Chapter 1553 - 1400: The Fake Commandery Princess 10
At noon break, Ye Shuangshuang was busy handling herbs, while Ye Jingyi and Ye Jingfei were gathered on the side watching, because the herbs Ye Shuangshuang was processing were very troublesome and also very valuable.
For so many days, it was the first time Ye Shuangshuang had seen such precious herbs, thanks to the short mountain path taken yesterday. It was not easy, and Ye Shuangshuang cherished them immensely, not letting anyone else touch them, handling them personally.
Ye Jingyi and Ye Jingfei, seeing how precious the herbs were to Ye Shuangshuang, didn’t dare to reach out.
However, they didn’t want to leave Ye Shuangshuang either, so they sat by her side, watching her busy work and occasionally chatting with her.
Over this period of time, even Ye Jingfei, who was initially a bit reserved towards Ye Shuangshuang, grew to really like her. His whole self leaned against Ye Shuangshuang’s side, with bright eyes watching her.
Now Ye Jingfei most admired Ye Shuangshuang, this sister, who was amazing, seeming to be capable of anything, unshaken by anything.
Ye Jingfei secretly compared sisters Qin Muchen and Ye Shuangshuang, concluding that his own sister Ye Shuangshuang was better.
Though the other had been with him for a long time, she was very delicate, and the moment there was any problem at home, she couldn’t wait to change her surname and return to Prince Nan Mansion, which was bad. Ye Jingfei didn’t speak out, fearing to sadden his parents and brother.
Though Ye Jingfei was young, he still remembered when that mistaken sister left them without hesitation, his parents and brother, despite appearing pleased with her departure, were secretly sad for a long time. His mother even cried; he didn’t like the sister who made his mother cry.
Ye Fangchen and Bai Menghan leaned against each other, with Bai Menghan rubbing Ye Fangchen’s shoulders. Now she was carried every day by Ye Shuangshuang, so she wasn’t tired, and had the energy to take care of others.
For example, she helped Ye Shuangshuang cook and wash clothes, and relaxed Ye Fangchen’s shoulders during breaks.
Ye Feiying and the Shen Family walked hand in hand, slowly pacing back and forth on the ground. Their granddaughter told them that the rushing pace was too fast for them to keep up, and relaxing with slow walks during breaks could strengthen their bodies.
After doing as advised, they indeed felt their health improved greatly during this time, even stronger than when they lived a privileged life before.
Ye Fangchen looked at the siblings gathered together over there, occasionally hearing Ye Jingyi and Ye Jingfei’s laughter drifting over, feeling a bit emotional. How long had it been since he saw those two children smile?
Ye Fangchen didn’t expect that, after such a severe disaster befalling the family, there would still be times of such relaxed atmosphere. He remembered when they first learned about the confiscation and exile, everyone in the family was deeply troubled.
At that time, everyone’s hearts were filled with despair, even the youngest Ye Jingfei was downcast. Yet now, they had regained hope, with less sadness in their hearts.
The reason for this was Ye Shuangshuang’s arrival. This daughter was always full of energy, enduring hardships yet highly capable, greatly easing the physical and mental pressure for the Ye Family.
Clearly having been raised in privilege too, yet like a tree in wind and rain, she remained steadfast despite gusts and downpour, seizing every opportunity to make life better for the family.
Her face was always smiling, lively and sunny, as if any situation didn’t matter, and she could make herself and those around her live well even in any predicament.
Even the government officers’ attitudes improved because of Ye Shuangshuang to the point of sometimes turning a blind eye, allowing Ye Shuangshuang to briefly leave the group to pick herbs she spotted.
Ye Shuangshuang was like a sun suddenly entering their dark world, lighting up their cold and dreary hearts, guiding them onto a path that might be rugged yet hopeful.
Like Ye Fangchen, Bai Menghan also devoted most of her attention to Ye Shuangshuang, watching Ye Shuangshuang’s serious herb processing, couldn’t help but express to Ye Fangchen: "How fortunate we are, having such a good child as our daughter."
"Surely we must have done many good deeds in our past life, for heaven to give us such a good daughter." Ye Fangchen rarely expressed such sentimental words.
After Ye Shuangshuang finished tidying up the herbs, the group continued forward, but today they encountered the least desirable situation in the escort process, missing the place to stay, unable to reach a settlement with accommodations by night.
With so many government officers plus the Ye Family of seven, staying in a village was very inconvenient because, according to regulations, government officers absolutely must not separate from prisoners.
And no ordinary household could accommodate nearly thirty people. That meant besides post stations and inns, there was nowhere for everyone to lodge, signifying a night spent outside.
Now with the weather nearly entering late autumn, each day was getting colder, and sleeping outdoors was certainly uncomfortable.
Moreover, if it were just sleeping outdoors, setting up tents, lighting campfires, and covering with blankets wouldn’t be too bad.
What worried everyone more was the dark clouds gathering in the sky, indicative of impending rain, which would be a real problem if it rained.
An autumn rain brings a chill, and rainy autumn days easily lead to illness and catching cold. Not to mention others, Ye Feiying and the Shen Family, Bai Menghan, with their weak constitutions, absolutely mustn’t get wet.
Ye Shuangshuang couldn’t resist quickening her pace to the leading government officer: "Officer brother, considering this weather looks like rain, why not rest early today? In autumn, getting soaked is likely to lead to illness."
The officer was also worried about the rain; after all, no one was made of iron, and getting wet could lead to cold and flu. Nowhere near a village or shop, no doctor could be found; catching cold could mean waiting for death.
The leading officer, frustrated, surveyed the surroundings and beckoned for a subordinate: "You’re quick on your feet; go scout ahead and see if there’s anywhere for everyone to rest."
Watching the subordinate head off, the leading officer turned to Ye Shuangshuang: "I’ve sent someone to scout ahead. If there’s a place to stay, great; if not, we’ll find somewhere to pitch tents quickly."
Ye Shuangshuang, a bit anxious, expressed thanks, hoping the scout would be lucky enough to find a place to stay. Their tents were quite thin, facing cold weather couldn’t keep off the chill.
The group continued forward, with Ye Shuangshuang always watching the front, waiting for the scout’s return. Fortunately, he didn’t take long, bringing back news.
The news he brought wasn’t too good; while a suitable place to stay was found ahead, it was a dilapidated temple.
Ancient people revered Buddhism, temples were everywhere, essentially as long as there were mountains there would be temples. Many temples were abandoned due to various reasons; encountering such a temple was considered lucky, as long as it wasn’t too rundown.