Chapter 184

Chapter 184

It was not until the 28th day of the 12th lunar month that Emperor Xingping finally gave his meritorious and long-serving officials a break.

Before the holiday, Emperor Xingping gave Qiao Changshun a task. After the 5th day of the new year, Qiao Changshun would accompany an imperial envoy to Liaozhou to carry out three specific tasks. Firstly, they would collect the "ill-gotten wealth" handed over by officials from various prefectures and counties. Secondly, they would inspect the governance strategies of local officials and examine the distribution of land to poor farmers. Thirdly, they would inspect various military posts, ordering them to assist local governments in either persuading or eliminating rebel forces and bandits, ensuring the welfare of the people.

Each of the following areas would have its own route: Jingzhou, Liangzhou, Liaozhou, and Qingzhou. For Jinzhou and Jizhou, since most of the areas had already been cleared by General Han Zongping's army, only one combined route was assigned for both states.

The five civil officials chosen as imperial envoys were renowned for their integrity and uprightness from the previous dynasty. They had been demoted or imprisoned for refusing to join forces with corrupt officials like Imperial Uncle Dou. Upon ascending to the throne, Emperor Xingping immediately reinstated these virtuous officials. However, the situation in the six northern provinces was not yet fully stabilized. To prevent civil officials from encountering danger when sent alone, Emperor Xingping assigned a wise and brave third-rank military officer to each envoy.

Qiao Changshun, entrusted with this important mission, proudly showed off to his brothers.

Of course, he wouldn't act this way in front of outsiders, but it was a habit for his brothers to tease one another.

Qiao Changan said, "How am I worse than you?"

Xiao Yan said, "In terms of intelligence, the two of us, along with Wen Gong and Ah Gui, admit we're not as good as you. But Fourth Brother is around the same age as you and quite astute, so why wasn't he sent out? Tell us, who are the other four military officers?"

Qiao Changshun and the others received the imperial decree together and naturally knew the answers.

Xiao Ye said, "Two of the officers from the left and central armies are now in the eastern and western camps, and one is in the imperial guards."

Xiao Zhen said, "That's normal. This mission, if done well, is an achievement, but it also risks offending people or even losing one’s head. The Emperor wouldn’t select only from one camp."

Qiao Changan said, "So, it's just that there were limited spots, and we’re not inferior to you. Otherwise, why would the Emperor choose only you?"

Xiao Gufu said, "Instead of showing off, use your time to think about how to carry out your duties. In the past, we were all together, but this time you’re going out alone. One careless mistake, and you might fall into someone else’s trap."

Xiao Mu said, "I previously mentioned to the Emperor about Changshun and Changan’s experiences in Dongling and Xiliang last year. Changshun, the Emperor appreciates your talents and trusts you, so you must do your utmost to complete this important task, which is crucial for the well-being of the entire northern region."

Qiao Changshun said, "Rest assured, I have everything under control."

——

Naturally, Qiao Changshun’s mission was strategized by the elder, allowing the others to focus on preparing for the New Year festivities.

Before Zhou Xian left Luoyang, the elder specifically instructed him to let the families stay in Weixian and celebrate the New Year with their neighbors before departing. Additionally, since the carriages were slow due to the heavy load of people and goods, the families wouldn’t arrive until the beginning of February.

The large mansion in Luoyang was quiet and sparsely populated, but this year was a hard-earned peaceful year, and it had to be celebrated properly.

Tong Sui had already prepared all the New Year gifts. There were gifts for relatives and friends, including the Qiao family, Tong family, Zhou family, Sun family, Zhang family, Pan family, Jiang Tiankuo, and Zhao Jin. Additionally, there were gifts prepared for the five marquis estates of Feng, Lu, Fan, Luo, and Qi.

Gifts for peers could be sent by the servants, but for elders or noble families, Xiao Zhen and his brothers would personally deliver them.

On the 28th, the brothers were busy with this task, while the elder was at home receiving gifts sent by others.

After sleeping, the next morning, Xiao Yan was surprised to find the servants at home moving things out again.

Xiao Yan asked, "Which family is this for?"

Xiao Mu said, "The family of Senior Deputy Minister Lin of the Ministry of Personnel."

Before the minor new year, Xiao Yan and the other commanders of the guard were staying in the military camp, and the elder didn't allow them to wander around the city. They weren't in a hurry. After the minor new year, although they moved into the city, they still had to report for duty at the military camp, leaving early and returning late, with no time to wander around. Yesterday, after finally getting a holiday, they were busy sending gifts. Therefore, Xiao Yan hadn't had the chance to get to know the old courtiers in Luoyang.

He instinctively asked, "Old courtiers? Why send a gift to his family?"

Sitting to the right below the elder, Xiao Zhen, Tong Sui, and Xiao Ye watched with varying expressions, enjoying the scene. On the left side, Xiao Shouyi and Xiao She sat, with Xiao Shouyi drinking tea and Xiao She glancing at the elder and then at his third brother, pondering along with him.

Xiao Yan was still more perceptive than his younger brother, his confusion gradually turning into disbelief. "The Lin family? Could they be related to Ningfang?"

Xiao Ye: "Looks like you're not completely clueless."

Xiao Yan: "But she told me she had no relatives here. How did a relative suddenly appear, and from the Lin family at that?"

Xiao Mu: "Her paternal uncle. Actually, I saw Minister Lin during the first imperial court assembly. I didn't connect him to Ningfang's family at the time. It was only a few days ago when I heard that Minister Lin's father had been Prime Minister before his death that I suddenly realized it. After some discreet inquiries, it turned out he is indeed Ningfang's uncle."

Xiao Yan looked at Patriarch Xiao, then glanced at his smug second brother, sister-in-law, and father, feeling increasingly uneasy and helpless.

When his second brother went to deliver gifts to the Tong family for the first time, they had teased him, asking, "Will you be nervous about meeting your father-in-law?" Though Xiao Yan was married, he had only met his father-in-law once, at his funeral. He didn't expect that the deceased would become his father-in-law.

Now, suddenly learning that Lin Ningfang had a relative, Xiao Yan finally understood the complex emotions of a groom meeting his father-in-law.

The Lin family was a prestigious clan. Would Minister Lin be as refined and erudite as Wei Qi or Song Lan?

As the head of a prestigious family and holding the rank of third-grade official in the Ministry of Personnel, a civil official's status was incomparable to that of a military official.

Would Minister Lin look down on him?

If Minister Lin found out how he had half-threatened and half-coaxed Ningfang into marrying him, would he confront him or even forcibly take her back?

Tong Sui and the others didn't know what Xiao Yan was thinking but noticed his transition from nervousness to paleness.

Xiao Shouyi put down his teacup, his stern face saying, "Now you realize you didn't do the right thing?"

Our family's men are all trained in martial arts and would help whenever possible. How could you force a woman to marry you just because you saved her?

Xiao Yan knelt before Patriarch Xiao, regretfully saying, "Grandfather, I know I was wrong, but please help me. Don't let the Lin family take Ningfang back!"

Our family indeed has a title and is newly prominent in Luoyang. But Grandfather has always acted rationally. If the Lin family insists on taking her and Ningfang wants to go, Grandfather might actually agree.

Xiao Mu looked at his grandson and said, "That depends on Ningfang's wishes. If she wants to stay, the Lin family will listen to their niece. If she wants to go, I won't be able to persuade her to stay. Don't worry too much. Ningfang was a rare beauty in our village and the most beautiful girl you've ever seen. Now that we're in the capital and you're the heir of the Duke's estate, if you wish, you could marry a young lady from a higher status than Ningfang, who would treat you much better. Why cling to her so desperately?"

Xiao Yan wanted to interrupt but was stopped by a gesture from Patriarch Xiao and had to listen patiently. Finally, he said stubbornly, "I want Ningfang. No other young lady can compare to her in my eyes. If you really won’t help me, I’ll go back to our village and take her with me. We'll live our lives. She probably didn’t mention wanting to come back anyway."

Xiao Mu: "She probably didn’t mention it because she was afraid we wouldn’t let her go or that something might happen to her on the way. Now that it's peaceful, she'll probably want to return to her family."

Xiao Yan pursed his lips, glared at Patriarch Xiao, then suddenly stood up and rushed to the door, saying defiantly, "So you’re all just watching my misery! If no one helps me, fine! Let her go! If she leaves, I'll stay single for the rest of my life. Let Xiao Ye carry on the family line!"

Xiao Shouyi: "Rascals! Even if you die, you don't deserve to be compared to your elder brother!"

Xiao Zhen finally stood up, walked toward Xiao Yan, and said to Xiao Shouyi, "We were just teasing Third Brother. Why are you getting so worked up?"

Xiao Ye: "Yes, yes, we're just playing with Third Brother. Second Uncle, keep drinking your tea and don’t take it seriously."

Tong Sui poured tea for her uncle cooperatively.

Xiao She looked bewildered.

Xiao Zhen held Xiao Yan's shoulder, but Xiao Yan angrily shrugged his hand off.

Xiao Zhen: "You don't like being called stupid, but if Grandfather didn't want to help you, why would he ask us to prepare New Year's gifts for the Lin family?"

Xiao Yan: "..."

Not needing to worry too much about losing his wife, Xiao Yan slowly calmed down and turned to Patriarch Xiao with a somewhat resentful look. "During the New Year, you nearly scared me to death."

Xiao Mu: "With your dramatic reactions, you were the one scaring us."

Though arrogant, Xiao Yan knew how to lower himself in front of the elder. He knelt before the old man again, massaging and kneading his legs. "Grandfather, please give me some advice. How can I make Lord Lin like me a little more?"

Xiao Zhen sat back down beside Tong Sui, and the couple exchanged glances, both suppressing their laughter.

Xiao Mu spoke slowly, "The Lin family is a scholarly family and values propriety and etiquette above all. Since Ningfang hasn't come over yet, we can't rush to visit them and propose a marriage. We don't want the Lins to doubt the authenticity of this matter and refuse to recognize the relationship. Besides, it's almost the New Year, and it wouldn't be appropriate to bring bad news during the New Year, right?"

Xiao Yan nodded. "Yes, yes."

Xiao Mu: "We can't officially acknowledge the relationship yet, but we can't pretend Ningfang doesn't have this family either. That's why you need to deliver a New Year's gift to them. When you meet Lord Lin, just express your admiration for his talent and learning. Don't mention anything else."

Xiao Yan continued nodding. "Got it. But what should I say to Lord Lin when I see him?"

Xiao Mu: "Your wife is yours, and you need to be the son-in-law on your own. If I have to teach you everything, what use are you then?"

Xiao Yan: "..."

Xiao Mu: "Alright, let's eat first; I'm hungry."

Tong Sui immediately instructed the maids outside to relay the order to the kitchen.

During the meal, Xiao Yan first asked Xiao Zhen to accompany him.

Xiao Zhen: "Why should I, a marquis who maintains dignity and propriety, humble myself to smile at an old retainer?"

Xiao Yan: "..."

Xiao Shouyi gave a suspicious look.

Xiao She explained, "That day when we climbed over the wall, Second Brother told us to enter through the door in the future. Third Brother said Second Brother was exercising the marquis's authority."

Xiao Yan kicked his younger brother under the table.

Xiao Shouyi didn't bother scolding his son and coldly said, "Let him handle it on his own. No one should concern themselves with him."

Xiao Ye: "That won't do. Just now, Third Brother was in quite a hurry. I may enjoy watching the show, but I'll still lend a hand when needed."

Xiao Yan: "You're a true brother!"

The fourth brother spoke more tactfully, so having him along was just as good.

After the meal, the two brothers even changed their clothes, which Tong Sui had bought directly from a silk shop according to the sizes of the family members.

One of the brothers looked fierce, and the other had a bit of a roguish air, but both were handsome. Dressed in silk garments, they exuded the aura of noble young masters.

Tong Sui commented to the elder, "Third and Fourth Younger Brothers have gotten much darker these past six months. They'll look even better once they get paler."

By now, Tong Sui's bond with these young men had deepened significantly, and she spoke much more casually.

Xiao Ye: "Second Sister-in-law really thinks we're too dark, or are you criticizing us indirectly?"

Tong Sui: "..."

Xiao Zhen smiled mysteriously.

——

Xiao Yan and Xiao Ye rode their horses, while the bountiful New Year's gifts prepared for the son-in-law were loaded onto a carriage behind them.

Recalling the address of the residence that his grandfather had given him, Xiao Yan said to Xiao Ye, "Premier Song lives in Shangshan Ward, a prosperous area. Jingshan Ward is right next to it. The prices of the houses there shouldn't differ much, right?"

Xiao Ye: "Of course."

Xiao Yan tugged at his collar. "I'm still a bit nervous."

Xiao Ye: "Don't be nervous. Show the confidence you had when you 'proposed' to Third Sister-in-law."

Xiao Yan: "This is serious business. Cut the smart remarks. Before long, you'll be marrying a wife too."

Xiao Ye shook his head. "I stand tall and straight, unafraid of meeting any in-laws."

Xiao Yan: "..."

After traveling about four miles and crossing the Luo River, they walked another four miles to reach JingShan Ward.

The residents of the ward were all busy preparing for the Lunar New Year. Adults were hurrying to purchase New Year goods at the three markets, while children ran to the streets with sunflower seeds in their hands. Some mischievous children had already started lighting firecrackers.

Seeing two exceptionally handsome men, passersby stopped to watch. Some of the more talkative ones even asked the brothers where they were going.

Xiao Ye smiled. "We're visiting Lord Lin."

Immediately, someone offered to guide them.

Though not as renowned as his father, the Prime Minister, or his more esteemed scholarly brother, Lin Shou still held a third-rank position in the Ministry of Personnel. The neighbors, even if aware of Lin Shou's misdeeds, were not foolish enough to openly discuss them on the streets.

Before long, the two brothers arrived at the Lin residence.

Xiao Ye had a servant boy knock on the door and, after dismounting from his horse, noticed a thin layer of sweat on Xiao Yan's forehead in the middle of winter.

Xiao Ye coughed. "Where's your composure? The more nervous you are, the less respect you'll earn."

Xiao Yan tried to calm down.

Inside the house, Lin Shou and his wife were almost shocked out of their wits when they heard that the young masters from the Duke's residence of Weiguo had come to deliver New Year gifts.

"One does not accept gifts for no reason," Lin Shou said nervously. "I've said it before, the Xiao family treats me differently."

Tang Shi said, "It does seem strange. Our families have no connection. Still, first the Marquis of Yong'an was amiable towards you, and now the Xiao family is sending New Year gifts. It seems they want to establish a good relationship with us. If it’s a good thing, there’s nothing to fear. Let’s entertain them for now and try to get some information afterward."

Realizing this made sense, Lin Shou straightened his robes and, with his wife, went out to greet their guests, dismissing their children and grandchildren.

Lin Shou, with the noble air of a prominent Luoyang family, the scholarly elegance of an academic lineage, and the authority accumulated over thirty years in officialdom, was a figure who, by bearing and demeanor alone, could easily overshadow the recently appointed Prime Minister Wei Qi and Song Lan.

Xiao Yan, upon seeing him, felt a sense of inadequacy and nervously lowered his head.

Seeing his brother's state, Xiao Ye had no choice but to handle the small talk.

Both Lin Shou and Tang Shi were curious about why the Xiao family was treating them with such courtesy and tried, directly or indirectly, to probe for information. However, the Xiao brothers remained tight-lipped—Xiao Yan silent as a mute, Xiao Ye speaking smoothly but revealing nothing.

After drinking a cup of tea, Xiao Ye, accompanied by the nervous Xiao Yan, took their leave.

After leaving JingShan Ward, Xiao Ye burst into laughter.

Xiao Yan, having held back for a long time, finally lashed out with a pretend whip. "Is it really that amusing? Do you have to laugh so much?"

Xiao Ye shook his hand at him while holding the reins. "You don’t get it. You just don’t get it."

Xiao Yan: "Just wait. There will be a time when you’ll meet your in-laws."

The next day was New Year's Eve.

Why spend the New Year alone in an empty mansion? It’s much more lively and enjoyable with a crowd, so all the men from Wei County came to the Weiguo Duke's mansion.

At noon, the cooks had prepared enough dishes to fill two tables. The men were drinking bowl after bowl of wine, chatting casually while they drank.

Xiao Ye inquired, "Pan Dai, why didn't Uncle Pan come?"

Pan Dai replied, "Two days ago, my father encountered... the Duke of Wuying in the South Market. The Marquis said he was hosting a banquet at a tavern today and invited Father to join him. My father couldn't refuse."

Xiao Yan remarked, "It's normal for us to be drinking together, but why would the Duke of Wuying, who has beautiful attendants, go out for the New Year?"

Xiao Mu, sitting at the neighboring table, interjected, "Let's not discuss the Marquis's private affairs."

The young men quickly changed the subject.

Tong Sui and Zhou Gui sat with the elder gentlemen, including Xiao Shouyi, Xiao Gufu, Zhou Jingchun, and Zhou Yuanbai, who were more reserved and did not engage in drinking contests.

Noticing that the two sisters had finished eating, Xiao Mu said, "You should go and rest now. No need to listen to their idle chatter. Come back in the evening for the dumplings."

Tong Sui then took her cousin back to the Marquis’s residence.

"Sister, is there any maid trying to seduce Brother-in-Law?"

"No, why did you suddenly ask?"

"Hmph, someone actually flirted with Father. Luckily, he didn't take the bait and even chased the person away."

Tong Sui: "..."

Zhou Gui asked, "Any new developments with the Lin family?"

Tong Sui replied, "We've sent the New Year gifts, but the rest will have to wait until Third Younger Brother's wife arrives."

Zhou Gui said, "I can't wait for her to arrive. By the way, we should now call her Third Madam."

Tong Sui smiled, "Impatience won’t help. We’ll just have to wait patiently."

In the evening, everyone continued eating dumplings at the Duke's residence. Originally, the young servants were supposed to set off fireworks, but the younger men rushed to do it instead.

Zhang Wengong, Tong Gui, the Sun brothers, and Pan Dai all wanted to sleep in the guest rooms of the Duke's mansion. Xiao Yan, Xiao Ye, Xiao She, and the Qiao brothers were also pulled over.

"Second Brother, why don't you come too?"

"Hahahaha!"

Amid the playful teasing, Xiao Zhen escorted Tong Sui to the corridor connecting the two residences. They passed through a gate and returned to the Marquis’s residence, entering another world of peaceful silence.

"Get on, I'll carry you," Xiao Zhen stood in the middle of the corridor, bending over.

Tong Sui said, "There are still maids waiting in the courtyard."

Xiao Zhen replied, "I treat them like decorations."

Tong Sui lightly punched him, then laughingly leaned on him. With a firm bounce, she found herself draped over his shoulder.

The entire corridor had flower lanterns hanging along it. Tong Sui tilted her head and enjoyed watching the shadows of the two of them as they fell on the pillars they passed.

After tonight, she would be turning twenty.

Bidding farewell to her nineteenth year, safe and sound.