Meanwhile, since the beginning of winter, the capital has been experiencing a biting cold, and the Prince's residence has been purchasing extra charcoal every day in preparation for any eventuality.
Even in the capital, the cold is so intense that people shiver all over; the soldiers stationed on the northern border must be finding it even harder to bear.
Although I stayed in the Prince's Mansion every day during the New Year's Day holiday, I could still hear some gossip.
For example, when Lê Dan attacked, Gan Wang led his troops into battle.
"I heard that King Gan slaughtered hundreds of Li Dan people and hung their heads at the city gate." Those who say such things are all pedantic scholars who think they have read more books than ordinary people and always talk about propriety, righteousness and benevolence.
“If a man as bloodthirsty and cruel as Prince Gan were to ascend the throne, he would surely become a tyrant who governs without benevolence and indiscriminately kills innocent people.”
"Watch your words, the emperor isn't dead yet..." The speaker glanced around cautiously and lowered his voice, "...not dead yet."
"Our dynasty governs the country with filial piety and integrity. Such a cruel and tyrannical general is truly unfit for important positions," an elderly scholar said, shaking his head.
"Bullshit!" Huo Youcai, who had sneaked out for a drink, slammed his wine cup down with a bang upon hearing these words. "You people are all talk and no action. If you're so capable, go and kill the enemy! If we don't kill those Li Dan people, are we just waiting for them to come and kill the people of Daying?"
When Huo Youcai said this, many ordinary people felt that it made sense.
"If it weren't for Gan Wang leading troops to defend the border, would you scholars who only know how to study every day still be sitting in the teahouse drinking tea and chatting like this? You would probably be dead by the Li Dan people long ago," Huo Youcai continued, spitting.
"That's true. The Li Dan people deserved to be killed, so it's understandable that the Gan King did this."
Upon hearing this, the people readily agreed.
Several scholars jumped up and down, pointing at the surrounding people and cursing them as "fools".
Huo Youcai sneered and snapped his fan open: "How dare you call this young marquis a fool? Guards, beat the young master!"
Upon receiving the order, the servants immediately rushed forward and beat up all the scholars.
Although there are rules in Daying that prohibit the arbitrary beating of scholars, Huo Youcai is used to being domineering and arrogant. Everyone in the capital knows that Young Master Huo is a little tyrant, and those who can't afford to offend him should not mess with him.
But it was clear that these scholars did not know Huo Youcai's identity; otherwise, they would have been trying to befriend him instead of speaking rudely.
Hearing what Sparrow said on New Year's Day, I couldn't help but feel satisfied with Fatty Huo's behavior.
The chubby boy may be a bit slow-witted, but he's also wise beyond his years, much smarter than those bookish scholars who only know how to study.
"How is the little fat boy doing now?" Yuan Dan asked Sparrow, who had just returned from outside.
"Those people complained to their master, and then Fatty's father gave Fatty a beating. He was going to hit Fatty, but before the bamboo cane could fall, Fatty's grandmother shouted, 'Who dares to hit my grandson? If you want to hit my grandson, you'll have to hit me first.'" Sparrow even imitated the tone of Grandma Huo's voice, making Yuandan laugh out loud.
"So the chubby boy only got a scolding, not a beating, and he even gained a few more pounds."
Yuan Dan shook his head helplessly: "Sure enough, the biggest stumbling block on everyone's weight loss journey is not a firm belief, but delicious food."
If Huo Youcai continues to eat like this, forget about winning over the girl he loves. I'm afraid the woman who marries him in the future won't be attracted to him as a person, but rather to his family background and power.
But wasn't that how it always was in ancient times?
Marriages are arranged by elders. The husband or wife they choose for you may not be the one you like, but they will definitely be the one who can help your family.
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