Chapter 189

Chapter 189

As noon approached, Li Shi sent for Lin Qiu, Cao Kun, and Old Madam Cao, gathering the whole family for a meal.

Afterward, the elders settled down to chat, while the younger generation, coaxing the children, also gathered to talk.

Liu Changyi asked, "Brother-in-law, how's business at the shop these days?"

"Pretty good, much busier than when we were in the county town. I'm planning to hire a few more assistants after the New Year."

"That's excellent. Have those troublemakers from before come back?"

"No, after Sui'er went to the military camp and gave that lot a good scare, they haven't dared to show their faces again."

This whole affair began in October. The troublemaker was none other than Xue Wang, the brother-in-law of Vice Prefect Zhao, who had previously intercepted Er Shun.

Xue Wang was notorious for his misdeeds in Jizhou Prefecture. Seeing Cao Kun and his family were new arrivals, he came demanding benefits. The first time, Cao Kun gave him thirty strings of coins, hoping to avert disaster by losing a little money.

Unexpectedly, less than half a month later, the man returned, demanding more money. This time, he insisted on a monthly "protection fee" of fifty strings of coins, supposedly for patrol benefits.

Cao Kun realized he had encountered a local bully. Not daring to provoke him, he made excuses, claiming he was short on cash and would pay in a few days.

After finally coaxing the man away, Cao Kun returned home and immediately informed Lin Qiu. Given their status, without help, this situation would not end well. They had come all the way from the county town and couldn't just slink back home without establishing their business.

The next day, Lin Qiu went to discuss the matter with his younger brother. They first visited the Liu family to seek help from Liu Changyi, who, holding a position in the prefectural yamen, should be able to intervene.

Upon hearing it was Xue Wang, Liu Changyi also frowned. His father had a strained relationship with Vice Prefect Zhao. "I'll go back and speak on your behalf, but this man is notoriously difficult. It might not work. If not, we'll have to find another solution."

Lin Sui said, "Then I'll go to the military camp."

"Alright, let's tackle this from both sides and try to resolve it as soon as possible."

Lin Sui and Lin Qiu went to the military camp and found General Zheng, who had previously helped them. Upon hearing their plight, Zheng Guang immediately dispatched men to deal with Xue Wang. With the Marquis of Wuping's influence, Xue Wang, no matter how angry, dared not cause further trouble and never came to collect money again.

Mentioning the military camp, Qing Yun said, "Last time, I heard from Elder Brother and Sister-in-law that the Marquis had achieved great merits. I wonder when he'll return."

Lin Qiu added, "Yes, he should come back to set a wedding date. This can't be dragged out forever." After the New Year, his brother would be eighteen. Having already been divorced once, if he waited too long, it would be hard to find a suitable match.

"Perhaps... the border is busy with military affairs, and the Marquis can't spare the time. If he had the chance, he would surely write. Big Brother and Yun, don't worry."

"How can we not worry? You're raising the Marquis of Wuping's child without any proper status. When news spread that he had died in battle, you were heartbroken for so long. Now that he's alive, he should at least write to let you know!"

"It's fine, Big Brother, don't concern yourself..."

Seeing his brother like this, Lin Qiu felt a surge of anger. His brother had been bullied so badly by the Huang family because of his introverted nature, and now he was acting this way again.

"If the Marquis never returns, will you just wait with Qing'er for a lifetime?"

Seeing his anger, Qing Yun quickly stepped in to mediate, "Elder Cousin, don't be upset. Let's talk calmly. Besides, this isn't something Sui'er can decide. As long as the Marquis is safe, that's what matters. Perhaps he'll return after the New Year."

Lin Qiu sighed, "Forget it. You've always been strong-willed since you were young. Neither Mother nor I can persuade you. But this marriage... you'll have to decide for yourself..."

As it was getting late, Lin Qiu called Cao Kun, and they prepared to take the children home. Cao's mother and Chen Rong also returned with them. Nowadays, the two lived with Lin Qiu's family, keeping each other company.

After seeing them off, Lin Sui returned to his bedroom and took out the jade pendant the Marquis had given him. The border war was over, so why hadn't he sent any word?

*

It wasn't that Li Mu didn't want to return; it was simply that there were too many matters at the border to be resolved quickly.

The deceased soldiers needed compensation, the wounded required treatment, and the losses of weapons and warhorses had to be meticulously recorded.

Although the great battle had driven the Turks back to Luntai, Xizhou was still under their control. With such a threat at their doorstep, they couldn't afford to be careless.

Li Mu personally led patrols daily, fearing a counterattack from the enemy.

As the New Year approached, the imperial awards finally arrived. He had thought the Emperor would recall him to Jizhou, but the edict unexpectedly appointed him to General Zhao Yi's position, assigning him to guard the border.

For a moment, he felt both joy and sorrow. Being promoted to Marquis was certainly a happy event, but he hadn't seen his daughter in almost a year. Stationed at the border, he would have even fewer chances to return home.

The border was harsh and cold. He couldn't bear the thought of Qing'er and Lin Sui coming here, yet keeping them waiting like this wasn't fair either. He was truly at a loss.

These days, the soldiers under his command noticed the General's grim expression and thought the Turkic forces were stirring again. They were all on edge, patrolling diligently and staying vigilant.

After agonizing for seven or eight days without resolution, he finally called Lang Qianping over one evening.

"Old Lang, how long do you think the Emperor will station me at the border?"

"How would I know? But General Zhao was stationed here for seventeen years. Given your youth, I'd guess at least twenty."

"Tsk!" Li Mu angrily punched him.

"Hey, why hit me?"

"You really know how to hit a sore spot. If I really have to stay at the border for ten or twenty years, I should send word back to Jizhou. Tell that young man from the Lin family to find someone suitable to marry and not wait for me..."

Only then did Army Advisor Lang understand why the General had been so gloomy lately. He quickly said, "That's not right. You and the young man from the Lin family are already engaged. If not for the war, you'd already be family. Breaking the engagement now—how would he marry again?"

"But if I don't break it, I can't go back. Wouldn't I just be delaying him?"

"Then ask him to come here."

"The border is harsh and cold. Who knows whether he... would be willing..."

"Write a letter and ask. If he's willing, send someone to bring him here. If not, then there's no choice but to dissolve the engagement."

Li Mu thought it made sense and quickly picked up a brush to write the letter. "Alright, alright, you can go now."

Lang Qianping scratched his head, stood up, and laughed heartily. He found it amusing that the Marquis, who remained unflinching in the face of battle, could be so flustered over a young man.

"Scram!" Li Mu's face flushed red, though his dark skin and the dim light of the candles hid it.

*

"Crackle, pop..." The sound of firecrackers rang out, welcoming the new year.

"Come, come, line up, you three. It's time to offer New Year's greetings." Old Liang sat in a chair, holding several red envelopes ready to give to the children as lucky money.

Yuanbao stood first in line. Today, he wore a cream-colored padded jacket with a brown over-vest, the collar trimmed with rabbit fur, making him look utterly adorable.

Last night, his father had taught him the New Year's greetings. The little one imitated the adults, cupping his hands and bowing. "I wish Grandpa Liang increased years and longevity, spring filling the world and blessings filling your home."

"Wow, well said! Here, take this!"

Yuanbao happily accepted the red envelope. Inside was a gold coin, heavy and weighing a full two taels!

Next, Qing Lan and Qing Ying paid their New Year respects and each received a gold coin as well.

The old man had no shortage of money. With such vast estates in Yangzhou, he was likely the wealthiest person in the room.

Seeing the children get gold coins, Wang Ying boldly stepped forward too. "I wish you, Master, eternal youth like pine and cypress, a harmonious hall in old age, and crane-like longevity."

"Good, good, you get one too."

Wang Ying was overjoyed as she accepted the red envelope, which indeed contained a gold luck coin.

"Our master is truly generous, as always!"

Chen Qingyan and Chen Qinghuai followed suit with New Year's greetings and each received one.

Seeing this, Fourth Uncle Chen Jing also stepped forward and clasped his hands in salute. "Old Liang, may you enjoy good health and prosperity in the New Year!"

"Go on, go on! You old coot—still eyeing my luck coins at your age?"

The whole room burst into laughter, and Fourth Aunt laughed so hard that tears streamed down her face.

After dinner, everyone stayed up together to observe the night watch. The first half of the night was filled with the boisterous play of the children, but before midnight, they were already drowsy and nodding off. After settling the children, the adults gathered to chat.

Fang Ling said, "After the New Year, Qinghuai's wedding will be soon. I expect the Bai family will come to discuss wedding arrangements shortly."

The betrothal gifts had already been sent before the New Year, but the new house had not yet been prepared. The property Wang Ying and she had previously viewed through the agency was finally finalized—at a total cost of approximately 13,500 taels of silver, including transfer fees and associated gifts.

Originally, Fang Ling had planned to move in immediately after purchase to avoid inconveniencing her nephews.

But Wang Ying stopped her, saying, "The New Year is just days away. The new house lacks basic furnishings, and no renovations have been done yet—it would be far too inconvenient to move in now. Better to wait until after the New Year, when everything is properly arranged."

Fang Ling thought it made sense and decided to postpone the move. Nevertheless, she had already hired workers to begin renovations: broken roof tiles were replaced, and carpentry work on doors and windows commenced. Furnishing would follow after the New Year.

Chen Jing looked at his son and said, "Once you're married, you'll be a grown man—you must act with maturity and avoid impetuousness."

"I understand, Father."

Fang Ling added, "You've met Miss Bai—she's a cultured and reasonable young woman. Treat her well and with respect after marriage. Also, I deliberately purchased a house near your elder brother's home, hoping the two of you can support each other in the future. You must never quarrel."

Chen Qinghuai glanced at his elder brother and chuckled, "Don't worry, Mother—how could I possibly dare quarrel with Elder Brother?"

The brothers exchanged a smile. Though they had lived together for only four years, they shared similar temperaments—both calm and steady.

In official matters, Qinghuai deferred to his elder brother, who in turn respected Qinghuai's opinions when he offered them. All in all, beyond their deep fraternal bond, they were also rare and close friends.

Old Liang stroked his beard and said, "By the way, I almost forgot to mention something: before the New Year, I visited Liu Yao's home and brought up the border issue. It seems this war may not continue."

Chen Qingyan asked, "Not continue? Then what about Xizhou—are we simply going to cede it to the Turks?"

"Previously, the Turkic Khagan sent an envoy to negotiate peace. As a gesture of goodwill, he offered to send one of his sons to the capital as a hostage—and also requested a marriage alliance with a Wu Dynasty royal princess or prince to strengthen our ties."

Chen Jing remarked, "That Khagan Jieli has sixteen or seventeen sons. Sending one here won't make much difference. If he decides to wage war again, he'll do so regardless."

Liang Boqing stroked his beard and sighed. "Minister Liu is also in a difficult position. This war has exposed flaws within our court—the noble families are wealthy, while the common people suffer. If the nobles refuse to fight, even the Emperor would find it difficult to proceed."

War is ultimately a matter of consumption—whether in grain or manpower, it all boils down to silver. Yet most land and wealth are held by powerful clans.

Chen Qinghuai asked, "Can't we find a way to pressure the noble families into contributing funds?"

"It's difficult. This situation has persisted for centuries—how could it change overnight? We can only hope that, after the peace talks, the Huns will no longer covet our territory so greedily." Old Liang finished with a bitter laugh. "Raising a tiger brings only calamity..."