Chapter 122: Blocking a Stream, They Can’t Get Across

Chapter 122: Blocking a Stream, They Can't Get Across

The carriage ventured further into the mountain forest until it could go no more. At that point, the young misses and their respective maids disembarked from the carriage.

The maids mostly carried food boxes, prepared to serve their young misses some tea and snacks amidst the scenic Maple Gully.

The coachmen waited on this side of the forest, while the young misses walked towards Maple Gully, chatting and laughing.

Bai Zhongsheng had been dying to walk with Xingxing all along, trailing behind her like her little shadow.

Xingxing, trying to avoid him, puffed her cheeks and negotiated with Bai Zhongsheng: "You can't pull my braids anymore, alright?"

Bai Zhongsheng had just been scolded by his sister in the carriage and didn't dare to touch Xingxing's braids again. Hearing Xingxing's simple request, he was overjoyed and quickly agreed, "Won't pull, definitely won't pull!"

Only then did Xingxing nod seriously, expressing her willingness to make peace.

But as soon as Bai Zhongsheng came closer, his itchy hands went for Xingxing's skirt—her skirt, made by Bai Xiaofeng, was specially crafted for the cold weather. Bai Xiaofeng had used some leftover rabbit fur to line the edges, making it both warm and charmingly simple.

Never having seen such a skirt, Bai Zhongsheng couldn't resist reaching out to pull it.

He yanked off a handful of fur.

At first, Xingxing was a bit dazed, but when she saw Bai Zhongsheng blowing the rabbit fur off his hand as if it were fun, she panicked and hurriedly stepped back, anxiously telling Bai Zhongsheng, "This is a dress made by Second Aunt! Don't pull it!"

Isn't it just a fur dress? Bai Zhongsheng was puzzled but tried to be generous with a childish air, "...This fur is a bit stiff and not that great. My sister just got a new white fox fur. I'll ask her for it and give it to you!"

"... " Bai Xiaofeng looked like she was about to lose it.

Her fist clenched.

Xingxing hid behind Yaocui, muttering, "I don't want it. Just don't pull my clothes!"

Bai Zhongsheng still wanted to chase after Xingxing, but Yaocui quickly blocked him. Fan Pingfang, with a fake smile, added, "...My sister here is already scared of you. Xiao Sheng, behave yourself. Otherwise, when we return, I'll tell Uncle Bai to give you more lessons."

Bai Zhongsheng was greatly shaken, looking at Fan Pingfang as if she were some ultimate villain, "How are you even worse than my sister?"

Miss Bai could no longer bear it and stormed forward, grabbing Bai Zhongsheng's ear to drag him back.

In an instant, the forest was filled with Bai Zhongsheng's wails.

The young misses and their maids didn't walk for long before they reached Maple Gully.

The maple trees in this late autumn scenery were ablaze with red leaves, as if the entire forest was a red paradise.

A stream flowed through the mountain valley, with rapid waters and rugged rocks, creating the most unique scenery.

And with the fiery red maples, it was as if the human world was being beautifully reflected.

The breathtaking beauty was overwhelming.

Even Bai Zhongsheng forgot about pestering Xingxing, mesmerized by the scenery. He shouted in excitement and ran to the stream to play.

Miss Bai snapped out of it and chased after her brother, "Don't get too close to the stream!"

For the thirty-fifth time, she regretted agreeing to bring her annoying brother along.

The other maids quickly found a spot suitable for sitting and enjoying the view, spread out some coarse linen mats, and set out delicate snacks for the young misses to rest.

The young misses, all in high spirits, chatted while enjoying the scenery.

Although it was Xingxing's first time at Maple Gully, she had always lived in a mountain village, where the grand and unique scenery was common. The beauty of Maple Gully didn't captivate her as much.

While the others were admiring the view, Xingxing crouched near some mountain rocks, gathering common medicinal herbs.

Since she hadn't brought anything to carry them in, she ended up holding them in her arms and brought them back to where Fan Pingfang and the others were.

"Xingxing, what are these?" Fan Pingfang asked curiously.

Xingxing carefully pointed out and explained each medicinal herb to Fan Pingfang.

Fan Pingfang was full of surprise and praise, "Our Xingxing has the skill to identify medicinal herbs."

Xingxing smiled shyly.

Bai Zhongsheng, who had been dragged back from the stream by Miss Bai, curiously rummaged through the herbs Xingxing had placed on the ground, "...These grasses are everywhere. Why pull them?"

Even though Bai Zhongsheng had messed up the herbs, Xingxing patiently explained what they were.

She even added a few words about their simple medicinal effects.

Bai Zhongsheng seemed to listen, his face full of surprise, "...These grasses have these effects? How amazing."

Miss Bai, sitting next to Fan Pingfang, finally breathed a sigh of relief now that the troublemaker was quiet. She took the water pouch handed to her by the maid, drank a few sips, and said to Fan Pingfang, "If I ever bring this little debt collector out again, I'll be the biggest fool in the world."

Fan Pingfang smiled faintly.

For these young ladies from the county, chatting and enjoying snacks while taking in the scenery was a novel experience.

With the innocent and cute Xingxing, and the lively and mischievous Bai Zhongsheng, the chatter about medicinal herbs added a touch of liveliness to the pleasant environment.

Fan Pingfang and her friends all wore happy and relaxed smiles, clearly enjoying themselves.

However, before long, some unwelcome guests arrived on the other side of the stream.

The mountain path was narrow, and carriages couldn't pass, but a single horse could.

Four burly men, leading their horses, looked dusty and worn from their journey. They had obviously come to let their horses drink from the stream.

These men looked fierce, and when they saw the young ladies on the other side of the stream, a sinister light appeared in their eyes.

Fan Pingfang and the others vaguely sensed something ominous.

Fan Pingfang rose to her feet.

The other three young misses also rose one after another.

Miss Bai had a bead of sweat on her forehead as she whispered to the maid, "Forget about these things, let's avoid this first."

She grabbed Bai Zhongsheng, preparing to leave.

Bai Zhongsheng was reluctant at first, but once he saw his sister's expression, he was startled and became obedient.

Fan Pingfang and Yaocui protected Xingxing, their faces troubled, as they prepared to leave.

However, just at that moment, those several burly men laughed loudly, "Where are you young ladies going?"

Miss Liu, the one with the surname Liu, felt her legs go weak.

Had the maid not been supporting her, she would have fallen.

This clearly wasn't something a kind person would say!

All the young misses sensed the danger, their faces turning a little pale.

The young miss with the surname Gao quietly comforted Miss Liu, "...Don't worry, there's a stream between us, they can't cross over."