394 The Way to Find His Wife
After bidding farewell to the old village chief, Xiaoguo really admired this 70-year-old man from the bottom of her heart.
He was doing the best that he could in this position.
“How is it? Are you ready?”
Xiaoguo was sitting in the carriage, waiting for Xiao Zhu and Yu Ling to come out.
Yu Ling appeared first and sat down with her. When she heard Xiaoguo’s words, she nodded. “I’m ready. I didn’t forget anything.”
Yu Ling had packed all the clothes that were made by her mother. There was also a ceramic jar containing Zhao Yuyan’s ashes, and a few miscellaneous items. It sounded like a lot, but the bag looked rather flat.
Xiaoguo nodded and looked at Yu Ling’s dusty clothes and the oversized shoes she was wearing. She thought to herself that she would make new garments and shoes for both girls when she gets home. Coincidentally, thanks to Su Changsheng’s gift, there was no shortage of fabrics at home.
In the middle of their conversation, Xiao Zhu came out of the house. She was carrying an even smaller bag. Being the last to leave the house, she had to close all the doors and windows of the house, before she could lock the main door.
Xiao Zhu looked at the carriage waiting at the door. She stopped in her tracks and stood beside the door frame.
She looked down at the door frame, which was just one step away. Without hesitation, she stepped over it and landed firmly on the steps outside.
Then, she turned around and closed the door with a smile.
In the past, she was always behind the door frame, watching visitors leave the house. Now, she doesn’t have to wait anymore. She could finally walk out the door.
Yu Ling looked at her dazed expression and shouted with a smile, “Xiao Zhu, let’s go. By the time we get there, it will be dark…”
With that, she turned around and stuck out her tongue shyly at Xiaoguo.
She couldn’t help but wonder if she was being too enthusiastic. It was as if she couldn’t wait to go to Sister Xiaoguo’s house.
Although she really couldn’t wait to go to her house, it was too unreserved of her to say it out loud…
Xiaoguo didn’t know what she was thinking. She just thought that Xiao Zhu was being so cute. The driver wasn’t even around. So what was the hurry?
Xiao Zhu turned around and smiled at them while carrying her bag. “I’m coming…”
“Brother Xizi, you’re too slow.”
Xiao Zhu looked at the man who had arrived late and complained jokingly.
The man whom she addressed as Brother Xizi, had just come over. He was completely drenched in sweat.
“Hehe, don’t worry. We are still on time…”
Xizi wiped his sweat and got into the carriage. He did not forget to remind everyone to sit properly. After ensuring that they were properly seated, he waved his whip.
Xizi was the villager from the fishing village who had driven Xiaoguo back and forth.
Since he knew Xiao Zhu rather well, the two of them kept exchanging jokes during the ride. Not long after, Yu Ling joined in their discussion. There was a lot of laughter along the way. It was more lively than the time when Xiaoguo was traveling alone.
“Sister Xiaoguo, is Peach Blossom Village a nice place?”
Apart from the fishing village, Xiao Zhu had never been anywhere else.
Yu Ling also looked at Xiaoguo curiously. Previously, she had no fixed residence. Other than being exiled, she had only lived on the wastelands and on the island. She never had the chance to visit a normal village.
“Peach Blossom Village is quite a nice place. There are many peach trees there. Every spring, the entire village will be covered in peach blossoms that are pink and white. It is extremely beautiful. Although the village is not located near the sea, it has a wide river. The people in the village are also very nice. When we get back, I’ll introduce you to a group of older sisters and two girls your age.”
Xiaoguo believed that Mrs. Yang and Ruyi would definitely like this pair of new kids.
Xiao Zhu and Yu Ling were secretly filled with anticipation because of Xiaoguo’s words. They were feeling nervous and excited about their new life.
Xi’zi glanced at the excited Xiao Zhu and couldn’t help but feel happy for her.
Xiaoguo, who was smiling throughout the journey, had no idea that a big surprise was waiting for her at home.
Jiang Danhe could not help but sigh at his fate. He was locked out again.
Ever since he received Xiaoguo’s letter, he had been thinking about her day and night. He wished that he could fly to her in the blink of an eye. It was pure torture for him.
He wanted to write her a reply, but he had problems writing out his feelings no matter how hard he tried. The words could not convey the thoughts in his mind..
Therefore, he simply applied for leave, packed his bags, and rushed home.
When he finally reached home after hurrying back on his horse, the door wouldn’t budge when he tried to open it.
Unwilling to give up, he pushed again. This time, he exerted some strength, but the door still wouldn’t budge.
The barking of the dogs and cows in the courtyard became louder and louder. Afraid of attracting the attention and misunderstanding of the surrounding villagers, he quickly took a few steps back and moved away from the entrance.
Seeing that he couldn’t open the door, he turned around and knocked on Mrs. Yang’s door, instead of waiting foolishly outside the house. He had learnt his lesson.
Mrs. Yang was bored and swatting flies in the house. When she heard knocking on the door, she thought that Xiaoguo had returned. She held onto her stomach and ran towards the door.
Yang Jia was walking out at the same time. He had heard the knocking too. Just as he was about to open it, he saw his sister-in-law running at top speed towards the door.
Before he could react, the other party had already opened the door.
Mrs. Yang’s smile froze on her face. It was obvious that she wasn’t expecting this visitor. It was truly unexpected. She said in surprise, “Danhe is back!”
When Yang Jia heard Jiang Danhe’s name, he walked over curiously.
Jiang Danhe was also wearing a smile. He remembered Xiaoguo telling him that one had to smile when meeting someone. It was a form of courtesy.
“Sister-in-law, Xiaoguo is not at home. Do you know where she went?”
“I’m not sure. Sister-in-law went out yesterday,” Yang Jia said as he walked over.
Jiang Danhe frowned slightly. “Yesterday?”
Mrs. Yang quickly added, “Something urgent might have cropped up. She should be back soon.”
“That’s right. She seemed rather anxious yesterday.”
Yang Jia told him everything he knew.
Jiang Danhe’s brows relaxed a little.
...
Seeing this, Yang Jia quickly went into the house to bring out the key.
Jiang Danhe took the key and went back. Filled with disappointment, he opened the front door, led the horse in, and tied it to a corner.
His lonesome figure was seated on the bed. He kept shifting positions, from lying down, sitting up, and wandering around. It was hard for him to stay still.
Since Xiaoguo was not at home, why did he come back?
“What a heartless woman…”
“Sigh…”
If the two puppies could speak, they would have told him off long ago. This was the umpteenth time he had sighed at the two puppies.
Suddenly, he looked towards the door and an idea struck him.
According to Yang Jia, she was in a hurry to leave. What could be the reason?
Since she was not at home, he would go look for her!
Why didn’t he think of that earlier? Jiang Danhe slapped his thigh and stood up.
...
His sudden movement startled the two puppies. They barked unhappily at him and ran off.
Jiang Danhe couldn’t be bothered with them. He led the horse, locked the door, and left the house.
She must have gone to the county. Other than him, the people that she was most concerned about were her brother and Zhuang Zhuang.
Therefore, he just had to look for her in those places!
Hence, Jiang Danhe skipped lunch and started his search for his wife on an empty stomach.
—-
Before dusk, two lonely figures, one big and one small, were sitting on a stool at the door with their backs facing the setting sun. They were sighing and looking very despondent.
Zhuang Zhuang had his chin on his hands, as he looked at his father helplessly. “Father.”
“Yes?”
With listless eyes, Jiang Danhe replied without moving.
“Let’s eat. I’m hungry.”
“…” Jiang Danhe was also feeling hungry, but if he knew how to cook, he would have done it by now.
Seeing that he wasn’t moving, Zhuang Zhuang held up his chin again and pouted unhappily. He knew that he couldn’t depend on the other party.
Since his mother was not at home, why did he bring him back? If he had not come back with his father, he would have finished his dinner by now.
Speaking of which, the Master’s wife was making chicken soup tonight. She must be drinking it at this moment.
At the thought of this, Zhuang Zhuang’s stomach started growling.
Then it was followed by another gurgle.
Zhuang Zhuang looked at Jiang Danhe in surprise. “So you’re hungry too…”
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