s are no match for human feelings"Gu Huanxi said, "It's not that serious, it's just a small matter, nothing to make a big fuss over. But some things, one is one, two is two, you can't just handle them...As Lao Liao had said, the road ahead was peaceful and uneventful. Whether passing through villages or county towns, people looked at them with curiosity and suspicion, but not with fear or hostility. Some even approached them proactively, asking about their experiences and inquiring about the drought situation. Upon learning that the local government had been inactive in relief efforts, their expressions changed. Some appeared thoughtful, while others wore worried frowns.

If the local government doesn't provide disaster relief, the victims are left with only two options: to hold out or to flee. If they choose to flee, their first choice is the capital city. Therefore, this road leading into the capital will soon become crowded and even chaotic.

The villagers of Xu Jiacun were at the forefront, having not faced too many crises or hardships. They weren't short on food and shelter, and they even got enough rest. Their spirits weren't downcast. But the real main force was still behind them. That's where things would get serious – starving and desperate, who knows what they might do

Those with foresight have already started building high walls and stockpiling food.

These have nothing to do with the villagers. As they get closer to the capital day by day, everyone's mood gradually becomes complicated. There is excitement and anticipation, but also anxiety and confusion. Where will they settle down in the capital How will they survive All sorts of practical survival problems are now staring them in the face.

That day, as the team passed through a town, the sky grew dark and ominous, threatening rain. Xu Huaiyi hurriedly ordered a stop and searched for shelter.

Now that it's October, the weather is getting colder each day. Even old people and children can't bear the chill and have already put on padded jackets. If they get caught in the rain, their bodies will surely suffer.

>The village head also understands this, but it's really difficult to find a place to take shelter from the rain. There isn't even an abandoned temple near this town. Where on earth can they hide from the rain

Xu Huaiyi suggested, “Village Head Uncle, there are inns and also cheaper car shops in town. If it really doesn’t work out, we can just stay inside for one night. Compared to getting sick from the rain, spending a little silver is still worthwhile, don't you think”

Xu, the village head, didn't hesitate and nodded in agreement. Fearing the villagers would be reluctant to part with the silver, he went door-to-door to do ideological work, but surprisingly, everyone was very cooperative.

Also, this journey to the West to retrieve scriptures, nine-nine-eighty-one difficulties were almost overcome. It's just not acceptable to stumble at the last moment, isn't it That would be so unfair!

However, cooperation is cooperation, and it's true that they feel bad for the money. So most villagers chose the large carriage shop. The rooms in the large carriage shop are simpler, with shared bunk beds, but they aren't exposed to the wind or rain. They can also have hot water and a fire basin for warmth, and they are quite content with this.

It's better than sleeping rough before, right

Not to mention, it's still raining outside now.

For almost a year, the people of Xujia Village hadn't seen any rain. Suddenly, in this unfamiliar place, seeing this gentle drizzle, they felt a mixture of emotions.

Xu Huaiyi brought his wife and children to stay at the inn. He didn't put on airs or demand a particular room. He simply chose an ordinary one, costing a hundred wen per night. While not cheap, it wasn't bad either. There was hot food available, free hot water for bathing, clean bedding, and even bicycles provided!

The innkeeper was very enthusiastic and attentive, running back and forth several times. He carried a bucket of hot water and delivered meals. His service was top-notch.

Xu Huaiyi went native and was rewarded with twenty wen.

The innkeeper beamed, practically bursting with joy. He even proactively offered consultation services, giving Xu Huaiyi a good rundown on all things Beijing.

We're only a few days away from the capital. News from there travels quickly.

After he left, Old Master Liao sent the butler to invite Xu Huaiyi to drink with him. Not only did he invite Xu Huaiyi, but he also invited everyone who was staying at the inn.

The noodles were plentiful and laid out in the private room.

Laughter faintly reached the upstairs floor. Gu Huanxi listened with a serene expression, occasionally serving dishes to Gu Xiaoyu. "Try this fish, it should be freshly killed live fish. The flesh is very tender and fresh, just slightly bland. If the sweet and sour sauce were a bit richer, it would be perfect. When we settle in Beijing, let's buy some fish ourselves and cook it. It will definitely be better than this."

Gu Xiaoyu ate and responded, but her expression was slightly absentminded.

Gu Huanxi clipped another serving of stir-fried liver for him,

the inside was full of jujubes, likely used to mask the taste of the liver.

So it had a bit of spice to it, Gu Xiaoyu seemed oblivious, only coughing twice.

He picked up his cup and drank several gulps, his eyes reddening slightly from the heat.

Gu Huanxi just watched, not saying anything, and didn't rush to ask. After finishing the meal, he instructed Wei Ci and Wei An, "You two go to the carriage, bring our small stove over, as well as the set for brewing tea. Don't leave anything behind. Bring some chestnuts and walnuts too, we'll roast them later as snacks."

Wei Ci hurriedly complied, pulling her younger brother out.

The door closed, leaving only Simba sprawled on the floor mat in the corner, disdainfully licking a bowl of cooked acorn porridge.

It wanted to eat meat, but there was none. It whimpered in protest twice, but Gu Huanxi ignored it completely. She looked at Gu Xiaoyu and asked, "Do you have something on your mind"

Gu Xiaoyu's expression stiffened, and he instinctively wanted to deny it. But facing those wise eyes that seemed to see through everything, he couldn't lie, so he could only nod.

Gu Huan asked in a gentle tone, "What's on your mind Can you tell me"

Gu Xiaoyu pursed her lips and whispered, "I, I used to live in the capital..."

Gu Huan, hearing this, was not surprised. "Are you worried about meeting someone you know who will recognize you"

Gu Xiaoyu gave a strained "um" in response.

Gu Huanxi raised an eyebrow, "Is there some kind of crime behind your family's name That's why you can't appear in public with your real identity"

Gu Xiaoyu shook her head quickly, "No, I'm not the descendant of a criminal."

Gu Huanxi secretly breathed a sigh of relief, "Then what else Did your family offend someone they shouldn't have, and are there enemies who want to do you harm"

Gu Xiaoyu still shook her head.

"Gu Huan sighed, 'So it's a dispute within the family Your existence hinders others' interests, making you unwelcome. You had no choice but to leave'"

This time, Gu Xiaoyu smiled wryly and nodded slowly. "I am my father's eldest son, but my mother passed away early. Afterward, my father remarried, and my stepmother had a son. She felt that I was in the way, that I would affect her son's status in the future, so she set traps to get rid of me several times. My father, helpless, could only send me far away."

Gu was astonished and asked, "Didn't your father protect you"

Gu Xiaoyu said dejectedly, "My stepmother's family is powerful, and my father is in a difficult situation. For now, he needs the Yue family's support and cannot turn against them. He wants to protect me, but he is powerless."

Gu Huanxi really wanted to say, if a father truly cares for his son, there will always be a way. However, he is reluctant to give up the support of the Yue family. In the end, his own future is more important. As for his son's safety, he thinks sending him far away will ensure his well-being How naive and irresponsible! Does growing up just mean eating and not needing upbringing

But looking at Gu Xiaoyu's crestfallen face, she couldn't bear to add insult to injury.d put on a show of weakness. If he wants revenge, that's courting death."Since things hadn't happened yet, Gu Huan was happy though she intuitively felt Liu Xian would make a reckless decision. She di...