Chicken, fish, meat, and eggs—fried, stir-fried, cooked, and boiled!
Tao Hongying used all her skills, and the table was almost collapsed by the weight of the dishes, each one a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.
Grandma Li, unusually, poured herself a bowl of wine, and was already drunk before she even drank it.
When people get old, what they hope for is not to eat and drink well, or even to bring glory to their family. They only hope that their children and grandchildren are safe and sound and that life is smooth.
The crowd chatted about trivial matters, city news, and crops in the fields, creating such a lively atmosphere that the roof almost fell off.
The meal lasted until the sun was setting, and everyone, young and old, including the Marquis, was drunk.
While the women were busy cleaning up the mess, Li Lao Er suggested going to the hot springs for a soak.
On such a day of family reunion, the hot spring valley also needs to rest for two days. It has been prepared in advance, and is quietly waiting for family members to enjoy it.
So the men quickly moved their "battlefield" to the valley to sober up and have some fun.
In the second village, the six families of guards who had settled there all received mooncakes and pork from the Li family, as well as the grain provided by the Marquis. They had no shortage of rice and flour, so they ate a particularly sumptuous meal today.
The wounded soldiers and veterans without family members still ate from the same pot, with rice and stewed meat, and each person also had a large bowl of wine.
When they heard that the hot spring valley had become a man's domain, they went there to join in the fun...
This commotion continued until moon-gazing at night, when only the women remained in each household's courtyard, because the men were all... fast asleep!
The next day, everyone returned to their usual peace, and talking about yesterday still brought smiles to everyone's faces.
How did the Mid-Autumn Festival, a perfectly good holiday, become a day for men to let loose?
No one can explain it clearly, nor does anyone want to!
Life doesn't need so many rules; just be happy.
Because Li Laosan, Zhao Yuru, and Jiaren could only rest for two days, Li Zhensheng was not in a hurry to go to the dock to unload the goods.
The whole family would gather at home, thinking about food and drink, and having a good chat.
Jiaxi and Jia'an didn't want to go to the academy, and they were so anxious that they scratched their heads and wished they could climb a tree.
The two children clung to their grandmother's arm, refusing to let go.
Jia'an pleaded, "Grandma, I'm really not cut out for studying. Of all the courses at the academy, I only like horseback riding and archery!"
"Me too, Grandma, please let us go south. I want to go with the barbarians to see their country. I want to..." Jiaxi also pestered her.
Unfortunately, the old lady just wouldn't budge.
It concerns my grandson's future, so I can't make a decision lightly.
Grandma Li said, "You've just gotten back, so rest for a few days first. Let me ask your uncle and parents and we'll discuss it properly before we talk about it."
Jiaxi and Jia'an had no choice but to turn to their younger sister, hoping she could intercede on their behalf.
But even though her brothers' eyes were twitching from staring, Jiayin just smiled and pretended to be clueless...
Every family has its own troubles, especially when there are fledglings in the family who are just beginning to grow up and are always eager to fly out of the nest; they are destined to cause some trouble for a while.
Meanwhile, families in the city were also having a difficult time.
Because the Mid-Autumn Festival has passed, conscription will begin immediately.
Although each family donated a lot of grain and silver, the rule of one child from each family entering the army was an ironclad rule that could not be changed no matter what.
The only exception is the Marquis of Jiangning's residence.
The old Marquis risked his life to enter the palace and plead with the Emperor to soften his heart and protect his grandson from joining the army. However, he also donated half of the Marquis's family fortune to the Northern Expeditionary Army in order to persuade the Marquis of Xinting to change the list.
Each family couldn't afford to part with even a fraction of their wealth, and none of them had a daughter destined to become empress. Left with no other option, they could only make preparations amidst tears and lamentations.
If you encounter a neglected illegitimate son, your family will give him some money and some clothes, and that's it.
But for those legitimate sons who couldn't escape it, or favored illegitimate sons, it was a complete catastrophe.
Everything he likes to eat, wear, use, and even his favorite toilet is going to be brought to the military camp...
On August 18th, a thatched shed was set up early at the gate of the new capital city.
The precious children from each family handed in their military service notices, had their identities verified, and were about to enlist.
The entire city gate was completely blocked, with servants shouting and horses neighing, giving one a headache even before getting close.
Li Laosi and Li Yong led two hundred soldiers to pick up the people.
The two knew it wouldn't be easy, but when they actually faced it, they realized just how difficult it was!
On the left, an old woman dressed in gold and silver was pulling her fair-skinned young grandson, crying her eyes out.
"Grandson, take good care of yourself when you go to the army camp. If you don't like the food, have someone come home every day to get your food box."
"If you don't have enough money, just say so. Your grandmother's savings for her funeral are yours! It's all your father's fault for being incompetent. If he had had more children, you, the only legitimate son, wouldn't have to suffer like this!"
On the right, a woman pulled her son's hand and was also pointing at the sky and cursing.
"Your father is heartless, only caring about the eldest son's children, sob sob, my poor son is just about to start his studies, and now he has to go to the army to suffer..."
Li Yong's lips twitched as he listened. His twenty-year-old son had been studying for at least ten years and hadn't even passed the lowest level of the imperial examinations. How could he possibly call studying good?
He quietly tugged at Li Laosi and said, "Fourth Brother, this won't work. When can we get the whole team to the dock?!"
Li Laosi was even more annoyed, and the veins on his forehead bulged with impatience.
Originally, I was understanding that these people were reluctant to part with their children, so I let them say a few more words. However, the situation unexpectedly got out of control.
If this continues, I'm afraid we won't be able to finish the mission before dark.
He immediately issued an order, and all soldiers quickly sealed off the city gates.
Everyone who has registered should line up. Each person is only allowed to take one package, which should contain a change of clothes. Anything extra should be thrown away.
Those who haven't registered yet should hurry up. The sun is high in the sky, and if they haven't finished, they'll be sent back and treated as deserters, facing immediate execution.
The city gate immediately erupted in chaos, with cries and screams becoming even louder.
A spoiled young master of seventeen or eighteen, his face painted with makeup, looking alluring and seductive, was holding a beautiful maid in his arms and wouldn't let go. "I'm taking Meiniang with me. I can't sleep without her to warm my bed tonight!"
The maidservant, her eyes brimming with tears, clung tightly to the young master, as if a virtuous young lady were about to have her lover stolen away. "Waaah, don't take the young master away!"
Meanwhile, the young master's family members, all smiles and grins, pestered Li Laosi, trying to stuff silver notes into his mouth and ask for favors.
For a moment, Li Laosi almost vomited from disgust!
My mother always worries that she spoils the children too much, which will make them unsuccessful.
Looking at them now, they're nothing compared to these people.
No wonder the Marquis insisted on conscripting soldiers. If these parasites aren't woken up, even if half the country is recovered, it will be squandered!
"Shut up, all of you!" Li Laosi finally lost his temper, grabbed the young master who couldn't be separated from his bed warmer, and threw him hard into the registration line.
Then he shouted at the soldiers, "Are you all deaf? I told you to clear out the bystanders, what are you doing!"
"Act immediately! Anyone who dares to delay conscription will be severely punished!"
The soldiers were also annoyed, since those who were holding them back were usually arrogant and haughty nobles. They couldn't hit or scold them, so they could only hold back and feel very frustrated.
Now things are much better; someone's backing me up!
So they immediately drew their long knives and began to move...
My darlings, two updates today! I need to get some medicated plaster applied; my back and neck are practically stone slabs from all the writing. I'm a bit slow now, but I'll adjust and resume three updates tomorrow. Don't let me get too fat, my darlings! I need your encouragement!
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