CHAPTER 1124: 1202: NORTHWEST JOURNEY

This time, she left the eldest brother at home.

Well, this was secretly planned by the twins, Shu Yu and Shujun.

Previously, when she was searching around for people, whether it was Shu Yu or Shujun, they both stayed at home as the children left behind. Now that the mistress has brought the elder brother back home, he should also experience what it’s like to stay behind at home.

This time when Dong Huiying set out, Hong Fei originally wanted to follow, but Dong Huiying refused her. She claimed that Hong Fei was newly married and should stay home and spend more time with Luo Yang and Gao Jian. However, besides the three of them, she also brought along some others.

These people tagged along voluntarily, like Yi Ran, who clung to Shu Yu. Yi Ran also enjoys being in lively settings and somehow heard that the Great Northwest is known for its pastries, leading them to want to try various noodles, dough pieces, broth, and steamed buns... Well, it seems Yi Ran is indeed a foodie.

As for Elder Sun and Yu Xiu, it was because their age was advancing, and they wanted to travel more while they still could, to reduce the regrets when the end of life approaches.

Thus, the two elders, with a spirit of sightseeing, joined in on this journey to the Great Northwest.

Kaoshan Village, in the Liang family residence.

The courtyard was silent, and Liang Zhichen was sitting in the study room, facing a mountain of account books. This was the task assigned to him by Lao San before leaving, telling him it must be done.

Lao San left, but someone had to manage his business affairs. It just so happened the eldest brother was available, so he dumped all this on him.

Zhichen took a sip of hot tea, then stood up and walked to the window. The Liang family house was built by Little Wu, Yue Ning, who expanded its area, adding more rooms, but one person guarding such a large courtyard inevitably felt a bit lonely.

He looked out the window, and all he saw was a scene of autumn. He thought, so this is the lonely life Shujun led at home when the mistress was traveling around for him these past two years?

As the eldest brother, he indeed bears a heavy guilt.

He sighed lightly and then returned to the mountain of account books, resignedly opening them to take over Shujun’s old duties. But not long after, a white pigeon flapped its wings and landed in front of his window.

Zhichen looked at the white pigeon. With a flick of his wrist, since carrier pigeons recognize people, it flew onto his arm.

He took a small bamboo tube from the pigeon’s foot, drawing out the message inside. Unfolding it, a slight frown appeared on his brow.

"Su Lang..."

***

The scenery in Jiangnan is exquisite and colorful, with picturesque mountains and rivers, while out here in the Northwest, it is vast and majestic.

When Dong Huiying and her entourage entered the Northwest, winter had already set in.

Snow covered the cold sky, and all that met the eye was a blanket of white. The clothes they wore had also changed from autumn garments to padded jackets, further topped with rabbit fur cloaks. Otherwise, even the biting cold wind could pierce right through them.

This year the Northwest seemed exceptionally cold.

The convoy stopped by the roadside to rest as Dong Huiying went to relieve herself. Afterward, she tugged at the rabbit fur cloak on her shoulders, stamping her feet to warm up.

The weather was terrifying, a quick outing, and even her eyeballs felt like they might freeze off.

Her small feet stepped on the snow, and just as she was about to climb back into the carriage, she saw Shujun walking towards her with a quilt in hand.

"Cold, right?" The quilt draped over her, followed by the offering of a liquor flask.

Spirits can ward off the cold. Dong Huiying took a small sip of the strong liquor, feeling it burn down her throat into her stomach, stirring up a fiery warmth.