The next morning, Su Xiao was awoken by the chirping birds and children giggling. Opening her eyes, she saw the twins staring at her with wide eyes and making funny gestures. She looked around and saw she was still in bed and others were already up.
She tackled both kids and tickled them till their laughter rang throughout the room.
"Mama, stop tickling us"
"Hahaha...
"We're sorry mama, we won't laugh at you again"
"Promise you won't laugh at mama for sleeping like a pig again?
"Yes, yes"
"Alright. I'm gonna let you go for now. Next time, I won't stop no matter how you beg me"
"Yes mama"
"Good boys"
She kissed their cheeks before the got down from bed. Without being told, the neatly made their bed and put on their shoes before following their mom outside. Su Xiao took out their toothbrushes and let them brush while she heat water for their bathe. It was still humid outside and to avoid catching a cold, she boiled water.
After bathing them, she dressed them in their coats. It was already this cold during August. If they didn't reach the Northern Wilderness by November, they would freeze on the road. With no time to prepare cotton supplies, it would be disastrous for a snowstorm to catch them off guard. She had some cotton in her space, but no way to bring it out without suspicion.
She entered the kitchen where the rabbit meat was smoked and began cooking. She wanted to prepare the Sichuan style-spicy rabbit meat wit peppercorns. She diced the meat and washed it. She then marinated with salt, soy sauce and wine for 30 mins. Then ginger slices, garlic, scallions and star anise were added and blanched for 30 secs which locks in taste and removes gamey taste. Bean paste is added and fried till oil turns red and then left for some minutes till it's tender.
The aroma was intense and captivating. The twins were staring at the pot almost drooling. With a quick laugh, she scooped two pieces of meat and handed them in a plate while warning them to eat carefully as it was very hot. She immediately boiled the rice to go along with it and the dishes was completed. When sister Bai came back, she scooped a generous portion for everyone and served them. Mu Wei was no where to be seen so she left his in the pot.
She went back into the room with the kids and feasted on the delicacy. The first bite was tongue numbing and sweat broke out from her body immediately. With her head lowered, they'll devoured the rice and meat. The kids were burping. She brought some water from her space using the kitchen as a cover and the drank. Feeling stuffed, she decided to go look at the situation outside and keeping the twins with sister Bai. It was not that she didn't wanna take them with her, but the situation outside was chaotic. She would never forgive herself if anything happend to the kids.
The situation outside was optimistic. Some greeted her with smiles as she walked by. Others were grateful for her help, she responded while walking. Outside, the sky was getting clear. She took a deep breath to take in the refreshing scent of grasses and petrichor. From where she stood, she could hear the Chief guard announcing they would start moving in an hour. Mu Wei was giving some instructions to Lu Dan and his brother before he turned to look over.
She was standing outside in her red dress gently fluttering with the breeze. Her hair loosely tied cascading down her face as she stared with a faraway look in her eyes. As she turned to look at him, a gentle smile tugged at her lips and he felt his heart thumping. Without noticing, he was already striding towards her. He stood in front of her and gently shifted her hair back and leaned in. Their forehead touching as he breathed in her scent. Amidst the chaos and uncertainties, they felt unprecedented peace at the moment.
They were immediately brought back to reality at the second announcement from the Chief guard. Mu Wei stared daggers at him for interrupting his enjoyable moments. Su Xiao smiled and took his hand and they went back inside. They received a lot of glances, both filled with envy and disdain. Although he kept a poker face, he ears had subtly turned red. Even though, he tightened his grip on her and let her lead him inside.
Once inside, she let go of his hands and hugged the kids who were running towards her. Mu Wei could only secretly clench his fist recalling the softness of her hands. She brought his dishes and left him while she packed. Su Xiao packed everything obvious in a bag and the miscellaneous items into her space. Lu Dan and Lu Tui were in charge of loading them inside the carriage. Sister Bai took care of the kids and just like that, the job was divided amongst everyone. After making sure everything was in a great condition, they prepared to set off.
At nine in the morning, everyone began marching again to the Northern wilderness. With any incidents this time, the journey was smooth. Thanks to Su Xiao, the mortality rate was low this time around. In a blink of an eye it was October and the weather was becoming harsher. Everyone was bundled in thick clothes. Thankfully it hadn't started snowing yet. At this rate, they would arrive at the Northern wilderness in less than a month. Enough time to prepare some winter clothing and store food.
Su Xiao planned to stop at the last City which was Xin City to stock up on more stuff before the left. It was a two days journey to reach the Xin City. They were currently camping at a high ground with the cracking of fire the only sound heard. Everyone was quiet seemingly lost in thought. The kids were snuggled in her arms asleep. Sister Bai was with her husband and the two brothers huddled together for warmth. Mu Wei was sitting beside her adding wood to keep the fire burning.
"I'm worried"
He stopped what he was doing to look at her. Su Xiao continued,
"Worried for the kids. Such a place where lawless people gather, the environment will be harsh"
"Yes, But we're here. As long as we stick together we can face any difficulties. Just promise me you won't leave no matter what"
"I promise"
At this moment, all thought of divorce had already disappeared. This was her family and she wouldn't abandon them no matter what. With her space, she was confident they would never go hungry. With that promise, the future seemed more bearable and not so scary anymore.