Chapter 49: The Four Joys of Life*

Chapter 49: The Four Joys of Life*

"Corvée labor conscription? Already?" Qiu Huanian froze.

Upon hearing from Hu Qiuyan that the court was increasing corvée labor in several border counties, Qiu Huanian had already anticipated that Zhang County, not too far from the border, would not escape this fate. However, he hadn't expected it to happen so quickly.

"In less than a month, the autumn harvest will begin..."

"Precisely because of the autumn harvest," Du Yunse slowly shook his head. "After the harvest, the dynasty will have ample provisions and idle manpower. The grassland rulers also understand this, so they will undoubtedly take a bold gamble before the harvest. Although Wu Shen has not yet sent any related news, the situation is already extremely tense, as seen from the repeated increases in corvée labor in the border regions."

Those conscripted to serve corvée labor at the border would be responsible for transporting grain, military equipment, constructing fortifications, and cleaning up battlefields. If the army lacked sufficient manpower, they would also be drafted into the military to fight on the front lines, making this a life-and-death ordeal.

"The border counties have already been conscripted twice for corvée labor. To protect the land and prepare for the autumn harvest, they can't be conscripted again anytime soon. However, the border still lacks sufficient manpower, so they have no choice but to conscript from other regions."

Qiu Huanian furrowed his brow in concern, "Will there be a second wave of conscription here?"

Du Yunse's expression remained grave. "Judging from Magistrate Wang's hints, it seems unavoidable."

"..."

Qiu Huanian sighed. In his mind, he could already see the names and faces of many people from Du Village who would be conscripted for this labor.

Having lived in Du Village for over half a year, he had grown familiar with these people and had become accustomed to their daily presence. After this, he wondered if some of them might never return.

"What’s the deal with the imperial inspector tied to the second prince?"

"This inspector was chosen after lengthy debates in the court to strictly investigate smuggling along the border in Liaozhou."

"His name is Zhao Tianyu. He was a jinshi in the 16th year of Yuanhua. That year, the chief examiner for the jinshi was the second prince's maternal grandfather. Zhao Tianyu earned his favor and is skilled in construction and management. He is adept at handling affairs and climbed the ranks swiftly in the bureaucracy."

The 16th year of Yuanhua was six years ago. Zhao Tianyu became a jinshi only six years ago and has already risen to the position of imperial inspector. Even in the entire history of the Yu Dynasty, this is an exceptionally rapid ascent.

"Why was someone associated with the second prince chosen?"

"Perhaps it was to maintain a balance. The third prince has already been enfeoffed as the Prince of Jin, so the second prince's side also needed a counterbalance. Additionally, Zhao Tianyu's own abilities make him suitable for this role."

A counterbalance? Who would serve as the counterbalance? And to what end?

Other than the emperor, who else could stand above the struggle for the throne and control the competing princes like pieces on a scale?

What is the Yuanhua Emperor really up to? He has placed the crown prince under house arrest but hasn’t deposed him. The two most competitive adult sons are also under his control, manipulated like weights on a balance scale.

These matters are far removed from their current situation in Liaozhou. They cannot know the details, nor is it necessary to dwell on them for now.

Du Yunse changed the subject, "During this trip, I also learned about the origins of Du Zirong and her three children next door."

"What background? Are they really connected to a prince in the capital?" Qiu Huanian became interested.

Lately, Yuchuan, her brother, and Zirong had been hanging around his house, occasionally making sarcastic remarks. While not causing any real harm, it was still quite annoying.

"The second prince employs many merchants, and Bai Yanwen is among them. However, a few years ago, he fell out of favor with the second prince due to poor performance. This time, the second prince dispatched merchants to Liaozhou to support Zhao Tianyu. Since Bai Yanwen had done business in the Liaozhou region for several years, he was allowed to redeem himself by joining the mission."

"So that's the case. Working for a prince in the capital isn’t entirely off the mark."

Although the second prince has not yet been enfeoffed as a prince, he is, after all, the emperor's son, and his maternal family holds significant influence. It is only a matter of time before he becomes a prince.

Qiu Huanian found it strange, "Even though he fell out of favor, he was still serving a prince. His family should be quite wealthy. Why do his wife and children dress so plainly and stay with Widow Zhuang without any financial support?"

Du Yunse explained, "Magistrate Wang mentioned that Bai Yanwen's legal wife is a distant relative of the second prince's consort. Du Zirong is likely a concubine. They returned to her family, but Bai Yanwen has been staying in Zhang County's town, showing no concern. There must be plenty of behind-the-scenes drama in the household." *The Four Joys of Life refers to four traditional Chinese life milestones: marriage, success in examinations, reunion with loved ones, and the birth of a child.

Qiu Huanian truly didn’t expect it to be like this, but upon reflection, it made sense.

Zirong had run off without a matchmaker, following a wealthy man of unknown origin, and then forced her mother to agree to the marriage. She hadn’t returned home for many years, and the two families had never interacted, not even sending gifts during festivals. Only occasional snippets of news came back, making it seem as though they weren’t truly in-laws.

Even in the village, people would send rice and meat to their in-laws during the New Year. Zirong, having married into wealth, had vanished without a trace.

If Zirong had become a concubine to a wealthy merchant connected to a prince, and the merchant’s main wife had a powerful background, then all of this made sense. Du Village was indeed not a proper in-law family.

However, Zirong had managed to stay in Bai Yanwen’s household for over a decade, giving birth to a son and a daughter, so her life couldn’t have been too bad. Some recent event must have prompted her return to her family.

Thinking of Yuchuan’s disdainful and superior attitude, Qiu Huanian shook his head with a smile. "No wonder that young girl looks down on everyone. She’s used to a life of luxury and might not adapt to the simple life in Du Village."

With the background of Yuchuan and her siblings now clear, Qiu Huanian felt entirely at ease. Behind Yuchuan and her family was the wealthy merchant Bai Yanwen, behind Bai Yanwen was the imperial inspector Zhao Tianyu, and behind Zhao Tianyu was the second prince.

With such a tangled web of relationships, and Yuchuan and her family being abandoned here by Bai Yanwen for unknown reasons, there was no chance they could cause any real harm.

"Magistrate Wang urgently summoned you to the county office. Do you have any thoughts?"

"Magistrate Wang has been hosting Bai Yanwen for a few days and is unsure of Zhao Tianyu’s intentions. He’s anxious and wants to discuss it with me."

"Sigh, I hope this imperial inspector will thoroughly investigate the smuggling case and cut off the supply lines to the grasslands, rather than just vying for power and lining his own pockets."

...

On the second day after Du Yunse returned, the Zhang County office dispatched messengers on horseback to various villages under its jurisdiction to deliver the order for additional forced labor. The farmers were instantly gripped by fear, and the fields of crops, slowly turning from green to yellow, seemed to fade.

Yun Ting and Yun Lei, brothers toiling in the fields, heard the urgent news from their family and put down their farming tools, exchanging silent glances, unsure of what to say.

"I’ll go. Fifth Brother is about to get married. He finally found a good match, and I don’t want to delay it."

"Yun Lei, I..."

Yun Lei waved his rough hand and grinned. "Don’t say anything, Fifth Brother. Forced labor has always been for the unmarried and the younger ones. I’m the least tied down among us brothers. If I don’t come back, just make sure to adopt a child under my name so I won’t be forgotten, and someone can sweep my grave."

Yun Ting nervously rubbed his hands, unsure of what else to say. Yun Lei gave his older brother a firm pat on the shoulder.

"There are seven days before we leave for the border. Fifth Brother, go and discuss with your betrothed’s family. Maybe you can move the wedding forward. I’ll feel more at peace leaving after attending your wedding feast."

"If something happens to me out there, at least your marriage won’t be delayed."

Yun Ting took a deep breath. "...Alright."

Besides Yun Ting and Yun Lei, many families in Du Village were locked in disputes over who would serve in the forced labor.

In some families with poor relationships and few brothers, arguments and even physical fights broke out frequently. After all, this forced labor was different—it could cost lives.

The village head’s family faced the same problem. After sending off the messenger, the village head called all the family members to the central hall.

Under the Yu Dynasty’s laws, men between the ages of twelve and sixty were eligible for forced labor. This meant the village head’s three sons and his eldest grandson, Yun Cheng, were all on the list.

"In seven days, the new group of forced laborers from Zhang County will head to the border. You three brothers must decide who will go."

The third son, Bao Li, frowned. "Why not spend five or six silver taels to buy someone from a poor, large family to take our place? That’s what wealthy families in the village do."

"Even if every household has to send one person this time, it just means the price will be higher. We can still find a replacement."

When money is involved, human life often holds little value.

The village head sighed, shaking his head, and turned to the eldest, ignoring the third son. "Bao Ren, explain it to him."

Bao Ren said in a deep voice, "The court's decision to conscript people from every household this time shows how urgent the matter is. Many families are reluctant to serve in the corvée. If Father, as the clan leader, doesn't lead by example by sending his sons and grandsons, there will likely be discontent. If the conscription doesn't go smoothly, the county magistrate won't be pleased either."

The clan leader nodded slowly but hadn't yet spoken when Yun Zhe, Bao Li's eldest son, spoke up boldly, using his youth as an excuse, "Then let Second Uncle go. Second Uncle has the least to do at home. My mother is pregnant again, so my father can't go."

Cun Lan, standing in the corner, clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms.

Ye Taohong couldn't help but speak up, "It's Bao Li's wife who's pregnant, not him. Why can't he go? Is his wife's belly always going to be this precious?"

"Second daughter-in-law, don't raise your voice during serious discussions," the clan leader frowned and interrupted Ye Taohong. "Yun Zhe, as a junior, don't interrupt."

Ye Taohong wanted to say more but was stopped by Meng Fuyue, who knew her father-in-law well. He wouldn't allow family members to quarrel, and Ye Taohong's outburst would only put her at a greater disadvantage.

Bao Ren didn't want his two younger brothers to argue over this. Though he too didn't want to serve in the corvée, he knew it was unavoidable. "Father, maybe I should go. Our family has both me and Yun Cheng. It would be fairer if I went."

The clan leader tapped his cane, "What do you mean 'your family' or 'my family'? We're still one family! Since ancient times, unless absolutely necessary, the eldest son is never put in harm's way."

The clan leader paused and then said, "Third son's wife is pregnant, so it's not a good time for him to go. Second son, you go this time."

Bao Yi's heart sank under his father's gaze. Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, I'll go."

Ye Taohong's eyes filled with tears, and Cun Lan, holding her oblivious younger brother, felt her head spin. Yun Zhe shot her a challenging look, but Cun Lan bit her lip and stayed silent.

After a moment of contemplation, the clan leader said, "We're sending the second son because of the third son's wife's pregnancy, but we can't let the second son shoulder all the burden. Third son, you'll have to work harder in the future. Second daughter-in-law, you can take two taels of silver from the family funds to make nice clothes for yourself and Cun Lan."

The clan leader finalized the decision, "This matter is settled. Eldest daughter-in-law, in the next few days, lend a hand and help pack the second son's belongings."

After leaving the main room, Bao Yi's family returned to their own side room. Ye Taohong finally broke down in tears.

Bao Yi bent over to comfort her, "When you first married me, you thought little of me. Why aren't you pleased that I'm going out this time?"

Ye Taohong, her eyes red, spat out, "That's ancient history. You're still holding onto something that happened so long ago."

"Eldest brother's family only has Yun Cheng, but Yun Cheng is promising. Third brother's family has three sons in one go, and the one in the womb might be another. Father adores them. It's always our second branch that gets the raw deal."

"If you don't come back, don't expect me to wait around. I'll take Cun Lan back to my parents' home and remarry. I'll leave the son for the Du family to raise. After all, you don't care much for daughters anyway."

Bao Yi hugged her, heartbroken, "Who said I don't care for daughters? Our Lan Jie is our pride and joy. This time, Father agreed to give two taels of silver for you to make nice clothes. Haven't you always secretly envied Brother Hua and Jiu Jiu? Shouldn't you be happy about that?"

Ye Taohong's nose tingled, and she choked out, "If your life is at stake, what good are phoenix crowns and robes to me? It would be better to just buy mourning clothes now."

"It's not as dangerous as you're making it out to be. You're just cursing me now. Stop thinking like that," Bao Yi said, his rough thumb wiping away the tears at the corners of Ye Taohong's eyes. "I promise you, I'll come back safely. We still have to save up for Lan Jie's dowry and find her a good family."

Cun Lan watched her parents cry together, holding her younger brother on the kang, silently sobbing. She didn't want any new clothes. She would rather not study, not learn to read, and do a lot of work every day than risk losing her father.

...

The dark cloud of the court's conscription loomed over Du Village. Even though Qiu Huanian's family didn't have to worry about it, they were still affected.

Villagers who used to be close no longer visited each other. Fewer people greeted each other on the roads. Everyone was preoccupied and wore worried expressions.

After three or five days like this, a piece of good news finally spread through the village.

Qiu Huanian took the wedding invitation from Yun Lei and smiled, "Yun Ting is finally getting married. We'll definitely go and help."

Yun Lei said politely, "The date is set quite tightly, so the preparations aren't very thorough. We're just glad you're willing to come, Brother Hua."

Qiu Huanian asked, "Is it you from your family who's going to serve in the corvée?"

Yun Lei nodded, "Yes, I'm the youngest and not yet engaged, so I'm the most suitable. Before I leave, we'll settle Fifth Brother's matter first. It'll be a happy occasion for the village."

Qiu Huanian understood that besides the reasons Yun Lei mentioned, there was another reason why Yun Ting's family was in such a hurry—if Yun Lei were to die away from home, the family would have to deal with a funeral, and the wedding would be delayed indefinitely.

Yun Ting's wedding was planned in a rush, with the ceremony set for the very next day. After dinner, Qiu Huanian packed up a bunch of things and took Jiu Jiu along to help.

Yun Ting and Yun Lei had worked at Qiu Huanian's house for several months, and they had grown close. Qiu Huanian wanted to help these hardworking and capable brothers.

Yun Ting's family was one of the poorest in the village, and they didn’t even have enough tables for the feast, so they had to borrow from every household.

Qiu Huanian found two tables and eight stools, which had already been collected by Yun Lei.

The next day’s feast was to include "Four Big Bowls," as the villagers called it.

Although called "big bowls," each bowl was no bigger than a fist. Each table would have one bowl of pork, one bowl of chicken, one bowl of meatballs, and one bowl of scrambled eggs, making up the "Four Big Bowls" of main dishes.

Once these main dishes were finished, they wouldn’t be refilled. Each person could only take a bite or two to sample. In addition, there would be several large plates of pickled vegetables, greens, and other simple vegetable dishes, which would be refilled to ensure everyone could eat their fill.

In better-off families, the "Four Big Bowls" would contain more meat, while in poorer households, even the "Four Big Bowls" might only have a few pieces of meat mixed in with the vegetables.

The beans and eggplants in Qiu Huanian's small garden were thriving, so he picked half a basket of each and donated them. He also bought two pounds of pork and five pounds of tofu to contribute to the feast.

Yun Ting's family had gone to town to buy five pounds of pork, a chicken, and a pile of inexpensive organ meats, which they minced to make meatballs. On average, each main dish would only have a few pieces of meat.

This was only possible because Yun Ting and Yun Lei had earned some money working for Qiu Huanian's family this year. Otherwise, they couldn’t have afforded even this modest feast, and Yun Ting might have remained unmarried into his mid-twenties.

Qiu Huanian was invited to sit by Yun Ting's family for a while, and Meng Fuyue and Ye Taohong, the two sisters-in-law, also arrived. The clan leader, hearing about Yun Ting's wedding and understanding their family's difficulties, had Meng Fuyue bring a prepared hen and half a basket of eggs.

Yun Ting's family happily accepted the contributions brought by Qiu Huanian and Meng Fuyue. With these additions, the next day’s feast would be a bit more substantial.

Apart from Qiu Huanian and the clan leader's family, other villagers also pitched in as much as they could. However, since most families were struggling, no one added more meat.

Qiu Huanian and Meng Fuyue sat chatting, and the most popular topic in the village recently was, naturally, the labor draft.

"Is your family sending someone themselves, or are you hiring a substitute?"

"My father-in-law has made up his mind—Bao Yi will go."

Bao Yi? Qiu Huanian was taken aback to hear this. In terms of seniority, Yun Cheng was the youngest, but he had already passed the civil service exam at a young age and had a bright future. The clan leader's family would never send him for the labor draft.

But even if Yun Cheng didn’t go, Bao Yi still had a younger brother, Bao Li. Both were married with children, so why skip the youngest and choose the second son, Bao Yi?

"My sister-in-law is already a few months pregnant, and my father-in-law pities the unborn child, so he didn’t send Bao Li," Meng Fuyue vaguely explained.

Qiu Huanian noticed that Ye Taohong was wearing silk clothes today, and Cun Lan also had a new outfit, but neither mother nor daughter showed any joy in wearing new clothes. He began to form a guess.

Qiu Huanian didn’t feel it was his place to comment on the clan leader's family matters. After some thought, he said to the visibly downcast Ye Taohong, "Uncle Bao Yi will be gone for who knows how long. Auntie, you and Cun Lan can come to my house whenever you’re free. Jiu Jiu and Cun Lan get along well, and it would be great for them to study and embroider together."

Ye Taohong was feeling conflicted. Her father-in-law had urged her to quickly buy fabric to make clothes for herself and Cun Lan, so Bao Yi could leave with peace of mind.

Ye Taohong and Cun Lan had made a special trip to the county town, picked out their favorite silk, and hurriedly made the clothes overnight. She had always envied others for wearing silk, but now that she was wearing it herself, she didn’t feel nearly as happy as she had imagined.

Ye Taohong had been worrying about how she and her two children would manage at home after Bao Yi left. Hearing Qiu Huanian's invitation, she immediately agreed happily.

Since Bao Li wasn’t going for the labor draft because his wife was pregnant, and his family had many children, it was only fair that the third branch of the family should take on more work, right?

She would only do her share and wouldn’t worry about others.

Once she finished her chores, she would take Cun Lan to Brother Hua's place to chat. Cun Lan could learn more things with Jiu Jiu, which would be better than staying at home and being bullied by the third branch's boys all day.

...

The next morning, shortly after the sun rose, Qiu Huanian heard the sound of gongs and drums outside the courtyard.

Qiu Huanian opened the courtyard gate and looked out, seeing Yun Ting's wedding procession returning.

Yun Ting rode at the front on a donkey borrowed from Qiu Huanian's family, adorned with red cloth, followed by a few musicians playing gongs and drums, and a somewhat worn-out sedan chair carried by four people.

The musicians, sedan chair, and bearers were all hired from the town, the cheapest option available, and it cost one tael of silver for just the morning's work.

Yun Ting's newlywed groom sat inside the sedan chair, and through the ill-fitting, fluttering curtains, one could catch a glimpse of his red veil and wedding attire.

The dowry of the new groom had already been delivered the night before, with two quilts and mattresses laid out on the kang in the bridal chamber, and a new cabinet placed in the room.

In addition, the new groom's family had also given him a spinning machine as part of the dowry, which was considered quite generous in the countryside.

Qiu Huanian watched as Yun Ting passed by his courtyard gate, radiating happiness. The tall, strong man's grin stretched from ear to ear as he continuously greeted the congratulating crowd on both sides of the road. A group of five or six-year-old children followed, begging for sweets.

Du Yunse had somehow arrived at the gate and stood beside Qiu Huanian, but his eyes were not on the wedding procession. Instead, he looked directly at his own groom.

"Next year, we'll also have a wedding."

Qiu Huanian took a moment to realize that he and Du Yunse indeed lacked a grand, unforgettable wedding.

Qiu Huanian was someone who loved ceremonial occasions. In modern times, he never had the chance, but now in ancient times, with a suitable and beloved partner, a wedding was naturally a must.

However... he couldn't let someone have it so easy.

Qiu Huanian smiled at Du Yunse and deliberately said, "Who said I agreed to marry you? It's not that easy to win me over."

Du Yunse smoothly followed his lead and asked, "What would it take for Brother Hua to agree?"

Qiu Huanian tapped his chin with his knuckle, feigning deep thought. "Have you heard of the four great joys of life?"

"Please enlighten me, Brother Hua."

"The four great joys of life are: rain after a prolonged drought, encountering an old friend in a foreign land."

"The wedding night, and—"

"Success in the imperial examinations."

Qiu Huanian smiled slyly as he spoke the last half of the sentence with a lingering and meaningful tone.

"Du, the Literary Star, as the saying goes, good things come in pairs, not singly. Before the latter half is achieved, don't think about the former."

Using the courtyard gate as a cover, Qiu Huanian suddenly leaned close to Du Yunse, his beautiful face just inches away, his eyes clear and bright, his breath as fragrant as orchids, causing Du Yunse's heart to race, wishing he could pull this person into his arms right then and there.

Qiu Huanian admired Du Yunse's suddenly darkened and restrained eyes, narrowing his beautiful eyes in satisfaction.

Why did Du Yunse always have to maintain that upright gentlemanly demeanor? Since the medicine wasn't finished yet, and the reward was still out of reach, he would make sure to keep this person guessing.

The festive sounds of suona and drums still lingered in the air, and as the wedding music gradually faded, Du Yunse suddenly leaned down and kissed the corner of Qiu Huanian's mischievously upturned lips.

After the kiss, Du Yunse looked at Qiu Huanian's slightly flushed cheeks and murmured in a husky voice, "When I achieve success in the imperial examinations, that will be our wedding night. Brother Hua, you personally agreed, and I've remembered it."

"I will give you the very best."

He wanted to fully claim the person before him at the peak of his life, when his glorious future was just beginning, to grow old together with him, seeking a lifetime, and beyond.