However, even knowing this, he would not care too much. Throughout the long journey of life, there are many people of all kinds; he would not fear anyone and would not compromise because of the immense power behind others.
The next day, at dawn, the summer morning brought a gentle breeze that dispelled the heat baked into the earth by the sun. Liu Qingxi and his companions packed their luggage and set off, enjoying this refreshing air.
Five carriages slowly rolled out from the back door. In the lead carriage, Liu Qingxi sat alongside Liu Qingyan, with books that Liu Qingyan would need placed beside them.
The next carriage was filled with maids and servants, while the remaining three carried their luggage, provisions, and local specialties.
As for the drivers? Naturally, they made full use of family members, with Liu Yi and other guards taking on that role. Two others rode horses on either side to protect the carriages.
Although there was nothing valuable inside, such an obvious departure still raised concerns.
At this time, most of the villagers in Ten Li Pu were lost in dreams, with only a few diligent ones up early to prepare for work.
Liu Qingxi's residence was at one end of the village, so the sound of wheels rolling did not attract much attention. However, the doors of Liu Laowu and Liu Laosi's homes were wide open.
As they passed by, Liu Laowu and Liu Laosi happened to come out of their homes.
Looking over, several people stood quietly at the door, watching their carriages approach from afar.
"Fourth Uncle, Fifth Uncle, Fourth Aunt, Aunt Wu," Liu Qingxi and Liu Qingyan called out as they got down from the carriage.
Liu Laosi had a complicated expression. After Brother Three's passing, he witnessed the growth of two children. During those difficult years, he had not contributed much; however, the rewards Liu Qingxi provided were unimaginable.
He swallowed hard, a hint of bitterness crossing his face. "On this long journey away from home, you two siblings must take care."
"You child, how good it is here in Ten Li Pu! Why do you have to go out? How can we rest easy?" Zhao said with a worried look.
They simply cannot understand Liu Qingxi's way of thinking. With her current life in Ten Li Pu, in Biqi Town, or even in Linyi County, she could live comfortably for a lifetime. Why venture out into the world?
Isn't a simple life good enough?
The expressions of others mirrored this sentiment, and Liu Qingxi's closest friends, Liu Qinglian and Liu Qingju, had tears in their eyes.
A pang of sorrow filled Liu Qingxi's heart. As the moment of parting approached, a mix of emotions overwhelmed her—reluctance and nostalgia flooded her mind. However, she couldn't let this sentiment affect everyone else. She forced down the bitterness and managed to pull a strained smile.
"Fourth Uncle, Fifth Uncle, Aunt Four, Aunt Wu, and Qinglian and Qingju, I'm not leaving for good. There's no need for all this."
Liu Laosi was the first to regain his composure and said to everyone, "Alright, alright, stop crying. Let's all work hard when we get back. We'll go to the capital to find Qingxi." As for the First Branch and Second House family, they were not obligated to support them.
Only the Qin Family and Yan were their responsibility.
"Okay, you all hurry up and leave. While it's still cool, stay safe on the road and send us word when you reach the capital."
Despite the reluctance, parting was inevitable.
As she boarded the carriage and lifted one side of the curtain, Liu Qingxi looked back. The families from Liu Family's Fourth Branch and Fifth Branch stood quietly watching them leave.
They became a small black dot until they turned a corner and disappeared from sight.
The scenery along the way was so familiar; memories flooded back vividly. Even the trees and grass beside her seemed familiar. But as time passed and the carriage moved farther away,
the flowers and plants by the roadside gradually became unfamiliar. They passed through town after town and crossed vast fields until they finally arrived at the place where she had agreed to meet Yang Yichen.
Linyi County was right before her eyes. Over the past few years, Liu Qingxi had visited the county city many times; several customers were from there, and she was quite familiar with its layout.
In order to facilitate business dealings, she even purchased a courtyard here.
Upon arriving in Linyi County, the group first went to their courtyard to rest for a while, and then Liu Qingxi and Liu Qingyan set out for the county office.
Due to her previous business visits, the gatekeeper recognized her and led them inside without needing to announce their arrival. " Miss Liu, it's been a while since we last saw you!"
The Yamen Guard chatted warmly with Liu Qingxi, as if they were old friends.
"Things have been busy at home lately, I've had some matters to arrange. It seems like you've been looking more spirited these days."
"Of course! Thanks to your care, Miss Liu. Hehe!"
It turned out that he was also from Biqi Town, and his family relied on him for support. After getting to know Liu Qingxi, he was able to arrange work for his family members, which made him extremely grateful.
"Your family members are quite capable themselves." Otherwise, if they were lazy and unproductive, she wouldn't have opened the back door for them.
In no time, they arrived at the office of Yang Yichen, who had been waiting for Liu Qingxi's arrival. "You're here! Let's go greet Liu Gonggong first."
It was essential to show respect to Liu Gonggong, especially since he agreed to wait a little longer. Knowing him could only be beneficial for Liu Qingxi.
Building good relationships is always useful in the future.
Liu Qingxi understood this principle well, and Liu Qingyan had not wasted her years of study; she presented herself in the best manner as they headed over together.
Behind the county office was a designated accommodation area, where the most luxurious and comfortable room was arranged for Liu Gonggong. When Yang Yichen and the others arrived, he was practicing calligraphy.
The strokes of his brush exuded a sense of righteousness; this was a necessary skill for eunuchs serving by the emperor's side. Sometimes, certain official documents could be drafted by them.
The eunuchs, having no offspring, were naturally more devoted to the royal family, although one could not rule out the possibility of them being bribed.
Putting down his wolf hair brush, Liu Gonggong smiled at the few people in front of him.
Yang Yichen stepped forward, "Liu Gonggong, this is Liu Qingxi, my fiancée, and this is her younger brother, Liu Qingyan." He then exchanged glances with the siblings.
Liu Qingxi had met Liu Gonggong before; although they had only exchanged a few simple words, she had a good impression of him. In this trip to the capital, connections were very important.
She quickly performed a standard greeting: "Greetings, Liu Gonggong. It has been a few years since we last met, and you look even younger."
Liu Qingyan also cupped his hands in greeting: "Greetings, Liu Gonggong!"
"Hahaha!" Liu Qingxi's words delighted him, and Liu Gonggong burst into laughter: " Miss Liu truly knows how to speak. Young Master Liu looks quite extraordinary as well!"
Regardless of gender, who doesn't like being complimented on their youth? It's human nature.
"Liu Gonggong, you flatter me. It is a blessing from our past lives for me to accompany you this time," Liu Qingxi said with a gentle smile. "There is no need for thanks. I noticed you enjoy practicing calligraphy, so I specially prepared a gift for you. I hope you won't find it lacking."
She presented an exquisite wolf hair brush, which was indeed to his liking.
Sure enough, Liu Gonggong was even more pleased; these young people may be young in age but were quite perceptive.
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