Everyone's spirits were a bit weary, but they couldn't rest yet.
Once the camp was set up.
They took turns sleeping in batches, falling asleep as soon as they hit the ground.
The Cheng family's caravan had no shortage of bedding, so everyone could sleep soundly.
Oilcloth was pulled over the top.
A simple communal sleeping area was made, and everyone squeezed in to sleep.
It was stifling on the carts.
Especially for those tall and strong men, who had to sleep curled up.
Except for the leading few large horse-drawn carts, the conditions in the rear supply carts were not as good.
They usually made do with sleeping.
Now, being able to camp was the best, allowing them to stretch out and sleep.
Cheng Hao walked by and saw some people by the side who hadn't covered themselves with blankets. He casually bent down and helped pull the blankets up, which warmed the hearts of those who saw it.
They felt that their young master was indeed good.
He treated them like people.
Xiao Wu Zi and Xiao Liu Zi helped carry the bowls and chopsticks to be washed.
Cheng Hao saw the two of them and said, "You two go find your Big Brother Dali and Big Brother Da Zhuang later. They're going to prepare the wolf meat. You go help them. If they're willing to teach you, you can learn a thing or two along the way."
No matter the time.
Learning more was always good.
The two children had stayed by their young master and mistress's side last night.
Witnessing their heroic deeds up close, they had already deified them in private. After all, how could ordinary people achieve such feats?
They were even more obedient to their young master's orders, responding with utmost seriousness.
Then they went off with full vigor!
They didn't put down the basin of bowls and chopsticks.
Judging by their appearance, they even wanted to finish washing the dishes before going, truly working hard.
Cheng Hao smiled and shook his head as he watched them, thinking that the youth indeed had good spirits. He himself was feeling a bit tired now, with a throbbing pain in his temples and his arms feeling sore and weak. He had been holding on solely through sheer will.
After he finished these tasks, he walked towards that small figure who was still busy.
Su Miao Miao was wearing a gray retro linen bag that Cheng Hao had found for her, which looked quite fitting for ancient times. She packed her little medical supplies into it. There were several pieces of cloth that she had cut out temporarily and the herbs she had gathered. They were quite convenient to use.
The "little divine doctor" was quite diligent, first treating the injured people in their caravan, then going to the mountain hollow village to help treat those with external injuries. While receiving their thanks, she also received feedback from some women that the herb for removing lice was very effective, and the children's heads and bodies no longer itched, which was an unexpected joy.
Su Miao Miao was so happy she was practically hopping. Her expression was feignedly serious, but her eyes were round and bright. When she heard people praise her, her eyes sparkled with joy, as if a tail would wag happily a few times.
When Cheng Hao looked at her and the people surrounding her, this scene overlapped with the past, making him feel a little uncomfortable.
He then called out to her.
Intending to attract her attention.
Su Miao Miao had finished treating them. The herbs in the cloth bag had been replaced with some scattered items given by the villagers: two eggs, a wilting melon, a sweet potato, and a small packet of brown sugar, etc.
As soon as she saw Cheng Hao, she said goodbye to the villagers and ran back.
Seeing the couple's affection, the villagers couldn't help but smile.
"This young couple, I heard they just got married. No wonder they're so sweet together."
"Exactly. Looking at them makes me envious. The Cheng family's young master's eyes seem to be glued to his wife, as if afraid she'll run away. Oh, my goodness!"
"Sigh, it's just that they've encountered this situation. If the world were peaceful, their lives would be incredibly comfortable. We wouldn't be like this..."
"What's the use of talking about it now? The world is already in chaos. Aren't they also fleeing their homes like us? We're all the same. We have to live well too!"
"Speaking of which, last night was too frightening. It's all thanks to this young couple!"
"Indeed, indeed. That's why I say they're a good match. Not only are they talented and beautiful, but the Cheng family's young master is steady, and the Cheng family's young mistress is lively. They complement each other well, and they both have considerable abilities. They look like people of noble birth!"
This woman, watching the young couple walk back together, finally concluded, "This is what you call a true match in status, and even their abilities are equal!"
Everyone agreed with this, and said she really knew how to judge people!
The young woman became a little happier, then remembered she still had work to do and urged everyone to get busy, as they would be able to share some meat later.
The people of the mountain hollow village were all happy!
The Jin family's caravan was also happy, as they were fortunate enough to have no one injured.
They were also happy to get some meat.
They hadn't eaten meat for a long time, and they were all like hungry wolves.
Steward Du decided to let his subordinates stew it. They would simply boil it with a little salt, as none of them knew how to cook properly, but no one was picky.
They were all looking forward to it.
Hungry and expectant.
The Cheng family's caravan, however, was more particular.
Madam Cai and Madam Xi cooked the meat using the method the young couple had used to stew meat.
When the Cheng Da Li brothers delivered a portion of meat, the two women began to get busy, knowing that they were going to nourish everyone today.
Everyone had been frightened and tired yesterday, and today the temperature dropped again, so it was indeed suitable to replenish their strength, eat plenty of meat, and save some grain.
Madam Cai and Madam Xi remembered the slightly spicy way of eating rabbit, which was fragrant and satisfying, and could also induce sweating, making one feel warm all over. So, they threw in the remaining few chilies, along with the last bit of sauce.
The aroma was exceptional.
Bubbling and popping with exploding bubbles, it was incredibly fragrant.
Su Miao Miao and Cheng Hao had also worked hard yesterday. On their way back, they were caught by the busy Uncle Ji, who called the couple to rest and had Lai Fu bring them hot water, so they could wash up and lie down to sleep.
Only after personally seeing the two of them get into their carriage did Uncle Ji continue to manage the situation, telling people to be careful to cover the oilcloth properly when getting supplies, in case the unpredictable weather suddenly struck. In short, every detail needed attention, and he oversaw the entire process.
The remaining servants worked hard for a while before they could finally get some rest.
Only Madam Cai and Madam Xi were watching the fire for stewing the meat. They could also rest by the fire. The children clung to them, perhaps frightened by what happened last night, and didn't want to go back to the carriage to sleep, wanting to be close to them for security.
The mothers hugged their children, warmed themselves by the fire, and felt more at ease.
After this ordeal, everyone understood.
Peace was a blessing.
Luck was also truly good.
With Cheng Hao and Su Miao Miao present, they had indeed passed through safely and smoothly.
And now they had acquired a portion of meat.
It was already very good.
Meanwhile.
Inside the third carriage.
Su Miao Miao was taking things out of the cloth bag like she was showing off treasures. Two eggs, a limp melon, given by the villagers when she treated their wounds earlier. They were very practical, and they stuffed them directly into her cloth bag. She kept saying polite words, while pulling the mouth of the bag wide open.
This made many villagers laugh.
Cheng Hao recalled it and wanted to laugh too, but he hadn't laughed earlier because he had been "drinking vinegar" intensely. Now that he saw her safely in front of him, he could be happy. As she took out one item after another, he put each one away.
Putting it all in the space made him feel at ease.
Finally, he reached out for his dearest Su Miao Miao, and she immediately threw herself into his arms.
To hold her firmly in his embrace.
Was the most precious thing, more important than everything he owned.
Fortunately.
They had gone through another life-and-death tribulation together, and thankfully, they were both still alive.