Chapter 48: He Seems to Like You Both

Chapter 48

After all, the girl was so young and hadn’t even inquired about his identity, where he came from, or where he was headed! How was it that, despite his many years, he seemed to be less discerning than a mere young girl?

Suppressing the curiosity in his heart, the old man ate two more sesame flatbreads and declared himself full.

It wasn’t out of courtesy; given his appetite, finishing all the snacks before him would barely do more than just fill his stomach lightly.

Seeing that the group of seven children had finished eating, the old man felt it was impolite to overstay his welcome. He stood up, thanked them, and headed toward his carriage. Before mounting, he glanced back and saw the children bustling like ants, packing the remaining items onto the donkey cart.

“Do you know why those children have shaved heads?” The old man didn’t rush to get on his carriage but stood with his hands behind his back, looking toward the donkey cart.

The guards were surprised. When was the last time their lord spoke to them in such a casual tone?

Had his mood improved just from sharing a meal earlier with that young girl and the children?

“Master, I’m not sure,” one replied.

“Neither do I,” the attendants said after some thought, unable to come up with a reasonable answer.

The old man smiled. “It’s simple. Those children had lice infestation, so they all had their heads shaved.”

“Ah? That’s why?”

“Isn’t that a bit extreme?”

“That’s quite rash.”

Sensing the old man’s good mood, the guards relaxed noticeably. Looking again at the young girl and her group nearby, the wariness in their eyes had vanished.

“Relax a little. Look at that girl barely in her teens, leading a bunch of kids. How could she be so carefree and at ease on the road? Now look at you all, constantly alert and cautious all the way,” the old man half-joked, half-serious.

“Master, these are unsettled times everywhere. There are frequent bandit attacks on this road. They might have spared her because her donkey cart looks like it’s carrying nothing valuable,” one guard said.

Even if the world were peaceful, he wouldn’t dare be careless. He thought, “Master, you’ve made many enemies. Don’t you keep that in mind?”

When he served in the capital, those who wished him harm dared not act openly under the emperor’s watch. But now that he had been dismissed from office, those he offended would surely seize the opportunity.

Otherwise, if the unpredictable emperor restored his position one day, their lives would become difficult again.

The old man chuckled and shook his head. “As you said, the roads aren’t safe now. Do bandits picking off travelers really have the luxury to be picky? A donkey cart won’t fetch much silver, but it’s better than nothing. Even if they don’t sell the goods, at least they can butcher and eat them — not a total loss.”

“Besides, bandits don’t just rob possessions. When they encounter women or children like these, they often abduct them as well.”

One guard spoke up, “Master, that girl has a sword at her waist. But from a distance, she doesn’t look like a martial artist. Perhaps she carries it just to intimidate others and boost her courage. Maybe that’s why the bandits left her alone?”

The old man shook his head, unconvinced. “Do you think all highway robbers are timid rabbits?”

As the donkey cart was about to set off again, the old man suddenly opened the carriage door and looked inside at a food box.

“Someone, take this to them. If they refuse it, just say it’s a thank-you gift for their earlier hospitality.”

“Master, since you ate their food, wouldn’t it be better to give them some silver instead? This box contains delicacies personally prepared by the lady of the house. If we give it away all at once, where will you find such treats again? They’re impossible to buy,” a guard urged anxiously.

“If you keep nagging, I’ll deliver it myself,” the old man said impatiently.

He felt it was better to remain indifferent to them, just as before.

“Master, shall we keep half of it... alright, I’ll take it over.” Resigned, the guard took the box and walked toward the donkey cart.

“Watch your expression. If you dare show displeasure and they refuse it, then you don’t need to follow me anymore,” the old man warned.

The guard hesitated briefly, then forced a smile and continued.

Tianshu was preparing to set off and, seeing someone approach, quickly informed Hong Xiaoduo inside the carriage.

Hong Xiaoduo opened the door and saw a smiling guard holding a food box. But the smile looked forced, as if he was unhappy inside but had to pretend otherwise.

“This is some hometown-style dried meat and dried fruit snacks from my lord. He sent me to give it to you,” the guard said, extending the box inside.

Hong Xiaoduo looked at the box. “Thank you for your lord’s kindness.” She took the food but noticed the guard still holding on. She looked up at him.

Realizing she was watching, the guard quickly let go.

“Tianshu, let’s go.” After placing the box on an empty seat, Hong Xiaoduo closed the door and called to Tianshu.

Watching the donkey cart move off at a leisurely pace, the guard looked at his empty hands. They accepted it without even a thank you? The master’s warning was useless.

People really came in all kinds, the guard grumbled as he returned to the carriage.

The old man noticed his sour expression but didn’t mind. The gift was delivered, so he lifted his robe and boarded the carriage.

“Why bother? Just do what the master says,” someone advised the guard who had delivered the box.

That guard glanced at the carriage and whispered, “How can there be people like that? Traveling with no sense of caution, not fearing poison or hallucinations? And with a bunch of children, no less — they could be sold off without even knowing it.”

“Hey, Fang Tian, didn’t you realize you made a fatal mistake?” another companion spoke.

Fang Tian turned, puzzled. “Ming Ye, what mistake did I make?”

“Has our master ever misjudged anyone in all these years?” Ming Ye asked.

Without hesitation, Fang Tian replied, “Our master is the most discerning. How could he be wrong?”

Hearing this, Fang Tian froze. Indeed, what was he thinking?

Meanwhile, on the donkey cart ahead, Hong Xiaoduo watched the children curiously pull open the drawers of the food box, each filled with dried meats and fish.

Even without tasting, the appearance alone promised quality.

“Mother, that man seemed reluctant just now,” Tian Xuan hesitated before voicing her thoughts.

Hong Xiaoduo nodded. “Yes, I noticed.”

The other children looked at her in surprise. If he didn’t want to give it, why accept it?

“This box was sent by the man you called ‘Grandfather’ earlier. Whether he was willing or not doesn’t matter. Don’t mind what others think,” Hong Xiaoduo said, touching the box. She didn’t know the wood type but admired the craftsmanship, especially the carved plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum designs.

She’d seen similar boxes in shops at Willow Town, but none came close to this quality.

And that cost over a tael of silver.

She didn’t feel accepting the gift was improper, nor did she think she was being opportunistic. Just like gratefully accepting the money from Brother Dong — if someone thought she and the children needed it and could afford to give it, why refuse?

What’s the point of pretending to be noble?

“If you want to eat it, go ahead,” she said when she saw the children eyeing the treats but none dared to try.

They all shook their heads. “We’re already full. We’ll save it for when we’re hungry.”

“That old man seemed to like you all very much,” Hong Xiaoduo added casually.

She had observed closely. From the moment he arrived, his eyes never left the seven of them, full of kindness. If he had wanted to adopt them...