Chapter 949: Chapter 822: Changing the Map

Several hundred miles away, Zhang Guoqing and Zhou Jiao have no idea that some people are already itching to act, nor do they understand that this couple has stimulated someone’s crazy desire for power.

In the past few days, Zhang Guoqing has been taking turns bringing his three sons out for hunting, and after gathering some meat and goods he purchased, he sent away people who came for the holiday.

Watching the pregnant woman leave, not only did he feel relieved, but Yi Jiefang and his big nephew also cheered loudly. Now, it’s truly their own free time.

After being kicked by Zhang Guoqing, the two brothers put their arms around each other’s shoulders and avoided the crowd, gossiping for a while, then returned to the tent laughing mischievously.

Old Mrs. Cheng immediately knew these two were planning to sneak out and have fun, "You young people go and play, I’ll take care of Little Treasure these days."

But it depends if Liu Yi and May 1st agree, right? They’ve been out wild with their dad these days, and the little ones already know who it’s fun to follow.

Sure enough, May 1st, speaking more clearly and saying more phrases, immediately shook his little head like a rattle, "I want to be with Dad."

Liu Yi, a bit slower, turned his big eyes and quickly chimed in, "I like Dad."

Yi Jiefang was quite delighted and squatted down to tease them, "Little treasures don’t make Grandma sad, what do you say?"

The little brothers immediately turned their heads towards Old Mrs. Cheng, and seeing her smiling broadly at them, they instantly pointed at Yi Jiefang and shouted, "Bad guy."

Old Mrs. Cheng laughed heartily, "How about watching the sheep with Grandma? The sheep are going to have babies!"

Caught in a soft spot, the little brothers immediately frowned, hesitantly looking at everyone.

The joyous laughter of a few unprincipled elders, amused by the children, attracted Zhou Jiao from outside, who was holding Ping’an.

As soon as she came in, she saw her two younger sons wobbling toward her with grieved faces, and she ran over playfully to catch them.

"Mom, they are bad."

"Everyone loves you."

Ping’an sensibly walked over to Old Mrs. Cheng and sat beside her, "Grandma, in a few days, it will be my brothers’ first birthday. My grandpa instructed us to return that day, when are we leaving?"

Old Mrs. Cheng gently pinched his nose, "You have to ask your dad."

Zhang Guoqing smiled, "We’ll go a day early. Your Uncle Da Yi has already made arrangements with the camp here, and we’ll catch a ride back."

Little Ping’an gave his dad a wink. Time is running short; shouldn’t they venture further for hunting? These days, with those uncles and aunts tagging along, neither father nor son can fully enjoy themselves.

Understanding, Zhang Guoqing winked back at him and asked Zhou Jiao, "Is anyone looking for you to consult today?"

"An event planned?"

Zhang Guoqing grinned, "Thinking of changing the map tomorrow."

Zhou Jiao thought for a moment, then nodded, "Then I’ll say goodbye later and just inform Uncle Tong."

"Alright, it’s settled then." With that, Zhang Guoqing glanced at the two younger sons and signaled to her, "Let’s save some meat for the Mu Family, and leave here tomorrow."

Old Mrs. Cheng happily watched as the young couple discussed. As for where they would go next? She didn’t care. Following these young ones around made her feel much younger. 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

The next day, at the crack of dawn, after bittersweet goodbyes with the Mu Family clan, two horse-drawn carriages carried Zhou Jiao and her party away. Their destination was a large town near a military camp, half a day’s journey away.

Though dubbed a town, it was well-equipped despite its size.

The guesthouse is not far from the state-owned restaurant, where lamb and lotus-leaf chicken are local specialties. The nearby trade market, formed by pastoralists from various tribes, resembled a bustling bazaar.

Aside from these conveniences, Zhang Guoqing appreciated the area’s good security due to the nearby military camp. Though they rent horses and ride out during the day, the elders and children left behind cannot be careless.

As they neared the town, the number of travelers increased. Unlike previous years, more Han people were present, especially children with smiling faces.

"Qi Sai Bai Nu. (Hello)" Zhang Guoqing, having learned a few words of Mongolian, was infected by the festive and simplehearted locals, greeting them along the way.

At times, enthusiastic herdsmen would respond and follow with lengthy sentences, and Ping’an in his arms would start translating.

Prompting Yi Jiefang, riding along, to mock and tease. This buddy is unbelievable; even casual chatter can become lively! Especially as Zhang Guoqing manages to say a few phrases, luckily a clever son can help out, or else he’d be quite embarrassed.

Sometimes you can’t pursue a talent for languages; don’t you see that in just a few days, not only does Little Ping’an converse well with the children in the tribe, but even the twins can greet in simple Mongolian.

Yi Jiefang envies his good friend quite a bit. Especially when Little Ping’an pulls a large bow and hits a mature yellow sheep, wishing his little nephew would pick up some skills too.

As they halt in front of the guesthouse, Zhang Guoqing, sharp-eyed, spots a handkerchief bundled up on the ground. He pats Ping’an and signals.

The little one immediately jumps off the wagon, rushes over to pick up the bundle, and raises it up, "Dad, look."

"You handle it."

The little one immediately holds up the handkerchief bundle, using his innocent voice alternating between Mongolian and Chinese, "Has anyone lost something?"

A lot of passersby quickly surrounded, a few even claiming it was theirs.

Instead of rushing to unload the luggage, Zhang Guoqing and the others stood behind him, watching, ready to step in if anyone threatened the child, observing the commotion quietly, letting him handle it himself.

"Everyone don’t rush, come up one by one. Whoever can identify what’s inside gets it. If no one matches, I’ll hand it over to the police."

Zhou Jiao watched with a gentle smile as her son repeated himself twice in alternating languages and suggested that his dad discreetly open and check the contents first.

In confidence of her son, she listened as men and women reported, and her son, unfazed, kindly comforted them. She exchanged a smile with Zhang Guoqing, a glance of shared understanding.

An elderly woman, with clothes patched repeatedly, supported by young women, squeezed into the crowd, "It’s mine, it’s mine, it’s the money from the sheep we sold this morning..."

"Grandma, take your time. I mentioned earlier, once it matches, it’s yours."

"That handkerchief, inside are sixty-two yuan and eighteen cents, four cloth tickets, one sugar ticket..."

Before the woman could finish stating her claim, Zhang Guoqing, knowing it’s hers, handed the handkerchief to his son. Watching as his son carefully questioned her about the larger denominations and finer details, he nodded with content.

His son might be stingy, but unowned objects don’t tempt him. This character, this meticulousness, taking after him, indeed his offspring!

As the proud father mode kicks in, when the son finishes handling matters, he promptly chimes in letting him enjoy til it’s enough over the next two days. Hunting? What’s hunting? What else do you want to play? Just ask.