Chapter 134

Chapter 134

This summer, the northern region experienced extreme heat with little rain, causing the land to dry up and many pastures to fail.

This greatly affected the nomadic Khitan tribes, who relied on herding and hunting to make a living. Without grass, they couldn't graze their cattle and sheep. Leading them to think of heading south to raid—this has been the instinctive response of these nomadic tribes for centuries.

Surprisingly, a casual comment Lu Yao made earlier had turned out to be prophetic.

Sensing the unrest in the north, the Northern Pacification King had dispatched troops to defend the borders early on, but he was still taken aback by the ferocity of the attack.

The Khitan King personally led an army of 100,000 men, advancing toward the borders of Ying Prefecture. Though the number 100,000 was likely exaggerated, the real number was probably around 60,000 to 70,000. The Khitan forces were all cavalry and extremely fierce in battle, so the Northern Pacification King did not underestimate them.

He immediately sent a message back to the capital. This battle presented a rare opportunity. Previously, there had only been minor skirmishes that had little impact on the Khitan state. However, if they could inflict a heavy blow on the Khitan now, the border regions would enjoy at least a decade of peace!

News of the war slowly spread to many merchants and nobles from Ying Prefecture.

For several days, the post stations in Ping Prefecture were crowded with refugees. Even in the taverns, one could hear many people speaking with the accents of Ying Prefecture.

Whenever Lu Yao encountered such people, he would engage them in conversation, asking about the war.

"How would we know? As soon as we heard the rumors, we ran," they would say.

"Did you see any Khitan soldiers?"

"If we had seen them, how could we have escaped? We're from Ying Prefecture city; the military garrison is hundreds of miles away from the city."

Lu Yao nodded and said, "Thank you," then instructed the shopkeeper, "Please add a small dish for this table."

"Thank you, boss!"

Three days had passed since Beidou's return, and there was still no news of Zhao Beichuan. With the war breaking out at the borders, Lu Yao hadn't been sleeping well.

In the afternoon, Lu Miao came. Clearly, he had been crying; his eyes were still red and swollen.

Lu Yao didn't know how to comfort him, so he just held his hand and patted it.

"Third Brother, I want to go to the frontier..."

"Nonsense! It's chaotic at the borders. What if something happens to you?"

Lu Miao bit his lip, tears streaming down his face. Lu Yao quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe his face.

"What can I do... Third Brother, all I see when I close my eyes is Changbao, covered in blood."

Lu Yao tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. "You're not thinking of yourself. What about Dandan? He's still so young; how can he survive without his mother? Besides, there's no certainty that your husband will be injured. Stop worrying so much."

"But I'm scared... I'm afraid something might happen to him... and I couldn't live without him..." During their wedding, his husband had been injured. Although he had recovered, his shoulder still ached on rainy days. With another major battle looming, how could he not be worried?

"When you have time, come help out at the wine shop. Many merchants from Ying Prefecture have come these days. Maybe you'll hear some news."

Hearing this, Lu Miao stopped crying. "Merchants from Ying Prefecture have come?"

"Yes, merchants are good at avoiding harm and seeking profit. They probably fled early upon hearing the rumors to prevent the war from affecting their business."

"Alright."

After calming Lu Miao, Lu Yao received a message from Cao Wuye, who said he would reserve a private room upstairs and wanted Lu Yao to join him for an important discussion.

Lu Yao quickly arranged the Bamboo Residence and had Xiaochun prepare an extra table of food.

At around the Wei hour (1-3 PM), Cao Wuye and several wealthy merchants of Ping Prefecture arrived. Lu Yao greeted them and followed them upstairs.

Everyone present that day was a notable figure in Ping Prefecture, including Old Boss Chi of the North Medicine Shop, Qu Tian of the Qu Family Escort Agency, Yang Yingying of Shengtong Cloth Shop, and Liu Mingtao, the owner of the largest grain shop in Ping Prefecture. All of them were immensely wealthy, making Lu Yao feel out of place among them.

However, no one minded too much. They began discussing the current conflict.

Their information was far more reliable than that of the smaller merchants from Ying Prefecture. The Khitan cavalry had already captured the three cities from last time, and this time, the Khitan King planned to capture the northern three prefectures in one fell swoop and relocate the city—Ying Prefecture, Ping Prefecture, and You Prefecture.

"Currently, there are only 80,000 troops stationed in Ying Prefecture. I wonder if they can hold out," someone said.

"I heard that 60,000 reinforcements are on their way north, so it should be manageable," another replied.

Qu Tian rubbed his face and said, "That’s because you don’t know just how formidable the Khitan cavalry is. Years ago, when I was with the escort agency, we ran a few missions to Ying Prefecture. Once, we were ambushed by a small group of Khitan cavalry. A squad of fewer than twenty hacked nearly a hundred of us from the agency to death. It was only thanks to my uncle protecting me that I survived... After that, the agency stopped taking jobs in Ying Prefecture."

The group fell into a brief silence after hearing this.

Suddenly, Cao Wuye spoke up, "The reason I called everyone here today is precisely for this matter. When the nation is in peril, every man has a duty. I’m thinking of purchasing a batch of supplies to send to the frontier in support of the Zhenbei Army. Hear me out before you decide whether to agree."

"This battle concerns the survival of the people in the northern three prefectures and our business interests in the north. If Ying Prefecture falls, Ping Prefecture will surely follow. Seventy years ago, Ping Prefecture was attacked by the Khitans. Historical records describe the city as strewn with corpses, with the bones of men piled as high as small buildings. The barbarians poured oil on them and burned them for seventeen days...

Cao Wuye paused, "Though none of us experienced that disaster, we must prevent it from happening again. I’ve decided to spend 100,000 taels of silver to purchase supplies from various locations and send them to the frontlines to support the Zhenbei Army. If we win, the north will enjoy peace for at least the next ten to twenty years, and business will flourish."

Everyone fell into deep thought, weighing the pros and cons.

With no one speaking, Lu Yao decided to break the silence. "Although my strength is limited, I’m willing to contribute. I’ve already provided 1,000 jin of alcohol to the Zhenbei Army. Now that the war has started, this alcohol may not be enough. I’m willing to donate an additional 3,000 jin."

Cao Wuye smiled and nodded appreciatively at Lu Yao.

The value of alcohol was well-known among these merchants. Lu Alcohol was already expensive, and refined alcohol could reportedly sell for over ten taels of silver per jin. Donating 3,000 jin of alcohol was essentially worth tens of thousands of taels.

As a close friend of Cao Wuye, Qu Tian was also willing to help. "The Qu Family will transport these supplies, and I’ll personally donate an additional 50,000 taels of silver."

Old Boss Chi said, "Cao Wuye’s righteousness is admirable. The Chi family is also willing to contribute 80,000 taels of medicinal supplies for treating wounds to support Ying Prefecture."

Seeing this, the others also chimed in. As wealthy merchants, they couldn’t afford to donate too little, but most matched Cao Wuye’s contribution, starting at 50,000 taels of silver.

During this meal, hundreds of thousands of taels of silver were pledged.

They had no idea that these donations would bring them immense benefits in the future!

Cao Wuye took the lead for two reasons: first, to genuinely support the Zhenbei Army, and second, because he had received news in Shang Jing.

Cao Wuye’s younger brother worked in the Ministry of Revenue. The higher-ups were highly concerned about this war and had already dispatched 80,000 soldiers from the northwest. However, the army’s provisions were inadequate, and transporting grain from the south would take a long time, likely not arriving until December. In the meantime, they could make up for the shortfall in supplies.

Defeating the Khitans would be a great achievement, benefiting future generations!

Lu Yao wasn’t aware of these intricacies, but having agreed to help Cao Wuye, he intended to keep his word.

He immediately ordered the distillery to rush the production of alcohol, ensuring that the 3,000 jin would be ready before November. This year, the wine cellar was almost depleted in the process.

Amidst these intense preparations, Zhao Beichuan finally returned with Old Madam Zhao.

"Yi!" The carriage stopped at the wine shop’s entrance, and two escort guards jumped down. "Shopkeeper Zhao, we’ll be taking our leave now."

"Stay for a meal before you go!"

"No, no, we need to report back to our employer. We’ll come again next time."

"Alright, take care."

Zhao Beichuan helped Madam Zhao down from the carriage. As soon as they entered, a shop assistant shouted, "Master, you're back!"

"Yes, where's Master Lu?"

"He's probably in the distillery. Should I go get him for you?"

"No need, I'll go find him myself."

After seeing Madam Zhao to the back courtyard, Xiaochun ran over excitedly, "Older brother, you're finally back!"

Zhao Beichuan said, "The carriage is still parked at the gate. Bring it inside. There's no need to unload the goods. I’ll take them home tonight."

"Yes, I will."

After giving his instructions, Zhao Beichuan hurried towards the distillery. He hadn't seen Lu Yao for over two months and was anxious to find him.

*

"Is there enough wine in the distillery?"

"Yes, sir. Currently, there should be enough, but we need to save some for our own tavern. I plan to buy some from other distilleries and refine it."

In recent years, other distilleries had also begun producing distilled spirits. Some had a higher alcohol content, but the taste was inferior, and they were slightly cheaper. It was more convenient to purchase from local distilleries than to transport wine from Zhong Prefecture.

"That's fine. Make sure to prepare 3,000 jin of alcohol before the month's end."

"Yes, sir," Lu Shiliu retreated. Then Zheng Tie came to report the shortage of manpower.

Hiring temporary workers was inconvenient, and those from the labor market were often of mixed quality. "Tomorrow, go to the military camp and ask Colonel Liang if there are any disabled soldiers available. Bring some over. Their wages will be the same as the others: 500 wen per month."

"Yes, sir!"

"Also, make sure the kitchen prepares good meals these days. Everyone should eat their fill and have meat."

"Yes, sir!" Zheng Tie ran out, excited. He had been meaning to bring up the issue of disabled soldiers to his employer, but before he could, his employer brought it up!

He was a junior commander in the Zhenbei Army but was wounded in battle a few years ago, losing one of his eyes. With his other eye also affected, he could no longer fight. Arranged by Liang Zhong to the distillery, he had initially planned to just pass the time. Unexpectedly, his employer helped him regain his sight and even promoted him to manager, now overseeing dozens of people.

Last year, through a friend's introduction, he had married a husband. Each day, life seemed more promising. Seeing his old comrades struggle for a living, he felt deeply saddened. Now, with his employer's order, he could finally bring them in to work!

Working in the distillery, one could save four to five taels of silver a year, with year-end bonuses. In three years, one could buy a small house in West Market, marry a wife, and have two children. Life would be perfect by then.

He ran out happily and bumped into Zhao Beichuan at the door. "Master, you're back."

"Yes, is Lu Yao inside?"

"Yes, he’s inside."

Zhao Beichuan lifted his robe and hurried inside. From a distance, he saw Lu Yao standing in the courtyard, hands tucked into his sleeves. Zhao Beichuan’s throat tightened as he softly called out, "Lu Yao."

Lu Yao thought he had misheard and only turned around after a while, shouting in surprise, "Husband!"

Many people in the courtyard looked over. Zhao Beichuan took Lu Yao's hand and led him into a side room. As soon as they entered, he hugged him tightly. Pressing his nose against Lu Yao’s neck, he took a deep breath, feeling his heart settle at the familiar scent.

Lu Yao also held him tightly. "You're finally back. I thought you'd take a few more days."

"Madam Zhao was very ill. We let her rest for a few more days before coming back."

"That was the right thing to do, indeed."

For a moment, Lu Yao pushed him away. "You stink."

Zhao Beichuan couldn't help but laugh. "I was so busy on the road, I didn't even have time to bathe."

Lu Yao looked at his haggard face and said, "You must be tired from the trip. Let's get you home."

The two took a carriage back home. Lu Yao had the servants prepare two pots of hot water and gave Zhao Beichuan a thorough scrub, washing his hair several times before allowing him into the bedroom.

"Where's Xiaodou?"

Lu Yao wiped his hair with a cloth and said, "He's probably gone out. Lately, some of his classmates have been inviting him out for meals."

"How did he do in the provincial exam? Did he pass and become a juren?"

"Guess."

"No need to guess. He must have passed!"

Lu Yao smiled and said, "Not only did he pass, but he also came in first place!"

"First place?!" Zhao Beichuan exclaimed, standing up in surprise.

"Yes, now Beidou is quite famous in Ping Prefecture. Many people visit him specifically to discuss academic matters."

Zhao Beichuan said proudly, "Good boy, he’s really made us proud!"

After finishing drying his hair, Zhao Beichuan pulled him onto his lap, holding his waist and bouncing him slightly. "You've lost weight. Haven't been eating properly lately, have you?"

"My appetite has been off, so I haven’t been eating much."

"Didn’t you see a doctor?"

"I haven’t had the chance. It's been busy at the distillery lately, and I haven’t been able to spare any time."

Zhao Beichuan frowned slightly and said, "On the way, I heard that Ying Prefecture is going to war."

"The news spreads fast. It has indeed begun. The Khitan King has led 100,000 troops to march south and take the three northern prefectures."

"Any news from your brother-in-law?"

"No, he's probably too busy to write back right now."

Zhao Beichuan sighed, "Sigh, whenever there's a war, it's hard for the common folk."

"Yes, a few days ago, Cao Wuye invited the wealthy merchants of Ping Prefecture to our wine shop for a meal. He asked the wealthy to contribute money and those able-bodied to lend a hand. I agreed to donate 3,000 jin of alcohol to support the Northern Defense Army."

"I was originally planning to take Xiaodou to Shang Jing once you returned, but now it seems unwise. I need to stay here to oversee the preparation of 3,000 jin of alcohol for delivery to the border."

"That's a good cause." Though Zhao Beichuan didn't know much about military affairs, he understood that if the country fell, the home would perish with it. If Ying Prefecture falls, Ping Prefecture will also suffer, and all the wealth they had built up would be lost.

"Once everything is settled here, we’ll join you."

"Okay." Zhao Beichuan kissed him, and Lu Yao wrapped his arms around Zhao Beichuan's neck, kissing him back.

The room filled with the sounds of wet kisses and trembling breaths. The kisses gradually deepened, and a rough, warm palm slid under his clothes.

"Ah Yao, you’re too thin. You need to eat more and take better care of yourself."

"Mm-hm," Lu Yao vaguely agreed, swaying his hips to keep him engaged. Zhao Beichuan gasped, gripping him tightly as he lifted and carried him to the bed.

"Knock knock." There was a sudden knock at the door.

"Sir, the food is ready. When will you and Master Lu be dining?"

Lu Yao pushed him away forcefully. "Let's go eat now." He rubbed his foot against his pants and grinned mischievously. "Let's go eat first, we can continue after."

Zhao Beichuan helplessly put on his clothes, and the two went to the side room to eat. Today, they had old duck soup. The smell made Lu Yao feel queasy.

Zhao Beichuan was startled and quickly supported him, patting his back. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, the smell of grease just makes me feel nauseous. I'll just have some cold salad and bitter greens."

Zhao Beichuan frowned. "I'll go with you to the doctor's tomorrow. This won't do."

"Mm."

After dinner, they returned to the room. It had been over two months since they last did this, and he was desperately craving it. Lu Yao started to coax him into kissing again.

Just as they were undressing, the door knocked again.

"Older brother, sister-in-law." It was Xiaodou.

Lu Yao quickly pushed Zhao Beichuan away, his cheeks turning red. "Hurry up and get up to open the door."

Zhao Beichuan, scowling, nipped him, fastened his undergarments, and got up to open the door.

"Brother, you're finally back! I was getting worried!"

Zhao Beichuan, looking displeased, asked, "What are you worried about?"

"Heading to Shang Jing! Zijian said that scholars who passed the provincial exams can go to the Guozijian and Tai Academy in Shang Jing for further studies in preparation for the imperial examination in February. A lot of people have already gone!"

"Then you should leave tomorrow."

"Great! I'll go pack my things."

"Wait, you'll go alone tomorrow. Your brother and I have some matters to attend to. We'll join you later."

"Ah?"