On the second morning when the day just broke out, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu came to wait upon Shen Miao. When they entered they saw Shen Miao sleeping on the couch, and the quilt was gone with a fox fur coat covering her.
Both of them were suddenly stupefied. Yesterday when they left, there was no fox fur coat so where did this come from? Jing Zhe woke Shen Miao up and after she woke up, Shen Miao looked at the fox fur coat at a loss.
Even though the effect of the plum blossom wine was great but just like the farm’s mistress said, there will not be any dizziness the next day. One’s head was not dizzy but one was unable to recall anything that happened the night before. She could not even remember how she came to this room.
Gu Yu held that snow white fox fur coat and said, “Young Lady, where does this fox fur coat come from?”
Shen Miao took the fox fur coat and shook her head.
“The chest for Young Lady’s coats are all here, is it that Young Lady took it out when one was drunk yesterday night?” Jing Zhen asked probingly, “But why is it that it seem that is one’s first time seeing this fox fur coat?”
They actually did not think towards any other direction since Shen Miao was after all here last night, and there were guards on duty outside and nothing happened. It was just that this fox fur coat is strangely here. Shen Miao said, “Bring it out and ask the farmer if it is theirs.”
When they saw the farm’s owner, the owner shook his head, “Our family do not have such a good fox fur. Lady must have mistaken.”
Shen Qiu fished the fox fur over, “This fox fur does not seem to be an ordinary thing. Younger Sister, no matter where this comes from, it would be worth a lot. From the handiwork, it look gorgeous but the cutting was not done very good, as one feel that it is too big for you to wear.”
Shen Miao took the fox fur coat, and her heart wondered as she could not remember when she had such a cloak before. But hearing Shen Qiu mention that it was worth quite a bit of money, she naturally took it back and lied without changing her expression, “Speaking of which, it seem that it was bought previously in the the Ding capital. Jing Zhe, keep it.”
Jing Zhe was racking one’s brain recalling when did Shen Miao bought this cloak but when she heard her say so, she did not continue pondering and immediately complied before keeping the cloak in the chest. Shen Miao shook her head, not caring where the cloak came from but in this trip to the Xiao Chun City, one fear there would be many places that will require money, and that now Shen Xin was not like previously, if there was really a hard-pressed day, one could exchange this cloak for a lot of money to spend. Thinking of that, those messy conjectures became dispensable.
Time as always went exceptionally fast.
Looking at scenery with a different state of mind would also be different. Even though one had to go all the way to the Xiao Chun City, the route was bumpy and muddy and one would be fatigued with the journey, Shen Miao did not even mention a word of tiredness. Those of the front section of the Shen family’s army that were implicated and Shen Xin’s confidants that came along, all became closer with one other due to the shared joy and hardship on the road.
Since leaving the capital at the second month, the start of spring, one finally arrived in the Xiao Chun City at the early days of the eight month.
The Xiao Chun City was located at the border of Ming Qi and was indeed a very small city. If one were to speak about the highest ranked official in the city, it would be the guarding General Luo, Luo Sui. All the while, Luo Sui protected the Xiao Chun City’s people to live and work in peace, but because this city and the Ding capital were far too apart, everyone knew that this job was not considered an ideal position. Moreover after so many years, the Luo family army’s was almost dispersed, and the Luo family had nothing more than just military glory in the Xiao Chun City.
When the guards at the city gates saw Luo Xue Yan’s Luo family placard, they were suddenly in awe and got someone to send the news to the Luo family. The Xiao Chun City was only that big, so when the Shen family brought such a large group of people into the city, the commoners immediately noticed and all came forward to inquire. When they heard that the Luo family’s married daughter had brought her entire family over, in shortly it was bustling.
Jing Zhe quietly parted the carriage’s curtains and looked out before saying to Shen Miao, “Young Lady, this is the Xiao Chun City.”
Shen Miao took a glimpse outside.
The Xiao Chun City was not as unbearable as like the noble young ladies had spoken about. Even though it was small, it was also lively. It was just that the sandy winds were greater and because of the bigger sandy winds, the female complexion would normally become slightly darker, and not as delicate as like those females in the capital. Perhaps locals are more open-minded or perhaps the people are very lively and active, they had a unruly appearance which made others feel full of vitality. There was no lack of things to buy at the stores by the street.
As Jing Zhe looked, she became happier and the apprehension that she previously had were swept away, “Young Lady, there is not much difference between the Xiao Chun City and the Ding capital.”
“Does Jiao Jiao like this place?” Luo Xue Yan asked uneasily. She was most afraid that Shen Miao was not used to this place. Luo Xue Yan grew up in the Xiao Chun City so there was no problems for her. Shen Qiu and Shen Xin were generals that experience battles, so one need not say anything more. It was only her delicately raised daughter that need her to worry.
Shen Miao smiled, “It is rather good here.”
Only with that Luo Xue Yan’s heart settled down and smiled, “Let us go to your WaiZu’s (aka maternal grandparent) house. Ever since you were aware of things, you have never seen her before. You still have two JiuJiu, three Older Brothers and one Older Sister. They are all good people so they will definitely like you.”
Luo Furen passed away very early and Luo Sui has been single for all these years. The Luo family has three siblings and Luo Xue Yan was the Youngest Sister. When Shen Miao was born the Luo family travelled all the way to the capital to see her, but after that because of the far distance between the Xiao Chun City and the capital, and since the other side cannot leave, Shen Miao and the Luo family had never met before. In the previous life Shen Miao’s impression of the Luo family was also vague so when she heard Luo Xue Yan speak of them, she smiled.
At the moment in front of the Luo family’s residence’s door, there was a crowd of people. There were commoners who came to watch the activity and also the Luo family’s people.
Luo Sui stood right at the front with two middle-aged couples behind him, and there were three youths and one young female behind the couples. Those youths had upright features and awe-inspiring presence. Even though they were young, they had the bearing of valiant Generals. That young female’s complexion was a healthy wheat colour, her eyes were almond shaped and had diamond shaped lips that with one look, one could tell that she has a bold and aggressive character. She tugged the youth beside and asked, “Eldest Brother, what do you say of the kind of person that Biao Younger Sister is?”
The youth that she was pulling had a good temper and warmly said, “Of course she is not a bad person.”
“What not bad? Can not you speak clearer?” The young female was unforgiving, “Only look pretty. You look at all those Young Ladies that came to our Xiao Chun City from the Ding capital, each one of them were beautiful but their character was so delicate that it made one feel hateful. Furthermore, the Young Lady who came to this City to visit said that she knew Biao Younger Sister.” Her voice was lowered down but one was able to hear her crisp voice, “One heard that Biao Younger Sister’s reputation is not good.”
“Tan-er.” A strict voice interrupted the young female’s words, it was Luo Sui who spoke and fiercely glared at the young female, Tan-er. The young lady quickly stood up straight and stuck her tongue out and no longer spoke.
She did not speak but the youngest youth, who seemed to be more lively, came over and pulled Tan-er’s hand, “YeYe (aka Grandfather) is biased. This Biao Younger Sister has just come and he is already protecting her to this level. I want to see what kind of character this Biao Younger Sister is.”
Shen Xin was often at the Northwestern region fighting battles and would often pass through the Xiao Chun City on the way, thus they would come over every year so Shen Qiu and the Luo family were acquainted. If one were speak of what the Luo family was interested in, it would most probably be Shen Miao, who they had not seen since her birth. The vastness under Heavens was big and also small. Occasionally there would also be officials that were demoted that would come over, so they were also aware of the Ding capital’s rumours. In the course of time, what kind of person Shen Miao was, that idiotic Di daughter as the rumours said, it was spread all over in this Xiao Chun City.
Knowing one by reputation was not as good as meeting the person. To finally have the opportunity to meet today, many commoners surrounded the area, and it seem that majority of them wanted just to see how did Shen Miao actually look like.
Just as this young female and youth were whispering, an entourage and a carriage slowly came over and the one leading was Shen Xin, with Shen Qiu and the rest following while behind them was a troop of soldiers.
“Father.” Shen Xin dismounted and Shen Qiu also quickly followed and ran over to Luo Sui with a smile, “WaiZu.”
Luo Sui’s eyes gave the father and son a swipe before landing on the horse carriage. After all when one see too often one will not relish it, what Luo Sui wanted to see the most was still his granddaughter.
A slightly rounded Furen smiled and said warmly, “XiaoGu (aka husband’s younger sister) and Jiao Jiao should be in the horse carriage. One fear that they are very tired after such a long journey.”
When the voice sounded, one saw the curtain of the horse carriage opening and Jing Zhe and Gu Yu supported Luo Xue Yan out, before Luo Xue Yan held her hand towards the carriage and brought a little young lady out.
That young lady bend over and disembarked from the horse carriage. When she raised her head, a charming and pretty face was revealed and when she turned around she was already dragged to the front by Luo Xue Yan, “Jiao Jiao, we have returned home.”
That young female, by the name of Tan-er, opened her mouth but did not speak.
Xiao Chun City’s sandy winds were large and dry, thus the females’ complexion would be darker. It was rare to see a fair complexion, not to mention this fair young female. That young female had very delicate features and because of her snow white complexion, she was like a painting. Black brows and eyes, small nose and red moist lips.
But the thing that made others amazed was her bearing. Luo Xue Yan held her hands and she looked like a very delicate young lady. Under Luo Xue Yan’s valiant and formidable air, she did not look at all weak but even seemed more dignified and noble, as if she was the leading character instead.
The surrounding commoners and the Luo family’s people were somewhat dumbfounded.
When one saw another it was to see the other’s bearing. Appearance was important but aptitude was the most important for women aside from beauty. This Shen family’s young lady’s bearing was much more impressive than her appearance.
She took each step with Luo Xue Yan forward till they reached in front of Luo Sui. Luo Sui was tall and big and had deep features. As compared to Shen Xin’s ruggedness, he appeared to be much more serious and unreasonable. He frowned as he stared at Shen Miao. With this kind of cold appearance, if those young ladies who were a little less courageous saw it, they would directly cry in fear. Shen Miao looked like a delicate young lady from the Ding capital, so everyone thought that she would certainly be frightened. Tan-er and the youth beside had their lips hooked up as if watching a show.
Shen Miao raised her head and looked face to face at Luo Sui. Her facial features were smooth and her body was soft, apparently not nervous because of Luo Sui’s reaction. Her gaze was calm and she even slightly smiled like the attitude of a superior to a subordinate, and startled Luo Sui for a moment.
‘Like the attitude of a superior to a subordinate’.
The Luo family was like the city lord of the Xiao Chun City, where would there be a superior?
Luo Sui froze for a moment before suddenly laughing. His laughter made the surrounded nervous people surprised. Luo Sui patted Shen Miao’s head and said with a loud warm energy, “Girl, why are you not greeting me?”
“WaiZu (aka maternal grandparent).” Shen Miao gently answered.
Luo Xue Yan then was relieved. Luo Sui was different from Shen Xin, Shen Xin spoiled Shen Miao to Heavens, but Luo Sui has been a stern father since forever. Even her was a bit afraid of Luo Sui when she was young. Now that Luo Sui was much older, he was not as dignified as before but his habit of scaring young ladies was unchanged. One fear that he would scare Shen Miao, but fortunately Shen Miao’s response was not that big so Luo Xue Yan’s was somewhat proud.
Not only Shen Miao’s attitude made Luo Xue Yan feel relieved, but at the same time it made the surrounding people surprised. The young ladies from the Ding capital seemed to only know how to weep endlessly and lead an extravagant life. Tan-er said unconvincing to the youth beside, “Must be pretending not to be afraid.”
The oldest youth of them, who also had the best temper, was however looking at Shen Miao thoughtfully and did not speak.
Luo Xue Yan pulled Shen Miao up to introduce her. Other than Luo Sui, there were two sons in the Luo family, which were Shen Miao’s two JiuJui, Luo Lian Ying and Luo Lian Tai.
Luo Lian Ying’s wife was Madam Yu, a gentle, soft and genuine female. She gave birth to two sons, Luo Ling and Lou Sa.
Shen Miao’s Second JiuJiu, Lou Lian Tai’s wife was Madam Ma. Her maiden family did some business and she was astute and vigorous. She gave birth to a pair of sister and brother. The Older Sister was Luo Tan and the Younger Brother was Luo Qian
Luo Ling was Shen Miao Eldest Biao Brother, he was currently eighteen and had a gentle temper, exactly the same as Madam Yu. When one see him, he would politely and warmly greet. He was a very thoughtful person. Second Biao Older Brother, Luo Sa was seventeen and also Luo Ling’s blood sibling but had a fierce temper, coldly scoffing at Shen Miao before ridiculing, “Can the Ding capital city Young Lady withstand the wind and sand?” Luo Lian Ying kicked him fiercely.
That Luo Tan was sixteen this year and seemed to be suspicious of Shen Miao, thus her attitude was not warm and more towards curious. Luo Tan’s Younger Brother was the same age as Shen Miao and directly looked at Shen Miao to size her up. He had a rounded face and seemed to be picky.
After greeting the entire Luo family and identified everyone, Luo Sui then let Luo Xue Yan bring them into the residence.
The Luo residence was a place in which one big family lived at and got along harmoniously. The Shen family was placed at the courtyard that Luo Xue Yan had before she was married. When the servants went to tidy up the rooms, everyone were at the main hall talking.
After the initial bustling, serious matters were discussed. The Luo family and the Shen family were different. When the Shen family was in the Ding capital, because Shen Gui and Shen Wan took the route of a civil official, different from Shen Xin, naturally there were no discussion of the matters in court. Moreover they were not of the same blood and separated by different bellies, so one would not bring out matters that were private. The Luo family was different, they were all one big family. Not only Luo Lian Ying and Luo Lian Tai could talk here, even the younger generation, Luo Ling and the rest, could also listen and even the female members could too. When Shen Xin entire family came, naturally one would want to listen.
“Yan-er, what are your future plans with this trip back to the Xiao Chun City.” Luo Sui asked.
The letter that was sent previously to them, had informed them of the matter of Shen Xin’s military tally being confiscated, and that he was moving out to the Xiao Chun City to guard. It was just that at that time, it was difficult to discuss things when they were far apart, thus questions were asked now that they were here.
Luo Xue Yan smiled and said, “Why Father ask this? Since one have come to the Xiao Chun City, naturally is to settle down here as well.” About the matter of reviving the Luo family’s army, both Luo Xue Yan and Shen Xin did not know how to tell Luo Sui. With Luo Sui’s old-fashioned character, one felt that it would take some time.
“Third Younger Sister.” It was however Luo Lian Ying who spoke. He looked at Shen Xin and hesitated for a moment before asking, “But for the Shen family’s army to be confiscated like this, is there no room for redemption?”
They were military generals and could understand the significant of an army to a General. Shen Xin had been busily engaging in warfare for so many years, so how could it be easy for him to suddenly be an idle commoner. If it was them, they fear that it would be difficult to calm down from that outrage.
Shen Xin cupped his hands, “Eldest Brother, rather than reproach, it would be better to let nature take its course. This Xiao Chun City is also quite good, I also want to live my life where Xue Yan grew up.”
Hearing that, Luo Sui looked at Shen Xin a few more times and the serious look on his face had eased up a bit, “It is rare to see you have change your temperament.”
Everyone were all clear of Shen Xin’s straightforward and bustling temperament so when he spoke so calmly, it was beyond everyone’s expectations.
Shen Miao looked at the Luo family’s expression and suddenly asked, “Grandfather, one heard that there are Tu Jue at the border of the Xiao Chun City.”
With that remark, the surrounding suddenly turned silent.
A moment later, Madam Ma reacted. She had a frank and straightforward character and said with a smile, “Jiao Jio need not be afraid. Those Tu Jue are all outside the city and dare not come in. Even if they come in, our Luo family’s soldiers will chase them away. It has been safe and sound for so many years, thus it not something to fear about.”
Shen Qiu also thought that Shen Miao was scared and softly comforted, “Jiu Niang (aka maternal uncle’s wife) is right, Jiao Jiao do not need to be afraid.”
Shen Miao’s eyes dropped. The Xiao Chun City was a small border town and naturally it would be harassed by nomads. The Eastern Tu Jue was one of them. These people were strong and had fast horses so when they battle, they would be very ferocious. If they were to fight for real, the one at the disadvantage might be Ming Qi. It was because the Xiao Chun City was easy to defend and difficult to attack and combined with the Luo family’s reputation, these Tu Jue dared not advance and only harassed a little at the border. Every year from the eighth to tenth months, the Tu Jue will suffer from droughts and will come to the Xiao Chun City to steal stuff. After some small fights, they would be chased away. The commoners were used to it and did not put it to heart.
However Shen Miao remember that it was this year that a major event happened in the Xiao Chun City.
She nodded her head and inadvertently said, “The Luo family’s army is as brave as Father’s Shen family’s army. In that case when the Tu Jue attack the city, there will not be any problems resisting.”
Luo Sui’s face stiffened, and Luo Lian Ying’s and Luo Lian Tai’s expressions became ugly and even a little embarrassed. Since there were no opponents, the Luo family could not afford to pay for such huge military expenditures, and coupled with the fact that the Emperor Wen Hui in the Ding capital simply did not care about the Xiao Chun City, thus there was no difference when the Luo family’s army dispersed. The soldiers went home to farm and do business, and the remaining Luo family’s army only require some scattered money. Other than going yearly to the border to deter the few Tu Jue, there was actually nothing to do. Comparing the Luo family’s army and the Shen family’s army was simply slapping the Luo family’s faces.
Luo Sa immediately became hostile and looked at Shen Miao with extreme anger, “What is your meaning?”
Luo Ling quickly pulled him back and looked at Shen Miao gently, “Second Younger Brother’s words are too serious. Biao Younger Sister must not be as short sighted as Second Younger brother.”
“Those who come from the Ding capital are really not the same.” Luo Tan’s lips twitched, “We have been staying here for so many years in peace but when Biao Younger Sister come over, one fear this and that. Do not worry, the Tu Jue will not be able to enter the city. This has been going on for so many years.”
Shen Miao gently smiled, “What happens when they enter the city?”
Luo Tan did not expect that Shen Miao would counterattack, and could not help but be surprised for a moment.
Luo Sui who was sitting at the highest seat did not speak. The Luo family educate the next generation as such, by letting them fight, letting them debate, so that they are able to grope out more things. The elders would sit at the side and watch. Shen Miao’s words just now were interesting and since Luo Sui did not speak, it was not good for Luo Lian Ying and the rest to do it, so they could only look as the younger generation spoke.
“How could they possibly enter the city?” Luo Tan was flustered and exasperated, “All that those Tu Jue want are goods and tools. Once the tenth month is over, their drought will be over so naturally they will not do anything. How is it easy since one would need to do battle after entering the city?”
Shen Miao’s expression did not change as she lightly said, “For ten years, they only required food and tools. Is not this too easy to satisfy?”
Everyone was surprised for a moment.
Luo Qian’s age was similar to Shen Miao so he asked curiously, “Little Biao Young Sister, what do you mean?”
“If it was me, one would not be satisfied just with that.” Shen Miao replied warmly, “They have brave soldiers, strong horses and plains to retreat. All of these, as compared to the scattered soldiers in the the Xiao Chun City and their humble weapons, are just too good to pass. Why not go and fight for it? If one did not fight before, it was only because one was not familiar with the Xiao Chun City’s routes but after feeling them for about over ten years, a small city like this, even if one come once a year and only go to one place each time, a map can be drawn up.” She tilted her head and gently smiled, “When the two army confront one another, one side is fully prepared but did not take action. Is it because one was abiding to the rules in those years or had to abide to someone’s rules?”
For a long time, no one in the room spoke.
The Tu Jue had no wild schemes with the Xiao Chun City, and every time would only steal some stuff due to the lack of suppliers, thus everyone were used to it. Who knew that with Shen Miao’s words today, it had awaken them to a side that they had never dream about.
Correct. The Tu Jue had everything and for people who had everything, why would they not have wild schemes to grab the Xiao Chun City in, and how would the people in the City be able to withstand it?
Luo Sa’s expression slowly changed as he looked at Shen Miao. Even though his tone of voice was still not good, as compared to the anger before, it had eased up a lot, “Then what do you want to say?”
“I find that the Luo family’s army is not tightly assembled as the Shen family’s army.” Shen Miao said it politely, how was it not as tightly assembled as the Shen family’s army? It was clearly a sheet of loose sand. Seeing the flash of pain in Luo Sui’s expression, Shen Miao gently smiled, “When one was young, one heard Mother mentioning about WaiZu’s heroic days of leading the Luo family’s army. Have WaiZu ever thought of restoring the glory of the Luo family’s army again?”
Restoring the glory of the Luo family’s army.
Everyone in the room sucked in a mouthful of cold air. Even Shen Xin and Luo Xue Yan also looked at Shen Miao incredulously.
Luo Qian and Luo Tan brightened before one’s eyes. The younger generation were always looking towards the unlimited glorious scene so when Shen Miao painted such a scene, it would make those youths’ and young ladies’ hearts greatly satisfied. Luo Ling and Luo Sa were older and their appearance was not as eager, but one can still see a trace of hope in Luo Sa’s eyes.
Luo Sui looked at Shen Miao for a while before laughing suddenly, “You little girl have a rather big ambition. It is rare to see the kind of place in the Ding capital that could raise such a hard character.” Between his words, there were some sense of admiration and appreciation.
Luo Xue Yan and Shen Xin immediately became proud. However it was only for a short moment as Luo Sui signed and said with an unknown tone, “Girl, it is just that the restoration of the Luo family’s army’s glory is not as easy as you speak about. Money is required for army provisions, how would the Luo family bear such a burden. To support an army but without any usage. Girl, do you want to squander all my Luo family’s money into it?”
Thousands of days were required to train an army but it would be only used for a moment. Those soldiers were trained using the country’s treasury as for the Luo family’s army, who was far at the border, since Emperor Wen Hui could then feel assured in his safety, It meant that the Luo family’s army would not be allocated money. For the Luo family to be burdened of this military expense, but not knowing who they would be dealing with, or when they would be fighting with, was indeed a sad thing.
“The court is not willing to give the Luo family money, because the Luo family’s army is not outstanding. If the Luo family’s reputation was impressive and won battles, naturally to calm the forces in court, His Majesty would take the initiative to send money over. As for enemies.” Shen Miao smiled slightly, “There are the Qin country and the Great Liang far away, and nearer there is the Tu Jue and the Xiong Nu. Ming Qi never lacks of opponents and with the military forces’ dedication, naturally one will be sent to further battles. WaiZu, what do you think?”
Not to mention what she said, this light smile and chat seemed to have shown her ability to broke the other’s thoughts, and her gently smile and tilt of the head had so great ambitions. She was obviously a delicate young lady from a precious place, but made one feel that she was a female who had crawled from the lowest rung of society.
Luo Sui suddenly got angry and stood up before casting off his sleeves and coldly speaking, “No need to mention about restructuring the Luo family’s army again. I do not agree. Xue Yan, bring them down to rest and not to bring up this matter again.” Finishing, he did not even take a look at the rest of the people in the hall and left.
Luo Sui’s anger came unfathomably and Luo Xue Yan was also very puzzled. Shen Qiu stroked Shen Miao’s head and stood firmly on Shen Miao’s side, “Younger Sister is great.”
Luo Sa swept a look over and said softly to Luo Ling, “This Little Biao Younger Sister is not simple.”
Luo Ling laughed, “Perhaps.”
Luo Tan’s lips twitched, “What is so great about talking glibly? Even YeYe was angered.”
Luo Qian shook his head as his eyes were staring dazzlingly at Shen Miao who was talking to Shen Qiu, “Not only know how to talk glibly. Older Sister is prettier than you.”
Luo Tan glared at him fiercely.
