When he sawthe Cheng’s mystical well, other than being amazed, there were also acomplicated look hidden deep within his eyes. Then when he saw the Cheng’srange and the big stretch of mystical fields, he was amazed over and overagain!

Thatafternoon, young master Zhu found an excuse to go and wander around mountainrange of Mount Wanan.

Now that theentire province of Qing’an belonged to the Cheng’s, young master Zhu couldn’thelp but to ask for permission from Cheng Biyuan. Cheng Biyuan had no reason tostop him so he agreed that he could go look around, and feel free to seek helpfrom any servants as he sees fit!

Recently ithas been all levels of government officials and rich merchants. Ever since theemperor’s intention has been announced, they were aware that the power ha.s.s.h.i.+fted, and Qing’an Province now belonged to Count Zhongyuan instead of theroyals.

Their ownerhas s.h.i.+fted, naturally they would need to come and greet the real power holder.Afterall, Count Zhongyuan has the authority to do with any one of them as hepleases.

Cheng Biyuanwas overwhelmed by all these visits. Luckily there’s Innkeeper Zhu therestaying with the Cheng’s. Without hesitation, Innkeeper Zhu stepped into therole of the Cheng’s steward and helped in handling all these matters.

As ChengBiyuan was new to the role, he didn’t have anyone trustworthy helping him out.As for the officials of various levels within Qing’an Province, none of themmade a move. Granted, all the tax payments and tributes that they have beenpaying to the royals would be going to the Cheng’s going forward.

Bringingwith them the tax payments and tributes was the main purpose of their visits.These items filled the bank of the Cheng’s and bringing a smile to the worriedMrs. Cheng. She busied herself in inventorying on these items.

Cheng XiaoXiao had no idea that these events were going on at home. Of course, shewouldn’t have ignored them anyway even if she knew. Since she had left thehouse anyway, she was going to take care of her own objectives first.

Speaking of,Cheng Xiao Xiao had no intention of buying more servants. Mainly she hasn’tstarted her experiment yet and didn’t know how that will turn out. It may notbe a good thing to purchase too many too soon.

Afterspending the morning in town, Cheng Xiao Xiao also purchased some essentialdaily items and left town with Qing Zhu and Lu Zhu.1

They did notattract any attention when they were in tow. After walking for about two hoursin the mountains, the two were drenched in sweat and obviously out of breathe.The mountainous roads were taking a toll on the two of them, who were not usedto being out in the wilderness.

Seeing that,Cheng Xiao Xiao realized that the two had already reached their limits, so shetook them out of the woods and into a valley not too far away.

“Mistress,where are we going?” asked Lu Zhu, sweating and panting.

Even thoughQing Zhu hadn’t said a word, but his face was full of suspicion too. Naturally,he hasn’t entirely let his guard down.

A kid ten orso year old, coming from a poor family, he was way more mature than he shouldbe for his age. He had already noticed that his mistress has been taking themdeeper and deeper into the mountains. That was very unusual and started to feelalarmed.

Cheng XiaoXiao, who had been quietly observing them, nodded. These two kids might not bethe best, but they were good natured, and they were not stupid.

Afterstopping at a slope with thicker foliage and difficult to be seen even if therewere others in the mountains, Cheng Xiao Xiao stopped and produced three waterbottles. She gave them one each and said, “This is the water I have prepared.Let’s take a break here before we continue on!”

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Notes:

1. Not atypo. If you have been following the names closely, this author swapped ZhuQing to Qing Zhu at this point.

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