Chapter 139: Whoever becomes the general will be equally addicted to haggling...

That morning, as Grandmother Jia was eating meat porridge, she casually asked Lady Wang, who was accompanying her, "Is Tan Chun feeling any better? Why has she been sick for so long and still not recovered?"

Madam Wang replied, "I originally intended to have Aunt Zhao look after her, since she is her birth mother and I should always think of her. However... perhaps Aunt Zhao's words are unpleasant to hear and she often upsets her, so she has been raising her for a while longer."

"Since you know this, why did you still let her watch over it?" Grandmother Jia retorted.

Madam Wang said with a smile, "He's almost recovered. It's not good to move the patient in the dead of winter."

Grandmother Jia then gave up, and instructed, "Don't let him eat meat, not even a little bit of meat, so that he can recover faster."

Madam Wang agreed again.

As they were talking, an old woman rushed in from outside, exclaiming, "Grandma, Madam, something terrible has happened!"

"Nonsense!" Madam Wang now dreaded the words "something's wrong," and upon hearing them, she wished she could tear her mouth apart with her own hands.

When the old woman was scolded by Madam Wang, her face changed, she shrank back, lowered her head, and after she had finished bowing, she pretended to be calm and said in a soft voice, "The Wu family of seven died last night."

"Ah!" Madam Wang exclaimed in surprise, without asking why, she scolded, "Didn't you see the old lady eating here? What matter is so important that it can't wait until the old lady has eaten? You've served the elderly all your life, how can you not understand such a simple principle?"

What could the old woman do? She lowered her head and accepted the scolding without saying a word. After bowing, she went out to wait.

Aunt Xue and Xue Baochai exchanged a glance, then remained silent and said nothing more. After Grandmother Jia finished eating, Aunt Xue said, "Grandmother still has family matters to attend to, so we'll take our leave now."

The Rongguo Mansion now only has three or four hundred servants left, and almost everyone has a job. In the dead of winter, who wouldn't find it too hot inside and come out for a stroll when they have nothing to do? So the mother and daughter's journey back was quiet, and with the occasional withered leaf falling, it was even a bit desolate.

Back home, the mother and daughter sat facing each other on the daybed, and covered their legs with a blanket. Aunt Xue sighed, "It's really impossible to stay in the Rongguo Mansion anymore."

Xue Baochai's mood was better than before. Firstly, Lin Daiyu had been married off for quite some time, and the long separation had gradually diminished the impact of their separation. Secondly, Xue Baochai had also cried a lot a few days ago, which helped her vent her emotions. Finally, the Rongguo Mansion was even more unfortunate than them.

The Xue family fell into a precipitous decline, while the Rongguo Mansion was worlds apart.

"Was it really... an accident, or did they not want to live?" Xue Baochai asked in a low voice. The Wu family lived next door. When the two of them came out in the morning, there was actually a commotion over there. But since they were staying at a guesthouse, how could they get involved in such troublesome matters?

Although the mother and daughter were listening intently, they pretended not to hear and went to Grandmother Jia's room as usual.

"I don't know," Aunt Xue said hesitantly. "You heard it this morning too. They said the mechanism on the other window was knocked off by a stray cat or a rat. They closed the window and burned charcoal, and that's when they died."

But there are subtle aspects to this as well.

Although the Jia family had fallen on hard times, Wu Mama's family of seven still lived in a whole courtyard, with three main rooms and two side rooms on each side, a total of seven rooms. How could a family of seven be crammed into one room?

Even if it's because it's cold, or to save on carbon, it's not like it's the first day it's been this cold. They didn't stay like this even when it snowed a few days ago.

Most importantly, in Kyoto, charcoal is burned for at least three and a half months in winter, so the windows are incredibly sturdy; a stray cat couldn't possibly pry them open with a single paw.

Xue Baochai thought for a moment: "I heard that the first time they wanted to be Lin's maidservants, they gave money but it didn't work out. Later, they wanted to be released from the mansion, but they gave money but it still didn't work out."

Aunt Xue sighed, "...No wonder." She looked at her daughter and said with emotion, "You are blessed. Your uncle wanted to send you to serve the hostage prince of Beili, but he died so young. If he had done as he wished, you would have no one to rely on now."

“Yes,” Xue Baochai sighed as well. “With Uncle dead, Feng’er is having a hard time too. They’re making a ruckus every day. You can hear it as soon as you pass by. They don’t try to hide it at all. I’ve heard them say twice that they want to divorce her.”

Although they were both sighing, the mother and daughter exchanged a glance and saw schadenfreude in each other's eyes.

Wang Xifeng used to be so arrogant, ignoring them and always making sarcastic remarks. Now she really deserves it.

However, the Xue family wasn't much stronger.

Thinking about her situation, Aunt Xue wanted to sigh again.

“I’ll tell your brother to go out and see what’s going on. With the New Year approaching, he’ll often meet one or two high-ranking officials when he goes out drinking and eating with people. Your uncle’s daughter, after being rejected by the Marquis’s family, didn’t she marry Lord Meng of the Court of State Ceremonies? You are better looking than her, more talented, and more knowledgeable and reasonable. Why can’t you marry into an official’s family?”

As for Xue Baochai's age, and the fact that the official was a second wife whose sons were all older than her, these trivial matters are not worth mentioning compared to a lady of high rank.

Xue Baochai was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Lin Yatou has no one to rely on, and she stubbornly refused to come back to pay her respects to the old lady. I'm afraid she's not doing very well now."

Aunt Xue laughed and said, "Don't worry about her all the time. Everyone lives their own life. Besides, she didn't come for the three-day homecoming, she didn't come for the old lady's birthday, and she didn't come for the Mid-Autumn Festival, Double Ninth Festival, or Laba Festival. She chose these things herself."

The mother and daughter sighed in unison, feigning seriousness: "We can't blame anyone else."

"What did you just say?" Mu Chuan asked incredulously. "Say it again."

"Besides, I don't want to go out with you either." Lin Daiyu said deliberately with a straight face, and she was also a little guilty, after all, Mu Chuan was her proper husband.

"Last time we went to the market, weren't you quite happy? You even said you'd come again next time, so why don't you want to come now? Did I offend you? You can't bring things from the bedroom into the rest of your life."

"Pah!" Lin Daiyu spat at him. "Going out with you is so boring. Everyone knows you, and when we buy little trinkets, they practically refuse to pay a single copper coin. But it's different when we go out with Mother. Something that costs three qian of silver can be bought for thirty or fifty copper coins in the end. Mother has such sharp eyes."

Mu Chuan was filled with questions: "You've been corrupted."

Lin Daiyu burst out laughing: "I'm going to tell Mother about this."

"How old are you?" Mu Chuan looked at her with disdain. "Is haggling fun?"

"That's really interesting," Lin Daiyu said righteously. "In any case, I need to manage the household. I can't be ignorant of how much an egg costs, or what if I get cheated? You've worked so hard to earn such a large fortune, I can't just squander it."

This reason was too "grand and respectable," especially when faced with Mu Chuan's honest and reliable face. Lin Daiyu couldn't continue speaking after a while.

Mu Chuan shook his head and sighed, "The world is going to the dogs, and people's hearts are no longer what they used to be."

Lin Daiyu smiled and leaned closer, gently coaxing Mu Chuan, "I'll still go see the fireworks with you. Good Third Brother, don't be sad."

Mu Chuan squeezed her arm, then suddenly changed the subject in a serious tone: "You're almost there, and you've gotten a bit stronger. I've been saying I'd teach you martial arts for a while now. Tonight, let's start with stretching."

The next morning, Mu Chuan went to court with what was actually not a full body of teeth marks.

The last regular court session of the year, as usual, consisted of pleasant topics such as bestowing titles and rewards. After the morning court session, the emperor stayed in Mu Chuan's study to discuss matters.

Although everyone was already used to it, there was still a hint of sorrow in his eyes.

A favored minister, that's what you call a favored minister.

Mu Chuan followed the emperor to the imperial study.

As soon as he entered, the emperor laughed and said, "When you walk beside me, even the wind disappears."

That's an exaggeration; he wasn't actually that tall and broad.

Mu Chuan said, "Being able to accompany Your Majesty makes me feel that the wind is not so strong."

The emperor laughed twice and then said, "The grain supplies are almost all gathered. The supplies that were brought in during the festival are stored in the North Warehouse."

This was the first time the emperor had ever sent troops since he became emperor. In the past, the main approach to dealing with the northern barbarians who came south was to defend against them. Even if they came in, there would be sieges and pursuits. But this was the first time the emperor had taken the initiative to fight on the grasslands.

"This time, I will guarantee ten years of peace on the borders of my Great Wei!" the emperor said confidently.

Mu Chuan then offered his congratulations and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to expand the territory for His Majesty.

The emperor hesitated for a moment, then said, "I had an idea a few days ago. If we set fire to the grasslands between us and the northern barbarians, it would take at least three to five years to recover. However, I feel that this would be against the will of Heaven."

Who was the brilliant strategist who came up with this idea?

Mu Chuan asked, "How can he guarantee that the fire won't spread to the Great Wei?"

"They said they would dig a firebreak first." The emperor shook his head after explaining. "This plan is bad. Many steps in the process depend entirely on the weather. It doesn't seem like we're trying to repel the enemy; it's more like we're gambling with our lives."

Mu Chuan was relieved. After having lunch with the emperor, he went to the Daming Palace in the afternoon as usual to say a few words to the retired emperor.

The retired emperor, as always, looked down on the emperor: "My son is thinking too simply. How can such a sudden shipment of grain to the capital not arouse suspicion? In the end, won't it all have to rely on my name? He used to say I was extravagant, but without that reputation, let's see what he does then."

These words carried a hint of envy mixed with disdain, clearly indicating that the relationship between the two emperors had become much more harmonious. Mu Chuan then said, "It is precisely because of this that the Emperor Emeritus needs to teach them properly."

The Emperor Emeritus was pleased and summoned Dai Quan, saying, "You will escort the General out in a moment." Then he said to Mu Chuan, "The Imperial Guards also have some gifts this year; I'll have Dai Quan give them to you later."

Mu Chuan increasingly felt that the Emperor Emeritus was a good one.

Even the Imperial Guard Commander is like this, all show and no substance, not even getting a single training session a year, yet he still gets perks.

The Emperor Emeritus was wise!

After leaving the palace, Mu Chuan thought for a moment. His celestial wife was now hopelessly addicted to haggling, and he didn't know how long she would continue to be so. So he returned to the military camp.

He won't be part of the main force when we attack the grassland barbarians early next year; he'll be more of a surprise force. But he still needs to be trained well, especially in terms of discipline. After all, things can't be chaotic on the battlefield.

After the Kitchen God was worshipped on the eve of the Lunar New Year, it snowed again in the capital. It wasn't heavy, but it added to the festive atmosphere of the New Year.

Another consequence was that it brought a cold to Jia Baoyu, who was very particular and afraid of the smell.

Achoo!

"Wrap him up tighter!" Madam Wang scolded, turning around. "Carry him carefully, lest Baoyu catch a chill."

Jia Baoyu was Wang Furen's only support. Especially after seeing Wang Xifeng and Jia Lian arguing every day, and remembering Wang Xifeng's words about Baoyu inheriting the title, Wang Furen's attention to her son increased to a new level. She didn't care about anything else and brought her son, who would be nineteen after the New Year, back to live in her own room.

Jia Baoyu moved back to the inner courtyard. Lady Wang's room was incense-filled, unlike the pungent smell in Jia Baoyu's study outside. He drank his medicine and fell into a deep sleep.

But as soon as he came in, Jia Zheng felt a little awkward: "Why is this unfilial son being allowed to live in the inner courtyard again?"

Lady Wang explained patiently, mentioning that the four servants outside hadn't been attentive enough. Just as Jia Zheng was about to leave, she casually asked, "Master, Lian'er can't inherit the Rongguo Mansion's title anyway. What do you think of Baoyu? Letting Baoyu inherit the title would be a step lower than waiting for Lian'er to have a son. Besides, the eldest master's health, ruined by wine and women, isn't much better."

Jia Zheng had actually thought about this issue as well. Moreover, although Jia She inherited the title, he got all the benefits, and he was the one living in the main courtyard.

However, Jia Zheng always prided himself on being a virtuous gentleman. He deliberately hesitated for a moment, then scolded, "How can you, a woman, think about such things? Keep a close eye on him, lest his illness worsen!"

Just as Wang Xifeng saw through Lady Wang's feigned surprise as an attempt to cover up the truth, Lady Wang could also tell from Jia Zheng's reprimand that he thought the same thing.

Madam Wang was relieved. She would find an opportunity to tell the old lady... Why not take advantage of his illness and say that she wanted to use the title to help him advance his career?

Just as Madam Wang was calculating the Rongguo Mansion's title, there were other people in the capital who were also making their own calculations about the Rongguo Mansion.

"So, you won't tell the Rongguo Mansion?"

Using the excuse of celebrating the New Year, Prince Bei Jing openly went to Prince Nan An's residence, where the two were sitting together watching a play.

The sounds of gongs and drums, along with the soft, melodious singing, perfectly concealed what the two of them were discussing.

Prince Bei Jing smiled warmly: "We, the four princes and eight dukes, comprised twelve families in total. Although only seven remain now, the Jia family is no exception—"

He sighed, "They ruined such a great situation. Just think about it, their family's funeral, and their daughter who went to the palace. They didn't see through it at all, and thought they could control the emperor."

The Prince of Nan'an nodded and said, "The Jia family has no one of usable people left. They used to have Prince Teng, but he's dead now. There are only two left—speaking of which, you've met that young master who was born with a jade in his mouth."

A subtle expression appeared on Prince Bei Jing's face, and he shook his head: "Just a pretty face."

The two listened to the opera for a while longer, with the Prince of Nan'an nodding and swaying his head as if he were truly enjoying himself.

"This morning, the last batch of people set off. I sent three groups of people to go separately, just in case something went wrong on the way, since it's all the way to the coast of the West Sea."

Prince Bei Jing nodded and said, "Which of us four princes and eight dukes didn't earn our merits on the battlefield? His Majesty is unkind; he doesn't use us old ministers and doesn't give us any chance at all."

The Prince of Nan'an chuckled, "So we'll find our own opportunity. His Majesty has just prepared provisions and troops. I don't believe that His Majesty can ignore them and continue to wage war against the Northern Barbarians when they attack from the western coast."

He was extremely proud: "My ancestors were naval soldiers. Who can beat me in naval battles? This time, they'll all be doing all the work for me. With the merits of the war, my title will be promoted by one rank."

“Then I congratulate you in advance.” The Prince of Beijing’s smile became even more humble. He said softly, “In a couple of days I will go to the other families. We will wait for them to attack. When His Majesty selects a good general to lead the expedition, we will take the position of Grand General in one fell swoop.”

At this point, the Prince of Nan'an added, "Indeed, we cannot tell the Rongguo Mansion. They have declined too quickly and have lost their backbone. Although they appear to have no dealings with the Marquis of Zhongyong on the surface, what if they betray their friend for personal gain?"

Prince Bei Jing nodded: "He is a lowly commoner who came from a farming background. He only gained His Majesty's special attention because of his strong physique. Are we inferior to him? The Great Wei has a strong army and abundant food supplies. It doesn't matter who is the general."