Chapter 74

Chapter 74

**Updated Chapter**

Xie Jiuyi hadn’t expected Wei Duo to resort to such underhanded tactics. The couple had everything planned out. They arranged for Yin Liyi to move into the Prince of Wei’s Mansion with the child, pretending that everything was as it had been when Yin Lifang and the others were there, with heavy guards stationed for protection.

The situation went awry because Yin Liyi believed she wasn’t really in any danger. After staying in the Prince of Wei’s Mansion for so long, she felt stifled. In the past, when she was in Jianye, she would often go to tea houses, watch plays, or buy street snacks. She had no class prejudice and simply loved street food.

She wanted to go out, but Xie Jiuyi advised her not to. So, she called for a street vendor to come inside instead. Unbeknownst to her, the vendor was actually someone in disguise, and she was knocked out and taken away.

This was Yin Liyi’s second time being captured, and she found it almost laughable. Her luck was truly terrible. She didn’t know what the old villain Wei Duo would use to threaten her, and she could only hope that Xie Jiuyi wouldn’t agree to anything.

However, Xie Jiuyi was also in a difficult position. His troops weren’t entirely loyal to him. If he withdrew them for the sake of his wife, people would surely gossip about it in the future. But if he didn’t withdraw, his wife would likely be killed.

Unfortunately, those under him disagreed. Someone said, “Let’s secretly send people to rescue the lady while attacking on the surface, letting Wei Duo know you don’t care about your wife. That way, he won’t dare harm her.”

“Yes, I remember when the lady was captured in Yuzhou last time, Young Prince Li didn’t care either. The more you act indifferent, the more leeway you have.”

Even now, people in Wei still referred to Li Cheng as Young Prince.

Xie Jiuyi used to blame Li Cheng for not caring about his wife’s life, but now he was in the same situation.

Wei Duo was well-versed in the art of deception in warfare. He had already discovered that Xie Jiuyi had defied his family to marry Yin Liyi, showing deep affection. This reminded him of the story of Shen Gong Wuchen and Xia Ji. Xia Ji had brought down several countries.

Naturally, Wei Duo had seen Yin Liyi once. She was indeed beautiful, but she had a strong will.

However, he knew that if he kept Xie Jiuyi hanging like this, it would be fine, but if he really took her, it would become a deadly feud. He didn’t want to see a united Xie family army. Thinking of this, Wei Duo personally led his troops again, hoping that Xie Jiuyi would attack.

Xie Jiuyi and Wei Duo were fighting fiercely with no sign of stopping. When Yin Liyi found out, she didn’t blame Li Cheng as she used to. She understood clearly that if Xie Jiuyi abandoned the city for her, it would be an act of betrayal.

Her double standards were unknown to Li Cheng, who expected Xie Jiuyi to continue attacking without being affected by Yin Liyi.

Huiyin was upset: “That Yin woman stayed at my house for a few days after you rescued her. Although she didn’t show it in front of me, I could see that she still thought you weren’t doing enough. Why does Yin Liyi have particularly high expectations of you?”

If it were Yin Lifang, it would make sense. Li Cheng had indeed sent her generous gifts, saved her son, and even had a past marriage with her. But what did he have to do with Yin Liyi?

She really didn’t understand.

Li Cheng, being a thorough person, pondered for a long time before saying, “She came to my house when she was young. My mother treated the Yin sisters well because of Yin Lifang. Later, when the Prince of Wei asked me to manage his estate, I took care of them because of familiarity, thinking I would marry Yin Lifang. I guess she sees me as someone who gives unconditionally. In this world, people have high expectations of good people. If you do something slightly wrong, you’ll be blamed. But if you’re a bad person and do one good thing, many will remember your kindness.”

Huiyin thought what he said made sense but couldn’t help but laugh: “There’s also a possibility that she thinks making you do things for her highlights her own charm.”

Some women like to prove their charm by making men do things for them.

Although it’s not right to talk about people behind their backs, she couldn’t help but remember how Yin Liyi’s family had many complaints after Li Cheng rescued them. Huiyin had no kind words for them.

But this kind of talk made Li Cheng feel nauseous. Seeing that he was unwell, Huiyin quickly poured him a cup of tea: “Are you feeling unwell? Should I get you some lychee drink, which you love?”

“I’m just disgusted. Don’t worry, I’m fine.” Li Cheng really felt like dying after thinking he was being used by a fool.

Huiyin gently patted his back: “Don’t say disgusting. Actually, she’s quite pitiful too. Forget it, let’s not talk about her anymore. Your cousin Cui Erlang has sent his visiting cards several times. Do you want to meet him?”

Li Cheng hadn’t had time to deal with Cui Erlang. His relationship with his uncle’s family was generally distant, but since Huiyin asked, considering they were relatives, he said, “Alright, I’ll make time to invite him over.”

“Well, you handle that yourself. By the way, have the positions for the people selected through the imperial examinations been assigned?” Huiyin asked.

She used to be very careful not to ask about outside matters, fearing Li Cheng would be wary, but now that they were open with each other as a couple, there was nothing to be cautious about.

Li Cheng laughed: “Don’t worry, I’ll have someone present a handbook specifically for you.”

Naturally, Li Cheng had his own plans for these young men from influential families who came with their own resources. When he met Cui Erlang, he shared his intentions: "After failing the imperial examination, what do you intend to do, Zhiqing (Cui Erlang's courtesy name)?"

Although Cui Erlang was his cousin, he dared not be presumptuous. He straightened himself and replied, "I have been studying hard at home, preparing for next year's examination."

Li Cheng smiled and nodded, saying, "The 'Qin Shi' says, seeing a worthy person but not recommending them, or recommending them but not employing them promptly, is a slight."

Cui Erlang's eyes lit up, realizing that Li Cheng intended to give him a significant role.

"I will follow your instructions, Prince," Cui Erlang said.

Li Cheng smiled and continued, "Out of the fifty who passed the imperial examination, twenty will stay by my side, and thirty will be appointed to various prefectures. As far as I know, Taicang County already has a county magistrate but is in need of a deputy. Would you find that position unsuitable, Zhiqing?"

Cui Erlang thought for a moment. Taicang was part of Wu Commandery, a prosperous area, and it seemed like a good opportunity, so he rose to express his gratitude.

Li Cheng further instructed, "I am assigning you there not only because I value your talent but also to see your capabilities. If you prove yourself, there will be no need for further examinations; I will employ you significantly."

Being a deputy is the best way to test one's character and resolve. The one who gets things done is often the deputy, whose efforts might be claimed by the superior or blamed if things go wrong. Li Cheng valued knowledge but placed even greater emphasis on personal ability. Young men from aristocratic families like Cui Erlang, who had been exposed to officialdom and the everyday conduct of elders, could become talents if properly honed.

Now that Cui Erlang's home in Jizhou had come under Li Cheng's control, he felt immediately ambitious upon hearing Li Cheng's candid words.

Similarly, there was the son of Miao Furen, who also failed the military examination, ending up just outside the top fifty. The first fifty were either assigned to various governors or military units, leaving him without a position. Therefore, Li Cheng arranged for Miao Xiao Lang to serve as a judicial magistrate in Hejian Prefecture of Jizhou.

These young men from aristocratic families held relatively low positions. Cui Erlang, as a deputy magistrate, was of the eighth rank, and the judicial magistrate was of the ninth rank. Both came with family-provided advisors.

At first, Miao Furen felt her son had missed out, but now that he was appointed to Hejian, she hurried to the mansion to express her gratitude. "Amita Buddha, I can finally rest easy knowing my son has been given a position," she said.

"Indeed, the Prince also found young Master Miao quite unfortunate, so when he learned of the vacancy in Hejian, he immediately sent him there. Jizhou is a new prefecture, and Hejian is one of the best among the nine commanderies. Let young Master Miao work hard there, and he will achieve success," Huiyin replied.

Now, all the former officials had to be replaced. Li Cheng preferred to employ young people and disliked using seasoned officials.

Miao Furen smiled and said, "We owe this all to you. Otherwise, who would remember our young master?"

"Please don't say that. It is Master Miao's own ability," Huiyin replied.

After securing his position, Cui Erlang lifted his spirits and regained his usual energy. Although Cui Yuehua found the position somewhat lowly, Cui Erlang had a better understanding.

Those who have never held office might dismiss eighth or ninth-rank positions as insignificant, but when you actually get a post, any official position is a blessing. This was no longer an era dominated by aristocratic families. If a family of high status lacked talent, they would decline within a few generations.

Just as someone who has never earned money might think a few hundred coins a month is small, but once they start earning it, they realize how difficult it is to make even a few hundred wen.

Thus, Cui Erlang said, "Since I didn't pass, should I expect to be appointed as a governor?"

"Brother, our family has a special relationship with the Prince," Cui Yuehua replied, thinking of their dual familial connection and not wanting to benefit outsiders.

Cui Erlang explained, "After our aunt passed away, my father could not come to assist the Prince. The Prince relied on himself to achieve his current status. I am not like our elder brother, who is renowned for his talent. Being able to serve in Taicang is already due to this relationship. Taicang was where the Wu Kingdom once stored grain in granaries; being assigned there is a significant opportunity, and I am delighted."

Cui Yuehua realized this and said, "I see."

"Be careful with your words. When you were younger and living at home, and later after marrying into the family of the Marquis of Zhaojie in Jizhou, you were treated with great respect. But here, in the domain of the Princess of Huaiyin, a single wrong word could lead to resentment. Don't think that just because you speak cautiously, there won't be consequences. There's no such thing as a secret that doesn't eventually get out," Cui Erlang advised his sister.

With no family nearby and being young, Cui Yuehua had a supportive husband and a mother-in-law who treated her like a daughter. Now, hearing her brother's words, it was as if a revelation had struck her.

Having family to guide and support you is invaluable. The same could be seen with Huiyin. Pei Shuo was now serving at the main camp in Xuzhou and had become a trusted person of Li Cheng. Whenever he came to the mansion to speak with Li Cheng, he would also visit the rear courtyard to exchange a few words with Huiyin.

Currently, Pei Shuo remarked, "I noticed some swelling on your face and dark circles under your eyes, Sister. I imagine you're not sleeping well and are hungry. Your health is more important than anything else, so please take care, Sister."

"Brother, what are you saying?" Huiyin was still feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

She was tall and strong, completely unlike the delicate women of Jiangnan, so she also wanted to lose some weight. But losing weight meant eating less, and if she ate less in the evening, she wouldn’t be able to sleep.

Back when she was at home, Huiyin and Elder Madame Xu would say she was robust, and Huiyin had secretly tried to lose weight, which Pei Shuo was also aware of.

Pei Shuo smiled and said, "I really shouldn’t say this, as I am a man after all, but for someone like you, sister, to worry about such things is truly unnecessary."

"That’s because after I sprained my waist and spent those days lying on the couch, I started eating without restraint, and before I knew it, I started to gain weight. I can’t even fit into last year’s clothes anymore," Huiyin complained.

Pei Shuo then said, "That’s exactly why you need more rest, so you’ll have more energy. If you don’t eat enough, your energy levels will drop, and you’ll crave food to compensate."

After their conversation, Huiyin thanked Pei Shuo for his concern. Unexpectedly, a few days later, Pei Shuo specially sent a chef to help Huiyin with her diet.

"This way, you won’t go hungry, and you won’t gain weight. This chef is reliable and has been thoroughly vetted, so you can use him with confidence," Pei Shuo said.

Huiyin happily said, "If it works, I will definitely thank you with a grand gift, brother."

Pei Shuo shook his head, "I just hope you stay healthy, that’s all I wish for."

The chef he sent prepared a type of steamed bun made from coarse grains for breakfast, the size of a palm, with just two types of vegetables and a boiled egg. Lunch was half a bowl of rice, a portion of lean meat, two types of vegetables, and dinner was the same as lunch.

Li Cheng was gnawing on a lamb leg beside her and cut off a small piece with a dagger, asking, "How about it? Want a piece?"

"No, I need to control my eating," Huiyin quickly shook her head, then added, "Tomorrow, the kitchen will prepare stir-fried lamb with stuffed dumplings."

Li Cheng sighed, "I’ve told you not to worry. It’s better to ride horses. Honestly, I eat more than you, but because I practice martial arts and horse archery daily, no one says I’m fat."

Huiyin didn’t know what to say. "You’re not just not fat, you’re extremely lean."

In fact, Li Cheng thought Huiyin was already stunningly beautiful, but considering there were many women who wanted to marry him, he guessed his wife might lack confidence. So he said, "But what I love most is your body. If you were to lose weight, it would really not look good."

"Don’t try to flatter me. I don’t care, I want to lose weight to how I was before." After eating those dishes for a month, she had made significant progress.

Seeing that her jawline had become sharper, she was about to call Li Cheng when he walked in and said, "Guess what? Xie Jiuyi couldn’t beat Wei Duo. He barely won one battle. Wei Duo, like Zhang Song, put Yin Liyi in front of his horse, but Xie Jiuyi, being her husband, exposed a vulnerability..."

The author has something to say:

Let’s see if I have time tomorrow morning. If I do, I’ll post two updates. My back hurts badly, so please be patient with me.