Chapter 0032 The Grandson

Chapter 0032 The Grandson

The rain did not stop all night, and the plan to set off at dawn naturally fell through.

However, it was precisely because of this rain that the soldiers and civilians who had been traveling for nearly a month got a good day's rest. Previously, they would have to wake up after only two or three hours of sleep, but now they could sleep until morning.

Even Xiao Rong had a rare good night's sleep, without any dreams. In his deep slumber, he felt as if he had returned to his carefree infancy, every cell in his body relaxing completely.

Qu Yunmie believed that Xiao Rong's sudden illness was due to being angered by him, while Xiao Rong thought it was because Qu Yunmie was too stubborn. He insisted on his own way, which would inevitably lead to trouble, and thus his luck would decline, causing him to fall ill again.

However, this was a misunderstanding. The warning signs in his body had nothing to do with their argument. The real reason was that Huang Yanjiong in Jianning had finally received Qu Yunmie's letter.

Leaving aside how cruel Huang Yanjiong might be, as a leader of a faction, he was quite competent. Upon receiving Qu Yunmie's letter, he neither flew into a rage nor made a hasty decision about whether to go or not. Instead, he quickly summoned his strategist, and the two discussed what to do.

Both he and his strategist felt that this was a trap, akin to a feast of doom. Everyone knew that Qu Yunmie hated the Xianbei. Now, Qu Yunmie raised the banner of righteousness, praising Huang Yanjiong as a righteous man and suggesting that personal grievances should be put aside in the face of a broken nation. He hoped Huang Yanjiong would consider the emperor and the people and come to Chenliu to discuss the campaign against the Xianbei.

Huang Yanjiong: "…"

That little bastard has no good intentions.

But he couldn't simply reply with a refusal. After all, Qu Yunmie had raised him high; if he didn't go, Qu Yunmie could claim he was a coward and an incompetent leader. Huang Yanjiong was still in the early stages of his rise and couldn't afford such slander.

Moreover, since Qu Yunmie had already made his move, refusing to respond would cause unrest among his subordinates and damage his image.

He shared his concerns, and his strategist agreed, adding another point.

"The governor's words are wise, but there is one more thing exposed in this letter that deeply troubles me."

Huang Yanjiong asked, "What is it?"

The strategist sighed. "It has been ten years since the governor last met the Northern Pacification King. After driving out the Hu people, the Northern Pacification King stayed at Yanmen Pass and never mentioned the governor. Now, just after moving his capital, the first person he contacted was the governor. Given that you were not close and he is known for his stubbornness, this contact is not to reminisce. He must have learned something about your movements and resources, and is testing you. His intentions are unfathomable."

Huang Yanjiong's eyes widened. "Do you mean he wants to seize my troops?!"

The strategist shook his head. "I can't tell exactly what he wants right now. Jianning is far from Chenliu, separated by Jinling and other places. The Northern Pacification King's reach cannot extend that far."

Upon hearing that Qu Yunmie might want to take his resources, Huang Yanjiong felt his insides clench. Although he had prepared many supplies, if Qu Yunmie really attacked, he would be forced to flee in disarray.

After hearing the strategist's words, Huang Yanjiong began to relax, but then the strategist added, "Even if he can't reach that far now, it's hard to say what will happen in the future. The Northern Pacification King has seen you, so you can no longer remain hidden."

Huang Yanjiong: "…"

He became anxious again. "What should I do?"

His strategist smiled. "Governor, don't worry. You've met the Northern Pacification King before. Do you think he is capable of great things?"

Huang Yanjiong fell silent.

In truth, he couldn't judge. Qu Yunmie had numerous flaws, but he also possessed extraordinary military prowess. More importantly, he was a brilliant strategist, able to deceive Southern Yong's army at a young age without losing a single soldier. In times of chaos, this ability was crucial.

Back then, why was He Kui so formidable? It was because he was unbeatable, and the world belonged to him.

Although Huang Yanjiong had once been furious when his concubine was taken, he eventually moved past it. As a man, he had no shortage of women. What troubled him more was that he had once been defeated by Qu Yunmie, and he feared losing again.

People often fear those who have defeated them, wanting to avenge past humiliations but fearing further defeat.

Feeling frustrated, Huang Yanjiong asked directly, "If you have any ideas, please speak plainly. I will follow them."

The strategist smiled. "Do you remember when the governor of Jinning was killed by the Northern Pacification King?"

Huang Yanjiong was taken aback, of course he remembered. When he heard the news, he laughed heartily and ate two extra bowls of rice that night.

"Because of killing the governor of Jinning, the scholars of the world criticized the Northern Pacification King, and no one wanted to serve under him. The governor can use the same strategy. If the Northern Pacification King claims to act in righteousness, turn that righteousness into unrighteousness. This way, he cannot coerce you, and you can ensure he can never hold his head high before you."

Huang Yanjiong listened intently. Thinking of the example of the governor of Jinning, his first reaction was to sacrifice his wife.

Let her play the victim, and perhaps Qu Yunmie would sympathize and take her away. After all, he had done it before, and the chances of success seemed high. However, if this were exposed, Qu Yunmie's reputation would be ruined. But wouldn't his own reputation suffer as well?

Being cuckolded twice by the same person, especially when he initiated the second time, would make him seem cheap.

Huang Yanjiong immediately opposed the idea, explaining his reasons to the strategist, who fell silent.

After a long pause, the strategist hinted, "Governor, I'm not talking about your wife. How can internal affairs be publicized? Besides, this would only be a private moral failing, not enough to incite public outrage. Think about what else can thoroughly suppress him here."

Huang Yanjiong looked at the strategist, thinking hard. Suddenly, his expression changed.

Looking at the strategist, he blurted out, "My brother!"

Seeing that he finally understood, the strategist smiled and said no more.

On the eighth day of the fifth month of Shengde Sixth Year, Chenliu opened its gates to welcome the Northern Pacification Army into the city.

Of course, the ones opening the gates were not the people of Chenliu but the Northern Pacification Army who had arrived earlier to arrange matters. The true residents of Chenliu stayed inside their homes, peeking through small cracks in their windows at the incoming soldiers.

To Xiao Rong, the Northern Pacification Army seemed undisciplined, but to the local civilians, they were a rare good army, as they neither harassed the people nor took anything from them.

This was because the Northern Pacification Army had once been called a band of refugees by the court, ridiculed as a group of rebels who might turn into bandits at any moment. To prevent such mockery, Qu Yunmie repeatedly emphasized the importance of not bullying the people. Some found these rules unbearable, but most followed them obediently.

Ten years ago, when Southern Yong was established, a large number of Chenliu's residents fled, leaving about one-third of the houses empty. Over the past decade, half of these empty houses were occupied again by new residents.

However, ten years later, upon learning that the Northern Pacification Army would be stationed here, fearing that Southern Yong might target them and bring war, another batch of residents fled. Though fewer than before, their departure left the city noticeably quieter.

As for the empty houses, Jian Qiao did not care who they originally belonged to. According to Mr. Xiao's instructions, he registered them and redistributed them to the new arrivals. If the original owners returned, they would be compensated at the current market price.

At the time, everything was expensive except for houses. Thatched cottages were rented for small sums, around three to five hundred coins per month. Better wooden houses cost double, still in small sums. Proper mansions with tiles required payment in silver or gold, ranging from half a silver coin to a gold coin based on size and location.

There were no houses renting for over a gold coin per month. At that price, they were typically owned by officials and nobles, beyond the reach of ordinary people.

These were rough prices, but the actual rates fluctuated daily. Silver and gold remained relatively stable, while the exchange rate between large and small coins varied wildly like a heart monitor. People checking the exchange rate before buying anything, rejoicing if they got more silver for their coins and sighing if they got less.

Xiao Rong had researched the real estate market when he rented a place in New Peace. He based his estimates on New Peace's housing prices, but what he didn't know was that Chenliu's prices were even lower.

After all, New Peace is a major city in Southern Yong, while Chenliu, though also a large city north of the Huai River, falls far short in comparison. ...

Gongsun Yuan arranged for the troops outside the city, while Jian Qiao went to take care of the exhausted civilians who had been working for a month. As for Qu Yunmie and the others, they first settled into their accommodations and planned to gather for a meeting later that evening.

The staff could easily be accommodated at the Governor's Mansion; they wouldn't dare ask for better treatment. Jian Qiao and Gongsun Yuan had already chosen where to live with their families, as both had brought their households along, and their family members had left separately.

So, the remaining group consisted of bachelors.

Xiao Rong, Gao Xunzhi, Yu Shaoxie and Yu Shaocheng, oh right, there's also Mi Jing. ...

For Gao Xunzhi, it didn't matter where he stayed, so he only asked Xiao Rong, "Ah Rong, have your family arrived?"

Xiao Rong nodded: "General Jian said they arrived four days ago. His brother-in-law is staying with them in an empty house in the western part of the city. We'll decide where to settle once I get there."

Gao Xunzhi smiled: "It's good that everyone arrived safely. Why don't we be neighbors? Let's find two houses near the Governor's Mansion, so we can look out for each other."

Upon hearing this, Yu Shaoxie immediately said, "Then my brother and I will do the same."

Gao Xunzhi smiled at him: "Perfect, you two want to live together?"

Before Yu Shaoxie could speak, Yu Shaocheng nodded awkwardly.

Gao Xunzhi: "..."

Nod if you must, why are you embarrassed?

They discussed this matter at the entrance of the former Marquis's residence. Mi Jing stood on the ground, feeling uncomfortable all over.

Like someone with OCD, he stared at his feet, looking for any small insects. Hearing this, he finally gathered some energy and asked, "How many Buddhist temples are there in this city?"

Xiao Rong answered him: "Six, there are six Buddhist temples and five Taoist temples in the city, but none are in the city center. Three of them are even built on mountains. How about you stay at the Governor's Mansion for now? Once we build a new temple, we can move you there."

Mi Jing smiled: "No need, the Governor's Mansion is perfect. Wherever the heart is, there is a temple. Thank you for your kindness, Master Xiao, but since I've entered the world, I no longer cling to such external things."

Xiao Rong sensed that he wanted to observe the Northern Pacification King's team closely, but he didn't say anything and just smiled, accepting his request.

Xiao Rong turned to the others and continued discussing their accommodations. Meanwhile, Qu Yunmie walked out, stepping over the threshold, and heard them talking about looking for houses near the Governor's Mansion.

The Governor's Mansion was two streets away from the former Marquis's residence. The area around the Governor's Mansion was bustling, while the Marquis's residence was quiet and inhabited by the wealthy and influential.

Qu Yunmie was wiping the dust off his hands with a handkerchief. After listening for a moment, he raised an eyebrow and interjected: "Why are you looking for houses? This Marquis's residence is huge. Can't it accommodate all of you? Mr. Gao is old, and Xiao Rong isn't in good health. How can I feel at ease leaving you two outside? Let's continue as before; you two should live here with me."

Gao Xunzhi: "..."

Now you remember I'm old! Last year, when you sent me to war for peace and quiet, why didn't you mention my age then!

Xiao Rong: "..."

Do you forget that I now have a family to take care of as well?

Yu Shaoxie: "……"

This is clearly a story involving four people, yet my brother and I don't even have names.

Yu Shaocheng: "……"

It doesn't matter. As long as I can live with my elder brother. ...

Where we live is a minor issue anyway. Since Qu Yunmie has spoken up, the others exchanged glances and had no choice but to go along with his suggestion. Yu Shaocheng is now the commander of the guards, so he should stay by Qu Yunmie's side. Yu Shaoxie realized that both his friend and his brother had been taken away by The King. He had no choice but to bow his hands and ask Qu Yunmie to make room for him too.

Yu Shaoxie hadn't argued with Qu Yunmie in a while, and the latter had almost forgotten the experience of being so infuriated that smoke seemed to come out of his head. It's just one more person, and Qu Yunmie truly didn't mind at all. With a wave of his hand, he tacitly agreed.

Watching this scene, Mi Jing changed his mind for some reason. He gave Qu Yunmie a single-handed salute and said he also wanted to stay here.

Qu Yunmie: "……" He didn't want to agree.

He didn't know why, but he had allowed Yu Shaoxie, who had offended him before, to move in. Yet looking at Mi Jing's bald, round head, Qu Yunmie just wanted him to go as far away as possible.

Before speaking, he instinctively glanced at the others' expressions. Everyone was waiting for him to speak, especially Xiao Rong, whose dark eyes were fixed on him without blinking.

Qu Yunmie: "……Since the Buddha Son doesn't mind, then stay as well."

Xiao Rong: Why does it sound like he's resigned to his fate?

In any case, everything was arranged. Gao Xunzhi and the others went inside to find their accommodations. However, Xiao Rong didn't move. When Qu Yunmie turned around and saw him still there, his scalp tightened.

He was developing a psychological shadow. Every time Xiao Rong deliberately left the crowd to be alone with him, it was to advise him about something. But today, he hadn't done anything. Could it be that Xiao Rong was dissatisfied because he answered slowly earlier?

Qu Yunmie was about to break down, and his way of breaking down was to preemptively attack with a show of bravado: "What did I do wrong?!"

Xiao Rong was stunned: "Did The King do something wrong?"

Qu Yunmie: "…………"

Realizing he might have misunderstood something, Qu Yunmie stiffened. As Xiao Rong's expression became increasingly intriguing, he rephrased his question: "Why are you standing here? Why don't you go inside?"

Xiao Rong smiled: "It seems The King has really forgotten."

A question mark appeared over Qu Yunmie's head, and Xiao Rong's smile grew wider: "I'm waiting for the guard to bring the horse. My family arrived in Chenliu four days ago. I need to find them first and then bring them in to settle down."

Qu Yunmie looked enlightened. Ever since entering the city, he had been extremely busy and had indeed forgotten about this. As they spoke, the guard brought two horses—one for Xiao Rong and one for the guard.

Qu Yunmie directly took the guard's horse and, turning around, softened his expression at Xiao Rong: "This King will go with you."

Xiao Rong: "……" Fine.

He didn't refuse because he wanted Qu Yunmie to meet the old lady first, to prevent any misunderstandings in the future. Given Qu Yunmie's temper, Xiao Rong was genuinely afraid that the old lady might provoke him and end up getting killed. ...

The poor guard had no horse and could only follow on foot. Unfortunately, he was the only one who knew the way, so Xiao Rong and Qu Yunmie could only let their horses walk slowly.

However, because of this, they got to see the scenery of Chenliu City properly.

Chenliu City had mountains, though they were all low hills, nothing compared to the Taihang Mountains they had seen before. The city also had rivers of various sizes, with clear green water that hadn't been polluted.

At this time, the people in the city didn't recognize Xiao Rong or the Northern Pacification King. Even if they saw them, they would only marvel at their good looks. They couldn't imagine the changes these two would bring to Chenliu City and even the entire Central Plains in the future.

It wasn't long before they arrived at their destination. Qu Yunmie dismounted first and looked at Xiao Rong, expecting to help him down. However, Xiao Rong's movements were smoother than his; he lifted his leg, jumped, and was down.

And it seemed like his leg almost flew up to his head when he lifted it, then drew a particularly perfect half-circle before landing on the ground.

Qu Yunmie had never seen a compass, but if he had, he would have exclaimed, "A living compass!"

Qu Yunmie stared blankly at Xiao Rong. Xiao Rong took a few steps forward and then looked back at him strangely, "The King?"

Coming back to his senses, Qu Yunmie nodded. Xiao Rong glanced at him again, deciding he was fine, and then walked inside.

Following behind him, Qu Yunmie stared at Xiao Rong's back and discovered another shocking thing.

Xiao Rong was three and a half inches shorter than him, but his legs were the same length as his own.

That meant his upper body was three and a half inches longer than Xiao Rong's...

For some reason, once he figured this out, Qu Yunmie's face turned green instantly.

He was not the type of man who relied on his looks, and he despised such men, but now he suddenly felt embarrassed and desperately didn't want anyone to notice.

While Qu Yunmie was lost in thought, he didn't realize he had already entered the room. The house wasn't big, and upon learning that the Northern Pacification Army had entered the city, Ah Shu had brought everyone downstairs early to wait. Seeing Xiao Rong come in, Xiao Yi stood up excitedly, but he didn't rush over immediately; instead, he shook his grandmother's arm beside him.

"Grandmother, look, it's Big Brother back, it's Big Brother. You've been mentioning him every day, Grandmother. Look, is it him?"

Xiao Yi's real elder brother left for studies at ten years old and hadn't returned home in eight years, despite saving up and living frugally. When Xiao Yi was older, he went out to find him once, but it was just that one time.

As for this elderly lady, Chen Sheyu, she hadn't seen her eldest grandson for a full eight years.

After meeting Xiao Yi, he pointed at Xiao Rong and made her recognize him many times, repeatedly telling her that this was her eldest grandson. The old lady looked puzzled but eventually believed Xiao Yi's words.

But after nine months, she forgot again. Fortunately, Xiao Yi refreshed her memory every day, telling her that Big Brother was a handsome man, that his name was Xiao Rong, meaning "melting snow."

Nine months of effort paid off, and Chen Sheyu gradually remembered she had an eldest grandson. Looking at the person in front of her, her eyes welled up with tears.

Xiao Rong stopped and looked at her nervously.

Chen Sheyu shed tears and rushed over in two quick steps, "Rong'er! My dear Rong'er!"

While crying and shouting, she tightly hugged the person behind her, which happened to be Qu Yunmie.

Xiao Rong: "…………"

Everyone else: "…………"

Well... how to put it, seeing the old lady not recognize him actually felt right.