Chapter 192

Chapter 192

Before Old Liang’s departure, Wang Ying and Chen Qingyan had sought his counsel regarding the manuscript.

Previously, Wang Ying had hesitated to present the manuscript, fearing it might stir up trouble. However, this time, Old Liang not only offered no objection but even facilitated an introduction to a familiar high-ranking official in court, the Grand Minister of Agriculture.

Upon returning from his meeting with the Grand Minister, Liang Boqing approached Wang Ying to discuss the matter.

“I showed your manuscript to the Grand Minister of Agriculture.”

Wang Ying asked nervously, “What was the Minister’s assessment?”

“Though the source of your knowledge remains a mystery, the book’s content is truly exceptional, earning his profound admiration.” As the nation’s highest official overseeing agriculture, the Grand Minister, despite having perused thousands of agricultural texts, had never encountered material quite like this.

He was particularly struck by the precise data presented, which seemed to be the culmination of decades of repeated planting experiments by an experienced elder.

Wang Ying’s face lit up with joy. “Then, may I proceed with printing and publishing the book’s contents?”

Old Liang nodded. “Yes, but to avoid complications, it would be best to use a pseudonym.”

“A pseudonym?”

“For instance, my given name is Liang Liufang, and my courtesy name is Boqing. You, too, should adopt a courtesy name.”

“Your disciple is of limited talent and learning; I humbly request your assistance in choosing a courtesy name.”

Liang Boqing pondered for a moment. “‘Jia’ refers to cultivating grains, and ‘Xuan’ signifies a study, carriage, or a refined demeanor. Combined, these two characters embody both the practicality of working the fields and the elegance of a scholar. Let it be Jiaxuan Jushi (Lay Scholar of the Fields).”

Wang Ying gazed at the characters “Jiaxuan” on the paper, a warmth spreading through his heart. He had finally made a ripple in the long river of history, hoping his knowledge would benefit the people of the world.

Printing the book was a laborious undertaking. Although movable type printing existed, Wang Ying’s book featured numerous illustrations that required skilled artisans to hand-carve each one. Conservatively estimated, it would take three to five months to complete the carving for this edition.

The good news was that the printing costs would not come out of his own pocket; the Ministry of Agriculture would cover the expenses and even assign overseers. However, once the book was printed, the printing blocks were to remain with the Ministry of Agriculture, effectively granting them a monopoly on the publication.

With the book matter settled, Wang Ying found time to visit the mountain he had leased. In early spring, the mountain was already covered with patches of young grass. Before arriving, Wang Ying had imagined a small hillside, especially since leasing it for ten years had only cost fifty strings of cash.

To his surprise, upon arrival, he discovered it was a vast stretch of mountainous forest, spanning at least a hundred acres. Unfortunately, the area was filled with large rocks, making it unsuitable for cultivation.

The experimental plot couldn’t be placed too openly, as it risked discovery. Wang Ying picked his way through the rocks, stepping carefully into the mountains. Fortunately, the barren hills were uninhabited and devoid of large wild animals. Eventually, he found a flat area and relocated the experimental plot there.

After adjusting the terrain and digging a man-made hot spring that flowed downhill, the place appeared unchanged on the surface but was fundamentally different inside.

Although the relocated experimental plot remained accessible to Wang Ying, transporting vegetables became inconvenient. He decided to visit a servant agency to purchase a few servants, all under irrevocable contracts. He didn’t trust outsiders to keep secrets, fearing that any leak would cause him trouble.

On his way back, he took the opportunity to restock the icehouse. Once the weather warmed up, he could resume selling ice.

Wang Ying planned to entrust the business matters to Ma Zhandong. The young man had been sufficiently trained and was ready to be put to use. Meanwhile, Wang Ying would use this time to quickly complete the second volume on agriculture, lest he grow lazy and delay writing.

Returning home in the evening, Wang Ying instructed Ma Zhandong to investigate the market prices of ice in the city and identify the major ice merchants, as well as any specific customs involved in selling ice in the capital.

“Don’t worry, sir. I will surely find out all the details for you!”

After Ma Zhandong left, Chen Qingyan asked, “Are you planning to open a shop in the capital?”

“Let’s see. Shopfronts are too expensive. If we bypass shops and directly reach out to customers, we could save a lot of silver.”

“That’s true. But with the ice business, I’m worried that Young Ma might find out…”

Wang Ying chuckled. “Do you think he doesn’t know? That kid is shrewd. He even mentioned changing his surname to Chen before we arrived in the capital.” The reason for changing his surname was twofold: first, in ancient times, people emphasized solidarity; changing his surname would make him part of the Chen family, sharing their fortunes and misfortunes like Chen Ershun.

Second, he knew too many of the family’s secrets. If the family ever decided to dispose of him, he might not survive.

Moreover, Ma Zhandong had few relatives left in his hometown. His parents died early, and he had been living with his uncle, but the uncle’s family treated him poorly. Thus, from a young age, he had learned to fend for himself and make a living.

“Changing one’s surname is a significant matter. I told him to think it over carefully before coming to me, but it’s likely he will go through with it.”

Chen Qingyan nodded. “You handle it. Entrusting the business to him will indeed make things easier. After all, the capital isn’t like Jizhou Prefecture. I worry you might offend someone outside.”

“Don’t worry, I have my limits. By the way, I visited Chen Qinghuai’s house yesterday and spoke with his wife.”

Chen Qinghuai’s wife was named Bai Yanqing. Previously, Wang Ying had been too busy to spend time with her, but now that he had some free time, he intended to build a relationship.

“As for my sister-in-law, how should I put it…”

“What’s wrong?”

“To put it nicely, she’s otherworldly—spending her days reading, writing, and painting, with no involvement in household matters. Everything is now left to the servants.”

Chen Qingyan said, “She’s the only daughter in her family, probably spoiled from childhood. We shouldn’t meddle in others’ family affairs. If you have time, go and teach her, so Chen Qinghuai won’t be caught in a difficult position.”

“Alright, I understand.”

The couple chatted for a while until it grew late. Chen Qingyan had to rise early for duty the next day, so they extinguished the lamp and went to sleep.

*

On the other side, not long after Lin Sui and the others returned to Jizhou, they received a letter from the border.

After waiting anxiously, they finally received the letter, and Lin Sui’s hands trembled with excitement.

He opened the envelope and read word by word. Li Mu’s handwriting was as rough as the man himself. Although he had attended a private school for a few years in his youth, Lady Li had intentionally led him astray, so he hadn’t learned much, and his handwriting was poor.

The letter was only two thin pages. The first page described events at the border, mostly boasting about his military victories. Unfortunately, Lin Sui knew little about warfare and assumed it was all routine.

The latter part explained why he hadn’t written for so long: he had been too busy, and during wartime, generals were restricted from sending messages outside to prevent leaks of military secrets.

“Now that the border situation has stabilized, I originally hoped to return soon to reunite with you. However, by the emperor’s decree, I have been assigned to garrison the border, and it seems I may not have the chance to return.”

Reading this, Lin Sui’s heart leaped to his throat, fearing that the Marquis would call off their engagement.

He hurriedly turned to the next page, where the tone shifted. “So, I wanted to ask if you would be willing to bring Qing Er to the border to reunite with me? I know this request is bold, as we haven’t yet held our wedding banquet, but I cannot return. I can only arrange a banquet for you here.”

“If you prefer not to come, that’s alright. The border is harsh and cold, and you might not adapt. We can simply dissolve our engagement, and henceforth, we go our separate ways. Thank you for taking care of Qing Er all this time. Keep the jade pendant I gave you—the silver inside is my compensation.”

By the time Lin Sui finished reading, his eyes were blurred with tears. He bit his lip and said, “Who says I don’t want to go? Just wait!”

*

“Sui’er, are you really decided on going to the border?” Chen Rong and Li Shi looked at him with concern.

Lin Sui nodded. “I’ve made up my mind. I will take Qing Er to the border to find the Marquis.”

Lin Qiu said angrily, “You’re out of your mind. You’ve known the Marquis of Wuping for such a short time. What if he treats you poorly at the border? Then… then you won’t even have anyone to support you…” As he spoke, tears fell.

Lin Sui choked up. “I know you care for me, Elder Brother, but I want to give it a try. No matter how the Marquis treats me, I won’t regret it.”

Chen Rong and Li Shi also shed tears. “Silly child, you’re going so far away. When will we ever see you again…”

Lin Sui knelt and kowtowed. “I am an unfilial child. I fear I won’t be able to care for you and Aunt in the future.”

“Get up quickly.” Chen Rong wiped her tears. “You’ve always been stubborn. Though usually quiet, you have a strong will. I know I can’t dissuade you. I only hope you’ve chosen the right person this time… and won’t suffer anymore…”

The mother and children embraced each other and wept.

In early March, Lin Sui packed his belongings and, escorted by a squad of soldiers, set off for the border with Qing Er in tow. Little did he know that their parting would last ten long years before they met again…

Far away, a thousand miles distant, Wuping Marquis—no, he should now be addressed as Zhenbian Marquis (Border-鎮邊侯)—had waited until the flowers were practically wilting. In recent days, even this rough-and-tumble man had taken to composing sad, spring-and-autumn themed poetry.

But with the little ink in his belly, he could hardly produce anything refined. When Military Advisor Mr. Lang caught sight of one such attempt, he teased him relentlessly for days. Enraged and embarrassed, Li Mu punished him by assigning him to lead a border patrol.

Patrolling was patrolling; after all, Military Advisor Mr. Lang was not someone unfamiliar with spears and blades, and he had even fought on the front lines before. But once he returned, the mockery continued just the same.

“*Longing for My Husband’s Arrival* by Zhenbian Marquis Li Mu: Tossing and turning deep at night, the bed feels cold and bare. Yesterday I sent a letter with wild geese; this morning I count sparrows at my door. At night, I startle at the bark of a yellow hound—and lost a shoe running out!”

“Alright, that’s enough, Old Lang. I know you’ve got a way with words. Keep laughing, and I might just let slip about that time you got dead drunk.”

“Hahaha, alright, alright, I’ll stop. But it’s been two months since the letter was sent. By my estimate, the Lin family young gentleman should be arriving soon.”

Li Mu’s brow furrowed again. “Who knows if he’ll even come? He has so many relatives in Jizhou—he may not be willing to leave them behind for my sake.”

“I think he will. If he didn’t care for you, he wouldn’t have looked after Qing Er this way.”

The news that Qing Er had been abducted by the Li family had already been relayed by the death messengers. Learning how kindly Lin Sui had treated his daughter filled Li Mu with gratitude—and a stronger hope than ever that he would come, so he could repay him in person.

Another ten-plus days passed. Just as Li Mu began to fear he wouldn’t come, a subordinate suddenly rushed in to report, “General, a carriage from Jizhou has arrived at the border checkpoint. They say your daughter and her gentleman are inside!”

Li Mu shot to his feet. Without a word, he snatched his horsewhip and dashed outside. “Qianhu Chen, bring my horse, now!”

Startled, Qianhu Chen stumbled toward the stables and led out his horse Benlei.

Li Mu mounted in one fluid motion and galloped straight for the border gate. The soldiers left behind exchanged puzzled glances. “What’s the general rushing off for?”

Lang Qianping strolled out, lazily waving a fan. “Tsk, tsk. He really did lose a shoe.”

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Author's Note: The next book will be *Will You Let Me Be Your Wife?* You can find the preview in the column~