Chapter 225

......

After accompanying Elder Brother to complete an important life event, a ritual.

Received the divorce letter written by Elder Brother.

Left Aoru Temple.

Elder Brother, with his shaved head, stood at the temple gate to see him off.

Elder Brother's eyes were red, seemingly reluctant to part.

Jiang Changtian turned back and waved goodbye.

He completed his farewell.

Goodbye to Jiang Huaisheng.

Goodbye to Elder Brother.

Goodbye to Monk Huaisheng.

While going down the mountain, Jiang Changtian tapped the grass with his sword, without unsheathing it, striking with the scabbard on.

The father and daughter, without agreement, tacitly struck the grass on either side.

Very in sync, very chuunibyou.

But Jiang Changtian was happy.

For some reason, seeing Elder Brother's serious, stern expression that seemed to be holding back swear words made him happy and content.

The words of concern that hadn't been said for so many years, now need not be said, nor in the future.

This is where it ends.

The grass Jiang Changtian hit flew high, then fell back down.

Messy, but very joyful.

The path down the mountain was even more slippery because it was downhill.

However, when Jiang Changtian came down, that section of the path had been paved with stones, one by one, so you wouldn't slip when stepping on them.

The abbot had seen little Mianmian's dirty clothes and had the monks come down to pave it.

This was a clever abbot.

After coming down the mountain and entering the city, it became bustling.

Even in the rain, the stone-paved streets weren't dirty, but cleaner.

The historic stone slabs, washed by rainwater, were shining.

The weather had turned a bit chilly. A few days ago, people were still wearing thin robes, with scholars fanning themselves and maidens holding round fans. Today, they had changed into thick robes, put on hats, and their gait was no longer as graceful, having to lift their skirts slightly.

Because of the rainy streets, stepping on them could easily result in a splash, water getting on the hem of the skirt.

After accompanying Father to Aoru Temple, Father then accompanied her to Shangqiu Academy to handle the transfer, which would likely require a temporary leave of absence.

There were no such places specifically for girls to study in the Capital City.

Jiang Mianmian said goodbye to her classmates.

As it turned out, it was fortunate that her relationship with her classmates was rather ordinary, so there wasn't much sadness when saying goodbye.

Having average popularity has its advantages.

She couldn't bear the red-eyed, sad feeling of parting.

It was just that when Wu Yi'an learned Jiang Mianmian was leaving, she burst into loud tears.

Jiang Mianmian interpreted it as tears of joy, after all, the person who had been bullying her was leaving.

What she didn't understand was Wu Yi'an hugging her tightly.

Jiang Mianmian's body stiffened.

Little Miss Wu Yi'an had actually developed, with small mounds appearing. Isn't that a bit precocious?

She seemed to be two years older than herself, so maybe it wasn't that precocious after all.

She apparently still didn't have... never mind, a female warrior doesn't need these.

"Jiang Mianmian, will you miss me when you're gone?"

"No."

Wu Yi'an angrily punched her lightly, and her small chest bumped against her again.

Jiang Mianmian: ......

Sister, you're breaking the rules.

"I heard your father got promoted too, and you're also going to the Capital City. What are you thinking about? We'll see each other again soon."

Wu Yi'an suddenly smiled in surprise.

Tears still glistened in her eyes.

Jiang Mianmian coldly said, "It's a government secret, don't spread it around. Don't tell your father either, let him worry and pace around at home."

Wu Yi'an really laughed this time.

Her father was a man who treated everyone at home equally. She thought all fathers were like that, though some were much worse, favoring concubines over wives and such. Her father was already considered good, her mother always said so.

Crawled two steps. (Won't)

"Have you settled your little brothers here well?"

Crawled one step. (OK)

"Do you have a partner?"

Crawled one step. (Yes)

"Are you bringing your partner to the Capital City?"

Crawled two steps (No need)

"We're leaving early tomorrow, are you sure you don't need to?"

Crawled one step (Mm)

"It's late, time to sleep."

Crawled one step (Sleep)

"Can't sleep, what should I do, Xiaoshu, Xiaoshu?"

Crawled onto her finger, pressing on her tiger's mouth... amp!@#@#¥%...

......

The next day.

The rain stopped.

There was fog.

They had to leave early, planning to reach the next resting point, so they had to get up early.

The whole family started moving in the middle of the night.

When Mianmian opened her eyes, it was still dark.

She was helped to wash up by Pangya, still feeling a bit dazed.

She was still dozing off when she got into the carriage.

She had been a bit excited last night, like a child about to go on an autumn outing, and hadn't slept very soundly. Now she was dead tired.

The carriage started moving, then suddenly stopped.

Jiang Mianmian was jolted awake by the sudden stop.

She opened her eyes and asked what happened.

Pangya said, "It seems like some civilians are blocking the road."

Jiang Mianmian was startled, wondering if Father had been too greedy in collecting taxes these past few years and was resented by people.

She lifted the curtain and saw outside a dense crowd of civilians. Some were carrying vegetables, some firewood, some a wild rabbit, some a fish, some a piece of felt, some a handful of feathers.

No one was empty-handed. Everyone was holding something, whether valuable or cheap, everyone had brought something.

"Magistrate, take these for the road."

"Lord Sima, this is our heartfelt gift. You must accept it."

"Lord Sima, if you can't stay in the Capital City, please come back. Jingzhou Prefecture City will always welcome you."

"Lord Sima..."

Jiang Changtian, who was usually adept at putting on a show, found himself speechless in the face of this scene and the dense crowds lining both sides of the road. His Adam's apple bobbed up and down as he struggled to find words, despite his usual eloquence.

Unconsciously, he activated his most excellent acting skills.

His eyes reddened, his hands and feet trembled, conveying deep emotion yet restraint.

In truth, he had done very little for the common people. He only wanted to consolidate his power, incidentally taking care of the people in the process.

Because he had suffered, he knew the people's hardships and simply tried to prevent those things from happening.

He didn't love these people; their lives and deaths were of no concern to him.

He only wanted to live well for himself.

They were just ignorant masses.

Yet when countless ignorant people gather together, they become a surging tide, with turbulent waves that seem capable of engulfing a person.

On this day, when Jiang Mianmian went out, she again received several carts full of gifts.

There were vegetables and grains, chicken feathers and chickens, firewood and mushrooms, grass and medicine, shoes and cloth...

Among them were also gifts specifically to thank Mianmian.

Though few, they were present.

This is perhaps also the charm of this era.

Fearing separation, so before parting, they want to say all the words they wish to say and give all the gifts they wish to give.

Hoping your journey ahead is smooth as silk.

Hoping you return safely in the future.

Cherishing this brief encounter between us.

...