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Chapter Ten

The next morning the sound of people moving around awakened Yuechan to the fact they were gearing up to leave. Sitting up, she saw that Lu Yuxian and Shoi-ming had already gotten up.

Lu Yuxian stood near the creek side helping Shoi-ming clean, as the servants shuffled here and there seemingly waiting to the be told what to do. Those who'd joined their circle after Lu Yuxian had apologized were also looking around to find something to do.

Holding back a groan when her back twinged from sleeping on the ground, Yuechan got up. Hua Ai seeing she was up quickly ran to her side and grabbed her arm to help her up. "It's good you're up Mistress, the master told us to let you sleep longer after everything you'd did yesterday. Are you sure you don't want to lay down longer?"

"No, I need to get up and get moving around before we start walking again. Did they hand out rations yet," she asked.

Hua Ai held her arm as she walked over to other side of the creek where a few women were refreshing themselves.

"No, not yet. The guards said there was going to be an announcement made once we all were up," she helped Yuechan raise her hair as she splashed her face with cold water. "Some of the others were nervous, since he said it with such a serious face."

"Well, even if he wants to wait to have all our attention he should take into account that starving ears can't hear."

Finished cleaning herself as best as she could, she approached Lu Yuxian who'd also finished with Shoi-ming.

Looking him over she smiled, "You're no longer limping husband."

Lu Yuxian nodded, "It's thanks to you medicine, I don't feel any of the ache from before." In fact, Lu Yuxian had noticed that overnight his wounds had seemingly healed, but seeing as they were surrounded by strangers he didn't say this. Instead, he reached out against his own instincts and tugged one of her curls. "Your hair isn't staying in your braid."

Laughing, she shook her head. "It has a mind of its own, soon it'll escape it's ribbon."

Seeing her laughing, Lu Yuxian found himself revealing a small smile as he looked down at her. "If it does, I'm willing to capture all of it for you."

The two shared a warm smile, a picture of wedded bliss to the servants who'd accompanied them. Their moment was interrupted by a loud shout by Si Muchen, who'd taken a stand on one of the wagons.

"Prisoners report!"

Those who'd been milling around quickly gathered their family members and headed his way. Eventually a large crowd stood in front of the guards.

Si Michen coldly eyed them all before speaking. "We'll be entering the city walls to collect the rest of those who'll be joining us on our journey. I expect you all to be on your best behavior otherwise you'll face a swift punishment. We do not need those who cannot listen joining us in our travels. Now, I know there are those of you who have managed to gather silver for this arduous journey."

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