They had set out from Chunzou aboard a cargo vessel belonging to the Zhi Yun Trading Company, and nearly ten days had passed in the blink of an eye. The journey had been smooth, with favorable winds and calm waters.
The panic they had felt earlier aboard the passenger boat seemed to have been exchanged for this long stretch of peaceful travel.
Lin Wu calculated that the Major Snow solar term was fast approaching. The weather grew colder by the day, and the river wind struck her face with a damp, biting chill.
Yet she found the coolness refreshing and soothing. Life aboard the ship might have seemed dull and tedious to others, but for her and Lin Jing, it offered a rare sense of stability.
After they had finished breakfast, Lin Jing rinsed out his little wooden bowl. Tilting his face up, he looked at Lin Wu. “A Wu, I want to go see Uncle Zhang.”
Lin Wu took the bowl from him and wiped it dry with a cloth. “Go on, but remember not to get too close to the railing.” She reached out and tightened the little headscarf around him.
With the weather turning colder, Lin Wu had taken out every piece of clothing in their bundle that he could wear and layered them all on him. She had paid no attention to what was meant to be worn underneath or on top, or whether the colors matched. All that mattered was keeping him warm and blocking the wind. She had even tied a blue headscarf around his head, making him look even more like a plump little tiger cub.
These days, the little fellow had been running about outside the cabin more often, and his small face had grown a little darker from the sun. Combined with his bulky outfit, he looked rather disheveled.
The disheveled Little Lin Jing nodded solemnly, then pattered toward the stern.
Several sailors were gathering in the lines along the way. They stepped aside to let him pass and teased him with a grin.
“Well, well, Little Helmsman, reporting for duty early today?”
“Uncle Zhang’s been at the wheel since before dawn! You’re only showing up now—were you lazing in bed? Careful, or Uncle Zhang will dock your pay.”
A guard resting nearby joined in. “Slow down, the deck’s slippery! The river water’s freezing. If you fall in, we’ll all be shivering when we haul you back out!”
Lin Jing gradually slowed his steps, but he did not stop. He merely turned his head, his little face solemn. “Helmsman Zhang said a good helmsman watches the sky and the current, not the hour he starts work.”
Though his voice was still childish, he spoke each word clearly. Putting on an adult’s tone made everyone around him burst into laughter.
He jogged all the way to the stern. There, a dark-skinned, middle-aged man stood behind the ship’s wheel, gazing out over the river.
“Uncle Zhang!” Lin Jing halted beside him.
Hearing his voice, the man lowered his head. His formerly stern brows immediately relaxed. “Why, Little Jing, you’re here early today.”
This man was the ship’s helmsman, the one responsible for steering. Apart from the ship’s owner, the helmsman was the most important person aboard. He handled the compass and the wheel, set the course, and read the waterways. Whether the entire ship would arrive safely and smoothly depended on his eyes and hands.
Over the past few days, Lin Jing had become intensely curious about this special occupation. He would often hide quietly in a corner, staring at the helmsman’s station with his round eyes, though he never dared approach.
Seeing his little figure, Lin Wu had found it amusing. One morning after breakfast, she had made an extra flatbread filled with meat paste and placed it in his hands. Her voice gentle, she said, “If you can’t finish it, take it to one of the uncles and offer it to him as thanks.”
The little fellow had clutched the flatbread and dashed straight to the stern.
“Look, if we continue thirty li east, we’ll reach the next dock and moor there. After that, we’ll keep heading east for another eight hundred li, and we’ll arrive in Huzhou.” Helmsman Zhang unfolded a simple map, pointing as he explained.
Maps had already developed considerably by this time. There were charts depicting mountains and rivers, waterways, postal roads, transportation routes, cities, and towns. City maps had also become quite popular, offering considerable convenience to travelers journeying north and south. Some scholars and officials would even make a point of buying a local mileage map whenever they arrived somewhere new.
Lin Jing opened his round eyes wider and leaned closer. He found it astonishing that such a short ink line on the paper could represent such a tremendous distance. He lifted his little head and asked, “How far is eight hundred li?”
“Eight hundred li means our cargo ship will probably need another ten days or so to get there. Our ship is large and draws deep, so it travels steadily, but it isn’t fast. A lighter passenger boat, if it caught favorable winds and currents, might make it in five or six days.”
“Then which way is east?” Lin Jing turned his head this way and that, gazing at the endless stretch of river with a puzzled expression.
Helmsman Zhang took out a compass and held it before him. “See this? It’s a compass. When we helmsmen travel by water, we watch the stars at night and the sun during the day. When the sky is overcast or foggy, we rely on this to tell direction. The end the needle points toward is south, and this way…”
He raised a hand and pointed toward the east. “This is east.”
Lin Jing seemed to understand, though not quite. He tilted his little head and stared at the lightly trembling needle. “South? Is it pointing toward the Southern Cliffs?”
“Ha!” Helmsman Zhang’s voice rose with laughter. “From where we are, south is indeed the direction of the Southern Cliffs! Little Jing, you’re quick-witted. You catch on at once. In a few more years, I’m afraid you’ll be taking over my position as helmsman!”
Lin Jing lifted his head and gazed in the direction indicated by the needle. His sight crossed the vast river. Beyond it lay the riverbank, and farther still were ordinary slopes and shadows of trees. The Southern Cliffs were so far away that they could not be seen at all.
By the time dusk fell, the ship slowly pulled alongside a small dock. After spending so many days aboard, Lin Wu felt that she herself was no less disheveled than Little Lin Jing.
After tidying herself up a little, Lin Wu went ashore with Steward Zhou and several of the workers and headed into the city toward the “Xiangshui House.”
The Xiangshui House was a public bathhouse, a common establishment in the city. Such bathhouses were easy to identify, as they usually hung a wooden dipper outside as their sign. Men and women bathed separately inside, and the services offered went far beyond bathing. There were back-scrubbing and massages, along with all sorts of other treatments. Tea, wine, fruit, and other refreshments were available as well.
Lin Wu asked Steward Zhou to take Lin Jing to the men’s bathhouse while she went to the women’s. After washing and emerging feeling clean and refreshed, she took hold of Lin Jing’s hand and returned to the ship. Though he was still somewhat disheveled, he was certainly much cleaner now.
Lin Jing was still absorbed in the novelty of the bathhouse, his little mouth chattering nonstop. “There were so many people inside! There were children my age too!”
“The steam was all white, so you couldn’t see anyone clearly. But I heard someone singing nearby, and someone else shouting that the water was too hot.” He sat obediently in front of Lin Wu, his two little knees bumping together restlessly.
As she listened, Lin Wu used a fine cloth to dry his hair. “Did you get scalded?”
“I’m not afraid of hot water!” He puffed out his small chest. “An uncle scrubbed my back for me. It tickled, and it hurt a little too. He said I was a little mud doll.”
“But now our A Jing isn’t a little mud doll anymore. You’re a little fragrant doll…”
Before Lin Wu could finish speaking, a sound of footsteps approached. She looked up and saw Old Master Shen coming to find them in person.
The cabin door had been left half open for ventilation. Lin Wu hurriedly stood up and pushed it all the way open before stepping outside.
“Lady Lin, have you been comfortable aboard the ship these past few days?” His voice was calm and even. Then he glanced toward Lin Jing.
The child looked much more relaxed than he had back at the Shen residence in Lingzhou, the wariness between his brows having faded considerably. Yet the moment he saw Shen Zhongming, all the excited chatter from earlier vanished. His little body pressed close against Lin Wu, and he only peeked over at the old man with a pair of clear, bright eyes.
“Thank you for looking after us, Old Master Shen,” Lin Wu said, lowering herself into a formal bow. “Thanks to your kindness, everything went smoothly aboard the ship, and everyone has treated us very well.”
“Good, good. I heard all about it in my cabin. We have quite an impressive Little Helmsman aboard now—even Old Zhang, with his stubborn temper, has been praising how clever he is. So I came especially to have a look.” Shen Zhongming stroked his beard and teased her.
Lin Jing knew they were talking about him. Embarrassed, he turned his little head aside and quietly hid behind Lin Wu, leaving only his eyes visible.
“Old Master, you’re too kind. He simply can’t sit still. We’re fortunate that Uncle Zhang and the others have been willing to take him along,” Lin Wu said, gently patting his head.
“It’s a good thing for a little one to have so much energy aboard ship. It keeps things lively for everyone,” Shen Zhongming said with a smile and a nod. “All right, I won’t tease him any longer. Look at him—he’s hiding so thoroughly that only his eyes are showing. I came over this time to deliver a letter from Guanting.”
As he spoke, he took an envelope from his sleeve and handed it to Lin Wu. “A few days ago, I mentioned in my letter that you were taking passage to Huzhou. He was quite concerned and sent a reply, asking me to pass it on to you.”
Lin Wu paused, then realized that the “Guanting” he referred to must be Young Master Shen. She quickly accepted the letter. “I’m truly sorry to have troubled Young Master Shen with his concern. Thanks to the care you and Young Master Shen have shown us along the way, my son and I have been able to travel in peace and safety.”
“Lady Lin, there’s no need to be so formal. We’ll reach Huzhou in another ten days or so. The Shen family is fairly well established there. If you run into any difficulties in the future, don’t hesitate to come looking for us.” Shen Zhongming’s tone was warm. His gaze swept over Little Jing’s still-damp hair. “Little Jing’s hair hasn’t dried yet. You should go and take care of him. I won’t disturb you any longer.”
With that, he turned to leave. After taking only two steps, he looked back and added, “If you’d like to write a reply, you may give it to Steward Zhou or bring it directly to me. Either will be fine.”
Lin Wu nodded, clutching the letter in her hand. “Thank you for making such thoughtful arrangements, Old Master. I’ll always remember your kindness.”
Back in the cabin, she carefully dried Lin Jing’s half-damp hair. Then, by the dim yellow light spilling in from the passageway, she gently drew the letter from its envelope.
At the sight of the familiar handwriting, her heart gave a faint flutter.
Lin Jing could not read much yet, but he leaned over curiously all the same.
Lin Wu stroked his soft hair. After reading the letter carefully, she turned and closed the cabin door.
She sat down beside the child and lowered her voice. “Young Master Shen met them in a very distant place.”
Lin Jing froze for a moment, then his eyes widened. His little mouth opened and closed once, and he stared at Lin Wu without blinking.
Lin Wu smiled softly. “Don’t worry. Young Master Shen says they’re all safe and well.”
The tension immediately left Lin Jing’s shoulders. He leaned his little head against her and said in a soft voice, “Thank you, Young Master Shen.”
“Does A Jing want to thank him in person?”
Lin Jing lifted his head. His eyes shone brightly in the dim cabin. “Yes. A Jing wants to thank him.”
“All right.” Lin Wu folded the letter carefully and slipped it back into the envelope. “Once we reach Huzhou, we’ll write him a reply.”
In the days that followed, the cargo ship did not stop at shore again, but continued downstream with the current.
The fresh food they had replenished at the last wharf had nearly run out, so Lin Wu took out the dried noodle cakes she had prepared earlier—dried suobing cakes. They were still dry to the touch and smelled perfectly fine, so she took two pieces to the galley.
“Lady Lin, you’re here!” Cook Zhao called out cheerfully when he saw her enter. “What would you like to make for the afternoon meal today? If you’ve run out of your provisions, the ship has plenty of rice and flour. Don’t hesitate to use them.”
He was the head cook aboard the ship, and everyone generally addressed him as Cook Zhao.
During her time aboard, Steward Zhou had not required her to work as a temporary cook, but she often came to the galley to lend a hand. By now, she was familiar with Cook Zhao and the other helpers.
Lin Wu waved her hands quickly. “You’ve already gone to so much trouble for us along the way. How could I use the ship’s provisions for free again?”
As she spoke, she took a pottery plate from her net bag and placed it on the counter. “I brought some dried food of my own. I haven’t finished it yet.”
Cook Zhao and the other kitchen helpers looked over. When they saw the two lumps of suobing, they could not help feeling intrigued. Most travelers carried provisions such as fried rice, which kept well. It was unusual to bring noodles that had already been pulled and shaped like this.
“Dried suobing cakes? That’s something new,” Cook Zhao said, leaning closer for a careful look.
Lin Wu ladled some water into the plate and smiled. “I thought that if rice can be steamed, dried, and stored, then suobing should probably work the same way.”
“That makes perfect sense!” Cook Zhao nodded repeatedly. “You’re very clever, Lady Lin.”
“Once it’s cooked, please taste it and let me know if the seasoning is all right.” As she spoke, Lin Wu set the pottery plate over the stove.
“Then we’re in for a treat today.”
Once the water boiled, Lin Wu placed the dried suobing cakes into the plate. When they softened, she used bamboo chopsticks to separate them. Then she took some dried vegetables from a packet of oiled paper and sprinkled them in, added a spoonful of savory sauce and meat paste, and let everything simmer for a little while longer.
The method itself was nothing unusual. These days, aside from dried suobing cakes, there were countless varieties of dried vegetables and meat pastes. There were all kinds of preserved vegetables, such as pickled radishes, pickled eggplants in sauce, and pickled chives. Dehydrated vegetables included fried ginger, dried bracken shoots, dried garlic scapes, and dried bamboo shoots. Meat pastes came in varieties such as cooked mutton paste, red clam paste, and fish paste.
Lin Wu’s only advantage was that she had the idea to combine several ready-made ingredients together.
“It’s ready already?” Cook Zhao watched as she moved quickly, taking the pottery plate off the stove after only a short while. Although it had not cooked for long, the suobing inside already looked soft and tender.
Lin Wu nodded and took a porcelain bowl, spooning some of the noodles into it. “The suobing was steamed before it was dried. I thought that if the ship ever made it inconvenient to light a fire, we could simply soak it in boiling water and eat it, much like soaking fried rice.”
She gently pushed the bowl toward them. “Go ahead and try it.”
Cook Zhao and the others did not stand on ceremony. Each picked up a bite with his bamboo chopsticks, and as soon as they tasted it, they began praising it.
“It’s truly delicious! Especially the meat paste—it’s so rich and savory. Traveling in cold weather, there’s nothing better than a steaming bowl of this.”
“That’s right, and it’s so quick to make,” another helper chimed in.
The few of them finished the bowl in two or three bites. Only then did they look somewhat embarrassed as they said to Lin Wu, “Lady Lin, we’re terribly sorry. We’ve eaten up your afternoon meal.”
“It’s no trouble,” Lin Wu said with a smile. “I’ll bring back a jar of boiling water later and let A Jing soak some for himself. He’ll probably be delighted.”
“I’ll carry it for you!” a young deckhand said with a grin. “Then I can see for myself whether it really softens properly.”
“Then I’ll trouble you, young man.” Lin Wu gathered the pottery plate and put it back into her net bag. “I’ll head back first.”
The young deckhand carried a pottery jar and followed behind her.
Lin Jing had been waiting in the cabin. When he saw that Lin Wu had brought back not only their afternoon meal but also someone else, a puzzled look appeared on his little face.
“Little Jing, I’ve come to watch you prepare your noodle cake.” The deckhand held up the earthenware jar in his hand.
Lin Jing tilted his little head, even more puzzled than before.
With a smile, Lin Wu told him what had just happened in the galley. The little boy’s eyes immediately lit up, and he nodded eagerly. “All right! All right!”
“Come on. There’s nowhere to work here. Let’s go out onto the deck!” The deckhand warmly beckoned Lin Jing outside.
Lin Wu took out another noodle cake and followed them. Once several curious deckhands learned what was going on, they gathered around as well.
Lin Jing sat on the long bench before the table, his little face set in deep concentration. He reached out, gently picked up a piece of noodle cake, and carefully placed it into the large earthenware bowl. Lin Wu then guided him in adding the dried vegetables and sauce, poured in boiling water, and covered the bowl with its lid.
The little boy sat perfectly straight beside it, keeping watch. Every so often, he would tilt his head back and ask, “Mother, can I take the lid off now?”
The deckhands around him teased him with laughter. “Little Jing, your little cook still needs to learn some patience. You’re so restless—don’t tell me you’re planning to eat half-cooked noodles later?”
“But the noodles are already cooked.” Lin Jing had seen Lin Wu make the noodle cakes, and he still remembered that.
“If they’re already cooked, what do we need you for, little cook?”
Lin Jing pursed his lips and said nothing. He merely turned his little head away from the man. Laughing, Lin Wu straightened his head again, then placed a handkerchief over the lid. “You can open it now, but be careful—it’s hot.”
Lin Jing cautiously lifted the lid. His eyes brightened when he saw that the noodle cake inside had already softened and expanded. It looked almost no different from freshly boiled noodles.
Steam carrying the rich fragrance of sauce spread through the air. Dried vegetables were scattered among the noodles, while the meat sauce glistened with oil, making the whole dish look quite respectable.
Lin Jing picked up his spoon and chopsticks and began eating with great relish, gently swinging his little feet.
“Oh my, seeing Little Jing eat so happily has made the steamed bun in my hand lose all its flavor!” someone beside him joked.
Lin Jing hesitated. He looked up at the man. “Then… shall I share a tiny bit with you?”
“Little Jing is so generous!” The deckhand did not stand on ceremony. He really did pass over an earthenware bowl, then stuffed the steamed bun from his own portion into Lin Jing’s hands. “Then I won’t be polite!”
With that, he began wolfing down the noodles, nodding repeatedly. “Delicious! Little Jing, forget being a little helmsman. You should become a little cook instead.”
“You’re such a shameless fellow! A grown man eating a child’s food!” someone nearby called out with a laugh.
Not far away, Shen Zhongming quietly watched the lively scene, a smile appearing in his eyes as well. Yes, for this mother and son, such ordinary warmth and simple happiness were the best choice. For those adrift in the sea of suffering that was Nanya, having one fewer person caught up in it was a good thing.
After sailing for several more days, the ship gradually slowed and entered the boundaries of Huzhou.
They were still a long way from Huzhou Prefecture, but the bustle of the place could already be faintly heard and seen. The boats on the river grew denser by the moment—passenger vessels, cargo ships, and pleasure boats all weaving back and forth. Rows of drooping willows lined both banks, their branches reflected on the water, green shadows swaying with the ripples and adding to the lively scene of this watery world.
There were more and more people on the banks as well: farmers carrying shoulder poles, merchants driving ox carts, and porters hurrying along. The closer they came to Huzhou Wharf, the more tightly packed the buildings became. Teahouses, wine shops, inns, and all manner of stores stretched along the riverbank, their fluttering banners swaying in unbroken rows. The voices of pedestrians, the cries of vendors, and the rumble of carts and horses blended into a rolling wave of sound, leaving the eye overwhelmed.
Lin Jing leaned over the side of the ship, staring without blinking.
The vessel slowly approached the wharf.
Huzhou had arrived.
In front of the wharf was a broad expanse of blue-gray stone paving, where the crowds and carts were even denser than those they had seen on the river.
Not far ahead stood a conspicuous group of people in brightly colored clothes, both adults and children. Before the ship had even come to a complete stop, one of them—a little boy wearing a red silk jacket with white flowers and narrow sleeves, paired with blue-gray trousers—saw the ship drawing near. He hopped and skipped toward it. Once he reached the edge of the wharf, he rose onto his toes, threw his hands high into the air, and shouted at the top of his lungs, “Grandfather! Grandfather—Big Brother! Big Brother—”
He shouted so loudly that it sounded less like a welcome and more like he was witnessing a tragic parting.
The first person Lin Jing noticed was this little boy. He tilted his head, then suddenly grinned and tugged at Lin Wu’s sleeve. “He’s all red, like a wild hawthorn.”
Lin Wu looked over as well. The boy appeared to be seven or eight years old. Though his clothes were fine, he looked even more disheveled than Lin Jing, who had spent so long aboard the ship. The many little buns tied up with red silk ribbons on his head had somehow been thoroughly ruffled, with tufts of unruly hair sticking out in every direction. As he moved, they waved wildly in the breeze.
Shen Zhongming, still aboard the ship, heard that cry cutting through the noise of the wharf. He helplessly pressed a hand to his forehead and even considered asking Old Zhang to turn the ship around.
Once Shen Zhongming disembarked, Lin Wu also shouldered her bundle and led Lin Jing down the gangplank.
The little Wild Hawthorn excitedly circled Shen Zhongming several times, calling “Grandfather” a few times before craning his neck to look behind him in confusion. “Grandfather, where’s Big Brother?”
Shen Zhongming placed a hand firmly on the boy’s head. “Settle down! Your big brother went to Nanya. Didn’t your parents tell you?”
The child froze for a moment, apparently trying to remember. Then he suddenly sprang into the air and broke free of Shen Zhongming’s hand, becoming visibly even more excited. “That’s wonderful! Big Brother isn’t here!”
He jumped up and down several times where he stood before finally calming down a little. Only then did he notice that another child had come down from the ship. He immediately set off again, scampering toward Lin Jing with a series of pattering footsteps.
Lin Jing sensed trouble and hurried behind Lin Wu.
The boy followed him around to the other side. His eyes gleamed as he stared at Lin Jing, then he turned back toward his grandfather. “Grandfather, who is he?”
“Don’t frighten him.” A young girl of about eleven or twelve hurried over and took hold of Wild Hawthorn’s hand. She wore a pale ocher-yellow silk jacket patterned with flowers, and her hair was styled in two buns. With her round face and almond-shaped eyes, she had a charming appearance. She blinked at Lin Wu for a moment, then turned to her grandfather as well. “Grandfather, who is she?”
Looking at the two children, Lin Wu felt that they seemed vaguely familiar. On closer inspection, their features bore some resemblance to Shen Guanting’s. They must be his younger sister and brother. Only…
Lin Wu glanced at their fine-looking clothes, then at their slightly dark complexions. She remembered that Shen Guanting was quite fair-skinned. How had these two children managed to become nearly as dark as Lin Jing?
“You two, behave yourselves!” Shen Zhongming’s expression darkened as he gave them both a stern reprimand.
“Just look at you. It hasn’t been long since Guanting left, and already…” He looked the two children up and down, exasperated and amused at once. “You’ve clearly been running wild outside.”
“We haven’t!” the two children protested in unison, though their round eyes remained fixed curiously on Lin Wu and Lin Jing.
“This young lady is a friend of your brother’s, and this little lad is her son.” Shen Zhongming’s tone turned more serious. “If you act recklessly and disturb our guests, just wait until your brother comes back. He’ll teach you both a lesson.”
At that, the two children immediately straightened up and properly bowed to Lin Wu. “Greetings, Elder Sister.”
Then they turned toward Lin Jing. “Greetings, little brother.”
The forms of address flew all over the place, as though they had not heard a word of their grandfather’s introduction, in which he had explained that the two were mother and son.
Lin Wu smiled and returned their greeting, her voice gentle. “Miss Shen, young sir, greetings. My surname is Lin, and this is my son, Lin Jing.”
Lin Jing also clasped his little fists and bowed solemnly to the two of them.
“Just look at Little Jing! He’s so young, yet he knows his manners so well—and he can even make hand-pulled noodles. What about you two?” Seeing that the pair had finally settled down, Shen Zhongming continued lecturing them. “Apart from climbing onto roofs and fishing in the river, can you do anything useful?”
“Wow!” Wild Hawthorn’s eyes immediately widened. He had clearly not taken in a word of his grandfather’s lecture. “Little brother, you can make noodles?!”
“That’s right. They’re really, really tasty!” said a worker who happened to have sampled the noodles as he passed by, grinning as he joined in.
Even the young lady beside him looked at Lin Jing in surprise.
Embarrassed by their attention, Lin Jing’s face flushed, and he shrank farther behind Lin Wu.
“Old Master, you’re too kind. They were merely some ready-made provisions we had on hand—just enough to fill our stomachs.” Lin Wu explained this gently, her gaze catching sight of the well-dressed group approaching from not far away.
She tightened her hold on Lin Jing’s hand and bowed solemnly to Shen Zhongming. “Our safe arrival in Huzhou is entirely thanks to Old Master and the thoughtful care provided by Zhiyun Trading House. This junior is deeply grateful. My son and I shall take our leave now. May you enjoy good fortune and longevity.”
Shen Zhongming’s expression was warm as he nodded. “Travel safely, Madam Lin. Now that you’ve arrived in Huzhou, you’ll be able to settle down and live in peace. If you run into any difficulties, don’t hesitate to ask for help.”
With that, he turned and walked ahead.
Lin Wu took Lin Jing’s hand and turned toward the other side of the wharf, preparing to leave.
Shen Zhongming had only just reached his family when he heard his eldest son ask in a low voice, “Father, who were those two just now? Why are Sparrow and Tigerhead following them?”
Shen Zhongming froze and turned to look. Sure enough, the family’s two little mischief-makers were trailing after Lin Wu and Lin Jing step for step.
“Elder Sister, my grandfather really has no manners. Since you’re Brother’s friends, how could he not arrange a carriage to see you off?” The round-faced young lady, Sparrow, suddenly spoke in a clear, ringing voice.
Lin Wu was startled. She turned around and only then realized that the two children had followed them.
Sparrow continued, “Brother is the same. He never tells anyone at home in advance and always catches us off guard. He does love playing tricks on people. But it doesn’t matter—we still have time. Tigerhead and I will see you off.”
Tigerhead immediately puffed out his chest and nodded emphatically. “Brother’s friends are my Tigerhead’s friends! As long as I, Tigerhead, am here in Huzhou, I guarantee no one will dare bully you!”
Looking at the two young faces, still bearing all the innocence of childhood yet filled with utter seriousness, Lin Wu found herself torn between laughter and exasperation. Perhaps because Old Master Shen had introduced her to them as Shen Guanting’s friend, the two children behaved with remarkable familiarity around her, blurting out anything and everything.
Lin Jing blinked, studying the unfamiliar brother and sister before him with a wary expression. His gaze eventually settled on Tigerhead. “Who would bully us in Huzhou?”
“There are loads of people!” Tigerhead became animated at once. He began counting on his fingers. “For example, my brother is the best at bullying people—but he isn’t here right now, so that’s great! There’s the third son of Liu Pockmark on West Street, who sells baked cakes. Last time, he chased me for half a street because I ran too fast and bumped into his stall! And under the bridge on East Street, there’s a huge, fierce fat cat that loves scratching people. It’s terribly bossy…”
Lin Jing listened quietly to this string of completely irrelevant answers. When Tigerhead finished, he nodded and asked, “Then where are you taking us?”
“Huh?” Tigerhead and Sparrow were both stunned. Their bewildered eyes met for a moment before they turned in unison toward Lin Jing. “Where are you going?”
Lin Jing held out his little hands, his tone calm. “I don’t know either.”
He remembered A Wu telling him that Huzhou was the last place they were supposed to reach. Now that they had arrived in Huzhou, why did they still need someone to see them off? Were they supposed to go somewhere else after Huzhou? A Wu had never mentioned it.
Still, wherever A Wu went, he would go too. But why were these two following them? Was everyone in the Shen family like this? One after another, they kept trying to lead people somewhere. Earlier, in Lingzhou, that Young Master Shen had wanted to take them to Nan Cliff. Now these two little ones claimed they would see them off, yet they did not even know where they were going.
The three children looked at one another. Finally, all together, they raised their heads and looked toward Lin Wu.
