Chapter 157 Chapter 157 End of the text

"I'll have to go to my mother and apologize later." Ji Yanlang said excitedly as he entered the room.

He came back later than usual today, and his eyes were shining. Fang Ying had some guesses in her mind, but she didn't say anything. She asked, "What do you mean?"

Ji Yanlang walked quickly toward the inner chamber, saying, "I just came out of the palace. The emperor intends to send me to Yinzhou."

"Has the government adopted your strategy?" Fang Ying asked from behind.

"The Emperor has ordered me to try it out first," Ji Yanlang said as he entered the inner room. "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and several ministers are here—it turns out my memorial has already been circulated among the ministers."

Fang Ying helped him take off his official robes and asked, "Do we have to leave for Yinzhou now? Or can we stay for a while?"

"It won't take long. We'll have to leave in about three to five days." Ji Yanlang put on his casual robe. "I'll go and apologize to my mother first. I'll tell you more when I get back."

Fang Ying fastened the belt around him and asked with a smile, "Do you want me to rescue you?"

Ji Yanlang shook his head. "If you go, Mother will probably be even angrier." He straightened his sleeves and walked out. He stopped in the main hall and said to Fang Ying, "Don't go too late. Get here earlier than usual for dinner."

Fang Ying smiled and pushed his arm: "Go ahead and don't worry."

Only then did Ji Yanlang stride out of the door.

When Hong'er heard that her father had returned, she ran over but found nothing. Fang Ying asked her and He'er to go play first. Seeing that it was almost time, she took the two children to the main courtyard.

Maybe it was because there were two children around, but Mrs. Li was smiling as usual, and it was hard to tell whether she was angry or not. Fang Ying glanced at Ji Yanlang, who nodded slightly - it seemed that the matter was settled.

After dinner, they returned to their room and sent the children back to bed early. The couple were finally able to talk properly.

"After I told her what happened, I waited for her to scold me, but she just looked at me and didn't say a word for a long time."

At that moment, Ji Yanlang was quite nervous. He would rather his mother scold him a few times, then he would beg for mercy and kneel for a while, and then the matter would be over.

Just when he couldn't hold it in any longer and was about to say something else, Mrs. Li finally spoke: "My son has grown up."

"I thought Mother was going to say I've grown wings." Ji Yanlang chuckled. "I didn't expect Mother to say that I can even write petitions to the court and help the emperor, but in her heart she still thinks I'm the reckless young man I used to be."

Fang Ying felt warm in her heart after hearing this and sighed, "Mother truly has a loving motherly heart."

Ji Yanlang touched his face and said, "Am I not a young man now?"

Fang Ying squinted at him, and Ji Yanlang chuckled twice: "Mom glared at me like this then, reminding me that I am already the father of two children, and that I should be more calm and dignified in my future official duties."

"Third uncle has only been gone for less than nine months, and I'm afraid mother still hasn't gotten over it."

Although the one who died was a disobedient bastard, Li had already experienced the pain of losing a child and was inevitably heartbroken. Fang Ying urged him to go and talk to his mother when he had time. "Every time you talk about the Five Prefectures of Hexi, your mother frowns. I think she probably thinks it's unlucky there."

“…”Is it because of this?

Ji Yanlang had never thought about this before.

After talking about family matters, Fang Ying asked him about his meeting with the emperor.

Ji Yanlang said: "This time it is all thanks to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

It turned out that the emperor had read the memorial and although he felt that Ji Yanlang's plan was very pragmatic, it was indeed time-consuming and not to his liking. Some of the ministers who knew the emperor's intention also said that it was only a small group of Dangxiang people who were rebellious in Yinzhou and that it would be enough to quell it without implementing a new policy of control.

The emperor showed it to the crown prince and asked for his opinion. The crown prince said that he had never been to the Five Prefectures of Hexi and knew very little about the various Hu tribes in the Five Prefectures. It was only after reading Ji Yanlang's memorial that he learned the details.

"Your Highness also suggested showing special favors to tribes other than the Wu clan's Dangxiang people. Minister Pang has also proposed this, but previously they only offered promotions and rewards. If we add my strategy of recruiting foreign soldiers, I think it will align them more closely with the court."

Fang Ying nodded. "Your Highness said he hasn't been there. But who among those ministers has actually been to Hexi and knows the details of those tribes?"

Ji Yanlang smiled and said, "Yes, Your Highness couldn't speak directly to them, so he spoke to himself."

Of course, the emperor understood the prince's implication, and Prime Minister Pang Wenzhen also thought that Ji Yanlang's plan had its merits, so he might as well summon him to the imperial court and ask him in person.

"The emperor still values ​​my plan to expand the cavalry more and asked me if I would like to go to Hexi to raise horses and train cavalry. Of course I said yes."

At this point, Ji Yanlang finally realized that he would be separated from Fang Ying, her mother, and her two daughters again. He couldn't help but lower his voice: "Iris is still young, you should stay in the mansion for the time being and wait for me..."

Fang Ying smiled and said, "We don't even know what official position you will be given yet, it's too early to talk about this."

"That's right."

The official position has not been determined yet, so we don’t know where the government will be located. Let’s wait and see.

Ji Yanlang waited for another two days and was appointed as the military commander of the five states in Hexi. The military commander was in charge of garrison, training, and border defense. The government also allowed him to recruit foreign soldiers and form a new cavalry army of 3,000 people.

This time, Ji Yanlang continued, "I'll take you and the children with me after I've accomplished something."

Fang Ying smiled and nodded: "Okay, when the ibis grows up, mother will be relieved."

Of course she wanted her family to be together, but the ivy was not yet one year old. The northwest was windy and sandy, the climate was cold, the food and living conditions were much worse than in Beijing, and the people there lived mixed with the Han and the Hu people. Not to mention the children, even adults would have difficulty acclimatizing if they went there.

So on the second day of September of that year, Fang Ying could only hold Hong'er's hand and see Ji Yanlang off to leave Beijing for his new post.

He was away for fifteen months and was not called back to Beijing until the twelfth month of the following year.

Although Fang Ying was used to him being away from home often, she would only be away for a few months at most, and had never been away for more than a year like this time. Fortunately, this time he stayed in Beijing for the New Year, and when he went to Yinzhou to take up his post, he could finally take them with him.

During the more than one year that Ji Yanlang had been in Hexi, he not only formed a new cavalry of 3,000, but also recruited archers with his land, pacified the Qiang people, settled the foreign people, made friends with the various Uighur tribes, and suppressed the rebels several times. It can be said that his political achievements were remarkable.

During this period, the Hu people in the north were not idle either. They provoked war twice, but the government remained patient and did not counterattack. This time, the government summoned the border generals to test the waters and make plans for the Northern Expedition.

"I asked for two more years, and the government agreed."

The government not only agreed to Ji Yanlang's request, but also appointed him as the governor of Yinzhou. After ensuring that each soldier in the new cavalry army had two horses, the government continued to expand recruitment.

The prefect is the chief official of a place and cannot only be in charge of military affairs. Ji Yanlang asked relatives and friends to recommend several staff members who understand the people's livelihood, and also wrote a letter to his father-in-law Fang Chengxun for advice.

He originally thought that his father-in-law might not be able to reply before he left Beijing, so it would be fine to forward the letter to Yinzhou. Unexpectedly, Fang Chengxun not only replied immediately, but also specially asked Fang Ying's second cousin Pan Zaifeng to personally go and deliver the letter to Ji's house.

Pan Zaifeng studied with his grandfather for several years, but failed to pass the imperial examination. After Fang Chengxun went to Xiangzhou, he wrote to him and asked him to come over and found him a job in the government office.

"My father-in-law recommended me a man who worked as a clerk in Kaifeng Prefecture. My second cousin will bring him here tomorrow." After meeting Pan Zaifeng, Ji Yanlang returned to his room and told Fang Ying, "My second cousin said we have seen this man before."

Fang Ying was surprised: "Us? Where have we met before?" How could she not remember?

Ji Yanlang smiled and said, "On the street." Seeing Fang Ying still looking puzzled, he continued, "That year, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had just taken charge of Kaifeng Prefecture. After my father-in-law and his family moved into their new house, they wanted to find a teacher for Fang Sheng. We didn't just run into my second cousin on the street by chance, he had a companion beside him..."

"Ah," Fang Ying recalled, "that scholar with a strong accent. He also wanted someone to teach Fang Sheng."

"Yes, his name is Luo Yazhi." Ji Yanlang also remembered it from his hometown accent. At that time, they joked that Fang Shenghui could imitate others' speech.

"He later passed the examination and became a clerk in Kaifeng Prefecture. My father-in-law said that after several years of experience, he was quite knowledgeable about practical matters. However, he had no chance of promotion in Kaifeng Prefecture, and now that the capital had been moved, he wanted to seek a better place."

Fang Ying asked, "Why don't you take the imperial examination?"

"Kaifeng Prefecture is busy with official duties. It's hard to pick up my studies after putting them aside for a few years."

That’s right, and after the imperial examination last spring, the Jinshi examination was changed to be held every three years, and Wang Qi still hasn’t passed. Thinking of Wang Qi, Fang Ying suddenly remembered that he still had something to give to Fang Quan.

Last year, the Wang family felt that since they could only take the exam again in three years, it would be better to let Wang Qi and Fang Quan get married as soon as possible. Fang Chengxun had no objection, so the two families held a wedding in November last year, and Ji Yanlang didn't even get to drink in the wedding wine.

Fang Ying had been packing her luggage these days and had saved up some jewelry and clothing fabrics that she didn't need herself but wanted to give to Fang Quan, preparing to send them over. Now, she remembered this and found two more books, along with the newly compiled notes on pregnancy, and put them in the bag, and asked someone to send them to the Wang family tomorrow.

Fang Ying had already told Fang Quan what she needed to say when the young couple came to pay New Year's greetings a few days ago. If Fang Quan had any problems, he could also contact Chu Yin besides the Ji Mansion. She had nothing to worry about.

Zhou Congshan also specifically asked Chu Yin to come to see Fang Ying and pass on the message: "The Queen is reluctant to let you go and suffer, but she also knows that you must want to go, otherwise Madam Ji would have stopped you first."

"Sister, tell the Empress that I'm tired of living in this luxurious life and want to go out and see the world." Fang Ying said half jokingly, half seriously, "Even if I were in the capital, I wouldn't be able to see the Empress anyway."

Zhou Congshan was the Crown Princess, and although Fang Ying had received the imperial decree, it was not reasonable for a woman from outside the royal family to meet the Crown Princess while the Empress was still in power. Furthermore, Uncle Zhou had returned to the capital, so there was no need for her to help Zhou Congshan or the Feng family.

She had been accustomed to separation since childhood, and could still deal with her good friends, sisters-in-law, and even Wang and Feng Rong calmly. But Hong'er was only seven years old after all. Although she was very happy to follow her father to take up his post, she still couldn't bear to leave her grandmother and sisters.

Fang Ying told her that once their family arrived in Yinzhou, she could write to her grandmother and sisters, and that they would be back in two or three years.

Hong'er didn't know how long two or three years was. Fang Ying pointed at Ying'er and said, "He's about the same age as Ying'er. Calculate how long you've been seeing him."

Ibis held up three fingers and said, "Ibis is three years old."

During the New Year holidays, he is always asked how old he is. This child can now hold up three fingers and answer fluently anytime and anywhere.

Hong'er looked at his younger brother and felt that it didn't seem like long. He asked his mother again if she would stop going to school if Mr. Feng was not around in Yinzhou.

"Without Mr. Feng, can I teach you?"

Hong Er became happy: "Really?"

"Really." Fang Ying stretched out her little finger and made a pinky promise with her daughter.

The ibis next to him also held out his little finger and said slowly, "Ibis wants one too."

"What do you want?" Hong'er asked him, "Do you want to make a pinky promise or go to school?"

Ivy first said, "Let's make a pinky promise," then paused and added, "I want to go to school, too."

"Okay, Mom will teach He'er too." Fang Ying smiled and pulled her little finger with him.

Ji Yanlang happened to come in at this time, and seeing this, he asked, "What are you three discussing?"

"Mom wants to teach me and my brother to read." Hong'er answered first.

"Really? Then you two must study hard, and don't come crying to your daddy later." Ji Yanlang teased the children for a while before asking Fang Ying if she had packed her luggage.

"Almost done. What's left is my daily necessities. When have you decided on a departure date?"

Ji Yanlang said, "On the 16th, we'll leave after the Lantern Festival."

"Okay." Fang Ying responded and asked, "Have you told Mom?"

"Yes."

"Mother didn't say anything?"

"Tell me not to rush on the road and tire you out."

Fang Ying felt a little relieved. Ever since it was decided that she would accompany Ji Yanlang to take up her post, she had been worried that Li would ask to keep He'er. It was not that she was overthinking it. Someone had already reported to her that the nanny accompanying the lady saw that she was worried about her and had persuaded her to keep Shilang by her side.

But Li never said this until they had celebrated the Lantern Festival at home and bid farewell to their mother the next day. Li did not even mention the thought of keeping the heir.

Fang Ying was filled with gratitude and couldn't help shedding tears when she left. She didn't calm down until she got on the car and left the city gate.

"Why did the car stop? Hey, it's my uncle!"

Hong'er was excited as soon as she left the house. Fang Ying asked Lichun to lift a corner of the curtain to let the children watch the fun. When she heard her say this, Fang Ying also leaned over to take a look, and sure enough, she saw Wang Qi and his second cousin standing by the road.

"It's your uncle and cousin who came to see us off."

As Fang Ying was speaking, she saw a strange scholar standing next to her second cousin. After the two said goodbye, the man followed Ji Yanlang and mounted his horse. It seemed that he was the aide recommended to Ji Yanlang by his father.

She asked Lichun to lower the curtains and said to the children, "There's nothing to see outside. It's cold, so don't be blown by the wind. How about I tell you a story?"

"Okay, I still want to hear about the burning of Red Cliff."

Ji Yanlang told the story of the Burning of Red Cliffs to his two children when he was playing with them after returning home. Hong'er liked listening to it very much. He was not satisfied with listening to it once and always asked his father and mother to tell it again.

Fang Ying did as she wished and started the story from when Cao Cao led his army down the river.

Outside, Ji Yanlang rode for a while and looked back at Luo Yazhi sitting on his horse with his shoulders hunched. He asked his followers to tell him that it was cold in the morning and it would be better for him to get in the car to warm up. He wanted to wait until the weather was warmer in the afternoon before riding.

Luo Yazhi had been feeling cold for a long time, but since it was his first day with the new owner, he was afraid that Ji Zhizhou would think he couldn't endure the hardship, so he held on.

After hearing what was said, he immediately dismounted and stood by the roadside, waiting for the women's carriage to pass so that he could get on the carriage of his staff behind him.

"...At that time, the east wind was strong and the fire was raging. Cao's warships..."

A few words floated down from the car. From the sound of the voice, it was a young woman, probably Ji Zhizhou's wife Fang Yiren.

Luo Yazhi couldn't help but think of the day when he first arrived in Bian Jing. Outside the Xiangguo Temple, he heard people talking about General Ji who came back to life and married a wife with a noble horoscope. At that time, he never imagined that one day he would become a disciple of General Ji.

It can be seen that gains and losses in life are not achieved in a short period of time. Just like Cao Mengde, who was unstoppable throughout his career and drank from the Yangtze River, he never expected that he would suffer a major defeat at Chibi. Ji Zhizhou was trapped in Jiaozhi that year, and he certainly never thought that one day he would be able to achieve success in Hexi and govern a region.

Luo Yazhi felt that the future was bright, so he got in the car, drank a cup of hot tea, and closed his eyes to rest.

At this time, Ji Zhizhou, whom he admired in his heart, also heard the laughter coming from the carriage of his wife and children. He quickly got off the horse and got into the carriage, taking over from his wife and continuing to tell the children stories about the Three Kingdoms.

The journey to Yinzhou was over 800 miles, enough time for him to recount several famous battles.

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The author has something to say: Ahhhh, I'm finally done! [Spread the flowers] I'll write two more sequels later!

PS: This Luo Yazhi is the brother who appeared in the first chapter. He also appeared in chapter 75 [cat head]

Yi Ren is an imperial decree.