My Fulang is a Delicate Flower Chapter 42 Part 3

Huo Shu met his gaze evenly and replied, "He’s gentle-natured, and I don’t speak much. There’s nothing to fight about."  

Still puzzled, Ji Yangzong pressed, "Then why do you want to do this? Our family may not be wealthy, but we have enough to eat and wear. Why go through such hardship?"  

Huo Shu said to his father-in-law: "It's not just about making money."

"Nowadays the court is corrupt, banditry has already spread to prosperous areas, and there is no guarantee that the world will not be in chaos in the future."

Ji Yangzong couldn't help but frown when he heard this. The thought of the world falling into chaos was enough to make anyone tense.

Of course, he knew that this wasn't just alarmist talk. Over the past few years, the situation had become more and more unstable, though not obviously so, which was why people hadn’t paid much attention.  

The real fear was being like a frog boiled in warm water - unaware until it was too late, and suddenly everything was collapse. At that time, ordinary folks like them would have no choice but to suffer.

"What do you mean?"

"Having more options means being better prepared to respond."  

Ji Yangzong let out a heavy sigh and pondered for another moment. 

Merchants traveled north and south, so their news was indeed much more widespread, and their connections were broader. In times of chaos, they truly had more options.  

Ji Yangzong had originally hoped that Huo Shu and Ji Taoyu could live a stable, peaceful life together without needing to venture too far. But with the current state of the world being so uncertain, as the head of the family, he had to start making some preparations for his wife and child.  

Huo Shu's plan was, in truth, for the sake of the family.  

"Fine then. Since you and Xiao Taozi have already discussed it, I won't interfere too much."  

Ji Yangzong said, "As for finding people, just wait for my news."  

Now that his father-in-law was stepping in, Huo Shu felt 80% of his worries ease.  

When it came to knowing who was honest, reliable, and willing to travel, Ji Yangzong was surely far more knowledgeable than him.  

With the matter now entrusted to someone else, and with families busy hanging lanterns and decorations after the 25th to prepare for the New Year, Huo Shu set the issue aside for the time being. Instead, he went with Ji Taoyu to the city to buy New Year's goods and prepare for the reunion dinner.  

The city gates of Tongzhou were already adorned with red lanterns on their watchtowers, a joyous sight even from afar.  

Entering the city was even more overwhelming—shops along the streets were uniformly decorated with couplets wishing for wealth and prosperity, while round and square lanterns hung from the trees lining the road.  

The streets were packed with crowds, most dressed in red cotton vests, their hats embroidered with large ingots. The women even had floral designs painted on their faces, making it seem as though everyone was dressed in their finest.  

There were far more street vendors than usual, with many elderly gentlemen setting up stalls to write couplets. The prices were left to fate, most cost a monthly red or double that for a pair, all just to share in the festive spirit.  

[月红 yuè hóng): lit. Monthly red; fig. Traditional term referring to twelve copper coins as a customary monetary unit]  

The more well-known stalls had long queues forming in front of them.  

Children chased and played in the alleyways, the sound of firecrackers never ceasing.  

Huo Shu’s horse could barely squeeze through the bustling streets. It was his first time spending the New Year in the south, and he had never seen such a lively celebration before.  

Though the New Year in the northern frontier was also lively, it was only so in comparison to ordinary times.  

Days of peace on the frontier were few, and the people often migrated. People kept their belongings sparse and their lifestyles simple, always ready to move at a moment's notice.  

For this reason, even during the New Year, everything was kept simple. At best, families might enjoy one hearty meal together. Those slightly better off could perhaps string up some firecrackers - if they could be found and afforded.

Ji Taoyu wore the rabbit-fur hat Huo Shu had bought him. His clothes were already bright, and with the addition of a red cloak, they made Huo Shu’s attire look even more rough in contrast.  

Standing side by side, the two of them drew quite a few curious glances.  

"Should we get a pair of couplets too?"  

Ji Taoyu tugged Huo Shu’s hand, pulling him into the crowd to watch an old scholar write calligraphy.  

"In previous years, the couplets at home were written by You Lingxiao."  

Hearing this, Huo Shu said, "This year, we’ll buy our own."  

Ji Taoyu pursed his lips and smiled. "What’s the matter, unhappy?"  

"I’m not that petty."  

Ji Taoyu said, "I heard from Mother that ever since You Lingxiao’s hand was injured, he’s been associating closely with merchants, likely choosing to shelter under their influence for profit. You’s mother has been bustling about, saying they’ll renovate their house after the New Year."  

"You Lingxiao seems to have shaken off his earlier despondency and has even started practicing writing with his left hand."  

Huo Shu said, "He’s probably still clinging to hopes of becoming an official, waiting for the court to relax restrictions on physical disabilities when vacancies arise."  

Ji Taoyu sighed. "Who can say what will happen in the future?"  

The world was unpredictable. You Lingxiao, who once looked down on merchants so disdainfully, now had no choice but to lower himself and collaborate with them to make a living.  

It was hard not to feel a pang of sympathy.  

Noticing Ji Taoyu’s distracted expression, Huo Shu frowned slightly and pulled him closer.  

"Focus on walking. Don’t space out."  

Seeing his stern face, Ji Taoyu pinched his hand.  

"Father and Mother have already bought most of the New Year goods. What else do we need?"  

Huo Shu glanced up and spotted a medical hall ahead, nudging Ji Taoyu with his chin.  

"If we need medicine, why not just get it from Grandfather’s place?"  

Huo Shu looked down at him. "Are you sure you want me to ask for it there?"