Chapter 092

Chapter 092

The couple didn't talk much at night, and when they held each other, only their breathing could be heard.

October marked the beginning of winter. Even if Xiao Zhen wasn't afraid of the cold, he had to take care of Tong Sui's health and dared not recklessly pull back the quilt.

But he refused to behave as formally as he did when they first got married. He made Tong Sui lie on her side while he pressed against her from behind, propping himself up to watch her.

Tong Sui didn't want him to see her frowning and losing control. What was there to look at?

Xiao Zhen supported himself with his left elbow on the bed, using his right hand to turn her face towards him, kissing her intermittently. Being tall had its advantages; he could do both without missing a beat.

"During the day, when I'm busy, it's fine, but last night when I slept alone in this room, all I could think about was you."

The dark room, with closed windows, made their faces indistinct. He suddenly whispered these words into her ear.

Before Tong Sui could decide whether to respond, he kissed her again, sealing her mouth tightly.

Trapped in his arms, she could do nothing but let him have his way.

In the final moments, Xiao Zhen suddenly flipped her over, covering her lips with his broad palm.

The courtyard was still too small, and Xiao Zhen feared the noise might carry out.

Despite his fears, he didn't hold back his strength. Tong Sui's pillow fell to the floor.

Neither moved. Xiao Zhen supported himself with his elbows on either side, burying his face in Tong Sui's hair, breathing together with her.

Tong Sui almost fell asleep, but when he didn't move away, she wriggled slightly.

Xiao Zhen picked up the pillow from the floor, placed it properly, and then lay down with her, tucking the quilt around her neck. "We'll clean up after the sweat dries."

As harshly as he had treated her, he was equally tender afterward.

After being married for so long, Tong Sui had gradually gotten used to it. He was naturally strong and passionate, leaving her momentarily disheveled, but she found it amusing rather than bothersome.

She was curious about some of his actions since entering the city and asked, "You replaced the guards at the city gate with villagers. Did the old guards comply without any trouble?"

Xiao Zhen: "They're all cowards who'd rather not participate in defending the city."

Tong Sui: "So now everything in the city is under your control?"

Xiao Zhen stroked her flushed face and said, "Yes, it's under our control. Wait and see. Once we win a battle against the rebels, the wealthy families in the city will send their womenfolk to flatter you."

Tong Sui was silent for a moment, leaning closer to him. "It's just temporary. When the imperial court sends someone to take over, we'll return to the village. We won't have any more dealings with the wealthy families in the city."

Xiao Zhen: "That's true. Whether the imperial court or the regional armies come to take over, we'll have to step aside. Grandfather should have told you not to be arrogant and to remain humble. As long as we have a good reputation for protecting the people, our family will be safe. I trust your character, but keep an eye on Second Aunt and Yu Chan. Make sure they don't say anything that could cause trouble."

Tong Sui: "Yes, Grandfather explained it clearly, and I've remembered it all."

Xiao Zhen kissed her brow. "I'll get a towel."

As he slipped out of the quilt, he took the small cushion with him.

Tong Sui lay flat, gazing at the indistinct windows to the south.

Xiao Zhen hadn't analyzed things as thoroughly as Lin Ningfang, but he had mentioned the possibility of regional armies intervening. Ultimately, he and his grandfather were preparing in advance and adjusting their strategies based on the situation.

For example, taking control of the county. Before the prominent families came to ask the Xiao family to lead, Xiao Zhen had already mentioned the possibility, which might seem presumptuous. If the prominent families didn't come, and she knew about their prediction, it would be embarrassing.

Including who would come to take over Wei County—whether the imperial court or the regional armies—Xiao Zhen and his grandfather would have to wait and see. There was no point in discussing uncertain matters too early.

Tong Sui didn't share these possibilities with her family for the same reason—she didn't want them to worry.

Regardless of knowing or not, the whole family was together, and what mattered now was to stay calm and composed.

Tong Sui thought of Lin Ningfang again.

Last night, Lin Ningfang had reminded her not to let Xiao Zhen know that the sisters-in-law had seen through the grand plan of the grandfather and grandson.

Tong Sui trusted Lin Ningfang and admired her intelligence, but did Xiao Zhen and his grandfather fully trust the wives they had only married for a year and a half? Would they be pleased that their wives could guess their secrets?

Tong Sui felt that Xiao Zhen trusted her about seventy to eighty percent. After all, they were husband and wife, and their families were closely tied together, sharing both prosperity and adversity. There was no reason for betrayal. But Xiao Zhen's trust in Lin Ningfang, the daughter of the prime minister whom they had brought back by such means, was probably only twenty to thirty percent.

He and Xiao Yan were always different kinds of people.

After the sound of water, Xiao Zhen returned with a warm, damp towel, no longer dripping.

Tong Sui took it and wiped herself briefly under the quilt before handing it back to him.

Xiao Zhen washed the towel again, hung it on a rack, and then slipped back into the quilt, holding her close. "Sleep."

Without wearing an undershirt, his arms and chest were warm. On this early winter night, having such a husband beside her, Tong Sui slept soundly.

---

The next day was the fifth of October.

The Xiao family had already recruited over five thousand soldiers. During breakfast, the elder made arrangements:

The elder and Xiao Zhen would personally lead the troops out of the city for training.

Xiao Shouyi would sit in the county office to handle the people's lawsuits.

Tong Youyu and Xiao She would patrol the streets with the inner-city guards to ensure the safety of the citizens.

Xiao's uncle would manage the military supplies, food, and horses in the county treasury.

Sun Wei would oversee the production of weapons in the various blacksmith shops.

Zhou Yuanbai and his son, who were in charge of the military doctors, had already begun preparing various medicinal herbs.

Qiao Changshun went to invite the heads of the prominent families and wealthy households within the city to gather outside the city.

Xiao Yan, Qiao Changan, and Tong Gui continued to lead Pan Dai and other young men from Lingshui Village to recruit soldiers from nearby towns and villages.

The old man had set a target number of troops, aiming to assemble six battalions. Any excess would not be accepted for now, as the county's resources for military salaries and provisions were limited. Overextending without being able to pay the troops could lead to a loss of trust, causing the soldiers to refuse further service.

The men, having received their orders, departed one after another. Before leaving, the old man instructed the women, including Lady He, "While we are away, Aman will handle all household matters. Mianmian, Yao Ge Er, and Xiaoshan are of age to study. Since there is no place to hire a teacher at the moment, Ningfang, please take the trouble to prepare a room in the back as a schoolroom to teach them."

Tong Sui and Lin Ningfang both acknowledged the order.

Lady He was somewhat displeased that the management of the household was entrusted to an eighteen-year-old bride, which clearly indicated a lack of trust in her as the elder daughter-in-law. However, remembering that Tong Sui had been involved in over twenty deaths, she dared not show any dissatisfaction.

After finishing his instructions, the old man left with Xiao Zhen.

Tong Sui personally closed the southern gate.

Xiao Aunt pointed to the rooms on the opposite side and said, "I'll be sewing clothes here and keeping an eye on the gate. If any guests come, I'll inform you."

Tong Sui: "Thank you, Aunt."

A Fu and Ah Zhen went to the river behind the house to wash clothes. As for preparing a room...

Tong Sui called Liu Chu and Xiao Yuchan to help, as they were responsible for teaching their younger siblings, daughters, and sons.

Once the room was ready, Tong Sui crossed through the makeshift door between the East and West Courts and entered the eastern courtyard.

After Tong Youyu, Zhou Yuanbai, and their sons left, only Zhou Qing, Jiang Shi, Zhou Gui, and the young Tong Shan remained in the eastern courtyard.

Tong Sui first addressed her brother, "Third Lady is well-versed in literature and may not be inferior to Mr. Song. You must study diligently under her guidance and not slack off or play around."

Tong Shan, just twelve years old, understood that learning martial arts at his age would not significantly benefit the family for several years. Therefore, he focused on his studies, occasionally practicing some boxing techniques with his second brother during his free time.

"Sister, don't worry. I won't bring shame upon you."

Tong Sui smiled and patted her brother's head. "It has nothing to do with me. Do well in your studies, and others will respect you. Go ahead; the classroom is in the back room of the West Court. Mianmian and the others are already there."

Since Mianmian and Qi Yao were younger than him, Tong Shan did not feel nervous and happily ran over.

Tong Sui and the others sat in the main hall, where Tong Sui shared various news about the city and its surroundings.

Zhou Qing said, "Having more family members is convenient. Even your father has been assigned a task. Last night, he mentioned how comfortable it is living in a large house but felt like he was eating for free without doing anything."

Tong Sui replied, "Grandfather arranged for him to serve as a constable, mainly patrolling the streets to maintain order. He shouldn't need to engage in any physical confrontations."

Zhou Qing added, "Even if he does, there's no need to worry. Your father may have lost an eye, but he still has plenty of strength. He wouldn't hesitate even when facing a lone wolf."

Tong Sui smiled and looked at her aunt. "Did Uncle and Cousin say anything?"

Jiang Shi responded, "They are quite pleased. Although their martial skills are not up to par, serving as military doctors is honorable enough."

Tong Sui: "Fighting is to protect the people of the county, while Uncle and the others are helping injured soldiers survive. With military doctors present, the thousands of troops can focus without worrying about their safety."

Jiang Shi praised Zhou Qing, "Look at that! Our Aman speaks with the grace of a lady of the house now."

Tong Sui: "…"

After sitting in the eastern courtyard for a while, Tong Sui returned to the West Court.

Lin Ningfang had already started teaching the children, while Lady He and Xiao Yuchan continued to tour the new residence. Liu Chu took her embroidery basket to accompany Xiao Aunt in front.

Tong Sui thought for a moment, hung her bow and arrows on the wall of the East Wing Courtyard, and kept her dagger close at hand, prepared for any intruders.

—

Outside the city walls, Xiao Mu and Xiao Zhen stood atop the eastern city wall, overlooking five thousand newly recruited soldiers lined up neatly below. Many citizens had gathered to watch the spectacle from a distance.

The new recruits were all temporarily enlisted civilians, dressed in their own homespun clothing. Even Xiao Zhen and his grandfather wore similar attire, without specially tailored uniforms for commanders.

Qiao Changshun had also invited the elders of the prominent families and the heads of wealthy households, all of whom were brought up onto the city wall.

Xiao Mu introduced these individuals to the new recruits, praising their generosity and willingness to support the entire county, which enabled the Xiao family to take on the responsibility of training troops to protect the people.

This speech both honored the prominent families and displayed humility. The citizens and new recruits, hearing this, felt grateful to the prominent families and found the Xiao family's commander approachable and devoid of arrogance. The prominent families were naturally pleased, as their donations deserved recognition.

After the formalities, Xiao Mu invited an esteemed scholar named Mr. Shen, known for his talent, to speak. "Mr. Shen, our occupation of the city and training of troops is not intended to rebel against the court or usurp authority. Our sole aim is to protect the peace of Wei County. Please write a letter to King Xing in Huai County, stating our intentions. We wish for no conflict unless King Xing invades our territory. In such a case, we will fight to the death."

Standing high on the city wall, Mr. Shen, moved by the gathered youth, readily accepted the task.

Qiao Changshun brought the writing materials, and another person set up a table.

Mr. Shen dipped his brush in ink, pondered briefly, and wrote a passionate and dignified pre-war document.

Everyone praised his eloquence.

Xiao Mu read the document aloud to the troops and citizens below. After the applause subsided, he carefully stored the document and handed it to Qiao Changshun. "Go to Huai County and deliver this letter to King Xing."

Qiao Changshun smiled confidently. "Rest assured, I will not fail this mission!"

Seeing the old man entrust such a dangerous task to his own grandson, everyone's doubts about the Xiao family's commitment to protecting the city were completely dispelled.