The decisive battle between the two countries is imminent, Yuehu Town will bear the brunt, and Liu Village will inevitably be affected by the war.
Jiang Yushu was seven months pregnant and had difficulty moving. In order to avoid dragging her family down when enemy soldiers attacked the village, she had to take shelter in the county temporarily.
The journey was long, her insteps were swollen, and she couldn't go alone, but she also didn't have the right to take everyone with her.
That morning, sobbing sounds were heard from the east room of the Guo family.
"Okay, stop crying."
"Silly girl, I'm just away for a while. I'll be back after the baby is born." Jiang Yushu comforted her softly.
Cuimei's eyes were red, and she was trying hard to hold back her tears. She choked up and said, "After the child is born, she will have to stay in confinement. If I calculate, she will be separated for at least four months. From childhood to adulthood, I have never been separated from you for this long. That's why I am so sad."
Jiang Yushu sighed, took out a handkerchief, wiped the tears from her confidant's eyes, and spoke softly, "If I could, I would definitely take everyone to the county to celebrate the New Year! But unfortunately, the exiles have no choice, and the government only allows three people. After careful consideration, I have limited mobility, Nanny Pan is old, and Azhe is sick. It would be better for everyone if the three of us, the elderly and sick, leave for a while."
"If the enemy attacks the village, and no one is holding you back in times of crisis, run as fast as you can to our old shelter in the back mountains. Do you understand?"
Cuimei couldn't stop sobbing and nodded frequently, "I understand, I understand, I just can't bear to leave the girl."
"Well, it's not like I won't be back."
The two of them spent every day together, sharing joys and sorrows. Jiang Yushu was also reluctant to let them go, and she urged them, "While I'm away, you and Xiaotao can stay in the same room and keep each other company. There are piles of leather at home, and there will be a lot left after giving them away. You two can take your pick, no matter what clothes, shoes, or hats you like. Especially you, in your free time, sew a few more dowry items. I'll buy some good fabrics from the county and arrange everything so that you can marry Changrong in style."
"Oh, why are you talking about this suddenly?" Cuimei felt embarrassed and her face turned red. She stopped crying and covered her face with her hands.
Jiang Yushu replied sternly, "Men should get married when they are old enough, and women should get married when they are old enough. How can we not make arrangements in advance? It will be so chaotic when the time comes, and it won't be beautiful."
Cuimei let go of her hand, her face flushed with shame, and said gratefully: "Young lady, you treat me so well!"
"You deserve it. I had several maids as a dowry, and the rest are in Changping. I only brought you to Heqin. You have always been diligent and hardworking, and I know it all."
"These are the duties of a servant." Cuimei wiped away her tears, her eyes red.
Jiang Yushu was about to speak when Nanny Pan came in, brushing the snow off her body as she said, "Madam, all the luggage has been loaded into the carriage. Oh, it's snowing so heavily outside! In another fortnight, the carriage won't be able to leave the mountain."
"Okay. I've packed everything. Where's Azhe?"
"He's done, too. He's waiting."
Jiang Yushu sighed, "Then let's set off, so that the snow won't block the road."
A moment later, outside the courtyard gate, the two groups said "take care" to each other.
The two drivers were acquaintances in the town. The carriage was spacious and a new seat was added for Guo Hongzhe.
Jiang Yushu sat side by side with Nanny Pan. Uneasy, she lifted the curtain and repeatedly warned, "When your life is at stake, don't worry about money or sheep, even this yard is just a thing of yours! When the enemy attacks the village, abandon it decisively without hesitation."
"Yes." Zhou Yan nodded continuously.
Jiang Yushu added, "Be prepared for a rainy day. Remember to bring food up the mountain in advance to avoid going hungry."
"Let's do it today!"
Jiang Yushu said seriously, "You are the most experienced person in this family. You should remind everyone to be vigilant during the day and alert at night. Don't be careless."
"Okay, everyone will be very careful! Don't worry, ma'am." Zhou Yan looked at the sky and urged those who were traveling to set off.
At the other side window, Hu Gang climbed up the window frame, mumbling and saying goodbye to Guo Hongzhe.
After a while, the two drivers each cracked their whips and shouted, "Go!"
The wheels rumbled as we moved forward against the wind and snow.
"Take care, girl!" Cuimei pulled Xiaotao and chased for a while before stopping reluctantly.
Jiang Yushu leaned over and waved, "Take care of yourselves, too!"
The road was blocked by wind and snow and the mountain road was bumpy.
The carriage shook for five days before arriving at the side door of the county government office.
The county magistrate's wife was named He. After discussing with her husband, she did not dare to be negligent. To show her sincerity, she hurried out to greet the guests as soon as she heard they had arrived.
"What are you standing there for? Go and help him up!"
The maids and servants obeyed the order and helped the guests get out of the car.
Mrs. He was over forty, not tall, but plump. She walked quickly to the front of the car, smiled, and asked warmly, "Yushu, I've been waiting for you to come! How was it? Did you have a smooth journey?"
Jiang Yushu stopped, wearing a snow-capped hat and a cloak, and replied with a smile: "It went quite smoothly. I'm really sorry to bother you again."
"Oh, no way? I'm stuck in the back court every day. I wish you could come over more often so we can have a good chat! I'm just afraid you'll think a middle-aged woman like me is boring." He was enthusiastic.
Snow fell, the chill biting. Jiang Yushu, wrapping herself tightly in her cloak, quickly replied, "How dare I? I'm afraid you'll look down on me for my youth and ignorance." She turned and introduced him, "His name is Azhe, Honglei's third brother. Azhe, this is the county magistrate's wife."
Guo Hongzhe stepped forward and bowed, "Mrs. Pan."
"Hey, Third Young Master, stop being so polite!" He quickly gave him a hand and looked at the former young master of the Marquis' Mansion.
Guo Hongzhe said politely, "There is no such thing as 'Third Young Master' any longer. Madam, please call me Ah Zhe."
"You are my husband's distinguished guests. It's only natural to call you 'Young Master'!" He smiled and raised her hand to invite him in. "It's cold, please come into the hall and take a seat."
Nanny Pan supported Jiang Yushu, and He led Guo Hongzhe, and the group walked inside. The maids were responsible for delivering the luggage to the guest rooms.
On the way, two maids followed, holding umbrellas to block the snow.
He held her guest's arm affectionately, speaking eloquently. She sighed, "Last time, I had intended to invite you to join me on this pilgrimage, but unfortunately you had an errand and had to rush back to Moon Lake. I wasn't able to go. What a pity."
A thin layer of snow covered the path, and Jiang Yushu walked cautiously. "I heard that the Nanpu Temple here is very popular, and I've wanted to go there to get a peace amulet for a long time. If I have the chance in the future, I will definitely try it."
"That's right! The amulets at Nanpu Temple are very effective. I'll take you there when the time comes." He walked and talked all the way, laughing all the way into the living room. After drinking tea, she continued chatting and laughing as she went to the guest room. She said kindly:
"You've been traveling so long, Third Young Master, please take a moment to rest. Later, when my husband, Lord Pei, and Lord Liu have finished their official duties, we'll prepare a small banquet to welcome you two."
Guo Hongzhe was not surprised at all. "Thank you, Madam, for taking the trouble to arrange it."
Then, He personally helped Jiang Yushu into another nearby guest room. When she entered, she first asked, "Yushu, take a look at this room. Are you satisfied?"
The guest should follow the host's wishes, how can he say "unsatisfied"?
Jiang Yushu glanced around, secretly surprised, and replied cheerfully, "Such a neat and elegant house must have taken a lot of effort on your part. Not only is it satisfying, but I also feel bad. Alas, we have caused you so much trouble."
"As long as you are satisfied!"
He smiled and said, "Actually, this room was decorated by my cousin, Lord Pei. It has nothing to do with me. You should thank him."
Jiang Yushu was stunned. "Huh?"
He, bearing her husband's instructions, was considerate and thoughtful, supporting him from front to back. She said with emotion, "Master Pei is taking care of my cousin, worried that you won't be comfortable. He has put in a lot of effort. Xiaoxi!"
"What do you want, Madam?" The maid came forward.
He ordered, "Move the fumigation basket closer to the couch so that we can serve Madam Guo well."
"Yes." The maid began to move the fumigation cage.
This bedroom was originally decorated by my cousin? No wonder it looked familiar. It was clearly modeled after Miss Jiang's boudoir, and it was about three or four points similar... Jiang Yushu sighed quietly, without making a sound.
After a while, He Madam reminded her, "You are pregnant and cannot bear any fatigue. Take a rest. If you have anything to ask, just tell the maid. Don't be polite."
Jiang Yushu was exhausted and responded with a smile.
In a blink of an eye, He and others left, and only Nanny Pan was left in the room.
Jiang Yushu was exhausted from the long days of traveling. She curled up in her bed and called out, "Mammy?"
"Hey." Nanny Pan stuck her head out and looked into the inner room.
Jiang Yushu said, "You should take a break too. There's no need to rush to pack your luggage."
"I slept in the carriage for half a day. I'm not sleepy."
Jiang Yushu closed her eyes and said, "Then sit for a while."
"good."
Nanny Pan agreed immediately, but she fidgeted restlessly, tiptoeing around the bedroom, frowning as she surveyed it. Inevitably, the old woman began to wonder, thinking to herself: It's only natural for cousins to look after each other, but the problem is that they were already engaged.
Lord Pei is so dedicated, could it be that he still hasn't given up?
Poor Second Young Master, he is in the military camp and has no time to visit his relatives... No matter what, I must help him defend against the guy named Pei!
In the evening, the uncle and his wife rested up and chatted with He in the hall.
As dusk fell, Zhuang Song arrived at the banquet and the hall became much more lively.
"Oh? Xiaozhuang is here, please sit down. Someone, bring the tea!" He's courtesy was impeccable.
Jiang Yushu asked familiarly, "It's been a while since we last met. How's everything been lately?"
"It's okay. How about you? Is Liu Village peaceful?" It was the first time that Zhuang Song was invited to attend the small banquet hosted by the county magistrate. He sat upright with his back straight, looking very reserved.
Jiang Yushu replied, "I'm fine." Guo Hongzhe then said, "Before we left, the village was peaceful. But after the rivers and streams freeze over, it's hard to say."
"Alas, those damned Northern thieves, they've lost all conscience. I bet their arrogance won't last much longer. Sooner or later, they'll have to go back to their lair!" He cursed bitterly, then stood up and said, "You guys chat. The three of them will be here soon. I'll go to the banquet hall to take a look."
The guests nodded.
He was with her husband at work and was short of staff, so she apologized and said "excuse me" and hurried to the banquet hall to check on the food and wine.
In Zhuang Song's mind, the county magistrate's wife was an "outsider." Once they were gone, he felt at ease. He tilted his head and said, "Knowing you were coming, I had some of our specialties made at home and sent them to the guest room. If you don't mind, please try some."
Jiang Yushu was amused. "Would we be polite to you?"
Guo Hongzhe said jokingly, "Maybe he'll ask you to bring more food after he finishes eating."
"Well, if you like it, just ask!" Zhuang Song waved his hand generously. "When I was in the village, I ate countless snacks at your house and never refused to eat."
Jiang Yushu observed attentively, then asked tentatively, "Master Zhuang's brow is shining, and there's a hint of joy between his eyebrows. Perhaps something good has happened to you, right? Could you tell me about it?"
"Hey, when did Mrs. Guo learn how to read faces?" Zhuang Song said with a smile.
Jiang Yushu nodded, "It seems that I guessed it right."
"You're probably going to get promoted, right?" Guo Hongzhe asked confidently.
Zhuang Song waved his hand, trying to hide his smile, but he couldn't hide his joy. He said modestly, "I'm just a clerk, I don't dare dream of promotion."
Jiang Yushu's thoughts raced as she speculated, "You've been in charge of supervising the planting of the new crops, working hard and making contributions. Your talent and qualifications dictate that you should be admitted to the sixth chamber. But I wonder if it's the household chamber or the workshop chamber?"
"...Mrs. Guo is truly brilliant and intelligent."
"Ahem." Zhuang Song was delighted. He glanced around and whispered, "The county magistrate has given me the order to manage the workshop. Starting next year, I have to supervise the planting of potatoes throughout the county. It's a headache, it's so difficult."
"You've been promoted, congratulations." Guo Hongzhe bowed to congratulate.
Jiang Yushu smiled, "Congratulations! We've known each other for a while, but Master Zhuang is keeping it a secret. Is he afraid we'll ask for your help?"
Zhuang Song hurriedly returned the greeting and explained, "Keep your voice down! The government hasn't announced it yet, so how can I possibly publicize it? I'll wait a few days until the appointment order is issued. I'll host two tables for a feast, and I hope you'll do me the honor of coming."
Jiang Yushu followed his instructions and replied softly, "It's a pity that I'm not able to move around easily, but if nothing unexpected happens, Azhe will come to congratulate you and share in the joy."
Guo Hongzhe nodded and was about to speak when he heard footsteps and voices outside the door:
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting for a long time because we are in court today." County Magistrate Pan Rui took the lead, his face flushed and striding with his head held high.
Pei Wenfeng's official robe was straight, his eyes were deep, and he asked with concern, "Cousin, did you have a smooth journey?"
County Magistrate Liu Tong followed, "This year, it snowed heavily. Fortunately, you are here, otherwise the snow would be so deep that the roads would be difficult to travel."
Jiang Yushu stood up upon hearing the voice, and they greeted each other. Finally, she smiled and said, "As the saying goes, 'auspicious snow indicates a good harvest.' I believe next year will be blessed with favorable weather and a bountiful harvest."
“Hahahaha~”
"Well, that's very well said. I hope we can have a good harvest every year!" Pan Ruimei smiled happily and said happily, "You have made an indelible contribution to the good harvest. Don't stand, sit down."
Zhuang Song had already stood up and offered himself to sit at the end of the table. Pei Wenfeng took his seat, and the cousins sat face to face.
After a few warm greetings, He came to invite her husband, saying, "The feast is about to begin. Please move to the banquet hall, guests?"
Pan Rui put down his teacup, stood up and said, "Everyone, please."
So, the group of people stepped out of the door and walked towards the banquet hall, politely giving way to each other.
Nanny Pan stayed by Jiang Yushu's side, supporting her.
On the way, when they were walking down the stairs, Pei Wenfeng involuntarily moved closer and raised his hand to support her. After a moment's hesitation, he changed his hand to a false one and whispered, "The snowy road is slippery, be careful, cousin."
At this moment.
Guo Honglei, wounded in his left arm, strode briskly to the front of the commander's tent and announced, "Guo Honglei wishes to see General Dou. I have military intelligence to report!"
The familiar bodyguard nodded and immediately went in to report.
"Let him in." Dou Yong ordered.
"yes!"
Dou Yong issued a military order, but by the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, he still had not been able to recapture Yongzhou.
The old general was burdened with worry, yet he remained calm on the surface. He said gently, "Honglei knows all the bends on the south bank of the Cang River. Ask him to mark this map in detail later so that Your Highness can better understand the terrain and the battle situation."
Prince Li was half-believing and half-doubting, "Oh? Then I'll test him."
The author has something to say:
Nanny Pan: Sir, don’t worry, I will definitely help you guard against your love rival!
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