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Qi Yuan was once again preparing the Xian Cao Juice when Wu Shengnan rushed to his side and asked, "What are you busy with? Let me help you."
Qi Yuan shook his head and replied, "It's better if you don't. I don't want you to get hurt again. Just stay here and don't go anywhere."
He didn't want Sister-in-law to see her during the final steps in the kitchen. Wu Shengnan reluctantly sat back down, feeling that facing Qi Chong was truly difficult.
After filtering the last spoonful, Qian Duo Duo turned toward the courtyard door. The sound was not one of alertness but rather a reminder.
When Qi Chong opened the door, it was the assistant from Xian Ke Lai coming to pick up the goods. The three brothers and four assistants were busy transporting a large wooden basin while Yu Chunmiao sat beside Wu Shengnan, engaging her in conversation.
Wu Shengnan responded half-heartedly, her gaze constantly drifting toward Qi Yuan, a blush lingering on her cheeks. Yu Chunmiao thought to herself that the young girl seemed to be experiencing the stirrings of love. However, not knowing much about her family background, she dared not play matchmaker.
"What does your family do? Are they in business?" Yu Chunmiao asked her.
Wu Shengnan replied absentmindedly, "No, my brother is a military general; I just eat at home."
Yu Chunmiao pressed on, "What about your parents?"
With a hint of sadness, Wu Shengnan said, "They passed away when I was young. My brother raised me."
Yu Chunmiao quickly apologized, but Wu Shengnan smiled gently and said, "It's fine; I was too young back then to remember much."
As they chatted, the goods were almost finished being moved. Qi Yuan began harnessing the donkey cart. Qi Chong and Qi Rong went to the hall to fetch the sacrificial items.
Chen Ruolan put on her wooden hairpin again and donned a newly made outfit, her hair neatly styled. Everything was ready as Qi Chong slung his bow over his shoulder and grabbed his hunting knife, preparing to head out with Yu Chunmiao.
Wu Shengnan stood alone in the courtyard, feeling lost. After a moment's thought, Yu Chunmiao suggested, "Why not bring her along? Otherwise, she'll be all alone at home."
Qi Yuan agreed; if she ran off, it would be troublesome for Yamen.
The family decided to bring her along. Wu Shengnan sat in the car with two other women, while Qi Yuan drove. Qi Rong sat beside Er Ge, and the donkey was already struggling to pull the cart. Qi Chong walked alongside the donkey cart, with Qian Duo Duo following closely by Qi Rong's side.
Qi Fu's grave was not far away; after passing the dilapidated temple in Village East, they would reach it by walking a bit further. Wu Shengnan leaned against the side window, gazing at the scenery outside. At that moment, the late rice in the fields was beginning to head, and farmers were half-hidden among the stalks, weeding and irrigating.
As they passed through the village of Zi Shi, a dog provoked Qian Duo Duo, who barked back and scared it away. Ever since Qi Chong became the village chief, everyone had been smiling and greeting the Qi family, starting from his first day when he brought his cane into the government office.
Qi Chong nodded slightly in acknowledgment as Chen Ruolan responded graciously from inside the car. They passed by the broken temple and saw that its roof had been repaired. On one side of the half-constructed bamboo fence, wild vegetables were drying in the sun, and several newly cultivated plots had sprouted seedlings.
When they arrived at Qi Fu's grave, the three brothers took up hoes and sickles to clear the weeds, while Yu Chunmiao swept with a broom. Chen Ruolan carried offerings from the car. Wu Shengnan helped her with the items, and Chen Ruolan smiled at her before getting back to work.
Once everything was ready, they lit incense and candles and arranged offerings, including bows and hunting knives. The family knelt together to pay their respects at the grave. When they stood up, they noticed that Wu Shengnan had also bowed once.
Chen Ruolan pulled her aside and said, "Silly child, why did you bow? Just rest over there."
Wu Shengnan grinned and replied, "I was thanking Qi Uncle! When I bowed just now, I told him thank you for teaching Qi Yuan to save me. He should be happy to hear that!"
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