Chapter 2: The sound of carriages and horses echoes from a thousand miles away, yet I do not know where my hometown is

After the car stopped, the two people got out. Not far away, wisps of blue smoke were rising from a small cottage. Although it was winter, the surroundings were lush with green leaves. The couple carefully observed the scenery around them. In front of them was a small wooden bridge, beneath which the stream flowed gently, clear and shallow. Next to the bridge stood an old peach tree over a yard tall. Upon closer inspection, Zhang called out, "Husband, husband, look quickly, look at that peach tree..." Yun Bozhen turned to look and exclaimed, "Oh, there is actually an early-blooming peach blossom. It turns out that winter is not only about the red plum standing proudly against the snow, but also has the peach blossom standing out on its own!" Yun Bozhen said with a smile to the delighted Zhang.

Yun Bozhen looked at his wife, Zhang Shi, and felt a pang of pain in his heart. His wife, Zhang Shi, whose given name was Shuning, was as her name suggested: virtuous and serene. Although she did not possess the beauty of a celestial being, she was still charming and graceful. Yet now, she appeared so haggard. His wife could have returned to her family; he had even written a divorce letter while in prison. However, she resolutely refused to comply. Even when her parents insisted that she return to her clan and threatened her that if she did not, she would no longer be a member of the Zhang family, barred from entering the Zhang household and severing the father-daughter bond, she still chose to stand by him without hesitation. During his time in prison, it was she who, despite her serious illness, tirelessly sought help for him. Now, she was wandering and drifting alongside him, without a home or place to settle. Though her exterior was frail, her inner strength was remarkable. Reflecting on this, Yun Bozhen felt even more heartache. He held Zhang Shi tightly in his arms.

"How delightful, this remote village is unexpectedly able to accommodate both of you to settle here..." The village chief repeated what he had just said, and the Yun couple could only respond with polite remarks once again

What does Mr. Li have to say?

What you say is not appropriate. How could I accept your gift? If the Fourth Prince were to find out, I cannot imagine how I would be punished. Moreover, you served as an official with a heart for the people, maintaining integrity and honesty. As a mere commoner, it is already a tremendous fortune for me to serve you today. I am overwhelmed with joy. If I were to accept your gift, how would Heaven treat me, and how would the world perceive me?

Thank you very much, village chief, for your trouble

Yun Bozhen had no time to dissuade him, and the coachman had already passed the bridge, heading straight into the village

Noble person, if you and your spouse wish to settle in this village, you must first inform the village elders and the village chief to seek their opinions, and you also need to find a house.

That young gentleman is also quite handsome, a pair of celestial beings!

After speaking for a long time, the coachman resolutely refused to comply, and Yun Bo truly had no other choice but to acquiesce to the coachman's decision

"Then let us stop at the next village, the city is too noisy, and the countryside is much quieter." Zhang Shizhen said, not knowing how much time she had left to hold on, and after a slight hesitation, she spoke thus.

Dear Brother Liu, I am deeply grateful for your care over the past few months, which has allowed us to arrive here safely. My wife and I have decided to settle down here.

The villagers were discussing in a flurry of voices, while Mr. and Mrs. Yunbo, along with the coachman, were at the village chief's home

"Noble one, the carriage has been traveling south for three months now. Should we continue heading south?" the coachman asked

Alright, let's leave it at this. I will have a word with Brother Liu first. With that, he turned around and began speaking to the coachman

Brother Liu has returned. Then, one can see the coachman and three elderly men in their fifties or sixties coming out together from the village entrance

"My husband is a smooth talker, taking advantage of my ignorance; I simply cannot argue with you." Zhang lowered her head, her face showing a flush, and spoke softly.

Yun Bo truly recalled the words of the coachman and could not help but think of his friend Zhao Zhen. He had not expected that Zhao would arrange everything so meticulously, even the coachman was sent by him, which filled his heart with countless emotions. In life, having one confidant is enough; one should regard this world with the same sentiment.

"Esteemed guest, this is the village chief, Old Li." The village chief, Old Li, dressed in a blue cloth robe, stood in the middle of the three individuals. Following this, the coachman began to introduce each person one by one.

It is all my fault, I have implicated you. We might as well find a place to settle down earlier, your illness...

There is no need for you to be so courteous; just let me go. The village is filled with farmers, and it would be easier for me, a simple person, to communicate with them.

That lady is truly beautiful

Saying this, Yun Bozhen took out a silver ingot and handed it to the coachman. "Brother Liu, this is a small token of appreciation from my wife and me, to thank you for your care over the past three months"

I have just heard that you are a person of great learning, surpassing even the scholars. In our village, there is a small school intended for the children to learn, but due to the remote location, it has been difficult to hire a teacher. A few months ago, we engaged a teacher, but he left within a month under some pretext, which has delayed the education of the village boys. In the future, I hope you can provide guidance to the village children.

Some trivial matters need not be concerned about

Young Master Yun, our small village is called Qiaotou Village. There are a total of fifty-six households and sixteen surnames in the village, with the Li, Wang, and Liu surnames being the most numerous. By all accounts, this village is quite small. With your surname being Yun, there is now one more surname added to our village. Fortunately, a month ago, a family moved to the town, leaving behind several houses that are unoccupied and for sale to the villagers. The houses are quite good, and tomorrow, I will speak with this family to negotiate a lower price for you. Today, I must trouble the three of you to accommodate me here.

This is it, I like it here

After this matter, they were busy for several more days, and finally managed to arrange their settlement. The coachman also took his leave. Mr. Yun and his wife then settled down here, with Mr. Yun taking care of Mrs. Zhang's illness and also teaching the village children to read and write at the village school. Their daily life was quite fulfilling.

"Indeed, the young man is too eager; let us discuss this matter again in a few days," the village chief said with a smile. Hearing that Mr. Yun was truly knowledgeable, Old Li was inclined to invite him to be a teacher at the school. Qiaotou Village is quite remote, and few people come here, let alone a teacher. Thus, Old Li mustered his courage to bring it up on their first meeting, and after saying it, he felt it was rather presumptuous. To his surprise, Mr. Yun readily accepted.

The taste of the fish and water plants has long vanished in the winter wind, and the moon atop the treetops is left with only a layer of coldness. Yun Bozhen has truly tasted the bitterness of being far from his homeland, of being away from home. In the city of Luoyang, as the autumn wind blows, he wishes to write a letter home, filled with countless emotions. Yet fearing that he cannot express it all in haste, the traveler prepares to depart and opens the letter again. ("Autumn Thoughts") This poem comes to mind for no reason, and I suddenly feel a deep sense of melancholy. You can still send a letter to express your longing for home, but where is my hometown? Who should I send it to? Who should I tell? As the cold wind brushes against Yun Bozhen's thin cheeks, it chills his poetic spirit, tilting the bonfire beside the cart. All is silent, leaving only endless melancholy beneath the cold moon. ("Autumn Thoughts") This poem comes to mind for no reason, and I suddenly feel a deep sense of melancholy. You can still send a letter to express your longing for home, but where is my hometown? Who should I send it to? Who should I tell? As the cold wind brushes against Yun Bozhen's thin cheeks, it chills his poetic spirit, tilting the bonfire beside the cart. All is silent, leaving only endless melancholy beneath the cold moon.

Yun Bozhen brushed aside the scattered strands of Zhang's hair and replied, "We have been married for three years, yet I have seldom accompanied you, which must have been hard on you..."

"It is only right, as we will be neighbors in the future, to do these things." Yun Mu Yang replied cheerfully

Haha ... If there are flowers to be picked, one should pick them while they can; do not wait until there are no flowers and only empty branches to break! Although Yunbo speaks the truth, he no longer thinks about picking flowers.

"Brother Liu, let us stop here," Yun Bo said to the driver

Very well, then the esteemed person shall remain here. In the future, I will certainly update the Fourth Prince on the two of your recent circumstances

The arrival of distinguished couples to settle in this remote area is indeed a blessing for our village. Esteemed guests, having traveled from afar, we hope for your understanding as we did not come out to welcome you. I kindly invite you all to join me in the village to discuss the matter of your settlement here. Please, come in. The village chief spoke very courteously, and Yun Bo could only engage in polite conversation with the elder. Shortly after, several people entered the village, and the news that someone was coming to settle here spread quickly, causing the villagers to swarm to the chief's doorstep.

After Mr. Li finished speaking, he moved his lips again but still could not utter a word. Mr. Yun truly observed this with his own eyes

The couple Yun Bozhen met with three elderly gentlemen. Upon seeing the three elders, Yun Bozhen approached with Zhang and performed a respectful bow, first greeting the three elders, and then acknowledging the coachman. Following this, the coachman introduced the three elders to the couple Yun Bozhen.

Husband, as we walk along the way, I admire the scenery along the journey. I do not care where we are headed, as long as you are there; even if it is to the ends of the earth, I am willing!" Zhang gently leaned on Yun Bozhen's shoulder, feeling shy in her heart.

Cough... cough... Before Yun Bo could finish speaking, Zhang began to cough again, her face turning red from the effort. Yun Bo was at a loss for what to do, only holding Zhang tightly.

It is only natural, then please ask Brother Liu to take care of my wife for a while, I will return shortly

Mr. Yun Bozhen and his wife took a small bamboo chair and sat by the stream, waiting for nearly half an hour without seeing the coachman return. Although the time felt somewhat prolonged, neither of them felt impatient, especially Mrs. Zhang. Rarely going out, she was delighted to see the scenery so different from the capital, and witnessing peach blossoms in winter truly brought her joy, so she did not mind the wait. Observing his wife's enthusiasm, particularly for the peach blossom, Mr. Yun was tempted to pick it. Although he knew it was not appropriate to do so, seeing his wife in such a good mood was a rare occurrence, and he decided to disregard the thought and reach for the flower. However, Mrs. Zhang seemed to sense his intention.

"Just keep heading south! If the lady likes it, you can stop; there is no need to rush the car too much." Yun Bozhen took one last look in the direction of Bianjing. "Perhaps from now on, Bianjing will only exist in my dreams."

"As you wish, everything is as you wish." The gaze of Yun Bozhen was filled with tenderness, and upon a slight encounter of her eyes with Zhang's, her face turned red

Yun Bozhen was born in Bianjing, grew up in Bianjing, and completed half of what he considered his family's mission in Bianjing, to glorify the family name, to restore the prosperity of the family from years past, and to carry on the responsibilities of a scholarly family. Now, he is in a state of confusion. He does not know where the road will lead, his hands tightly gripping the handrail of the carriage. He intended to raise a cup to drown his sorrows, but alas... a sleepless night. He does not know where the road will lead, his hands tightly gripping the handrail of the carriage. He intended to raise a cup to drown his sorrows, but alas... a sleepless night

My lord, since the flowers bloom so beautifully, why must we pick them and stifle their beauty