nycdaug Chapter 225: Stop on the way
Chapter 225: Stop on the way
The chill of early spring has not yet completely faded away, and the cold wind cuts the cheeks of passers-by like ice knives.
On both sides of the road, there is still snow piled up in winter, sparkling with cold light under the sunlight.
However, the snow had begun to melt, turning into trickles that mixed with the mud, making the already rugged road even more muddy. Every time the wheels of the carriage sank into it, they would make a dull sound and move forward with difficulty.
Shen Li and his group of nine had been trekking on this difficult road for a long time. They had planned to arrive at the designated inn at noon today to take a short rest and replenish some dry food and water. However, they did not expect their journey to be delayed by the bad road conditions. In desperation, they had to stop the carriage and prepare to have lunch on the spot, and then continue on their journey after recuperating.
Zhao Lin rode on a tall horse with an upright posture. His dark suit fit his sturdy body tightly, outlining his broad shoulders and tight waist.
His face looked as if it had been carved by a knife or an axe, revealing coldness and determination. His deep eyes were like stars in the cold night, sharp and alert, always paying attention to the movements around him.
He gently pulled the reins and drove the horse around slowly, his sharp eyes carefully searching every corner where danger might be lurking.
After confirming that it was temporarily safe, he suddenly squeezed the horse's belly and quickly caught up with the carriage. Then he dismounted neatly, raised his hand and gently opened the carriage curtain, clasped his fists and said, "County Master, there is an open forest not far ahead. The environment is good and suitable for rest.
We will go over and set up the tent first, and then spread the tarpaulin, so as to avoid getting your shoes and clothes dirty. Please wait in the carriage for a while, we will be back soon."
His voice was low and powerful, echoing like a huge bell in the open wilderness, and his words were full of respect and concern for Shen Li.
Shen Li sat upright in the carriage, wrapped in a thick fox fur cloak. The soft fur hugged her petite figure, like a delicate flower blooming in the cold winter. Her face was slightly red from the cold, but it only added to her charming charm.
Hearing what Zhao Lin said, she smiled gently, revealing a row of white and neat teeth, as bright and charming as the first melting ice and snow.
She nodded slightly and whispered, "Go!" The voice was crisp and pleasant, like a yellow oriole singing in a valley, with a bit of childishness and innocence, yet retaining the calmness and composure of the head of the household.
After receiving the order, Zhao Lin saluted again, then turned around and jumped onto the horse's back nimbly. With a squeeze of his legs, the horse galloped towards the forest like an arrow.
Several other guards followed closely behind, and the mud and water splashed by their horses' hooves splashed everywhere, leaving a series of deep and shallow marks behind them.
Shen Li looked at their receding backs through the car window, with a faint smile and deep trust in her eyes.
She knew very well that the journey would be difficult and dangerous, but with these loyal and reliable companions by her side, she felt more secure and confident.
Zhao Lin, accompanied by several guards, busied himself with work in a swift and orderly manner. He wielded a sharp sword, moving nimbly through the woods, his sharp eyes carefully selecting several straight, slender logs of moderate thickness.
After selecting the target, he gripped the hilt of the sword tightly with both hands, raised it high, and then swung the sword down suddenly. His movements were clean, neat, and natural. The blade drew a silver arc in the air, and wood chips flew everywhere.
With each precise and powerful swing of his sword, the required tree trunks were soon ready.
The other guards also had clear divisions of labor. Some skillfully built simple stoves in the clearing in the forest using stones of appropriate sizes. The stones were stacked together in an orderly manner, making them stable and practical.
Some carried wooden basins and explored along the forest paths until they found a clear stream. They carefully filled the basins and then brought them back safely.
Soon, a spacious and simple tent was built with the concerted efforts of everyone.
The tent's legs held the tarpaulin firmly in place, swaying gently in the breeze.
On the stove nearby, steam was rising from the pot, with curls of smoke slowly rising. The water in the pot was also boiling happily, making a gurgling sound, as if telling of the warmth and satisfaction that was about to begin.
Shen Yu drove the carriage steadily to the tent, unloaded the hay from the carriage neatly, and carefully fed it to the horse named Chunhua.
Chunhua ate with gusto, wagging her tail from time to time, as if expressing her satisfaction with the delicious meal and gratitude to Shen Yu for his care.
Shen Li tidied her clothes in the carriage, gently opened the curtain, and was about to get off.
Chu Qiu on the side was quick-witted and quickly jumped down. Then, with a smile on her face, she opened her arms towards Shen Li and said, "Miss, I'll carry you down!"
Her voice was clear and loud, with a bit of girlish liveliness and cheerfulness, and her eyes were full of care and concern for Shen Li.
Seeing this, Shen Li was stunned for a moment, with surprise and rejection written all over her face. She waved her hands vigorously and said anxiously, "No, no, I can do it myself!" Her cheeks flushed slightly, and there was a hint of stubbornness and independence in her eyes. Although she was petite, her unyielding spirit was fully revealed.
Chu Qiu didn't care at all, and still said with a smile: "Don't be embarrassed, miss, you always think of yourself as an adult!" Her smile was like the warm spring sun, warm and kind, and her words were full of love and pampering for Shen Li.
Chuchun also smiled and agreed, "Yes, Miss, you are only nine years old, still a child." Chuchun's voice was soft and gentle, like a breeze on the face, and her eyes also revealed her concern and love for Shen Li.