Chapter 289
The path leading to Plum Valley was paved with flagstones. The sound of horse hooves, coupled with the pervasive scent of plum blossoms, made it hard to believe this was Xiangwu County, were it not for the lingering chill in the air.
Once the carriages fully entered Plum Valley, the temperature gradually rose, at least enough to prevent one's hands and feet from feeling numb. The group, having endured over an hour of bumpy carriage rides, signaled the drivers to halt.
"The ground is a bit slippery. Miss Zhou is concerned about her footing," Qiu Jinyu was dressed in a white robe with silver trim, covered by a matching cloak, lending him an elegant and noble air. Combined with his handsome features, even as a mere fourteen-year-old, he captivated all the young ladies alighting from the carriages.
"Thank you, Brother Jinyu," sensing the subtle glances around her, Zhou Shuyao changed her address. However, the moment the words left her lips, she felt a blush creep onto her cheeks. The address was far too intimate, tinged with a hint of apprehension, lest the virtuous Qiu Jinyu disapprove.
Among the many beautiful young ladies, Zhou Shuyao's appearance was, at best, average. Her features were more angular and her frame was taller, lacking the delicate beauty of a woman.
Qiu Jinyu nodded with a faint smile. Though silent, his tacit approval instantly brought a flush of joy to Zhou Shuyao's face, her eyes sparkling with shy delight.
"Little Xu, let's go. How much further is it to Plum Valley?" Zhou Shuyao walked over to Yang Xu.
The Zhou family had strict rules. Even though they were out to admire plum blossoms in the snow, she was a young lady nearing her coming-of-age ceremony, and it was improper for her to be too close to Qiu Jinyu. But with Yang Xu, it was different. They were cousins by blood, and Yang Xu was younger.
Yang Xu had been to Plum Valley once before, accompanying Yang Shoucheng last year. He remembered the way and said, "About another fifteen minutes of walking."
After replying, Yang Xu quickly glanced back. Compared to those walking in pairs, Zhan Feiyu's carriage was at the very back, and she hadn't yet alighted, clearly not intending to walk with them.
Qiu Jinyu followed his gaze and softly reminded him, "Little Xu."
If Zhou Shuyao's status was three parts nobler than the other seven or eight peers present, then Yang Xu was even more unattainable. Once the General's Mansion was restored, Yang Xu's position would be akin to that of the heir of the Zhenbian Marquis Mansion, an undisputed figure in Longyou Dao.
Therefore, if Yang Xu didn't lead the way, others naturally wouldn't dare to step forward.
Recalling Qiu Jinyu's earlier advice, Yang Xu knew that if he were to command military power in the future, he should start training now. Among the companions were children of scholars, sons of wealthy families, and even those from the families of county officials. Although their statuses were ordinary, they were precisely the right people for Yang Xu to practice his social skills with.
Nodding to Qiu Jinyu, Yang Xu took the lead. Despite wearing a washed-out cotton coat, he exuded the domineering presence and composure of a general's son. "Everyone, it's about time. Let's walk over."
Yang Xu and Zhou Shuyao walked at the forefront, with Qiu Jinyu following at a leisurely pace. The rest of the group immediately followed suit.
The maids and servants trailed behind with the belongings, not daring to disturb the idle chatter of their masters.
Zhan Feiyu, who remained in the carriage, waited until everyone else had walked far away and their figures were no longer visible. Then, she said to He Nuan, "Let's unload the carriage body and lead the horses over."
It was best if Plum Valley was safe, but if there were an ambush, horses offered the fastest and safest mode of transport. If the enemy wanted to trap them, they would have to see if they could stop these warhorses.
"My brother has already arranged for people to be stationed in the east, south, west, and north," He Nuan, carrying a food basket, was the first to jump off the carriage and then took down the bamboo basket filled with miscellaneous items.
The valley was currently safe, with no ambushes. If enemies were to arrive, He Sheng would immediately send a signal, and He Nuan could help Zhan Feiyu mount a horse and leave Plum Valley directly. Once outside, it would be much harder for enemies to ambush them.
After Zhan Feiyu alighted from the carriage, the coachman skillfully unloaded the carriage body, his strength astonishing the other coachmen nearby.
Normally, it would take at least three or four people to unload a carriage body. This seemingly ordinary, not particularly tall or strong companion, had single-handedly unloaded the carriage body. Was this natural divine strength?
Once the horse saddles were fitted, He Nuan hung the bamboo basket on the horse's back, holding the food basket in one hand and the reins in the other.
Zhan Feiyu, with her short legs, strode forward. The scenery around them was indeed quite beautiful, and more importantly, it wasn't cold. Zhan Feiyu felt as if she had come alive.
...
The people of Xiangwu County likely visited Plum Valley every winter, being quite familiar with it. When Zhan Feiyu arrived, she saw that fur rugs were already spread out on the grass. The thick rugs were not only soft but also insulated against the ground's chill.
Six or seven rugs were arranged in a circle, and servants set up a bonfire in the open space in the center. It was convenient for boiling water or roasting meat. Moreover, although Plum Valley was not cold, it wasn't particularly warm either. The bonfire provided waves of warmth, making everyone feel exceptionally comfortable.