Chapter 31: Returning to the Livestock Farm

Chapter 31: Returning to the Livestock Farm

Clip-clop, they exited from the west gate of Songhe City and continued westward.

The spring rain had nourished all things, and the lush grass stretched as far as the eye could see.

It was on this very road that they had braved the snow and entered the city, only to slip and fall on their bottoms countless times.

But now, they rode on fine horses, and not only did they have a knife at their waist, but also... Of course, they didn't have much money, but they could already borrow some, relying on their reputation.

Urging their horses to go faster, they arrived at the Livestock Farm before noon.

The dogs at the farm still remembered the grudge from the egg-stealing incident. As soon as they saw Meng Yuan approaching, they started barking incessantly.

"I've dealt with wolf demons, so what's to fear from a few dogs?" Meng Yuan gave them a glare, and the dogs immediately quieted down.

The villagers saw a young man riding a horse, his clothes were ordinary, but his face was ruddy and handsome. They thought he was someone's young master, but upon closer inspection, they realized it was Xiao Chuanjiang, the castrator, and they all greeted him.

Ignored in the bustling city, he never received such treatment back at the village.

Meng Yuan exchanged a few polite words and proceeded to the main hall, where Sun Zhuangtou, the estate manager, had already come out to greet him.

After some small talk, Meng Yuan took out the note signed by Xun Mei.

Sun Zhuangtou took the note and saw that Meng Yuan was now a palace guard and had made a great contribution, and he wanted to bring his family back to the city.

He glanced at Meng Yuan, noticing the youth's tall and clean-cut appearance. Not only had he made a name for himself, but he was also benefiting his family. But hadn't he only left for the city a few days ago? He must have found a high-ranking connection! Sun Zhuangtou wondered if it was Xun Mei.

Sun Zhuangtou wiped the sweat from his forehead, thinking to himself, "Thankfully, I didn't mistreat Elder Jiang and his grandson. Otherwise, if he went back and complained, my life would be miserable!"

"Old man, I've met countless people, and I knew from the first day I saw you at the farm that you would amount to something!" Sun Zhuangtou stroked his beard with a familiar smile, "And sure enough, I was right!"

After a casual compliment, Sun Zhuangtou was about to take Meng Yuan to find Elder Jiang.

As they left the main hall, they saw several villagers, including Big Head Zhao, surrounding Jiang Zhanyou and Jiang Tang.

In the nearly two months since they last met, Elder Jiang had aged a bit more, his back slightly hunched.

Jiang Tang, on the other hand, had a ruddy complexion, and despite her coarse cloth garments, her youthful charm was undeniable.

With her horn pigtails tied behind her head and two big, dark eyes, she gazed at Meng Yuan. After nearly two months apart, she felt both the joy of reunion and the shyness of a young girl.

Meng Yuan stepped forward and held her hand, and only then did Jiang Tang exclaim with delight, "Brother!"

Her voice was crisp, yet it held no hint of seduction.

But as a twelve-year-old blonde girl, she had no allure to speak of. Instead, she exuded pure radiance, like the spring sunshine. Meng Yuan was truly unmoved.

Jiang Zhanyou saw that Meng Yuan didn't hesitate to hold his granddaughter's hand, and he knew that the young man's intentions hadn't changed. Tears streamed down his face, for he didn't have many years left, and his only concern was for his granddaughter.

Now it seemed that his granddaughter had found a good match.

During the escape from the disaster earlier that year, Jiang Zhanyou had received help from this young man, saving his life. Later, he saw the young man bury an elderly man who had spoken up for him, and he knew that the youth was a kind and trustworthy person, worthy of his trust.

That was why he had passed on the castrator's skills and even agreed to the marriage without fully understanding the situation.

At this moment, Jiang Zhanyou looked at the young man again, and he saw that his appearance was excellent, and his temperament had already changed. Everything was good, but some things were too good. His granddaughter was still young and couldn't bear children yet, and he worried that she wouldn't be able to hold on to the young man, and he might be taken away by another family.

"Everyone, disperse! Go back to work!" Sun Zhuangtou saw the villagers gathering around and quickly invited the Jiang family and Big Head Zhao into the main hall to talk.

Once inside, Sun Zhuangtou knew that Meng Yuan would want to have a private conversation with the Jiang family. He smiled and said, "I'm also familiar with Xun Mei, and we're all like family here. Please take a seat, and we'll have lunch here. I'll go and prepare some wine and dishes."

"Then we'll trouble you, Estate Manager."

"There's no reason for Meng Yuan to refuse a gesture of goodwill, so he agreed right away.

After Sun Zhuangtou left, Meng Yuan still held Jiang Tang's hand.

Her skin was gradually improving, but it was still a bit rough.

'Are you used to living in the city?' Elder Jiang asked with concern.

'Everything is fine,' Meng Yuan gently caressed Jiang Tang's hand and asked with a smile, 'How is everything at the village? Has anyone bullied you?'

'Everything is fine. The village head is a decent person,' Elder Jiang replied.

'How's your health recently? Are you still coughing at night?' Meng Yuan asked again.

'It's better now that spring is here, but as one gets older, there are bound to be more ailments,' Elder Jiang said.

'I've already spoken to Sun Zhuangtou. You can move back to the Imperial Mansion today. There's a place to stay, and the work won't be too tiring. You can slowly recuperate,' Meng Yuan said.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhanyou completely put his mind at ease and cautiously asked, 'Xiao Meng, what's your situation at the Imperial Mansion now?'

'I'm already a Palace Guard, and Xun Mei specially allocated a place for me to stay. I have no worries about food and drink, and I receive ten taels of monthly silver.' Meng Yuan didn't hide anything.

'That's great! You've really made something of yourself. Ten taels of silver a month, we wouldn't even dare to dream of that!' Jiang Zhanyou exclaimed.

'There will be more in the future,' Meng Yuan smiled and pinched Jiang Tang's hand, 'With this, I can even afford to feed you well every day.'

Jiang Tang's face turned red, and she smiled.

The Jiang family didn't have much to pack, so they quickly set off after a simple preparation.

'Brother, this little red horse is so pretty. Does it feel bumpy when riding it?' Jiang Tang asked, looking at Meng Yuan with her big, round eyes.

Meng Yuan glanced at her and then leaned over to extend his hand.

Jiang Tang stepped forward and took his hand. Meng Yuan sat behind her, holding her waist, and taught her how to control the reins and urge the horse forward.

Zhao Datou drove the donkey cart, with Jiang Zhanyou slowly following behind.

'Once they settle down and have another child, you'll be left with nothing but happiness, Elder Jiang!' Zhao Datou said enviously.

'Indeed,' Jiang Zhanyou agreed, smiling as he watched the two on the little red horse.

The warm afternoon sun shone on the spring day, and the sound of horse hooves grew more cheerful. Jiang Tang's laughter rang out like a silver bell.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end