Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 1236: Chapter 1238: Departure, Protective Talisman_1

Bai Ruozhu had been telling Little Dengdeng these past few days that she and his dad needed to go on a long trip for work, asking him to stay at home to help take care of Grandma and Grandpa. Little Dengdeng naturally didn’t want to, and made a fuss about going with his mom and dad. Bai Ruozhu had no choice but to patiently explain many reasons to him, such as how their journey would be very hard, and how Grandma and Grandpa would be lonely without anyone to keep them company, that his parents would also be worried, and so on.

Later, she resorted to material temptations, like if you listen well, Mommy will bring you back lots of toys. Dengdeng liked Western mirrors, but because they were valuable, adults generally only let him look at one for a short while. Bai Ruozhu then said, ”If you listen well, Mommy will go buy you a Western mirror that you can hang around your neck to play with, just for you alone.”

After several days like this, Little Dengdeng finally gave in.

But this morning, as soon as Dengdeng woke up, he realized his mom and dad were leaving. His little mouth puckered, and his eyes turned red.

”Mommy, don’t go, I will cry,” Little Dengdeng said, still a bit sleepy, his voice soft and whiny, making Bai Ruozhu’s heart ache.

Just then, Jiang Yichun came in from outside, went over to pick up Dengdeng and dressed him in his coat, saying softly, ”Good son, if you cry again, your mom will feel even worse and will cry too.”

On hearing this, Dengdeng sniffled and managed to hold back his tears.

Seeing how Little Dengdeng was so sensible at such a young age, knowing even to feel sorry for his mom, Bai Ruozhu and Jiang Yichun felt both relieved and heartbroken.

Because everything was already packed, there wasn’t much to prepare in the early morning. Bai Ruozhu and her husband took Little Dengdeng to the main house for breakfast to say goodbye to the family.

In the morning, the house was particularly full. Fang Guizhi had come back from the shop the previous night. Bai Ruozhu had talked to her about Wa San’s situation and mentioned his feelings for her, telling her to consider it. So when Bai Ruozhu saw Fang Guizhi that morning, she noticed the dark circles under her eyes, seemingly from a night without sleep, probably still mulling over the decision.

After breakfast, everyone said they would accompany them to the City Gate. Little Dengdeng nestled in his mother’s arms, looking lethargic and particularly pitiable.

”Dengdeng, Mommy will be back very soon, and I’ll bring you a Western mirror, just like Mommy’s pocket watch, which you can hang around your neck,” Bai Ruozhu could only say nice things to soothe Dengdeng, afraid that he would be too upset.

Soon, the horse carriage arrived at the City Gate, but Dengdeng hugged Bai Ruozhu’s neck and refused to let go. Lin Ping’er hurriedly came forward to take Dengdeng, who struggled a bit, but eventually went into Grandma’s arms.

”I can walk myself,” he muttered, struggling to slide down to the ground to stand by himself, and, imitating the adults, stretched out his little hand to wave goodbye to his mom and dad.

Bai Ruozhu felt a pang in her heart, wanting to hug her son again, but she feared that her own reluctance would make the child even sadder. At that moment, she noticed that Dengdeng was starting to purse his lips, about to cry, but he sniffed, trying hard to hold back, clearly struggling not to cry.

She was reminded of what Jiang Yichun had said that morning, that if Dengdeng cried, Mommy would be upset and cry too. The child, feeling sorry for his mom, was trying hard to hold back the tears, a sight so touching it was almost too much to bear.

Lin Ping’er and Bai Yihong, upon seeing Dengdeng acting this way, couldn’t help but wipe away tears. Jiang Yichun’s eyes were also red. He turned his head and pulled on Bai Ruozhu, saying, ”Let’s go, we shouldn’t miss our schedule.”

It wasn’t that he was heartless, but the longer they delayed, the more sentimental they became. They could only leave sooner to return as early as possible.

Bai Ruozhu glanced at her family and child one last time before stepping onto the horse carriage.

At this moment, Little Dengdeng finally couldn’t hold back his tears, but he quickly wiped them dry, not wanting anyone to see. He still vigorously waved at the carriage, shouting, ”Dad, Mom, come back soon!”

On the horse carriage, Bai Ruozhu’s tears flowed instantly. It wasn’t her first time leaving home, nor was it the first time she had parted from Little Dengdeng. However, in the past, Little Dengdeng was too young to feel much emotion, but now that he understood more, his reluctance shattered her heart to pieces.

Only when the carriage had distanced itself did Little Dengdeng burst into loud cries, calling for his parents while crying. If Lin Ping’er hadn’t held him tightly, he would have truly chased after the carriage.

Hearing was one of Bai Ruozhu’s strong suits and, although they were far apart, she still heard Little Dengdeng’s cries. Her tears broke through like a flood, and she silently vowed to herself that she would spend less time away from her child in the future. When he was a bit older, she would take him traveling to see the pure and magnificent landscapes.

Jiang Yichun, being the leader of the team, couldn’t sit with Bai Ruozhu in the carriage. He rode his horse, his back straight as a rod, but upon hearing his son’s crying, his body stiffened involuntarily. He couldn’t help turning back for a look. Just one glance nearly made him turn around. Only a reminder from a breeze at dawn kept him riding on, quickly spurring his horse forward.

Seeing the leader speeding up, the rest of the team hastened their pace as well. In no time, the entire group was racing down the official road as if rushing to put out a fire, prompting bystanders to swiftly make way.

As the team was on its way, a figure appeared, blocking the path ahead. Seeing it was someone he knew, Jiang Yichun hurriedly ordered the horsemen to stop.

”Why is Young Master Ning waiting here? Is there an emergency?” Jiang Yichun asked, upon seeing Ning Yu, thinking there might have been some unforeseen circumstance.

Ning Yu courteously bowed to him and said, ”I merely came to see you off. Additionally, I have a Peace Talisman for your younger martial sister.”

Upon hearing this, Bai Ruozhu had already stepped down from the carriage. She always felt it odd to be called ”younger martial sister” by Ning Yu; in her previous life, she was far older than him and could definitely have been his senior martial sister.

She bowed to Ning Yu without saying much, privately she seldom called Ning Yu ”senior martial brother,” always feeling as though she was pretending to be younger than she was.

”I should have accompanied you to lend some help, but the Palace still needs my attention, so I can only leave the hard work to the two of you,” said Ning Yu as he took out two Protective Talismans from within his clothes and handed them to Bai Ruozhu and Jiang Yichun, ”These talismans were crafted by me recently and have been consecrated by a high monk; having them will provide you some extra protection on your journey.”

As Bai Ruozhu took it in hand, she felt that these Protective Talismans weren’t simply for peace of mind; they were able to restrain some kind of spell and should ensure their safety in the Western Regions, preventing harm from local spells.

”Thank you, senior brother. We will return as quickly as possible,” said Bai Ruozhu, bowing deeply to Ning Yu.

Jiang Yichun knew nothing of the spells of the Astrology Tower and thought they were ordinary Protective Talismans, so he carelessly placed it into his chest, thanking Ning Yu with a fist and palm salute, ”Young Master Ning, many thanks.”

Ning Yu stepped aside, making way for the two, ”You’re heading out now; don’t delay your journey.”

As the team continued on, Bai Ruozhu took the opportunity to call Jiang Yichun over to the side of the carriage and quietly explained the function of the Protective Talismans. Jiang Yichun’s eyes shifted, and he took out the talisman from his chest, this time storing it carefully.