The departing Jin family head was also furious. He returned to his carriage. When his beloved concubines娇嗲ly clung to him, he slapped them all and pushed them away. He finally lay on the bed, kicking his legs in frustration, and couldn't help but curse at the heavens, "There's no justice in the world! Why are the Cheng family so successful? They should be made to suffer!"
He couldn't stand thinking about how spirited everyone in the Cheng family's convoy looked.
Though they were drinking buddies, they had known each other for over ten years, yet they were so heartless! He just wanted to buy some meat, and they wouldn't sell him any!
The Jin family head, relying on the distance between his convoy and the Cheng family's, threw a tantrum inside the carriage, his face flushed red, as if smoke was about to rise from his head.
He cursed the Cheng family with all sorts of vile words.
Steward Du, listening from outside the carriage, shook his head. Everyone knew that food was scarce these days, so who would sell it? Even if his own master had grain today, and the Cheng family head asked for it, he himself wouldn't give up a single grain.
He feared he would be even more arrogant.
Cheng family head even offered to share his noon meat with him.
But his own master was only concerned with his anger, not remembering anyone's kindness.
This wasn't the first time.
Steward Du knew what kind of person his master was. He was only fit to be a drinking buddy. Who would dare to confide in him? He was a man of his word and jealous. It was no wonder the Cheng family head was unwilling to merge their convoys.
As a personal servant.
Steward Du saw the relationship between the two clearly. He felt that the other party was willing to let his convoy follow was already a generous concession.
If it were anyone else.
Would they even let you follow? To enjoy the benefits of their pathfinding?
The Cheng family was kind-hearted.
Steward Du felt he should be content.
If it weren't for his ancestors owing the Jin family a life, he wouldn't have stayed.
He would have left long ago.
He stayed only to repay that debt of gratitude, and thankfully, it was only for three generations.
His son would be free afterward.
Steward Du mused as he waited by the carriage for instructions.
Seeing the Jin family head throwing a fit inside.
Steward Du signaled to the concubines who came out for fresh air, asking them to go in and appease him. If he was allowed to continue fanning the flames, he would only get angrier.
Then, it would be difficult for everyone below.
Don't think he doted on these beautiful concubines.
Once his rage flared, these beauties could also perish.
The beautiful concubines exchanged glances. Fearing they would be abandoned, they could only endure the pain in their faces and go in to coax him. The Jin family head then vented all his anger on them.
-
The Cheng family's convoy, on the other hand, began to have breakfast. It was mushroom and dough drop soup.
Though bland.
It had a fresh and delicious taste, and it was quite good.
Everyone was not picky.
The entire convoy ate their fill. Upon hearing that the children had gathered the mushrooms, they all praised them in unison, making the children blush with embarrassment.
The Cheng family head nodded, looked at these children, and said, "Excellent. Everyone is working together, all for the betterment of our convoy. This is the right way, and everyone should continue to do so in the future!"
Everyone naturally agreed with a smile.
Though they were physically tired.
It was all for the sake of crossing the river as soon as possible, so being tired was expected.
It was good enough to be able to eat at this time.
When they heard that there would be meat for lunch, everyone had more energy to work.
After a short break.
They continued to work.
The children also set off with their cloth bags, their moods even more cheerful.
They skipped away happily.
They couldn't resist praise, being at an age where a compliment could make them happy for days.
Cai shi and Xi shi also shook their heads and chuckled, thinking that children were truly wonderful. As long as their parents were by their side, anywhere was home. With food, toys, and companions, they were naturally happy.
The two women were busy with the finishing touches, washing the pots and pans for lunch.
"Let's boil some more hot water later to wash these little brats. We don't know when we'll encounter such a big river again. While we have the chance, let's give them a good wash. They should be able to last for a while."
"Yes, that sounds good. Who needs to wash every day in the middle of winter? A quick wipe of the face and feet will do, maybe wash their bottoms. No need to be so fussy."
After speaking, Xi shi splashed the dirty water into the river and said with a smile, hands on her hips.
Cai shi, hearing her coarse language, couldn't help but give her a chiding look, telling her to be mindful.
Xi shi had lived in the countryside for a long time, and the villagers were all rough people. They cursed a lot, and some even told risqué jokes.
In short, they talked about everyone's business.
No need to be so particular.
Cai shi, having lived in the city, where people were more concerned with appearances and didn't speak crudely, felt ashamed whenever she occasionally heard Xi shi utter a vulgar word.
Xi shi waved her hand and said, "It's their bottom, what other elegant term is there?"
Cai shi was amused.
She couldn't stop laughing.
She was completely convinced.
Xi shi then burst into laughter and said, "That's the truth!"
With someone to talk to, her personality gradually became more cheerful.
Cai shi also felt good having Xi shi around. They could chat when they had free time.
To pass the time.
When Su Miaomiao arrived, she saw the two of them laughing incessantly and asked curiously, "What are you laughing about? It's so funny! Tell me too?" Her clear, bright eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Cai shi said gently to her, "Oh, it's just some indecent talk. You shouldn't ask, it's embarrassing. Are you looking for us for something?"
She didn't know how to address her.
Su Miaomiao seemed to sense her awkwardness and said considerately, "Just call me Miaomiao. Auntie, you're amazing. How did you know I was looking for you for something? It's like this, I've gathered some herbs here that can get rid of lice. You two have many children, so you need to be extra careful. Children are most likely to get them, and if they do, use this to wash their hair..."
As she spoke, she handed them a bundle of tied herbs, something she had brought back from the cluster of things she had dragged back. Because she was hunting, she could keep other things, but prey like wild rabbits had to be handed in.
However, the herbs were originally for getting rid of head lice, which was more needed here.
Because.
Head lice always spread from children. Once it spread, it would be endless. If everyone got infected, it would truly be troublesome.
Ancient people all had long hair.
The thought of it was chilling.
Cai shi and Xi shi knew how capable Su Miaomiao was and believed her words. They immediately agreed and praised her for her foresight.
They were also impressed to learn that she was going to deliver them to Gao Dashan and his group in Shankou Village.
They praised her for her kind heart.
Su Miaomiao smiled without refuting. In reality, she just wanted to solve the problem from the source, as they were a mobile trading post and could exchange things.
The convoy might also go there to trade for some seasonings later.
Frequent contact could lead to infection.
Prevention was necessary.
For example, she was going to deliver herbs later. She not only wanted to teach them to identify these lice-repelling herbs but also to see if there were any seasonings they could trade for.
She wanted soy sauce.
Some ancient people also called it qiuyou, qingjiang, chiyou, and other names.
As the saying goes, good food can comfort the soul.
The convoy shouldn't just satisfy the need for sustenance. If possible, they should also try to make the food tastier.
Everyone's mood would be happier, and they would work harder.
This would also prevent them from suffering from psychological illnesses. Therefore, it was very necessary to trade for a little. For example, they might be able to trade for some with these herbs this time.