Chapter 135: Exchange of Dry Rations
So, Zhao Zhitong happily said goodbye to Zhao Ya, holding her ’rations’, and followed her Eldest Brother and Second Brother out the door, bouncing with excitement.
The meeting place agreed upon by the children was at the bridgehead at the village entrance. When Zhao Zhitong arrived, Qiao Muchen, carrying his small bundle, was already waiting there with Shi Tou and Wei Shulan. Standing next to Wei Shulan was a young man in a servant’s uniform. This must be the highly capable servant, San, that Wei Shulan mentioned—the best fighter among her household staff.
Seeing Zhao Zhitong, Wei Shulan and Qiao Muchen’s eyes lit up, and they excitedly ran over to her. "Tongtong, you’re finally here!"
Zhao Zhitong hopped about happily. "Yeah, yeah!" she chirped, then looked around, puzzled. "Hey, where’s Zhao Yue? Hasn’t he arrived yet?"
Qiao Muchen shook his head. "Probably not. We haven’t seen him since we arrived."
Wei Shulan clutched Zhao Zhitong’s small hand. After exchanging greetings, she started to complain about Zhao Yue, "I knew it! That coward Zhao Yue must be scared. He still hasn’t shown up; I bet he chickened out."
She had barely finished speaking when Zhao Yue’s voice was heard.
"Wei Shulan, you’re badmouthing me again!" Zhao Yue ran over, panting. "I’m not a coward, hmph!"
Wei Shulan showed no embarrassment at being caught speaking ill of him. She reached out and poked Zhao Yue. "Hey, I wasn’t lying! What kept you dawdling at home? We’ve been waiting for you for ages!"
Qiao Muchen also chimed in, "That’s right, Zhao Yue, you’re so slow! We arrived a long time ago."