"What are you laughing at?" Guo Honglei, controlling the reins in the bumpy carriage, gazed at his beaming wife, puzzled and saying with emotion, "Sometimes, I really don't understand why you're so happy! Like right now. Did something good happen? Can you tell me about it?"
In summer, the grass and trees are lush and green, and the frontier fields are vast and boundless. Jiang Yushu gazed at the rolling mountains in the sky, feeling relaxed and happy, as if she was running towards Heqin, but also towards the long-lost freedom, and she was joyful.
But it is not advisable to tell all this to your husband for the time being, so as to avoid being exposed when he asks you.
Jiang Yushu thought for a moment, looked around, and quickly took out a few corners of silver bills from her purse and motioned for the other party to see.
"Silver note?" Guo Honglei glanced at it and asked confidently, "Isn't it from your mother?"
Jiang Yushu moved closer, lowering her voice as she answered, "Three hundred taels! The old lady told me to keep it safe. When we get to Heqin, I'll use it to settle down and also to help you with your affairs so you don't have to suffer." After a pause, she asked in a low voice, "Hey, do you know where the banknotes came from?"
"Hmm?" Guo Honglei shook the reins, pondered for a moment, then turned his head and asked, "Could it be the money donated by Brother Gong? Just like when we were in the capital, our close friends and relatives generously donated money and helped the Guo family a lot. I've made note of all that kindness and will repay them when the opportunity arises."
Jiang Yushu whispered, "Actually, you're only half right! Brother Gong did give us some money for our trip, the three hundred taels the old lady gave us. But besides that, my sister-in-law, with a few words, got back the two thousand taels that my mother-in-law had given to Cousin Liao to bribe the prefect!"
"What? The two thousand taels can be returned?" Guo Honglei was very surprised. He turned around and asked, "Didn't my cousin use it for the expenses?"
Jiang Yushu put away the banknotes, frowned, and answered carefully, "She claimed to have sent jewelry, jade carvings, and aged ginseng to the prefect's wife, but she didn't mention whether she had used the two thousand taels. At that time, you urged the family to pack up quickly, and my cousin's husband came to pay his respects to the old lady. During the greetings, my sister-in-law asked my cousin in public, 'Is two thousand taels enough? If not, we can find another way.'"
"I see. My sister-in-law—" Guo Honglei hesitated and simply asked, "What was the result?"
"As a result, my cousin's husband was completely unaware and was utterly shocked. My cousin immediately claimed she hadn't used the banknotes, but had been forced to accept them and had kept them. She had intended to return them to the original owner, but had forgotten in the rush." Jiang Yushu leaned against her bundle and sighed, "Brother Gong blamed my cousin for accepting them. My cousin repeatedly explained and sent someone home to retrieve them... In short, it was quite an embarrassing scene."
Guo Honglei asked in a low voice, "In recent days, everyone in the family has been suffering. I know my sister-in-law's personality, but I wonder if Mother is angry?"
"No, the old lady has always been polite and pleasant."
Guo Honglei sighed, "Our family has fallen on hard times, and Mother has changed a lot. In the past, she would have been furious."
Jiang Yushu couldn't help laughing, her eyes sparkling as she whispered in her ear, "No way! I saw it all clearly: although the mother-in-law wasn't angry, she was furious inside. When my sister-in-law was bullying my cousin, she was busy minding her own business, not paying any attention, like an outsider. Listen, is she angry?"
"After going through so much hardship, the elders have finally been able to exercise restraint and forbearance. That's good."
Before they knew it, the two were getting closer and closer.
Jiang Yushu sighed, "Mother-in-law simply doesn't want to offend Brother Gong and is afraid of making an enemy."
"I believe in Brother Shi's character." Guo Honglei changed the subject, "It's a pity that he seems a little henpecked."
Jiang Yushu burst out laughing and waved her hand, saying, "Well, forget it. We won't see each other again after today, so let's not talk about them for now. Come on! Let's talk about Uncle Mu."
Guo Honglei leaned against the car frame, his slender eyebrows and bright eyes handsome and extraordinary, and said straightforwardly: "Miss, what do you want to know? Ask."
girl?
Pan Kui was riding a large horse, but because he was escorting grain, he couldn't gallop. He had to be patient, sometimes leading the way, and sometimes chatting with his cousin in the small carriage. At this moment, he casually wandered into the grain caravan and happened to hear Guo Honglei calling "girl". He was startled and hurriedly spurred his horse to take a closer look. He was immediately amused and asked in a low voice:
"Hey? I overheard you calling 'girl' and thought you were teasing the maid, but it turns out you were teasing your wife!"
Jiang Yushu looked up at the sound and was surprised to find that they were almost cuddling and very close. She blushed at the teasing and quickly moved away in embarrassment.
"Tsk, you are a proper couple, why should you be embarrassed? You people in the capital are so particular!" Pan Kui laughed.
Guo Honglei explained: "Your Excellency misunderstood. I wasn't teasing her, I was discussing family matters."
"It's up to you. I can't get involved in household affairs, and I'm too lazy to do it." Pan Kui sniffed, feeling uneasy. He frowned and asked, "But I see that the Guo family has quite a few maids, all of them are very delicate and always say 'Young Master' and 'Young Master'. Some of them are there to serve you, right?"
Guo Honglei answered frankly: "A few are."
Pan Kui, with his rough but subtle side, warned earnestly, "When you arrive at the garrison, don't act like a noble son, or you'll be disliked. Since ancient times, in the military, only bravery in killing the enemy can earn respect; nothing else will do!"
"Thank you for your advice, sir. I'll keep it in mind."
Jiang Yushu couldn't help but say, "Don't worry, sir. He was born into a noble family, it's true, but he was strictly taught by his elders since childhood. He is upright and motivated, without any bad habits of a playboy. He has always been diligent and down-to-earth, even a little 'silly' -"
"Cough cough!" Guo Honglei coughed with a stern face.
Jiang Yushu stopped and smiled guiltily.
"Hahahaha." Pan Kui laughed heartily, flicking his whip and teasingly asking, "Alas, women really do follow the man they marry. If you marry a fool, you can only speak well of him."
Jiang Yushu said hesitantly: "He is not a fool." @Infinite good articles, all in Jinjiang Literature City
Guo Honglei smiled and said seriously, "You don't know, she looks smart, but she often does stupid things. I guess my parents-in-law agreed to marry their daughter to me because I'm stupid..."
"You are the stupid one!" Jiang Yushu interrupted.
Pan Kui was so excited that he couldn't stop laughing. He said frankly, "One is stupid, the other is dumb. Their temperament, family background, and appearance are all perfect for each other. They are simply made for each other!"
Jiang Yushu was so irritated by the loud voice that she lowered her head, blushing, and pretended to pack her bag. Seeing this, Guo Honglei quietly waved at Pan Kui.
Pan Kui understood and said with emotion, "Alright, enough joking. Boy, you're a lucky guy. Even with your family in such a state of ruin, your wife still follows you wholeheartedly, without a trace of disdain."
Guo Honglei raised his head, smiled happily, and wanted to say something, but his words faltered for a moment, and he finally responded with a muffled "hmm".
The northern part of Xicang is high in elevation, with deep forests and dense grass, and is seldom populated.
The official road was winding and the carriage had to climb hills frequently, sometimes crossing streams and sometimes crossing bridges. Along the way, one could see large tracts of abandoned fields overgrown with weeds.
Two days later, the group arrived in Changping County.
The carriage was too stuffy, so Pan Rui rode his horse instead. He pointed his whip ahead and shouted, "Three miles ahead is Changping County! As promised, I've already sent someone to inform the Changping County Magistrate and Commander Mu, but whether they'll come or not is uncertain, and I can't influence that."
Wang leaned against the carriage frame and gazed into the distance, feeling a surge of worry. She said anxiously, "We have a large group of uninvited guests coming here without warning. I wonder if General Mu would be willing to help."
After getting acquainted, Guo Honglei borrowed a comrade's horse and rode it one-handedly, enjoying himself. He approached and comforted her, "Don't worry, mother. You can't count on others, but Mu Shibo and father have had a decades-long friendship. He's extraordinary and can be trusted."
"I hope so," Wang sighed with a wry smile. She had been repeatedly tortured by her trusted associates, becoming increasingly depressed and frail.
In the grain convoy, the master and his servants squeezed into one carriage, with Jiang Yushu in the middle. She grabbed the reins, shook them carefully, and whispered, "Go!"
Cuimei clapped her hands and praised: "You are amazing, girl!"
"It looks like driving a carriage is quite interesting." Xiao Tao was eager to try it.
Jiang Yushu smiled and said, "Hold on tight, I'll give it to you two to try later!"
Qian Xiaoshuan, who was standing next to him, was puzzled and asked quietly, "It's just driving a carriage. Is it worth them being so happy?"
Ding Yuan whispered, "I've heard that women from high-ranking officials and nobles don't leave the house, rarely seeing outsiders. They don't have much chance to go out for fresh air. The rules at the Marquis of Jingyang's mansion must be even stricter, which is why they're so ignorant and make such a fuss about driving a carriage."
"Then, isn't it like being in prison for a woman in a marquis's mansion? How pitiful."
Cuimei glanced over and whispered, "Xiaotao, that lecher is here again! He's been peeking at you a lot along the way."
"He's so annoying!" Xiao Tao said "Pooh" in disgust.
Jiang Yushu remained calm and whispered, "Ignore him and pretend he doesn't exist. If he dares to make a move, tell me immediately and I'll find a way to make him suffer!"
"yes."
At this time, Guo Honglei approached, looked down at his wife who was holding the reins tightly, and said loudly: "Be careful, don't drive the car into the ditch."
Jiang Yushu looked straight ahead, "If you fall into the ditch, it's your fault!"
"You're the one driving the car, why are you blaming me?"
Jiang Yushu replied calmly: "If the teaching is not strict, it is the teacher's laziness."
"...That's ridiculous." Guo Honglei raised his eyebrows and asked sternly, "I taught you seriously, so why don't you blame yourself for your poor understanding?"
Jiang Yushu suppressed a smile and replied, "Since you knew that your students were slow to comprehend, you should have taught them more seriously!"
Guo Honglei opened his mouth, but was choked. Without showing any annoyance, he chuckled and asked, "Where in the world can you find a student like you? You're so sharp-tongued, you actually dare to refute the teacher."
The next moment, a large group of people suddenly rushed over from the front, splashing up clouds of yellow dust.
Wang's eyes lit up, and she craned her neck to look, eagerly asking, "Who's coming? Are they here to pick us up?"
Jiang Yushu also became nervous and looked carefully.
Pan Rui was the first to announce, "Han, the Magistrate of Changping, is here in person!"
Guo Honglei then said, "The one leading the charge is General Mu!"
"Oh my." Wang Qiaozhen breathed a sigh of relief, hugged her mother-in-law and said happily, "That's great!"
Wang, however, was worried about the outcome and murmured, "Don't be too happy yet. Wait and see. Wait until it's done before you're happy. Otherwise, it's just another empty joy."
As he was speaking, Guo Honglei galloped towards him on his horse, and after a while, the two sides met.
"Whoa!" Although Guo Honglei only had one hand, he jumped down nimbly and strode forward.
The newcomers also dismounted. The leader had gray hair and beard, a strong body, a ruddy face, and a majestic demeanor.
"Uncle!" Guo Honglei stopped, bowed deeply, and said, "My nephew greets you."
Mu Kang sighed, lifted up his best friend's son with both hands, and said solemnly, "Hurry up! I just read the letter and learned that something happened to you in the capital. My dear child, I appreciate your hard work and leading your family all the way here."
"I should do my best to take care of my family," Guo Honglei apologized. "We had originally agreed that only males would come to live with us, but something unexpected happened. I had no choice but to send my family here. I'm acting rashly, so I hope you can understand."
Mu Kang frowned and said, "What are you worried about? As long as you don't leave Xicang, it's the same wherever you go, you'll be forced to work as a soldier and cultivate the land!" After saying this, he turned around and asked, "County Magistrate Han, is that the truth?"
Changping County Magistrate Han Kai nodded and replied gently, "That's right, just as the General said. Submit the list to the county government, and after verification and registration, the relevant Guo family members can stay in Changping to cultivate the land."
Guo Honglei felt relieved immediately and said gratefully, "Thank you, sir!"
As they were talking, Jiang Yushu and others and the Pan brothers hurried over.
Mu Kang was the most powerful person present, so Pan Kui led the others in greeting, kneeling on one knee and clasping his fists, saying, "Greetings, General!"
Just now they were old friends, now they were soldiers. Guo Honglei followed his comrades and bowed again.
Mu Kang was dignified without being angry. "Everyone, stand up. No need for formalities."
"yes."
Afterwards, Jiang Yushu, her elder sister-in-law, younger brother-in-law, nephew and others bowed respectfully together.
Pan Rui bowed to his friend and said, "Thank you, Brother Han, for coming all this way in such hot weather."
"It's my duty. It's all for official business." Han Kai leaned closer and whispered, "Besides, General Mu invited me. How can I refuse?"
The two of them understood each other tacitly and smiled at each other.
Han Kai ordered his men to take over the Guo family's military farming list and verify it, and then they tactfully avoided it.
On the official road to the frontier, old friends gather together.
Wang Shi felt mixed emotions and asked with concern, "General, are you all right?"
"He's old, I wonder how many more years he can defend the border." Mu Kang looked at the skinny, dark-skinned child, feeling pity. He sighed, "Yu'er has grown a lot. Two years ago, when I returned to the capital to visit my relatives, Yuan Ming specially brought his grandson to me. He was still in swaddling clothes then... Life is unpredictable. In the blink of an eye, Yuan Ming has passed away due to illness."
Talking about her husband, Wang couldn't help feeling sad, and said in a trembling voice: "The Marquis passed away, leaving behind such a big family. I really am..." She paused, choked with sobs and burst into tears.
The younger generations were also sad and tried to comfort the old man.
Mu Kang patted Guo Yu's head and said solemnly, "Yuan Ming wrote to me before his death, asking me to look after the Guo family. With such a close friend's entrustment, I will do my best. Honglei, have you and your wife really decided to go to Heqin?"
Jiang Yushu nodded, and Guo Honglei replied sternly, "Yes. My nephew cannot go back on his word."
"Well, whatever." Mu Kang patted the dashing young man on the shoulder and encouraged him, "It's rare for you to be so brave! I don't understand farming and sericulture, but Honglei, fighting on the battlefield requires more than brute force. You must understand military tactics and strategies." With that, he tilted his head, and his personal guards understood and presented him with a bundle. Mu Kang handed the bundle to his nephew, solemnly instructing him, "Here are some military manuals. Take them to Heqin and read them carefully over and over again when you have time. If you have any questions, please write to me."
Guo Honglei was a young head of the family, and he had always endured hardships with gritted teeth. But now, his eyes were burning, and he knelt on his knees, gratefully accepting the military manual and kowtowed, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, uncle! My nephew's life or death is uncertain. If anything happens, I can only ask for your care for the elderly, weak, women, and children of the Guo family."
"Don't say that. It's unlucky." Mu Kang helped him up again and said solemnly, "Sacrificing one's life for the country is a worthy death. Da Gan will not treat the family of the hero harshly."
Wang was heartbroken. She grabbed her second son and cried to Mu Kang, "General! Please persuade this child and take him back to Changpingwei... My Yao'er is gone, and there are so many old and young people at home. If Honglei gets into another accident, how will I live?"
Mu Kang replied, "Honglei has made up his mind. No one can persuade him. Besides, how can a man survive if he goes back on his word?"
"Heqin is in a chaotic situation. How dangerous is it for a reckless boy like him?" Wang kept begging, tears streaming down her face.
Mu Kang shook his head and fell silent.
Jiang Yushu supported her mother-in-law, feeling helpless. She could only say, "Sister-in-law, please comfort her. When we get to Heqin, we will write to her often to let her know we are safe."
"Okay!" Wang Qiaozhen agreed readily.
Amidst the chaos, a minor official from Changping reported to the county magistrate, "Sir, the list has been verified and there are no mistakes."
It’s getting late and the road to Heqin is long.
Guo Honglei had no choice but to harden his heart. He and his wife knelt down to bid farewell to his mother and elders, and set off to continue heading north amid the crying of his family.
The wheels rumbled. Jiang Yushu, while teaching Xiaotao how to drive, said to the new cavalryman beside her, "Don't worry. Mother has her sister-in-law to serve her and her children and grandchildren to care for her. She will eventually come to terms with it."
Guo Honglei sighed and said helplessly, "Since ancient times, it has been difficult to be both loyal and filial. Today I truly experienced it."
Jiang Yushu comforted him, "After Da Gan completely defeats Bei Jiao, the world will be at peace, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to fulfill your filial duties!"
"I hope that day won't be too late." Guo Honglei looked solemn and walked slowly, reining in the reins.
Three days later. Qiushui River
The sun was scorching, and the beach was covered with pebbles. The stones were hot, but the shallow river water was cool.
Jiang Yushu twisted her handkerchief and turned to ask, "Master Pan, I heard that this Qiu River originates from the snow-capped mountains deep in the grassland, is that correct?"
Pan Kui washed his face and said, "Yes!"
Guo Honglei reminded: "The water is cold, use less."
"Qiushui isn't that cold," Pan Kui declared loudly, "Cangjiang is icy cold!"
Jiang Yushu thought for a moment, "How wide is the Cang River?"
"In Xi Cang, the widest part is more than seventy feet, and the narrowest part is only a few feet. However, the river is very turbulent, with rugged rocks and whirlpools on both sides. If someone falls into the water, he will surely die!" Pan Kui held his breath and plunged his head into the river and shook it.
Pan Rui continued, "A tributary of the Cang River is called the Mu River, and Yongzhou is on the other side of the river."
The young couple nodded together, full of curiosity about Heqin.
"Cool!" Pan Kui, half wet, said happily, "We should be able to reach the county town before dark!"
Sure enough, when dusk fell, a long line of grain carts filed into the city.
Jiang Yushu said excitedly: "This is Heqin County!"
"Oh my god, it's so run-down." Cuimei looked around and whispered, "It's only evening, and there aren't many people on the street? Look, every shop is deserted, and the shop assistants are lazy."
Indeed, Heqin is adjacent to Yongzhou, and has been devastated by frequent wars. People are in panic and living in dire straits.
Jiang Yushu was observing carefully when she suddenly saw beggars from the corners and alleys rushing up, blocking the road and surrounding the grain cart. They were all ragged, with pale faces and thin bodies, and begged bitterly:
"Please, give me something to eat!"
"Master, please be merciful and give us something to eat."
"Please, have mercy."
"Sir! Please give me some alms."
…
The officers were used to it and skillfully dispersed them, shouting, "Get out of the way! Everyone, get out of the way! Don't block the road. We have grain on our carts, and it's inedible. Go beg somewhere else."
Guo Honglei led his trusted servants to approach quickly and used horses to block the women.
Pan Rui sat on his horse, his brow furrowed with worry, feeling powerless. Pan Kui comforted him, saying, "Don't worry, brother. The county will have grain by the autumn harvest."
"I know what's going on. I calculated it long ago. There aren't many left." Pan Rui was visibly anxious. He turned and stared at Jiang Yushu, saying wearily, "See? Heqin is really short of food. A month ago, when the crops were about to ripen, the Beiqi secretly set fire to them, burning down a lot of them. So, you have to teach people to plant the potatoes quickly! Regardless of the harvest, we must first stabilize the victims."
Jiang Yushu replied cautiously, "Even if you didn't urge me, I would hurry. The potatoes have been shipped from the capital to the frontier and have been stored in the city cellar for a long time. They are about to sprout and must be planted as soon as possible. But now we have no farmland, farm tools, or manpower. What do you think we should do?"
"That's easy!" Pan Rui waved his hand. "When we get back to the county government office, I'll immediately give orders and get things done as quickly as possible!"
Jiang Yushu said hurriedly, "But I need to check the farmland first, otherwise there will be no harvest even if I plant it."
Let's try our best to stabilize the people's hearts. Thinking of this, Pan Rui answered readily, "Okay! If you're not afraid of hard work, even better. Put in more effort and try to grow some food!"
Nighttime County Yamen Guest Room
Everything was quiet, and the young couple was busy working under the lamp.
Guo Honglei sealed the letter announcing his safety and stood up to ask, "How's it going? Have you decided where to go first?"
"Hmm." Jiang Yushu pointed at the simple map she had drawn and said with lowered eyes, "I've carefully read the county annals. Tomorrow morning, after leaving the suburbs, we'll first visit Liangang Town, then go north through Rao'an, then go to Ganqiao, and finally go directly to Yuehu Town!"
Guo Honglei examined the map. "What about the rest?"
Jiang Yushu rubbed her sore eyes, leaned back in her chair, and answered sleepily, "Time is tight, I don't have time to finish all of them in one go, let's talk about it another day. Fortunately, the captain is kind and righteous, allowing you to recover from your injuries before going back to the battlefield, so that I can have more company when I go out."
"The magistrate has ordered that the seeds must be planted within ten days. Rest up, as we must be up early tomorrow."
In the hustle and bustle, Jiang Yushu suddenly remembered, slapped her forehead, and said in frustration: "But I haven't taken a shower yet..."
Guo Honglei was stunned and asked in surprise, "Half an hour ago, the maid came to ask you, didn't you say you didn't want to wash it?"
"How is that possible? I must have been too busy to remember what happened." Jiang Yushu stood up and went back to her room to wash up.
Guo Honglei nodded and whispered, "I haven't washed yet either, let's go together."
The author has something to say:
Today I challenged the daily 10,000 again, and the result was... [The author sighed while holding the keyboard]
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