NCCnovel Chapter 428: Cold
Chapter 428: Cold
Chapter 428
Thanks to the two previous trials, everyone worked even more closely together over the next two days, each one working with great enthusiasm. In just two days, they repaired all the ditches and roads in Baihua County that had been destroyed by the torrential rain and flooding.
Of course, what is more crucial is that on the day the incident happened, County Magistrate Qin sent someone to Beijing at full speed to report the disaster.
Upon learning of the situation, Emperor Yuanzhen inquired in detail about the circumstances, quickly allocated disaster relief funds, and issued a series of policies to benefit the people. Upon hearing that taxes had been reduced by more than half, that collapsed houses would be rebuilt with funds allocated by the court and that Magistrate Qin would personally oversee the reconstruction, the people became even more motivated and worked even harder.
When the last stone slab was laid, everyone gathered around the newly built canal and cheered in celebration.
It is indeed a good thing that their hometown can be rebuilt. Luo Shuiyao also understands everyone's excitement and smiles unconsciously.
Chun Xing carried the wooden bucket, and Luo Shuiyao handed the herbal tea to each of them. When she handed it to Qin Chuan, her fingertips accidentally brushed against his palm, and both of them were startled. They looked at each other and then quickly looked away.
After the cold tea was distributed, she left with Chun Xing. Qin Chuan looked at her receding back, and his ears felt hot again.
After returning to the inn, Luo Shuiyao discussed with the guards. Now that the repairs to Baihua County were complete, they decided to pack up and restock their belongings tomorrow before hitting the road again.
After noon, Luo Shuiyao was taking a nap in her room when she suddenly heard Chun Xing knocking on the door: "Miss, someone is looking for you."
Although she was filled with doubts, she still dressed and went downstairs to check. As soon as she arrived at the inn lobby, she saw the yamen runner who had claimed to be the yamen head from last time standing in front of the hall. The token on his waist gleamed coldly in the sunlight, and his face was a look of respect and happiness that could not be concealed.
"Miss Luo, I'm sorry for disturbing you."
Seeing her approach, the yamen head saluted with a fist, lowering his voice to say, "In two days, Baihua County will hold its annual Toasting Festival, a lively occasion unique to the county. It was originally supposed to be held as usual, but after this natural disaster, Baihua County has been able to quickly recover, which is even more worthy of celebration. Therefore, Lord Qin has decided to move the Toasting Festival forward by two days. Young lady, although you are not a local, you have played a significant role in disaster relief efforts. We unanimously implore you to bring your companions to attend this grand event."
"This..." Luo Shuiyao was slightly stunned, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the hem of her skirt, and she hesitated for a moment. They had been staying here for many days and had planned to set off tomorrow.
Seeing this, the yamen head took another half step forward, his tone becoming more earnest: "Miss Luo, Lord Qin said that if it weren't for you and the others' help, how could Baihua County have regrouped so quickly? This toasting festival is a day of thanksgiving and prayers, and without you, it would lose much of its glory! Just stay one more day, just one day, and you won't miss your business."
Chun Xing, standing by, couldn't contain herself any longer. With sparkling eyes, she tugged at her sleeve and said, "Miss, since we're staying one more day, why don't we finish the festival before leaving? This toast festival sounds so interesting. Why don't we just go?"
As she spoke, she blinked her eyes expectantly, looking like a spoiled child.
Luo Shuiyao looked at her rare "rogue" demeanor, and then remembered the sincere smiles of the people during the disaster relief. Her heart softened, and she said softly: "Since that's the case, please thank Lord Qin and everyone for their kindness on my behalf."
The yamen leader was overjoyed and said yes repeatedly. He also carefully reminded the time of the banquet tomorrow and the things to pay attention to during the festival, and then left in a hurry.
When his figure disappeared around the corner, Chun Xing couldn't help but cheer and spun around: "Great! I want to toast with you, young lady, and pray that you will have a safe and smooth life!"
Luo Shuiyao looked at Chun Xing's innocent appearance, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She had witnessed Chun Xing's transformation from a quiet and reserved person to a girl who finally behaved like a girl. She gently tapped the tip of Chun Xing's nose and said, "You are the most anxious."
Dusk streamed in through the inn's windows, enveloping them in a warm halo.
.........
The next day,
After lunch, Chun Xing unpacked her belongings. Since leaving Kyoto, they'd been wearing simple, lightweight men's clothing for ease of movement. It was a rare occasion to attend such a grand event, so Chun Xing was inevitably excited, clamoring to dress her daughter up nicely to impress everyone.
Luo Shuiyao leaned against the window, glanced at her with amusement, and ignored her busying around, flipping through the book in her hand with a lazy look.
Chun Xing's craftsmanship is not as good as Chun Tao's. Chun Tao is the one who usually does the dressing up for Luo Shuiyao, so Chun Xing is inevitably a little unfamiliar with it.
After she helped Luo Shuiyao choose clothes, she wanted to make a beautiful bun for her hair, but after fiddling with it for a long time, she still felt unsatisfied.
Luo Shuiyao didn't urge her, but just watched her busy on her head. As time went by, Chun Xing's movements gradually became more skilled, and her techniques became more fluent.
Finally, a round, full and stylish hanging bun was completed.
Luo Shuiyao did not bring too many jewelry when she went out this time. The only few strings of beads she had were picked out by Chun Xing and pinned on her head.
The pearls complemented her already delicate bun, making her look even more gentle and graceful. But upon closer inspection, her eyes and eyebrows shone with a touch of heroism, like the gentle spring breeze that caresses the blossoms, embracing the chill of winter snow. Her beauty was captivating, yet it also shone with an undeniable edge, as if silently revealing her inherent tenacity and courage. Paired with her matching green and soft floral brocade dress, her flowing sleeves accentuated her graceful demeanor.
Chun Xing looked at her and couldn't help but sigh: "Miss, I think you are getting more and more beautiful.
Chun Xing looked at the newly dressed Luo Shuiyao, and the scene of their first meeting came vividly to her mind. Back then, the young lady was wearing a dress similar to the one she wears today. Although the style wasn't as fashionable as it is now, it still caught her eye at first sight. But now, she felt as if she were in a different world. Although she was the same person, her features were almost unchanged, she still felt that the young lady now was completely different from the one she first met.
Chun Xing had no idea that appearance reflects the heart. Although she was Luo Shuiyao back then, she had just traveled through time, and her original features were more distinct. Now, after so much time, some aspects of this face were increasingly similar to Luo Shuiyao from her previous life, her appearance and demeanor subtly changing, naturally giving people a completely different impression than when they first met.
Luo Shuiyao didn't notice at all, thinking that Chun Xing was just being sweet-talking. Although she knew it in her heart, everyone likes to hear nice words, and she was no exception.
After receiving the news, Luo Shuiyao specifically instructed several guards to pack up and go out for fun after the toast festival began.
After hearing this, the guards immediately expressed their concern for her safety and were unwilling to leave without permission.
The innkeeper happened to be passing by at this time and couldn't help but interrupt, "The people of Baihua County are honest and kind. Under the governance of the county magistrate, the county has always had good public security. Everyone, rest assured, the young lady will be safe even if she walks alone on the street."
The guards rarely have the opportunity to have such an outing, and they were already longing for it. When they heard this, they thought about how they had gotten along well with the people of Baihua County in recent days and realized that they were indeed simple and kind, so they felt relieved.
As the agreed time was approaching, Luo Shuiyao went out with Chun Xing alone. Thinking they would explore Baihua County today, the two of them chose to walk instead of riding horses or taking a carriage.
It had only been a few days since the downpour, but the scene before us felt as if it had never even arrived. The streets were filled with a festive atmosphere, with lanterns hung high and colorful decorations adorning the streets. Although the natural disaster had deprived the streets of flowers, skilled artisans had decorated the streets with handmade paper-cuts, creating a unique atmosphere.
As Chun Xing stepped onto the streets, she was swept by a bustling scene unlike anything seen in the capital. Lanterns swayed gently in the wind, paper-cuts fluttered from the eaves, and the festive atmosphere spread like honey. She leaped for joy like a bird freed from its cage, flitting between the stalls, sometimes kneading clay figurines, sometimes fiddling with copper bells, each item leaving her in a state of amazement for a long time.
Luo Shuiyao looked at the lively city life in front of her, and felt a warm feeling in her heart - Baihua County, which had been silent due to natural disasters, was now rekindled by the festival. The smiles in the eyes and eyebrows of the people proved that County Magistrate Qin was a good ruler better than any praise.
"Miss! Look at this wooden dragonfly!" Chun Xing suddenly leaped up from the woodcarving stall. A palm-sized bamboo dragonfly trembled gently in her palm, its emerald green wings shimmering with a shimmering green and yellow, like tender new leaves sprouting in spring. Even more captivating were those amber eyes, shimmering with an indescribable charm, perfectly complementing the bamboo embroidery on Luo Shuiyao's skirt. After informing the stall owner, Chun Xing trotted over, holding the wooden dragonfly in front of her, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Luo Shuiyao took the wooden dragonfly, examined it carefully, nodded slightly, and said, "It's really good, very lifelike. If you like it, buy it."
After hearing what Luo Shuiyao said, Chun Xing's eyes narrowed into slits with a smile, and she said with a happy face, "I'll go ask the stall owner how much silver it costs."
After Chun Xing skipped back to the stall, Luo Shuiyao turned her gaze to the embroidery stall nearby. As her fingertips touched the brocade handkerchief embroidered with twin lotus flowers, a chill suddenly crept up her spine.
Deep in the crowd, a woman with a sleek bun stared at her intently. Her eyebrows and eyes were picturesque, yet frosted with frost. Her sinister gaze was like a poisoned arrow. But the moment their eyes met, her expression quickly softened into a gentle smile.
He nodded at her, then turned sideways and chatted quietly with the tall man beside him, his behavior intimate and natural. From a distance, it looked like an ordinary couple strolling leisurely down the street.
Luo Shuiyao's heart fluttered slightly, as if she had experienced this strange feeling once before in the capital. But when she looked carefully, the lady didn't even glance at her again.
She immediately shook her head and sneered. Perhaps she was mistaken. The woman didn't know her, and they had no grudges against each other, so why would she look at her like that? Thinking this, she looked up again and saw only a crowd of people. Only the smell of fireworks drifting on the wind and the faint scent of rouge lingered in her nose.
But it seemed that nothing could dispel the inexplicable uneasiness in her heart.
.........
The Third Prince grabbed Lu Zhaozhao's wrist and pulled her away from the throng. Along the way, he dodged one civilian after another with disgust as he nearly bumped into them. Finally, he found a quiet spot. There, he saw Lu Zhaozhao, her head lowered, looking absent-minded.
He lowered his head and asked, "Do you know that woman?"
Although it was a question, the tone revealed full of certainty.
When Lu Zhaozhao heard this, a dark color surged in his eyes, but he suddenly raised his head, and a trace of panic and sadness flashed in his eyes.
After making sure that the Third Prince had seen through her emotions, she quickly looked away and said with forced composure, "Who could I possibly know? He's just a passerby."
However, her trembling voice and slightly shaking fingertips had already exposed her panic.
This attempt to cover up something that only makes it more obvious could obviously not be hidden from the Third Prince.