12 Jiaju, The South (2)

A week passed, and the two of them tried to adjust to their new life without their father. As children, it is hard for them to accept and move on. That's why even though they spent seven days together with Grandmother Que, they still feel incomplete. 

Grandmother Que, of course, noticed this. She let them grieve while supporting them by giving them the warmth and kindness that they truly needed.

Fei Wanrou was thankful. Therefore, in order to show her appreciation, she did some little things. One of those is doing house chores. Now that the house was clean, she just sat on the porch, staring mindlessly at the sky. Xiao Zhou'er, on the other hand, was busy playing.

"Are you bored?" Grandmother Que asked softly, walking in her direction. Fei Wanrou shook her head hurriedly, feeling surprised at her sudden appearance. Seeing her adorable reaction, Grandmother Yie let out a hearty laugh.

"If you're bored, then both of you can accompany me outside." Grandmother Yie suggested.

It's been a while since they first came here. Both siblings spent all their nights recuperating both mentally and physically, and now that she somewhat already regained her strength, she wondered what the town looked like.

Standing up, Fei Wanrou called her Xiao Zhuo'er, who was busy playing. Hearing his elder sister call him, he then stopped as he cast his gaze at his sister. "Come here." Looking at him gently, she opened her arms widely. Fei Zhuo ran towards her direction and hugged her, burying his head at her neck.

"Now, let's go." Grandmother Que smiled, her heart warming up at the lovable sight. Xiao Zhou'er giggled, his eyes brightening with happiness.

***

[Jiaju]

Located near the south border of Wu is a town where different merchants sell their items. A fortress covered in high, thick walls formed a long rampart around the enclosure.

The west portion of the fortress was surrounded by a dense forest where Grandmother Que's house was built. 

Jiaju is the leading supplier that supports the southern border when it comes to food, which is why the place is heavily guarded.

Looking up ahead, Fei Wanrou was astonished. The wall was so high that her neck started to hurt. Her heart is thumping wildly, wondering how the feeling must be when one can stand on top of those high walls.

As she stared at the towering wall, her gaze then focused on the people who were in line. There, a gate is opened with guards stationed for surveillance.

Grandmother Que held her hand as they got nearer the gate. Following the line, the three of them waited.

***

Couple of meters behind Fei Wanrou

[Outside the Gate]

"Master said that we need three more items; if we can't get those three, then we'll be the ones to be punished!" the white robe man trembled in fear. 

"Don't worry, as long as we can collect those items, we are fine," the black robe man said coldly, not minding the cowardness of the white robe man.

As they reached the gate, the two men acted usually under the inspection of guards, thus successfully entering the fortress.