Chapter 55: Everyone's Lucky Star

Feng Xuanrui noticed his sister was afraid, raised his hand and patted Sui Sui's little head.

The two children were about to get on the carriage when Prince Qing strode over.

Liu Dafu saw him approach and thought he wanted to board the carriage, so he made space for him.

Seeing this, Prince Qing let out a helpless sigh: "We have to change our route."

Their planned route was the shortest and most convenient.

Besides that, there were other plans.

However, the others were merely backups.

The most convenient route is now impassable; after the landslide, rubble piles up, compressing the official road so there's hardly any space—continuing would naturally be impossible.

A detour…

That means many plans need to be adjusted.

Moreover, we need to greet those following us.

Of course, the most important thing is that Prince Qing must let everyone know: they escaped disaster yesterday because this child, Sui Sui, happened to be ill at the right time.

Although saying that doesn't sound pleasant.

But they indeed avoided the landslide because Sui Sui was sick and didn't keep to the schedule.

Thinking of these, Prince Qing sighed again, under the doubtful gazes of the crowd, and briefly explained yesterday's landslide.

Liu Dafu naturally knew what a landslide signified.

After hearing it, his old face turned deathly pale, and his legs went weak involuntarily.

He didn't even dare to think: if they had been traveling normally, where would these people be now?

Perhaps some have already been separated between life and death!

The lingering fear made Liu Dafu's cold sweat pour down.

He instinctively turned his head, looking at Sui Sui huddled behind Feng Xuanrui.

The little girl, curious, poked out most of her head.

Meeting Liu Dafu's gaze, Sui Sui gave a cute little smile.

The child had been sick all day yesterday; today her complexion looks poor, with a sickly pallor.

But her eyes are spirited and bright, and when she smiles she is cute and gentle.

After looking, Liu Dafu's originally frightened heart gradually calmed.

A sense of relief after surviving the disaster made Liu Dafu unable to help stepping forward two paces, lifting Sui Sui up: "Oh, my dear granddaughter, you truly are everyone's lucky star!"

Being sick is certainly not a good thing.

But yesterday Sui Sui's illness came at just the right time!

It's as if the heavens were secretly protecting them.

With that, who wouldn't say they have deep blessings!

The more Liu Dafu thought, the happier he became, the more he felt he had figured something out.

He gently lifted Sui Sui, but remembering that the little girl, due to past events, feared such gestures, he quickly set her down again.

After setting her down, Liu Dafu stroked Sui Sui's head again, repeating his earlier words: "Good child, you are everyone's lucky star!"

Feng Xuanrui didn't understand what a landslide was; he looked around and saw that Prince Qing's uncle had a solemn expression, while Liu Ye Ye was happy like a child.

Yet, a hint of moisture glistened at the corner of his eye.

Was he crying?

But how could he still be laughing?

Feng Xuanrui couldn't understand.

However, he agreed with Liu Dafu: "Yes, my sister is a lucky star—not just anyone's sister, she's so adorable!"

Thinking of his cute sister, Feng Xuanrui pondered a moment, not knowing what he'd thought of, then muttered: "Still, my sister is the cutest—look at Feng You Tan, then look at Feng Ruo Lang, one more annoying than the other, hum!"

Liu Dafu: ……

Sixth Prince, you just need to say that.

We dare not respond to that!

These two are princesses greatly favored by His Majesty!

Sui Sui doesn't know who the two people her brother mentioned are.

She was having her head gently rubbed by Grandfather Liu, while her brother proudly lifted her belly to praise her, making her whole self shy yet happy.

She pressed her lips, leaned slightly toward Feng Xuanrui, then stood there obediently without moving.

Although the route was changed, all preparations and supplies had been made ready.

Now, after a brief update on the situation, they can continue on the road.

With Liu Dafu's help, Sui Sui and Feng Xuanrui climbed onto the carriage.

With Liu Dafu accompanying them, Prince Qing could feel a bit more at ease.

The newly chosen route requires taking a longer detour.

With the previous route, they would have reached the next town by afternoon.

With the new route, they would likely arrive only in the evening.

It costs an extra half day, but is relatively safer.

Moreover, this route has only small hills on either side, so there's no fear of landslides.

After the rain, some parts of the road are not completely dry.

Furthermore, this newly chosen route is not exactly easy to travel.

Therefore, they arrived at the next town half an hour later than planned.

The new Xiao Zhen is called Shui Qiao Zhen.

Because Xiao Zhen is crossed by several rivers, many arched bridges were built, hence its name.

Perhaps because of yesterday's landslide, today Shui Qiao Zhen has grown dark, and the city is also very bustling.

Especially at places like the Medical Hall Pharmacy, one can often hear people's miserable screams or loud shouts.

Inns and Ke Zhan also look very crowded.

Prince Qing and his group tried three or four Ke Zhan, but in the end they couldn't find a vacant one.

Helpless, they could only split their group in two.

Prince Qing brought four attendants, plus Liu Dafu, Sui Sui, and these people together.

The others gathered together and went to another Ke Zhan not far away.

Perhaps because Shui Qiao Zhen leads to many places, and the economy is also not bad.

So the Xiao Zhen looks quite prosperous, and therefore the number of Ke Zhan is also a bit more than before.

Otherwise, following yesterday's landslide situation.

Prince Qing thought that they might not find a place to stay today.

Shui Qiao Zhen belongs to Nanqiao County; it's still some distance from the county seat.

Even if they wanted to bother the county magistrate and stay at a relay station, there isn't time.

By this time, the county seat's Chengmen was already closed.

After settling down, Liu Dafu brought Qing Shan and Di Jiao to prepare dinner.

Prince Qing sent two attendants to follow them.

Lunch was makeshift, but in the evening they must eat something good.

After all, they still have two children.

Sui Sui was sick all day yesterday and today has little energy.

In the morning they drank porridge; at noon they only ate a few bites of soaked cake.

That thing is bland and tasteless; even Liu Dafu doesn't want to eat it.

Seeing Sui Sui unable to eat, Liu Dafu felt heartbroken; now they must prepare something good.

Fortunately, the city is very bustling today; all the inns are open for business.

Liu Dafu directly ordered dishes, brought them back to the Ke Zhan; Prince Qing and the Ke Zhan staff requested a larger table, and everyone sat together to eat.

Feng Xuanrui didn't have enough at lunch; in the evening he prepared to eat more.

If it weren't for Liu Dafu's reminder not to eat too much—food stagnation is uncomfortable—Feng Xuanrui felt he could still eat another bowl of rice.

But after thinking, he realized he couldn't do that.

He is the older brother; he must set a good example!

So, stay steady!

Second watch.

(End of chapter)