Chapter 2780: A Pleasant Surprise Upon Leaving Home

Chapter Ninety-Two: Going Outside to See the Delight

The sky gradually brightened.

The three children huddled together, still not waking up. They had been tossing and turning all night and were completely exhausted. It was a good thing the room had a brazier, otherwise, they would have been shivering from the cold.

Xiè Jiàn, who had arrived earlier, had prepared breakfast. The aroma of sweet porridge drifted through the air.

"Mother, have you had breakfast?"

"I've eaten," Míng Ān smiled gently. "Have you rested well?"

"I slept soundly," Xiè Jiàn replied. He then lowered his voice and said, "Mother, outside..."

"I know," Míng Ān’s smile faded. "Go eat."

Xiè Jiàn stopped talking and just nodded. He went out to the outer room and sat down, silently eating his porridge.

The servants had also heard the news and were all standing in the courtyard, their faces filled with terror. The events of last night had truly been a shock.

Yīng Shū, who had gone to the yamen to deliver the news, returned after washing up. He looked pale and tired. "Madam, the magistrate said he will handle this matter. He will investigate thoroughly."

"That’s good," Míng Ān said. "What's the situation outside?"

Yīng Shū paused for a moment before speaking, his voice heavy, "It's very bad. Last night... so many people died."

Míng Ān closed her eyes, then opened them again. Her voice was calm as she said, "Tell everyone not to go out. The shops are closed today. Let them rest."

"Yes, Madam."

Míng Ān walked to the inner room. The three children were still sleeping soundly. Míng Ān sat by the bed and watched them quietly. Their innocent faces brought a sense of peace to her heart. They were so young, they shouldn't have to witness such cruelty.

She gently stroked their heads and whispered, "Sleep well, children."

After some time, she got up and went outside. Xiè Jiàn had finished eating and was sitting in the outer room, looking worried.

"Jiàn'er, are you worried?" Míng Ān asked softly.

Xiè Jiàn nodded. "Mother, what happened last night? Was it bandits?"

"It was bandits," Míng Ān confirmed. "But they didn't get into our courtyard. We're safe."

"But... so many people..." Xiè Jiàn's voice was filled with sadness. He had never witnessed such a tragic event before.

"Yes," Míng Ān sighed. "Life is fragile. That's why we must cherish every day."

She paused, then said, "Jiàn'er, you should understand that not everything in this world is peaceful and beautiful. There is also darkness and cruelty. You must learn to protect yourself and your loved ones."

Xiè Jiàn looked at his mother, his eyes serious. "I understand, Mother. I will protect you and my siblings."

Míng Ān smiled slightly. "You are a good boy. Now, go wash up and eat. We have to stay strong."

As the day went on, the news spread throughout the town. The streets were deserted, and the shops remained closed. People were afraid to go outside.

The magistrate's yamen was busy with the investigation. Soldiers patrolled the streets, trying to restore order.

Inside the courtyard, Míng Ān instructed the servants to strengthen the defenses. They added extra locks to the gates and reinforced the walls.

"Madam, won't we go out?" a servant asked hesitantly.

"Not today," Míng Ān replied. "It's not safe yet. We will stay inside."

The children finally woke up around noon. They were confused by the quietness of the courtyard and the absence of the usual bustle.

"Mother, why is it so quiet?" Míng Xiǎo Bǎo asked sleepily.

"There was some trouble last night," Míng Ān explained gently. "But it's over now. We're just staying indoors for a while."

"Can we go out to play?" Míng Xiǎo Huā asked.

"Not today," Míng Ān said. "Maybe tomorrow. Why don't you play in the courtyard?"

The children were a little disappointed, but they listened to their mother. They played in the courtyard, their laughter echoing through the quiet space.

Despite the tragedy, life had to go on. And in the midst of the darkness, the children's laughter was a small beacon of hope.