"Cheng Tian, have the Rain Division mobilize more manpower. Produce the explosives tubes and algae adhesive cement as quickly as possible, and use them here. I want you to blast within five days, creating a carriage road to the valley where we last stayed.
Have Cheng Feng personally return to the Southern King's Mansion to deliver a portrait of Xiangbei, detailing the changes she has undergone. Secretly send explosives, cement, salt, and sugar to them, requesting that they send someone soon for a marriage proposal.
Uncle Zhong, help me transfer the land within five miles from the Water Pavilion to the valley under Xiangbei's name as private property, including that bamboo forest solitary mountain." Cheng Mo was anxious, unable to wait for Xiangbei's coming-of-age ceremony; he just wanted to quickly label her as his own.
Meanwhile, on the mountain road, Xiangbei was joyfully exchanging information with Qiao Er and Tong Chen, adding numerous items to the inventory list of products from the North-South Supermarket.
"So many new products have been developed. It seems Miss Tong had a great harvest accompanying Lord Cheng this time." Qiao Er looked at Xiangbei, who was talking animatedly about trying out new products with Cheng Mo, with a teasing tone.
Only he knew the subtle vinegar taste in his heart and the deep regret that didn't show in his seemingly light and easygoing tone. But what could he do? Setting aside the fact that their affections were mutual, even if he had retained the youthful spirit for romance, he had carried the heavy responsibility of clearing his elder brother's name and restoring the honor of the Qiao family for over a decade. This young and innocent girl, so pure and bright, and clever beyond her years, should have stood by the side of that flamboyant and carefree young master long ago.
"Brother Qiao, if you want me to address you as Miss Tong, then we'll have to discuss things commercially. I'll auction off all the new products, and the supermarket can repurchase them at market prices."
"Absolutely not, Xiangbei. Brother Qiao is counting on the new supermarket to make a living."
"So, you're not allowed to be distant from me, Brother Chen. You bear witness, okay?"
"Miss Xiangbei, before you came back, Brother ZiQiu had already told me about Lord Cheng's feelings for you. Also, the arranged marriage that Madam has decided for you this time. Therefore, he wants to maintain some distance in front of family members. When he heard the news of Madam's return rushing down the mountain in complete joy, it was replaced by shock upon seeing the splendid carriage, spirited horses, and guards of the Miss from the Hou House. Upon learning about the identities of the two sworn brothers, Lord Cheng and Brother Qiao, as well as the complicated relationship between the Miss and the two, he admits that he's a bit bewildered at the moment.
However, he is willing to follow Brother Qiao's arrangements. He instinctively trusts Brother Qiao and is genuinely fond of Xiangbei. Regardless of Lord Cheng's status, as long as Xiangbei likes him and wants him, he will do his best to protect her and stand by her side."
The carriage came to a halt in the valley, unable to proceed further. Several men unloaded the luggage and loaded them onto the horses.
Miss Hou and her maid each rode a horse, while other soldiers carried their belongings and continued up the mountain. After a few hours on the mountain road, they arrived at the terrace of the mountain residence.
Outside the estate, there were several layers of people welcoming them. Leading the group was Old Master Tong, and behind him were not only Tong family members but also members of the Chen and Lin families, the local hunters.
Miss Hou dismounted and rushed a few steps forward, kneeling before Old Master Tong. They shed tears while showing respect.
The heads of the Tong family led everyone into the hall, where Miss Hou embraced her youngest son, SiNan, and warmly went inside.
Meanwhile, Xiangbei was surrounded by hunters and a few boys, who eagerly showed her the changes in the estate during her absence.
More wild tea leaves were picked, dried, and ground into powder. Tea husks had been burned to produce activated charcoal. Women had woven bamboo baskets, boxes, and small containers, presenting various fragrances.
In the woodworking workshop, a large horizontal wooden oil press had been created.
Thanks to the use of foreign golden flowers, Mantra, the daily hunting yield had increased. Yesterday, they even hunted a group of wild water buffalo in the mountains.
Everyone had eagerly awaited Xiangbei's opinion as they had already divided the meat and hide. Two mother buffaloes with their calves were kept in a circular log fence, mooing continuously.