TCN: Mei Gongqing

Chapter 7: Refugees (1)

After they had turned around, Old Shang muttered to her in displeasure: "That Wang missy was very rude. You were obviously well-intentioned."

So saying, he turned to look at Ah Rong. The Chen Rong he saw was one with clear lucent eyes and no trace of chagrin.

After lunch, the company hit the road again.

By suppertime, the house of Wang still dined as sumptuously as before. It was as if they were not fleeing but taking an outing, rather.

The Wang girls' excitement gradually dissipated with each passing day. Slowly, Chen Rong heard more and more grumbling.

This was also when Chen Rong found out Wang Qilang did not join them because he had gone to greet another scholar.

It was no longer hot, being early autumn. But as carriages and people moved along, dust would roll up and dirty the crew.

When this happened, the Wang family who had always paid attention to the upper-class' propriety would bathe several times daily. For this reason, they could only cover twenty to thirty miles a day.

They continued this way for seven days when more and more refugees appeared on the road. These commoners were rushing south in droves. After using up all of their dry rations, they had automatically begun to follow the Wangs' caravan, the reason being that there would be plenty of leftovers each time the Wangs finished their meals.

The house of Wang began to feel irritated when more and more people tailed them. These filthy refugees were covered in dirt and stench. As they followed behind, the wind would pick up their smell and send it drifting for miles, and it is unbearable. Nonetheless, they didn't dare to do anything detrimental to their good names, such as driving the refugees away. All they could do was to reduce their bathing time and increase their speed.

None of this had anything to do with Chen Rong.

She was the only master to be served in the Chen house. At mealtimes, she also ate one simple dish. After she finished, she did not sleep in a large tent like the Wangs did, but stayed in her horse carriage.

Recently, she mostly sat inside for an hour or so before changing to horseback riding or simply walking.

Because Chen Rong was proficient in martial arts and had good physique, she could follow the team for miles without pausing for a breather.

"Let's stop to eat." Amid the clopping hooves, a rider called out loudly while riding toward the back of the team.

Chen Rong gazed to the bright red sun in the west and then dismounted her horse.

This translation belongs to hamster428.

At this time, everyone was busy at work again, either securing tents or bringing out food.

Upon seeing Chen Rong approach, Nurse Ping lowered her voice as she carried food into the carriage: "Miss, it's as you said." At the same time, she cast a glance at the Wang house three hundred paces away.

The sun was now setting in the west, casting a golden light on the still-verdant poplar trees. At present, thick damask mats were spread under the poplar trees, on which stood tables, and behind these tables were family members of the Wang clan in rich, vibrant clothing and footwear. They were all handsome, and in the sunlight, appeared to be fairies from above.

However, these refined ladies and gentlemen were now frowning. Their faces displayed loathing mixed with frustration. They stared at the food in front of them, but none could bring himself to raise his chopsticks.