Chapter 48

Upon hearing these words, Taoyu was momentarily stunned. Waves of joy surged in her heart, but just as she was about to embrace it, reason suddenly closed the valve, keeping the joy at bay.

How could this possibly be true? There was no reason to rejoice prematurely.

“Don’t tease me.”

Taoyu’s tone carried a hint of reproach, “To say these things just to momentarily please me, what’s the point? It’ll only make me more heartbroken later.”

“So you still want to go with me.”

Huo Shu said, “That doesn’t make me happy.”

Taoyu widened her eyes and looked at Huo Shu, her eyes misting over, “Is it amusing to coax me into talking?”

“Since I’ve brought this up, it’s not to cheer you up. If you truly intend to go, then I will take you.”

Huo Shu gently brushed Taoyu’s soft hair by her ear. He had never cared much about anyone’s feelings, but evidently, that wouldn’t work with Taoyu.

“Are you… are you serious?”

“Mm.”

Taoyu looked into Huo Shu’s eyes, seeing his seriousness. She knew he wasn’t someone who acted impulsively without considering the consequences. Since he was so certain, it meant he had made up his mind.

She was pleasantly surprised that Huo Shu was willing to take her on a long journey, not minding any potential trouble she might cause. However, she also understood that even if he agreed, obstacles still loomed large.

“But…”

“If we travel for business, it’s not like leading troops into battle. Even if we were, there are young men in the Northern Garrison. I am your husband; taking you along for business is not against propriety or frowned upon. There’s no obstacle we can’t overcome for this.”

Huo Shu continued, “Opposition from our parents is inevitable. If we can’t face and overcome even this hindrance, it just shows that your desire to go is merely fleeting. If we don’t go, it’s also fine.”

Hearing Huo Shu’s words, Taoyu felt he made sense.

If they couldn’t overcome a little difficulty, what would they do with the endless problems on the road?

After a brief silence, she said, “I’ll give it a try.”

After speaking, she leaned towards Huo Shu again, “But you will support me, right?”

“Of course.”

Huo Shu squeezed Taoyu’s hand, “If you want to accompany me on this journey, the first thing is not to convince our parents, but to not sleep in.”

“Ah!”

Taoyu whimpered, “But my legs are very weak.”

Huo Shu got up from the bed, pulling her along, “There’s nothing weak about you.”

After breakfast, Huo Shu and Ji Yangzong were going to inspect the livestock. Taoyu woke up early, a rare occasion when the whole family gathered around the table in the morning.

Huang Manjing added a bowl of porridge for Taoyu, watching her sleepy and swollen-eyed. Normally, she would have asked what was wrong long ago, but now that they were married, it wasn’t appropriate to press further.

“I’ll boil an egg for your swollen eyes later.”

Taoyu shook her head, “I’ll use a cloth after I finish eating.”

Ji Yangzong let the mother and daughter fuss over, and said to Huo Shu:

“I’ve already got word from the village that several households want to sell livestock. We’ll go take a look later and see if they meet our needs. I can negotiate well with the local prices based on relationships, but even if the price is right, we can’t decide hastily. After all, we’re going so far, the livestock must be strong and enduring.”

“If they’re not enough, we’ll visit the livestock market again. But it’s nearing spring, so the prices might be higher due to demand. We should check out a couple of places to compare prices.”

Huo Shu agreed.

Taking goods on a journey primarily required suitable livestock. If they wanted to buy horses for transport from the same province, it might be harder than ascending to heaven.

Earlier, Zhuge Liang had mentioned that even a healthy pony could fetch twenty or thirty taels, and adult horses could double that price. Fine horses were even priceless.

Even if they had connections to buy horses, the price could still buy them plenty of cloth and tea.

In the past, horses were scarce on the battlefield, but now they were even scarcer in the South than in the North.

The horse Huo Shu had was rewarded when he was promoted to the White Household in the Northern Region. It wasn’t considered a top-notch horse among Northern horses, but it was rare enough in the South.

Thus, they could only consider mules, donkeys, and oxen.

Mules were born from crossbreeding female donkeys and male horses. There were few horses in the South, so there weren’t many mules either, but their prices were reasonable because mules could hardly reproduce. Many felt their utility was not as good as other livestock, so they couldn’t fetch high prices.

Donkeys and oxen were the most common.

They were all usable but slower.

Huo Shu thought that if he brought his own, it would be just right in terms of speed.

“We’re going a long way up north, so we must prepare everything as thoroughly as possible and think through all possibilities.”

Taoyu stuffed pickled vegetables into her mouth, quietly listening to her father and Huo Shu’s conversation. The food had lost its taste in her mouth. When she heard this, she seized the opportunity to say:

“This journey is long, with many barren areas. It could take three to five days without encountering a village or town. If so, it would be troublesome if we caught a cold or fell ill on the road.”

Ji Yangzong nodded, “True, we’ll need to prepare more medicines. You and Xiao Tao can get some from A’zu, who always keeps some on hand.”

“They might not know how to use all those medicines properly. Perhaps I should go with them.”

The dinner table fell into a brief silence, followed by Huang Manjing adding a bite of pickled vegetables to Taoyu’s bowl, “Eat, stop talking nonsense. They’re not idiots; they’ll know how to take the medicine once it’s prescribed.”

Apparently, Ji Yangzong also didn’t take Taoyu’s words seriously, wanting to say more to Huo Shu.

However, Taoyu said again, “I’m serious.”

“What are you serious about? You even know there are barren areas where there’s no village or shop for three to five days. You don’t even know your own body. Do you want Huo Shu to look after the goods and take care of you at the same time?”

“You’re really not sensible. You’re married now, yet you’re still messing around. Do you think this is like going to the city market where you can just go if you want? Is it the same?”

Huang Manjing also said, “Mother knows you’re reluctant to let Huo Shu go far, but you can’t be willful and drag him down.”

Taoyu insisted, “It’s not just that I’m reluctant to let him go so far for so long, I also want to go out and see. I’ve never been out of the provincial capital since I was born.”

Seeing her daughter stubborn, Ji Yangzong’s temper flared, but as she was already married, as a father, he should be more lenient.

He said that it was useless, and the husband’s words were always more effective. So he turned to Huo Shu and said, “You persuade your husband to go; she just knows how to cause trouble.”

Huo Shu remained unchanged, “If she wants to go, let her go.”

Ji Yangzong widened his eyes at his words, “What did you say?”

Huo Shu also had a good temper. It was normal for the elderly father-in-law, whose ears weren’t as sharp due to age, to say, “If he wants to go, let him go.”

Ji Yangzong and Huang Manjing originally thought only Taoyu was not clear-headed, but unexpectedly, both of them were not very awake!

The couple couldn’t help but stare at each other in disbelief. This wasn’t just wishful thinking; it was clearly a pre-discussed agreement.

“You’ve always been stable. How can you let Little Peach act recklessly like this!”

Ji Yangzong slammed the chopsticks down. He was somewhat frustrated. Indeed, even the most unyielding man couldn’t withstand this kind of pressure.

Huang Manjing didn’t feel like yesterday was just a little couple messing around. She guessed that Taoyu had cried with someone last night, hence her swollen eyes today.

Crying pitifully and wanting Huo Shu to take her out, Huo Shu was her husband after all. Even the coldest heart probably couldn’t resist such pleading from a spouse.

When he was a child, he had cried like this to his father to take him to the city.

“Forget about it, don’t mention this matter again!”

Ji Yangzong didn’t try to dissuade them further. Reasoning with Huo Shu—could he be a person who doesn’t understand reason? By supporting Little Peach like this, how could he make sense of it?

He simply put an end to their thoughts.

After speaking, Ji Yangzong left with his hands behind his back, blowing his beard and glaring.

“You, child, look at how you’ve upset your father.”

Huang Manjing frowned and reprimanded Taoyu, “You mustn’t do this again in the future.”

Seeing the two of them leave, Taoyu also put down her chopsticks and slumped on the table.

“Feeling disheartened?”

Huo Shu looked at the dejected person.

Taoyu said, “I expected them to react like this long ago.”

As expected, things unfolded as anticipated, but there was still some disappointment.

But in an instant, she straightened her back. Her eyes were determined as she said to Huo Shu, “I have a way! As long as you don’t let them persuade you and change your mind at the last moment.”

Taoyu reminded him with some concern, “Did you hear that?”

Seeing his expression, Huo Shu couldn’t help but smile and replied, “Hmm.”

“Then go with Dad to see the livestock.”

After Huo Shu left, Taoyu returned to the house. As soon as she entered, her mother came to knock on the door.

She was here to talk to him and persuade him.

He had already prepared his response: “Mother, I want to rest for a while.”

“You’re up already, why rest? Open the door for your mother.”

Taoyu said to the door, “Just thinking that Huo Shu will be away for a year or more, I couldn’t sleep well tossing and turning last night. I’m very tired.”

“If Mom and Dad don’t agree to let me go with him, I might not sleep well again tonight. If I don’t rest now, when will I?”

As Taoyu listened to her mother tapping on the door outside and not opening it, she muttered a few words, “This child…”

She hurriedly went to the door and listened as the footsteps moved away. Only then did she open the door a crack.

She peeked out to see her mother going to Zhao’s house, and then she went back to her room at ease.

Taoyu quickly tidied up her room and then sneaked out.

“Taoge wants to go out?”

Taoyu was startled to see Daniu as soon as she entered the courtyard.

She hurriedly said, “Don’t tell Dad and Mom that I’ve gone out. Just pretend you didn’t see me.”

Daniu opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but Taoyu quickly added, “Otherwise, I won’t let you be the one to chop wood and fetch water for your brother-in-law.”

Daniu immediately closed his mouth and turned away as if blind, holding the broom.

Seeing this, Taoyu quickly slipped out.

“I’m telling you, it’s good to love your husband, but don’t spoil Little Peach too much. He agrees to everything she says without considering the consequences. What if they have children in the future? How will they discipline them?”

On the way out, Ji Yangzong, with his hands behind his back, tried to educate Huo Shu.

“If you let him have his way in everything, it will be like ascending to the heavens. Going out to do business is not sightseeing. If his health were better, it might be okay, but with his current condition…”

Ji Yangzong kept talking without pause, noticing that Huo Shu hadn’t responded at all. “Are you even listening? Can you at least say something?”

“I hear you.”

“But did you really hear and understand?”

“I will take care of him on the road.”

Ji Yangzong raised his finger in annoyance and looked at Huo Shu’s expressionless face, feeling somewhat powerless, like playing the lute to a cow.

“Spent all this effort for nothing.”

Ji Yangzong sighed, “You just got married and it’s already troubling! Don’t even think about it!”

Here is the English translation of the text:

“Huo Shu did not argue either. He and Ji Yangzong ran around the village all afternoon and arranged for four donkeys and two cows.

In other villages, they arranged for two mules. Huo Shu and Ge Liang each had a horse, and all the goods could be carried.

After all, they were all light goods; even the heaviest, like cloth, could be carried by a donkey.

However, the journey was long and the road conditions varied, so they couldn’t plan based solely on what the animals could pull.

An adult donkey could lift about 200 catties (about 100 kg), and if pulling a cart, could pull cargo weighing twice its own weight, but only on flat official roads.

If they encountered muddy roads or slopes, they could only carry a quarter of their weight.

That is to say, they had to plan according to the weakest capacity of all the animals, so that they could transport the goods no matter what kind of road they encountered.

Although the goods captured this time were not many and not heavy, more than ten people’s clothing, utensils, and tents needed for outdoor use added up to a considerable amount, even if they were transported with a light load.

It was necessary to transport with two animals.

Now that everything that needed to be arranged was almost done, all that remained was the cart to carry the goods.

There were plenty of carpenters in the ten-mile village, all of whom could be easily hired.

On the way back, Ji Yangzong thought that they had dried the peach and elm for most of the day, so they wouldn’t cause any trouble.

On the small road behind the house, the smell of food could be smelled from far away.

Ji Yangzong, somewhat smugly, said to Huo Shu, ‘Xiao Taozi is such a spirited person. Half of it is also because of his ancestors’ indulgence. Look, the more you indulge him, the more temperamental he becomes. If you don’t pay attention to him in the morning, he will cook all the food obediently.’

Huo Shu glanced at the smoke rising from the Ji family’s house and said nothing.

The father-in-law and son-in-law entered the yard together. Ji Yangzong’s smile had not yet faded when he saw the people in the yard and immediately became cautious.

“Father-in-law, why did you come over!”

“Can’t I come?”

Huang Yinsheng said, then turned to Huo Shu behind Ji Yangzong and said, “You’re back.”

Huo Shu looked at Taoyu who was smiling and holding Huang Yinsheng’s arm, and then called someone with Taoyu.

“Father-in-law, you shouldn’t have come over without sending a message earlier. I could have asked Manjing to prepare some vegetables.”

“We are all family, no need for that.”

Several people said as they entered the house. Taoyu hopped around, “Grandpa, I’ll make some tea for you.”

Ji Yangzong looked at his cheerful son and felt that something was wrong.

Huang Yinsheng sat down at the table in the hall.

“I heard earlier that Huo Shu was going out to do business, and the clinic was busy. I didn’t have time to come down to care about you young people. How is it going now?”

“Although it’s trivial, it’s going smoothly. The goods have been settled, and the necessary items have been procured.”

Huang Yinsheng nodded, “Smooth progress is good. There are few relatives and friends in the family who are in business. You have to figure things out by yourself now. It’s not easy at all. Everything is difficult at the beginning, but it will be better as you go on.”

“Yes.”

Ji Yangzong listened to Huang Yinsheng and Huo Shu talking for a while, and he didn’t interrupt or join in.

When Taoyu brought in the tea, Huang Yinsheng finally stopped talking and took a sip of tea.

“By the way, Yangzong, I heard that Xiaotaozi also wants to go with Huo Shu?”

Ji Yangzong was about to drink tea. When he heard this, his hand shook and almost spilled the teacup on his foot. “Father-in-law, where did you hear such words! This is a joke, right? Xiaotaozi’s physique, how far can he go.”

“There’s nothing to it. Huo Shu has already organized manpower with his former friends.”

“Alright, you don’t have to say that.”

Huang Yinsheng said, “I came here today with Xiaotaozi.”

He said!

Ji Yangzong widened his eyes, “You kid!”

Since people had already arrived, Huang Yinsheng naturally did not need to say what he had in mind.

“Father-in-law, you can’t let Xiaotaozi go! Usually, when changing seasons at home, a slight breeze can cause a cold. Huo Shu is going to the northern region. It’s not just one county town; Xiaotaozi can’t handle it!”

Here’s the English translation of the passage:

---

**Huang Manjing also came over from the kitchen: “This child just does as he pleases. Dad, why do you let him make a fuss?”

“I understand your concerns as a couple. Xiaotaozi’s health has been under my care since he was young. I know his condition very well.”

“He does have some weaknesses, but according to my advice back then, let him play and exercise like ordinary children to build up his endurance.”

“But you two can’t bear to see him get hurt. Every time he gets injured or sick, you worry so much, which makes him delicate.”

Huang Yinsheng had seen many young ladies and sons of wealthy families in his practice, many of whom were fragile due to being overly pampered.

“Now that there’s an opportunity, let him experience and toughen up a bit, see the world. With Huo Shu watching over him, what are you two worried about?”

These words stirred the couple emotionally and they fell silent.

When Xiaotaozi was young, Huang Yinsheng had indeed repeatedly advised to raise him like an ordinary child, but every time he saw the child crying from injury, he couldn’t bear it.

Both of them loved the child dearly and couldn’t bear to see him cry. The more they nurtured him, the more delicate he became, as it was today.

“But, Dad, the northern regions are really far away.”

Huang Manjing still didn’t want to give in.

“The province is still stable now, and there are choices. If it were in troubled times, how would you take care of Xiaotaozi?”

“But this is just hypothetical. Is the province really stable?”

Huang Yinsheng sighed, “Nowadays, the world is not as peaceful as it used to be.”

He had some friends in the business of medicinal herbs from various places and could get some news from outside. Not only was there unrest in the province last year, but other prefectures were not completely calm either.

However, the situation in the world is also unpredictable. Talking too much would only make the family anxious, so he stopped there.

Huang Yinsheng didn’t mention the state of affairs in the world anymore and suddenly looked at Taoyu, saying, “You two go out first. I have something to discuss with your parents.”

Taoyu raised her eyebrows in surprise. What could there be that they couldn’t hear? Knowing that she couldn’t say much now, she followed her grandfather’s suggestion and pulled Huo Shu out.

Seeing this, Ji Yangzong opened his mouth to speak but stopped himself.

With the father-in-law present, there was no need to make a fuss.

Once the two were out of earshot, Huang Yinsheng paused for a moment before speaking, “I allowed him to go out not because he asked me to agree. Nowadays, there are some things I should inform you as a couple.”

“I don’t often mention Xiao Manjing’s matter. Xiaotaozi’s body is actually somewhat inherited from his great-grandfather’s illness.”

“With his current physical condition, if he were to have a child, it might be quite difficult for him.”

Upon hearing this, Huang Manjing’s face turned pale. “Dad, are you suggesting that Xiaotaozi would face the same issues as Xiao Manjing?!”

Ji Yangzong couldn’t sit still and urgently looked at Huang Yinsheng.

“If his body doesn’t strengthen, he can’t endure such pain. How can he safely bear a child?”

Huang Yinsheng sighed deeply, “Of course, nothing is certain. It’s just a possibility. If he keeps himself healthy, he won’t be much different from an ordinary person.”

“I used to worry about saying these things, fearing they would upset Manjing, but now that Xiaotaozi is married, I have to say it.”

Ji Yangzong and Huang Manjing received this news as if a thunderstorm had suddenly struck. They fell into complete silence.

Xiaotaozi was already married, and they were looking forward to having grandchildren. If there was such a serious risk, how could they dare to hope rashly?

“Whether he should go or not, you two are his parents after all. You have the final say.”

Huang Yinsheng left these words behind and had dinner at Ji’s house before leaving.

During dinner, Ji Yangzong and his wife did not mention anything about the business trip. Taoyu felt that the atmosphere was heavy and didn’t know what had happened.

It wasn’t until they sent Huang Yinsheng back along the village’s main road that Huo Shu dared to ask, “Grandpa, did Mom and Dad agree?”

“Grandpa has said everything he should. Whether they agree or not, we’ll have to wait for your parents. You’ve never traveled far before, and your parents love you dearly. Give them some time to think it over.”

Taoyu looked at the ambiguous answer and sighed softly. “Got it.”

Huang Yinsheng then turned to Huo Shu, who was walking beside Taoyu, “If your in-laws agree to let Xiaotaozi go with you on the business trip, you must take good care of him.”

“You’re his husband, and he will rely on you for the rest of his life.”

Huo Shu solemnly replied, “If he accompanies me, I will spare no effort to take care of him.”

“In that case, I’ll rest assured.”

“Grandpa, be careful on the road.”

As Huang Yinsheng’s carriage moved away, Taoyu shouted into the darkening night.

The night breeze was gentle. Although the sun had warmed things up during the day, it was only after nightfall that people realized spring hadn’t fully arrived yet.

Huo Shu reached out and pulled Taoyu closer to him, guiding her in front of him.

“Grandpa has always listened to you the most. If even he can’t convince them, then Mom and Dad are really determined.”

Taoyu nestled against Huo Shu’s body, her face half hidden in his neckline, feeling uncertain.

“If they still refuse, then I’ll sneak you away when they’re not paying attention.”

Taoyu laughed at his words, “I’m not a baby in swaddling clothes. How could you sneak me away?”

“Babies in swaddling clothes don’t understand words. No matter how nicely you say it, they won’t understand. You’re easier to sneak away than a baby. You can follow me and run away yourself.”

Taoyu pursed her lips, “If it weren’t for being married to you, who would want to go with you? Let me tell you, before Mom and Dad agree to loosen their tongues, you are not allowed to get handsy again at night. If they see me tired and weak again, they might refuse again.”

Huo Shu remained silent for a while. “What if they agree?”

“If they agree…”

Taoyu immediately said, “If they agree, they won’t allow it! You need to be prepared to travel far away, so how can you be so relaxed? I’m already a burden. If my legs are sore and weak again, it’s hard to walk. Plus, that kind of thing can ruin a person’s resolve. You can’t lose your resolve.”

Huo Shu remained silent for a long time. “Looks like I didn’t satisfy you last night.”