"Yes, Father, the situation in Wuheng is unpredictable. Our purpose in building roads is to establish contact with Liao Lie, leaving ourselves a way out."
"If the pursuers do find their way here, at least we have the garrison as a hiding place."
In fact, Ruan Mian vaguely felt that Han Ling and his people were about to discover this valley of theirs.
Since they’ve found a corner of the treasury, they will surely continue sending people to search near there.
That place is already not far from the valley, and now because of the road construction, people co and go frequently, making encounters inevitable.
To this end, Ruan Mian deliberately caught a few small birds as spirit beasts, fed them spiritual spring water, and had them act as her informants.
To keep an eye on the area at all tis, they would co to inform her imdiately once anyone discovered the existence of their valley.
Currently, those birds showed no signs, proving that Han Ling’s group was still unaware of their location.
"Father, with here, you can relax. Our mission to aid the world with dicine is indeed a very rewarding endeavor."
With her and Mrs. Zhang’s persuasion, Mr. Ruan agreed to beco a doctor.
The matter was settled, and Ruan Mian planned to leave. Mrs. Zhang intended to send her off, but she said, "Mother, don’t worry. Xiu’er is waiting outside; he can support back."
Mrs. Zhang glanced and gravely pulled Ruan Mian aside to whisper.
"Mianmian, although Xiu’er is physically ill, he looks like a tall and strong adult man. You being so close to him might make others..."
"Mother, why are you still worried about this? You’ll know I’ve never cared about what others say."
Seeing her misunderstanding, Mrs. Zhang quickly shook her head and explained, "I’m not worried about gossip; I rely feel you’ve been too close to Xiu’er these days. I’ve noticed Mr. Xie seems to be a bit jealous."
As soon as she said this, Ruan Qing, who was munching on wild vegetable cake, ran up joyfully.
"Sister! Mother is right. Yesterday, when I brought Mr. Xie good food, his face turned dark when I ntioned you were working on tools with cousin Jin Xiu. I was quite scared!"
"You’re all overthinking!"
"Not at all! Everyone knows Mr. Xie has an interest in Sister; Sister can surely sense it too. It’s just that Sister doesn’t wish to get involved in romance, right? I know!"
Ruan Mian chuckled and followed her words, "You’re right; what’s sweeter than earning money when it cos to matters between n and won?"
"Mother, Father, we’re in a predicant now. Our priority is to reunite as a family and create a stable and happy ho. We haven’t fulfilled the basics yet, so dabbling in romance would only delay things."
Seeing her daughter speak so straightforwardly, Mrs. Zhang smiled helplessly, "You have your ideas, and Mother supports you no matter what."
"In the future, Mother won’t overthink. Regardless of others’ views and words, we will live well as a family!"
Ruan Mian nodded, but Ruan Qing couldn’t help but speak up.
"Sister, although you say so, we should still care about Mr. Xie. It seems he’s injured again. When I delivered food to him a few days ago, I noticed his clothes were stained with blood."
Bloodstains?
She had indeed not paid attention to him while busy with the shop, road construction, and farming these days.
Could it be sothing happened to him at the camp?
Upon hearing this from Ruan Qing, Ruan Mian decided to go and check on him.
So after leaving the house, she asked Xiu’er to support her in finding Xie Huai’an.
However, unexpectedly, she received a cold reception at the door.
She paused uncertainly and looked at Vice Minister Dong, "Assistant Minister, has Mr. Xie really turned in for the night?"
It was still early; even the candles inside hadn’t been extinguished. She didn’t believe he had gone to sleep.
Vice Minister Dong awkwardly touched his nose and whispered, "Miss Ruan, after you brought your cousin along, Mr. Xie suddenly lost interest. Don’t be fooled by Mr. Xie’s amiable deanor—he actually has a quite temper."
She understood.
But it didn’t matter.
She smiled and raised her voice to call Ruan Jinxiu, "Xiu’er, let’s go."
Just as she was about to let Ruan Jinxiu take her away, she suddenly scread!
It scared Ruan Jinxiu and Vice Minister Dong into quickly assisting her, "Cousin!"
"Miss Ruan, are you alright?!"
The sudden scream quickly drew attention from inside; Xie Huai’an opened the door, his eyes filled with concern as he walked over to Ruan Mian and furrowed his brow.
"Are you okay?"
Ruan Mian suddenly laughed, staring directly at Xie Huai’an, "Does Mr. Xie finally want to see ?"
Xie Huai’an’s expression changed slightly; he glanced at Vice Minister Dong and the others, muttering, "You do have your ways."
Ruan Mian slowly got up, moving her foot slightly, "It wasn’t entirely an act; my foot is really injured. I’m here today because my sister said you are injured too, is that right?"
"It’s just a minor injury, no need to bother you."
His words had a faint hint of avoidance. Thinking about what her mother had said, to avoid future unpleasant interactions or misunderstood feelings, Ruan Mian suddenly asked him frankly.
"Has Mr. Xie taken a liking to ?"
Upon hearing this, Vice Minister Dong widened his eyes, ready to enjoy the show.
Clearly, Xie Huai’an hadn’t expected this woman to openly express such things, leaving him speechless.
"Why do you say that, Miss Ruan?"
"Don’t you, sir? If not, why feel jealous? Even my sister saw your interest in , hasn’t Vice Minister Dong noticed?"
Suddenly throwing the question to Vice Minister Dong, he beca excited and quickly nodded.
Unfazed by Xie Huai’an’s darkening gaze, he grinned, "Miss Ruan, I can attest to this; our esteed gentleman indeed has feelings for you."
His statent imdiately evoked a stern glare from Xie Huai’an.
Yet Ruan Mian’s expression turned serious. She glanced at the house, "May I speak with you alone, sir?"
Upon hearing this, Vice Minister Dong tactfully pulled Ruan Jinxiu away.
Perhaps due to Ruan Mian’s overly straightforward manner, Xie Huai’an experienced an uncharacteristic discomfort in front of a woman.
Once they returned inside, he was about to speak when Ruan Mian suddenly interjected.
"If I were to truly earn your affections, it would be a blessing. Yet your aspirations lie elsewhere, and your future is bright and promising, inevitably to leave this wilderness one day."
"On that land in Capital City, you have grand ideals and ambitions, whereas I only wish to live peacefully here with my family. In this lifeti, I will not compromise for anyone again."
Clearly, Xie Huai’an hadn’t anticipated her saying these things to him, but her words precisely struck a chord within him.
He gazed intently at Ruan Mian, showing admiration and respect rather than regret or disappointnt.
Then he turned to grab the jar of ginseng wine brewed by Ruan Mian from beside the stove, pouring a bowl for each of them.
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