Chapter 49

Early the next day, the rooster crowed in the courtyard, and Taoyu, half-asleep, instinctively turned over under the peach tree, preparing to continue sleeping. But she felt a tug at her waist, and suddenly she sat up.

In a daze, unsure of what was happening, her sleepy eyes half-opened, half-closed, she mumbled, still partly in a dream, “What are you doing?”

“Get up and practice boxing with me.”

Taoyu’s upper body emerged from under the covers, feeling a bit chilly.

Upon hearing this, she couldn’t help but open her eyes wider, her mind still foggy: “Huh? Boxing?”

“Yeah.”

Huo Shu got up from the bed and walked towards the clothes rack beside the cabinet. “How can you go on a long journey without keeping your body in shape?”

Taoyu’s voice still carried a strong sleepiness, barely holding onto a bit of blanket.

She buried her head in the blanket, almost falling asleep again: “Haven’t my parents agreed yet? If they agree, I’ll definitely get up on my own, no need for you to say.”

“No, if they see you still lying in bed, they might change their minds, even if they agreed.”

Taoyu found these words strangely familiar.

“We’ve nearly finished preparing everything. We can set off around mid-February. Calculate how many days you have left. If they agree on the last day, what will you do?”

Upon hearing Huo Shu’s words, Taoyu struggled to lift her head from the blanket.

Thinking that it made some sense, she resolved to mend her habit of lying in bed.

She half-closed her eyes and leaned out of the curtain, about to ask Huo Shu to fetch her clothes as well, only to suddenly see that the person with their back to the curtain had shed their shirt at some point, wearing only knee-length shorts.

Seeing this, Taoyu’s sleepy eyes suddenly sharpened.

The white waistband outlined Huo Shu’s slim waist, and in the faint morning light, her bronze skin seemed to glow with warmth.

With each movement to find his clothes, the tendons between her shoulders and arms lightly flexed, causing Taoyu to blush at the thought of something.

Sensing the gaze behind her, Huo Shu turned around and looked at the frail figure of Taoyu on the bed, her cheeks showing a strange blush near the curtain.

No need to ask; she knew her sister was once again thinking of some nonsense.

“Where did my clothes go?”

“Find them yourself.”

Seeing Huo Shu’s scrutinizing gaze, Taoyu quickly let go of the curtain: “You always throw things around. You take off your clothes wherever you want and just throw them anywhere. Clean and dirty are all mixed up. I have to wash everything again, even the clean ones.”

Huo Shu turned back to the bed, grabbed the curtain, and looked down at the little girl sitting on the bed: “Tell me where they are. From now on, don’t throw them around.”

Taoyu lifted her head, feeling completely enveloped by Huo Shu, which felt somewhat dangerous.

She looked away, still pursing her lips without answering.

“If you’re not cold, just go boxing like this.”

Suddenly, Huo Shu reached out and pinched Taoyu’s chin, squinting at the person in front of him who had to face him: “Your lips are usually quite soft when kissed, why are you talking so tough now?”

Taoyu blushed even more, pushed Huo Shu away, and hurriedly said, “If you keep doing that, I really won’t tell you where my clothes are.”

Huo Shu did not argue and suddenly approached his sister. So close that Taoyu could clearly see the scars on her waist.

Taoyu found her ointment still useful, and those patches of scars intertwined and mottled were much lighter than they had been at first sight.

Continued application of the ointment should help heal the shallower wounds a lot.

But this man, who found it too much trouble to apply the ointment himself, if not for others to help, would pretend it hadn’t happened.

“Will you get up?”

Taoyu leaned back a bit, but unexpectedly ended up falling directly onto the bedding. Before she could climb up, Huo Shu had followed suit.

The two were pressed tightly together, and Huo Shu’s body warmth made Taoyu feel like she was holding onto a heater, which kept her from feeling cold.

However…

Huo Shu was only wearing a pair of large shorts, with thin fabric that made the sensation all too clear.

Her cheeks flushed. “Wh-why are you like this so early in the morning!”

Although she said this, Taoyu couldn’t help but let her gaze lower.

She was genuinely embarrassed, but her curiosity couldn’t be restrained.

After all, even though they had been through so much together, she still didn’t really know Huo Shu’s true nature.

Huo Shu looked into Taoyu’s eyes. “Do you want to see?”

Her hidden thoughts were suddenly exposed, and Taoyu’s face turned bright red.

“I-I…”

Her hesitant words turned around in her mouth, but then she straightened up and said confidently, “What’s wrong with wanting to see.”

Huo Shu remained silent for a moment upon hearing this, then couldn’t help but chuckle. He buried his head in Taoyu’s neck and rubbed it with the tip of his nose.

The soft and delicate skin was irresistible.

Just like this.

Taoyu blinked at the top of the curtain. She was always a thin-skinned person. Huo Shu rarely smiled, and even when he did, it was usually at her expense.

She couldn’t maintain her composure and pushed him away, pouting.

Huo Shu tried to reason with her. “If you don’t want to get up, then just stay here.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Taoyu felt a familiar movement on her legs, and then she hung on Huo Shu’s slim waist.

This time, the sensation was much more pronounced than before.

Taoyu’s mind raced, and she immediately became nervous.

What Huo would do next was just a matter of words. This early in the morning, everyone would be thinking about getting up to cook or go to the fields. Who wakes up before dawn just for this?

He wouldn’t allow it even during the night, let alone now!

Since her hands were not yet imprisoned, she quickly hugged Huo Shu’s neck and begged, “I’ll get up, I’ll get up right now, please…”

Huo Shu said, “You wanted to see, right?”

“It’s still early, and it’s dark in the room. Wait a little longer until it’s fully light outside, then you’ll be able to see clearly. It will be an unhindered view.”

Taoyu blushed deeply and buried her head in Huo Shu’s chest in embarrassment and frustration. “I-I was just joking, you don’t have to take it seriously.”

However, Huo Shu replied firmly, “As your husband, I should show you.”

Taoyu regretted her loose tongue. She knew that trouble often started with careless talk.

“Next time, maybe…”

“When it’s brighter and my parents are awake.”

Huo Shu heard the anguish in her voice, with a hint of laughter in his eyes. He let go and stopped teasing her.

As the sky slowly brightened, the colors were still murky, and the mist was heavy.

Everywhere was covered in a hazy, watery hue.

Taoyu covered her long-lasting blush, leaning against a pillar under the eaves, her legs weak. She watched the man in the courtyard practicing boxing in only a thin shirt, his face showing a hint of resentment.

After completing a set of punches, Huo Shu had already warmed up. He beckoned towards the person under the eaves. “Come over.”

“No, I’m cold.”

Huo Shu walked over and pulled her along, coaxing her until they reached the courtyard.

“A little movement will warm you up. Let’s stretch and I’ll teach you how to box.”

Ji Yangzong glanced at the two practicing boxing in the windy courtyard from the doorway, his hands behind his back, his brows furrowed so deeply they could crush a fly.

Though she opened up, her brow was still deeply furrowed.

“Sister Taoyu! Brother-in-law!”

Taoyu practiced her horse stance, but within moments, her legs began to weaken.

Huo Shu had been teasing her earlier, but seeing her get serious, he immediately became stern.

Once he took on the role of a husband-turned-master, there was no room for mercy.

She gritted her teeth, not wanting Huo Shu to think she was too weak. If he changed his mind about teaching her, all hope would be lost.

Just as she was about to give up, Wen Liang unexpectedly arrived.

Da Niu went to open the door for him.

“What are you doing, Taoyu?” Wen Liang asked.

Taoyu stood in her horse stance. “Can’t you see I’m working out?”

“So Taoyu is also exercising now? The other day, my brother taught us a set of punches, and when I practiced this morning, I felt refreshed. I don’t even feel cold this early.”

“Wen Liang is here?” Ji Yangzong’s voice echoed from under the eaves.

Wen Liang hurriedly called out, “Uncle Liu.”

“Have you had breakfast?”

“Yes.”

Wen Liang said, “I’ve come to find my brother-in-law. We’re going to Hongli Village together.”

Ji Yangzong said, “Your brother-in-law hasn’t eaten yet. Aunt Liu has already cooked, so come and eat with us.”

“What has Aunt Liu made?”

As he spoke, Wen Liang dashed towards the kitchen.

“She made dumplings.”

“What a good day to eat dumplings! I’ve arrived just in time!”

Upon hearing that the food was ready, Huo Shu and Taoyu followed along.

“Your brother-in-law is going on a long journey, and who knows when he’ll be back. While he’s home, we should enjoy a few good meals.”

The large iron pot was filled with plump dumplings, clearly well-stuffed.

“These are filled with pork and scallions. Wen Liang, eat a few more.”

“Thank you, Aunt Liu!”

Seeing everyone gathered, Huang Manjing used a large ladle to scoop the dumplings into wide bowls that had been prepared with pork fat sauce, chopped scallions, and blanched vegetables. She added some broth, and each bowl of dumplings was ready.

Taoyu held the steaming dumplings and joyfully ran into the main hall with Wen Liang.

“These two kids are just like when they were little.”

With a light stir of the chopsticks, the pork fat melted upon heating, forming oil blossoms that floated on the surface of the water. Even the dumpling soup was delicious.

Wen Liang blew on his soup and took a sip.

“Aunt Liu’s dumplings are the best. If I go away, I won’t be able to eat them for a long time.”

“Don’t neglect yourselves too much when you’re away from home. If you want to eat, just ask your brother Huo to make them.”

Suddenly, Ji Yangzong said.

Taoyu’s hand holding the dumplings paused as she immediately looked at her father.

“Uncle Liu really knows how to joke. Brother Huo has good cooking skills, but I won’t be able to eat them on the road.”

Wen Liang was still happily eating dumplings.

At this, Huang Manjing said, “When your group goes out, everyone needs to take care of daily life. If little Taoyu goes with you, she can help take care of anyone who might get headaches or fever.”

“What?”

Wen Liang was dumbfounded, looking incredulously at the people inside the room. “Uncle Liu and Aunt Liu aren’t joking with me again, are they? Taoyu…”

He looked at Taoyu with a hopeful gaze, suddenly unsure how he could go on a long journey.

He might have said too much that would be problematic.

“Father, Mother, are you… agreeing to this?”

Taoyu was still not entirely sure if this was true, so she asked again tentatively.

“You two cousins are traveling together, which puts my mind at ease.”

Ji Yangzong’s face turned serious. “Wenliang, take care of your cousin Taoyu.”

Although he didn’t give a direct answer, saying this was as good as a promise.

Taoyu was momentarily so happy that she wanted to jump up, quickly shaking hands with Huo Shu.

Seeing the dark circles under her parents’ eyes, they must have stayed up worrying about her all night.

She couldn’t help but feel guilty.

From the beginning of this matter, it was destined to cause worry to someone.

Ji Wenliang nodded in acknowledgment, though not fully understanding the situation.

Huo Shu noticed this and his brow furrowed slightly, but it also saved him from further effort.

After breakfast, Ji Wenliang and Huo Shu went to Hongli Village to find Ge Liang.

“When you’re away from home, don’t be too eager for comfort. There are many illnesses outside, so take care of yourself.”

“Get along well with others and avoid making enemies.”

Taoyu listened as her mother advised her for most of the day. These were all things she knew, but she didn’t show any impatience, listening obediently to her mother’s instructions.

When Huo Shu returned from Hongli Village, he set the departure date for the 18th of next month.

So they had only about half a month left before they set off.

With most of their preparations complete, Huo Shu spent most of these days training his men.

Taoyu prepared food, clothing, and utensils for the journey.

Amidst the busy preparations, the tenth day of the second month arrived quickly.

Taoyu and Huo Shu went into the city, where they obtained medicinal herbs from Huang Yinsheng’s clinic, as well as bid farewell.

After the twelfth, Huo Shu gradually brought back livestock and carts to his home, and brought back cloth and tea to the village.

By the fifteenth day, all the goods had been brought back.

Seeing that over a dozen people had gathered, Ji Yangzong took the opportunity to invite everyone to a meal.

“We are all gathered here today to send off my son-in-law on his business trip. Thank you all for your support. Ji Yangzong raises a toast to everyone.”

“Ji Lijing, you are too polite. Being able to go into business with Huo Ge is a blessing for all of us. If it weren’t for Huo Ge, we wouldn’t have had this opportunity to go out and take a chance on something. We should all toast Ji Lijing and Huo Ge!”

After Ge Liang spoke, several people stood up.

Ji Yangzong quickly waved his hand: “Look at Xiao Ge, she can talk. Come, let’s all drink together.”

After a toast, Ji Yangzong invited everyone to sit down: “Don’t be shy, eat more, eat more.”

After three rounds of wine, the people from the two villages became more familiar and open.

Huang Manjing brought out two more hot dishes.

Seeing the situation, Ji Yangzong called for Da Niu to bring out a big basket of pancakes.

“My daughter has been frail since childhood. This time accompanying her husband on a business trip will undoubtedly cause trouble for everyone. As her father, I couldn’t contribute in any other way, so I prepared some money for everyone here, as a token of apology.”

Ji Yangzong had informed the village earlier, so there was nothing surprising. It was the men of Hongli Village who seemed slightly taken aback, their movements hesitating as they looked secretly at Ge Liang.

“Lijing’s heart is filled with fatherly love, and we are all like family. We will certainly take care of Miss Taoyu.”

Seeing Ge Liang’s response, the others also agreed.

Huo Shu raised his cup. “I toast everyone here.”

“Cheers, Huo Ge.”

Taoyu listened to the conversation inside the house and let out a sigh.

She felt sorry that her father had to arrange people in advance to avoid any trouble on the road.

There was a taste in her heart that she couldn’t describe, feeling even more guilty for causing her parents such worry even after getting married.

With a subdued expression, she quietly withdrew.

After finishing their meal, a few faint stars appeared in the sky as they dispersed.

Some men from Hongli Village, slightly intoxicated, used the opportunity to voice their dissatisfaction.

“What’s Huo Shu’s intention? We’ve signed a life and death agreement, entrusting our family’s lives to him, and now he’s taking his own husband along. He didn’t make this clear before, and suddenly this.”

“For ordinary people, maybe, but who doesn’t know the situation of Ji’s family?”

A man muttered, “Originally thought Huo Shu was reliable, that’s why we followed him. Now he’s just someone whose judgment is clouded by lust.”

“Just a few words, and we’ve agreed. They’ve just gotten married recently; it’s understandable if he can’t bear to leave her.”

“If you were just married and had to leave for a long journey, would you be willing to leave your wife and children for a year or more?”

Ge Liang frowned. “Everything is prepared. Asking someone to come along is not a big deal. Ji Lijing also prepared some money for everyone. Besides, having a brother to help with daily life isn’t a bad thing. He’s skilled in medicine, after all.”

“What kind of half-baked doctor can’t even heal himself, yet he’s supposed to treat others? It’s just because you have a good temper, Ge Liang, that whatever they say goes. We’re going out to make money, not to babysit a couple!”

“Tian Fu, the more you talk, the worse it gets!”

Ge Liang’s expression darkened. “We’re about to set off. Don’t make trouble at this time. As grown men, can’t we tolerate having one more person? Show a little magnanimity!”

“Tian Fu had a few sips and is speaking out of turn. Don’t take it to heart, Ge Liang.”

Seeing the situation was escalating, a few others intervened and managed to calm down the brewing tension.

After the meal ended, Ji Yangzong had drunk quite a bit with these young men. Being older, he couldn’t handle as much alcohol as the younger ones and was starting to feel it.

Huang Manjing quickly helped him inside to rest, while Taoyu made some sobering ginger soup for Ji Yangzong and Huo Shu.

Huo Shu didn’t seem drunk but smelled of alcohol. He took off his clothes and took a bath, not wasting Taoyu’s ginger soup and drinking it all in one go.

Together with Taoyu, he then cleaned up the table full of dishes and utensils.

“You should go to bed earlier. We’re about to set off soon. Rest well these few days.”

Taoyu replied, “It’s alright. Washing dishes won’t take much time.”

Huo Shu didn’t say much more. The two of them finished washing the dishes together.

After a few days, the day of departure finally arrived.