It was apparent the man was a steward. He glanced toward Chen Rong’s carriage with some disdain but still answered Old Shang: “We’ve just received news that the families who left Nan’yang to return to Jiankang had run into the barbarians and gotten killed along the way!”
Shocked, Old Shang hastily asked, “All of them? Does that mean the barbarians had waited to ambush them on the road?”
The plump steward nodded. “That’s what they all say.” He sighed: “My master had sold his land and properties, thinking of returning to Jiankang. But with these news, tsk, tsk…” He shook his head and limply left the scene.
Old Shang also sighed for a while. He then suddenly thought of something and turned to Chen Rong, whispering: “Miss, did you by chance have some premonitions?” Why else would she ask him to buy all the farmland within a month?
“I’m not a divine being,” Chen Rong’s voice was heard. “How would I know anything? It was only a coincidence.”
Old Shang considered her answer and gave a nod.
The carriage made its way to South Street.
As they drove along, Old Shang pointed to the storefronts and said, “Miss, this one is also yours. They used to sell food here, but by the time we bought it, the warehouse had been empty and the shop had already closed. This one over here was a restaurant; it’s now also closed. That’s right, miss, when I gave the grains to Nurse Ping yesterday, she said she’ll save three carriages for you and use the last to open up three shops. It should be no problem to provide for five people with three shops.”
Chen Rong had no interest in any of the details. She carelessly nodded.
Just then, a burst of noises sounded out in front.
Chen Rong curiously peeked through the curtain.
Into her sight was a team composed of six carriages, with the large and extravagant one leading them painted in gold.
A dozen other carriages surrounded this team. The encircling people kept flattering smiles on their faces as they spoke in a solicitous manner to the golden carriage.
Chen Rong gave the scene a glance and hastily ordered, “Pull over, pull over to the side.”
“Aye.” Old Shang quickly steered the vehicle to the roadside.
Chen Rong looked to her left, saying: “There’s an alley, go there.”
“Aye.”