Chapter 245: Returning Home

Chapter 245: Homecoming

This year’s winter arrived much earlier than usual. By mid-December, the Great Yu envoy to Champa had returned, and the Champa Protectorate (a colonial administrative division) was officially established.

The first Protector-General of Champa appointed by Jia Hongyuan was Wu Shen’s father, General Wu Dingshan.

Wu Dingshan, an iron-willed military veteran, was more than capable of holding the region firmly. As the current emperor’s uncle and a staunch loyalist, he was the perfect choice for the role.

Wu Shen, who had just returned to the capital from Jiaozhou, managed a hurried meeting with his father before his departure. Though reluctant to part, Wu Dingshan clapped his son on the shoulder and laughed heartily.

“Shen’er, you’ve truly grown up.”

“Father, I—”

“Not just in height—good lad, you’ve been two finger-widths taller than me since you were seventeen or eighteen. Lucky you stopped there, or I’d have to look up at you!”

Wu Dingshan’s expression turned serious as he glanced at Wu Shen and Min Leyi standing beside him. “You won merit in territorial expansion before your coming-of-age. With twenty good years ahead at least, it’s only a matter of time before your fame and influence surpass mine—I’m already well into my declining years.”

“You’ve established your career and family, standing firm on your own. As your father, I’ve little left to teach you. From now on, every step you take must be your own decision.”

“Father…”

Wu Dingshan chuckled. “Your mother and I are off to Champa. Don’t fret—just build a good life with Leyi. We’ll be waiting for good news of grandchildren!”

Wu Shen and Min Leyi instinctively exchanged glances, their faces flushing red as they fell silent.

Before parting, Wu Dingshan ensured no outsiders were nearby and sighed deeply. “Many used to say His Majesty resembled the Grand Empress Dowager, but I disagreed. Now they claim he takes after the Retired Emperor, and I still disagree.”

“The truth is, His Majesty is a deeply affectionate and fiercely protective man—only that very few ever earn his regard.”

“So long as we avoid cardinal sins, the Wu family's prosperity will last decades under Emperor Zhaoxin’s reign. But the next era remains uncertain. From now on, you will be the head of the Wu family.”

Wu Dingshan’s long beard quivered slightly as his keen eyes gleamed. Slowly, he spoke again.

“Shen’er, I’ve carried this burden for decades. Now, it’s finally time to pass it to you.”

With a hearty laugh, he swung his robe aside and strode boldly toward the vast horizon.

“No need for such sorrow! Heroes emerge with each generation, and our land endures—this is cause for celebration!”

…

Ever since receiving the imperial marriage decree, Wen Huiyang had eagerly awaited his reunion with Mei Zhengchun in Du Village. Qiu Huanian had already packed all necessities needed for the journey, planning to depart as soon as his uncle returned from Champa.

If all goes well, they would arrive in Du Village just before New Year’s Eve, likely spending the festival in Liaozhou this year.

It had been nearly three years since Qiu Huanian last returned to Liaozhou. Now, when he tried to recall life in the village, the faces of relatives and neighbors had faded somewhat.

He had sent letters ahead to Bao Ren, the village chief, and his wife, as well as to Bao Yi, stationed near Zhang County, along with five hundred taels of silver (approx. $XX,XXX today) and a large roll of blueprints. He entrusted them with overseeing the renovation of the ancestral home in Du Village.

Bao Ren’s letter mentioned that Du Village had expanded far beyond Qingfu Town over the years, with its population and houses multiplying two or threefold. Two thriving merchant streets had turned it into a marketplace favored by neighboring villages.

Land prices in Du Village were no longer what they used to be. The days when Qiu Huanian could buy a small plot for two or three taels were long gone—now, even half an acre of prime land for building cost at least ten taels, higher than in the county seat.

But for Du Yunse, the Number One Scholar who brought endless glory to Du Village, and Qishu County-Princess, expanding their home was hardly an issue.

Though time was tight for construction, ample funds ensured progress. If two craftsmen couldn’t finish the job, twenty would be hired instead—money solved most problems.

In his latest letter, Bao Ren reported that the main courtyard of the new house was already complete, with a few smaller courtyards being rushed. All would surely be finished by New Year’s Eve.

This time, many people were returning: Qiu Huanian and his family of six, Yun Cheng, Yuan Ling, and their daughter Xiao Agao, the Mu brothers, Mei Wangshu, and Wei Li, who brought Qingmei along.

As the New Year approached, many students from the Du Village Clan School who had studied the new learning wished to return home to visit their families. Concerned they might face dangers on the road, Qiu Huanian had their carriages join the convoy.

Only Yun Kang refused to return to his hometown. No matter how hard Chun Sheng tried to talk him into it, he wouldn’t budge. In the end, Wei Liuhua, who was staying in Tianjin for the New Year, took him into her home so he wouldn’t have to spend New Year’s Eve alone at school.

Among the group were several young children. With the harsh winter weather, Qiu Huanian didn’t dare take any risks. He had all the passenger carriages refurbished—thickening the walls, lining them with windproof felt, and securing covered braziers to the floor. A whole cart was filled with lychee charcoal and warm clothing.

By the time daily necessities and gifts for the hometown were added, the convoy ballooned to fifty-some carriages. Holding the finalized inventory, Qiu Huanian was speechless for a long moment, getting a taste of what it’s like to manage a large household.

No wonder in ancient tales, when high-ranking officials and nobles traveled with their entire families, their carriages could line half a street—anything less simply wouldn’t suffice!

On the day of departure, the skies cleared, and the snow on the ground had mostly melted. Emperor Zhaoxin did not appear. Throughout Mei Wangshu’s return, he had remained absent, only sending a full contingent of imperial guards to escort Qiu Huanian’s convoy as they left the city.

Gu Gu and Yang Yang, still drowsy, wore identical autumn-hued brocade cloaks, their heads mostly buried in the snow-white rabbit fur lining their hoods. They pressed against the carriage window, peeking outside curiously.

“Papa, where are we going?”

Qiu Huanian patted Gu Gu’s head. “We’re going home—Father and Papa’s first home. Gu Gu and Yang Yang have never been there before.”

Yang Yang yawned lazily but showed rare interest, pressing further, “Are there yummy treats? Pretty pictures?”

“You won’t find city things there, but there are many sights you’ve never seen—fences, streams, giant pear trees, mountains and paths, even wild boars and wolves.”

“Your father once hunted a wolf with his own hands! There should still be a wolfskin in the village. We’ll find it and show you when we get back.”

Gu Gu and Yang Yang gasped together in awe. Just then, Du Yunse, having finished the final check of the convoy before departure, pulled back the carriage curtain and stepped inside. Meeting the children’s curious and admiring gazes, he couldn’t help but smile. “What’s the topic?”

“The big bad wolf from Little Red Riding Hood!” Gu Gu connected it to one of Qiu Huanian’s fantastical fairy tales.

Qiu Huanian lowered the curtain to keep the cold air out. “Settle down and let Father tell you the story of hunting the wolf.”

The spacious carriage, drawn by two fine horses, began to move forward. Qiu Huanian blinked at Du Yunse a few times, signaling him to make the story exciting, preferably full of adventure—it would help pass the time for him too.

The Number One Scholar cleared his throat and obligingly became a “storyteller” with an audience of three.

“Behind Du Village lies a vast mountain range. Deep in those mountains live many animals, including big gray wolves.”

“Do the wolves snatch princesses?” Gu Gu, recalling another of Qiu Huanian’s hybrid fairy tales, raised his hand to ask.

Du Yunse glanced at Qiu Huanian. “They snatch county princesses.”

Yang Yang’s eyes widened—he could already remember that his daddy was a county princess. “Did the wolf come to take Daddy away?”

“...” Qiu Huanian shot Du Yunse a look that said, *Choose your words carefully.*

Du Yunse pretended not to see it. “Yes, so we had to catch the wolf and stop it from taking Daddy away.”

Gu Gu immediately declared, “Dig a trap! Shoot it with arrows from high up!”

Yang Yang, shedding his usual laziness, eagerly contributed, “Get tons of people to help! Protect Daddy and kill all the bad wolves!”

Amused, Qiu Huanian watched as the two children racked their brains to “protect” him, touched and amused by their innocent chatter.

Though he had originally intended to tease Du Yunse, the joke was on him. But given how earnestly the father and sons were “protecting” him, he decided to be magnanimous and let it slide.

The long trip didn’t feel so long anymore amid the laughter and chatter. The convoy sped along the official road, with new sights every day to delight the children’s ever-curious eyes, healing the adults who had long lost their childlike wonder.

Traveling by day and resting at official post stations by night, over ten days, Gu Gu and Yang Yang grew familiar with the once-unfamiliar Mei Wangshu, often playing with their cool great-uncle Mei Wangshu.

— Meng Yuanling asked what "super cool" meant, and Qiu Huanian rubbed his nose, explaining that it referred to someone who looked both smart and daring yet chill and untouchable.

Meng Yuanling, having learned something new, wandered off, mulling it over. By the next evening, both Xiao Agao and Qingmei had picked up the phrase "super cool." Such reduplicated words were perfect for children just over nine months old. Later, Xiao Agao even began using "super cool" to refer directly to Mei Wangshu.

Mei Wangshu seemed to possess boundless patience with children and naturally accepted the nickname. Meanwhile, Qiu Huanian, who had inadvertently given his own uncle a new moniker, felt guilty for days.

With few entertainment options on the road, the four children often gathered to play when bored. Gu Gu and Yang Yang experienced the feeling of being "big brothers," always keeping their little sisters in mind—even though one ‘sister’ was really their *aunt* (which made things confusing).

When the children were together, their personalities were easy to distinguish. Gu Gu was smart and daring, Yang Yang was a bit lazy but quick as a whip, Yun Cheng’s Xiao Agao loved eating and was the most curious, while Qingmei, the youngest, was oddly mature for her age.

Four children, four distinct temperaments—each already showing strong individuality at such a young age. Qiu Huanian saw nothing wrong with this. Their unique traits only proved that the adults were raising them well, ensuring they grew up in a relaxed and joyful environment.

On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, thirteen days after leaving the capital, the whole caravan finally arrived at Du Family Village. Gazing out the carriage window at the familiar fields, trees, and ditches, Qiu Huanian was momentarily speechless.

It was as if he could see himself—carrying a basket of sorghum candy, walking for hours to sell it in town. He saw Du Yunse in plain cloth clothes, trousers rolled up, planting seedlings in the roadside fields. He saw their family of four passing by in a donkey cart, piled high with new fabrics, pork wrapped in oiled paper, books, spices, woolen yarn, and spinning tops...

"Daddy! Father!" The childish voices snapped Qiu Huanian out of his reverie. Turning, he noticed Du Yunse staring off, lost in the past.

"Daddy, are we there yet?"

"Yes, we're home." Back to where it all began.

Qiu Huanian smiled, opening his arms to embrace both children. "Let’s go greet Grandpa and both Grandmas. We’ll tell them—we’re back."