Sold immediately after wearing it? I took my family and fled the famine.

Ling Yuehan decided to set off for Lingnan the next morning.

During this time, Jiang Xing was torn about whether or not to go to Lingnan in person.

In my past life's memories, Lingnan refers to the Guangdong and Guangxi regions, where the temperature is warm all year round, the land is fertile, and it is located by the sea. The tropical climate is very suitable for the growth of many fruits.

I just don't know if Lingnan in this dynasty is the same as in the previous one.

Logically speaking, the food in the Lingnan area is mainly light and not spicy, but Ling Yuehan is different. He especially loves spicy food, and Jiang Xing sometimes wonders if he is really from Lingnan.

With his mind racing, Jiang Xing's hesitation completely dissipated.

She is going to Lingnan.

She's the kind of person who acts on her thoughts immediately.

She worked hard step by step, transforming the ordinary people's daily necessities business into a large-scale operation.

Others, seeing her early success and stable family business, simply said she should be content with what she has and maintain it.

But Jiang Xing knew best that doing business was like rowing against the current; if you didn't move forward, you would fall behind.

All her current businesses are confined to this area. The prefectural city is already her furthest territory; beyond that lies entirely unfamiliar land.

Ling Yuehan offered her a shortcut.

Lingnan is a bustling commercial hub with a large number of merchants and prosperous people. Moreover, the other party has already established a business location, established connections, and mastered local customs. All that is missing is her unique supermarket operation model, product allocation, pricing rules, and service regulations.

With a 50/50 profit split, she doesn't need to invest a large amount of capital; she only needs to personally oversee the process and set up a model.

There is no more cost-effective expansion in the world.

If she clings to the current stability, her life will end there; her family will have enough to eat and wear, but there will be no room for advancement.

But Jiang Xing was unwilling to give up.

Her ambitions didn't stop there; she wanted her son, Xiao Niu, who was studying in the capital, to have a bright future, be confident in his studies, and not be held back by money; she wanted "Jiang Xian Sheng," which she had built herself, to truly step out of her hometown and into a wider world.

With the opportunity right in front of her, if she didn't seize it, she would be letting down all the years of hard work she had put in.

As night deepened, a cool evening breeze swept through the courtyard.

Jiang Xing stood under the eaves, quietly sorting out all the family matters.

In greenhouse vegetable and fruit cultivation, Zheng Nian is steady and reliable, having been in charge for a long time, enough to keep the whole operation stable; the potato field farming is led by experienced villagers from Tianjia Village, with skilled personnel and a stable process, ensuring no mistakes are made.

At each of Jiangxiansheng's stores, Zheng Nian and Shen Yun are all family members, and the accounts are clear and the operations are well-organized.

She's been away from home for months, but the family business won't be disrupted in the slightest.

As for the official coordination, the Ministry of Revenue records, and the matters concerning Vice Minister Chen, she had already given detailed instructions. From now on, Zheng Nian only needs to submit the ledgers monthly to ensure a smooth transition, without her needing to stay behind and take care of things.

With all other ties removed, the only concern that softened her heart and lingered in her mind was Zhang Shi.

Grandma is getting old. She has lived a life of ups and downs. In her later years, she finally has a peaceful life. What she fears most is her loved ones going far away and being separated from her.

Having made up his mind, Jiang Xing turned around and went into the kitchen, where he personally made a plate of soft, sweet osmanthus sugar cake.

She knew the old lady was picky about food and that she was prone to cravings at night, so this little bit of sweetness was the best way to warm her heart and ease the atmosphere.

The sky was completely dark, and lights were turned off in every household.

Inside Zhang's house, the oil lamp burned brightly, its warm yellow light seeping through the slightly ajar door, creating a gentle and tranquil atmosphere.

Jiang Xing, holding a sugar cake, gently pushed open the door.

The interior was quiet and peaceful.

Zhang was sitting on a low stool by the window, wearing a thimble, squinting as she did needlework.

On the table lay half a new light gray silk garment, the material soft, the style she usually sewed for Jiang Xing.

The old man's eyesight was getting worse year by year. He tilted his head slightly forward, getting very close, and sewed very slowly, stitch by stitch, but with exceptional neatness and precision.

The years may have bent her back and roughened her fingertips, but they have never diminished her gentleness towards the younger generation.

"grandmother."

Jiang Xing spoke softly, breaking the silence in the room.

Hearing the voice, Zhang looked up, her cloudy eyes softening instantly, her eyebrows curving into a smile: "Xing'er? Why aren't you resting so late? What are you carrying?"

"Here's some freshly steamed osmanthus sugar cake for you to try."

Jiang Xing placed the plate steadily on the table and then sat down beside her.

Zhang put down her needlework, picked up a piece of food and chewed it slowly, nodding repeatedly: "It's sweet, soft and chewy, cooked just right. Now the family has all kinds of delicious food, all thanks to your skill."

As she spoke, her gaze fell back to the half-finished new clothes on the table. She beckoned to Jiang Xing, "Come on, try this on. I tailored it to your usual size, and I made sure the shoulder line was wider. You've grown taller lately and are always on the go, so it'll be more comfortable for you to wear something loose. See if it fits?"

Jiang Xing picked up the piece of cloth and compared it to his body.

There are no expensive fabrics or exquisite embroidery, just the most ordinary fine cotton cloth, which is soft and warm to the touch. Every stitch is flat and tight, which is the heartfelt gift that the old man spent a lot of time sewing.

She felt a warm yet slightly bittersweet feeling in her heart.

"Grandma, I have enough clothes to wear. My closet is full. Why do you have to work so hard every night to make new clothes for me?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang gently patted the fabric, her tone soft and gentle, yet remarkably stubborn: "Buy-made clothes are nice, the fabric is crisp, and the styles are trendy, but nothing compares to the comfort of clothes made at home."

She looked up at Jiang Xing, her eyes filled with tenderness: "Grandma is old, her hands and feet are slow, and she can't help you with your business outside anymore. The chores at home and your food and clothing are the only things I can do to help you. You work hard every day, and I'm just sitting around at night doing nothing. What's a little sewing?"

These simple words resonated deeply within Jiang Xing's heart.

She put down her clothes, pushed the plate of sweet cakes towards Zhang's side, and gently advised, "Then don't work too hard. The light is poor at night, and it will hurt your eyes. Have a piece of cake and rest before you sew."

Zhang smiled and agreed, slowly eating the sweet cake.

The room fell silent for a moment, with only the evening breeze blowing through the courtyard and the soft rustling of leaves outside the window.

Jiang Xing took a deep breath and decided not to delay any longer.

Make your decision today, be honest tonight, and plan your itinerary tomorrow.

She looked up at Madam Zhang, her expression serious and resolute: "Grandma, I have something important to discuss with you."

Seeing her suddenly become serious, Zhang paused in her actions, put down the cake, and asked gently, "What's wrong? Tell me."

Jiang Xing's gaze was calm, and his words were clear: "I've made up my mind. I'm going to Lingnan."

That short sentence, like a cold wind, instantly froze the warm atmosphere in the room.

Zhang was stunned, her pupils contracted slightly, and she almost thought she had misheard: "W-what did you say? Lingnan?"

"Yes." Jiang Xing nodded, his tone steady and without the slightest hesitation. "Today, Young Master Ling discussed the business opportunities in Lingnan with me in the courtyard, and I figured it out that very night. He will be setting off for Lingnan tomorrow. The shops, locations, and customers there are all secured. All that's missing is a set of operating methods for our supermarket."

"I plan to personally go there to oversee the establishment of the first branch in Lingnan and to fully pave the way for the southern market."

Zhang was completely stunned and couldn't come to her senses for a long time.

Having lived most of her life, she was used to a stable life and dreaded long journeys and traveling to different places. In her heart, a peaceful and safe home for her daughters was the best possible ending.

But Jiang Xing never wanted to stay put.

Zhang's lips trembled slightly, and her voice instantly became tinged with obvious panic: "That place is too far! Across mountains and seas, thousands of miles away! How dare you just go to such an unfamiliar place as Lingnan?"

Jiang Xing had anticipated her reaction, so he remained calm and patiently reassured her, "Grandma, I'm not alone. I'm traveling with Qingzhi and Qingye. The waterways are clear, the journey is safe, and we should arrive in about ten days."

"Once we arrive in Lingnan, Ling Yuehan's connections will take care of everything, ensuring I won't be left alone."

"That's far!" Zhang's eyes instantly reddened, and she couldn't help but raise her voice, "What's the point of stability? You'll be unaccustomed to the climate and customs of a strange place. What if you get sick or suffer from difficulties? Who will protect you?"

"You've had a hard life since you were little. We fled from the north and suffered all kinds of hardships. We finally settled down and our family became stable. Why do you still want to run to the ends of the earth?"

"Grandma, it's precisely because life has just started to settle down that I need to venture out into the world."

Jiang Xing grasped her slightly cool, rough hand, his palm firmly enveloping hers, his tone sincere and resolute: "Our current stability is just a small stability. I'll be running the family's few shops for the rest of my life, and that'll be it."

"But I want our family to be better, I want you to enjoy your old age in peace, I want Xiao Niu to have no worries about his studies, and I want our Jiang family to truly stand tall."

"Lingnan was the first place I took when I left my hometown, and the first gateway for our family business to expand southward."

Looking into Zhang's reddened eyes, she spoke earnestly, "Such an opportunity is once in a lifetime. If I shrink back and remain stagnant, I will never encounter such an opportunity again in my life. In business, opportunities are fleeting, and I cannot be greedy for temporary stability and ruin my long-term future."

Zhang's eyes were red and her fingertips trembled slightly. Looking at her granddaughter, who was becoming more and more composed and determined, she felt both pain and reluctance, but she also knew that once the child made up her mind, she would never change it.

She choked back tears as she spoke, "Grandma doesn't understand big business or a bright future. Grandma only knows that when you're by my side, I sleep soundly at night. When you come home every day and your light is on in the yard, I feel at peace."

"Since you left, you've been gone for months. How can Grandma sleep at night looking at the empty yard?"

These tender, heartfelt words instantly touched the softest spot in Jiang Xing's heart.

Her nose tingled, her eyes welled up with tears, and her tone softened considerably: "I know you're reluctant to leave, and I'm reluctant to leave you either. But Grandma, I can't always stay behind you without growing up and making my own way. Now that I have the ability and the opportunity, I should support this family."

"I assure you," Jiang Xing looked at her earnestly and solemnly promised, "Once this is done, I will return immediately without delay. At most, I will be home to be with you in three to five months."

Zhang looked into her resolute and clear eyes and remained silent for a long time.

She felt reluctant, unwilling, and unable to let go, but she also understood that her Xing'er was no longer the timid and cowardly little girl who needed to be protected under her wings.

Since she recovered from a serious illness, her temperament, courage, and vision have been completely transformed.

After a long silence, Zhang raised her hand and gently stroked Jiang Xing's cheek. Her palm, rough from years of labor, was warm and radiant.

"Xing'er, Grandma has always known this."

Her voice was soft, with tears in her eyes, yet unusually clear and composed: "You're different from before. Your temperament, your knowledge, your courage—you're nothing like the little child I raised. Others may be suspicious, or even fearful, but Grandma has never been afraid."

"No matter if you've changed or who you are, you call me Grandma every day, and you've looked after me, supported our family, and protected our relatives year after year. You are my dearest granddaughter in this life."

"You have the ability, ambition, and skill to make your way in the world. Grandma is proud of you and will never hold you back."

One sentence completely shattered Jiang Xing's last bit of forbearance.

Overwhelmed by a surge of bittersweet emotions, she lowered her head, gently leaned on Zhang's shoulder, and silently her eyes welled up with tears.

Zhang gently embraced her, patting her back lightly as if comforting a child, her tone gentle and reassuring: "Go."

"My granddaughter is very capable and should have gone further and seen more of the world. With me here at home, everything is safe and sound. You can go out and make your way in the world with peace of mind. Do your best in the business in Lingnan. I'll be waiting for your safe return at home."

Jiang Xing responded sullenly, "Okay."

The grandmother and grandson stood quietly together for a moment, all their reluctance, worry, concern, and expectations melting into a silent warmth.

After a long while, Jiang Xing raised his head, wiped away the tears in his eyes, smiled again, and picked up the new clothes to compare: "You see, the size is just right. When I return from Lingnan, I will be able to wear the new clothes you sewed."

Zhang was amused by her and stopped crying while laughing. She gently patted her and said, "You have such a sweet tongue. Go and get some rest. It's chilly at night, don't stay up too late. I'll take care of everything at home. You just focus on your plans."

"Um."

Jiang Xing carefully folded the clothes, put away the sweet cakes, and repeatedly told Zhang to rest early before quietly leaving the house.

Back in his room, Jiang Xing couldn't fall asleep at all.

She sat under the lamp, quickly sorting out all the schedules, manpower, and supplies, and already had a complete plan in mind.

Since Ling Yuehan will be setting off tomorrow morning.

So she went with him.

The next morning, just as dawn was breaking.

The carriages and horses were ready in the courtyard. Ling Yuehan, dressed in plain clothes and carrying a simple bag, was preparing to say goodbye and set off.

He had already said goodbye to everyone last night and was just waiting to set off at dawn. He thought he would be the only one going south on this trip.

Unexpectedly, the courtyard gate made a soft sound.

Jiang Xing had already packed her things, her hair neatly tied up, and walked out of the house with a composed gait. Behind her, Qingzhi and Qingye, each carrying a simple, well-packed bag, stood quietly to the side, already fully prepared.

The three of them stood at attention, clearly having already prepared for their long journey.

Ling Yuehan paused, a look of utter astonishment flashing across her eyes. She frowned slightly: "Miss Jiang? What's wrong with you...?"

He had no idea.

During a casual conversation yesterday, he casually mentioned his intention to cooperate, and he thought she would arrange for Zheng Nian or someone else to go to Lingnan.

He never imagined that she would come with him.

Jiang Xing looked up at him, her eyes bright and clear, her tone calm and confident, poised and graceful:

"Isn't Young Master Ling returning to Lingnan today? Perfect, I'll pack my things and head south with you."

Ling Yuehan stared at her intently, the surprise in her eyes lingering for a long time. Then, a deep smile slowly spread across her face.

It really was Jiang Xing.

He is decisive and ruthless, never procrastinates, and acts immediately after making a plan. His character and courage far surpass those of ordinary people.

He nodded slightly, his voice clear and melodious:

"it is good."

"Since Miss Jiang is determined to travel with me, then let's head to Lingnan together today. Don't worry, I'll protect you once we get there."