Madam Cheng said nothing more.
However, Cheng Hao had already spoken, stating that they couldn't delay any longer.
When the others woke up and remembered they were still fleeing, their hearts tightened. They all got up, quickly packed their bedding, and prepared to set off.
Master Cheng, without even bothering to comb his hair, quickly helped his new wife to her feet.
The couple was about to get into the carriage, while the maids and servants busied themselves packing.
Everyone was too rushed to eat breakfast.
They scrambled into the carriage, and upon seeing the prepared hot water and rations, they couldn't help but be delighted. Learning that Cheng Hao had arranged it, they praised him profusely, allowing them to have something to eat and not starve.
Facing everyone's praise,
Cheng Hao smiled calmly, then took Su Miaomiao's hand and led her to the dilapidated temple's old latrine to relieve herself.
This was to avoid stopping on the road.
Seeing this, those who needed to also found places to relieve themselves.
As Su Miaomiao was using the latrine, Cheng Hao stood guard nearby, so he couldn't go, but fortunately, the others were not particular and found a spot in the woods.
Master Cheng, having also attended to his needs, busied himself getting out of the carriage. Madam Cheng and Jiang Xiyue were too embarrassed, so Master Cheng, who doted on his new wife, ordered the maids and servants to fetch a chamber pot and cover it with cloth for them to use, while he took care of himself casually.
After another chaotic commotion, which actually only took about fifteen minutes,
they were finally able to depart.
The other people in the temple had left one by one after the rain stopped.
They dared not associate with this group. For these wealthy families, they had no wealth or supplies and would only be treated like beasts of burden if they followed.
They might even be worked to death, without enough to eat or sleep.
Everyone was terrified.
While they were getting organized, most of them had already left.
Cheng Hao ultimately remembered to have someone leave some silver in the donation jar and also put down some dry rations, just a few for show.
After all, he thought, at this time, grain was more precious than silver.
Master Cheng walked back, satisfied after taking care of his needs, and said, "It's only right! My son has done well! Truly worthy of being the legitimate son of the Cheng family!"
His face was full of smiles and immense satisfaction. He instructed someone to leave the donation money.
They had borrowed lodging here for a night and used firewood left by predecessors to boil water and cook. According to reason and custom, they had to follow the rules and show reverence!
As a father, he was very pleased with his son and wanted to pat Cheng Hao's shoulder, but Cheng Hao subtly dodged it and said, "Father, shall we set off now?"
If they delayed any longer, they didn't know what else might happen.
As Cheng Hao spoke, he saw Su Miaomiao looking at him from the carriage window. He smiled and walked towards her, then said to his father, "This is all the dry rations we have, about one portion per person. We'll leave now and find a place to rest later."
Master Cheng naturally agreed. Thinking of his son's mother's situation, he couldn't help but sigh silently at his son's lack of closeness.
He smiled and said, "Alright."
The father and son parted ways and got into their respective carriages. Everyone else had finally gathered.
The convoy, following yesterday's arrangements, continued to travel along the mountain path.
The Cheng family's vehicles were large ones suitable for long journeys, the type that were small yet complete in their facilities, with various small design features convenient for living.
They had ample storage space.
There were sleeping platforms that could accommodate two people, with storage space beneath them.
Now, Cheng Hao had filled them with dry rations bought before leaving the city. At least these were softer than the ones made in the morning. The tough, unleavened pancakes made that morning were truly unpalatable.
Other items, such as potentially useful odds and ends, were also stored.
For example, lamp wick, a small packet of medicine, a small packet of charcoal, and two flint strikers.
The windows were also large.
The interior and exterior of the carriage walls were fitted with wooden panels. By flipping them up and securing them in the small slots, a relatively spacious windowsill could be created.
One could lean on it to look at the scenery or place teacups and snacks.
When not needed, the panels could be lowered, not taking up space.
Between the sleeping platform and the driver's seat, besides a cloth curtain and a small wooden door that could be closed, there was a small space with a brazier.
The sleeping platform was divided by a small step, about twenty-five centimeters high.
One could sit by the platform to roast oneself or boil water. This was built-in and very sturdy, not afraid of the carriage shaking, and it was just the right size to hold a copper kettle.
On the sleeping platform were a set of soft bedding. The pillows they used last night had also been brought along. Placing them here looked very comfortable.
The carriage interior was comfortable.
The exterior wheels were large, and the carriage was wider and taller, requiring a pair of horses.
Having experienced fleeing before, these types of vehicles were always prepared for emergencies.
They never expected they would actually be used.
The convoy threaded its way through the mountains and forests, a large and conspicuous group.
Occasionally, they startled a few birds.
Flapping their small wings, they chirped and flew away.
A heavy rain had just fallen last night, and the air in the mountains was damp and cold.
Inhaling it made one feel a chill.
The mountain road was particularly muddy.
There were occasional fallen branches on the road, and they had to stop periodically to clear them.
The convoy's speed could not be fast, only able to maintain a steady pace.
Under the circumstances, this was not bad.
Su Miaomiao had by now explored all the small design features inside the carriage and found them quite satisfactory. She wanted to put up the windowsill to look at the scenery.
Cheng Hao did not allow it, fearing she would catch a cold from the wind. "Go eat your breakfast," he said.
As he spoke, he handed her a tuna sandwich and a box of yogurt.
This was her favorite breakfast.
These dry, unappetizing rations were not only difficult for Su Miaomiao's delicate throat to swallow, but even he found them hard to eat. The convenience store items could last for a while, enough for both of them for a long time, so he wasn't going to make himself suffer.
Su Miaomiao nimbly took them and stopped fiddling with the windowsill. She peeled open the wrapper and took a bite. The soft bread, fragrant tuna, and sauce made her extremely satisfied as she ate heartily.
The smell of these items was not overpowering. Cheng Hao lit some incense, and the smell disappeared.
With the thick cloth curtain separating them, there was no need to worry. Uncle Ji and Laifu would not offend them. They were both honest and diligent and would not directly lift the curtain.
At this very moment,
Uncle Ji and Laifu were also eating dry rations, but theirs were bought by Cheng Hao. While others didn't know much about it, these two had seen him buy them.
Cheng Hao did not mistreat his own people, so he let them eat what he had bought.
Initially, they dared not.
Cheng Hao persuaded them with a few words, and then they ate.
Each of them had one and a half rations and a water pouch for breakfast. With this, they felt extremely content.
To have food at a time like this was already an extreme fortune.
Su Miaomiao also felt very fortunate to have Cheng Hao with his convenience store. As she ate, she also urged Cheng Hao to eat, and only felt at ease when she saw him eating a rice ball.
Both of them quickly finished their breakfasts, and now they would not go hungry.