Chapter 164 Liuhuo Family
Shen Sanmao nodded: "I smashed it back, and asked the people in the farm to smash it together, and poured manure on them. After all, I have to keep the prestige given by the girl so that I can do things in the future."
Faced with this rather interesting description, Chang Suining nodded: "...That's good."
But she didn't dare to think about the situation at that time.
Shen Sanmao wiped away his tears and said, "Don't worry, girl. We smashed them in the fields and didn't throw them outside."
Chang Suining showed admiration on his face: "Very good."
This is the highest level of managing the household, keeping the wealth within the family.
Shen Sanmao suppressed his tears. Because he had received understanding and encouragement, he said with great enthusiasm: "Don't worry, girl. I have gained some experience this season. I will get better and better next year!"
Chang Suining smiled and nodded to him.
It is hard to say what the overall situation will be like in the coming year, but for now, from sowing a seed to watching it slowly grow and bear fruit, every small step is important and has its own meaning and use.
"This year's grain harvest is all in the book. Apart from the amount supplied to various places in the mansion, there is still half left. Do you want to store it or sell it for cash?"
"Have it all." Chang Suining said, "You don't have to give me the money in this book. Change it all into rice and store it together."
The harvest from the farm is more than just grain.
Shen Sanmao was surprised to hear that she wanted to stock up on food, but he agreed without hesitation.
The two talked for another half a day before Chang Suining left the farm.
After the carriage entered the city, Chang Suining looked through the carved and hollowed-out window in the direction of the place she often went to when she returned to the city in the past, and casually said, "Let's stop by Xuan Ce Mansion."
She has been busy with various trivial matters these days and has not had time to fulfill her promise with Liuhuo.
The carriage rolled towards the direction of Xuan Ce Mansion.
When the carriage stopped, Chang Suining got out of the carriage, having changed into men's clothes and tied his horsetail, and told Xier to wait for him in the carriage.
She didn't want to attract attention when entering and leaving Xuan Ce's mansion.
The guards outside Xuan Ce Mansion were often replaced. When they saw strangers approaching, the guards on both sides used their spears to stop them and said solemnly, "Xuan Ce Mansion is a restricted area. Outsiders are not allowed to approach without permission."
The scene was quite terrifying, but the "young man" looked calm and did not speak a word. He just raised his right hand and showed a bronze talisman.
When the guards saw this thing, their expressions became serious, they put away their spears, bowed and stepped aside.
There was a guard leading the way, and another guard had already hurried forward to pass on the message.
Chang Suining stepped over the threshold of Xuan Ce Mansion. When the wind blew on her face, she seemed to smell a familiar scent. This wind belonging to Xuan Ce Mansion brought her scenes of the past, and she vaguely heard the sounds of old laughter in her ears.
Then, she followed the guard on the road that she could walk without missing a step even with her eyes closed, and arrived at the main hall of Xuan Ce Mansion.
Just like what I saw last time, her Sun Sword was placed in the main hall.
There were three green incense sticks burning in the incense burner on the table used for sacrificial offerings, and they were already half burned.
Chang Suining looked at the incense burner that was almost full of ash, and couldn't help thinking that if she was really in the underworld now, with such strong incense offerings all year round, she would probably be a wealthy person.
"Chang..." Yuan Xiang's voice came from behind: "Young Master Chang, you are here!"
Chang Suining turned away.
Yuan Xiang bowed and saluted, then grinned and said, "You are here to see the Grand Commander, right?"
Chang Suining smiled and said, "Let me take a look at the pomegranate fire."
Yuan Xiang's heart broke for his own Grand Commander, but his warm smile remained unchanged: "My Grand Commander is here too."
"If Commander Cui is busy, I won't bother him today. I can just tell him I've been here."
She just came to see the horses, and it would be inappropriate to disturb him from doing his official business.
"I'm not busy right now!" Yuan Xiang said hurriedly, "And it just so happens that the Grand Commander is at Liuhuo's place right now, I'll take you there now!"
Chang Suining nodded when he heard this.
Yuan Xiang led the way and met many soldiers from Xuan Ce's mansion along the way. They all looked straight ahead and didn't even glance at him.
Yuan Xiang kept winking at people he knew along the way until his eyelids cramped, but he never got any response. He was so disappointed that he didn't know what he was doing. When they knew that it was Madam Chang who came today, they would regret it! Liu Huo was placed alone in a horse garden. When Chang Suining arrived, he saw the situation in the yard and was very surprised.
In the afternoon sun, the tall and sturdy young man had his sleeves half rolled up, the front of his robe half tucked into his waist, and he was wearing dark green boots. There were two buckets of water beside him, and he was bending over with a horse brush to carefully scrub Liuhuo's horse's legs.
As if he sensed someone coming, Cui Jing subconsciously raised his eyes and was startled to see it was Chang Suining.
Chang Suining smiled at him and said, "General Cui."
Cui Jing stood up straight immediately, still holding the horse brush in his hand. He felt that he looked very messy and was completely unprepared, and he didn't know where to put his hands and feet.
Yuan Xiang came over and whispered to his own Grand Commander, "Grand Commander, it's Madam Chang who is here!"
Cui Jing: “…” Don’t you think it’s too late to pass on the message now?
Yuan Xiang felt a little aggrieved when he sensed the accusation in the Grand Commander's eyes. There was no need to inform the Grand Commander about Madam Chang's coming here. This was something the Grand Commander had specifically instructed.
However, he caught a glimpse of his own commander-in-chief's wet boots and disheveled clothes, and suddenly he realized something.
Oh, I see. The Grand Admiral was blaming him for not telling him in advance, which left the Grand Admiral with no time to dress up... no, to change his clothes!
He miscalculated, and he must be careful next time! At this moment, cold water suddenly splashed all over Yuan Xiang's body and face, and Cui Jing was not spared either.
Liuhuo excitedly shook the water off his fur and ran towards Chang Suining.
It barked gently and happily, and rubbed its head against Chang Suining's shoulders and neck.
It was wet all over and soon soaked her clothes. Chang Suining leaned back to avoid it and stretched out two fingers to push its forehead.
Sensing his master's disgust and resistance, Liuhuo fell to the ground with a plop and rolled over, trying to wipe the water off his body.
Cui Jing: “…”
Very good, it’s washed in vain.
His body was almost wet, but when he saw this scene, there was a smile in his eyes.
He put down the horse brush, wiped the water droplets off his face, and walked towards her.
Not far away, two horses poked their heads out and saw Liuhuo rolling on the ground. They all widened their eyes in confusion.
Liuhuo felt that he had done enough, so he stood up and shook himself twice, then shouted in the direction of the two horses, and the two horses came running towards him.
Chang Suining looked over curiously, and Cui Jing said, "These are Liuhuo's wife and children."
Seeing Liuhuo leading his wife and children towards her, Chang Suining felt inexplicably ashamed. It was their first meeting and she hadn't prepared any gifts.
Liuhuo kept shouting, as if he was introducing something.
The two horses then stared at Chang Suining.
Chang Suining looked at them, then fixed his eyes on the horse that was obviously the youngest, and nodded, "It really looks like Liuhuo."
In terms of body shape, it is not inferior to Liuhuo. It is a rare good horse.
Cui Jing said: "His temper is very similar to Liuhuo's. He is a stubborn horse with a temperament. He just turned three years old and has not yet recognized his master."
Chang Suining was a little surprised, and then said: "A horse born in a family can have such a fierce temper. It seems that he is a rich kid who was brought up in pampering and has never experienced the dangers of the world."
Cui Jing agreed, "Well, he can be considered a son of an official family."
After all, Liuhuo holds an official position.
Chang Suining couldn't help but smile, and turned to look at him: "The daily affairs of the Xuan Ce Mansion are so busy, why didn't Grand Commander Cui take a rest when he had time, and why did he personally bathe Liu Huo?"
Cui Jing looked at Liu Huo: "This is equivalent to taking a rest."
He was used to staying with the old people and things of Xuan Ce Mansion, and whenever he saw Liu Huo, he always felt at ease.
Noticing the rare feeling of relaxation on Cui Jing's face at this moment, and seeing him raise his hand to touch Liu Huo's neck, Chang Suining also felt that this scene gave off a sense of peace and tranquility.
"Does that official's son have a name?" she asked casually.
"Yes." Cui Jing did not retract the hand that was stroking Liu Huo, but paused for a moment and turned to look at her: "Return date."
"Return date." Chang Suining read it once, looked at the pony, nodded and said, "It's a good name."
For the soldiers in Xuan Ce Mansion, fighting on the battlefield is their destiny. She said, "It will be good news if the soldiers can return home."
The afternoon sun was bright, Cui Jing looked at her quietly, and after a moment he said, "Yes, if you return soon, that would be good news."
Chang Suining subconsciously turned his head to look at him.
The girl's eyes were clear, and there was a flash of exploration in them.
Cui Jing withdrew his hand, glanced at Liu Huo who couldn't calm down for a moment, and said, "I'll go back and change clothes first."
Chang Suining regained his composure and nodded, "Alright, Commander Cui, go quickly, don't catch a cold."
"Okay." Cui Jing responded and left with Yuan Xiang.
There was no one else in the horse garden except the two servants who were guarding from a distance. Liuhuo tried to touch Chang Suining's forehead with his head again. This time Chang Suining did not avoid it. He smiled and touched his slightly wet forehead, then raised his hand to rub his neck.
Guiqi, who was standing by, jumped back in surprise when he saw this - why is his father still so close to others at his age!
As a veteran who has fought on the battlefield for many years, Liuhuo has always been a strict father in front of his son. At this moment, he turned around and called his son to come forward.
Liuhuo nudged his son's neck with his head and called out to Chang Suining again, as if to indicate something.
Chang Suining: "Not so good, right?"
The first time they met, he wanted to give his son to her for a ride? Not only did she feel it was inappropriate, she also jumped up reluctantly, like a silly little lamb.
Liuhuo raised his front hoof and kicked his son twice, cursing under his breath.
——This is a good job that brings honor to the family. Whoever gets it will have his ancestors' graves filled with joy. If it hadn't built up the family business and title when he was young, would it be the turn of this rebellious son to inherit it? ——This is a great fortune. Other horses would have no chance even if they tried their best!
The rebellious son's mother also came over and seemed to give some advice.
He became more honest when he returned.
Liuhuo introduced Chang Suining again.
It was hard to refuse such a kind offer. If she didn't ride it, it would seem like she was not giving it face. Chang Suining had no choice but to say, "Then let me try?"
Liuhuo quickly kicked his son again.
Guiqi took two steps forward, swinging his hooves.
There were no stirrups or reins on the horse. Chang Suining held the horse's back, jumped up, and gently held its neck.
He was not used to the return period and shook his feet restlessly twice, which immediately caused his parents to yell at him.
Liuhuo ran in front to lead the way and supervise his son, looking back from time to time to intimidate and urge him.
Guiqi carried Chang Suining on his back and ran around the stable twice slowly, which made the two horse servants stunned.
"That young man... who is he?"
Another person smacked his lips and said, "It seems that he saved Lord Liuhuo's life... He was willing to give his son away."
Having lived with horses for a long time, they began to understand their body language to some extent.
After Chang Suining got off the horse, he took the horse brush left by Cui Jing and gave Liuhuo a quick wash, then took a soft blanket and wiped it from head to toe.
Liuhuo shook his body refreshed and felt that he had regained the heroic spirit of his youth.
Chang Suining smiled and patted its head: "Okay, I should go now."
Liuhuo turned around and shouted, and his wife and children immediately ran over.
Chang Suining took a few steps and realized something was wrong. He saw three horses following behind him. Although they had no baggage on their bodies, they had baggage in their eyes.
The family of three seemed to have packed their bags and were ready to go with her.
She looked at Liuhuo: "...You can't leave."
Liuhuo pricked up his ears in disbelief - weren't they here to pick it up?
"It's not the right time yet." Chang Suining whispered to it, patted its head soothingly, and promised: "I'll come pick you up when the time is right."
Although Liuhuo was reluctant to leave, he still regarded her words as military orders, so he had to stand where he was and watch the girl leave.
When Chang Suining was about to leave the stable, she looked back and saw Liuhuo still looking at her. Seeing her looking back, he seemed to feel hope again and stomped the ground twice with his front hooves in anticipation.
Chang Suining didn't dare to look at its eager eyes again and turned away.
On the way, she met Cui Jing who was coming back from changing clothes.
"Are we going back now?" Cui Jing asked.
Chang Suining: "Well, it's getting late."
Cui Jing went to the front yard with her.
On the way, Chang Suining seriously thought about the possibility of asking Cui Jing for Liuhuo, but finally gave up.
Firstly, Liuhuo had military merits and was old, so she had no suitable excuse. If she spoke rashly, it would be too strange and would arouse suspicion.
Secondly, her future was still uncertain at the moment, and keeping the elderly Liuhuo by her side would not be as safe and comfortable as letting Liuhuo stay in Xuan Ce Mansion to retire.
While she is still in Beijing, she should come to see it more often.
As soon as conditions permit in the future, she will immediately try to bring Liuhuo back to her side. She hopes that day will come.
"The money for rebuilding the northern border defense is about to come." Cui Jing said to her as they walked.
Chang Suining came back to his senses and said immediately, "That's great."
"But the silver allocated is only half of what I requested." Cui Jing said: "Although it is still insufficient, this matter should not be delayed any longer. I will lead the army to the northern border first, and then find another way to urge the court and the Ministry of Revenue to make up the rest as much as possible."
Chang Suining nodded. He was afraid that he didn't know how he had fought for this half, and the situation of Dasheng's treasury was not optimistic.
She looked at Cui Jing: "When do you plan to leave?"
"After the Double Ninth Festival, we will worship our ancestors." Cui Jing said, "In three days, I will go to the imperial mausoleum with the saint to worship our ancestors. Will you go with us?"
Many officials and their families would go together on the trip to worship their ancestors, but Chang Kuo was not in the capital now, so the Chang brothers and sisters had the choice whether to go together or not.
Preparations for ancestor worship need to be made in advance. Chang Sui'an is now in Xuan Ce's camp and it will be too late for him to return.
Chang Suining: "I will not be accompanying you to the imperial mausoleum to offer sacrifices to your ancestors. Madam Duan and I have made an appointment to go to Princess Chongyue's residence to offer sacrifices on the Double Ninth Festival. Madam Duan informed the Saint of this matter in advance, and he has approved it."
Cui Jing paused for a moment before nodding, "Alright."
As the two were talking, they had already arrived at the front yard.
At this time, under the guidance of a guard, Ming Luo, dressed in official uniform, came towards them with his maid.
Good night everyone (づ￣3￣)づ
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
