""Grandfather, where do I catch the bus to the Imperial Capital?" After breakfast, Xiaofeng washed the dishes and asked the old man who was harvesting vegetables in the field.
"You take the bus from the station." The old man lifted his head, "Girl, why don’t you rest at home for another day before leaving?"
"Grandfather, I am fine, healthy even. Grandfather, thank you for saving me. Something came up at home that I need to deal with, but I will come back to see you."
As Xiaofeng spoke, she took out a hundred yuan for the old man, "Grandfather, I didn’t bring much money with me. Please take this. Take good care of yourself, and I’ll come to see you in a few days." The money she had when she left home, she didn’t have time to take when she ran away.
"I can’t accept this." The old man refused, "A man half in the grave like me doesn’t need much money. If you truly feel this way, a visit from you when you have the time would make me very happy."
Truth be told, he hadn’t really saved her, just given her shelter.
"Please take it, I will come to see you." It was only during their chat that Xiaofeng learned the old man now lived here alone, taking care of the flowers, fruits, and vegetables in his field.
It was about seven or eight miles from the old man’s house to the bus station, and on her way there, she saw a car heading forward.
Squinting her eyes, Xiaofeng decided to follow the car to see where it was going.
The car went into a small mountain pass, and of course, Xiaofeng knew what was inside. It was the Shen Family’s estate, situated halfway up the mountain and well hidden.
There was no way she could get in through the main entrance; she would surely be discovered before she got close.
But the accessible places on the side were all fenced with wire; there was simply no entry.
In such a situation, the only option was to jump down and climb up from that spot.
"Girl, why have you come back? Couldn’t you find where the bus station is?" The old man was surprised to see Xiaofeng return.
"Grandfather." Xiaofeng smiled at him, "I’m thinking of climbing up the cliff at the back. Do you have any way to help?"
Living here for so many years, the old man might have a solution.
"You want to get up there?"
"Grandfather, honestly, I have a friend still up there, and I’m not sure how she’s doing. Thus, I’m thinking of going back to take her with me."
"You are a person of great loyalty." The old man sighed, "You certainly know better who lives up there and the situation. Once you go up, you won’t be able to come back down."
"I understand, Grandfather."
"Good that you know. I’ll tell you, I know of a stone path that leads straight to the top. However, it’s seldom traveled, and I’m not sure if there might be insects or snakes living inside. Are you sure you want to go?"
Truth be told, the only person aware of this stone path was him; the other villagers didn’t know about it.
Listening to the old man, Xiaofeng’s heart leaped with joy, "Grandfather, I’m not afraid."
Climbing up openly would create too big of a target. If there was a hidden route, it would naturally be perfect.
The old man led her to the backyard, where a Sophora Flower tree was planted. It was winter, and the leaves of the tree had almost all fallen.
She saw the old man move a plank on the side, revealing a small entrance just wide enough for one person to squeeze through.
"Go ahead, if you feel scared, come back."
"Thank you, Grandfather." Xiaofeng nodded her head and turned to walk inside.
The old man was right; perhaps the stone path had not been used for a long time or no one ever used it, as it was filled with the smell of bat droppings, very unpleasant.
Along the way, there were many snakeskins, probably left behind when the snakes shed their skin.
"Xiaoqi." Xiaofeng covered her nose, calling out for Xiaoqi, "Xiaoqi, Xiaoqi, help me watch the path. I’m worried there might be snakes around here."
"Master, there is Snake-repellent Grass in the space. If you carry a sprig with you, they won’t dare to approach you." The space here is confined; indeed, it would be almost impossible to guard against the appearance of snakes.
Xiaofeng took a sprig of Snake-repellent Grass from the space and proceeded alone deeper into the path.
This stone path must have been left over from the war years; it seemed likely that no one else knew of its existence. In that case, Grandfather must be someone who had survived from the era of war.
At this thought, Xiaofeng grew curious about Grandfather’s identity.
Compared to the steepness of the outer rock face, the path inside was much smoother.
Xiaofeng speculated about where this path might lead.
"I heard that Gu Yecheng is currently out searching for his lost wife, his attention scattered. In my opinion, now is an opportune moment." Arriving at the end of the path, Xiaofeng wanted to see if there was an exit, but she found if she pressed her ear against the stone wall, she could hear the people talking inside."