The children played a bit late today, and when they returned to their rooms, they were all drowsy, wishing they could sleep imdiately.
Just as they lay down, Jiang Hu ca in and told them that they would be leaving early the next morning, so they should pack their things now.
"Just bring the essentials, we are traveling light. The rest of the things will be transported to the town later."
Jiang Hu gave each child a reminder, then went to pack his own belongings.
Xiaomi was also a bit surprised. She guessed the family would leave eventually, but not this quickly.
Fortunately, she didn’t have much stuff. She put her money pouch away and packed a few intimate change of clothes.
It is said that it is quite far to the town, taking seven or eight days on the road. Even if they can’t bathe, they should at least have two sets of clothes to change.
The bow and arrow given by Wei Ziang definitely had to be taken along, as well as the little money she had saved over the years.
Xiaomi didn’t have much to pack, so she finished quickly. Xiaoxue had a bit more due to various embroidery threads and cloths, but the sisters’ things could all fit into one box.
Just as they were about to find their parents to ask about the situation, Jiang Hu ca again.
"Xiaoxue, don’t bring too much of the silver coins, just bring a few dozen copper coins. Leave the silver at ho; it’s not safe to carry it on you, understand?"
Just about to take out the silver notes, Xiaoxue obediently put them back.
"Okay, Papa, then where should I put these?"
Seeing the little box in her second sister’s hand, Xiaomi remarked, "So much money!"
Jiang Hu took it over: "Your mother also has a money box, I’ll lock this inside as well. When the ti cos, it’ll be sent to the town along with the grains."
Xiaomi finally learned sothing.
"Dad, so does it an that when Grandpa Liu’s people co later, they’ll help us transport the things especially?"
Jiang Hu nodded with a smile: "Yes, and every month last year, when we sent grain to Grandpa Liu’s place, we would send a bit more. The extra was stored at our new ho."
Xiaomi’s eyes widened in surprise: "We already have a new ho?"
This, this is too fast!
Without a word, how many things has Dad been secretly arranging behind our backs?
However, Jiang Wei didn’t explain much, just patted Xiaomi’s head: "You’ll find out when the ti cos. It’s not early anymore; if your things are packed, go to sleep first."
Xiaomi, having her doubts slightly relieved, obediently nodded.
Jiang Hu went to remind the other children again and then told everyone to go to bed early.
anwhile, he and the second mother took so coarse flour, as well as cornal and finely ground sorghum, to the kitchen to make dry food.
No fillings were needed; just a bit of animal fat to cook one flatbread after another, and two pots of coarse grain buns were stead. Then, everything was placed in a ventilated area to beco dry and hard by the morning.
When going out, it is important not to flaunt wealth, especially for a group like theirs, composed mostly of children.
On the road, they would eat the dry food with pickles and water, making do for a few days. Once they reached their destination, they could enjoy themselves properly.
Xiaomi yawned as she got into bed. When she woke up, she felt a swaying motion and, upon opening her eyes, realized she was no longer on her own bed.
"Xiaomi is awake?" Wei Ziang was the first to notice: "It’s still early; do you want to sleep a bit more?"
Xiaomi rubbed her eyes, stretched lazily, sat up, looked around in confusion, and then rembered.
"So we’ve already left, huh? What ti is it now, why is it so early, it’s still dark outside."
Once she sat up, she realized she was on an ox-cart. Around her was the familiar straw canopy used in winter to block wind and rain.
She was being held by her mother, with her father across from them, holding Jiang Wei. Her older brother held a small oil lamp.
The ox-cart wasn’t large; the whole family was crowded on it, moving slowly and feeling cramped.
Xiaomi got off her mother’s lap and squeezed in next to her, noticing that everyone had sleepy looks, leaning against each other with their eyes closed, resting. It seed no one had slept well.
"It should be the third watch period now. It’s still early, Xiaomi, sleep a bit more. Once we get to the town, we’ll switch to a carriage."
Second mother brought Xiaomi closer to her, letting her lean against her side, with Xiaoxue on the other side.
Across from them sat Jiang Hu, Jiang Yu, and Wei Ziang. Jiang Wei hadn’t woken up and was being held by Jiang Hu. Between them, several old wooden boxes and a few bundles were placed.
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