The adults were joking, but the child took it seriously. Cheng Xiaotian stared blankly at Little Niuniu, his sister who was two years younger than him, and said heartily, "Okay, I'll work hard to grow up and learn skills. I'll become a great general, get our home back for everyone, and then make Little Niuniu my wife!"
His childish promise fell, and everyone didn't take it seriously, but instead laughed and nodded in agreement, not really taking it to heart.
For the grown-ups.
It was just a joke.
Cheng Xiaotian took it seriously, then lowered his head and seriously finished the food first.
Little Niuniu, with her rosy cheeks and big, fluttering almond-shaped eyes, nibbled on her biscuit. She didn't even have a proper name yet and just followed her mother around, helping out. Although young, she knew that girls had to get married when they grew up.
She couldn't help but glance curiously at Cheng Xiaotian. She knew him. Because their mothers had become close these past couple of days, the children often played together and helped out. This elder brother seemed very reliable.
He always rushed to do the heavy work when cooking, and he spoke kindly to them.
Cheng Xiaotian felt a gaze and looked up, only to see his little sister, her cheeks flushed, secretly watching him.
He felt a bit embarrassed, so he broke off a piece of his own biscuit and pushed it towards her, "Here, eat more. You need to grow too!"
He thought she was his future wife, so he couldn't treat her poorly.
Little Niuniu was shy and mumbled softly, "I can't eat anymore. Aren't you going to be a great general? You eat, eat more, gain strength to fight bad guys."
Cheng Xiaotian then said, "Half a piece is enough for me! Starting tomorrow, I'll go logging too and get two portions of biscuits. Then I'll share half with you, and we can both eat our fill!"
While the two children whispered, the adults had already moved on to other topics and had long forgotten about this. It was only later, in the coming days, that they would occasionally tease about it. If they couldn't find Niuniu, they'd ask Cheng Xiaotian if he'd seen his little wife, and Cheng Xiaotian would go find her himself.
But this is all for later, and not to be discussed for now. Let's focus on the present.
While things were harmonious on their side, Ji Bo's group was also in good spirits with Lai Fu, Jia Wang, and Xiao Wu Zi, Xiao Liu Zi, along with other young servants.
Having food when hungry, clothes when cold, and work to do – this was what felt secure.
Ji Bo said so.
This made the other children nod vigorously, feeling that it was indeed true.
Xiao Wu Zi and Xiao Liu Zi, eating the wild rabbit soup, felt warmth spread through their bodies.
"Uncle Ji, are we all sleeping in the carriages tonight? No tents, right?"
"With so many people, if we use oilcloth to set up tents for everyone, how much oilcloth would that take?"
When Ji Bo heard Xiao Wu Zi and Xiao Liu Zi bring this up, he replied, "No tents. Where would we find so much oilcloth?"
He said that if they were to set up tents, he would have given instructions earlier and wouldn't have waited until dark.
Xiao Wu Zi then realized and chuckled sheepishly, "Look at me, that's right. If we were to set up tents now, it would be too late."
It was also not good to set them up when it was dark.
Ji Bo also said that they considered the lack of manpower. All the strong ones had gone logging, and the remaining people were busy with other tasks and couldn't spare the time.
"So, everyone will have to make do for now. Those who can find a place to sleep will have to squeeze in."
Everyone naturally had no objections. Squeezing together to sleep would be warmer anyway. They then formed groups freely. Xiao Wu Zi and Xiao Liu Zi would definitely be together. Jia Wang had to watch the supplies and carriages, so he would share a carriage with Cheng Xiao Xi.
Li Da Zhuang and his brother had to take turns on guard duty, so the carriage could accommodate sleeping.
The other servants also happily clustered together, choosing companions to sleep with. They were half-grown children, and it was rare for them to be out of the stuffy mansions. Their spirits were higher. Their master and the others were far away, so they were no longer as constrained.
Ji Bo indulged them. As long as they didn't make mistakes, he always doted on the younger generation.
The travel carriages were large enough, and the driver's seat in front could accommodate two people sleeping.
Ji Bo and Lai Fu naturally slept outside. Cheng Hao and Su Miao Miao rested inside the carriage. Su Miao Miao climbed onto the carriage and spread out her bedding after finishing her meal and taking care of her physiological needs. Cheng Hao followed a little later.
Jiang Xi Yue, who had been watching all night, finally found an opportunity. As soon as no one was paying attention, she immediately reached out to grab Cheng Hao's sleeve.
Who knew?
Cheng Hao, as if he had eyes on the back of his head, dodged to the side and then looked back to see who was trying to ambush him. He saw a delicate woman looking at him with a mournful gaze.
"What do you want?"
He said emotionlessly.
Jiang Xi Yue saw that he was amiable to others but so cold to her. She was sure he held a grudge because she had refused his marriage proposal last time, so she became a little joyful, a hint of a smile appearing on her delicate face. She tried to reach out again, but the other party directly took half a step back.
"Brother Hao, I have something I want to tell you. It's not convenient here, could we step aside?"
Jiang Xi Yue said softly, her eyes filled with tender affection.
Yes.
Before, she had also thought this cousin of hers was just a bookworm who only knew how to read and would merely live off his uncle's family business, neither outstanding nor mediocre. He was indeed not the person she liked. But who knew that despite appearing dull, he was actually so considerate, even doting.
When facing major issues.
He always appeared calm and collected, and could handle things properly.
He was indeed a good match.
Jiang Xi Yue truly regretted it, regretting it to the point of her intestines turning green.
Even if she wanted to control herself from thinking about him, she couldn't help but care, couldn't help but look for his figure, couldn't help but be jealous of his wife.
She had to admit that she was fond of him and wanted to be his wife.
But it was difficult to express.
Cheng Hao's gaze was deep. Her intentions were clear as day. He immediately refused, "No, it's not appropriate. If you have any needs, just find my father. I'm sure he, as your uncle, will satisfy you. I can't make decisions. If you lack anything or want anything, go find him."
Saying this, he turned to leave.
Jiang Xi Yue immediately became anxious. She stomped her foot and cried, "Brother Hao, don't go! I really have important matters to tell you, not to ask you for something!"
Seeing Cheng Hao striding away, she immediately disregarded her dignity and chased after him, saying anxiously as she followed, "I'm not trying to toy with you, I really have something to say. Why are you avoiding me like this? Do you still have feelings for me?"
Cheng Hao stopped. Before Jiang Xi Yue could be happy, he turned back with a look of surprise, then said sincerely, "Your delirium is quite severe. You can fabricate things that aren't there?"
He couldn't help but get a headache. "Please stay away from me. My cat is jealous. I don't want to face people with a face full of cat scratches tomorrow. Please let me go!"