All her life, she had been dedicating herself to the Sun Family.
For the sake of an arranged marriage alliance, she abandoned her childhood sweetheart and married the heir of the Wang Family.
To maintain the power of the main branch, she cooperated with the Fang Family to hunt down the orphan Fang Heng.
Later, Sun Yu died, and the Sun Family was greatly weakened.
To revive the Sun Family, she had to reluctantly marry her daughter to the Fang Family.
And now, she had to abandon her childhood sweetheart again.
"It is I who have wronged him, before, now, and in the future," Sun Shi covered her face, "Give him some silver, tell him to leave."
Leave far far away, and never look back at the little childhood affection.
Beside her, Wang Yuyao heaved a long sigh of relief, not noticing when her mother collapsed.
"Mother, the situation is difficult now. The Fang Family is asking for Fang Heng, the Wang Family is not under control, uncle is gone, we really have nowhere to turn," Wang Yuyao sobbed softly.
Sun Shi looked up, a flash of ruthlessness on her still young face, "Don't worry, Anshui Prefecture will have a change of power soon."
"Mother, do you mean..." Wang Yuyao looked up.
Sun Shi closed her eyes and said no more.
In the past, the Wang Family was a knife in the hands of the Fang Family, only to take Fang Heng's life.
Now the Wang Family was taken away, Fang Heng was living well, the Fang Family would not stand by.
Fang Heng was right, the storms and rains of the siblings were all brought by him.
But time flew by, Jiang Sheng grew from seven to nine, shooting up in height. The six of them were no longer the helpless children at the beginning.
In the courtyard of the Wang mansion.
Beside the complicated chessboard, two teenagers sat facing each other.
Wang Fufeng held the white chess pieces. Seizing the opportunity, he made a move to cut off the black piece's vitality, "What do you think, will the Fang Family still target cousin?"
Little ChangYan held the black pieces, fearless. He made a move to reverse the disadvantage, "Not maybe, definitely."
Wang Fufeng frowned and made another white move, choking the black pieces' throat, "A dragon should not overwhelm local snakes."
When the main branch was in power, they tried desperately to curry favor with the Fang Family. But Wang Fufeng did not take the Fang Family seriously. Although young, he was a little arrogant. In Anshui Prefecture, the Wang Family could protect anyone if they wanted, no matter what the Fang Family tried.
"Unless..."
Unless this person was a top ranking official.
With a move, panic swept the board.
Speaking of which, the Anshui Magistrate was supposed to be transferred in April, why was he still here in May?
ChangYan felt uneasy and hurried back to the Hairpin courtyard.
When school was over and Xu Mo came back, the first thing he said was, "The Magistrate will leave soon."
The siblings all respected this official who loved the people like his children.
Jiang Sheng immediately picked up five catties of sausages, "Bring some for the Magistrate."
Xu Mo nodded slightly, then looked at his brothers, "The Magistrate sent me a message that he will depart tomorrow. I have asked for leave from the academy to see him off for a stretch."
"I want to go too."
"Me too."
One after another, they all wanted to see off this kind magistrate.
It was a pity that Zheng Ruqian was not here, that was somewhat regrettable.
The next day soon arrived.
Jiang Sheng brought ten catties of sausages, five catties of cured meat, some local products from Xieyang County, and rode in the carriage with his brothers to see off the Anshui Magistrate.
At the largest eastern gate of the county city, there were still the majestic city gates, magnificent plaque, orderly commoners coming and going, and soldiers checking luggage.
Although Anshui Prefecture was extremely far from the capital Fengjing, it could still have such prosperity. The magistrate had contributed greatly.
The Anshui Magistrate stroked his beard, satisfied at looking at the city he had governed for years.
His advisor carried packages on either side, followed by several carriages carrying families.
"Sir, it's getting late. Fengjing is far. We should set off," the advisor gently reminded.
The Magistrate shook his head, still stroking his beard. "Someone hasn't arrived yet."
The advisor was puzzled. The major households had all come to see him off, who could be left?
When a shabby little carriage stopped before them, and a light green figure jumped down, the advisor understood.
It turned out to be Xu the scholar.
"Magistrate, sir." Xu Mo cupped his fists and bowed, "Student is late. I hope you have a smooth journey, sir."
He was not actually late, but wanted to bid farewell separately.
This was precisely what the Magistrate wanted. He laughed heartily, satisfied.
After the laugh, he became serious again, "The reason I delayed my departure for a month, was because the next Anshui Magistrate had an urgent matter delaying him. He should arrive in a few days."
Normally, a successor would start preparing half a year in advance. There was no such thing as an urgent matter delaying him.
Unless someone had intervened at the last minute.
The Magistrate was subtly hinting that what the children feared most, had happened.
Xu Mo's lips tightened as his heart sank.
"But don't worry too much. Unlike a county magistrate, the higher the official rank, the more people watching. He wouldn't dare act rashly," the Magistrate comforted, "I've left word with Constable Yuan to take care of you all more."
This was the most a departing official could do.
Xu Mo was deeply grateful, "Thank you, sir."
With no more to say, the Magistrate got on his carriage and waved at the vibrant, growing children.
Although much difficulty lay ahead, as long as they got through it, it would be their time of growth.
"Wait, wait!" Jiang Sheng jumped down from the carriage and ran over with his little short legs. "Sir, don't forget the cured meat and sausages!"
He shoved over a huge heavy package, the Magistrate almost fell off the carriage.
After stabilizing himself, the carriage sped off.
He could only smile wryly and bless the children to have smooth journeys ahead.
At the city gates.
The Magistrate's carriages disappeared from sight. Xu Mo heavily turned and led his brothers and sisters back.
ChangYan asked several times, "Big brother, what's wrong?"
Xu Mo shook his head, not wanting to speak of it to worry the younger ones.
But ChangYan guessed close enough, "Is it that the next Magistrate will be bad for us?"
At this, the entire carriage fell silent.
When they finally arrived at the Hairpin courtyard, they saw Auntie Zhang anxiously waiting at the door. Seeing Jiang Sheng, she hurried over, "Oh no, little Jiang Sheng, the weather was too hot, much of the cured sausages have gone bad."
Misfortunes really come together.
