?��


    The second prince looked down on his third brother the most. He was brainless and confident. He was clearly stupid, but he always felt that he was born to be smart.


    ��I heard that Second Brother used his subordinates as bait to lure the Great Xia soldiers away and then escaped from Third Prince Rong through the secret passage? You even abandoned all the warriors andmoners of our Xiongnu and only cared about your own life?��


    He was telling the truth, but how could he not say it so badly? The Second Prince red at the Third Prince with a dark gaze, but the Third Prince could not sense his anger at all and continued to provoke him.


    ��Aiyoyo, I also heard that not only did our Second Prince, who was so confident that he wanted to break through Great Xia��s border city, fail to fulfill his promise, but he was also beaten up by the Third Prince of Great Xia? Even our Xiongnu Border City, which is as strong as an iron bucket, was broken through by them. Second Brother, you can��t do it.��


    ��Second Brother, I felt that you were exaggerating when you bragged about how powerful the ck water was back then. Look, it actually burned itself I Although we might not win even if we use it, at least we won��t make a joke of burning ourselves.��


    ��Oh right, I also heard that the prince of Great Xia is brave, good at fighting and has outstanding schemes. He has a sword that can cut through iron like mud and kills people as easily as cutting tofu. Was your ear cut off by him?�� The second prince was anxious. ��Bullsh*t! My ear was clearly cut off when he shot the arrow����


    Pfft! Why did he have to exin this to this stupid thing!


    ��Third Brother, what do you mean? As the Third Prince of Xiongnu, why don��t you think about how to turn the tables? Why do you keep boosting others�� morale and destroying your own prestige?��


    ��Could it be that we have yet to be defeated, but you��re already bowing down to Great Xia?��

 Chapter 380 - 380:1 Have To Go Together

    Chapter 380:1 Have To Go Together


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��Undefeated?��


    The Third Prince sneered. ��Where did Second Brother get the confidence to think that we haven��t lost?��


    ��Now that Great Xia is upying my Xiongnu Border City, they��re eating, drinking,ughing, and fooling around there. Moreover, I heard that the people of Great Xia even created a irvoyant. It��s said that they can see everything from a thousand meters away. Any warrior like me, who tries to approach will definitely be discovered by them immediately.<sup>1</sup>��


    ��We can��t snatch the city back, sneak attacks can��t do anything, and we can��t beat them head-on. Second Brother, what makes you think you can turn the tables?��


    ��Now, there are rumors everywhere that the people of Great Xia have received the blessings of the heavens. If they��re thirsty, the heavens will rain. If they��re hungry, wolves wille knocking on their door to satisfy their hunger. On the other hand, our Xiongnu camp will catch fire for no reason. That��s all because there��s a problem with the morals of the generals. Are they not worthy?��


    ��Second Brother, if you have time to find fault with me, why don��t you think about your own problems first?��


    This was simply the biggest joke in the world! Their defeat was just a moment of bad luck that Great Xia took advantage of. What did it have to do with his morals?!


    The two brothers were at loggerheads and despised each other. The Second Prince only hated that there weren��t enough people sent to assassinate the Third Prince back then. This bastard cherished his life too much and had a lot of guards. Otherwise, why would he have to suffer now?


    Seeing that the two of them were getting more and more unreasonable, an official had no choice but to interrupt them. ��Princes, let��s get down to business first. Those Great Xia people have already entered nearly 50 kilometers into my Xiongnu territory. Let��s����


    The two of them red at him, but the official still bravely said what was on his mind. ��Let��s think about how to make peace, okay?��


    The second prince was the first to object. ��What peace! We��re almost going to take down Great Xia��s border city. At that time, they should be the ones asking for peace! This is called negotiation. Tell them to get lost!��


    When the Third Prince heard this, he sighed and changed his attitude. ��Second Brother, you��re wrong. You said that it was almost there. There��s a saying in Great Xia that a millimeter of difference can lead to a thousand meters of error. Now that our border city has been broken through and they��vee knocking on our door, you haven��t even entered their city gate. They��re about to hit your face. Are you still living in a dream?��


    The second prince hated himself for having such an useless brother. ��They��re just bluffing. Great Xia hasn��t recovered from the battle with the Southern Barbarians at all, but we��ve been secretly preparing for so long. It would be a huge mistake if we missed this opportunity!��


    The Third Prince refused to listen. He retorted, ��You think you can��t recover just because you say so? Why do I feel that they have an army of more than 100,000 soldiers just like that? Why don��t I see them at all? We were half-dead in this world of ice and snow, but they were so happy when they heard that they could eat hot food like magic!��


    The second prince was also annoyed by this matter. Didn��t they say that the rations in the border city were urgent? Why did that group of Great Xia soldiers look so healthy and did not look hungry or tired at all?! Also, why did the news from the captives who were releasedter sound so ridiculous?


    Seeing his hesitation, the Third Prince immediately took the opportunity to mock him. ��Don��t tell me you��ve been tricked, Second Brother?��


    ��There��s a saying in Great Xia. What��s it called again? Oh, invite the host into the trap! They think you��re a bastard and are giving you fake news to deceive you!��


    The Second Prince really wanted to sew up the Third Prince��s mouth! He was wrong. He was really wrong. He could have spared his other brothers back then, but the Third Prince had to die!


    However, it had to be said that the Third Prince��s words really made the Second Prince doubt his alliance with the Crown Prince of Great Xia.


    After all, that person was Great Xia��s legitimate Crown Prince. Was there a need for that person to form an alliance with him and harm his own people at the cost of the entire border city in exchange for his support?


    Could it be that the Third Prince was really right? They coborated to lie to him and deliberately said that the border city was in danger, but was it actually a trap for him to fall into? Not long ago, his correspondence with the Crown Prince of Great Xia was stolen. Could it be that the Crown Prince wanted to destroy the evidence after using him?


    The second prince��s clear and calm mind was also in a mess. Look, his third brother had the ability to pester him endlessly. Even he was confused! He must have stolen his confidence from someone else!


    He mmed the table. ��Didn��t we already agree to negotiate? Great Xia chases after our Xiongnu warriors every other day. What does this mean?��


    The Third Prince guessed, ��Are they threatening us so that we don��t ask for obedience when we negotiate?��


    The second prince threw the things on the table at him. ��Shut up!��


    The Third Prince turned around and avoided him. ��It��s fine to shut up. I have to go with you during the peace talks. Second Brother doesn��t look very smart. I��m worried.��


    The second prince was speechless. Where was his knife?


    During this period of time, Xiaoxiao had cleaned the ground, replenished the soil, collected peanuts, and dug potatoes. Finally, she had saved enough points in her heart and instantly teleported to Xiongnu border city to see her Little Big Brother.


    Little Big Brother wasn��t in the house. The bed was neat and orderly as if no one had slept on it. That neatly folded nket aroused Xiaoxiao��s memories of the military training in the blink of an eye. Xiaoxiao shivered and almost pulled the nket with her trembling hands.


    Fortunately, she felt that it was inappropriate and stopped in time before she made a move. Otherwise, she didn��t know if she could fold it. Just as she was about to change to another ce to take a look, Xiaoxiao��s gaze drifted and she saw a familiar jade pendant beside Rong Yan��s pillow.


    Excluding the wrong answer of ��Little Big Brother has two identical jade pendants��, and then looking at her empty waist, Xiaoxiao was speechless.


    [Baby, did my jade pendant fall into the space?]


    Thest time she overused her skills, it caused the space to be unstable. When she fell, the jade pendant fell into a spatial crack. She thought that she could dig out the jade pendant sooner orter after digging every day.


    The space dinged a few notifications: [ording to the data, the space was unstable at that time, so the cracks did not necessarily exist inside the space SO��]


    So it fell out.


    Xiaoxiao was speechless. No wonder she hadn��t dug it up until now. She had been thinking about how to exin it to Little Big Brother these few days, but it actually fell from the space into Little Big Brother��s hands?


    She suddenly felt a lingering fear. If the jade pendant and the person pretending to be her on the city wall appeared at the same time, would Little Big Brother really be deceived? In the past, there were often such plots in television dramas. The viin would capture the male lead��s beloved as a hostage and force him to cut his own throat��


    Just as she was thinking, there was suddenly a sound outside the door. Xiaoxiao hurriedly shed back to her space. Before she left, she thought of another problem.


    It was a good thing that Little Big Brother was not bewitched by the fake her, but this jade pendant had really appeared. How could she exin it?


    Or could it be that Xiongnu did want to abduct her, but they did not seed and only snatched her jade pendant?


    Sigh, but she didn��t leave the border city. Moreover, there were Yun Guards with strong skills around her. It wasn��t easy to lie. Moreover, a lie had to be covered up with more lies. She didn��t want those impure things between her and Little Big Brother to be mixed in.


    With these dilemmas, Xiaoxiao squatted in the space and drew circles as she watched Rong Yan enter the house.


    He had lost a lot of weight and did not have time to shave. He looked haggard and more mature than before. Xiaoxiao suddenly realized that in just a few months of separation, the boy she had only wanted to feed back then had be a Great General who could shoulder the heavy responsibility of the country.


    The matter of ��growth�� was really fast.


    Looking at the blood on his clothes for some reason, Xiaoxiao sighed. ��Growing up�� was not easy either..

 Chapter 381 - 381: It’s Not Like I Can’t Afford To Lose It

    Chapter 381: It��s Not Like I Can��t Afford To Lose It


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan had just personally led a team of soldiers to surround the Xiongnu people who were sneaking around nearby. He was forced back to rest by Xiao Ran��s military order, but he was not sleepy.


    Even though he knew that it was fine for Xiaoxiao to stay in the border city, he still felt uneasy. If he did not find something for himself to do, he could not help but let his imagination run wild.


    Moreover, the Xiongnu was dilly-dallying. They had clearly surrendered and asked for peace, but they insisted on dying the peace talks. They even sent people to probe. Clearly, they had ill intentions.


    Rong Yan knew that under such circumstances, Great Xia could not reveal any ws.


    Xiaoxiao didn��t send over too much self-heating food, and they were not as calm as they appeared in front of the Xiongnu people. The harsh weather and the rapid consumption of supplies made the soldiers show signs of fatigue. These were facts that could not be discovered by the Xiongnu people, not to mention that they were still in the Xiongnu territory.


    They pretended to be strong, which was why the Xiongnu people retreated in the face of difficulties. Hence, Rong Yan checked around with the irvoyant that Xiaoxiao had developed every day. He would not let go of anyone who discovered their whereabouts.


    After putting down the Azure Frost Sword, the exhaustion that he had forcefully suppressed overwhelmed him. Rong Yan turned his neck and wanted to reach for the jade pendant by the pillow, but just as he moved, he saw blood on his fingertips. He retracted his hand and started to take off his coat.


    Xiaoxiao��s eyes widened. No, she covered her red face and realized that a strong upper body had appeared in the room in the blink of an eye.


    Xiaoxiao��s heart ached when she saw the injuries on his body disappear.


    She knew that Rong Yan did not care about his reputation, but to be amander who could lead the soldiers, he had to risk his life at all times.


    How cruel was war? It had never shown mercy to anyone. The people who died werementable, but how could those who survive rx and be content?


    While she was sighing in the space, Rong Yan had already washed himself and changed into home clothes. This time, Xiao Ran was really angry. She issued an order that he was not allowed to leave the room. He had to sleep for 10 hours before the guard guarding the door was allowed to open the door.


    These personal guards were all Xiao Ran��s trusted aides. They could be said to be obedient to Xiao Ran��s orders. For example, when they heard the sound of water stop outside, they specially reminded him, ��Third Prince, are you going to start sleeping? Well time it when you start sleeping.


    Rong Yan frowned. ��Does that not count?��


    The guard did not hesitate. ��It doesn��t count. The general said that you have to


    lie down.��


    Rong Yan was speechless for a while, but he still walked to the bed obediently and said in a muffled voice, ��Got it.��


    He knew that Aunt Xiao was doing this for his own good. Forget it. Even if he couldn��t sleep, he would lie down for a while. At most, he would recall the art of war in his mind.


    The door creaked open. The guards widened their eyes and confirmed Rong Yan��s posture before nodding and leaving. Rong Yan was so angry that heughed. As expected of Aunt Xiao��s soldiers!


    Xiaoxiao saw him lying on the bed in anger and amusement. He did not touch the bedding, but only held the jade pendant by the pillow in his hand and caressed it.


    Perhaps because his body was indeed tired, he slowly felt his eyelids be heavier. After closing them, his breathing calmed down.


    Xiaoxiao looked at the jade pendant in his hand that he had never let go. She supported her chin and slowed him down before covering him with the nket.


    Rong Yan slept soundly. Firstly, there was someone he trusted guarding outside the door, and it had been rare for him to have peace recently. Secondly, he had indeed umted a lot of tension and fatigue.


    He kept feeling that he had slept for a long time, but the personal guard outside did not wake him up. The sky was still normal. He thought that it was impossible for him to sleep for a day and night, so he put this matter aside and went to read the military book.


    With his sharp hearing, he could clearly hear the conversation outside. ��Your Highness is awake so soon? But the general said to let him sleep for 10 hours. Why don��t we knock him out?��


    The other man said, ��Can you beat him?��


    There was a short silence outside. Rong Yan snorted, and his arrogant look made Xiaoxiao like him very much.


    However, no matter how much she liked it, she could not value her lover over her parents. Hence, she went to her parents�� ce and tried her best to let more people get enough sleep.


    The increase in the amount of food had to be controlled. Otherwise, it would attract too much attention. After finishing these things, Xiaoxiao felt that she had nothing to do, so she crouched behind her mother and listened to the military��s defense arrangements. After knowing that they were going to find Xiongnu��s iron mine, her eyes rolled and she quickly arrived at the advance army.


    If the Xiongnu people could send people to spy on Great Xia��s military camp, why couldn��t Great Xia send people to the Xiongnu territory?


    Xiongnu also knew that the Xiongnu could show off his provocation in front of arge country like Great Xia because they had iron ore and iron refining techniques. Hence, they naturally had to guard the location of the iron ore strictly. However, this defense really made it convenient for Xiaoxiao to find loopholes.


    The space said pitifully: [Master, iron ore doesn��t belong to the ingredients. I can��t help.]


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand. [Don��t panic. I won��t let you find the mine either.


    Help me find the ingredients.]


    What ingredient? The space was stunned for a moment. Then, it heard its increasingly intelligent master say: [Look at where arge number of ����ingredients�� suddenly gathered. Hmm, in your eyes, humans are also ingredients, right?]


    The space: [��] I can��t refute it. Since it��s Master��s request and it follows the rules, let��s do it!


    Thanks to the Xiongnu people, Xiaoxiao only needed to find where the crowd was gathered to investigate the locations one by one. She would be much faster than the soldiers when she found the iron mine.


    After getting some grasnd wolves from the space, Xiaoxiao looked at these silly wolves staggering because they were not used to the sudden climate change. She pursed her lips: [Baby, Range Control.]


    When the soldiers who were scouting the way discovered the wolf tracks, their first reaction was that the heavens had sent food again. They calcted carefully. As long as the number of wolves they encountered was not that exaggerated, it should be because humans ate wolves.


    Of course, Xiaoxiao would not make the choice of having more wolves than people. Hence, after counting the footprints, the soldiers followed happily. Be it the Xiongnu people or the Great Xia soldiers, no one expected the well-hidden iron mine to be exposed because of a group of wolves. However,pared to Xiongnu��s depression and anger, the soldiers of Great Xia were so excited that they were about to fly when they returned to the city.


    Xiao Ran and Rong Yan, who had just been released, looked at each other and smiled. ��Let��s proceed to the next step.��


    Chernan heard the news that the iron mine had been robbed at mealtime. The dried bun in his mouth was instantly stuck in his throat. He couldn��t spit it out or swallow it. What made him even angrier was that the Third Prince, who was also in the room, mmed the table. ��Look! You caused this by dragging it out, didn��t you?��


    ��You even said that you would wait for Great Xia to retreat. Take a good look at yourself. Who is in trouble now and who wants to retreat?�� Chernan��s facial features were about to scrunch up. He pounded his chest a few times before forcefully swallowing the steamed bun.


    The Third Prince had something to say again. ��You��re still in the mood to eat? Chernan wasn��t in the mood to eat, but he was in the mood to kill the Third Prince.


    ��Why are you panicking? They��re just snatching some ores.. It��s not like we can��t afford to lose them!��

 Chapter 382 - 382: It’s Better To Walk Ten Thousand Miles Than

    Chapter 382: It��s Better To Walk Ten Thousand Miles Than


    Read Ten Thousand Books


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The Third Prince sneered. ��Yes, yes, yes. Second Brother, you��re so powerful. You can afford to lose the ore and your face. You��re not embarrassed at all!��


    Chernan pped the table. ��Cheryan! Don��t think that I don��t dare to beat you up!��


    Third Prince Cheryan was not to be outdone. He rolled up his sleeves and began to show off his biceps. ��Do you think I��m afraid of you?��


    At this moment, the soldier who was still kneeling raised his head slowly.


    ��Th-th-the mine����


    The two princes turned to look at him at the same time. He immediately stuttered even more. ��It was�� destroyed����


    The corners of the mouths of the two people who were at loggerheads twitched at the same time. After a long time, Chernan finally said, ��They destroy it just because they can��t get it? Great Xia��s soldiers are so ruthless! Great Xia��s Third Prince is so vicious!�� As expected, none of them were good!


    It was true that the soldiers of Great Xia could not bring too many ores with them, but they did not have such ns to begin with. The general decided to destroy the rest so the Xiongnu could forget about keeping them. They would be a scourge in the future.


    Chernan could tolerate the destruction of only one mine, but the Great Xia soldiers did not stop their exploration just because of one victory. With Xiaoxiao��s full support, the second mine was also exposed to the weapons of the Great Xia soldiers.


    At this moment, the negotiator sent by Great Xia had already quietly arrived at


    the border city.


    Xiaoxiao, who came out of the house after receiving the news, blinked and looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar face at the door. She called out in disbelief, ��Big Brother?�� Then, she cheered and rushed towards him with her arms open.


    Ning Ansheng smiled and didn��t let her hug him. He only held her gently and let out a long sigh. ��Sister has grown taller.


    Xiaoxiao was rather dissatisfied. Her brother had grown up and he wasn��t even letting her hug him anymore!


    Ning Ansheng tapped her forehead gently. ��You��re already so old, yet you��re still acting cute. Be careful not to make everyoneugh at you.��


    In the past, when Xiaoxiao��s identity was not publicized, he had carefully protected her and paid attention to his limits. Now that they were only siblings in name and she had ns to be engaged to the Third Prince�� he naturally had to avoid close contact.


    Of course, Xiaoxiao understood his intentions, so she simply bowed to his hand. ��Yes, yes, yes. Little Sister will follow Big Brother��s teachings. Big Brother, how have Father, Mother, and Second Brother been recently?


    Ning Ansheng nodded. ��Mother��s tummy is showing now. An experienced midwife said that this pregnancy is stable and healthy. Father and Mother are very happy. They say every day that they hope to give birth to a cute and obedient daughter like you.��


    ��Father is farming for the officials. Every day, when he wakes up, he says that he suspects that he��s dreaming. The days when he couldn��t eat his fill are still vivid in his mind. Why did he suddenly start working for the officials?��


    ��The new batch of rice seeds should have been nted by now. ording to County Magistrate Shen, all the farmers in Jiangnan will get new rice seeds by next year.��


    ��Your Second Brother is bing more and more experienced as a shopkeeper. The more he runs his shop, the more convenient it is for him. He��s already thinking of opening another branch. Oh, in addition, our family is discussing marriage with Shopkeeper Qian��s family. Perhaps your Second Brother will get married when you go back.��


    The ce where they were chatting had unknowingly changed to the kitchen. While waiting for the food in the pot to cook, Xiaoxiao chose a bar stool and listened to her brother as she swung her feet. She only asked after he finished, ��What about you?��


    Xiaoxiao propped her chin on her hands and asked with a smile, ��Are you feeling well? Was the journey tough? Are you used to eating the food? It s cold here. Did Big Brother bring thick clothes?��


    Ning Ansheng��s heart felt warm. He even took out a new cotton coat from his bag. ��I brought it. Mother heard that it was cold here and asked me to bring you one too.��


    He looked at the expensive clothes on Xiaoxiao and saw that she had taken off her fur cloak without hesitation and changed into the new clothes he had brought. She even specially turned around. ��Ah, it fits perfectly. These stitches are so dense. Mother must have made them, right? Aiya, she even embroidered little rabbits for me. They��re so cute!��


    Everything seemed to have changed, but it also seemed to be the same as before. Ning Ansheng��s heart, which had been restless since Xiaoxiao left, was very calm now. He nodded and said, ��Mm, it��s very cute.��


    There was a light cough outside the door. Dean Lu walked in. ��What did you cook? It smells so good!��


    Xiaoxiao eximed, ��So the person sent by the Imperial Court to negotiate is Dean Lu. Then I��ll wait to see Xiongnu suffer!��


    Dean Lu deliberately pulled a long face. ��Aren��t you afraid that an impatient old man like me will ruin the peace talks?��


    Xiaoxiao raised a finger and shook it again and again. ��It��s precisely because you��re impatient that you can��t be bothered to nag at those defeated opponents. Let them quickly admit defeat and ept their punishment, so that the soldiers of Great Xia won��t have to suffer and freeze in that bitter cold ce.�� Dean Lu chuckled. This girl really hit the nail on the head. He was really impatient to hear those Xiongnu barbarians spout nonsense.


    Xiaoxiao continued, ��I cooked some red bean porridge. It��s warm and nourishes the body. Dean Lu and Big Brother, have a bowl to relieve your fatigue first.�� The two of them naturally would not decline. After eating and drinking their fill and adjusting their schedules, they still had to retort the Xiongnu in high spirits. Ah, no, they had to negotiate with the Xiongnu.


    Dean Lu probed as he ate, ��Girl, aren��t you worried that I��ll dy your brother��s studies by bringing him here?��


    Xiaoxiao��s face was full of questions. ��It��s better to travel thousands of miles than to read ten thousand books. You��re bringing my brother out to broaden his horizons and practice. Isn��t this much better than staying in the house and studying foolishly?��


    Ning Ansheng gave Dean Lu a look that said, I told you my sister could understand. Then, he continued eating his porridge.


    Before Ning Ansheng left home, his parents were worried that his studies would be dyed, so they made him exin for a long time. Dean Lu was so free on the road that he made a bet with him. Dean Lu believed that his sister would be very worried when they reached the border, while he didn��t. Ning Ansheng firmly despised such gambling behavior, but Dean Lu pretended to be deaf and dumb and wrote a note. If he won, Ning Ansheng would give him 10 small jars of pickled vegetables made by Xiaoxiao. If he lost, Ning Ansheng would not have to do his homework for five days.


    At this moment, the bet was revealed. Dean Lu silently looked up at the sky and did not say a word about the oue.


    Ning Ansheng didn��t mind either. If he was such azy person, it was impossible for him to finish a book that others could only finish in two years in only half a year.


    Of course, this was also because the study room at home was extremely efficient.


    For some reason, he felt that time passed especially slowly as long as he studied in that room.


    Dean Lu waited for a long time, but his little disciple did not speak. He, who should be smug, sighed. ��Young man, you��re so mature. It��s not fun at all.�� However, such a steady and disciplined disciple was more suitable for the royal court than anyone else.


    ��How��s the article I asked you to write yesterday?


    Ning Ansheng swallowed thest mouthful of porridge in his mouth and said helplessly, ��Teacher, the essay was assigned at midnight.


    It was only seven o��clock in the morning currently, and the homework was assigned at midnight. Other than the time he slept on the way, he had been awake for less than four hours.


    Delight appeared on Dean Lu��s face, but he forcefully suppressed it and changed it to a straight face. You haven��t thought it through? Then let me, as a teacher, teach you, my disciple, a lesson! Teach him what time is precious and what��


    Ning Ansheng said, ��Therefore, I only have some superficial thoughts. I��ll tell Teacher after I wash the bowls and chopsticks. Please sit here for a while..

 Chapter 383 - 383: Miracle Of Nature

    Chapter 383 - 383: Miracle Of Nature<div>


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions ] Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Dean Lu was speechless.


    He sat back down unhappily. He felt that there was really no sense of achievement in being a teacher in front of Little Ning Boy.<div>


    When someone beside him saw this, he could not help but say, ��Brother Ning, you don��t have to help with these dishes and cleaning up. Let��s spend more time on learning.��


    Ning Ansheng did not stop cleaning up the table. ��First of all, I��m not ��helping�� you. If I eat the meal, I have to clean up. This is what 1 should do. Secondly, doing these things is not contradictory to learning. If someone can��t take care of them at the same time, it��s because he��s not capable enough.


    That person was speechless. Xiaoxiao secretly gave her brother a thumbs up and walked to the kitchen. She asked quietly, ��Brother, have you really thought through the homework Dean Lu assigned?��


    Ning Ansheng rolled up his sleeves. ��Not at all.��


    He was thinking about seeing his sister on the way. How could he be in the mood to think about anything else?


    Xiaoxiao snickered. She cleared her throat and went out to ask Dean Lu, ��Dean, the porridge just now wasn��t enough, right? Do you want some snacks?��


    ��But it��s a little strenuous to do it. Lend me my brother for a while.


    Dean Lu readily agreed, so he received a sweet and soft souffle and the first draft of his disciple��s article.


    How could he not see through the siblings�� tricks? They were just ying along.


    However, some people did not know that. The student who came with Dean Lu bent down and whispered into Dean Lu��s ear, ��Dean, Brother Ning is so engrossed in his studies. It��s obvious that he doesn��t take his studies seriously. A gentleman stays away from the kitchen. Those women will do such dirty work. He��s lowering his status and embarrassing us schrs. Dean, how can Brother Ning be worthy of his title as yourst disciple?


    Dean Lu��s face was wooden, and his tone was as disdainful as it could be. ��If he can��t, can you?��<div>


    Before this person could speak again, Dean Lu asked, ��Before you spoke in such a tone, have you ever thought that your mother, sisters, and future daughters are all women?��


    ��Tsk, forget it. I know from your appearance that you are not using your brain.


    It��s better to go home early and not dy your studies.


    This person panicked. ��Dean, my grandfather and you are����


    Dean Lu put down his teacup heavily. ��We��re just schoolmates for a few years.


    Do you really take it seriously?��


    He shouldn��t have kept such a stupid fool by his side to pass the time even if Ning Ansheng, that brat, was too quiet and he didn��t feel like a teacher. Sigh, now, with this stupid fool as a foil, he found his little disciple more and more pleasing to the eye. How could he torture him ruthlessly in the future?


    When Xiaoxiao and her brother came out after they were done with their work, only Dean Lu was left at the table. They did not ask further and brought him to the thriving experimental field to take a look.


    Although Dean Lu had never worked in agriculture, he knew very well how troublesome thend at the border was. Hence, even though he had already eaten the melon that Xiaoxiao had asked the Li Family to send back, he was still so shocked that he could not close his mouth.


    On the other hand, Ning Ansheng was much calmer. In his words, ��My sister is


    so smart.��<div>


    Dean Lu red at this sister-doting maniac. ��What do you know? This can no longer be simply described with the word ��smart��. This is a miracle!��


    He ran back and forth in the field several times. His agile and strong footsteps did not look like an old man who was almost 60 years old. ��This is a miracle!


    Xiaoxiao did not take the credit. ��Then this might be a miracle of nature.�� She smiled and said, ��There have been many sandstorms recently, but magically, after that, there was a lot of fertile ck soil left on the ground. It��s just like the saying��God bless Great Xia.��


    Dean Lu should have slept early and woken up early to conserve his energy, but he got himself drunk that night. It could be seen how happy he was.


    With Xiaoxiao around, he would not harm his body or dy his sleep and rest, so she let the old man celebrate. Xiaoxiao understood that it was precisely because he was really dedicated to the country and the people that the excitement in his heart was so difficult to calm down.


    From the second day onwards, Dean Lu insisted on teaching his disciples in the fields. The content of the lessons he taught Ning Ansheng expanded from the treacherous court to the local people��s livelihood. When it came to practical matters, he often consulted Ning Ansheng.


    Xiaoxiao was happy to see them happy and harmonious. After the duo��s fatigue from the journey dissipated, the Xiongnu envoy finally arrivedte.


    To these extremely thick-skinned defeated opponents, Xiaoxiaomented, ��A dead pig is not afraid of boiling water.�� Then, she looked timidly and wistfully at the representative of Great Xia, Rong Yan, who was ��escorting�� the envoy with the Xiongnu people.


    Actually, she had spent a lot of points to see him recently, but it seemed to have been a long time since she met him openly. Because she was too focused, Xiaoxiao did not notice that there was a puzzled and curious gaze staring at her among the Xiongnu, especially when she passed by with a small snack box.


    She saw a butterfly with red wings fly in from somewhere and circle her a few times.


    This was the first head-on confrontation between the negotiators chosen by Great Xia and Xiongnu. The representatives of both sides had sharp words and unyielding attitudes, but Xiaoxiao only stuffed the snack box to Rong Yan when everyone��s attention was focused on the negotiation table.


    It wasn��t that she didn��t want to publicize her rtionship with Rong Yan, but she was worried that it would damage his dignity as amander if she got intimate with him in front of so many people. Rong Yan couldn��t forget the scene of the woman on the city wall of Xiongnu being held by the scimitar and didn��t want her to be in danger.


    At this moment, the two of them only exchanged loving gazes when no one noticed. Xiaoxiao nced at the backyard and blinked before leaving. Rong Yan nodded slightly and put the snack box in his sleeve, pinching one from time to time to taste it.


    Xiaoxiao had long known that this quarreling negotiation wouldst for a long time. She cooked, looked at the fields, and took a nap for a while, but there was still no sign of it ending, so she secretly went to look for Rong Yan.


    She was in the space, and he was outside the space, so he did not notice that he was being followed.


    Xiaoxiao watched as Rong Yan went to look for the Yun Guards who had stayed in the border city to protect her and asked, ��Did anything special happen here, such as spies, assassins, or did Xiaoxiao leave the border city?


    The Yun Guards all said ��no��. ��Miss studies food every day and nts vegetables in the fields. Otherwise, she stays in her house to study the irvoyant. Your subordinates have always been on guard 24 hours a day and she has never encountered any evil people.��


    Rong Yan nodded. After letting them leave, he sat in front of Xiaoxiao��s door for a while.


    Then, Xiaoxiao saw him push open the door and said ��excuse me�� to the empty room before striding in.


    He did not look through any items. Instead, he walked straight to the wardrobe he had specially made for Xiaoxiao, opened the door, stuffed the jade pendant into the bedding and clothes room, and turned to leave.


    Before Xiaoxiao could recover from his actions, she saw Rong Yan, who had returned to the outer courtyard, being stopped.


    This was Great Xia��s territory, so she naturally did not have to worry about Rong Yan��s safety. Moreover, Yun Er and Yun San were both guarding here. However, she vaguely felt that the person standing opposite Rong Yan looked a little familiar.


    ��Let me introduce myself first. I��m the First Prince of Xiongnu, Chercha..��

 Chapter 384 - 384:1 Want To Marry Someone

    Chapter 384 - 384:1 Want To Marry Someone<div>


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan frowned and nodded. ��I��m the Third Prince of Great Xia, Rong Yan.�� Chercha said, ��I know you. You were the one who led the troops to my Xiongnu Border City this time.��


    Rong Yan asked, ��Are you here to denounce me?��<div>


    Chercha shook his head. ��I��m here to cooperate with you.��


    Rong Yan was suspicious and guarded against this person. Chercha also felt his distrust, so he rolled up his sleeves and showed him the scars from Chernan��s whip.


    ��I was once imprisoned and beaten up by Chernan and almost lost my life. Don��t worry, the three of us are like fire and water. Almost everyone knows about it, especially me and Chernan. We have an irreconcble rtionship.�� ��I know that you won��t believe me even if I tell you this now, but I��m here today because you and I both want the battle to end as soon as possible,�� he said. ��I know what you want. Destroying the iron ore mountain is just a loss for both sides. I cane forward and agree to give a portion of the iron ore to Great Xia and agree that Xiongnu won��t send troops for three years.��


    Rong Yan��s expression was calm and unmoved. Before he could say anything, Chercha could only continue.


    ��It can also restrain the soldiers from harassing your border people.��


    Rong Yan still didn��t speak. Chercha frowned. The two of them looked at each other for a moment, and it was Chercha who spoke first. ��I came with sincerity. Don��t go overboard.��


    Rong Yan raised his eyebrows. ��First of all, your Xiongnu is begging us to stop fighting now. You��d better change your arrogant tone.��


    ��Secondly, it��s your duty to stay away from the border and not disturb the lives of the citizens of Great Xia.��


    ��Moreover, ��give to Great Xia��? No, that��s thepensation you should give after you lose.��


    His attitude became more and more unyielding. Xiaoxiao originally thought that the eldest prince was going to be angry, but she did not expect to see him really rx not long after. ��Sure, but I have a request.��


    Rong Yan looked at him silently, his displeasure obvious.<div>


    He didn��t know why, but he hated this person. Perhaps it was because this person looked at Xiaoxiao strangely when she passed by just now?


    He was staring at a girl the first time they met. It was obvious that he was not a good person.


    It wasn��t that Chercha didn��t sense Rong Yan��s unfriendliness, but he med it on the hostile rtionship between the two sides. Hence, he said his thoughts ording to the n. ��The way to maintain long-term peace between the two countries has always been through marriage. This time, I want to marry someone myself.��


    Recalling what he had seen just now, he said, ��I don��t want a princess or a nobledy. I just want the maidservant who sent you snacks just now.�� ��Maidservant�� Xiaoxiao was speechless.


    Rong Yan��s reaction was more direct. Almost as soon as Chercha finished speaking, his Azure Frost Sword was already on this person��s neck.


    Chercha asked, ��Is she yours?��


    Then, she asked, ��Then, did you send her to save me?��


    He raised his eyebrows and smiled. ��It��s fine. Just treat it as me repaying her for saving my life. Isn��t there a saying in Great Xia called ��I can��t repay you, so I��ll marry you��.��


    Rong Yan did notment and did not appreciate his cold joke. ��Don��t have any ideas about her. You��re not worthy.��


    Xiaoxiao remembered now. Wasn��t this the unlucky person she had saved from Chernan��s secret room? He was actually First Prince of Xiongnu, but why did he want to marry her?


    Chercha��s advisors also wanted to ask this question. Chercha nced at them. ��You couldn��t find me after searching for months, but she could take me away from Chernan��s secret chamber unscathed from the heavy guards.��<div>


    ��You all saw how dangerous it was that day when the city fell, and she retreated unscathed. I have to get married anyway. Isn��t marrying her much better than marrying those delicate princesses who only know how to cry and make a fuss?��


    The advisors felt that it made sense, but they still reminded him, ��But she��s the Third Prince��s girl.��


    Chercha narrowed her eyes. ��That��s even better. Chernan found someone to impersonate her and used it to threaten the Third Prince of Great Xia. This means that the Third Prince values her very much. As the Third Prince��s lover, she knows a lot of secrets.��


    After bringing her back to Xiongnu, he had plenty of time and means to ask her slowly.


    -Besides, after obtaining her, the Third Prince will have to think twice before me in the future.��


    Someone wanted to say more, but he was stopped by hispanion just as he was about to speak. After Chercha left, thetter said, ��Idiot, have you forgotten that our eldest prince is engaged to the daughter of General Chadan? If he marries the princess of Great Xia, how can he marry anyone else? It��s different if he marries a maidservant. It��s reasonable even if he brings her back as a concubine.��


    Marriage was just a formality. They had no intention of really submitting to Great Xia.


    The advisor in front nodded and raised another question. ��Then what did the Third Prince of Great Xia mean when he said that our eldest prince is not worthy?��


    The person who persuaded him felt that hispanion might not be in his right mind, so he ended the conversation unterally.


    Did he need an exnation for scolding others? He was trying to make things difficult for the eldest prince.


    Xiaoxiao realized that Rong Yan was in a bad mood. His specific expression was that he could not sit still or read the official documents. From time to time, he would look at the envoy of Xiongnu coldly.


    Yun Er and Yun San felt puzzled. ��Master, what did the eldest prince mean just now?��


    ��What does he mean you sent a girl to save him?��


    ��What does he mean by saving his life?��


    Rong Yan replied casually, ��He got the wrong person.��


    Yun Er and Yun San blinked. ��You answered so quickly. Didn��t you suspect Miss at all?��


    Rong Yan said affirmatively, ��No, not in the past, not now, and not in the future.��


    As for the jade pendant, he did not tell anyone and did not n to ask. If the jade pendant was stolen by Xiongnu, he did not want to mention it again and scare Xiaoxiao.


    If Xiaoxiao brought the jade pendant to Xiongnu Border City for some reason, there must be a reason why she did not say it. He believed her and would tell �� him when she felt that it was okay.


    Xiaoxiao felt that the eldest prince might be a fool because when the second half of the negotiations entered the white-hot stage again, he suddenly appeared in front of the dumbfounded Chernan and Cheryan. He said in a tone that Xiaoxiao thought was very pretentious, ��Xiongnu can agree to all your requests.��


    Rong Yan��s hand was already on the hilt of his sword, but this ��hero�� still made his request without hesitation. He pointed at Xiaoxiao, who walked in in the name of delivering snacks out of curiosity.


    ��Marry her to me.��


    The air seemed to be frozen for a moment.


    Immediately after, two cold voices sounded at the same time. ��Dream on!�� Rong Yan and Ning Ansheng looked at each other and reached a consensus. One of them held a sword while the other held a brush. The former��s eyes were cold. ��Your Highness, don��t you understand humannguage?�� Thetter took a deep breath and his fake smile waspletely wiped away. He turned to look at his teacher. Seeing him nod slightly, Ning Ansheng tapped the tip of his pen on the ink. ��I suddenly remembered that there��s still a use that hasn��t been written. The amount of contributions that we agreed on every year just now isn��t very reasonable either. We have to discuss it again.�� After saying that, he crossed out the use that had been difficult to settle not long ago.


    The Xiongnu people were about to cry. Even the Third Prince, who had been making things difficult for Chernan for a few hours, took a sip of water with a dry mouth before he was stunned.. ��W-what? W-we have to do it again?��

 Chapter 385 - 385: A Toad Wanna Eat Swan Meat

    Chapter 385: A Toad Wanna Eat Swan Meat


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Ning Ansheng put down his brush calmly. The Third Prince, Cheryan, mmed the table. ��Why is it doubling!��


    Ning Ansheng��s tone was calm. ��Considering that you guys are invading us every year and are arrogant every year, it��s better to set a higher number.�� The Third Prince was furious. ��Wasn��t it high enough just now?�� Ning Ansheng shook his head. ��This prince is so interesting. ording to you, Xiongnu will behave yourself and abide by the covenant in the future. Then, the punishment for viting the agreement is just a formality. There��s no practical meaning in the number. Since that��s the case, why are you in a panic?�� He chuckled. ��Could it be that you have something on your mind and don��t n to abide by the alliance at all?��


    Third Prince Cheryan was rendered speechless. Second Prince Chernan finally found an opportunity. With a look of disdain, he pulled away his third brother, who had been dragging him back. ��Scram, scram, scram. Shut up if you don��t �� know how to speak!�� Then, he said to Ning Ansheng, ��Even if it��s meaningless, aren��t you deliberately pping our Xiongnu��s face by writing such unreasonable numbers?��


    Ning Ansheng nced at him indifferently while Rong Yan said directly, ��Does your Xiongnu still have any face?��


    Chernan red at him, but Rong Yan pretended not to see it and started to calcte in detail.


    You sent spies to infiltrate Great Xia, eavesdrop on secrets, assassinate themander-in-chief, spread the gue, create panic, and repeatedly cross the border to burn, kill, and plunder. You vited the alliance and attacked our border city. These are all things you did. Which one of them isn��t shameless?�� Chernan��s face turned red from anger.


    Although these things were done by them, weren��t negotiations to whitewash peace? Was there anyone who dug up old scores like him?


    The two sides parted on bad terms, but no one in Great Xia felt that it was inappropriate. This was how it should be. They had to dampen Xiongnu��s spirit! They had long disliked them!


    Compared to the exaltation of Great Xia, the Xiongnu people��s achievements in a day were wiped out. Everyone was dejected as if they had lost their parents. Chernan was furious when he saw this. He drew his saber and was about to sh someone. ��Why are you acting like your father is dead? How unlucky!�� The scimitar was stopped with a ng. Chercha��s face darkened. ��Why do you have to vent your anger on innocent people?��


    Chernan��s pupils were constricted. He wasn��t afraid of Chercha, but Chercha had nearly died after being imprisoned by him. He had hidden himself after escaping and only suddenly appeared now. He really couldn��t figure out what Chercha was nning.


    Was he prepared to find an opportunity to announce his actions to everyone, or was he going to use this matter as a bargaining chip to threaten him?


    He would not be coerced obediently!


    Cheryan, who was watching the show, looked at Chercha and then at Chernan. He felt that he still hated Chernan more. Hence, he sneered from the corner of his eyes. ��That��s right. It��s clearly you who��s ipetent. Why are you venting your anger on others?��


    Chernan snorted. ��Big Brother is so impressive!��


    When his gazended on Cheryan, he only felt stifled. ��Third Prince, I hope you can think clearly. Is it appropriate for you to only think of hitting me when I��m down when we��re facing the outside world?��


    Cheryan nodded heavily. ��Very suitable.��


    Chernan felt that he shouldn��t have expected this b*stard to say anything! The three brothers parted on bad terms. Chernan felt that he would explode from anger if he stayed any longer. However, before he left, he took a deep look at Chercha. Today, his greatest doubt wasn��t why his big brother didn��t mention anything about being imprisoned, but why did he ask to marry a little girl with no breasts or buttocks?


    Cheryan felt that after watching Chernan��s ck face for the entire day, his heart was full and a little nauseated. He needed fresh air.


    Hence, not long after, only Chercha and the Xiongnu soldier who was lucky enough to escape were left.


    ��Thank you, First Prince, for saving my life!��


    Chercha sighed. ��It��s been hard on you guys to follow my second brother. However, I can save you once, but I can��t save you in time every time����


    Xiaoxiao did not know or care about the situation on Xiongnu��s side. She was looking at Little Big Brother and Big Brother��s dark faces, thinking about how to coax them.


    Fortunately, the two of them were clear about their gratitude and grudges and would never vent their anger on others like Chernan. At this moment, all they could think about was��


    ��The Second Prince of Xiongnu is ruthless, cunning, and immoral, but that First Prince is not a good person either.��


    ��Hmph, I��m afraid he��s even better.��


    The two of them looked at Xiaoxiao at the same time, startling her so much that she immediately raised her hand and said, ��I suddenly remembered that there��s still soup stewing in the kitchen. I��ll go take a look first and make you two a pot of noodles.��


    The moment she left, Ning Ansheng immediately turned around and asked Rong Yan, ��Has the First Prince of Xiongnu seen Xiaoxiao?��


    Rong Yan��s expression was even uglier than his, but he answered firmly, ��No.�� Ning Ansheng crumpled the paper on the table into a ball. ��Xiaoxiao has been staying in the border city all this time. It��s only the first time that the First Prince has seen her today. I think he��s lusting after her. He��s simply shameless!��


    Rong Yan also said, ��He��s just a toad trying to eat swan meat. Dream on!��


    Dean Lu, who had been ignored by the two of them for a long time, said his guess. ��Is there a possibility that Chercha asked to marry Xiaoxiao because he knew that Xiaoxiao nted the experimental field, made military food, made irvoyants, and was General Xiao��s daughter?��


    The two of them were silent for a moment, feeling even more displeased with Chercha.


    At this moment, someone reported that the Third Prince of Xiongnu, Cheryan, was visiting.


    They didn��t have a deep impression of the Third Prince. They roughly remembered that he liked to go against Chernan and was Xiongnu��s worst teammate. He was their good helper and had severely injured Chernan with them in the negotiations that day. Moreover, he was well-behaved and didn��t raise any improper thoughts, so they didn��t reject him.


    After Cheryan entered, his gaze firstnded on the table in the room. Seeing that there was only tea and snacks, he asked bluntly, ��I heard that your Great Xia has a kind of noodle that can be eaten as long as you boil water. There��s also a kind of rice that can be boiled by itself with cold water. I wonder if I can try it?��


    Cheryan didn��t know if it was an illusion, but he realized that Rong Yan and Ning Ansheng seemed to be looking at him with more vignce. He hurriedly exined, ��I just found it unbelievable after hearing it and wanted to broaden my horizons. After I��m done watching it, I can go back and persuade my Eldest Brother and Second Brother not to consider war.��


    Before Rong Yan and Ning Ansheng could answer, a charming voice came from the door. ��Sure. Do you eat spicy food?��


    Xiaoxiao was here to ask them to eat noodles. Everyone felt that it was troublesome and inconvenient to carry the bowls of noodles around, so they decided to go to the kitchen together. Cheryan also shamelessly asked to participate in this activity that sounded very interesting. Then, when he arrived at the kitchen and saw the seven or eight small tes containing pickled vegetables, he could not take his eyes off them.


    ��What��s this? Is it green?��


    ��What is this? It smells so sour!��


    And this.. It looks like cabbage, but why is it so wilting? Is it really edible? Ah, why does it make me drool when I smell it?��

 Chapter 386 - 386: Reciprocation

    Chapter 386: Reciprocation


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After confirming that the Xiongnu��s Third Prince was more concerned about food, Rong Yan and Ning Ansheng found him a little more pleasing to the eye and prepared instant noodles and self-heating rice for each of them.


    Xiaoxiao mentioned a few things to take note of at the side. Sensing that her brother and Little Big Brother did not want her to do it, she simply said that there was more in the pot and let them do as they pleased before going to do her own things.


    Cheryan��s forehead was covered in sweat and his stomach was also bulging when he realized that the girl who was cooking had already left. His slowness increased his impression of her. When he left, he even received two gifts��two small jars of pickled vegetables made by Xiaoxiao.


    ��I know that there��s a saying in Great Xia called reciprocation.�� Wiping his mouth, Cheryan carried the pickle jar and said, ��Then I suggest that you send more people to protect that girl over the next few days.��


    Rong Yan and Ning Ansheng stopped in their tracks at the same time. Their gazes were dark, making Cheryan��s hair stand on end. ��What I mean is that you guys heard my Eldest Brother request to marry that girl, right? My Eldest Brother looks mellow, but he never does things for nothing. That girl must have something special about her.��


    ��But my Second Brother is different. His usual principle is to destroy what he can��t get and destroy what others want.��


    Holding the jars, Cheryan said with a smile, ��Oh, right, I forgot to tell you. I just saw my Second Brother instruct his subordinates to investigate the girl.��


    After saying that, he loosened his grip. Rong Yan and Ning Ansheng took the pickled vegetables from his hands. Rong Yan handed his to Ning Ansheng and left. Cheryan blinked. ��Didn��t you say that you were giving them to me?��


    Ning Ansheng��s face was wooden. ��No longer.�� Why did you leave the main point at the back!


    Rong Yan didn��t think that Cheryan would be bold enough to hurt Xiaoxiao in their territory, but when he saw Cheryan appear in front of Xiaoxiao, his hand that was holding the sword instantly became restless.


    Especially when he heard Cheryan say to Xiaoxiao, ��Why don��t you marry me instead of Chercha? He has another engagement. If he marries you, you��ll either be a concubine or one of your wives. I��m different. The women I take in are all toys. You can be the mistress.��


    Xiaoxiao felt that there was something wrong with his brain, so she spat. ��Get lost. You��re ugly to me.��


    Cheryan narrowed his eyes. ��Little girl, I advise you to think carefully before you speak. I know your secret. You��d better obey me obediently. Otherwise����


    ��Or what?��


    Rong Yan strode forward with an unfriendly and murderous expression.


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and turned to stare at Rong Yan.


    Her gaze was so focused that Rong Yan felt a little shy from anger. ��Why are you looking at me like that?��


    Xiaoxiao turned her back to Cheryan. ��That guy is ugly. Let me take a look at you to soothe my eyes.��


    Rong Yan held her hand and made her stand closer to him. At the same time, he made her keep a distance from Cheryan. He even bent down slightly so that she wouldn��t have a sore neck when she looked up. ��Okay.��


    Cheryan:�� Do you think Fm dead? Also, whats going on with this Third Prince of Great Xia! Where��s the aura of the killing god on the battlefield? Who is this little girl?!


    Xiaoxiao held Rong Yan��s hand without looking back.


    ��Third Prince, if you have time to daydream, why don��t you calcte how many cows, sheep, iron ore, and cities you should hand over to Great Xia? How many miles will the border move towards Xiongnu?��


    Cheryan��s face flushed red. This girl had a sharp tongue and kept picking on things he didn��t like to hear! When he brought her back to Xiongnu, he would definitely make her cry and regret what she had done today! He nced at the two of them holding hands and deliberately put on an unfathomable expression. ��Third Prince, do you know that this girl has an ambiguous rtionship with my Eldest Brother behind your back?��


    ��Has Third Prince never suspected that my Eldest Brother suddenly appeared and asked for this girl?��


    ��Where��s the life-saving grace? She��s from Great Xia. Why would she go and save my Eldest Brother for no reason? It can be seen that the two of them were already in cahoots����


    Before he could finish speaking, a cold light shed and a strand of hair fell. The right ear that Cheryan had specially wrapped was no longer covered. Rong Yan asked him, ��You don��t want the other ear anymore?��


    Cheryan still wanted to be stubborn, but Rong Yan told him, ��You don��t have to think of any way to fabricate a lie. She��s been staying in the border city these few days. Everyone in the city can testify.��


    Cheryan said firmly, ��That��s impossible. Chercha left our Xiongnu��s unique Goya Pollen on this woman. The smell of this thing canst for months. The Red-Winged Butterfly that Chercha reared has already recognized her!��


    ��Oh, I understand.�� He suddenly changed to a smug expression. ��Since she��s yours, you��re actually the one who asked her to collude with my Eldest Brother, right?��


    ��As a prince, will those old-fashioned ministers of Great Xia tolerate you for colluding with outsiders?��


    Chernan felt that he had something on Rong Yan, so he said smugly, ��If you don��t want others to know, give her to me����


    Xiaoxiao looked up at Rong Yan and said calmly, ��Do you think everyone is like you?��


    ��Ah, right. If your two brothers see the letters you wrote to the various patriarchs and a certain mysterious person, the scene will probably be quite interesting, right?�� After saying that, she really took out two envelopes that Cheryan found very familiar.


    Cheryan��s face was ashen. ��It��s really you!��


    Xiaoxiao snorted coldly. Then, she saw Rong Yan take the letter from her hand and emphasize to Cheryan, ��The thing is in my hands. If you have the guts, you cane to me for it.��


    Cheryan left in anger. If he didn��t leave now, he felt like his chest and lungs were going to explode.


    After he left, Xiaoxiao looked at Rong Yan, who really stuffed the letter into his arms, and touched her chin.


    Of course she knew that Little Big Brother did this because he did not want her to be targeted and in danger. ��Little Big Brother, don��t you have anything to ask me?��


    Rong Yan actually shook his head. ��When you want to say it����


    ��Your Highness! Your Highness! Smoke signal, there��s a situation!��


    ��The brothers on the city wall used irvoyant to observe and discovered that there was an abnormality in the dust south of the city. After carefully identifying it, we determined that there was a high chance that cavalry was approaching.��


    Actually, both Rong Yan and Xiaoxiao felt that Xiongnu��s people were a little abnormal today.


    Logically speaking, they had made outrageous requests and then went back on their word. It was impossible for the other party to swallow their anger obediently. There must be something wrong with the abnormality. It turned out that this ��abnormality�� was hiding here.


    If it was someone sent by the Great Xia Imperial Court, there would definitely be an official document before they came. Even if it was toote, it was impossible for Rong Yan not to receive any news.


    Ning Ansheng marked a few points on the map. ��I think that they can onlye from these few ces.��


    Dean Lu nced at it and raised his hand to draw again. Ning Ansheng cupped his hands. ��I understand.��


    This little disciple was really to his liking when he was learning. He was neither arrogant nor rash. He was humble and eager to learn. He was smart and promising. ��Where��s the Third Prince?��


    The Yun Guards, who were in charge of their safety, said, ��His Highness went to arrange for defenses and prepare to face the enemy.��


    Dean Lu nodded, stood up, and straightened his back. ��We��ll leave the outside to your Third Prince. We can rest assured. He can also be at ease when he leaves that group of Xiongnu bastards to us..��

 Chapter 387 - 387: Showdown

    Chapter 387: Showdown


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��If I don��t make them bleed today, I��ll write my name backwards.��


    Ning Ansheng followed. ��Teacher, do you also think that the enemies that suddenly appeared outside the city are rted to Xiongnu?��


    Dean Lu stroked his beard. ��I was already wondering why Xiongnu seemed to be stalling for time. So, heh, Ansheng, guess who it is.��


    Ning Ansheng recalled the map carefully and gave a definite answer. ��The


    Southern Barbarian.��


    Cheryan, who had suffered under Rong Yan and Xiaoxiao, smiled as soon as he returned to his ce.


    Ill let you guys be smug for a while. Lets see how the dogs of Great Xia can still be arrogant when the people from the Barbarian Regione!


    Chercha, who learned this news, couldn��t sit still.


    ��Idiot!��


    ��It��s already extremely stupid to collude with the Crown Prince of Great Xia to fake military merits. Now, he��s actually rted to the Southern Barbarians!


    He��s even more stupid to ask a tiger for its skin!


    How could he have such a brainless younger brother?


    ��Does he think that the ambition of the Southern Barbarians is only Great Xia?�� Cheryan was also at his residence at this moment. After knowing what his good Second Brother had done, he happily poured himself a ss of wine and enjoyed the jar of pickled vegetables that he had fought hard to snatch back.


    ��Has the news been sent out?��


    The guard punched his chest. ��Prince, don��t worry!��


    Cheryan asked again, ��What is the Third Prince of Great Xia doing now?�� The personal guard did not answer this question urately. ��He first went to arrange for defenses and soldiers, then����


    Cheryan asked expectantly, ��Then what happened?��


    The guard wanted to beat his chest again. ��He disappeared.


    Cheryan was speechless.


    It was like this. After Rong Yan finished exining everything to the deputy general, he was pulled to a secluded ce by Xiaoxiao.


    ��Rong Yan, I have something to tell you.��


    ��This matter concerns why Chercha said that he met me and why I knew that


    Chernan imprisoned him.��


    Rong Yan patted her hand. ��I��ve said it before. There��s no hurry now. I can wait until you think the time is right.��


    Xiaoxiao held his hand. ��Yes, I��ve thought about it. Now is the most appropriate time.��


    ��Although we��re not afraid of them, it takes time for us to arrange our troops. Why don��t I exin while you stall them?��


    Rong Yan did not understand. Could these two be done together?


    Xiaoxiao looked around. After confirming that there was no one around, she winked at Rong Yan. ��Watch carefully.��


    Rong Yan only felt his body sway slightly, and what he saw was very different from before. Before he coulde back to his senses and adapt, he saw a blur again. Xiaoxiao��s hand was covering his eyes.


    ��It might be a little dizzy the first time. You��d better close your eyes.��


    She had thought it through. Instead of being secretive, she would have to use the space inconspicuously. It might even affect the trust between her and Little Big Brother. She might as welly her cards on the table!


    Although she said that, she was actually a little nervous in her heart. She couldn��t see any emotions on Little Big Brother��s face, and she didn��t know if he was surprised, frightened, or just frightened.


    With a wooden-faced Rong Yan, Xiaoxiao used her space to rush to the vicinity of the Southern Barbarian army and pressed her hand to the ground. ��Little Big Brother, can I dig a pit and bury them?��


    Rong Yan looked at her in a daze. Then, he saw Xiaoxiao lying on the ground and digging a hole with a wooden stick. Then, she poked her finger in like a child ying with mud.


    Although he looked calm, he was actually in a daze and had lost the ability to think. Basically, he would do whatever Xiaoxiao said. Hence, when Xiaoxiao said ��Done��, he did not ask further and let her pull him around to hide.


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Next, we have to think of a way to make them run to these pits quickly and centrally.��


    Rong Yan looked at the ��trap�� she was talking about and nodded in a daze. Xiaoxiao felt that it was a little cute. The nervousness and uneasiness hidden in her heart dissipated a lot. She coughed lightly. ��Then I��m going to start. Don��t be afraid. I��m not a demon. I just have a magical treasure.��


    Rong Yan nodded without any reaction. He did not let go of Xiaoxiao��s hand. Then, he saw Xiaoxiao point at the Southern Barbarian Army with her other hand.


    It was quitemon in the border city, but at this moment, the sandstorm that looked extremely unusual in Rong Yan��s eyes rose from the ground. It was different from its usual weak might. This time, the sandstorm was menacing, scaring the Southern Barbarians, who had never stayed in the desert, into running away from the sandstorm.


    They could not stop running and fell into the hole that Xiaoxiao had dug. Xiaoxiao proudly showed off to Rong Yan. ��Although it looks very normal on the surface, I��ve already dug out that ce just now.��


    ��Unfortunately, my ability is limited and I can only dig up so many. Otherwise, if we bury all these people, our Great Xia soldiers will just have toe and collect their heads.��


    They were only here to stall for time. At the same time, Xiaoxiao wanted to exin the use of her space to Rong Yan more vividly. Themander could not leave for too long, so when she saw these Southern Barbarians falling into the pit like dumplings, Xiaoxiao brought Rong Yan back.


    Realizing that Little Big Brother was silent the entire time, Xiaoxiao had no choice but to take the initiative to speak. ��Little Big Brother Ah Yan, don��t you have anything to ask me?��


    Rong Yan thought about it seriously for a while and asked, ��Will doing this affect you negatively?��


    He asked, ��Will it hurt?��


    He asked, ��Will you be sick?��


    He also asked, ��Will it affect your lifespan or something?��


    Xiaoxiao was silent for a moment before she burst outughing. ��I couldn��t tell. My Little Big Brother Ah Yan has read a lot of misceneous books. Don��t worry, as long as it��s not too exaggerated, it won��t affect me.��


    Rong Yan immediately grabbed her hand. ��Let��s ride back.


    Although he did not know where he was, he saw horses in the stables.


    Xiaoxiao immediately understood his worry. ��Don��t worry. This fast way of traveling is a basic function. It��s like breathing to me. I��m not tired at all. If I really feel sleepy, I can still rest in the space. Now, I can adjust my speed to 45 times slower. When I wake up, it will only be a moment outside!


    Rong Yan instantly thought of a question that had troubled him many times. ��Have you used this ability on me and the soldiers recently?


    Xiaoxiao chuckled, and Rong Yan knew that he had guessed correctly.


    It turned out that Xiaoxiao had done so much for him, everyone, and Great Xia without him knowing.


    It was not a good time to chat. When the two of them returned to the border city, Deputy General Yu had already led the soldiers to get ready. Coincidentally, under the lead of Rong Yan, who had just returned, they headed towards the Southern Barbarian soldiers who were much slower than they had expected.


    This battle was not as Chernan had expected. Great Xia wasn��t thwarted or both sides had suffered equal losses.


    Firstly, the sneak attack was directly exposed in front of the people of Great Xia. It had no effect at all. Secondly, for some reason, the Southern Barbarian army was unlucky. Not only did they encounter a rare huge sandstorm, but they also fell into a pit without rhyme or reason. They were injured and sick, and their formation was a mess. When the soldiers of Great Xia arrived, they felt like they were taking advantage of the situation. They killed until their hands went weak and were overjoyed..

 Chapter 388 - 388: Do You Think You’re Clairvoyants?

    Chapter 388: Do You Think You��re irvoyants?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ording to the surviving Southern Barbarian soldiers, although the sandstorm blinded them and made them unable to see the way, they clearly saw that the ground was safe before they fell into the pit. It was rather strange that it suddenly fell after they stepped on it.


    Chernan deliberately posed as if he wanted to admire the expressions of the Great Xia people who were like stray dogs. However, he didn��t get to see what he wanted to see. Instead, Ning Ansheng specially showed off in the subsequent negotiations.


    ��Everyone, you must be dry-mouthed and exhausted after talking for the entire day. Even you are considered guests. As the host, why don��t we let everyone try the recent specialties of Great Xia��s border city tonight?��


    ��Everyone, please take a look. This is the soldiers�� fast food rations.��


    When they first heard the word ��rations��, many of the Xiongnu people revealed disdainful expressions. What were rations? Wasn��t it just dry and barely edible food? Was Great Xia treating them with that on purpose?


    Could it be that they knew that the Southern Barbarian matter was rted to them?


    Great Xia was too petty. They were using such a negligible method to vent their anger?


    With such petty thoughts, the Xiongnu people saw the people of Great Xia bringing over some strange things.


    First, someone brought two bowls. One of them was filled with dry noodle cake. The Great Xia people poured hot water into it, then sprinkled some powder and dried vegetables before covering it again. The other bowl was filled with leftovers and other shriveled things that seemed to have been exposed to the wind and sun for many days. There was arge steamer in the middle of the table. The Great Xia people ced the leftovers into the steamer and poured water into the steamer at the bottom. They said, ��Please wait a moment. It��ll be ready soon.��


    The Xiongnu peopleined in their hearts. They had used steamers before. There was no stove and no fire. Did they think they were fools to put the leftovers in and pretend to heat them up?


    Today, the Xiongnu fools saw the people of Great Xia perform a trick in front of them.


    After the dry noodles were soaked in hot water, they actually turned into a bowl of hot cooked noodles! The taste was fragrant! The steamer obviously did not light up to heat up, but it quickly began to emit water vapor!


    They bent down almost at the same time to look at the bottom of the table. After confirming that it was just an ordinary table and that there was no mechanism to hide the furnace under it, they could not help but wave their hands to eliminate the possibility of being deceived by the smokescreen. Then, they began to stare nkly.


    ��Everyone, don��t stand on ceremony. Eat.��


    After saying that, Ning Ansheng and Dean Lu were the first to pick up their chopsticks and start eating heartily. The dining tables of Great Xia and Xiongnu were arranged separately. The room was huge, and Great Xia took up half of it while Xiongnu took up half. The dishes on the tables on both sides were a little different. Xiongnu people only ate fast food. Great Xia had Xiaoxiao��s braised pork, shredded potatoes, and pumpkin pancakes. The pickled vegetables were even more delicious and varied.


    The Xiongnu people swallowed their saliva when they smelled the food. Although the food in their bowls was also fragrant, it could notpare to the exquisite and varied dishes opposite them. Look at howfortable the people of Great Xia were. The food and drinks were things that they, Xiongnu, could not imagine. Could they be med for wanting to snatch them? Who would not be envious when they saw this? Back then, did the Southern Barbarians try their best to attack Great Xia just for the beauties and wine in the Imperial Capital?


    Someone protested, ��Why don��t we have any other dishes here?��


    Ning Ansheng smiled. ��Do you have any misunderstandings about our rtionship?��


    ��How about this? After you sign the alliance agreement, we��ll immediately add dishes and serve wine to everyone. How about that?��


    The Xiongnu people:�� They��d better shut up.


    Although they did not get to eat meat and vegetables, Great Xia��s ��fast food rations�� quickly conquered the Xiongnu people��s stomachs. The noodles that they thought were unptable and tasteless were chewy and the soup was rich. The one that they thought was leftovers was even more magical. As soon as the steamer was opened, the dried rice and vegetables were as full as air. The fresh and delicious food in their mouths was no different from freshly cooked food!


    How could this be?


    How could it be like this?


    Did they have some misunderstanding about cooking? It turned out that noodles and rice only needed to be added with water bubbles to be delicious�� Bullsh*t! They didn��t cook much, but it didn��t mean that they didn��t havemon sense! The people of Great Xia must have used some unique method!


    They did not know the exact method, but it was f*cking delicious!


    At the thought that not only did Great Xia��s soldiers notck food, but they also ate so well every meal, the Xiongnu people felt very upset.


    Didn��t the second prince say that Great Xia had been living a tough life all these years and didn��t have much food? They couldn��t bear the pressure of military supplies at all? How could they not see that?


    After thinking about it, the Xiongnu people still felt unhappy. Hence, he said sarcastically, ��The officials of Great Xia are indeed particr. The soldiers who risked their lives for their future have just eaten their fill, but you��re already willing to spend a huge amount of manpower and financial resources to transport these fresh vegetables and meat for yourselves.��


    Oh, you even knowhow to sow discord?


    Ning Ansheng was enjoying his sister��s braised pork. When the others in the negotiation team heard that this question was so easy that Mr. Lu and his disciple didn��t need to do anything, they hurriedly spoke.


    ��No, no. Fellow envoys, you might not know, but this meat was hunted by the guards when they came out to look for food a few days ago. Today, everyone will have extra dishes. After all, we will only have the strength to continue fighting those jackals, tigers and leopards after eating.��


    The Xiongnu jackals, tigers and leopards were speechless.


    They were not convinced!


    ��What about vegetables? Isn��t it a waste of money to transport them all the way to the border city?��


    The negotiation team shook their heads again. ��No, no. Your experiences are limited, so we won��t bicker with you. However, these vegetables were really nted in the fields of this city.��


    They finally had a chance to show off. They were so excited! They had to say more!


    ��Besides, why do you have to worry about us wasting our money? If you��re really so kind, why don��t you sign the alliance agreement early?��


    The Xiongnu people: [�� Can��t you let me eat properly?}


    Although they criticized them in their hearts, they still finished the food in their bowls. After eating, they even moved closer to the steamer, clearly wanting to see what was going on.


    ��Themander and deputy general are back!��


    The soldier��s words outside the door caused the atmosphere in the room to change. The Xiongnu people were looking forward to it and gloating. The envoys of Great Xia maintained their calm expressions, but quietly clenched their fists in their sleeves.


    As the oldest and most calm person here, Dean Lu was the first to ask, ��How is it?��


    The soldier stuck his head in with a smile on his face. ��We returned victorious!��


    The Xiongnu people��s faces instantly drooped. Everyone in Great Xia was unhappy. Why were the Xiongnu people pulling a long face?


    They immediately put away the table. They knew that the Xiongnu people were curious and wanted to see it, so they wouldn��t let them. What could they do!


    Recalling the Third Prince��s instructions, a representative in the negotiation team cleared his throat. ��That��s true. That Southern Barbarians exposed their whereabouts 160 km away. Of course, he can��t escape the pursuit of our Great Xia soldiers!��


    As expected, the Xiongnu people��s attention was attracted.. ��What are you bragging about? Do you think the people of Great Xia are all irvoyants?��

 Chapter 389 - 389: Wiped Out

    Chapter 389: Wiped Out


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Aiyo, the topic had already been drawn out. Wouldn��t they be letting down Xiongnu��s stupidity if they didn��t pick it up?


    ��Are we bragging? Do you want to take a look for yourselves?��


    Dean Lu took out Xiaoxiao��s new irvoyant and handed it to Chernan, who had been silent since the beginning.


    Chernan didn��t say anything at first because he felt that this group of sour schrs wasn��t worthy.


    Later on, he felt that a good show was about to happen and wanted to see the frustrated and angry expressions of the people of Great Xia. At the same time, he seized the opportunity to add insult to injury. Even if he could not turn the tables, he had to take advantage of the alliance. For example, he did not want to give up the iron mine.


    Then, he was afraid that he would vomit blood when he opened his mouth.


    However, that Great Xia soldier was not calm at all. He insisted on exining such a big matter in detail and his tone was too boastful.


    ��Officials, gentlemen, you don��t know how unlucky the Southern Barbarians are. They think that their whereabouts are secretive, but they didn��t know that they have long been discovered by us. Hahaha, what��s even funnier is that they were actually swept into the pit by the sandstorm!��


    ��Although they didn��t fall to their deaths, their formation was already in a mess when our people arrived. Coincidentally, the sandstorm seemed to be the heavens helping us. The sandstorm went into the distance as soon as our soldiers arrived. The Southern Barbarians were frightened out of their wits when they opened their eyes and saw us. They shouted, ��What the hell!����


    ��Moreover, hehehe, halfway through the battle, General Xiao also brought her troops back. Coincidentally, we attacked from both inside and outside, making it impossible for the Southern Barbarians to retreat!��


    ��When the Southern Barbarians saw General Xiao, they were like rats seeing a cat. Before they even started fighting, their morale had already been extinguished. They shrank back and wanted to escape after a while. How could General Xiao let them escape? If they dare to offend Great Xia, they have to be prepared to pay a painful price! Those Southern Barbarians werepletely wiped out!��


    He spoke vividly, and the people of Great Xia apuded and cheered. The Xiongnu people only wanted to cover their ears. Chernan tried to divert their attention, so he weighed the unknown thing that Dean Lu gave him.


    Ning Ansheng took the initiative to help him adjust his posture and make his eyes look into the irvoyant.


    Chernan sneered. ��What the heck? I can��t even see a fart.��


    Ning Ansheng helped him to change direction good-naturedly. When Chernan saw an unknown bird suddenly flit across his vision, he was so shocked that he almost cried out in embarrassment.


    He put down the irvoyant and narrowed his eyes to look into the distance. He picked up the irvoyant and turned it to look into the distance.


    The view here was excellent. If he got the right direction, he could see the stones on the ground outside the city.


    Ning Ansheng told him, ��This is the basic version. There is also a special version specially used by the military. Its range of vision and visibility is even higher. That��s how the Southern Barbarians were discovered. Oh, I forgot to mention that your Xiongnu spies were also caught because of this.��


    He sighed. ��Why don��t you go back and discuss it? Don��t bother to send people to spy on us in the future? Anyway, you can��t escape our irvoyants. We can capture anyone whoes. To you, this is equal to sending men for us to kill. This is a stupid thing to do. Second Prince, don��t you think so?��


    The second prince did not want to speak. The second prince wanted to kill someone.


    The Xiongnu people returned in defeat again. Moreover, they had a premonition that they would be even more at a disadvantage at the negotiation table tomorrow��it waspletely the opposite of what the second prince said.


    After a night of discussion, the Great Xia negotiating team decided to take an even tougher route tomorrow because the Xiongnu b*stards were clearly unwilling to give up until they saw the coffin.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao was being hugged and caressed by her mother.


    ��Good daughter, your irvoyant is very useful. It saved the soldiers a lot of effort. After the warning, they also saw through many of Xiongnu��s schemes!��


    Xiaoxiao asked her, ��Mother, why did you suddenlye back?��


    Xiao Ran waved her hand. ��The war has alreadye to an end. Deputy General Xiong is a promising talent. It��s more than enough to let him guard the city. We just need to wait for the Xiongnu prince to leave his handprint on the covenant and we can go home together.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��Are you so sure that the Xiongnu people will admit defeat obediently?��


    Xiao Ran��s eyes were filled with killing intent. ��Le them try denying it.��


    Not only did Xiaoxiao think that her mother was sauve, but Gu Chang��an, who had just changed his clothes, could not take his eyes off her.


    Ever since many years ago, Xiao Ran narrowly escaped death, gave birth to Xiaoxiao alone on the battlefield and unfortunately lost Xiaoxiao, he and Xiao Ran had agreed that they would never be separated again. Hence, he went wherever Xiao Ran went. He did not know if other couples would get sick of each other, but he felt that Xiao Ran attracted his attention more and more day after day.


    Xiao Ran asked, ��What do you think of the three princes of Xiongnu?��


    This was serious business. He had to answer seriously.


    Rong Yan said first, ��On the surface, the First Prince has the best reputation and is polite to the wise. He also has the best reputation in Xiongnu. The Second Prince is cruel and kills people. Although he��s currently in a high position, the people are the most dissatisfied with him. The Third Prince doesn��t participate in the power struggle and doesn��t want the throne. He never ropes in the rich and powerful and only wants to go against the Second Prince.�� Xiao Ran smiled. ��In reality?��


    Rong Yan��s face darkened. ��In fact, the First Prince is scheming and obtained the most support without batting an eyelid. It��s said that he was the one who wanted to inherit the throne the most before the King of Xiongnu died. The Second Prince is a boorish man who doesn��t like to use his brain much, but he thinks highly of himself and thinks that he��s peerless in the world. As for the Third Prince����


    Xiao Ran took the tea made by her husband and poured Rong Yan a cup. ��How��s the Third Prince?��


    Rong Yan said, ��I think the Third Prince is the one who can��t be underestimated among the three heirs to the throne of Xiongnu.��


    Xiao Ran asked him to ��specify��.


    Rong Yan said, ��It isn��t a rumor that the Second Prince wants to kill his brothers openly and covertly for the throne. He is hard-hearted and ruthless to his blood rtives. However, even after a bunch of his brothers died,and the First Prince, who can��t be underestimated, was tricked, the Third Prince, who seems to be the most yful, is actually alive and well.��


    ��The First Prince almost lost his life with so many guards and personal guards. It can��t be luck that the Third Prince escaped unscathed.��


    Xiaoxiao only pursed her lips. ��I think all of them are not good people.��


    Xiao Ran nodded and took out a letter for them to read.


    Inexperienced Great Xia words were written crookedly on the letter: ��The Southern Barbarians want to attack the border city.��


    Xiao Ran said, ��I suddenly came back because someone sent me this letter.��


    ��Guess who gave me this letter?��


    Rong Yan��s expression was heavy. The two of them were able to discuss important military matters with ease, so Xiaoxiao went to busy herself with internal affairs with Father. Gu Chang��an smiled in relief when he heard that Xiaoxiao��s experimental field had expanded again and the seeds distributed to themoners had sprouted one after another.


    ��Xiaoxiao, you don��t know what kind of miracle you��ve created for the border city and the world.��


    Xiaoxiao blushed and pulled her father to the warehouse to pick a melon. She took it back and cut it. It was a good opportunity to moisten Xiao Ran and Rong Yan��s dry throats..

 Chapter 390 - 390: How Fortunate

    Chapter 390: How Fortunate


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    That night, the Xiongnu people could not sleep at night.


    Chernan��s mind was filled with the strength that the Great Xia people had deliberately revealed in front of him. He felt a sense of defeat as if his heavy fist was gently stopped. Chercha discussed with his advisors all night and remembered the bottom line that Xiongnu could give in to.


    Meanwhile, at Cheryan��s ce, he was carrying the melon that he had bought at a high price from Xiaoxiao��s experimental field with a yful expression.


    ��So not only is that woman not a maidservant, but she��s also Xiao Ran��s long-lost biological daughter?��


    ��Did she make all the fruits and vegetables that grow on thend here?��


    The guard reported, ��More than that. It��s said that she made the irvoyant that stunned the Second Prince today ording to the ancient books.��


    He said, ��Master, from the looks of it, she��s indeed the best candidate for marriage, but we can��t let the First Prince get her. Why don��t����


    Chernan nced at him. ��Why don��t I? Why do you let your Master learn from my stupid Eldest Brother and let me annoy Xiao Ran because I proposed marriage to that girl?��


    ��Use your brain more in everything. Since she��s so important, how can Great Xia bear to hand her over to our Xiongnu? How can Xiao Ran fancy our Xiongnu? Moreover, ording to what I know, the Xiao Family��s daughter and Rong Yan are a couple.��


    ��Proposing marriage to her will definitely offend Xiao Ran and the Third Prince of Great Xia at the same time. Only my self-proimed strategist, Eldest Brother, can do such a suicidal act. Didn��t you see that all the officials negotiating with Great Xia today didn��t look at him?��


    ��Eldest Brother is really stupid. It wasn��t easy for him to escape, but he didn��t focus on dealing with Second Brother and insisted on causing trouble.�� The guard asked, ��Why don��t we set another trap for him?��


    Cheryan waved his hand. ��The same move won��t work the second time. Moreover, it��s good that he��s alive now. It just so happens that Chernan has been too arrogant recently. He needs someone to suppress him.��


    Only when the two of them fought to the death could he sit back and reap the benefits.


    ��Have you found out who saved Eldest Brother back then?�� How troublesome. Did they think it was easy for him to scheme against Chercha and Chernan? Chernan was really stupid. He should have killed him as soon as he was caught. He actually let him live for so long.


    The guard lowered his head. ��I��m useless.��


    Cheryan sighed. ��Forget it. It��s probably not the time yet. Let��s see them fight for a while more.��


    ��By the way, remember to hide that woman��s identity. No, just hide it from Eldest Brother. As for Second Brother����


    Late at night, Rong Yan, who had finished everything, sat for a while and suddenly reached out to pinch himself.


    Hiss, it hurt.


    Then it wasn��t a dream.


    Everything Xiaoxiao showed him in the day was true!


    This was unbelievable!


    Xiaoxiao looked at the wrinkled face of the mature boy from the space. He looked at his hands and patted the wall beside the bed, looking very uneasy and distressed.


    She retreated out of the courtyard considerately and pretended to have just walked over.


    Hearing the guard outside call her ��Miss��, Rong Yan knew that it was Xiaoxiao. He patted his face and only opened the door to wee her in after confirming that his expression was normal.


    ��You��re here.��


    Xiaoxiao, who was holding a te of snacks:�� Little Big Brother adjusts quite quickly.


    Sending snacks was an excuse. She wants to tell him about the space and Xiongnu��s trip. After Xiaoxiao confirmed that Rong Yan was mentally prepared, she held his hand and with a whoosh, the world changed.


    ��Want to get some sleep first?��


    Rong Yan��s calm heart was in turmoil. How could he sleep under such circumstances?


    ��That won��t be necessary.��


    He tried his best to let his gaze drift away, wanting to find something else to divert his attention. Then, he saw arge area of farnd,kes, and pastures. The golden rice ears stretched as far as the eye could see. The fish and prawns in the clearke were plump, and the pastures were all thriving.


    In the stable beside the ranch, many horses that looked simr snorted. Wind, who was different from them, ran around the space and even threw Rong Yan a provocative look behind him.


    Under such gazes, a white shadow hurriedly flew past, swaying its burly and short body as it chased forward. In the blink of an eye, it was lost in Wind��s shadow.


    Rong Yan was wondering where this stupid rabbit came from when he saw it turn around and hug Xiaoxiao��s leg aggrievedly. He actually felt that this rabbit looked a little familiar.


    Xiaoxiao pushed it away in amusement and said to Rong Yan, ��You haven��t seen Scarf in a long time, right?��


    It took Rong Yan a long time to realize that ��Scarf�� was the rabbit he had hunted back then. He squatted down and raised his hand to pinch this seemingly furry but actually chubby body. Scarf immediately bared its teeth and turned around to bite him.


    Rong Yan wouldn��t let it be impudent. Scarf��s ears were lifted in an instant. The moment it met the man��s gaze, Scarf recalled the days when it was humiliated and had to survive under his hands. It became bold and its front teeth chattered.


    Rong Yan said, ��I remember you studied cooking three dishes with one rabbit at that time.��


    Scarf immediately put away its ��fangs�� and raised its front ws obediently. When Rong Yan put it down, the rabbit ran away from this dangerous person.


    Rong Yan found it funny. ��This rabbit looks much smarter than before.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and said proudly, ��I realized that animals brought in from outside will be smarter after staying in the space for a while. For example, Scarf, Walnut, and Wind and Lightning can understand me. Do you still remember Walnut? It��s the mastiff that Shen Tianci gave me. It��s a good guard dog. Now, Walnut is the guard when my father goes to the fields to nt rice.�� ��Walnut was very smart. One time, he encountered an evil person who wanted to steal the rice. Because he was afraid of Walnut, he stuffed poison into a meat bun and wanted to poison it to death. However, Walnut was smart. Not only did he pounce on the evil person, but it also stuffed the poisonous bun into the thief��s mouth. He was so frightened that he fainted on the spot����


    It had been a long time since Rong Yan had such a simple chat. There were dangers everywhere in the border city, and he needed to be tense at all times. He could not rx at all. Listening to Xiaoxiao��s soft nagging, he fell asleep unknowingly.


    Beside her, he seemed to be sleeping especially peacefully. When he woke up in a deep sleep, he was a little groggy. Before he opened his eyes, he asked, ��How long did I sleep?��


    Xiaoxiao��s sweet voice answered from the side, ��ording to the time here, you slept for six hours, but ording to the time outside, you only took a few sips of tea.��


    After opening his eyes, Rong Yan��s originally clear mind was a little blurry. Was he in the space Xiaoxiao mentioned, or had he returned to his room?


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��I was afraid that you wouldn��t be used to sleeping here, so I copied your room in.��


    Then, Rong Yan felt his body tremble slightly, and the ce where the two of them were, became that vast space again.


    This feeling was a little familiar. He asked, ��Have you used this spell on me before?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��It��s not a spell, but I��ve used it before.��


    No wonder he almost never felt weak even though he was worried and tired every day. It turned out that Xiaoxiao had always been by his side, helping and taking care of him in her way.


    What right did he have to be lucky enough to meet the three members of the Xiao Family?

 Chapter 391 - 391: Those Who Offend Our Country Will Be Killed

    Chapter 391: Those Who Offend Our Country Will Be Killed


    No Matter How Far They Are


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The warmth that surged in his heart suppressed his uneasiness about this unfamiliar space. He wanted to thank her, but just as he opened his mouth, he saw the rabbit that had run away earlier running back with arge group of gray and whitepanions.


    The rabbits, which were all fat, kept circling Rong Yan. He did not know the deeper meaning, so he could only ask Xiaoxiao, ��What are they doing?��


    Xiaoxiao carefully observed the subtle expression on Scarf��s furry face and guessed, ��Maybe�� it wants to introduce its descendants to you?��


    Rong Yan admitted that he was shocked. ��Are these all its?��


    Xiaoxiaoughed. ��That��s right. At first, I brought it in because I didn��t want it to be lonely in your small courtyard. In order to find something for it to do, I specially got a few more rabbits from outside. I didn��t expect it to have endless rabbit grandchildren, filling my rabbit cage.��


    Rong Yan turned to look at Scarf, which stood up on its hind legs and highlighted its unique status. It was probably not an introduction, but a special show-off to him.


    He smiled and said to Xiaoxiao, ��There��s so much. The spicy rabbit head you mentioned back then should be settled.��


    The rabbits dispersed. Scarf took the lead, his short legs almost leaving afterimages.


    Life was too hard on it. Usually, it could not win against a horse, but today, it still had to be bullied by that stinky man from before! What a sin!


    Xiaoxiaoughed so hard that she could not straighten her back. Before she left Fortune Vige, Xiaoxiao could not bear to leave Scarf in that empty courtyard and let it live in the space. After that, the rabbit started to be smarter and smarter, as if it had be a rabbit spirit.


    If it bared its teeth at first because it did not recognize Rong Yan, it must have done it on purpose now.


    What exactly did Little Big Brother do to this rabbit in the past that it still came to provoke him shakily when it was so cowardly? It was simply cowardly and yful.


    However�� Little Big Brother, who was really angry, was also a little cute. Xiaoxiao leaned over eagerly and whispered.


    ��There��s only the two of us here now. There��s something I��ve wanted to do for a long time����


    Rong Yan��s face turned red, and his pretense of calmness turned into smoke. His Adam��s apple moved up and down with difficulty. No one knew what was going on in his mind at this moment.


    Xiaoxiao watched him shyly for a while before she waved her hand and moved out many steaming delicacies from the warehouse.


    ��Look! These are all delicious foods I prepared for you!��


    ��The space is amazing. Everything in the warehouse can be kept fresh. It looks like it has just been cooked no matter how long it��s kept. You can eat it anytime in the future����


    Before she could finish her sentence, the handsome face that suddenly approached gritted his teeth. ��You did it on purpose����


    Xiaoxiao��s eyes were filled with smiles. Yes, she was, but then�� Eh? Hey, hey, hey?


    The sudden touch on her lips made Xiaoxiao freeze on the spot. Was she kissed just now?


    Seeing her reaction, Rong Yan chuckled and approached her again. ��You teased me first.��


    The shallow and probing kiss gradually deepened. It should be like spring all year round in the space, but Xiaoxiao felt the temperature rising continuously.


    He did not know how to do it at first, butter��


    Anyway, when the two of them separated, Xiaoxiao felt that her mouth was a little swollen. Rong Yan��s slightly hoarse voice sounded in her ear. ��I��m sorry, I couldn��t control myself for a moment.�� After being ignorant for a long time, he finally realized that her deep love and trust in him far exceeded his imagination. His thoughts surged and he was extremely tempted.


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��You��re a newbie after all. I can understand.��


    After saying that, she was kissed again.


    This kiss made Xiaoxiao understand one thing with her own experience��don��t easily challenge the dignity of a boy who has just fallen in love, especially the kind who ispetitive.


    After that, they still ate. Rong Yan even used the slow time in the space to study the art of war.


    Since she had alreadyid her cards on the table, Xiaoxiao could not be bothered to hide her skills. She spent a lot of money to exchange for a bunch of useful military books for him.


    When he was resting, Xiaoxiao would choose to exin the use of the space. Rong Yan was too embarrassed to look at Xiaoxiao��s face, especially her red lips. Xiaoxiao sighed in her heart. You��re the one who did the naughty deeds, but you��re also the one who��s shy afterward. Those who didn��t know better would think that I was the one who wanted to eat you up just now.


    The joy of being in love made them not feel the passage of time. Even so, only an hour had passed outside after they came out of the space.


    It was impossible for them to chat much and finish their supper in an hour. Moreover, it was quiet and stable inside, so the Yun Guards outside Rong Yan��s house did not think much of it at all, even though Xiaoxiao looked a little abnormal when she came out with her head lowered and the tray covering half of her face.


    Xiaoxiao threw herself into the nket and giggled when she returned to her room. Rong Yan was the same.


    In the past, she had always felt that the two of them were busy and did not have much time to interact with each other. Now that the space was exposed to Rong Yan, time would be inexhaustible.


    The people in the border city realized that theirmander-in-chief was in high spirits today. Not only was he in good spirits, but he was also in a good mood. Even when he saw the Xiongnu b*stards, he did not look like he was about to draw his sword at any time.


    However, this gentleness was only before the negotiations began.


    Before today��s routine negotiations began, Rong Yan killed a few Southern Barbarian soldiers who refused to surrender.


    ��The dignity of Great Xia cannot be vited. Those who offend our country will be killed no matter how far away they are.��


    The Xiongnu felt that these words were not just for the Southern Barbarians to hear.


    The bloody lesson was right in front of them, so they couldn��t help but restrain themselves and be more honest. However, what Great Xia and Rong Yan wanted were more than just these.


    ��Since Xiongnu is unwilling to show your sincerity, let��s do it our own way. Today, I��ll say this. Either sign the alliance and hand over the iron mine, or we continue fighting.��


    ��How can a defeated country have so many excuses?��


    These words were so straightforward that Chernan was humiliated, but he had no way to refute them.


    What was wrong with Great Xia? It was actually�� so unyielding!


    However, they had abundant rations and a strong army that did not know exhaustion. What was most infuriating was that this many consecutive days of experience made Chernan have to admit that Great Xia was really blessed by the heavens!


    Otherwise, how could they exin the unbelievable ��coincidences�� that had appeared these days?


    For example, the rain when they set fire to Great Xia��s military camp, the wolves that came knocking on their door when Great Xia was short of food, and the sandstorm that appeared when the Southern Barbarians attacked.


    Moreover, the Great Xia Imperial Court didn��t take the border city seriously in the past. Otherwise, the Crown Prince of Great Xia wouldn��t have dared to conspire with him. But now, that girl who came out of nowhere actually nted crops in the border city. Would Great Xia still give up on this vast desert?


    ��Second Prince, what should we do?��


    ��Prince, the patriarchs are all protesting. They say that if you continue to be stubborn, they won��t cooperate with you����


    ��Prince, the First Prince has already roped in several patriarchs.. We don��t have enough troops����

 Chapter 392 - 392: Deeply Popular

    Chapter 392: Deeply Popr


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The soldiers fighting came from various races. If those patriarchs were roped in by Chercha, how could he dare to use them even if they didn��t retreat?


    Chernan gritted his teeth. He was themander-in-chief of this expedition, but now, he could not make any other decisions other than calling for a halt. �� ��Sign it.��


    A few dayster, the news of Xiongnu signing the alliance was sent back to the Imperial Capital. The Emperor and the ministers were pleasantly surprised by the benefits of the alliance to Great Xia.


    In addition to thepensation for the ceasefire, Xiongnu also obediently handed over two iron mines and many ores that had already been mined. ��Your Majesty, the Third Prince has contributed to the retreat of the enemy. He led the army well and is the pir of the country!��


    ����That��s right, Your Majesty. Originally, all we wanted was for Xiongnu to retreat. I didn��t expect the Third Prince to actually take the most desirable iron ore back to Great Xia. This is really a pleasant surprise!��


    However, there were also voices of objection. ��Your Majesty, I heard that the Third Prince disregarded the Imperial Court��s decree and sent troops to attack Xiongnu without permission. This action is clearly rushed for quick sess and does not take the emperor��s order seriously at all. Please issue the decree and pursue the responsibility of the Third Prince for disobeying the decree!�� ��Is there something wrong with you? Not only did you not support rewarding the Third Prince when he won the battle, but you even asked His Majesty to punish him?��


    ��There are family rules and nationalws. If everyone is as maverick as the Third Prince, will all the generals who lead troops in the future be able to disobey the imperial edict on the grounds that they won��t obey the orders of the external ruler? In that case, where will His Majesty��s might be?�� ��Moreover, who can guarantee that the Third Prince will be lucky enough to win? What if he advances rashly next time and implicates the entire Great Xia?�� ��Official He is simply unreasonable. Can you not hope for something good?�� The court was in a heated argument in the morning, and the ministers were unwilling to give in to each other. After the morning, there was still no useful oue. This matter could only be left unsettled for the time being. After the court session ended, the Emperor came to Noble Consort Ji��s pce. She still looked indifferent.


    The Emperor asked, ��Third Prince has made a contribution. What do you think I should reward him with?��


    Noble Consort Ji was focused on her teacup and didn��t even look up. ��As a prince, it s his duty to share His Majesty��s burdens.��


    The Emperor asked again, ��Someone asked me to punish him for defying the decree and advancing rashly. What do you think?��


    Noble Consort Ji didn��t stop moving. ��It��s indeed a little risky.�� The Emperor rested his chin on his hand and watched her make tea. ��Speaking of which, the Crown Prince has contributed to sending food to the border city. I haven��t rewarded him yet. What do you think I should reward him with?�� Noble Consort Ji almost immediately looked up, but in the next moment she quickly lowered her head. ��The harem can��t interfere with politics, so His Majesty can naturally reward whatever you want.��


    The Emperor took the teacup and took a sip, notmenting.


    As usual, he didn��t stay over. He left after drinking a cup of tea. This made the pce servants wonder day after day-was Noble Consort Ji favored or not?


    In terms of favor, His Majesty never spent the night at Noble Consort Ji��s ce. Every time he came, he would only sit down and say a few words.


    In terms of not being favored, even the Empress couldn��tpare to the rewards she received this year. Moreover, no matter how busy His Majesty was, he would always personally visit Noble Consort Ji every once in a while.


    Not long after the Emperor left, the Empress came, but her tone was not too good.


    ��I heard that His Majesty came just now? What did he say to you?�� Noble Consort Ji didn��t hide it, but just as she finished speaking, the Empress��s face darkened. ��In the past, you always said that you doted on the Crown Prince. Why didn��t you praise him more when His Majesty asked? Didn��t I tell youst time that my son has been idle for a long time? Coincidentally, there was a vacancy at the entrance examination, so it��s just right for the Crown Prince to go and train.��


    Noble Consort Ji didn��t seem to care about the Empress��s reproach and dissatisfaction. She continued to grind her tea slowly. ��Your Majesty, it��s not that I��m unwilling to speak up. It��s not like you don��t know His Majesty well. If I ask for an official position, I might make him think that I was instructed by the Crown Prince. Wouldn��t that have the opposite effect?��


    The Empress thought for a moment and eximed, ��I misunderstood my sister. I was also a little anxious. His Majesty values the imperial examinations and has also thought highly of the new students in recent years. The other princes can see the mystery behind this and are also eyeing the positions rted to the imperial examination. It��s not easy for one of them to be free. I��m also worried that someone will make the first move.��


    Noble Consort Ji handed her a cup of tea. ��How could I not understand Her Majesty��s concerns? Don��t worry, didn��t we suppress the Crown Prince��s contribution to delivering food until now for that position? Now, as long as we get the right candidate in the court to speak at the right time, the Crown Prince will definitely get what he wants.��


    The Empress was in a good mood after being coaxed. Recently, things had been going smoothly for the Yan Family. They had obtained both wealth and power. Although they had yet to obtain military power, as long as the Crown Prince controlled those students, the Yan Family would still have the final say in the court in the future.


    The Empress left in satisfaction. Noble Consort Ji sat alone in the hall for a while before getting someone toe up and clean up.


    ��Throw them all away. There��s no need to keep them.��


    Although the pce maid did not understand, she still did it obediently. The Empress quickly contacted the Crown Prince��s party and tried her best to help the Crown Prince take over the important position in the imperial examination before Rong Yan returned. Things went very smoothly, or rather, too smoothly��


    At another morning court assembly, the Emperor looked at the ministers who wanted to praise the Crown Prince��s achievements together and said meaningfully, ��The Crown Prince is really popr.��


    Some of the ministers wanted to speak, but Prime Minister Yan hurriedly stopped them with a look.


    The Emperor asked with a meaningful smile, ��Since the Crown Prince is so outstanding and has worked so hard, what do you think I should arrange for him, dear officials?��


    No matter how stupid a person was, they could hear the Emperor��s dissatisfaction. The ministers, who had been talking one after another just now, quietened down and did not know what to do. At this moment, Premier Shen, who had not spoken much, stepped forward. ��Your Majesty, weren��t you worried that there was no reliable person to take charge of the subsequent maintenance of the dam in Xijiang County?��


    Prime Minister Yan gritted his teeth. This old man must have done it on purpose! He wanted the Crown Prince to take care of the dam?


    Everyone knew that the Yan Family was the one who had gotten into trouble with the dam previously. This matter had already faded, but he had to mention it! He was afraid that others would forget about Yan Lu, right?


    Originally, His Majesty wanted to reward him for doing a good job. Now, it had be making up for his mistakes?


    The efficiency of Great Xia��s court had never been high, so today��s matter had yet to be decided. On the other hand, Premier Shen was called by the Emperor to have a private conversation. After thinking about it, Prime Minister Yan invited the few ministers who were asking credit for the Crown Prince in the court today.


    After being in the court for so long, who didn��t know that they had gotten into trouble?


    ��Prime Minister, please forgive me�� I was instructed by the Empress to take the position of the head of the Imperial Examination for His Highness the Crown Prince. Who would have thought����


    ��Who would have thought that?�� Prime Minister Yan was dignified without being angry. ��It��s your first day in court. Don��t you know that you have to read the room? So many people are talking at once. Are you afraid that His Majesty won��t be suspicious of the Crown Prince?��


    The officials were timid, but they were not convinced. If not for the Empress��s orders, they would not have done such a rash thing. Now, they were all to me for the problem!


    Prime Minister Yan was naturally angry with the Empress, but he did not know that the Empress did not inform so many people..

 Chapter 393 - 393: Beat Him At His Own Game

    Chapter 393: Beat Him At His Own Game


    Trantor. Henyee Trantions <sup>1</sup> Editor: Henyee Trantions


    No matter how impulsive the Empress was, she knew that going overboard was as bad as falling short. The number of posts she sent out was actually just right. However, before anyone knew it, more than twice the number of identical posts were sent to the various ministers�� residences. They were even stamped with the Empress��s private seal.


    What they did not know was that from the moment they walked into this restaurant, their whereabouts had already been sent to the Emperor.


    The Emperor was ying chess with Premier Shen. Halfway through, an eunuch came to whisper to Eunuch De. The Emperor asked Premier Shen, ��Dear Official Shen, do you think I should let the Crown Prince take care of the


    dam?��


    Premier Shen yed chess seriously. ��I don��t dare to influence Your Majesty��s thoughts. I said that just now to anger Prime Minister Yan.


    The Emperorughed. ��You��re quite honest.��


    Premier Shen frowned. ��Your Majesty, it��s not like you don��t know. With my level, I really can��t make up nonsense while ying chess. Instead of finding excuses but answering them wrongly, I might as well tell the truth.<sup>1</sup>


    ��Your Majesty, you deliberately interrupted, right? I was about to win just now!��


    The Emperor was so angry that heughed. ��You? You��re about to win?�� Pfft!


    What a lousy chess yer!


    Premier Shen shook his head when he left, as if he felt sorry for the wrong move. The Emperor looked for Eunuch De. ��How is it?��


    Eunuch De bowed. ��Your Majesty, Prime Minister Yan and the other Officials went to Fragrance Abode just now.��


    The Emperor personally tidied up the chessboard and snorted.


    ��Half of the court is filled with members of the Yan Family now. As long as the


    Yan Family has any instructions or requests, the scene will be quite magnificent. If the Imperial Examination is ced in the hands of the Crown Prince, will I, the Emperor, have to act ording to their wishes in the future.�� Eunuch De knelt on the ground. ��Your Majesty, calm down. Take care of your dragon body!��


    The Emperor waved his hand. ��Do you think Premier Shen was telling the truth just now?��


    Eunuch De looked up with a dumbfounded expression. ��Huh?��


    The Emperor rolled his eyes. ��Get down, get down.��


    Being the Emperor was really tiring and annoying.


    ��Wait, do you still have the melons that the Xiao Family��s girl sent back from the border city? Give one to me to extinguish the fire.��


    Eunuch De was in a dilemma. ��Your Majesty, you finished thest one yesterday.��


    The Emperor red at him. ��Can��t you think of a way to find me another one?�� Eunuch De thought for a long time and said, ��I remember now. The elegant abode that County Magistrate Shen��s wife is preparing in the capital is going to open soon. I heard that watermelons will be served in the summer. And, there will be a mysterious new product.��


    The Emperor was puzzled. ��How do you even know this?


    Eunuch De said awkwardly, ��Official Shen gave me a VIP token and said that it would be 20% cheaper����


    The Emperor:��


    Good lord, her business was extended into the pce! As expected of the daughter of the Li Family.


    When Eunuch De was ordered to buy melons, the royal paddy fields of Xijiang County began to sway in the wind. When Ning Fengnian received the news that Xiaoxiao would be back in a day, he ran over happily to tell Madam Song, ��Maybe Xiaoxiao can see her sister born!��


    Madam Song spat at him. ��You already know that it��s a daughter? What if it��s a son?��


    Ning Fengnian��s expression changed. ��No, no, no! It must be a daughter! The midwife said that the shape of your stomach is a daughter!


    Be it the soldiers or themoners who were farming, they could not help butugh This couple was really interesting. Other families treated their sons like treasures, but their faces turned pale when they heard that they wanted to give birth to a son!


    Ning Anhui, who had juste from the shop, casually scooped some water and washed his face. ��Father, is what you said true? Is Sistering back?�� Ning Fengnian red at him. ��You can start preparing for the marriage now, right? You will only get married when your sisteres back, even I can��t convince you!��


    Rong Yan was a prince, so it was not appropriate for him to stay in the border city all the time. Xiao Ran had just recovered from her old injuries and needed to recuperate. After the matter with Xiongnu was settled, the Emperor issued an edict for Rong Yan and Xiao Ran to return to the capital. The rest of the matters at the border were handed over to Deputy General Xiong and Deputy General Yu. The two of them were veterans who had led troops for many years, so they were more than enough to defend the city.


    Rong Yan looked at the tall mountains and yellow soil behind him. His future was unknown when he came, and he was alone, but when he returned, he had Xiaoxiao and her family apanying him. As they joked, he felt like his family of four was returning home.


    His heart was very warm, and Xiaoxiao��s cooking was also very fragrant.


    Gu Chang��an was still puzzled. ��Although we��re already far away from the border, why would wild boars suddenly rush out at this time?


    Xiaoxiao��s expression was dark and calm. ��Perhaps it encountered some other ferocious beast and took the wrong path in a panic.��


    Xiao Ran stuffed the roasted pork trotters into Gu Chang��an��s mouth. ��So be it. Who cares where it came from? As long as it��s delicious! Why are you thinking so much?! Could it have fallen from the sky?��


    Rong Yan used the leaves to hold the roasted meat to cover the smile on his lips. He nced at Xiaoxiao and thought to himself that it was indeed from the sky.


    Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an were not such rigid people. The happiness of their children was more important than anything else. Rong Yan was a child they had watched grow up, so they were very at ease to let the two children be alone for a while.


    The space that had been upgraded again could already provide 48 times the slow speed. Hence, in the ��moment�� that the two parents thought, the rtionship between the two children quickly heated up, as if they had been together for several years.


    Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an were happy to see the two children like this, so they continued to give them a chance to be alone. Even if they said that they would not be able to see them after looking for ingredients for a while, they were not worried.


    First of all, the two of them were very assured of Rong Yan��s character and propriety. Moreover, there were Great Xia��s soldiers around, and Rong Yan was already very skilled, so they did not have to worry about them encountering any danger.


    However, the Yun Guards who were left behind were a little depressed. Did His Highness not want them anymore?


    Yun Er and Yun San were very puzzled. In the past, Master paid the most attention to safety. Why was he blinded by love now? In order to be alone with Miss, he did not even bring his personal guards with him?


    How could they know that they were not looking for ingredients as they had said? Instead, they came to the Xiongnu people through the space.


    Xiaoxiao told Rong Yan that as long as they left an NPC as a road sign, they coulde here from thousands of meters away at any time. He had experienced it himself today.


    ��Back then, this was how I traveled between Great Xia and Xiongnu Border City.��


    After being more surprised, Rong Yan could already remain calm and listen to Xiaoxiao say this��at least on the surface.


    Before returning to the capital, they decided to find something for the Xiongnu princes to do.


    After the negotiations ended, Xiongnu withdrew its troops and annexed two cities. As themander-in-chief of this war, Cheman should have gone back to reorganize the borders and dismiss the original residents of the city. It was probably an extremely cumbersome matter, but it was strange that he took the initiative to go to the Great Xia Imperial Capital with the soldiers of Great Xia and the envoys of Xiongnu to deliver the letter of surrender. Themand of the general waspletely handed over to First Prince Chercha.


    Xiaoxiao guessed, ��Maybe Chercha threatened him with the imprisonment thing.��


    Rong Yan added, ��Cheman doesn��t look like an honest person who will submit obediently. He might have other motives..��

 Chapter 394 - 394: Talk To The Crown Prince

    Chapter 394: Talk To The Crown Prince


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��Do you think he went to look for the Crown Prince?��


    Rong Yan felt that it was very likely. ��As the Crown Prince, he actually ignored his people for his own selfish desires. He��s simply a joke.��


    Xiaoxiao suggested, ��Should we expose them?��


    Rong Yan shook his head. ��Although I really want to, with the Yan Family��s current power, they probably have a way to avoid it even if we submit this letter. The Crown Prince has been working hard for many years, and he��s not a brainless person. He must have thought of a way to escape responsibility for colluding with Chernan long ago.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��You said that this letter isn��t the Crown Prince��s handwriting. This should be one of the backup ns. Then who should we give the letter to?��


    Rong Yan smiled. Xiaoxiao had already guessed his n before he said anything. That��s right, he specially came to the Xiongnu to hand the letter to the person who deserved it.


    He said, ��Cheryan.��


    It was just as Xiaoxiao had thought. The First Prince, Chercha, could make Chernan listen to him obediently, so he probably already had other evidence against Chernan. Hence, these letters were not of much use to him.


    It was better to give it to Cheryan. If he was really an unfathomable schemer, he would definitely let this evidence y its role.


    Chercha liked to ��convince people with virtue�� and had already sessfully turned many of Chernan��s allies. If Cheryan interfered now, Xiongnu would probably be lively for a while.


    As for whether Cheryan was too scheming and his methods were even more ruthless��what did this have to do with them? No matter how fiercely they fought, this was also internal strife in Xiongnu.


    Seeing the letter that suddenly appeared beside his pillow, Cheryan��s heart skipped a beat. If the person wanted his life, would he have already been beheaded?


    However, when he read the contents of the letter, he smiled again.


    Although he did not know who had secretly taken action, these things were indeed very useful.


    Chercha was working hard to devour Chernan��s faction, and he, Cheryan, had been hiding until now. He finally had a chance to show his ws.


    On the way back, Xiaoxiao asked Rong Yan, ��How do you think Cheryan will use those letters? Anyway, I don��t think he will take them out directly.��


    Rong Yan thought for a while. ��Maybe I��ll contact the people in the letter secretly and make them submit without batting an eyelid.��


    For example, on the surface, Xiongnu and the other patriarchs who had been promised wealth and power by the Second Prince, Chernan, had switched sides because of the First Prince��s virtue. However, in fact, they were loyal to the Third Prince, Cheryan, because they had been threatened.


    Xiaoxiao apuded. ��Good show, good show.��


    ��This way, we can make them more chaotic. Only then can Great Xia develop more easily.��


    In that case, she and Rong Yan went to a few iron mines in Xiongnu and left traces of the princes on the spot. The quantity of their traces was even and fair.


    Just as Xiongnu was arguing internally about who had ill intentions, Xiaoxiao, Rong Yan, and the others had already seen the majestic city gate of the Imperial Capital from afar.


    Chernan watched unhappily as Xiao Ran, her husband, and Rong Yan each had a irvoyant. They chatted as they looked. ��Ah Yan, did you see the city wall? I saw the patrolling soldiers on the city wall.��


    Rong Yan replied, ��Is there a celebration in the city today? Why are there so many people at the gates?��


    Gu Chang��an said, ��Unfortunately, the city gate is too high. I can��t see if your favorite snack shop is open.��


    Xiao Ran said, ��It��s okay. You can go home and make it for me.��


    Up until now, Chernan seemed to not know Xiaoxiao��s identity at all. If Chernan really did not know about Xiaoxiao��s rtionship with the Xiao Family, it would be a rather impressive ability.


    In order to let him continue in this state and because they hated the way he looked at Xiaoxiao, the three of them had the same goal and did not let him have the chance to meet Xiaoxiao.


    Of course, the specific method was not to make Xiaoxiao avoid him, but to send people to follow Chernan at all times very openly and not give him the freedom to run around.


    Chernan had someints about this, but Xiao Ran said, ��Thank God I didn��t secretly kill you.��


    ��Actually, it��s not that difficult to find someone to pretend to be a Xiongnu assassin. Anyway, everyone knows that your rtionship with your brother is bad.��


    Rong Yan added, ��I hope you know that everyone here hates you to the core.��


    It meant that even if he died on the way, the others would only help cover up and confirm that he was killed by the Xiongnu.


    It was unknown if it was because of this threat, but Chernan was still considered cooperative on the way. He did not run around and look around. He actually gained weight from walking and stopping.


    It was mainly because he had a good appetite. He ate everything he was given and ate a lot! If she hadn��t used her space to eavesdrop, Xiaoxiao would have suspected that he was deliberately freeloading.


    It was a very normal night. Xiaoxiao sneaked into Chernan��s ce on a whim when she was bringing Rong Yan to continue familiarizing himself with the various operations in the space.


    Initially, they did not n to enter the house, not because of any privacy issues, but because Rong Yan felt that if that bastard��s clothes were disheveled and Xiaoxiao might identally see him naked.


    However, just as they were about to leave, they realized that there were a lot of voices in the room. If they listened carefully, they could tell that Chernan was talking to the advisor who had been disguised as a guard.


    As the prince of a country, Rong Yan had learned Xiongnunguage in his ss, so he could trante as he listened.


    Chernan��s advisors asked, ��Are we really going to send a surrender letter to the Emperor of Great Xia?��


    Chernan only cared about sneering.


    Someone in the staff said, ��I don��t believe that Great Xia can really recover so quickly. Just the food supply alone is a problem. Back then, when the Southern Barbarians fought over, they specially chose to burn the granary. It��s said that their reserves for more than 10 years have been burned away. Even if Great Xia has been doing well every year in the past few years, it��s impossible for them to be so rich!��


    ��That��s right. I also suspect that the people of Great Xia are deliberately mystifying things!��


    Chernan said, ��Then let me take a look with my own eyes. At the same time, I��ll have a good chat with the Crown Prince of Great Xia.��


    ��Now that Chercha has won the hearts of the people, someone needs to bear the responsibility for Xiongnu��s defeat. If I go back now, I will only be stripped of my qualifications as the heir, but if I can do something big in Great Xia���� ��Hmph, I��m still the rightful heir!��


    Since he was going to find trouble with the Crown Prince, Rong Yan and Xiaoxiao were happy to see it happen.


    The Yan Family��s actions could be considered to be watertight. Even though they knew about the Crown Prince and Chernan, they could not find any evidence. It was different when Chernan came. They did not believe that the Crown Prince was not flustered at all when he colluded with outsiders to betray Great Xia.


    When people panicked, ws would naturally appear.


    In the past, Rong Yan would still be worried that Chernan would really cause trouble, but they had Xiaoxiao��s precious space and were confident.


    It was another good day. When they were about to reach the Imperial Capital, Xiao Ran and Rong Yan arranged for the army to set up camp and prepare to rest for the night. There were mountains, rivers, and forests nearby, so they really did not have to worry about food and drink.


    Let��s have a pic!

 Chapter 395 - 395: Rising Sun Spear

    Chapter 395: Rising Sun Spear


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Everyone had a clear division ofbor. Some took the money to exchange for some vegetables and rice with the nearbymoners, some were in charge of gathering firewood and setting up the stove, and some went to the stream to fish. Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan took the initiative to take on the responsibility of hunting.


    Rong Yan said that he took on this job because he had learned it from the hunter family when he was in Fortune Vige. Yun Er and Yun San pursed their lips and did not expose that he simply wanted to be with Miss Xiaoxiao. He wanted the two of them to stick together for a while and everyone would have delicious food. They pretended not to know and specially kept a distance from Xiaoxiao and him when they went hunting.


    They had really sacrificed a lot for Master��s love.


    ��Sigh, but Yun San, don��t you think that our Master has really improved at lightning speed after his first awakening of love?��


    ��That��s right. He clearly has no experience in interacting with girls, but he became at ease with Miss Xiaoxiao not long after.��


    Perhaps it was an exaggeration to say that they were at ease, but wasn��t the inexplicable rtionship and tacit understanding between the two of them a little too much?


    Did he not consider the feelings of bachelors like them at all?


    After leaving Yun Er and Yun San��s line of sight, Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan looked at each other and smiled. Under the tacit agreement of the two of them, they disappeared.


    ��Little Big Brother, what delicious dishes do you want to add for everyone today?��


    ��I��m a little tired of eating pork. Why don��t I exchange it for a few pheasants?��


    ��But before that, I��ll make you something delicious.��


    No matter what Xiaoxiao said, Rong Yan would agree. Hence, Xiaoxiao set the speed of 49 times slower in the space. With the enhancement of such a bug, Rong Yan practiced his sword for a while and read the military books that were not suitable to be brought out. Then, he started to cook the prawns with Xiaoxiao.


    In the blink of an eye, Xiaoxiao exchanged for the number of prawns she needed in the space and started to deal with the live prawns. It was necessary to open the back and remove the shrimp vein. At this step, Rong Yan took the initiative to help. He could not help with cooking, but his knife skills were quite outstanding. Xiaoxiao saw his slender fingers fly and the open-backed prawnsy beside her hand for use.


    The rice that had been soaked for a long time was already plump. Xiaoxiao ced a spoonful of rice on the back of each prawn and ced the prawn steak into a steamer to steam. This way, the rice absorbed the fragrance of the prawn meat and was already abnormally delicious.


    She cut some cucumbers, carrots, and white mushrooms produced by the space and cracked the eggs.


    She could not waste the prawns that had been steamed with rice. She cut them into small cubes andbined them with other ingredients to make a bowl of fried rice that looked, smelled, and tasted good.


    Ever since the space was dered, Rong Yan��s food standards had increased exponentially in private. However, there were two sides to everything. Now, he had less appetite when eating outside. He was getting more and more picky with his food.


    The space was secretlyughing at Xiaoxiao: [Master, are you raising the male master until no one can feed him except you? The male master won��t be able to eat the food cooked by the imperial chef in the future, right? Is this the legendary saying that if you want to conquer a man��s heart, you have to conquer his stomach first?]


    Although Rong Yan��s taste was a little picky, he was very restrained when it came to eating. He stopped eating when he was 70% full. This was already Xiaoxiao��s cooking. He would eat even less if it was anything else.


    Hence, even though Xiaoxiao had specially given him extra food and nutrition along the way, Rong Yan still maintained his lean figure. Because of his height increase, he looked thinner than when he was in the capital.


    In response, Chernan secretlyined to his subordinates as he stuffedrge mouthfuls of meat into his mouth. ��This is a ruse of self-injury. He deliberately made himself look haggard to let the Emperor feel his hardship. This way, he will be rewarded more when the timees. In the past, Chercha also liked to use this move. Tsk, this kind of sissy act of pretending to be weak is what I look down on the most!��


    When Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan came out of the space, they indeed had a few pheasants in their hands. In order to increase the authenticity, they specially let go of the pheasants before shooting and hunting them.


    Some of these pheasants became chicken soup, and some became chicken stewed with mushrooms. If it weren��t for the fact that they had controlled the quantity for Chernan, he might have eaten them all alone.


    Xiaoxiao, Xiao Ran, and the others said, ��If anyone asks me about my impression of the Princes of Xiongnu in the future, I��ll have something to say�� They eat more than pigs!��


    Xiao Ran agreed deeply. Then, she suppressed her desire to eat more and got up to move.


    ording to her husband��s request, she could not do strenuous exercise immediately after eating, so she participated in�� or rather, disrupted the fishing activities of the others. After spending an hour, she immediately couldn��t wait to drag Rong Yan, who was still drinking tea, to a fight.


    This kid was really strange. He was racing against time at the border and led a sloppy life. He did notin about being tired. Seeing that he was about to return to the Imperial Capital, he turned back into the unhurried young master from before in the blink of an eye. He ate slowly and even brewed a pot of tea to drink when he was free.


    To be honest, she was originally very worried that this child would not be able to walk out of the shadow of life and death on the battlefield and his personality would change drastically. Back then, even though she was in a military family, she vomited for many days when she first entered the battlefield. For a long time, she was woken up by nightmares almost every night.


    As someone who had been through this before, she had already prepared words offort and persuasion. She wanted to coax this young man who was forced to see death and blood on his hands when he was only in his teens. Unexpectedly, before she could say those words, she saw Rong Yan adjust himself very quickly.


    She was both gratified and heartbroken to see him like this.


    It was said that children who did not have a mother to dote on them would mature early��because no one else cared about them, they could only coax themselves and dote on themselves.


    Sigh.


    Pushing away the sword in Rong Yan��s hand with a spear, the pain in Xiao Ran��s chest gradually turned into dissatisfaction. She put down the spear. ��Brat, why don��t you use your Azure Frost Sword? Are you looking down on your Aunt Xiao?��


    Rong Yan put away his sword in amusement. ��How would I dare? But Aunt Xiao, it��s not like you don��t know that my sword is too sharp. This isn��t a battlefield, and we��re not enemies. Wouldn��t it be a pity to break a spear for nothing?��


    Xiao Ran touched her chin. ��That makes sense.��


    ��But I��m not happy if you don��t do your best.��


    Rong Yan��s sword techniques improved at a godly speed. He seemed to have an aura of years in just a month. Seeing him, she felt an itch and wanted to fight to her heart��s content.


    ��Don��t hold back. You know my weapons. They were damaged quickly, so I prepared a lot. We��re about to return to the capital, and Xiongnu��s iron ore will be delivered soon. When the timees, your father won��t be reluctant to give me a few more spears. Don��t worry ande.��


    Xiaoxiao covered her mouth andughed at the side. When she closed her eyes to rest, she secretly nced at the Space Mall.


    [Rising Sun Spear. Points required: 100,000.]


    Generally speaking, as a gourmet space, there would not be any goods unrted to food in the Space Mall. She remembered that such an exception had only appeared twice. The first time was when she wanted to exchange weapons for Rong Yan, and the second time was now.


    [Baby, I suspect that you��re opening a back door for Little Big Brother and my mother..]

 Chapter 396 - 396: Big Brother Ah Yan

    Chapter 396: Big Brother Ah Yan


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The space didn��t hide it: [The space system will make exceptions for people with great merit.]


    It added: [Of course, this exception is also based on the premise that you have strong expectations, Master. After all, I��m your little cutie.]


    Xiaoxiao expressed her understanding and admiration: [Looks like the person who created you, a gourmet space, should be a good person with positive energy.]


    It was good that good things would be rewarded.


    [Exchange for the Rising Sun Spear.]


    The space happily agreed: [Alright, exchange formodity��Rising Sun Spear. 100,000 points deducted. Current points: 1,980.]


    Xiaoxiao frowned and thought hard in her mind. She wanted to change Yun Er and Yun San��s swords too! However, there was no reaction from the Space Mall, so she could only give up for the time being.


    There were no surprises or dangers along the way, but there were always exceptions to everything. For example, today, when Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan went to the town as representatives to buy food, they realized that they were being followed.


    They had a lot of people returning to the capital. If they entered the city all at once, it would be inconvenient and easy to cause chaos. Hence, they usually sent a team to buy supplies while the rest of the army waited on the official road. Coincidentally, it was Xiaoxiao who volunteered today and Rong Yan took the initiative to apany her.


    When she realized that Rong Yan had asked Yun Er and Yun San to investigate the other party��s strength the moment they were followed, Xiaoxiao had a n and bought things even more extravagantly. She was just short of writing on her forehead, ��There��s a fat sheep here. Come and kill them quickly.��


    Rong Yan asked as he helped her get her things, ��What do you want to do?��


    Xiaoxiao leaned over and whispered to him, ��I have something to give to Mother, but I don��t have the chance.��


    ��See, a legitimate reason came knocking on my door.��


    Rong Yanughed at her for being naughty, but he ��identally�� dropped the gold ingots in his pouch.


    The stalker, who thought that his whereabouts were very secretive and unnoticeable, widened his eyes.


    Just now, he had only seen that these two young people had outstanding temperaments, especially that young master who was noble and had servants following him. He looked like a young master from a rich family. He had wanted to steal a pouch to add to his meal, but now, he felt that it was not enough.


    Coincidentally, he heard the woman say to Young Master, ��Young Master, put it away quickly. Don��t let the bad guys see it. We brought so many good things to the Imperial Capital this time. If we get targeted by evil people, it will cost tens of thousands����


    At this point, she hurriedly covered her mouth and looked around nervously. After confirming that no one was paying attention, she heaved a sigh of relief and pulled the ��Young Master�� away.


    Xiaoxiao asked rather proudly, ��Little Big Brother, are my acting skills good?��


    Rong Yan frowned and pulled her into the ready-made clothes shop at the side. He chose a light yellow dress with a waist and light-colored sleeves for her.


    Xiaoxiao only cared about convenience when she chose her clothes in the border city and did not specially dress up on the way back to the city. Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an saw that their daughter felt that everything was good, and she was impatient that the fine clothes were in her way, so they let her feelfortable.


    This city was the first big city they passed on the way back to the capital. Rong Yan was already thinking about buying things for Xiaoxiao, so he took this opportunity to prepare everything for her.


    When Xiaoxiao came out after changing, she realized that Rong Yan had even chosen jewelry for her.


    She was a little happy.


    Rong Yan said, ��Take it back and put it away first. Wear it when you want to wear it. Leave it if you think it��s troublesome.��


    It meant ��You can choose not to wear it, but you must have it��. Aiyo, Little Big Brother was very good at it.


    Xiaoxiao dly epted it. She wanted to change back into her original clothes, but she could no longer find them.


    Rong Yan pointed at the female soldier Xiao Ran had given him. ��She put it away.�� He clenched his fists and coughed lightly. His voice was so soft that only Xiaoxiao could hear him. ��You can just wear it now. This dress looks good on you.��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t want toe out and dress up like a young girl in love, but her sweetheart praised her.


    She nodded, and Rong Yan pointed at the shelves happily. ��And this and this. I want them all.��


    How could it be enough to buy only one set of clothes? She had to change.


    Rong Yan finally understood why men often spent a lot of money on beautiful women in operas. This feeling was not bad. If Xiaoxiao hadn��t pulled him away in time, he probably wouldn��t have stopped.


    When they entered the shop, Xiaoxiao was still dressed in in clothes, but when she came out, she was extremely noble. This confirmed the follower��s judgment that they were rich.


    Yun Er and Yun San realized that the person was leaving a mark for hispanions. After informing their Master, they were ordered to stay put. They knew that their Master was deliberately setting a trap.


    ��I knew it. Why did Master suddenly have such a strong desire to shop? So it��s to invite them into the trap.��


    Yun San looked at Yun Er with disdain. ��Do you think there��s a possibility that Master really just wants to buy something for Miss and let that person see it?��


    Yun Er:�� Although he didn��t really understand, his cheeks were sore.


    Xiaoxiao covered her mouth and smiled. Just as she was about to speak, she saw Rong Yan emphasize seriously, ��It��s not ��Young Master��.��


    Xiaoxiao blinked and remembered how she had casually addressed him just now.


    At that time, she felt that no one would believe her even if she called herself Missy. She might as well pretend to be a maidservant. She didn��t expect Little Big Brother to actually listen to her. Aiyaya, her Little Big Brother was so warm!


    Xiaoxiao��s curved eyes were filled with smiles. ��Then what should I call you? Little Big Brother? Or����


    She leaned close to Rong Yan��s ear evilly. ��Big Brother Yan?��


    Rong Yan��s face turned red.


    The instigator ran away happily and returned after buying a sugar figurine. She asked Rong Yan to take it and take a biteter.


    Yun Er didn��t understand. ��Miss, why don��t you hold it yourself? How inconvenient is that?��


    Yun San no longer wanted to talk to his stupidpanion.


    Hearing his question, Xiaoxiao turned around and exined, ��Because it��s sweeter in Little Big Brother��s hands.��


    Yun Er was suddenly ��attacked��.


    Of course, they were not just ying around like this. It was to give those robbers enough time to contact theirpanions. Just now, Yun Er and Yun San heard that there were often bandits causing trouble near the town recently. Many passing caravans were robbed and ended up losing their wealth.


    Themoners said, ��It��s fine if it��s just robbing money, but they also killed people. They even kidnapped beautiful women and ruined them����


    Yun Er and the rest asked, ��Don��t the officials care?��


    Themoners sighed. ��Isn��t there a war at the border? The strong men who can go to the battlefield have all left. The city doesn��t have enough military equipment and can only protect the safety of the city. We really don��t have time to care about the outside of the city.��


    ��The officials have also tried to suppress bandits, but those bandits are too cunning. As soon as the officials went, they started causing trouble in the city. In the end, the officials returned empty-handed, but the city was in chaos.��


    ��I heard that the official sent memorandums to the Imperial Capital a long time ago, but there was no response����


    Rong Yan said with a straight face, ��The memorandums sent to the Dragon Desk all these years have been touched by the Yan Family. This county doesn��t belong to the Yan Family, so the memorandums have probably been suppressed.��


    Xiaoxiao quickly understood. ��Either this governor offended the Yan Family, or the Yan Family took a fancy to this official position and nned to get it for their own people..��

 Chapter 397 - 397: The Rotund Second Prince

    Chapter 397: The Rotund Second Prince


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiao Ran��s tone was also very disdainful when she found out about this. ��As long as they dy for a period of time, they can remove the official position of the prefect here on the grounds that he didn��t exterminate the bandits well.


    The Yan Family has done a lot of such things.��


    She asked the two of them, ��Are you nning to do a good deed today and resolve this trouble for the people?��


    ��At first, we didn��t have the emperor��s orders and privately mobilized the soldiers to suppress the bandits. Those imperial censors were going to cause trouble for nothing. They were so noisy that my head hurt, but����


    Xiaoxiao��s face was filled with innocence. ��But if they were the ones who offended us, can��t we, a general and a prince, fight back when we��re provoked by mere bandits?��


    Xiao Ran tapped her little nose. ��You��re the smartest!


    Hence, when this group of bandits came to kill the ��fat sheep�� confidently, the leader kicked the scout over in shock and anger��


    ��You Peking didn��t hear clearly when you eavesdropped. Is what he said tens of thousands of silver acreage? Those are f*cking soldiers!


    The bandits�� reverence for the Imperial Court had be weaker after a long time of smooth plundering. However, today, they would personally realize their insignificance and understand how stupid it was for a mayfly to shake a tree.


    The bandits who were still alive were sent to the government office. They were either executed or locked up. The prefect was grateful to Xiao Ran for her righteousness. What was even rarer was that she actually returned all the payments to the government office without taking a single cent.


    Prefect Yu, who thought that he was clean and honest enough, felt inferior and deeply admired her.


    Prefect Yu and the officials were going back to the government office. Xiao Ran was about to continue on her way, but Xiaoxiao suddenly eximed, ��Eh, what��s that?��


    There was still a gray spear lying in the bandit��s treasure vault that had been confiscated. Even though Xiao Ran was not very particr about weapons, she did not take a fancy to it.


    However, Xiaoxiao seemed to be very interested. ��Mother, don��t Official Yu want it anymore?��


    Xiao Ran looked up and down at the long spear that was almost covered in mud. ��I think so. This is so old.��


    Xiaoxiao hugged the things. ��Then let me y with it?��


    Xiao Ran felt that there was no problem, Gu Chang��an felt that there was no problem, and Yun Er and Yun San also felt that there was no problem. Rong Yan only had one question. ��How many points did you use to exchange it?��


    Xiaoxiao whispered to him, ��100,000.��


    Rong Yan looked at the spear with a burning gaze.


    After the others left, only the few of them stayed. Xiaoxiao asked very seriously, ��Mother, let��s keep this a secret and not let others know. Otherwise, others will be jealous of you and snatch it from you.��


    Xiao Ran didn��t think that such a lousy spear would make others jealous. However, since it was her daughter��s request, she naturally agreed to everything. However, she never expected Xiaoxiao to ask her to get into the carriage mysteriously after she cleaned up the mud and dust on the spear in the carriage for the entire afternoon.


    Xiao Ran thought that her daughter was acting sweetly and happily jumped into the carriage. Then, she saw a majestic and cold divine weapon.


    Xiaoxiao specially found a discarded piece of cloth and shed it at the spear tip. After a very soft sizzling sound, the cloth broke into two.


    ��Mother, what do you think about us calling it the Rising Sun Spear?��


    Xiao Ran��s eyes widened. As an expert at using a spear, she couldn��t wait to practice now. She took the spear and shouted, ��Ah Yan,e and spar with me. Try my Rising Sun Spear!��


    The two martial arts fanatics were evenly matched and could not stop themselves amidst the nging sounds. Xiaoxiao sat on the shaft of the carriage and swayed her two small feet, looking very rxed.


    The wind in the mountains blew away her slightly long bangs, revealing a pair of closed eyes. Her eyelids trembled and she suddenly opened them, meeting Chernan��s eyes that she did not have time to retract her gaze.


    His eyes were filled with amazement, but it was also full of scheming. He was attracted by the sounds of fighting. He did not expect to see Xiaoxiao, who seemed to have changed into a different person after changing her clothes. He also did not expect the words ��clothes make the man�� to be so reliable. The wild girl really looked like a rich youngdy after changing into a skirt. In that case, it was a pity to let her marry his Eldest Brother.


    Xiaoxiao didn��t like his gaze and turned around to return to the carriage. Behind her, Yun San��s sword was already on Chernan��s neck. He shouted as if he was afraid that others couldn��t hear him, ��Master, General Xiao, Second Prince Xiongnu ran to Miss�� carriage and acted sneakily!��


    They still remembered that it was October when they set off for the border. When they returned, it was already autumn. It had actually been almost a year. Before leaving the border, Xiaoxiao cast many sandstorms specially made by the space on the border city. The nting method was also handed over to the soldiers andmoners there. As long as they followed her method, in less than three years, the border city would no longer be a ��poor vige�� that was criticized by others.


    When she left, themoners of the border city, who had received her favor, sent her off. Many of them even had red eyes. Although she repeatedly emphasized that someone woulde to buy their sheep and fruits for a long time in the future, everyone was still uneasy about her leaving. They were afraid that once she left, everyone would return to their previous dark days.


    She had spent a lot of effort to convince themoners to be at ease. In the end, it was only when Deputy General Yu, who was staying in the border city, patted his chest and promised that themoners could bear to watch her leave.


    Xiaoxiao felt that themoners were the simplest people, so she wanted to treat them better. Hence, she did not hesitate to spend arge number of points to specially leave an NPC behind so that she could teleport back at any time and continue to change the soil there.


    Recently, she did not hesitate to spend points. Even after exchanging for the Rising Sun Spear, she did not seem anxious.


    ��After I go back, 1 have to go back to Xijiang County. I think Mother should be giving birth soon.��


    Because he had peeped at Xiaoxiao ��sneakily�� once, Chernan was prohibited from walking around freely and had his meals deducted. If he wanted to eat, he had to buy it himself. Xiao Ran and Rong Yan expressed that they could ept credit, but he had to sign the receipt with their fingerprint as proof. He had to pay it back within a limited time. If he still didn��t pay, they would use the iron ore as payment.


    Chernan suspected that they were deliberately targeting him and had reason, but he was hungry.


    Ever since they walked along the official road to the town, all kinds of delicacies and exquisite small items had dazzled Chernan��s eyes, ears, nose, and mouth.


    He had long known that Great Xia was prosperous, but hearsay was ultimately different from seeing it with his own eyes. Moreover, the letter sent back to Xiongnu would not tell him what it felt like when the meat buns were just out of the pot. He could not control his desire to spend at all. His wallet was empty after two days.


    However, he was a person with principles. It was impossible for him to pawn the iron ore for silver. Absolutely impossible!


    ��How much ore is one tael of silver?��


    His Xiongnu��s personal guards:��


    That was how Chernan convinced himself. ��Anyway, there will be silver when we reach the Imperial Capital. The iron mine will still be ours.�� Hence, when everyone finally saw the entrance of the Imperial Capital, Xiao Ran and Rong Yan also obtained a fresh IOU. Chernan also went from being a lively second prince who was getting fat gradually, to a depressed and chubby second prince who was deep in thought..

 Chapter 398 - 398: A Boor Who Walked Out Of A Small Place

    Chapter 398: A Boor Who Walked Out Of A Small ce


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions <sup>1</sup> Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan looked at each other and smiled. If he knew that the delicacies that kept seducing him were specially prepared by Xiaoxiao, he would probably cry.


    While waiting outside the capital, Rong Yan instructed the Yun Guards, ��From today onwards, keep an eye on Chernan��s movements. Don��t miss out about who he sees, what he collects, or what birds fly out of his residence!


    ��Yes!��


    Tens of thousands of troops were not allowed to enter the Imperial Capital without orders, so they had to wait outside the city for the imperial order. The Emperor had long received the news of Rong Yan��s triumphant return, so he quickly ordered people to open the city gate to wee the soldiers back!


    The streets of the Imperial Capital were filled with citizens who were sincerely cheering. Amidst the orderly ��Wee back, General Xiao��, another voice became clearer��


    ��Wee back, Third Prince!��


    ��Wee back, Third Prince!��


    ��Wee back, Third Prince!��


    Themoners no longer had to worry about the pain of the war, nor did they have to worry about the heavy taxes. Hence, at this moment, they were really happy and grateful to Xiao Ran and Rong Yan for bringing peace to Great Xia and the world.


    Xiao Ran was used to such enthusiasm. What was rare was that she realized that Rong Yan was actually not afraid of honor or disgrace. He rode steadily on the horse and even looked at Xiaoxiao��s carriage from time to time, as if he was worried that she would be frightened.


    This child really treated their Xiaoxiao as a treasure quite good.


    Perhaps fate was really predestined, just like how she and Gu Chang��an were previously. Now, it was the same with Ah Yan and Xiaoxiao.


    She was born into a family of generals. Although Gu Chang��an was born into a schrly family, he chose to be a chef. It was already amazing enough that the two of them, who originally seemed to have nothing to do with each other, could get together.


    However, as a prince, Ah Yan actually met and fell in love with Xiaoxiao, who was far away in Xijiang County. Coincidentally, this child was their long-lost daughter. It had to be said that fate was unpredictable. Fate was indescribably wonderful.


    Xiao Ran was in a good mood. Even Chernan, who was following behind her and ruining the scene, was no longer so revolting. Especially when his appearance was just to confirm Xiongnu��s failure.


    Themoners were not as friendly to Chernan as they were to the two generals. If not for the fact that they were afraid of identally hitting their own generals, they would have thrown rotten vegetables and rotten eggs in his face.


    To be honest, Chernan had never seen themoners so enthusiastic in his life.


    In Xiongnu, there were many people who were afraid of him and even more people hated him. However, on careful thought, there were really very few people who sincerely loved and protected him.


    Xiongnu advocated strength. Everyone submitted to whoever had the strongest fist. He had received such an education since he was young. He fought for power, killed his brothers, and killed his father in order to stand at the highest point of power and receive the admiration and reverence of tens of thousands of people. Even though there was more fear in that reverence.


    He had never doubted his pursuits in the past, but at this moment, he seemed to be a little envious of Xiao Ran and Rong Yan. It was probably a very blissful thing to be sincerely liked.


    Of course, this envy onlysted for a moment. In his opinion, if Xiongnu could be as rich as Great Xia, they naturally did not have to hang their heads on their waists all day.


    The people of Great Xia did not go hungry, nor did they have the cold and scorching heat of the desert. Of course, they could smile so happily.


    If the Xiongnu had richnd and if the Xiongnu people did not have to worry about survival, they could also be so happy.


    With this thought in mind, Chernan remained silent all the way until he saw the Emperor of Great Xia.


    The Emperor of Great Xia was different from the king of Xiongnu. In his memory, Chernan felt that his father was a cruel old man. Although he did not hit or scold them, he never had a good expression. He scolded and killed people every day.


    However, the Emperor of Great Xia was different. He looked more like a schr who liked to read. He looked like a gigolo. The Third Prince was exactly the same as him. His words were also genteel and annoying. As expected of the Emperor of Great Xia.


    An Emperor who looked like a schr probably only had to sit in the pce to eat snacks and drink wine every day. Look at his thin arms and legs. Other than pens, what else could he carry? He could kill a few of them with a wave of his curved saber.


    Chernan pursed his lips and felt heartfelt. However, this Emperor looked like a gentle and soft persimmon. He might be much easier to control than his son. The Emperor of Great Xia was really apletely different type from his father, who had already ascended to heaven. If his father was still alive, he would definitely p him and scold him for being trash the moment he saw him.


    Oh, this was only if he lost. If he won, it would probably be a p. Why was he so smug when he had yet to defeat Great Xia?


    Tsk, it was really infuriating to think about it. When he took down Great Xia and had a vastnd and countless farnds, he could also pretend to be very cultured in the future.


    Thinking of this, he went forward and cupped his hands at the Emperor of Great Xia. He said in Xiongnunguage, ��Greetings, Emperor of Great Xia. I am the Second Prince of Xiongnu.��


    The Emperor maintained the posture of talking to Rong Yan just now and only gave him a look. Then, he asked calmly, ��Yan��er, didn��t you take the time to teach him the etiquette of Great Xia?��


    Rong Yan replied, ��Yes, but he��s too stupid to learn it.


    The Emperor sighed. ��Forget it. A boorish person who came out of a small ce can��t be expected to be very smart.��


    Chernan:�� He��s still here! Do they think he can��t understand Great Xia��snguage?


    Sigh, that��s not right. These two people were deliberately saying it for him to hear. He wanted to take back his words. The Emperor of Great Xia was even more evil than his son! He even dared to insult people in front of them!


    However, he had just pretended not to know Great Xia��snguage, so he couldn��t shoot himself in the foot now. He could only swallow his anger until the people of Great Xia suggested reading the surrender letter.


    Chernan rolled his eyes and nced at the strategist beside him. Thetter immediately stepped forward. ��It��s like this, Your Majesty. We still have a little suggestion regarding the contents of the alliance.


    Rong Yan nced at the two of them and removed the Azure Frost Sword from the hilt. At the same time, Xiao Ran knelt on one knee with him and said loudly, ��Your Majesty, the too.ooo-strong army is still in a battle-ready state. Your official/son requests the decree to continue guarding the border. If Xiongnu makes any abnormal movements again, we will kill our way into their capital!��


    Chernan and the strategist:��


    However, the Emperor was not stupid. He and Xiao Ran were once senior brothers and sisters, and he had long known what kind of person Chernan was in the past few days of correspondence. Hence, he pretended to think. ��It��s not impossible.��


    Chernan kicked the strategist away. ��What nonsense are you spouting? Who asked you to talk so much! I��m not strict with my subordinates. I��ve embarrassed myself in front of everyone.��


    The strategist thought quickly and reacted quickly. ��What I mean is that it s inconvenient to transport the iron ore. I wonder if it can be delivered in batches?��


    The Emperor did not answer her question. ��Yo, so you can speak thenguage of Great Xia..��

 Chapter 399 - 399: Crab Banquet

    Chapter 399: Crab Banquet


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After that, he did not say a word to them as if he could not see Xiongnu people.


    It wasn��t easy for Chernan to suppress his anger. He was sent to the posthouse.


    He was even given two teams of Royal Guards to ��guard the safety��. Just as he closed the door, Chernan wanted to re up.


    However, he admitted that he was not a woman. Smashing things was too tasteless, so he kicked the strategist��s waist.


    ��You piece of trash! You made me lose so much face!��


    The n was set together. Why was it all his fault for not seeding?


    The strategist felt aggrieved, but he did not dare to say it.


    The Emperor had deliberately embarrassed Chernan. Xiongnu was really too arrogant. Who gave Chernan the confidence to disregard their vast country when he came from such a small ce?


    ��Third Prince fought a good battle.��


    That sentence erased the crime of attacking Xiongnu without permission and stopped some ministers from making a move.


    ��Let��s go back and rest today. We��ll officially reward you tomorrow morning!��


    He turned his gaze to Xiao Ran, who widened her eyes. ��Your Majesty, I also feel tired and want to go home to eat and sleep.�� She didn��t want to nag the Emperor about what she had already said in the letter again. She would definitely have to ask tomorrow morning. If she had the time to kill time with him, she might as well go home and eat delicious food. Xiaoxiao said that she and her father would go home first to prepare dinner and eat crabster!


    The Emperor was unhappy. He wasn��t close to his son. Rong Yan had grown up, and their father-son rtionship had always been in a subtle state because of Noble Consort Ji��s attitude. The Emperor had guided almost all the princes in their studies and cared about almost everyone��s daily life. Only Rong Yan had never been noticed.


    Even the most respected person would try his best to avoid awkwardness under the premise that he had a choice. However, when he heard that Xiao Ran was going home, he looked over with a smile.


    This smile gave Xiao Ran a bad feeling, and this premonition indeed came true.


    Before Xiaoxiao entered the capital, she had already started thinking about seasonal ingredients. After she gave Little Big Brother special treatment in the space, she always felt that she had let her parents down. However, it was difficult to exin if she suddenly took out some umon delicacies, so she immediately thought of crabs after she calcted the time.


    There were already people eating crabs in Great Xia, but they were only a few home-cooked dishes. She had been itching for this good thing for a long time. Today, she naturally had to make a Golden Autumn Crab Banquet for her family!


    Crabs were cold, so ginger and cold-repelling wine were indispensable. Gu Chang��an was more familiar with the General��s Residence, so Xiaoxiao tricked him to tidy up and arrange for the kitchen to prepare. She took over the task of buying crabs and wine herself.


    Of course, crabs had to use the hairy crabs produced by the space. They were also covered in yellow fat roe and left a fragrance in their mouths. The wine was the Huadiao that she had brewed herself. She had just rushed back from eating and sleeping in the open. Wine with too high a content was harmful to her body.


    By the time Gu Chang��an organized the internal affairs in an orderly manner, the fragrance of wine and crabs had already begun to waft out of the kitchen.


    She had exchanged so many hairy crabs from the space in one go. If she just ate them steamed, her hands would hurt from peeling them. Hence, the considerate little Xiaoxiao first picked out a batch that was already steamed and started to peel the shell.


    Others might need to borrow eight crabs to peel crabs, but Xiaoxiao directly took the ingredients and tore off a crab leg. In the blink of an eye, the white crab meat and yellow crab roe were filled to the brim, making the guards and maidservants who passed by swallow their saliva.


    Xiaoxiao simply peeled a few more steamers of crabs. The number of crabs she ��bought�� was resistant.


    When eating crabs, they had to peel a few themselves to feel the festive mood. Hence, Xiaoxiao left the ones that she wanted to satisfy everyone. She peeled the rest and moved on to the next step.


    ��If you move so quickly, won��t you make me, your father, useless?


    Xiaoxiao followed his advice and gave up the position of the chef while she made the crab meat fillings.


    Thinking that there were not many people at home, Gu Chang��an stir-fried a few simple dishes and used the crab meat and crab roe that Xiaoxiao had peeled to make crab roe tofu and crab clear soup. The crab roe tofu was brightly coloured. The white tofu and golden crab roe reflected each other. The tofu was refreshing, tender, and smooth and it melted in his mouth, and the crab roe melted in the soup.


    The crab clear soup looked in and light, but it was so fresh that one could not help but narrow their eyes and praise it.


    This dish was very particr. The soup stock was stir-fried with crab bones, a small amount of onion stems, and ginger before simmering until the crab oil in the bones waspletely boiled. It locked the crab��s unique fresh fragrance into the soup for backup.


    In another pot, there was an old chicken soup simmering with green onions and ginger.


    ��Remember, you can��t boil this chicken soup. Otherwise, the soup will be turbid. Crab clear soup is meant to be ��clear��. You have to carefully remove the residue and oiliness.��


    In the past, Gu Chang��an was the most impatient to make such fussy dishes because he felt that it was time-consuming, tiring, and shy. But now, he was enjoying it. He couldn��t wait for every dish to be moreplicated, longer, and gorgeous. This way, he could look at his daughter��s sparkling eyes and listen to her delicate exmations and praises.


    After the crab bone soup and old chicken soup were ready, Gu Chang��an boiled them together and mixed them with ginger juice and Huadiao wine to remove the fishy smell and fragrance, adding freshness to the soup. When the fragrance wafted out, he ced the crab meat that he had prepared long ago into the soup and stirred it slowly. Then, he added the starch sauce.


    Xiaoxiao watched as the crab meat was instantly wrapped in the soup. As the water vapor surged, the bottom of the soup became thicker. Gu Chang��an poured in crab roe and some crab oil to mix it. Finally, he sprinkled onions to add some greenness.


    The rich crab clear soup became more elegant because of this green, making it even harder for Xiaoxiao to suppress the little glutton in her stomach. She blinked at Gu Chang��an pitifully. Thetter understood what she meant and immediately scooped a bowl for her.


    ��Father hasn��t made this soup in a long time and his skills are a little rusty. Xiaoxiao, can you help Father try it?��


    Of course, Xiaoxiao wouldn��t refuse. She didn��t mind that the soup was hot either. She took the small bowl and blew on it. She didn��t even wait to take the spoon before she pouted and sipped.


    ��Wow, it��s so delicious. My tongue is rewarded!


    Gu Chang��an had been obsessed with cooking for many years, and his culinary skills were better than Xiaoxiao��s. Although Xiaoxiao had an additional lifetime of memories, she could still learn a lot from him.


    Although Gu Chang��an was a man of few words, he doted on his daughter from the bottom of his heart. They had been separated for many years and finally reunited after much difficulty. Moreover, they had not been together much because of the war. Gu Chang��an felt both guilt and heartache towards Xiaoxiao. If possible, he wished he could bring all the good things in the world to Xiaoxiao. Naturally, he would teach her all his culinary skills.


    If Xiao Ran was present, she would definitelyugh at him for being like a peacock with its tail open. He used all his skills to show off the flowery moves that he had disdained to use in the past just to get his daughter to exim.


    Seeing that his daughter was drinking happily, Gu Chang��an was also very busy. He had unknowingly prepared too many dishes.


    He and Xiao Ran were used to being diligent and frugal and never wasted anything. It was a little difficult to look at them.


    After filling her stomach, Xiaoxiao suggested, ��Why don��t we just call Little Big Brother Ah Yan��s Yun Guards and Mother��s personal guards in to make everyone happy?��


    The n worked. Let��s do it..

 Chapter 400 - 400: Freeloading

    Chapter 400: Freeloading


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    This way, Gu Chang��an and his daughter could cook these big crabs more freely.


    In the blink of an eye, the crab shells in the kitchen were piled high. Xiaoxiao��s crab meat soup dumplings were also ready to be served in the steamers at any time, so she started to fiddle with the crab wine orange again.


    Gu Chang��an had never heard of this dish before. At this moment, he was filled with curiosity as he watched his daughter deal with the big orange.


    ��I wanted to ask just now. Where did you buy these fruits and crabs? Why are they so big?��


    Xiaoxiao knew that the things she took out were a little too eye-catching, but she didn��t care. She had to give her family the best!


    ��There��s a porter at the market who sold them. Coincidentally, I met him as soon as I arrived. I saw that his goods were not bad, so I bought them all.��


    Considering the financial situation of the General��s Residence, Gu Chang��an and Xiao Ran rarely spent so much money. Crabs were precious things. Even if they ate them, they would not buy them in bulk. However, he did not care if Xiaoxiao liked them.


    Instead, he was worried that his daughter did not have enough money to spend, so he simply took out the keys to the General��s Residence��s storeroom. ��From now on, I��ll leave this key to you for safekeeping. Take whatever you need!��


    Xiaoxiao looked at the key and then at Father, but she did not reject him.


    Sometimes, rejecting the kindness of an elder might hurt them.


    As expected, Gu Chang��an was even happier to see Xiaoxiao ept it. He didn��t care if Xiaoxiao would spend money and ruin the General��s Residence.


    Besides, the two of them had not saved up much for their daughter in the first ce. The recent huge ie was obtained by Xiaoxiao selling the recipe for dehydrated vegetables. He had always felt that it was not appropriate to take the silver, but it would seem distant to return it to his daughter. It was better this way. It was the best of both worlds.


    Xiaoxiao also knew a little about the situation in the General��s Residence. In fact, she had been thinking about something for a long time. The soldiers who had returned from the battlefield were all heroes who had fought alongside her mother. Of course, it was reasonable for her mother to take care of them, but this care could not always be based on the premise of giving money.


    Even if they did not worry about whether their mother��s sry was enough to support so many people, the soldiers and uncles could not bring themselves to ask for help.


    For example, when she asked her parents to sell the recipe for dehydrated vegetables to the Yan Family, there was a soldier whose old mother was seriously ill. However, he couldn��t find a job because of his disability and couldn��t earn money for medicine. Seeing that his mother was about to die of illness, that soldier had no choice but to go to the streets to perform breaking a huge rock in his chest. In the end, he encountered a hedonistic son who smashed him hard. Not only did he fail to resolve his family��s predicament, but he also almost lost his life.


    If not for the fact that the people from the General��s Residence had gone out to buy supplies, saw thismotion and discussed the one-eyed and scar on his face when they went back, Xiao Ran would not have known about this


    At that time, the lives of the soldier and his mother were on the line. Even if the doctor dared to take action, he would need many expensive medicinal herbs to keep them alive.


    Later on, it was only when Xiaoxiao asked to borrow the herbs from Li Muyan and used the Yan Family��s recipe money to resolve the urgent situation that the mother and son��s lives were really saved.


    This matter could not be repeated, but the world was unpredictable. Who could guarantee that they would be free from illness and disaster for the rest of their lives?


    It was better to teach people how to fish than to give them fish. Hence, Xiaoxiao was wondering if there was any way to help those uncles and big brothers supplement their family��s expenses without the General��s Residence always losing money.


    Initially, her thoughts were fruitless, but today, that strategist from Chernan spouted nonsense about the transportation of iron ore in front of the imperial court. It gave her a sh of inspiration and she immediately thought of something.


    ��Father, I want to make a deal.��


    Gu Chang��an said without thinking, ��Alright!��


    Xiaoxiao was betweenughter and tears. ��Can you at least ask me what I want to do?��


    Gu Chang��an wiped his hands clean and picked up some food for his daughter with his chopsticks. ��You can do whatever you want. If you want to open a restaurant, Father can even cook for you.��


    This was really��


    Xiaoxiao felt Gu Chang��an��s doting and her heart warmed. ��Actually, I����


    Before she could finish speaking, she heard a few thuds outside. Then, many people entered and went straight to the kitchen.


    Between the wooden-faced Little Big Brother and her rolling-eyed mother stood a familiar-looking middle-aged man. This person��s temperament was very outstanding. Standing there, he had the special feeling of being surrounded by stars.


    The man waved his hand behind him. ��I��m just in civilian clothes. There��s no need to stand on ceremony.��


    Xiaoxiao understood. So it was the Emperor.


    Although the Emperor said that there was no need to stand on ceremony, she and Gu Chang��an could not be really rude. Just as they were about to put down the things in their hands and bend their knees, they saw the Emperor stride forward and pick up an orange that had just been cleaned out by Xiaoxiao on the table. ��What are you doing?��


    Xiaoxiao immediately straightened her knees. ��Your Majesty, I��m preparing to make crab wine orange.��


    She didn��t waste the orange pulp that she dug out. She squeezed out the juice and made dessertster.


    The Emperor had never heard of it, but he found it very strange. The Emperor walked around and looked around, and then the Emperor was hungry.


    His series of emotions were very explicit. It was difficult for Xiaoxiao not to understand his goal for this trip.


    As expected, he said in the next moment, ��I heard that Chef Gu has returned to the pugilistic world today and is preparing to show off his skills. It��s not polite for me to decline General Xiao��s kind invitation.��


    To summarize, he was here to freeload.


    Xiao Ran��s face was full of ��he��s lying��, but considering this person��s identity, she held back her words and told him with a fake smile, ��It��s rare for our General��s Residence to have a reunion today, so we��re having a family banquet.�� Did you hear that? Its a ��family banquet��! A ��family banquet��, understand?!


    The Emperor pretended not to understand the disdain in her words and nodded with a smile. ��That��s good. Then let��s not talk about monarchs and ministers today. I��ll attend the banquet as your junior brother. Everyone, be more casual.�� Xiao Ran chuckled. ��Don��t regret what you saidter.��


    The Emperor said confidently, ��You��re right.��


    He was too much of a hindrance in the kitchen. He ran around as if he had never seen the world. He even touched and looked around. Eunuch De, who was serving him, could only cry out all the way. One moment, he was afraid that he would be burned by the pot, and the next moment, he was afraid that he would hurt himself with a knife. Seeing that Xiaoxiao and Gu Chang��an��s faces were about to turn ck, Xiao Ran moved swiftly and got him away.


    Eunuch De did not dare to breathe loudly the entire time. He suspected that if His Majesty did not leave, General Xiao might kick him.


    Th-th-this�� Even if His Majesty said that he did not treat them as subjects and rulers, he would not dare to turn a blind eye to this!


    Eunuch De, who was worried sick, felt that this short hour was even more tiring than the entire day in the pce. When he left the kitchen, his head was covered in sweat.


    After this group of masters left, Xiaoxiao heaved a sigh of relief. Rong Yan did not leave and was rolling up his sleeves with familiarity. ��What can I do?�� Xiaoxiao was not polite to him. ��Help me dig out the orange pulps and squeeze orange juice. Don��t throw away the oranges�� skins. Use them as lidster. You don��t have to dig the orange pulp too cleanly. Leave a portion inside. It��ll taste better when it��s steamed.��


    Rong Yan followed what Xiaoxiao had done previously and quickly settled one. After confirming with Xiaoxiao that there were no mistakes, he gradually started to be a skilled worker.


    Gu Chang��an was very satisfied with Rong Yan��s self-awareness. As expected, the children he taught were different from those pedantic schrs. If the person Xiaoxiao liked was the kind of person who talked about ��a gentleman stays away from the kitchen��, he would probably chase him out with Ran��er..

 Chapter 401 - 401: Crab Wine Orange

    Chapter 401: Crab Wine Orange


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Here, he dug out a few more oranges happily. Xiaoxiao mixed the chopped shepherd��s purse and crab meat, egg liquid, ginger, and wine evenly and sprinkled some pepper to remove the fishy taste. Then, she ced the mixed ingredients into the fresh orange one by one, covered it with an orange lid, and steamed it.


    The father and daughter worked together, and the dishes were served quite quickly. The other ces in the General��s Residence were at ease, but in this big kitchen, Xiao Ran had prepared everything that she felt Gu Chang��an could use. The two chefs were quitefortable with it.


    The Emperor came at mealtime. Firstly, as the emperor of a country, he could not leave the pce for too long. The earlier he came, the less he would eat. He was not that stupid. Secondly, there were too many memorandums that had not been approved. He had just finished work!


    He was really too diligent. In order to reward himself, he had to eat moreter! It had been a long time since he had tasted Gu Chang��an��s cooking.


    There were countless dishes in the kitchen. It was obvious that he was in a good mood today. He was in for a treat!


    As soon as the first dish was served, the Emperor instinctively wanted to touch his chopsticks, but he was red at by Xiao Ran.


    The contributors who had worked hard for the entire afternoon had yet to be served. Do you dare to start eating?


    The Emperor:�� You really dare to not care about the etiquette of ruler and officials��


    Fortunately, Xiaoxiao and Gu Chang��an were professional and efficient. They came over while the first dish was still steaming.


    There was naturally no broken rule in the General��s Residence that women could not sit at the main table. The family and the uninvited Emperor sat neatly. Eunuch De was sent to the tables of the Yun Guards and the General��s Residence��s personal guards.


    The Emperor nced at Xiao Ran. ��Dinner?��


    Xiao Ran didn��t even look up. She picked up the chopsticks and picked up some food for Xiaoxiao and Gu Chang��an before picking up her wine ss. ��Thank you for your hard work.��


    The Emperor:�� Does it make him look insensible?


    Xiaoxiao was still young and was not allowed to drink. She could only use tea as a substitute to clink sses with everyone. Then, this family banquet officially began.


    The steamer with the crabs was ced in the middle of the table. It would take a lot of time and effort to eat this thing. If they started the banquet, it would be cold after peeling the crab dishes. Hence, Xiaoxiao tactfully suggested, ��Let��s steam the crabs and eat the dishes at the same time. This way, when we��re halfway through, the crabs will be cooked. We can digest the food while eating.��


    Moreover, the hot steam from the steamed crab could also make the other dishes turn coldter. It was killing two birds with one stone. It was perfect. Before the Emperor could understand what it meant to steam crabs and eat vegetables at the same time, he was very puzzled as to why the Xiao Family ced the raw crabs on the table. He saw Rong Yan and Xiao Ran put a small cloth bag into arge porcin basin under the steamer. The other scooped cold water and poured it in. After pouring it, the steamer returned to its original position.


    The Emperor was confused and could not understand what they were doing. At this moment, the steamer began to emit steam.


    The Emperor��s eyes widened, and his face was filled with shock that did not match his identity.


    Who could tell him what had happened? Why did everyone except him seem to be used to it? Did his exmation show that he was very ignorant?


    The Emperor tried his best to remain calm and wanted to eat some food to calm himself down.


    Others might think that the Emperor lived a luxurious life every day, but in fact, because Great Xia had been recovering in the past few years, as the ruler of a country, he advocated thrift and took the lead in eating light food. Even though his mouth had long be tasteless, he was still used to eating the simplest soup first.


    As soon as the spoonful of soup entered his mouth, the Emperor raised his eyebrows. ��What soup is this?��


    Xiao Ran, who also drank the soup first, looked at Gu Chang��an. Thetter smiled. ��Crab clear soup. The bottom of the soup is boiled by an old hen and crab bones.��


    The Emperor quickly finished half a bowl and picked up another small bun.


    Xiaoxiao kicked Rong Yan, who then reminded him, ��Father, the soup in the soup dumpling is very hot.��


    The Emperor hurriedly stopped himself. Only then did he avoid the pain of scalding his mouth. However, it was really delicious. ��This is called soup dumpling?��


    Rong Yan nodded. ��I remember that the Li Family restaurant sold it before. At that time, they called it Ruyi buns.��


    So this was it. The Emperor was very satisfied, but he restrained himself and finished one before turning his attention to the orange, whom he had been curious about for a long time.


    As the emperor, he had naturally eaten this before. Although it was not as big as the Xiao Family��s oranges and was not something to be eaten as a dish, he was really puzzled at this moment. Gu Chang��an had been an imperial chef, after all. How could he do such a childish thing like having fruits on the table? Noticing his gaze, Xiaoxiao simply divided the oranges on the table one by one and gestured for everyone to open the orange cover.


    ��Eh? What��s inside?��


    Gu Chang��an said, ��Crab. This dish is called crab wine orange.��


    The Emperor chuckled and said, ��Yo, Chef Gu, you��re finally in the mood to study new dishes?�� Although it sounded like child��s y, fruits and crabs did not match. Just thinking about it made him feel that the taste was very strange. Gu Chang��an had been abandoned for many years and his skills were rusty, but he still went astray?


    Gu Chang��an bowed to him. Children raised by the Gu Family were always well-mannered. Compared to Xiao Ran��s rxed pose, Gu Chang��an looked more like a subject.


    He said, ��My Xiaoxiao made this.��


    His tone was quite proud!


    The Emperor felt that he could understand why he said that this was a child��s y. After all, that girl was still young. It was already impressive that she could make some pickled vegetables. It was still a little ridiculous for her to cook officially.


    The Emperor put down his chopsticks, not nning to torture his tongue. However, after hearing Gu Chang��an��s words, the others seemed to be even more impatient. Everyone picked up a small spoon and took a big bite. Then, they looked like they were enjoying themselves.


    ��Delicious. As expected of my and my husband��s daughter!��


    Rong Yan also took two bites and gave Xiaoxiao a thumbs up.


    The Emperor was surprised. It was fine with Xiao Ran as she was not picky with food and very protective of her people. It was not strange for her to spout nonsense to coax her daughter. However, Gu Chang��an was so stubborn about cooking that it made him speechless. Why did he lie through his teeth?


    Was she the daddy��s girl?


    Seeing that everyone else was eating so happily, he couldn��t help but taste it curiously. Why! Why was the sweet fruit so suitable to eat with the crab meat? Also, what were the crispy white cubes here? It was so sweet that it covered all the fishy smell of the crab meat!


    Seeing that he was eating happily and no longer looked like he was asking for a beating, Xiao Ran also started to brag.


    ��It��s delicious, right? This is just something my Xiaoxiao casually made. That Ruyi bun just now was also created by my Xiaoxiao. Look at this again. Have you seen crystal clear dumplings? This is called crystal prawn dumplings. My Xiaoxiao also thought of it.��


    Oh, right. Recently, there have been a few new refreshment shops in the Imperial Capital. They��re the ones that sell milk tea. Your Majesty, you��ve heard, right? My Xiaoxiao was the first to make that milk tea. Later on, it was secretly learned by those unscrupulous profiteers. Other than the Li Family��s shop, the rest of the shops in the Capital are all copycats. Even so, they still earned a lot!��


    ��And, the crabs on the table are steamed.. Does Your Majesty want to personally open the steamer and witness a miracle?��

 Chapter 402 - 402: Dutiful Husband And Filial Daughter

    Chapter 402: Dutiful Husband And Filial Daughter


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The Emperor had just found an opportunity to confirm that the table they were eating at was an ordinary wooden table. Firewood definitely couldn��t be burned under the steamer, so he was really puzzled by the sudden heat. Seeing Xiao Ran say this, he didn��t suppress it anymore. He raised his hand and opened the steamer.


    Therge crabs that were tied up were neatly arranged in the steamer. They were hot and red, and fragrant. The Emperor pinched one without hesitation and broke it in half.


    It was cooked.


    The Emperor was stunned.


    Xiao Ran didn��t like his method. She took crabs for Xiaoxiao, Gu Chang��an, and Rong Yan. She took her sharest and peeled open the crab shell to remove the crab intestines. Just as she was about to break the crab legs, she saw a hand reach over and take her bowl.


    At the same time, a bowl of peeled crab meat and crab roe appeared in front of her. Xiaoxiao sweetly took the unpeeled one. ��Mother, eat!


    The Emperor��s first reaction was: She peeled it so quickly?


    His second reaction was a little bted��Xiao Ran was so lucky!


    As Xiaoxiao had yet to finish peeling the crabs for Xiao Ran, Gu Chang��an


    handed them to her. She just needed to eat them.


    The Emperor didn��t care when Xiao Ran mocked him for not knowing how to peel crabs. With his status, there was no need for him to do it himself. If he had the time, he could review three, no, four memorandums!


    Hence, in the past, the pce servants, such as Little Dezi, would send him crabs after they were peeled. He didn��t know how and wouldn��t care to know!


    But now that he saw Xiaoxiao being filial to Xiao Ran, he suddenly felt ufortable.


    Xiaoxiao was the most meticulous towards others, so she kicked Rong Yan under the table, indicating for him to look at his father.


    Rong Yan had just been taught by Xiaoxiao to peel crabs. He was nning to show her the results and let Xiaoxiao try the ready-made crab meat.


    However, Xiaoxiao asked him to give it to his father first, so what else could he do?


    The Emperor��s gaze had already turned over. Rong Yan nced at the few broken shells that had identally fallen into the bowl and felt that he could improve his skills. It would be bad if he broke Xiaoxiao��s teeth, so he handed the bowl over cooperatively. ��Father, please eat.��


    The Emperor was happy. At the same time, he was very proud and childish. He tilted his head and gave Xiao Ran a sidelong nce. He followed their example and scooped a spoonful of vinegar mixed with ginger into his bowl before taking a big bite.


    The spiciness of the ginger could ward off the cold. The Emperor felt that there was not much meat from crabs. Even if he ate a few more, it would not be considered overeating. He was a restrained emperor. Two was not much. Three was just right.


    Hence, after eating the one in his hand, he looked at Rong Yan.


    Xiao Ran, who was feeling bored after eating, couldn��t take it anymore. She didn��t name anyone. ��You��re already so old, but you don��t even know how to peel a crab yourself. How embarrassing.��


    The Emperor:�� He shouldn��t havee to freeload as her junior brother! Xiao


    Ran gave him face when she treated him as the Emperor. Now, she didn��t care at all that his dignity was damaged!


    He was also stubborn and really did not want Rong Yan to help. He picked up the crab that had just been broken in half and opened his mouth to bite it as if he was venting his anger.


    ��Your Majesty, a crab��s heart is cold. It has to be removed.��


    ��Crab cheeks are used to filter food. There��s something dirty on them, so they have to be removed.��


    The sound of the Emperor biting the crab was a little softer. In order to resolve the awkwardness, he took the initiative to ask, ��Senior Sister, you��re full. Isn��t it time to solve the mystery of this steamer warming itself without fire?�� Xiao Ran knew very well that the Emperor was about to lose face, so she decided to stop while she was ahead. She personally went to get the unused self-heating bag and instructed the Emperor to do it himself to make some self-heating rice.


    ����Your Majesty, it��s a huge credit for Xiongnu to be able to win this battle so quickly and obediently.��


    ��There��s also a kind of noodles that are cooked in water.��


    After the Emperor personally tried these two, he returned to the pce thoughtfully with a belly that could not even be covered by his ordinary clothes. Before he left, he did not forget to mention a few crabs and said euphemistically, ��Be thrifty. You can��t waste it. You definitely won��t be able to finish so much.��


    Xiao Ran reminded him from behind, ��My Xiaoxiao thought of self-heating rice and instant noodles. The fruits in the border city were also nted by my Xiaoxiao. Do as you see fit.��


    The Emperor quickened his pace, deliberately ignoring her.


    Who asked you to anger me! I won��t be your junior brother tomorrow. I want to use my identity as the Emperor to listen to you again!


    On the way back, the Emperor said to Eunuch De, who could not walk fast anymore, ��Previously, you said that the Second Prince of Xiongnu would ask for someone��s hand on behalf of his Eldest Brother?


    Eunuch De said, ��It��s General Xiao��s beloved daughter.��


    The Emperor spat. ��He��s not worthy.��


    After taking a few steps, he felt a little bloated. He stopped and asked, ��When


    did Third Prince fall for the youngdy?��


    Eunuch De was shocked. ��Huh?��


    The Emperor ignored him and touched his chin. ��I just went to get that self-heating rice from dear Official Xiao, and Third Prince gave her the crabs he had dismantled. Do you think I��m blind?��


    Eunuch De rubbed his stomach. ��There��s such a thing? But speaking of which, it��s time for the Third Prince to discuss marriage. He has been close to General Xiao since he was young. It won��t be bad if they can get married.��


    The Emperor took two more steps and stopped with his hand on his waist. ����Hey, wait. Didn��t the Empress also propose on behalf of the Crown Prince to marry that girl?��


    Eunuch De couldn��t pretend to be stupid this time. ��That��s true. The Empress said that the Xiao Family��s daughter is gentle and virtuous. Coincidentally, the position of crown princess consort is still avable, so she wants the Crown Prince to marry her.��


    The Emperor: ��Heh.��


    Eunuch De couldn��t figure out what the Emperor��sughter meant, so he walked with him and got into the carriage with difficulty.


    ��Walk slowly. It��ste. Don��t disturb the people.��


    It was mainly because he had eaten too much and the carriage was moving too fast. He felt like vomiting.


    After the Emperor left, Xiaoxiao weighed everyone��s appetite tonight. She waited for them to chat for another hour before running to the kitchen to get the orange jelly that was already .springy


    Although it was said that the orange was ��frozen��, it did not feel cold in his mouth. If it were a modern person, they would definitely recognize it at a nce��this was jelly!


    A bowl of jelly filled with orange meat for each person made everyone��s taste buds experience a baptism and sublimation again. Xiao Ran was satisfied and wanted to lie down on the spot, but Xiaoxiao��s next words made her feel refreshed.


    ��Mother, I have a suggestion. Perhaps it can give the uncles and brothers who have returned from the battlefield a chance to show off. Do you want to hear it?��


    Xiao Ran immediately put down her hands that were stretching. ��Quick, quick, tell me.��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Mother, I heard that the envoy of Xiongnu mentioned to His Majesty today that it��s not easy to transport iron ore and he wants to dy the time to submit it?��


    At this point, Xiao Ran��s fists itched. ��I hit them too lightly.��


    All these years, the Xiongnu people were so spoiled that they did not know their limits and tested Great Xia��s bottom line repeatedly.


    Xiaoxiao tilted her head happily, looking innocent, youthful, and cute. ��Then let��s solve this problem for them.��


    Xiao Ran did not understand, but Rong Yan reacted quickly. ��Xiaoxiao means to let those retired soldiers be in charge of transporting them?


    Xiaoxiao nodded, but Xiao Ran still said, ��But even if His Majesty agrees and they��ve sessfullypleted the transportation, what about after that.�� When there was a war, there would definitely be casualties. Although the brothers who died werementable, the ones who survived were also having a hard time and were filled with helplessness..

 Chapter 403 - 403: Are You Worthy?

    Chapter 403: Are You Worthy?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The reason why they left the battlefield was naturally because they had no choice. Some were missing arms and legs, some were blind and sick. None of them were handicaps that could easily find a livelihood in their hometown.


    People would not think that their injuries were their medals protecting the country. Instead, the people would only be afraid and disgusted of them. Other than working hard to unload goods at the docks, they could not find anything decent to do. However, the money they earned from moving things was only enough to buy some coarse grain for a living. They could not even support themselves, let alone marry and have children to bring glory to their ancestors.


    Even if they could take on this imperial mission and earn some money, how could it be enough to spend for the rest of their lives?


    However, Xiaoxiao was not worried. ��Mother, I didn��t say that it would only be one trip.��


    Xiao Ran looked up. ��Then you mean����


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Mother, to be able to survive the life and death crises at the border, it can be seen that all the uncles and big brothers are really capable people. Wouldn��t it be a waste of God��s gifts if they can only use their ability to kill enemies as manualbor?��


    ��Father and Mother, you��ve all seen the current state of the border city. I��m confident in those fruits. In the future, even if all the iron ore is transported, there will be an endless stream of goods to be sent to the Imperial Capital and other ces in Great Xia. However, in the past, ordinary escortpanies looked down on the border city. No one was willing to deliver them even at a high price.��


    ��If any merchants want to trade with the border city, they can only spend a lot of money to organize their own caravan. It��s not safe or convenient on the way, so why don��t we����


    Xiao Ran and the others felt that Xiaoxiao wanted to set up an escortpany that specialized in border towns. The more they thought about it, the more feasible they felt.


    ��Our brothers�� skills and vignce are far beyond those of ordinary escorts. Their familiarity with the border city is even higher than others. Even if we encounter bandits on the way, it��s hard to say who��s afraid of whom. Xiaoxiao, you��re really too smart. I��ll tell the Emperor about this tomorrow!��


    If it worked, she would have to get her daughter a reward that was worthy of her.


    There was something that Xiao Ran did not tell anyone. When the Emperor asked her to wait for him after the court assembly today, Xiao Ran heard many rumors outside the pce.


    If those rumors had nothing to do with her, Xiao Ran would have ignored them. However, she heard Xiaoxiao��s name.


    ��Do you know that the person who benefited the most from Great General Xiao��s triumphant return is actually her daughter, who has been wandering outside for many years?��


    ��Oh? What do you mean?��


    ��Think about it. The Misses of other noble families are all raised in seclusion, but it��s said that the one from the Xiao Family is raised in the countryside. Not to mention studying, she can��t even read. She can��t even do needlework.��


    ��It��s very rare for a ��Miss�� like her to find a husband of equal social status in the future.��


    ��But it��s different after General Xiao��s victory. Look, it won��t be long before the city��s popinjays swarm over like flies that have seen meat.��


    ��That makes sense. If the General��s Residence falls, no one will care about that girl even if they find her. However, the Xiao Family is highly favored now. Even if they don��t like that girl, they have to give General Xiao face.��


    ��At the very least, she should be barely qualified to marry a second-generation heir as the first wife.��


    At that time, Xiao Ran��s fists hardened. Unexpectedly, that was not all.


    The long-tongued people continued, ��That might not be the case. Even a rich second-generation heir has to be picky when marrying. Do you know that that girl is raised in the countryside all year round? She��s vulgar and rude.��


    ��It��s more than that. I heard that the family that adopted her is poor. They raised that girl like a shrew in the market. She��s ugly and stupid����


    It was not an exaggeration to say that if not for the fact that hitting people would only cause more chaos and confirm the rumors, Xiao Ran felt that her rationality was about to run away from home. She would not stop until she hit all those gossipy buggers.


    However, she held it in. The more one suppressed rumors, the more they rebounded. The angrier she acted in front of others, the more people would think that she was guilty.


    She did not want her daughter, whom she had painstakingly found, to suffer any grievances, so she did not hit anyone.


    However, not hitting anyone did not mean that she had to let go of this matter gently. That night, when the others in the family were resting, Xiao Ran saw a few personal guards.


    ��General, I��ve found out. Those words were spread by the Yan Family.��


    Xiao Ran frowned. They could just target her if they had any grudges. Why were they targeting her daughter?


    This question was answered the next morning��


    After exining about Xiongnu and officially epting the contract, Xiao Ran saw someone walk out of the crowd.


    ��Your Majesty, now that the four seas are peaceful and the people are peaceful, it��s time for us to hold some happy events and celebrate with everyone.��


    The Emperor held his stomach in a dignified manner. ��Dear official, you��re right. Themoners have been on tenterhooks about the war for a long time. It��s time to rx. However, the Mid-Autumn Festival has passed. Why don��t we wait for the Winter Solstice and hold a temple fair to have some fun?��


    It was only autumn, and the winter solstice was still far away. Besides, that minister did not mean that.


    ��Your Majesty, what I mean is that His Highness the Crown Prince is already at the age of maturity, but the position of crown princess consort is still vacant. As the saying goes, a man can only truly grow up when he has a family. Why don��t we find an auspicious day to choose a consort for the Crown Prince?��


    The Emperor couldn��t even care less about his stomach, which was slightly ufortable from eating too many crabs. He nced at Xiao Ran��s ashen face.


    Oh, with such an ugly expression, she must already know the Yan Family��s n.


    The Emperor thought uncertainly��would Xiao Ran tear down his throne roomter?


    He didn��t really want to bother with this minister who was looking for trouble and had nothing better to do. He turned to look at Eunuch De, wanting to find a topic to divert it. However, the Yan Family wasn��t the only one who was rushing to join in the fun today. The Second Prince of Xiongnu, who was originally obediently pretending to be a quail in the hall, suddenly stepped forward.


    ��Your Majesty, I have a request too. I wonder if I can tell you.��


    You can��t. Shut up and get lost.


    The Emperor wanted to answer him like this, but this person had already taken care of himself. ��Xiongnu negotiating with Great Xia to rebuild the diplomatic rtionship between the two countries is also a matter worthy of celebration and importance. Other than submitting the alliance agreement, I have another matter to ask for Your Majesty��s approval.��


    His Majesty disagreed. ��The second prince can discuss the matter of diplomatic rtions with the envoyter.��


    But the second prince wouldn��t listen.


    ��When I was in Border City, my Eldest Brother fell in love with a woman from Great Xia at first sight. He thought that she was just an ordinary farm girl, but when he found out her identity, he asked me to propose marriage on his behalf.��


    Rong Yan, who had guessed what he wanted to say, clenched his fists. As expected, this person said shamelessly��


    ��I beg Your Majesty to marry the daughter of the Xiao Family to my Eldest Brother!��


    ��My Eldest Brother is the person most likely to inherit Xiongnu��s throne. If she marries him, the daughter of the Xiao Family will be Xiongnu��s queen in the future. The rtionship between Great Xia and Xiongnu will be even more indestructible!��


    ��Isn��t this the best of both worlds?��


    The officials were in an uproar. Even the Yan Family��s party was so shocked by this sudden development that they forgot how to react.


    If Rong Yan could tolerate this, he would have killed so many Xiongnu people at the border for nothing.


    ��In what capacity is the Second Prince making a request to Great Xia now?��


    ��You��re just a defeated dog.. How dare you dream of marrying the daughter of the Country Protecting General? Are you worthy?��

 Chapter 404 - 404: Why Are You Looking At Me?

    Chapter 404: Why Are You Looking At Me?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    How was he not worthy! That girl had been raised in the countryside since she was young, and she was not a proper noblewoman! To put it bluntly, she was just a peasant girl wearing the coat of the legitimate daughter of the General��s Residence. When she was at the border, she did not even have a maidservant to serve her. She farmed and cooked all day like a servant. Although he looked down on Eldest Brother, that hypocrite, he was still his blood rtive after all.


    How was he not worthy?


    However, Chernan only dared to think about these things in his heart. Although Rong Yan could not wear the Azure Frost Sword in the royal court, he still instinctively nced at Rong Yan��s waist.


    Rong Yan��s gaze was like a knife that lingered on his neck. Chernan suspected that Rong Yan was thinking about how to cut him so that he could die faster. He had hidden the fact that he knew Xiao Ning��s identity along the way and even specially came to propose marriage for Chercha. How could he give up so easily after being frightened? Moreover, he felt that with Chercha��s status, it would be considered as her marrying above her status.


    It was obvious that there were other officials in the court who had the same thoughts as him. However, they did not dare to speak when they felt the low pressure on Xiao Ran.


    Chernan was a piece of meat. He looked at the expressions of the old men in the court and gradually raised his chin. ��I came to negotiate peace with sincerity. I hope that the Emperor of Great Xia can consider our proposal for the sake of the world and the people.��


    ��Otherwise, can I think that Great Xia doesn��t take Xiongnu, seriously?�� Rong Yan was about to speak when he was stopped. Seeing that it was Cab Elder Gu, he suppressed his anger and cupped his hands.


    Cab Elder Gu was a famous schr in Great Xia. More importantly, he was Xiaoxiao��s biological grandfather.


    Although Rong Yan didn��t have much interaction with Cab Elder Gu in the past, he had heard a lot about his character. He hated evil, wasn��t afraid of power, and was protective of his own.


    Cab Elder Gu was dressed schrly. He stood tall and straight, and his eyes were firm. He first cupped his hands at Chernan politely. ��Great Xia is a state of etiquette, so we naturally don��t take anyone lightly.


    Chi Ernan became smug. He continued, ��Besides, Xiongnu is just a small country. It��s difficult to not take such a small ce lightly.��


    Chernan was speechless.


    Cab Elder Gu was neither servile nor overbearing. ��You��ve repeatedly emphasized that you��re showing your sincerity by making her the queen. Hehe, I only see your arrogance and rudeness!��


    ��Even if it��s an ordinary marriage proposal, it has to be arranged by the parents. After both parties agree, they can officially marry each other with three letters and six rituals. It��s fine if the person who asked for marriage didn��t show up, but how can he have the cheek to show sincerity when he doesn��t have any letters or tokens for marriage?��


    ��Besides, have you asked the other party��s parents if you want to marry her?�� Xiao Ning��s biological mother, Xiao Ran, crossed her arms and sneered. From the looks of it, she could p Chernan if he dared to speak.


    Chernan:�� He wouldn��t dare.


    Cab Elder Gu said in a low voice, ��In my opinion, you don��t look like you��re asking for a marriage proposal. You��re forcing a marriage!��


    ��Hence, I want to ask you. Did Xiongnu think too highly of yourself or did you think that there was no one in Great Xia and you could try to forcefully marry the general��s daughter in front of so many people?��


    At this point, the atmosphere was in ce. The other ministers would be embarrassed if they didn��t share amon enemy. Hence, Chernan bore the anger of the entire royal court alone. During this period, Xiao Ran cast a dissatisfied and threatening gaze at the Emperor.


    The Emperor:��


    Chernan finally felt the eloquence of Great Xia��s imperial censor. After a long while, he could only say, ��Is there a need? I��m not asking to marry a princess.�� Rong Yan was surprisingly calm at this moment. He looked at the old officials who could not help but look like he agreed with half of the court and many thoughts shed through his mind.


    ��Your Majesty, I have something to report.��


    With the Emperor��s approval, he said, ��I want to seek credit for one person.�� ��She worked hard to go to the border and did not care about her status. She did everything himself and thought of ways to let the soldiers of Great Xia eat their fill. She also developed convenient and delicious dry rations that were conducive to preservation. Among them werepressed biscuits that were extremely satiating and easy to carry, fast and convenient noodles, and self-heating rice. These foods yed a huge role in the battle at the border, allowing the soldiers not to be exhausted from Xiongnu��s harassment from time to time.��


    ��She cultivated melons and fruits in the desert of the border city, which was publicly recognized as the most impossible to grow food. She did not seek personal benefits or returns. She focused on benefiting the people and gave all her nting insights and seeds to the people for free. She did not even leave her name.��


    At this point, everyone could basically tell who he was talking about, but some people were still indifferent and felt that this was a small matter that had nothing to do with them.


    Rong Yan was already prepared. He took out the trump card he had prepared from his sleeve.


    ��There��S another thing that will be a decisive help in this battle. It��s inconvenient to exin in the letter. Father, please feel it yourself.��


    ��This thing is called irvoyant.��


    Chernan��s heart skipped a beat. He knew about this, but�� could it be rted to the Xiao Family��s daughter?


    Rong Yan presented the irvoyant. ��She obtained this after studying ancient books day and night and making modifications.��


    The Emperor took the item and didn��t know how to use it, so Xiao Ran went forward to adjust it for him. However, he didn��t know if it was an ident, but the eyepiece kept hitting his face.


    When the irvoyant was aimed out of the hall by Xiao Ran, Rong Yan also said, ��This thing is like its name. It can help people see the scenery in the distance clearly. Although it cannot see a thousand meters away, it can hide the hidden dangers and thieves.��


    ��This irvoyant contributed greatly to the battle against Xiongnu. With its ability, the soldiers of Great Xia turned danger into safety many times. We discovered a total of 38 ambushes, captured 298 Xiongnu spies, and killed more than 3,900 sneak attackers. On the way to negotiate with Xiongnu, we discovered the sudden Southern Barbarian army!��


    This news was more shocking than before, especially thest sentence about the Southern Barbarian.


    just think about it, if Great Xia negotiated with Xiongnu and their defenses were rxed, the consequences of the border city being attacked by the Southern Barbarians were unimaginable. Thinking deeper, why did the Southern Barbarians appear at the right time? What would Xiongnu do if they unknowingly sneaked into the border city? Could this peace talk continue? Although the Emperor had seen this in the battle report, he was still shocked when he heard it now. He nced at the flustered Chernan unhappily and asked Rong Yan, ��What happened to the Southern Barbarian Army?


    Rong Yan said, ��Fortunately, irvoyant made a contribution in time. We beat them at their own game and caught the Southern Barbarian army off guard. The Southern Barbarians have evil intentions, so I ordered that anyone who vites the prestige of Great Xia will be killed without mercy!��


    The entire court trembled because of this sentence. Chernan trembled. If you want to talk, just talk. Why are you looking at me?!


    The Emperor put down the irvoyant.. ��Good! Well said! This is the good son of Great Xia!��

 Chapter 405 - 405: Princess Of The Third Rank

    Chapter 405: Princess Of The Third Rank


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan cupped his hands. ��The irvoyant and those convenient fast food contributed greatly to the victory over Xiongnu this time. Hence, although the person who made such a contribution has no interest in fame and fortune, I still want to ask for favors for her, in case someone bullies her just because she doesn��t put on airs!��


    ��Someone�� aka Chernan:������


    The Emperor��s attention was attracted by the Southern Barbarians just now. At this moment, he recalled what he had seen in the irvoyant and raised it again in confusion.


    Hey, hey, hey, what is this?


    A minister who usually liked to disagree with others suddenly said, ��I��ve also heard that there are all kinds of strange things in the world when ites to nting watermelons in the border cities. It��s indeed a great merit to discover that new seeds can survive in the desert at the borders, but the fast food and irvoyant�� Aren��t Third Prince��s words too exaggerated?��


    Rong Yan looked up and remembered this person.


    ��Official He, you can judge the truth yourself.��


    In this morning��s court assembly, the Emperor was used to the ministers�� exaggerated expressions. Then, he rewarded Official He, who had the most opinions, with the fast food used for experiments. He also asked Official He to abide by the principle of ��every grain is hard work�� and eat the two main dishes in the hall. Then, he ced the irvoyant in front of Official He��s eyes, who looked at everyone as if they were ants.


    Official He was shocked and almost threw the irvoyant away. Fortunately, Eunuch De was quick to snatch it back.


    The Emperor kept the irvoyant in his arms as if it was a treasure and asked pretentiously, ��Then, who is this person you��re talking about?��


    Rong Yan shouted, ��It��s the legitimate daughter of the Xiao Family, Xiao Ning!��


    The ministers actually did not want to believe that a girl who had grown up in a small vige that they had never heard of would have such skills. It was fine if she cooked and farmed, but she actually made such a magical thing like irvoyant?


    It did not matter if they believed it or not. The Emperor made the final decision.


    ��The legitimate daughter of the Xiao Family is smart and righteous�� She is bestowed with a thousand taels of gold, a hundred beads of silk, and a set of Southern Sea pearls����


    Not counting the gold, silver, and treasures, under Xiao Ran��s angry gaze, the Emperor coughed lightly and added.


    ��Title: Princess An��ning Princess of the Third Rank. Her status is equivalent to the blood princess.��


    Xiao Ran would be satisfied now, right?


    To be honest, he also felt that he owed Xiao Ran a lot all these years, but other than thinking of a way to reward her with gold and silver and help her find that child whose fate was unknown, he didn��t know how else to make it up to her.


    Now that the child was back and her injuries had healed, there was no need for him, the Emperor, to find excuses to reward her.


    ��In addition, the Country Protecting General has contributed to the retreat of the enemy. Reward money�� She will be a prince and will be in charge of the Tiger Talisman!��


    The Tiger Talisman was a symbol of military power. In the past, Xiao Ran was seriously injured and could no longer go to the battlefield. Even if she had countless military merits, she could only be an idle general at home. But now, not only had she recovered from her injuries, but she had also made military merits. It was naturally legitimate for her to be in charge of the Tiger Talisman, but wouldn��t the honor of being a prince of the opposite sex be too��


    ��Your Majesty, the title of Prince����


    The Emperor red at him. ��Why? Does my dear official have a problem with that?��


    ��In addition, the Third Prince has contributed to leading the troops and has bestowed a mansion�� I��ll leave the rest of the matters of entertaining Xiongnu to the Third Prince.�� The other princes had long set up their residences, and only he was remembered now. However, Rong Yan felt satisfied when he heard the location of his residence. He was not dissatisfied even if he had only to risk his life for some gold and silver.


    Xiao Ran retreated from the court and asked to see him. ��Your Majesty, I actually didn��t contribute much this time. The Third Prince is young and promising. If he hadn��t advanced and retreated at the right time, I wouldn��t have had time to meet up with him. He contributed even more by severely injuring Xiongnu and repelling the Southern Barbarians.��


    The Emperor sighed. ��Senior Sister, as you can see, there are not many civil and military officials in the court who make me feel at ease. Just treat it as helping me, okay?��


    This move again!


    The newly minted prince, Xiao Ran, was angry when she returned home. She only felt somefort when she hugged her daughter.


    ��Baby, let me tell you. The men of the royal family are the most cunning. They will do anything to achieve their goals. They have the cheek to use any method to pretend to be obedient and pitiful! Don��t fall for it in the future!��


    Although she didn��t know what had happened, Xiaoxiao still nodded in agreement. Then, she said, ��Mother, Little Big Brother sent someone to say that his new residence is near our house just now, but that residence has been empty for many years and hasn��t been taken care of. It will take a long time to tidy it up. Let��s help him buy and buy, okay?��


    Xiao Ran:�� Sigh, a grown daughter can��t be kept.


    However, it was good that Ah Yan lived close to her. When they got married in the future, it would only take a few steps for her to see her daughter.


    However, Xiaoxiao added, ��Also, I want to go back to the Ning Family. Mother Ning is about to give birth!��


    Rong Yan had just happily received Xiaoxiao��s promise that she would apany him to buy a new home when he was told that they were about to part ways again. He felt a little down. With such a mood, he went to the posthouse to see Chernan. When he left, his fists were a little numb.


    Chernan wanted to protest andin, but Rong Yan always used underhanded methods when he hit people. The injuries he caused were either invisible or inconvenient for others to see. It was simply too despicable!


    He even threatened him and said that there was still a long way to go! What did he mean? Did he mean that he would find an opportunity to beat him up in the future? Was the Emperor unhappy with him, so he deliberately arranged for Rong Yan to ��entertain�� him?


    Xiaoxiao did not feel like she wanted to part ways with Little Big Brother because she had space. She could run back to meet him at any time.


    The Li Family��s shop and Mrs. Shen��s elegant abode had another branch. With the help of the new fruits and melons, her business was also thriving. Her points were rising very quickly!


    However, Rong Yan, who had beaten someone up to vent his anger, still felt unhappy. Xiaoxiao could tell that he was depressed, so she coaxed him. ��Think about it. Isn��t it quite exciting for the two of us to meet secretly without anyone knowing?��


    Rong Yan was speechless.


    No, it didn��t!


    ��What��s in your little head?��


    Xiaoxiao propped her chin on her hand and blinked. ��You?��


    Rong Yan had yet to master the ability to hide his blush, so Xiaoxiao saw his shy expression again. Ah, she liked him even more.


    Rong Yan couldn��t take it anymore and could only change the topic. ��It��s my mistake this time. I didn��t expect Chernan to be so stubborn and even beat around the bush to mention the marriage.��


    However, Xiaoxiao did not think so. ��I think he��s doing this because he listened to your previous threats.��


    She asked Rong Yan, ��Little Big Brother, do you think he��s sincere in proposing on behalf of Chercha? Even if Chernan is a boor, he canmand Xiongnu to cause so much trouble for Great Xia. How can he not know that proposing will definitely fail?��


    Rong Yan admitted that he was a mortal. He could not help but lose some rationality when it concerned Xiaoxiao, but he had already thought of something after thinking about it.


    ��He should be deliberately causing trouble for Chercha.��


    ��Chernan knows that the more he proposes on Chercha��s behalf and the more unyielding his attitude is, the more disgusted we will be. If it doesn��t work, be it me or your mother, we will hate Chercha. Perhaps Chercha doesn��t know your identity at all. Perhaps this matter is deliberately concealed by Chernan. What he wants is for Chercha to offend the Xiao Family and Great Xia, making him unsuitable as the sessor of Xiongnu.��


    ��I don��t care how the Xiongnu people fight for the throne, but he shouldn��t have dragged you into this..��

 Chapter 406 - 406: To Kill With Flattery

    Chapter 406: To Kill With ttery


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao nced at his red knuckles and sighed. ��Don��t use your fists when you beat him up next time. He��s so thick-skinned. Your hands will hurt.��


    Sigh, she suddenly had an idea. ��Have you calmed down? If not, let��s go again?�� Rong Yan was stunned for a moment, and Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��Why? Do you think I��ll persuade you to make peace?��


    ��How is that possible?�� She pretended to be fierce and pinched her joints ��I hold a grudge.��


    ��Let��s go!�� She waved her hand and pulled Rong Yan into the space. ��We��ll settle today��s grudges.��


    At night, Chernan was about to rest when he heard a creak outside the door He didn��t pay much attention to it. When he opened the door and saw that there was no one outside, he thought that he had heard wrongly. However, when hey down again, there was another knock on the door. After a while, he felt that something was wrong.


    What made him feel even stranger was that he called the guard over, but thetter said that he did not see anyone pass by at all.


    It was not only the people of Great Xia who were guarding this posthouse. Even the Xiongnu people said that they did not see anything. Was he really hallucinating?


    With this uneasiness and doubts, Chernan walked towards the bed again. However, that persistent ��dong dong�� sound appeared again. It was neither light nor heavy, but it knocked on Chernan��s head until it hurt. He was angered and deliberately pulled the door hard when the sound was heard.


    ��I want to see which bastard is pretending to be a ghost in the middle of the night�� Ghost����


    There was only the sound of the wind outside the door. No one could be seen What was going on?


    He was still in a daze when he felt a pain in the back of his head and lost consciousness.


    Xiaoxiao retracted the stick and Rong Yan dragged Chernan back to the house Once the door was closed, Xiaoxiao raised her foot and stomped on him ��Toad pfft!��?????????????? ��


    When he woke up the next day, Chernan realized that he was sleeping on the ground. For some reason, his entire body still hurt. He suspected that he had been sleepwalking in his dreamsst night.


    The conferment of the title of princess and prince was a huge matter, and the Imperial Court had to make a lot of preparations. Hence, after the imperial edict was sent to the General��s Residence, Xiaoxiao packed up and prepared to set off for Xijiang County first. However, Xiao Ran mysteriously asked her to wait for half a day. When she returned home in the afternoon, she was followed by Rong Yan, who didn��t have much of an expression, but it was obvious that he was very happy, and Chernan, who was holding his waist with a constipated expression.


    Xiao Ran said, ��The rice in the Imperial Field of Xijiang County is about to be harvested. His Majesty sent the Third Prince to supervise. What a coincidence He can travel with you.��


    This job was naturally given to Rong Yan by Xiao Ran. She was worried about her daughter leaving the Imperial Capital alone, but she had to hand over everything in the army and talk to the Emperor about the retired soldiers. She really could not leave. With Ah Yan around, he would naturally take good care of her.


    It could also make up for the regret of the two children not spending much time together.


    As for Chernan, the children knew their limits and wouldn��t kill him no matter what.


    When the imperial envoy walked slowly on the official road, Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan had already left the Imperial Capital. This time, Xiaoxiao brought Wind and Lightning along and rode them.


    ��Why is Chernan with us?��


    Rong Yan was full of disdain. ��He said that he��s not feeling well and has seen the imperial physician this morning.��


    However, even after a few imperial physicians took his pulse for a long time, they could not find the source of the illness. Chernan was so anxious that he�� shouted, ��Have sleepwalking ever caused you to break your ribs?��


    He had never seen that. The Xiongnus really know how to y.


    Chernan��s mentality was crushed. He suspected that this post house was at odds with him, so he immediately requested to change ces to stay. He even wanted to go out and rx.


    The Emperor sneered when he found out. He had never seen such a troublesome envoy, so he hooked his brush and handed him to Rong Yan to deal with.


    He realized that Xiongnu, that bastard, was afraid of Rong Yan. He unted in front of others, but when he saw his third son, he was as obedient as a tortoise. Chernan was filled with grief and indignation when he found out that he was going to travel with the evil god next. When he was told that the evil god despised the honor guard for walking too slowly and wanted to leave first he immediately felt that he had escaped death. Just as he was struggling in the abyss, he heard Rong Yan remind him, ��If you don��t return the money, you should send the iron mine over.��


    Chernan was speechless.


    On that day, Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan traveled together. At night, they admired the moon and stars and talked about serious matters. Their days were extremely fulfilling. Unknowingly, Xijiang County was right in front of them.


    ��Little Big Brother, how do you think Chernan will ask the Crown Prince in Luo Province for money after hees to Xijiang County?��


    Rong Yan said, ��Don��t even think about touching the money to rebuild the dam With Senior Brother Chen around, they can forget about touching a single cent.��???? <sup>&</sup>


    Xiaoxiao agreed deeply and even asked expectantly, ��Little Big Brother, what do you think will happen since Official Chen hates the Yan Family so much and is going to supervise the construction of the dam with the Crown Prince?��


    Rong Yan couldn��t help butugh.


    It turned out that Chen Yong had met the Crown Prince immediately after he was arranged to be in Luo Prefecture by the Emperor. On the surface, as the Prefect of Luo Prefecture, Chen Yong treated the Crown Prince respectfully and cooperated with him. However, in fact, from the day the Crown Prince was appointed, Chen Yong had already decided on several good ways to torture the Crown Prince.


    The first was to kill with ttery.


    The Crown Prince was a person who liked to work hard and listen to praises. After being on guard for a few days, he saw that Chen Yong��s attitude towards him was no different from other people who clung to the Yan Family. He quickly rxed and enjoyed being praised. He even really thought that he was an unparalleled emperor-to-be with both talent and virtue.


    The second step was to push him up the altar so high that he could not get down even if he wanted to.


    Regardless of the Crown Prince��s original intention ining to Luo Prefecture, whether it was voluntary or an ident, he was already here. Naturally, he had to build prestige for himself and the Yan Family Hence before he arrived, there were already manyments about how virtuous the Crown Prince was and how he loved his people like his children.


    The Yan Family��s move was determined and they caused a hugemotion Chen Yong simply went with the flow and praised the Crown Prince with them.


    At this point, he entered the third step. Since the Crown Prince was a ��good person�� who was almost perfect and cared about themon people of the world, it was logical and reasonable for him to do some good deeds that benefited the people.


    Of course, he had to do it himself.


    When Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan received Chen Yong��s message, the Crown Prince had already been carrying bricks on the dam for more than 10 days. It was said that he had lost a lot of weight.


    Moreover, Chen Yong even specially opened up a special wall for the Crown Prince. As the name suggested, all the repair work there was handed over to the Crown Prince and no one else could interfere.


    In this way, firstly, the Crown Prince could not get his subordinates to do hardbor for him. Secondly, he had to do this job seriously. Otherwise, even a blind person would know that the Crown Prince��s skills were not good.


    The Crown Prince was filled with anger. As the Crown Prince of Great Xia, I learned all the strategies to govern the country and rule the world. This �� bastard wanted me to do the work of a lowly person and he still had to inspect me?


    However, no matter how long these words rolled in his stomach, he could not really say them out loud. Otherwise, wouldn��t all the hard work he had put in previously be in vain?


    Hence, he could only work with theborers during the day and get someone to teach him repair techniques overnight.


    Chen Yong also told them that he was going to find some schrs to watch and admire His Highness the Crown Prince��s great achievements in two days. At the same time, he would ��seek guidance�� about dam-rted knowledge..

 Chapter 407 - 407: Imperial Envoy

    Chapter 407: Imperial Envoy


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao smiled so much that she could barely hold the reins. Rong Yan controlled the horse for her with a doting expression and paid attention to her safety at the same time.


    Yun Er, Yun San, and the others were already numb. They looked at the sky and chatted. ��Miss, you��re really talented. You learned to ride a horse so quickly.�� ��That��s right, that��s right. But where did our Master find this horse? It actually looks almost identical to Miss��s Wind. What did Miss used to say? Are you two deliberately showing off your love to us?��


    ��Can you not mention that? It wasn��t easy for me to pretend not to see it.�� Master was really too much. Not only was he sweet with thedy along the way, but even these details were filled with too much love.


    It was said that people were homesick when they were close to home, and it was the same for Xiaoxiao. When she saw the entrance of the county, she tugged at Rong Yan and rubbed her hands nervously. ��Little Big Brother, do you think I should see Father or Mother first?��


    Rong Yan patted the back of her hand patiently. ��Uncle Ning is worried that it��s inconvenient for Aunt Ning to stay at home. He has already rented a courtyard in the county and brought her over to wait for delivery. Your Second Brother can take care of her at any time.��


    Only then did Xiaoxiao react slowly. Oh, she had forgotten about this when she told Eldest Brother.


    It was unknown if it was because of Xiaoxiao��s words that ��it��s better to travel ten thousands of miles than to read ten thousand books�� that resonated with Dean Lu. After Ning Ansheng and his masterpleted the border peace talks, he was pulled onto the path of learning by Dean Lu. He said that he wanted to see the scenery along the way and slowly go home. Hence, the two of them were still walking on the road when Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan returned to the Imperial Capital and came to Xijiang County.


    With Rong Yan��s men following him around, Xiaoxiao was very assured. Moreover, Dean Lu had a broad vision and was very knowledgeable. With him teaching Eldest Brother one-on-one, Eldest Brother��s future would definitely be limitless. However, she could not help but feel that it was a pity that Eldest Brother could not see his youngest sibling born.


    ��Eldest Brother Ning is hardworking. Now that he can be personally led by Dean Lu to experience the world and people, he will definitely reach a higher level.��


    Xiaoxiao understood the logic. Most people could notpare to Eldest Brother��s diligence when he was studying. However, he had been in Fortune Vige since he was born and had only seen that acre ofnd. His knowledge was indeed inferior to those young masters, but Dean Lu��s appearance made up for these shorings.


    She believed in Eldest Brother and Dean Lu.


    After putting aside those thoughts, Xiaoxiao tidied up her appearance and galloped towards the official field.


    At this moment, Ning Fengnian was checking the fullness of the rice grains. He said to County Magistrate Shen, ��We should be able to pump water in the next few days.��


    County Magistrate Shen trusted Ning Fengnian��s experience. Besides, his judgment was almost the same as the agricultural officers on his side. If they didn��t collect the grains in the next few days, it might rain again.


    ��However, the Imperial Court��s imperial envoy hasn��t arrived yet. Should we wait a little longer?��


    Hearing the question, County Magistrate Shen, who had not told him the identity of the imperial envoy in order to give him a surprise, revealed a mysterious smile. ��No need, no need. Brother Ning, don��t worry. The imperial envoy is a reasonable person. He definitely doesn��t want us to miss the good opportunity to harvest just to wait for him.��


    Ning Fengnian was still hesitating when he heard a familiar voice say.


    ��The county magistrate is right. Let��s do as you say, Father.


    Ning Fengnian was stunned at first, then his face broke into a smile. ��Xiaoxiao! Aiyo, why are you back!��


    Xiaoxiao wanted to jump down from the horse, and this action frightened Ning Fengnian. Fortunately, Rong Yan was agile and skillful. He caught her, and Xiaoxiao ignored his fierce re and ran towards Ning Fengnian.


    ��Father! I missed you!��


    Ning Fengnian smiled so widely that his eyes couldn��t be seen. ��Hey, hey, hey, good, good.��


    Then, he looked at the young man who had just supported her daughter.


    ��Greetings, Third Prince!��


    He didn��t recognize him just now. When he took a closer look, he realized that he was Young Master Ah Yan, aka the Third Prince, who lived next door to them back then!


    Rong Yan did not let Ning Fengnian finish his greeting. Instead, he bowed. ��Uncle Ning, long time no see.��


    ��I never had the chance to thank you personally for taking care of me back then and apologize to you for hiding my identity.��


    Ning Fengnian immediately said that he didn��t dare and was very reserved towards Rong Yan.


    After all, he was born and raised in Great Xia and was naturally in awe of the royal family. Xiaoxiao did not force him. The concept of equality for everyone belonged to the modern era. If she insisted on changing their minds for their own good, it would not help them improve, but harm them.


    Hence, Xiaoxiao waited for Ning Fengnian to calm down before she started to ask about the changes in the family these days. Hearing that Second Brother insisted on dying the wedding date and waiting for her, Xiaoxiao was touched and guilty.


    ��I��ve really wronged Sister Jiao��er.��


    Ning Fengnianughed. ��You don��t know that even if your Second Brother agrees to settle the marriage first, the daughter of the Qian Family won��t. She wants you to witness their marriage with your own eyes more than your


    Second Brother.��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled and unted her charisma to Rong Yan. After a while, Ning Fengnian finally straightened his tongue and spoke.


    ��At first, I was worried that something would happen to this rice seed. I was relieved when I saw this full ear.��


    ����This is already the third round of new rice we nted. From the looks of it, the harvest is definitely not less than the previous few times. I��ve told you before that some rice seeds grow well, but the more they grow, the worse they be. I��ve been worried about encountering such a situation for the past few months����


    At the mention of farming, Ning Fengnian started to talk non-stop. When he came back to his senses, he found that his mouth was dry. County Magistrate Shen, who was experienced, handed him tea from the side. Ning Fengnian drank an entire cup and stopped talking in embarrassment. He went to look at his precious rice grains.


    Only then did County Magistrate Shen tell Xiaoxiao the ending of those people in the Ning Family��s old residence.


    Old Madam had already been executed after doing all her evil deeds. Old Sir Ning and Little Uncle Ning were sent to work. At first, they even whined and tried to muddle through. asionally, they would deliberately mention that they had a rtionship with the General��s Residence and wanted to ck off. Later on, ��for some reason��, the grievances between the old residence and the Ning Family began to circte in theborers�� quarters. Everyone knew that not only were they not noble people��s rtives, but they also had a grudge with them. Their attitudes immediately changed drastically, and they threw all the dirty and tiring work on them.


    They had to pay back double theziness they had in the past.


    Later on, Old Sir Ning really fell sick, but no one believed him. After all, he was old and passed away after a few days.


    The funny thing was that his youngest son, whom he had ced high hopes on and doted on for his entire life, was indifferent to his death. The first thing he thought of was that it would be troublesome and expensive to handle the funeral. Hence, he got someone to send a letter to Ning Fengnian to tell him that if he did not care, he nned to wrap him up in a tattered mat and throw him into the mountains.


    After finding out about this, Ning Fengnian paid for a coffin for Old Sir Ning, but at the same time, he also sent a message to Little Uncle Ning that he would fend for himself from now on and he would no longer care about him. The Ning Family would no longer answer his letters or messages.


    Little Uncle Ning thought that he was just scaring him, but after sending out a few letters and realizing that they were really returned, he regretted it endlessly.


    If he had known earlier, he would have treated Father better. After all, he was the reason for him to contact the Ning Family.. Now that Father was dead, Eldest Brother, no, the Ning Family would really cut ties with him��

 Chapter 408 - 408: You Did Your Best

    Chapter 408: You Did Your Best


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    In the past, his pampered life was like a debt that he had no choice but to repay. Little Uncle Ning was forced to go from a fake young master who didn��t have to do anything to aborer. He could only face the yellow soil with his back to the sky and work hard in exchange for food to survive. Only then did he realize that life wasn��t easy, but there was no turning back in life. He could only grit his teeth and work hard to survive.


    As he tossed and turned, he had also wondered if he would not have to live like this now if he had treated Eldest Brother and the others better in the past. However, he was soon so tired that he did not have the strength to reminisce and regret.


    There was also Little Aunt Ning. When she colluded with the Lei Family, she thought that she could achieve meteoric sess. However, she went for wool and came home shorn. The two people from the Lei Family disappeared without a trace. She had no backing or money, but she waszy. After a while, she actually entered a brothel like Second Aunt Ning��


    However, she was not as tactful as Second Aunt Ning, who had epted her fate after experiencing the world. She always harbored a dream. She was even picky and disdainful when she received guests and was taught a lesson.


    County Magistrate Shen skipped this part, mainly because he didn��t want to dirty Xiaoxiao��s ears, considering that she was still young.


    Unknowingly, they chatted for more than half a day. Xiaoxiao saw County Magistrate Shen��s desire in his expectant eyes, so she took over the cooking job.


    Madam Song and Ning Anhui were supposed to eat in the rented courtyard together. Before they started cooking in the afternoon, they received Ning Fengnian��s message that he wanted them to go to official fields to eat with County Magistrate Shen. The two of them did not think too much about it. Anyway, this was not the first time they had a meal with County Magistrate Shen.


    Moreover, they had specially invited Doctor Gongsun, who had just returned from the border, to check Madam Song��s pulse. It was obvious that he really treated the Ning Family as one of his own.


    Ning Anhui asked politely, ��Doctor Gongsun, do you want to go with us?��


    He just wanted to be polite, but he thought that the quiet and aloof Doctor Gongsun would reject him. Unexpectedly, he tidied up the first aid kit and said cooperatively, ��Okay.��


    Ning Anhui suspected that he had met a fake Doctor Gongsun today. However, he did not know that Gongsun Zhongjing had been counting the days on the way out.


    Madam Song was about to give birth, but she was still walking as if she was flying. Xiaoxiao couldn��t help but rush over to support her. ��Mother, slow down!��


    Madam Song was stunned. ��Xiaoxiao? Am I dreaming?��


    Xiaoxiao ced her hand on her face. ��Touch it. Isn��t it tender? It��s not a dream!��


    Wasn��t this familiar yfulness this little girl that people missed?!


    ��You��re finally back! It��s been almost a year since you left! If you didn��te back, I wouldn��t even remember what you looked like!�� Although her words were exaggerated, Madam Song��s tears fell as she spoke.


    The pregnant woman��s emotions fluctuated greatly, and Madam Song couldn��t stop crying. Her heart ached so much that Ning Fengnian didn��t know where to put his hands and feet. Xiaoxiao also tried her best to wheedle and pretend to be obedient. She even specially sat beside Madam Song and served her a whole meal before coaxing her.


    After recovering her emotions, Madam Song felt a little embarrassed. However, she could not help but be happy when she realized that Xiaoxiao still took her to heart after acknowledging her biological parents. Anyway, her emotions were fluctuating, making Xiaoxiao very surprised.


    Knowing that the imperial envoy sent by the Imperial Court was Rong Yan, Madam Song looked around in confusion. ��Then where is he?��


    Rong Yan was worried that everyone would be reserved and not be able to eat well because of his identity, so he specially didn��te. However, of course, Xiaoxiao couldn��t say that. ��He went to do his work first.��


    Then, she greeted Gongsun Zhongjing. ��Doctor Gongsun, it��s been a long time. After the battle subsided, you came back without waiting for us. We didn��t even have time to thank you.��


    ��The soldiers andmoners in the border city have been talking about you!��


    He specially left first because he was not used to such a scene. Of course, there was another important reason��


    ��Old Madam Li is seriously ill. I can��t dy any longer.��


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��How is she now?��


    County Magistrate Shen coughed. ��The Li Family is mourning.��


    Old Madam had been stubborn all her life and avoided treatment. It was not easy for her to drag it out until now.


    Doctors were not gods, so it was impossible for them to cure all the illnesses and pain in the world. Unfortunately, not everyone understood this logic. Presumably, Old Madam Li��s ��loyal servants�� had taken it out on Gongsun Zhongjing a lot.


    Just as she thought of this, she saw that Gongsun Zhongjing��s face was red, but it was obvious that he was not shy from being praised.


    Xiaoxiao nced at the cup beside his hand. ��Father, did you pour wine for Doctor Gongsun?��


    Ning Fengnian said as if nothing had happened, ��Ah, the fruit wine you brewed is sweet. I thought it tasted good, so I poured it for Doctor Gongsun.��


    He turned around and realized that something was wrong. ��Ah, is Doctor Gongsun drunk? Your Second Brother and I usually use it as a palette cleanser����


    Xiaoxiao was speechless. Who couldpare to the two of you in terms of alcohol tolerance?


    The medicine page was about to cry. ��My young master is not good at drinking. He only drinks during the New Year. Even if he has something to drink about, he can only drink a small cup. How many cups is this?��


    Xiaoxiao didn��t know either. Fortunately, her Father didn��t take out the big bowl at home. Otherwise, it would be a problem if Gongsun Zhongjing could still sit.


    ��Why don��t you take care of your young master first? I��ll cook some hangover soup first.��


    That was the only way. The medicine page did not me the Ning Family. Master Ning had clearly told Young Master that it was wine, but why was Young Master, a self-disciplined person, so greedy today?


    The red-faced Gongsun Zhongjing refused to let go of the fruit wine and fought with the medicine page for it. The medicine page didn��t dare to hurt him with all his might and definitely couldn��t let him drink it again. They were in a stalemate for a moment. Hence, Ning Anhui, who couldn��t stand it anymore, raised his hand to restrain him and snatched the wine jar away in one go.


    Gongsun Zhongjing was quite well-behaved. He did not force it when the jar was taken. He justy on the table and did not move.


    When Xiaoxiao came back with the hangover soup, he was still the same. He refused to leave no matter who pulled him. She nced at Gongsun Zhongjing��s seemingly calm expression and said in a low voice, ��You did your best.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing buried his head in his arms and said in a muffled voice, ��If I hade back earlier, perhaps����


    Xiaoxiao shook her head and put down the hangover soup. ��The doctor can treat illnesses, but he can��t change one��s fate. It��s human nature to die of old age. At least with you around, she didn��t suffer too much when she left.��


    Old Madam��s illness had mutated. If not for Gongsun Zhongjing��s prompt decision, she would have been in pain and wailing every day even if she spent all her gold and silver every day after the illness acted up. Now that she had passed away, her organs were probably exhausted and she was at the end of her rope. However, she had seen the prescription Gongsun Zhongjing gave her. ording to the space, they were all good medicines that could reduce pain.


    It could be seen that although Doctor Gongsun said that he would ignore her and let her do whatever she wanted, he was actually using his own method to let her leave with dignity.


    ��Doctor Gongsun, you��ve done very well. Not only is your conscience clear, but you also didn��t let anyone in the Li Family down. However, if you continue to waste your body like this, you��ll be letting yourself down..��

 Chapter 409 - 409: Activate The New Map

    Chapter 409 - 409: Activate The New Map<div>


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Gongsun Zhongjing was a person who was willing to listen to advice. When he heard this, he raised his head, picked up the small bowl, and drank the hangover soup in one gulp. Then, he stood up obediently and wanted to walk to the carriage.


    How could the Ning Family let him leave like this? They hurriedly tidied up the guest room and let him rest first. When they were busy, the medicine page said, ��On the way back, we met a vige full of people who were sick. They vomited and had diarrhea. Other doctors couldn��t treat them and they were almost treated as a gue. It was our young master who realized that they only drank unclean water.��<div>


    ��Actually, they just have to brew the medicine ording to the prescription. Because the symptoms are the same, the prescription given to everyone is not much different. However, there were not enough herbs in the vige, and they were worried, so they forcefully stopped Young Master from leaving.


    ��Young Master is the most stubborn but soft-hearted, especially when ites to patients. He said that their illness would be fatal if it dragged on for too long, so he personally brought them up the mountain to pick herbs and brew medicine for them to treat their illnesses. That��s why we dyed our return.��


    ��Actually, in my opinion, we��ll be dyed for at most five days, but when we return, Old Madam had died seven days ago. It��ll be toote even if the vigers didn��t hold us up.��


    ��Besides, it was Old Madam Li and her evil servants who kept saying that they didn��t want Young Master to treat her back then. Young Master has already done his best by leaving a prescription. That Old Madam is sick to the bone and there��s no medicine to treat her. If it were any other doctor, she would have died a year ago�� Why are they still ming our Young Master now����


    At this moment, Gongsun Zhongjing muttered, ��Du Zhong, help me buy more medicinal herbs.��


    ��Young Master says that he doesn��t care, but he has actually been thinking about this matter. If he is still awake, Young Master definitely wouldn��t say such things. The herbs can��t be stored for long. We won��t be able to store them for long even after being cooked.��


    Xiaoxiao was deep in thought. After going back, she pulled her boyfriend, Rong Yan, to the space for a big meal to make up to him before starting to nt herbs in the ground.


    Rong Yan asked her, ��What are you doing?��


    Xiaoxiao had told Rong Yan about the space, but the space said that she could not mention her background, so she could only use it as a shield.


    ��I��ve seen medicine that looks very special and is easy to preserve in the Space Mall, so I thought that doctors actually encounter far more ordinary illnesses than difficult illnesses. For example, typhoid fever, cough, and diarrhea. Every doctor��s prescription is actually simr. If we can make medicinal herbs that are easy to preserve and can be consumed directly in the future, won��t it be more convenient for themoners to treat their illnesses?��


    ��Moreover, in this way, doctors will have more time to study medicine and specialize in difficult illnesses.��<div>


    The more she spoke, the brighter Rong Yan��s eyes became. When Gongsun Zhongjing sobered up, he saw Rong Yan and Xiaoxiao waiting in front of his bed.


    Xiaoxiao felt that this matter rted to the medicine had to be handed over to professionals. Since the two of them were amateurs, it was better to tell Gongsun Zhongjing the idea directly.


    Gongsun Zhongjing was immediately attracted by this thought and was no longer in the mood to worry about the Li Family. The medicine page was both gratified and worried. He was gratified that Young Master had finally walked out of the haze. He was worried because his Young Master would lock himself up in the house for an entire day. It would be bad if his body was exhausted.


    Regarding this, be it Xiaoxiao, Rong Yan, or the rest of the Ning Family, they all told him to rx. Because Gongsun Zhongjing did not waste a single meal of Xiaoxiao��s cooking.


    Only the few of them knew what Gongsun Zhongjing was doing. Xiaoxiao and the others turned their attention back to the rice field. After the water was released, the rice field was different. The golden rice ears weighed down and bent the rice stem. Ning Fengnian smiled brightly. ��We can harvest now!��


    It was also on this day that Chernan, who arrivedte, happened to witness the harvest scene with his own eyes.


    Xiongnu did not nt rice, so he did not have any concept of this harvest. He felt that it was quite a lot, but someone in the staff had specially studied this knowledge. Now that he heard the number reported by the grain officer, he felt that it was very unbelievable.


    In order to ensure that his memory and talent were not wrong, he specially went back to revise for the entire night before reporting to Chernan.


    ��What did you say? The harvest in the field during the day is three times higher than the news we heard?��


    He paced back and forth. ��In that case, Great Xia��s food reserves far exceed our expectations. That food shortage is simply a huge scam?��


    The strategist��s expression was solemn. ��We��ve been deceived! I think Great Xia is deliberately showing weakness so that they can catch us off guard!��<div>


    Since ancient times, anyrge country that wanted face liked to fabricate reasons and excuses to make it seem legitimate to send troops. Great Xia had really yed a huge game of chess.


    The strategist said with lingering fear, ��Great Xia��s goal is not small. Could it be����


    Could it be that they really nned to destroy Xiongnu?


    ��In that case, it��s a good thing that we retreated quickly enough to negotiate peace.��


    The master and servant couldn��t sleep the entire night, but County Magistrate Shen was very satisfied with the effect of the harvest. He asked his guards to continue to create an atmosphere that said, ��I don��t want you to know, but you will still manage to find out.��


    There were people who changed the rules of the officialdom. On the day the rice harvest waspleted, Xiaoxiao heard a notification that was almost ecstatic in the space��


    [Ding! You havepleted the S-Grade Hidden Mission ��A Millet Seed in Spring and 10,000 Seeds in Autumn��. Reward: 500,000 points!]


    Good lord, as expected, S-Grade missions were different from ordinary small fights.


    [The current level of the space is 49. The total points in the space are 58,980. Master, should we level up?]


    Of course, he could not reject such a good thing.


    The space notification��


    [First upgrade��Ding, upgrade sessful. Current level is Level 50.]


    [New items in the mall have been refreshed.]


    [You have obtained a brocade pouch for leveling up. Do you want to open it?]


    Of course, Xiaoxiao said yes.


    Then, the space dinged.


    [New item detected in the space warehouse! Data refreshing�� Data refreshed!]


    [The brocade pouch has been sessfully activated!]


    [One, 1��1 ranch speed times 10.]


    [Two, 1��1 water speed times 10.]


    [Three, Open a new map.]


    [Four, Hidden reward.]


    Xiaoxiao:��


    She said helplessly: [I suspect that you deliberately didn��t let me open the hidden reward.]


    However, her curiosity prompted her to ask: [What��s the new map? Is it rted to the notification before you activated the brocade pouch?]


    The space didn��t speak. Based on Xiaoxiao��s experience, it was basically acquiescing if it didn��t speak.


    [I choose option three.]


    The silent space immediately replied: [The new map has been sessfully activated. Congrattions to the host for obtaining iron ore x 1.]


    Something vaguely appeared in Xiaoxiao��s mind, but it was only a sh of inspiration and quickly disappeared.


    The spacepleted the next four upgrades.


    [The current level of the space is level 54. All the time flow has been synchronized.]


    Recently, there was another person who came to the house to freeload. Commander Han, whom they had not seen for a long time, smelled the fragrance and came over. He did not leave the moment he arrived. Fortunately, the Ning Family was already familiar with him and did not mind adding another pair of chopsticks.


    With more people around, Madam Song��s appetite became better. However, Xiaoxiao strictly controlled her appetite and only allowed her to eat the right amount. She was determined not to let her eat too much. She even had to make her walk around the courtyard for at least an hour after dinner. It was all because Madam Song was pregnant with two babies this time..

 Chapter 410 - 410: I’m Under So Much Pressure

    Chapter 410 - 410: I��m Under So Much Pressure<div>


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was also because of this that Gongsun Zhongjing did not leave after checking for Madam Song��s pulse. Madam Song had injured her body in her early years, so Ning Fengnian felt that he owed her. He could work hard to feed her during this period of time and not let her work hard. However, he did something bad out of goodwill. The children were too big��


    Xiaoxiao and Gongsun Zhongjing agreed not to tell anyone in the Ning Family about this. Firstly, they were afraid that Madam Song would be nervous, and secondly, they were afraid that Ning Fengnian would me himself.<div>


    Xiaoxiao was extremely d that she had made the decision toe back. At the same time, she gave the ginseng stored in her space to Gongsun Zhongjing as a backup. The hundred-year-old ginseng did not seem to be very precious in Xiaoxiao��s hands. She could take it out just like that. However, Gongsun Zhongjing did not find it strange when he thought of Rong Yan, who was a prince.


    How could he know thatpared to the other princes, Rong Yan was really pitifully poor? Fortunately, he met Xiaoxiao.


    ��You��re saying that you want me and Gongsun Zhongjing to set up the medicine shop together?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and said, ��That��s right. Think about it. If this matter seeds, it will definitely receive a lot of attention. Everyone in the worldes for benefits. If we hand this matter to someone who is blinded by greed, I��m afraid themoners won��t be able to benefit.��


    ��If a greedy persones along, the quality of those medicines will be uncontroble. Can you bear to let my good ideas and all my hard work go to waste?��


    Rong Yan said helplessly, ��No, what I mean is, why don��t you do it yourself? If you want to find a backer for this medicine shop, you��re the only daughter of the General��s Residence and Princess An��ning, which was conferred the title by His Majesty himself. It is naturally enough.��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��Can you bear to let your little darling work so hard?�� ��I��m a girl. How would I know how to open a shop? My parents don��t have any experience in this area. I��m under a lot of pressure to handle such a big matter.��


    Rong Yan was speechless.


    What else could he do?


    The moment Xiaoxiao left, Yun Er asked in confusion, ��But Master, I heard that the milk tea shop that Miss and her Second Brother opened is set up by her. She even cooperated with the Li Family and Mrs. Shen��


    Yun San raised his leg and kicked him. ��Are you stupid? How can Master not understand what you know?��<div>


    Then why?


    Yun San pulled him away and whispered, ��Are you stupid? It��s obvious that


    Miss is giving our Master benefits.��


    Once the medicine shop opened, it would not just be a matter of money. It would benefit the people and save the dying and the injured. How much reputation would this bring to Master? Coupled with the victory in Border City, Master would no longer be that forgotten prince that no one cared about!


    Yun Er sighed. ��The luckiest thing in Master��s life is to meet Miss��s family, right? In the past, it was General Xiao and Mr. Gu who took care of Master growing up. From now on, Miss will apany Master for the rest of his life���� Yun Er was very touched as though his son had just grown up. When he said this, he even sniffed twice. If Yun Wu knew in theherworld, he would be relieved.


    Behind the two of them, Rong Yan had his back facing them and the corners of his lips curled up slightly.


    He knew how well Xiaoxiao treated him. Hence, he would not let Xiaoxiao down.


    Moreover, ording to Xiaoxiao, he could add Xiaoxiao��s name to the contract. This way, she would be rewarded with points in the space and the outside world would not have to be involved. It was decided.


    just as Gongsun Zhongjing exhausted all the medicinal herbs in his reserves, a herbalist peddled arge number of medicinal herbs in Xijiang County. He said that it was because he urgently needed silver. Although the price was cheap, the quantity sold was huge. He would not sell anything if they weren��t sold in bulk. Then, Rong Yan bought them all and sent them to Gongsun Zhongjing.


    He was at a critical juncture in developing the medicine, so he epted this gift. He did not care about the Imperial Court, but he knew that Rong Yan was not as rich as other princes. He remembered this gift, as he could not take advantage of it. He had to send the money to him another day.


    When the other pharmaceutical merchants and pharmacies heard about this, they did not take it seriously. Gongsun Zhongjing still stayed quietly in his courtyard and produced the medicinal fragrance steadily every day. The surrounding neighbors did not find it strange when they found out that a doctor was staying here, so no one knew that the courtyard Gongsun Zhongjing was in was already filled with bottles of various sizes.<div>


    Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan hade to deliver food a few times. Seeing that the aloof young master gradually couldn��t care less about his appearance and didn��t even have time to tidy his beard, Xiaoxiao was a little embarrassed. Hence, she said, ��I made a jar of side dishes to send to you two days ago, but I forgot to seal it. It spoiled after two days.��


    ��I thought that the sealed jar had a long shelf life, so I tried to make it like this.�� She took out a small porcin bottle with screw patterns at the mouth and screwed on the other matching small lid in front of Gongsun Zhongjing. Then, she shook it up and down. ��Look, this can seal the mouth and it will not leak easily. It��s very convenient. I��ll boil some syrup for youter. If you��re thirsty and don��t want to drink water, mix a spoonful yourself. A bottle is six to seven days�� worth.��


    ��Oh, there��s another bottle here. I tried to make sugar pills out of syrup. You can eat it when your mouth is tasteless and mix it with water. Just don��t identally swallow it.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing first took the small bottle in a daze. Then, his eyes lit up. Before he could say anything, he suddenly rushed back into the house.


    Why was he only thinking about the medicinal liquid that had been brewed? There were so many bottles and jars. It was troublesome and expensive for themoners to buy this. It was better to buy medicinal herbs and deal with it themselves. If he brewed the medicinal liquid thicker, wouldn��t it be convenient and cheap to dig out a spoonful and dilute it every time?


    Or he could make them into pills, one at a time, saving time and effort!


    The medicine page was a little embarrassed. ��The two of you specially came to deliver something to my young master, but he�� I��m really sorry. Young Master forgets himself easily when ites to medicine����


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��It��s fine. That��s what makes it even more precious. Du Zhong, take good care of your young master. He will definitely be an especially amazing good doctor in the future.��


    Du Zhong thought so too. He even felt that Miss Xiaoxiao had good taste. It was a pity that she already had someone she liked. Otherwise, she would be sopatible with his young master.


    Xiaoxiao could not understand the pity in Du Zhong��s eyes. Seeing that Gongsun Zhongjing had already received the hint, she pulled Rong Yan to look at their mountain in peace.


    The space had already been exposed, so there was no need for her to hide it anymore. ��These are all good varieties that I exchanged with my points. In a few years, they will bear fruits. They will definitely be big and sweet high-quality fruits. When the timees, let��s pick fruits together to eat! Rong Yan agreed and was walking around when he saw Xiaoxiao frown. She grabbed his hand and the two of them disappeared.


    Fortunately, the two of them liked to keep their guards at a distance now. Otherwise, wouldn��t they be scared to death if they went missing in broad daylight?


    Xiaoxiao suddenly left with Rong Yan because the NPC she had arranged to stay by Chernan��s side noticed something amiss with him.


    At Chernan��s ce, he was looking at the scene in front of him in confusion.. He asked his subordinate, ��Why are there a few more birds?��

 Chapter 411 - 411: Dark History

    Chapter 411: Dark History


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The Xiongnu people did not understand either. ��Maybe they came to freeload on food because of the smell.��


    Who would suspect a few birds? Hence, after tying the letter to the carrier pigeon��s leg, they let it fly in peace and did not pay much attention to the wild birds that flew away with it.


    How could they have guessed that the carrier pigeon would not be able to fly far before it was caught by those ��wild birds�� and sent to Xiaoxiao?


    Rong Yan was very surprised. ��So your so-called NPC can also transform into a non-human?��


    The letter on the pigeon��s leg was indeed for the Crown Prince. However, what caught people betweenughter and tears was that apart from questioning, he actually mentioned asking the Crown Prince for money the most. It could be seen how unwilling he was to use iron ore to repay his debt.


    The more unhappy he was, the happier Xiaoxiao was. After reading the letter over and over again, she touched her chin. ��I wonder if there��s any special secret code in the letter. We can��t change it casually.��


    She thought for a moment and happily decided. ��Then I��ll just confiscate it.��


    He put away the letter. As for this pigeon��


    Rong Yan chuckled. ��Do you want to eat it?��


    Xiaoxiao blushed. He was bringing up her dark history again! She didn��t know that she was eating someone else��s carrier pigeon back then! Who would have thought that someone would put a carrier pigeon in such a remote ce like Fortune Vige?


    ��Yes!�� It would be a waste not to eat.


    Yun Er and Yun San strolled around the bottom of the mountain. When Master and Miss came down, they realized that they had gained a lot. They were holding pheasants in their hands and dragging something behind them��


    ��Wild boar?�� Yun Er was dumbfounded and blurted out, ��The kind with pork belly?��


    Thinking of the past, everyone burst intoughter. County Magistrate Shen, who knew that there was a game for lunch, also suppressed his bulging belly andughed happily.


    Just as Xiaoxiao felt that life was peaceful and boring, her second brother, Ning Anhui, and Qian Jiao��er��s auspicious day arrived. The Ning Family was decorated withnterns and colored banners, and the guests of the banquet were all invited. County Magistrate Shen, his wife, and Han Qing were all invited. Even Gongsun Zhongjing, who had painstakingly researched medicine, packed up and came.


    Xiaoxiao invited the best dragon and lion dance team in Xijiang County for Second Brother. She did not want to rely on others for the banquet��s dishes. She rolled up her sleeves and wanted to do it herself. It was still Rong Yan who persuaded her.


    ��Your status is different now. Even if you��re willing to cook, can thosemoners eat in peace?��


    That was true. Who would dare to touch their chopsticks when the princess was cooking for them?


    Xiaoxiao felt that it was so boring, so she worked hard to fight for the right to cook for her rtives and friends.


    Hence, the acquaintances were overjoyed. County Magistrate Shen also picked up Shen Tianci, who had a headache, at Bowen Academy.


    Mrs. Shen took a stool and sat in the kitchen without putting on airs. She chatted with Xiaoxiao as she was cooking. When Xiaoxiao came out with a dish, she would carry a small bowl and pick up some with her chopsticks to eat first as a form of respect.


    This behavior made Xiaoxiao click her tongue. ��As the wife of the county magistrate and the eldest daughter of the Li Family, why do you look like you are starving?��


    Mrs. Shen chided her. ��You��re still talking. A certain someone is clearly the deputy shopkeeper in ck and white, but she insisted on leaving two shops for me to run back and forth alone. If I want to eat your meal, I have toe all the way from the Imperial Capital to Xijiang County!��


    Xiaoxiao pouted. ��You��re clearly back to look for your husband!��


    Mrs. Shen had been busy with her career recently and mainly stayed in the Imperial Capital. This was a coincidence.


    She blushed. ��What nonsense are you talking about? I happened toe back because I had something on. Otherwise, I wouldn��t have been able to freeload on your meal!��


    ��Hey, right. Recently, there have been peopleing to ask about the watermelon. Are you really not going to sell more? Business is so good, but you still insist on limiting it. I��m really impressed.��


    Xiaoxiao nced at her. ��The rarer something is, the more precious it is. If you can really buy it with money casually, will those high-ranking officials and noblities still run to your elegant abode? Besides, there��s not much production now. I still have to keep some for the seeds.��


    Mrs. Shen pursed her lips. Thest sentence was the key.


    She actually understood the logic. The watermelon that Xiaoxiao gave her was unheard of in the past. Now, there were not many watermelons shipped over from the border city. Coupled with the losses on the way, it could indeed only be supplied in small quantities.


    Moreover, the richer and more powerful a noble person was, the more she liked to be special. They did not care about what others had, but they loved these privileges that they could not buy even if they had money.


    ��You��re just a brat. How do you know so much about noble people��s thoughts?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��I read a lot.��


    Mrs. Shen rolled her eyes and decided to attribute this credit to Xiaoxiao��s biological parents, especially Gu Chang��an. Indeed, people from schrly families were different. They were much smarter than others even after giving birth.


    But what was wrong with her son? He was not as smart as his mother, nor was he as astute as his father. What was going on?


    Seeing Xiaoxiao working in an orderly manner, she could not help but feel even more vexed. Some children inherited their parents�� brains, beauty, and even their culinary skills perfectly. Some children would only moan and say that they did not memorize yesterday��s books. Why was the difference between people so big?


    Back then, she had even thought of matchmaking Tianci and Xiaoxiao. Later on, she thought about it and decided to forget it. Her son was not worthy of her.


    At the thought of this, Mrs. Shen winked and lost her elegant demeanor. ��Hey, how are you and the Third Prince?��


    This time, it was Xiaoxiao��s turn to blush. Little Big Brother said that after Second Brother got married today, he would�� propose to the four parents.


    Mrs. Shen��s face was full of teasing. Sheughed so hard that Xiaoxiao snatched her bowl away. ��I��m not giving it to you!��


    Mrs. Shen hurriedly begged for mercy. Xiaoxiao was annoyed for a while before she returned the bowl and chopsticks to her. She was a busy person now. The elegant abode��s business was good, and they were all esteemed guests. She really took the time toe over today. She couldn��t even wait for the banquet to start and might leave after taking two bites.


    Xiaoxiao looked at her gradually pointy chin and couldn��t help but remind her, ��Don��t just focus on your career. Your health is more important.��


    Mrs. Shen nodded and asked her, ��By the way, I heard that you made instant food that can be eaten after soaking in boiling water. Why don��t you give me some?��


    Xiaoxiao red at her. ��If you don��t eat properly, don��t even think about touching my cantaloupe and grapes when theye out!��


    Mrs. Shen immediately became obedient. ��What��s cantaloupe?��


    She often ate grapes, but she had never heard of cantaloupe. However, Xiaoxiao said, ��It��s a secret.��


    She added, ��But when the thingse, it will still be supplied to the elegant abode alone.��


    She was so annoying, but Mrs. Shen liked her so much.


    When the banquet started, Mrs. Shen was indeed called away by the elegant abode. She showed off her foresight to County Magistrate Shen proudly and left in a hurry after leaving gifts and blessings.


    Since it was a wedding banquet, Xiaoxiao naturally could not do it casually. Almond Buddha��s Hands, crispy apples, pancakes, and festive-looking storage boxes were all necessary. The Four Happiness Dry Fruits and Four Happiness Candied Peanuts were tiger skin peanuts, milky-white walnuts, snow mountain dates, candied sesame seeds, candied cinnamon round, candied peach preserves, and candied apples.


    The appetizers were shredded chicken with cucumber, spicy tripe, white mushroom with ck hair moss dish, vinegar jellyfish, followed by a dazzling array of dishes��Phoenix Tail Fish Fin, Red Plum Pearl Fragrance, Gongbao Hare, Eight Treasures Wild Duck, Buddha��s Hand Golden Roll, Wubao Pigeon, Hydrangea Cucumber, Fish in Milk, Five-Colored Sliced Beef, Mountain Treasure with Bean Sprouts, Lotus Tofu��


    The dishes on this table were colorful and steaming. They looked and smelled good. It was difficult not to drool.


    Some of them had never even heard of the dishes. County Magistrate Shen even took the time to sigh. ��Not bad, not bad. Xiaoxiao, your culinary skills have improved by leaps and bounds after Chef Gu��s guidance.. It��s amazing!��

 Chapter 412 - 412: Share My Good Luck With You

    Chapter 412: Share My Good Luck With You


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao suddenly had an idea. Should she throw the reason for making new dishes to Father in the future? That was a good idea! However, she still had to find a way to make up for it so that she wouldn��t be exposed. ��Yes, yes. I��ve learned a lot of dishes recently! Aiyo, the recipes I obtained by chance in the past can be taken back to ask Father for guidance.


    ��So we can make more new dishes in the future.


    County Magistrate Shen looked forward to it even more than she did. He educated his son. ��Look, studying is so useful. You areining about being tired now, but you don��t know how many people in the world want to study but don��t have the chance.��


    It made sense, but Shen Tianci did not listen. Instead, Xiaoxiao touched her chin, making his hair stand on end.


    Rong Yan scooped a bowl of soup for Xiaoxiao and interrupted her gaze. Shen Tianci cupped his hands gratefully.


    Xiaoxiao finished the soup and asked Rong Yan, ��Can you contact Dean Lu?��


    Rong Yan raised his eyebrows. ��Looking for your Eldest Brother?�� Xiaoxiao shook her head and straightened her expression. ��I��m looking for the Dean for something serious.��


    Coincidentally, the newly-weds came over to toast. Ning Anhui��s face was flushed. He drank a ss before saying anything.


    ��Sister, I know you don��t like us thanking you, but it��s indeed because of you that Older Brother and Father are where we are today. I don��t want to thank you, but as long as I am around, as long as you ask, I, Ning Anhui, will do anything!��


    ��Although I don��t have any achievements or power, if anyone bullies you, I will protect you even if I have to risk my life!


    Xiaoxiao kicked him. ��It��s a big day. What are you talking about!�� Be careful that the bride will scratch your face at night!


    Ning Anhui scratched his head. ��Hehehe, that��s what Jiao��er meant too. However, she can��te out now, so she asked me to pass a message to you.��


    Xiaoxiao:�� I��m convinced, really.


    In order to prevent the drunk groom from saying anything shocking, Xiaoxiao quickly sent him to the bridal chamber. Ning Fengnian and Madam Song watched from the side and found it funny. As they smiled, Madam Song suddenly froze.


    Xiaoxiao had a premonition. ��Mother?��


    Madam Song took a deep breath and acted quite calm. ��Boil some hot water. I��m going to give birth.��


    This was the first time Xiaoxiao had seen such a calm pregnant woman. Oh, in fact, she had never seen such a calm woman before.


    in short, Xiaoxiao did whatever Madam Song said. As an experienced pregnant woman, Madam Song had already prepared all the supplies at home. The midwife was also staying in the guest room, so in less than five minutes, everyone was in position and waiting to start.


    At this moment, Madam Song grabbed Xiaoxiao��s hand.


    ��Promise me that you��ll choose the child.��


    Xiaoxiao was betweenughter and tears. ��Mother, what are you talking about!��


    Madam Song sighed. ��I��m not stupid. You��ve been so careful with me these past few days. It must be because there��s something wrong with the child. I have sons and a daughter in my life. It��s enough for me that my husband and I are harmonious, safe, and happy. But this child is different. He hasn��t had a chance to see the world yet.��


    Xiaoxiao wanted to speak, but she was interrupted by Madam Song. ��I know that be it the child��s father or Eng, they will definitely prioritize me, but I��m a mother. I can��t do it. Xiaoxiao, I want you to promise me to protect my child.�� Xiaoxiao finally found an opportunity to speak. ��Mother, you��re really thinking


    too much.��


    She had no choice but to tell Madam Song the real reason. Madam Song��s calmness just now was gone. She was a little stunned. ��Two? You��re saying that I��m pregnant with twins?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and she came to a realization. ��I was wondering why my appetite was so big this time.��


    Xiaoxiao did not refute and only said to her, ��I didn��t tell you because I was afraid that you would be worried, not to let your imagination run wild. Anyway, it��s time to give birth now. Mother, just rx and work hard.��


    Madam Song was angry and amused. ��Have you given birth before, or have I? Hurry up and get out. You��re a youngdy who hasn��t reached adulthood yet. Don��t stay here. It��s unlucky.��


    Xiaoxiao disagreed. ��This is every mother��s greatest moment. How can you say that it��s unlucky!��


    However, she was a little in the way. Xiaoxiao decided to be obedient. However, just as she got up, she heard Madam Song exim. Xiaoxiao turned around instinctively to support Madam Song. At the same time, she looked at her suddenly pale face.


    The space dinged: [Master, these two children are not in the right position.] Gongsun Zhongjing was waiting outside the door. Ning Fengnian doted on his wife and was asking him to help if anything happened. Compared to that ��man and woman shouldn��t touch each other��, he only wanted his wife and children to be safe.


    ��If�� well save the adult!��


    Gongsun Zhongjing nodded in agreement before he heaved a sigh of relief.


    In the room, Xiaoxiao��s hand was still on Madam Song��s stomach. [Use Range Control.]


    This was another precise operation, butpared to the time on the battlefield, Xiaoxiao was not dizzy and could do two things at once. As she used the power of space control to help the children in Madam Song��s stomach turn around, she said to Madam Song, ��Mother, I think the two babies are very energetic. You will definitely give birth smoothly. Don��t worry.�� ��Besides, don��t you always say that I��m a lucky star? Then I��ll share my good luck with you today.��


    Coincidentally, the midwife, who had washed her hands, came to do an antenatal checkup for Madam Song. Under Madam Song��s strong request, Xiaoxiao turned her head and did not look, but she heard her voice clearly. ��Madam, don��t worry. The child is very well and the position of the fetus is right. As long as you follow my instructions, I guarantee that the two of you will be safe!��


    Xiaoxiao turned around and smiled at Madam Song. ��Look, Mother, what did I say!��


    Then, she was chased out by Madam Song.


    Ning Fengnian was already sweating outside the door. ��How is it?�� Xiaoxiao felt that asking these three words seemed to have exhausted all of Ning Fengnian��s strength, so she hurriedly told him, ��Everything is normal. The midwife said that the child is healthy and the fetal position is correct.��


    Everyone heaved a sigh of relief.


    When the guests in front heard that the matriarch was about to give birth, they also sincerely prayed for her safety. Rong Yan looked at Xiaoxiao��s slightly haggard expression worriedly. ��What did you do just now?��


    There was no need to hide anything from her Little Big Brother. Xiaoxiao whispered what happened and said, ��I��m not at ease. I��ll use my space to hide beside Mother and watchter. Help me cover up. Tell her that I��m making soup for Mother in the kitchen.��


    Rong Yan thought of something else. ��Did you use space control on the Xiongnu people on the battlefield before?�� He thought of more. ��Did the jade pendant fall because you were also as weak as you are now?�� Xiaoxiao did not say that it was even more dangerous at that time, but she did not deny it either. However, Rong Yan was no ordinary person. He immediately had the urge to hug the person in front of him tightly.


    A cry of pain came from inside the house, causing Ning Fengnian, who had already been a father twice, to feel worried. Ning Anhui couldn��t care less about going to the bridal chamber. After sending a message to the bride to tell her not to be anxious, he waited anxiously at the door with his father in his wedding clothes.


    It was good for him not to forget to get someone to send some food to the bride. The bride, Qian Jiao��er, was also a considerate person. She only asked him to apany his mother in peace. There was nothing wrong with her being alone.


    Shopkeeper Qian and his wife helped tofort the guests without anyints.


    The guests increasingly felt that this marriage was a good one. Amidst these praises and envious voices, Xiaoxiao used the space to quietlye to Madam Song��s room..

 Chapter 413 - 413: There’s A Book House

    Chapter 413: There��s A Book House


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Bright red blood was umted in pots. Under Madam Song��s strong request, they were all ced in the room first, in case it was more worrying to bring them out.


    A twin birth was indeed more tortuous than ordinarybor. Madam Song had given birth to two sons before, but she still found it very unbearable. Large beads of sweat kept falling from her forehead and quickly wet her clothes, but she bit the cloth ball tightly to prevent herself from crying out in pain.


    Xiaoxiao��s heart ached. While no one was paying attention, she added some painkillers to Madam Song��s ginseng soup.


    The dosage was not big. It had been confirmed with the space that pregnant women could use it. It would not affect her strength, but it would ease the pain slightly.


    There was a strong smell of blood in the room. Even with Xiaoxiao��s medicine, Madam Song��s face became paler and paler, and her muffled groans started to be inaudible. Xiaoxiao entered the ount and asked the space: [Is there anything that can help her? For example, life-saving medicine.]


    The space told her: [After scanning, it can be seen that Master��s adoptive mother is currently in a normal state. Master, you might not know, but this is how childbirth is, especially in ancient times. It��smon to encounter life-threatening situations at this time. Compared to those people, your adoptive mother is already very lucky.]


    They all understood the logic, but Xiaoxiao couldn��t help but sigh at the greatness of maternal love when she saw Madam Song gritting her teeth and sweating all over.


    After an unknown period of time, two consecutive baby cries sounded in the house. Ning Fengnian jumped to the door. ��How is it? How is Qiuniang?��


    As the midwife washed the newborns, she said to Madam Song, ��You��re really lucky.��


    Madam Song took a deep breath weakly, her expression gentle and satisfied. ��Yes, it��s my fortune to meet him and marry him.��


    The midwife looked down at the child and swallowed her words.


    After witnessing the miracle of life with her own eyes, Xiaoxiao had a deeper understanding of the word ��mother��. In the previous world, did her mother, whom she had never met before, also try her best to give birth to her like this? In this world, did Xiao Ran��s mother give birth to Xiao Ning at all costs?


    She suddenly felt like she was deeply loved and wanted to love someone else better.


    She was not a sentimental person, nor did she like to dwell on her unhappy past. She would not think about why her mother had given birth to her but did not want her. She was only d that her mother had given her life even though her arrival was not so anticipated.


    That was why she had the chance to open her eyes and look at this beautiful world. That was why she wanted the people around her to live happier and happier. She also wanted to treat the people who loved her better.


    Ning Fengnian finally couldn��t take it anymore. Hearing the midwife say that the child was already wrapped up, he rushed into the door and didn��t forget his daughter��s instructions. He put on a clean and soft coat before walking to Madam Song��s bed.


    ��Qiuniang, you��ve worked hard.��


    ��What do you want to eat? I��ll bring it to you.��


    Madam Song was both shy and warm. ��You don��t have to bring it�� I��m fine. Where��s the child?��


    The midwife, who had a child in each hand, was ignored. She coughed lightly at the side. ��Congrattions to the two of you. You��re two fat boys!�� Otherwise, why did she say that Madam Song was blessed just now? It was rare for many people to have a son. She, on the other hand, had two promising sons to begin with. Now, there were two more. She didn��t know how many good deeds she had done in her previous life to be rewarded like this!


    Unexpectedly, the two of them frowned when they heard her report the good news. Madam Song sounded a little disappointed. ��Sons?��


    Ning Fengnian��s expression was even more obvious. There was even disdain in his expression. ��They��re all sons? We don��t have any daughters?��


    After saying that, he reacted slowly. ��Huh? Qiuniang gave birth to two babies? Twins?��


    He grabbed Madam Song��s hand. ��We won��t give birth in the future! It��s too dangerous!��


    The midwife had never seen such a family. They cared more about the mother than the child and looked forward to their daughter more than their son. However, deep down, she was really envious.


    Seeing that Madam Song waspletely out of danger, Xiaoxiao returned to the kitchen. Rong Yan guarded the door to ensure that no one noticed her short disappearance. As soon as Xiaoxiao returned, she took out the nutritional soup she had prepared from her space and ced it on the tray. After thinking for a while, she took out a few snacks and handed them to Rong Yan.


    Rong Yan had realized recently that when Xiaoxiao wanted to treat someone well, she would first think of feeding them. He was happy to enjoy it. After eating, he took the initiative to take the tray and apany her to Madam Song. When they reached the door, he happened to see Ning Anhui, who couldn��t hold it in anymore. He leaned against the door and asked, ��Is it a boy or a girl?��


    When the midwife heard the familiar question, she happily raised her voice. ��Congrattions. Madam got two sons in one go!��


    Unexpectedly, Ning Anhui pulled a long face like his parents. ��Ah, my sister����


    The midwife was already speechless. Seeing that he was looking at Xiaoxiao pitifully, she said aggrievedly, ��Previously, they clearly said that we could give birth to a sister as cute as Xiaoxiao. Eldest Brother and I have even prepared Little Sister��s clothes!��


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t help but tease with a smile. ��You can let my niece wear it.��


    If it were someone else, wishing for them to give birth to a daughter would be tantamount to scolding them. However, the Ning Family was different. Ning Anhui��s face was flushed as he nodded repeatedly. ��That��s right. If this time doesn��t work, another time will do. If I can��t have a daughter and we still have Eldest Brother. Otherwise, we still have these two boys. They can always give birth to a precious daughter!��


    The midwife did not want to speak anymore, and the guests congratted them one after another. ��Congrattions, Brother Ning. Three blessings in a row!��


    Ning Fengnian, who had juste out after watching Madam Song fall asleep, couldn��t help but blush as he apologized. ��No, no. I didn��t treat you all well today. Thank you for your understanding. I��ll definitely treat everyone to a drink another day!��


    Anyone with eyes could see the Ning Family��s luck. Who wouldn��t want to be blessed?


    Everyone agreed happily. Before they left, they left behind many festive words and sent congrattory gifts the next day.


    The people invited to the wedding banquet were all familiar people. Most of them had received Xiaoxiao��s favor directly or indirectly. Even the Li Family, which was inconvenient to show up during the mourning period, sent people to send generous congrattory gifts. Feeling everyone��s good intentions, Xiaoxiao finally made a decision.


    A few dayster, a shop called ��There��s a Book House�� opened its door in a low profile manner. Before the opening day, there was no trace of who the shopkeeper was or what was sold in the shop. However, the curiosity of the surroundingmoners was even higher as they waited at the door.


    A smiling manager stood at the door, his voice slightly sharp.


    ��This ce is called ��There��s a Book House��.��


    As he spoke, everyone saw a neat row of bookshelves behind him. The books on the bookshelves attracted the gazes of the students on the street.


    Books were still an expensive item in Great Xia. There were not many schrs, and arge part of the reason was that they could not afford to study.


    Hence, the students were really happy and helpless when they saw the bookstore open.


    They were happy that there was another bookshops on the streets of Xijiang County. Helpless, they might not be able to afford a few books even if they gave up everything..

 Chapter 414 - 414: Happy

    Chapter 414: Happy


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Forget it. They should continue to find people who needed someone to write letters for them or if the bookstore and academy needed someone to copy books.


    Just as they turned around and were about to leave, they heard the manager say, ��All the books in this bookhouse can be borrowed for free.��


    The students suspected that they had woken up too early today and that there was something wrong with their hearing, but they could not move their feet anymore.


    The manager said, ��You only need 10 copper coins to stay in the bookhouse all day. Even if you stay from the opening of the shop until closing, no one will chase you away. If you want to go out to eat halfway, you only need to register. You don��t have to pay a second time when youe back.��


    The more they talked about these requests, the more unreal they felt.


    Ever since they went to the bookstore, they had no choice but to secretly read a few pages under the pretense of buying books because they were short of money. However, at that time, they were all thick-skinned and had to meet a good-natured shop owner. If they were unlucky, they would be chased out of the door with curses. Yet, they were actually allowed to read books for free here?


    They ignored the cost of the 10 copper coins. What could 10 copper coins do? Buy five buns?


    If they could read for a day just by eating five fewer buns, they would rather starve every day!


    More and more people were waiting at the door, so the manager thoughtfully sped up. ��Of course, there have to be rules.��


    Here ites. The students thought. They knew that there was no such thing as a free lunch in the world. This rule was probably to make them spend money in different ways, right? For example, the guests who entered had to buy a few books and leave, or copy 10 books before they could read one��


    The manager cleared his throat and said, ��Although reading is free, everyone has to cherish the books. In order to let these books survive longer, please pay attention to the pages when reading. If anyone damages the books for no reason, they will pay the market price.��


    The students waited for a long time but did not hear anything else��that was it?


    Would a proper schr bear to tear the pages? Was such a matter of course the only request the bookstore had for them?


    Someone couldn��t help but ask, ��Don��t we have to buy things in the shop?��


    The manager sped his hands and smiled until his brows were wrinkled. ��I won��t make any requests. You have the freedom to buy and sell.��


    Everyone was still skeptical. The manager opened the door. ��Words are useless. Seeing is believing. If you��re curious, you can give it a try. After all, our fellow vigers are all here watching. Can I still make empty promises?��


    The students really did not believe that such a good thing would happen, but they really could not resist the temptation of reading wantonly. Not long after, a few bold ones really probed forward. ��This is 10 copper coins, so I��m in?��


    The manager nodded. ��Guest, please. The server will make the introduction after you enter.��


    Just as he said, as soon as the student entered, a well-dressed server exined to him in detail, ��This is the history of the world, here are the Four Books and Five Scriptures, here are the theory books, here are the storybooks����


    ��Look up. Every row of bookshelves has a different type ofbel. Just follow this. The side of the book is marked with a serial number. Remember to put it back after reading it.��


    He led the students in again. ��This is a ce specially for everyone to read books.��


    Everyone widened their eyes. They thought that they could only stand or squat on the ground to read in such a shop. They did not expect there to be a tea table.


    Could it be that this was the ce that forced them to spend money?


    The server brought him over. ��My employer said that those whoe to our ��There��s a Book House�� must be book lovers. You all have the heart to learn. All of you definitely can��t bear to look up from your books for a while, so why don��t you sit down and read slowly? The lighting here is good and the seats are spacious.��


    ��Oh, right. We don��t sell the Four Treasures of the Study here, so if you have the habit of taking notes, please prepare your own brushes and ink. ��There��s a diligent road on Book Mountain to work hard for the boundless sea of knowledge.�� I hope that you can fulfill your grand aspirations and have a bright future.��


    With that, he left.


    After carefully reading the books for the entire afternoon, they realized that no one was really urging them to leave or sell them things. The students could not focuspletely before feeling hungry at noon. Moreover, many of the books�� information could not be kept by memory alone.


    Why don��t I go out and eat something? Hl go home and get a brush, ink, paper, and inkstone to try?


    After all, it was only 10 copper coins. If he was cheated, he could just note back next time.


    To be honest, the books he read in the morning were already worth more than 10 copper coins. Even if they did not let him in after he went out or charged him, it was still worth it.


    As soon as the students went out, they realized that there were many people waiting outside. They told them everything they had seen in the shop and rushed home to get their things.


    Themoners, who had nothing to do, had already passed by the door several times. Seeing that the students were free toe and go without any reluctance on their faces, they all went home to tell their rtives and friends about the book house.


    As expected, the students stayed until closing time. The server who came to remind them of the time was also very polite. ��Young masters, it��s not that we don��t want you to stay any longer, but it��s alreadyte. You��ve been concentrating for a long time. If you don��t rest, it��ll hurt your eyes and your bodies. Won��t the gains not make up for the losses?��


    ��It��s said that if you want to do a good job, you have to sharpen your tools first. Nothing can be done quickly. Our bookhouse is not just open for a day. Everyone, go back and eat your fill and rest early. Tomorrow morning, we��ll wee you at the door, okay?��


    The students were skeptical. It was still dawn, but they were already waiting outside the library.


    Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan admired them when they saw them in the teahouse opposite. ��Look, these are all future talents of Great Xia.��


    Rong Yan poured her a cup of hot tea. ��It��s all thanks to you that they have such an opportunity.��


    Xiaoxiao took a sip and smiled calmly. ��It��s nothing.��


    She didn��t think that she had done anything extraordinary, so she didn��t know that after a few days, this bookhouse had already be very important to the students. They waited at the door of the bookhouse every morning under the bright sunlight. They couldn��t wait to enter the shop when the door opened.


    Touching the books that they could not reach in the past, the students took a deep breath and blinked away the heat in their eyes. They hugged the books and sat beside the desk specially prepared for them.


    This ce was the reading area that Xiaoxiao had specially drawn out. Other than the tables and chairs, there was only a que hanging high. It was written��Diligence is the Way.


    The students who came here all said that the efficiency of reading here was especially high. After reading for an entire morning, they couldplete homework that they could not finish all day at home.


    Everyone in Xijiang County knew that there was a shop in the county called ��There��s a Book House��. The book house did not sell anything and only let people read books. As long as they did not break the rules, they could read quietly andfortably for a day.


    As there were no items for sale, Xiaoxiao could not get any points from opening this bookstore, but she did not care. Moreover, she had just obtained 500,000 points for the new rice seeds. She was very rich now.


    Besides, what was the point of earning money? It was for happiness!


    She was very happy now, and everyone was very happy.. Wasn��t that enough?

 Chapter 415 - 415: The Manager Has No Mustache

    Chapter 415: The Manager Has No Mustache


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After a few days, ��There��s a Book House�� became a holynd in the hearts of the students. At the same time, it was also a thorn in the side of many merchants.


    They always felt that their business had been affected after ��There��s a Book House�� opened. Although those poor students were poor in the past, they had to spend money to buy one or two books from their bookstore every once in a while even if they could not bear to. Now, that bookstore was free. Who woulde to their bookstore to spend?


    Hence, a few malicious shopkeepers decided to teach the book house a lesson.


    The next day, there were a few unfamiliar faces among the students who came to the study room to read. The server did not notice them at first. When he patrolled, he nced at them and realized that they were sneaking around and making small movements beside the bookshelf. The smart server had long been instructed by the manager. He immediately ran to the second floor to report.


    The manager had been bored for a few days and was finally in high spirits. When he heard a cry from downstairs, his old arms and legs seemed to immediately be 10 years younger. He came to the first floor with a whoosh.


    When Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan received the news and came, they happened to see a man in a student robe holding a book in his hand. His expression was heavy and his tone was unfriendly. ��I was wondering how such a good thing could happen in the world. It turns out that opening a book house is fake. It��s true to incite civil unrest!��


    He opened the book. It was a statement of his dissatisfaction with the current Emperor in ck and white. Among them werements that questioned his illegitimate im to the throne. The timid ones hurriedly lowered their heads and did not dare to look again. They wished they could block their ears to prevent themselves from listening to those treasonous words.


    Xiaoxiao wanted to apud him. He didn��t have much brains but was quite bold.


    The interest in the manager��s eyes dissipated, reced by a cold and solemn look that waspletely different from before.


    ��Guards, take down this troublemaker!��


    That person did not expect such a development at all. ��Wait, could it be that I discovered this treasonous act and you want to silence me?��


    ��Fellow vigers, they must be spies sent by Xiongnu!��


    The real Xiongnu, Chernan, also came out to stroll around today. He happened to see this farce just after eating a big meat bun. He was still being exined by passersby what ��There��s a Book House�� was when he heard someone naming him.


    That person was already prepared and said firmly, ��That ferocious second prince just came to our Great Xia, and ��There��s a Book House�� opened at the same time. You don��t charge for reading. It has never been heard since ancient times. It��s said that those who are unountably solicitous are up to no good. As expected!��


    He raised the book in his hand. ��You must be the helpers of the Xiongnu people to mess with our people��s hearts!��


    ��Everyone, quickly report this to the officials!��


    ��Who wants to report to the officials? Move aside, move aside. The officials are doing their job. Idle people, move away!��


    The person who caused trouble had just taken a step forward when he heard the manager beside him say first, ��I reported it. Someone is deliberately causing trouble here. Please take him away, so that it won��t affect my guests�� reading.��


    Heh, why was he stillining? The troublemaker was sure that the owner of the bookhouse was a little stupid. He did not know how to be afraid in such a situation. He showed the book to the bailiffs. ��Look!��


    The manager ced his hands behind his back. ��I advise you to think carefully before you do anything, lest you regret itter.��


    That person did not care. This was not the first time he had done such a thing. He was very familiar with it, so he ced it right in front of the officer��s face.


    Unknowingly, Xiaoxiao had already taken out some snacks and gave half to Rong Yan. The two of them ate and watched with relish.


    ��The manager you found looks very confident.��


    Rong Yan told her, ��Eunuch Sun used to serve the concubines. Compared to the scheming in the harem, these tricks are nothing to him. He��s probably ying with them because he��s been bored recently.��


    Xiaoxiao bit on the biscuit and said, ��He should also be to make an example out of them.��


    After all, it was time for them to return to the capital after they finished their work. The book house had to establish itself in Xijiang County. Otherwise, their good intentions would be wasted. Not only the students, but Xiaoxiao would also feel regretful.


    The officials�� faces turned green. They did not dare to listen to these things! Where did this foole from? He dared to say this in public!


    They hurriedly got someone to cover this person��s mouth. Ignoring that he was still talking, they turned to the manager and asked, ��What do you think we should say?��


    A smart person had already noticed that his way of addressing the manager was different.


    The manager did not put on airs. He cupped his hands and bowed like an ordinary person. ��It��s like this. I was running the shop just now, and the customers were also quietly reading books. However, this person caused trouble for no reason and wanted to deliberately frame me.��


    ��We are all good citizens who abide by thew. Of course, we can only seek the help of the officials when we encounter such evil people.��


    The official was a little ttered, but he still had to go through the necessary procedures. ��Then how can you prove that this has nothing to do with the book house?��


    The manager nodded. He pinched the rebellious book with his two fingers as if he was pinching something dirty. He then casually took a book from the bookshelf and unfolded both books under the sunlight. He said, ��Everyone, please take a look.��


    It was a sunny day today. The sunlight shone straight on the page, making it so dazzling that one could not even see the words clearly. However, under such a ring light, a mark suddenly appeared on the foot of the page.


    Afraid that no one would understand, the manager got someone to bring over a few more books. He realized that there was the same mark on the lower right corner of the page. No matter how stupid the person who caused trouble was, he knew that he had failed. He wanted to exin, but he was covered up.


    The manager said slowly, ��Every book here has a secret seal. Others can��t imitate it.��


    ��I might as well take this opportunity to exin in detail. All the books in ��There��s a Book House�� have the same handwriting, the same hidden seal, and there are serial numbers. It��s impossible for anything of unknown origin to sneak in.��


    ��Not to mention that I have a secret seal here, even if I don��t, do you think you can pretend to have ��There��s a Book House''��s collection just by writing a few numbers on the book?��


    ��You don��t even know the most basic rules. Why are you joining in the fun?��


    Compared to the concubines in the harem, it was simply a joke.


    After verifying that it was true, the official asked the manager, ��How do you think we should deal with this person?��


    The manager flicked his sleeves. ��He dares to be disrespectful to the current emperor. I can tell that he��s bold and determined to kill us. In that case, let him have a taste of the bitter fruit he brewed. Official, please judge him ording to thew. You must make him pay the price for what he did.��


    If what happened today was not shocking enough for those with ill intentions, Shen Tianci, who was sent to study by the county magistrate with great fanfare the next day, would be another living signboard.


    ��I heard that the county magistrate officially sent his young master to ��There��s a Book House��?��


    ��Does this mean that the county magistrate wants to protect that book house?�� ��Could it be that the county magistrate owns that shop?��


    There were all kinds of guesses, but no one knew if they were true. However, some sharp-eyed people realizeda


    ��Did you notice that the manager of the bookhouse doesn��t have a moustachea J��


    Who didn��t have a mustache? They were eunuchs in the pce!


    To be able to use an eunuch as a manager, how could the identity of the person behind this book house be simple?

 Chapter 416 - 416: Don’t Bully The Third Prince

    Chapter 416: Don��t Bully The Third Prince


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    In short, those restless thoughts were suppressed. When ��There��s a Book House�� officially became the holynd for the county students to study, Xiaoxiao wanted to see if Shen Tianci was suffering out of the affection of a friend. Unexpectedly, she realized that he was reading the book happily. He was even unwilling to leave when his servants called him home for dinner.


    ��You really like it?��


    Shen Tianci was also quite puzzled. ��Why are your books so interesting? My parents only let me read the Four Books and Five ssics, but I have a headache when I look at those things. However, I like the mountains, rivers, winds, and soil. Sigh, Xiaoxiao, Ah�� Third Prince, did you really see so many strange scenes on the way to the border city?��


    Seeing that he really liked it, Xiaoxiao was no longer worried. She happily pulled Rong Yan home to see her identical twin brothers that day.


    She had just stepped out of ��There��s a Book House�� when she heard the excited announcement from the space again��


    [Ding�� Congrattions to Master for sessfully activating the hidden mission��Boundless Ocean of Books. Reward: 100,000 points!]


    [Congrattions, Master, for sessfully activating the hidden reward mechanism. From now on, you will obtain a point every time the books in the bookhouse are read.]


    There were at least thousands of books in this library, right?


    The students were diligent and read a lot every day. This was another pleasant surprise.


    She sighed. ��Aiya, God is chasing after me to give me points. This damn charm of mine.��


    Rong Yan loved this behavior of hers. He counted the days and was about to leave, so he went to look for Ning Fengnian that night.


    Ning Fengnian was already puzzled as to why the Third Prince was looking for him. Before he could react, he saw Rong Yan lift his clothes and kneel down on one knee. ��Uncle Ning, I want to propose marriage to Xiaoxiao. I hope you and Auntie Ning will agree.��


    Ning Fengnian had mixed feelings. ��Shouldn��t we ask General Xiao and Mr. Gu from the Imperial Capital about this?��


    Rong Yan insisted. ��Because in Xiaoxiao��s heart, you��re also her biological parents. I want your approval first.��


    ��Rong Yan swears to the heavens that I will never leave Xiaoxiao no matter what happens from now on. I will believe her, respect her, protect her, and apany her until the end of my life.��


    Perhaps it was because he was too serious, Ning Fengnian was agitated and immediately helped him up with red eyes. ��Good child, good child. Ah, no, I mean Third Prince����


    Rong Yan shook his head. ��Uncle Ning, I know you can��t treat me like Ah Yan in the past, but at this moment, I��m not proposing as a prince. I��m just���� He paused and blushed. He said firmly, ��I��m just a man who likes Xiaoxiao.��


    Xiaoxiao, who was carrying a te and was about to enter, was speechless.


    She was shy but happy. She decided to leave the space to the two men and returned to her room to study the space mine.


    The level 50 activation of the mine function must be because of the iron mines in the space warehouse. She thought about it and realized that space never did meaningless things and did not use useless functions. However, she still could not figure it out for the time being.


    It was impossible for the Imperial Court to allow themoners to open private mines. Hence, first of all, the iron ore produced by the space could not be taken out. However, it did not seem to be of any use other than keeping it in the warehouse.


    She couldn��t just y in the space, right?


    After thinking about it for the entire night, she decided to sleep in peace. When she woke up the next day, she realized that Rong Yan was looking at her evasively.


    Heh, how could she miss the shy Little Big Brother?


    The more embarrassed Rong Yan was to look at her, the more Xiaoxiao had to deliberately approach him. This scene made Ning Fengnian, who had juste out, pat Xiaoxiao��s head. ��You child! Don��t bully the Third Prince.��


    Xiaoxiao covered her head so that it did not hurt andined, ��Father, listen to what you��re saying. Is it reasonable?!��


    Rong Yan smiled and said to her, ��How is that unreasonable? Although I��m a prince, you��re also a princess of the Imperial Court. I just received a letter from the Imperial Capital saying that your appointment ceremony is ready on the day of youring of age.��


    Then, he bowed to Ning Fengnian. ��Uncle Ning, we have the emperor��s orders. We have to take our leave.��


    Although Ning Fengnian couldn��t bear to part with Xiaoxiao, he knew that she was no longer the child who could stay in Xijiang County as long as she wanted. His eyes turned red. ��I understand. You have to be careful on the way. It��s good to leave early. This way, you can walk slower and not have to work so hard.��


    Xiaoxiao hugged him. ��Father, why don��t youe to the Imperial Capital too?��


    After saying that, she felt that this n was feasible.


    She counted with her fingers and said, ��Father and Mother don��t have any elders to serve now, so you cane and go as you please. Eldest Brother has to go to the Imperial Capital for his exams sooner orter. I��m willing to let Eldest Brother stay in the General��s Residence, but I��m afraid that Eldest Brother won��t agree. When the timees, you guys will definitely be worried. Why don��t the entire family move over?��


    ��This way, we can stay close and visit at any time.��


    ��And my younger brothers. Didn��t Father want them to study in the future? It��s much more convenient to find a teacher in the capital.��


    ��Second Brother has a family now. If Second Sister-inw is willing, it��s also very good to open a milk tea shop in the Imperial Capital together. You don��t know, but other than the Li Family, the others who imitated our milk tea shop have all learned nothing. It��s disgusting!��


    Ning Fengnian hesitated. ��That��s not good. I still have so muchnd here.��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��Father wants to farm. There are also manors near the Imperial Capital.��


    She blinked and sighed. ��Sigh, Father, you don��t know. My hands are itchy in the capital too. I always want to nt something, but no one helps me.��


    ��I want to eat the fruits and vegetables I nted. The ones bought outside don��t taste good.��


    ��You know my General Mother. She��s an expert in war, but she doesn��t know anything about farming. The uncles in the residence are all great heroes on the battlefield. They��re extraordinary and skilled in martial arts, but it��s not appropriate for them to pick up a hoe and go to the ground.��


    ��My father is even worse. Other than studying delicacies, he usually has to take care of General��s mother. Perhaps when the Imperial Court orders it, the two of them will rush to the battlefield and leave me alone in the empty General��s Residence.��


    ��Father, I��m so pitiful. There��s actually no one to talk to in that unfamiliar Imperial Capital!��


    ��If Father and Mother weren��t at home, I wouldn��t even be able to find a meal partner. It would be too deste!��


    Ning Fengnian was sessfully tricked by her and really took this matter to heart.


    Rong Yan, who was a bystander, scratched Xiaoxiao��s nose after he left. ��If there��s no one to apany you, what about me?��


    Xiaoxiao stuck out her tongue and hugged his arm to shake it. ��Aiya, Little Big Brother, since you already know that I was tricking Father and Mother to go to the Imperial Capital, don��t expose me.��


    The matter of returning to the capital could not be dyed. After the two of them made arrangements for ��There��s a Book House��, they went to see Gongsun Zhongjing again. The first embryonic form of the medicine was emerging, but the medicinal effect and preservation effect still needed time to be verified. Xiaoxiao could not cheat for him on this matter and could only use other methods to cheer him on.


    Here, this is a roasted pigeon. You can get busy after eating it..��

 Chapter 417 - 417: Patent Medicine

    Chapter 417: Patent Medicine


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Gongsun Zhongjing had already calmed down from his initial anxiety and eagerness. Now that he had done everything he could, all that was left was to wait.


    Thinking of something, he took out the banknotes from the house and wanted to give them to Rong Yan, but thetter did not ept them.


    Xiaoxiao looked at the two young men who were equally quiet and took the initiative to continue. ��It��s like this, Doctor Gongsun. We have something to discuss with you.��


    Gongsun Zhongjing nodded. ��Miss Xiao, please speak.��


    Xiaoxiao asked him, ��How do you n to sell this patent medicine? I��ll be more specific. For example, how much does a bottle of medicinal liquid or a bottle of pills cost? How many portions do you sell and how many portions do you make every day? Who will make it? Who will sell it? Where do you n to sell it?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing frowned slightly. He was a medical fanatic and was not good at anything else. ��I��m willing to listen to Miss��s opinion.��


    Aiya, it was so easy tomunicate with him. Xiaoxiao smiled and said, ��Based on my understanding of Doctor Gongsun, you only want to benefit the people and can��t ask for more peace in the world. You want fewer illnesses and fewer deaths, so you must hope that this patent medicine can help more people, right?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing��s heart was warm. He had to have a confidant in his life. What more could he ask for? His expression became even gentler. ��Thank you, Miss.��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��Sigh, it��s all your thoughts. Why are you thanking me?��


    ��Since we��re so familiar with each other, I��ll be straightforward.��


    ��It��s like this. After the patent medicine is released, there will definitely be many people who will be jealous of the benefits. At that time, there will be many people who will look for you openly and secretly to ask for the prescription. Even if you find a sales channel, there will definitely be people who will interfere.��


    ��If the patent medicine you worked so hard to develop can��t be delivered to the people who need it, not to mention you, even us bystanders will find it a pity.��


    ��So, if you don��t mind, can you leave the drug sales to us?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing did not hesitate at all. He did not even say anything like ��consider it��. He immediately said, ��Alright.��


    This time, it was Xiaoxiao who was surprised. ��So straightforward?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing revealed a rare smile. ��I believe you.��


    Rong Yan looked up at him and pursed his lips slightly. He raised his hand to remove a leaf from Xiaoxiao��s hair.


    Xiaoxiao had already started to think about the patent medicine and did not notice Rong Yan and Gongsun Zhongjing��s seemingly unintentional gazes.


    Gongsun Zhongjing had been busy for many days and his eyes were dark. Xiaoxiao did not disturb him and quickly bade farewell. On the way back, Rong Yan asked her, ��Where did the pigeone from?��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��Chernan��s messenger pigeon.��


    ��He probably has a deep grudge against the Crown Prince now.��


    He was right. Chernan was flustered and exasperated in the room. ��What do you think the Crown Prince of Great Xia means? He doesn��t even give me a definite answer. Didn��t I just want some money from him? What does he mean by not replying?��


    ��Didn��t they say that the Yan Family is so big that even the Emperor has to give them a face? Why are they so stingy!��


    The advisor did not know how to respond. After all, none of them knew that the Crown Prince had already lost his temper at the Luo Prefecture��s dam.


    Why did he ask for the hearts of the people? Why did he personally participate in the construction of the dam in order to change the image of the Yan Family in the hearts of the people? Why did he get carried away by Chen Yong��s words, causing him to be in a difficult position now?


    In addition to his hard work, he also heard that Rong Yan was in Xijiang County with Chernan. However, as cautious as he was, he naturally wouldn��t leave any evidence behind, so he didn��t n to contact Chernan at all.


    ��This Second Prince of Xiongnu is quite smart. He didn��t rashly expose his rtionship with me.��


    The Crown Prince, who had his attendant massage his shoulders, drank a bowl of bird��s nest porridge and was about to take an afternoon nap when he heard Chen Yong��s loud voice from outside the door. ��Your Highness, is His Highness the Crown Prince here?��


    Nothing good woulde from himing to look for him! The Crown Prince swallowed the porridge and jumped onto the bed, covering his head.


    Outside, the servant exined softly, ��Official Chen, His Highness caught a coldst night and didn��t want to pass on the illness to others. He just finished his medicine andid down.��


    Chen Yong nodded repeatedly. ��Your Highness is so kind. Rest well for the next few days. Your health is more important.��


    The Crown Prince heaved a sigh of relief. He was probably very tired and really fell asleep.


    After Chen Yong left, he sent a secret order after patrolling the dam with the adviser. He got people to start promoting the virtues of the Crown Prince everywhere. The more they said, the better.


    When Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan returned to the capital, even the citizens of the Imperial Capital were praising the Crown Prince for loving the people like his children. He would definitely be a brilliant ruler in the future. Xiaoxiao smiled gloatingly. ��Little Big Brother, your senior brother is really mean.��


    Rong Yan smiled without saying anything. He was just taking advantage of the situation.


    If the Yan Family wanted to create momentum for the Crown Prince, let them do it. Let��s see how thismotion would end.


    One had to know that the emperor was still in his prime and had no intention of abdicating.


    As they had expected, the Emperor did not look too good today, especially when he heard that someone was asking for credit for the Crown Prince. If not for Prime Minister Yan��s quick reaction, he did not know how to clean up the mess today.


    Xiao Ran did not hide her gloating when she told Xiaoxiao about this.


    Gu Chang��an sighed and reminded her to restrain herself in front of the child, but Xiao Ran didn��t care at all.


    ��The Yan Family and I are irreconcble to begin with. What��s there to hide? If not for the Yan Family back then, would we have been separated from our daughter for so long? Why would my brothers����


    She clenched her fists. ��Although I don��t know who did it this time, as long as it��s against the Yan Family, I��ll agree with it.��


    Xiaoxiao understood that Xiao Ran could also tell that someone was deliberately adding fuel to the fire. This was strange. Chen Yong was far away in Luo Prefecture and was really beyond the reach of the Imperial Capital. Even with the help of his colleagues and good friends, he was not this efficient. So who was the one who scammed the Yan Family in the Capital?


    Gu Chang��an asked Xiao Ran, ��If there��s a mistake����


    Xiao Ran snorted. ��Even if there��s no substantial evidence, the Yan Family will definitely be involved. Even if they��re really wronged, they��re unlucky. Anyway, there��s no good person in the entire Yan Family.��


    Xiaoxiao thought that her father was going to persuade her, but Gu Chang��an answered, ��Yes, I think so too. After all, they��re not wronged.��


    Xiao Ran smiled at him. ��I knew you were thinking the same thing as me.��


    Looking at her gaze, Xiaoxiao felt that if she wasn��t around, her mother might want to kiss her father.


    She suddenly felt that she was so bright, so she exchanged nces with Little Big Brother and prepared to give them some private space.


    At this moment, Xiao Ran suddenly said, ��Alright, let��s not talk about those annoying people. Let��s talk about serious matters.��


    Then, he pulled Xiaoxiao back. ��His Majesty wants the princess appointment ceremony to be held with youring-of-age ceremony. Come, let��s have a good chat about how to make you outstanding when the timees.��


    Xiaoxiao scratched her head. ��Ah, can��t we just have a casual meal?�� It sounded so troublesome.


    Xiao Ran��s face was fierce. ��What nonsense are you talking about? This is your first time officially appearing in the capital.. How can you make do? Speaking of which, I should have held a banquet for youst year, but you didn��t stay long before running to the border����

 Chapter 418 - 418: Covering The Sky With One Hand

    Chapter 418: Covering The Sky With One Hand


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Her words made the two of them blush. Gu Chang��an chuckled and turned to leave to prevent the two juniors from being embarrassed. Unexpectedly, Xiao Ran pulled him back. ��Why are you running? The guest list has to be discussed together. Also, you have to write those name cards.��


    Gu Chang��an did not find writing troublesome. He was from the Gu Family after all. His calligraphy skills were once the best among the descendants of aristocratic families. It was just that he had kept a low profile after he abandoned his brush and was forgotten by the literary circle.


    However, the guest list��


    The more he had a headache, the more it came. Xiao Ran clenched her fists and coughed lightly. ��We have to invite the Gu Family��s members, right?


    ��It��s their granddaughter��sing-of-age ceremony.��


    Gu Chang��an frowned even more when she said that.


    ��So, Husband, who are we going to invite?


    Gu Chang��an was silent for a long time before sighing. ��Let me think about it.�� This time, Xiao Ran didn��t stop him from leaving. However, she turned around and met Xiaoxiao��s curious gaze. ��Alright, I should have told you about this.�� Rong Van was an insider. Knowing that it was a long story, he bade farewell and went to do his own things.


    After Xiaoxiao sent her away, she returned to Xiao Ran��s room and even brought snacks and tea.


    Xiao Ran was betweenughter and tears. ��Are you listening to a story?��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled and did not deny it. This made Xiao Ran��s regret and worry lessen a little.


    -As you know, your father came from the Gu Family in the Imperial Capital. The Gu Family is a schrly family. Even the servants have to read and write since they were young. Your father was also a famous schr in the Imperial


    Capital back then.��


    ��Everyone in the Imperial Capital says that Gu Chang��an will be the youngest top schr in Great Xia after Lu Chen, but your father didn��t appear on the day of the imperial examination.��


    Xiaoxiao stopped chewing and even sat up straight reflexively.


    Xiao Ran said, ��No one knows why he didn��t appear, but that night, your father and grandfather had a big fight. From then on, the father and son didn��t have a good rtionship.��


    ��Others think that he interacted less with the Gu Family because he married into the General��s Residence and made Grand Secretary Gu feel embarrassed.


    However, that��s not the case.��


    ��Even though they didn��t interact and even though the two of them didn��t mention each other much, they would definitely be the first to rush up if anyone outside said that the other party was bad.��


    Back then, someone said that Gu Chang��an was willing to degrade himself. He failed the exam and married into the Xiao Family to seek wealth. In the past, Grand Secretary Gu, who was schrly, would chase after him and debate with him. That person was also a slightly famous student, but Grand Secretary Gu made the article worthless on the spot, but he could not refute him.


    That was not all. During the morning court assembly the next day, Grand Secretary Gu, who had always been good-tempered, made the student��s father feel ashamed. He wished he could take off his official hat and return to his hometown on the spot.


    As for Gu Chang��an, the only favor he asked the Emperor for after he became an imperial chef was to investigate a minister who was corrupted, causing him to lose his family fortune.


    Others might not know, but Xiao Ran knew that the minister had once mocked Grand Secretary Gu for losing his footing after drinking.


    The Gu father and son were equally stubborn and protective. At the same time, the two of them were equally awkward.


    Xiaoxiao tilted her head and asked, ��They clearly care about each other, so why are they still in a deadlock?��


    Xiao Ran said softly, ��Ego.��


    ��Maybe they justck an opportunity.��


    Xiaoxiao understood. ��Mother, you mean that mying-of-age ceremony is that opportunity?��


    She patted her chest and promised, ��Mother, don��t worry. Leave this to me!�� The next day, Gu Chang��an, who came for breakfast, had dark circles under his eyes. He said that it was because of the guest list, so no one exposed him. After dinner, Xiaoxiao volunteered. ��The weather is good today. I��ll send the invitation.��


    Gu Chang��an didn��t think too much about it. ��Why would you need to do such a thing yourself?��


    The people of Great Xia were open-minded. There was no saying that women could not show their faces, especially youngdies like Xiaoxiao. Children of aristocratic families could be seen strolling around the streets of the Imperial


    Capital.


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Of course there��s no need for ordinary people, but it��s better to visit those who are closer to me personally. Besides, I haven��t seen some of my friends in a long time. If I don��t visit them, they might be angry with me in the future.��


    Her little friends? For example, the Shen Family and�� Ruoruo?


    Gu Chang��an thought of something and his gaze stopped on breakfast. He hummed softly.


    Xiao Ran suppressed herughter and gave her daughter a look. Knowing that her father was thin-skinned, she stopped while she was ahead. She got up in a few bites. ��Then I��ll go out first. If I gote, I��m afraid they��ll have to go to


    school.��


    After saying that, hse disappeared. It wasmon for Rong Yan to eat at the General��s Residence, but he was especially silent today. Before Xiao Ran could ask, she saw Rong Yan put down his chopsticks and stand up to tidy up his appearance. Then, he walked up to Xiao Ran and Gu Chang an.


    ��Aunt Xiao, Uncle Gu, Yan��er wants to officially propose marriage after Xiaoxiao��sing-of-age ceremony. I hope the two of you can fulfill my wish.�� He said, ��I��ll definitely treat Xiaoxiao well in the future. If I��m negligent, Aunt Xiao will hold the spear and beat me up at any time. Yan��er will definitely not dodge.��


    ��I won��t say mushy words, but as long as I��m around, I won��t let Xiaoxiao suffer. If I go against this, I��ll be struck by lightning.


    Xiao Ran teased him. ��You said that you wouldn��t make vows. Now you��re talking about them now. Men.��


    Rong Yan��s face was red. Although he felt that Aunt Xiao and Uncle Gu would not reject him, he was still very nervous.


    Gu Chang��an helped him up and patted his shoulder.


    ��You have to wait at least three years for her to get married. We��ve been separated for many years. I can��t bear to see her get married too early.�� Rong Yan nodded vigorously. ��Uncle Gu, don��t worry. Yan��er will abide by etiquette, love her, and respect her.


    After saying that, he added, ��Moreover, ahem, the Third Prince��s residence is near the General��s Residence. Even if we get married, Xiaoxiao won��t leave


    you.��


    ��Yan��er will treat Aunt Xiao and Uncle Gu as my biological parents!


    In the world, only Xiao Ran dared to say such words. ��Alright! I��ll treat you as my biological son too!��


    The Emperor had sneezed a few times early in the morning, so he was in a bad mood.


    ��Dezi, remember who else is singing praises for the Crown Prince in the morning courtter. I want to see how many people in the court have not been roped in by the Yan Family!��


    The Crown Prince was his son and was personally appointed by him. Hence, even if the Crown Prince was a little anxious and went overboard, the Emperor could understand. However, he could not tolerate the Yan Family covering the sky with one hand.


    In the court, the officials would say whatever the Yan Family wanted them to say. If they didn��t want them to say anything, they could immediately shut up. Prime Minister Yan��s gaze seemed to be even more effective than his words as the Emperor.


    He was not interested in today��s morning court assembly untilst night, when he opened a memorandum, in which Rong Yan reported the process of the trip to Xijiang County..

 Chapter 419 - 419:1 Opened It

    Chapter 419:1 Opened It


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    This batch of harvested rice still had to be nted as rice. The new batch of harvested rice was abundant. Perhaps because it was served well, the yield was higher than the rice that Shen Congjun secretly ntedst time. Clearly, it was enough to be distributed to various ces for testing.


    Rong Yan had prepared a fair and open distribution method. The Emperor only modified it slightly and felt that it was very feasible.


    After looking at the rice seeds, he was pleasantly surprised.


    The Third Prince said that the genius doctor who had taken the initiative to go to the army to help treat the injured had been researching patent medicine recently and had already made small achievements. The chances of sess were very high.


    The memorandum specifically listed the advantages of patent medicine-cheap, convenient, and timely.


    To themoners, medicine that used to cost hundreds of copper coins or even a few taels of silver could be bought at less than 30% of the price now. Moreover, they could consume it directly without boiling it themselves.


    Moreover, most people could not bear to spend money to see a doctor. They had to wait until they were seriously ill before going to see a doctor. In this way, their bodies would be severely damaged, and the cost of buying medicine would definitely increase.


    If they could take medicine in time when they felt ufortable, they could naturally prevent the possibility of a small illness from bing a serious illness. This way, the health and assets of the people could be guaranteed. It would be the best of both worlds.


    ��Father, do you think my suggestion is feasible?��


    The Emperor felt that it was feasible. It was very feasible. It was simply too feasible.


    Back then, he had heard that that divine doctor��s medical skills were outstanding. He wanted the genius doctor toe to the capital to improve the Imperial Hospital��s standards. Unexpectedly, he left on his own halfway. As expected of someone from the Genius Doctor Valley. He had a personality.


    Even he, the Emperor, had heard of the reputation of the Genius Doctor Valley.


    In life, no one could escape birth, aging, illness, and death. However, if they could live a few more years and suffer less illness, why not?


    It was already a pleasant surprise that the Emperor did not expect. Unexpectedly, Rong Yan had something else to report.


    ����There��s a Book House��?�� Interesting.


    The Emperor, who was filled with anticipation, only wanted to end this boring morning court assembly as soon as possible and have a good chat with Rong Yan about the patent medicine and the book house. Because he was thinking about something happy, his tense expression rxed. When the officials saw this, they immediately felt that they could make a new one today.


    Hence, someone went forward and said loudly, ��I have something to report.��


    The Emperor��s good mood was gone. ��Speak.��


    ��I want to report the Third Prince��s ulterior motives and form an alliance for personal gain!��


    Rong Yan was as still as a mountain and did not even twitch his eyebrows, but the official was still in high spirits. ��Your Majesty, the evidence is conclusive that the Third Prince opened a bookstore in Xijiang County to buy people��s hearts!��


    ��Your Majesty, who doesn��t know that the Imperial Court attaches great importance to the first scientific examination after the battle with the Southern Barbarians? Third Prince��s actions are obviously to rope in the students in advance����


    ��Furthermore, the Third Prince has been very close to General Xiao recently. It��s said that he goes to the General��s Residence every day. His Majesty hates cliques the most. General Xiao has just obtained the Tiger Talisman, but the Third Prince can��t wait to do this. I think it��s inappropriate!��


    The Emperor��s mood changed from annoyance to consideration, so he let this person finish speaking.


    Rong Yan then asked, ��Official Ge, is this the first time you��ve heard that I have a close rtionship with the General��s Residence?��


    ��Official, you can go out and ask around. How many Chef Gu��s meals have I eaten since I was young?��


    He actually didn��t deny it?


    Xiao Ran obtaining the Tiger Talisman meant that she would regain control of Great Xia��s military power. Now, many people were eyeing her, but they didn��t dare to make a move rashly. They saw that Rong Yan didn��t know how to avoid arousing suspicion, so they took advantage of him. Who knew that he would admit it so openly?


    Fortunately, this was not the main point today.


    ��How do you want to exin the book house, Your Highness?��


    ��It��s rumored that there��s something strange about the book house in Xijiang County. It doesn��t sell books or the Four Treasures of the Study. It��s only for people to study for free. Not long ago, we even found treasonousments from it!��


    The more he spoke, the more enthusiastic he became. ��Could it be that Your Highness wants to befriend those schrs before the imperial examination begins so that you can make ns for the future?��


    What was the Emperor��s biggest taboo?


    Naturally, it was a taboo for others to covet his position. This logic has been the same since ancient times.


    Why was His Majesty dissatisfied with the Crown Prince a few days ago? Wasn��t it because the Crown Prince��s reputation was too famous and had touched His Majesty��s taboo? Since the previous matter couldn��t be changed, he would find someone who went overboard and let him take the brunt of the storm and be a shield for the Crown Prince.


    In that case, His Majesty��s anger would only be directed at the Third Prince�� Eh?


    With this thought in mind, Official Ge realized that not only was the Emperor not angry, but he was also staring at him.


    W- what s going on? Whats going on?


    The Emperor��s expression was calm and his tone was emotionless, but his eyes were filled with iprehensible disappointment.


    ��Is dear Official Ge very free usually? If you��re really free, why don��t you think about how to promote new rice seeds in the future, how to benefit the people, how to use the iron ore that Xiongnu gave to Great Xia, how to share my burdens and lessen trouble for me?��


    Official Ge was already breaking out in cold sweat, but he had a mission and had no choice but to finish speaking.


    ��As the ancients say, honest words are unpleasant to the ears. For the sake of Great Xia, even if I have to offend the Third Prince, I have to ask again��the boss of that bookhouse is very mysterious. His name is still unknown and he��s mysterious and sneaky. If he doesn��t have a guilty conscience, why would the Third Prince do such a thing?��


    He felt that at this point, even if the Emperor did not demote the Third Prince to amoner, his merits would be offset. Even with his military work at the border, he would never have the chance to be a stumbling block to the Crown Prince in the future.


    But why didn��t His Majesty show any signs of anger towards the Third Prince?


    In his confusion, he heard the Emperor say, ��That��s because I own that book house.��


    The Third Prince mentioned in the memorandum that ��There��s a Book House�� was beneficial for more people to have the chance to study, but it would also affect some privileged people and merchants, or be interfered with by someone with ulterior motives. Hence, in order to benefit more schrs and avoid forming cliques and causing trouble, he hoped that the book house could be under the Emperor��s name.


    This way, the schrs nurtured by ��There��s a Book House�� would be the Emperor��s subjects in the future and would no longer have to worry about partisanship.


    It had to be said that the Third Prince��s concerns were really true. Look, before the bookhouse was poprized, people came looking for trouble.


    Amidst Official Ge��s shocked speechlessness, the Emperor told everyone, ��Not only do I want to set up a book house in Xijiang County, but I also want to open it in the Imperial Capital. Official Ge, what do you think?��


    Official Ge did not dare. Official Ge wanted the Emperor to treat him as a fart now.


    The Emperor asked the others, ��Is there anything else you want to say?��


    Without waiting for the ministers to answer, he waved his hand impatiently. ��Leave the court if there��s nothing else.��


    Even if there��s anything, hold it in.


    Fortunately, the officials understood his hidden lines and tactfully remained silent.


    The Emperor immediately asked Eunuch De to pick up Rong Yan and continue chatting. At this moment, Prime Minister Yan was chatting privately with a few trusted aides.


    ��Although Official Ge was abandoned in the first ce, what happened today is too coincidental.��


    ��Did he ever mention the source?��


    Everyone shook their heads. ��We just received an anonymous letter. After


    verifying it, I realized that it was as I thought.. I didn��t expect����

 Chapter 420 - 420: No Matter How Strict He Is, He’s My

    Chapter 420: No Matter How Strict He Is, He��s My


    Grandfather


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    At this point, Prime Minister Yan could only admit defeat.


    ��We can��t mess up that little girl from the Xiao Family again.��


    Everyone received the order and dispersed.


    Xiaoxiao, whom they had ideas on, was knocking on the door. To be precise, she was holding Gu Ruoruo��s hand and knocking on the Gu Family��s door.


    Gu Ruoruo was a little nervous. ��Are you afraid?��


    Xiaoxiao shrugged. ��What are you afraid of?��


    Gu Ruoruo said awkwardly, ��My great-grandfather is famous for being strict.


    Xiaoxiao, aren��t you afraid of him?


    Xiaoxiao touched her chin. ��But no matter how strict he is, he��s still my grandfather.��


    Then, she approached Gu Ruoruo with a smile. ��By the way, since my father is your Little Grandpa, shouldn��t you change the way you address me?��


    Gu Ruoruo��s face instantly turned bitter. She was right, but she did not want to


    call Xiaoxiao ��Little Auntie��.


    She was supposed to make friends, but in the end, she found an elder for herself.


    While Gu Ruoruo was puzzled, the door opened.


    A noble and elegant woman walked out, followed by a dainty teenage girl. The girl was quite affectionate when she saw Gu Ruoruo, but her eyes suddenly rolled back after she asked about Xiaoxiao��s identity. ��Oh, it��s that country bumpkin�� Aiya, what am I talking about? I mean, is this the daughter who has been missing from the famous General��s Residence for more than 10 years?�� ��Nice to meet you. I��m Zuo Xiangling, the daughter of the Imperial Censor Zuo.�� Xiaoxiao could sense very obvious malice from her tone, so she stopped smiling. ��Oh, I��ve never heard of you. Don��t touch me. We��re not familiar with each other.��


    Zuo Xiangling��s expression immediately changed. She flicked her sleeves.


    ��You��re just a wild girl. You really think highly of yourself.��


    She had already left in anger, but after thinking about it, she still came back and said ruthlessly to Xiaoxiao, ��Let me tell you, Xiao Ning, the Crown Prince won��t like a wild girl like you! Don��t think that you can fly up the branch and be a phoenix just because of your mother! The Crown Prince and my older sister are a match made in heaven!��


    ��Yo, you specially came to the Gu Family today because you know that you��re extremely vulgar and want to use the Gu Family��s book fragrance to increase your value?��


    ��Heh, you do know your ce.��


    She even deliberately lowered her voice and spoke. She looked gentle and docile. No one could guess that she was making fun of someone just by looking at her face.


    Xiaoxiao was a little stunned when she heard that someone had pulled her and the Crown Prince together. Zuo Xiangling had already walked far away in this short period of time.


    Xiaoxiao did not have time to retort when they quarreled. She was so angry. She was unwilling to be wronged. Her gaze changed and she decided to give this woman the number of times she could use Range Control in space today.


    Xiaoxiao asked Gu Ruoruo, ��Are the Zuo and Gu families on good terms?�� Gu Ruoruo was also a little stunned. ��I��ve never heard of them interacting with us in the past.��


    Then, she suddenly realized and eximed, ��Ah, I know!


    Gu Ruoruo leaned close to Xiaoxiao��s ear mysteriously. ��I reckon that they��re here to discuss marriage!��


    Although the Gu Family did not fight for anything, they were the benchmark in the hearts of all the schrs in the world. It was as if anyone who could be rted to the Gu Family would have a better image in the eyes of those schrs in the future.


    Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and felt that it was not appropriate to visit today, so she turned around and returned. However, she did not know that Grand Secretary Gu was told that she had been here as soon as he returned.


    ��Where is she?��


    The servant looked at his Master, who had suddenly stood up and raised his voice. He stammered, ��She left.��


    Grand Secretary Gu frowned and looked dignified. ��How do you treat our guests?��


    The servant begged for mercy. ��Master, Miss Xiao didn��t enter.�� ����She met Mrs. Zuo and Miss Zuo at the door. After exchanging a few words, they�� parted on bad terms.��


    Grand Secretary Gu nced at him coldly. ��What��s going on?�� The servant told him everything that had happened today. In the end, Grand Secretary Gu still felt that he was not thorough enough and asked someone to find Gu Ruoruo.


    ��You��re saying that Xiao�� Ning came to our Gu Residence today to deliver the invitation to hering-of-age ceremony?��


    Gu Ruoruo was most afraid of her great-grandfather. At this moment, she did not dare to look up like a little quail. ��Great-grandfather, yes.�� Grand Secretary Gu paced back and forth. ��What is the General��s Residence doing?��


    Gu Ruoruo was stunned. Oh no, oh no, her great-grandfather was angry! But why was he angry? Was he angry that the General��s Residence still came rashly even though they clearly did not have much contact with the Gu Family? Or was he angry that Xiaoxiao did not enter to pay her respects?


    Grand Secretary Gu said, ��How can they let a youngdy like here personally to send the invitation? Could it be that the General��s Residence doesn��t even have a page to send the letter? How can she send so many invitation letters one by one?��


    Gu Ruoruo heaved a sigh of relief after being stunned. She said, ��No, Xiaoxiao said that only bying personally can she show her sincerity. She said that others will send the other invitations, but she has toe to the Gu Residence herself.��


    Then, she saw her great-grandfather��s handsome but serious face gradually rx, and he even revealed a smile for the first time.


    ��I see.��


    Gu Ruoruo came nervously and left for no reason. Her great-grandfather even asked her to pass a message to Xiaoxiao, telling her not to be in a hurry to visit. However, her great-grandfather, who was well-read in poetry and literature, actually pondered over such a simple sentence for an hour, making her very puzzled.


    After dinner that night, Grand Secretary Gu, who originally did not like to meddle with his family affairs, said lightly, ��The Zuo Family is not suitable.�� The Gu Family members were stunned. That was not all. He added, ��Imperial Censor Zuo ims to be upright to the public, but he has actually been in cahoots with the Yan Family for a long time. The upright official style of the Zuo Family��s ancestors has almost been ruined by them. We don��t have to interact with them anymore.��


    His eldest daughter-inw stood up and agreed.


    Initially, it was also the Zuo Family��s sudden visit and she happened to be ��coincidentally�� met at the door. She let the Zuo Family in for a cup of tea out of respect. Otherwise, their family would not have taken a fancy to that stupid daughter of the Zuo Family.


    After that, both Xiaoxiao and the Gu Family entered a very busy period. She tried to find an opportunity to visit again, but she failed. Helpless, she could only leave the invitation and wait for the day of hering-of-age ceremony. Xiaoxiao was busy with the opening of the second book house. This time, it was different from the time in Xijiang County. With the Emperor as her backing, it was much more convenient to choose a location or collect various books. Rong Yan told the Emperor that the bookhouse was Xiaoxiao��s idea. The Emperor specially summoned her to the pce and asked her where this idea came from.


    Xiaoxiao had already prepared an answer. ��When I was in the Ning Family, my Eldest Brother wanted to study since he was young. However, because our family was poor, he didn��t even have a book that belonged to him. Books were too expensive and our family couldn��t afford them. Eldest Brother could only lean against the wall and eavesdrop on Little Uncle��s memorization. Then, he wrote on the mud in the backyard with a wooden stick.��


    ��Later on, when I went to the county, I would see Eldest Brother��s yearning gaze every time we passed by a bookstore. At that time, I thought that there must be many people like Eldest Brother in Great Xia. Because their families were poor, they could not fulfill their dream of studying.��


    ��If only studying didn��t cost anything..��

 Chapter 421 - 421: The Gu Family’s Past

    Chapter 421: The Gu Family��s Past


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��That way, more people can read books and learn calligraphy. I don��t expect everyone to write beautiful essays. Even if they only know how to write their own names and understand the principles of being a person, know good and evil, and be sensible. That will be good.��


    After she left, the Emperor pondered alone in the hall for a long time. Then, he made a decision that made many people��s jaws drop��to hand over the ��There��s a Book House�� in the Imperial Capital to Xiaoxiao to organize.


    The daughter of the General��s Residence, who grew up in the countryside,and the book house sounded like twopletely different things. If they had to talk about it, it was her blood rtionship with the Gu Family that had long been negligible.


    To Xiaoxiao, she had just taken on a job opening a library, but in the eyes of others, this was a great honor for her.


    There was already a circle in the Imperial Capital that formed its own. The nobledies immediately disliked this girl who came out of nowhere.


    There were many talents and countless beauties in the Imperial Capital. It was not easy for them to make a name for themselves. Before they could find a satisfactory marriage, this person appeared out of nowhere and stole the limelight. Who would be convinced?


    ��Are you all going to theing-of-age ceremony? I��m not going anyway.�� ��What are you going to do? We don��t know each other and we can��t talk about anything. Are you going to discuss how to farm with her?��


    ��Aiya, wouldn��t the legitimate daughter of the General��s Residence be a joke if there��s no guests at hering-of-age ceremony?��


    But what did that have to do with them?


    ��I just don��t know why, but the elegant abode happened to be closed that day. Otherwise, I could go there to pass the time.


    ��You actually have a VIP invitation to the elegant abode? Where did you get it? I heard that you can��t enter without that invitation.��


    The elegant abode in the Imperial Capital was a ce for nobledies to recreate and rest. There were the most exquisite calligraphy paintings, the most exquisite snacks, and the most noble and rare fresh things. For example, watermelons from the border city, Cloud Cake that could only be enjoyed in the shop, and birthday cakes that were only for VIPs to choose from.


    All of this no longer represented just the enjoyment of words, but also the honorable honor that others could not touch. It was unknown when it started, but being able to obtain a VIP invitation to enter the elegant abode had already be part of the content for nobledies topare with each other.


    At this moment, the girl who spoke had already be the center of everyone��s attention. Everyone naturally forgot about the General��s Residence holding an adulthood ceremony for their daughter.


    It was one thing to look down on this ��unorthodox fake nobledy��, but more importantly-who wanted to see others�� glorious appearances! They had never been rewarded by His Majesty, and she was a princess! Wouldn��t that wild girl��s status be even more noble than theirs in the future?


    All the nobledies had made up their minds. When the post from the General��s Residence arrived, they would say that they had something on or that they were not feeling well. They would also say that they were not at home and had gone out for a walk! Yes, that was what they would do!


    However, they were actually thinking too much because the invitations from the General��s Residence had never appeared from the beginning to the end. Xiaoxiao had no intention of inviting these people at all.


    Looking at the thin invitations on the table, Xiao Ran confirmed with her again. ��Is that all?��


    Xiaoxiao shrugged. ��That��s not a lot. My rtives and friends are all here. I didn��t miss any of them.��


    Xiao Ran thought about it carefully and realized that that seemed to be the case. Seeing that she was about to be convinced, the butler hurriedly coughed and reminded her, ��Aren��t you going to invite some young masters and youngdies around Missy��s age?��


    Xiaoxiao smiled at her. ��I don��t know them, and they don��t know me. What��s there to invite? If I really post it, they might think that I��m pretending to be familiar with them.��


    The butler recalled the style of these young men and women from high-ranking officials and noble families in the Imperial Capital and realized that he could not refute her. Those young masters and Misses were each more arrogant than the other. It was absolutely possible for them to make Miss, who they had finally found, suffer. In that case, it did not seem to matter if they were invited or not.


    Gu Chang��an waved his hand. ��Listen to Xiaoxiao.��


    The list of invitations was decided.


    Xiaoxiao continued to busy herself with the book room. It was not appropriate for her to openly stuff the books from the mall under the emperor��s feet, but the book room was much more spacious than Xijiang County.


    In the Imperial Capital, there should be more people who liked to read than in the county, right? As long as they added a little speed change, it would definitely help those who really wanted to learn.


    Xiaoxiao was just making a name for herself when it came to building a book house. The Emperor would never ask a youngdy like her to stay in a ce where sawdust flew all over the ce all day. Hence, Xiaoxiao researched the menu of hering-of-age ceremony at home.


    Although it was called research, Gu Chang��an was actually in charge. She was just making a suggestion to join in the fun.


    For example��


    ��Father, I heard that Grandfather doesn��t have a good appetite?��


    Gu Chang��an deliberated over his words. ��Your grandfather likes to eat light food, but he doesn��t like nd food. He likes novelty, but he doesn��t like fancy food.��


    Xiaoxiao understood. The old man��s mouth was a little picky.


    It was said that when his grandmother was still alive, she was an expert cook. At that time, his grandfather had never been willing to eat food cooked by anyone other than his grandmother.


    Gu Chang��an��s expression was a littleplicated when he said this. It was probably because he missed her yet med her at the same time.


    Xiaoxiao knew that although Father and Grandfather did not hate each other and did not interact with each other, they had not spoken to each other for many years like strangers. However, she did not know what had happened and whether she should ask.


    Fortunately, she had a caring mother. That night, Xiao Ran chatted with Xiaoxiao for an entire two hours. After that, Xiaoxiao found out about a part of the past and understood the issue in her grandfather and Father��s hearts.


    It turned out that when Gu Chang��an participated in the imperial examination back then, he happened to catch Grand Secretary Gu busy with his imperial mission and cleaning up a fraud case. At that time, Old Madam Gu was sick and Grand Secretary Gu was busy. He did not take it seriously after hiring an imperial physician. Meanwhile, Gu Chang��an was instructed by Old Madam to focus on revising and was buried in books almost every day.


    At that time, it was just in time for the autumn wind to rise and the weather turned cold. At first, Old Madam only coughed a few times. The imperial physician also said that it was fine, so no one cared. Unexpectedly, her illness did not improve.


    Gu Chang��an��s scientific examination was imminent. His family did not want him to be distracted, so they kept this matter a secret.


    Initially, the thought that Old Madam would recover after his examination. Unexpectedly, things didn��t go as nned. A seemingly ordinary typhoid fever actually took Old Madam away.


    When Gu Chang��an heard the grievous news, he did not even see his mother for thest time. Looking at the low-key funeral hall, he realized that everyone was still trying to hide it from him. That night, he knelt in the funeral hall for the entire night without eating, drinking, or sleeping.


    After Old Madam��s funeral, Gu Chang��an packed a few simple clothes and left the Gu Residence without returning.


    ��Although your father doesn��t say it, I know that he has actually been thinking about the Gu Family all these years. Your grandfather is the same. He protects and helps your father openly and secretly, but neither father nor son can take that step first..��

 Chapter 422 - 422: Monkey Head

    Chapter 422: Monkey Head


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��The Gu Family sent a letter the day before yesterday. They said that they would definitelye back on the day of youring-of-age ceremony. This is the first time your father and grandfather have officially met after so many years. Mother knows that you have many ideas. Can you think of a way to help your Father and grandfather resolve the issue in their hearts?��


    Xiaoxiao recalled how Father had been engrossed in studying the new dishes in the kitchen these few days. She patted her chest and said, ��Mother, don��t worry. Leave it to me!�� The key was that this was not difficult. Father had always been good at cooking and he had never been troubled even when he made lists for the Emperor. How could he be troubled by the menu of a mereing-of-age ceremony? It was all because the guests were a little special.


    They were especially important, probably, and especially missed.


    Xiaoxiao looked at the door for a long time. Seeing that her father was about to put down another dish that he was dissatisfied with, she volunteered to ��handle�� it.


    The General��s Residence advocated thrift, so even if there was not a lot of food to try, everyone would not waste it. Recently, the maids and servants in the residence had been blessed with good food, making Xiaoxiao envious.


    Gu Chang��an��s culinary skills wereparable to hers now. In terms of taste, he was even better.


    There were not so many condiments in ancient times. When he cooked, he emphasized on the deliciousness of the ingredients. Xiaoxiao felt ashamed of her inferiority. As for the knife skills and fire control, practice made perfect. They had been the same since ancient times, so the only advantage she could be slightly proud of was innovation.


    After she finished tasting the vegetables and wiped her mouth, Xiaoxiao took out a bamboo shoot mysteriously. ��Father, look at this.��


    Gu Chang��an knew that she had made sour bamboo shoots to change the Ning Family��s poverty, but this item was really not suitable for a banquet. Just as he did not know how to persuade her, he saw his daughter hollow out the tip of the bamboo shoot, modify the bamboo shoot��s body, and stuff a piece of Monkey Head Mushroom [1. It is the Lion��s Mane Mushroom.] into the hollow. ��Father, look, what does this look like?��


    ��There are edible dishes everywhere. If we can make brushes that we can write and eat, won��t we be unprecedented?��


    Gu Chang��an��s gaze changed from confusion to surprise. Xiaoxiao struck while the iron was hot. ��It just so happens that Little Big Brother Ah Yan has obtained some Monkey Head Mushrooms recently. They��re the most suitable to be used as pen tips. He still has some wild animals there. They��re suitable for making broth.��


    Gu Chang��anughed at her. ��You��re not soft-hearted when you take other people��s things, but where did he get these?��


    Xiaoxiao widened her innocent eyes. ��Father, you know that we bought a mountain in Fortune Vige, right? Little Big Brother wants to find an empty mountain near the capital. He got these while patrolling the mountain.�� She increasingly felt that sharing the secret of the space with Little Big Brother was a wise move. Look, she could push everything onto him. Not only would he not expose her, but she could also get Little Big Brother to smooth things over for her. It was very convenient.


    The next day, Rong Yan indeed sent over top-notch Monkey Head Mushrooms and a bunch of wild game delicacies. Gu Chang��an was very satisfied and immediately immersed himself in researching the new dish, ��Royal Brush Monkey Head��.


    How to make the ink color and how to make it look good without affecting the taste were all things that Chef Gu had to consider. Xiaoxiao had nothing to do again, so she simply brought the guards her parents insisted on her to wander on the streets.


    This time, she went out to check on the progress of the book house and found an empty shop to rent.


    The workers did not dare to neglect the work of the royal family. Every bookcase was built strictly ording to the blueprints given by Xiaoxiao. Of course, there were a few people who could not stay idle and said that this towering bookcase was neither beautiful nor inconvenient, but they were all ignored by the General��s Residence.


    The function of the bookhouse had long been spread. Hence, themoners looked forward to thepletion of the bookhouse more than the officials so that their sons could touch the expensive books.


    The lives of the citizens in the Imperial Capital were a little richer than those in other ces, but it was not to the extent of casually supporting schrs. It was difficult to find a book. Even if there were students who were willing to copy books to supplement their family��s expenses, there were still very few books that were enough to be sold in bookstores.


    Whether the handwriting was good or not, whether the font and size were uniform, this alone was enough to make the results of many people copying books all night invalid.


    Hence, when the magnificent bookcases in the bookhouse werepleted, the craftsmen could not help but ask.


    ��Miss, the bookcase was made ording to your requirements, but can you really find so many books?��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand, indicating that she was fine. However, not to mention the craftsmen, even Rong Yan and Xiao Ran were worried about this matter.


    ��This bookstore in the Imperial Capital is more than 10 timesrger than the one in Xijiang County. If we want to fill up the bookcases, we have to empty more than half of the bookstores in the Imperial Capital. The strange thing is���� Xiao Ran frowned. ��Why do I hear that all the major bookstores have met rich people recently and they have reserved more than half of the books in the shop?��


    This matter was really unusual, so they could naturally seek the Emperor��s help. However, in this way, Xiaoxiao��s reputation for being ipetent could not be swept away. Even if she did not have to enter the court and be an official, nor did she have to care about the treacherousness of the court, everyone felt ufortable.


    ��But this child is not anxious at all. She even told us not to worry.��


    Rong Yan thought about the endless books in the mall and her crazy increase in points every day. He was indeed not that worried. ��I believe in Xiaoxiao.��


    Xiao Ran was both gratified and helpless. She was gratified that these two children trusted each other, but she was helpless that they might have blindly trusted each other.


    Xiao Ran was in a hurry. She suddenly remembered that she had asked Xiaoxiao to help the Gu father and son reconcile not long ago. She was overjoyed. No one in the world would dare to im to be number one if the Gu Family dared to say that they had the most books in the Imperial Capital.


    Could it be that her daughter nned to use this opportunity to let her husband and the Gu Family interact again?


    She touched her chin and felt that this was a good idea.


    Gu Chang��an focused more on cooking, so he was not very clear about this matter. However, the news that the books in several bookstores had been reserved quickly spread throughout the Imperial Capital. Other than those who were watching the show, there were also people who were really worried for Xiaoxiao.


    For example, Gu Ruoruo, who had secretlye to look for Xiaoxiao.


    The little girl��s face was red as she pulled Xiaoxiao and whispered, ��Let me tell you, although our Gu Family is not as rich as those nobles, in terms of book collection, they can��t catch up to us!��


    ��Not to mention others, just me can fill up a shelf of books for you. Don��t stand on ceremony with me!��


    ��How about this? I��ll get someone to send the books to your house tonight!�� Xiaoxiao was very touched by her friend��s kindness. Not only Gu Ruoruo, but the Shen Family members she knew when she first came to the Imperial�� Capital also came one after another and expressed their willingness to help. As the saying went, true friends were revealed in adversity. Xiaoxiao treated them as real friends from the bottom of her heart.


    ��I appreciate your kindness, but I really don��tck books. Come to my house tomorrow and eat more. I��ll prepare other delicious food for you in the kitchenter!��


    Even if it was not enough now, she would fill up the bookstore quickly after hering-of-age ceremony.


    Tomorrow was hering-of-age ceremony. The newly renovated book house also needed to dissipate its smell and clean up first. The Emperor had given her enough time, so Xiaoxiao was not in a hurry to report. However, in the eyes of others, she was at her wits�� end and could do nothing..

 Chapter 423 - 423: Grandpa Is Here

    Chapter 423: Grandpa Is Here


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    That day, the General��s Residence was filled with joy, but many nobledies in the Imperial Capital suddenly went out of the city together coincidentally.


    ��Hmph, I heard that she has been to the Gu Residence several times. She must be asking for help at theing-of-age ceremony!��


    ��Pfft! A wild girl who grew up in the countryside really doesn��t know etiquette. What kind of family is the Gu Residence? Does she think she can cling to them just because she wants to?��


    At this moment, Zuo Xiangling, who wanted to discuss marriage with the Gu Family but was told that their eight characters did not match, froze. She could only raise her cup and drink tea to hide her awkwardness. She was one of the people who went to the bookstores to order books. She even ordered the most to embarrass Xiao Ning.


    She had just arrived in the Imperial Capital and knew a few people. Even if those idiots from the Shen Family really wanted to help her, how many books could each of them take out? The only uncertain factor that was more worrying was the Gu Family. She heard that Gu Ruoruo and Xiao Ning were familiar with each other. She wondered if they would help her.


    At this thought, Zuo Xiangling bit her lip.


    It was only because the Gu Family thought highly of themselves that they started a dyehouse after giving them some face. The Zuo Family had already taken the initiative to express their goodwill, but they still put on airs and rejected the Zuo Family.


    Did they really think that there was no other good family in the entire Imperial Capital besides them? They were a bunch of poor schrs who did not have money or power. They even thought highly of themselves.


    When she found a better marriage, she would make the Gu Family regret it!


    Just as she was thinking, she suddenly heard someone say, ��Oh no, oh no, His Highness the Crown Prince actually went to that�� to Xiao Ning sing-of-age ceremony!��


    ��What? Didn��t His Highness the Crown Prince just return from Luo Prefecture not long ago? And why is he rted to the Xiao Family?��


    ��Xiao Ning must have used the same trick again and shamelessly begged to go as if she was sending an invitation to the Gu Family!��


    The nobledies became more and more anxious as they spoke. Not long after, they lifted their skirts and got into the carriage one after another, as if they could follow the Crown Prince into the East Pce if they went earlier and let him take a few more nces.


    Actually, not to mention them, even the Xiao Family didn��t expect the Crown Prince toe. Xiao Ran couldn��t hide her disdain. ��We didn��t send him an invitation. What��s this called? Coming uninvited?��


    Gu Chang��an didn��t like the Yan Family either, butpared to his personal dislike, he was more concerned about the smooth progress of the entireing-of-age ceremony.


    Xiao Ran also knew this principle, so she pursed her lips. ��Forget it. It��s just an extra pair of chopsticks. I hope he can get lost after freeloading.��


    Gu Chang��an patted the back of her hand gently. To prevent her from being angry, he took the initiative to greet him.


    The Crown Prince took the opportunity to say to Gu Chang��an, ��I just returned and didn��t have time to prepare any gifts. I heard that Miss Xiao is nning to build a book house for Father, so I wanted to do my best.��


    He pointed at the ��gift pile�� behind him that was difficult to ignore. ��These are some books from the Crown Prince��s Residence. I hope they can help Miss Xiao resolve her urgent needs.��


    Just as Gu Chang��an turned to look at the pile of books, another guest happened to arrive at the door. His smile froze.


    A carriage that he would never forget in his life slowly stopped outside the door. The curtain was lifted, and Grand Secretary Gu, who walked out, looked especially energetic today. Gu Ruoruo was looking at her great-grandfather in confusion.


    She was a little excited to attend Xiao Ning��sing-of-age ceremony today. She nned to get up before dawn to pick out clothes and jewelry. She thought that she was already considered early, but she did not expect to see her great-grandfather, who had already washed up and dressed up, when she passed by the courtyard. He asked the butler, ��How do I look?�� The butler looked up at the sky. ��Master, this is already your third change of clothes.��


    He even muttered, ��The new clothes I��ve made all year are not as good as these few days.��


    Then, his great-grandfather asked the butler, ��Then do you think this outfit is morepatible with my green jade headgear or the white jade headgear?


    Why did she feel that her great-grandfather��s behavior today was the same as when they were children during the new year? He wore new clothes and jewelry and even had to ask if he looked good.


    When she saw her great-grandfather and little grandpa��s gazes met, Gu Ruoruo felt that she vaguely understood something.


    Their gazes met for an instant. Almost as soon as they met, they pretended to look away inadvertently. Then, Gu Chang��an went forward and bowed.


    ��Wee����


    He, who had always been eloquent, was suddenly at a loss for words. Grand Secretary Gu also felt visibly ufortable.


    Just as they were feeling awkward, they heard crispughtering from the door.


    ��Is Grandfather here?��


    Grand Secretary Gu turned around and saw a youngdy in pink standing inside the threshold, smiling at him. Then, she skipped across the threshold to him and looked at him back and forth.


    ��Ah, why do Grandfather and Father look like brothers when they stand together!��


    Gu Ruoruo��s heart tightened. Her great-grandfather was usually very serious. Thest person who dared to tease him had his house confiscated. Xiaoxiao was bold enough to meet the gun!


    just as she was about to help her friend salvage the situation, she heard her great-grandfather say in a tone she had never heard before, ��You��re Xiao Ning, right?��


    Xiaoxiao lifted her skirt and bowed seriously. ��Xiao Ning greets Grandfather.�� ��Thank you, Grandfather, foring to mying-of-age ceremony. Not only is the General��s Residence honored by your arrival, but even my father��s face is red and he can��t hide his joy!��


    Gu Chang��an��s face turned red, but he did not refute.


    Grand Secretary Gu looked at him in disdain. ��You don��t know how to speak and know etiquette as well as your daughter. What are you waiting for? Lead the way. Are you going to let your father stand outside all the time?��


    Gu Chang��an was stunned. When he looked up at his father, his eyes were a little red, but he still nodded heavily. ��Yes, Father.��


    Gu Ruoruo was dumbfounded and couldn��t help but secretly give Xiaoxiao a thumbs up.


    Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes and smiled. ��Oh, there��s my eldest niece too! Come,e,e. I��ll bring you in!��


    Her eldest niece was annoyed. ��Didn��t we agree to treat each other as peers!�� Xiaoxiao also teased her. ��Alright, alright, alright. Then let me bring the cute Miss Ruoruo in?��


    She leaned close to Gu Ruoruo��s ear and whispered, ��There��s still some time before the banquet. Are you hungry? The kitchen has prepared some snacks for you. Do you want some?��


    That had to happen! Gu Ruoruo��s eyes lit up. She had even forgotten that her great-grandfather had said to keep a low profile before he came. She waved her little hand and pointed behind her. ��Here, that��s theing-of-age ceremony gift that your Great-grandfather specially instructed us to give you.�� Xiaoxiao followed her hand and took a look. Ha, good lord, half a carriage of books!


    The Crown Prince originally wanted to show off his gift, but he was inferior to the Gu Family. Now, he could not wait for Gu Chang��an to greet him again and hurriedly followed the servant into the residence.


    He could not afford to lose face if he stayed any longer.


    When the nobledies rushed over and found out that the Crown Prince had already entered, they immediately insisted on going in. At that moment, Gu Chang��an was greeting the Gu Family. Xiao Ran was enjoying dressing up her daughter and was about to stop.


    She was in a good mood now. Looking at her daughter��s exquisite appearance in the mirror, she could not help but have the desire to show off. Hence, she sneered. ��Then let them in. Set up another table for them. Don��t let these idiots disturb the guests.��


    After saying that, she raised her hand and tidied Xiaoxiao��s sideburns. ��Let them see how adorable the only daughter of the General��s Residence is..��

 Chapter 424 - 424: Proposing On Behalf Of The Crown Prince

    Chapter 424: Proposing On Behalf Of The Crown Prince


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Don��t think that she didn��t know that the rumors ndering Xiaoxiao in the Imperial Capital involved the participation of this group of silkpants. Today was the right time for them to feel ashamed of their inferiority.


    Of course, he had to inform Gu Chang��an about this. He happened to be talking to the Gu Family when he was talking to the butler, so he did not deliberately avoid arousing suspicion. Other than Grand Secretary Gu, everyone else��s faces were filled with disdain.


    ��You came uninvited and even caused trouble. Clearly, you haven��t learned the rules seriously at all.��


    Grand Secretary Gu nced at the junior who said this. ��Don��t criticize others behind their backs.��


    The junior who spoke just now agreed respectfully. He already knew in his heart that he would have to copy a few more family articles when he returned home.


    Gu Chang��an said, ��He��s a guest. We have to be polite.��


    Grand Secretary Gu, who was drinking tea with a cup, frowned imperceptibly. However, Gu Chang��an continued, ��Especially when you sing the gift list, your voice will be clearer. Don��t let others think that our General��s Residence looks down on them.��


    Grand Secretary Gu��s brows rxed. His eyes were filled with satisfaction that only his family could understand. ��That��s how it should be.��


    The rest of the Gu Family were stunned and wanted tough.


    Changan was really the only one who had inherited his father��s protectiveness.


    Others thought that Grand Secretary Gu was cold, fair, generous, and warm. He was a role model for all the schrs in the world, but they did not know that when he was petty, he did not care about the principles of the sages at all.


    Those nobledies had only thought of it at thest minute. How could they specially bring gifts? Who would have thought��


    Zuo Xiangling, who was the first to enter, had just ced something on the tray when she heard the concierge sing loudly, ��Miss Zuo presents a silver bracelet!��


    She felt her face turn red and wished she could cover the concierge��s mouth immediately.


    Xiaoxiao, who had heard about this in the house,ughed until she was sprawled out. She held her stomach and cried out, making Xiao Ran feel helpless and doting. ��Hurry up and stopughing. Your makeup is going to be ruined!��


    Xiaoxiao continued tough as she took the handkerchief from her mother and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. ��Aiyo, Mom, I can even imagine the expressions of those nobledies at that time! Their facial features are distorted, right?��


    The maidservant who had reported just now nodded repeatedly. ��That��s right. Originally, everyone was squeezing in like a swarm of bees. When they heard this, they stopped in their tracks. Those who were removing jewelry or jade pendants, and those close to home quickly got someone to go home to get their congrattory gifts!��


    No matter what, they were all famous figures. No one could afford to lose face!


    Anyway, the Crown Prince��s carriage was outside the General��s Residence. It could be seen that he was inside. It was better to be a littlete than to lose face like that person.


    Zuo Xiangling was in a dilemma. She could only grit her teeth and remove the hair jewelry she had specially brought out to show off today and ce it on the tray. At the same time, she red at the concierge��s servant and said fiercely, ��Why are you in such a hurry! Are you in a hurry to reincarnate? I��m not done cing it!��


    The servant was not angry. He bowed obediently and admitted his mistake. When she really stopped, he sang in a higher voice, ��Miss Zuo presents a set of ruby hair jewelry, an East Pearl pendant, and a jade pendant!��


    Zuo Xiangling was even angrier. No matter what, it would make her look shameless.


    Moreover, what did he mean by ��a set of hair jewelry��? At least if he read them one by one, it would make her look like she had given a lot of things!


    However, this pageboy was too eloquent. Zuo Xiangling could not find a chance to interrupt at all. At this point, she could only flick her sleeves angrily. She wanted to go in and see His Highness the Crown Prince first, but she was dumbfounded when she was brought to her seat. ��Why is it so remote?��


    The maid who led the way smiled politely, but her words were not so polite.


    ��Because this table was added at thest minute. We didn��t n to invite too many people.��


    Zuo Xiangling:��


    After knowing this segment, Xiaoxiaoughed non-stop. Seeing this, Xiao Ran really couldn��t help but pull her back and hold her down. At the same time, she forbade the maidservant from recounting what had happened outside.


    Hence, Xiaoxiao sat down obediently and put on thest piece of jewelry.


    Xiao Ran didn��t know if it was because Xiaoxiao was usually too simple or if she was really born beautiful, but she felt that her daughter was so good-looking today that she couldn��t bear to blink. At the same time, the regret of not being able to watch her grow up surfaced in her heart. She suddenly had the urge to cry.


    ��When I think about how you��re going to get engaged after youe of age and then leave us to marry into someone else��s family, I feel����


    Before Xiaoxiao could think of aforting word, she changed the topic. ��But fortunately, we know the person you��re going to marry in the future and he doesn��t live far away, right?��


    Xiaoxiao:��


    ��Mother, you��ve learned bad things!��


    Xiao Ran didn��t deny it and even deliberately continued to tease her. ��Aiya, speaking of which, I wonder if Ah Yan is here?��


    The person they were talking about was clenching his fists and lowering his head in silence.


    The graceful and bright Noble Consort Ji had an impatient expression. ��Did you hear what I said?��


    ��It��s the Crown Prince��s blessing to take a fancy to that girl. Since you��re on good terms with the Xiao Family, you should persuade her more.��


    Rong Yan��s good mood for many days was instantly ruined. ��What if I say no?��


    Noble Consort Ji snorted disdainfully. ��It doesn��t matter if you agree or not. Perhaps you��ll have to call her ��Royal Sister-inw�� if you see her again after today.��


    Rong Yan looked up. ��What do you mean?��


    Noble Consort Ji said coldly, ��Have you ever seen the Yan Family fail to get what they want? How can you not get it?��


    Rong Yan left like the wind. A long time after he left, the mocking expression on Noble Consort Ji��s face slowly faded. The nanny who had apanied her for many years sighed and pried open her fingers. ��Your Highness, why do you have to do this?��


    Noble Consort Ji took a deep breath and asked instead of answering, ��How long has the Empress been gone?��


    The nanny replied, ��In half an incense stick of time.��


    Noble Consort Ji closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she was as cold as ice again. ��Send someone to stop her at all costs. Let��s go and see His Majesty.��


    The nanny was puzzled. ��Why do you want to see His Majesty?��


    Noble Consort Ji said, ��I��m proposing a marriage on behalf of the Crown Prince.��


    In the bustling city of the Imperial Capital, a seemingly low-key but luxurious carriage hit someone and was stopped. On the other side, the guests of the General��s Residence took their seats one by one. Theing-of-age ceremony officially began.


    The nobledies formed their own table. Other than the Crown Prince, they looked down on all the guests present.


    The carefree Han Qing, the travel-worn Gongsun Zhongjing, and the slightly chubby Shen Tianci were all targets of their disdain.


    ��The General��s Residence is really not particr. Why are they bringing everyone in? Forget about the rude boor and that round fatty, are they worthy of eating with us?��


    ��That��s right. She��s lowering her status!��


    At the thought of this, their hearts ached even more for the gifts they had given today.


    They called a maidservant over and stuffed an ingot of silver into her hands. ��What gift did the Crown Prince give?��


    There was nothing to hide. The maidservant replied, ��Books.��


    The nobledies thought to themselves, ��As expected! Xiao Ning is really unscrupulous. Although I don��t know how she hooked up with His Highness the Crown Prince, it��s obvious how scheming she is to coax His Highness the Crown Prince to help!��


    ��So what if she can please the Crown Prince? Look at those empty seats.. Isn��t this all because she couldn��t curry favor with him?��

 Chapter 425 - 425: You’re Poor Yet You’re Proud

    Chapter 425: You��re Poor Yet You��re Proud


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The seats at the banquet were all arranged in advance, so it was morefortable for familiar people to sit together and eat and drink. Now that such arge table was empty, it must be because the people they invited didn��te.


    Zuo Xiangling and the others looked at their seats, then at the Crown Prince, who was far away from them. After exchanging nces, they came to an agreement. ��Hey, you. Yes, it��s you.��


    After summoning a maidservant, they said arrogantly, ��Change our seats over there.��


    The maidservant was neither servile nor overbearing. ��Miss, please forgive me. There��s someone there.��


    Upon hearing this, the young mistress in the light pink dress immediately sneered. ��Who? Did you see that? I didn��t see it anyway.��


    Of course, the others agreed. Seeing that the maidservant was disobedient, they stood up themselves. ��We��re covering up for your master. Don��t be ungrateful.��


    ��That��s right. Isn��t it glorious that the people she invited didn��te?��


    ��You have to get your Miss to thank us properlyter!��


    As soon as she finished speaking, they heard a very rude question. ��What are we thanking you for?��


    ��Also, why are you blocking our seats?��


    The nobledies turned around and saw Gu Ruoruo and a group of Shen Family members looking at them with unfriendly expressions. Shen Tianci, who was swinging his legs in boredom, sniffled and jumped up with an agility that did not match his figure. ��Alright, you��re eating delicious food behind my back! It��s Cloud Cake, right!��


    Gu Ruoruo was shocked. ��Are you a dog?!��


    Shen Tianci brushed past the corner of her lips smugly. ��Do you see that?! Cream!��


    Then, the two of them blushed. Their friends looked away kindly, but they did not stop clearing their throats.


    Shen Tianci held it in for a long time before saying, ��I-I-I-I didn��t do it on purpose����


    The nobledies who were ignored were very unhappy. ��Since you��re already here, why didn��t you sit properly and run around? Who knows if there��s anyone here!��


    Gu Ruoruo was not so shy with them. ��Didn��t you see the sign written on the table?��


    She pointed to the middle of the table��


    ��Friends Table! Did you see that? What kind of friends are you? How dare you squeeze in here?��


    The nobledies were furious and came to pick on her again. ��The servant who led the way didn��t say anything! She can��t even speak clearly. How does the General��s Residence conduct matters!��


    Shen Tianci rolled his eyes. ��Then, are you leaving?��


    Zuo Xiangling knew Shen Tianci. She would not be polite to the son of a wealthy family. ��Shen Tianci, let me tell you. Don��t put on airs in front of us just because your family has a little lousy money. I won��t fall for your tricks!�� Shen Tianci chuckled. ��Then should I put on the airs of ��my father��s the imperial envoy��?��


    After the harvest of the new farnd, the Emperor conferred an imperial envoy on Shen Congjun and asked him to lead the management to distribute the next round of new rice seeds to themoners. Themoners were grateful to him, and seeing that he was gentle and did not put on airs, they affectionately called him ��the imperial envoy for farming��.


    Although this person was simple, his reputation and status in the imperial court and among the people were iparable to anyone present.


    The nobledies felt aggrieved. ��A petty person is sessful!��


    Shen Tianci was in high spirits. He crossed his arms in front of him. ��Rebound.��


    The nobledies were furious, but they could not find anything to refute. They could only sit back down with a straight face.


    At this moment, Xiaoxiao, who had dressed up appropriately, walked out under her escorts. She was wearing a light pink dress with hundreds of water beads and a beautiful butterfly moon gauze on the outside. Her cuffs were exquisitely decorated with hundreds of flowers, and the hem of her clothes was embroidered with light golden threads. Half of her ck and shiny long hair was tied into a conch bun, and she was wearing a translucent magnolia hairpin that no one had seen before. She was also decorated with many red coral beads. The hair behind her was hung with the back pressure of thin golden threads, and there were also exquisite little gold beads, jade beads, and pearls hanging on it.


    Someone said sourly, ��Stingy, aren��t they? The beads are so small.��


    Gu Ruoruo immediately retorted, ��There��s a reason for this outfit. There are a total of 100 small beads of various colors, indicating that life is colorful, perfect, and safe, and that one can live a long life.��


    She looked at the group of nobledies in disdain. ��Don��t say that you can��t think of this meaning. Can you gather 100 beads of the same size and shape in every color? Even if you can, can you find a craftsman with such good skills to put them on you one by one with golden thread?��


    Only then did Xiaoxiao realize how precious the set of jewelry her mother had prepared for her was. She could almost imagine how Xiao Ran and her husband would look like when they endured their sadness and prepared a gift for their daughter, who they did not know if they would be able to meet again in their lives after being separated for all these years.


    She turned to Xiao Ran and said, ��Mother, I��m so blessed.��


    Xiao Ran blinked, as if she did not understand. Xiaoxiao simply said more bluntly, ��Mother, I��m so blessed to be your and Father��s daughter.��


    This child! Xiao Ran blinked hard. ��We��re the same. We��re very blessed to have you as our daughter.��


    After her appearance, Xiaoxiao watched as her Father finished reading the speech that he had written for two days ording to her mother��s instructions solemnly and happily. It could be considered as him officially introducing her to everyone present. She could not help but sigh at her foresight. She had already given her friends special treatment and was half full.


    However, Zuo Xiangling and the others were not so lucky. They were already tired and hungry halfway through their excursion, and the time they took to sit was not awkward. They only drank a stomach full of water and were in a terrible mood.


    It was not easy for them to listen to Gu Chang��an reading his solemn speech. Everyone hoped that the praisers would finish their work quickly and start the banquet. They could also use the toast to say a few words to His Highness the Crown Prince.


    As a praiser, Gu Ruoruo could tell what they were thinking, so she deliberately dawdled. When shebed Xiaoxiao��s hair, shebed it slowly but did not tie it up.


    It was not until Xiaoxiao could not help but yawn that this silentpetition came to an end.


    It was also because of this dy that Rong Yan, who had been trapped in the pce for a long time, rushed over. Before he could greet Xiaoxiao, he got someone to call Xiao Ran away for a private chat.


    When they returned, their expressions were the same, but Xiaoxiao kept feeling that they were angry.


    The fragrance of the food wafted over. Even Zuo Xiangling and the others had no intention of finding fault with her. They were picky as they ate.


    This said, ��I know these crystal prawn dumplings. Isn��t it just a snackunched by Fragrance Restaurant some time ago? This taste isn��t authentic at all. It��s far inferior to the delicious food bought in the shop.��


    That person said, ��You also secretly learned this Ruyi bun, right? It��s not that I want to say this, but if you want to use the name of Fragrance Restaurant, you might as well buy it and get someone to deliver it to you. Why do you have to imitate them and learn it in an irregr manner?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at them curiously. ��How do you know that this is definitely not the work of the master of the Fragrance Restaurant?��


    Zuo Xiangling looked at her in disdain. ��Who doesn��t know that the chefs of the Fragrance Restaurant never take on jobs outside? No matter how much money one has, they won��t do it.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Looks like thisdy has tried.��


    Zuo Xiangling red at her. Xiaoxiao found her annoying. She propped her chin on her hand and asked, ��Looks like your Zuo Family is quite rich?��


    Zuo Xiangling was shocked and said in a panic, ��What nonsense are you talking about? My Zuo Family is clean and noble. It��s different from the nouveau riche like the Li Family!��


    Shen Tianci was stuffing mushrooms and prawns into his mouth when he heard this.. He chewed hard and retorted, ��Are you proud that you��re poor?��

 Chapter 426 - 426: Provoked

    Chapter 426: Provoked


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��His Majesty wants you to be honest, not that you can only live off the wind. As long as you get rich through proper channels, His Majesty will only praise you for managing the family well when he sees you. If you have the ability, you can go into business to earn money. Why do you have to say that grapes are sour when you can��t eat them? Why? Are you jealous?��


    Xiaoxiao could only give him a thumbs up. ��Impressive, Shen Tianci. Indeed, Dean Lu��s teachings are different. Young man, you��re different from before. You��ve been reborn!��


    Shen Tianci snorted smugly.


    Zuo Xiangling was hot-headed for a moment. She said, ��Xiao Ning, do you know any shame? You��re clearly already seducing His Highness the Crown Prince. Why are you still having an ambiguous rtionship with another man?��


    The young men and women who were chatting andughing darkened their faces at the same time and looked over with unfriendly expressions.


    Apart from being afraid, Zuo Xiangling felt even more indignant. ��Why? Can��t I say anything about what she did?��


    Xiaoxiao was quite calm. She held her chin and stirred the soup bowl in front of her. Her gaze inadvertently nced at the Crown Prince, who had no intention of speaking, and her smile turned cold.


    ��Which eye did you see and which ear heard me ��seducing�� the Crown Prince?��


    Zuo Xiangling said angrily, ��It��s all over the Imperial Capital!��


    The Crown Prince still had no intention of rifying. In his opinion, it was not impossible to get married to the Xiao Family, but it had to be the Xiao Family begging him to marry her. It was impossible for him to take the initiative to pursue a farm girl.


    Her mother had already nned to use this rumor as an excuse to propose marriage to the General��s Residence.


    However�� why wasn��t his mother here yet?


    Zuo Xiangling continued to shout, ��A fly doesn��t bite a seamless egg. If you have a clear conscience, where did this rumore from?��


    Xiaoxiaoughed. ��I already said that it��s a fly. Does it matter if the egg is seamless or not?��


    This smile was cold, and Xiaoxiao did not intend to give Zuo Xiangling any face. ��It seems that Miss Zuo is very dissatisfied with me. In that case, why do you have to lower yourself bying here?��


    Zuo Xiangling��s face turned red. ��What do you mean?��


    This time, it was Xiao Ran who spoke. ��She means for you to leave. The General��s Residence doesn��t wee you.��


    Without waiting for her to speak again, Xiao Ran narrowed her eyes and said, ��If you have any objections, hold it in. Get lost.��


    Zuo Xiangling never expected that she would be chased out by a group of lowly servants after lowering herself to attend Xiao Ning��sing-of-age ceremony!


    She, who had lost all her face, decided to give up. ��If you have the ability, don��t admit to seducing the Crown Prince. If you have the ability, don��t use the books the Crown Prince gave you! What kind of ability is it to rely on the Crown Prince to helpplete the task assigned by His Majesty!��


    Xiaoxiao readily epted it. She didn��t want to ept it in the first ce. ��Alright, I don��t want it anyway!��


    The Crown Prince:��


    He did not say anything and saw that the Xiao Family had really returned his gift.


    Almost as soon as she finished speaking, there was amotion outside the door. The Empress, whose crown was crooked from the chores on the road, held the hand of the pce maid and put on airs before entering. She happened to see this scene.


    Her sharp protective finger pierced into the pce maid��s palm. Fortunately, the pce maid had goodposure and did not even make a sound.


    After hearing the Crown Prince��s servant��s brief report, the Empress��s gaze cut through Zuo Xiangling, who no longer dared to speak. She decided to follow the n. ��General Xiao, you don��t have to do this. The innocent will be proven. This will make us seem distant from the Crown Prince.��


    Xiao Ran said bluntly, ��Other than the innocent will be proven, there��re also nasty rumors. Xiaoxiao is my daughter. I won��t allow anything to affect her reputation.��


    She emphasized, ��Xiaoxiao and the Crown Prince have clearly only met a few times and have said less than 10 sentences in total, but they were deliberately made up by those disgusting things. It makes me want to pull out their tendons and skin them on the spot! Cut them into pieces! Cook them in oil!��


    The Empress:��


    The Crown Prince:��


    Why was she scolding them?


    Xiao Ran was very insistent. ��Crown Prince, take these books back. Don��t meet my Xiaoxiao at any time or ce in the future, lest you get someone to make a fuss again.��


    The Empress:��


    How could she continue?


    Was Xiao Ran clearly trying to cut ties with the Crown Prince and their Yan Family?


    If she wanted to clear her name, the Empress would definitely be unhappy.


    ��Sister Xiao, you��re wrong. In my opinion, it��s really far-fetched to say that the two children have nothing to do with each other in Border City. It��s my Crown Prince��s fault for being so careless. That��s why I��m worried about her reputation.��


    These words seemed to admit that there was really some story between the Crown Prince and Xiaoxiao that had to be told.


    ��How can a man let ady suffer? Why don��t we do this? It��s an auspicious day today. Why don��t����


    ��Aunt Xiao, Uncle Gu, Yan��er has something to tell you.�� It was naturally Rong Yan.


    He wanted to speak at a better time today, but the Crown Prince and the Yan Family were really too much!


    Xiaoxiao stared at Little Big Brother with a burning gaze. She was excited and touched.


    The Empress said unhappily, ��What impressive words? Must you choose now?��


    Xiao Ran did not give her face. She said with apletely different genial attitude from when she was facing the Crown Prince and the Empress, ��Yan��er, tell me.��


    It had been a long time since the Empress had been ignored like this. After years of pampering, her face darkened. ��Sister Xiao, are you not giving me face?��


    Xiao Ran did not give in. ��Please call me by my name, or General Xiao.�� Nobody wants to be your sister.


    When their gazes met, the surrounding people seemed to be able to feel the sparks fly. Some people who had alsoe uninvited had already started to n which side to stand on.


    Grand Secretary Gu had already stood up. He did not speak, but his actions of standing beside Gu Chang��an had clearly expressed his decision to protect his children.


    The Empress nced at every face coldly. ��What if I don��t let him say it?��


    As she spoke, the guard behind her actually drew his saber.


    The Crown Prince also raised his ss at Rong Yan with a fake smile.


    ��There are some things that need to be said by our parents. You have to consider it carefully before you speak, Third Brother.��


    ��If you say that and your mother goes back on her word, you won��t be the only one who will be embarrassed.��


    It was obvious how domineering the Yan Family was. Xiao Ran chuckled. ��Your Majesty, look carefully. This is the Xiao Family��s residence, not your Phoenix Hall.��


    Rong Yan��s face was cold as he insisted on bowing. ��Aunt Xiao, Uncle Gu, I����


    At most, he would use military merits to exchange for it! He would never let Xiaoxiao suffer!


    Just as they were about to fight, there was amotion outside the door again


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!��


    Xiao Ran and the Empress looked out at the same time. The difference was that the Empress immediately pretended to be aggrieved, while Xiao Ran��s face was as cold as ice, as if her fists were itching.


    The Emperor clenched his fists and coughed. ��It��s quite lively. Why didn��t anyone call me?��


    The Empress was still getting her emotions up when Xiao Ran rolled her eyes. ��His Majesty is busy every day. How can we disturb you over such a small matter?��


    The Emperor thought about his senior sister��s tone and confirmed that the Empress had already angered her..

 Chapter 427 - 427: Still Young

    Chapter 427: Still Young


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��HOW can it be a small matter? General Xiao��s long-lost daughter ising of age. This is a huge joyous asion. Coincidentally, the decree is about to be conferred today, so I might as welle along.��


    ��Everyone, get up. Today is a family banquet. There��s no need to stand on ceremony.��


    Even so, the officials who came to freeload did not dare to move at all. Who would dare to act rashly in front of His Majesty�� Heh, there really was!


    The people from the Gu, Shen, and Xiao Families really got up and pulled out stools. Gu Chang��an even asked, ��Has His Majesty eaten?


    The Emperor waved his hand readily. ��No, give me another seat. Come, Dezi, announce the imperial edict before dinner.


    They suddenly felt that the Xiao Family was even more doted on than before. Who else could make His Majestye personally to announce the decree? However, just as some people were sighing, the Emperor stared at the dishes on the table and instructed softly, ��Dezi, read faster.�� Otherwise, the dishes would turn cold.


    Eunuch De:��


    Was His Majesty here to appease General Xiao or to freeload?


    Apart from the gold and silver rewards, the appointment of the princess had long been agreed upon. Xiaoxiao was not surprised. The etiquette that she had specially learned was so thorough that no one could find fault with it. Grand Secretary Gu, who was wearing biased, was very satisfied with this granddaughter. In an instant, he felt that she had already surpassed all the nobledies in the Imperial Capital.


    Zuo Xiangling had already been thrown out, and the rest had learned their lesson. No matter how jealous they were, they did not show it on their faces. However, the Empress was different. She had something to do at the General��s


    Residence.


    ��Your Majesty, you came at the right time. I was discussing the children with


    General Xiao just now.��


    The Emperor could clearly feel that Xiao Ran��s expression had turned much colder. She even mmed her chopsticks on the table. It was obvious that she was about to re up. He waved his hand. ��We��re eating. Let��s not talk about anything else.��


    However, the Empress was insensible. ��Eating won��t dy our conversation. Your Majesty, I like the Xiao Family��s daughter very much and want to be inws with General Xiao.��


    She said half-threateningly, ��Speaking of which, the Crown Prince did something inappropriate and dyed Miss Xiao��s reputation. If he doesn��t bear the responsibility, I��m afraid it will affect Miss Xiao��s marriage proposal in the future.��


    The Emperor looked at the chopsticks in Xiao Ran��s hand that had been broken into two. He wasn��t sure if he could still eat today��s meal.


    Xiao Ran continued, ��I have said that she won��t get married.�� She couldn��t even be bothered to say anything formal. She could do whatever she wanted.


    The Empress gritted her teeth. ��You!�� How dare you act so rashly in front of His Majesty!


    The Emperor sighed. The joyous expression on his face had already disappeared. ��Marriage is a big matter. It��s the order of parents and the matchmaker��s words. Since General Xiao feels that it��s inappropriate, Empress, it��s better not to randomly matchmake them.��


    She wanted to say more, but the Emperor put down his wine ss. ��Empress.�� His attitude was firm. No matter how unwilling the Empress was, she could only swallow her anger. However, when she thought of the gift that had been returned, she was still unhappy. ��Your Majesty, what I want to say is that thisdy from the General��s Residence is indeed quite devoted to her job, but�� ��I heard that it��s hard to find a book in the Imperial Capital recently. Just now, the Crown Prince brought the books he found to help her. However, the Xiao Family only used the books sent by the Gu Family and didn��t want to ept the Crown Prince. Even if they want to avoid suspicion, they don��t have to misinterpret the Crown Prince��s good intentions.��


    ��After all, that book house was built by His Majesty to benefit the students. How can she act on impulse? Besides, the Gu Family is the one who filled up the royal book house. This can��t withstand criticism.��


    ��Whether it��s saying that we don��t understand the Gu Family or that the Gu


    Family has ulterior motives, it��s not pleasant to hear.��


    ��It��s really too young to let this youngdy handle such a big matter, don��t you think?��


    The Emperor didn��t listen to her one-sided words, so he looked at Xiao Ran, who winked at her daughter.


    Before Grand Secretary Gu could speak, Xiaoxiao said, ��Your Majesty, I��ve never said that I n to bring Grandpa��s gift to the book house.��


    -Of course I have to keep the books that Grandpa gave me in the General��s Residence and read them carefully. I��m still young and not that generous. I can��t bear to share Grandpa��s meticulously prepared gifts with others.�� Her tone was yful and her appearance was likable. Even the Crown Prince, who had seen her in the border city, knew that such an exquisite and dazzling appearance was hidden under her thick bangs.


    Although she was a little young, it was not difficult to see what kind of beauty she would be in the future.


    While the Crown Prince was distracted, Xiaoxiao had already said crisply, ��I have prepared the books needed for the book house.��


    The Empress did not believe it. Not to mention him, even the Emperor was deeply suspicious. At this moment, the maid servants and servants carried ��brush, ink, paper, and inkstone�� forward. The Empressughed out loud. ��Look at this situation. Could it be that you n to copy it now?�� ��Little girl, it��s not that I want tough at you, but even if you get all the guests at today��s banquet to help you copy for a few days and nights, I��m afraid you won��t be able to fill two bookshelves.


    You can only me yourself for biting off more than you can chew. You set your goals too high and wanted to amaze everyone with a single feat. However, you never thought that you would be trapped and would only be theughing stock of the entire Imperial Capital.


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��How is that possible?��


    The Shen family��s sons heaved a sigh of relief. Although they were willing to sacrifice their lives for their good friend, this writing and copying�� Ahem, ahem, they knew it was bad.


    The Emperor asked curiously, ��Then are you asking for calligraphy treasures?�� Xiaoxiao smiled. ��This is a dish.��


    Everyone��s eyes were filled with question marks. Dish?


    Xiaoxiao jumped to her parents�� side and poked Gu Chang��an. ��Father, help me demonstrate.��


    Grand Secretary Gu felt as if his son had secretly nced at him. Then, he wiped his hands clean, picked up a ��brush��, dipped it in ink, and wrote the words ��Gu��, ��Longevity��, ��Peace��, ��Health��, ��Loyalty��, ��Filial��, ��Grace , ��Righteousness�� on the ��paper��.


    The paper was cut a little small, and the color and appearance were slightly different from usual.


    Gu Chang��an sent the word ��Gu�� to Grand Secretary Gu.


    Grand Secretary Gu took a look ��Is the calligraphy okay?��


    He was actually quite puzzled. Why did he ask him about his handwriting? Gu Chang��an was stunned for a moment. He turned around, picked up the word ��Filial��, and stuffed it into his mouth.


    Xiaoxiao was finally convinced by her father, so she also did it herself. ��This brush, paper, and inkstone are all edible. The brush rod is tender bamboo shoots, the tip of the brush is Monkey Head Mushroom, the ink is sauce, and the paper is rice noodles. Grandfather, everyone, try it?


    Grand Secretary Gu looked at the small word on his te and seemed to recall the scene of teaching his son how to write many years ago. ��Gu�� was the first word he taught his son to write.


    ording to Gu Chang��an��s actions just now, Grand Secretary Gu folded the rice flour pastry and ced it in his mouth to take a bite.


    The slight sweetness of the rice noodles melted together with the saltiness of the sauce. This delicious taste was unfamiliar, but it was harmonious. It quickly captured Grand Secretary Gu��s taste buds.


    Xiaoxiao could tell that he was satisfied and said, ��Father specially prepared this for Grandpa. Is it delicious?��


    Gu Chang��an looked calm, but his ears were actually almost pricked up. Grand Secretary Gu coughed lightly and said matter-of-factly, ��Not bad, it��s just that your penmanship is a little rusty.��


    Gu Chang��an was nervous, but he didn��t exin because Grand Secretary Gu was copying him. He also wrote the word ��Gu�� and handed it to Gu Chang��an. ��Here, you have to practice more..��

 Chapter 428 - 428: Have You Asked The Noble Consort?

    Chapter 428: Have You Asked The Noble Consort?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao narrowed her eyes as she watched her Father eat the rice flour pancakes and watch the other guests imitate him and eat. She was very happy.


    The Emperor also wrote a few of them yfully. After eating a few of his ��treasure words��, he bit the tip of the pen that had absorbed the soup reluctantly��this taste was called scrumptious.


    The guests rarely ate their fill at official banquets, but today, they all ate until the food was piled up to their throats. If not for the fact that there was really no space left in their stomachs, they felt that they could even lick their tes clean!


    The Xiao Family atefortably. Smart people had already started to ask when the next happy event in the Xiao Family would be. Everyone tacitly forgot about the book house that the Empress had mentioned just now. Who would have thought that Xiaoxiao would take the initiative to mention it again. ��By the way, Your Majesty, if you��re still free, do you want to take a look at the books that my official has prepared for the book house?��


    Her tone was firm. The Emperor was filled with curiosity, but the Empress did not believe it. Arge group of people arrived at the General��s Residence��s storeroom majestically.


    There were many open books in the open space outside the storeroom. They looked like they were drying. As soon as they opened the door, everyone smelled a strong ink fragrance.


    With doubts, everyone picked up the books in the storeroom and flipped through them after receiving the approval.


    The handwriting was neat and the fonts were uniform�� Wasn��t this too uniform?


    ��May I ask whose manuscript this is?��


    ��I��ve never seen anyone write all his words so neatly.


    ��I wonder if this gentleman is still around? Some books in my residence have been damaged for a long time, and I��m nning to copy them again���� As everyone spoke, someone else said in surprise, ��Every book is the same?��


    Was that reasonable?


    -The handwriting is the same, so it must be the work of the same person. However, how long will it take for one person to copy so many books?��


    ��A year? Two years?��


    ��It hasn��t even been so long since His Majesty made the preparations for the book house. Then how fast is his copying speed?��


    Dozens of puzzled eyes focused on Xiaoxiao, making her feel a little embarrassed. The Emperor smiled and said, ��Alright, don��t keep us in suspense.


    Quickly introduce us to this capable person.


    Xiaoxiao nodded and said, ��Okay.


    Then, she got someone to carry out a wooden shelf.


    ��Let��s get to know the flexible printing technique.


    Everyone was amazed. After watching the printing process from beginning to end their eyes widened like copper bells. Their mouths were open in an O-shape. Most of them were very gratified to see the neat rows of words.


    However, the Empress sshed cold water on him. ��That��s a good idea, but our Yan Family had already thought of this idea more than 10 years ago.��


    She said in amanding tone, ��However, if you want to use this method to print books, you have to find a craftsman to carve every book and page. It��s not easy to ask all the words to be the same size and shape, let alone so many words. If you make even a single mistake, the entire board will have to be carved again.��


    ��Moreover, storing the board is also a big problem. If it��s damp or damaged, it has to be remade.��


    ��It��S not difficult to find a spacious ce that��s convenient for drying and venttion, but do you know how many pages a book has? Do you know how many books Great Xia has? Where can we find a ce to ce so many tablets?��


    As it required too much manpower, material, and financial resources, the Yan Family quickly gave up on this thought. Now, this girl was eagerly asking for rewards in front of His Majesty.


    The Emperor red at her unhappily. ��How old is the Xiao Family��s girl? She just turned 15 today. It��s already very good that she can think of such a method.��


    However, it was indeed not very practical.


    just as he swallowed his words, the Emperor saw Xiaoxiao walk to the board happily and ask with a smile, ��Guess why I call it ��Flexible Printing��?��


    ��Flexible. As the name implies, this board is flexible.��


    With that, she picked up a small square strip from the board.


    -Carve the words on such a block, then use the block to arrange the required articles After using them, wash them clean and arrange them on the next page. This way, be it printing a book or a hundred books, there will only be so many blocks needed.��


    ��Moreover, Your Majesty, this block is made of iron. It��s more durable than wood and easier to wash and preserve. As long as it��s kept dry and not damp, it won��t be a problem to use it for seven to eight years.��


    The more she spoke, the more scorching the Emperor��s gaze became. Finally, when Xiaoxiao demonstrated the typography method again, he could not help but go forward and operate it himself.


    ��Alright! Alright! Alright!��


    Nothing could express the Emperor��s admiration for Flexible Printing better than the smile on his face at this moment.


    ��Senior Sister! You gave birth to a good daughter!


    He touched the rubbing machine lovingly and said in a loving and excited tone, ��Come,e,e. Little girl of the Xiao Family, I have to reward you heavily for your repeated contributions.��


    After saying that, he was a little troubled. ��But what should I reward you with? Why don��t I raise your princess status and take you in as my adopted daughter. Your status will be the same as the blood princess in the future. How about that?��


    Xiaoxiao said truthfully, ��Your Majesty, actually, I don��t care about these empty titles.��


    The Emperor was happy and said casually, ��Then what reward do you want? Name it yourself!��


    After saying that, he actually regretted it a little. The treasury was not rich now, and the gold, silver, and wealth were not that presentable. It would be awkward if this girl asked for too much.


    Hence, the Emperor tried his best to signal to Xiao Ran, but thetter was still angry and ignored him.


    Xiaoxiao nced at the many people present and then at Rong Yan, who had been looking at her worriedly. She chuckled. ��Besides, this credit doesn��t belong to me. I can��t take it.��


    Rong Yan��s heart skipped a beat. Xiao Ran and Gu Chang��an also vaguely guessed something. Then, they heard Xiaoxiao say, ��This is the method that the Third Prince came up with. He also got the materials from Chernan.�� The Crown Prince frowned and asked reflexively, ��Why did Chernan give him this iron?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Oh, he was greedy. He wanted to eat everything when he arrived in Great Xia, but he didn��t have money, so he wrote an IOU to the Third Prince. If he couldn��t take out silver, he would use iron to exchange for it.


    Everyone felt that it was ridiculous, but when they thought of the Second Prince of Xiongnu��s gradually rotund figure, they could not find a reason to refute.


    The Emperor wanted tough. He looked at Rong Yan in surprise. ��Really?�� Receiving Xiaoxiao��s gaze, he quickly nodded. The Emperor touched his chin. -In that case, I should reward you? Tell me, what do you want?�� The Crown Prince gritted his teeth and asked in a puzzled tone, ��Then why didn��t you tell Father directly? Instead, you sent it to the Xiao Residence first.�� Xiao Ran knew this question, so she decided to answer it first. ��Because this is the betrothal gift.��


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t help but blush. Her already outstanding appearance made her look even more shy and beautiful.


    Rong Yan said firmly, ��Father, I want to propose a marriage.��


    The Crown Prince, who was ignored, inexplicably felt his head turn green. -Third Brother, this is not polite.. Did you ask the Noble Consort before proposing marriage?��

 Chapter 429 - 429: Not Using So Many Backers, Brother, Are You Stupid?

    Chapter 429: Not Using So Many Backers, Brother, Are You Stupid?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was impossible to say that he didn��t care. Rong Yan couldn��t calm down with a mother who didn��t like him and even hated him. Fortunately, there was the Xiao Family, so his difficulties gradually became unimportant.


    ��I did. Mother said that I don��t have to ask her about my marriage.�� He said, ��She wants me to think about it myself and tell Father.��


    Noble Consort Ji didn��t care about her biological son��s life and handled it rashly It was really��


    Everyone couldn��t help but sympathize with Rong Yan. Even the Emperor sighed when he thought of Noble Consort Ji proposing marriage for the Crown Prince without saying a word.


    All these years, he had never cared much about Rong Yan.


    Just now, he asked Noble Consort Ji, ��Since you��re so concerned about the Crown Prince��s marriage, what about the Third Prince?��


    Noble Consort Ji��s expression instantly turned cold. ��Your Majesty can decide for him.��


    Alright, he would decide. Anyway, this little girl from his senior sister��s family was in love with Third Prince. Besides, he was quite willing to be inws with his senior sister.


    ��Alright, I approve.��


    The Crown Prince and the Empress had ugly expressions at the same time.


    ��Father! Think twice!��


    ��Your Majesty! Think twice!��


    The Emperor asked them coldly, ��Why? Do I have to ask you first to make a decision?��


    Only then did the Crown Prince and the Empress realize that they had lost theirposure and lowered their heads at the same time.


    ��I wouldn��t dare.��


    ��I wouldn��t dare.��


    The Emperor asked Rong Yan again, ��Have you really thought it through? Your Flexible Printing can benefit all the schrs in the world. I can agree to any of your requests.��


    Rong Yan said without hesitation, ��Thank you for your grace, Father!��


    He couldn��t hide the smile on his face at all, nor did he want to. Xiaoxiao also grinned, and Xiao Ran and her husband��s anger turned into relief.


    This was great. Originally, they were also having a headache over how to bypass that strange Noble Consort Ji and get the two children engaged. Today could be considered a solution to a huge problem.


    Seeing that everyone was happy except the Empress and the Crown Prince, the Emperor felt that he had made a rather wise decision. ��In that case, go back and prepare an official betrothal gift.��


    Rong Yan��s reply was especially loud, and his joy was clearly conveyed to everyone present.


    There was an interlude at theing-of-age ceremony, but it was very satisfactory overall. Xiaoxiao was very satisfied that she had sessfully pushed out Flexible Printing and obtained a fiance.


    Ning Anhui, who had been silent but tense, heaved a sigh of relief and smiled. When he returned, he would tell his parents that they would definitely be very happy for his sister!


    When the guests left, Xiaoxiao slipped in front of Grand Secretary Gu. ��Grandfather, do you have any ns for dinner? If not, why don��t you stay for a meal?��


    There were outsiders around just now, so we didn��t have a good time eating.


    Let��s close the door tonight and have a family banquet?��


    Family banquet?


    Grand Secretary Gu did not think about it for long. He pondered for a moment and heard Gu Chang��an say, ��Father, stay.�� He nodded readily.


    Xiaoxiao rolled up her sleeves happily. ��That��s great. I��ll cook tonight! Don��t fight with me!��


    Although it sounded a little strange to let the protagonist of theing-of-age ceremony cook, everyone could tell that Xiaoxiao was really itching to cook, so they allowed her to make a few signature dishes.


    Xiaoxiao immediately gave her father a look. ��Then I��ll go prepare the dishes. Father, bring Grandpa around to digest his food. Otherwise, I��ll be sad if he can��t eat at night!��


    The father and son left stiffly. Xiao Ran gave her daughter a thumbs up. ��Well done!��


    Ning Anhui looked at the faces of the officials during lunch. He didn��t eat much at all. He held his stomach and was wondering if he should bid farewell and leave when he heard his considerate sister ask, ��Brother, do you want crab roe noodles?��


    It sounded delicious!


    Nmg Anhui decided to eat before leaving. However, just as he was half-full, Xiaoxiao asked, ��Brother, do you want to open a shop in the capital?��


    Nmg Anhui realized that he was actually a little tempted, but he still forced himself to regain his rationality. ��No, that��s not appropriate. I��m just a country bumpkin. I have no power or influence in the Imperial Capital. Can I do it?�� Xiaoxiao pointed at herself. ��Brother, who��s your sister?��


    Ning Anhui thought for a moment. ��A princess?��


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows smugly and asked again, ��Then who is my mother?��


    Ning Anhui replied, ��General Xiao?��


    Xiaoxiao asked again, ��Who��s my grandfather?��


    Ning An replied, ��Grand Secretary Gu!��


    Xiaoxiao coughed lightly. ��Who��s my fiance?��


    Ning Anhui:��


    ��The Third Prince.��


    Xiaoxiao spread her hands. ��Are you stupid not to use so many backers?��


    What she said�� made too much f*cking sense!


    Ning Anhui almost got tricked by Xiaoxiao. Based on his many years of experience of being tricked, he thought about it carefully and still insisted. ��Let me think again. Let me think.��


    Xiaoxiao looked unhurried. ��It��s fine. Think about it slowly. Anyway, I��ve already seen the location of the shop. Second Brother, you don��t know. Those milk tea shops in the Imperial Capital are not authentic at all. The snacks are either soft or hard. They��re not delicious at all.��


    ��But these people are actually willing to pay money for those fakes.��


    ��A shop can earn at least a few hundred taels a month. It��s a few thousand taels a year. If it grows up, it��ll be tens of thousands of taels. From now on, my little nephew won��t have to worry about food, clothes, and studies since he was young. He can even choose a wife when he grows up!��


    ��Ah, right. Second Brother, you know that Eldest Brother is preparing to go on an official career. Second Brother, you��re the pir of the family who earns money����


    Rong Yan couldn��t help butugh when he heard her mumbling hypnotically from the kitchen to send ingredients to Xiaoxiao. It was great that he could hear her mumbling every day from now on.


    Yun Er and Yun San made an unbearable expression behind him. Then, they asked, ��Master, you��ve finally fallen out with the Yan Family today. Is that good?��


    Rong Yan lowered his eyes. ��We can��t maintain peace anyway.��


    At dinner, Xiaoxiao realized that the atmosphere between Father and


    Grandfather waspletely different. At night, her mother told her when she came to send her the Gu Family��s heirloom.


    So your father didn��t leave the Gu Family out of spite. He med himself for only reading sages�� books and didn��t even notice that his mother was seriously ill. He couldn��t face his family.��


    ��And your grandfather, in the same guilt, thought that your father had always hated him����


    After the misunderstanding was resolved, the father and son raised their sses and drank. Grand Secretary Gu, who had always restrained himself, even got himself drunk. The next morning, he set off for court from the General��s Residence.


    He bumped into his colleagues on the way and was about to greet them when he heard them say��


    ��Sigh, have you heard? That new daughter of the Xiao Family is not easy to deal with. In order to curry favor with the Gu Family, she even shamelessly invited Grand Secretary Gu, who doesn��t like to socialize, to hering-of-age ceremony.��


    ��Who doesn��t know that Gu Chang��an has long broken up with the Gu Family? Grand Secretary Gu has always treated him as if he doesn��t have this son. It��s insulting to him to go over now!��


    ��Official Zheng, there��s no need to be so angry. As a woman, she naturally has to think more about her marriage. After all, she��s from a farmer��s family., she has to have the Gu Family to erase some of her rustic aura�� Official Chen, are your eyelids cramping?��

 Chapter 430 - 430: Father And Mother Can Protect You

    Chapter 430: Father And Mother Can Protect You


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The person who spoke suddenly had a bad feeling. He turned around and saw Grand Secretary Gu asking with a cold expression, ��Official Xu, Official Zheng,


    Official Chen����


    ��Did you eat a lot of breakfast?��


    They understood that he was scolding them for having nothing better to do.


    Of course, Grand Secretary Gu��s dissatisfaction was not just reflected in a sentence of mockery. That day in the court, he reported all of them in. His words were gentle and his attitude was polite, but it made them feel ashamed.


    After the court assembly, Grand Secretary Gu walked out of the hall first, but he did not leave quickly like usual. Instead, he slowly took out a small package


    from his sleeve.


    Someone smelled the fragrance and asked, ��What is this?��


    Grand Secretary Gu replied proudly, ��My granddaughter, Xiaoxiao, prepared small biscuits for me. She��s afraid that I��ll starve in the morning.��


    Everyone was speechless.


    They would beat up anyone who said that Grand Secretary Gu did not have a good rtionship with the General��s Residence!


    Look at how this old fellow was enjoying himself!


    After knowing what had happened, Xiao Ran was even more direct. For some reason, when those gossipy officials left the pce, their legs went weak and they fell until their faces were swollen.


    That night, Grand Secretary Gu stayed at the General��s Residence again. He said that his son��s food was delicious and he wanted to eat a few more meals.


    Say that he didn��t have a good rtionship with Chang��an? Say that he actually didn��t like his precious granddaughter, Xiaoxiao?


    Bullsh*t!


    When the rumors here subsided, Noble Consort Ji had just apologized to the


    Empress and returned, but the Empress was still unhappy.


    ��I don��t know what she��s going to do. We agreed that she would beg His Majesty and I would go straight to the General��s Residence. It should be foolproof. How did the Third Prince intercept her?��


    ��I shouldn��t have agreed to let her go to His Majesty just because she wanted to


    help so much!��


    ��She can��t do anything right, but she can ruin everything!


    The nanny echoed at the side. At least she was appeased. Thinking of the Emperor��s attitude towards her that day in the Xiao Family, the Empress was also a little anxious. ��No, Xiao Ran and Third Prince have been in the limelight recently. If we let them continue jumping around, how will the Crown Prince lead in the future?��


    ��Tell the family that dehydrated vegetables can start promoting.


    A few dayster was the opening day of ��There��s a Book House�� in the Imperial Capital. Before dawn, there were already many people standing at the door of the book house. Most of them looked like students, but their clothes were rather poor.


    They were excited and nervous now. Ever since they heard that the Imperial Capital was going to build a library for students to read for free, they had been tossing and turning, unable to sleep. They did not know if they should believe it.


    They learned that some people had specially asked around and confirmed that there really was such a book house in Xijiang County. It only cost 10 copper coins every time they entered. They could stay as long as they wanted after entering. Moreover, they could read all the books at will. They wished they could immediately see the book house open.


    They had finally waited until today. They were already guarding here before dawn.


    Xiaoxiao understood everyone��s urgency, so the opening ceremony was very simple. After getting her grandfather, Grand Secretary Gu, to help cut the ribbon, she got someone to open the unique door.


    Whether it was the nobles or ordinary families, their doors at home were simr. The only difference was the materials and exquisiteness. However, this book house was different. Xiaoxiao had gotten someone to make a folding door. At this moment, when the door, which was several times wider than a high door, was opened, the spectacr bookshelves in the bookhouse immediately attracted countless exmations.


    When it was first built, those who saw the bookshelves only knew that they looked ordinary. No one expected what it would be like when these bookshelves were filled with books.


    To themoners, it was countless books. To the students, it was simply a paradise, a paradise in their dreams!


    ��Is it true that all books can be read?��


    As the page boys arranged at the door patiently exined the rules, the students, who had long been impatient, could not wait to enter. They chose the books they wanted and immersed themselves.


    The page boy was still exining.


    ��If any family has books that we don��t have here and you��re willing to lend them to us to make copies for the bookshelves, you��ll receive the reward of reading for free in all ��There��s a Book House�� for life.��


    Xiaoxiao told Rong Yan, ��In this case, it��s only logical for me to secretly change books from the Space Mall in the future!��


    She was always so smart, so attentive, and so caring.


    However, she left her fame to others.


    Someone was discussing. ��Hey, do you know that the books here are made with a new printing technique? I heard that after His Majesty implements this method, the prices of the books will be much cheaper in the future. Ordinary people can afford them too!��


    ��Really? Then can my Fur Egg also study?��


    ��Why would I lie to you? I heard that the person who came up with this method was the Third Prince!��


    ��Third Prince? The Third Prince who just beat up Xiongnu until he wet his pants? He��s really amazing!��


    Looking at Xiaoxiao��s proud face, Rong Yan plucked a fallen leaf from her head.


    ��Is this really good?�� Giving him all the glory.


    Xiaoxiao smiled evilly and said, ��Then you can��t expect me to take the initiative to ask His Majesty for a marriage, right?��


    ��in that case, someone will definitely say that I don��t know shame, desperate to marry a prince, and clinging to a high branch��


    The rest of her words were covered by Rong Yan��s mouth. She chuckled and tickled Rong Yan. Outside the carriage, Yun Er and Yun Shu looked at each other and smiled. They both felt that life was peaceful.


    It would be even better if the Yan Family stopped causing trouble.


    It was unknown if it was because they wanted to get along with Rong Yan, but the Yan Family suddenly said that they wanted to hold a flower appreciation banquet at this juncture and even specially sent a post to Xiaoxiao with great fanfare.


    ��If the princess doesn��t go, it means she won��t give our empress face, in name, the Empress only invited women of the appropriate age to admire the flowers, but anyone with discerning eyes could tell that she was choosing a consort for the Crown Prince.


    That was true. The Third Prince was already engaged, but the Crown Prince didn��t even have a main princess consort. It really didn��t make sense.


    However, Xiaoxiao was about toin. ��I��m already engaged. There��s no need to ask me to go, right?��


    This child was not shy at all when it came to marriage. Xiao Ran said helplessly, ��It��s just for show. You��re a princess after all. At the same time, you��re probably showing your magnanimity to the Emperor. We��ve already rejected the Crown Prince, but she still invited you openly.�� She hated these pretenses the most. ��Why don��t you pretend to be sick and not go?��


    Xiaoxiao shrugged. ��I feel that ording to the Empress and the Yan Family��s style, if I really say that I��m sick, they can get the imperial doctor here immediately.��


    That was true. The Yan Family was just so domineering and unreasonable.


    Xiao Ran was worried. ��Why don��t I go with you?


    Whoever dared to stop her would be beaten up until they shut up.


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t help butugh. ��Mother, why do I feel that I haven��t weaned in your eyes?��


    ��We��re in public. You said that I��m a princess. Who can do anything to me?��


    ��Ah, but choose two strong and smart female guards for me.��


    One must not have the intention to harm others, but one must be wary of others.


    Xiao Ran felt that this was fine. Her female soldier could fight 10 men on her own. ��Alright. If anyone dares to provoke you, beat them to death. If they��re not convinced, I��ll go to their house to continue beating them up. Just a little. You won��t suffer any losses and won t be angry!


    ��Father and Mother can protect you..��

 Chapter 431 - 431: Who Are You Looking Down On

    Chapter 431: Who Are You Looking Down On


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao was very touched. ��Mother, do you want to eat Crystal Jelly?�� ��I want grape-vored ones. Also, don��t tell your Father. He keeps scaring me for eating sweet food at night!��


    Hmph, how is that possible? My precious daughter��s toothbrush and toothpaste is very useful. I brush my teeth seriously every day!��


    Xiaoxiao:��


    Xiao Ran asked again, ��By the way, this post says that everyone who goes to the banquet has to bring a pot of flowers. Our empty space is the martial arts arena. If we don��t have flowers, why don��t we borrow a pot from your grandfather?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��There��s no need. My Second Brother brought me the flowers nted in my hometown in Fortune Vige.��


    Xiao Ran��s facial features twisted when she saw this. ��Just these few pots of grass?��


    Her daughter was even less concerned about the flower appreciation banquet than her. ��It��s not appropriate, right? Although those people are not worth our effort to begin with, this is too perfunctory. Why don��t we go to the market and spend a few taels of silver to buy a pot of chrysanthemums?��


    Xiaoxiao was helpless and was about to exin when she saw Gu Chang��an ring at her.


    ��Spring Sword Royal Orchid?��


    ��Emerald Grade One?��


    He looked at another pot of orchids that he had never seen before but had a bearing. ��And what is this?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��It��s called the in Crown Lotus Cauldron. I dug these up from Dayan Mountain.��


    The other two pots were exchanged from the mall, considering that the in Crown Lotus Cauldron was a new breed and probably no one knew it.


    She lied through her teeth. ��At that time, I thought that they were beautiful and it seemed good to use them to decorate the house, so I dug them up and nted them.��


    ��I forgot about themter.��


    Gu Chang��an was dumbfounded. ��Fortunately you forgot about them. The Spring Sword Royal Orchid and Emerald Grade One are extremely precious orchids!��


    Xiaoxiao asked, ��Are they high-ss enough for the flower appreciation banquet?��


    Gu Chang��an fell silent. Xiao Ran didn��t know anything about flowers and nts. ��Are they too ordinary?�� If she had to say it, she should buy some. 20 taels was enough to buy arge pot.


    Then, they heard Gu Chang��an say, ��I��m wondering if they��re worthy.�� Schrs especially loved orchids and felt that they were noble, elegant, and natural. The more Gu Chang��an looked at them, the more he liked them��. Xiaoxiao simply pulled him to the flowerpots that Ning Anhui brought to the Imperial Capital. ��Here, Father, you can choose whatever you want.��


    Gu Chang��an��s eyes almost fell out.


    He could treat gold and silver as dung, but facing these in front of him, his heart could not help but surge.


    ��So many? Did you dig them all from Dayan Mountain?�� What should he do? He really wanted to go to Fortune Vige again.


    Xiao Ran also asked, ��What breed is this chrysanthemum? It��spletely golden, and the flower is about the size of your palm! ��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��I call it the Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemum. When I saw it I felt����


    Gu Chang��an felt that his daughter might say something shocking. As expected she said��


    ��I thought that this flower could make a big pot of tea. It��s so convenient, so I dug it back. This chrysanthemum is easy to keep. There��s arge patch of flowers whenever it opens. I dried it a lot. I��ll make tea for you tonight.��


    ��You���� Gu Chang��an hesitated for a long time before saying the second half of the sentence.�� You��re a blessed person.��


    In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the flower appreciation banquet. Xiaoxiao rode the General��s Residence��s carriage to the Yan Family��s courtyard and saw Gu Ruoruo, who was obviously waiting for her at the door.


    The little girl nimbly jumped into the carriage and said concisely, ��Did you prepare the flowers? If not, I����


    Looking at the row of orchids in the carriage that she had only seen and never touched, Gu Ruoruo lost her ability to speak.


    Xiaoxiao asked her, ��I brought a lot. Do you want them?��


    Gu Ruoruo shook her head with difficulty. ��I-I brought some.��


    ��However, let��s cover the flowers first����


    Everyone did this so that they could either amaze the world with a single feat or prevent themselves from embarrassing themselves when they realized that the difference was too great.


    Xiaoxiao probably didn��t know, but Gu Ruoruo had seen that group of nobledies showing off.


    Today, she was waiting to see that group of people��s jaws drop!


    Everyone��s flowers were ced in the open space of the flower appreciation banquet. ording to Gu Ruoruo, this was because someone had secretly changed or damaged the flowers brought by others in the past. Later on, they simply ced them under everyone��s noses.


    When everyone saw that Xiaoxiao and Gu Ruoruo��s behavior were different, Xiaoxiao did not care what those bored people were whispering about.


    However, someone clearly saw her, but she deliberately bumped into her and said, ��Aiya, so it��s Princess Xiao. I��m sorry I didn��t see you just now. You won��t mind, right?��


    No one around spoke, waiting to watch a good show. Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes. ��No, I mind. Apologize.��


    Zuo Xiangling was stunned. ��What?��


    Then, she mocked, ��You��re a princess after all. Your status is different now. You��re actually so arrogant!��


    Xiaoxiao crossed her arms. ��Since you know that I��m a princess and that I��m much more noble than you, why don��t you bow?��


    ��Twelve, Eighteen.��


    The two female guards behind her stepped forward and kicked Zuo Xiangling in the knee.


    Xiaoxiao recalled the novels and television dramas she had seen in the past and blew at her nails in disdain. ��This apology is very sincere. I ept it. Get up.��


    Looking around, the nobledies from the various families, who were originally looking down on her, felt their hearts skip a beat. They all knelt down obediently. ��Greetings, Princess.��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��There��s no need to be so polite. We��re about the same age. Just call me by my name. I��m Xiao Ning, my style name is An��ning.��


    An Ning�� was her title and the style name her parents had given her.


    She was Xiao Ning, also a princess.


    After that, these nobledies were obviously much more obedient. Even if the guards could not follow them all the time, no one dared to disturb Xiaoxiao.


    She could not be bothered to socialize with these people, so sheined with Gu Ruoruo that the snacks tasted bad.


    In her boredom, Xiaoxiao saw someone walking straight towards her.


    This person��s facial features were a little familiar. Xiaoxiao nced at Zuo Xiangling behind her and had a guess about this woman��s identity.


    I, Zuo Qingyan, greet the princess.��


    This was the legitimate daughter of the Imperial Censor Zuo family, Zuo Xiangling��s legitimate sister.


    From the looks of it, Zuo Xiangling must haveined. However, Zuo Qingyan was quite a character. She probably hated her to death, but her expression was kind and friendly.


    ��This is the princess��s first timeing to the flower appreciation banquet, right? If there��s anything you��re not used to, you must tell me. By the way, you know that you��re bringing flowers today, right?��


    ��If you forget, I have plenty. You can choose one.��


    As the saying went, one shouldn��t hit a smiling person. She was so enthusiastic.


    If Xiaoxiao didn��t appreciate it, it would seem unreasonable.


    However, she absolutely did not believe that this rumored popr candidate for the crown princess consort would look at her without any ill feelings.


    As the saying goes, one who is unountably solicitous must be up to something. This Zuo Family��s daughter must have her own motives.


    The smart Gu Ruoruo reminded Xiaoxiao softly, ��Be careful. This kind of quiet person is the scariest.��


    That��s right. Xiaoxiao had just picked up her teacup when she heard the system announcement: [Ding, an exotic ingredient has been discovered. Its function is beep��not suitable for children.]


    Xiaoxiao:��


    Zuo Xiangling, who was following beside Zuo Qingyan, happened to meet Xiaoxiao��s gaze. Her eldest sister��s methods had always been wless. She did not think that Xiao Ning would notice, but why did she seem to be able to see the disdain in Xiao Ning��s eyes?


    Who was she looking down on?

 Chapter 432 - 432: Going Too Far

    Chapter 432: Going Too Far


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao felt that the Zuo Family��s daughters were so childish and old-fashioned. Other than spreading rumors, showing off, and drugging, could they be more creative? No one wanted to read novels with such methods, alright?


    Noticing that the servants serving behind her were staring at her teacup with burning eyes, Xiaoxiao raised her hand and pretended to drink water, but in reality, she threw all the tea into her space.


    After a while, Xiaoxiao realized that the servants came to her side much more frequently than the others. Gu Ruoruo also noticed it, but her understanding was a little off. ��They must have realized that you��re not to be trifled with, so they rushed to curry favor with you again. Pfft! They have no morals!��


    Xiaoxiao patted her head lovingly, giving her goosebumps.


    ��We��re peers! I already said that we��re peers!


    What was the meaning of Xiaoxiao looking at her like a child?


    She was going to turn hostile again!


    Before the child exploded, Xiaoxiao retracted her hand. Almost at the same time, the servants passing by her suddenly moved gracefully and used a very strange movement technique to perform a fall on the ground. It was so ridiculous that it wasparable to a modern retarded drama.


    Xiaoxiao really couldn��t convince herself to cooperate with such poor acting skills, so she decisively pulled Gu Ruoruo away. However, this person was stubborn. She actually pointed at the copper coin-sized water stains on Xiaoxiao��s clothes and eximed, ��Aiya, how is this good? It��s all my fault for being clumsy. Hurry up and let me bring the princess to change her clothes, okay?��


    With that, the servants, who had been waiting for a long time, surrounded


    Xiaoxiao.


    Probably to prevent her from not cooperating, the Empress, who found out about this, even specially sent a nanny over to serve her.


    ��The empress specially arranged for me toe. It can be seen how much she values you. If you reject me again, you��ll hurt the empress��s heart.


    Coincidentally, she was a little sleepy after sitting for a long time, so Xiaoxiao decided to see what they had carefully arranged.


    She had a space and knew that the other party was up to something. If she could still be schemed against, it could only mean that she was stupid.


    There was no such thing as guarding against thieves every day. Xiaoxiao was not that little farm girl who could be bullied by others now.


    ��That��s true.�� She smiled at the nanny��s mean and arrogant wrinkled face. Just as the other party revealed her smugness, she said slowly, ��If we dy any longer, the water stain will dry.��


    The nanny was awkwardly stunned. She felt that this girl was really as the Empress had said. She was very vulgar and did not know etiquette.


    Gu Ruoruo was very worried about her good friend and expressed that she wanted to go with her. However, the nanny did not agree, and Xiaoxiao did not want her to be implicated in what happened next. Hence, she persuaded her together. ��How about this? If I don��te back after five minutes, you can look for me again.��


    The nanny calcted the time and felt that it was enough, so she did not


    retort.


    Halfway through, Xiaoxiao covered her head and swayed. She felt that her acting skills were much better than this group of people because their joy was too obvious. Zuo Xiangling, who was hiding not far away and watching the show, couldn��t help but run out.


    ��Quick, bring her to the room.��


    The room was quiet, but no one was around. It was obvious that it was the best ce to catch the adulterers in private.


    After arriving at their destination, the nanny skillfully ordered the unrted people to leave and ced Xiaoxiao on the bed.


    After doing this, she was already prepared to leave, but Zuo Xiangling refused.


    ��Nanny, you go first. I��ll ��organize�� her clothes for her.��


    How could a person caught in the act be dressed so neatly?


    Hearing the nanny leave, Xiaoxiao opened her bright and clear eyes and smiled at Zuo Xiangling.


    Thetter was about to pull Xiaoxiao��s cor when she was so frightened that she almost eximed.


    She said ��almost�� because she realized that she suddenly could not make a sound. Not only that, but she also suddenly felt a pain at the back of her head and instantly lost consciousness.


    Xiaoxiao waved her hands repeatedly. ��Little Big Brother, put away your


    sword!��


    This flower appreciation banquet was a trap. Xiao Ran and her husband were not the only ones who were worried about Xiaoxiao. Rong Yan was also worried about her, so Xiaoxiao brought him along.


    It was good to have space. Rong Yan could read and write inside, and at the same time, he could do something like saving a damsel in distress at any time.


    At this moment, he really wanted to kill Zuo Xiangling, but on careful thought,


    it was indeed inappropriate.


    ��That��s true. If we kill her here, you will definitely be suspected.


    Xiaoxiao was betweenughter and tears. Alright. ��You��re handsome. You��re right.��


    Rong Yan asked her, ��What��s with the water you moved into the space just now?��


    Xiaoxiao deliberated for a moment. In order to prevent Little Big Brother from starting a massacre, she only said, ��I felt that the tea Zuo Xiangling��s sister gave me was suspicious, so I didn��t drink it.��


    Rong Yan pulled off the bed sheets, wrapped his hands around it, and opened Zuo Xiangling��s mouth. ��Feed it to her.��


    Xiaoxiao:��


    Rong Yan thought that she couldn��t bear it, so he said, ��If there is no problem with the tea, it��s just to moisten her throat now. If there��s a problem with the tea�� it��s all the sisters�� own methods.��


    ��Xiaoxiao, you don��t have to pity them. No matter what the consequences are, they brought it on themselves.��


    Xiaoxiao coughed lightly. ��It��s not that I pity her. I just saw that you specially wrapped your hands����


    Rong Yan nced at Zuo Xiangling from the corner of his eye and said in disgust, ��I find her dirty.��


    In order not to let Little Big Brother be disgusted for too long, Xiaoxiao quickly poured the tea into Zuo Xiangling��s mouth. In order to save time, she even specially used double the speed on her. Seeing that she had really started to blush and even pulled her clothes, Rong Yan��s face was so cold that it could freeze someone to death.


    Xiaoxiao hurriedly pulled him out to prevent Zuo Xiangling��s blood from sttering everywhere.


    This design obviously needed another participant. Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan used their space to hide and quickly saw the Crown Prince, who rushed over and carefully locked the door.


    Rong Yan��s expression was ugly, and Xiaoxiao rubbed the goosebumps on her arms.


    Although it was old-fashioned, it was really ufortable.


    The light in the room was dim, and it was obvious that the Empress did this on purpose. The Crown Prince knew that it was done when he heard the faint moans in the room. He couldn��t wait to enter the room, and Xiaoxiao decisively teleported out.


    She did not have the fetish of listening to such things. Moreover, the Empress must have a next step in her n to frame her, such as��


    The two of them saw the servants rushing over not far away from this room, as well as Gu Ruoruo, whose eyes were red and whose footsteps were more anxious than anyone else��s.


    However, the other nobledies blocked her, intentionally or unintentionally, not letting her walk in front.


    Gu Ruoruo was about to cry. She had promised her great-grandfather that she would take good care of Xiaoxiao. How was she going to exin herself if something happened?


    Moreover, she really treated Xiaoxiao as a friend. Even without her great-grandfather��s instructions, she didn��t want Xiaoxiao to encounter anything bad.


    The Yan Family was really going too far!


    She had already gotten someone to send a message to Xiaoxiao��s two female guards just now. As long as she could stall for some time, she believed that the people from the General��s Residence could protect Xiaoxiao!


    At the thought of this, she took a deep breath and grabbed the hair of the nobledy that was still blocking her way.


    ��Aiya, Gu Ruoruo, what are you doing?! It hurts!��

 Chapter 433 - 433: Spring Sword Royal Orchid

    Chapter 433: Spring Sword Royal Orchid


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao was dumbfounded. This little girl was quite spicy!


    Gu Ruoruo sessfully stopped them, but the Empress suddenly appeared from another direction and walked straight to the room. Seeing that they were about to push the door open, Gu Ruoruo rolled up her sleeves and was about to rush over without a care. At this moment, she heard a very familiar voice.


    ��Ruoruo, where are you going?��


    Gu Ruoruo stopped in her tracks and turned to look at the person in disbelief.


    ��Xiaoxiao?��


    She looked in the direction of the room in confusion. ��I couldn��t wait for you toe just now. I was worried that something would happen, so I came out to look for you. In the end, as soon as I walked out, these people followed closely. There��s clearly something wrong.��


    ��What happened after you left with them?��


    Xiaoxiao picked the parts that she could say. ��I felt dizzy as I was walking just now and felt that something was wrong. After the nanny brought me to the room, I slipped out first.��


    Gu Ruoruo felt like she had survived a cmity. She gave Xiaoxiao a thumbs up. ��Fortunately, you��re smart. Otherwise, who knows what would have happened. No wonder Great-Grandpa never liked to participate in these social events and didn��t agree with us juniors interacting too much with those silk pants.��


    Just as Xiaoxiao was about to ask, ��Then why are you here today?��, she already had a clear answer��for her.


    It was because they were worried that their granddaughter, niece cum friend, who was unfamiliar with the ce, would do their best to protect and help her.


    She hooked her arm around Gu Ruoruo��s shoulder. ��You like that pot of orchids very much, right?��


    ��You can have it!��


    Without waiting for her to reject, Xiaoxiao continued, ��I have many, many more.��


    Seeing that she was still very embarrassed, Xiaoxiao decided to use her trump card. ��I nted it to decorate the dishes.��


    At this moment, Gu Ruoruo seemed to have engraved these words on her face��


    What! A! Waste!


    ��Alright!��


    As the two of them spoke, the Empress had already said the prepared lines outside the room.


    ��Didn��t I say that the Crown Prince is resting in this room and can��t be disturbed by others?��


    Coincidentally, as soon as she finished speaking, an unbearable hum came from the room.


    The Empress took the opportunity to push open the door and rush in. Xiao Ning had been drugged, but the Crown Prince was awake, so if someone was to lose face, it could only be Xiao Ning, who had ��intruded the Crown Prince��s ce without permission��.


    The servants agilely opened the window and the door. The couple also revealed their true appearance.


    All the lines that the Empress had prepared in advance were stuck in her throat because of Zuo Xiangling��s seductive face.


    Why was it her?


    Zuo Qingyan��sposure was clearly far inferior to the Empress��s. After realizing that the person hugging the Crown Prince tightly was her half sister, she could not hold back her anger at all. She went forward and pped her fiercely.


    This p made the delirious Zuo Xiangling regain some consciousness. However, after realizing the current situation in a daze, all she could do was cling to the Crown Prince even more tightly.


    Since the n had failed, the Empress naturally wouldn��t deliberately publicize it. She ordered someone to take Zuo Xiangling away in a low profile manner. After intimidating the nobledies present, they returned to the ce where they had been admiring the flowers.


    Seeing Xiaoxiao and Gu Ruoruo sitting together and chatting, Zuo Qingyan could not control the anger in her voice. ��Why is the princess here?��


    Xiaoxiao looked up at her. ��That��s strange. Miss Zuo, are you questioning me?��


    Realizing that she had lost herposure, Zuo Qingyan quickly forced herself to adjust her emotions. ��Qingyan means that the servants can��t find the princess anywhere. We��re so anxious.��


    Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hand. ��I suddenly wanted to relieve myself just now, but the servants were all gone. I had no choice but to look for the ce myself. I only remembered the way back after I was done.��


    ��Why,�� she asked, ��is there a problem?��


    Zuo Qingyan could only grit her teeth and continue with the flower appreciation banquet.


    The nanny said that the person who was with Xiao Ning in the end was Zuo Xiangling, so she was not sure if her n had gone wrong or if her half-sister by his father��s concubine had other thoughts and was deliberately causing trouble.


    The medicinal effects had not passed, and now was not the best time to ask. She could only wait for the flower appreciation banquet before investigating. However, she would definitely embarrass Xiao Ning at this banquet!


    The matter of her marrying the Crown Prince was already set in stone, but Xiao Ning appeared out of nowhere and almost made Zuo Qingyan aughingstock in the Imperial Capital. Even if the Third Prince proposed to His Majesty, the Empress still wanted Xiao Ning to be his concubine.


    Who wouldn��t be disgusted by this?


    However, she even had to be magnanimous and sensible. As a result, a concubine��s daughter even dared to have ill intentions towards her!


    Although everyone knew that the main purpose of the flower appreciation banquet was not to admire the flowers, they still had to go through the process. However��


    ��Let��s change the gamey today. Everyone will lift the cover on the flower pot at the same time and choose together. How about that?��


    This way, even if Xiao Ning knew that she was going to lose face, she could not retreat!


    Little did she know that the food here was not delicious at all, just as Xiaoxiao wanted. Moreover, there was Little Big Brother who was on the verge of getting angry in the space. She had to leave early.


    The women naturallyplied. When the servants received the instructions, they went forward and lifted the covers one by one. Coincidentally, Xiaoxiao��s was cedst.


    Zuo Qingyan did this to embarrass Xiaoxiao, but why was she so calm from the beginning to the end?


    It was impossible for her to really have something good, right?


    Then, she quickly shook off this thought. It was already good enough for a wild girl from the countryside to be able to differentiate between flowers and nts. Where could she get a precious species from?


    The covers were lifted one by one. The various famous flowers were overwhelming. Apart from being smug, the girls were also looking forward to seeing what Xiao Ning had brought.


    Someone whispered to each other, ��She won��t bring a pot of vegetables, right?��


    Needless to say, this was not impossible. After all, they had heard that she liked to farm when she was in the countryside.


    With the mood of watching a joke, everyone focused their gazes on thest two pots of flowers. The first thing that appeared in front of everyone was a pot of orchids brought by Gu Ruoruo.


    It was understandable that Gu Ruoruo, who was born in the Gu Family, would bring orchids.


    The Gu Family was not a rich family. Their only love was their upright style, so this pot of orchids was not very expensive.


    The girls quickly shifted their expectant gazes to thest pot��it was brought by Xiaoxiao.


    The mockery on their faces turned into shock when they saw its true appearance��


    ��This is the Spring Sword Royal Orchid?��


    How was that possible? She was just a farm girl. She might not even be able to distinguish between flowers and nts. How could she have an orchid of such quality?


    Could it be from the Gu Family?


    Gu Ruoruo red back. ��Do I look like I can take this out?��


    That made sense��


    Gu Ruoruo was a little unhappy after saying that, so she added, ��But Xiaoxiao has already agreed to give me a pot. Hmph.��


    Although it was childish to show off like this, she felt great!


    Many people revealed envious expressions, but there were also many who were stubborn. ��Do you know how rare the Spring Sword Royal Orchid is? One stalk is already priceless. Are you giving it away just like that?��


    Gu Ruoruo was a little hesitant. So it was so expensive?


    How about she forget about it?


    But if she didn��t want it, Xiao Ning might really use the flowers as a garnish for the dishes��

 Chapter 434 - 434: Silver Fell From The Sky

    Chapter 434: Silver Fell From The Sky


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Just as she was thinking, Xiaoxiao said, ��It��s hard to get even if you have a thousand taels of silver? Then who can pay a thousand taels? I��ll share one with her.��


    There was nock of people with prominent families present. Even if they could not afford it, they might know one or two rich people who had nowhere to spend their money. When they heard this, they were really tempted.


    Especially when Xiaoxiao said, ��There aren��t many. Just five stalks. Firste, first served.��


    Five stalks!


    After the flower appreciation banquet ended, not only was Xiaoxiao unharmed, but she also received a five thousand taels order. She had the capital to open a shop in the capital.


    ��Come back to the General��s Residence with me to look at flowers. Pick a pot you like.��


    Gu Ruoruo felt that she could have one. Otherwise, she was afraid that Xiaoxiao would choose whichever one looked good as a garnish for her.


    When they walked out of the courtyard, Xiaoxiao waved her hand when Gu Ruoruo did not notice and Rong Yan walked out from the corner.


    ��Is it over?��


    Gu Ruoruo widened her eyes at her chief. Rong Yan nodded at her. ��I��m here to pick Xiaoxiao up.��


    Twelve and Seventeen couldn��t help but run to the ce where he walked out. When they returned, they looked at him with admiration. ��Third Prince, you��re good!��


    The two of them actually did not sense his existence at all.


    The two of them became more and more vignt. They decided in their hearts that they would be more careful when protecting Miss in the future.


    Fortunately, it was the Third Prince who came today. If it was an expert with ulterior motives, wouldn��t Miss be in danger?


    If not for Rong Yan��s strong request, Xiaoxiao nned to take him home.


    However, he said, ��If you leave me in the space, it won��t be convenient for me to help if you encounter danger.��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Then if you always appear with me, people will say that you��re too romantic.��


    Rong Yan smiled and asked, ��So what?��


    ��I like you. It��s not something that I��m ashamed to let others know.��


    Xiaoxiao was immediately convinced by him and happily showed off her affection to Gu Ruoruo.


    When the youngdy arrived at the General��s Residence, she was already full before she could eat.


    However, she was still quite happy for Xiaoxiao. Although the Third Prince was not doted on, he was still a prince with military achievements. Moreover, he did not care about the secr world��s opinion of Xiaoxiao. It meant that he really had her in his heart.


    Gu Ruoruo had heard Xiaoxiao say that there were ��many�� flowers at home, but she did not expect it to be so many.


    Looking at the orchids that were casually ced, she heard from Xiaoxiao that half of them were still in her hometown Fortune Vige. She also heard from her that she dug them back when she went up the mountain to dig wild vegetables��


    Gu Ruoruo took a sip of tea angrily. ��Enough. Stop talking.��


    If she listened any longer, she was afraid that she would pack her luggage and run to Fortune Vige tomorrow.


    The tea was fragrant and mellow. It was a chrysanthemum. Gu Ruoruo looked down and froze.


    ��What kind of tea is this?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Chrysanthemum.��


    Gu Ruoruo pinched the bridge of her nose like an old pedant and asked, ��What��s the background of the chrysanthemums that make tea?��


    Xiaoxiao took out a pot of Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemum from the corner of the wall. ��I separated its branches when I had nothing to do back then, and arge patch of it grew as I split them. I saw that these flowers bloomed well and didn��t bear fruit. It would be a pity if it wilted, so I dried them and used them to make tea.��


    Gu Ruoruo decided to talk to Shen Tianciter. She could not leave just like that. Shen Tianci still had to go back to Xijiang County to study, right? Xijiang County was not far from Fortune Vige, right?


    Didn��t Shen Tianci say that it was hard for him to study? It should be good to take a walk in the countryside and see the beautiful natural scenery.


    Perhaps because she had seen Xiaoxiao��s extravagant flower tea, Gu Ruoruo was very calm about her choice of gifts. She calmly chose two��


    A pot of Emerald Grade One and a pot of in Crown Lotus Cauldron.


    ��Although I don��t know what species this orchid is, I like it.��


    Xiaoxiao gave her a thumbs up. ��Good taste.��


    Gu Ruoruo looked at this person who probably didn��t know anything about flowers in surprise. Then, Xiaoxiao said, ��This flower doesn��t bloom much. It��s not easy to use it as a garnish.��


    Gu Ruoruo did not want to chat with her anymore, but she still had to ask.


    ��Are you really going to sell the flowers?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��That��s right. It��s free money. It��s a waste not to take it.��


    ��I need a lot of money to spend next.��


    Gu Ruoruo naturally thought of her marriage and the financial situation of the General��s Residence all these years. Then, she sincerely felt that it was really not easy for Xiaoxiao. She even had to worry about her dowry.


    She asked, ��Is five stalks enough? Why don��t you sell more?��


    Xiaoxiao was surprised by her change in attitude, but she still exined seriously, ��The rarer something is, the more precious it is. I won��t be able to sell it for a good price if I sell more.��


    Gu Ruoruo was about to praise him when she said, ��And I won��t have any use for them if they��re all sold.��


    Gu Ruoruo did not want to know how she would use it at all.


    Gu Ruoruo, who had eaten her fill and brought the flowers home, was brought back by Grand Secretary Gu not long after. She watched helplessly as her great-grandfather fell silent after drinking a cup of flower tea. She was not surprised at all as she watched her great-grandfather and Little Grandpa pick the flowers. Then, she could not help but roll her eyes at the innocent-looking Xiaoxiao.


    From the next day onwards, Xiaoxiao received 1,000 taels of silver every day. When she got 5,000 taels of silver, she looked for her Second Brother valiantly.


    Ning Anhui rubbed his eyes hard. ��What is this? Is it all my money? Even if I sell the shop, it won��t be worth so much money.��


    Xiaoxiao reminded him, ��Do you still remember the grass you brought when you came to the Imperial Capital? I��ll sell them all.��


    Of course, he had to remember. His sister had asked him to dig up a cart of grass in the courtyard of his house and bring them along when he entered the capital. He had been puzzled for a long time. He could understand why his sister wanted to dry her chrysanthemums, because those flowers were big, fragrant, and convenient to make tea. But why did she want the grass?


    He was stunned. ��You just said that you sold what?��


    ��You sold those green leaves for 5,000 taels of silver?��


    Xiaoxiao stretched out a palm. ��I only sold five stalks. I��ll sell the rest after some time.��


    Ning Anhui took a long time to digest this fact. Only then did he know that the rich in the Imperial Capital were so stupid and rich. However��


    ��I can��t take this silver. You dug the grass and nted it. The silver should be yours.��


    As her older brother, how could he take advantage of his sister? Moreover, his sister had just gotten engaged and was going to marry a prince. Wouldn��t she have to prepare some glorious dowry?


    Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hand and did not reach out to take the banknotes. ��But Brother, I only dug them back from Dayan Mountain. asionally, I would have to water, fertilize and transnt them. Which one of them wasn��t helped by you and Eldest Brother?��


    Especially Second Brother. Back then, he hadined a lot about Xiaoxiao��s unique taste and that she would move all kinds of weeds and wildflowers home. However, he was also the first to pick up a small shovel to help Xiaoxiao transnt them.


    He even silently built a shed for these flowers and nts when he felt that the weather was about to change.


    ��Second Brother dotes on me the most. I like Second Brother very much!��


    These straightforward words made Ning Anhui, who had already be close to her, blush and scratch his head. Xiaoxiao took the opportunity to say, ��Besides, Second Brother, weren��t you worried that the cost of opening a shop in the Imperial Capital would be too high? Look, the heavens immediately sent you your capital.��


    ��It can be seen that there��s fate in the world.��


    ��Second Brother, you can take a gamble. Anyway, the money to open this shop fell from the sky..��

 Chapter 435 - 435: Premeditated

    Chapter 435: Premeditated


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It had been many days since theyst met, but his sister��s ability to fool others was even better than before. When he came back to his senses, Ning Anhui realized that not only had he epted the banknotes, but he had also discussed the location of the shop with Xiaoxiao.


    He put the banknotes away in amusement and muttered to himself.


    ��What do you mean by falling from the sky? It��s clearly premeditated by you.�� ��Otherwise, why would there be empty shops in such a big ce like the Imperial Capital?��


    He was not an ungrateful person. Moreover, he was confident that he could use these 5,000 taels to earn more dowry for his sister!


    When he fell asleep, the corners of Ning Anhui��s lips curled up exceptionally high.


    Hehe, his sister said that she liked him very much.


    Indeed, no matter when or where, no matter what identity she changed into, she was still his sister.


    Over the past few days, he had heard countless rumors about Xiaoxiao having nothing to do with the Ning Family anymore. He knew that those people were just jealous.


    Someone pretended to be kind and told them that they had to keep a distance from Xiaoxiao in the future. Otherwise, others would definitely say that they were clinging to the rich and powerful, especially since their sister was now a princess. She might have long wanted to abandon poor rtives like them to save face!


    He was not embarrassing. Although he could not be like Li Muyan, he could also shield his sister from the wind and rain. In order to catch up on the homework that he had missed all these years, Eldest Brother could not even make it back in time for his sister��sing-of-age ceremony. The rice that Father nted for the royal family was about to spread throughout the entire Great Xia.


    They were not embarrassing. They were the backing of their sister!


    Xiaoxiao and Gu Ruoruo weren��t just making excuses when they said that they had to spend a lot of money recently. She wasn��t just talking about letting Ning Anhui open a shop in the capital.


    Among the rewards given by the Emperor was a courtyard.


    That courtyard was remote. Other than the size of the ce, there was nothing else worth mentioning.


    Xiao Ranforted her and said that it had not been easy for the Emperor all these years. ording to the state of the treasury, this was already the best he could do.


    Actually, Xiaoxiao did not mind. ��Mother, to be honest, that house suits me.�� Xiaoxiao asked Xiao Ran to find a group of people who were strong, willing to suffer, and trustworthy. These requests were almost tailor-made for Xiao Ran��s old subordinates who had retired from the army. Hence, a group of strong men who had been waiting to work for a long time packed their luggage and moved into the courtyard. After that, smoke rose in the courtyard almost every day, but no one knew what they were doing.


    In the blink of an eye, it was winter in Great Xia. Chernan strolled on the streets of the capital and despised these Great Xia people for putting on cotton-padded jackets early.


    ��How can they live in the snow if they have to wear a thick jacket now?��


    After saying that, he remembered that Great Xia did not have a world of ice and snow. It was so infuriating.


    Recently, he had finally gotten in touch with the Crown Prince. That guy seemed to be troubled by women recently. He felt that the Crown Prince deserved it.


    It was obvious that he was unwilling to give him money, but he insisted that he did not receive the letter.


    The carrier pigeons they domesticated were never wrong. Moreover, he had sent seven to eight letters in a row. How could they not send any to the right ce? Could it be that his carrier pigeon had been eaten?


    After much persuasion and even using threats, he could be considered to have gotten 10,000 taels of silver from the Crown Prince. However, what was infuriating was that Rong Yan was so petty. He had already cheated him of a lot of iron ore and even made printing blocks with it.


    Chernan didn��t think much of it. He thought that Rong Yan lied to him about the iron to forge weapons, but it turned out to be for studying.


    The people of Great Xia were just jealous. There was nothing to be afraid of.


    Thinking of this, he suddenly smelled a familiar yet unfamiliar smell.


    ��Do you want a cup of milk tea that just came out of the pot? The second cup is half price!��


    ��What could be more wonderful in winter than holding a cup of hot milk tea in winter?��


    Milk tea that warms the hands, the stomach, and the heart!��


    A new shop called ��So It��s You�� was attracting customers. Themoners originally did not have much hope for this thing made of cow milk, but the servers said��


    ��Let��s try it for free. It��s free if it��s not good. Don��t miss it!��


    ��Sister, seeing that you��re so busy, why don��t you have a cup to warm yourself up? Women have to treat themselves better. You can��t possibly take good care of your family while you can only work hard, right?��


    Her sister, who was over 40 years old, heard people call her ��Auntie�� every day. She was stunned for a moment when she was suddenly called ��Sister��. Then, she was attracted by the server��s words and really picked up the small cup on the table to try it on.


    She thought that this taste would be difficult to swallow, but she did not expect it to be alright?


    ��I thought it was something amazing, but it turns out that it��s just milk tea. There are a few shops on East Street. We��re already tired of drinking it.��


    Hearing suchments, the server was not angry. He only handed over the tasting clothes amiably. ��Then try it. Is our milk tea different from theirs?�� Ning Anhui cursed inwardly when he heard her mention those milk tea shops that had copied them. He only felt a little better when he saw the surprised expression on the person��s face.


    Those were all fake goods. In the past, they were able to be famous in the Imperial Capital only because their real thing didn��te. With the recipe given by his sister, Ning Anhui believed that it wouldn��t be long before the customers in the Imperial Capital would definitely think of ��So It��s You�� whenever they mentioned milk tea.


    Regardless of whether they had ever drunk milk tea from the Imperial Capital in the past, they felt that the sweet and mellow fragrance had a lingering aftertaste after tasting it. They started to buy it in twos and threes.


    Not long after, the scene that happened in Xijiang County also appeared on the streets of the Imperial Capital.


    In this slightly cold early winter, was there anything morefortable and warm than holding a cup of hot milk tea in your hand?


    Even Chernan was surprised after drinking the first cup. The Xiongnu also drank cow milk, but did their cow milk taste like this? He wasn��t sure. Let��s try another cup.


    The server struck while the iron was hot. ��Isn��t it a little monotonous to drink milk tea alone? Customers, why don��t you have a tiger skin cake? We can settle it earlier.��


    Not far away, Mrs. Shen poked her head in jealousy. ��Alright, you��re here to snatch business from me?��


    Xiaoxiao knew that she was joking and was not as serious as her.


    ��How can that be? How can my milk tea shop, which costs a few copper coins a cup, bepared to your nobledy clubhouse that one can��t enter without a VIP card?��


    Mrs. Shen poked her head even harder. ��Stop talking nonsense. Where��s the new product that you promised to provide us?��


    Xiaoxiao sent over the double-skinned milk pudding that she had prepared long ago.


    She knew very well what ��So It��s You�� and the elegant abode were. The elegant abode served the noble people who did notck money, while ��So It��s You�� served ordinary tea to ordinary people.


    Li Muyan couldn��t care less about the milk tea shops in the Imperial Capital because of his grandmother��s matter. He gave those shops that had been eyeing this new thing a chance, causing most of the milk tea shops that could be seen in the Imperial Capital to be ridiculous.


    The dishes in the elegant abode were all exclusive. Hence, even if her Second Brother opened ��So It��s You�� milk tea shop, he would not vite their agreement. As for the fake goods that secretly learned skills, there was even less of a need to mention them. They had only learned a little about brewing tea, and the snacks were even more out of ce. No wonder they had not caused much of a stir until now.


    Seeing that Ning Anhui��s shop was doing well, many shopkeepers naturally had some nasty thoughts that they could not tell others. However, when they found out that the General��s Residence, the Princess, and the Third Prince were behind this shop, they were forced to stop their restless thoughts..

 Chapter 436 - 436: Mutton Mutton Mutton Mutton Skewers Restaurant

    Chapter 436: Mutton Mutton Mutton Mutton Skewers Restaurant


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    They also secretly sent people to buy ��So It��s You�� drinks and snacks back. After realizing that the food they made was indeed worlds apart, they actually expressed their desire to franchise in twos and threes.


    Xiaoxiao thought that Second Brother would reject her sternly, but he actually agreed calmly after serious consideration.


    ��Second Brother has thought about it. We can��t rely on this skill forever. Brother wants to let go of milk tea and open some new shops.��


    ��So It��s You�� didn��t need much. The unused portion of 5,000 taels was very ample.


    Moreover, Jiao��er woulde to the Imperial Capital soon. With her ability, managing the milk tea shop was a piece of cake. Wouldn��t he have to think of some new tricks?


    Xiaoxiao was interested. ��Oh? Then has Second Brother thought of doing anything else?��


    Ning Anhui asked her, ��Sister, I think I heard you say that you ordered a lot of sheep in the border town?��


    He brought up his considerations after careful consideration. ��Actually, I think that the weather will be cold after winter. Even the dishes served in the restaurant will cool down quickly. It��s meaningless to spend a lot of money to order a table of dishes, but we can rarely eat anything hot. If we can set up that barbecue and build a soup shop, it will be steaming hot. It will just be able to chase away the cold winter air.��


    ��It��s just that the barbecue is smokey. Will the people in the Imperial Capital dislike it?��


    Xiaoxiao pped. ��What a coincidence!��


    Ning Anhui had interacted with her for a long time. When he heard the word ��coincidence��, he instinctively felt suspicious.


    Xiaoxiao pretended not to see Second Brother��s expression and said, ��I found more than one shop for sale.��


    Ning Anhui narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms. He was just short of saying, ��Make it up, make it up for me again.��


    Xiaoxiao was especially thick-skinned in front of her family and made up stories.


    ��I think that shop is moderate in size and has all the props. It��s suitable for opening a restaurant. However, this regr restaurant is not suitable for us.�� She chuckled and said, ��Second Brother��s idea is excellent. Who would reject a warm meal in winter?��


    Just as she was about to say that she would go back and consider it, she saw her Second Brother staring at her with a gaze that could see through everything. ��Alright, don��t hide it from your Second Brother. Just say it. What shop are we opening?��


    Xiaoxiao continued to chuckle and told him the truth.


    ��Mutton soup pot.��


    When the cold wind blew, who could resist the temptation of hotpot and barbecue?


    When the new shop opened and the unique fragrance wafted through the streets of the capital, more and moremoners were attracted, watched, and tried. Then, they could not stop.


    Recently, the Xiao Family, especially Xiaoxiao, had been in the limelight too much. As the saying went, the bird that sticks out gets shot. Some people were jealous, so naturally, some people would look for their mistakes. Soon, Imperial Censor Zuo would be the first to cause trouble in the court.


    ��Your Majesty, what kind of ce is the Imperial Capital? It��s under the Emperor��s feet and represents the dignity of our Great Xia Dynasty. Moreover the Second Prince of Xiongnu is still living in the Imperial Capital. If we let that barbecue stall continue, won��t the streets be foul?��


    The Emperor had been very dissatisfied with the Zuo Family recently, especially with their most prestigious family style.


    Initially, the Empress told him that she liked the daughter of the Zuo Family��s first wife. He thought that Xiao Ning had already bestowed a marriage to the Third Prince and nned to let the Crown Prince do whatever he wanted this time. Unexpectedly, not long after, he heard that the Crown Prince and the concubine��s daughter of the Zuo Family were in an ambiguous rtionship. It was fine to listen to stories about sisters having the same husband. If the Crown Prince took in the Zuo sisters at the same time, he would not be the only one who would be mocked by the world. He would also have nowhere to put his face as the Emperor.


    Hence, it was absolutely impossible for one to be the main princess consort


    and the other to be the secondary princess consort.


    Moreover, the Empress and Noble Consort Ji actually mentioned such a ridiculous request to him.


    Did they not take him, the Emperor, seriously, or did they take the Yan Family too seriously?


    If not for the fact that the treasury was still empty and everything needed money��


    Suppressing his thoughts, the Emperor coldly listened to Imperial Censor Zuo��s words. ��Foul?��


    ��But why did I hear that that shop is clean and hygienic? Other than the fragrance, there��s no ck smoke at all?��


    Imperial Censor Zuo, who only cared about scolding people and had never gone


    to the field to investigate, said, ��How is that possible?��


    Barbecue was roasting food with charcoal. How could there be no smoke?


    Hence, the Emperor happily and willingly brought a few officials who were also dissatisfied with the food stall to the streets of the Imperial Capital incognito. There was a charcoal stove in front of a shop called ��Mutton Mutton Mutton��. The skewers of mutton were rolling on the charcoal fire under the barbecue master��s skilled skills. When the color of the meat changed, the master sprinkled cumin powder in an exaggerated manner.


    ��Come,e,e. Let��s try the Mutton Mutton Mutton mutton skewers for free!��


    You really don��t want money? Are you giving it to us?��


    Ning Anhui, who had suddenly taken up the role of a barbecue chef today, said calmly, ��It��s only the first skewer.��


    ��Starting from the second skewer, it��s 2 copper coins for one string. Buy five and get one free. There��s a limited inventory. If you want to buy it, buy it quickly.��


    The people who came for the first time wanted tough. They could barely swallow mutton. If it was not free, no one would hesitate to eat it. Where did this shopkeeper get his confidence from, as if he still felt that it was not enough to sell?


    However, when they tried to take a bite of the mutton skewers that this fool had given them for free,


    Eh? It was neither smelly nor dry. Unknowingly, the entire skewer was finished.


    Is it good? Fm not sure. One more.


    ��Sir, you��ve already received the test food just now. Next is a skewer of two copper coins.��


    Ning Anhui��s request when recruiting servers was one important point-they could remember faces.


    The server smiled amiably. ��Or you cane again tomorrow. We have a fixed number of free tastings every day.��


    This person hesitated for a while and felt that his tongue could not wait until tomorrow. ��Then I��ll have a skewer.��


    The server continued to smile. ��Alright, you won��t lose out with two coppers. You won��t be fooled by two copper coins. However, this cold wind is bleak. One stick won��t warm your body. Do you want more? We��ll have to buy five get one free as our opening promotion.��


    In a moment of carelessness, many people contributed 10 copper coins.


    On the surface, Ning Anhui didn��t move, but in reality, he had already made ns in his heart.


    10 copper coins and 10 copper coins. A hundred 10 copper coins is one tael. Its not a problem for an adult to have 10 mutton skewers. Then a hundred 20 copper coins is two taels. If I meet someone with a big appetite��


    As he was calcting the bill, he saw a group of customers with unique auras. Hence, he instructed the server.


    After going to the General��s Residence��sing-of-age banquet, the Emperor despised the food in the pce more and more. It was fine if the dishes were unchanged, but the taste was also h. The more he ate, the less he liked it.


    He had also eaten mutton from the imperial chef in the past, but it was really difficult for him to swallow. Initially, he was not interested when he heard that Xiao Ning��s adoptive brother opened a mutton shop, but the smell was really tempting. Should he go in and try it?


    Just as this thought arose, they saw the waitere to them with a te of freshly made mutton skewers.


    This is your first time here, right? Do you want to try it? It��s still hot. If it doesn��t taste good, turn around and leave. There��s no charge..��

 Chapter 437 - 437: Shady Shop

    Chapter 437: Shady Shop


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was interesting. The key was that the Emperor realized that he was really hungry by the smell.


    The first to act in this group was Eunuch De. He picked up the bamboo stick and was about to taste it for His Majesty when he heard the server say tactfully It s windy outside. Why don��t you go in with me and sit down to taste it slowly?��


    The Emperor nced at themoners who were queuing up to taste the food and did not say anything. The hall was filled with people. There was a steaming pot on every table, and there were no empty seats as far as the eye could see. The server did not stop and brought them straight into the private room. Imperial Censor Zuo had a lot to say.


    As soon as the server left, he couldn��t wait. ��Your Majesty, you don��t leave the pce often. Perhaps you can��t tell. This is clearly a shady shop!�� The Emperor took the mutton skewers that Eunuch De had already tried and asked absent-mindedly, ��Oh?��


    Imperial Censor Zuo said righteously, ��We didn��t say that we wanted to eat inside, so the server tricked us into going to the private room. He said that it was a free tasting. Later, he will definitely force us to eat. Otherwise, it will be a clever excuse to charge a high fee!��


    He spoke logically. The Emperor ate happily. When he realized that the others did not make a move, he simply ate all the mutton skewers that they had just given away. Then, he felt a little tired.


    At this moment, the server returned with a pot of tea. He quickly poured a cup for everyone and was about to leave.


    It was the Emperor who stopped him and took the initiative to ask, ��What price should I pay?��


    The server grinned. ��Look at what you��re saying. We agreed not to charge you It��s free.��


    Imperial Censor Zuo took a step forward. His face was full of confidence ��I��ve already seen through you.�� ��Then what��s the price of the tea?��


    The server bowed. ��It��s just a few sses of water. It��s nothing.��


    Seeing that he really had no intention of collecting money, Imperial Censor


    Zuo was dumbfounded. However, he still insisted on his opinion-


    ��They��re unountably solicitous. They��re up to no good!��


    The Emperor did not say anything and just led the way out. The server��s smile did not change at all. He was still warm and polite. ��Take care, guest! Wee back next time!��


    However, the Emperor stopped in his tracks andughed. ��This pot in your shop is quite novel. How do we eat it?��


    The server��s smile instantly became more real. ��This is your first time here right? This is called a charcoal hotpot. The thick soup that is boiled over a high fire, will be simmered with charcoal. Then, you can put in your favorite ingredients and cook them. It��s enough to eat like this if you like light vors. If you like other vors, you can even make a dipping sauce yourself!�� Imperial Censor Zuo was dumbfounded as he watched the Emperor sit back down and really finish his lunch here.


    As an Emperor who had always restrained himself, he had only tried a total of three sauces, but every one of them made him praise and reminisce.


    Seeing that Imperial Censor Zuo was making a fuss over nothing, the Emperor said confidently, ��Didn��t Imperial Censor Zuo say that they were either evil or illegal. Then let��s have a meal and see how evil they can be.�� in the end, after finishing therge table of meat and vegetarian dishes, it was only two taels of silver when the bill was paid. This was because the dishes ordered by the Emperor were more expensive. Just look at the dishes in the hall outside. They were only worth less than one tael.


    The Emperor, who had eaten and drunk his fill, carried the server��s tea to relieve his tiredness. He looked at Imperial Censor Zuo with a meaningful expression.


    ��Is this the ��shady shop�� that Imperial Censor Zuo mentioned?��


    ��I don��t know when a restaurant became so affordable. One tael of silver is already an unbelievable price. ording to this, can anyone be considered a profiteer as long as the price exceeds this pot?��


    Imperial Censor Zuo was speechless. Just now, in order to show his integrity he did not eat a single bite. Now, even the remaining fragrance at the bottom of the soup seemed to be mocking him.


    That shouldn��t be the case. Everyone in the world came for benefits. Wasn��t the reason why the Xiao Family spent so much effort to build such a pot shop to get rich?????? <sup>r</sup>


    The Emperor left in satisfaction, but Imperial Censor Zuo still didn��t believe it. He sent someone to wait for a few days�� The person who was waiting couldn��t help but eat a few meals, but he didn��t find any dirt.


    It wasn��t that he hadn��t thought of throwing some rats and cockroaches into the pot or finding someone to cause trouble and frame them, but he couldn��t find an opportunity.


    The kitchen of Mutton Mutton Mutton Restaurant was like an iron bucket Not only did the chef in charge of boiling the soup base know kung fu, but he was also loyal to the shopkeeper. The most ridiculous thing was that when they encountered a lobbyist, they directly sent him to the government office.


    It was also at that time that Imperial Censor Zuo knew that most of the people hired in this shop were veterans or their families who had been to the battlefield before. These people were probably as loyal to the Xiao Family as they were to His Majesty.


    In the eyes of the veterans who had walked out of life and death battles, their tricks were just child��s y. This road was blocked, but the stubborn Imperial Censor Zuo was not discouraged. He went to the bosses of other restaurants to form a team to deal with Mutton Mutton Mutton.


    Something even more iprehensible happened. Not long after, a few more restaurants served hot pots. Smelling them, they seemed to be extremely simr to Mutton Mutton Mutton.


    ording to the shopkeepers of these shops, this was called a franchise shop.


    eir boss, Li Muyan, said that he wanted to open this pot shop to more ces before the cold winter and let more people have a warm winter.


    Imperial Censor Zuo��s eyebrows twitched. These shopkeepers even offered benefits to his people. ��Brother, do you want to join the franchise together? The price is fair and honest!��


    What did the Xiao Family want? Was it a small profit and a lot of sales? Xiaoxiao had long heard that someone had designs on Second Brother��s hotpot restaurant, but she was not worried at all and continued to take care of her flowers and nts.


    Ning Anhui told her, ��Although your franchise fee is very low, there are still people who disregard their dignity and imitate us.��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand and said, ��It��s not difficult to make a hot pot.��


    Ning Anhui asked, ��Then what��s difficult?��


    Xiaoxiao chuckled. ��Brother, what do you think is the difference between the charcoal I sent to you and ordinary charcoal?��


    Ning Anhui was also a nimble person. Not long after, he went back to count the money with his hands behind his back.


    Not long after, those hot pot shops that followed the trend closed their doors and resumed their old business. There was no other reason. Their charcoal smoke was too thick and the customers could not eat at all. Only then did they realize that there was no smoke throughout the boiling of the pot in all the shops of Mutton Mutton Mutton.


    The Emperor had recently coaxed and pestered Xiao Ran for a lot of hot pot dips. He was already very surprised, but he heard another piece of good news from the morning court assembly today.


    The Xiao Family��s daughter built a charcoal workshop in the house he had rewarded. Then�� she burned cheap smokeless charcoal.


    ��In other words, can people use better smoke-free charcoal at the price of ordinary charcoal in the future?��


    Senior Sister must have done too many good things, which was why she gave birth to such a lucky star for Great Xia!


    What made even more people��s jaws drop was that not long after the smoke-free charcoal was developed, she sold the form to the Li Family and asked them to be fully in charge of the smoke-free charcoal production while she only put in her name as the partner.


    Even Li Muyan was shocked. ��You��re really giving it to me?�� And at such a casual price? In his opinion, this was no different from giving it to him.


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��There��s only one request. The charcoal workshop must prioritize hiring retired soldiers, and they can��t fire them for no reason..��

 Chapter 438 - 438: Could It Be That The Prince Thinks We’re Too Early?

    Chapter 438: Could It Be That The Prince Thinks We��re Too Early?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    This was a small matter to Li Muyan. ��That��s all?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Yes, that��s all.��


    Did she know how big a deal this would be?


    Xiaoxiao knew, but she didn��t have the time or energy to do everything. Moreover, if Li Muyan took over the charcoal-manufacturing matter, he could more or less help Second Brother.


    Moreover, it was not like she had gained nothing. Compared to silver, she preferred the gratifying increase in points��


    [Ding! The current level of the space is 59- The points bnce is 189,800. Master, do you want to upgrade?]


    Recently, she had been exchanging books and flowers in the mall. She had even brought Little Big Brother to the border several times. The consumption of points was not small, but once those franchise shops opened, the ie every day increased by several times.


    She had a feeling that when the charcoal workshop was built, she could even spend one point and throw away one point��that was how rich she was!


    [System upgradepleted. Current points bnce is 191,210.] [Regr updatepleted. The brocade pouch has been activated.] [One, 1��1 ranch speed times 10.] [Two, 1��1 water speed times 10.]


    [Three, Hidden reward.]


    Xiaoxiao experienced it carefully and felt that she did not seem to be very eager for the hidden reward, so she decisively chose option two.


    Humans were always greedy. After eating too much onnd animals, they wanted to try eating water creatures.


    She returned to the capital toote and did not eat enough hairy crabs. Moreover, there were Boston lobsters and king crabs in the new productsunched by the Space Mall. Wasn��t this seducing her?


    These two fellows had high requirements for their growth time. If they grew at a normal speed, Xiaoxiao would have to wait for a long time before she could satisfy her cravings.


    However, 60 x 10 water speed was different. She could experience the joy of a day in the sky and a year on the ground now.


    As long as these little cuties stayed in the water for a day, it was equivalent to two years. In other words, in a month, she could harvest 50-odd years old lobsters. In less than two months, she could eat as much as she wanted of the huge Boston lobsters and king crabs that were once difficult to buy in the modern world and were extremely expensive!


    It was also very important to satisfy one��s appetite.


    After happily throwing lobsters and crab babies into the water and drooling for them to grow up quickly, Xiaoxiao looked at the iron mine in the space in satisfaction.


    The mined ores were piled up in the space warehouse. It looked very spectacr, but it was a pity that she did not have the chance to use them.


    She touched her chin. Perhaps, its not that there��s no chance.


    Among the many items updated in the mall, only one caught Xiaoxiao��s eye.


    [Item: Iron mine. Points required: 500,000.]


    The Xiongnu envoys dawdled and finally sent the agreedpensation before it snowed in the capital. Probably because they were afraid of Great Xia��s troops, they did not dare to tamper with it again. The quantity was urate and the quality was right. Xiao Ran, who was in charge of counting, spat from the bottom of her heart when she returned home.


    ��Should��ve given them a good beating long ago.��


    A guard said hatefully, ��If it weren��t for the fact that half of the officials in the royal court jointly submitted a petition back then, calling it concern, but in fact, it implied that you were injured and couldn��t be qualified to be a general, would Xiongnu have been able to survive until now?��


    Xiaoxiao looked over to verify. Xiao Ran waved her hand. ��It has nothing to do with them. I tried it myself and really couldn��t ride a horse. Otherwise, I would still go to the battlefield even if I tore their mouths apart.�� At this thought, Xiaoxiao was even more grateful to Gongsun Zhongjing.


    Thetter was too tired and locked himself in his courtyard after hering-of-age banquet. He only sent a post to the General��s Residence yesterday. In order to express her gratitude, Xiaoxiao��s dishes were so sumptuous that Rong Yan could not help but take a few more nces. Everyone knew that the matter of patent medicine could not be carried out purely by one��s own strength. In order to let more people enjoy this convenience, Gongsun Zhongjing had already asked Xiaoxiao and the others to inform the Emperor about this after careful consideration. Hence, the patent medicine he brought with him this time was sent to the pce immediately.


    Xiaoxiao asked him, ��After this, the Imperial Court will definitely pay attention to this matter. What does Doctor Gongsun n to do in the future?��


    She asked in detail, ��Should we hand over the production of patent medicine to the Imperial Hospital and the Imperial Court, or should we continue to follow up?��


    She knew that Gongsun Zhongjing was unwilling toe into contact with the government, but this matter concerned the patent medicine and the world. She had to mention this matter.


    As expected, Gongsun Zhongjing fell into deep thought. If it was in the past, he only wanted to let go of everything and continue traveling or return to the Genius Doctor Valley to apany his medical skills as usual, but��


    ��I��ll think about it.��


    Although she didn��t know what made him hesitate, Xiaoxiao actually felt that there wouldn��t be another person in the entire Great Xia who was so concerned about patent medicine.


    ��However, no matter what happens after this, it��s best to prepare more for the time being.��


    Everyone expressed their doubts. Xiaoxiao said mysteriously, ��There might be a big deal soon.��


    What arrived at Great Xia with Xiongnu��s officials were carts of iron ore.


    When the Xiongnu official, who was filled with dissatisfaction, saw Chernan, his attitude naturally wasn��t any better.


    ��I was originally worried that the second prince would suffer in Great Xia as a hostage.�� They scanned Chernan��s round figure from head to toe and said disdainfully, ��Looks like we were overthinking.��


    ��The prince won��t think we��re too early, will you?��


    This was originally a sarcastic remark, but he did not expect Chernan to ept it as a matter of course.


    ��It��s indeed a little fast. You guys make our Xiongnu look too yielding.�� ��Why? Didn��t Eldest Brother teach you an excuse to dy on the road?�� ����The iron ore is too heavy, the road is bumpy, and the limatization�� One of them can be used, right?��


    ��You��re here so quickly with tributes as if our Xiongnu is in a hurry. Don��t you find it embarrassing?��


    The official envoys felt like a mouthful of blood was stuck in their throats. He was the culprit of the defeat. What right did he have to criticize them?


    Moreover, did they want to be so cooperative? They also wanted to dawdle on the way to express Xiongnu��s integrity, but their entourage did not let them!


    At the mention of this group of special ��escorts��, the Xiongnu official was depressed and could only cry.


    They and the escorts could be considered the most familiar strangers��they were all Great Xia veterans who had fought them in the border city in the past.


    The term ��veterans�� did not mean that they were old. Most of these people were still in their prime, but because of their injuries and illnesses, they had no choice but to leave the border city and the military camp.


    Xiongnu��s official rolled his eyes��but who knew that they would meet again in such away!


    When enemies met, their eyes were especially red. Although the escorts repeatedly emphasized that they were only here to transport goods and not take revenge, the envoys still had the illusion that they were going to be escorted into the capital to be beheaded.


    No. Why are you looking at us like you want to eat us?


    Their ugly old injuries looked like a death warrant in the eyes of the Xiongnu! It was terrifying!


    After hearing theints of the Xiongnu envoys, even though Chernan originally disliked them, he could not help but fall into a long silence..

 Chapter 439 - 439: Nemesis

    Chapter 439: Nemesis


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He remembered that this matter was also caused by the Xiao Family and the Third Prince. It was called ��Veterans Reemployment��. He was furious but did not dare to say anything.


    The Xiao Family and the Third Prince of Great Xia were Xiongnu��s nemesis, right?


    ��You have no choice but to lower your heads when you��re under someone else��s roof. Now, you can understand why I��m lying low in Great Xia, right?��


    The officials had to admit that the current Great Xia did seem to have something.


    Chernan asked, ��Then there can��t be a problem with thend dedicated to Great Xia, right?��


    The officials nodded and lowered their voices. ��Don��t worry, the First Prince and the Third Prince have seen it to ensure that nothing goes wrong. Thend given to Great Xia will definitely not be left untouched. It��s so barren that even we despise it!��


    ��But we still have an excuse��it��s close to Great Xia!��


    ��We even prepared an alternative n, which is to reduce a portion of the iron ore and exchange it for another city that��s connected to that ce.��


    What was a city? It was just a destend. How could it be more important than the iron mines they had saved over the years?


    Under the eaves, an overly quiet bird participated in this secret conversation the entire time, but no one knew, except��


    Xiaoxiaoy on thewn of the space and kicked Rong Yan. ��I was wondering why the space suddenly opened an iron mine for me.��


    ��It��s actually Great Xia��s cheat, right?��


    The space whined in dissatisfaction.


    The next day, Xiongnu��s envoys indeed raised the request of exchangingnd for mines. The Emperor and ministers fell into hesitation. Opening up their territory was a temptation that no dynasty could resist, but Xiongnu��s iron ore did not only represent the offerings of the defeated country.


    At the same time, it was also an important prerequisite to ensure that Xiongnu would behave itself in theing days.


    Just as the Imperial Court was hesitating about who should be in charge of the follow-up negotiations, Lu Chen, who was traveling, brought Ning Ansheng, who had lost a lot of weight, back to the Imperial Capital.


    The Emperor was overjoyed and immediately entrusted him with an important task. Lu Chen also took on the responsibility and epted this task.


    It was unknown if it was to appease the Gu Family, which was also a role model for schrs, but the Emperor handed the job of the next imperial examination to Grand Secretary Gu.


    It was said that the two schrs who did not get along did not interact at all in the court, but no one knew that after the court session, the two of them sat at the Xiao Family��s dining table at dinner and raised their sses to drink.


    ��It��s been many years since west met, but Brother Gu��s elegance is still the same as before!��


    ��Brother Lu should be the one. Your persistence in learning is still the same as before. I admire you!��


    Xiaoxiao and Gu Chang��an were in charge of the side dishes. The Royal Brush Monkey Head was also deeply liked by Lu Chen. After he wrote a few lines and ate them himself, he praised sincerely, ��Let��s not talk about anything else. Your granddaughter is really enviable!��


    Speaking of this, Grand Secretary Gu was no longer humble. ��Indeed.��


    Dean Lu was stunned for a moment before he chuckled. ��I like Brother Gu��s straightforwardness. Come, drink!��


    The two of them, who were the most experienced, drank too much and no one could persuade them to stop. All Xiaoxiao could do was add water to their wine jars and ask her brother to keep it a secret.


    Needless to say, Ning Ansheng did not agree with his Teacher drinking too much. It was not good for his health. This old man, no, this old gentleman��s alcohol tolerance was really not good. The aftermath was a headache.


    It was normal for him to eat and sleep in the wild on their travels. His head hurt only when he saw his Teacher drinking.


    ��Brother, do you think Great Xia should agree to Xiongnu��s request?��


    Ning Ansheng pulled his thoughts back from the scene of Teacher being drunk when he was studying. ��You mean to exchangend for iron ore?��


    Initially, Ning Ansheng felt that it was inappropriate. Xiongnu had wild ambitions. If they did let them, who knew when these people would make aeback? However, if his sister asked this,


    ��Do you have other considerations?�� He could listen to her first.


    Xiaoxiao pulled Rong Yan along and said with a fierce expression, ��Eldest Brother, actually, there��s something else about those two plots ofnd.��


    Ning Ansheng was willing to hear the details. He had thought of all kinds of possibilities. For example, thend there was vast and sparsely popted, and it was suitable for grazing. For example, the soil there was fertile and could be used to farm. He just did not expect his sister to say��


    ��Actually, Little Big Brother��s people once saw a suspected undiscovered mineral source near the border city.��


    This was a big deal. After Ning Ansheng and his sister confirmed it again and again, they decisively snatched Teacher��s wine ss.


    Dean Lu originally wanted to express his dissatisfaction, but after hearing his disciple��s words, his drunken eyes immediately regained rity.


    Not only him, but the participants in the dinner also looked over.


    ��Why didn��t you say so earlier?��


    Xiaoxiao shrugged innocently, and Xiao Ran said, ��Actually, Yan��er told me after the court assembly. However, there were many people at that time. If Xiongnu found out, he wouldn��t hand over thend obediently, so he wanted to talk to Dean Lu in detail tonight.��


    Unexpectedly, before the dishes were all served, he and Grand Secretary Gu could not stop drinking.


    If not for the fact that they had drunk too much, everyone would have mentioned it after dinner.


    ��People need to eat. I��ll be hungry if I don��t eat. This matter can��t be exined in a few words. I might as well eat my fill first.��


    Of course, this was what Xiaoxiao said.


    After knowing about Xiongnu��s n, she and Rong Yan nned to make things up.


    For example, when they were guarding the border to capture Xiongnu��s spies, they found a cave by chance. They felt that the terrain looked like the mineral source mentioned in the books. Later on, when they passed by when they attacked Xiongnu, they saw that it was unguarded, so they sealed the mountain.


    Clearly, the Xiongnu people themselves had missed that treasurend. Now, they even thought that they were smart enough to use it as a condition.


    ��I can tell that this is a move that Xiongnu racked his brains to think of. Then, we have to give them face and make things difficult for them.�� Dean Lu was a man of his word. He only agreed to exchangend for mines ��for free�� after making the Xiongnu people think that his n had failed a few times.


    However, Xiaoxiao did not intend to let them bring back the iron ore that the veterans had worked so hard to transport to Great Xia back to Xiongnu.


    After all, although the mineral source was good, it still needed to be mined. However, the tributes from the Xiongnu people were different. They could be processed into weapons directly. It was convenient and easy.


    Chernan did not stay in Great Xia to escape the responsibility of defeat. He still wanted to make up for his mistakes and make aeback.


    Of course, he couldn��t handle this alone, so he asked the Crown Prince for help.


    The Crown Prince was having a headache over the dried vegetables he had painstakingly obtained. No, the recipe for dehydrated vegetables was not as valuable as they imagined. Since Chernan came knocking on his door, he naturally had no reason to reject him.


    The Yan Family had spent a lot of manpower and resources on dehydrated vegetables. However, other than earning a sum of money when they firstunched this thing, no one cared about it afterward.


    That was true. As long as there were fresh vegetables to eat, who would be happy to buy those dry vegetables?


    He felt that he had been tricked by Xiao Ran, but they had no evidence, so they could only swallow their grievances.


    The Crown Prince had actually been annoyed with Chernan for a long time. Chernan could not do anything right and could only spoil things. Every time he came to Great Xia, he would always threaten him with that idea.


    He asked for money one after another. Did he think he was a bank?


    He was already very unhappy when he saw how high-spirited the Third Prince had been recently!

 Chapter 440 - 440: The Third Prince Is Rebelling

    Chapter 440: The Third Prince Is Rebelling


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    When he heard that Chernan came to visit again, the Crown Prince nned to send him away, but Prime Minister Yan, who happened to be a guest in the Crown Prince��s residence, stopped him.


    ��It��s not like there��s no turning point in the matter of dehydrated vegetables.��


    ��The Imperial Capital doesn��tck vegetables. Great Xia doesn��tck vegetables, but itcks some ces.��


    ��The rarer something is, the more precious it is.��


    After all, he had been taught by many masters for so many years. The Crown Prince was not too stupid. He instantly understood what his grandfather meant.


    Prime Minister Yan reminded him again, ��Besides, your father should be feeling sorry for the iron mines that were returned.��


    The Crown Prince understood immediately and reported good news to the Emperor the next day.


    ��Father, the Xiongnu people are willing to use iron ore to buy arge number of the Yan Family��s dehydrated vegetables!��


    The Emperor was overjoyed and praised the Crown Prince fiercely.


    Chernan felt that he had solved the food problem that had troubled them for many years for the people of Xiongnu. He was also very smug.


    Although it was just a small vegetable, without it, there were so many problems that it made one��s hair stand on end. Who could understand the pain of squatting in the snow for an hour naked on a snowy day? Their legs were f*cking numb when they stood up!


    ��Not to mention that we still have reserves, even if we don��t have iron ore, as long as the mineral source is there, it will be inexhaustible.��


    ��But these vegetables are different. You think it��s a loss for me to exchange iron ore for them, but don��t you think that as long as you can take these things back to study, it��s a one-time deal?��


    ��Are we stupid? Of course not. With so many dehydrated vegetables bought back, can��t we develop the method ourselves?��


    ��Don��t tell me that you��re not envious of Great Xia��s military rations. Think further. If we can also produce the fast food that Great Xia��s soldiers eat in the future, won��t we be like tigers with wings when we attack the Imperial Capital in the future?��


    Both sides felt that it was a win-win situation. Only Xiaoxiao smiled and did not say anything.


    Not long after the Yan Family��s dehydrated vegetables were exchanged for the iron ore that Great Xia almost missed, the Emperor of Great Xia announced again��


    ��The Genius Doctor Valley and the Imperial Hospital will coborate tounch patent medicine that is convenient to store and has obvious medicinal effects.��


    Among these medicines, there were ointments and pills. They had miraculous effects on the corresponding illness from typhoid to cough.


    Most importantly, it was cheap!


    It saved them theplicated cooking and processing steps. They were ready to use and the amount of medicine was precise. Even an illiterate family would not make a mistake after taking a look at the illustrated instructions.


    Wasn��t this much more humane than ��cooking three bowls of water into a bowl��?


    At first, when the patent medicine was first released, themoners were skeptical. However, when someone broke out in a cold sweat the day before to buy the medicine and went to work in high spirits on the third day, the true effect immediately spread like wildfire.


    Good wine was not afraid of being hidden in the alley. Good medicine was not afraid of no one using it.


    Anyway, Chernan was very enticed.


    For a moment, he did not know if he was right toe to Great Xia. He did not seem to have learned anything useful and was only thinking about shopping!


    The official envoys tried their best to avoid the second prince��s gaze, but thetter pressed on their shoulders and forced their eyes to meet.


    ��Second Prince! We don��t have money! Didn��t we use the iron ores we transported to buy dehydrated vegetables?��


    Chernan wiped the saliva on his face. ��There��s a lot of reserves over the years����


    The Emperor had been in a very good mood recently.


    Great Xia��s territory expanded, and they did not lose a single piece of iron ore. Xiongnu even nned to exchange more iron ore for their patent medicine. He had a feeling that Great Xia would wee a golden age in his hands!


    The only w was that the two plots ofnd that Xiongnu offered as tribute were too poor.


    The reason why crops could not be nted in the city ahead was because the soil quality was not good. However, the ce where Xiongnu paid tribute was different. There was not even a decent piece ofnd there. As far as the eye could see, it was really empty.


    At this moment, Imperial Censor Zuo requested to see him and said that he had something important to report.


    As soon as he arrived, he said mysteriously, ��Don��t you find it strange, Your Majesty? Xiongnu��s request is clearly unreasonable. Why did Lu Chen agree?��


    The Emperor was actually also puzzled. Lu Chen should understand what those iron ores meant. Not only did they represent the dignity of Great Xia, but they were also an important prerequisite to ensure that Xiongnu would not be able to cause trouble for the time being.


    Lu Chen did not have the ability to predict the future, so he naturally did not know that the Crown Prince would exchange dehydrated vegetables for iron ore. It was also impossible for him to predict that Xiongnu would take a fancy to the patent medicine produced by the Genius Doctor Valley.


    Since that was the case, why did he agree?


    Seeing that the Emperor was starting to think, Imperial Censor Zuo took the opportunity to say, ��I know that genius doctor Gongsun knows the Xiao Family, but no matter how familiar he is or how confident he is, it��s impossible for him to know the Second Prince of Xiongnu��s actions like the back of his hand, right?��


    ��Unless����


    The Emperor nced at him. ��Unless what?��


    Imperial Censor Zuo looked around mysteriously. ��I identally found out that Lu Chen originally nned to be firm and never agreed to Xiongnu��s unreasonable request. He changed his mind because someone persuaded him.��


    Indeed, Lu Chen had scolded the Xiongnu envoys until they were worse than animals in the early stages of the negotiation. If he had not relented, the Xiongnu envoys�� requests would have been useless.


    The Emperor asked, ��Who?��


    Imperial Censor Zuo wanted to say something but hesitated. ��I don��t dare to say.��


    The Emperor looked at him coldly. ��Don��t give me that. If you don��t dare to say it, why are you here today? Do you believe that I��ll hit you?��


    Imperial Censor Zuo felt embarrassed, but he knew when to stop. He stopped pretending and took out something from his clothes.


    ��It��s the Third Prince.��


    ��In addition, I also obtained this letter by ident.��


    The Emperor let Eunuch De take it. ��Imperial Censor Zuo has done a lot of things ��unintentionally��.��


    Imperial Censor Zuo felt goosebumps on his back. ��Actually, someone couldn��t stand the Third Prince��s actions and took the initiative to denounce him.��


    It was a piece of cake to find a soldier who was dissatisfied with the Third Prince in such a huge military camp. As for letters��


    The Emperor read quickly. ��It��s a letter from Chernan and Rong Yan?��


    The letter said to ask Rong Yan to help them. Otherwise, they would forget about helping him fight for the throne.


    This matter had severely vited the Emperor��s taboo.


    The princes could fight and be unconvinced with each other, but they could not collude with outsiders! Especially Xiongnu, who had a blood feud with Great Xia!


    Imperial Censor Zuo said angrily, ��He colluded with foreign enemies and coveted the throne. The Third Prince is rebelling!��


    Perhaps because he felt that these words were not important enough, Imperial Censor Zuo continued, ��I heard that the Third Prince received food support many times when he attacked Xiongnu. He said that that person only wanted to contribute to Great Xia and was unwilling to leave his name.��


    ��What a joke. How can there be so many kind-hearted people in the world? That��s food that can supply the entire border camp. Is this something ordinary citizens can casually take out?��


    ��It can be seen that the Third Prince is already prepared! Who would have thought that the Third Prince, who seems to have been obedient all these years, is the most scheming person?��


    Did he mean that Rong Yan had been secretly storing food for ��needs��?


    Although the Emperor also felt that the rations did note from a kind person, his guess was different from Imperial Censor Zuo��s..

 Chapter 441 - 441: Only Mother

    Chapter 441: Only Mother


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    At night, the Emperor rested at Noble Consort Ji��s ce. After dinner, he pretended to ask unintentionally.


    ��Did my older brother leave you anything back then?


    Noble Consort Ji shook her head and replied, ��I can��t remember.


    The Emperor didn��t ask further. He just nced at the few drops of water that fell from the outside of the teacup and lowered his eyes.


    Noble Consort Ji was a unique existence in this harem because she was almost the current Emperor��s sister-inw.


    Everyone who knew about this past strongly opposed the Emperor taking Noble Consort Ji as his concubine, but he did it.


    Even though the throne was unstable back then and she still had to rely on the Yan Family, he still ignored everyone��s opinions and let her be the ��Noble Consort Ji�� who had been favored for so many years.


    After the Emperor left, Noble Consort Ji sat alone for a long time. Then, she asked the nanny, ��Is everything ready?��


    Nanny sighed. ��Do we have to do this?��


    Noble Consort Ji looked at the moon outside the window and said softly,


    ��Definitely.��


    Rong Yan was called into the pce by the Emperor, and he did note back.


    Xiaoxiao was worried. No matter where she went, it was as if she was in a no man��snd. Since she was worried, she naturally had to take a look. However, she did not expect Rong Yan to be under house arrest.


    They knew that the Crown Prince couldn��t help but attack Rong Yan, but the Emperor wasn��t stupid. Wasn��t this reaction a little too big?


    After confirming that there was no one around, Xiaoxiao appeared from the space. Rong Yan uncharacteristically hugged her and did not say a word.


    He buried his head in Xiaoxiao��s neck. There was only the sound of their breathing in the room. Xiaoxiao simply brought him into the space and patted his back gently from time to time.


    After a while, Rong Yan, who had adjusted his emotions, said gloomily, ��Are you treating me like a child?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��No, I��m coaxing you because you��re my precious.��


    ��What happened?��


    Rong Yan had already suppressed his disappointment and told Xiaoxiao calmly.


    ��Father asked me today why I persuaded Dean Lu to agree to Xiongnu��s unreasonable request.��


    They had discussed this matter before. Firstly, Xiaoxiao wanted to move the two mines out together after she had saved 500,000 points to save some teleportation points. Secondly, she naturally did not want Xiongnu to go back on their word after finding out.


    At the same time, since she knew that the Crown Prince had ulterior motives, Xiaoxiao was a little selfish. She wanted to mess with him and take this opportunity to make the Emperor feel guilty.


    The Emperor had ignored Rong Yan for so many years. As a father, this could no longer be described as negligence. If he dared to punish Rong Yan or suspect Rong Yan��s feelings for Great Xia, Hmph, Xiaoxiao would make him doubt his life!


    She had clearly told Little Big Brother about her ns. Since he was already prepared and said that he had gotten used to it all these years, how could he be so down?


    Rong Yan said, ��He sent someone to my residence and found a dragon robe.


    ��How ridiculous. No matter how disloyal I am, I can��t hide such a thing


    casually.��


    Xiaoxiao did not ask the Emperor if he believed her. ��Who put it there?��


    Rong Yan knew that she had guessed correctly.


    ��Other than my people in my residence in the pce, only Mother��


    The words ��Father doesn��t dote on me, Mother doesn��t love me�� appeared in Xiaoxiao��s mind uncontrobly. She was angry, very angry.


    Afterforting Rong Yan in her own way, she shed out of the pce but


    did not go home directly.


    Noble Consort Ji was making tea in the hall. When she heard that someone wanted to see her, she thought it was the Empress again.


    ��Your Highness, it��s Miss Xiao who wants to see you.


    Noble Consort Ji��s hand that was serving tea paused for a moment. ��Let her in.


    When Xiaoxiao came, she had an unfriendly expression. Even if Noble Consort Ji was indeed as beautiful as a fairy and looked very simr to Little Big Brother Ah Yan, she couldn��t smile.


    ��Greetings, Noble Consort. My name is Xiao Ning, and I��m the Third Prince��s fiancee.��


    This self-introduction was very unique. Noble Consort Ji observed her imperceptibly.


    Her eyes were clean and her appearance was likable. Most importantly, she seemed to be angry.


    Was she angry for Ah Yan?


    Maintaining her calmness, Noble Consort Ji asked, ��What��s the matter? On the way here, Xiaoxiao was filled with anger. She really wanted to throw a tantrum without caring about anything else, but she thought that she was the Noble Consort after all. Even if she didn��t care about offending her superiors, it was very likely that she would be chased out before she could scold her to her heart��s content, so she had to change her method.


    She said perfunctorily, ��Oh, I remembered that I still have to meet my elders, so I specially came to send some gifts.��


    ��I heard that Noble Consort likes to read books and pay respects to Buddha, so I specially brought some scriptures. I hope you like them.��


    She had no intention of sitting for long. After saying that, she was about to leave.


    On the other hand, the Noble Consort pointed at the small table unhurriedly. ��Since you��re here, at least have a cup of tea, lest outsiders say that I didn��t treat my guests well.��


    Xiaoxiao nced at the tea set on the table. After confirming that there were no strange ingredients in the tea, she picked it up and drank it in one gulp.


    ��I��m done drinking. I��ll take my leave.��


    Was it an illusion? This tea seemed to taste quite good?


    What she did not know was that after she left, the nanny shook her head and cleared the table.


    ��It��s a pity that you have such good intentions.��


    Noble Consort Ji opened the gift Xiaoxiao brought and casually said, ��It��s fine.��


    She opened a book of poems.


    ��The thread in the loving mother��s hand and the clothes on the wanderer��s body are tightly sewn before they leave. She��s afraid her child won��t return for a long time. Who said that one��s heart can be repaid for three springs?


    This was the Wanderer��s Song.


    ��Bright lily flowers grow in the north hall. The south wind blows her heart.


    Who will she give it all for? A kind mother depends on her family��s love, and her son��s journey is bitter. I��m willing to decree that the days are sparse, and the voices ask the days to stop. I look up at the cloud forest. I��m ashamed to listen to the wise bird��snguage.��


    This was ��Mo Xuan Painting��.


    ��The crow lost her mother and let out a sad voice. She didn��t fly day and night and guarded the old forest all year round.


    This was ��The Crow Cries at Night��.


    Nanny was speechless.


    Noble Consort Ji finished reading all the poems.


    ��She��s calling me a bad mother.��


    The nanny had a bitter expression. ��Shall I put it away for you?��


    However, Noble Consort Ji held down these books.


    ��The sun is shining today. I��m going to the courtyard to sunbathe and read.�� The nanny��s face was filled with worry. Noble Consort Ji said, ��She��s venting her anger on behalf of Ah Yan.��


    ��Ah Yan�� must have guessed that I nted the dragon robe.


    ��I��ve ignored him all these years. He shouldn��t have any expectations for me anymore, right?��


    Noble Consort Ji said softly, ��If he doesn��t have any expectations, won��t he feel less sad?��


    The granny didn��t know how to respond, and Noble Consort Ji naturally didn��t expect to get an answer from others.


    ��The Crown Prince is anxious. The Yan Family is anxious.��


    If not, they would not mind Rong Yan so much.


    It was good to be anxious. No matter how cunning a fox was, it would give itself away when it was anxious.


    The Empress really didn��t expect Noble Consort Ji to go so far for the Crown Prince. No matter how unloved Rong Yan was, he was still her biological son. She framed him just like that and even attacked him so mercilessly.


    ��That��s a beheading crime. To think Noble Consort could bear to do it.�� The Empress sneered.. ��What do you know? Isn��t that because the Third Prince looks too much like His Majesty, and the Crown Prince looks too much like����

 Chapter 442 - 442: There’s Iron Ore

    Chapter 442: There��s Iron Ore


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    She carefully swallowed the second half of her sentence.


    ��From the looks of it, Noble Consort Ji is indeed a trustworthy person.�� ��It��s just a pity that she haspletely fallen out with the Third Prince like this. I originally wanted to use her to make an issue out of the imperial examination.��


    The Empress was still very happy to remove Rong Yan as a threat.


    She was happy, but the Emperor was not.


    As the ruler of a country, he wasn��t so muddle-headed as to lose his rationality because of a dragon robe. However, he was indeed shocked by Noble Consort


    Ji��s actions.


    ��Does she hate me that much?��


    Eunuch De was deaf and mute. He was like an emotionless wooden statue. His presence was so weak that no one could feel him even breathing.


    After a while, the Emperor said to Eunuch De, ��I want to go to the Xiao Family


    for a meal.��


    Eunuch De:��


    It sounded like an order.


    Knowing that the Emperor wasing, Xiaoxiao and Gu Chang��an quickly changed the dishes.


    The Emperor did not expect himself to be very popr in the Xiao Family, nor did he expect to enjoy delicacies. However, wasn��t it a little too much to let him, a dignified person, eat in porridge?


    No one in the Xiao Family felt that it was too much. They even restricted him from eating more than one bowl. He was only given a limited amount of pickled vegetables. After dinner, Xiaoxiao memorized the scriptures.


    The Emperor��s head hurt.


    When he left, he was very emotional. ��Look, aren��t her parents avenging him?�� After saying that, he realized that he had been hinted at, so he was even more unhappy.


    After he left, Xiaoxiao quickly put down the small bowl of porridge and served the dishes that were still hot in the kitchen. As she ate, she asked Xiao Ran, ��Why didn��t he ask anything?��


    Xiao Ran added a piece of meat to her daughter. ��He knows everything.��


    He just pretended to be blind sometimes.


    Xiaoxiao asked again, ��Mother, when do you think it��s better for us to tell His


    Majesty the truth?��


    Xiao Ran deliberated for a moment. ��I wanted to wait for Xiongnu to leave, but we��re all unhappy now. How can I let them go back happily?��


    ��It��s just that Ah Yan suffered for no reason.��


    Xiaoxiao sighed. It was a secret that she had secretly met Rong Yan, so she couldn��t show that she knew everything now. However, she slipped into the pce that night and even brought a lot of delicious food for Rong Yan.


    She did not know how tofort others. In the past, she felt that her life would beplete if she could eat and drink to her heart��s content. Hence, when she liked someone, she first thought of making the best food in the world


    for him.


    On the other hand, Rong Yan had seen all kinds of deception. On the other hand, Xiaoxiao��s sincerity moved him the most.


    It was impossible to say that he did not care. Being hated by his biological mother to this extent, he had wondered many times if he should have been born.


    Since she hated him so much, why did she have to give birth to him back then? However, those pessimistic thoughts seemed to gradually disappear after eating Xiaoxiao��s delicious food.


    Xiaoxiao looked at Rong Yan��s dark eyes and wanted him to sleep in space for a while. However, looking at his sleeping face, she realized that she was also sleepy.


    Xiaoxiao had a dream. In the dream, the Xiao Family did not find their daughter, Xiao Ran could not treat her old injuries, and when Xiongnu attacked Great Xia and caused the people to die, the Imperial Capital��s pce suddenly became aze.


    The Emperor had passed away. The first order given by the new Emperor after he ascended the throne was to confiscate the Yan Family��s assets. All the officials objected. The new Emperor beheaded a few imperial censors, including Imperial Censor Zuo. Then, he personally brought the former Crown Prince and let him watch the Yan Family copse.


    Therge amount of weapons and money found in the Yan Family was quickly thrown into the military camp. All the troops that could be gathered from all directions were gathered in the Imperial Capital. At this moment, the menacing Xiongnu army and the Southern Barbarian soldiers, who suddenly joined in, gathered and pressed down on the city.


    The two armies faced each other. At the moment when a huge battle was about to break out, the new emperor did something that made people dumbfounded.


    He had personally killed the former Crown Prince in front of the array.


    As a bystander, Xiaoxiao also saw that blood-stained face clearly at this moment.


    Rong Yan.


    After waking up from her dream, Xiaoxiao could still feel her intense heartbeat. She wasn��t sure if Great Xia would win or lose after that, but she thought that even if they won by luck, it would probably be a tragic victory.


    Vaguely, she seemed to know the meaning of hering to this alternate world.


    Not only was it for the promotion of delicious food, but it was also for the peace and prosperity of the rivers and mountains.


    On the first day of Rong Yan��s house arrest, the Crown Prince set up a deal for dehydrated vegetables with Xiongnu��s envoys under the witness and bragging of the officials. Half of the officials praised him for keeping the iron mine and deliberately ignored the subsequent patent medicine business.


    Gongsun Zhongjing did not care about the running of business. He only cared about making medicine, so he still left the negotiation of the price to Lu Chen. Dean Lu had also been given a third rank title by the Emperor. It was mainly because he felt that there were too many things to do and that it was too troublesome to be given an even higher rank. Lu Chen led the imperial envoys and insisted that they would not ept any payment other than iron ore. The Xiongnu said that the transportation was difficult. Lu Chen sneered and asked, ��If the iron ore is hard to transport, how easy can the transportation of cows, sheep, and jewelry be?��


    The Xiongnu people said that the iron ore was rted to weapons and there were more people coveting it. Lu Chen waved his hand and said, ��You don��t have to worry about that. As long as you send a letter back, our escort can immediately set off with the iron ore.��


    in any case, Xiongnu could only do as Lu Chen said obediently. Then, they realized gloomily that their old friend, the escorts from the Great Wall, were already waiting at the door before they could gather the iron ore in the capital. They even asked kindly, ��Do you need help?��


    Chernan was actually quite happy to have obtained what he wanted. They, the Xiongnu, were born brave and good at fighting. It was just that they were unlucky and were born in that cold ce.


    It was fine if they died on the battlefield. Many of their nsmen were frozen to death in the winter and died of illness. As long as Great Xia��s patent medicine worked, there would be fewer children who would freeze to death every winter in the future. Then, there would be even more warriors who could grow up. How difficult would it be to take down Great Xia again?


    He understood this logic, and so did Chercha and Cheryan. Otherwise, why would they listen to him obediently and hand over the reserve iron ore?


    Thinking about it, once the inventory was cleared, it might not be convenient to mobilize troops in the next three to five years. But so what? Great Xia would definitely not be able to retaliate the next time they made aeback!


    It was a beautiful thought. However, just as they were about to leave the Imperial Capital and the people in the Capital were still discussing the Third Prince��s collusion with outsiders, a bolt from the blue struck them. They were in so much pain that they wished they were dead and regretted their actions��


    ��What?��


    The Emperor didn��t even care about his image and stood up from the dragon throne.


    ��What did you just say?��


    Xiao Ran pursed her lips and repeated slowly amidst the dumbfounded crowd.


    ��I said that there are iron mines on the two pieces ofnd that Xiongnu gave


    us.��


    The Emperor walked two rounds on the spot. ��Are you sure?


    Xiao Ran crossed her arms. ��The Third Prince left a mark at a ce suspected to be a mineral source when he was fighting. I got someone to investigate these few days. It��s about right.��


    The Emperor paused. ��You��re saying that the Third Prince already knew?�� Xiao Ran sneered.. ��Otherwise, why would he convince Official Lu to agree to Xiongnu��s request?��

 Chapter 443 - 443: Great Wall Cargo. Mission Must Be Achieved

    Chapter 443: Great Wall Cargo. Mission Must Be Achieved


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Imperial Censor Zuo said angrily, ��Then why didn��t he say so earlier?��


    ��Said it earlier?�� Xiao Ran asked. ��Are you going to say it out loud and make Xiongnu go back on their word after hearing it?��


    ��In order not to make Xiongnu suspicious, the Third Prince has never defended himself even when he was wronged by you. Why is Official Zuo still ming the Third Prince now?��


    Imperial Censor Zuo didn��t even dare to fart.


    However, someone else had something to say. ��What about the dragon robe?�� Xiao Ran asked him, ��For example, I��m especially displeased with Official Chen and Official Zuo now. Do the two of you think I��ll directlye in front of you with a knife and tell everyone that I want to kill you, or sneakily hit you at night?��


    Official Chen and Imperial Censor Zuo were speechless.


    How could she use such an analogy!


    Official Chen didn��t dare to fart too.


    Rong Yan could take the big picture into consideration and endure such grievances. He had noints even if he was wronged. Who would believe that he hid a dragon robe?


    The Emperor was even more well aware of this matter. The truth was indescribable, so he asked the old servant who tampered with it to ept the punishment as a warning to Noble Consort Ji.


    As for the so-called ��letter to the enemy��, Xiao Ran smiled in disdain.


    ��I��ve never heard that ��coborating with the enemy�� only requires one-sidedmunication. Even if that letter was really written by the Second Prince of Xiongnu, has he sent it out? Has the Third Prince replied?��


    ��ording to Official Zuo, if Xiongnu writes a letter to everyone, will His Majesty change all the officials in the court?��


    ��If we can wipe out our opponents with a letter, why are we still fighting in the future?��


    Seeing that Imperial Censor Zuo was still talking, Xiao Ran raised her eyebrows.


    ��Official Zuo, if you��re unconvinced, you can call Chernan over. We��ll confront him face to face.��


    Not to mention that Imperial Censor Zuo couldn��t call him over, even if Chernan received the news, he wouldn��t dare toe.


    To put it bluntly, he was a little afraid of Xiao Ran and Rong Yan now.


    Realizing that Noble Consort Ji��s actions were not punished by the Emperor the Empress had mixed feelings. She felt that the jealousy that she had suppressed for a long time was about to surface again.


    It was at this moment that Noble Consort Ji took the initiative to seek an audience, saying that she wanted to send the Crown Prince a wedding congrattory gift.


    The position of the crown princess consort was finally decided on Zuo Qingyan, the legitimate daughter of the Zuo Family. Both parties were of the right age and were under the emperor��s orders. They would be getting married soon, so the Empress had been busy preparing these few days.


    The ceremony for the Crown Prince��s wedding had to be grand enough, but it could not be too grand. The Yan Family had been too eye-catching with His Majesty recently, so she needed to grasp that well.


    If Noble Consort Ji��s gift was too eye-catching, the Empress would have to consider it more no matter what, but she actually gave him an entire manor.


    The manor was huge and could amodate thousands of people.


    The Empress was moved. Seeing that Noble Consort Ji insisted, she epted this gift.


    She didn��t even meet the Third Prince when he was released. It could be seen that the mother-son rtionship was really as calm as water. In the future, the only person she could rely on was the Crown Prince. No wonder she was so �� eager to please him.


    The Empress was very pleased with herself, so she naturally didn��t know the expression in Noble Consort Ji��s lowered eyes.


    The Xiongnu envoy wished he could leave a few days earlier so that he wouldn��t have to think about the iron mine all the way.


    How long had they searched in the deste desert before they found their few mineral sources? What kind of luck did the Third Prince of Great Xia have? The spies chasing them actually found two iron mines that had yet to be mined? Compared to the officials, Chernan was both happy and worried. His worries were simr to the officials��. He felt that he had suffered a huge loss. What he was happy about was��


    This rotten idea was suggested by Chercha! He had taken the initiative to send the iron ore mine to defeat him. Who would be more embarrassing if these two things were put together? They had to talk about it!


    There would definitely be a battle between the princes of Xiongnu, but Xiaoxiao no longer cared.


    Gongsun Zhongjing came to look for her. Someone from the Imperial Court wanted him to tamper with the patent medicine he sold to Xiongnu, but he rejected it. The Xiao Family strongly approved of this matter. He came here to thank her and to clear his doubts.


    The Xiao Family had been fighting for generations, and now, only Xiao Ran was left. The world knew about her hatred for the outsiders, so he thought that the Xiao Family would also agree to make the Xiongnu pay the price at all costs.


    Xiaoxiao told him, ��Doctor Gongsun is a benevolent doctor. You naturally shouldn��t use your saving hands to harm others.��


    ��My mother also has her insistence. Xiongnu is indeed detestable. If we meet on the battlefield, she definitely won��t show mercy. She can kill those who kill but not in such a way.��


    ��She��s a general, not a killer.��


    ��Moreover, not all people who are going to take these patent medicines are vicious.��


    ��The people of Great Xia are lives, and so are the people of Xiongnu. Who knows if there are innocent people among the Xiongnu people?��


    If they nted seeds of despair in the patent medicine that the Xiongnu people treated as a life-saving straw, then what was the difference between them and those shameless Xiongnu soldiers?


    Gongsun Zhongjing had a myriad of thoughts as he bowed seriously.


    Rong Yan heard these words too.


    After the Emperor released him, he was allowed to rest at home for a few days to recuperate.


    Although he ate properly when he was under house arrest, he still appreciated it. However, he did not rest in his residence but stayed in the General��s Residence.


    Xiaoxiao��s words made him fall into deep thought.


    If not for Xiaoxiao, he would probably be filled with resentment and hate everything in this world.


    He might be unlike himself. Not to mention the lives of the Xiongnu, even the citizens of Great Xia��


    Fortunately, he was still him.


    Xiaoxiao was right. They did not need such despicable methods to deal with Xiongnu. Even if they met on the battlefield openly, he could make the other party cry for mercy.


    Recently, the people of the Imperial Capital loved to hear about the Crown Prince��s wedding. The Zuo Family seemed to be afraid that others would not know that his family was going to marry off their daughter. They would go shopping on the streets from time to time.


    Xiaoxiao walked around the streets and heard many articles praising Zuo Qingyan for her talent and beauty. Their words were simple and repetitive, making her, a transmigrator who had been baptized by the modem entertainment industry, feel awkward.


    It would have been fine if they only praised Zuo Qingyan, but they had to step


    on her to promote Zuo Qingyan.


    ��Inparison, the future Third Princess Consort is really����


    ��That��s right. She came from a vulgar background. Even if she��s conferred the title of princess now, she can��t hide her farming life for more than 10 years.�� ��In my opinion, the Miss of the General��s Residence, who can��t bear to see anyone, must be stupid, poor, and ugly!��


    Xiaoxiao:��


    She did not have much of a reaction, but the female guard who apanied her shopping was quite angry.


    ��I think these people deserve a beating!��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��I��ll be mediocre if the others are not jealous of me


    They��re just jealous.��


    ��Moreover, these people were clearly specially arranged by the Yan Family and the Zuo Family. They��re just doing their job. We��ll beat up the main culprit another day.��


    In a teahouse not far away, Li Muyan, who was drinking tea and resting, found


    it difficult to understand. ��Who did they say is poor?��


    Not to mention the shops she worked with him, the elegant abode that the girl


    and her aunt worked with had already made a lot of money, let alone her brother��s milk tea shop and mutton pot restaurant.


    As far as he knew, this girl was also involved in the patent medicine that shocked the entire Great Xia some time ago.


    However, what Li Muyan admired the most was that she actually hired those veterans who had retired from the battlefield to set up an escortpany that was in charge of the transportation of goods at Great Xia and the border.


    Strictly speaking, he was still in a cooperative rtionship with Xiaoxiao. If he wanted to send the Li Family��s goods to the border city, he still needed Xiaoxiao��s ��Great Wall Cargo�� to help.


    They also had a slogan-Great Wall Cargo. Mission must be achieved..

 Chapter 444 - 444: Is It Difficult To Write Poems?

    Chapter 444: Is It Difficult To Write Poems?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The Great Wall Cargo, which was made up of veterans, was known to go everywhere. As long as it was somewhere humans could go, they would go.


    They were not bragging. Didn��t they see that they were the ones who brought back the Xiongnu iron ore?


    Recently, Great Xia could be said to be exalted in all aspects. New rice seeds were distributed everywhere. The farmers watched excitedly and expectantly as the rice seedlings germinated, nted seedlings, grew, and plucked ears. They had smiles on their faces every day.


    The royal court was as lively as ever. It was still noisy every day over trivial matters.


    It was said that after the Second Prince of Xiongnu returned, he quarreled with the First Prince over the throne again.


    The First Prince used the Second Prince of being impatient for quick sess. Not only did he let many Xiongnu warriors die in battle for nothing, but he also caused Xiongnu to be greatly injured.


    The Second Prince retorted that the First Prince did not think things through and handed over the iron mine that represented Xiongnu��s foundation. The two of them could not stop arguing and it also involved the fact that the First Prince had once ced the Second Prince under house arrest. Originally, this matter was just a verbal argument, but a ��kind person��, who was unwilling to say his name, suddenly took out evidence and caused the Second Prince to fall into an unjust ce.


    Just as he thought that he had the upper hand, the matter of the First Prince bribing the other patriarchs was exposed again. In short, there were new dramas every other day. It was very lively.


    Amidst thismotion, the people sent by Great Xia to mine iron ore were already in ce. When the first ore fell out of the pit, everyone from Great Xia cheered.


    As for Xiongnu, they did not matter to them.


    Under such a bright atmosphere, the crown princess consort entered the Crown Prince��s residence.


    On the day of the marriage, Zuo Xiangling, who was already a married woman, shed tears outside the Crown Prince��s residence. Then, she was quickly pulled away rudely.


    In order to hide the ridiculous story of Zuo Xiangling and the Crown Prince that day and not affect the legitimate daughter, the Zuo Family quickly married Zuo Xiangling off.


    The other party was 20 years older than her and was even a widower, but the entire family felt that they had already treated her well to let her, the concubine��s daughter, be the main wife.


    Seeing this, Xiaoxiao could only sigh that there must be something hateful about a pitiful person.


    However, that was all. She did not have the heart of the Great Buddha of Leshan. How could she repay evil with kindness?


    She did not want toe today, but as a princess, she still had to give face to some social events. After all, the Crown Prince��s status was higher than hers.


    Other than the fact that the food was not delicious and it took too long, Xiaoxiao was not dissatisfied.


    However, while she was leisurely here, some people could not stand to see her happy.


    The nobledies at the same table suddenly proposed a wine banquet. Each of them mentioned a poem about congratting their newlyweds as a blessing.


    They looked at Xiaoxiao with ill intentions. ��Aiya, this is your first time participating in such an event, right?��


    ��We��re used to ying like this in private. Princess, don��t be nervous. Just say it casually.��


    At this moment, it was as if no one remembered that she was a farm girl born and bred in Fortune Vige, nor did anyone realize how difficult it was for an ordinary farm girl topose the poem they were talking about.


    Xiaoxiao felt that it was quite boring, but when they suggested, ��In order not to let us affect the princess��s thoughts, why don��t you go first?�� Xiaoxiao felt that she didn��t mind being an evil person for once, lest they felt that she was benevolent and easy to bully.


    The noblewomen thought that if theyposed a poem first, Xiao Ning might have a chance to ask for help from others. Who would have thought that not only did Xiaoxiao not look anxious, but she also asked calmly, ��How many sentences do you want?��


    The nobledies had strange expressions. Did she know what poetry meant?


    This was an improvisation.


    If they had not made preparations in advance, they would have been flustered and afraid of beingughed at. Was she serious when she looked so confident?


    ��Princess, do as you please. Just a few simple sentences will do.��


    It was a fantasy for her to be able to make two smooth sentences!


    Xiaoxiao calmly swept her gaze across the faces that were gloating and waiting to see her embarrass herself. Ignoring Gu Ruoruo��s anxious expression, she cleared her throat and started to show the charm of nine years ofpulsory education.


    ��Autumn Water Silver Hall��s Mandarin Duck Feathers, Heavenly Wind Jade, Phoenix Sound.��


    ��The purple flute blows at the moon, the phoenix soars, and the sleeves flutter in the wind.��


    ��The phoenix cor, ceremonial robes, and red makeup. The tortoiseshell brocade has a new look.��


    ��The song of a hundred birds is in the golden wind. When we return in spring, we have to enjoy it together.��


    ��Red makeup with concentric knots, twin lotus flowers on one stalk.��


    ��A hundred years of love and love will lead to a thousand-mile marriage.��


    ��I wish the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess Consort a blissful marriage. What do you think?��


    The entire hall was silent, but Xiaoxiao did not care what they thought. After sitting down, she closed her eyes to rest.


    It was unknown who started first, but Xiaoxiao��s poem just now had already spread among everyone.


    Someone asked indignantly, ��You prepared in advance?��


    Xiaoxiao asked in amusement, ��I wonder whose daughter this is. Do you think I can predict in advance that someone will ask me topose a poem at the wedding banquet?��


    ��Whose daughter�� blushed. ��You haven��t studied, so how can you write poetry?��


    Xiaoxiao knew at a nce that she was not smart and had been used.


    Was it difficult topose a poem?


    She would make her own sentences if she knew them. If she didn��t know them, she would memorize them. The 300 poems of the Tang Dynasty had long been engraved into her bones. There were so many famous works. Any one of them could be used, okay?


    However, she had EQ, Of course, she could not say this.


    However, not everyone had EQ and IQ, so someone immediately provoked Xiaoxiao.


    ��Princess, if you want to prove that you didn��t cheat, do you dare to recite another poem on the topic of flowers?��


    Xiaoxiao propped her chin on her hand and looked at him. ��Although I don��t care if I prove it or not, it��s about flowers, right?��


    ��The colder the snow is, the stronger the temperament in the flowers. It will naturally drift away when it��s overdue. It��s even more shameful to beg for the East Wind.��


    ��This is a plum blossom.��


    ��The river flows east in front of Huang��s Tower. The spring light iszy and leaning on the breeze. The peach blossoms bloom without a master. The cute dark red loves light red?��


    ��It��s peach blossoms.��


    ��Spring water encircles the body of the flower, and the enchanting shadows of the flowers each upy spring. Even if it��s turned into snow by the spring wind, it��s definitely better than Southern Mo being crushed into dust.��


    ��These are apricot flowers.��


    ��The spring water flows silently. The tree��s shade illuminates the water and loves sunlight. The small lotus has just revealed its sharp horns and there are already dragonflies standing on it.��


    ��This is a lotus flower.��


    Xiaoxiao blinked. ��Is that enough?��


    Without waiting for that person to answer, Xiaoxiao, who had finished her poetry, waved her hand. ��If it��s not enough, I want to ask first.��


    ��What identity do you have to test my knowledge?��


    At this point, she said in an imposing manner, ��Didn��t anyone teach you how to punish the princess in person?��


    That person knelt down in panic, and Xiaoxiao moved aside. ��On ount that today is the Crown Prince��s big day, I won��t argue with you for the time being, but���� She looked around. ��That��s all.��


    It was also at this moment that someone strode over.


    The first to walk to Xiaoxiao��s side was Rong Yan. His gaze, which had seen life and death situations, was like a knife. Several figures in the crowd could not help but cower. The person who provoked her just now was so nervous that she broke out in cold sweat.


    Grand Secretary Gu came next. Due to the difference between men and women, he was also a little far away from here like Rong Yan just now. However, when he heard that someone was looking for trouble with his precious granddaughter, he stood up immediately. However, his heart itched when he heard Xiaoxiao��s poem before he spoke, so he heard thest sentence from where he was.


    In Great Xia, there was no schr who was not afraid of Grand Secretary Gu. The reason why they targeted Xiaoxiao was actually because they were unconvinced that an ignorant and ipetent fool like her could be rted to the Gu Family and Grand Secretary Gu.


    Under the deliberate distortion of the truth by people with ulterior motives, these cynical and easily manipted fools who did not know the truth really thought that Xiaoxiao was currying favor with the Gu Family unterally and the Gu Family had no choice but to reluctantly ept her.


    However, at this moment, the usually cold and taciturn Grand Secretary Gu clearly expressed his disgust for the descendant of an aristocratic family. ��Heh, those who don��t know might think that you��re the current top schr.��


    ��Do you want to test me too?��


    W-who had the guts to do that!


    It was only when the descendant of an aristocratic family was filled with regret that he realized��could it be that the Gu Family was actually very close to Princess An��ning?


    Grand Secretary Gu confirmed their guess with his actions.


    ��Xiaoxiao, are you willing to be Grandfather��s disciple?��

 Chapter 445 - 445: Interception

    Chapter 445: Interception


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Everyone around was shocked. Even Xiaoxiao herself looked speechless.


    It had always been others chasing after Grand Secretary Gu to take them in as his disciples and guide them. He had never taken the initiative to suggest it.


    Moreover, that was not all. Grand Secretary Gu actually said, ��After bing Grandfather��s disciple, you can enjoy Grandfather��s collection all these years. I know you don��t like to read those rigid ancient books. Grandfather still has many interesting biographies and local customs journals����


    ��Moreover, if you be Grandfather��s disciple, your seniority will be even higher. Not only will that girl Ruoruo call you Auntie in the future, but she will also call you Grandmaster.��


    Xiaoxiao:��


    Gu Ruoruo was speechless.


    Why did it seem like her grandfather was trying to coax Xiaoxiao into bing his disciple?


    The way Grand Secretary Gu coaxed the child made many people��s jaws drop, and Xiaoxiao naturally knew that her grandfather was deliberately supporting her in front of others.


    Hence, although she knew that her blissful ckness might be gone forever after she agreed, she still bowed seriously. ��Disciple Xiao Ning greets Teacher.��


    While others were envious and jealous, Gu Ruoruo could not help but suspect that Xiaoxiao��s motive for bing a disciple was impure. If she was not wrong, Xiaoxiao seemed to have nced at her when her great-grandfather mentioned the issue of seniority just now.


    I��ve already said that we��re on the same level!


    Could she still keep this friend?


    The rest of the wedding banquet was passed safely. No one dared to provoke Xiaoxiao again, and there was no mistake in the wedding process. However, neither the Crown Prince nor the Crown Princess Consort could be happy today.


    It was clearly their wedding banquet, but others had be the focus of attention. What was going on?


    Not to mention that the Crown Prince had once tried to be Grand Secretary Gu��s disciple, but to no avail.


    He kept convincing himself that Xiao Ning could sessfully be his disciple because she was Grand Secretary Gu��s granddaughter to begin with. However, when he went to court the next day, he still felt that the gazes of others were filled with mockery.


    However, Xiaoxiao, who was envious and jealous of him, was having a headache. She looked at the basket of books that her grandfather had specially sent over and felt dizzy.


    [Baby, is there a skill that can copy knowledge into my mind?]


    Of course not, so Xiaoxiao could only memorize the books herself. After experiencing tossing and turning in bed, she felt that she could not suffer alone, especially when Gu Ruoruo specially came to show off that the younger generation of the Gu Family and the younger generation of the Shen Family were preparing to go out together.


    The winter snow had just melted, and spring returned to the ground. It was another good season of the year. When the swallows returned to their nest, a new batch of rice was growing. Green leaves were sprouting, and hundreds of flowers were blooming. Hence, the young men and women who had been cooped up at home for months could not hold back their joy of going out to rx. They had long invited their good friends to admire the beautiful scenery of nature and feel spring��s breath.


    To put it bluntly, they wanted to go out and y.


    Xiaoxiao was unhappy when she heard that. ��Niece, the n for a year is spring, and the n for a day is morning. Do you understand this logic?��


    Gu Ruoruo didn��t listen and ran away with her friends. Xiaoxiao was unhappy and swore that she would go for a hike with Rong Yan at night.


    Rong Yan was caught betweenughter and tears. He thought that she was just saying it casually, but she really teleported to the border with Rong Yan that night.


    It had been a few months since theyst met, and the border had already changed drastically. Under the effect of the space soil that Xiaoxiao used the natural phenomenon simtor to sow from time to time, the originally barren sand was no longer the same as before. There were not many types of crops, but the yield was gratifying. Theyy neatly in their respective areas, growing happily.


    Xiaoxiao opened two melons and ate half a watermelon with Rong Yan. Of course, she got the NPC to spend money to buy them.


    It was rich in juice and sweet. They could be said to be very good cantaloupe and desert watermelon.


    The sales of these melons were quite tight now. It could be said that they had been reserved before the melon seedlings were unearthed. The people at the border who had been looking for a livelihood with frowns in the past were now full of smiles. They woke up every day full of fighting spirit.


    Xiaoxiao nudged Rong Yan with her shoulder in satisfaction. ��Look, this is the simplest happiness.��


    In the past, Rong Yan felt that the happiness of others had nothing to do with him. Today, he felt that Xiaoxiao was right.


    The two of them even went to the iron ore mine that had been moved out of the space. It now officially belonged to Great Xia, so Xiaoxiao could rest assured and make small moves. She secretly hid the ores stored in the space and threw them back into the mine.


    The two of them felt that it was better not to make the production of this iron ore public, in case Xiongnu became popr and insisted on snatching it.


    Gu Ruoruo and the others were going on an excursion, while she was ��hiking��. Xiaoxiao felt that she had wonpletely, so she threw herself into her study life, which her grandfather had instructed her to do.


    Although the space did not develop a simple, convenient, and suitable memorization method for azy bum, it had a speed of 60 times slower, which was already considered heaven-defying. Diligence could make up for stupidity, not to mention that Xiaoxiao was not stupid.


    In order to have enough time to y, Xiaoxiao could use the space function whenever she wanted. Not long after, the officials in the court were surprised to find that the usually silent Grand Secretary Gu had be a chatterbox.


    He told everyone how smart his granddaughter was, how she understood at a nce, and how she perfectly inherited the Gu Family��s bloodline�� It made the officials wonder if the person in front of them was the real Grand Secretary Gu.


    asionally, she would encounter some ��passersby�� who were either really or pretending to ask Xiaoxiao for advice. Xiaoxiao had no intention of pretending to be stupid and directly taught them an unforgettable lesson.


    After all, if she did not do a good job of pretending to be a pig, she would really act like one.


    The Yan Family understood this logic the most now.


    In order to suppress Rong Yan��s brilliance, they had exposed all the dehydrated vegetables. In order to show their contribution to Great Xia, they had to set a satisfying price.


    However, was Xiongnu that easy to get along with?


    Especially the second prince, Chernan, who was bing more and more entric.


    On the surface, Xiongnu agreed to Great Xia��s offer to give the Crown Prince and the Yan Family face, but in reality��


    ��Your Highness, are we really going to give this silver to the Xiongnu people?��


    The Crown Prince gritted his teeth angrily. ��What else can we do?��


    How could he make any mistakes at this juncture?


    However, the ��mistake�� hit him like a bolt from the blue.


    The Yan Family secretly sent a team to the border city�� or rather, after the team sent to Xiongnu set off, the Crown Prince, whose eyelids twitched for a day, received bad news that made him furious��


    ��Was it intercepted? Why was it intercepted?��


    The subordinate did not know how to exin. ��No one knows what happened. Our people clearly did not rx for a moment. The people on night duty every night have to take turns. There are people guarding the carriage, but, but����


    He stammered, ��B-b-but when we arrived at Xiongnu�� it was actually all rocks when they opened the box����


    The Crown Prince suddenly smashed his teacup. ��Rocks?��


    ��You bunch of trash!��

 Chapter 446 - 446: Underestimating Him

    Chapter 446: Underestimating Him


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The Crown Prince did not understand, nor was he willing to understand how dutiful his subordinates were. In the end, it was their problem if they did not do the job well. They were already magnanimous enough not to kill them after causing such a huge mess. Who knew��


    When the members of the Yan Family embarked on their ��expedition�� to Xiongnu for the second time, history repeated itself.


    Chernan felt that the Crown Prince of Great Xia was definitely ying with him like a fool.


    -Does your Crown Prince have some misunderstanding about my intelligence? ��What made him think that sending two boxes of rocks would make me buy it? The people from the Yan Family could not argue and could only go back to beg for forgiveness.


    Xiaoxiao didn��t know how the Crown Prince dealt with these people for the time being. She was counting silver in her interspace with Rong Yan.


    Xiaoxiao smiled evilly and picked up a handful to y with. ��Is this the legendary silver falling from the sky?��


    Rong Yan watched her y with a faint smile and indulgence.


    Of course, they were the ones who took the Yan Family��s silver. In Xiaoxiao��s words, this was called ��one investment, three times the return��.


    Unless the Yan Family found the Great Wall Cargo to deliver the goods, Xiaoxiao would rob them every time they sent silver. The harder the Yan Family worked, the worse their rtionship with Chernan��s alliance would be.


    Weren��t they capable? They could even think of ways to frame Little Big Brother Ah Yan.


    Pfft, she was very free!


    The Yan Family naturally did not dare to look for the Great Wall Cargo. They had to hide this private collusion well, let alone the fact that the Great Wall Cargo was essentially Rong Yan��s.


    Looking for them? What was the difference between that and walking into a trap to die?


    Of course, the Crown Prince would not do such a thing. However, if he continued to send his men, it would be a double loss. Hence, on the third time, they decided to let the Xiongnu people pick up the goods themselves.


    This was the opportunity that Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan were waiting for.


    Although he had already obtained the letter from the Crown Prince to Xiongnu from Chernan��s secret room, it was really a fantasy to topple the Crown Prince based on this.


    However, the Yan Family was meticulous. It was not easy to catch their tails. Fortunately, they were forced into a corner now.


    ��However, this doesn��t seem like the Yan Family��s style. Has Prime Minister


    Yan finally be senile?��


    Little did he know that Prime Minister Yan was also looking for the Empress with a headache.


    ��What exactly are you thinking? I��ve already told you not to interact with Xiongnu anymore. His Majesty has been dissatisfied with the Yan Family recently. Are you looking for some excitement because you think that the Crown Prince��s position is too stable?��


    The Empress poured Prime Minister Yan a cup of tea. ��Father, calm down.�� She said confidently, ��Father, don��t worry. We don��t have to ask about this personally.��


    Prime Minister Yan was puzzled. The Empress blew at the nail guards on her fingertips.


    ��There��s no need for you to do everything yourself.��


    Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan also realized that the people who transported the silver acre this time had changed. However, what did this have to do with their robbery?


    They skillfully used the space function to remove all the money that the Yan Family sent to Xiongnu. The Yan Family never dreamed that there were actually only two ��mysterious thieves�� who gave them a headache for so long. Although it cost a lot of points to teleport back and forth, Xiaoxiao��s space had leveled up to level 69 unhurriedly. It looked like she was about to advance to level 70 again.


    After a while, the new rice seeds would enter the next batch of sowing. At that time, the reward points she could obtain would probably skip a few levels, let alone level up. Thinking back to how she dug wild vegetables all over the mountains for a few points, Xiaoxiao was really emotional.


    In order to reward her past self, Xiaoxiao used this as an excuse to bring Rong Yan to the space water as if she was presenting a treasure. Then, she fished out a Boston lobster that was longer than her arm.


    Rong Yan moved his hand away from the sword hilt and asked uncertainly, ��Is this�� edible?��


    It was so ugly and looked like a monster. It even bared its fangs and brandished its ws.


    Xiaoxiao tried her best to act like ady. Then, she held the lobster in one hand and dragged Rong Yan to the kitchen with the other.


    Rong Yan and Xiaoxiao didn��t finish a big lobster that weighed about four kg. They thought that since the space had a preservation function, they didn��t make things difficult for themselves.


    Xiaoxiao touched her slightly bulging stomach and said, ��It��s a pity that such delicious food can��t be shared with everyone.��


    ��Little Big Brother, do you think they��ll believe me if I cut this lobster meat into small pieces and wrap them in prawn dumplings, then say that these are ordinary prawns?��


    Rong Yan was speechless.


    He didn��t know if they believed it or not, but it must be delicious.


    While waiting for the third meeting between the Yan Family and Xiongnu, Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan caught a few Boston lobsters, cut the tails into small pieces, and started to wrap the prawn dumplings. However, when they were busy in the space, something strange happened outside.


    As the Yan Family had tried to make up the numbers twice and used stones to brush Xiongnu off, Chernan was even more cautious now. Not only did he have to check on the spot, but he also specially stopped all the deliverymen. He looked like he would kill them if anything went wrong again.


    Then, the delivery men acted calm andposed as they waited for Chernan to open the box.


    It was probably to ensure that nothing went wrong. This time, the box containing the silver was still tightly wrapped with chains. Logically speaking, the box should be fine as long as the chains were not broken. However, who asked them to encounter Bug Xiao?


    Relying on the convenience of space, Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan watched themotion with the freshly baked prawn dumplings. However, when theyers of chains were unlocked and the lid of the box opened, the two of them raised their eyebrows in surprise at the same time.


    Chernan rummaged up and down carefully. After confirming that every box was filled with gold and silver, he smiled in relief.


    The delivery man crossed his arms and asked, ��Now, can we go?�� Chernan pursed his lips. ��Wouldn��t it have been fine if you had been so well-behaved earlier?��


    The delivery man did not exin. He stretched out his hand and asked, ��Where��s the thing?��


    Chernan looked around and took out a small wrapped cloth package. The delivery man took the things and took out another piece of paper.


    ��In that case, please leave a document to prove that we��vepleted the mission.��


    The second prince was in a good mood. He cooperatively signed his name and pressed his thumbprint. The delivery man hurriedly packed up and set off on his return journey. When there was no one around, hispanions whispered. ��If they want food, cotton, and so on, Master will really have a headache. Why do they want silver?��


    ��Those things are not easy to transport or store. They are indeed not as convenient as silver.��


    ��I��m afraid the Crown Prince only wants to save time. He wants to send Chernan away as soon as possible and take back these letters.


    The few of them did not avoid it and opened the letter to read it.


    ��Can you replicate it?��


    This question was directed at thest person in the team.


    ��Don��t worry, it��s not difficult.��


    At that moment, Chernan was already happily pushing the silver towards Chercha.


    He had stayed in Great Xia for so long, but Chercha had yet to take down the throne. Tsk, it could be seen that he was trash.


    Now, not only did he get back so many good things for Xiongnu, but he also scammed a lot of money from the Crown Prince. The final oue was still uncertain.


    As for the matter of him imprisoning Chercha, he wasn��t dead. That was nothing.


    Behind him, Cheryan narrowed his eyes and snorted. ��I��ve underestimated my good Second Brother..��

 Chapter 447 - 447: Your Son Was The One Who Paid

    Chapter 447: Your Son Was The One Who Paid


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    He originally thought that he would be a loser after losing to Great Xia. He did not expect that he would really hook up with the Crown Prince of Great Xia. ��Prince, why didn��t the First Prince say that the Second Prince poisoned thete king?��


    Cheryan nced at him from the corner of his eye. ��That��s naturally because Chercha is involved in this matter.��


    His subordinate widened his eyes in shock. Then, he looked at his chest in disbelief. A dagger was deeply inserted into his chest.


    Cheryan kicked him away and retracted his dagger. At the same time, he whispered, ��Me too.��


    That old thing is so annoying. Who doesn��t want him to die?��


    Moreover, he was the one who taught his sons to be so cold-blooded and vicious. He naturally deserved this oue.


    asionally, he would be envious of others. At the very least, he did not have to fight for the throne.


    Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan did not know what was going on with the silver that they had lost and regained for the time being. After achieving their goal, the two of them had to return to the Imperial Capital as soon as possible.


    After all, Rong Yan had to go to work every day and attend morning court, while Xiaoxiao had to study with Grand Secretary Gu.


    It was not that she had never tried to give up, but everyone in the family unanimously agreed to let her study-including her biological parents, her adoptive parents, her Second Brother, who opened a shop, and her Eldest Brother, who continued to study in the capital with Dean Lu after he finished traveling.


    Even Rong Yan thought that only by letting everyone know that she was learning from Grand Secretary Gu would she not arouse suspicion when she disyed more and more wisdom in the future.


    Xiaoxiao calcted the time since Eldest Brother participated in the imperial examination. She sighed and pretended to be reluctant.


    In fact, ever since the space rose to this level, she felt that her life was a little empty.


    She was already an adult, so she couldn��t just think about eating, drinking, and having fun all day, especially when she had many times more time than others. She realized that although the flow of time in the space could be changed, as long as she wanted to, she would not be affected by the flow of time when she entered the space.


    To put it simply, although she and Rong Yan often went in and out of the space, the speed of their physical growth was still the same as the outside world. They did not grow up and age quickly just because they lived countless days and nights longer than others in the space.


    Other than the things that Xiaoxiao recognized as ingredients, even Wind and Lightning, Walnut and Scarf were not affected. They were just more spiritual and stronger than ordinary animals.


    In this aspect, space was very intelligent and humane.


    The space that was praised was overjoyed. A new function actually appeared in the reward of the level 70 brocade pouch.


    [Bound quota +1.]


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows: [You mean I can get Little Big Brother to bind to you too?]


    The space expressed affirmation: [After using this function, there will be an additional user in this space. He can obtain the ability to enter and leave the space at any time.]


    Xiaoxiao was not very satisfied. [Is it only essibility?] The space was very insistent: [The other functions are only for the use of the space master. They can��t be changed. The space master has a unique locking function. They can��t be changed.]


    After thinking for a moment, the space said to Xiaoxiao: [Master, I won��t hide it from you. Among the previous Masters of our space, there are nock of examples of people being betrayed by people they trust. Wealth moves people��s hearts and dazzles their eyes, let alone a heaven-defying existence like space.] [At first, a space did not have a unique lock function. It was because too many tragedies happened that the main system had no choice but to set the rules.] [Master, do you really trust Rong Yanpletely?]


    [ording to his fortuitous encounters, perhaps his heart has long been filled with darkness and he has long hated everything in this world.]


    Xiaoxiao smiled and asked, ��Didn��t you ask me to be your master here to change him and the original ending of this world?��


    There was silence in the space. It did not say anything else and changed the scene back to the reward selection page of the brocade pouch.


    Xiaoxiao tied Rong Yan to the second user of the space without hesitation. At this moment, Rong Yan, who was attending court, heard a notification that he had only be familiar with recently.


    [You have been set as the second user of the space. Recall the scene in the space in your mind and silently say ��enter��. You can enter at any time.]


    [The second user��s ess rights will always be restricted by the first user. The space��s Master is the only binding that cannot be transferred.]


    Rong Yan��s heart was filled with warmth. What kind of fate made him meet Xiaoxiao?


    If the heavens sent Xiaoxiao to her side topensate him for all these years, he would dly endure it even if it happened again.


    Thanks to County Magistrate Shen��s efforts, the new rice seeds had spread across half of Great Xia��s territory. It brought not only the joy of a bumper harvest, but also the straightened the pride and the invible prestige of Great Xia.


    After weighing the pros and cons, Xiaoxiao pulled Rong Yan out to shop.


    The two of them did not deliberately hide their identities, so many of the surroundingmoners recognized them.


    The Imperial Capital was different from other territories. It was not a big deal to see princes and royal rtives. At most, they were afraid of offending them and deliberately stayed away.


    Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan did not mind and just strolled around the bustling streets of the Imperial Capital.


    It was because life was stable and peaceful. Themoners were also in high spirits when they went out. There was an endless stream of pedestrians on the streets of the Imperial Capital. Be it those who went out to hang around or those who seized the opportunity to set up stalls to get rich, they were all brimming with smiles from the bottom of their hearts and shouting happily. Among the various merchants, some unfamiliar faces unknowingly blended into the crowd. They either soldmon needlework, some disyed pots and pans of different shapes, or even more were selling books.


    As the supervisor of ��There��s a Book House��, it was normal for Xiaoxiao to linger at these stalls. The smile of the book vendor was gentle, but it was a little unnatural. The corners of his mouth and the corners of his eyes seemed to be engraved on his face. At first nce, one would not feel it, but if one observed carefully, they would discover that the smile was unchanged.


    Although he had always been gentle and polite, one still felt that he was a little strange.


    However, not many people had the chance to discover this strangeness because Xiaoxiao asked him, ��Is this a book about the improvement of farm tools?�� ��Look, it seems interesting. How much is it?��


    That person raised a palm. ��500 taels.��


    Themoners along the way were attracted by this shocking price. Hence, this matter spread in the capital for a while. Even the Emperor had heard of it.


    He tried his best not to mention it during the morning court assembly, but he immediately asked Xiao Ran, ��So your daughter really bought an old book with 500 taels of silver?��


    Xiao Ran rolled her eyes. ��What do you mean by old book?��


    ��Then aren��t the ancient paintings and ancient books you spent a lot of money on also old things?��


    The Emperor did not argue with her and only asked, ��She really bought it?�� Xiao Ran said, ��Yes, Xiaoxiao said that the improved method is indeed feasible, so she bought the book.��


    The Emperor raised his eyebrows. ��No, do you pamper her so much? She bought a book worth 500 taels just like that, and you think she bought it right? Aren��t you worried that she��ll be scammed and you��ll all be suckers?�� As far as he knew, the Xiao Family��s financial situation was average, right?


    Xiao Ran chuckled. ��That��s not our problem.��


    She said proudly, ��Your son paid for the books..��

 Chapter 448 - 448: This Daughter-in-law Is Quite Good

    Chapter 448: This Daughter-inw Is Quite Good


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The sucker was actually him. The Emperor went to look for Rong Yan unhappily.


    He could not tell that his son, who did not show off, was actually a romantic. He had not asked about Rong Yan��s life for many years, so it was really difficult for him to ask now. He only asked after a long time.


    ��What happened to the book that Xiao Ning bought?��


    Rong Yan replied unhurriedly, ��I took it to Official Shen.��


    He said, ��I was just about to report to Father that I n to customize some ironware.��


    ��It has nothing to do with weapons. I just want to make more new farm tools.��


    The Emperor raised his eyebrows. Firstly, it was because Rong Yan mentioned the word ��weapon�� so bluntly, and secondly, it was because he really wanted to make new farm tools.


    The ironware was strictly controlled by the Imperial Court, but it was not a big deal to use it a little. He would specially mention it to him, so he had to make a lot of it.


    For a moment, the Emperor felt that he should have a good chat with his son about love and heroism.


    However, Rong Yan said, ��I tried making a batch previously. Xiaoxiao gave it to her adoptive father to use. She said that it can at least double the efficiency of hisbor.��


    The Emperor doubted his ears. ��How much did you say?��


    Rong Yan repeated affirmatively, ��Double.��


    It was double, not 10%.


    The Emperor felt that he had to take this matter seriously, so he decisively and happily decided to leave the pce incognito.


    The ce was not far away. It was farnd in the suburbs of the capital that Xiaoxiao had bought and handed over to Ning Fengnian.


    Most of the things nted in the fields were pragmatic. Large fields of rice fields, sweet potatoes, and soybeans were nted. Some seedlings were everywhere, while others swayed their rods in the wind. They were all different and had their own characteristics.


    The man who looked like a farmer was exining the use of the new agricultural tools to the long-term workers. The Emperor tidied his clothes and went forward to talk to him.


    ��Brother, what is this?��


    Ning Fengnian, who had just arrived, did not know the identity of the person in front of him. He replied happily, ��Brother, you��ve asked the right person. I��m the only one in the entire Imperial Capital who knows.��


    ��This is called a zigzag plow. It��s more energy-saving, flexible, and efficient than the straight plow we used in the past!��


    ��This is an animal-drawn seed plough. We use it to sow seeds. One ox to pull the plough, and one person to guide the seed plough. The seed is ced in the pot. The pot is connected to the hollow feet, and it can move and shake. The seed is nted on its own. The seed plough canplete the three processes of opening ditches, nting, and restoring the soil at the same time. It can sow seeds three lines at a time. The distance is the same, and the seeds are even. It��s much less time and effort than if we do it ourselves.��


    ��In addition, this is����


    Because he was too excited, Ning Fengnian didn��t care that the person opposite him was a stranger whom he had just met. He talked non-stop about farming tools. ��Brother, have you seen what��s being built by the river?��


    ��That��s called a water wheel. In the future, we��ll rely on it to scoop water for irrigation. Brother, do you want to go over and take a look? That waterwheel can move by itself!��


    The worker at the side couldn��t help butugh. ��Uncle Ning, are you nning to bring everyone in the Imperial Capital to see the waterwheel? How many are there already?��


    Ning Fengnian scratched his head, his honest face filled with pride.


    ��It��s good stuff. Naturally, we should let everyone see it!��


    The Emperor asked with interest, ��Brother, aren��t you afraid that others will secretly learn it?��


    Ning Fengnian waved his hand generously and said, ��We��re not afraid. Go ahead and learn it. We��re just afraid that everyone won��t want to learn.��


    ��Xiaoxiao said that she would be overjoyed if all the farmers in Great Xia could use these new farming tools!��


    ��Did Princess Xiao Ning say that?��


    ��Back then, when I heard that the princess spent 500 taels of silver to buy an old book, I thought that she must have been deceived. I didn��t expect that this 500 taels of silver would benefit all of us in the end. It��s really worth it!��


    That��s right. The Emperor was also in a good mood. He felt that it was not a big deal for his son to take a fancy to Xiao Ning.


    She knew how to cook, write poetry, and was a good person. This daughter-inw was quite good.


    The Emperor, who had returned to the pce, was very satisfied with what he saw on this trip. He immediately approved the iron Rong Yan wanted and took the initiative to urge it to be implemented quickly. He also wanted to see the scene of new farming tools being distributed to more farmers as soon as possible.


    In the end, Xiaoxiao sessfully tricked Ning Fengnian and Madam Song intoing to the Imperial Capital.


    Thinking about it, it made sense. Both Ning Ansheng and Ning Anhui needed to stay in the Imperial Capital for a long time. It was indeed a little boring for the two of them to stay in Fortune Vige with their youngest sons, who were only a few months old.


    Ning Fengnian brought glory to his ancestors as a farmer. He also felt that he shouldn��t be limited to Fortune Vige or Xijiang County for the rest of his life. He wanted to see a bigger world. Or rather, like his daughter said, he wanted to farm on morends and collect more food to be a better him.


    Before they came to the Imperial Capital, Ning Ansheng and Ning Anhui had already prepared their parents�� and younger brothers�� residence. Of course, Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan��s help was needed.


    Both parties were not pretentious people. One side sincerely helped, while the other epted the good intentions in peace. The Ning Family��s residence was not far from the General��s Residence. Although the couple felt that this residence must be very expensive, they had seen the shop bill that Ning Ansheng showed them. Thinking about the convenience of being close to Xiaoxiao, they felt that it was not uneptable.


    Thinking back to the past, it was really like a dream. Back then, he had to tighten his belt even when he was eating chaff and vegetables. Now, no one in the family felt that it was inappropriate to buy a courtyard in a ce like the capital where every inch ofnd was worth money.


    The Emperor was a very pragmatic person. He tried his best to reward the Ning Family with practical things for Ning Fengnian��s contribution to the new rice. Hence, although they could notpare to the rich families that had umted for generations, they would not be restrained when they needed to spend money.


    There were many people in the Imperial Capital who were used to ttering the mighty and trampling on the low. Hence, there were also people who came with dark thoughts in the name of visiting. They were prepared tough at these country bumpkins to satisfy their ridiculous vanity.


    In their opinion, even if the Ning Family was lucky enough to obtain the favor of the emperor, they would at most have some stinky money. The Imperial Capital did notck rich people. To put it bluntly, his family was just an upstart with a mediocre family background.


    They did not have much money and did not have any family background at all. Their taste was even more��


    The uninvited guests with such thoughts had just stepped through the threshold when they saw pots of suspicious flowers and nts in the courtyard.


    The first thing the Ning Family did after moving into their new house was to nt flowers and grass.


    Xiaoxiao specially reminded them to bring the flowers and nts nted in the courtyard of their house in Fortune Vige to the Imperial Capital. With the space soil that Xiaoxiao had specially changed into to protect them, they did not show any signs of dispirition even after many days of bumpy journey.


    Xiaoxiao did not specially tell the Ning Family their value, so in their eyes, these priceless precious varieties were no different from the vegetables and radishes in the courtyard.


    In any case, the people who came saw them throwing magical chrysanthemums that were bigger than a child��s palm to the ground. There were also many dried chrysanthemums that looked very simr to them in the courtyard.


    They swallowed their saliva and asked, ��May I ask what these flowers are?��


    Madam Song, who had be much plumper after giving birth, replied with a smile, ��We got them by coincidence. Our child said that it looked good in the courtyard and made good tea, so she kept nting it.��


    ��Mother, what should we do with this?��


    As they spoke, Ning Anhui, who couldn��t sit still in the room, held up two radishes. ��Sister said that we can��t nt these ourselves. We have to deal with them quickly..��

 Chapter 449 - 449: Hundred Crab Noodles

    Chapter 449: Hundred Crab Noodles


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The person took a look and wished he could p himself back into his mother��s womb. Who said that their family did not have any foundation?


    Huh?


    Which family did not have a foundation to nt precious orchids in the courtyard so casually?


    Who could take out two huge ginsengs at the same time without a foundation?


    ��Pardon my poor eyesight, but may I ask how old this ginseng is?


    Ning Anhui threw the two of them on the table nonchntly and said calmly, ��I don��t know. About 80 to 90 years?��


    The person fled dejectedly. Ning Anhui snorted coldly. He carefully picked up the ginseng and blew on it before carefully wrapping it up. Only then did he start toin.


    ��There��S no end to it. Do they really think our family is easy to bully?��


    He did it on purpose.


    It was fine if only one or two families came, but they were like a group of locusts. Moreover, which good family��s guests came to the door with shining eyes and kept looking into the house? They started to inquire about other people��s family background as soon as they spoke. Was it polite?


    After all, he had been a shopkeeper for so long and had seen all kinds of people.


    These people were seen through by Ning Anhui with just a few words.


    It was just showing off their wealth. It wasn��t like he didn��t know how to do it.


    Ning Ansheng was even more clear-headed, but he wasn��t as angry as his second brother. He just calmly tidied up the house and specially took out the Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemum that his sister had taught them to dry and ced it in the courtyard for people to see.


    Seeing that the person had fled, Ning Anhui vented his anger. At the same time, he asked his Eldest Brother, ��What if the person who came next is very thick-skinned and still wants to stay? What should I do? Can I chase him away with a broom?��


    Ning Ansheng looked at him as if he was an insensible child. ��They��re guests.


    How can you be like this?��


    Ning Anhui looked displeased. Ning Ansheng continued, ��However, our family can still afford a cup of rough tea.��


    He pointed at the Golden Silk Royal Chrysanthemum in the courtyard. ��Didn��t Xiaoxiao send us a colorless teapot? Pick thergest flower and use that teapot to make tea.��


    Ning Anhui frowned. ��Are they worthy?��


    Recently, he had already known the value of such chrysanthemums. How could he let those people with ulterior motives drink them?


    Ning Ansheng sighed. ��It��s just a pot of tea a day. It��s nothing.


    One pot a day? Ning Anhui quickly understood what Eldest Brother meant.


    Hence, anyone who came to the Ning Family to investigateter would discover that on the table in the courtyard, there was apletely transparent teapot that they had never seen before. Its texture was like the most transparent crystal. One could tell how precious a chrysanthemum in the teapot was. With a slight shake, the petals of the chrysanthemum would openyer byyer. It was very beautiful.


    No one had ever seen such a beautiful chrysanthemum before.


    What was unbelievable was that the Ning Family actually used this precious chrysanthemum to make tea!


    The hand that was holding the cup trembled slightly. On the one hand, he felt that he could not waste such a treasure. On the other hand, he felt that she would have no regrets on this trip if he was lucky enough to try this tea.


    No one cared if the tea was nd or hot. After leaving, no one thought that the Ning Family was a country bumpkin who had never seen the world.


    When Xiaoxiao heard this, she felt that it was Eldest Brother��s idea. After asking and knowing that it was true, she sent many good things to the Ning Family.


    Some were items bought with real money, while others were spatial products


    that she had stuffed in.


    For example, the set of exquisite ssware and snack cups with the ss tea


    set.


    Xiaoxiao and her family did not care about the evil deeds of the despicable people in the market. Compared to those ignorant people, they were more concerned about the examination that woulde in a few months.


    Other than those ��social engagements�� at the beginning, the Ning Family no longer interacted with outsiders. Ning Fengnian studied the farming matters on thend Xiaoxiao bought in the suburbs of the capital. Madam Song recuperated at home with her youngest sons and read to them for morning lessons��


    At some point, Madam Song became interested in studying. When this matter was mentioned, no one in the family disagreed, nor did they think that a woman like her should only focus on helping her husband.


    Ning Ansheng even specially picked out some basic books that were suitable for beginners to read and write for Madam Song personally. Xiaoxiao was even more considerate. She drew a book for her to read and write. Recently, Madam Song had been reading this book with her unweaned youngest sons every day. Ning Anhui stared at his mother and youngest brothers for a long time. He rubbed his chin and found a craftsman the next day to start building a study at home.


    His reason was very sufficient. If his mother liked it and his younger brothers needed it, his and Eldest Brother��s future children would also need it.


    Hearing this, Qian Jiao��er pinched him. Madam Song was slightly stunned before she was overjoyed. ��You��re pregnant?��


    Qian Jiao��er nodded with a red face and replied softly, ��I just got a doctor to confirm it.��


    The Ning Family happily told Xiaoxiao this good news, and thetter was also happy. Then, she thought about nting cotton, be it in the border city or the space.


    Now, the youngest son of the Ning Family, Ning Anping, was wearing the clothes that Xiaoxiao had given him. They were softer and morefortable than the clothes bought at the ready-made shops outside. Xiaoxiao had long found an opportunity to change her family��s food, clothes, and necessities.


    The current General��s Residence looked the same from the outside.


    For example, today��s breakfast looked like an ordinary bowl of noodles, but the actual content was huge. Gu Chang��an found something special with his first bite. ��Crab?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��Yes.��


    This was the Hundred Crab Noodles made from the hairy crabs raised in the space. It was called ��Hundred Crab�� because it really used nearly a hundred crabs to make the family��s breakfast.


    First, she peeled the steamed crabs. The crab roe and flour were kneaded into a golden dough with eggs, salt, and a small amount of alkali water in a 1:2 ratio. Then, she rolled them into thin dough and cut them into thin noodles for use.


    The crab shell was used to boil the delicious crab oil. The crab noodles stir-fried at high temperatures were rich and fragrant. After everything was ready, the cooked crab noodles were spread at the bottom of the bowl. The stir-fried crab roe was used as a sauce to cover the noodles. Finally, a spoonful of crab oil was poured over the Hundred Crab Noodles that made people��s eyebrows drop.


    The noodles had just been ced in the pot when the four of them, including Rong Yan, ate them all in no time.


    Xiaoxiao sighed in her heart. It was a pity that the Ning Family��s parents and brothers refused toe along. Otherwise, it would be even more lively.


    However, she could understand the Ning Family��s concerns. Hence, she secretly decided to send them the extra noodlester. Be it Madam Song or Second Sister-inw, their culinary skills were top-notch. They would definitely not waste the deliciousness of the Hundred Crab Noodles.


    In Xiaoxiao��s opinion, a beautiful morning should start with a delicious breakfast. Look at Mother and Little Big Brother��s satisfied expressions as they went to work. Ah, no, go to the pce court. Xiaoxiao and Gu Chang��an looked at each other and smiled, feeling happy too.


    The Xiao Family was easily satisfied. If their lives were always asfortable as this, they were willing to follow the prescribed order. However, after Xiao Ran and Rong Yan left today, a few uninvited guests came to the General��s Residence.


    ��The empress is holding a banquet. This is an invitation for the princess..��

 Chapter 450 - 450: Mother-in-law And Daughter-in-law Meet

    Chapter 450: Mother-inw And Daughter-inw Meet


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions . Editor: Henyee Trantions


    They came with ill intentions, so the banquet was naturally a trap. However, the host was the current Empress. Xiaoxiao was about to reach out to take the invitation when Xiao Ran ced her hand on her shoulder and said in a careless tone, ��Unfortunately, she has something on that day and can��t go.�� The nanny looked up at Xiao Ran. Although she was dissatisfied, she was still a little afraid.


    After weighing the pros and cons, she still asked bravely, ��General Xiao, may I ask what is it that can surpass the Empress��s invitation?��


    Xi<sup>30</sup> Ran* tone turned cold. ��Nanny, do you think His Majesty��s errands are qualified to take priority over it?��


    The nanny knew that she had hit an iron te and left dejectedly.


    Xiao Ran spat at her back. ��I can tell at a nce that you��re up to no good.�� Xiaoxiao asked her mother, ��What imperial duty do we have to do that day?�� Xiao Ran said nonchntly, ��I��ll just get one from the Emperor.�� Xiaoxiao: ��777 Give Mommy a thumbs up.


    The Emperor was quite impressive. He really arranged a job to repair a bookhouse for Xiaoxiao.


    Although it was said to be renovation, in fact, since the bookhouse was built by the royal family, who would not pay attention to the materials design or the post-production use?


    He just let Xiaoxiao stay there for half a day and missed the Empress��s banquet. This matter had already passed, but on the day of the banquet, Xiaoxiao had just finished her trip to the library and was about to find Second Brother and Second Sister-inw for a meal when she realized that the Crown Prince��s carriage was waiting at the entrance of the book house.


    Xiaoxiao:��


    To be honest, it was a little annoying.


    An even more annoying thing happened. The Crown Princess Consort walked out of the carriage and waved at her with a smile.


    ��Mother doesn��t want to neglect Princess An��ning no matter what. Look, she even specially asked me to pick you up.��


    If she didn��t agree now, she wouldn��t be able to absolve herself of the crime of disrespecting the Empress as the daughter of the General��s Residence. Xiaoxiao didn��t care about gossip, but she wasn��t stupid enough to give others something to use against her on the streets, so she maintained a smile.


    [Baby, Range Control.]


    The nanny behind the Crown Princess Consort, who looked familiar to Xiaoxiao, suddenly pushed the gentle and dignified Crown Princess Consort was pushed down from the carriage.


    Xiaoxiao pretended to reach out to help her up before retracting her hand. She covered her mouth and asked, ��Does it hurt?��


    The Crown Princess Consort:��


    Someone had already pped the nanny��s face. ��How did you serve Mistress?�� But doing this would only embarrass the Crown Princess Consort even more. After watching this little farce, Xiaoxiao��s mood improved a lot and she could set off with this group of people calmly.


    Xiaoxiao did not know if the Crown Princess Consort was toozy to pretend or if her sprained ankle really hurt. She had not spoken much since she got into the carriage. Xiaoxiao was d to be quiet and closed her eyes to rest. She was really a little tired with her eyes closed. Hence, she told the space to let it be a guard and fell asleep.


    When the Crown Princess Consort adjusted her emotions and expression and turned around, she saw that Xiaoxiao, who was breathing steadily and had pulled a small nket from the carriage to cover herself, was sleeping with a flushed face.


    She was speechless for a moment. She despised and envied this seemingly carefree person in front of her.


    She looked down on Xiaoxiao��s rural past of more than to years. She looked down on Xiaoxiao, who was a princess in name, but she was just a rough person who interacted with yellow soil, pigs, and sheep deep down. However, she really envied her for living freely. She had a family to sincerely protect her and the Third Prince to cherish her.


    Although the Third Prince was not favored in the past, he had be a thorn in the Crown Prince��s side recently. The Crown Princess Consort was also very curious. If the Third Prince really made a meteoric rise one day, would he still show his love for Xiao Ning like he did now, regardless of the world��s opinion?


    The news of the Third Prince sticking to Xiao Ning the moment he was free had long spread throughout the entire Imperial Capital. Some people said that the Third Prince was unambitious and romantic. Some said that Xiao Ning must have done something great in her previous life to get such a good husband in this life. However, the Crown Prince felt that the Third Prince was so close to the General��s Residence for power.


    ��He made a trip to the death arena at the border. He��s just an idle prince now.


    Clearly, Father doesn��t like him. Third Prince must be anxious.��


    The Crown Prince said, ��That��s why he deliberately pretended to be close to Xiao Nmg. After all, the Tiger Talisman is in Xiao Ran��s hands. Obtaining the support of the General��s Residence is equivalent to controlling Great Xia��s military power!��


    He said it so firmly that the Crown Princess Consort believed him. But when she heard about Third Prince and Princess An��ning again, she could not help but feel a little dissatisfied. Was it necessary to do that?


    When the Crown Prince roped in the Zuo Family back then, he did not��


    Forcibly suppressing this thought, the Crown Princess Consort looked at Xiaoxiao��s delicate face and suddenly remembered that the Crown Prince wanted to take this girl in.


    In her sleep, Xiaoxiao felt a chill run down her neck, and the scene in her dream suddenly changed.


    Men and women in prison uniforms were pushed and gathered together. The leader��s face was covered in stubble as he said in a loud voice, ��Your Majesty, how should we deal with these criminals?��


    The familiar voice at the head of the table was cold. ��The rest will be beheaded.


    Zuo Qingyan, tear off her four limbs and head using five horse drawn carts.��


    ��Guilty for murdering the Noble Consort.��


    A woman in the crowd suddenly looked up. ��Your Majesty, Your Majesty! I didn��t kill Noble Consort Ji. I-I didn��t do it on purpose! It was the Empress. The former Empress asked me to poison her!��


    Rong Yan, who was wearing a dragon robe, looked thin and gloomy. ��It��s fine. Empress Yan is waiting for you underground.��


    Xiaoxiao shivered and woke up to meet the Crown Princess Consort��splicated gaze.


    Both of them had their own thoughts and looked away.


    When she entered the pce, the banquet was already halfway through. Xiaoxiao was also convinced by the Empress��s persistence and nned to find a corner to stay in to survive this banquet. However, the Empress could not let her have her way. Before she could sit on the stool, she heard the Empress say, ��An��ning is here? Quick, sit beside me.��


    She sounded as though they were very close.


    When Xiaoxiao looked up, the first thing she noticed was not the Empress who raised her head and looked down on all living beings, but Noble Consort Ji, who was sitting with her and had an indifferent expression.


    It was rumored that Noble Consort Ji had always followed the Empress�� lead. Now that she saw it, it was indeed true.


    Xiaoxiao was a little unhappy-she clearly had such a likable biological son. Why did she have to be intimate with someone else��s family, but let Little Big Brother grow up alone?


    As she was really unhappy, Xiaoxiao greeted her very casually. The Empress did not mind. Instead, she smiled and said to her, ��Come,e, An��ning. Coincidentally, your future mother-inw is here today. It��s rare for the two of you to meet, so you can get along today.��


    Xiaoxiao casually bowed, and Noble Consort Ji also casually gave her a meeting gift that had no other characteristics other than its expensiveness.


    Then, she instructed Xiaoxiao to sit beside Noble Consort Ji.


    To be honest, it was quite awkward.


    Noble Consort Ji was famous for her cold personality, and Xiaoxiao had no intention of taking the initiative to befriend her. The other guests watched helplessly as the two of them did not interact at all and ate their own food.


    Slowly, Xiaoxiao also felt the benefits of sitting beside Noble Consort Ji. She could eat her fill and avoid unnecessary social interactions..

 Chapter 451 - 451: Madam Furong

    Chapter 451: Madam Furong


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    As the two highest-ranking people at this banquet, these people only dared to speak to them after the Empress and Noble Consort Ji took the initiative to greet them. Otherwise, other than the Crown Princess Consort, no one else had the right to talk to them.


    In particr, Noble Consort Ji��s cold face kept people at bay. No one dared to even look in her direction, let alone get close to her. This also made it convenient for Xiaoxiao to ck off the entire time, eat, and stare nkly. Needless to say, the Empress��s meal was not bad. It was delicious with a hint of familiarity. Xiaoxiao was quite satisfied.


    However, how could there be a free lunch in the world? When she saw the servantsing to the Empress in a panic to report that something had happened in the kitchen and that the chef in charge of the kitchen had injured her hand, Xiaoxiao knew that this matter was most likely rted to her.


    As expected, the next moment, she saw a few servants running over with someone in a panic. ��Your Majesty, how can this be good? Madam Furong is injured, but the dishes at the banquet today haven��t been served yet.�� ��You didn��t even do the job assigned by Her Majesty. You have to be severely punished!��


    Xiaoxiao and Madam Furong, who was surrounded by the pce servants, looked at each other and fell silent.


    The Empress said in distress, ��What should we do? I specially invited you over because I heard that your culinary skills are not bad. The banquet hasn��t ended yet, and His Majesty hasn��t arrived yet. Should I announce that the banquet is over? If that��s the case, where will I put my face?��


    The nanny beside her immediately said, ��What a coincidence. I heard that the princess��s culinary skills have surpassed her father. She��s even better than Chef Gu. Why doesn��t she help you?��


    The Empress looked troubled. ��That��s not good, right?��


    The nanny immediately said, ��How can that be? It��s obvious that the princess is a kind person who doesn��t care about putting on airs. It��s just a matter of lending a hand. Not only can she show her talent in front of everyone, but she can also help the empress resolve her urgent needs. Why not?��


    Xiaoxiao felt that the two of them might have treated her as a fool, and they were quite stupid. Although she really wanted to see the Empress and the others acting awkwardly when no one took over, Furong��s hand would probably be crippled if she didn��t deal with the bleeding on her wrist.


    Just as the nanny was still racking her brains to persuade her, everyone was surprised to find that Xiaoxiao had already stood up and started to roll up her sleeves. ��Alright.��


    ��Then let Madam Furong lead the way and tell me about the dishes.�� The Empress was surprised by her straightforwardness. However, on second thought, she felt that this farm girl was indeed short-sighted. She really treated cooking as a ��talent��, so she waved her hand and got someone to arrange it.


    ��She��s probably anxious when she sees that the others are proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.��


    The Empress said to Noble Consort Ji, ��Why don��t she think about it? Which woman from a proper noble family will personally cook?��


    The kitchen was smokey. Wasn��t she rushing to be an old hag? Noble Consort Ji nodded in agreement and didn��t remind the Empress that Grand Secretary Gu had almost rushed to take in the Xiao Family��s daughter as his personal disciple not long ago because of her talent.


    She turned to look at Xiaoxiao��s table just now. Her expression did not change but she was very exasperated. This child was a little picky with her food.


    Xiaoxiao��s footsteps were very fast. Before the pce servants could find a chance to urge her, she followed the silent Madam Furong to the kitchen.


    Seeing the two of them cooperate, the pce servants felt that their mission waspleted and heaved a sigh of relief. The empress had said that everyone would be punished if they could not do this job well.


    Hence, the pce servants did not think much of it when they asked Xiaoxiao and Madam Furong to discuss the recipes first and not let anyone follow them. The imperial chefs in the pce were the same. They liked to hide their cooking as if everyone wanted to learn it secretly.


    The pce servants were guarding the door, but they did not know that Madam Furong, who had a serious expression and did not like to talk to others just now, was fawning over Xiaoxiao and apologizing.


    ��Little Master�� I know my mistake. I shouldn��t havee to this stupid pce����


    Xiaoxiao reached into her sleeve and felt around. At the same time, she said,


    ��You make it sound as if you can reject her.��


    No matter how famous Mrs. Shen��s elegant abode was or how difficult it was to hire Madam Furong, that was only rtive to ordinary people. If she dared to reject the Empress��s request, the entire elegant abode, the Shen Family, and the Li Family would suffer.


    It was not like Xiaoxiao did not understand this, so she naturally could not me Furong.


    Furong was stunned. Then, she saw Xiaoxiao carefully lift her hand and untie the cloth wrapped around Furlong��s woundyer byyer.


    Xiaoxiao��s movements were very light, afraid that she would hurt Furong. When she unveiled thestyer, she even blew at the wound like she was coaxing a child. Furong blinked and sat obediently. Seeing Xiaoxiao take out a bottle of medicine from her pocket as if she was performing a magic trick, ��What hurt you?��


    At this point, Furong couldn��t help but be angry. ��Chef��s knife.��


    ��It is too fake. I was cutting vegetables on the chopping board when someone suddenly bumped into me. Moreover, she bumped into my arm.��


    Fortunately, I reacted quickly. Otherwise, with my knife skills, it��s not impossible for my hand to be severed!��


    Xiaoxiao found the knife she was talking about. This thing was well maintained and did not rust. As long as Furong��s luck was not too bad, there was a high chance that there would be no danger of tetanus. Xiaoxiao washed her wound and applied the medicine produced in the space.


    After applying the medicine, Xiaoxiao looked up and realized that Furong��s eyes were a little red. ��Did I hurt you?��


    Furong shook her head. ��Master, you��re the best.��


    In the past, she always felt that her master was young and it would be awkward for her to be respectful. She liked to call her ��Little Master�� to muddle through. However, today, she really felt care and love from Xiaoxiao.


    It was strange. She was clearly younger than her, so why did she really think that she was an elder?


    At the thought of this, Furongpared their heights and felt even more depressed. Why did Xiaoxiao grow so much taller!


    Xiaoxiao did not notice her small actions because she was filled with dissatisfaction with the Empress��s gang.


    In order to find trouble with her, this group of people would really do anything.


    An innocent person was injured just like that.


    She had never felt that cooking was embarrassing. To be able to make delicious food and share it with the person she loved was the happiest thing for her. She did not care if others understood it.


    Furong was surprised to see Xiaoxiao roll up her sleeves. ��Master, are you really going to cook?��


    Xiaoxiao looked at the high-grade ingredients that represented money in the kitchen happily, ��That��s right. Otherwise, would I let you cook with injuries?�� Furong tilted her head. ��Even I can tell that they did this to cause trouble for you. You��re so smart. It��s impossible for you not to notice.��


    For example, the helpers in the kitchen seemed to have disappeared together.


    It was easy to understand howplicated the dishes at the Empress��s banquet were. With just the two of them, no, to be precise, she could only be considered a cripple now. Hence, Master had toplete the remaining dishes alone?


    Was this the method that the Empress and her people had thought of to make things difficult for her?

 Chapter 452 - 452: Do You Like My Master?

    Chapter 452: Do You Like My Master?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao did not think that the Empress would onlye up with such a small trick with such great fanfare. However, she could only take it one step at a time to predict the future. It was impossible for her to see the smart disciple cum hard workingborer who she had finally found get implicated because of this. Xiaoxiao nced at the expensive ingredients in the kitchen again and narrowed her eyes with a smile.


    A mosquito��s leg was still meat. It would be a waste not to take so many points. ��By the way, my good disciple, have I not taught you how to cook at banquets?�� Furong��s eyebrows twitched. Of course. She had just handed in a few snacks and left behind a few recipes when her mysterious little master disappeared It took her a long time to find out that she had actually gone to the border.


    Not to mention banquet dishes, even if it was home-cooked dishes, her master did not care to teach her, okay?


    But looking at the carefully bandaged wound on her wrist, Furong pursed her lips and swallowed her words.


    Before she started cooking, Xiaoxiao got someone to take her token to the Imperial Hospital to invite the imperial physician. The pce servants did not make things difficult for her and obediently did as they were told. Just as Xiaoxiao nimbly prepared the ingredients she neededter, the ��Imperial Physician�� that the pce servants went to invite also came.


    Coincidentally, it was an acquaintance.


    ��Doctor Gongsun, why is it you?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing, who was more mature and looked much steadier than before, carried the medicine box. ��I happened toe to discuss the next batch of patent medicine. I heard that you were going to invite an imperial physician so I came over.��???????????????????? ��


    His tone was calm, but his gaze quickly swept across Xiaoxiao��s face neck wrists, and palms. ��Where are you injured?��


    Xiaoxiao pulled Furong over. ��It��s not me, it��s her. I just cleaned her wound and used some conventional medicine. Doctor Gongsun, please take a closer look at her.��


    Furong obediently stretched out her hand and let Gongsun Zhongjing examine her. She answered all his questions, but her gaze couldn��t help but shift between him and Xiaoxiao.


    Gongsun Zhongjing affirmed Xiaoxiao��s treatment of her injuries. There was no need to apply any medicine. He told Furong some simple things to take note of, such as not touching water or working hard. She could not even hold chopsticks with this hand for the time being. Otherwise, not to mention cooking, even her daily life would be affected in the future.


    Furong listened attentively as it concerned her future, but her attention kept drifting in Xiaoxiao��s direction.


    She was skimming the broth. As she skillfully removed the foam and excess oil she asked without turning around, ��Have you eaten, Doctor Gongsun?�� Furong turned her gaze back to the doctor who had nothing else to say other than telling her what to take note of during care.


    His lips curved slightly. ��Not yet.��


    Xiaoxiao scooped arge bowl of broth. ��Do you want noodles or steamed dumplings?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing��s smile widened. ��Do you have prawn dumplings?�� Xiaoxiao smiled. ��Doctor Gongsun��s preferences are really as usual.�� ��Do you have anything elseter? If not, sit here for a while. They��ll be out of the steamer in about an incense stick of time.��


    Furong��s eyes widened. Was Master getting along so naturally with genius doctor Gongsun?


    The ingredients that the Empress used to hold the banquet were naturally top-notch. However, to be safe, the food that Xiaoxiao prepared for Gongsun Zhongjing was secretly taken out of her space. Be it freshness or nutrition, it was definitely not inferior to anything in the Empress�� kitchen.


    Gongsun Zhongjing did not look at anything else at all. He just sat at the kitchen door and closed his eyes to rest under the sun until Xiaoxiao said ��It��s done.��?????? ��


    The crystal prawn dumplings were ced on a porcin-white te Beside them was a small te of freshly mixed dip.


    Like Rong Yan, Gongsun Zhongjing did not like food that smelled strongly so the dipping sauce was Xiaoxiao��s special seafood vinegar. Gongsun Zhongjing narrowed his eyes in satisfaction after taking the first bite.


    Xiaoxiao did not even turn around. The sound of the chopping board and kitchen knife colliding kepting. ��How does it taste?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing swallowed the prawn dumpling in his mouth. ��Delicious as ever.��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head happily. ��Of course.��


    Furong couldn��t help but look at the two of them again. She had a bold thought but she didn��t dare to say it.


    After eating the prawn dumplings, Gongsun Zhongjing took out a small cloth bag from his medicine box. Then, he waited for Xiaoxiao to finish her work and turn around before saying naturally, ��I made a small thing for you.�� Xiaoxiao, who was distracted, covered the pot. ��What?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing unfolded the cloth bag and pointed at a few silver needles inside. ��These are the medicinal needles used to test for toxins.��


    ��Ordinary silver needles can only detect poison, and there aren��t many poisons that can be detected. This set can almost detect everything that��s not good for the body.��


    As a princess now, she had to interact with all kinds of people often. She had to be even more careful in everything. After thinking about it and trying several times, he finally made a set of self-defense silver needles.


    ��Tell me when you��re finished with them. I��ll change the needles for you.��


    As for howplicated the silver needles�� production was and how rare the materials were, he did not mention a word.


    Xiaoxiao took the things curiously and thanked him sincerely. Then, she put away the small cloth bag without hesitation and continued to cook. ��


    This was the first time Furong despised her master. Wasn��t she too slow?


    Who would give such a considerate gift to an unrted person? Moreover, he carried it with him! Was it so that he could give it to his master at any time? Oh my god, what kind of love was this?!


    Just as she was thinking this, she heard Xiaoxiao mutter, ��I wonder if I can get someone to send this to Little Big Brother Ah Yan. He should be leaving court soon.��


    Furong��s heart skipped a beat. She looked at Gongsun Zhongjing again, but thetter was calm. ��He woulde to pick you up.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��That��s right. I��ll warm it up for him.��


    Furong couldn��t stand it anymore, so when Gongsun Zhongjing stood up and ade farewell, she took the initiative to send him off. When they were about to reach the entrance of the courtyard, she finally couldn��t help but say, ��Genius Doctor Gongsun, do you�� like my master?��


    Gongsun Zhongjing stopped in his tracks. From his expression, he seemed to be thinking.


    Not long after, he said to Furong, ��There��s no need for her to know.��


    Furong sighed when she went back. However, before she could finish sighing she realized in shock��


    Master, have you dealt with so many ingredients?��


    Xiaoxiao lied without thinking. ��Maybe the pce maids did it before they left.�� Of course not. She asked the space to make them when Furong left. It was fast and convenient to process the ingredients in batches.


    She was not stupid. If she finished the entire kitchen alone, would she still want her hands at night?


    Furong did not believe that those people were so kind, but the truth was right m front of her. She had no choice but to believe it. She could only mutter and prepare to roll up her sleeves.


    She was halfway through raising her hands when Xiaoxiao red at her ��Try moving?��??? <sup>y</sup>


    Furong was conflicted. ��But Master, there are so many dishes�� The Empress They��re clearly making things difficult for you.��


    Xiaoxiao raised her eyebrows.. ��Do you think I��m afraid?��

 Chapter 453 - 453: A Bit Like That Little Girl

    Chapter 453: A Bit Like That Little Girl


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��Ah, right, there are a few dishes that I haven��t taught you yet. Come and watch with your eyes. You��re not allowed to eat them, understand?��


    Most of the dishes had been prepared, and only the snacks were left untouched.


    In other words, even if Xiaoxiao messed up, this banquet could still be considered to be done. However, if they really wanted to pursue the matter, they could also find excuses to use Xiaoxiao.


    Furong was originally worried that Xiaoxiao would not have enough time to make dishes that could fool people. However, after about an hour, she waspletely convinced. However, she looked at Xiaoxiao as if she was looking at a monster.


    ��Master, if I weren��t too familiar with you, I would really suspect that you��re some incarnation of a spirit or a monster.��


    Xiaoxiao flicked her forehead happily. ��What spirit or monster? It doesn��t sound good at all. Can��t I be a fairy that has descended to the mortal world?��


    That was true. The master and disciple looked at the freshly baked crystal prawn dumplings, and Lion Dance Pastry and smiled in satisfaction.


    And when Furong realized that Xiaoxiao had left an extra portion of snacks, she�� had a toothache.


    She didn��t need to ask to know who she was saving it for.


    At this moment, the Empress was saying to Noble Consort Ji, ��If she does well, let��s not mention this matter. If she doesn��t do well, hehe.��


    Noble Consort Ji nodded. After raising her ss to her from afar, her gaze stopped on the table without saying a word.


    The Empress knew that she had always been like this in front of others, so she did not mind and only cared about talking to others.


    Not long after, she heard from the kitchen that the snacks were ready and someone was to serve the dishes.


    The Empress thought that in such a hurry, Xiaoxiao could only make do with those unpresentable dishes from the farmers perfunctorily. Unexpectedly, the dishes that were presented one after another were delicious, fragrant, and delicious�� They were even more exquisite than the previous dishes.


    The pastries were even more exquisite.


    The transparent and pink crystal prawn dumplings, and the unbelievably exquisite��


    Someone pointed at thest snack that had its lid lifted and asked, ��This little lion is too vivid. What��s this snack called?��


    The pce servant in charge of serving the dishes said respectfully, ��Lion Dance Pastry.��


    Seeing that everyone was interested, the pce maids sensibly picked up a piece for their mistresses and ced it on their te. This Lion Dance Pastry happened to retain the remaining heat from the pot to the table without scalding their mouths. After taking a small bite, the crispy skin and the delicate lotus filling wrapped inside immediately conquered the diners�� hearts.


    Although the crystal prawn dumplings were also beautiful, they had been popr in the capital for more than half a year after all. Everyone present had more or less eaten them a few times. Delicious as they were, they were not as novel as the Lion Dance Pastry.


    It had an exquisite design, bright colors, and was small and exquisite. Every bite had a different taste.


    Even outsiders could see howplicated it was. How much time and effort would it take to make such a snack that could even have a lion��s mane?


    ��Madam Furong really lives up to her reputation. She can actually make such a wonderful thing.��


    Those who knew a little about culinary skills eximed, ��Indeed, this crispy skin clearly melted in the mouth, but it didn��t deform when it was fried. It can be seen that her control of the oil temperature and heat has long reached perfection.��


    ��As expected of the famous Madam Furong of the Imperial Capital.��


    ��No wonder she is the elegant abode��s chef. Her snacks are so ingenious.��


    Hearing more and more praises for Xiaoxiao, not only was the Empress not angry, but a strange smile gradually appeared on her face.


    ��Has everything been arranged?��


    The pce maid lowered her eyes. ��As youmand, Your Majesty.��


    ��Greetings, Your Majesty!�� As the continuous kowtowing sounded, the Emperor, who was still wearing his court attire, came down to the hall with Eunuch De. His gaze was immediately attracted by the novel dishes on the table.


    ��Yo, I didn��t expect that someone else would have such a strange thought after the child of the Xiao Family appeared.��


    The Empress went forward with a smile. ��It��s really Madam Furong��s blessing to be praised by His Majesty. Someone, call her over to receive the reward.��


    From the beginning to the end, she did not mention anything about her injury.


    It wasmon for imperial chefs to be rewarded for making good dishes. The Emperor did not think too much about it and walked to the main seat. During this period, he felt even more hungry when he smelled the fragrance.


    ��Noble Consort Ji is also here.��


    The Empress subconsciously tightened her grip on her sleeve. ��Of course. Sister Ji��s future daughter-inw is also here. I wanted the two of them to nurture their rtionship, so I arranged for An��ning to be beside Sister Ji.��


    The Emperor nced at her and did not say anything. He just walked straight to the seat beside the Empress and sat down.


    The Empress knew that her thoughts had been seen through, but she did not regret it.


    After all�� with so many people watching, if His Majesty sat with Noble Consort Ji, how would she, the Empress, face people in the future?


    When her gaze swept across Noble Consort Ji again, an imperceptible haze shed across the Empress��s eyes.


    Knowing that the Empress had summoned Furong, Xiaoxiao thought for a moment and said to her, ��If the Empress��s people make any requests to you, just agree.��


    Furong was puzzled and nervous. Beside her, the pce servants said, ��Her Majesty instructed us to bring you to wash up and change your clothes. Princess, please follow us.��


    As a princess, it was indeed not suitable for Xiaoxiao to return to the banquet covered in oil and smoke. It was reasonable for the pce servants to do this, but Furong felt that something was wrong. Just as she was about to speak, she saw Xiaoxiao shake her head at her and leave with the pce servants.


    Furong swallowed her saliva. She felt that this pce was like a dragon��s pool and a tiger��s den. This trip was too soul-stirring.


    If she could choose, she definitely did not want toe. However, the Empress��s people entered the elegant abode directly and did not give her the chance and right to reject them.


    Just like now, that arrogant-looking pce maid was emphasizing to her.


    ��When the Empress askster, just say that the dishes served just now were all created by your elegant abode. Do you understand?��


    Furong clenched her fists secretly. However, she had clearly said just now that the dishes were made by Princess An��ning. She was just watching from the side.


    The pce maid��s tone did not allow for rejection, and her attitude was extremely unyielding, as if Furong would never leave the pce if she dared to disobey.


    Recalling her master��s words just now, Furong bent down obediently. ��I understand.��


    What kind of monsters did their master usually face? She actually guessed the other party��s intentions before they spoke.


    The journey back to the banquet was not long, but Furong felt that if possible, she did not want toe again in her life.


    With the Emperor around, the banquet was more serious, but the people at the banquet were also more excited. They had to see the Emperor. As for these dishes�� Ah, they had to eat them. They were too fragrant and tempting, really! Didn��t you see that His Majesty himself couldn��t put down his chopsticks?


    Ever since he went to the Xiao Family to freeload a few meals, the Emperor��s dissatisfaction with the Imperial Kitchen increased day by day.


    Be it the ingredients or the staff, the imperial kitchen was much better than the Xiao Family��s. However, even the in porridge and side dishes could notpare to the delicacies made by the Xiao Family. It would be fine if they could notpare to Gu Chang��an alone. After all, he was once themander of the imperial kitchen. However, it was said that the person in charge of the kitchen was that little girl, Xiao Ning, who had juste of age!


    Sigh, there was a hint of that little girl in these dishes..

 Chapter 454 - 454= Created By My Sect

    Chapter 454= Created By My Sect


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions | Editor: Henyee Trantions


    That girl liked to study fancy snacks. His senior sister would bring a bag of snacks to eat and he would crave for them!


    He was the Emperor. He couldn��t just watch others eat and take the initiative to ask, ��Can you give me a piece?�� Wasn��t Senior Sister usually quite understanding towards her husband? Why was she suddenly slow at those moments?!


    The Emperor was dissatisfied as heined in his heart. Unknowingly, he was half full. At this moment, Xiaoxiao, who had changed her clothes, arrivedte. Before the Emperor could ask, the Empress said, ��Speaking of which, it��s all thanks to An��ning that the banquet today was sessful.


    ��Previously, the chef was injured and there were still a few dishes that weren��tpleted. If An��ning hadn��t volunteered to help, His Majesty might not have been able to see this table full of exquisite dishes.


    ��But An��ning didn��t lose out either. Since she likes to cook, she should have benefited a lot from taking this opportunity to see Madam Furong��s original recipes. She might be grateful now.��


    Although the Emperor felt that it was not appropriate for the Empress to let Xiaoxiao cook, he felt that these words were reasonable. He was a little happy when he thought that he might be able to get more delicious food from the Xiao Family in the future.


    The Empress smiled and asked Xiaoxiao, who had just returned, ��An��ning, which of the dishes were made by you?��


    Xiaoxiao put on an innocent expression and replied proudly, ��All of them.�� There was a moment of silence. Everyone probably felt that Xiaoxiao was a little immodest, but on second thought, since Madam Furong was injured, she indeed needed Xiaoxiao��s help for every dish. In that case, she was not lying. However, someone suddenly asked, ��I wonder how you came up with these dishes.��


    Xiaoxiao remembered that person��s appearance and still smiled, as if she had really fallen into a trap. ��I learned them from books.��


    As soon as these words were spoken, the Empress was smug, but her tone was calm. ��You mean that you figured out these dishes from reading books?��


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Yes.��


    The Empress stopped and smiled without saying anything.


    Xiaoxiao didn��t think that the Empress��s moves would stop here. Indeed, not long after, she heard her say, ��Ah, this Jade Dew Soup is Sister Ji��s favorite.


    An��ning, go and bring a bowl to your future mother-inw.��


    To be fair, the Crown Princess Consort even suggested, ��Mother, I remember that you like it too. Let me get you a bowl too.��


    The Empress was very satisfied and nodded in agreement.


    However, when Xiaoxiao walked towards the pce maid carrying the tray in boredom, she heard a space notification: [Master, there are ingredients in the soup that are bad for the human body.]


    [Preliminary judgment: There should be croton added. It��s not a small amount.]


    Xiaoxiao��s hand paused. So it was waiting for her here?


    There were two cups of soup presented by the pce servants. When Xiaoxiao raised her hand, the pce servants knelt on the ground and looked down. ��The bowl on the left belongs to the Noble Consort.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. [Treasure, Range Control.]


    The space replied helplessly: [Master, you��ve already used this skill today.] Xiaoxiao thought about it carefully and agreed, so she took the entire tray. Before the Crown Princess Consort came over, Xiaoxiao had already carried the tray to the side of the Empress. Where Noble Consort Ji was, she threw the double speed on her wrist when she turned around. With a whoosh, the positions of the two soup bowls were sessfully exchanged.


    She was going to take away Noble Consort Ji��s share and hand it over to the Crown Princess Consort, but Noble Consort Ji suddenly got up and started to serve the soup herself.


    Before Xiaoxiao could say anything, she saw her sit back down.


    The space said: [Eh, Master, she took the bowl with the extra ingredients.] Xiaoxiao looked at the remaining soup bowl on the tray and fell into deep thought. However, the Crown Princess Consort did not give her much time to think, in thetter��s opinion, Xiaoxiao was just trying to please Noble Consort Ji and the Empress at the same time. She was really ttering them.


    Hence, she angrily snatched the remaining soup bowl from Xiaoxiao��s hand and turned to walk towards the Empress without even greeting her.


    Xiaoxiao no longer had the time to care about the Crown Princess Consort��s impolite attitude, because Noble Consort Ji picked up the bowl and was about to bring it to her mouth.


    Although she didn��t like Rong Yan��s strange and aloof mother, she was a beauty after all. It was a pity for her to make a fool of herself in public because of croton. As a veteran member of the Attractive Faces Association, Xiaoxiao admitted that she was sympathetic.


    Hence, just as Noble Consort Ji was about to pick up the soup, Xiaoxiao silently thought to herself that Noble Consort Ji had at least given her an expensive meeting gift. She raised her hand and pressed down on the soup bowl. ��Wait.�� Noble Consort Ji looked at her in surprise. Xiaoxiao pursed her lips. ��It��s a little hot.��


    At the same time that her palm covered the bowl lid, Xiaoxiao had already exchanged it with another Jade Dew Soup that was originally reserved for Little Big Brother in the space.


    Only space could do such a precise operation of changing the soup but not the bowl.


    In order to prevent the Empress��s meticulous n from falling through, Xiaoxiao even ��identally�� bumped into the Crown Princess Consort when she got up. When she turned around to help her up, she also exchanged the contents of the other soup bowl on the tray for a second time.


    Hence, the soup with the added ingredients ��returned to its rightful owner�� and back to the Empress.


    Seeing the Empress epting the Crown Princess Consort��s filial piety with a smile, Xiaoxiao looked forward to it.


    She had always believed that one should not have the intention to harm others, but if someone offended her, she had to return it.


    Especially since the Empress had done it again and again.


    Ever since the Empress saw Noble Consort Ji finish the soup that had been tampered with, she couldn��t help but look in her direction. However, after waiting for a long time, Noble Consort Ji still didn��t move.


    At this moment, the Empress��s people walked forward with Furong, who had hidden her wound tightly.


    ��The dishes today are not bad. His Majesty and I are very satisfied.�� The Empress nced at the Emperor, who did not care about such a small matter, and said, ��How did you think of these dishes?�� Furong lowered her head and replied obediently, ��They were created by my sect.��


    As soon as she said this, everyone looked at Xiaoxiao strangely. Then, they were unmoved and continued to eat.


    As expected of her. It was delicious and exquisite. It could be said to be perfect. The Empress rubbed her lower abdomen unconsciously and confirmed again. ��You��re saying that the dishes today are all your sect��s secret recipes?�� Furong said yes, so the expressions of the people in the hall became even moreplicated. Even the Emperor could not help but look at Xiaoxiao.


    The Empress raised her hand to hide the curve of her lips. ��Are you sure? If you lie in front of His Majesty, it will be a crime to lie to the Emperor.


    Furong��s tone was firm. ��I don��t dare to lie. Everything I say is true.�� The Empress��s expression changed. ��How dare you! I��ve already given you a chance, but you��re still stubborn.


    Furong looked up in surprise, but the others knew what was going on. It was obvious that the Empress was nning to abandon the chef and protect Princess An��ning.


    That made sense. Regardless of what Princess An��ning was like in the past, she was now considered half a member of the royal family. She would not be the only one who would be embarrassed if others found out that she had secretly learned the ultimate techniques of another sect and even tried to take them for herself.


    However, it was a pity that this innocent chef had to suffer for Princess An��ning��s selfishness and vanity..

 Chapter 455 - 455= I’m Her Master

    Chapter 455= I��m <sup>Her</sup> Master


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Sigh, I hope this chef is tactful. Otherwise, Ttn afraid I won��t be able to open that elegant abode in the future.


    The Empress asked again, ��I��ll give you another chance. Does your sect own these recipes, or did Princess An��ning create them herself and teach you how to cook today?��


    It was as if all the guests present would lose their memories if Furong changed


    her words.


    Everyoneined in their hearts, but there was only the usual coldness on their faces.


    It seemed like no matter how Furong answered, Xiaoxiao��s reputation that she had just established recently would plummet.


    The Emperor��s good mood instantly disappeared. He was d that he had eaten quickly and had filled his stomach early, but he also regretteding today. Couldn��t he find an excuse to say that he was busy with government affairs and reject it?


    Now, what should he, the emperor of the country, do?


    Whether it was asking the Xiao Family��s girl to take back her previous words or asking this chef to change her words, it did not seem appropriate.


    Furong was also very conflicted when she had a headache. Master told her to listen to the Empress, so what should she answer now?


    Fortunately, Xiaoxiao could tell that she was in a difficult position and took the


    initiative to speak up for her. ��Let me speak for her.��


    Xiaoxiao propped her chin on her hand and looked at the Empress��s hand that was pressed against her abdomen unconsciously. She was all smiles. ��I taught her.��


    The Emperor sighed in his heart-the Xiao Family��s girl was usually quite smart. Why did she make a mistake today?


    However, the Empress was very happy. She knew that the daughter raised by the farmers was short-sighted. As expected!


    Because she was too happy, she even ignored the obvious difort in her stomach. She said to Furong with a straight face, ��In that case, it��s you, an unruly person, who is trying to lie to us.��


    -What a joke. How dare you spout nonsense in front of so many of us? Would a dignified princess be greedy for your mere recipes and frame you?��


    She nned to use Furong to frame Xiaoxiao, but after using her, she did not n to protect this chess piece. On the contrary, she wanted this matter to blow up as much as possible. It would be best if the entire Imperial Capital knew how arrogant and despotic the only daughter of the General��s Residence was and how she treated human lives like grass!


    This way, neither the Xiao Family nor the Third Prince, who was about to marry Xiaoxiao, would pose a threat to the Yan Family.


    This chef was unlucky. If she had to me someone, she could only me those people for praising the Third Prince too much recently and disturbing her.


    The Empress raised her fingers with sharp nail guards and said with a dignified expression.


    ��Guards, drag this lyingmoner down. Kill����


    ��Hey, wait!�� The Empress looked at Xiaoxiao unhappily. This wild girl from the Xiao Family was indeed uneducated to dare to interrupt her!


    Xiaoxiao said, ��She��s not lying.��


    The Empress frowned. At the same time, she felt an urgent pain in her stomach.


    ��What do you mean?��


    Xiaoxiao deliberately slowed down. ��It��s not a lie when Furong said that the


    recipes were taught by her sect.��


    ��She didn��t lie, so there��s no need to be punished, right?


    The Empress really could not help but want tough. She did not expect this daughter of the Xiao Family to be so stupid. Did she think that she could be a good person just because she turned back at thest minute? Little did she know that going back on her word would only make her fall into an even more awkward situation.


    Sure enough, someone immediately asked, ��Then�� Princess, did you remember wrongly?��


    The Empress nced at that person and added this person��s name to the list of people to be promoted next time.


    However, Xiaoxiao said, ��No.��


    ��I indeed figured out these dishes from reading books.�� Everyone was confused, but Xiaoxiao said happily, ��Because I��m her master.�� The Empress�� hand that was holding the wine ss trembled. ��What did you say?��


    The Emperor rxed his brows. ��An��ning, is what you said true?�� Xiaoxiao raised her chin at Furong. ��Your Majesty, you can ask Furong-�� Furong said respectfully, ��Your Majesty, I��m Master��s first disciple. I��ve already acknowledged her as my master when I was in Xijiang County. Master taught me to make the snacks and drinks in the elegant abode.��


    Good lord, this Princess An��ning was too low-key!


    Someone asked curiously, ��Since the princess has such ability before she returned to the Imperial Capital, why didn��t she do it herself?��


    Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes. ��I��m young and short. I can��t reach the stove.��


    Everyone was speechless.


    They actually�� could not refute her��


    The Emperorughed. ��You��re smart, humble, and polite. The Ning Family and the Xiao Family have taught their daughters well. I��m very satisfied with this meal. An��ning, Furong, what reward do you want?��


    This was originally a conventional pleasantry. Usually, when the Emperor asked this, others would answer that it was up to His Majesty to make the decision. However, Xiaoxiao did not. She said, ��Since His Majesty asks, I won��t stand on ceremony.��


    The Emperor panicked and regretted speaking too quickly.


    Recently, the Imperial Court had focused on nting food and refining iron.


    The treasury was a little tight��


    The Emperor couldn��t make empty promises. Wouldn��t it be embarrassing if he couldn��t take out any rewards after opening his mouth?


    Fortunately, Xiaoxiao made a very sensible request��


    ��I heard that Your Majesty has good handwriting. I wonder if I can boldly ask for your calligraphy treasure for the elegant abode?��


    This ttery made the Emperor beam. ��How difficult is that? Dezi, prepare the Four Treasures of the Study!��


    Not only did she fail to frame Xiaoxiao, but she also gave her a chance to be famous. The Empress was already angry enough. Seeing that the Emperor really started writing, she was even angrier.


    This anger ran rampant in her heart. It darted around and suddenly went to a ce it shouldn��t go��


    There was a faint ��pfft�� sound, apanied by an indescribable smell. As she was close, Xiaoxiao could see the Empress��s pupils tremble and her face turn pale.


    Without batting an eyelid, she retreated a distance far enough to express her reverence and secretly held her breath.


    The Empress felt like dying on the spot right now.


    With all her strength, the Empress��s face turned red. She tightened her body and gave her nanny a look.


    The nanny did not follow the Empress for so many years in vain. She immediately turned around and red at the pce maids. ��What��s going on? Hurry up and get down!��


    The pce maid was puzzled when the nanny said to the Emperor, ��Your Majesty, actually, Her Majesty didn��t sleep wellst night. I��m worried that Her Majesty will be exhausted. Why don��t you persuade her and get Her Majesty to go back to rest early?��


    Since it was the pce maid who farted, Eunuch De was relieved to fan the Emperor in exchange for fresh air.


    The Emperor calmed down for a while and said with difficulty, ��Your health is more important.��


    However, every word was short, as if he was afraid of inhaling the stench again.


    Eunuch De��s wrist strength was outstanding. The Emperor felt that the air was fine so he nned to persuade her again. However, at this moment, the usually talkative and stubborn Empress had already stood up. ��Yes, I��ll take my leave.��


    Without even saying goodbye to Noble Consort Ji, she hurriedly left.


    At first, when everyone was in sight, the Empress��s footsteps were still neither fast nor slow. As soon as she walked away, she wished she could fly. Fortunately, the banquet was held in the Empress��s pce. It was only a few steps back to the inner hall. The Empress trembled as she was helped down by the nanny. However, her clothes were destroyed.


    After an unknown period of time, the Empress asked, ��What happened?��

 Chapter 456 - 456: Beware Of Danger In Times Of Peace

    Chapter 456: Beware Of Danger In Times Of Peace


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The nanny��s tone was calm, like a wooden person without a sense of smell. ��Your Highness, there��s a peony pattern on the lid of your soup bowl. If you didn��t take the wrong bowl, it can only be a mistake when they were adding the ingredients.��


    The Empress��s mouth turned white when she walked out. ��Find out who it was and flog her to death!��


    She couldn��t even handle such a small matter and made her lose so much face!


    ��No, not only her alone. Kill her entire family����


    However, she did not know that two of the 18 family members of the pce maid, who were in charge of drugging, were only prisoners on death row.


    At night, the Emperor came to the Empress��s pce after a long time. However, before the Empress could be happy, he said coldly, ��An��ning is busy studying and running her shops. She doesn��t have much time. There��s no need to disturb her when we hold a banquet in the future.��


    ��In addition, I heard that your appetite hasn��t been good recently? Looks like the cooking is not working well. Coincidentally, the imperial chef has recently taught a few new disciples. Their culinary skills are not bad. I��ll get Dezi to send them to youter.��


    After saying this, the Emperor lit themp and spent the night in the study approving memorandums.


    The Empress was angry but did not dare to say anything because she could tell that the Emperor was warning her.


    As expected, the Emperor spoke again before the court the next day.


    ��The weather has been bad thesest few days. It��s easy to catch a cold. Since the Empress is not feeling well, it��s good that she��ll be recuperating in the pce. She doesn��t have to worry about anything outside.��


    The Empress��s face was pale. His Majesty wanted her to be grounded!


    He must know what she did!


    However, she didn��t know if this punishment was because she wanted to harm Xiao Ran��s daughter, or because the bowl of soup that was spiked was originally meant for his precious Noble Consort Ji!


    So that bowl of soup was tampered with by His Majesty��s men?


    Good, very good!!


    After this incident, the reputation of the elegant abode and Xiaoxiao rose at the same time.


    The elegant abode was the ce that the nobledies in the Imperial Capital wanted to go the most. Now that they had the Emperor��s inscription, they yearned for it even more��it was as if they could get involved with the Emperor after a trip to the elegant abode.


    The elegant abode, which was already very popr, was even busier now. Even the appointment schedule was nned until the next year. Mrs. Shen couldn��t stop smiling. ��This is great. Let��s see who dares to force our Furong to cook in the future.��


    Furong also felt like she was dreaming. ��I met Miss Xu at the door today. When she saw me back then, she wanted to raise her nose to where her forehead was. Today, she actually greeted me and called me ��Sister Furong��.��


    She rubbed her arms with her uninjured hands. ��It��s mushy.��


    Mrs. Shen poked her forehead. ��Isn��t that a good thing? You have a backer now.��


    Her backer was writing and drawing at the side. ��I didn��t consider this matter thoroughly enough. I thought that the Shen Family was already important enough. I didn��t expect Madam to have already expanded the elegant abode to this extent. Even the Empress has be a potential client. As expected of you.��


    Mrs. Shen rolled her eyes. She was a genius businesswoman who almost took over the Li Family. Hmph, she wouldn��t be happy even if that brat praised her! Mrs. Shen asked with a grin, ��What are you drawing?��


    Xiaoxiao looked up in her busy state. ��It��s a beauty recipe.��


    Sigh, Mrs. Shen was no longer sleepy if she said that. She looked at the bird��s nest desserts that Xiaoxiao had listed. ��Can it really nourish our faces?��


    Xiaoxiao pursed her lips. ��What? Swallow��s nest is just a swallow��s saliva. It��s not as nutritious as eggs.��


    Mrs. Shen was shocked. ��So it��s useless?��


    Xiaoxiao thought about it carefully. ��It��s notpletely useless. The effect depends on the person. Besides, is it nutritious for you to drink bird��s nest?��


    Without waiting for Mrs. Shen to answer, Xiaoxiao said, ��A rich woman��s spending is for happiness. She only eats, drinks, and makeup to be happy. The rest is not important.��


    It was hard for Mrs. Shen not to agree with her.


    Xiaoxiao added, ��Besides, swallow��s nest earns money from rich people. We don��t have to feel guilty.��


    Mrs. Shen suddenly felt that she had been a fool for many years.


    The next day, the elegant abodeunched a series of beauty nourishing meals, including bird��s nest soup. Once this set meal wasunched, it was immediately very popr. Not only were the noblewomen in the Imperial Capital fighting to book it, but even people from other ces kepting because of its reputation.


    Xiaoxiao struck while the iron was hot and pulled Rong Yan to start a chain inn. She was very busy.


    When the Emperor found out about this, he did not carefully gather the areas that Xiaoxiao had dabbled in recently. Then, he was surprised to discover that the Xiao Family seemed to have suddenly escaped poverty and be rich!


    He came to her door to freeload, but Xiao Ranined and despised him for getting fat.


    In the blink of an eye, another year passed. The watermelon harvest at the border could finally satisfy the normal supply in the border. The Great Wall Cargo, which was already quite well-known, had explored all the routes.


    As long as they were not hotheads who had just be bandits, no bandit would dare to find trouble with them. That group of fiends was not to be trifled with. It was not impossible for them to directly destroy the bandit nest when they were angry.


    Whether it was sending the food in the pass to the border city or sending the watermelons, grapes and cantaloupes outside the pass to the pass, there was no mission that the Great Wall Cargo could notplete.


    Hence, the people outside the pass never starved again, and the people inside the pass lived more and more colorfully.


    County Magistrate Shen brought the new rice seeds to almost half of Great Xia. In the past two years, not only did he do a good job on the imperial mission, but he also found a group of really capable low-level officials. With the help of these people, the new rice seeds spread everywhere and were about to cover all thend of Great Xia.


    The Emperor was so happy that he arranged another job for County Magistrate Shen �C to build the granary of the world.


    Under Chen Yong��s supervision, the dike in Luo Prefecture became a powerful natural chasm to prevent water disasters. The poprization of new agricultural tools, including waterwheels, also became a reliable backing for the people.


    Everything seemed to be very stable, but in the pce examination not long ago, the Emperor saw an answer that satisfied him to the extreme.


    The title of the answer sheet was��Beware of danger in times of peace.


    The examinee analyzed the pros and cons of the people��s livelihoods in Great Xia in detail. Unlike those superficial articles, the Emperor realized that although this examinee��s suggestion was not as gorgeous as others��, it was very concrete and pragmatic. There were many insights that were really practical.


    The Emperor, who had finished reading the answers, could not wait to implement the newws proposed in a few articles. The construction of the granary was one of them.


    On the day of the pce examination, the Emperor asked curiously, ��Who wrote it?��


    A dignified young man in the crowd replied, ��I��m Ning Ansheng, a candidate from Xijiang County.��


    His surname was Ning?


    The Emperor looked at the young man��s high-spirited face and thought to himself, Could it be such a coincidence?


    ��Ning Ansheng, right? Let me ask you, how did you know about these ces that you wrote on the answer sheet?��


    Ning Ansheng said, ��Your Majesty, I once traveled and studied with Teacher. Although what was written in the text might not bepletely correct, I saw it with my own eyes and felt it personally.��


    Just this point alone was already something that many examinees could notpare to.


    The Emperor asked him again, ��The examination is imminent, but you��re still traveling. Aren��t you afraid of dying your studying time?��


    Ning Ansheng revealed a warm smile. ��My sister�� My family once said something.��


    ��It��s better to travel ten thousand miles than to read ten thousand books. It��s better to read countless people than to travel ten thousand miles. It��s better to be guided by a great teacher than to read countless people. It��s better toprehend it yourself than to be guided by a great teacher..��

 Chapter 457 - 457: Top Scorer

    Chapter 457: Top Scorer


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��I think she��s right.��


    Although the ancients also have a saying that there is a beauty and a golden house in books, there are many sceneries and many principles that can��t be understood just by reading.��


    ��Just like how the mountains and rivers are vast, how can one understand without traveling?��


    ��As magnificent as the mountains and rivers. How can I experience them without seeing them with my own eyes?��


    ��I only know what happened in the past after many days. I��m just a frog at the bottom of a well. Only then did I understand what it means to have boundless love and good karma.��


    The Emperor even asked him many questions. He only remembered at the end. ��By the way, I see that you��re quite insightful. Who is your Teacher?�� NingAnsheng bowed. ��I��m not talented. I��m Lu Chen��s disciple, Dean Lu.�� Even after bing an official, Dean Lu did not give up on his teaching dream. Compared to ��Official Lu��, he preferred others to call him ��Dean Lu��.


    The Emperorughed. So it was the closed-door disciple that Lu Chen admired, the elder brother of An��ning��s adoptive parents. He should have said so earlier. The list of the top three in the imperial examination and the imperial rankings that announced that they were going to build the world��s granary were posted one after another. Both made Xiaoxiao extremely happy.


    The former was because the new top scorer was none other than her Eldest Brother, Ning Ansheng!


    When the messenger came to the Ning Family to deliver the news, Ning Fengman, who was the father of three sons, cried tears of joy. He wanted to call for his ancestors�� blessings, but he held it in. After a while, he only said, ��Dng, you did well!��


    Madam Song happily handed a big red packet to the person reporting the good news and patted Ning Anhui. ��Prepare the banquet!��


    Ning Anhui had already prepared everything for Eldest Brother. His restaurant��s celebratory banquetsted for three days. No matter if they were sincere or not, they could no longer look down on the Ning Family.


    The first thing Ning Ansheng did after finding out he was the top scorer, was to prepare a thank-you gift that was not too expensive but was very sincere. He personally came to the Gu Family to visit.


    When Grand Secretary Gu found out that the person who came was Xiaoxiao��s foster brother, he got someone to bring him to the study.


    Ning Ansheng bowed deeply. ��I, Ning Ansheng, thank you for your guidance, Sir. Fortunately, I didn��t let you and Teacher down.��


    Grand Secretary Gu said, ��It��s your own ability that you are the top scorer. What has it got to do with me?��


    NingAnsheng said respectfully, ��I know Sir must have sensed that Xiaoxiao secretly transferred your teachings to me. I��m really grateful. Please ept this gift of gratitude.��


    If he had not tacitly agreed, Xiaoxiao would not have done this. Moreover, the content that Grand Secretary Gu had been teaching Xiaoxiao during this period of time happened to be rted to the scientific examination. Nmg Ansheng was not stupid and naturally guessed the reason.


    Dean Lu had been appointed by the emperor to be in charge of the examination. In order to avoid arousing suspicion, not only could he not teach Ning Ansheng during this period of time, but it was also inconvenient for them to meet.


    After confirming that he would be the examiner, Dean Lu had been staying at the ce arranged by the Emperor to ensure that the exam questions would not be leaked. Ning Ansheng originally thought that he could only rely on his own hard work before the exam. Unexpectedly, Grand Secretary Gu quietly made use of Xiaoxiao to prepare his homework for him every day.


    How could he forget such nurturing?


    Although he had volunteered to help, Grand Secretary Gu was also gratified to receive his gratitude. However, the gift was��


    Ning Ansheng said, ��These are some of the local records recorded by Teacher and me during our travels. There are local customs, misceneous stories books, and hand-drawn mountains and rivers journals.��


    Grand Secretary Gu turned around and took the book. ��It��s kind of you to be so considerate. I��ll ept it respectfully.��


    Putting everything else aside, this self-written journal was a good thing that could only be chanced upon by luck. Even Xiaoxiao��s Flexible Printing was not easy topletely copy the drawings.


    Grand Secretary Gu had never envied anyone in his life except Lu Chen. He envied Lu Chen for being carefree and doing whatever he wanted.


    He said that he did not care about fame and fortune. He was not used to the bad habits of the royal court and could immediately put down everything and leave the officialdom to be a free person.


    They had long despised the current officials for being hypocritical, stupid, and weak. However, Lu Chen left with a flick of his sleeves after saying that he did not like them. He started an academy to be his teacher, but Grand Secretary Gu could only endure his disgust and look down on those bootlickers.


    After all these years, Lu Chen had traveled all over the country and seen all the mountains and rivers. He even took in a good disciple��


    At the thought of this, Grand Secretary Gu suddenly perked up. He had not lost when it came to their disciples.


    NingAnsheng, since you insist on receiving my guidance, then���� Ning Ansheng, who came out of the Gu Residence, had aplicated expression on his face. No wonder his sister always talked about old men bing like children.


    That night, the Ning Family naturally wanted to celebrate alone with the Xiao Family. It was rare for the two fathers to be so drunk. They changed from their usual polite behavior and put their arms around each other��s shoulders, closing the distance between them. Even Ning Anhui carried his youngest son, who was only a few months old, and jumped around non-stop.


    ��Do you know that your uncle is the top scorer?!��


    ��Hehe, this is our Ning Family��s first top schr!��


    ��We can also support Aunt in the future!��


    ��By the way, you can learn from your uncle in the future. Try to be a sensible schr like him in the future.��


    The little baby did not know what his father was talking about, but he blinked his big ck eyes and cried loudly.


    This time, Qian Jiao��er couldn��t take it anymore. She grabbed Ning Anhui��s ear and pulled the drunkard away.


    Madam Song and Xiao Ran brought back their two husbands, who were arguing about whose daughter was more considerate.


    ��Alright, alright. Your daughters are all equally good and considerate.�� ��Husband, wake up. You��re all praising the same person. What��s there to fight for?��?????????????????? <sup>b</sup>


    Xiaoxiao was quite embarrassed. It was clearly Eldest Brother��s celebration banquet, so why were the two fathers talking about her again?


    However, Ning Ansheng didn��t mind. Seeing that most of them had left, he coughed lightly and poured himself a ss of wine. He raised his ss to Xiaoxiao. ��Thank you, Senior Sister.��


    Xiaoxiao:��


    She clearly did not drink, but why did she feel like she was drunk?


    She poked her ear and patted her face. She rounded her eyes and asked Ning


    Ansheng, ��Eldest Brother, what did you call me just now?��


    The moon was bright tonight, but Xiaoxiao didn��t know if it was an illusion.


    She seemed to see NingAnsheng blush.


    ��Senior Sister has contributed greatly to my Imperial Examination. This toast is to you.��


    Xiaoxiao blinked hard and pinched herself again. Since he was not awake, it meant that she was not dreaming. She stared at Ning Ansheng��s embarrassed expression and guessed that this title had something to do with the trip to the Gu Residence.


    After pondering for a while, she asked, ��Can you call me that again?�� That��s right. Now that she had grown up, she would take advantage of Eldest Brother.


    Ning Ansheng calmed down when she was so naughty. He even said seriously again, ��Now that I��m considered half a disciple of Grand Secretary Gu, Xiaoxiao, you entered the sect first. In that case, you��re indeed my senior sister.��


    After saying that, he actually nned to bow.


    It wouldn��t be fun if he was serious!

 Chapter 458 - 458: Don’t Even Think About It

    Chapter 458: Don��t Even Think About It


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    With the uncles of the Great Wall Cargo, Xiaoxiao spared no effort in preparing the supplies. When they set off, the cart full of food bags was even more than everything the Ning Family had prepared.


    Xiaoxiao scratched her head in embarrassment. ��Well, it just looks like it��s a lot, but it��s actually not much.��


    She was right. These convenient foods only took up space and didn��t take up much weight. If it were anyone else, they might have to worry that the carriage would attract trouble if it was too ostentatious. However, Ning Ansheng, who had the Great Wall Cargo, didn��t have to worry about this. He just had to ept Xiaoxiao��s good intentions and eat and drink along the way.


    The day of separation arrived in the blink of an eye. Seeing Eldest Brother��s carriage getting further and further away, Xiaoxiao inexplicably had a strange feeling of a kind mother sending her son away. She even wanted to say that the child, who she had watched grow up, was going on a long journey now.


    On the day the first batch of food was sent to the world��s granary, at night, Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan used space teleportation to arrive at the border city. Or more urately, they arrived at Xiongnu.


    Some time ago, Xiaoxiao upgraded her space to level 79- Coincidentally, the crops in Border City and the new rice seeds in Guancheng became a huge producer of space points. They had just made a huge contribution not long ago.


    [Current points bnce is 887,600. Master, do you want to level up?) Xiaoxiao calcted: [Let��s upgrade it. What if it has an interesting function?] The space agreed. After the normal update, it gave the brocade pouch as a reward for leveling up.


    [Reward 1:1 x 1 ranch speed multiplied by 10.]


    [Reward 2: Unlock a skill��s usage limit.]


    [Reward 3: Hidden item.]


    The third hiddenbel no longer had much meaning to Xiaoxiao. She chose option two.


    The space asked: [Which skill should I unlock?]


    Xiaoxiao said: [Range Control.]


    [Range Control limit unlocked sessfully. Current points bnce: 787,600.


    Master, do you want to continue leveling up?]


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. [No, I��ll go do something first.]


    Although he had already obtained the right to enter and leave the space, Rong Yan could not hear these conversations. He could only see Xiaoxiao click a few times in the air, and a soft ring sounded in the space. Then, Xiaoxiao told him,


    ��It��s done.��


    After adapting for so long, Rong Yan had already adapted to the wonders of space. ording to Xiaoxiao, it was good for his body to stay in the space when she was upgrading, especially when he was advancing 10 times. Hence, she would call him along every time she returned to this node to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.


    However, when he thought that Xiaoxiao had pulled him in this time to watch her level up and strengthen his body, she suddenly straightened her expression.


    ��Little Big Brother, do you think Great Xia is ready?��


    Rong Yan answered carefully when she asked seriously. ��If it��s just living and working in peace, it��s more than enough now. However, if we fight with outsiders, we��ll inevitably make the people suffer again.��


    Xiaoxiao asked again, ��What if Xiongnu��s iron ore is gone?


    Rong Yan thought about it and replied, ��Then they might be more eager to plunder and fight.��


    Xiaoxiao asked again, ��What if they can get enough food and clothing through their own hands?��


    Rong Yan did not understand, but Xiaoxiao sighed and said, ��Little Big Brother, I really hate war. No matter if it��s good or evil, right or wrong, who wins or loses, there will always be a few people whose families will be destroyed. What did the children, women, and children deserve? What did themoners deserve?��


    ��So I��m going to do something next. I don��t know if you can understand.�� Rong Yan said honestly, ��I might not be able to understand immediately.�� He added, ��But whatever you want to do, I��ll support it.��


    Xiaoxiaoughed and said a line that even she felt was childish. ��Then let us change this world.��


    Something big happened to Xiongnu in the middle of the night.


    The iron ore that they were so proud of was gone.


    The heavily guarded mine was not stolen or robbed. Instead, it suffered a natural disaster that was rarely seen in a hundred years��an earthquake.


    Wherever the earthquake went, the mines copsed. Fortunately, the disaster did not happen too suddenly, so the miners had time to evacuate.


    The Xiongnu people had a good n. They would dig out the iron ore after the earthquake. However, after many days, the former mineral source seemed to have disappeared for no reason. The holes dug could even fit ake. There was only a little iron ore found.


    Speaking of which, it was strange that most of the earthquakes happened in areas with iron ore. The othermoners�� living ces were not affected.


    The three princes of Xiongnu were now doing their own things. The First Prince still insisted on benevolence, the Second Prince was still rash, and the Third Prince gradually stood out and was no longer as low-key as before.


    As the Second Prince scolded the Third Prince for being cunning and shameless, he spread the news about the iron mine and the First Prince. Look, if it wasn��t for the First Prince��s suggestion to give thend to Great Xia, Great Xia wouldn��t have obtained two rich iron mines. If it weren��t for this mine, Great Xia��s troops wouldn��t have be harder to deal with. Now, their Xiongnu wouldn��t have any mines left after the earthquake.


    As he spoke, Chernan gained more inspiration and began to send people to raise doubts everywhere. Although Xiongnu was also poor in the past, he did not encounter so many unlucky things. Why did the First Prince get into trouble as soon as he took over?


    Although the First Prince knew what Chernan had done, he was really powerless to stop it-because more and more people believed these words.


    Of course, there was nock of the Third Prince fanning the mes during this period, in his opinion, he was quite willing to do anything that could cause trouble for the First Prince and the Second Prince.


    Of course, he had recruited many people during this period of time and was prepared to seize power.


    Currently, the First Prince was still the most popr. After all, he was much more brilliant than Chernan in winning over people��s hearts. Meanwhile, the Third Prince had been dormant for a long time and his strength was far inferior to his two brothers. If he wanted to catch up to them, he had to work harder than others.


    He had been having a headache recently because after provoking the First Prince and the Second Prince to fight, the benefits he obtained were the iron mine��s jurisdiction. However, now that the iron mine was gone, everything he fought for with all his might was in vain.


    ��Your Highness, the miners have been digging for a month, but they still haven��t found anything. Should we continue?��


    He wanted to stop, but stopping was equivalent to giving up. Wouldn��t all his hard work be in vain?


    However, if he did not stop, the pressure from all parties would increase. Not only would they criticize him for wasting money, but they would also urge him to dig out the iron ore as soon as possible to make up for his losses.


    The most annoying thing was still that glib-tongued Chernan! Why hadn��t he realized that he was so shameless in the past? He was even more proficient at spreading gossip than those shrews, but the ignorant and stupid people fell for his tricks. In just dozens of days, there were already several protests from the miners.


    ��What else could it be?��


    These words were practically squeezed out from between his teeth. After saying that, he was still unhappy. ��However, if I��m unhappy, Chercha and Chernan can forget about having an easy time..��

 Chapter 459 - 459= Tianci Lake

    Chapter 459= Tianci Lake


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions I Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The next day, the Third Prince threw out the job of cleaning up the iron mine and went on leave.


    First Prince Chercha had been busy stabilizing his status recently so that he couldpletely take over the position of the King of Xiongnu. That��s right.


    After fighting until now, the King of Xiongnu��s title had yet to be settled under the tireless efforts of his other two brothers.


    On the surface, it was said that the princes wanted to mourn for their father, but in fact, no one was willing to submit to the other.


    Chercha knew that the Third Prince, Cheryan, was vexed because of the iron mine, but how could he not be vexed?


    After thinking about it, he felt that it was most appropriate to throw this thankless mess to Chernan.


    Didn��t he have nothing to do and could only talk to people about right and wrong? Then he would find some work for him.


    Of course, Chernan was also unwilling, but who asked him to offend his brothers at the same time? The two of them worked hard and forced him to agree to it.


    Chernan was quite aggrieved. When he participated in the meeting targeting Xiongnu��s current state, he decisively adopted non-violent and uncooperative methods. He objected to whatever the two of them said.


    It was fine for others, but when Chercha realized that he and his third brother had reached an agreement that they had to attack Great Xia and Chernan insisted that they were farting, he couldn��t tolerate it.


    ��If we don��t take advantage of the fact that we still have some ironware storage to attack Great Xia quickly, how can we be their match in the future when they be more prosperous?��


    Chernan was actually more belligerent than anyone else. If it was any other time, he would be the first to raise his hands and feet in agreement when he said that he wanted to fight a war. However, he couldn��t do that now. He had to go against the flow!


    Hence, he did not even think about it. ��But we signed a three-year agreement to coexist peacefully. Won��t we be treacherous bastards if we attack rashly?��


    The two of them, who were called bastards, were simply baffled. ��When did our


    Xiongnu abide by the agreement?��


    Although it was the truth, Chernan immediately put on a look of disdain when he heard it from others. ��How can you say it righteously?��


    ��It might be because you��ve done too many dirty things that the Heavens punished our Xiongnu!��


    Chercha and Cheryan couldn��t stand such words the most. They immediately flipped the table.


    The reason was unclear, so the two of them simply grabbed their weapons.


    ��Should you not agree?��


    Aiyo, are you two going to make a move?


    When had he, Chernan, ever been afraid of fighting?


    Initially, he was just pretending. Unexpectedly, a fool under someone in the crowd actually drew his saber and swung it at him.


    It was not easy to end the matter when there was blood. The three princes of Xiongnu had a huge conflict that night. The three of them were injured to varying degrees. Although Chernan did not lose to the two of them, he was quite angry.


    ��I��ll tell you. As long as I��m around, sigh! I don��t agree with attacking Great


    Xia!��


    With that, he angrily led his men to dig iron ore.


    What he did not know was that Xiaoxiao, who had just activated her Range Control, was rubbing her chin in deep thought.


    Chernan walked quite anxiously. On one hand, he was angry. On the other hand, he could fully feel his brothers�� anger. He felt that if he walked slower, the two of them might really kill him.


    The reason why he could retain a portion of his support after his defeat was entirely because of the dehydrated vegetables and convenient food he brought back from Great Xia. Although he had also consumed a lot of wealth umted over the years, at least he had let the people of Xiongnu eat their fill!


    In the past, he thought that he had to fight for military power and the favor of the elders. He never expected that what made him retain his dignity and status now was the love of the people.


    When he arrived at the iron mine and saw the respectful attitude of the miners towards him, Chernan was filled with emotions.


    If someone had told him two years ago that many people would look at him with respect and love instead of fear, he would probably just want to split that person��s head open and see how much glue it had.


    Perhaps not used to this feeling, Chernan scratched his head. The first order he gave after arriving at his destination was to let the miners rest.


    Actually, he regretted saying that, but he calmed down when he heard the deafening cheers.


    The Third Prince dug for dozens of days but didn��t dig out a few pieces of iron.


    He was only resting for a day. What was the big deal?


    Unexpectedly, just as the miners retreated from the huge pit they had dug, the rain continued for 10 days.


    Chernan was both happy and worried. He was happy because the rainwater from Xiongnu was rare and precious. They were ttered by the sudden generosity of the heavens.


    He was worried that it would be even harder to mine after the rain stopped.


    Under suchplicated emotions, everyone waited for the first light after the rain.


    The huge pit was now filled with the heavenly water that had been saved over the past few days. For some reason, it was not stained with yellow sand and was so clear that one could see the bottom. It really made people happy.


    ��It��s ake!��


    Then the problem was that if they wanted to continue digging at the original mineral source, they had to drain theke water. However, who could bear to do such a foolish thing?


    After much consideration, Chernan decided to go to the next mineral source first and concentrate on digging elsewhere. Perhaps there would be more iron ore found there, and there would be no need to touch thiske.


    Then, he was surprised to know that the other ces also hadkes because of the heavenly water. After walking around and returning to the original point, he felt that he might only be able to dig another equallyrge pit and lure theke water over.


    It was a little troublesome, but at least it was the best for both parties.


    However, just as he was about to get someone to take action, someone eximed and presented a few green seedlings.


    ��Second Prince! There are so many of these things growing on the ground by theke!��


    Ever since Great Xia��s border city started farming, Xiongnu had also bought food from them, so someone recognized it at a nce��


    ��Prince, these are sweet potato seedlings!��


    ��Sweet potatoes can be used as food!��


    ��Prince, different seedlings have also been discovered in other ces. They seem to be edible!��


    ��These seedlings are alive. They��re alive!��


    For some reason, when he confirmed the true appearance of those seedlings that suddenly appeared, Chernan��s eyes suddenly felt a little hot.


    Damn it, the heavens had finally opened their eyes. Have the heavens remembered the forgotten children like them?


    ��Prince, are we still digging a newke?


    Chernan took a deep breath with his back facing everyone.


    ��What��S there to dig? The seedlings will die. What��s there to eat next year?�� Theke that suddenly appeared was named ��Tianci�� and became a gift from the heavens in the hearts of the Xiongnu citizens. Countless citizens spontaneously came to theke to protect the water and seedlings that could be said to be miracles.


    When Chercha and Cheryan found out about this, Chernan had already happily entered a happy farming life with themoners there.


    Their heads hurt. ��Is Chernan crazy? He��s usually more enthusiastic than anyone when ites to war.. Why has he fallen in love with farming now?��

 Chapter 460 - 460: Why Don’t You Shut Up?

    Chapter 460: Why Don��t You Shut Up?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The informant reported, ��It��s said that the seedlings that appear by Tianci Lake have a high yield and are easy to survive. After nting them, one fruit can be cut into a few pieces. Each piece can grow into seedlings.��


    ��As long as we serve them well, our Xiongnu people will be full in a few years!��


    Chercha��s temples throbbed. ��Where did you hear this nonsense?��


    The informant replied, ��Great Xia��s Rhizome nting Manual. The Second Prince bought it from the border city. It��s said to be very cheap. You can buy it for a few copper coins.��


    Chercha wanted to kill someone. ��They believe him just because he bought a book. Are they stupid?��


    The informant said weakly, ��This book was written by Princess An��ning of Great Xia. It��s said that the border city became like this because of the content she wrote in the book back then.��


    Cheryan was speechless.


    Cheryan snorted. ��Even if it��s true, how long will it take to nt enough fruits to feed all the Xiongnu citizens? Are so many people just waiting for that seedling to grow?��


    The informant swallowed his saliva. ��Ah, that��s not true. The Second Prince said that since saplings can grow by Tianci Lake, it means that the soil there is different from before.��


    ��Everyone, you don��t have to wait foolishly for the seedlings to grow. You can just buy the seeds from Great Xia!��


    He said, ��So now, the Second Prince and themoners have already nted arge piece ofnd around Tianci Lake.��


    Chercha recalled the sentence he had heard the most during the recent conscription and had the urge to vomit blood. Themoners said�� ��Why are you a soldier? Go farm!��


    ��If you farm, you��ll be safe and you can eat your fill. If you fight a war and die, you��re brainless!��


    This doggerel naturally came from Xiaoxiao. With the NPCs who came and went without a trace, it would be too easy for her to send any news to Xiongnu.


    For example, the Xiongnu catastrophe was because of perfidy. For example, the heavens bestowed gifts because they stopped fighting. For example, there was no future in fighting and farming to support the entire family��


    One or two sentences might not be able to change Xiongnu fundamentally.


    However, day after day, year after year, coupled with the sweet potatoes in their mouths, the live fish fry that were urgently transported to Xiongnu by the Great Wall Cargo, and the increasing number of smiles on the faces of the Xiongnu citizens��


    Who still wanted to fight?


    Some of the ministers who knew about the change in Xiongnu were still worried. ��If we let the Xiongnu people eat their fill and wear warm clothes, won��t they be a huge problem for Great Xia in the future?��


    Ning Ansheng, who had returned to the capital to report his work, had a cold expression on his face. He said mockingly, ��Official Liu, your words are funny. It��s as if Great Xia has been stagnant ever since the Xiongnu learned how to nt sweet potatoes.��


    ��The poprization of new rice, the reform of farm tools, the granary of the world, and the smelting of ironware. Great Xia is on the path to bing stronger and stronger. Even the Xiongnu people are full. Can they catch up?�� The Emperorughed. ��Dear Official Ning, you��re right!��


    Imperial Censor Zuo gritted his teeth. ��Even so, isn��t it inappropriate for Princess An��ning and General Xiao to privately decide to sell the seeds and fish fry to Xiongnu?��


    Rong Yan asked coldly, ��ording to Official Zuo, should we report to you what everyone wants to do in the future?��


    Imperial Censor Zuo cupped his hands and bowed. ��Shouldn��t you at least report it to His Majesty and let him decide?��


    The Emperor saidzily, ��I know.��


    Imperial Censor Zuo looked up in a daze. ��Huh? W-When did this happen?��


    After saying that, he knew that he was in trouble. As expected, Rong Yan sneered the next moment. ��Why? Official Zuo, are you unhappy that I didn��t report this to you first?��


    Imperial Censor Zuo hurriedly knelt down. ��I don��t dare!��


    The Emperor ignored him and only said to Rong Yan, ��Third Prince, tell these idiots the reason why you traded with Xiongnu.��


    Rong Yan epted the order.


    ��The Xiongnu encountered a natural disaster and the disappearance of the iron mine will definitely cause the Xiongnu people to panic. ording to their past actions, it��s only a matter of time before they have ill intentions towards Great Xia again.��


    ��Great Xia has been doing well recently. The country is prosperous and the people are safe. We��re not afraid of Xiongnu, but we��re not warmongers.��


    ��The people have just recovered from the consecutive years of battle. If they have to suffer because of this again, their morale will definitely be low. The new policies andws that have just been pushed to the critical moment will definitely be greatly affected.��


    ��If we let the Xiongnu people cause trouble at the iron mine, whether they dig out the iron ore or not, it will only make them more anxious to send troops to Great Xia because of the natural disaster.��


    ��But now that the Xiongnu people are busy farming and rearing fish, their thoughts of mobilizing naturally fade.��


    The Imperial Censor Zuo interrupted, ��What a joke. Can mere seedlings and fish fry change the Xiongnu people��s natural belligerence?��


    Rong Yan asked him, ��Official Zuo, if you had a choice, would you rather live a carefree life or risk your life to eat your fill?��


    Imperial Censor Zuo was still insistent. ��But Xiongnu has three princes. Did they all choose to farm?��


    Rong Yan smiled. ��Of course not.��


    ��But Official Zuo, isn��t the internal strife in Xiongnu a good thing for Great Xia?��


    They were busy arguing and fighting among themselves. Who still had the mood to scheme against them?


    Moreover, the person in charge of the Xiongnu troops did not want to fight the most now.


    As a famous fiend of Xiongnu, he could stop children from crying at night in the past. Now, he was hoeing the ground barefoot.


    It was not that he had really turned over a new leaf, but��


    ��Do you know that this is strange?��


    ��When Chercha and Cheryan told me that they wanted to attack Great Xia, I wanted to be the first to raise my hand. In the end, just as I walked out of the tent, a f*cking drought lightning struck my toes!��


    ��Don��t tell me that this is a coincidence. The next morning, half of theke water in Tianci Lake was inexplicably reduced. Half of such a hugeke was suddenly gone. Can you imagine!��


    ��Moreover, I just sent back the rejection news. The next day, it f*cking rained and filled theke again����


    If it was just one of them, those who heard it might think that it was a coincidence. However, with so many coincidencesbined, who wouldn��t be afraid?


    After saying this painful matter, Chernan quickly added, ��At most, I��ll discuss with Chercha and Cheryan about attacking Great Xia after all these grains are nted. At that time, we��ll have a strong army and sufficient rations. We will win if we attack Great Xia����


    Before he could finish his sentence, there was another bolt of lightning in the sky. This time, apart from Chernan��s toes, the lightning also took care of the vegetable seedlings that had just grown more than a foot. A small piece ofnd turned into nothingness.


    Chernan was speechless.


    The strategists:��


    ��Your Highness, why don��t you shut up?��


    Of course, Xiaoxiao did not expect to scare Chernan with just a few strange phenomena. However, as long as he was afraid and admitted defeat, could Great Xia��s development speed notpare to Xiongnu��s?


    If Xiongnu really did not repent, what was so difficult about ttening the Xiongnu��s capital andpleting the unification of the world?


    Xiaoxiao did not tell anyone about these thoughts, but Rong Yan, who knew what she meant, had already made it clear in the royal court.


    ��As long as Great Xia puts in enough effort, with the right time, ce, and people, who can stop this growing prosperity?��

 Chapter 461 - 461: Lucky Star

    Chapter 461: Lucky Star


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��Father, I think that we don��t have to rely on war to build the country. Wouldn��t it be the best of both worlds to make Great Xia stronger and themoners more well-fed?��


    ��If it��s really as Official Zuo said and we give up on everything else and focus on Xiongnu, even if we win, the price Great Xia has to pay can��t be made up for in just three to five years.��


    ��Official Zuo, don��t tell me that the food can be nted again and the neww can be used again. I only want to ask, how do you think we canpensate the people who have lost their families because of the war?��


    imperial Censor Zuo was rendered speechless, but the Emperor was very touched. He turned around and asked.


    ��Crown Prince, what do you think?��


    The Crown Prince retracted his resentful gaze from Rong Yan and took a deep breath. ��I think what Third Brother said is too idealistic. Who can guarantee that Xiongnu will obediently wait for Great Xia to make preparations?��


    ��If they attack while Great Xia is developing farming, won��t themoners suffer even more if we lose the initiative?��


    Rong Yan smiled. ��Your Highness, you don��t seem to have much confidence in the soldiers of Great Xia?��


    The Crown Prince��s expression stiffened. ��I naturally know that the soldiers of Great Xia are brave, but the world is unpredictable. It��s better to be prepared than to be controlled. Since there will be a battle sooner orter, dying is just escaping.��


    The moment he finished speaking, the Crown Prince felt as if he had seen a ��disappointment�� on the Emperor��s face.


    As expected, Prime Minister Yan looked for him in private after the court session. ��The Crown Prince misspoke today.��


    The Crown Prince was indignant, but Prime Minister Yan said, ��You��re looking


    at the wrong point.��


    ��Your father cares more about the people.


    The Crown Prince disagreed. Seeing that there was no one around, he said directly, ��Father only obtained the throne after mobilizing the army. Didn��t countless people die back then?��


    At this moment, Prime Minister Yan began to wonder if the Crown Prince��s life had been too smooth-sailing all these years.


    ��Do you know why your father sent troops to rebel?


    The Crown Prince said matter-of-factly, ��To seize the throne.


    Prime Minister Yan sighed. ��At that time, the Southern Barbarians were under the city and thete Emperor was ill and unable to manage government affairs. However, he had yet to invest the Crown Prince. The princes did not give in to each other. Instead of fighting against external enemies, they paid more attention to fighting for the throne. Your father only broke through the imperial City when he found out that the Southern Barbarians were approaching the Imperial Capital.


    The Crown Prince did not think much of it. Prime Minister Yan could only give up after a few words of persuasion.


    After returning to the residence, the advisor asked hesitantly, ��Prime Minister, should we find someone to persuade His Highness?��


    Prime Minister Yan thought for a while and came to a conclusion. ��Forget it. After all, the world is in the Crown Prince��s hands. Letting the Third Prince do whatever he wants now will only benefit the Crown Prince.


    ��The ancients have abstained from engaging in too many military affairs. Get those ministers to change their stance and support the Third Prince tomorrow.��


    It also saved him from being too obvious on the Crown Prince��s side and causing the Emperor to be afraid.


    The advisor asked, ��Then�� if the Crown Prince is right and Xiongnu goes back on his word, what should we do?��


    Prime Minister Yan nced at him. ��That��s for the Third Prince to worry


    about.��


    What he meant was that if they did it right, it would be contributing to the Crown Prince��s future. If they did it wrong, Rong Yan would take the me and they did not have to worry.


    They had a good n, but they did not expect Rong Yan to present another book to the Emperor before they could reap the benefits. The title was ��Iron Refinement Compendium��.


    Of course, this book was also exchanged from Xiaoxiao��s space. Now that Great Xia had abundant iron ore reserves, as long as the Imperial Court could implement this smelting method, with the abundant production of those two iron ore mines, no one could shake the prestige of Great Xia in two years.


    ��Father, you gave this book to Xiaoxiao. She saw that the book recorded it in detail and it made sense, so she tried to find someone to forge a sword.�� The Xiao Family��s daughter liked to read, so the Emperor would reward her with some books from the storeroom from time to time. ording to records, this book was obtained by Xiao Ran when she exterminated bandits and was lying in the storeroom for a long time. He did not expect it to be a treasure in the hands of the Xiao Family��s daughter.


    Seeing that Rong Yan��s newly refined weapon broke dozens of swords in a row, the Emperor was overjoyed. He called out to the heavens to bless Great Xia and immediately handed the responsibility of refining iron to Rong Yan.


    The Crown Prince could no longer sit still.


    He had a stable position as the Crown Prince, but he had not achieved much. Other than the trip to the dam a few years ago that could only be considered a ��remedial measure��, he did not seem to have done anythingmendable. On the other hand, Rong Yan had recently received his father��s approval. Wouldn��t he be valued and loved by the military after obtaining this iron-refining job?


    If he raised his arms and shouted in the future��


    The more the Crown Prince thought about it, the more worried he became. He couldn��t sleep well for a few nights in a row. What gave him a headache was that not long after, there was actually a rumor that the Xiao Family��s daughter was Great Xia��s lucky star. There was even news that even the new rice seed that benefited the world was actually first taken out by the Xiao Family��s daughter.


    After knowing this, Xiaoxiao pouted and took away the snacks that she wanted to give Shen Congjun. Official Shen widened his eyes. ��My senior brother asked me to do this!��


    Official Chen Yong, who was darker and thinner than before, pped him on the head. ��You��re selling your senior brother just for a bite of food?


    Official Shen smiled insincerely. ��Spit out the biscuit in your mouth before saying that!��


    Official Chen was unmoved. He chewed and swallowed.


    Then, he said, ��Miss Xiao, calm down. Actually����


    He said, ��Actually, this was Teacher��s idea.��


    Xiaoxiao looked at them as if they were fools, but it was true.


    What Dean Lu meant was that the tallest tree in the forest would be destroyed. Although he knew that Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan did not do anything for fame and fortune, their wholehearted pursuit of the people must have changed in the eyes of some people.


    If he wanted to continue seeking benefits for the people, he had to have enough confidence first.


    Moreover, Dean Lu said, ��He won��t be at ease if Congjun keeps receiving your credit.��


    Alright, she wasn��t afraid now anyway. Moreover, she would be an additional help to Little Big Brother with the extra credit.


    After all, with his current momentum, it was only a matter of time before he was feared by the Crown Prince. No, perhaps it should be said that the Crown Prince had long treated him as a thorn in his side.


    That night, Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan talked about this matter openly, and Rong Yan did not intend to hide it.


    -I don��t think the Crown Prince will be a wise ruler, especially when the Southern Barbarians and Xiongnu are still eyeing us covetously.�� ��Xiaoxiao, if I want to fight with him, will you think that I��m as hypocritical and benefit-seeking as him?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��What a coincidence. I don��t think he��ll be a good Emperor either.��


    How could a person who could collude with outsiders for personal gain and disregard the lives of themoners lead Great Xia to peace?


    Moreover, would the Crown Prince let Rong Yan off if he was the Emperor? Rong Yan said, ��Actually, I think the rumors are right. You��re indeed Great Xia��s lucky star.��


    ��You��re mine too.��


    Xiaoxiao was a little shy, but she felt that Rong Yan was right.


    [Master, I��m sorry to disturb your private time with the male master. The points have met the upgrade requirements.. Do you want to upgrade?]

 Chapter 462 - 462: There’s Something In The Jade

    Chapter 462: There��s Something In The Jade


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao pulled Rong Yan in.


    [Upgrade.]


    The space dinged. Xiaoxiao didn��t know if it was an illusion, but she felt that the sound in the space was clearer and louder than before.


    [Upgrade sessful. Current space level is 90. Total points are 89,500.]


    After the normal update, the space gave out the brocade pouch as usual.


    Since the pouch was already here, Xiaoxiao naturally had to open it.


    [Reward 1:1 x 1 ranch speed multiplied by 10.]


    [Reward 2: Unlock a skill��s usage limit.]


    [Reward 3: Hidden item.]


    Xiaoxiao didn��tck anything for the time being, so she still chose option two and unlimited the number of times she could use the space projection function.


    Although Rong Yan couldn��t see the selection panel, he could hear the notification from the space. He asked curiously, ��What��s the hidden item?��


    The space said mysteriously: [I can only tell you that this is a very important and useful function for Master!]


    Xiaoxiao smiled without saying anything. She pulled Rong Yan and closed her eyes to feel the especially fresh air when she leveled up.


    Usually, they would take deep breaths before leaving. However, when she opened her eyes again, she saw Rong Yan standing opposite her, holding various flowers like a magic trick. ��Xiaoxiao, can you marry me and be my only wife?��


    Xiaoxiao blushed. ��Where did you learn this?��


    She took the flowers and blushed shyly as she looked at Rong Yan. Rong Yan, who had always spoiled her, held her shoulders and made her look at him.


    ��There��s no need to learn. Everything I sayes from the bottom of my heart.��


    ��The betrothal gifts have been prepared long ago. The matchmaker cane at any time. I��ve long memorized the auspicious day for our engagement from the Imperial Astronomer.��


    ��Xiaoxiao, are you willing to marry me?��


    Just as she said ��Mm��, Xiaoxiao��s breath was taken away.


    ��You have been aggrieved.��


    Rong Yan��s love was passionate but restrained. The two of them had been as sweet as before for the past few years. He had always been polite and never forgot to respect her.


    So, what was there to be shy about?


    She was willing.


    The news that the Third Prince and Princess An��ning were about to get married and the rumors of Princess An��ning being the ��lucky star of Great Xia�� spread throughout the Imperial Capital. The citizens sincerely offered their blessings.


    ��A perfect match made in heaven.��


    ��I keep feeling that our lives will be better after these two get married.��


    ��I hope the heavens will bless the Third Prince and Princess An��ning so that they can have children early!��


    ��Aiyo, look at you. You��re even more anxious than the Third Prince. The wedding date hasn��t been decided yet, but you��re already helping them get pregnant?��


    The person who was teased waved his hand. ��Sigh, isn��t this just a matter of time? Who can��t tell that the Third Prince likes the princess so much? He was inseparable from her!��


    ��Hehe, that��s right. Who would have thought that the iron-blooded general who made the Xiongnu people tremble in fear on the battlefield would be so gentle when facing his sweetheart?��


    ��It��s not just the princess. The Third Prince is usually amiable and polite to usmoners. He��s never arrogant and willful. He��s also quite respected in the army. Sigh, isn��t the Third Prince also the lucky star for usmoners?��


    ��If not for him, would Xiongnu be so honest?��


    ��I heard that His Highness the Crown Prince originally advocated fighting with Xiongnu again some time ago. It was the Third Prince who argued with reason so that we wouldn��t have to suffer from war again.��


    ��Really? Third Prince is really kind-hearted. He saves people from trouble. On the other hand, His Highness the Crown Prince, sigh����


    ��Hey, stop it, stop it. You can��t say that!��


    Everyoneughed and gradually left as they passed by. Unbeknownst to them, the Crown Prince, who was dressed in casual clothes, had already turned ashen.


    ��Rong Yan is a lucky star who saves people from trouble? I can only get a sigh from them?��


    ��How can I notpare to him?��


    However, he could not find the advantages of being able to suppress Rong Yan other than his background and his mother��s family. He was even angrier.


    The guards around him kept quiet out of fear. No one dared to make a sound.


    When she got home, Xiaoxiao recalled Rong Yan��s words of ��aggrieved��.


    She knew what Rong Yan meant. In Great Xia, marriage had always been decided by the parents, but he did not have a mother he could count on.


    The next day, Xiaoxiao found the love token jade pendant Rong Yan had given her. ��I��m not aggrieved. Look, I have this.��


    Rong Yan did not know how the heavens created a warm woman like Xiaoxiao. His heart warmed, and he pulled her into his arms again.


    ��Cough, cough.�� A light cough frightened the two lovers so much that they suddenly separated. The jade pendant almost fell to the ground. Fortunately, Xiaoxiao grabbed it quickly.


    ��Aunt Xiao.��


    It was rare to see him being shy after growing up. Xiao Ran decided to watch for a while longer, but Gu Chang��an pulled his daughter away unhappily.


    ��Men and women shouldn��t touch each other.��


    Xiaoxiao said weakly, ��Father, we��re engaged.��


    Gu Chang��an red at her, then sighed. ��A grown woman can��t be kept.��


    He said sourly, ��Your mother was called over by His Majesty after the court assembly today.��


    Xiaoxiao blinked and Gu Chang��an said, ��That brat actually couldn��t wait a day. He only got permission from your mother and me yesterday and today, he got His Majesty to issue a decree for the two of you to get married on the nearest auspicious day.��


    Xiaoxiao: /(


    She was not shy. She just wanted to blush and respond to the scene.


    ��Aiya, I didn��t expect her to get married so soon.��


    Gu Chang��an was still muttering, ��We agreed to let you stay for a few more years����


    Xiao Ran chuckled. ��I��ve already stayed for two more years. Besides, why do you think Ah Yan chose his Prince��s Residence so close to our General��s Residence back then? Isn��t it because it��s convenient for us to interact?��


    ��He already told us that Xiaoxiao cane back at any time after we get married. From now on, when Ah Yan and I go to court, you father and daughter will stay at home aspanions. It��s no different from now.��


    Gu Chang��an felt that it was right, but he still felt suffocated.


    He could not bear to part with his daughter, whom he had finally found.


    Xiao Ran tried harder and whispered into his ear, ��Don��t you want to have a little baby that looks like Xiaoxiao when she was young?��


    Gu Chang��an��s eyes lit up. ��Then it��s best to have another daughter!��


    He had seen a few secret recipes for giving birth to daughters in the pce in the past and was waiting for him to study them!


    Looking at her parents�� backs as they left, Xiaoxiao scratched her head and looked at the jade in her hand.


    Rong Yan thought that she was being poked and hurriedly opened her palm to check. Xiaoxiao was tickled by him and she smiled. ��I��m fine, but that jade seems a little strange.��


    The two of them picked up the jade again and realized that it was broken.


    Xiaoxiao was quite embarrassed. ��Perhaps I used too much strength in a moment of desperation just now. Perhaps the space��s ability to strengthen the body is too strong. I��ve been feeling that I��m too strong recently.��


    However, Rong Yan said, ��It��s not that you��re strong, but this jade is broken.��


    Only then did Xiaoxiao realize that the part where the jade was split was not a crack, but the part that they had originally treated as a pattern.


    ��There seems to be something in this jade..��

 Chapter 463 - 463: Strange Dream

    Chapter 463: Strange Dream


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    It was a rolled-up map.


    If it was an ordinary person, it would take at least 10 days to confirm the ces marked on the map, but Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan did not need to.


    The two people with super mobility only exchanged nces. They gathered in the space after everyone fell asleep in the middle of the night and used space teleportation to quickly arrive outside the Imperial Capital. Then, they released Wind and Lightning.


    Although they could teleport, firstly, Rong Yan couldn��t bear for Xiaoxiao to waste too much energy, and secondly, it had been a long time since they rode a horse.


    Now that there were no restrictions on space projection, the two of them crossed half of the country in less than an hour and arrived at a cave marked on the map.


    The entrance of the cave was hidden. If not for the map��s guidance, no one would have guessed that there was a stone door hidden deep in the dense vines and grass.


    There were two dragon-shaped totems engraved on the stone door. There was an irregr dent between the two dragon heads.


    Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan thought of that piece of jade at the same time.


    He ced the jade pendant into the depression between the dragon heads. With a soft mechanism sound, the stone door opened.


    Rong Yan grabbed Xiaoxiao��s hand. ��Once you discover that something is wrong, enter the space immediately.��


    Xiaoxiao nodded and even cautiously let an NPC guard outside the door.


    There was a long and narrow passageway behind the stone door. The two of them were very careful along the way, but fortunately, they did not encounter any traps. They traveled smoothly to the empty hall.


    The two of them took out illumination from their space. After adapting to the light and seeing the furnishings in the hall, they fell silent.


    Although this was a hall, it was probably more appropriate to call it a ��warehouse��.


    The storage room that was divided into squares contained warehouses of food and some weapons. Unfortunately��


    Opening another sack, Xiaoxiao sighed and shook her head. ��It��s been too long and it��s moldy. It can��t even be used as feed, let alone for people to eat.��


    ��The weapons are even worse. They��re already rusty and can��t be used at all.��


    After saying that, she realized that Rong Yan was abnormally silent. She turned around and saw that he was sweating profusely.


    ��Little Big Brother? Rong Yan, what��s wrong?��


    Hearing Xiaoxiao��s voice, Rong Yan came back to his senses, but his eyes were still a little dazed.


    ��I don��t know why, but this ce feels familiar.��


    ��Huh?�� Xiaoxiao asked. ��Maybe you came here when you were young?��


    Rong Yan took a deep breath. ��I don��t know either, but I feel suffocated when I see this.��


    Because he was worried about Rong Yan��s health, Xiaoxiao pulled him back to the space and insisted that he sleep. Rong Yan thought that he would definitely not be able to sleep, but he fell into a dream as soon as he closed his eyes.


    In his dream, he was wearing armor and covered in blood as he led the loo-man team to the forest. It was different from the smooth journey he had with Xiaoxiao. They had lost their way and encountered wild beasts. They had also been chased by masked men. After painstakingly finding the entrance and entering, all of them tore open every bag of food crazily and sat on the ground. The seven-foot-tall men, who had always bled but never cried, broke down and cried.


    ��Ourst hope is gone. What should we do?��


    That heart-wrenching pain seemed to be able to infect Rong Yan, who was dreaming.


    He knew that he was in a dream, but he could not control his body. He felt himself walking deeper into the hall. Blood dripped from his hand that was holding the sword to the ground.


    Someone rushed over. ��Your Highness, your injuries must be treated quickly!��


    He looked down and saw an unexpected face.


    He pushed this person away and walked into the hall step by step.


    Deeper in the warehouse was a small altar. There was no coffin or tablet on the altar. There was only a memorial tablet and a very eye-catching�� jade seal.


    Rong Yan heard himself sneer. ��You spent half your life and even lost your life for this?��m


    But as he smiled, he felt his eyes water and his vision blur.


    He heard someone exim in panic, ��Your Highness!��


    Then, as if he had entered a dream, a voice said to him, ��I can grant you a wish. What do you want?��


    Rong Yan did not answer at that time. He did not believe in such an absurd dream.


    When he woke up in his dream, he happened to hear the guards say worriedly, ��The previous dynasty��s treasury is actually like this. How are we going to convince His Highness the Crown Prince when we go back?��


    Calmly, he drew his sword. ��Persuasion like this.��


    ��Xiongnu has already arrived in the city. The person who leaked the military map has yet to be found. How can we have the time to waste our breath on that fool?��


    Then, he rushed into the Imperial City with the Xiao Family��s army and pulled the Crown Prince, who was preparing for the coronation ceremony, off the throne�� After that, he, who had already ascended the throne as the Emperor, led the soldiers to fight Xiongnu for many days and saw corpses everywhere in the mes of war.


    ��Your Majesty, Xiongnu is still not retreating. What should we do?��


    ��He�� raised his sword with his numb arm.


    ��Fight! Fight to the death!��


    The Xiongnu soldiers were bloodthirsty and there was a sea of blood and a mountain of corpses wherever they went! Other than fighting, they had no way out!


    When his eyes were dyed red, he could not help but recall what he had encountered in the treasury of the previous dynasty.


    ��If I can really make a wish, I hope someone can change this absurdity.��


    On his deathbed, he thought he heard a sigh. Someone said in his ear��


    ��Alright.��


    Rong Yan suddenly woke up. Beside him was Xiaoxiao, who was weaving straw crickets with grass.


    After eating something, the two of them went to the altar in the depths of the hall.


    In his dream, Rong Yan heard the mysterious person��s voice here.


    ��What are you doing?��


    Rong Yan went forward and asked when he realized that Xiaoxiao had magically taken out incense, candles, paper money, and so on from the space. Xiaoxiao said, ��Regardless of whether what happened in your dream is true or not, the owner of this memorial tablet left behind a full warehouse of supplies out of kindness. Logically speaking, there��s nothing wrong with paying respects.��


    Moreover, she had some guesses.


    With the incense in her hand, Xiaoxiao bowed respectfully to the memorial tablet. Rong Yan did the same. After bending down three times, the two of them stuck the incense in the offering furnace, pressed their palms together, and closed their eyes.


    Xiaoxiao recited silently, ��Although I don��t know who Senior is, if you asked me toe to Great Xia, I want to tell you that I will do my best to let more people live a stable life and not let the mes of war in his previous life burn again.�� ��Also, thank you for letting me meet Rong Yan.��


    A faint cracking sound attracted their attention. Then they opened their eyes again, they realized that a crack had appeared on the memorial tablet, and the incense was slowly floating towards the crack.


    Xiaoxiao fixed the memorial tablet and cleaned the table. She also moved an NPC out of her space.


    ��From now on, you��ll stay here and be in charge of lighting incense, cleaning, and offerings.��


    Rong Yan did not know what she meant and only raised another question.


    ��There��s something else that��s strange. I actually saw Yun Yi in my dream.��


    He did not know that the dream was very likely to have really happened in his previous life, but Xiaoxiao thought of something. ��By the way, you said that Yun Yi betrayed you because of your mother, and this jade pendant was given to you by your mother.. Could these two be rted?��

 Chapter 464 - 464: Long Time No See

    Chapter 464: Long Time No See


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Rong Yan had never thought that he would be disappointed so many times that he did not dare to think about unrealistic things.


    ��Little Big Brother, did you see your mother in your dream?��


    ��No����


    Speaking of which, it was strange that he didn��t see Noble Consort Ji even on the day he ascended the throne in his dream. Not to mention seeing her, no one around him mentioned her in his dream.


    Something was indeed wrong.


    Xiaoxiao said, ��Let��s go see her.��


    ��I hate stories that don��t make things clear and cause misunderstandings. We have to talk.��


    Xiaoxiao smiled. ��However, we have to ask in another way.��


    When the Crown Princess Consort gave birth to a son, the Empress organized a 100-day banquet and invited almost all the high-ranking officials and nobility on that day. As the princess who had been in the limelight recently, Xiaoxiao was also invited.


    She had not nned to go, but now she changed her mind.


    But before she went, she and Rong Yan had another important thing to do.


    If there was anything Rong Yan��s guards were dissatisfied with these days, it was that their Master��s whereabouts were bing more and more mysterious. He often disappeared after ying with Miss Xiao.


    Although they usually did not disappear for long, this really frustrated them.


    They had undergone strict training since they were young and were personally trained by General Xiao. Wouldn��t it be the biggest joke in the world if they couldn��t even find their Master?


    However, from another perspective, Master��s martial arts had improved by leaps and bounds. It had actually reached the point where he could hide his whereabouts from them. This was also an iparably proud thing.


    If the guards were irritated and proud at the same time, then as a secret guard, he was experiencing pure pain.


    Ever since he was chosen as a guard when he was young, he knew that he had a different mission from others. He had to be top-notch in everything and be proficient in everything. Among them, tracking and hiding were the most important.


    But!


    He couldn��t find Master either!


    Sometimes, Master would disappear after bypassing a tree!


    Now, not to mention sending news back to the residence, he often needed to find Master through Miss. Where would his dignity as a secret guard go?


    Just as he was feeling depressed, he heard Master and Mistress, who had not yet ��disappeared�� today, chatting.


    Xiaoxiao said, ��I rummaged through the storeroom and felt that there��s nothing suitable for the Emperor��s eldest grandson. Why don��t I give him this jade pendant?��


    The secret guard widened his eyes. He saw that Xiaoxiao had ced a token that was more important than her life on the table.


    Then, Master doted on her as usual. ��Alright, we��ll do as you say.��


    What the hell was going on? That was a gift from the Noble Consort! It had been with you since you were borned! You had to hug it to fall asleep when you were young. When you grew up, you always carried it with you until you met a girl. It was an important blessed jade pendant!


    More importantly, this thing��


    The secret guard was so anxious that his heart was pounding. It was not easy for him to wait for the two of them to finish chatting and say that they wanted to go into the house to get their things. He gritted his teeth and darted out of his hiding ce. He took the things on the table and was about to run.


    Even if the Masters thought that a thief had entered the residence, even if their abilities were questioned, they could not lose this jade pendant!


    Not to mention giving it to the Crown Prince.


    Ah, wait a minute. Even if Master was henpecked and listened to everything Mistress said, his rtionship with the Crown Prince was not to the point of needing to give him personal items�� right?


    The scenery in front of him suddenly blurred. The secret guard felt his body sink and he fell from the tree with a ng.


    Xiaoxiao, who had a strange smile, squatted in front of him and poked him with a tree branch.


    ��Do you feel dizzy and weak?��


    That��s right. The secret guard didn��t even have the strength to nod or shake his head.


    Rong Yan also walked forward, his footsteps so firm that the secret guard��s head was buzzing.


    No, no, no! Don��te any closer!


    However, today��s game was obviously set up for him. Rong Yan took off his mask without stopping.


    The secret guard clearly heard him say, ��Long time no see, Yun Yi.��


    The secret guard, Yun Yi, lowered his head and quickly calcted how to exin his identity at this moment.


    Or could it be that the real secret guard had been killed by him and he had snuck over to steal something?


    It just so happened that the Noble Consort wanted him to find an opportunity to let Master know the secret of the jade pendant in the future. Today was a good opportunity!


    Just as he was about to speak, he heard Xiaoxiao say, ��You were the one who shot the fake me when he fought Xiongnu back then, right?��


    Yun Yi��s pupils were constricted. Did she know so early?


    Xiaoxiao continued to scare him. ��Why do you think Little Big Brother always disappears in front of you? Is he hiding from you?��


    ��He naturally discovered your identity long ago.��


    Yun Yi was speechless.


    Seeing that he chose not to cooperate, Xiaoxiao was not anxious.


    ��It��s fine. He��s loyal. Let��s go find the main character first. It��s just a matter of order.��


    On the day of the banquet, even the people from the Crown Prince��s residence were very surprised that Xiaoxiao would actuallye. After the flower appreciation banquet held by the empressst time, Xiao Ran, ah no, General Xiao, rushed to the door with her guards and said that the princess fell ill after returning. After the doctor saw her, he said that she ate the wrong thing.


    General Xiao was furious. She led the guards to carry the servants who had gone out to shop. As they beat them up, they reported their names. What made people break out in cold sweat was that those people were all involved in harming the princess. None of them were missed out.


    Clearly, General Xiao had already found out that someone at the banquet had ulterior motives towards the princess. She had even taken His Majesty��s handwritten order. They would not rest until the Crown Prince��s Residence handed them over.


    That day, more than 20 servants were beaten up by General Xiao. His Majesty grounded the Empress for a month and even hinted that no one could force Princess An��ning to attend any banquets in the future if she was unwilling.


    Everyone had thought that they would never see Princess An��ning visit again unless the day when the Crown Prince became the Emperor. Unexpectedly��


    The beating from before was still fresh in their minds. The servants weed Xiaoxiao in fear as they hurriedly spread the news.


    The Empress and Crown Princess Consort frowned when they heard the name, but at the same time, they felt quite proud.


    ��Look, so what if she has Xiao Ran��s support? At the critical moment, she still has to tuck her tail between her legs to please me.��


    The Empress asked someone to bring Xiaoxiao over. ��I heard that Princess wants to see our Yuxuan?��


    Xiaoxiao nodded. ��I heard that the eldest son of the Crown Princess Consort is very beautiful and I am very curious.��


    Since she spoke sweetly, the Empress and Crown Princess Consort also smiled and brought the baby to her.


    Noble Consort Ji was still sitting at the side drinking tea. She only gave some reactions when the Empress spoke to her, as if everything around her had nothing to do with her.


    Xiaoxiao really felt that this child was good-looking. She teased, ��Your Majesty, can I borrow someone to get something from my carriage?��


    ��I left the gift for the eldest grandson in the carriage.��


    She said, ��It��s a mahogany box with a Qilin jade pendant inside.��


    Noble Consort Ji��s hand that was pouring tea unconsciously paused..

 Chapter 465 - 465: He Never Betrayed You

    Chapter 465: He Never Betrayed You


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Xiaoxiao��s tone was innocent. ��That piece of jade is very beautiful. It was given


    to me by the Third Prince.��


    She deliberately stopped and did not say anything else.


    Noble Consort Ji coughed lightly, and the nanny beside her hurriedly went forward to massage her back. Xiaoxiao looked like she was ying with the baby, but she kept paying attention from the corner of her eye. Hence, she didn��t miss what Noble Consort Ji and the nanny said softly before the nanny left.


    Not long after, the person who went to get the jade returned. ��Princess, please take a look.��


    Xiaoxiao opened the box and her gaze stopped at the upper left corner of the jade pendant. She had made a mark on the jade pendant Rong Yan had given her, but this piece was bright and wless. She nodded. ��Yes, this is it.��


    Xiaoxiao only stayed for a short while. Seeing that she had no other purpose, the Empress and Crown Princess Consort continued to put their energy into showing off the eldest grandson.


    They didn��t know that Noble Consort Ji, who said that she was tired and wanted to rest for a while, met Xiaoxiao, who imed that she didn��t sleep well. Thetter even followed Noble Consort Ji to the same guest room as if they were very familiar with each other.


    Noble Consort Ji didn��t bat an eyelid. With a cold expression, she got someone to get a few tes of snacks, with an expression that said, ��Eat your food and don��t bother me.��


    However, Xiaoxiao realized that the snacks that the nanny brought over happened to be her favorites.


    She was even more confident in her guess.


    The two of them probably didn��tmunicate. Noble Consort Ji was reading a book while Xiaoxiao was eating snacks. However, Noble Consort Ji suddenly felt a tremor in her arms. The jade pendant that was originally ced properly rolled down and stopped at Xiaoxiao��s feet.


    Xiaoxiao eximed, ��Eh? Isn��t this the jade I just gave to the eldest grandson?�� Noble Consort Ji��s hands were already clenched tightly in her sleeves, but her expression was still calm. ��They��re just random things bought in the market.


    There��s a lot of simr-looking things. If you like them, I��ll give them to you.��


    Oh my, she was anxious.


    She was in a hurry to send the jade pendant back to Rong Yan.


    However, Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��A gentleman doesn��t snatch what others love. I don��t want it.��


    Then, she threw the things back to Noble Consort Ji.


    The Noble Consort frowned and heard Xiaoxiao say.


    ��Anyway, I��ve already obtained what��s hidden in this jade.


    Noble Consort Ji finally spilled the tea in her hand. ��What did you say?�� Xiaoxiao had long wanted to try acting like a bad person. At this moment, her fighting spirit was high. She imitated the viins she saw in television dramas and leaned against the bookshelf with her arms crossed. ��Two days ago, a guard caught a spy.��


    -Coincidentally, it��s the traitor Yun Yi that Little Big Brother Ah Yan can��t find.�� Noble Consort Ji��s expression gradually turned cold, and Xiaoxiao pretended not to see it. ��I originally wanted to hand him over to Little Big Brother, but he said that he could tell me a secret in exchange for his life.��


    In order to increase her credibility, Xiaoxiao specially pinched the jade pendant, found the protruding part of the mechanism, and pressed it gently. The jade pendant was divided into two pieces, and the middle was indeed empty.


    ��Does Your Highness know this secret too?��


    Deep down, Noble Consort Ji was unwilling to believe that Yun Yi would betray his mistress for glory. However, Xiaoxiao said, ��Aiya, I heard that this is a treasure map. If I give this to the Crown Prince��


    Noble Consort Ji��s eyes suddenly turned cold. ��That belongs to Yan��er! No one is allowed to touch it!��


    ��Yan��er.�� Rong Yan had been looking forward to this form of address since he was young, and he had also been disappointed since he was young. He never expected to hear it from Noble Consort Ji at this moment.


    Even though his heart was surging, Rong Yan still saw Noble Consort Ji instruct the servants to block the door immediately.


    If he continued hiding, something would really happen. ording to what he and Xiaoxiao had discussed beforehand, Rong Yan walked out from behind the bookshelf.


    ��Stop.��


    He spoke unustomedly.


    ��Mother.��


    Noble Consort Ji suddenly seemed to be unable to see or hear anything else. Her brain, which was full of thoughts every day, seemed to be at a loss.


    Rong Yan sighed. ��You��ve been hiding it from me.��


    Noble Consort Ji still wanted to hide it, but Xiaoxiao told her directly, ��We��ve already been to the ce marked on the map.��


    ��There��s only a pile of moldy food and rusty weapons, as well as a memorial


    tablet without words.��


    Noble Consort Ji felt as if she had been struck by lightning.


    She wanted to tell herself that they were lying to her, but they even knew about the memorial tablet.


    Her legs went soft, and Noble Consort Ji��s nerves, which had been broken for more than ten years, seemed to snap. Tears flowed out like a floodgate. ��How could this be����


    Then why had she worked so hard and endured for so many years? Although the room was clearly filled with Noble Consort Ji��s trusted aides, Xiaoxiao still requested them to give the mother and son some alone time.


    Since she had already been honest, the nanny made the decision to agree to


    this request.


    The others stood guard outside the door, and the nanny brought Xiaoxiao to the kitchen to make some food for Noble Consort Ji.


    When the servants of the Crown Prince��s Residence heard this, they at most thought that Xiaoxiao was trying to please her future mother-inw. They did not have any other doubts.


    She made a simple bowl of noodles here. On the other end, Rong Yan brought Noble Consort Ji to the multiplier area left behind by Xiaoxiao and let her have a good sleep.


    When she woke up, Noble Consort Ji felt as if a long time had passed. Rong Yan helped her up skillfully and listened to her.


    ��You guys were lying to me when you said that Yun Yi confessed, right?��


    Rong Yan nodded. ��It��s true that we caught him, but he hasn��t said a word until


    now.��


    Noble Consort Ji sighed. ��Don��t hurt him. He��s never betrayed you.��


    The mother and son did not know what to say. It was as if they had been pardoned when Xiaoxiao knocked on the door. Xiaoxiao looked at this and that and handed the chicken soup noodles to Rong Yan helplessly.


    Thetter was stunned for a moment before quickly cing the noodles in front of Noble Consort Ji and putting down the bowls and chopsticks for her. ��Xiaoxiao��s culinary skills are very good. Mother, eat some first.�� The nanny said that Noble Consort Ji had not eaten a single grain of rice sincest night. Rong Yan was puzzled. Seeing their awkward expressions, Xiaoxiao could only appear herself. ��Is it because the chef��s food doesn��t suit your taste? Why don��t you tell me what you like to eat? I��ll make a recipe for you and get the kitchen to cook ordingly.��


    Noble Consort Ji reflexively wanted to say no, but Xiaoxiao said, ��You don��t have to be polite to me. You��ve only met me a few times. Didn��t you also remember my preferences?��


    Noble Consort Ji looked up at her��she found out?


    Xiaoxiao felt that Little Big Brother��s mother��s eyes were really beautiful, like a ck onyx. Her eyshes were also long, and there was a red mark at the corner of her eye. Her slightly furrowed brows made people pity her.


    No wonder Little Big Brother was so good-looking. So he took after Noble Consort Ji.


    Xiaoxiao had the least resistance to beauties. She raised her hand and took out a small jar from her sleeve.


    ��Little Big Brother said that you like spicy food. Do you want some chili sauce?�� Rong Yan couldn��t stand the taste, so his tolerance for spicy and sour tastes was rtively weak. It wasn��t that he hated it. For example, Xiaoxiao felt that the mild chili powder could make Rong Yan look for water with a spoonful of it in the entire bowl of broth.


    He had once mentioned that he was theplete opposite of his mother. His mother was from the Shu Lands and loved spicy food.


    The nanny was shocked. ��Princess, do you even carry this with you?�� Xiaoxiao opened her mouth and said, ��Oh, Little Big Brother asked me to bring it along. He said that Mother actually isn��t used to eating the things in the pce. What if it��s useful?��


    As soon as she finished speaking, Noble Consort Ji stopped crying.


    ��I-I��m sorry..��

 Chapter 466 - 466: Who’s My Father?

    Chapter 466: Who��s My Father?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��I��ve treated you like this all these years, but you still remember me at all


    times. I, I�� I��m really not a good mother����


    Rong Yan had been estranged from his mother for many years and had long forgotten how to get along like an ordinary mother and son. He was even more flustered now and only knew to take the handkerchief Xiaoxiao gave him to wipe Noble Consort Ji��s tears.


    He couldn��t say that he had neverined, but at this moment, he said, ��I


    don��t me you anymore. Don��t cry.��


    After saying this, Noble Consort Ji cried even harder. ��How can you not me me? I��ve never cared about you since you were young. I didn��t appear when you were sick and crying to look for Mother. You were too sick to drink medicine and could only get the imperial physicians to administer acupuncture. You were so young. As you trembled, you tightened your grip on the nket and called me ��Mother�� softly. You said ��pain������


    ��On my birthday, I threw away the wooden horse you carved yourself in front of you. On the reunion night, others admired the moon and drank together, but you could only watch the moon and eat mooncakes alone in the cold


    courtyard����


    ��You stopped crying after you were five years old. Even if others mocked your father and mother for not loving you, you would only turn around and leave


    quietly.��


    ��Other princes can choose guards when they��re three years old, but you were only remembered by the Emperor when you were eight years old. The guards you chose were leftovers from others����


    ��Other than when you were first born, I��ve never even organized a birthday party for you. How can you not me me when I��m still attending someone else��s tooth-day banquet?��


    Rong Yan didn��t know what to do. He had seen his mother being cold and ruthless, but he had never seen her like this��


    It was Xiaoxiao who spoke first. ��You��re ming yourself, right?��


    Did she me herself like this day and night for the past 10 years?


    Did she not eat before she came because she felt guilty towards Rong Yan?


    Xiaoxiao patted her back, and Rong Yan finally came back to his senses. ��It��s not easy to keep such outstanding Yun Guards until the end, right?


    Back then, he was puzzled. Yun Yi and the other brothers were so talented, so why was no one fighting for them? He had also seen the guards of his other brothers and did not think that they were stronger than his Yun Guards.


    After all, they were still in someone else��s residence, so it wasn��t appropriate for the two of them to say much. Noble Consort Ji had endured for many years, so she quickly adjusted her emotions. After using eggs and ice water to reduce her eyes�� swelling, she returned to continue dealing with the Empress.


    Xiaoxiao had already achieved her goal. She found a corner to bid farewell and returned to the carriage to let Rong Yane out of the space.


    Just now, he had been thinking. If his mother had been absent from his past, how did she know that he had been injected by the imperial physician? How did she know that he was eating mooncakes alone? How did she know that he was bullied?


    So, had she been watching him?


    Seeing him frowning and pursing his lips while he was deep in thought, Xiaoxiao rested her chin on her hand. ��That��s great. Little Big Brother is loved.��


    Rong Yan rxed his brows and felt as if something that had been pressing down on him for a long time was gradually dissipating. The corners of his lips curled up, and he smiled in relief. ��Mm.��


    In the past, Noble Consort Ji didn��t like to stay in crowded ces, so her early departure didn��t attract the Empress��s attention. Of course, the Empress didn��t know that there was only a pce maid wearing her clothes in the carriage back to the pce after she left.


    This was the first time Noble Consort Ji had taken such a huge risk in so many years, but she didn��t regret it.


    She was going to see her child.


    Actually, deep down, she might have been looking forward to the day when her n was exposed. She could tell her Yan��er honestly that his mother had never abandoned him.


    Actually, she was so afraid that one day, she would leave this world before she could hug him properly.


    However, when they arrived at the agreed ce, Noble Consort Ji hesitated.


    The female server walked forward and showed her jade token with the word


    ��Xiao�� on it.


    ��Customer, yourpanion has arrived. Please follow me.


    Noble Consort Ji, who had acted in front of the Emperor and Empress for more than 10 years without panicking, was actually nervous at this moment.


    Wasn��t she a little embarrassing just now?


    She actually cried in front of her son and daughter-inw.


    Would Yan��er not want to see her?


    What was he going to say when they metter?


    Pushing open the door, Xiaoxiao held up the menu. ��You��re not full just now, right? Watermelon juice, cantaloupe juice, Cloud Cake, Crystal Cake, Sesame Paste, crystal prawn dumplings, Ruyi bun, double boiled winter melon soup. What do you want to eat first?��


    Noble Consort Ji:��


    Suddenly, she was no longer nervous.


    As soon as the server left, Rong Yan walked out from behind the door.


    His face was a little red. ��M-Mother.��


    Noble Consort Ji held her breath and kept telling herself-Don��t cry/ Definitely


    don��t cry!


    Rong Yan looked up at her and handed her the handkerchief.


    ��Your eyes might not feel good.��


    She couldn��t hold it in anymore!


    Xiaoxiao wanted to leave the space for the two of them, but Rong Yan and Noble Consort Ji insisted that she stay. She didn��t know if it was awkward, so Xiaoxiao made the decision to order a table of delicious food for the two of them and focused on feeding them.


    After her emotions subsided, Noble Consort Ji returned to her usual capable self.


    ��You guys said that you��ve already been to the treasure vault. That ce is really����


    Rong Yan nodded. ��Absolutely.��


    ��Mother, what exactly are your ns?��


    Noble Consort Ji��s mood was clearly much lower. ��I thought that was a


    guarantee, but I didn��t expect����


    Seeing that she was still hesitating, Xiaoxiao gave Rong Yan a look.


    ��Mother, since we already know, don��t hide the rest from us. Otherwise, we won��t know the other party��s n and do something bad out of kindness.��


    These words made sense. Noble Consort Ji sorted out her words.


    ��I originally thought that with that treasure vault as your backing, you would have the ability to resist even if the Emperor and the Crown Prince wanted to harm you����


    Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan felt strange.


    Noble Consort Ji continued, ��I got Yun Yi to secretly train some people. There are also people in the imperial court who will help you.��


    ����In addition, there are many bandits in the garrison city near the border. I hid thousands of elite soldiers there. They will only listen to you. Although there are not many of them, they will definitely be able to catch them off guard and help you at the critical moment.��


    Rong Yan thought of the soldiers who followed him in his dream. Other than the Xiao Family��s soldiers, he did not know the people who followed him first.


    So it was��


    Hearing this, Xiaoxiao could not help but ask, ��Why does Your Highness think that the Emperor and Crown Prince will harm Little Big Brother?��


    Putting aside the Crown Prince, even if the Emperor did not treat Little Big Brother well, he was Little Big Brother��s biological father after all. Even a vicious tiger would not eat its cubs. Several of the Emperor��s good-for-nothing sons were living well there. Little Big Brother was so outstanding, so there was no reason for him to be unlucky?


    Noble Consort Ji��s gazended on Xiaoxiao, and she wanted to say something but hesitated.


    Xiaoxiao was about to avoid arousing suspicion when Rong Yan grabbed her hand.


    ��Mother, Xiaoxiao and I are one.��


    Noble Consort Ji looked at the two people��s tightly clenched hands and recalled the adventures they had had together. She made up her mind to reveal the truth.


    ��Because you��re not the son of the current Emperor.


    Oh my god! Xiaoxiao was so shocked that she forgot to drink her drink.


    No wonder they always said that the royal family was the source of gossip. If this wasn��t Little Big Brother��s story, she would immediately serve a te of melon seeds.


    Realizing that Xiaoxiao wasn��t as shocked as she had expected, Noble Consort Ji felt much more at ease.


    Rong Yan was also very calm. If he hadn��t grabbed Xiaoxiao��s hand too hard, no one would have known that he was shocked.


    ��Then who exactly is my biological father?��

 Chapter 467 - 467: Auspicious Sign From The Heavens

    Chapter 467: Auspicious Sign From The Heavens


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    At this point, Noble Consort Ji felt that there was no need to hide anything anymore.


    ��Emperor Wen.��


    The previous Emperor, Emperor Wen, was the current Emperor��s biological brother.


    More than 10 years ago, Great Xia faced the greatest crisis in history. When the officials were still choosing princes in the battle team, the current Emperor led the Yan Family to mobilize their troops and took down the princes who were fighting endlessly in the name of ��clearing the emperor��s side�� and recing them.


    At that time, Noble Consort Ji would still be an unmarried young girl.


    When the current Emperor wanted to confer her the title of Noble Consort, it was strongly opposed by the ministers. This was because previously, although she had yet to officially enter the pce, she had a deep rtionship with Emperor Wen. If not for the sudden arrival of the Southern Barbarians, she would have entered the pce to be a concubine more than a monthter.


    However, the current Emperor ignored everyone��s opinions and directly conferred her with the position of Noble Consort.


    Noble Consort Ji, who had originally nned to die with Emperor Wen after hearing the news of his death, also agreed to this marriage for the first time.


    Noble Consort Ji said this with great difficulty��


    ��By then, I already had you.��


    She could not die. Even if it was for the sake of her child, she had to do her best to survive.


    She could not let anyone know that she was pregnant with Emperor Wen��s child, let alone abandon him. However, who would dare to marry the woman the Emperor wanted? If she did not get married, how could she give birth to the child logically?


    She had no choice but to enter the pce.


    ��Your father left that jade pendant for you.��


    Emperor Wen said that the position of the mistress of the harem was reserved for the person he loved deeply. That jade pendant was a token and guarantee for the future Crown Prince.


    He wanted to leave a surprise for his beloved, so he did not say what was in the treasure vault before the mutiny. After the mutiny, he would never have the chance again.


    For many years, Noble Consort Ji was afraid of alerting the enemy and ruining her n. In addition, it was inconvenient for her to leave the pce, so she had never gone to take a look.


    Other than her and the nanny, no one else knew the secret hidden in the jade pendant. Even Yun Yi only knew that it was a token that was more important than his life and could not fall into the hands of others.


    After the sorrow, Noble Consort Ji forced herself to quickly regain her rationality.


    ��Fortunately, you told me. Otherwise����


    Otherwise, who knew what the consequences would be if she relied too much on that treasure vault.


    ��Oh no!��


    Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan were shocked. ��What��s wrong?��


    Noble Consort Ji paced back and forth. ��I once gave a manor to the Empress as a gift.��


    ��A few days ago, I found out that the Empress nned to make an auspicious omen in the manor, so I got someone to tamper with it. I nned to cause a rift between the Emperor and them, and then����


    Under her son and daughter-inw��s curious gazes, she had no choice but to finish her rebellious words. ��In turn, it will incite the Crown Prince and force him to rebel.��


    Rong Yan asked, ��What exactly are you hiding?��


    Noble Consort Ji also knew that she couldn��t hide it. ��The jade seal.��


    ��I n to steal the Emperor��s jade seal and hide it in that manor. Then, I��ll lure the Royal Guards to find out. At that time, the Emperor will definitely not let the Crown Prince off when he believes that he has ulterior motives.��


    ��The Yan Family is ambitious and will definitely not sit back and wait for death. Hence, they will definitely cause trouble.��


    Rong Yan still felt that she was hiding something.


    The two of them had burning gazes and looked like they would not stop until they asked all the questions. Xiaoxiao said innocently, ��Noble Consort, do you know how many regrets in history were caused by one��spanions in the name of ��for your own good��?��


    ��Your Highness, do you know how many mistakes are caused by knowing but not knowingpletely?��


    ��Do you know that teammates who can��t trust each other are more lethal than 10 enemies?��


    ��You know����


    Noble Consort Ji had lost to her, so she could only tell her all her ns.


    Indeed, if he only discovered something treasonous in the manor, be it for the sake of father and son, or for the sake of the country, the Emperor would most likely choose to settle the matter peacefully. The Crown Prince might not rebel because of this.


    But what if this matter concerned the Emperor��s life?


    Xiaoxiao really sighed at Noble Consort Ji��s unbelievable courage because she actually nned to poison the Emperor and let the ��assassin�� guide the Royal Guards to the Crown Prince��s manor. Then, they would discover the stolen jade seal, the private soldiers and weapons secretly hidden by the Yan Family, and the poisonous grass needed to poison the Emperor.


    After hearing all of this, the two of them did not know what to say.


    She actually wanted to kill the Emperor.


    Xiaoxiao seemed to know why Noble Consort Ji died in her previous life.


    Regardless of whether her n seeded or not, the Emperor and Empress would not let her off.


    She was really amazing.


    Rong Yan was shocked. He did not expect to be so ��surprised�� when he just found out about his mother��s true attitude towards him.


    ��Have you poisoned him?��


    Noble Consort Ji shook her head. ��But the jade seal has already been stolen.��


    The two of them really admired her mobility.


    ��Moreover, I��ve already sent someone to the manor. It��s not convenient for me to contact the person in the pce, so we��ve already agreed that as long as the Empress mentions an auspicious sign, the assassins arranged by the pce will use this as a signal and attack directly.��


    Hence, the current n was not to let the Empress present the treasure.


    ��So what exactly did the Empress prepare?��


    Noble Consort Ji said, ��The Yan Family bought melon seedlings from the border pass and spent a lot of money to hire the farmers in the border city. Even the soil was dug from the border city. I don��t know what they did, but the word ��fortune�� vaguely appeared on the melon that grew out.��


    ��The Yan Family ns to use this as an excuse to let the Emperor appoint the Crown Prince as the heir apparent as soon as possible.��


    The Crown Prince was the eldest son of the Empress. Logically speaking, he was the first sessor to the throne. However, only by being appointed as the Crown Prince could he truly determine the only inheritance rights.


    They were anxious.


    ��Fortune?��


    Rong Yan looked at Xiaoxiao with a strange expression. Was the Yan Family going against her as a ��lucky star��?


    However, what Xiaoxiao was thinking was, ��Has our Little Big Brother Ah Yan been too outstanding recently, making the Crown Prince worry that he��s inferior?��


    ��That��s true. Little Big Brother is taller, more handsome, does things better than him, has a better reputation than him, and is better than him. It��s no wonder.��


    Noble Consort Ji nodded in agreement. Rong Yan:������


    /(/?uy*/y


    However, with Xiaoxiao joking between Noble Consort Ji and Rong Yan, the unfamiliarity that the two of them had umted over the years quickly receded. Xiaoxiao asked, ��If the Empress gives up on presenting the watermelon with the word ��fortune��, will we be able to stop what happens next in time?��


    Noble Consort Ji nodded, then shook her head. ��But the Empress and the Yan Family always keep their word. They��ve already nned this for a long time. No one will change their mind no matter who tries to persuade them.��


    Xiaoxiao waved her hand. ��It��s fine. Just let them give up.��


    Noble Consort Ji originally thought that Xiaoxiao was still young and didn��t know how difficult things were. After a night of fruitless thinking, she heard that Princess An��ning had sent a cart of special melons into the pce the next morning. It was said that they were called ��fortune melons��.


    So what if there were words on the melon skin? Xiaoxiao directly made a watermelon that looked like the word ��fortune�� in the space. Wasn��t it just a mold? nting melons in the space, starting from seeds, was done in a day.


    Other than the unique shape, the watermelon that Xiaoxiao nted tasted exactly the same as ordinary watermelons. The Empress had gotten someone to make it, but there were faint glyphs on the watermelon skin. That watermelon was not delicious either. Comparing the two, taking out the watermelon in the manor at this moment was simply embarrassing herself.


    Even though she was unwilling, she got someone to instruct the pce maids to cancel the n.


    However, for some reason, when the pce servants who came to serve tea saw the few unique-shaped melons on the Emperor��s table, she still shouted excitedly��


    ��An auspicious sign from the sky!��

 Chapter 468 - 468: Falling Into The Water

    Chapter 468: Falling Into The Water


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��Congrattions, Your Majesty. It must be an auspicious sign from the heavens for such a miraculous item to appear after the birth of the eldest grandson!��


    ��Your Majesty, the eldest grandson was born extraordinarily. This is the blessing of Great Xia!��


    Xiaoxiao looked up. Good lord, they even copied her promotional slogans. The Yan Family was really thick-skinned.


    The Emperor nced at the Empress and said, ��But when Princess An��ning offered the watermelon, she said that she was just putting on a mold outside.��


    ��She also said that as long as the mold was done well, she could get any shape she wanted.��


    The pce maid was dumbfounded.


    Everyone who could be the Emperor was suspicious. The pce maid was brought away, and the Emperor did not even look at the Empress. He only asked Xiaoxiao, ��Why did you think of this?��


    Xiaoxiao had already prepared a reason. ��At first, I thought that watermelon was round and liked to roll around easily, so I wanted to make a square one. Later on, I thought that since I was going to make a mold anyway, I might as well make more shapes. This word ��fortune�� has a good meaning and is suitable for giving away. I still have chicks, ducks, and rabbits at home!��


    It was indeed in line with her temperament at her age. The Emperor teased, ��Then did you make something in the shape of the word ��happiness��?��


    Xiaoxiao scratched her head. ��There are too many strokes. It��s not easy to do.��


    The Emperor was amused��she had really thought about it! This girl!


    ��I like this watermelon very much. If there��s anything you like in the storeroomter, feel free to pick it up. Just treat it as me adding dowry for you.��


    After making arrangements for Xiaoxiao, the Emperor looked at the Empress coldly.


    ��Do you think I��m old?��


    As the Emperor, it was the greatest taboo for someone to covet his position when he was in his prime. Moreover, the person who thought so was the Empress of the Yan Family.


    The Empress panicked. She wanted to defend herself, but she could not say firmly that the pce maid had nothing to do with her. She was at a loss for words for a moment before the Emperor left with a flick of his sleeves.


    The Empress felt uneasy. Recently, the Emperor��s patience with her had been getting worse.


    On the contrary, he seemed to admire the Third Prince more and more. Could it be��


    Ever since she was punished for drugging Noble Consort Jist time, the Empress realized that she could no longer tolerate the Emperor��s high regard for Noble Consort Ji. In Xiaoxiao��s words��


    ��It��s normal. She��s going through menopause. Most women at this age will experience emotional instability because of their natural reactions. If they don��t recuperate, they��ll easily do something impulsive.��


    For example, she severely punished the pce maid who said the wrong thing. Even though that person kept emphasizing that she really did not receive any news from the Empress, she really only followed the Empress��s instructions.


    In the Empress��s opinion, she was already exceptionally benevolent to her by not flogging the pce servant who had made a mistake. However, in the eyes of the pce servants, the Empress was just an evil mistress who did not treat them as humans.


    After the incident with the fortune watermelon, the Empress hated Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan even more. However, the two of them had long formed a grudge with the Yan Family, so they didn��t care about these things. On the other hand, Noble Consort Ji kept feeling that she had implicated the younger generation and almost couldn��t eat again.


    It was ��almost�� because Xiaoxiao had sent her a few jars of chili sauce and spicy pickles. These things were really to her liking. Coupled with the fact that she had let go of the heavy burden in her heart and made up with her son, she had actually gained weight unknowingly��


    Noble Consort Ji pinched her much rounder face in front of the bronze mirror and decided to take a walk to digest her food. As she walked, she met the Empress, who was venting her anger on the koi in the lotus pond.


    Noble Consort Ji identally ate a little too much for lunch. It was mainly because Xiaoxiao��s culinary skills were too good, and she had been in a good mood these few days. As soon as she wasn��t paying attention, her stomach was a little bloated. She couldn��t help but touch her belly a few times when she walked.


    This action happened to be seen by the Empress, and her heart instantly ached.


    She lost her temper today because Consort Liu was diagnosed by the imperial physician as pregnant.


    The Emperor doted on the other concubines, but when he came to her pce, he was either approving memorandums or sleeping soundly from exhaustion. Thest time�� she couldn��t remember when.


    From the looks of it, could it be that Noble Consort Ji also had one?


    In order to verify this, she even specially called Noble Consort Ji over and touched her stomach.


    It was really a little protruding!


    In a fit of anger, the Empress exerted strength in her hand and actually pushed Noble Consort Ji.


    She actually didn��t use much strength, but Noble Consort Ji was still immersed in the regret of forgetting to inhale. In addition, the railings at the ce where the fish were fed were low, and Noble Consort Ji was tall, so she was actually pushed down by her in a moment of carelessness.


    The coldke water drowned her breathing. Noble Consort Ji choked on the water in surprise. Then, she adjusted her posture and swam to the other shore while coughing inexpertly, looking at the Empress across the water.


    After all, it was just a sudden thought. The Empress could not arrange for people. At the first moment of this ident, a pce maid had already quietly and quickly slipped away to get reinforcements.


    Hence, before Noble Consort Ji could think of a way to go ashore, the Emperor rushed over with the pce maid leading the way.


    The Empress did not know how to exin, nor did she have the chance to speak because the Emperor raised his hand as if he wanted to p her.


    The Empress was stunned. Fortunately, the Emperor quickly clenched his fists and retracted his hand.


    ��I don��t hit women.��


    ��But you disappoint me too much.��


    ��Men, bring the Empress back to the Phoenix Pce. Without my permission, she is not allowed to take half a step out of the pce!��


    As he spoke, he turned around and picked up Noble Consort Ji, who had just been saved and was drenched. ��Summon the imperial physician!��


    As she was too close, Noble Consort Ji didn��t miss the true anxiety on the Emperor��s face. For a moment, she was a little stunned.


    The Emperor muttered as he walked, ��Are you cold? Are you feeling unwell? Did you drink the water just now? If there��s anything wrong with your stomach, tell me quickly. Don��t be embarrassed to ask.��


    Noble Consort Ji looked at his court attire on her and fell silent.


    She actually did not want to be carried by the Emperor like this, but he wrapped her too tightly. She could not struggle even if she wanted to, but how could he do this?


    ��Didn��t you say that you wouldn��t touch me?��


    The Emperor was so angry that heughed. ��What time is it now? Why are you still telling me this?��


    He snorted. ��Alright, take it that I went back on my word. What do you think?��


    After that, the two of them fell silent. Noble Consort Ji was still in a daze when the Emperor ced her on the dragon bed and handed her to the imperial physician, while the Emperor himself stared at his hand for a long time.


    She was warm after soaking in the water for so long.


    Wait a minute.


    ��Doctor, is she having a fever?��


    The pampered Noble Consort Ji was sick.


    It was unknown if it was because her tense nerves that had been tense for many years had rxed, but she suddenly fell ill. The little cold caused Noble Consort Ji, who was famous for her beauty, to quickly lose weight, making the Emperor vexed.


    ��Aren��t you quite smart? Huh? Why did you end up like this?��


    ��You��re just, just!��


    After staring for a long time, he only said, ��Get up and drink the medicine!��


    After all, he had been the Emperor for so many years, so he was quite dignified when he was angry. This Noble Consort Ji, who was most afraid of drinking bitter medicine, couldn��t even say ��no��. She obediently stuffed the entire bowl of ck bitter stuff.


    Seeing her frown and remain silent, the Emperor was angry and heartbroken.


    In the end, he handed over the candied plums gloomily..

 Chapter 469: So What?

    Chapter 469: So What?


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Noble Consort Ji hesitated again and again. She reached out to pinch one and put it in her mouth before suppressing the bitterness in her mouth.


    The candied plums were made by Xiaoxiao. They were moderately sweet and suited her taste.


    ��I��ve already drunk the medicine. Your Majesty is busy every day. Don��t waste your time with me.��


    The Emperor chuckled and put down the bowl. ��Sometimes, I��m really curious. What��s your heart made of?��


    A long time after the Emperor left, Noble Consort Ji sighed. She took out a pouch from under her pillow, poured out a pill from the pouch, and flipped through it. There was indecision between her brows.


    ��Your Highness, Princess An��ning is here.��


    Hearing this, Noble Consort Ji hurriedly stuffed the pill back into her purse and ced the purse beside her pillow. ��Let her in.��


    How could her confidant, the nanny, miss out on the joy in her tone?


    For the past few days, His Majesty had been keeping an eye on Her Highness, who had been drinking her medicine. After drinking the medicine, Her Highness had been eagerly waiting for the snacks from Princess An��ning. If not for the fact that she was afraid of arousing suspicion, she would probably have asked Princess An��ning to stay over.


    It was great. She had watched Her Highness grow up. After parting ways with the Third Prince, she had never seen Her Highness smile sincerely again. She thought that Her Highness could only wear a mask and suffer in this life. Fortunately�� Fortunately.


    Xiaoxiao realized that the nanny beside Noble Consort Ji was especially friendly to her. Not only did she smile brightly every time she saw her, but she also asked about her well-being. Those who didn��t know better would think that she was her Mistress.


    The nanny nced at the food box in her hand and asked softly, ��What did you bring today?��


    Even though there was no one else around, Xiaoxiao replied softly, ��Chicken jus Ruyi buns. Little Big Brother made this personally today.��


    The nanny��s smile widened, and even her footsteps became much faster. Xiaoxiao roughly understood something and said, ��If it wasn��t for the court session, Little Big Brother originally wanted to send it here personally.��


    The nanny first smiled, then sighed. ��He��d better not. It��s inevitable that others will be suspicious if we suddenly get close.��


    That was true. Little Big Brother��s background was like a time bomb. If it exploded, it would really be a huge matter that concerned his life. For this, that stinky fellow even found an excuse to postpone the wedding date!


    Xiaoxiao pouted and entered the house with the food box.


    The people in Noble Consort Ji��s pce could only stay outside the second door. They saw that not long after Xiaoxiao entered, the nanny walked out with a familiar food box. Her tone was cold and disdainful. ��Feed this to the dogs.��


    The pce maid was well-behaved and did not ask a word that she should not have. She really took the fragrant bun to the kennel not far away.


    Speaking of which, it was strange. In the past, Her Highness did not like dogs, but recently, she had gotten such a big and scary mastiff from somewhere. She said that she was keeping it to guard the house.


    In the inner courtyard of the pce, there was a guard every five steps. How could there be a need for a dog to guard the house?


    Besides, this dog lookedzy. Could it really take care of the house?


    Just as she thought this, she saw the mastiff, who was lying on its stomach and basking in the sun, turn around and stand up. It stared at the pce maid walking towards it with a burning gaze�� and the food box in her hand.


    The pce maidughed. ��Your nose is quite sharp.��


    The maid shook her head when she saw the fragrant and soft white bread in the food box.


    This Princess An��ning was really too much. She was here to visit Noble Consort and she only brought this?


    At least, she should make some snacks and fruits. No wonder the nanny asked her to feed them to the dogs.


    Walnut didn��t care what she was thinking. After the pce maid ced the buns in its special bowl, it wagged its tail and nodded at her softly. Then, it lowered its head, picked one up, and swallowed it in one gulp. As expected, it was a meat bun personally made by Master! It was so delicious!


    The pce maid pointed at herself in surprise. ��Was it greeting me just now?��


    The others were also very surprised. ��That��s true. Could it be very smart?��


    Walnut raised its head and rolled its eyes at the pce maid. Its IQ.had been certified by Master!


    The pce maids chattered in a circle and forgot to think about it. Princess An��ning��s food box had been withdrawn, but she had stayed for a long time.


    Actually, Xiaoxiao usually only left after sending a message to Noble Consort Ji and Rong Yan. But today, she heard a notification from the space just as she arrived in front of Noble Consort Ji��s bed.


    [Ding�� Dangerous ingredients discovered.]


    Xiaoxiao��s gaze followed the arrow given by the space andnded on the pouch. Although she felt that Xiaoxiao wouldn��t know anything, Noble Consort Ji was still a little nervous. Then, she stuffed the pouch under her pillow.


    Wasn��t this exposing herself?


    Xiaoxiao, who did not care much about the pouch at first, was instantly interested. [What��s the effect after taking it?]


    The space��s tone was heavy: [Sudden death.]


    As a positive energy space that promoted delicious food, it instinctively disliked such dangerous ingredients.


    Then the question was, who was Noble Consort Ji preparing this ��ingredient�� for?


    Was it her or someone else?


    To be on the safe side, Xiaoxiao changed the medicine to another medicine that took effect faster but was not fatal.


    This way, if Noble Consort Ji wanted to protect herself and the new medicine could achieve her goal faster, she could also pour out arge dose of medicine at once. If she wanted to give it to herself�� that was definitely impossible.


    Xiaoxiao couldn��t be med for thinking too much. After all, she and Rong Yan didn��t see Noble Consort Ji alive in their dreams.


    With this additional interlude, about an hour had passed when Xiaoxiao left again. At this moment, in the morning court, the ministers led by Prime Minister Yan were objecting to the Empress��s confinement.


    The Emperor treated them as farts. Instead, he asked about the details of the granary and new farming in the world, as well as the current situation of the young students who showed their talents during the imperial examination.


    Prime Minister Yan looked calm on the surface, but he had already secretly signaled to the ministers.


    Since ancient times, one cast aside the bow once the birds are gone. Now that the world was settled, it seemed like the Emperor had long forgotten the merits of their Yan Family following his lead back then. It was time to leave a way out for himself.


    After the court session, Prime Minister Yan gathered with a few old officials and said, ��It seems that His Majesty is nning to promote new people now. I wonder if everyone will����


    On the other side, the Emperor, who had flipped open the memorandum, yed with the ��jade seal�� in his hand and asked Eunuch De, ��You haven��t found it yet?��


    Eunuch De immediately knelt down. ��I��m useless. Please punish me, Your Majesty.��


    The Emperor clicked his tongue. ��Can the real jade seal be found just by punishing you?��


    Eunuch De did not dare to reply. The Great Xia��s jade seal had been switched under their noses. This was a huge matter! Fortunately, he was a reasonable ruler now. Otherwise, everyone in this hall would be exterminated!


    The Emperor asked again, ��What did Han Qing say?��


    Eunuch De said, ��He said that they chased him to the suburbs of the capital����


    In the forest in the suburbs of the capital, Han Qing and her men searched almost every tree. Finally, before sunset, they saw the assassin who had escaped from the pce turn around and enter a manor.


    ��Commander Han, what should we do?��


    Han Qing, who had already be themander of the Imperial Guards, made a prompt decision. ��Surround the vige immediately and search!��


    The deputymander hesitated. ��But�� that��s the Empress��s manor.��


    Han Qing snorted.. ��So what?��

 Chapter 470: Keeping Private Soldiers

    Chapter 470: Keeping Private Soldiers


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    His Majesty allowed him to act conveniently this time. He would act first and reportter.


    ��Search immediately! If we dy any longer, who knows if that thief will blend into the crowd?��


    The others did not know why they were here, so Han Qing could only stop there. ��If you don��t do this job well, think carefully.��


    ��Alright, I have an idea!��


    The sky turned dark, but a huge fire suddenly lit up in a manor in the suburbs of the capital. Han Qing, who was waiting for this moment, ordered, ��Brothers, put out the fire!��


    They could not barge into the Empress��s manor directly, so they ��coincidentally�� passed by and helped when they saw injustice, right?


    The fire was not big, so the imperial guards couldpletely put out the fire as they continued to search for the assassin��s whereabouts. They had already left people outside the vige. If the assassin wanted to escape, they would kill him on the spot. There was no room for discussion.


    In this chaos, the fire slowly spread along the eaves to an inconspicuous warehouse. The servants in the manor could no longer care about arguing with the uninvited guests. They hurriedly picked up buckets and basins, scooped water, and went to put out the fire.


    However, something strange happened. The fire that should have eased became even more intense. Han Qing seized the opportunity and shouted, ��It��s more important to save lives! Break through the door!


    The servants in the manor were speechless. Save who? I already said that it was a warehouse!


    ��Officials, there��s really no one inside. Look, the door is still locked! Let��s get more water and put out the fire as soon as possible!


    Han Qing dug his ears and kicked him. ��Hurry, hurry, hurry. If we dy any longer, they��ll lose our lives!��


    The servants almost jumped up-there was no one in the warehouse! What was wrong with the imperial guards? Didn��t they understand humannguage?


    At this moment, the heavy warehouse door suddenly rumbled. Han Qing did not expect his kick to be so powerful and almost did not dodge in time.


    Fortunately, the door fell inwards. No one from the imperial guards was injured, but the contents of the warehouse were obvious.


    Everyone, led by Han Qing, looked at the ironware and silver taels in the storeroom in shock. When they turned around, their tone was already unfriendly. ��Hiding weapons is a serious crime.��


    At this point, he couldn��t care less!


    The people in the manor no longer hid their strength. They drew their weapons and fought with the imperial guards.


    ��We can��t let them leave alive!��


    Han Qing spat on the ground. ��Those who resist will be killed without mercy!�� That night was destined to be sleepless. The small mes that were originally caused by the dry weather could not be stopped. The raging mes could even be seen clearly in the Imperial Capital.


    The person in charge of the city defense was a neer. He was just worrying about not having any political achievements. After his sharp eyes saw the signal fireworks in the fire, he pped the table and shouted, ��Quick! It��s the government��s signal. Go and support them!


    The next morning, the manor had already been sealed. The Emperor was so angry that his hands trembled. He threw the memorandum in Prime Minister Yan��s face. ��Good, very good.��


    ��A warehouse full of weapons and keeping private soldiers. What is Prime Minister Yan trying to do?��


    He was just adding some chips to his grandson, but how could Prime Minister Yan say that?


    ��It��s my fault for acting inappropriately. Please punish me, Your Majesty. However, the number of people hiding in the manor only exceeded the rules by a few hundred. It did not mean anything. Even if he was punished, at most, his sry would be suspended and he would be grounded. It would not hurt him at all.


    His unafraid look made the Emperor��s heart twitch, but he also understood why Prime Minister Yan was so confident.


    ��Your Majesty, Prime Minister Yan has been diligent and loyal for many years. He has worked hard for the entire Great Xia.��


    ��That��s right, Your Majesty. If not for Prime Minister Yan, how could we recover our livelihood so quickly when the Southern Barbarians attacked Great Xia back then?!��


    ��Your Majesty, please punish him lightly on ount of Prime Minister Yan��s past contributions!��


    ��Your Majesty, to put it bluntly, he only has an extra hundred guards. If Prime Minister Yan really has the intention to rebel, he won��t be able to do anything with so few people!��


    After all, the Yan Family was an important family. Be it helping him clear the Emperor��s side back then or working together to build Great Xiater, the Yan Family had contributed greatly on the surface. If they were severely punished for such a small matter, it would be difficult for him, the Emperor, to stop everyone.


    However, he was very unhappy.


    That��s right. When they had just finished fighting the Southern Barbarians, Great Xia was in a mess. The Southern Barbarians and Xiongnu were the same. They burned, killed and plundered. At that time, Great Xia was indeed riddled with holes. It was the Yan Family who paid and worked. However, they had long receivedpensation over the years��


    However, if he said these words, it would not only make him look petty as the Emperor, but it would also inevitably give the Yan Family a reason to criticize him for being ungrateful.


    It was annoying. It was especially annoying.


    The Emperor felt a throbbing pain in his temples. He could not help but f<sub>ee</sub>l_<sub>w</sub>hy was the Yan Family so useless?


    Since they were going to cause trouble, couldn��t they just make things bigger? What was the use of a thousand people? He could not even say that they were rebelling.


    It was also at this moment that Han Qing, who was halfway through his report, scratched his head and said, ��However, Your Majesty, there��s something that I don��t understand.��


    The Emperor waved his hand. ��Speak.��


    Han Qing said, ��As the official said just now, there are thousands of private soldiers found in the manor.��


    The people who belonged to the Yan Family rolled their eyes in disdain, but he continued.


    ��However, the weapons we found from the Yan Family are enough to equip at least 5,000 people. Even if they need to prepare the wear and tear needs in advance�� is there a need for so many?��


    ��Moreover, this amount is only a portion. I discovered it when I was putting out the fire to save people. I haven��t����


    He was interrupted by Prime Minister Yan, who couldn��t take it anymore. ��Nonsense!��


    ��There are clearly only more than a thousand weapons in the warehouse.


    Where did you fabricate so many out of thin air? Do you really think I��m easy to bully? Do you think His Majesty is someone who can be fooled by you at will?��


    He knew what was going on, so he shouted confidently.


    However, Han Qing said unhurriedly, ��But the things were found in the Yan Family��s manor.��


    ��It��s broad daylight and everyone��s watching. Not to mention that this is the truth, even if I want to frame you, how can I sneak in so many heavy and big weapons? Should I wrap them in my arms or swallow them into my stomach?�� Prime Minister Yan came to court early and really did not know what happened next. The others did the same, and Rong Yan, who was the only one who knew what was going on, lowered his head and smiled.


    Xiaoxiao, you��re really��


    Of course, only Xiaoxiao could do such a thing without anyone noticing.


    If 1,000 people were not enough to constitute a serious crime, what about 3,000 people, 5,000 people, 10,000 people, or even more?


    The Emperor also sat up straight and looked at Han Qing solemnly. ��Really?�� Han Qing nodded and said seriously and innocently, ��I was just worried that the fire would be too big and hurt the innocent, so I kicked open the warehouse in a hurry. I was stunned when I saw the weapons in the warehouse. I wasn��t paying attention and the fire spread. Later on, I could only chase after the mes most of the time. Who knew that I would find another warehouse of weapons����


    He said, ��To put it bluntly, that manor is quite big and there are quite a lot of storerooms..��

 Chapter 471: Mess Around In The Harem

    Chapter 471: Mess Around In The Harem


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The Emperor immediately ordered a thorough investigation. This investigation was impressive. There were more than 10 warehouses in the manor. The weapons found were enough for 10,000 elite soldiers!


    The Emperor��s face turned red with anger. ��Prime Minister Yan, what else do you have to say?��


    Prime Minister Yan knew that he had been framed, but just as Han Qing had said, even if the imperial guards who came to search the vige each carried one, it was impossible for them to smuggle so many weapons in without being noticed.


    He couldn��t defend himself now. For now, he could only find someone to take the me as soon as possible. Speaking of which, that manor was given to him by Noble Consort Ji��


    Just as he was about to speak, Prime Minister Yan heard the hatefulmander of the imperial guards, Han Qing, say, ��Oh, right, there��s one more thing.��


    The Emperor pressed his temples. ��Speak.��


    Han Qing looked at Prime Minister Yan with a faint smile. ��There��s an extremely beautifulke filled with lotus flowers in the Yan Family��s manor. Because the fire in the manorst night was too big, in order to extinguish the fire, we took theke water nearby to extinguish the fire. In the end, something strange happened when we scooped up the water.��


    ��We actually fished out some gold, silver, and jewelry from theke.��


    ��After the fire was extinguished, the more curious guards went into the water and swam around. In the end, they realized that many treasures had sunk at the bottom of theke, as well as����


    Han Qing presented a cloth bag. The Emperor looked at the shape and already had a guess.


    When Eunuch De unwrapped the cloth on the outside and saw its true appearance, the officials immediately gasped��the jade seal!


    The Emperor felt his head hurt even more.


    ��Prime Minister Yan, I��ve treated your Yan Family well.��


    Prime Minister Yan knew that there was no room for negotiation today.


    ��Guards, lock Prime Minister Yan in the prison. No one is allowed to visit him.��


    ��Han Qing, I order you to quickly lead the imperial guards to seize all the weapons and jewelry hidden by the Yan Family and escort them back to the pce as evidence!��


    ��When the witnesses and evidence areplete, let the Ministry of Justice investigate this matter thoroughly!��


    Before he was taken away, Prime Minister Yan looked back again. This nce stopped the Crown Prince from speaking, but thetter had already clenched his fists tightly.


    The surviving member of the Han Family, Han Qing.


    Indeed, he should have eliminated all of them back then!


    When he looked up again, he happened to meet Han Qing��s unconcealed provocative gaze.


    ��Your Majesty is wise. I ept the order!��


    Even though the Emperor explicitly ordered that no one was allowed to see the Empress, the Crown Prince still tried his best to sneak into the Phoenix Pce. However, what he did not know was that just five minutes ago, someone had already told the Empress everything that happened during the morning court assembly.


    The more the Empress thought about it in the hall, the more she felt��


    ��The Emperor is nning to attack the Yan Family!��


    ��He wants to remove me and give the Empress��s position to Ji Yanran!��


    The scene of Noble Consort Ji falling into the water was still vivid in her mind. She seemed to be able to see the Emperor��s cold and heartless expression when he looked at her and his face full of worry when he turned to Noble Consort Ji.


    It was precisely because of thisparison that his annoyance towards her and his worry towards Noble Consort Ji became even more obvious. It was so obvious that the Empress couldn��t deceive herself even if she wanted to.


    However, at this moment, there was someone who added fuel to the fire. The pce maids outside the door chattered non-stop, ��Keeping private soldiers, storing weapons, and hiding the jade seal are all serious crimes that can be beheaded!��


    ��That��s not all. I heard that Commander Han has an old grudge with the Yan Family to begin with. Now, he��s even revealed all the past events. Oh, right, I heard that he has found many witnesses!��


    ��Do you still remember that Yan Lu from the past, Official Yan?��


    ��I heard that Official Yan wasn��t the one who coveted the repair of the dam at all, but our����


    The Empress��s face was already twisted.


    ��There��s more. Back then, in order to hide the fact that they were greedy, the Yan Family killed all 123 members of Commander Han��s family! That was an extermination!��


    ��That scary? Don��t talk nonsense about such a big matter!��


    ��Who��s spouting nonsense! Do you remember the Lei Family? They were the ones who did this. After that, the Yan Family silenced the Lei Family��s uncle and nephew. They thought that it would be seamless, but who knew that Commander Han was already prepared and hid them? I heard that he had already brought them to His Majesty!��


    The Empress��s face was pale as she heard the pce maids say, ��Aiya, from the looks of it, can our Mistress��s position still be maintained?��


    ��What position is there to protect? She might not even be able to keep her life!��


    The Empress finally couldn��t help but kick open the door. ��How dare you! How dare you gossip about your mistress! Drag them away and beat them to death!��


    The pce maids who were gossiping begged for mercy, but the Empress still had her dignity in her pce. Soon, someone pulled them down as they cried.


    ��A group of ignorant fools. The Yan Family and I were just framed. With my father��s ability, he will soon find out who the mastermind is!��


    She knew the manor the best. All the weapons, jade seals, gold, silver, and jewelry were nonexistent!


    However, there were so many things. Even if Han Qing had extraordinary abilities, it was impossible for her to sneak them in.


    The Empress paced back and forth, and it was unknown what thoughts were running through her mind. Not only did her expression gradually calm down, but she also took a deep breath and tidied up her clothes. ��Follow me to find Noble Consort Ji.��


    What she did not know was that not long after she left, the pce servant in charge of punishments started running around like a headless fly. Where were they? Where were the pce maids who were sent here to be flogged just now?


    Speaking of which, they didn��t seem familiar. She didn��t seem to have heard of any neers entering the Phoenix Pce recently.


    Moreover, they were so strange. They sounded like they were crying just now, but when they looked at their faces carefully, they were clearly smiling. There was not a single tear on their faces. Everyone��s expressions seemed to be engraved on their faces. Now that they thought about it, it was terrifying.


    A chill ran down her back, making the pce maid rub her arms.


    Those pce maids were eerie.


    Her deputy also gritted her teeth. ��Could it be the vengeful spirits in the pce����


    When the Crown Prince arrived, the Empress had already rushed in front of Noble Consort Ji.


    The sun was just right today. Noble Consort Ji, who felt that she had gained weight after being fed by Xiaoxiao, felt that she needed toe out for a walk. Hence, she dismissed her servants and practiced the Five Animal y that Xiaoxiao had taught her in the courtyard. It was said that it could strengthen her body.


    There was indeed a feeling of freedom after practicing, but her movements were not elegant, so she did not want others to see her.


    Usually, no one would disturb her, but halfway through today, she heard a familiar voice.


    ��Ji Yanran, you��re good!��


    She turned around and saw a raised hand.


    Noble Consort Ji dodged to the side and red at the person at the same time. ��What are you trying to do, Your Majesty?��


    At this moment, she was drenched in sweat, but her face was rosy. Hence, not only did she not look embarrassed, but she also looked even more charming. This made the Empress even more jealous.


    ��Ji Yanran, how dare you mess around in the harem just because you��re pretty!�� ��Tell me! Whose bastard is the child in your stomach?��


    Noble Consort Ji was stunned. What�� was in her stomach?


    Was the Empress crazy?


    In the Empress��s eyes, Noble Consort Ji��s confusion turned into guilt.


    The Empress sneered and approached. ��I was wondering why you were so kind as to give such a huge manor to me and the Crown Prince. It turns out����


    She then looked at Noble Consort Ji��s lower abdomen, which was no longer as thin as before. ��So you��re paving the way for your bastard..��

 Chapter 472: Harming The Royal Descendants

    Chapter 472: Harming The Royal Descendants


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    ��Why? Do you think you can rece me as the Empress by using such a method to get rid of me?��


    Noble Consort Ji pulled a long face. She realized where the Empress��s doubts came from!


    She was instantly in a bad mood��it was already annoying to gain weight, but the Empress kept mentioning it!


    Besides, she had just eaten a little more. How was she fat enough to look like a pregnant woman?


    Not to mention that the Emperor did not touch her at all, even�� she would not show her pregnancy so quickly!!


    ��The Empress must have been worried when you heard that Prime Minister Yan was imprisoned. You actually spouted nonsense. I haven��t recovered from my cold and I��m still not feeling well. If there��s nothing else, I��ll take my leave.��


    Although she was also puzzled as to why the ��evidence�� hidden in the manor had increased several times for no reason and many weapons that she did not have the means to get them in had appeared, she was happy that the Yan Family was unlucky.


    In any case, she had clearly fallen out with the Empress, so she could not be bothered to patronize her anymore.


    The Empressughed. ��Why? You��re not pretending anymore?��


    ��It must have been hard for you to pretend in front of me for so many years, right?��


    ��Rong Yan is a bastard. Do you think you can be the Empress just because you��re pregnant with another child?��


    Noble Consort Ji, who was about to leave, suddenly stopped in her tracks. When she turned around, she was already filled with killing intent.


    ��What do you mean?��


    She didn��t even use the honorific title of ��Empress��?


    However, the Empress was even happier. Of course, a person who could pretend so well lost herposure because she had something on her.


    ��Ji Yanran, do you really think no one knows what happened back then?��


    Noble Consort Ji��s hand had already covered the pouch at her waist��it was the one Xiaoxiao had seen before.


    Rong Yan��s background was a secret that she would bring to her grave even if she died. No one could tell anyone.


    ��I don��t know what the Empress is talking about. Could it be that you��re too sad and have gone crazy?��


    The Empress actually pulled a chair over and sat down calmly.


    ��Rong Yan was born prematurely.��


    Noble Consort Ji��s heart skipped a beat.


    On the day Rong Yan was born, the Empress pretended to be kind and amiable. On the surface, she was here to see Noble Consort Ji after giving birth, but she was actually looking for the Emperor. However, by chance, she heard the conversation between the Emperor and the imperial physician.


    The Emperor asked the imperial physician, ��He��s indeed premature?��


    The imperial physician knelt down. ��I don��t dare to lie to you.��


    The Emperor asked again, ��She saved your entire family, so she believed that you would keep your mouth shut.��


    The imperial physician said, ��As the master of Heaven and Earth, I have to be loyal to Your Majesty.��


    At that time, the Empress was secretly delighted, thinking that Noble Consort Ji was finished. Unexpectedly, the Emperor said, ��There��s no need to let a third person know about this.��


    ��If anyone knows,�� the Emperor��s tone that day terrified the Empress, he said, ��Make him shut up forever.��


    The Empress did not have the guts to test the Emperor��s bottom line because she could tell that the Emperor was serious.


    Hence, this secret was buried in the bottom of her heart for a long time. It was so long that it was like a wound that had sores. It was so long that she did not dare to touch it yet could not forget it.


    What was so good about Ji Yanran that the Emperor would do so much for her?


    ��Ji Yanran, once the news that Rong Yan is a remnant of the previous dynasty spreads, do you think either of you will survive?��


    ��Do you think you can save yourself by keeping a distance from that bastard all these years?��


    ��He��s your child. He��s your and Emperor Wen��s bastard!��


    ��I really didn��t expect that the refined, schrly, and reasonable Emperor Wen, who values etiquette the most, would actually have an affair with you before marriage!��


    ��Does His Majesty think that he can protect you just because he pretends not to know?��


    ��If the officials find out, you and your bastard will definitely die no matter how unwilling His Majesty is!��


    The Empress said proudly, ��If I didn��t have your handle, why do you think I would be on good terms with you for so many years?��


    Noble Consort Jiined in her heart: Isn��t it because it��s easier to see the Emperor with me around?


    Now wasn��t the time to talk so fast. There was tea in the courtyard, so Noble Consort Ji personally poured a cup of tea and brought it to the Empress.


    ��Your Majesty, how can you continue to keep my secret?��


    Seeing her lower her head, the Empress raised her chin proudly.


    She didn��t doubt Noble Consort Ji��s sincerity in admitting defeat and begging for mercy at all because Rong Yan��s background was too shocking. If word got out, Ji Yanran wouldn��t be able to live!


    ��It��s not impossible for me to swallow this secret.��


    She said, ��Go and admit in front of the civil and military officials that you were the one who tampered with everything in the manor.��


    ��The weapons, gold, silver, and jade seal were all hidden by you.��


    ��Anyway, that manor belongs to you. You have the best chance to do this.��


    ��Just say that you had already hidden something inside before you gave the manor to me. As for the weapons and jade seal, you secretly ordered someone to send them in recently. You��re using my trust to frame me and the Yan Family. I��ll help you get evidence and witnesses.��


    ��Then drink the abortion soup and I��ll spare your life.��


    ��No one else will know about Rong Yan��s background.��


    It had been so long since anyone entered the garden. Clearly, the Empress hade prepared.


    But at the same time, as long as the Empress could not leave, at least Ah Yan��s secret would note out of her mouth.


    Although she did not understand why the Emperor was pretending to be stupid, Ah Yan was safe for the time being as long as no one investigated.


    At this point, she could only��


    The pill that was originally hidden in her palm had disappeared. Noble Consort Ji��s hand was extremely steady as she served the tea, and her posture was also extremely humble.


    Xiaoxiao, who had listened to the entire story in the space, sorted out her knowledge points��


    Firstly, the Emperor knew that Rong Yan was not his son.


    Secondly, the Empress knew that the Emperor knew that Rong Yan was not his son, and the Empress also knew that Rong Yan was Emperor Wen��s son.


    Thirdly, the Empress thought that Noble Consort Ji was pregnant, but she was very sure that the child was not the Emperor��s.


    This matter wasn��tplicated, but she had a few questions. First of all, why did the Emperor keep Rong Yan even though he knew that Rong Yan wasn��t his son? ording to the usual routine, even if he loved Noble Consort Ji dearly, there were a hundred ways to make him die prematurely for the purity of the royal bloodline in the past decade or so.


    Secondly, why was the Empress so sure that the child was not the Emperor��s child?


    Another point, and most importantly, did the Emperor�� know who Rong Yan��s Father was?


    Just as Xiaoxiao was thinking, the Empress had already taken the cup of tea and brought it to her lips.


    With a bang, the teacup shattered, and the Empress fell softly.


    At this moment, the Crown Prince rushed in. ��Mother!��


    ��Noble Consort Ji, how dare you! Do you know what you��re doing?��


    Noble Consort Ji��s lips curled up. ��Then does Her Majesty know what she��s done?��


    The Crown Prince roared, ��Imperial physician! Call the imperial physician!��


    ��Guards, report to His Majesty that Noble Consort Ji has harmed the Empress. She deserves to be punished!��


    However, Noble Consort Ji said in a low voice, ��I was wondering why His Majesty hasn��t had any children in recent years����


    ��Your Highness, the crime of harming the royal descendants is not light.��


    ��I��m just cleaning up His Majesty��s harem. What��s wrong with that?��


    ��Don��t me me. From today onwards, the position of the mistress of the harem belongs to me. If you know what��s good for you, why don��t you call me Mother now? This way, I��ll take care of you like before.��


    The Crown Prince said angrily, ��Ji Yanran, I thought you were smart enough to know how to judge the situation. That��s why you begged the Yan Family for protection early on.. I didn��t expect����

 Chapter 473: She’s Not Dead

    Chapter 473: She��s Not Dead<div>


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The Crown Prince didn��t hear the Empress and Noble Consort Ji��s previous conversation, so he didn��t know how Noble Consort Ji knew about this secret. However, he already instinctively thought that Noble Consort Ji was doing this to fight for favor.


    ��I really underestimated you in the past!��<div>


    He put the Empress down and suddenly pulled out a flexible sword from his waist.


    ��Unfortunately, you��re still too naive.��


    ��If I kill you, who will know all this?��


    ��I will tell everyone that you had evil intentions after seeing the Yan Family lose their power and hit Mother when she was down.


    ��You want to rece Mother? I want to see if you have the destiny to do so!��


    Very good. Noble Consort Ji had already confirmed that the Empress didn��t tell the Crown Prince about Yan��er��s background. In that case, it was worth it even if she had to exchange her life for the Empress��s.


    With this thought in mind, she was already prepared to ept all her fate. Unfortunately, she still could not hug Yan��er properly before she died.


    The sword gleam shed, but Noble Consort Ji didn��t feel the pain she deserved. Instead, she heard the Crown Prince cry out in pain��


    ��Where did this beaste from?��


    Walnut widened its eyes in anger and pped the Crown Prince��s wrist.


    Now, the dog pounced on the Crown Prince��s chest, pressing down on him until he could not breathe. Its ws were also very powerful. In the end, the Crown Prince could not hold the sword and let go.<div>


    Walnut didn��t continue fighting. It held his sword in his mouth and threw it into the distance. Then, it stood in front of Noble Consort Ji like a guard.


    ��His Majesty has arrived!��


    The Crown Prince turned around in panic��how could he be so fast?


    Xiaoxiao, who was still hiding in the space, pinched her nose. Of course, she did it. She couldn��t rush out to save him, nor could she let Walnut bite the Crown Prince to death. She could only get reinforcements.


    The Emperor looked at the ridiculous scene in front of him with an ugly expression.


    ��Crown Prince, Noble Consort Ji, I need an exnation.��


    Noble Consort Ji was already prepared to die, so she hadn��t thought it through. The Crown Prince was different. He couldn��t give Noble Consort Ji a chance to speak! Otherwise, wouldn��t the Yan Family, which was already in a difficult situation, have no hope?


    Hence, he spoke first. ��Father! Noble Consort Ji has ulterior motives. In order to seize the position of the Empress, she actually attacked Mother! Father, even if the outsiders haven��t had the chance to clear their own names and the Yan Family��s injustice, Mother is still the mother of the country!��


    ��Noble Consort Ji��s actions are intolerable by the country��sws! Your Majesty, please immediately order her execution! Avenge Mother!��


    The Emperor��s first reaction was that the Crown Prince was spouting nonsense. Could Noble Consort Ji be interested in the position of Empress? She wasn��t even interested in him, the Emperor!


    However, the Empress was indeed lying on the ground and didn��t look like she was fine. Noble Consort Ji actually didn��t exin.<div>


    Could it really be��


    At this moment, someone walked out from behind the Emperor. Without waiting for his order, he walked straight towards the Empress.


    Other than Gongsun Zhongjing, Xiaoxiao could not think of anyone else who could think of treating the patient in front of the Emperor and not wait for an order.


    Unexpectedly, Gongsun Zhongjing said as soon as he turned the Empress��s head over, ��She��s not dead. She��s just unconscious.��


    At this moment, the person who was the most shocked was actually Noble Consort Ji��she had clearly ced the poison that could kill the Empress in her teacup, right?


    Gongsun Zhongjing said, ��The Empress should have just been drugged.��


    The Crown Prince was still worried. ��But the blood on Mother��s face����


    Gongsun Zhongjing told him with certainty, ��The blood was from a wound caused when she fell. It looks like she hit her nose face-first.��


    The Crown Prince did not understand. ��She��s already hit so hard, why isn��t Mother moving at all? Moreover, look at Mother��s limbs and neck. They��re all hanging down powerlessly!��


    He nced at Noble Consort Ji. ��Perhaps the person who drugged her is inexperienced and has overdosed.��


    He pressed on the Empress��s pulse for a while. ��From the looks of it, the Empress won��t wake up in three days.��<div>


    Noble Consort Ji:��


    The Emperor:��


    The Crown Prince reacted for a while before looking at Noble Consort Ji indignantly. ��You lied to me!��


    Noble Consort Ji thought to herself, I didn��t, but there were too many surprises. She didn��t know where to focus for a moment.


    It was at this moment that a ��pce maid�� rushed in. ��Your Majesty, I was outside just now and heard Her Majesty use Noble Consort Ji of seducing Your Majesty behind her back because she coveted the position of Empress. S-she even scolded Noble Consort Ji and the child in her stomach!��


    Noble Consort Ji looked over in surprise. Why didn��t she remember that there was such a smart person in her pce?


    The Emperor��s facial features were twisted. ��C-child?��


    Noble Consort Ji was annoyed. ��I just ate too much!��


    What did he mean? Did he want the entire pce to know that she had gained weight?


    The Emperor had been called over from the morning court assembly. When he found out that something had happened to Noble Consort Ji, Rong Yan followed over. Seeing that the crowd was bustling, he ��disappeared�� for a while.


    In the eyes of others, this period of time was only a few breaths, so no one noticed it. However, when he appeared again, he already knew what had happened to the other party like the back of his hand.


    The Emperor felt that his mind was in a mess. ��What exactly happened just now?��


    Noble Consort Ji also felt that it was a mess. At this moment, her emotions were in a mess. Just as she was about to confirm the Empress��s crime, she saw Rong Yan give her a look.


    Although it was just a nce, she immediately understood what her son meant.


    Hence, she stepped forward. ��Your Majesty����


    She fainted.


    When she didn��t know what to say, fainting was a wonderful procrastination tactic.


    However, this move could allow her to find an opportunity to fill in the gaps, but�� didn��t it also give the Crown Prince a chance to set up a trap?


    Moreover, wouldn��t everything be exposed when the Empress woke up?


    Despite her worry and nervousness, Noble Consort Ji still followed Rong Yan��s hint and made up her mind before copsing.


    She did not fall to the ground as expected. Instead, she was hurriedly carried.


    She had been in this embrace not long ago.


    Why?


    Why did he let him grow up safely even though he knew that Yan��er was not his child?


    Why did he keep her secret even though he knew that she had done something treasonous? Why did he keep her in the harem and pamper her for so many years?


    Why�� did he have to treat her so well?


    Seeing this, the Crown Prince was furious. ��Even if she didn��t hurt Mother��s life and drugged her, shouldn��t she be punished?��


    The Emperor asked him while carrying Noble Consort Ji, ��Shouldn��t your mother be grounded?��


    ��Did Noble Consort Ji run to the Phoenix Pce to cause trouble for the Empress?��


    When the Crown Prince heard that, he knew that the Emperor nned to protect Noble Consort Ji. He was instantly furious. It seemed that his mother was right about at least one thing. His father��s heart was extremely biased.


    Fortunately, Noble Consort Ji had never liked Rong Yan. Otherwise, would he still have a chance to be the Crown Prince?


    With an indignant heart, he turned around to look for Prime Minister Yan. The Heavenly Prison was known as an iron bucket. Without a written order, no one was allowed to enter. However, that was only for ordinary people. After controlling the court for many years, it was not difficult for the Crown Prince to see Prime Minister Yan, who had not been convicted.


    After hearing what had happened from the Crown Prince, Prime Minister Yan, who had taken off his official uniform but still had his aura, only asked one question.


    ��Noble Consort Ji knows the truth about His Majesty not having any children for many years?��

 Chapter 474: History Has Always Been Written By The Victor

    Chapter 474: History Has Always Been Written By The Victor<div>


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The Crown Prince nodded with a dark expression.


    Prime Minister Yan pondered for a moment and sighed. ��It��s only a matter of time before His Majesty finds out.��<div>


    ��Someone reported just now that the Lei Family��s uncle and nephew are not dead. They have the secret of our Yan Family and are being secretly escorted into the capital.��


    The Crown Prince said disdainfully, ��We have plenty of ways to refute without concrete evidence.��


    Prime Minister Yan reported a string of names. ��These people will be brought to the Emperor in three days.��


    ��The words of one person can still be covered up. How can you stop everyone?�� ��Han Qing, Lu Chen, the Shen Family, the Gu Family�� These people have been watching us for many years. How can they let go of this opportunity?��


    The Crown Prince��s expression was ugly. Everyone pushed him when he was down. ��What a group of dogs who kick us when we��re down!��


    Prime Minister Yan shook his head. ��They are not the ones who really want our Yan Family to fall.��


    The Crown Prince thought of something and said hesitantly, ��Grandfather means����


    Prime Minister Yan said in a low voice, ��I didn��t want to do this, but the arrow is already on the bow.��


    ��Crown Prince, it��s time to make a choice.��


    ��Do you want the throne?��


    While the two of them were conversing in private, Noble Consort Ji had already been ced on her own bed by the Emperor.<div>


    She did not know what to say to the Emperor at this time, so she closed her eyes and pretended to faint.


    The Emperor was confused by his concern at first, but he had already discovered something along the way. He didn��t expose her, but when he put Noble Consort Ji down, he touched her stomach intentionally or unintentionally.


    Noble Consort Ji:��


    She was very angry!


    However, she was dizzy now, so it was not convenient for her to get up and re up. She could only close her eyes and sulk.


    The Emperor looked at her feigned sleep and his gaze swept across the pillow on the couch and the sachet at Noble Consort Ji��s waist.


    He couldn��t help butugh. So it was just a knockout drop.


    After an unknown period of time, the sound of footsteps walking out and the soft sound of the door closing could be heard in the house.


    ��Noble Consort?��


    The nanny went forward to pour hot water for her to wipe her face. ��His Majesty is still waiting.��


    ��This is a note from His Highness.��<div>


    Noble Consort Ji perked up. She felt surprised the moment she took a look.


    How did Yan��er know that the Empress drugged the Emperor?


    Recalling the pce maid who spoke to the Emperor not long ago, Noble Consort Ji frowned again.


    How much did the pce maid hear?


    Could it be that even Yan��er��s background��


    Just as she was worried, she saw the note Rong Yan gave her at the end: ��The pce maid is trustworthy. Mother, don��t worry.��


    Noble Consort Ji heaved a sigh of relief and burned the small note on the pcemp.


    ��Let��s go see His Majesty.��


    The Emperor was interrogating the pce maid. ��Tell me, what did you hear?��


    The pce maidy on the ground trembling. ��I-I don��t dare to say����


    The Emperor��s face was cold. ��What can you not dare to say in front of me? I��ll pardon you.��<div>


    As soon as she finished speaking, the pce maid summarized eloquently, ��I heard the Empress say that she knows that Noble Consort is pregnant, but that child definitely can��t be Your Majesty��s. Your Majesty don��t have the ability because she drugged Your Majesty.��


    The atmosphere was awkward.


    The pce maid changed her tone and continued, ��Then, the Empress used this to threaten the Noble Consort. She wanted the Noble Consort to go to His Majesty and admit that she was the one who did everything. Otherwise, she would report her.��


    ��Later on, Noble Consort said that she was not pregnant and could not bear this crime. The Empress was unhappy, so she scolded and said that she wanted to kill the Noble Consort.��


    ��The Empress also said that she would tell the others that the Noble Consort coveted the Empress��s position and wanted to harm her. She identally killed the Noble Consort out of self-preservation. No one will suspect anything.�� The emperor, who had experienced many storms, fell into a long silence. Even the professional Eunuch De, who was pretending to be stupid, was a little stiff. Ah, in that case, it seemed like no child had indeed not been born in the pce for many years.


    Knowing such a big secret about His Majesty, could it be that he could not see the sun tomorrow?


    That shouldn��t be the case. His Majesty was a wise ruler. He wouldn��t kill someone to silence them.


    The Emperor, who had adjusted his emotions, cleared his throat. ��Pce maid, don��t you pause when you talk?��


    ��Do you know what you just said?��


    ��This concerns me and the Empress. Do you know the consequences if anything is fake?��


    The pce maid kowtowed with an unchanging smile on her face. ��I don��t dare.��


    The Emperor asked Gongsun Zhongjing very calmly, ��Is there a way to wake the Empress up earlier?��


    Noble Consort Ji��s nails dug into her palms as many terrifying thoughts shed through her mind.


    What puzzled her the most was when and where the medicine was exchanged. Gongsun Zhongjing said, ��Sure.��


    It was at this moment that the Crown Prince requested an audience and entered with Noble Consort Ji, who was waiting outside the pce door.


    The Emperor was a little tired.


    ��I will give your mother a chance to defend herself.��


    The Crown Prince knelt down in the hall. ��Father, can your rtionship with Mother notpare to the nonsense of a servant?��


    The Emperor rubbed his temples. ��Whether she��s talking nonsense or not, you��ll know when your mother wakes up and asks.��


    The Crown Prince gritted his teeth. ��Father, are you really unwilling to believe Mother? Or the Yan Family?��


    ��Why didn��t you turn a blind eye to Noble Consort Ji drugging Mother and trying to kill her? Back then, when the Third Prince hid the dragon robe and was suspected of colluding with the envoy Xiongnu, you could turn a big matter into a small one. But now, you treat us with a different attitude?��


    The Emperor looked at him solemnly. ��Crown Prince, is this the same thing?�� ��It��s not a matter of whether I believe it or not. Everything has to be based on evidence. If you��re really innocent, why are you afraid of being investigated?�� Moreover, don��t you know what��s going on if others don��t say anything about the dragon robe? I��m not an old fool.


    Unfortunately, the Crown Prince could no longer listen to these words.


    ��Father, I��ll ask again. Are you really unwilling to believe us?��


    Everyone, including the Emperor, felt that something was wrong with the atmosphere.


    The Emperor��s eyes darkened. ��What are you going to do?��


    The Crown Prince stood up with a gloomy expression. ��Father, you forced me.��


    Dozens of Royal Guards filed in and stood behind the Crown Prince with weapons in their hands.


    The Emperor rebuked angrily, ��Are you trying to rebel?��


    However, the Crown Princeughed. ��Father, you��re wrong. Noble Consort Ji had ill intentions and poisoned Father and Mother. She was still stubborn and unrepentant after being discovered. In order to save his mother, Third Brother tried to usurp the throne. I camete and couldn��t save Father��s life in time, so I could only kill the thief.��


    The Emperor recalled the past that he did not want to remember the most in his life, and his gaze turned cold.


    ��Crown Prince, you have to think carefully. If you take this step, you will be a traitor to the officials.��


    Before the Crown Prince could speak, another person strode over from outside the hall. ��Your Majesty, you��re wrong.��


    ��History has always been written by the victor.��


    ��Your Majesty, a wise man submits to circumstances. I hope you can cooperate and write the session decree.��


    ��Anyway, the jade seal has been found, right?��


    The Emperor nced at the shiny swords in the hall. ��What if I say no?��


    Prime Minister Yan smiled. ��It��s fine.��


    He took out a piece of bright yellow paper. ��I have always been willing to do it for you.��


    ��It��s just like how I killed Emperor Wen for you back then, allowing you to rece him and stay on the throne for more than 10 years..��

 Chapter 475: Only The Dead Can Keep A Secret

    Chapter 475: Only The Dead Can Keep A Secret<div>


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions , Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Noble Consort Ji��s entire body stiffened as she looked at Prime Minister Yan in disbelief. What did he mean by that?


    Prime Minister Yan didn��t notice Noble Consort Ji��s gaze at all. He sneered and continued, ��Unfortunately, it seems like His Majesty has already forgotten all about our Yan Family��s kindness. Now that the cunning rabbit is dead, theckeys will be cooked.��<div>


    The Emperor was speechless. ��Kindness?��


    ��You call that a favor?��


    It was true that he had mobilized the troops back then, but he had never thought of seizing the throne, let alone taking his brother��s life!


    Rong Yan mocked them. ��You know that you��re a dog.��


    ��Why are you biting back at Master now?��


    Prime Minister Yan felt that he should not argue with a child. He waved his hand and asked the soldiers behind him to draw their swords.


    ��Your Majesty, there��s no need to stall for time. I know that you��re waiting for Commander Han.��


    ��It��S a pity that the batch of weapons they escorted has already reached my hands.��


    The Emperor narrowed his eyes. ��So you���� He looked at the Crown Prince again. ��You really have the intention to rebel?��


    This time, it was the Crown Prince who spoke. ��Father, I��m the Crown Prince of Great Xia and your eldest son. This world should belong to me. How can I not take it?


    The Emperor sighed. ��Since you know this logic, why can��t you wait?�� The Crown Princeughed loudly. ��Wait? Wait for what? Wait for you topletely get rid of the Yan Family?��<div>


    Eunuch De couldn��t stand it anymore. ��Your Highness, you��re the Crown Prince of Great Xia, not the Yan Family!��


    The Crown Prince took out the guard��s sword and threw it over. ��How dare a eunuch criticize me?��


    Rong Yan kicked the sword away. The Emperor said in disappointment, ��You look down on Dezi, but you don��t understand the logic he understands.�� No one came to save him even now. It seemed that Prime Minister Yan was right.


    They could not carry weapons in the court. Now that they were unarmed, the other party did note with good intentions. How could they reverse this obvious advantage and disadvantage?


    They could not carry weapons in the court. Now that they were unarmed, the other party did note with good intentions. How could they reverse this obvious advantage and disadvantage?


    Was it because the Empress was drugged?


    Just as he was thinking, he heard Rong Yan��s voice. After hearing what he said, the Emperor felt much more at ease.


    It was also at this moment that the Crown Prince��s cold gazended on Noble Consort Ji. He personally drew his sword and was about to swing it down when that familiar ��woof�� interrupted him again in a sh.


    This time, Walnut did not show any mercy and scratched the Crown Prince until he bled.


    ��It��s you again, bastard!��


    Walnut remembered his Master��s orders and took it upon itself to protect Noble Consort Ji. At this moment, it didn��t forget to push her towards the Emperor. Noble Consort Ji was originally unustomed to getting close to the Emperor and did not n to get close to Rong Yan in front of others, so she moved over after being pushed by Walnut.<div>


    In the current situation, she could not be pretentious. She could not let herself be used by others.


    She moved extremely quickly and didn��t hesitate at all. It was already impossible for the Crown Prince to avoid the others and take down Noble Consort Ji when he got rid of the Walnut. He wanted to kill this hindering dog to vent his anger, but time was tight and he couldn��t do that.


    However, when he wanted to let this dog off, the dog provoked him.


    As the most active member of the hall, Walnut alternated between swatting the Crown Prince, bumping into Prime Minister Yan, and turning around to bite those rebel generals. It was so busy that the originally serious and tense atmosphere became absurd.


    The Emperor nced at Noble Consort Ji, who was standing beside him, and cleared his throat. ��Are you afraid?��m


    Noble Consort Ji looked down at her son��s shadow and shook her head firmly. ��I��m not afraid.��


    The Emperor could only swallow the second half of his words ��If you��re afraid, stand next to me��.


    ��Enough!�� Prime Minister Yan, who had been angered, roared angrily. All the weapons were aimed at Walnut at the same time. Walnut saw that the situation was not good and hurriedly jumped away. It ran out. It smelled Master nearby. If it was in danger, Master would definitely save it and send it back to the space!


    A few rebel generals chased after it under Prime Minister Yan��s instructions. The Crown Prince and Prime Minister Yan turned around again and saw that Rong Yan and a few guards had already snatched the rebel general��s sword. The two of them did not mind. In their opinion, the Emperor and the others were just struggling on the verge of death.


    ��Before entering the pce, I��ve already set off the signal fireworks of the Yan Family. I��m not afraid to tell Your Majesty that half of the officials in the Imperial Capital now belong to the Yan Family. We can use private soldiers far beyond the Royal Guards that we can mobilize in a short period of time.�� ��Doesn��t His Majesty hate to see people suffer the most? Back then, you kept saying that you wanted to seek benefits for the people of Great Xia and even took on the title of usurping the throne to sit in this position. Why can��t you bear to give it up now?��


    There was a lot of information in these words. Xiaoxiao, who was familiar with the plots of the various novels, urately analyzed and concluded that the Emperor had fought with Emperor Wen for the throne to stabilize the country, but the person who killed Emperor Wen was Prime Minister Yan.<div>


    It was actually quite good that Rong Yan did not have a grudge against the Emperor for killing his father.


    Otherwise, he would have to fight and kill the Emperor in the future. When would revenge be done?


    Prime Minister Yan��s men approached the Emperor and the others.


    Prime Minister Yan pointed at Noble Consort Ji. ��Take her down first.��


    The Emperor and Rong Yan shouted at the same time, ��Wait.��


    Prime Minister Yan stroked his beard. ��Your Majesty, have you changed your mind?��


    The Emperor was decisive in other matters, but it was a pity that he had been unable to resist the charm of a beauty for so long.


    A woman��s benevolence made a hero short of breath.


    However, this was a good thing for him.


    The Emperor coughed lightly. ��Give it to me.��


    Prime Minister Yan did not suspect anything and threw the nk imperial edict over.


    Rong Yan caught it, checked it, and handed it to the Emperor. The Emperor sat


    in front of the table in a dignified manner. ��Dezi, grind the ink.��


    The Crown Prince thought to himself that his father did not forget to put on


    airs at a time like this, but he could only watch as he dawdled.


    When the Emperor finally finished writing the imperial edict and stamped it, Prime Minister Yan��s men were about to take it when the Emperor pped the table. ��It��s stamped wrongly.��


    He picked up the jade seal he had just used and looked at it carefully. ��This is the fake one.��


    Prime Minister Yan said in a low voice, ��Your Majesty, I advise you not to y any tricks.��


    The Emperor red at him. ��Don��t you know that the jade seal has just been lost? Can I put it on the desk?��


    Prime Minister Yan took a deep breath. ��Then where is the real jade seal?��


    The Emperor fell silent. ��I��ll tell you if you swear not to hurt anyone in the hall.�� Prime Minister Yan smiled. ��Your Majesty, do you think you have the right to negotiate with me now?��


    The Emperor sighed. ��Then I��ll take a step back. Let Noble Consort Ji and Third Prince off.��


    The corners of Prime Minister Yan��s lips curled up. ��Your Majesty, you didn��t forget to save the damsel in distress before you died. Why? Are you willing to die to protect Noble Consort Ji?��


    The Emperor nced at him from the corner of his eye. ��You make it sound like


    you have no intention of killing me.��


    He nced at Noble Consort Ji and decided to take this opportunity to say something that he didn��t have the chance to say in the past. No one would believe him even if he said it.


    ��When we attacked the pce back then, my brother was still alive.��


    I promised Brother to take good care of her.��


    ��I��m not joking.��


    ��If I can��t do it, I won��t be able to face him.��


    Noble Consort Ji��s entire body trembled��it was actually like that?


    Noble Consort Ji recalled how the Emperor had treated her all these years and actually couldn��t have any doubts. However, Prime Minister Yan and the Crown Prince only felt that it was ridiculous and didn��t believe it at all.


    In their opinion, the Emperor was just lustful. They pretended to agree, but


    they did not n to abide by the agreement at all.


    After all, Noble Consort Ji knew too much. Only a dead person could keep a secret..

 Chapter 476: Are You Worthy Of Mentioning Xiaoxiao?

    Chapter 476: Are You Worthy Of Mentioning Xiaoxiao?<div>


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    As for Rong Yan, how could the Crown Prince tolerate him? There were many people who admired the Third Prince now, not to mention his prestige in the army and his rtionship with the Xiao Family, which the Crown Prince could notpare to.


    Another nk imperial edict was handed over. Prime Minister Yan gradually lost his patience, so he did not notice what happened after the rebel generals who chased after the dog returned.<div>


    Rong Yan and the Emperor saw it, but they remained calm and continued to write the imperial edict slowly. After writing, the Emperor pointed at the inner hall. ��Dezi, bring me the jade seal.��


    Prime Minister Yan waved his hand. ��Wait, the few of you, follow them.��


    The Emperor nced at him. ��Prime Minister Yan is indeed careful.��


    Prime Minister Yan did not deny it. ��There��s nothing wrong with being careful.��


    The Emperor lowered his eyes. ��The thing is on the beam.��


    After saying that, he sat back down. On the surface, he looked like he was resting with his eyes closed, but he was actually counting in his heart.


    Ten, nine, eight, seven�� three, two, one!


    A few exmations came from the hall. The Emperor and Rong Yan also took action at the same time. One of them pressed Noble Consort Ji down behind the dragon table and overturned the table to block her, while the other faced the rebels head-on.


    The Emperor said to Noble Consort Ji, ��Hide well. No matter what happens,


    don��te out.��


    He also rushed out with his sword.<div>


    He was different from Emperor Wen?. Emperor Wen��s personality was the same as his name. He was a gentle schr. However, he had been practicing martial arts since he was young. Although he was not as good as his senior sister, it was not a problem for him to protect himself.


    Of course, the premise was that the disparity in numbers could not be too great.


    The Emperor, who was identally injured, spat. In the end, he was stillcking in training and was left behind by his senior sister.


    Hearing the sounds of killing in the hall, Noble Consort Ji covered her ears and curled up to hide. From time to time, arrows that weren��t blocked would sound on the dragon table, but none of them pierced through.


    She knocked on the table and heard the ng of metal.


    It turned out that this thing had ayer of iron in the middle��


    After learning the truth, Noble Consort Ji tried even harder to hide her body. She didn��t know martial arts, so she couldn��t swing a sword even if she picked it up. Hence, what she had to do now was not cry, make a fuss, or be a burden.


    There was obviously a trap at the jade seal, but Prime Minister Yan was not worried. It was hidden in the pce. He did not believe that he would not be able to find it after searching every brick and tile.


    He didn��t even take the Emperor, Rong Yan, and the others�� resistance seriously until an unbelievable exmation came from behind.


    ��Why�� did you betray me?��


    A few of the rebel generals stood out because they were constantly reaping their people��s lives. In the blink of an eye, more than 20 unprepared rebels had fallen in the hall.<div>


    Minister Yan quickly pulled the crown prince to a safe ce and got the guards to form a circle to protect them.


    ��You��re not my people. Who are you?��


    The person spat. ��They��re your great-aunt��s men!��


    Prime Minister Yan��s pupils were constricted. ��Xiao Ran!��


    Xiao Ran first confirmed that the Emperor and Rong Yan were fine before taking something from her back and throwing it over.


    It was his Azure Frost Sword.


    With the Azure Frost Sword in hand, Rong Yan was even more powerful. With a swing of his sword, he destroyed all the weapons of the rebel generals in front of him.


    ��Good sword!�� This was the first time the Emperor had seen the power of Azure Frost with his own eyes. He could not help but feel envious.


    Seeing his Senior Sister using her spear and killing everyone outside the hall, he despised the ordinary sword in his hand.


    Although he despised it, he still had to rely on it to save his life. Hence, the Emperor shed and snatched another one, demonstrating his two-handed sword technique.


    Unexpectedly, Xiao Ran rolled her eyes. ��What a show-off.�� The Emperor pretended not to hear her and shed horizontally and vertically to vent his anger. He did not care even if he damaged the sword.<div>


    Anyway, his senior sister was already here, so half of the crisis was resolved. Prime Minister Yan gritted his teeth in hatred. However, in the face of Xiao Ran and Rong Yan��s bravery, he was forced out of the hall helplessly.


    -What��s the use of showing off your bravery? The soldiers of the Yan Family are pouring into the Imperial Capital. At that time, you will still be trapped alive in the hall!��


    He was flexible. Seeing that he couldn��t suppress Xiao Ran, he simply retreated. The Crown Prince, who had a tacit understanding with Prime Minister Yan, gritted his teeth and wiped the blood off his face.


    ��Someone, light the fire!��


    ��Let��s see how long they can hide inside!


    However, something strange happened. The lighters on everyone��s bodies were either gone or could not be lit. Some of them were clearly on fire and turned into green smoke in the next moment. What was even more ridiculous was that dark clouds suddenly covered the sky that was clear just now, as if it was going to rain!


    Xiao Ran, Rong Yan, and the Emperorughed at the same time when they heard the thunder.


    Xiao Ran said, ��If you��re in the right, you��ll be helped. Take a good look. Even the heavens don��t like you.��


    Then, she looked at the Crown Prince. ��Stupid thing, you��re a traitor.�� The Crown Prince was furious, but before he could scold her back, he heard Xiao Ran turn around. ��How did you teach your son?


    The Emperor was speechless, but what she said made sense. He couldn��t refute her, so he looked at Rong Yan. ��Isn��t there a good one here?��


    Xiao Ran mocked him. ��Did you teach this one?��


    The Emperor admitted defeat. ��Alright, alright, alright. You taught him, alright?��


    Rong Yan was most afraid that he would say, ��He��s my child after all.�� Fortunately, he didn��t.


    Others might think that the change in the sky was because of the heavens, but he knew that it must be Xiaoxiao.


    As such, as long as they guarded the inner hall and waited for reinforcements to arrive, the crisis could be resolved.


    Even at this moment, Prime Minister Yan and the Crown Prince still felt that victory was in their hands. They even had the mood to persuade him to surrender.


    ��General Xiao, why are you doing this? You��re a smart person. Don��t you understand the current situation?��


    ��As the saying goes, a wise man submits to the times. If you abandon the darkness and join the light now, I can guarantee you that you will still be the Country Protector General of Great Xia after the Crown Prince ascends the throne!��


    Xiao Ran spat in his face. ��Forget it. Since you know that I��m the Country Protector General, why don��t you understand that I can only protect the country, the ruler, and the people, but never rebels like you.�� ��Besides, the Emperor is my junior brother and my inw. Who do you think you are?��


    The Emperor nodded beside her, and Rong Yan remained silent.


    It was unknown what the Crown Prince was thinking, but he suddenly said, ��I can also marry Xiao Ning. As long as you put down the Sun-Breaking Spear in your hand, General Xiao, I can promise her the position of the main princess consort and even the Empress.��


    As soon as he finished speaking, a cold light attacked. The Crown Prince��s hair bun was broken. He pushed away the hair that suddenlynded in front of him and realized that if the guard hadn��t pulled him in time, it might not have been just the jade crown and cut hair lying on the ground. He felt a chill on his neck. However, at the same time, he also saw the Azure Frost Sword that was stabbed into the ground by Rong Yan. Rong Yan scolded him for being an idiot. The Crown Prince pushed the guard away and reached out to take this divine weapon that even Chernan had been coveting for a long time. Unexpectedly, the sword that was originally standing on the ground suddenly rose up on its own. The Crown Prince could not dodge in time and his right arm immediate y bled profusely.


    Everyone watched as the sword strangely returned to Rong Yan��s hand.


    While they were puzzled, they saw Rong Yan turn the ring on his thumb. Then, with a whoosh, threads went into the ring along the hilt.


    Rong Yan first nced at the Crown Prince in disdain. ��Are you worthy of mentioning Xiaoxiao?��


    Then, he exined to the Emperor, who was wide-eyed, ��Xiaoxiao designed the mechanism for me. This way, I can take back the sword at any time.��


    The Emperor was even more envious!

 Chapter 477: SSS-Grade Hidden Mission—Peace In The

    Chapter 477: SSS-Grade Hidden Mission��Peace In The<div>


    Four Seas


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    If he wanted to injure the Crown Prince under heavy protection, he could only take him by surprise. Unfortunately, this method could only be used once.<div>


    Sensing the killing intent in Rong Yan��s eyes, the Crown Prince took a step back After taking a step back, he felt that he could not admit defeat, so he said fiercely, ��You��re of the same lineage as Father. It��s difficult for you to achieve anything by being obsessed with women!��


    Rong Yan would not be mocked honestly. ��I like Xiaoxiao, so it doesn��t conflict with me doing serious business. I already had her in my heart when I repelled Xiongnu. Do you see that I was still killing the enemy?


    The Crown Prince was rendered speechless by him. He heard Rong Yan say, ��Even if you deliberately colluded with the Xiongnu people to dy the delivery of rations and even gave them the topographic map.��


    This time, it was the Emperor��s turn to be shocked. He knew that his Crown Prince was a little useless, but he did not expect him to do such a treacherous thing besides being useless.


    If it were another time and ce, the Crown Prince might still be afraid of the Emperor. Now that he had already rebelled, what was there to be afraid of?


    ��That��s because you��re lucky, but good luck won��t follow you forever!��


    ��For example, today, you are all prisoners andmbs waiting to be ughtered.


    I am the one who will win in the end!��


    Xiao Ran looked at the distant sky and said with a smile, ��That might not be the


    case.��


    The sound of hooves and battle cries were approaching. Prime Minister Yan and the Crown Prince looked relieved. The two of them looked into the hall smugly.<div>


    ��Not necessarily?��


    ��Tens of thousands of troops, silver, treasures and half of the officials�� submission. Who do you think in the Imperial Capital is our match?


    ��Xiao Ran, even if your prestige in the army is invincible, distant water cannot extinguish a nearby fire. Can the total number of people in your General��s Residence exceed a thousand?��


    ��Even if your Xiao Family��s guards are all skilled in martial arts, you have to save the emperor and resist my Yan Family. Unless a surprise army descends from the sky, you can just wait to collect their corpses!


    The difference in the oue was so obvious, but Xiao Ran did not panic at all. Prime Minister Yan and the Crown Prince were surprised when they suddenly realized that something was wrong with the group of people approaching them.


    Xiao Ran smiled and said, ��I��m indeedw-abiding, unlike the Yan Family, Zhao Family, Sun Family, and Zuo Family, who secretly keep private soldiers. There are only about a hundred people in the residence, but do you know how many people are in the Great Wall Cargo?


    Prime Minister Yan and the Crown Prince were shocked.


    That��s right, the people who came forward were the disabled people from the Great Wall Cargo who more or less had terrifying old injuries!


    Xiao Ran mmed the spear on the ground heavily. A firework jumped out of the hall from her hand and exploded with a bang.


    ��You guys have made a thousand mistakes. You shouldn��t underestimate these brothers.��


    ��Although they have long left the battlefield and the army, they have never let go of their responsibility to protect their country.<div>


    ��When Great Xia is fine, they are ordinary Great Wall Cargo couriers. However, once there are rebels, no matter who the other party is, as long as His Majesty gives the order����


    ��Kill!��


    The familiar fireworks of the Xiao Family��s army ignited the mes in the hearts of the retired soldiers of the Great Wall Cargo.


    The general did not give up on them, the Imperial Court did not betray them, and His Majesty did not forget them. Then, they would forever be Great Xia��s soldiers!


    ��Kill!��


    ��Save His Majesty!��


    ***


    Four hourster, the rebel officials led by Prime Minister Yan were tied up by the imperial guards led by Han Qing and thrown in front of the Emperor. ��Your Majesty, the ministers who initiated the pce mutiny with the Yan Family have all been arrested.��


    ��More than 20,000 rebels have also been captured and are waiting for His


    Majesty��s judgment.��


    Prime Minister Yan and the Crown Prince looked at Han Qing in disbelief.<div>


    ��You��re actually fine? How can you be fine?


    Han Qing rolled his eyes. ��There are more than 10,000 pieces of ironware and so much gold, silver, and jewelry. Can a few hundred of us move them?�� ��In order toplete His Majesty��s instructions as soon as possible, I��ll borrow people from General Xiao. Great Wall Cargo. Mission must be achieved. Have you heard of it?��


    ��Although Prime Minister Yan thinks highly of me and sent a lot of people, the number of people on both sides is about the same. How can your group of weak people be a match for the Great Wall Brothers who have gone through a round of life and death?��


    ��Today, a group of brothers happened to be transporting goods back from the border city. There are quite a number of them. Everyone is familiar with military operations. After a little calction, we beat your motley crew until they wet their pants!��


    He actually�� lost here?


    Prime Minister Yan and the Crown Prince��s faces were ashen.


    Of course, they knew the cargo transport Xiao Ran had created, but they didn��t care about a group of crippled soldiers at all. They only felt that Xiao Ran was trying to gain poprity. Those people were only earning some money to survive. Who would have thought that they would be their failure?


    Even though the mutiny in the pce had started suddenly, the preparations they had made over the years were not a joke. How did they fall?


    Actually, although Han Qing said it casually, the process of breaking out was actually quite dangerous. No one expected the Yan Family to suddenly attack. They even brought a portion of the imperial guards with them.


    They had to protect their things and themoners from being affected. They could not help but be restrained. The other party was ruthless and did not have any scruples. Compared to them, Han Qing��s side was at a disadvantage.


    At the critical moment, a team of masked men suddenly appeared. These people��s movements and techniques were not exquisite, nor could they tell how powerful their martial arts were. The weapons they held were only shovels. They did not kill enemies bravely, but they threw out arge handful of all kinds of powder, choking the rebels until they could not open their eyes and panicked. They took the opportunity to rush up and finish them off. Only then did they win.


    He smelled the powderter and realized that it was chili, pepper, sand, flour, and so on. When he wanted to thank her, he realized that the people who hade to help earlier were gone again.


    He thought about it carefully and felt that it might be because themoners who did not like the rebels or the Yan Family had spontaneously helped. However, he was afraid of being hated by the influential people, so he did not investigate further and did not mention it in public.


    Coincidentally, when those kind-hearted citizens scattered the powder, the wind direction was very helpful. They did not identally hurt their own people at all. It was all spread to the opposite side. The heavens really had eyes. A dangerous rebellion was finally suppressed. The Emperor did not sleep the entire night. His hand that was holding the brush and approving the memorandum was trembling the next day.


    On one hand, she was tired, and on the other hand, she was angry.


    He was angry at these rotten old officials for not thinking clearly. He was angry at them for being afraid of death and greedy for power. He was also angry at his stupid eldest son for growing up with a pig brain.


    He was angry that the Crown Prince even asked sarcastically when he went to see him, ��Now, I can give up my seat to your precious Noble Consort Ji��s son. Are you happy?��


    The Emperor looked at him in silence for a long time before leaving.


    The moment the crisis of the pce mutiny was resolved, Xiaoxiao heard the system notification.


    [Congrattions to the host forpleting the SSS-level hidden mission- Peace in the Four Seas.]


    [Congrattions to the host for obtaining 1000,000 points. Your space level has increased to level 100. Your space has been updated.]


    Xiaoxiao tried to call out again and realized that there was no response from the space. However, it was very humane. Although there was no intelligent response, all its functions could still be used normally..

 Chapter 478: The End

    Chapter 478: The End<div>


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    The usual rewards such as the flow of time had already been automatically updated. Only the upgraded brocade pouch had not been opened yet. However, Xiaoxiao was not in a hurry, so she waited slowly.


    The Empress also woke up a few dayster. When she woke up and found out that the Yan Family had undergone a huge change, she immediately smashed the medicine bowl and pressed the broken porcin pieces against her neck. She wanted to see the Emperor.<div>


    ��Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and my father were just confused for a moment. Can you spare them this once?��


    The Emperor asked her back, ��A moment of folly?��


    ��Soldiers, martial artists, colluding with outsiders, which one of them was just a moment of confusion?��


    The Empress wanted to mention it again, but he asked again, ��Or perhaps it was a moment of folly to drug me with contraceptive medicine?��


    The Empress felt as if she had fallen into an icehouse and sat on the ground. However, even though she knew that she was helpless, she still wanted to drag someone down with her.


    ��Your Majesty, am I the only one who made a mistake?!��


    ��Noble Consort Ji, Rong Yan is confusing the royal bloodline!��


    ��And you knew all of this, but you hid it for her!��


    ��What do you mean by taking care of her for Emperor Wen? Emperor, you��ve already liked her!��


    ��Have you thought about what will happen to the mother and son if the officials find out about this?��


    The Emperor turned around and his dark gazended on the Empress.<div>


    ��Since you know, you shouldn��t have mentioned it.��


    ��Empress, do you know how many memorandums have been impeaching you, the Crown Prince, and Prime Minister Yan these days?��


    ��How many unidentified corpses have we fished out from the well of the Phoenix Pce?��


    The Empress suddenly covered her mouth. ��I was wrong. I was wrong. Your Majesty, I don��t know anything. I won��t tell anyone. Please give me another chance!��


    The Emperor coldly pried away her hand that was hugging his thigh.


    ��I��m not a heartless person. When you married me when you were 16 years old, I said that I would protect you, love you, and let you live a carefree life. You also said that you would believe me and never betray me.��


    ��If only you hadn��t gone back on your word.��


    ***


    Prime Minister Yan rebelled and was sentenced to be beheaded and his extended family executed.


    Many of his henchmen, who conspired with him, were sentenced for crimes ranging from beheading to being exiled to the border��s army. Those who were coerced were punished leniently and their families were not implicated.


    The Crown Prince�� was unwilling to collude with Prime Minister Yan after knowing what he had done. He unfortunately died when he saved the Emperor.<div>


    The Empress�� was deceived by Prime Minister Yan, but she could not escape punishment. The Empress asked to leave the court and became a nun. She prayed for the souls of the rebels to atone for their sins for the rest of her life.


    The Emperor personally brought people to read the imperial decree. The usually domineering Empress seemed to have be a different person. After kneeling in the Phoenix Pce with the Crown Prince to receive the decree, she kowtowed heavily.


    For the first time, she kowtowed and said, ��Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.��


    She kowtowed for the second time and said, ��Thank you, Your Majesty, for giving us face to the end.��


    The Emperor sighed and gestured for Eunuch De to put down the imperial edict.


    The Empress still did not get up. She kowtowed a third time and asked, ��Your Majesty, may I ask you a question as your first wife?��


    The Emperor stopped. ��Ask away.��


    The Empress��s voice trembled. ��Have you ever thought of abolishing the Empress and the Crown Prince?��


    The Emperor answered firmly, ��Never.��


    The Empress��s tears could not stop falling on the cold ground. ��Thank you, Your Majesty. I have no more regrets.��


    This time, the Emperor strode away and did not look back.<div>


    The Crown Prince helped the Empress up. ��Mother, do you believe him?��


    The Empress��s tears had already wet her cheeks. ��I believe him.��


    However, the Crown Prince��s eyes were filled with gloom. ��There will be a day����


    He suddenly could not speak. He covered his mouth in pain. ��Mother, someone wants to harm me!��


    The Empress patted his back lovingly. ��No, no one will harm you again.��


    Realizing something, the Crown Prince��s face was filled with disbelief. ��Mother, you!��


    The Empress held his hand. ��You don��t know, but your father values promises and rtionships the most.��


    ��Mother was wrong. Mother should have believed him.��


    ��But Crown Prince, do you know?��


    ��It��s not easy for him toe this far. This is the only thing we can do for him.�� In the morning court assembly the next day, some ministers who knew the truth were dissatisfied with the way the Emperor dealt with the Crown Prince and the Empress. They felt that since the Crown Prince already had the intention to rebel, this was no different from letting the tiger back to the mountain. It would eventually be a variable in the future.


    The Emperor did not listen to any of them, but at this moment, a pce servant came to report��


    ��Your Majesty! Not good! The Phoenix Pce went through the water. Her Majesty and His Highness�� didn��t have time to leave!��


    The memorandum in the Emperor��s hand fell to the ground with a bang..

 Chapter 479: The End (2)

    Chapter 479: The End (2)


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    After that day, the Emperor did not attend the morning court assembly for three days. It was said that he sat in front of the ruins of the Phoenix Pce for three days and three nights.


    Xiaoxiao could not help but sigh when she heard this, but that was all.


    A life for a life. The Empress and the Crown Prince had caused the loss of more than thousands of lives for no good reason. She could not pity them.


    Rong Yan only sighed and focused on listening to Xiaoxiao talk about her future ns.


    Now that the internal troubles had been resolved, the external troubles would naturally not be a problem.


    The granary in the world guaranteed the people��s food and clothing. From time to time, she would sneak to the farnd during the harvest and increase the production by 10 to 20%. ��No one will starve�� was no longer a dream.


    Iron weapons and armaments were the foundation of a powerful country. Other than the implementation of the Iron Refinement Compendium, Rong Yan also proposed to increase the sry and post-retirement guarantees, so that joining the army was no longer just a resignation.


    Everything was going well, and the space was still in a state of updating and losing contact. Although Xiaoxiao was sure that everything was normal in the space, she was also a little worried. In order to prevent any idents, she started to move some important things out of the space.


    There were so many things, and they were too eye-catching no matter where they were ced. Xiaoxiao had an idea and teleported to the treasure vault of the previous dynasty with Rong Yan, filling up the treasure vault that had already be a ruin.


    After doing this, Xiaoxiao finally heard the familiar notification from the space.


    [Thank you forpleting the hidden mission��Long-Cherished Wish.]


    Before Xiaoxiao could understand the meaning of these words, the green smoke on the treasure vault��s altar floated towards the cracked memorial tablet again. Xiaoxiao seemed to see a figure exerting strength on him and instinctively, Xiaoxiao also bent down to him.


    A strange light appeared at this moment.


    The ancient door that she had seen once before appeared in the light. Xiaoxiao heard the system��s voiceing from afar.


    [The dimensional rift has been opened. In order to thank the host for everything you have done for this world, this system can start a journey home for you and extend the life of the original host for you. May I ask if you want to go back?]


    Images of her modern life appeared one by one from inside the door. Her friends, her work, her past��


    However, Xiaoxiao��s first reaction was still to turn to look at the person beside her.


    Rong Yan seemed to be frozen at this moment and could not move. However, as the second person bound to the space, he heard the space notification and saw the door.


    [There is only one chance for the dimensional rift to open. The opening time is 60 seconds. If you do not choose within the time limit, it will automatically be considered as giving up.]


    [The countdown begins now. 59, 58��]


    Rong Yan took a deep breath and closed his eyes.


    Then, he heard Xiaoxiao��s footsteps approaching.


    Was she leaving?


    Actually, he had always felt that Xiaoxiao was a fairy sent by the heavens to Great Xia and to his side. Now that the fairy hadpleted her merits and was returning to the Heavenly Court, he should give her his blessings.


    But why was he so sad?


    [49, 48��]


    The footsteps stopped. Xiaoxiao should have walked to the door. Would they be separated from each other and never see each other again if she took a step forward?


    At the thought of this, Rong Yan suddenly opened his eyes. ��Xiaoxiao, don��t go!��


    For some reason, Xiaoxiao grabbed the doorknob and closed the door.


    ��I don��t n to leave. I just closed the door in advance.��


    [42�� Select manually. The dimensional rift is closed.]


    Xiaoxiao smiled at him. ��Because there��s someone who seems to be about to cry.��


    Rong Yan felt that he had regained his mobility, but he was still frozen on the spot, not knowing how to move.


    ��You��re not leaving? Didn��t the space say that that��s your real home?��


    Xiaoxiao shook her head. ��My hometown is where my heart is.��


    The people there had long epted her departure, so why did she have to let her loved ones here suffer the pain of separation again?


    She said to Rong Yan, ��I��ve already given you my heart.��


    The incense smoke that rose gradually dissipated. The phantom condensed in midair seemed to reveal a faint smile.


    A few dayster, the emperor had already returned to his usual diligence. Themoners and ministers slowly forgot about the Yan Family. Now that the world was peaceful, the officials who had nothing to do remembered that Great Xiacked a Crown Prince.


    The Emperor did not have many sons and even lesser capable ones. For some reason, this group of descendants did not learn their father��s wisdom, nor did they inherit the Emperor��s wisdom. After some thought, the officials fixed their gazes on the handsome, talented, brave, and battle-ready Third Prince.


    It was said that His Majesty doted on Noble Consort Ji, so why not carry out this doting even more?


    ��Your Majesty, the Third Prince is well-versed in both civil and military matters. He has both talent and virtue. I propose to make the Third Prince the heir apparent.��


    ��Your Majesty, I concur. The Third Prince has made many contributions and has contributed greatly to protecting the Emperor. He is the best candidate to be the heir to the throne!��


    ��I also concur!��


    This was the first time the Emperor had seen the officials so united. He was not used to the morning court assembly without a fight, causing his reaction to be a little slow.


    At this moment, Rong Yan, the protagonist, walked out of the crowd. ��Thank you for your favor, Officials. I��m ttered.��


    ��Whether it��s protecting the country or His Majesty, it��s what an official and son should do. You can��t praise me like this.��


    The officials immediately said that they were humble and he deserved it.


    However, Rong Yan added, ��But I don��t have the heart to be the crown prince. I can��t either.��


    When the ministers asked why, he said, ��As the crown prince, while shouldering the fate of Great Xia, I have to spread my seeds and continue the royal bloodline. Princess An��ning is enough for me in this life.��


    This was the first time everyone heard such a reason for rejecting the throne, be it the Emperor or the officials. However, at the same time, they could feel that Rong Yan was telling the truth.


    After that, Rong Yan bowed to the Emperor.


    ��Besides, Father is in his prime now. It��s not toote to discuss the matter of the crown prince in a few decades.��


    The Emperorughed loudly, and the ministers felt that it made sense. Rong Yan continued.


    ��Father, everything is peaceful now. I want to ask for a decree.��


    His face was a little red. ��On the tenth of next month, it��s an auspicious day���� ***


    The seventh day of the seventh month in the 288th year of the Great Xia Calendar. On this auspicious day, it was suitable for them to marry.


    The bridal escort team from the Third Prince��s residence took a long detour and arrived at the entrance of the General��s Residence, which was only 100 steps away, to bring his beloved wife home.


    The citizens of the Imperial Capital sincerely wished for these two nobles, who had brought peace and tranquility to Great Xia, to be united forever and live happily together for a hundred years.


    The End..

 Chapter 480: Afterword

    Chapter 480: Afterword


    Trantor: Henyee Trantions Editor: Henyee Trantions


    Many yearster, Noble Consort Ji, who was still famous, came to the Third Prince��s Residence angrily and refused to return to the pce no matter what.


    Rong Yan, who had already been conferred the title of king, couldn��t get the reason after asking for a long time. Noble Consort Ji was the one who vomited from anger. Xiaoxiao had an idea and looked at her lower abdomen. Only then did she say with a red face, ��I��m pregnant����


    Xiaoxiao was first delighted before she tilted her head. ��Huh?��


    Noble Consort Ji decided not to hide it anymore. ��He wasn��t poisoned by the Empress at all! He lied to me!��


    Xiaoxiao and Rong Yan, who had long guessed it, looked at each other and smiled. They coaxed her to eat and take an afternoon nap. In the house, the nanny helplessly fanned Noble Consort Ji and listened to herints.


    ����He��s not a good person! He said that he was taking care of me for his brother, but in fact, it was for the former dynasty��s treasury in my hands in the beginning!��


    The nanny sighed. ��You said that was the beginning. Besides, didn��t you say that you forgave His Majesty?��


    Noble Consort Ji was dissatisfied. ��Isn��t that because�� because I wanted to kill him too����


    Perhaps realizing that she had gone overboard, Noble Consort Ji��s voice became softer and softer. ��We can��t let him know about this!��


    The nanny nodded heavily. ��Don��t worry, Your Highness. I��ll bring this secret into the coffin!��


    As they were talking, a message came from outside that His Majesty had arrived. Noble Consort Ji immediately pulled the nket and covered her head. ��I won��t see him!��


    Who could stop the Emperor froming? After asking the nanny to leave, the couple muttered in the room for a while. When they met again, they had already reconciled.


    Outside the house, the nanny and Eunuch De also exchanged tacit nces. Their smiles were helpless and relieved.


    Eunuch De suddenly said something that seemed toe out of nowhere.


    ��Actually, His Majesty is a good master.��


    The nanny nodded. ��Yes. Fortunately, the medicine was changed.��


    ��It��s really not His Majesty?��


    Eunuch De shook his head. ��No.��


    The two of them made a sealing gesture at the same time and quietly became door gods.


    No one knew when the Emperor and Noble Consort Ji had fallen for each other. Or perhaps, they didn��t know either.


    Anyway, after they exchanged their feelings, they all had a strange feeling that their regrets had been made up for. It was as if they had missed a lot and made a lot of mistakes.


    The Emperor��s eldest grandson gradually grew up. He looked very much like his father and the former Emperor Wen. The Emperor brought him along and personally raised him with Noble Consort Ji.


    He was not particrly smart, but he was kind and reasonable. He did not know the story of the Crown Prince, the former Empress, and the Yan Family, but he had learned a lot about being a good person. What he read most in the introductory books were gifts from his Third Aunt.


    The Ning Family had settled down in the capital, and Ning Fengnian had nted more and morend. Now, anyone who saw him would call him ��Master Ning��. The Emperor had conferred him an official position, the kind that had an official position but no real power. He did not have to participate in the court. He just had to farm in peace.


    Ning Ansheng became another famous top schr after Lu Chen. Not only was he good at studying, but he also pushed out many policies that benefited the country and the people. He became the most popr government official among themoners. 10 yearster, he became a first-rank official and was conferred the title of Prime Minister. He brought glory to his ancestors and never changed his original intention.


    Ning Anhui continued to be his shopkeeper. He opened shop after shop, but every shop was good and cheap. They received rave reviews. He and his wife had a pair of intelligent children. They were happy. They grew old together.


    Year after year, not only did Xiongnu and the Southern Barbarians not be restless, but they even obediently submitted to Great Xia as it prospered day by day, especially the new king of Xiongnu, Chernan.


    ording to him, he was very surprised to obtain this throne. He was even a little puzzled.


    He had always felt that he was the most hated among themoners. He did not expect that the decisive advantage that supported him as king in the end was actually themoners. After a long period of introspection, he decided to buy more seeds and farming books from Great Xia.


    To the outside world, he said that Great Xia was too powerful now and that Xiongnu still had to prepare for a few more years.


    In the depths of his heart, he was thinking: Attack Great Xia? Whoever wants to go, just go. But, I won��t go.


    The Southern Barbarian King was not as wise as Chernan, so he was reced.


    The new Southern Barbarian King did not like fighting and killing. He liked to study medicinal herbs and Miss Furong, whom he had seen when he went to Great Xia. However, Miss Furong did not like him. She liked an expressionless doctor in Great Xia. She said that she felt that a doctor who could treat illnesses and save people was much more powerful than an evil person who only knew how to poison people.


    The Southern Barbarian King fell into deep thought��


    New rice seeds finally spread throughout the world, from Great Xia to Xiongnu, to the southern border, to every corner of the world that needed it.


    Happiness bloomed all over the world and in everyone��s hearts.


    The End..


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!