Chapter 183

Chapter 183

Since crossing the Yellow River in early November, Tong Sui and Xiao Zhen were either apart or sleeping in different barracks in the military camp. Two months passed quickly.

After touring their new home and meeting the servants, they hadn’t even finished moving in. It wouldn’t be appropriate to have the maids boil water during the day. However, Xiao Zhen, feeling frustrated, carefully washed the necessary parts of his body with the water in the room. After closing the door and dropping the curtains around the step canopy bed, the couple was now isolated from the outside world.

This step canopy bed was like a small room, with a space of seven or eight feet between the outer door and the bed. On the left side stood a smaller dressing table, and on the right, a low cabinet of the same height as the dressing table. Both the bed and the furniture were made of nanmu wood.

Since Tong Sui didn’t want to dirty the silk quilt, the couple stood by the dressing table on the left side.

On the table was a copper mirror, embedded in an exquisitely carved stand. When Tong Sui was nudged over by Xiao Zhen, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. The mirror was so clear that Tong Sui could even see the fine hairs on her cheeks.

"This is a good mirror," the person behind her suddenly said.

Tong Sui met his gaze through the mirror and instinctively reached out to cover the mirror surface. To her surprise, the mirror could turn. Her attempt to block it turned the mirror over, revealing a layer of copper engravings on the back.

Just as Tong Sui had relaxed, Xiao Zhen turned the mirror back.

When Tong Sui tried to touch the mirror again, Xiao Zhen clasped her right hand behind her back. If she used her left hand, she would lose her balance and fall onto the table.

Embarrassed and angry, she stomped on his foot, "Xiao Zhen!"

Seeing her evasive gaze in the mirror, Xiao Zhen said, "It gets worse. Want to try?"

Tong Sui: "..."

It was embarrassing enough; there was no way Tong Sui would agree to try more. After some struggle, they finally fell onto the bed, under the festive red silk quilt.

——

"We've been in here so long, the maids outside might start thinking who knows what."

While combing her hair and glaring at the man in the bed through the copper mirror, Tong Sui said, "You’ve just become the Marquis’s wife, and you’re already being so ostentatious? Aren’t you afraid people will gossip? Wei has already become Prime Minister and still wears plain clothes."

Xiao Zhen answered evasively, "The Wei family’s tradition of frugality has been passed down for generations. When he, holding a high position, wears plain clothes, the Emperor and officials praise his noble character. Our family comes from the countryside and we are commoners by nature. If we deliberately imitate Prime Minister Wei, people will only mock us for pretending to be refined. It would also offend other meritorious families who wish to enjoy their newfound status."

It’s human nature to suffer when poor and enjoy when rich.

Aside from a few like Feng Ji, Lu Gong, and Fan Zhao, who were already high-ranking military officers in Jizhou, many of the meritorious generals came from humble backgrounds. Just as they were about to start enjoying good days, if the Xiao family suddenly tried to imitate Prime Minister Wei’s frugality, others would have to follow and continue wearing plain clothes and eating simple food. If they didn’t imitate him, would the Emperor think they were less frugal than the Xiao family?

Tong Sui nodded.

In a small county like Weicheng, wealthy families wore silk. Much less in Luoyang, this prosperous and wealthy city. Wearing silk clothes daily is far from being considered extravagant or ostentatious.

"Get up quickly. Fourth Younger Brother will be back soon."

"It’s almost fifty miles. He probably just reached the Southern Camp. It will be considered fast if he can bring things back before dark."

Traveling by horse there and by cart back naturally took time.

Tong Sui said, "We still can’t stay in here all day. There are so many things to do."

Xiao Zhen said, "Tell me about it."

Tong Sui said, "The plaques for the three courtyards are all empty. We need to name them ourselves, right? And there are many pavilions in the garden that have also been replaced with empty plaques."

No matter how beautiful the names given by the previous owner, they needed to be changed due to the former owner's crimes, which is why the Emperor or the Ministry of Works thoughtfully replaced them with blank plaques.

Xiao Zhen: "Madam was once a student of Prime Minister Song, so I expect you to be quite talented in literature. This kind of elegant task falls to you."

Tong Sui: "..."

Leaving behind the lazy and witty Marquis, Tong Sui dressed herself properly and took the floor plan of the Marquis’s residence to the Duke's residence to the east.

Xiao Shouyi and Xiao Yan had gone to move things, so only the old master, Xiao She, was there, and they were also busy with the plaque task. One servant boy was holding a writing brush and ink, while another carried a ladder. At each courtyard, Xiao She would climb the ladder to take down the plaque, and after the old master finished writing, they would put it back up.

Tong Sui walked through numerous corridors and courtyards before finally catching up with them.

"Grandfather's writing is truly beautiful," Tong Sui complimented with a smile as she watched the old master finish writing a new plaque.

Xiao Mu: "Why did you come alone? What about the second son?"

Tong Sui: "He's questioning those servant boys. I was eager to have you help us think of names for the courtyards, so I came first."

Xiao Mu: "Next time, make sure to bring two maids. Both estates are so large, and we've just moved in. There might be hidden corners where someone could be lurking."

Xiao She: "I'll search again later. If I catch anyone, I'll beat them up."

Xiao Mu shot him a stern look: "In the capital, under the Emperor's authority, the law is strict. Even if we catch a thief, we must hand them over to the authorities. No private punishment."

Xiao She: "..."

The three of them continued to the next courtyard.

Tong Sui: "Grandfather, since you're finishing up here, why not visit our place as well? Help us write all the plaques."

Xiao Mu: "The second son's writing is not bad either. I'll help you think of names, but he can write them."

Tong Sui: "I prefer your writing more. Besides, since you don't live with us, seeing your writing on the plaques will make it feel like you're with us."

"No wonder the old master favors you. You're so skilled at speaking so nicely in front of him."

The three of them turned around to see Xiao Zhen approaching, fully dressed.

Tong Sui gave him a subtle glare.

Xiao Mu smiled and slowly continued forward, commenting on his three younger descendants: "I have five grandsons and a granddaughter. As for your eldest brother, let's not talk about him. Among the remaining four grandsons, each has their own flaws. The second son is steady and reliable, but he's not as close to me as my granddaughter. Yu Chan knows how to act coquettishly and make me happy, but she's lazy and spoiled, which gives me quite a headache."

"Then there are the three granddaughters-in-law. Your eldest sister-in-law is gentle and likable, but her personality is too soft, which sometimes frustrates me. Ningfang comes from a noble family and always maintains a distance from us. I can't command her, and then there's Aman."

"Aman is excellent. She's capable in every way, even more considerate than the second son. With such a wonderful granddaughter-in-law, who else could I favor?"

Xiao Zhen: "Yes, you're right to favor her."

Xiao She chuckled: "I also think that among the three sisters-in-law and my sister, the second sister-in-law is the best."

Tong Sui blushed from the praise.

Xiao Mu specifically instructed his youngest grandson: "Let's keep this between us. If your eldest and third sisters-in-law hear about it, they might just think I'm partial. But if your sister finds out, she'll definitely cause a scene."

Xiao She: "Grandfather, don't worry. I won't tell anyone."

The Duke's residence and the Marquis’s residence together were vast. Fortunately, the old master was still in robust health; otherwise, such a long tour might have been tiring.

It was already noon, so the four of them had lunch at the Marquis’s residence.

Tong Sui grew more and more admiring of the old man. "Grandfather is truly amazing; he effortlessly came up with over twenty refined names."

Xiao Zhen picked up a piece of rib and held it out to her. "You've been praising him nonstop. Take a break. Can't you see Grandfather has gained more laugh lines from smiling?"

Xiao She tilted his head to look at the old man and indeed noticed a few more laugh lines at the corners of his eyes.

Xiao Mu teased his second grandson, "You could have earned Aman's praise too, but you’re shirking and leaving it all to me."

Xiao Zhen said, "The names for the main residences haven't been decided yet. Should I handle it?"

Xiao Mu replied, "I'm saving that for the Emperor's inscription. You’re not qualified for that."

After lunch, Xiao Mu took Xiao Zhen and carried two more empty plaques into the palace.

Although the Xingping Emperor was busy, he was still willing to grant this small favor to the Xiao family. After a moment's thought, he graciously inscribed the name "Zhongzheng Hall" for the main hall of the Duke's residence and "Xianhe Hall" for the main hall of the Marquis’s residence.

"May the descendants of both your families continue to uphold your loyalty and virtue, harmonize with the sovereign, harmonize with the people, and maintain respectful harmony within the family," the Emperor said.

Xiao Mu and Xiao Zhen knelt in gratitude for the imperial favor.

After receiving the imperial plaques, the two grandsons returned to their estate. Other noble families, upon hearing the news, also hurried to the palace to request the Emperor's inscription, which he graciously bestowed.

When an emperor bestows gifts upon his subjects, the subjects are delighted, and when the emperor's intentions are appreciated, he too is pleased. Conversely, if the subjects show no appreciation or take the gifts for granted, what would be the point of the emperor's generosity?

By evening, Xiao Shouyi and his nephews had finally transported the rewards that had been stored at the Southern Camp back to the estate.

There were rewards for the old man, Xiao Shouyi, Xiao Yan, and Xiao She at the Duke's residence, with the largest share going to the elder.

Although only three people from the Marquis’s residence had earned military merits, the total rewards of Xiao Zhen and Tong Sui surpassed those of the elder. Including Xiao Ye's share, the total was nearly equal to that of the Duke's residence.

The old man led Xiao She to the door and saw Xiao Zhen and Xiao Ye instructing the servants to move the rewards to the Duke's side. He waved his hand. "That's enough. Move them to your side. From now on, we'll keep separate accounts to avoid the hassle of moving things back and forth."

Xiao Ye's eyes filled with tears. "Grandfather, are you trying to divide us?"

Xiao Mu said, "In the past, our family was poor, and the little you nephews earned could only help us get by if we pooled it together. Now that you've all achieved success and we've split into two estates, continuing as we did in the village would eventually lead to disputes over trivial matters, even among close brothers. It's better to divide things now."

Xiao Ye turned away.

Xiao Yan teased him, "You ought to be happy. We still have to hand over what we earn to Grandfather. You live in the Marquis’s residence, and Second Brother and Sister-in-law are more lenient with you. You can spend as much as you want."

Xiao Zhen said, "Keep dreaming. Unless you don’t acknowledge me as your second brother."

Though his tone was cold, his words were actually in Xiao Ye's favor. As a marquis and a first-rank military official, Xiao Zhen's salary and rewards were greater than Xiao Ye's. If their earnings were combined, Xiao Ye's branch would live more comfortably than if they managed independently.

Xiao Ye understood that both his grandfather and second brother had good intentions, but he still felt uneasy about the division of accounts and returned to the Marquis’s residence.

Xiao Mu looked at his younger grandson, then at his son, and said, "Since we're on this topic, let me say a bit more. Shouyi, from now on, the three of you will continue to have your salaries attached to our Duke's residence's public account. However, my share, apart from daily expenses, will be placed in a separate storeroom. After I pass away..."

Xiao Shouyi knelt down abruptly. "Father, on this joyous day of moving, don't say such things!"

Xiao Zhen, Tong Sui, and the others also knelt beside him, asking the old man to speak of happier things.

Xiao Mu said, "A family thrives on harmony. Things need to be clear for the family to stay harmonious. When we were poor, there was no need to worry about these things. Now that our family's fortune has grown, I have to say what needs to be said even if you don't like hearing it. Remember this: after I pass away, my share will be divided into eight parts—one part for Shouyi and your wife, one part for your sister, one part for each of the four grandsons' families, and one part each for Yu Chan and Liu'er. These shares are for Yu Chan and Liu'er, not for Yao Ge Er or Mianmian."

"Is there anyone who disagrees with this division?"

Xiao Shouyi choked up, and the younger generation either teared up or had reddened eyes.

Xiao Zhen said, "Don’t worry, Grandfather. When Mianmian marries, I'll prepare her dowry as if she were my own daughter."

Xiao Mu nodded. With Aman managing the Marquis’s side, he was very relieved.

Xiao Yan said, "I'll treat Yao Ge Er as my own nephew and help him establish his family when the time comes."

Xiao Mu said, "If you can be good to Yu Chan and Laowu, I'll be content."

Xiao Yan fell silent.