Splendid Twins

Chapter 122 Abnormality

Si Lao Er stopped the carriage at the entrance of the town. There were so many people coming and going that it was impossible to get through. Si Qing opened the curtain and said:

"Let's go in. It looks like there's a welcoming party for the gods ahead."

"Welcoming the gods?"

There was a flash of surprise in Si Yao's eyes, she had never seen the Dragon Boat Festival welcoming gods.

Si Qing glanced at her and then said:

"Every year during the Zhengyang Festival, a ceremony to welcome the gods is held to obtain the gods' blessing and a good harvest. I guess you didn't pay attention to this before. It's okay. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."

Si Yao felt a little guilty, but she didn't show it on her face. But before she could say anything, Liu Niang, who had already gotten out of the car, interrupted her:

"What are you two talking about? Yaoyao, come down and follow us. Be careful not to get separated."

The streets are hung with emerald green mugwort and bright calamus, the air is filled with the faint aroma of herbs, and shops are lined on both sides of the street with all kinds of colorful signs that complement each other and constantly attract the attention of passers-by.

Most of the children let go of the adults' hands and crowded forward, holding fruits dipped in sugar in their hands. If they were not careful, the sticky sugar juice would rub on others.

Xiao Huzi and Xiao Shitou were leading Xiao Ya, Hong Ying and Si Yu in front. Liu Niang and Si Lao Er were walking together, and Si Yao and Si Qing were following behind.

"Yaoyao, look, there are many purses with novel designs over there, would you like to pick a few?"

Si Qing felt a little soft in his heart, his sister seemed to have grown up in a luxurious environment, but in fact she had no freedom. He could imagine that in the mansion with strict rules, the little girl was confined in the boudoir, practicing the manners of a lady over and over again.

Si Yao looked over and saw many colorful, delicate and exquisite purses hanging on the door of the shop opposite. Beautiful patterns were outlined on them with colored threads, which was pleasing to the eye.

"Okay, I won't be shy then."

"Let's go, watch your step."

The brother and sister stood in front of the stall choosing purses. The workmanship of this shop is very good. The small and exquisite purses are embroidered with auspicious patterns, symbolizing peace and happiness. Some are decorated with colorful tassels, swaying in the wind, like lively elves.

These purses are not only colorful, but also in different shapes. Some are rectangular, simple and generous, while others are round or heart-shaped, implying reunion and sweetness.

The purse was filled with various herbs and spices, emitting a light fragrance that was refreshing and pleasant. Si Yao picked out three that caught her eye. Seeing this, Si Qing paid the bill for the store. At this moment, the welcoming team slowly came over.

They were dressed in colorful costumes and held various instruments in their hands. Some beat drums and gongs, some played wind instruments, and some waved colorful flags. The scene was very spectacular.

In the center of the team, a magnificent golden sedan chair stands tall, on which the god of the Zhengyang Festival is enshrined. The deity has a kind face and a solemn expression, which inspires awe.

As the procession moved forward, people from both sides of the street came forward to watch this rare spectacle. They either knelt and prayed, or cheered, their faces filled with joy and piety.

Even Si Qing stopped what he was doing, clasped his hands together in front of the statue and made a silent wish. However, in this solemn atmosphere, Si Yao seemed out of place.

She stood there alone, staring at the statue intently, as if she was deeply attracted to it. Her eyes revealed a complex emotion, including curiosity, confusion, and even a hint of provocation.

Si Qing noticed her abnormality and reminded her softly:

"Yao Yao? What's wrong?"

Si Yao seemed to be startled, and suddenly came back to his senses and spoke quickly:

"It's okay, just a little curious."

Si Qing reached out and grabbed her arm, pulled her aside, and said in a low voice:

"Don't be distracted, beware of human traffickers."

Seeing her disapproving look, he said unhappily:

"There are so many people here. What if you get separated? Human traffickers like young girls like you the most."

This reminded Si Yao of an old story, and he raised his eyebrows:

"To be honest, I encountered it on the first day I returned home!"

"What? Then how did you get away?"

Si Yao was somewhat helpless about Si Qing's fuss. The two continued to walk forward. Amid the noise of people, she said calmly:

"The donkey at home belonged to a human trafficker. As for the other two, I sold them to others!"

Si Qing: “…………”

As they walked, Si Yao suddenly felt dizzy, as if all her energy had been drained away. She felt listless, but she didn't want to ruin the atmosphere, so she endured it.

There was a small stall selling all kinds of food in front, and the aroma was everywhere. Si Lao Er took the initiative to speak:

"Wait for me, I'll buy you some candied haws."

Several people were dancing with joy, especially Xiao Ya, who was riding on Xiao Shitou's neck and twisting around with joy.

Si Yao still couldn't hold on and suddenly squatted on the ground. This action scared others and made them come over:

"Yaoyao, are you tired?"

"What's wrong with the girl?"

"Sister Yao..."

Si Yao forced herself to speak:

"I'm fine, go have fun, don't spoil the fun."

Seeing Si Yao looking listless, Liu Niang felt distressed and immediately said to Si Qing:

"You take care of them. Your father and I will go back first. I'm afraid Yaoyao must be tired."

"Listen to your mother, be careful."

"Mom and Dad, why don't we all go back..."

"Aunt, we don't want to play anymore. We want to go home with my sister..."

"Aunt, let's go back together. It's the same every year. I'm tired of it..."

Si Yao wanted to speak, but she felt dizzy and her head ached so much that she didn't even have the strength to speak. She was filled with panic!

How could she be like this?

She clenched her fists tightly, and the pain in her palms stimulated her not to lose her composure in public. She thought carefully and lowered her eyes to hide the cruelty in them!

It’s Zhou Yao!

She is fighting for the body, and her soul is indeed hidden in this body!

Si Lao Er went out first to drive the car, while Si Qing carried Xiao Ya forward. Liu Niang thought Si Yao was feeling unwell, so she made an excuse to send the others away, and came close to her and whispered:

"Mom will make you some sweet soup when I get home. Just bear with me for a while."

At this moment, Si Yao looked pale and smiled weakly:

"Thank you, mother. I am, I am..."

"Stop talking, mother understands."

As soon as they got in the car, Liu Niang held her in her arms. Si Lao Er drove the carriage back quickly. Everyone in the group was a little worried about Si Yao's situation.

Si Yu held her hand tightly, his face full of worry:

"Sister, are you okay?"

"Just get some sleep."

Si Yao comforted him softly, holding the piece of lightning-struck wood tightly in her hand. She almost fainted just now, but suddenly an idea flashed in her mind, and she immediately took it out from the space. At that moment, she felt a lot more relaxed!

Most people went to the town to watch the fun, and the village was a bit quiet, but there were also some elderly people with mobility problems who gathered together to chat.

As they were talking, someone mentioned Lu Yuan and sighed:

"He disappeared years ago. I don't know if he's still alive."

"It's hard to say. For old guys like us, we should just live one day at a time. Why should we worry so much?"