It was no wonder that everyone was surprised. Since the reunion of the siblings, the four years of time could be described as sharing weals and woes together.
From the beginning when Xu Mo attended the county school, took the licensing test for xiucai, and then the provincial examination for juren, interspersed with opening the workshop, renting the house, and hiring helpers.
Almost all the important decisions, the six siblings have participated.
The only exception was Jiang San who went far away to the frontier.
In Jiang Sheng's mind, the imperial examination that Eldest Brother would take was so important that Second Brother should also stand at the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall, waiting eagerly for Eldest Brother to come out.
But Zheng Ruqian just stroked her head and said gently, "Silly Jiang Sheng, as people grow older, time becomes more precious. With my absence at the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall, Eldest Brother can still come out top in the examination; without me going to the northern frontier, goods cannot be transported back."
"Yes, yes." Wang Xiaosong, who was also carrying a package, nodded desperately until pulled to the corner by his sister Wang Xiaozhu.
"But..." Jiang Sheng twisted the hem of her clothes with both hands, "but Second Brother has just returned not long ago, and now has to go on a long journey again. I can't bear to see you leave."
They were siblings who grew up together. How could they suddenly get so busy that they barely had time to stay together, as they went about their own business?
Were those intimate days together destined to become just memories?
Seeing Jiang Sheng's expression become more and more aggrieved, her big round eyes covered with tears, even Zheng Ruqian sighed unusually, "Actually, this trip was to see if I could open up the northern frontier route so that in the future, it would be easier to deliver things to Jiang San."
He didn't finish the rest.
Because in his sight, Jiang Sheng's expression changed from grievance to shock, then to astonishment, and finally to wild joy as she turned around.
Although she was a chubby girl, her skirt-lifting action was extremely agile. She rushed into the yard even more swiftly, and carried out the preserved sausages and dried meat that Aunt Zhang had prepared for dinner, as well as the pastries from the Jiuzhen Store that she had secretly hidden, plus several pieces of short-sleeved clothes for spring and autumn seasons, and dozens of pairs of shoes with cloth soles.
Lifting the carriage curtain, she found that there were also quite a lot of things inside, with everything needed.
Zheng Ruqian raised his chin proudly. "Since I'm going to the northern frontier, how can I not bring some things for Jiang San? I intended to go ahead of you long ago."
Jiang Sheng glared at him, then carried all the things she had prepared onto the carriage as well, "Still not enough. Bring more. Third Brother is lacking food and clothing outside, so it won't be wrong to bring more."
After speaking, she turned and drilled back into the yard again.
Wen Zhiyun and Chang Yan didn't know when they had followed along too, smuggling out all durable goods with their butts up.
It was all because the carriage was too small to hold the entire yard.
Breathing in the cold air of January, Zheng Ruqian felt quite helpless. "Jiang Sheng, weren't you reluctant to see me go just now?"
"Yes I was reluctant, but I am even more reluctant to see Third Brother go. He must be eating and dressing badly, spending New Year’s festival alone outside." The little girl argued eloquently, "Second Brother should set off earlier to convey our regards to Third Brother on our behalf."
Wen Zhiyun and Chang Yan unanimously nodded their heads vigorously, their eyes brimming with eagerness.
It was obvious that everyone missed Jiang San.
Even Xu Mo coughed twice, drew a letter from his arms, and sighed, "I wrote this letter to Jiang San a long time ago, but still haven't found any long-distance travelers going from Fengjing to the northern frontier, so I might as well hand it to you to deliver, thanks for the trouble."
After speaking, he didn't forget to pat Zheng Ruqian on the shoulder.
Zheng Ruqian was indignant in his heart, but still took the envelope and hid it firmly in his arms.
It was difficult to squeeze everything into the carriage even when it was fully loaded. Jiang Sheng clapped her hands happily, "I hope Third Brother will be happy when he sees these things."
Zheng Ruqian grunted as he sat on the shaft, no longer able to feel the sadness of parting.
But he still had to admonish Jiang Sheng, "From now on, the Jiuzhen Store and workshop will be left entirely to you."
"Don't worry, Second Brother." Jiang Sheng waved her hand, with a trace of crystals finally hanging in the corner of her eyes.
Zheng Ruqian finally sat back into the carriage contentedly.
With Wang Xiaosong pulling the reins, he bared his teeth at Wang Xiaozhu with a smile, and galloped towards the distance.
When Zheng Ruqian chose the transportation route, it meant that he had to run back and forth between east, west, north and south, unable to settle steadily in the residence.
But fortunately, no matter when they returned, there would always be someone at home waiting for them.
The two of them were immersed in the emotions of parting when suddenly there came the sound of hoofs behind them, coupled with two hurried shouts, "Second Young Master, Second Young Master, wait a moment!"
Wang Xiaosong pulled the carriage to an emergency stop.
Zheng Ruqian stuck out his head and saw the silly smiles of Jiang San and Jiang Si, as well as the huge packages in their arms.
"Second Young Master, we have also prepared some things for the brothers. Please help deliver them over." Jiang San dismounted his horse and pleaded softly.
Jiang Si scratched his head. "We were a bit rushed in preparing, but hope the brothers won't mind."
How would they mind?
Things delivered from thousands of miles away embodied everyone's feelings, not to mention the countless longing from their loved ones mixed within.
Although there was little space left behind the carriage, Zheng Ruqian still made room and properly placed the two large packages.
The carriage took off again, heading towards the distant northern frontier.
Jiang San and Jiang Si waved their hands in unison, choking back sobs. "Please tell them that we miss them."
Miss them so, so much.
If people took away goods, then let the wind carry away their thoughts and send them to their loved ones' sides.
Jiang San and Jiang Si stood motionless for a long time until the carriage disappeared from sight before they returned to the second courtyard.
The main family siblings were still there. Seeing them return, Jiang Sheng eagerly asked, "Did you catch up? Did you manage to carry the things?"
"We caught up, thanks to Young Lady's reminder." Jiang San and Jiang Si sincerely expressed their gratitude.
Jiang Sheng waved her hand. "It was because Second Brother was too reticent, only leaking the news today. We don't even know if the things prepared are enough for Third Brother to use and eat."
At the side, Xu Mo laughed at the irony. He wanted to tell his sister that the army camp lacked nothing, but thinking that it was everyone's kind intentions, he swallowed the words back.
The Imperial College had started school. Seeing the sun's position, he picked up his stationery and left.
Just as Zheng Ruqian had said, everyone had grown up now, each busied with their own matters, and it was impossible to stay together all day long having fun and frolicking about like before.
Eldest Brother had to study, Second Brother had to do business, and Third Brother had to earn military achievements. Everyone was busy.
Fortunately, she still had Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother.
Jiang Sheng sniffed and squeezed next to her two brothers, only to discover that they were mumbling something. There was radiance flowing in their eyes, and also a trace of malicious intent.
"Is it necessary to do it now? Doesn't seem appropriate." Wen Zhiyun said timidly.
Chang Yan looked nonchalant. "Fourth Brother, trust me. We can definitely earn money and continue providing relief for the poor. What's wrong with that?"
"Alright... That's of course good." Wen Zhiyun steeled his heart and clenched his teeth. "Then I'll listen to you."
The two finally came to an agreement. Calling Jiang San and Jiang Si over, they sat in the carriage, ready to set off.
Jiang Sheng slipped out stealthily and nimbly climbed onto the shaft, baring her teeth in a smile. "Where are Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother going? I'll come along too."
Chang Yan had long discovered his stealthy little sister but said nothing as he sat upright.
It was Wen Zhiyun who was frightened into looking like a shocked little rabbit. "We... we... we're going to the medical hall."
