Stockpiling for an Exiled General Through My Store's Back Door

Chapter 85: Chapter 85: Ling Qianjun’s Family

”Welcome to Dongxuan Country, Buwan,” Ling Qianjun said softly, a smile touching the corners of his lips.

Hua Buwan’s smile hadn’t faded since she arrived. Opening her arms, she looked up at the sky of a millennium past and declared, ”I’m here, the Dongxuan Country of a thousand years ago!”

”Shall I introduce you to my family?” Ling Qianjun watched Hua Buwan’s expression carefully as he broached the topic, unable to hold back his nervousness. He wondered what would happen when they met and what they would say to each other. Would Hua Buwan even like them? As for his family, he was certain they would adore someone as wonderful as her.

Hua Buwan agreed without a second thought. ”Sure! I’ve been wanting to meet them for a long time. It’s just...” She looked toward the distant firelight and voiced her concern. ”Everyone here is an exile, and you all know each other. If I just show up out of nowhere, how will we explain it if I’m discovered? And how will we deal with the government officers?”

If she were the typical female lead of a time-travel novel—a secret agent or an assassin—she wouldn’t be afraid at all. But she was just an ordinary person with no special possessions and zero martial arts skills. In this ancient era where imperial power ruled supreme, a single misstep could cost her her life. She would end up six feet under.

Ling Qianjun had naturally considered this. ”It’s fine,” he reassured her. ”Our family has been walking at the very back of the procession, and we’re shielded by the trees on the side. As long as we’re careful, no one will notice us. Besides, most people are getting ready to rest at this hour, so no one will be looking back. Even if someone does, we’ll cover you while you hide behind a tree. It will be perfectly safe.”

He pointed ahead. ”My family is resting right up there. The government officers are at the very front of the group, which is quite a distance away. We can chat for a bit, and then I’ll escort you back to your general store.”

”Alright, let’s do that,” Hua Buwan nodded in agreement.

Ling Qianjun led the way, with Hua Buwan following closely behind him, keeping just a step apart. She occasionally glanced at her unfamiliar surroundings, her heart brimming with excitement. It suddenly occurred to her how the heroines in the farming novels she used to read would dig up ginseng and Lingzhi, eventually reaching the peak of success in life. If possible, she wanted to experience foraging for wild vegetables and medicinal herbs herself.

Ancient forests were teeming with wild herbs, vegetables, and fruits. These natural treasures would fetch a hefty price in the modern world. Even if she didn’t sell them, they would be wonderful just to taste. Although her hometown was considered a historical town, it had long been commercialized and developed. The mountains nearby had woods, but the plants were all cultivated and manicured.

Furthermore, most of the medicinal herbs on the modern market were artificially cultivated. Their medicinal efficacy was several grades lower than that of their wild counterparts. Some traditional herbal prescriptions were brilliant and could take effect quickly, but because modern herbs were so much weaker, people often mistakenly believed the old remedies were nothing more than snake oil. It was a real pity.

Hua Buwan had even heard her neighbors mention that the modern market was flooded with fake medicinal herbs. You could buy herbs that bled artificial dye when washed, or ones that simply dissolved into nothingness when boiled. It was chilling to think about—it was all just synthetic chemicals and shady manufacturing.

Shaking off these thoughts, Hua Buwan focused on the path ahead. Soon, a campfire and a small group of people came into view.

The exiles ahead of them had indeed lain down for the night, though it was unclear if they were already asleep. However, the last few people at the very back were still huddled around the fire. It was Ling Qianjun’s family!

Worried that Hua Buwan might be angry with them, they kept glancing toward the woods, waiting anxiously for Ling Qianjun’s return.

As a result, the moment Hua Buwan stepped closer, their eyes met!