"Didn't they say that Qiao Er's elder brother was deliberately defeated and accused of collusion at the Coastal Defense HaiFang City? And the Qiao family was exiled because of this. What is he doing there now? Is he trying to find evidence and clear the name of the Qiao family on his own? Doesn't he know how dangerous it is there?" Thinking of Qiao Er's face, so similar to his father's when he was young, Bei couldn't help but feel worried.
"According to the letter, Brother Qiao only went there because he was suspicious of the sudden large orders from the South Sea merchants, so he went there to meet them personally." Although knowing that Qiao Er was like an elder figure in Tong Bei's heart, Cheng Mo still felt a little jealous seeing her worried look, but he didn't show it on his face, "Bei, don't worry. If we hurry up tomorrow, we might be able to catch up with him before entering the city."
"Yeah, you're right. Let's get some rest early tonight and set off early tomorrow morning." Bei didn't say much and turned around to go back to her room to rest, just wanted to leave early the next day.
That night, Bei was restless in her space. She didn't know what changes would happen in the capital city, but there would definitely be a battle in the Coastal Defense City. She, who grew up in peacetime, really couldn't face the bloodshed and power struggles that involved hundreds or thousands of innocent lives. What kind of change would the black gunpowder formula she handed over to Cheng Mo bring to this era of cold weapons? It could be described as a unilateral slaughter machine. Would he really only use the black gunpowder for civilian use as promised? Since she trusted him, she would bear whatever consequences there were.
It would take five days to reach the Coastal Defense HaiFang City. After preparing food and supplies, and with the sky outside getting brighter, it was time to set off. For the first time traveling by land, they finally had the opportunity to use the modified carriage. Since they were traveling incognito, they couldn't use the carriage from the palace, so Bei brought the fully equipped carriage from her space to the courtyard and waited there. Sure enough, Cheng Mo soon arrived.
"Bei, I know you're anxious, but do we really need to leave this early? I was hoping to have some breakfast before we go."
"We don't need to. On our way south, we can stop by the Same City Traveler Lodge at the Farewell Pavilion 5000 meters away the city and have some food there. I also want to see how the morning fresh milk business is doing there." With the time accelerator in her space, the fertility and milk production of the cows were increasing rapidly. Bei was actively cultivating the locals' habit of drinking milk.
"Sounds good. I heard that since the benefits of milk were serialized in the South to North Community Talk newspaper, along with detailed recipes for several milk-added pastries, and invited a few villagers to taste and comment, it's been really popular. People are queuing up to buy even before the sun rises. Tong Chen entrusted the business of this dairy shop to the LeiZi family, and I heard he recruited many villagers Boat People Dan like themselves to help out." Cheng Mo paid close attention to information related to Bei from the reports sent by the Wind Department every day.
"I already knew about that. I even visited the stone village built by their villagers along the foothills. LeiZi is quite a talent I discovered. How about it? My judgment is sharp, isn't it?" Bei boasted with a slight sense of pride, seeking praise. "But today, I just want to hurry and give you a chance to experience the lively atmosphere of the on-site rush."
"It seems like you just want to indulge yourself there," Cheng Mo looked at Bei with affection, gently tapping her forehead with her finger as she spoke with a slightly proud expression. "Alright, my miss, please get on the carriage and take me to witness the booming scene of your popular hotspot?"
"Wow, Cheng Mo, you're quite trendy with your words, aren't you?"
"Well, I have Tong Boss to thank for guiding me every day."
"So, you're implying that I'm self-absorbed, huh?" Bei turned and entered the carriage. Seeing Cheng Mo come in, she teased, "You're tired of hearing me talk so much? Then don't follow me, ride your own horse."
"Here, hold this." Cheng Mo chuckled indulgently, reaching over Bei's shoulders, playfully turning her back against her own and forcing her to face her, then placing a sandalwood box in her hands.
"Wow, this box is made of sandalwood. The contents inside must be quite valuable, huh? Oh, a hairpin made of pearl shells!"
"Yes, the last time we found many pearls growing on the shells of those big mother-of-pearls, so I ground them along the texture of the shell to make these pearls. My craftsmanship is rough, don't dislike it."
"You made this yourself? It's so exquisite, and it's our first travel memento, it's so meaningful. Why would I dislike it? I'm so happy. Cheng Mo, Cheng Mo, I love it so much." Bei covered the lid of the box, then threw herself into Cheng Mo's arms and hugged his neck tightly.
Cheng Mo grinned widely at this sudden enthusiasm, contentedly tightening his arms around her and closing his eyes to lightly smell the fragrance emanating from the person in his arms. He knew his girl wasn't just a materialistic person who loved gold and jade. It seemed like this gift had touched her heart, making all the times he'd worn out his hands and gotten blisters worth it.
"Come here, sit down and let me, your handsome husband Mo help you tie your hair and put in the hairpin."
"What are you talking about? With just a little encouragement for you, you could open a dyeing workshop. Don't entertain any more fanciful ideas. You're so improper, saying such things." Bei didn't take it well, sitting up straight and pinching and twisting Cheng Mo's side, unable to say whether she was angry, embarrassed, or just flustered.