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Standing firmly on the ground, looking at the familiar yet somewhat strange forest, Bai Tang felt an overwhelming sense of emotion: when he left the Red Mansion World, he thought he would never return. Unexpectedly, not long after, he found himself back in this world. The Red Mansion World was in August just like the real world, but unlike the cold and mutated air of reality, here it was crisp and refreshing, incredibly comfortable. Bai Tang took a deep breath of the fresh air, feeling as if his entire chest had been cleansed.
He moved his fingers and transferred Bai Dad and the others from the gang's base to the grassy area in the forest. Bai Tang crouched down and woke each of them up one by one.
"Is this really the Red Mansion World? The air is so fresh!" Bai Ma curiously looked around, "Where is this?"
"This is the forest outside Yangzhou City, where I first landed in this world." Bai Tang helped Bai Ma sit under a large tree and said to the others, "It's still ten miles away from Yangzhou City. If we walk, it will take quite a while. Why don't you wait here for me? I'll go into the city to hire a carriage to pick you up!"
"Alright, you go ahead! We'll wait for you here!" Bai Dad nodded and sat down next to Bai Ma. Ai Wanxi followed Bai Dad closely and sat obediently beside the two elders. Among them, Child's feelings were the most complex.
Bai Tang reminded them a few more things, opened the system map, clicked on Yangzhou City's coordinates, activated the Swift Travel skill, and disappeared into the forest in an instant. Yangzhou City was still bustling with activity; it seemed to have changed a lot yet remained unchanged at the same time. The old shops on the busiest streets in Yangzhou City were still thriving, though their managers had changed numerous times.
Bai Tang sighed as he stood at the intersection and walked towards the carriage rental shop to hire a carriage to bring Bai Dad and Bai Ma out of the city. Before coming to the Red Mansion World, Bai Family had all changed into clothes that Bai Tang had previously bought from there. After changing, they looked like wealthy masters taking their children out for a day trip, which could easily intimidate ordinary citizens. However, there were some bold individuals who noticed that Bai Family did not have any guards or attendants with them and might entertain some ill thoughts. Of course, they would never stand a chance against Bai Dad and his companions who possessed abilities; even without using their abilities, just relying on their skills from killing so many zombies would easily overpower several adult men. However, such situations were extremely rare. Although the forest was next to the official road, very few passersby were willing to venture deep into it for rest.
Bai Tang gave the carriage driver a couple of silver coins as a tip. The driver cracked his whip happily and arrived at the edge of the forest in just a quarter of an hour. Bai Tang instructed him to wait outside while he entered the forest to bring out Bai Dad and the others.
"This ancient street is so lively! It's just like what I've seen on television!" Wu Xuemei curiously looked around, feeling as if her eyes weren't enough to take it all in. At that moment, she felt somewhat immersed in this experience. Her appearance was even more naive than Liu Laolao entering Grand View Garden; Bai Tang felt embarrassed and stepped back away from her and her son. Indeed, a country bumpkin's son is also a bumpkin; two people raised in modern society found everything curious. The bumpkin kept asking his mom to buy this and that with an air of someone who had plenty of money, making many stall owners chuckle.
Bai Dad and Bai Ma appeared much calmer; although they were also excited and curious, their life experiences and age naturally made them more composed than young people. Moreover, maintaining appearances was important.
Bai Tang gave two silver coins to dismiss the driver and led five people around the street to satisfy their curiosity. Xing Xiaokang dragged Ai Wanxi and his mom from one stall to another, buying a large assortment of snacks: crab soybean curd, snowflake cake, salty duck eggs from Gaoyou, layered oil cake, big Beijing nuts, crispy duck with sesame seeds, fragrant herb dumplings, jade steamed buns, date paste pancakes, lard flower buns, five-nut double sesame cakes, shrimp dumplings with noodles, Jingjiang beef jerky, knife fish soup noodles, Yangzhou soup dumplings, crystal trotters... The traditional ancient production techniques used pure ingredients without any pollution made these foods taste more authentic and delicious than modern Yangzhou cuisine. However, after walking halfway down the street, everyone—adults and children alike—was stuffed.
"Let's find a teahouse to digest our food and rest for a bit!" Bai Tang's suggestion received agreement from others.
Bai Tang initially wanted a private room but since Bai Dad and others wanted to experience drinking tea in an ancient teahouse—listening to stories and gossip—they chose a table by the window on the second floor. Bai Ma and Wu Xuemei sat by the window eagerly watching people come and go below while occasionally commenting on them with soft laughter; Bai Dad leaned back against his chair holding a teacup with half-closed eyes listening to the storyteller while Xing Xiaokang mimicked him perfectly with his own cup of hot tea.
Bai Tang pulled Xi Baozi close and asked Child who had been silent: "Xi, what are you thinking about?"
The bun looked up at Bai Tang with big round eyes filled with confusion and anticipation: "Auntie, is this really the world I once lived in? Can I go see my father?"
Bai Tang patted Child's head thoughtfully considering how best to explain: "You know what time travel is right?"
Child nodded; modern internet culture and television had taught him about time travel.
"Then you should also understand that different time spaces might have different rates of time flow?"
Child widened his eyes in shock: "You mean I can't see my father again?"
Bai Tang nodded: "One month in the modern world is equivalent to two years in this world. Can you calculate how many years have passed in this world?"
Child counted on his fingers, his face falling as he said, "Over forty years! My father must be gone!"
After saying this, Child's tears began to flow.
Bai Tang quickly hugged Child, taking out a handkerchief to gently wipe his tears: "Don't cry. When your father entrusted you to me, he had already accepted that you two would never meet again. He hoped you would live well, so don't let him down!"
"But I miss my father!" Child sniffled. Although over forty years had passed in this world, for Child, it had only been two years since he left his father.
"How about this? Once we settle down, I'll take you to visit your father's grave, okay?"
Child was taken aback and softly replied, "Okay! Thank you, Aunt!"
Bai Tang held Child tightly, feeling pity for him; he was such a sensible and lovable child.
Bai Tang waved her hand, and a sharp-eyed Tea Doctor noticed and ran over: "Excuse me, sir, how can I assist you?"—As soon as Bai Tang arrived in the Red Mansion World, she automatically changed into men's clothing.
Bai Tang tossed a silver coin to Tea Doctor: "My family and I come from the southwest and want to settle in Jiangnan, but we are unfamiliar with the area. Can you help me?"
Tea Doctor was overjoyed to receive the money and replied: "Sir, you've asked the right person. I'm Zhang Nian, a local born and raised in Jiangnan. I'm very familiar with the area, even the situations outside of Jiangnan."
"Then you know the news from the court as well?"
"Of course, I can tell you..."
From Zhang Nian, Bai Tang learned that the former Su Lin family was thriving more than ever. Lin Ruhai and Jia Min had passed away, but their children were still alive and doing well. After reaching adulthood, Lin Daiyu married Jia Baoyu, who had been trained by Jia Zhu. They were loving spouses and already had grandchildren. Lin Brother Three Yuan excelled in his studies, surpassing his father and bringing glory to the Lin family; he was now in the cabinet as one of the top ministers. Jia Zhu, who once held a high position among officials, had passed away two years ago due to health issues stemming from his youth. However, the Jia Family successfully transformed from a military family into a prestigious scholarly household. The Xue Family, once a merchant family, became an esteemed noble family; Xue Pan was granted the title of Duke of Sui Country due to his military achievements, greatly enhancing their reputation. Xue Baochai married into royalty and is now a respected matriarch. After experiencing turmoil from Madam Shi and Madam Wang, the four prominent families—Jia, Wang, Shi, and Xue—have emerged from decline and established themselves during the Great Shun Dynasty, transforming from despised upstarts into families with deep roots.
Naturally, with rise comes fall; the once-dominant local tyrant family of Zhen Family in Jinling, just like in the original story, faced disbandment. Half of the families among the four kings and eight nobles have become historical footnotes; even the once-glorious residences of the Northern Tranquility Prince's Residence and the Southern An Prince's Mansion have faded into history.
The current emperor sitting on the throne is the son of Xue Baochai, also known as Ai Wanxi Baozi's nephew; he is diligent in governance and beloved by the people—a good emperor.
"Would you like to go see your nephew?" After sending off Zhang Nian, Bai Tang asked while stroking Child's soft hair.
The bun shook his head while holding onto his head: "No need. With my father gone, the palace isn't my home anymore. I don't even know this nephew."
"Haha!" Bai Tang pinched the round face of the bun, wondering how Child could be so cute!
"Tang Tang, where are we staying tonight?" Bai Ma suddenly turned to ask her daughter.
"Let's stay at the Inn first! Tomorrow I'll look for a Dental Shop to buy a house and settle down."
"Longmen Inn or Tongfu Inn?" Wu Xuemei asked eagerly.
Bai Tang smiled, "Mei Mei, you've watched too much Television. But if you're interested, you can open one yourself in the future. Personally, I recommend you open Tongfu Inn."
"Tang Tang, we're not buying a house for now!" Bai Dad interjected.
"Why? Don't you like Yangzhou?" Bai Tang asked in surprise.
"Even though we've come to another world, I still want to return to S Province to live. The lifestyle there is what I can adapt to. Yangzhou Cuisine is tasty after trying it once, but I still prefer the strong flavors of S cuisine."
Bai Ma and Wu Xuemei nodded in agreement; they were also not accustomed to the customs of Yangzhou. It's nice to visit once, but for settling down, they would still need to get used to the climate and local customs of S Province.
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