Chapter 089

Chapter 089

Xiao Zhen was ordered by the old patriarch to go to the county to reassure the people. He left in such a hurry that he didn't even have time to say goodbye to Tong Sui.

The changes that occurred within the Xiao family in just one day were shocking, not only to He Shi and Xiao Yuchan but also to Tong Sui, who knew some of the inside details.

Tong Sui had been involved from start to finish with the Imprisoned Dragon Ridge affair. With autumn harvest approaching, she had prepared for Xiao Ye and others to raid the official grain supplies. When the rebel king rose up in Huai County, Tong Sui was ready to defend against the rebel army along with the entire village. However, in the blink of an eye, all these preparations became unnecessary as the Xiao family was unexpectedly elevated to the leadership of the county, and the whole family was moving into the city!

As the old patriarch warned, entering the city indeed posed dangers, but it was, after all, a fortified city with thick walls that were easy to defend and hard to attack. The Xiao family was about to gain control of troops, and once the rebel army attacked, the safest place would be at the foot of Longxing Mountain, where they could retreat into the mountains. The second safest place would be within the city walls. Although Longxing Mountain was safe, winter was approaching, and hiding in the mountains couldn't compare to having shelter in the city.

"Mother, be careful."

Liu Chu was clearly more affected than Tong Sui. As she passed through the Moon Gate between the two courtyards, she nearly tripped but was caught in time by Mianmian.

Tong Sui was pulled back to reality by the young girl's voice. Seeing Liu Chu's pale face, she guessed that Liu Chu was even more afraid of the rebel army that might attack at any moment.

She supported Liu Chu on the other side and said reassuringly, "Elder Sister, you've spent more time with Grandfather. Think about the past years when Second Uncle and Second Grandfather were away. Grandfather managed to keep this family safe with Fifth Younger Brother. Now that Grandfather will have troops and is taking us to live in the city, we should feel more secure."

If there was anyone Liu Chu trusted most, it was undoubtedly the old patriarch. This reminder immediately gave her confidence.

What was there to fear? As long as Grandfather was around, he would protect them!

"I'm fine. You should go pack your things too, Sister-in-law."

Tong Sui then returned alone to the eastern chamber she shared with Xiao Zhen.

Valuable items, clothes, shoes, and quilts for both of them during the autumn and winter seasons...

Two brand-new chests at the north end of the bed could be filled and taken directly. There were also their private savings hidden under the cabinet mechanism.

After finishing everything, the sky outside had darkened.

Tong Sui suddenly remembered the family's dinner and hurriedly locked the door and went to the central courtyard.

Xiao Yan had already returned from the Sun family and was sitting beside the old patriarch, talking about something. Xiao She was not present.

Tong Sui said to the old patriarch, "I was so busy packing that I forgot about cooking dinner. Grandfather, what would you like to eat?"

Xiao Mu replied, "Just reheat the leftover food from noon."

Those people had come in the morning, and the Xiao family had prepared a large pot of food to entertain them. However, the men were busy discussing important matters and hadn't eaten much.

Tong Sui nodded and was about to go in when Xiao Mu added, "I sent Fifth Younger Brother to Taohuagou. If your father and uncle are willing, they can come here after packing and join us in the city tomorrow morning."

Tong Sui's eyes welled up with emotion, wanting to thank him, but the old patriarch kindly waved his hand, not allowing her to express her gratitude formally.

Tong Sui had no choice but to fetch firewood from the backyard.

Xiao Yan glanced at her retreating figure and whispered to the old patriarch, "Second Sister-in-law's family is truly fortunate, benefiting from our family's good fortune. Like Elder Sister and Ningfang's families, alas, they don't have that kind of luck."

Xiao Mu looked at him coldly, "If it weren't for Second Sister-in-law guarding the ancestral hall that night, your mother, sister, wife, and nephew might have been killed by the bandits. The Tongs mobilized the entire Taohuagou to help us, and they put in a lot of effort. And Old Zhou, who has dedicated his life to healing and is highly respected, wouldn't have stayed in the bandit's lair to treat everyone if it weren't for the connection with Second Sister-in-law. Family ties should support each other; how can you say they're benefiting from us?"

Xiao Yan: "...I was just saying it casually, without thinking. Don't take it seriously."

Xiao Mu: "You can speak without thinking, but have you considered how hurtful those words would be if Second Sister-in-law heard them? Not just Second Sister-in-law, but also the other villagers working with us. Do you think now that we're in a better position, those people are beneath you? Are you going to say thoughtless things that will hurt their feelings and then tell them not to take it personally?"

Xiao Yan lowered his head, not daring to speak.

Xiao Mu tapped his forehead heavily, "If you can't speak properly, learn to keep quiet. It's better not to win people over than to offend them. Remember, a small hole can bring down a great dam. We're doing something risky now, and anyone close to us could turn against us at any moment. You must control your tongue."

Xiao Yan rubbed his forehead and nodded repeatedly, "Understood, really understood."

---

After dinner, Xiao Yan was called away by the old patriarch again, while Lin Ningfang stayed behind to help Tong Sui and Liu Chu clean up.

"Second Sister-in-law, will you be scared sleeping alone tonight?" Lin Ningfang asked Tong Sui.

Tong Sui smiled, "It's okay. Grandfather and Third Master are here to watch over us."

Lin Ningfang: "I'm a bit scared. Why don't I sleep in your room tonight? We can talk."

Tong Sui was surprised. With Xiao Yan around, why would Lin Ningfang still be scared?

Then she realized that Xiao Yan probably wasn't good at comforting people, and Lin Ningfang preferred confiding in her.

"Sure, remember to tell Third Master."

Lin Ningfang informed Ah Zhen and brought a quilt to the eastern courtyard.

Tong Sui welcomed her in, closed the door, and cautiously wedged a kitchen knife into the bolt of the main room door from the inside.

The sisters-in-law washed their feet separately and sat on the bed.

They weren't going to sleep right away, so neither of them undressed and leaned against the wall, chatting quietly.

Lin Ningfang held Tong Sui's hand and said, "When I first came to the Xiao family, I could tell from Grandfather's words and actions that he was no ordinary village elder. Even among officials, Grandfather's character is admirable."

Men often look down on women, and successful men tend to view women as easily obtainable playthings.

Despite being a former thousand-household commander, Grandfather did not have the typical disdain for women and never scolded or insulted her for her uniqueness.

Tong Sui: "Yes, he even teaches some women martial arts and treats us all with kindness and care."

Lin Ningfang: "But I still underestimated Grandfather. The Imprisoned Dragon Ridge incident made me suspect he might have rebellious intentions, but today's events prove that Grandfather thinks further ahead than the rebel king in Huai County."

Tong Sui looked at her in surprise. When did Lin Ningfang find out about the Imprisoned Dragon Ridge secret?

Lin Ningfang smiled, "Third Master isn't good at acting. He let something slip in front of me. Also, Second Sister-in-law, if Fourth Younger Brother really died, you wouldn't have recovered so quickly. Of course, I know your nature well enough to see through it, but it would fool outsiders."

These details no longer mattered to Tong Sui, who was more concerned about another matter: "When you say Grandfather thinks long-term, what do you mean?"

Lin Ningfang glanced out the window and carefully explained, "Whether it's Huai County or Wei County, they are both tiny places. Even if they could muster an army of a hundred thousand by coercing the common folk, it would still be like a pile of loose sand when facing the true border guards. The border troops are currently observing the movements of the imperial court. Out of self-interest, they ignore the uprisings of the people. But once they decide to support the court or seek independence, they will undoubtedly send troops to suppress these ragtag groups."

"From the actions and demeanor of the Prince of Huai, we can see that he is shortsighted and incapable of achieving greatness. He will surely be eliminated by either the imperial court or the regional warlords. Grandfather, on the other hand, is much wiser. Accepting the plea of the people to occupy the city, he will be able to gracefully step down and retire if the Great Zhou Empire stabilizes. If the court falls into turmoil and the warlords declare independence, they will claim to eliminate corrupt officials and restore the empire. In such a case, Grandfather, by defending the city for the people, would gain their trust only through recruitment, thus securing an unbeatable position."

Tong Sui listened in astonishment.

Lin Ningfang spoke gently, "I'm not telling you this to show off my knowledge and insights, but to help you understand the current situation of the Xiao family. Since Grandfather has a long-term plan, our actions as women should align with it. Although Mother is older and doesn't see these things, among us sisters-in-law, you are the leader, and you will have the most interactions with outsiders."

Tong Sui felt a bit flustered. She had confidence in hunting, archery, farming, and cooking, but these major matters were clearly something Lin Ningfang was better at!

"Sister-in-law, in the village, I can make decisions for you and Elder Sister. But once we enter the city, you should take the lead. Elder Sister and I will follow your lead."

Lin Ningfang shook her head. "In the family, Grandfather is the head, followed by Second Uncle. This is an undeniable fact. When outsiders visit, they will first observe you, the Second Lady. Moreover, within the Xiao household, only you can make Mother and Yu Chan submit. Your words carry immediate weight, whereas I would need to waste time convincing them."

Tong Sui: "But I don't know as much as you do. What if I say something wrong..."

Lin Ningfang: "I've already told you everything you need to know. The rest is just acting and being cautious. When dealing with outsiders, pretend ignorance of Grandfather's long-term plans. When others try to pry information, share only trivial daily matters. For matters concerning the men's affairs outside, simply say you don't know."

Tong Sui took this to heart.

Recalling how the elderly patriarch handled the wealthy families and the Village Headman earlier, Lin Ningfang advised, "The word 'hypocrisy' isn't always negative. As long as one has benevolent intentions, employing some tactics for the greater good is acceptable. You should learn from Grandfather and Second Uncle."

However, while hypocrisy is a tactic, sincerity is more touching. Despite her admiration for the patriarch, after being in the Xiao family for so long, she still preferred Tong Sui, who had given her a bouquet of wildflowers.

Sincerity is precious, yet easily betrayed. The Xiao family had embarked on a different path, and Lin Ningfang hoped that Tong Sui, born in the mountains, could keep up with the Xiao family's pace and walk alongside them, rather than being left behind halfway.

"It's late. Let's sleep."

Lin Ningfang squeezed Tong Sui's hand and moved to the bed beside her.

How could Tong Sui sleep?

The patriarch, Xiao Zhen, temporarily managing Wei County.

Could they defeat the rebel king of Huai County?

If they did, and held out until the imperial court took over, the Xiao family would return to Lingshui Village and continue living as before.

But if, as Lin Ningfang speculated, the warlords declared independence, the Xiao family might be recruited by one of them. Would they ever go back to farming again?

What kind of path would that be?

Suddenly, there was a commotion in the Xiao family's backyard, and Tong Sui recognized Second Brother Tong Gui's voice!

She jumped up quickly.

Lin Ningfang turned toward her.

Tong Sui excitedly explained, "My mother and the others have arrived. You continue sleeping; I'll go greet them."

No matter what path lay ahead, as long as everyone was together and safe, she wouldn't fear any road. She would walk steadily forward!