The Peach Blossoms White by the Village Edge

Chapter 3: Sending Off

Chapter 3: Sending Off

Qiu Qingjiang retrieved her bamboo basket and hurriedly picked up the scattered woad and indigo that had fallen to the ground, then quickly followed Zhao Changxia down the mountain.

As they descended, she frequently glanced back. Seeing that no one was emerging from the thicket and that there were no other disturbances, she finally felt at ease.

Although Zhao Changxia walked ahead silently, she remained vigilant of Qiu Qingjiang. She pondered how such a seemingly young girl could be so bold as to venture deep into the forest alone. Qiu Qingjiang had appeared quite calm earlier; had it not been for the constraints of the era, she might have even successfully negotiated with the bandits to secure a chance of escape.

Qiu Qingjiang looked up at Zhao Changxia, several times on the verge of speaking, but the latter's aloof demeanor left her uncertain about what to say without disrupting the atmosphere.

After a short while, the previously disappeared mountain path reappeared before her. A huge weight lifted from her heart, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of elation, mixed with an inexplicable anxiety.

Zhao Changxia paused and pointed to the path. "There are people moving around here, so no refugees would dare come over. Following this path back should be safe."

Qiu Qingjiang suddenly asked, "Have you been here before?"

If she hadn't, she wouldn't be so familiar with the area.

Zhao Changxia smiled but did not answer. The ambiguous smile was enough to explain everything.

Seeing that Zhao Changxia was about to leave, Qiu Qingjiang hurriedly said, "Please wait a moment!"

Zhao Changxia tilted her head slightly.

"Can you wait here for me? I'll be back soon," Qiu Qingjiang said nervously.

Without waiting for a response, she dashed away.

Qiu Qingjiang ran quickly and soon reached the foot of the mountain. There, she heard Li's voice calling, "Sister—Le'er—"

"Little Miss, I'm here!" Qiu Qingjiang called out.

Li quickly found her, and upon seeing her rather disheveled appearance, was momentarily startled. She hurried over, saying, "Sister, what happened to you? How did you—how did you..."

As if you were bullied?

Of course, Li did not voice this question. If others heard it, they might turn a minor issue into a big problem, making Qiu Qingjiang's future difficult.

Qiu Qingjiang composed herself and explained, "I slipped and fell while foraging in the mountains, so I ended up like this."

Li sighed with relief but couldn't help frowning. "Going into the mountains? How could you be so reckless! Luckily, it was just a fall. If you had encountered wild boars, large insects, or stepped into a trap, you might have been in serious trouble."

"There are markings from hunters along the mountain paths, so I knew where the traps were and avoided them. Besides, I didn't venture too far in, so I didn't encounter any wild boars or large insects."

Li said, "I've gathered quite a few winter bamboo shoots. Since you've finished gathering herbs too, let's go back."

Qiu Qingjiang asked, "Little Miss, I'm hungry. Do you have any rice cakes left?"

"Yes, I haven't eaten mine yet. It's still soft!" Li took out the rice cakes and handed them to her.

Qiu Qingjiang pocketed the rice cakes, pretending to follow Li down the mountain. After walking a few steps, she suddenly said, "It seems I lost my sickle when I fell. I need to go back and get it. Little Miss, you can go back first!"