第505章 赤子

No matter what it is, it represents the affection of loved ones.

Han Xin quickly thanked him with a bow.

Seeing this, the maid hurried forward and knelt down to receive it.

Little Ping'an looked at Han Jia, who was staring at him curiously with her big round eyes in Shu Yu's arms, and hurriedly came forward to hold her, happily saying, "This is Jia Jie, come and give Uncle a hug."

Although Han Jia is more lively and bold than other children, she is still cautious as it is her first time seeing Xiao Ping'an. Therefore, when she sees Xiao Ping'an reaching out to hug her, she quickly turns her head and shrinks into Shu Yu's arms. However, she can't help but turn her head back and secretly observe Xiao Ping'an.

Everyone laughed at the small fox-like appearance.

"Jia'er hasn't been out of the house much since she was born, so she is a bit shy," Shu Yu explained with a smile, afraid that Xiaoping An would feel awkward. "But this child is much livelier than Xin'er was back then. I'm afraid that in no time, she'll become familiar with you and start pestering you to play!"

Xiao Ping'an smiled and withdrew his hand without showing any embarrassment on his face. He lowered his head and took out a golden necklace from his pocket, then handed it over, saying with a smile, "The patterns on this necklace were personally carved by my father. Although it is not very valuable, it is exquisite, representing a little thoughtfulness from my grandfather as a father-in-law." Translated: "

Mengshi listened and personally took it over, carefully inspecting it, and nodded with approval, commenting, "It's even more exquisite than the one carved for Xinger back then. My in-law has put in a lot of effort."

After saying that, he handed the milkmaid a golden necklace and instructed her, "Take good care of it for Miss Han. Tomorrow, when we go to the manor for the banquet, bring this with you."

When Zhang the hunter originally crafted this golden necklace, he probably considered the delicate and precious nature of children, who couldn't bear anything heavy. Therefore, he intentionally made it light and unique, so that even if it was worn for a short period of time, it wouldn't be a problem. This shows the meticulousness of his craftsmanship.

Shu Yu looked at the golden necklace, brimming with Zhang the Hunter's compassionate heart. It reminded her of the time when he used to make bows and arrows for her back home. He would carefully remove any rough edges or thorns, so as not to hurt her. This made her feel both touched and nostalgic, and her eyes became moist.

Knowing that it was not the time to shed tears, Shu Yu quickly suppressed her emotions and smiled as she invited Meng Shi and Xiao Ping'an to sit in her courtyard.

Meng Shi chuckled and said, "I won't go. It's been a long time since you siblings met, so go ahead and talk."

If she went with them, I'm afraid the two siblings would feel uncomfortable, and it would be difficult to say many thoughtful words.

Upon hearing this, Shu Yu appreciated Meng Shi's kind intentions and bid farewell with a smile.

Xiao Ping'an also smiled and bid farewell to the Meng family with a complete set of etiquette and elegant demeanor, without any trace of the rustic and crude nature of a country boy.

Upon seeing this, Meng family couldn't help but admire and feel a great fondness for Xiao Ping'an. They then instructed the kitchen to prepare the table properly and not to neglect or overlook Xiao Ping'an just because of his young age.

Here, Shu Yu and Xiao Ping An, along with Han Xin and Han Jia, returned to the courtyard.

The maids and servants could see the situation and wisely backed out, giving Shu Yu and Xiao Ping An the freedom to talk. Translated content: Shu Yu and Xiao Ping An, along with their siblings Han Xin and Han Jia, returned to the courtyard. The maids and servants, observing the situation, discreetly withdrew, allowing Shu Yu and Xiao Ping An to have a private conversation.

Han Xin stood obediently in front of the couch, carefully watching over Han Jia who was playing on top. From time to time, he would hand her a tambourine and a small stuffed toy, amusing her.

In no time, the whole room was filled with the sounds of their laughter and playfulness as siblings.

Shu Yu saw that Han Xin was taking good care of Han Jia, so she relieved her worry and first let Xiao Ping An have some tea and catch her breath. Then she hurriedly asked, "How is the situation at the border? Is Huan Zi Village still safe? Why didn't Mom and Dad come with you..."

A string of questions followed one after another like a barrage, without waiting for Xiaoping'an to answer, she quickly expressed her concern and reproached, "You didn't even inform me in advance that you were coming, so I could have asked Wang Ji's horse shop to take care of you. You are just a child, traveling alone, even if you have a few servants, it is still very dangerous..."

Little Ping'an knew that Shu Yu was caring but worried, so he smiled and waited for her to pour out all her anxieties before smiling and calmly replied, "Sister, you are right, it's that I didn't think it through."

The conversation took a turn, and I comforted Shu Yu with a smile, saying, "But rest assured, sister. Wang Ji Ma Hang has shares owned by your husband. The former accountant, Mr. Bai, is now the steward of your sister's estate. He knew that I was coming to the capital city to visit your family, and Mr. Wang had already made all the arrangements. I have been traveling with a caravan from Liaodong, and they have taken care of my food, shelter, and transportation. I am safe and at ease."

Moreover, the few servants who accompanied us this time were carefully selected by Brother Bai. They are both talented in literary and military arts, and they know how to handle situations. There are also two of them who are experienced wanderers, dealing with ordinary scoundrels. It's really difficult to deal with them.

Shu Yu listened to Xiaoping An's words and finally felt relieved. She also asked about the current situation of her parents and Liaodong.

Speaking of this, Xiaoping An's expression became serious and he said, "

“Not only Huanzi Village, but also most of the border hunters have joined the army nowadays, except for the elderly, weak women, and children. Whether they become guides or soldiers, they all have to contribute their own efforts to defend the country against the enemy!" Please let me know if you need further assistance.

"It's Wang Ji's horse shop. Now, he has also abandoned all other businesses and voluntarily taken on the heavy responsibility of transporting supplies to the border region, day and night, without knowing how many horses have died from exhaustion..."

The people living on the border have suffered from the constant threat of the Wala invaders for generations. Therefore, they understand the brutality of war and the hardships faced by prisoners of war more than anyone else. When they saw the Wala launching a full-scale invasion from the north, they knew that it was a fight to the death between the Great Zhou Empire and the Wala. Without hesitation, they joined the military to defend their homeland.

Because they understand that once the borders are breached, what awaits them is brutal mistreatment worse than pigs and dogs.

Upon hearing this, Shu Yunian couldn't help but well up with tears, let out a gentle sigh, and remained silent.

If possible, she certainly wouldn't want her own parents to risk their lives...

But if it weren't for those selfless and brave individuals, who sacrificed themselves to protect their homes and country, the entire Dai Zhou would be in irreversible devastation. At that time, there would be no more households, and no one to take care of anyone else.

The siblings remained deep in thought, silent.

"Koko..."

Han Jia on the bed had seen something amusing, emitting a clear laughter, breaking the stillness in the room.

When Shu Yu and Xiao Ping'an heard the sound and looked over, they saw Han Jia, who looked like a pink dumpling, smiling brightly while holding a small doll and drooling all over her face.

Seeing this, Han Xin rushed forward, raising his hand to stop her, and anxiously advised, "Sister, you can't eat that, it's not clean..."

Han Jia held the little doll in her arms, trying to hide, while giggling at Han Xin, her expression innocent and joyful.

Shu Yu smiled slightly upon seeing this.

No matter how difficult the situation is or how unpredictable the future is, as long as I see these two children, I feel that the future is full of unlimited hope.