Transmigrated as the Treacherous Official's Childhood Sweetheart-Chapter 138: Memories of the Past

The cold wind of early morning chills to the bone.

By the moat outside Chang’an City.

The Ye Family, along with their youngest daughter and others, including Shen Chen, are here to bid farewell to Huanhuan and Changzhou.

Afraid of the cold, Ye Zhi wore several layers both inside and out, appearing a bit bulky, as she handed a large prepared bundle to her little companions:

"Huanhuan, you and Changzhou be careful on the road. These are my favorite snacks; I’m giving them to you to eat on the boat."

Huanhuan grabbed it and opened it for a look.

The bundle contained five-spice hand-shredded beef jerky, dried plums, delicately boxed Furong Cakes, and Osmanthus Cakes, with the words "Yujing Hall" printed boldly on the box. The pastries from there are very famous, often selling out shortly after being baked.

Surprised, "Ah Zhi, you actually managed to get pastries from Yujing Hall?"

Ye Zhi responded with a charming smile, looking proud, "Yes, I got up early yesterday especially for you to buy them. Remember to eat them on the road."

They continued to look through the bundle.

Inside, there were also dried peach slices, dried pear slices, crisp sugar, lotus root cakes... a wide variety.

The selection was vast, but the quality was guaranteed.

Yujing Hall’s pastries, peach slices from Taotao’s house, the century-old Tangtangji, Jingxin Building’s lotus root cakes...

Handed the bundle to Housekeeper Tan.

Huanhuan, visibly moved, held Ye Zhi’s small hand: "Ah Zhi, when I come back from home, I’ll also bring you something."

"No need. It’s inconvenient to carry so many things on such a long journey. When I have the chance to visit Yangzhou, you can treat me well then."

Ye Zhi had heard that Yangzhou cuisine was particularly delicious, and she hoped to stay there for a while when she no longer needed to attend the academy.

"Okay."

Today, the Ye Family wore a long robe in primrose color with dark gold willow leaf patterns, a red gold filigree and crystal hair crown, a gold bracelet, and gold pearl drop earrings—a truly opulent attire.

Seeing the two little ones ready to set off.

She spoke to Housekeeper Tan in an annoyed tone:

"Housekeeper Tan, how can your master let such young children go out, not seeing each other for months and only coming back during the New Year? The bond between parents and children weakens. Fortunately, Huanhuan and Changzhou are sensible, but what if it were other less mature children? What would happen then?

The journey is long, and what if they encounter some bandits or bad people? What then?"

It was clear she was well-intentioned.

Housekeeper Tan replied with a smile, "The master’s decision is mainly to let the children gain experience. Besides, I have learned some martial arts in my youth, and I can handle petty troublemakers."

"Even so, it’s just..."

"Madam," Father Ye interrupted to keep the schedule on track, "let Huanhuan and the others set off quickly, or it will get dark."

With her husband’s reminder, the Ye Family understood the gravity of the situation and urged, "That’s true. Housekeeper Tan, you should head off now. Be careful on the road and don’t be late."

Housekeeper Tan clasped his hands in respect: "Thank you for taking care of us, Ye Family. I will truthfully report to my master once I return. We will take our leave first."

He mounted the horse with ease despite his bulk.

And rode off with several other guards and a carriage.

As they watched them leave, the Ye Family and their group slowly walked through the city gates, leisurely heading back towards the Ye Mansion.

The streets were bustling with people coming and going.

"Once back in Feng County, let’s have a drink together."

"Sure, you lost to me last time."

Their cheerful conversation drifted by, as they passed shoulder to shoulder.

The Ye Family paused, stood still, and realized how long it had been since hearing the word "Feng County."

"Mother, what’s the matter?"

"Madam, what’s wrong?"

Both her husband and youngest daughter questioned her aloud.

A nostalgic sorrow crossed the Ye Family’s face.

Reflecting on the past, she said, "I just remembered something. Back then, a childhood friend of mine insisted on running away with a poor scholar despite her family’s objections. Her parents tried everything to stop her, even threatened to sever ties, but to no avail. Her last letter to me mentioned she went to Feng County."