Chapter 21: Backyard Gossip

  There was Zhao Da Tou from Zhaojia Fort, and Xu Baozheng, the local landlord of Huan Shui Town, had to hold his nose in agreement, lending his backyard to Ding's caravan. When there was money to be made, he would push them away, but this time, not only did he not make a single penny, but he also had to politely invite them in, which greatly miscalculated Xu Baozheng's plan. As soon as he returned to the main house, his wife scolded him until his face was covered with dog blood.

  The backyard of the Chui family was indeed very large, so large that later generations of farmers could not imagine it. The northwest region is vast and sparsely populated, and the land in this area is relatively poor, so each household has a lot of land. As the local headman, the Chui family had power and influence, and naturally had the most land. The backyard enclosed about thirty mu of land, and even if all the people from the Ding family's cart team moved in, it would not be a problem.

  Tonight's weather is particularly warm, and the wind blowing on the body has no chill. In addition, there is only one small inn in this town, so the people of Dingjia Car Team simply moved into Dingjia and set up tents in the backyard.

  As it goes further northwest from here, it is a truly desolate area, with only a few small villages without many households, and almost no human habitation. Therefore, after settling down, Feng Da Zhang led Chen Feng, Yang Ye, Li Shou Yin and several other managers to go to the town to start purchasing vegetables, dried meat, wine, medicine for injuries and other necessities for the journey.

  Ding Hao spent the afternoon accompanying Zhao Da Tou and his men to drink, sending them off from the small town. After returning to the Zhuang family's residence, he felt a bit tipsy. The wine at that time was not strong, and it would even turn sour if stored for too long, but it still contained alcohol. Ding Hao had been traveling with the cavalry all day, arranging for them to run ahead and behind, and his body was already exhausted. After drinking, he felt drowsy and fell asleep as soon as he returned to his tent, sleeping for more than two hours before waking up. When he woke up, it was already pitch black outside.

  Ding Hao walked out of the tent, at this time many tired civilians and soldiers had eaten their fill and were fast asleep. Although there were many people living in the backyard, it was very quiet. To the right of the backyard was a hillside, on which many peach and plum trees were planted. The leaves had fallen off, leaving only bare branches.

  In the distance, the sound of gongs and drums came from the town's New Year celebrations. The townspeople were still performing lion dances, dragon dances, admiring lanterns and guessing riddles to celebrate the new year. High above, a string of red lanterns hung from a flagpole, gently swaying in the wind, accompanied by the sound of gongs and drums, which made the quietness and serenity of the backyard even more pronounced.

  Ding Hao stood under the flagpole, sobered up from his drunkenness, and gradually became clear-headed. He began to ponder his own affairs. This time out, he broadened his horizons and showcased his abilities in front of the Ding family's officials, but after returning home, it was uncertain how things would turn out. What attitude would Ding Tingxuan have towards him? Would his efforts be rewarded? Could he improve his situation in the Ding household? Was this an opportunity to rely on the Ding family and start his own career? Perhaps he wouldn't have the chance to become a prominent figure like Ding Tingxuan, but with his own knowledge and experience, if given the opportunity, he could live a fulfilling life. Life is about living, and being able to live more happily than others is enough, isn't it?

  Ding Hao was thinking, when he heard a rustling sound of footsteps behind him. He turned his head to see Ding Yuluo quietly approaching. She was still dressed as a man, but because she had just bathed, her long hair was not tied up, and tonight was unusually warm, so she didn't even wear a hat. Her pretty face was hidden among her soft and smooth hair, and the sparkling eyes between her hair were as bright as the stars in the sky.

  "Miss!" Ding Hao was somewhat embarrassed, and he quickly turned around to make a slight bow: "This afternoon, in order to deal with those yamen runners, I didn't have time to apologize to Miss. In the town, in order to get rid of that Zhao Duotou, I pretended to be the master of the Ding family and directly called out Miss's name, it was really a sin."

  Ding Yuluo gazed at him for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing, her smile as bright and fleeting as a moonlit hibiscus: "Alright, alright, stop pretending to be a scholar in front of me. How many characters do you even recognize? You managed to get rid of those thugs and didn't mess up our big plan, that's one good deed. Am I someone who doesn't know what's good for them? Would I blame you over this?"

  Ding Hao's face turned hot, and Ding Yuluo continued: "As a girl, I led the grain team to Guangyuan, and it was indeed inconvenient to deal with people along the way. With your help, I've been much more at ease on this journey. Although it's not proper to say so openly, in reality... aren't you now the de facto leader of our caravan? If the grain can be delivered to Guangyuan on time, that would be a great merit for you."

  She walked lightly to Ding Hao's side, and a high-quality fragrance also floated with her, seeping into Ding Hao's nostrils.

  "I've always found it strange that you, who have never traveled far or had any experience, are so mature in your interactions with others. Even Director Liu and Director Li can't compare to you."

  Ding Hao spread his hands and said, "This... I don't know either. In the heat of the moment, I just gritted my teeth and rushed forward. At first, I was saying something, but even I was confused. But as I kept talking, my mouth just ran away with me. I only thought that what I was saying would be good for us, without thinking too much about whether it made sense."

  Ding Yuluo sighed softly: "If it weren't for this, I really can't think of any other reason. Alas, in that case, you're a naturally talented genius who doesn't need to study. If only you could be tempered once more..."

  She let out a soft sigh, turned around, and gazed into the distance: "Along this journey, I haven't met Big Brother once. I think... he must have taken a shortcut back home. He's probably already arrived, but I wonder... how his injuries are."

  "Master Ding is a lucky man with a good destiny, after returning to the mansion, as long as he invites famous doctors for treatment, I think... there shouldn't be any major problems." Ding Hao tried his best to recall memories of Ding Chengzong in his mind, but they were extremely vague.

  Ding Chengzong was different from Ding Chengye, he was a very mature and stable person. At a young age, he took over most of the family business from his father and spent most of the year traveling outside, so when he returned to the mansion, Ding Hao had limited opportunities to meet him, and they didn't have much in common, so his impression of him was extremely weak.

  "Yes, I think so too. Let's hope Brother Ji is a lucky star in the sky." Ding Yuluo sighed and then rallied her spirits: "There are still three days left, and it's estimated that we'll be able to reach Guangyuan in another three days' time. From now on, the road ahead will become increasingly desolate, and if there really are mountain bandits or robbers who want to target us, the road ahead is also the most suitable place for them to make their move. We must double our vigilance."

  "It is, petty people save."

  Ding Yuluo turned back to look at him, smiled and said: "You have a quick wit and eloquence, but you haven't really studied books. However, not studying books isn't a big deal. This northwest region is a harsh and cold place, and there aren't many enlightened people here. To stand firm in this place, one needs real skills. Reading the classics may not necessarily be useful. If you have the opportunity, you can learn some archery and horsemanship skills."

  "Archery and horseback riding can strengthen one's body, which is good. Using them for self-defense is also good. However, I think that even if one masters an extremely high-level martial art, it may not be enough to withstand a barrage of arrows from dozens of ordinary militiamen. The possibility of achieving success through martial arts alone is likely very limited."

  Ding Hao is a person from the future, where people valued knowledge and the invention of firearms had reduced exceptional physical abilities and martial arts to mere performance items. As such, Ding Hao's understanding of personal combat prowess in this era was somewhat lacking, and he couldn't help but feel disdainful. Ding Yu Luo probably heard this kind of argument for the first time, and her eyebrows rose as she said, "Oh? Then what's your brilliant idea?"