ESWHYMY 111
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Xiao Lin Yu didn't write any more letters. You Jin handed the full control of the two's partnership business in tea to Song Hua and Han Li. You Jin only read the account books sent back from Chaxiang once a month. The two's relationship and correspondence for more than a year was cut off so abruptly. He didn't come, she wouldn't go. The two of them seemed to have a tacit understanding and buried their unrevealed affection.
"Pure Brightness's spring tea's picking should start. The master tea maker that Eldest Gentleman Xiao found will arrive in Chaxiang at the end of last month. This is the account book for January." The account book was handed over to You Jin. After two years of tender care and exercise, the 16-year-old boy was already half a head taller than You Jin, who was the same height as him in the past. her whole person had gotten a lot tanner because of the long-term travel. At least, he looked like a steady and restrained young man.
You Jin took the ledger and noticed You Yin's personal maid, Li Dong outside the parlor looking in and couldn't help showing a smile: "Fine. I'll take a look at the ledger. Come back a while later. Go and see You Yin."
You Yin had been depressed ever since she encountered Yue Chang Lu last time. Han Li may be able to enlighten her a little with his return.
"Thank you, Eldest Miss." Han Li pursed his lips, cupped his hands in thanks, and hurried out.
Seeing Han Li coming out, Li Dong rushed to greet him, bowed to her knees, and spoke, "Young Master Han, you are finally back."
After Han Li and You Yin's engagement was finalized, the identities of the two Han Li brothers in Su Family became more and more obvious. In order to avoid suspicion, Su Family simply claimed that Han Li brothers were relatives and nephews of Mrs. Su's maternal family. Han Li brothers were the first to enter Su Family. From the start, they hadn't sold their bodies as slaves. Additionally, there was You Yin's kind treatment. They were different from the servants of Su Family. Now that the two's marriage had been set, the two Han brothers naturally have different identities.
"How is Second Miss?" Han Li asked in a deep voice after following Li Dong who was leading the way. In February, it was supposed to be Song Hua who send the account book back. But when he heard about You Yin's mishap, he swapped with Song Hua, hurried back from Chaxiang, and finished all the work that should be done. Only then, he hurried to see the girl who had already filled his heart.
Li Dong passed sideways and took the lead. She lowered her voice and replied, "In the earlier days, she wasn't doing very well. But after drinking the medicine for more than ten days, she's almost better."
Second Miss's illness was sudden and fierce. It made Madam and the girls all terrified. But under Eldest Miss's instruction, she dared not tell anyone what happened that day. Fortunately, Eldest Miss was still there and nothing happened to Second Miss.
Drinking medicine for more than ten days? As soon as Han Li heard this, his heart skipped a beat. What was the disease? She was fine when he left after the Lantern Festival. Why did she fall ill just a few days after he left? The initially serious boy's borws were pinched tightly, making him even more frightening. The two of them didn't say anything anymore. Their steps quickened a lot more. Shortly later, they reached the door of You Yin's boudoir.
When You Yin heard that he was back, she was overjoyed, but also knew that he still had other matters to do. On top of that, she wasn't in good health yet and couldn't go out to face the wind. She could only wait patiently in the room and let Li Dong invite him over.
The girl who was fidgeting in the room heard movement outside. After a while, she saw the familiar figure walking in with his back against the light. She stood up from the couch at once: "You're back!"
As soon as Han Li entered the door, his eyes were glued to her body. She lost weight and looked much worse than when he left. His heart cherished his young girl even more.
Although the two were already engaged, they still suppressed their passion for the sake of propriety. and the ceremony was over. You Yin tugged on his sleeve and the two stood very close, looking at each other. Looking at the young girl with a forced smile, his eyes were full of love and pity. Breaking the etiquette between the two for the first time, he couldn't help stretching out his hands to embrace the girl in front of him. He said in a deep voice, "I'm back." I'm back. No matter big of a matter, I will carry it for you.
You Yin was taken aback by his sudden action. Instead of struggling, she leaned softly into his arms and listened to his steady but somewhat fast heartbeat. It was like the drumming outside during the New Year. Inexplicably, her heart, which was uneasy for a long time, gradually returned to its original position.
Outside, Li Dong saw Gentleman Han and Second Miss hugging each other, tactfully retreated to a place where she couldn't see them, and turned around. With due diligence, she went on a lookout for Second Miss.
You Jin knew that You Yin's illness was a mental problem. Snd she could sort Yue Chang Lu out, but she couldn't solve You Yin's heart knot. So she mentioned that You Yin was unwell in her letter to Chaxiang and see if Han Li could cure You Yin's heart knot. As for Yue Chang Lu's side, she will naturally have to deal with it.
It wasn't difficult to find Yue Chang Lu's whereabouts. Nor was it difficult to find out what he had done these days. In order to solve Yue Chang Lu's matter once and for all, You Jin had been digging a hole for him silently since the day she knew he came to Luohe Prefecture.
Sitting in the parlor and looking at the peach trees with green shoots outside, You Jin gave a soliloquy to the air: "The nets are all cast. The fish has been hopping for so long. It's time to pull the nets."
Spring days' scenery and color were the most moving. As for what was unsightly, just do what one should do.
Three days later
Leader Guard Xiao cupped his hands respectfully and told You Jin: "Eldest Miss, everything is settled."
Although Leader Guard Xiao didn't know what enmity Eldest Miss had with the thief, in his opinion, the grudge must be huge for the relatively kind-hearted Eldest Miss to trap a person and send him to the war-torn northern Xinjiang to do unpaid government forced labor.
"It's hard work for Leader Guard." Sitting in the wing room on the second floor of Sujiaxiang, You Jin watched the bustling market outside. She calmly spoke: "In such a big Luohe Prefecture, one more person or one less person, who would know?"
Leader Guard Xiao had his head half lowered. His expression couldn't be seen clearly. It was as if he didn't hear what she said.
As You Jin said, now that the north was in war, the originallyprosperous and relatively stable Luohe Prefecture had become one of the first choice destinations for refugees in the north. There were tens of thousands of people who get separated on the way. Who would care if an inconspicuous thief disappeared?
On the third day of Yue Chang Lu's disappearance, Wan Niang belatedly realized that he wasn't spending night out, but had truly disappeared. She took her child and searched in Luohe Prefecture for two days. She couldn't find him at all. On the advice of the neighboring family, she carried the child to the Yamen and cried: "Official, my man is truly missing. I beg you to decide for this common woman!"
That Luohe Prefecture's Yamen orderly had been extremely busy every day now that there were more and more refugees pouring in due to the war on the front line. With more refugees, there will be more troublemakers. After a rare opportuntiy, he got breather while the official was absent and on a patrol outside. Unforeseen, he was stopped by this raggedly dressed woman. Disgruntled, he angrily swatted away her hand that was tugging on his trousers: "Go away. Go away. Is the Yamen somewhere can mess around?"
Wan Niang who was thrown on the ground, "Official! Official! This woman's man had been gone for three days. I beg you to decide for this woman!"
Wan Niang was just an ordinary woman. It took her all to go to the Yamen for help. She never thought that she would be driven out before even reaching the gate of the Yamen?
Yue Wen Bao also fell to the ground. Looking at the ferocious Yamen orderly and getting frightened by his mother's cries, he also opened his voice to howl. The mother and son hugged each other and howled loudly. Although the attention of the passbyer were grabbed, no one dared to step forward and say something. After all, the common people don't fight with the officials!
"Hurry up and leave. If you don't leave, you will be arrested and locked up in prison!" The black-faced Yamen orderly irkly drove her away: "Nowadays, there is a lot of chaos outside. The war in the north may come at any time. Maybe your man had already run away! And you still came to the Yamen to seek bad luck!"
The Yamen orderly wasn't unreasonable. After all, it was faster for a grown man to escape than to bring a woman and children with him, wasn't it?
It was unknown whether Wan Niang believed it or not. She left the gate of the Yamen in a daze and brought her son back to the small temporarily rented courtyard. The mother and son cried for a long time. Once it was dark, they still couldn't welcome Yue Chang Lu's return.
Everything that happened here was passed into You Jin's ears that night.
"Yue Chang Lu deserved what he got. Now she is already crying. There's more time for her to cry in the future!" The brush was lowerer down and steadily moved. In a flash, a big "forbearance" appeared on the paper: "I have endured for so many years. It is time to avenge some grudges."
Why was You Duan and Kang-er born less ten days that year and almost got drowned by the wolf-hearted Yue Family? Wasn't it Wan Niang giving idea behind the scene? She will settle the debt with each and every members of Yue family one by one. It went without saying Wan Niang won't be able to escape.
After Northern Ethnic broke through Dingyuan, Luohe Prefecture's timely reinforcements temporarily contained the enemy's overwhelming momentum. After entering February, the atmosphere in Luohe Prefecture became more and more tense. Even many refugees who fled from their previous location continued to flee south for their lives.
Before the year end, Chaxiang's side had started to make preparations. This time Han Li came back with another purpose, which was to take all the old, weak, women, and children of Su Family to Chaxiang for temporary refuge.
In the main courtyard of Su Family, You Jin and Mrs. Su sat at the top. It was rare for everyone in Su Family to gather together. Auntie Song stood at the bottom. She glanced at Leader Guard Xiao who looked normal, and then quietly raised her eyes to look at serious masters. Although they didn't know what had happened, they still held their breath and stood there in order, waiting for the master's order.
Everyone had different expressions as they all quietly listened to Eldest Miss's assignment: "We'll go to Chaxiang and only bring some valuable soft goods. Chaxiang had everything else prepared. Must trouble Leader Guard Xiao to choose three guards to stay in Luohe Prefecture. The rest follow Madam and the misses to Chaxiang. On Auntie Song's side, put priority on the old, the weak, women and children. Those who normally served in the kitchen and are personal servants pack your bags. In the afternoon, tell me the names of all the people who will follow to Chaxiang."
After a pause, You Jin remembered something again and added another sentence: "There is also old Teacher Chen. He will also go to Chaxiang."
"Yes." Leader Guard Xiao and Auntie Song accpeted the orders from their master and hurried to work on it.
"Are we going to seek refugee?" Seeing Eldest Daughter's battle mode, Mrs. Su felt a little uneasy in her heart. So she broke the silence and asked first.
"Mother, don't worry. Everything is ready in Chaxiang. Just treat it as a relaxing and stay for a while. Once Luohe Prefecture settle down, I will come to Chaxiang to pick you up in person." Although You Jin deliberately controlled her facial expressions, Mrs. Su could still see that Eldest Daughter was actually uneasy.
Mrs. Su's eyes slightly reddened as her voice trembled a little: "Aren't you going with us?"
Although Mrs. Su had never experienced war, it didn't mean she didn't know that once Luohe Prefecture was breached, small families like them may meet the ending of ruin at any time!
You Jin patted Mrs. Su's trembling hand. Smilingly, she comforted her: "Don't worry, Mother, I have properly mastered my riding skills now. If it really reach Luohe Prefecture, there will be guards at our house. No matter how bad it is, I can still leave on horseback, right? Our family still have shops in Houjiawan and Luohe Prefecture. If no one is in charge, I'm afraid there would be chaos."
During war, people's hearts were most likely to be chaotic. Now the only one in the family who can take charge in Luohe Prefecture was herself. You Jin couldn't think of another candidate.
Chapter 112. Wealth sought in danger
Everyone in the Su family moved quickly. Within half a day, each and every one had packed up their bags. The sleepless night where everyone had different thoughts was finally over. In the morning of early spring, the weather was misty and dim. Su Family's two horse carriages and five mule carts had already lined up neatly at the gate of Su's house. Everyone in Su Family moved quietly and swiftly did a final check before leaving.
Su Family's masters were still saying goodbye in the front yard: "You Jin, Mother is really worried about you and You Zhu staying in Luohe Prefecture. What if..."
Mrs. Su tightly held the hands of the two daughters and refused to let go. She wished to take the two daughters away with them: "Money isn't important. Mother just hopes that our family can be well."
With the other free hand, You Jin patted Mrs. Su lightly, and comforted softly: "Mother, don't worry. There are Uncle Song and a few guards at home. Nothing will happen."
All of Su Family's foundation was in Luohe Prefecture. Luohe Prefecture was the most important pass in the north of Dafeng's capital. If Luohe Prefecture is breached, Northern ethnic's cavalry will be able to attack the capital in a short time. His Majesty won't let Luohe Prefecture fall.
You Jin wanted to take this gamble. But she can't let the whole family take the risk with her. Just in case, the Northern ethnic really reached here, Chaxiang might be spared as it was remote. For the safety of the family, You Jin still decided to stay by herself and not let the whole family be at risk.
"That's right, Mother. Don't worry, Eldest Sister is the best fighter among us. She will be fine." You Zhu, who looked half similar to You Jin, jollily stood by You Jin and comforted Mrs. Su: "Mother can go to Chaxiang for a short stay without worry. Wait for Eldest Sister and I to pick you up."
"Your eldest sister is very skilled. While you are the laziest. You dare to holler to stay?" Irked, Mrs. Su glared at You Zhu: "Among you sisters, you are the most rebellious!"
You Zhu stuck out her tongue in retaliation. Lowering her head, she leaned against Eldest Sister and did not speak. That's because she knew that Eldest Sister would speak for her. Since she was little, she had always listened to Eldest Sister. But this time no one could persuade her. She was determined to stay in Luohe Prefecture with Eldest Sister.
You Jin smiled and said: "Mother, don't worry, You Zhu is smart. Nothing will happen. Besides, if something happens, I'm still here. I will take good care of You Zhu." Initially You Jin didn't plan to keep You Zhu in Luohe Prefecture, but she had a quarrel with her last night. After begging and promising, You Jin compromised. The mother and daughters talked for a long time. Only when Leader Guard Xiao came to report that everything was ready, Mrs. Su reluctantly took the rest of the children into the carriage and set off for Chaxiang.
At the side, Mrs. Han also quietly wiped away her tears a few times. She had finally reunited with her few children, but now they were about to separate again. She couldn't help instructing over and over again: "Your sister is heavily pregnant now. Wen Sheng, you are the eldest son. You have to take good care of your elder sister and younger brother when Mother is away."
Initially, You Jin told Mrs. Han to go to Luohe Prefecture with them, but Mrs. Han insisted on staying. Due to this, only You He, her two sister-in-laws from Liu Family and Wen Sheng brothers went to Chaxiang.
Mrs. Han/You Jin took You Zhu and stood at the gate of Su's house and watched the convoy slowly disappear into the early morning before dawn. They didn't circle back into Su's house until the last mule cart was nowhere to be seen. You Jin needed to properly re-arrange the family's big and small affairs.
Sitting at the head of the main courtyard, You Jin looked at the servants and guards standing in two rows with burning eyes, and announced: "Since everyone is willing to stay in Luohe Prefecture and advance and retreat with our Su family, I assure you guys now that if Northern Ethnic really reach here. I will never give up on anyone. If someone unfortunately dies, my Su Family will not ignore and leave their family on their own."
Most of the people staying in Luohe Prefecture at this time were young and middle-aged men and a few kitchen women, as well as personal maids who usually serve Eldest Miss and Third Miss. The rest were the three of Su Family's guards left by Xiao Family and a temporary guard team composed of five guards trained this year.
Among the people left behind, except for Xiao Family's guard who had actually seen blood, the rest of them were originally peaceful ordinary people who were born in a stable era. How could they possibly have experienced wars?
But they were grateful to Su Family and Eldest Miss. It was the Su family who bought them back and provided them with food and clothing. Although Madam and other misses had left now, the backbone of Su Family had always been Eldest Miss! Everyone responded in unison: "Eldest Miss, don't worry!"
As long as Eldest Miss was there, they had confidence in their hearts.
"Although there are fewer people in the family now, everyone still has to perform their duties. As for the guard team, Guard Lin will temporarily serve as the leader guard. Eight people will be divided into four groups. Every day, there must be people on patrol 24 hours. In addition, after nightfall, the gates of all places must be locked earlier." You Jin methodically assigned the work at home one by one. Although everyone was a little nervous, they felt as if they had consumed a reassurance pill when seeing Eldest Miss's calm appearance. Once the tasks were assigned, they went to work.
As the battle on the front line was getting more and more stalemate, and the prices in Luohe Prefecture were soaring all the way. Fortunately, Su Family had already stored enough food, both in the shop and at home. Their business had also been greatly affected. Their daily income was now less than a quarter of what it was before the war.
"It's a mess everywhere now," Bai Zhi stood behind the counter of the shop, looking helplessly at the passers-by passing by outside. Anxiousness and helplessness brewed in her heart.
Bai Zhi can be regarded as an old staff member of Su Family. The maids working in the shop knew that Eldest Miss and Third Miss wouldn't leave and all offered to stay in Luohe Prefecture with them. It had been more than ten days now. The war in the north seemed to have reached a stalemate. Actually, this was good news for the citizens of Luohe Prefecture.
It was rare for You Zhu to come out from the back kitchen to the front shop. Seeing that Bai Zhi and Qiu Nai were a little listless, she cheerfully spoke: "It's such a beautiful day and you two are sighing. Aren't you afraid that Eldest Sister will come back soon?"
Seeing Third Miss come out, Bai Zhi and Qiu Nai quickly put away the expression on ther face and replaced it with a smiling face: "Third Miss spare the servant girl, the servant girl knows her mistake."
Bai Zhi and Qiu Nai can be regarded as watching Third Miss grow up from a little girl to a graceful teen girl. Although the boundaries between master and servant among the three were clear, there was still some friendship and closeness.
"What are you talking about? I heard your laughter from outside the door." The three of them were talking when the smiling You Jin came back from outside. Today she wore a pair of twelve broken fairy skirts with peach blossom embroidery paired with a white narrow-sleeved jacket with a pattern of twining lotuses. It complemented the already beautiful girl and made her even more bright and stunning.
"Eldest Miss (Eldest Sister)." Seeing You Jin come back, the three of them stopped laughing. Bai Zhi and Qiu Nai stood with their hands down, while You Zhu came up to her: "Eldest Sister, are you done?"
You Zhu knew that Eldest Sister had gone out for a discussion today. Unexpectedly, she returned after half an hour. Looking at Eldest Sister's smiling expression, things must have gone well.
Taking a sip of the thorn rose honey water that Qiu Nai brought over, early spring coldness was dispelled. You Jin sighed comfortably and handed the cup back to Qiu Nai before the two sisters went up to the wing room on the second floor.
"What did Eldest Sister do today?" Seeing Eldest Sister's unfathomable expression, You Zhu's curiosity was aroused and obediently sat next to You Jin.
You Jin took out a few sheets of thin paper from her pocket, put them on the table, looked at You Zhu with a smile, "Why don't you look at it and find out?"
You Zhu didn't doubt her, picked up the papers on the table and carefully looked at them. Finally, she raised her head to look at You Jin in doubt: "This many deeds! How much does it cost? Eh? What is this? "
She knew it was property deeds. One of which was for a two-story shop facing the street in the city's east side. The other three were located in Huaishu Alley and Anqian Street in the city's east side. Among them, the one in Huaishu Alley was a triple entry house. As for the two houses on Anqian Street were double entry houses. But why were her and Second Elder Sister's names written on these two sheets?
You Jin carefully put away the four house deeds back in her pockets. She grinned at You Zhu and said, "Your second elder sister will get married in two years. It's time to prepare the dowry. Once your second elder sister is married, next is your turn, no?"
Although she felt it was too early to get married at the age of fifteen or sixteen, but this was the norm in this era. She can only do her best to protect them: "No matter when, it's better when things like money are in your own hands."
"I don't want it. Eldest Sister keep it for You Ling, You Luo, and the others." In a puff, You Zhu looked at You Jin: "There is no good man in this world. I would rather coil my hair and be a nun than wrong myself because of these stinky men!"
Irked, You Jin poked her forehead: "What nonsense? No matter whether you want to marry in the future, you deserve these things. Anyone in this world can betray you, only money and property deeds can't."
You Jin knew that You Zhu was largely influenced by the people of Yue Family. That was why You Zhu thought that men in this world weren't good people. So she didn't say much. Anyway, the house deeds had already been exchanged.
"Eldest Sister!" You Zhu simply sat closer, grabbed her arm and kept shaking it coquettishly: "I don't want to get married! Can't I guard the shop at home!"
"Out of all the sisters, you are the most rebellious." You Jin was tortured to the point that she had no intention of forcing her younger sister. So she budged, "Fine. If you really don't meet someone you like in the future, then don't marry."
Anyway, with the family conditions, You Jin had already planned to start a family business for each of them no matter whether they were going to marry or not. If You Zhu is forced to marry off, maybe she will hate her for the rest of her life!
You Zhu wasn't surprised when such shocking words came out of You Jin's mouth. On the contrary, she was very grateful: "Thank you Eldest Sister!"
As long as Eldest Sister stood by her side, she would not be afraid no matter how angry Mother would be.
The two sisters chatted for a long time before You Zhu wandered back to the back kitchen, leaving You Jin alone in the second floor wing room to count the accounts during this period.
Due to the war on the front line, prices in Luohe Prefecture have soared. However, the house prices had been greatly reduced. This time, the street facing shop bought by You Jin was only 80% of the pre-war prices. The houses were even cheaper. Those people were afraid of the Northern Ethnic reaching and wished to sell them cheaply. She bought three houses with only 70% of the market price.
After recording the nearly 3,000 taels of expenditure in the account, You Jin counted the money left at home. Finally, she closed the account book, sat on the bed by the window facing the street, and watched the people coming and going outside in the market. She thought to herself, wealth sought in danger. Hope the current emperor won't let her down.
Chapter 113 Great Victory
Time stepped into March. The news of great victory came from the front line. Many people who stayed in Luohe Prefecture with the same idea as You Jin were greatly relieved.
In the court in the capital.
Already white-haired and hunched-figured Emperor read the urgent message of the great victory. He felt that the stagnation that had been pent up in his heart for a long time dissipated in an instant. Even his hunched back straightened a lot: " Good! Beloved Subject Liu lived up to my trust. Pass on my will, give General Liu the title Heroic General. After the Northern Ethnic squadron is evicted, call back the troops to the court and he'll be titled a first-rank general!"
"His Majesty is wise!" All the officials knelt down below the dragon chair and shouted long live. In any case, Luohe Prefecture was saved and Northern Xinjiang was saved. Finally a good news.
"Wonderful! Wonderful!" His Majesty loudly laughed a few times. It was rare that today's court meeting didn't end in a heavy atmosphere. All the officials in the court were all beaming. Now the Northern Ethnics were repelled Northern Ethnic, Dafeng's biggest foreign trouble was finally resolved. His Majesty's moodiness should be changed and they can finally sleep peacefully.
However, there were also quite a few people who were only smiling on the surface and stabbing petty people in their hearts. Back then when the war in Northern Xinjiang was in stalemate, no one in the court dared to take command. So they beat around the bush and pushed Liu Wei onto this road. Originally, they wanted to get rid of this obtrusive old man, but it didn't go the way they wanted.
Who knew Liu Wei, an old man, got strong fate. It was enough that he didn't die, he even defeated Northern Ethnic? The group of courtiers with different thoughts quietly glanced at the back standing in the front row wearing the four-clawed silver dragon court uniform. Their hearts tightened even more, fearing that the master was about to lose his temper today.
The news of General Liu Wei defeating the Northern Ethnic quickly spread throughout the capital. While the whole world was celebrating, a rumor quietly spread throughout the capital along with the news of Northern Ethnic's defeat.
"Have you heard? This time, General Liu Wei, who led the troops bravely and defeated Northern Ethnic, had previously charged into the battle under the command of General Han. He is indeed the favorite of General Han!" Everyone in the capital knew the current heroic general was under the command of the mighty General Han who defeated Northern Ethnic back then and regained more than a dozen cities in Northern Xinjiang.
Some people even dug out the old stories about the hundreds of members of General Han's family being implicated. For a while, there were all kinds of rumors in the capital.
"Nowadays, the people in the capital all say that the great defeat of Northern Ethnic is due to the heroic general. But no one mentions His Majesty's talent for picking people." In Esteem's study room, a thin-faced literati wearing a fourth-rank civil official's court uniform was full of resentment: "Your Majesty, the lesson of the Han Guang Hong case is still vivid in my memory! It can't be that Your Majesty wants to pamper another Han Guang Hong?" He knew where the thorn in his Majesty's heart was and pushed it in harder.
"Presumptuous!" A booklet smashed directly at the civil official's feet. The standing man knelt down straight away. However, his mouth insisted on his persistence as a loyal subject: "Your Majesty, don't get angry. It's not that this subject wants to frame the Heroic General. Your Majesty, do you remember that General Liu Wei was the left hand man under Han Guang Hong's command. He had a close-knit relationship with Han Guang Hong for more than ten years. Now that he has a heavy army in hand, the current strength of the capital can't stop the 300,000 northern border troops once he turns his horse's head around!"
After finishing speaking, he kowtowed again and again until his forehead was red and swollen. Sitting on the dragon chair, the old man with white hair and dressed dragon robe spoke in a deep voice: "Fine, Beloved Subject Chen rise."
Hearing him bring up the case of Han Guang Hong's treason again, his Majesty's face, which had been softened because of Liu Wei's victory, once again became heavy and angry.
Waving his hand to make him retreat, His Majesty sat in the Esteem's study room. Silence remained for a long time. Closing his eyes, he recalled the past. When he opened his eyes again, there was resentment, anxiety, and determination in his eyes.
In a very secluded house outside the capital city, a young man who looked a little like his Majesty was sitting at the head. Listening to Official Chen, who had already changed into dark casual clothes, recount what happened in the Esteem's study room in detail, he nodded: "Imperial Father has always been apprehensive. Han Guang Hong matter from back then etched a shadow over Imperial Father's heart. Now Official Chen pointed it out like this, it went without saying Imperial Father would be suspicious. Our hidden stake in the army can also start to move."
"This official understands." A slight smile hung on Official Chen's harsh looking face as he said this, "As long as Liu Wei is eliminated, the 300,000 troops in Northern Xinjiang will be taken over by Your Highness."
Since the seed of doubt has been planted, it will grow rapidly. As long as the firewood is added at the right time, His Highness will take another big step towards the position of supremacy.
"To learn ancient knowledge without digesting it, it's complete ignorance and bigotry. It's just a pity for talents like Han Guang Hong and Liu Wei." The young man at the top place sighed lightly as if he truly cherished talents, but the chill in his eyes never dissipated.
The relationship between Liu Wei and Han Guang Hong back then had been publicized so that everyone in the capital knew about it. There were many people in the court who made a big fuss about it. At the court meeting, the civil servants and military generals who had caused a lot of quarrels were eager to peel off each other's skins. At this time, Xiao Family in the capital had discovered that something was amiss. Xiao Lin Yu was having a secret conversation with Xiao Hai Ru in the study.
"Son remembered Grandfather had a good relationship with General Han. When something happened to Han Family, was my Xiao Family involved?" Xiao Lin Yu admired old Master Xiao's vast and complicated circle of friends, but he was also a little uneasy. He hoped he was just thinking too much.
Xiao Hai Ru sat at the top, picked up a cup of fragrant ginseng tea, glanced at Eldest Son who had become more taciturn than before, and replied: "It's all in the past. Why do you ask this?"
Toward the affairs of Han Family, he reacted as if it was nothing and dodged.
Back then, Han Family was charged with treason, a major crime that caused extermination to the extent of nine clans. This incident happened only four years ago. Now that someone had dug out Han Family's affairs, it was no wonder that Xiao Hai Ru was unwilling to mention it.
Seeing Father's expression, Xiao Lin Yu felt his heart drop. On the surface, he kept a serious and respectful expression on his face, "Father, it's not that Son wants to be meddlesome. It's just that General Liu Wei has defeated Northern Ethnic and someone already pulled out the fact he was a striker under General Han's command back then. If the past happened again and our Xiao family had contacts with Han Family back then..."
Since Xiao Family had Second Master Xiao as an official in the court, the father and son of Xiao Family naturally have heard of the current emperor's temperament. Besides, the case of General Han's treason was only five years ago. It wasn't that Xiao Hai Ru didn't know how big of a deal it was back then. Hearing what Eldest Son said, he suddenly felt a chill behind him and his hair stood on end. He coughed dryly and said, "Let's discuss it after your second uncle comes back from court."
Facts have proved that Xiao Lin Yu wasn't worrying too much.
When Second Master Xiao came back from court, the father and son of Xiao Family and Second Master Xiao dismissed all the servants. After two hours of secret talks, they finally clarified the past as well as analyzing down several possible changes in the current situation in detail. Even Xiao Family's retreat was discussed.
"The younger generations deserve to be regarded with awe! Lin Yu is more knowledgeable now!" Second Master Xiao's eyes fell on Xiao Lin Yu with satisfaction. He emotionally remarked: "If Lin Yu didn't need to inherit the family business and entered into politics, he will definitely have achievements!"
Although Xiao Lin Yu was young, he can be said to be bold, attentive to details and perceptive in his predictions and speculations about current events. Just thinking about Lin Yu's words just now, Second Master Xiao couldn't help feeling a little bit emotional in his heart.
How can a parent not be ecstatic when they hear others praise their children? Especially when it was his carefully trained successor being praised. He was over the moon. Xiao Hai Ru stroked his beard. With a faint smile on his face, he still said a few modest words: "Lin Yu is still young. How can he stand up to the praise of Second Younger Brother?"
Turning to Xiao Lin Yu again, he spoke: "Since you have a plan in mind, you should start preparing. This matter needs to be done stealthily. If there is a big battle, our Xiao family may really be defeated."
Thinking of the fact that Xiao's lineage, which has been passed down for hundreds of years, will all collapse with him and may even bear the eternal infamy of treason, he will really have no face to meet his ancestors in the future when he goes to the underworld!
Although Xiao Family wasn't comparable to those families of noble literati, it was still a household that had lasted for over a hundred years. There were many people in the big family. Since there were moths, naturally there were also loyal servants.
In Xiao Lin Yu's study room, a young man and a middle-aged man were secretly doing business in it. The young man's clear voice solemnly sounded: "This time you are going to Xijing. Uncle Wen, you must remember to hide your whereabouts. All the houses and fields you have purchased cannot be bought under Xiao's name."
Xiao Lin Yu's action was a bit of a precautionary measure. If His Majesty had no intention of blaming, it would only be buying property for his family. But if His Majesty pulls out the old accounts from back then and finds out that his family's old Master was involved in General Han matter, these assets were his last hope for Xiao Family to make a comeback.
Xiao Wen was the best candidate selected by Xiao Lin Yu to participate in this matter: Xiao Wen sold himself to Xiao Family in Grandfather's generation. Xiao Wen himself grew up with old Master Xiao. When doing business in Xinjiang, they encountered bandits blocking the road and committing robbery. If old Master Xiao hadn't blocked the sword for him, Xiao Wen would have been killed in southern Xinjiang long ago. Before old Master Xiao passed away, he arranged for Xiao Wen to be by Xiao Lin Yu's side. For so many years, Xiao Wen can be said to be dedicated to Xiao family and personally did everything. So when this matter happened, Xiao Lin Yu's first choice in his heart was Xiao Wen.
"In a few days, I will arrange for Uncle Wen to go to the south. You will encounter wind and waves when you go out to sea. In worst case scenario, you may die." Xiao Lin Yu paused and looked at Xiao Wen. He continued: "Someone will pick you up at that time. It may be necessary to aggrieve you to change your identity and go to Xijing to buy property as a Baiyue merchant. As for your family, I will arrange for people to remove their lowly status and then give them a sum of money to bring back to their hometown and set up their assets."
Xiao Wen married and gave birth to children in Xiao Family. He was nearly forty years old this year. It went without saying he had already married and established a family. If there was anything he can't let go of, it was only his old wife and three sons.
Xijing was an important town located in the capital leading to the Western Xinjiang. Because of the smooth trade with the western countries, it was very prosperous. The distance from Xijiang to Xirong was relatively short. In the worst case scenario, his Majesty wants to kill off Xiao Family, Xiao Family can easily hide their tracks in Xijing and even escape to Xirong.
After listening to Xiao Lin Yu's words, Xiao Wen respectfully bowed and responded, "I understand."
Although Eldest Young Master didn't say anything clearly, who was Xiao Wen? He was a person who had worked with old Master Xiao for many years. He naturally knew the friendship between old Master Xiao and Han Family. Recently, the rumors in the capital were getting louder and louder. Eldest Young Master's action was probably to pave the way for his own family!
Three days later, Xiao Wen bidded farewell to his family and embarked on the road to southern Xinjiang.
Chapter 114 The wind's sudden rise
The 300,000 soldiers from northern Xinjiang led by General Liu Wei drove Northern Ethnic all the way back to the border of Dafeng. Northern Ethnic received vital damage. While Dafeng had intention for a truce. In the end, the two sides reached the negotiation condition of 5,000 quality horses and one hundred thousand liang's worth of rare treasures tribute from Northern Ethnic. A battle that started from snatching after heavy snow in the north was finally won under the leadership of General Liu Wei.
The good news of General Liu Wei's continuous battles repeatedly came back one after another. Luohe Prefecture, which had been mobilized with horses and soldiers in the earlier stage and deserted of people, finally returned to its former prosperity. Sujiaxiang's business gradually returned to normal level. While Sujiami was intensively continuing to prepare. Everything in Luohe Prefecture was developing in a good direction.
In March, the spring breeze was warm.
Fulfilling what she said that day, You Jin took You Zhu, Mrs. Han and You He's husband, Liu Zhuo Ting, to Chaxiang to pick up people. Unexpectedly, those few little ones had a great time in Chaxiang. Every morning, they went up to the mountain to pick tea with the tea farmers in the tea garden. Even the most calm-tempered You Bao and You Luo became a lot more cheerful.
"You've been playing here for more than a month. Still reluctant to go back?" You Jin jollily held You Duan's hand and walked down the tea mountain slowly. Following them was Su Family's group of girls. As for Kang-er, he had long run off with Han Er Hua.
Su Family's tea mountains were promising this year. Because the tea mountains were too large and there were many tea trees, there were too many tea trees to be picked before pure brightness. Under the management of Han Li and Song Hua and the consent of Mrs. Su, most of Su Family's servants were sent to the field. Then many long-term and short-time workers were hired to pick tea leaves. For a while, the tea mountain was very lively.
Mrs. Su, You He and Yu Lan were sitting and chatting in Su Family's house at the foot of the tea mountain. Seeing Eldest Daughter returning with the children, she put down the work and greeted them with a smile: "You came back early today."
During the time in Chaxiang, Mrs. Su would receive letters from Eldest Daughter reporting safety every few days. When she really appeared in front of her eyes yesterday, Mrs. Su's heart settled back in place.
"The sun is a bit strong today. Afraid of getting dizzy after a long exposure, I brought them back." You Jin had a faint smile on her face. She took off the back-basket on her back and turned to the group of little ones: "Quickly go in to freshen up. If you have to go to class, go to class. Once we get back to Luohe Prefecture, I will check everyone one by one. If anyone is rusty, I will punish you."
Hearing that Eldest Sister said that she would check their homework, the little girls showed expressions of disbelief and shock on their faces. They all wailed: "Eldest Sister! Don't do this!"
"This isn't negotiable. Go!" She patted little Seventh's head, whose face was wrinkled into a bun and amusedly said. Then she signaled to the family's servant womed to take them down to freshen up. Then she informed Mrs. Su before heading to the kitchen with the basket. She picked a lot of fresh and tender tea tree mushrooms today. Another dish can be added to lunch.
The female cook here in Chaxiang were also excellent. They excelled at using existing ingredients to make food, such as roasted chicken with tea leaves, stir-fried young leaves and other dishes. The female cook was working away in the kitchen when she saw Eldest Miss coming in with a half-basket of tea tree mushrooms. She cheerfully took it. Glancing at it, she happily remarked: "The tea tree mushrooms picked by Eldest Miss are fresh. How about adding a dish of fried tea tree mushrooms?" This cook was new to Su Family, so it goes without saying she didn't know that Su Family also came out of hard times. She only felt that this Eldest Miss looks dignified and majestic and delicately raised from a young age. It would never come to her that she be hands-on. It was quite novel.
"Auntie is the cook. You know the best on how to eat it." You Jin came out of the kitchen with a smile. She turned around and went to the room where You He temporarily stayed to visit her.
You He was currently nine months along. She could deliver at any time. Liu Zhuo Ting had a discussion with his parents before coming here. He wanted to wait for You He to give birth and have her postnatal confinement in Chaxiang before going back. Mrs. Han knew about it and naturally approved. After all, now that You He was heavily pregnant. If she goes into labor on the way, it will be big trouble.
"Your mother-in-law can't leave either. After all, their family relies on the noodle shop and the grocery store to live. If they all come here, the family may run out of food." In the upper room of the west wing where You He temporarily lived, Mrs. Han was earnestly opening up You He: "You know your husband's study is money. When your two sister-in-laws get married in the future, it also cost money. Before we came, she had prepared a lot of food that you like as well as things that will be needed when the child is born. She is thoughtful. So don't blame her."
You He caressed her already very big belly and couldn't resist laughing after listening to Mother's earnest persuasion: "Mother, I'm not a child anymore. I do understand boundaries. Besides, you and Zhuo Ting are by my side!" Although You He was a bit delicate, she wasn't such an ignorant person: "Besides, when I was left with Second Aunt, Mother-in-law didn't blame me for abandoning everyone, no?"
In fact, You He never considered leaving Luohe Prefecture from the start. After all, Mother and Mother-in-law's family were still in Luohe Prefecture. Later, under the persuasion of Liu Zhuo Ting and her parent-in-laws, she brought her two sister-in-laws to Chaxiang .
Now the two sisters-in-law were having a good time with Su Family's few younger sisters. When they saw Eldest Brother coming, they just said a few words before running out to play with You Bao and the others.
It was the first time for Liu Zhuo Ting to meet his two brothers-in-law. He knew that brother-in-law was going to take the imperial examination in the future. He also knew that he was studying with the teacher hired by Su Family. First, he tested Wen Sheng's knowledge. Seeing that his foundation was solid, he nodded with satisfaction: "When learning, don't rush and aim too high. Your current foundation is good and Teacher Chen is also knowledgeable. You can learn something from him."
As the two were talking, Liu Family's two younger sisters ran over, said a few words to Liu Zhuo Ting, and then left. Liu Zhuo Ting watched his younger sisters who ran away laughing and a smile unconsciously showed on his face. Younger sisters were always a little cautious at home on most days. Never thought a trip with Wife's maternal family would make them become more like ten-year-old girls.
The business of Su Family gradually picked up. The business in Chaxiang's supply couldn't match up with the increasing sales in Xiao Lin Yu's side. You Jin came here this time to check the business in Chaxiang. After reading the account book, she nodded with satisfaction, "Can tea supply keep up?"
Although Su Family currently had three hundred mu of tea mountains, they were new trees. The production wasn't high. According to the current supply, the tea mountain alone cannot supply it.
"Eldest Miss, don't worry. I have already negotiated with the tea farmers in Chaxiang. The raw materials can keep up." Song Hua respectfully answered Eldest Miss's question. He continued: "In addition, the masters who fry tea in the workshop are also stepping up their efforts. We will definitely not delay the business."
You Jin nodded: "The sales in the capital is high. It'll be hard for you guys but do your utmost. I will give everyone a holiday after this busy period."
After sending Han and Song duo out, You Jin carefully counted the bank notes handed in by Han Li. After confirming that they matched the numbers on the account book, she put the bank notes into the box.
Looking at the five thousand liang silver bills in the box, You Jin felt a little disappointed for no apparent reason. Her cooperation with Xiao Lin Yu was negotiated before Xiao Lin Yu left last year. Although she didn't know why Xiao Lin Yu stopped writing to her, he did send a specialist manager to contact her and brought the business in Chaxiang ahead of schedule. He decided the sales and price of her own tea. She didn't have to worry about anything. You Jin felt as if she was hugging a free golden thigh.
The house in Chaxiang was much smaller than Su Family's house in Luohe Prefecture. The children of Su Family slept with two or three people in each room. Still, the children happily play together. When it was time to go back to Luohe Prefecture, everyone reluctantly looked at Mrs. Han and Elder Cousin Brother-in-law who wanted to stay and wait until You He gave birth. In the end, they left Chaxiang to Luohe Prefecture with their heads turned back every three steps after Eldest Sister promised to bring them to Chaxiang for a month every year in the future.
After returning to Luohe Prefecture, everything returned to normal.
Before they knew it, April was here. After the coming-of-age ceremony, You Jin can be regarded as a grown girl from now on.
Though Su Family knew a lot of people in Luohe Prefecture, You Jin didn't know many girls of the same age. So there were only a small number of people invited to the coming-of-age ceremony. Only the family celebrated and it was over. In the deep night, Su Family had long since returned to tranquility. Sitting in front of the dressing table, You Jin took off the fox jade hairpin on her head, held it in her hand and thought about it over and over again. Looking at the pair of green jade hairpins sent from the capital on the table, You Jin, who had been silent for a long time, let out an undetectable sigh.
The storm in Luohe Prefecture disappeared with General Liu Wei's troop return. However, the wind in the capital was getting stronger and stronger.
The news that Xiao Wen and Xiao Family's boat were buried under the sea was sent back to the capital. Xiao Wen's wife, Mrs. Wu had fainted from crying countless times.
"Uncle Wen died because of my Xiao family. My Xiao family isn't a heartless person. This is a status-release document, five thousand liang silver notes, and a house deed for a triple-entry house in Luohe Prefecture. Auntie Wu, accept it. Take the children back to Luohe Prefecture to live a good life!" Xiao Lin Yu handed over the things he had prepared long ago to Mrs. Wu's hands. Then he comforted Xiao Wen's sons: "After the status release, you can live a better life. Xiao Hong, you like studying the most. After three years of filial piety, you can take the imperial examination."
Xiao Hong was Xiao Wen's second son. He liked poetry and books the most since he was little. He was also very intelligent. He suffered from low status and wasn't allowed to take the imperial examination. He had already given up on this idea. He never expected Eldest Young Master would be kind enough to let their family be released of their lowly status! Although Xiao Hong was saddened by Father's sudden death, he was naturally grateful for Xiao Family's kindness: "Thank you, Eldest Young Master!"
Mrs. Wu wasn't an ignorant person. She naturally knew that Master Family couldn't be blamed for this shipwreck. She never thought that Master Family would be so gracious and let her and the children get rid of their lowly status. The woman whose eyes were red and swollen from crying fell to her knees and kowtowed repeatedly: "Thank you, Eldest Young Master!"
In fact, Xiao Wen's family had a lot of savings. However, the lowly status had always been looming over their head. No matter what they did, they were one level lower than ordinary people.
Now that their lowly status was removed, they were naturally even more grateful to Xiao Family.
After sending off Mrs. Wu and her three sons, Xiao Lin Yu had received a secret letter from Xiao Wen and knew that he had arrived in Xijing. Everything was going on as planned. Looking at the gloomy sky outside, he muttered to himself: "I hope this day will go slower."
Thinking of the girl far away in Luohe Prefecture, he couldn't help but secretly sigh. After all, he couldn't hold back his emotions. Though he can't come in person, he didn't want to miss her coming-of-age ceremony. The feelings that had been suppressed in his heart for a long time had already grown wildly like weeds before he knew it. It was only at this moment that the male knew that he really couldn't let go of this feeling this life.
The emperor's thoughtwave was impermanent. Who can predict what will happen in the next moment? Who knows if he and her would ever meet again? Now the wind was suddenly rising. If Xiao Family gets involved in the court turmoil, he can't protect himself. Why bother to disturb a pool of spring water? The more he thought about it, the more he regretted. because I can't help it when I face her. He blamed himself for not enduring to the end when it came to her.
Chapter 115. Old matters
After General Liu Wei's troops returned to the imperial court, the people in the capital respected General Liu Wei more and more. There was even a vague saying that 'if there was no General Liu Wei, Dafeng would have already been destroyed'. The face of His Majesty became more and more ugly day by day.
"After my troop return to the court and the army seal is handed back to his Majesty, those literate officials, who only opened their mouths to attack this and that at the court meeting at the beginning, know to step forward and speak this and that. Back then when the Northern Ethnic nearly attacked Luohe Prefecture, why did everyone only f*cking know how to be a coward? It can't be that they want me to show my ambition by death?" Liu Wei smashed the empty wine bottle on the table. The bitterness and sadness in his eyes seemed to be spill out like a vat of spring water being disturbed: "I, Liu Wei, have been a soldier all my life. Naturally, I naturally looked up to the sky and bowed down to the ground. If it wasn't for the common people in the world, who would covet such a pretentious name?"
What happened to General Han back then was vivid in his mind. Wasn't he the same as General Han back then? Although the merit was high, why would they ever consider shaking the Lord's position? "How pathetic! How laughable! How deplorable!"
"Master, you were drunk." Liu Wei's wife brought a bowl of hangover soup and looked at him with tears in her eyes. The husband and wife have been married for nearly thirty years. How could she not know the bitterness in his heart? But no matter how bitter it was, so what? At most, it was crying it out for nothing and dropped it.
Liu Wei accepted the hangover soup and down it. He took his old wife's hand and patted it tenderly: "It doesn't matter if I die, it's just you and the children who are implicated for nothing!"
Although Liu Wei was a martial artist, he wasn't a fool. His current situation was to be roasted on top of a raging fire. He had been a soldier all his life and devoted himself to serving the country. If it ends in tragedy, it will really stir laughter everywhere.
A trace of determination flashed in Liu Wei's bloodshot eyes. He looked at his old wife, and said, "I hand in my resignation to his Majesty at the court meeting tomorrow. Then I will take you and the children back to Hongzhou. I will farm and you weave. We'll live the rest of our lives steadily."
Now that his Majesty was getting older and there was no crown prince, the situation gradually became five sons fighting over the throne. Liu Wei was aware that his accidental injury in Northern Xinjiang looked accidental, but it was actually man-made. If he hadn't been vigilant and dodged in advance, the cold arrow fired from behind wouldn't have injured his arm, but instead passed through his left chest!
"Okay, let's go back to Hongzhou together!" Liu Wei's wife wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. Her eyes were red. It wasn't that she didn't know that her husband had the ambition to serve the country, otherwise he wouldn't take the initiative to request from the emperor to be in command this time. But the current emperor made one's heart chilled! When the war in northern Xinjiang came to an end, her husband was called back to the court in a hurry. Although he was named a heroic general, his Majesty sent someone to retrieve the army seal before he even took off his armor. The more she thought about it, the more she felt distressed for her husband. So she called a servant to help her support Husband back to bed with her to rest.
In the court hall, Liu Wei was dressed in commoner clothes. He held the first-ranked general's court uniform bestowed by His Majesty and kneeled down to thank sky-high grace and sincerely asked to resign: "I dare not forget the kindness of His Majesty to this subject. The helpless minister is already old and suffers from a lot of ailments. I beg his Majesty for mercy and allow this subject to be dismissed and returned to the field! "
"What is the meaning of this, General Liu?" His Majesty signaled the eunuch to help him up and said with concern: "General Liu is a hero of the country and a good minister of mine. How can you belittle yourself so absurdly?"
His words were laced with praises for Liu Wei, but the coldness in his eyes was like a thousand years of ice.
"Your Majesty! I am old. I really can't bear the heavy responsibility. I still hope that His Majesty will fulfill my wish!" Liu Wei refused to get up, knelt in the court hall, and kowtowed until his forehead was slightly oozing blood before the eunuch pulled him up with all his strength. Seeing Liu Wei's eagerness to resign, all the officials in the court each had their own reaction for a while. No one stood up to speak for him though.
"Don't mention it again, Beloved Subject. Beloved Subject had made great contributions to defeating Northern Ethnic this time. If I let Beloved Subject take off armor and return to the field at this time, what will the people of the world think of me?" His Majesty's fury was truly ignited now. His gaze looked at all the officials below in the court with burning eyes and declared: "I have made up my mind, Beloved Subject is suffering from illness. Pass on my will, the imperial hospital personally order two imperial physicians to enter the general's manor to take good care of the general. If the general is not better, let them come to see me with their head. Dismiss the court! "
Seeing his Majesty flinging his sleeves and leaving, Liu Wei fell to the ground. A burst of sadness overwhelmed his heart for a moment. His Majesty wasn't willing to let him go! Back then when General Han conspired against him, he was no longer serving under Han Family's army. He escaped by chance as he was training soldiers in southern Xinjiang. Liu Wei never believed that the loyal General Han would be involved in the case of Third Prince's treason. However, he wasn't in the capital back then. He only heard about the case back then and knew that hundreds of members of Han Family were executed overnight. The blood at the vegetable market entrance was washed away by a heavy rain for three days and three nights. General Han, who spent his entire life in the army, ended up with no one to collect his body!
Liu Wei was distraught and closed his eyes tightly. He already knew in his heart that if things were allowed to continue, the end of General Han's family back then would be his future end! For the country and the people, he had no fear of death. But what about his wife, his children, and his three-year-old grandson? Did they have to die with him?
At this moment, the capital city was still bustling and lively. However, dark clouds hung over it. No one knew who the first thunder would hit. There was a sense of self-insecurity among the officials. No one dared to act rashly .
The capital, Xiao Family.
Xiao Lin Feng always had a feeling that his parents and Eldest brother were hiding many things from him, but he had no way of finding out. Until today. Father actually want him to leave the capital and go back to Luohe Prefecture.
Xiao Lin Feng, who was so pleasantly surprised that he couldn't believe it, stood beside Xiao Lin Yu and blinked his eyes with joy. His slightly trembling voice was full of disbelief: "Eldest Brother, can I really go to Luohe Prefecture alone?"
Can't blame him for being excited. For more than a year, he hadn't even gone out of the gate of the capital. Every day he attended the academy to study like he was in prison. .
"What? Does Lin Feng not want to go back to Luohe Prefecture?" Xiao Lin Yu stuffed the letter from Luohe Prefecture into the booklet calmly, and then looked at Xiao Lin Feng as if nothing had happened: "If you really don't want to go, I will go talk to Father."
"Don't, don't! Eldest brother, I am willing to go!" Seeing Eldest Brother making a gesture to get up, Xiao Lin Feng hurriedly held him back: "I'm overjoyed, Eldest Brother. You don't know that I have been in the capital for more than a year. I'm almost bored to death!" Although he can only play with Su Family's little lasses when he goes to Luohe Prefecture, old Ancestor, his parents, and Second Uncles won't be present in Luohe Prefecture! Xiao Lin Feng felt that he could smell the breath of freedom coming toward him.
Xiao Lin Yu looked at his younger brother who was smiling so carefree and felt both envy and pity in his heart. What he envied was that he could be carefree and the family would support the sky when it fell; what he felt pity for was that if Xiao Family collapses, there will be no one in this world who can protect him a bit.
"Eldest Brother, why are you looking at me like this?" Xiao Lin Feng didn't know the inside story. He just felt that the way Eldest Brother looked at him was a bit perplexing. "I'm just going to Luohe Prefecture for a while. It's not like I won't be back."
"Fine. You're leaving tomorrow. Have you packed all your things? You better not remember that you didn't bring something with you after you left." Xiao Lin Yu withdrew his thoughts and patted Xiao Lin Feng's shoulder with a smile: "Lin Feng, you are an adult now. When we aren't by your side, you have to be careful in everything. Don't be impulsive in everything and listen to Uncle Qin more. Lin Wen is still young. You are the older brother. You have to take good care of him got it?" Second Master Xiao's only son will also go to Luohe Prefecture with Xiao Lin Feng this time.
"I'm not a child anymore, Eldest Brother. How come you have become naggy like Mother now?" Xiao Lin Feng felt that Eldest Brother was getting more and more strange. The doubts continued to churned but he couldn't grasp the reason for it.
Initially, he was worried about youngest brother. Never thought he would be disdained. Amusingly shaking his head, he dismissed Youngest Brother: "Go quickly."
Xiao Lin Feng couldn't figure it out, so he simply let it be. He turned around, came out of Eldest Brother's study, and went back to his own yard. He was leaving tomorrow. So he had to think hard about what to bring.
Seeing the departing, carefree back of Youngest Brother, Xiao Lin Yu sat in the study and took out the letter that had been sandwiched. He couldn't help being dazed. Sending Xiao Lin Feng and Xiao Lin Wen away this time was the result of discussions between Xiao Hai Ru father and son and Second Master Xiao. Xiao Family can be regarded as a respectable household in the capital. If all the masters of the family leave suddenly, it will cause some people who are interested to take the opportunity to make a fuss about it. Sending the two children away can be inconspicuous and stealthily done. As long as the two children were safe, the incense of the Xiao family will not be cut off like this even if something happens in the capital.
As for Luohe Prefecture, it was just an excuse to coax Xiao Lin Feng. Once they leave the capital, they will change their identities before they reach the next town and quietly go to Xijing. Xiao Wen had already arranged everything in Xijing.
On the second day before seven in the morning, outside was dim. Several carriages came out from the back door of Xiao's house without a sound. There was no sound of people. Only the sound of horses' hoofs and the sound of wheels rolling over the bluestone road cut through the morning's peacefulness. Comfortably in the carriage, Xiao Lin Feng and Xiao Lin Wen were still sleeping soundly while holding the brocade quilt. They didn't know that this might be the last time they saw their family members.
"Don't blame old Master. He had made many friends in his life and was the most enthusiastic person. Old Maater participated in General Han's incident because he wanted to save the last bit of blood for the loyal Han Family." Xiao Family's old Ancestor, Mrs. Xin family sat in the main hall of the Fu-an Courtyard where she lived. Looking at Daughter-in-law and Eldest Grandson, she spoke in a solemn voice: "When old Master and General Han met each other in the early days, there was a flood in Luohe Prefecture back then. If General Han hadn't helped him, old Master would have died a long time ago. How can there be today's Xiao Family then? After careful calculation, we owe it to Han Family."
Xiao Lin Yu didn't know that his Grandfather had such an experience when he was young. He sat down and listened carefully to old Ancestor's recount of old matters without interrupting.
Originally, Xiao Hai Ru and Second Master Xiao still resented old Master for meddling in the affairs of Han Family. They felt that he didn't want a peaceful life when he dared to intervene in Han Guang Hong's treason case and saved Han Guang Hong's grandson. Especially Second Master Xiao, who was an official in the court. At first wished he could go to the underworld to find the old man to settle accounts. This was setting a pit for his own son to fall to death!
"Later, General Han rose above others and your Father inherited the family business. One was a favorite in the court, and the other was just a businessman who works with traffickers and pawns. General Han had served the country all his life. Old Master always felt he was too foolishly loyal. The two gradually drifted away." Thinking of the matters from back then, Mrs. Xin's full of vicissitude gaze was full of nostalgia and emotion: "After Han Family mishap broke out, old Master still tried his best to arrange a wild cat swapping with the crown prince despite lingering on the sick bed and rescued the grandson of General Han. It was said that this matter was done in secret at the time. There were very few people who knew about it. But now because of General Liu Wei, I am afraid that if His Majesty had intentions, no one can say for sure what happened back then. ."
After listening to Mother's words, Xiao Hai Ru and Second Master Xiao were a little speechless. What could they say? Blame old Master for disregarding the life and death of the family and meddling in General Han's affairs? But if it wasn't for General Han, their Xiao family would have lost their incense in the early years? Whether old Master was right or wrong, no one can make a judgment for a while.