《Reborn Before My Husband Ascends the Throne》


 Chapter 1

    The storyteller always loved to say, "Long periods of division are followed by long periods of union."


    This was certainly true.


    After many years of warring states fighting over control of the realm, the Dafu dynasty was newly established and the realm was finally at peace.


    Only the northern bordends still had battles raging on, with the sixteen prefectures of Yan and Yun not yet fully recovered. The prosperity of the capital and the affluence of Jiangnan were all bought with the flesh and blood of soldiers on the bordends who wrapped themselves in horsehide when they died.


    That year, Dafu lost another of its general stars.


    The final four prefectures of Yan and Yun were recovered, the northern expedition army returned triumphantly, but they brought back the remains of the Commander-in-Chief of the northern expedition - General Duan Jin.


    In fact, news of General Duan''s death had arrived long ago, but the Empress simply refused to believe it.


    She ate and drank as she always did, telling those around her, "I''m waiting for his triumphant return."


    "He can alwayse back safely."


    "Every time."


    The pce servants all kept their heads lowered, no one daring to respond.


    General Duan Jin was not only the Empress''s trusted confidante, but could even be said to have been raised by the Empress with her own hands.


    He was originally a roadside beggar, nearly frozen and starved to death before being saved by the Empress in her maiden years. She took him in as a servant.


    His supernatural spear skills and mastery of military strategy were all imparted by the Empress.


    The Empress''s maiden name was Ye Suijin.


    Omitting the few intervening dynasties, ever since academies and the imperial examination system were established by the dynasty before thest, the distinction between schr andmoner had gradually disappeared. The old aristocratic families of a thousand years were now battered and fragmented, no longer as they were in the past. By the time the previous dynasty declined, warlords rose everywhere. Many new regional powers, big and small, emerged.


    Ye Suijin, eldest daughter of the Ye family castle, was one such figure.


    Everyone knew that without the Ye family army, there would be no Dafu dynasty.


    Because the founding emperor of Dafu was none other than the son-inw of the eldest Ye daughter. The Ye family army was the capital for the emperor''s rise to power.


    Although Ye Suijin herself was a woman, she was a fierce general who could fight well, and made great contributions to establishing the Dafu dynasty.


    But by the time Miss Ye ascended the throne as Empress, there was no longer a Ye family army in the world.


    It was rumored that the Empress once stroked her ru robe and sighed to General Duan, "This robe was exchanged for the Ye family castle. I wonder if it was worth it."


    General Duan said, "As long as it is worn on your body, to me, there is no question of worth."


    Although the Ye family army was gone from the world, there was still the Dafu general, Duan Jin.


    Once a servant, a servant for life. His loyalty never changed.


    With his irond loyalty, the Empress couldfortably sit in the pce, unafraid of whatever huge storms raged in her deepest quarters.


    But now, even this loyalty that made the Emperor jealous was gone along with Duan''s death.


    When General Duan''s remains were transported back to the capital, the Empress insisted on opening his coffin to see him once - she couldn''t believe that this time he really wasn''ting back until she saw it with her own eyes.


    When she gazed for a long time, sheughed as tears flowed, "You''ve won again. I knew you could win."


    Her raised child always made her proud.


    Having said this, the Empress spurted a mouthful of blood and copsed onto the coffin.


    Luckily the Emperor reacted quickly, stepping forward to catch the Empress by the waist before she fellpletely onto the coffin.


    Otherwise, for the empress of a nation to copse onto the body of a subject would surely be a joke recorded in the history books.


    ...


    Darkness heavily curtained the night.


    The high pce walls cast thick shadows on the ground. The moonlight sprinkling the pce paths carried a coolness.


    The Emperor was a horseback emperor, and even until today did not rx. In the pce he did not sit in a sedan chair. In the long corridors, one could hear the ttering of his footsteps alongside the guards.


    Passing through a doorway was the Empress''s bedchamber.


    When the Emperor arrived, he first went to the side hall. The imperial doctor did not dare leave, waiting here the whole time for the Emperor.


    "How is Zitong?" the Emperor asked.


    It had already been two months since the Empress coughed up blood that day. Her condition deteriorated daily, not only had many old injuries recurred, but she also showed signs of a candle flickering out, evenpsing into unconsciousness thesest two days, which was critical.


    The imperial doctor kowtowed deeply, not daring to raise his head. "Your Majesty, please prepare yourself."


    The Emperor''s shadow was still for a long time in the candlelight. "Is there really no way?" he asked.


    The imperial doctor buried his head even lower, not daring to respond.


    A person lives on a single breath. Once the Empress''s breath in her heart scattered, she did not want to live on. Even if the divine doctor Bian Que were reborn, he could not save her.


    One could not say these words aloud, nor even reveal a hint of such guessing, for fear of the emperor''s wrath and rivers of blood.


    The Emperor, after all, was just a man.


    The Empress, after all, was his original wedded wife.


    The Emperor did not ask again, letting the imperial doctor withdraw. He entered the Empress''s bedchambers.


    Layer uponyer of curtains were opened up by the pce maids.


    His Empress never took the initiative to greet him. Each time he saw her felt like he was the one paying a visit.


    But the Emperor neverined. He was used to it.


    He walked to the innermost area and saw his Empress.


    Ye Suijin was lying on her side facing outwards.


    Herplexion was more haggard and sallow than he had ever seen, as if the years had suddenly drained away.


    The once proud and beautiful brightness burning like an endless fire, how had the eldest Ye daughter be like this?


    The Emperor sat at the bedside, staring nkly at her. He couldn''t help reaching out, gently caressing her cheek with the back of his hand.


    The Empress opened her eyes, saw it was him, then closed them again, slowly turning over to lie facing inward.


    The Emperor''s heart went cold.


    In the end he was but human. As long as one was human, resentment would inevitably umte over time.


    He gave a coldugh. "Duan Jin is dead. You won''t even be my wife anymore. Do you want to go below to find him?"


    The Empress''s voice was cold and muffled. "You''re the Emperor, can youport yourself a little?"


    The Emperor said, "I''ve never wronged you. I made you Empress."


    The Empress gave a mockingugh. "And I made you Emperor."


    The Emperor was struck dumb. After a long while, he said, "Duan Jin really died in battle."


    The Empress struggled to prop herself up.


    Nearing thest flickering of her candle, this prop took thest bit of strength she had left, tremblingly. The Emperor quickly moved to support her up.


    In the candlelight, the Empress''s eyes were as deep as an abyss, staring at the Emperor.


    The Emperor reflexively loosened his hands.


    The Empress breathed heavily for a few moments, then evened out her breaths and asked, "The ck armor I personally bestowed upon A''Jin, tell me, what kind of heavy bow could prate that treasure armor?"


    Heavy armor was nearly invincible on the battlefield. Even with hundreds of feathered arrows stuck in the back, looking like a porcupine, the armored person would not actually be injured.


    For an arrow to prate Duan Jin''s heart, he clearly must have been unarmored at the time.


    How could one be unarmored on the battlefield? It could only have happened while in the Dafu military encampment.


    The Emperor said, "They said it was a Hu assassin."


    The Empress gave a coldugh.


    The Emperor said, "I...I did not order it."


    The Empress gave another coldugh.


    The Emperor finally could not stand it. "I am the Emperor, the Son of Heaven! Duan Jin was my subject, loyal to me. How could I destroy my own Great Wall?"


    The Empress calmly said, "You need not have ordered it. There were naturally those who could read your thoughts."


    She said, "Just as they fathomed your thoughts...and had the Crown Princemit suicide."


    The Emperor''s expression drastically changed.


    "I didn''t!" His lips trembled. "I didn''t! Rui took his own life, it was the Pei viin who deluded my son to estrange him from me!"


    "Pei...viin?" The Empress seemed to have heard something extremelyughable. "If only Pei Lian were alive to hear this with her own ears - she traded her father''s life, her younger brothers'' lives, the entire Pei family army for you, only to get the words ''Pei viin'' in return?"


    Sheughed until she was gasping for breath, "If there is one woman in the world more stupid than me, it would be none other than Pei Lian."


    "She was even dumber than me."


    "She...she truly loved you."


    Sheughed so hard she spat out two mouthfuls of blood.


    Her pale lips were stained with blood, suddenly vivid once more. As if she were still that proud and spirited eldest daughter of Ye Castle.


    The Emperor was dumbstruck for a long time, before asking, "Then what about you?"


    The Empress found itughable. "What do you think?"


    The Emperor could endure no longer. "Ye Suijin! I am your husband!"


    The Empress found it even moreughable.


    "After being Emperor for a few years, your mind''s gone forgetful?" The Empressughed through gritted teeth. "Mongrel Zhao! You low and shameless son-inw!"


    "I! I am your wife!"


    The Emperor''s face was ashen.


    Who would dare mention that name Zhao the Mongrel nowadays?


    Now in all the world he was only known as Dafu''s founding emperor, Zhao Jingwen.


    His base and wretched past had long been buried deep, with all the world looking up to him.


    Except her.


    She forever and ever looked down on him.


    "I don''t believe it." He said. "If you didn''t love me, why did you choose me as your husband back then?"


    His propagandists extolled the deep affections between the imperial couple, praising the emperor as a dragon hidden amongmoners, and the empress for her discerning eye.


    Bing the husband of the eldest Ye daughter was truly the turning point in Zhao Jingwen''s life.


    "Back then?" Ye Suijin sank into recollection, taking some time before recalling, "Oh, back then."


    "All that discerning eye nonsense was just gilding my face, making me seem not so bad.


    "The reason I chose you back then was just plucking a general from the riffraff. I just thought you were good-looking."


    "Zhao the Mongrel, did you think I didn''t know? From the first day of martial arts contests you were watching below the tform. You stood in the crowd thinking I couldn''t see or remember you? But I did see you."


    "Disheveled and filthy." As she spat blood, she ruthlessly tore away the emperor''s facade. "A beggar."


    The Emperor took a step back, momentarily swept up in memories of the past.


    The beggar Zhao the Mongrel gazing nkly up at the martial stage at the eldest Ye daughter, d in mourning white yet fighting fiercely as fire.


    If Miss Ye was properly meeting suitors in an orthodox manner, he wouldn''t have dared dream.


    But she was meeting suitors through martial arts contests! She was meeting suitors through martial arts contests!


    Zhao the Mongrel watched for two days, realizing how powerful Miss Ye''s martial arts were. But he still couldn''t control his dreams.


    What if?


    Zhao the Mongrel snuck into someone else''s yard in the middle of the night, and stole a set of tidy clothes. He jumped into the icy river to scrub himself clean of mud and filth. The next day, a handsome and neat young man took the stage.


    Little Dog Zhao, who only knew a smattering of martial arts, was of course easily beaten down by Miss Ye Suijin in just a couple of moves. After all, at that time he had not yet received personal instruction in the Ye Family Spear Technique from Miss Zhao.


    Just as he was sprawled on the stage feeling like he had woken from a dream, Miss Ye hauled him to his feet. "Alright, you''ll do," she said.


    There was an uproar among the spectators below the stage.


    The men who had previously lost at the martial arts contest naturally objected.


    Miss Ye justified herself confidently: "This is a martial arts contest for me to find a husband. I never said the man had to be able to beat me!"


    "I''m looking for a husband, not a martial arts master!"


    "He''s handsome!"


    Indeed, there was no keen judgement involved.


    Miss Ye had chosen him simply because he was good-looking.


    As the daughter inheriting Ye Family Manor, she needed to hold a contest to find a husband.


    She wanted a man without background or ability to covet and encroach on Ye Family Manor.


    She also wanted a man she found pleasant to look at, since he would be her bedmate.


    Everything was because he fulfilled all her requirements.


    At that time, Miss Ye also did not anticipate that from that day forth, this man would use Ye Family Manor to achieve greatness in his life.

 Chapter 2

    The emperor left in a mess.


    Ye Suijin looked at his retreating figure and twitched her mouth, but couldn''t force a smile.


    The previous conversation had already exhausted her remaining strength.


    She copsed limply and let her life force slowly drain away.


    In a daze, she saw Duan Jin again.


    The man in his thirties, with great military achievements and high status, yet bent down with his forehead touching the pearls on her shoes.


    "Master, A-Jin is going to battle."


    "This time, I may not be able to return. Master, please take care."


    "Wu Shi is already pregnant. If I don''te back, please take care of it, Master."


    ...


    ...


    Wait, what did he say?


    Did he say to "take care of" her?


    She had too many things to worry about back then.


    She had to fight for food, supplies, and so many other things for him at court.


    In all these matters, Wu Shi, a woman without status or position, was truly negligible. She only thought of his safety and overlooked something?


    Ye Suijin suddenly woke up, not knowing how long she had slept or lost consciousness. Covered in cold sweat.


    When she opened her mouth, her voice was hoarse: "Come,e!"


    The pce maid hurried up: "Your Majesty?"


    Ye Suijin asked: "Where is Wu Shi?"


    There were many women surnamed Wu in the world, and many imperial concubines surnamed Wu. But when the Empress called directly "Wu Shi" without reference, there was only one Wu Shi.


    "Madam Duan?" the maid replied. "She is at the General''s residence."


    Ye Suijin looked up: "What Madam Duan?"


    Since when did Wu Shi be Madam Duan? Who allowed her to be Madam Duan?


    Duan Jin had never given her any status or position.


    Ye Suijin suddenly came to her senses. She didn''t know how long she had slept or lost consciousness. With cold sweat all over.


    When she opened her mouth, her voice was hoarse: "Come,e!"


    The pce maid hurried up: "Your Majesty?"


    Ye Suijin asked: "Where is Wu Shi?"


    There were many women surnamed Wu in the world, and many imperial concubines surnamed Wu. But when the Empress called directly "Wu Shi" without reference, there was only one Wu Shi.


    "Madam Duan?" the maid replied. "She is at the General''s residence."


    Ye Suijin looked up: "What Madam Duan?"


    Since when did Wu Shi be Madam Duan? Who allowed her to be Madam Duan?


    Duan Jin had never given her any status or position.


    "It was conferred by His Majesty," the maid said. "After the General''s grand funeral..."


    Ye Suijin couldn''t breathe, her mind also slowed down. After two breaths, she finally digested the information.


    Of course, Zhao Jingwen was good at these superficial gestures to win people''s hearts. This was very much his style.


    "I want to see Wu Shi!" she gritted her teeth.


    The maid was surprised: "Now?"


    It was already midnight, and the pce gates were locked.


    The Empress...no longer had the strength to open that lock.


    Ye Suijin''s mind gradually cleared up.


    "Go, tell Zhao Jingwen that I want to see Wu Shi for thest time," she said.


    Wu Shi was now considered Duan Jin''s widow. She said so, and presumably the Emperor would not refuse, he would decree to open the pce gates specially.


    After all, he still had a reputation for deep conjugal love with the Empress to write in the history books.


    The maid obeyed and left.


    Ye Suijin gathered her strength for a long time, propping herself up with effort: "Come...prepare for me..."


    She didn''t have much time left.


    She had toplete A-Jin''s entrustment in herst bit of time and strength.


    When Wu Shi was brought to the Inner Pce, everything was ready.


    As soon as she entered the door, she was grabbed.


    Wu Shi, who hade to see the Empress for thest time with a full heart, was horrified: "Your Majesty?"


    The Empress sat on the phoenix throne, her ink-ck pupils like an abyss, staring at the young woman''s face.


    The pce maids were familiar with Wu Shi, so they were not surprised. But if someone who had never seen her before saw her and the Empress at the same time, they would surely be greatly shocked¨C¨CWu Shi''s face was astonishingly simr to the Empress!


    It was just like the Empress'' look when she was young.


    Wu Shi was also famous for this reason.


    Only the pce maids were more familiar with the Empress, so they could see that beyond the simrities, this woman did not have the aura of the Empress in her brows and eyes.


    Resemnce was only superficial after all.


    But this was already very disgusting.


    Because she was a lowly singing girl.


    She was the one the Emperor had happily brought in front of the Empress: "Look what I found?"


    The Empress was disgusted at that time.


    Because of Wu Shi''s low status, she was doomed to only be a ything for men. No matter which man yed with Wu Shi, it was almost like ying with the Empress.


    She had no shortage of opponents at court. These men may not have shown it on the surface, but may not have been without such vulgar thoughts in private.


    That''s how men are.


    When they cannot defeat a woman in other ways, they fantasize even more about dering victory through entering and possessing her.


    Such a victory seemed to have endless pleasure.


    At that time, Ye Suijin really wanted to p the Emperor in the face and p his malicious smiling face to pieces.


    In fact, the best way to deal with it at that time was to order Wu Shi''s death.


    But a small frightened singing girl was so innocent, after all it was a life.


    In the end, it was the gleeful Emperor watching the fun who came up with a solution.


    "Grant her to A-Jin," he said. "A-Jin is not young anymore, yet he still refuses to take a wife. He must have someone who knows hot and cold around."


    The corner of the Emperor''s mouth held ridicule and malice, almost openly using her and Duan Jin of being "indecent".


    There were indeed some rumors about her and A-Jin in the court and public, made it sound scandalous.


    Ye Suijin was upright and unafraid of gossip, she never cared.


    More importantly, under the strong power, those rumors only dared to spread in the shadows. To mind them would seem like there was something to it.


    The Emperor''s proposal was also disgusting, but Ye Suijin didn''t have a better solution either.


    Even keeping Wu Shi by her side, it would not be difficult for a pce maid to disappear in the deep pce. Not to mention the Emperor was also in the pce.


    If the Emperor favored her, it would be even more disgusting.


    Among several disgusting options, Ye Suijin could only choose the lightest one.


    "Let A-Jin decide for himself," she said. "If he is willing to take her, give her to him."


    Duan Jin was unmarried and wifeless to this day. Ye Suijin naturally hoped that he could have a wife and concubines, and start his own family. But she didn''t want to force him either.


    She just didn''t expect that when Duan Jin came to the pce and saw Wu Shi, he would stop and gaze at her.


    There was even a gentle smile at the corner of his lips.


    His eyes were also gentle, and nostalgic.


    When Ye Suijin said she would grant Wu Shi to him, he readily epted without any reluctance.


    Later, there were words that General Duan Jin doted on Wu Shi.


    Ye Suijin called him to her: "If you really like her, I''ll recognize her as a sworn sister, sworn daughter, give her a background, and properly make her your wife."


    But Duan Jin said: "She is not worthy."


    Ye Suijin said: "Then make her a proper concubine. In case there is a child in the future, at least give the child a status. It''s better than the birth mother being a singing girl."


    A child''s mother always needed a status, otherwise it would be unsightly for the child. At least give her the status of a concubine, better than the birth mother being a singing girl.


    But Duan Jin said: "Don''t worry about me, Master."


    Although he was a man of high status and power, in front of her he was always like the youth at Ye Manor who held her horse and banner.


    Many years had passed, the people of Ye Manor were long gone, either dead, or had be the Emperor''s people. Only on him was it as if the words "Ye Manor" were branded, never to be washed away or stripped off.


    The old guards and generals from those days had long changed their address and called her "Your Majesty".


    Only he still called her "Master" ¡ª


    "I won''t change how I address you."


    "To A-Jin, you''ll always be Master."


    "I won''t change."


    The memories suddenly scattered, and Wu Shi''s frightened yet forcefully calm face was before her eyes.


    Ye Suijin reached out, the pce maid quickly supported her. Holding the maid''s hand, she walked step by step to stand towering over Wu Shi, looking down at this woman who resembled her.


    "Whose child is Duan Lin?"


    When Duan Jin went on the expedition, she had just be pregnant. Duan Jin was away on the expedition for two years, and the child was already one year old.


    She naturally favored Duan Jin''s son, and personally bestowed the name Duan Lin ¡ª Duan Jin''s son.


    Wu Shi''s struggling stopped abruptly.


    "He''s, of course, of course the General''s child!" She cried, tears rolling down her face like pearls. "Me and Lin''er are the General''s only thoughts left in this world."


    Not bad for a singing girl, excellent in singing, acting and performing.


    Ye Suijin raised her hand, and a pce maid came up and gripped Wu Shi''s jaw, while another pce maid held a long-necked porcin bottle that looked like white jade.


    It was easy to imagine what was in the porcin bottle.


    Wu Shi''s eyes nearly bulged out.


    She still couldn''t believe the Empress would kill her. Nominally, she was the mother of Duan Jin''s son.


    How could the Empress kill the mother of Duan Jin''s son!


    "A-Jin himself was an orphan. He had the mostpassion for children without fathers or mothers," the Empress calmly stated her overlooked discovery. "If the child was his, before going to battle he would have entrusted you to me. Even if he said nothing, he would be at ease, because I was still here."


    "But what he finally entrusted me to ''take care of'' was you."


    She had overlooked it until today when she finally grasped the implication of his words.


    Perhaps deep down, she still believed that Duan Jin would truly love a woman who resembled her, at least dote on her.


    And a woman loved by Duan Jin would surely not betray him.


    After all, how many men in the world couldpare with A-Jin.


    ...


    She was terribly wrong.


    Wu Shi trembled like a sieve but refused to speak.


    Ye Suijin raised her hand again.


    The pce maid increased her grip, prying open Wu Shi''s mouth. The other pce maid uncorked the porcin bottle, poised to pour.


    Wu Shi was terrified! She fiercely bit the pce maid''s hand!


    The maid withdrew her hand. Wu Shi broke free from the grip on her jaw and struggled to shout: "You can''t kill me!"


    "My son is the current Prince!"


    "I''m the Prince''s mother!"


    "Who dares kill me!"


    The pce maids about to step forward again froze.


    And Ye Suijin closed her eyes!


    Everything was as she had imagined.


    Perhaps when the Emperor first brought Wu Shi to her, it was to sicken her like this today.


    The country had been established for a long time, and the rules were increasingly strict.


    The scene of her and the Emperor jointly participating in court affairs in the early days could no longer be maintained. She was pushed back to the inner pce by the civil officials.


    She and Duan Jin also could not meet freely like before.


    After all, there were more than just her in the inner pce, and they had to guard against anyone pinning an "defiling the inner pce" reputation on A-Jin. Sacrificing a few women could bring Duan Jin down, it was simply a windfall.


    So it became a natural thing that the obscure Wu Shi often got summoned to the pce.


    Although she had no status, she was after all someone close to Duan Jin. Ye Suijin wanted to care for Duan Jin''s daily life, and it was best to look for her.


    Had the Emperor waited for this day for a long time?


    Waiting for the day she discovered the truth and was sickened by it. He also sickened Duan Jin at the same time.


    Duan Jin must have endured it for a long time, since he knew everything.


    Yet he said nothing.


    Ye Suijin opened her eyes, Wu Shi still struggling. Without hermand, the pce maids did not dare act on their own.


    Every pce maid present was absolutely loyal to her.


    Although she had been forced by the court officials to retreat back to the harem, she could still gain the loyalty of some.


    She slowly spoke: "Clear the way for the General."


    With hermand, the pce maids no longer hesitated. They held Wu Shi''s jaw, and poured the poison down her throat.


    Wu Shi whimpered and struggled to no avail. When the maids released their grips, she rolled to the ground.


    The maids supported Ye Suijin as she stepped back, guarding against the dying womanshing out to harm them.


    But after finishing thisst task of tying up loose ends for Duan Jin, Ye Suijin could no longer hold herself up. She only managed two steps back before copsing into the arms of the maids.


    "Your Majesty!"


    "Your Majesty!"


    The maids crowded around, calling to her.


    Ye Suijin struggled to regain some rity from the hazy consciousness. She waved her hand for the maids to step back, so she could see Wu Shi rolling on the ground.


    Wu Shi was dying, but before death, Ye Suijin had to witness it with her own eyes.


    Blood poured from all of Wu Shi''s orifices as she writhed in agony.


    "You two...husband and wife..." With final hatred in her eyes, Wu Shi''s voice was barely a whisper. Her outstretched hand seemed to want to scratch the Empress''s face. "So terribly...ruthless..."


    As she approached death, her vision blurred. She saw the General''s face again.


    How gentle the General''s gaze was when looking upon her in the pce.


    But it all changed when he brought her back to his estate.


    "If you dare flirt with any man while wearing that face," he said, "I will kill you."


    "Do not fawn over me."


    "Do not try to seduce with your songs and dances."


    "While wearing that face, live properly in this estate. Do not do anything vulgar."


    The General waspletely unlike the Emperor.


    How the Emperor loved to see her act vulgar!


    The more vulgar she acted, the more delighted the Emperor''sughter became.


    Thatughter frightened her, though she would not admit it.


    But a woman like her, her only path in life was to rely on men.


    If the General had wanted her, even against the Emperor, she might have been willing to die a heroine, sacrificing her chastity to be remembered.


    But the General did not want her.


    Oh General.


    General, your heart is so hard...


    When the Emperor hurried into the Imperial Harem again, he saw the two dead women.


    The maids kowtowed in unison: "The Empress has passed away. Please grant us leave to apany our mistress in death."


    The Emperor stared nkly at Ye Suijin''s body, feeling weak.


    He staggered back a step, and sat down on the threshold like a peasant, leaning against a pir, stunned. One leg bent, the other syed. All imperial manner gone.


    After a long while, he waved his hand: "Do as you wish."


    At this moment, he was once again Zhao Gou''er.

 Chapter 3

    The emperor''s appearance after her death was something Ye Suijin did not get to see. She had exhausted her vitality in this life, and finally closed her eyes.


    Before her death, scenes from this life shed before her like a galloping horse, and in the end, it froze on Pei Lian.


    Pei Lian, Pei Guifei, the mother of the Crown Prince.


    This woman had fought with her for half a lifetime, until she finally saw through Zhao Jingwen, until her heart turned cold.


    She too prided herself on her beauty, yet looked emaciated when dying.


    "My Lady..." Nearing her death, her shriveled eye sockets were full of regretful tears.


    "Worthless."


    "My Lady and I, both worthless."


    At that time, Ye Suijin did not fully agree with her words.


    She felt it was only because in the end, Pei Lian did not be Empress. If Pei Lian had be Empress, perhaps she would not have said such things.


    But now, Ye Suijin felt it really was worthless.


    This whole life, all worthless.


    If, if she could live again.


    If, she could live again...


    ...


    ...


    In the fiery June sun at its peak of summer heat, a dark red steed galloped swiftly on a vige road, leaving a trail of dust behind.


    The busy farmers harvesting the summer grain also looked up, feeling uneasy.


    "Isn''t that Duan Xiang?"


    "Did something happen that he''s in such a hurry?"


    It was the midst of summer harvest, and with so many refugees, incidents of grain robbery would ur from time to time. The Ye manor had sent men to all the surrounding viges to maintain order and prevent refugees from bing violent mobs and looting grain.


    When people were starved enough, they could do anything.


    It was said that in Huang County to the north, they had hung and burned the county magistrate alive and looted the county treasury empty.


    So some grew worried, "Could something have happened at the manor?"


    They all relied on the Ye manor''s protection to have a peaceful corner in these chaotic times. Whenever they heard the refugees talk about things outside, they felt fortunate.


    As long as the Ye family was here, the sky could copse and the Ye''s would hold it up. They just needed to catch their breath down below.


    What they feared was even the powerful Ye''s could not endure. Some of the rogue troops were even more vicious than bandits. Wherever they went was like a locust gue, leaving nothing but devastation in their wake.


    That''s what they were afraid of.


    The dark-skinned vige chief rolled up his pants and shouted with sweat running down his flushed face, "Hurry, don''t just stand there! Keep working! The sooner we get the grain harvested and stored, the sooner we''ll all feel at ease!"


    The farmers asked, "Master, why did Duan rush back? Is something wrong back at the manor?"


    Since the Ye manor''s rise, they had protected this area of Deng Prefecture and allowed it to remain peaceful.


    Because of the Ye family here, the magistrates of Deng Prefecture''s three counties were still in office, overseeing the livelihood and administration of the people, making it look much like the peaceful times.


    Unlike the north, where afraid of dying, officials had all fled, leaving their posts vacant. Over the past few years, the empire had changed emperors twice, and changed dynasties twice, yet no new officials had been appointed.


    Many county offices no longer had a magistrate. It was the local clerks and sheriffs pro-tem keeping things going.


    When trouble arose, though they did not dare fight, at least they could organize the local braves to guard the city gates. If things went badly, they would promptly close the gates to protect themselves.


    The vige chief said, "What could happen! The young mistress has sent troops in all directions to patrol, anyone who dares make trouble in the Ye family''s territory will promptly be driven out!"


    With the vige chief''s words, everyone felt a little more at ease.


    But there were still murmurs, "It would be better if the old Lord was still around."


    It was said down south, with just a few thousand troops in hand, one could proim himself king on the spot. Even if onecked guts, one could at least proim himself General first.


    All over the south, there were dozens of big and small Kings and Generals, all warlords controllingrge territories and armies.


    The Ye manor had over a thousand retainers. Based on the south, they could at least proim themselves General.


    Yet the current Lord was a young woman. And so people subconsciously did not have such expectations of her.


    "Stop murmuring nonsense! If you spout more rubbish, I''ll rip your mouth apart! So you can show everyone how well you can talk then!" The vige chief angrily scolded, "The young mistress took over the house at seventeen, and it''s been three years. Have we gone hungry? Have outsiders bullied us?"


    "Or are you dissatisfied? If you''re dissatisfied, go fight the young mistress yourself! See if the young mistress doesn''t spear you in one move!"


    The murmuring farmer quickly shrank back.


    Hands on hips, the vige chief said, "Don''t dy the farming! Don''t you see those outsiders, eyes green with envy. Quickly, harvest the grain this year and transport it to the Ye manor. Only then can we feel at ease!"


    Seeing the farmers hurriedly harvesting, the vige chief grumbled as he returned to the path.


    Looking in the direction that horse had departed, towards the Ye manor, his heart was also uneasy.


    Because although Duan Xiang came with the patrol troops, he was not just a regr soldier. He was a page who served closely beside the young mistress.


    Sent out on assignment by her, rushing back in such a panic, it was no wonder others would think too much.


    What had happened at the Ye manor?


    Duan Jin didn''t care what others thought. He rode at a dead gallop that covered eight hundred li in urgent speed.


    The hoofbeats were like hammering at his heart, making him anxious.


    Three days ago, he had gone with the troops to patrol the summer harvest and prevent refugee riots. Suddenly, somehow, he felt a pang in his heart and instinctively looked towards the Ye manor''s direction, feeling like something had happened there.


    He wanted to tell the others, but it sounded inauspicious, so he kept it to himself.


    Who knew someone would be sent from the manor today to call him back, saying the young mistress had suddenly fallen into a stupor three days ago, sometimes lucid, sometimes unconscious, uttering iprehensible ravings.


    Last night she finally awoke, but grabbed those beside her and asked, "Where''s A-Jin? Is A-Jin still alive?"


    "Where is he?"


    "Call A-Jin to see me!"


    Unable to travel at night, first thing this morning the manor had sent someone urgently to find him.


    When Duan asked when this happened,paring the time, it was when he had felt that pang.


    He knew it must not be good!


    Not wanting others to slow him down, riding solo he raced back to the Ye manor.


    Having gone quite far on this patrol, even riding urgently it was nightfall when he returned to the Ye manor. Only his fine steed, gifted by the young mistress this year, copsed in exhaustion at the manor gates without making it into the walled town, causing him to tumble into the dirt.


    The gate guards recognized him and quickly went to help him up, "Be careful!"


    Duan grabbed a familiar face and asked, "How is my mistress?"


    The guard said, "What happened to the Lord? We don''t know."


    He was foolish, of course the gate guards would not know things within the manor residence.


    Duan hurried through the town gates and went to borrow a horse from the courier, "Let me borrow your horse!"


    Though named a manor, it was more like a town. From the gates to the Ye residence was still quite a distance. Horses were kept at the ready by the gates for couriers to quickly report to the Lord''s manor.


    Duan rode the horse and charged back to the Ye estate.


    Along the way, townsfolk pointed and murmured, "That''s Duan Xiang."


    "Duan Xiang has grown up too. So handsome. Who knows which family will get such a son-inw."


    Ma''s wife jokingly made to hit them, and the passersbyughed as they fled.


    Some stood hands on hips, jumping and yelling from behind, "Duan Xiang, why are you running! You kicked over my vegetable basket, remember to pay for it!"


    Refugees were not allowed inside the walled town. The town housed only locals. At a nce, the streets were bustling with shops and markets, porters and women with baskets, chatting andughing, looking for all appearances like the bustling prosperity of peaceful times.


    At the Ye estate gates, Duan gave the horse back to the gateman, "Return it to the city gates!"


    He rushed towards the young mistress''s residence.


    Along the way, servants instructed maids carrying water, "Hey! Hey! You can''t go in there!"


    Duan was sweating heavily, "My mistress summoned me back!"


    "Zhao Langjun has returned! He''s inside!" The maid pulled him away, "Mistress said no one is to enter unless called."


    Duan''s footsteps halted as he looked at the closed door, lips pursed.


    Zhao Langjun was Zhao Jingwen, the young mistress''s husband.


    A husband by marriage had low status, often looked down on. The young mistress did not allow others to look down on her husband, and had set rules early on. She managed the household like an army, even maids had to obey.


    When the couple shut their door, it meant no one could enter unless summoned.


    Duan was fifteen. Peers were already fathers, and talked indecently when together. Though inexperienced, he understood enough.


    He took one look before turning away, letting the maid pull him out.


    "How did you get so dirty?"


    "Fell off the horse."


    "Falling off horses too, see how capable you are."


    "How is my mistress?"


    "Nothing''s wrong now. Thest two days gave everyone a fright, she wasn''t lucid. Granny Yan came to perform an exorcism ritual, talismans and potions, after sleeping she woke up perfectly fine. No issues at all anymore, don''t worry."


    The maid said, "Back then, she kept asking for you, kept asking if you''re still alive. Scared everyone."


    The maid shuddered recalling the young mistress''s expression then, truly frightening.


    But the youth''s brows and eyes rxed, finally at ease, even smiling proudly, "Even in a stupor, my mistress remembered me!"


    The maid spat at him, "Hurry and wash up! No knowing when mistress will summon you! Look at you, dirty as a mud monkey! Don''t stain the carpets!"


    Having raced back, sweated all the way, and baked in the sun, even he could smell himself.


    Couldn''t meet the mistress like this. Master Zhao was always pristine.


    Duan turned to go, "I''ll go wash up!"


    Thesest two days, Ye Suijin had sweatedyer uponyer, jolting awake covered in sweat each time.


    Just finished bathing, when she heard voices outside, a maid came in saying, "Master Zhao has returned."


    Ye Suijin, soaked in the hot bath, slowly opened her eyes.


    Zhao Jingwen.

 Chapter 4

    Zhao Jingwen stood by the bedside and suddenly turned around when he heard a sound.


    A woman emerged from behind the screen. She was tall and supple, with long legs, sturdy waist, and powerful physique. The open cor revealed fair and smooth skin on her neck and chest.


    Her cheeks were rosy and translucent, clearly someone brimming with vitality.


    It was his wife Ye Suijin, always radiating suchpelling beauty.


    Even men would feel easily overpowered by her if they showed any weakness.


    He walked over and grasped Ye Suijin''s shoulders with concern. "Mydy, how are you feeling? Is there any difort?"


    Ye Suijin looked at him.


    The man looked so young now!


    His skin was smooth, back straight, hands still firm with calluses from martial arts practice.


    And that waist.


    No matter how well one took care of themselves in middle age, they could never regain such a slender waist.


    Ye Suijin stroked the man''s face, squeezed his arms, then pinched his slim waist. The feeling of rebirth started to be real.


    Yes, Empress Ye Suijin had died. When she opened her eyes, she saw her former handmaidens from long ago. Looking in the mirror, she saw her younger self.


    The Ye manor was still there, the Ye troops still there. She was still the young mistress of Ye Manor in Dengzhou.


    Nowposed, she began to ept everything and scrutinized Zhao Jingwen from head to toe.


    Zhao Jingwen wore ck thin gauze clothing with flowery cuffs tying the sleeves. The sleeves and hem were embroidered with brightly colored flowers.


    A man should dress elegantly. in clothes with colorful embroideries made him even more dashing.


    This was Ye Suijin''s aesthetic.


    Not only was Zhao Jingwen dressed elegantly, he also looked clean and refreshing, with a faint fragrance of ointment on him. Clearly he had washed and changed before seeing Ye Suijin.


    Whenever he came before her, he made sure to tidy up and look his best.


    This reminded Ye Suijin why she hadn''t resolutely given up this man at the very beginning, when she should have. It was precisely because Zhao Jingwen knew how to win her favor.


    Surely this was also how he had beguiled Pei Lian.


    Their worthless lifelong struggle began from sharing a husband.


    But not this life.


    Ye Suijin smiled and pinched Zhao Jingwen''s face. "You''re so handsome!"


    Between spouses there were naturally intimate moments, but today his wife pinched him harder, making his cheeks hurt.


    Moreover her gaze was unfathomable, seeming to hold disdain. This made him vaguely uneasy.


    Zhao Jingwen quickly recalled recent events, confirming he had done nothing wrong or displeasing.


    Thus reassured, he held Ye Suijin''s hand and said, "I rushed back in a panic when I heard the news."


    Ye Suijin said, "It was nothing, just a bad dream. Granny Yan gave me some talisman water and it went away."


    Zhao Jingwen said earnestly, "You know how attuned we are. Three days ago I inexplicably felt a pang in my heart. For some reason I nced west towards Ye Manor, and was vaguely anxious. Later when they sent me the message urging me to hurry back, I asked when it happened. What a coincidence, it was the exact same time I felt that pang. Don''t you think that''s mystical?"


    Ye Suijin''s eyes flickered.


    If something like "fate" really existed in this world, there was no doubt his fate was closely tied to hers.


    Rebirth was such a mystical twist of fate, a gift from heaven. Could he sense it?


    "Oh? Is that so? You think of me so much in your heart?" Her hand casually caressed his neck. "Other than the pang, anything else?"


    The throat, a human''s weakness. Wring it and death followed.


    But Zhao Jingwen misunderstood.


    His Adam''s apple was there, the male symbol. His Adam''s apple was also beautifully shaped, which Ye Suijin had always loved during their intimacy.


    Thank heaven for giving him good looks, reversing his humble origins.


    "Of course there''s more." He leaned in to kiss Ye Suijin, tender and devoted. "I miss you. I miss you so much when I''m away I can''t fall asleep."


    Ye Suijin and Zhao Jingwen had been husband and wife for a lifetime. Though heter became shrewder, she knew him too well, and could still discern when he told the truth or lied.


    At this moment, Zhao Jingwen was beingpletely truthful.


    The tenderness in his eyes was also real.


    Right now Zhao Jingwen still loved her, Ye Suijin, wholeheartedly.


    Looking up at her, yearning for her, humbly kneeling devotedly before her.


    Zhao Jingwen!


    Ye Suijin struggled against this man for a lifetime as husband and wife, schemed against each other for a lifetime, yet never reached the point of wanting to kill the other.


    As heter said, in the end he still made her Empress, honoring her as official wife.


    So what should she do with him?


    Ye Suijin had shapely brows, a straight nose, alluring red lips, and vibrant beauty.


    With just a touch of her lips, Zhao Jingwen was aroused, unable to resist embracing her slender waist as he kissed her deeply.


    After some time, Ye Suijin lifted her hand to sp the back of his head.


    In Zhao Jingwen''s life there had been no other woman, he didn''t know how other women behaved in the bedchamber. But he truly loved Ye Suijin''s fiery passion.


    This was his wife!


    Ye Suijin suddenly pushed him away.


    Zhao Jingwen was startled, and Ye Suijin pushed him again.


    Zhao Jingwen stumbled back onto the bed with a smile.


    Ye Suijin lifted her leg over him, straddling as she gazed down.


    She looked condescendingly with haughty eyes.


    Zhao Jingwen panted heavily twice, aroused by her posture.


    Ye Suijin smiled softly, tearing open hispel...


    Pei Lian, look clearly.


    See how despicable this man is.


    He was born to serve us this way.


    Pei Lian, have some dignity!


    There were always new beauties in the rear court, tender as flowers, willowy waists.


    The emperor never failed to spend the night of the full moon in the Empress''s pce. Ye Suijin nevercked for this privilege.


    Only Pei Liannguished lovelorn at the pce gates, yearning for the emperor to summon her. Her destion was even secretly written into a poem.


    Pce mncholy.


    Even the Crown Prince, her own son, couldn''t bear to see it.


    Everyone knew Zhao Jingwen would never give her the chance to bear him another son. One child of Pei bloodline was already too unsettling.


    As Emperor, he would not allow another Ye Army or Pei Army to exist under heaven, only the Emperor''s own army.


    He would not allow those forces he didn''t fully control to gather around any child through bloodline. Although this child was his firstborn Crown Prince, if such power coalesced around the Crown Prince as he grew up, it would be a threat.


    Before her death, Pei Lian had entrusted the child to her.


    "Your Majesty has no children of your own, and he has no mother. If you two join forces, it would be for the best." Peak Lian looked at her weakly. "Your Majesty...from now on, he is your son."


    But the child still died in the end.


    He hanged himself in confinement.


    Ye Suijin was also powerless.


    In an imperial n, there was never true father and son.


    The handmaidens sat in the corridor catching fireflies.


    Hearing no summons from the room, one yawned in boredom. Suddenly a voice called, "Bring water, I''m going to take a bath."


    The handmaiden perked up. "Yes!"


    She immediately jumped up to pass on the order.


    Quickly done. Young master had returned, so the little kitchen had been keeping hot water ready.


    The young couple''s affection was so nice. Sadly they would have no children.


    To lead the Ye manor and master the Ye troops as a woman, Young Miss naturally paid a price.


    The handmaiden sighed at the loss, and went to fetch water.


    The main chamber was upied, so the servant women came and went with buckets. Duan Jin in fresh clean clothes strode over briskly.


    "Is Master well? Does he wish to see me?"


    A wave of steam and scent of soap wafted by, the smell of youth.


    The handmaid''s heart skipped a beat, but she had to be stern and block him with open arms. "Don''t just barge in! Go, go!"


    Duan Jin protested, "Still not done?"


    The maid red. "Watch your mouth!"


    Duan Jin craned his neck to peek into the main chamber, and humphed.


    "Go back, go back, we''ll talk tomorrow." The maid shooed him away.


    "Master summoned me back specially! He must have something to discuss!" Duan Jin refused to leave, feet rooted. "I''ll just squat here, I won''t disturb big sister, I can just wait here right?"


    The maid frowned. "You''re trying to scare someone to death. What will people think, a grown boy squatting in the yard like before! If you must squat, go outside!"


    Duan Jin sighed wistfully.


    He had looked forward to growing up, only to find many downsides aftering of age.


    One was many came proposing marriage. His peers who were already fathers constantly poked fun at him using his situation.


    Another was though the manor had no strict divisions between inner and outer quarters, he could no longer casually barge into the main chamber like when small.


    This was all thanks to that Zhao fellow.


    Duan Jin reluctantly allowed himself to be shooed outside the courtyard by the maid, slinking over to squat by the base of the wall. "I''ll just stay here. If Master calls me, shout nice and loud!" The maid propped fists on hips. "You''re trying to scare someone to death!"


    A grown man hiding in the shadows by the wall, only to suddenly rise, could truly frighten one to death.


    Duan Jin wasn''t leaving anyway, so he tore off a de of grass to chew, pretending to gaze at the moon.


    Can''t hear, can''t hear.


    The maid rolled her eyes and went back inside.


    Ye Suijin bathed again to wash off sweat and the man''s scent.


    She loved this feeling!


    Those old battle wounds that had tormented her for years were gone. An overcast day no longer meant her legs would ache and she couldn''t walk, the price of lying in icy river water overnight for an ambush back then.


    Now her youthful body was full of boundless vigor, free of injury or scar.


    Simply peak condition.


    She emerged from the bath and nced at the carved canopy bed.


    The bed curtains were lowered, and she could vaguely hear the man''s steady, even breathing.


    Ye Suijin tugged at the corners of her mouth and walked out.


    "I heard some sounds just now," she stepped out of the main room and asked the maids, "Has Duan Jine back?"


    Just as the maid was about to report, a shadow suddenly swirled in like a whirlwind.


    "Mistress! It''s me! I''m back!"


    The tform in the main room was about knee-high.


    Duan Jin stood at the bottom of the steps, having to look up slightly.


    Starlight shone into his eyes, glittering and shining with a scalding heat.


    Gauze skirt, arrow sleeves, in clothes.


    His figure was not yet as sturdy as it would be in hister adulthood, still retaining a youthful slenderness.


    But the Adam''s apple on his long neck was already prominently protruding.


    Ye Suijin clutched her clothes as she looked at the teenager below the steps. She finally realized that she had been wrongly ming Zhao Jingwen for one thing all this time.


    It could be said that Zhao Jingwen both loved and hated Duan Jin.


    The love was understandable - he wanted to be a benevolent ruler, so how could he not love a general of Duan Jin''s capabilities?


    But the hatred was something Ye Suijin had always found ridiculous and absurd.


    Yes, she and Duan Jin had a very close rtionship, closer than ordinary.


    But they were lord and servant, sister and brother, teacher and disciple, monarch and subject, kin - everything but man and woman.


    Zhao Jingwen was already emperor, with a harem full of beauties - this irrational jealousy made no sense at all.


    But in that moment, looking at the radiant smile on the youth''s face, the burning passion in his eyes, the unspoken intimacy and yearning, Ye Suijin could no longer me Zhao Jingwen for being narrow-minded and absurd.


    It was her mistake.


    She now realized that Duan Jin was no longer a child at this time - he had already grown up.

 Chapter 5

    Ye Suijin was fortunate to have seen Zhao Jingwen first, otherwise at this moment, when she saw the living Duan Jin, she would likely have been unable to control herself and insisted on embracing him and pounding his back fiercely.


    Fortunately at this moment, although her heart surged with joy, she was able to control herself.


    Duan Jin felt his eyes were deceiving him.


    His mistress stood on the steps looking at him, seeming happy that he had rushed back, but her eyes also looked as if she wanted to cry.


    His mistress seemed to have some strange difference from when he had left.


    Duan Jin couldn''t help taking another step forward.


    Now he could see more clearly, Ye Suijin''s skin was whiter than snow, but her cheeks still held traces of alluring red.


    It gave an indescribable feeling.


    Made one inexplicably anxious.


    In a sh of insight, Duan Jin suddenly understood something!


    "Mistress," he awkwardly avoided looking at her, unable to look directly, flustered to disguise it, "did you urgently summon me back, is there some matter?".


    The young man''s appearance was all seen in Ye Suijin''s eyes.


    Later when he mingled in the military camps, having seen everything, and able to say any vulgarity, but he still refused to take a wife.


    But now, he was still so innocent.


    Ye Suijin walked down two steps, stopping on thest, greedily looking at the youth, said: "Nothing much, I wanted to ask you..."


    Where had he been sent? Oh, the summer harvest!


    "Ask you, how is the situation with the summer harvest?"


    Duan Jin''s spirit lifted, immediately reported: "Thesest few days drove away two groups! Really were starving and reckless, we held bright des, patrolling every day, and they still dared watch for gaps to charge up!"


    When discussing affairs, Ye Suijin''s habit from many years, in an instant her mind steadied.


    What was the situation this year?


    The capital had changed hands again, the mountains and rivers had a new surname. Northerners dragged their families south to flee.


    What they truly wanted was thend of fish and rice in Jiangnan, Dengzhou was just a necessary route in their flight south. Just that many people would never make it to Jiangnan, copsing halfway. Ragged clothes, sallowplexions.


    When she returned to life this year, what could she do?


    In Ye Suijin''s mind shed countless thoughts and memories in a short moment.


    This was not something to decide in a moment.


    She steadied her mind, first needing to understand the present situation: "Are the refugees migrating south now more, or fewer than before?" Too much time had passed, she couldn''t clearly remember the specifics of this year.


    Duan Jin very definitively said: "More."


    "The refugees say the north is unlivable now, groups of soldiers, themoners also don''t know which family the soldiers belong to, simply can''t distinguish. Extremely miserable."


    "Entire viges fleeing south together."


    "Many follow the convoys ofrge households, but rations run out, no carts or horses, walking and unable to keep up, sigh."


    Ye Suijin said: "It''s pitiable, but even pitiable, they also can''t rob our grain. Grain is now life, no grain then no life. Jin, you cannot be soft-hearted."


    Duan Jin was startled.


    Ye Suijin also said: "Discuss it tomorrow, chaotic times need harshws. The Ye manor can''t let people think it can be bullied. If needed, kill to establish might."


    Back then she had been too young, feeling the refugees were pitiable, unable to be ruthless.


    Yet she did not know people were most prone to take advantage of softness and fear hardness. She had a saintly heart, so the refugees dared tomit evil relying on herpassion.


    She would need to intercept here today, suppress there tomorrow, her energypletely upied.


    She could not repeat the same mistake a second time.


    Duan Jin felt a trace of unease in the night wind.


    If two people were too familiar with each other, so familiar as to distinguish the emotions hidden in her footsteps and breathing, they would not fail to notice her subtle changes.


    Ye Suijin was shrouded in a strange aura, unrted to what she had done earlier in the room,pletely the aura of the person herself had changed.


    Yet he had left the manor only a few days.


    "But..." He reflexively wanted to speak for the refugees.


    It really was too tragic, the elderly were the first abandoned, in the underbrush were women''s naked corpses, many children had been separated from parents or simply lost them, bing orphans like him.


    How could they...


    Ye Suijin had been tempered through blood and fire, intrigues and schemes, her heart long hardened like iron.


    Human life, both precious and worthless.


    Able to make one ache with heartbreak, and also just a number on paperwork.


    But Ye Suijin also knew it was impossible for the youth before her who had never killed or seen blood, to immediately transform into theter ruthless killing general.


    One had to grow step by step.


    But she believed that with her to guide the way this life, they did not need to fumble and take so many detours again, she could make Duan Jin grow faster, higher. "Don''t worry about this, I will handle it." She said.


    She still could not help raising her hand, touching Duan Jin''s face.


    The skin was cooled by the night wind, that touch was real, tendrils of numbness directly pierced into her fingertips, instantly spreading through her body, making one''s heart race.


    In Duan Jin''s memory, when small he was often stroked on the head and pinched on the face by Ye Suijin, sometimes she would even twist his cheeks to y.


    Later when his height gradually caught up to hers, she would no longer rub and touch him.


    Her fingertips tonight were filled with unbelievable gentleness. But he had grown up, unable to calmly enjoy such gentleness like when he was small.


    Duan Jin''s face waspletely red, hands and feet useless, stammering: "M-mistress?"


    Ye Suijin drew back her hand: "Tanned."


    Duan Jin breathed a sigh of relief, said: "Yes, the sun is fierce. I never shirked, patrolling by horse every day at the fields."


    Ye Suijin looked at him with a smile, asked: "Then did you miss me?"


    Duan Jin without hesitation: "Of course I missed you!"


    He opened his eyes wide and said: "Mistress doesn''t know, three days ago, I suddenly felt anxious for no reason.  Broad daylight, scared me to death."


    "This morning people from the manor rushed over, saying mistress was possessed, I grabbed him and asked, it turns out it was when I felt anxious!"


    "This must be because I missed mistress too much, so I sensed it! Mistress, isn''t it so!"


    Simr words, Zhao Jingwen had also said before. So her rebirth, Duan Jin had also sensed.


    After all, these were the two men most closely tied to her life.


    Ye Suijin asked: "Other than feeling anxious, did you sense anything else?"


    Had he remembered anything?


    She had returned to life after death. Could Jin alsoe back?


    Return with their shared memories. Thus, not needing to start over from the beginning, the two of thembined like twin des, able to overturn this whole world.


    "Nothing else..." Duan Jin honestly answered, scratching his head, "What else?"


    He had not.


    Ye Suijin felt a trace of disappointment in the depths of her heart.


    "Nevermind. I was greedy." She smiled again, "I always want others to only have me in their hearts and eyes, thinking of me every day."


    "Then mistress can rest assured. I have only ever had mistress alone in my heart and eyes! Thinking of her every day!" This Duan Jin could guarantee.


    Ye Suijinughed.


    Her eyes looked especially loving and gentle under the stars and moon.


    "Jin, I''ll take you as a sworn brother." She said.


    Duan Jin froze, looking at Ye Suijin in confusion.


    "We''ll be sworn siblings, then we''ll be family from now on." Ye Suijin forcefully said. "In the future big sister will get you three wives, four concubines! Give you a hall full of children and grandchildren! Blessings for generations!"


    Let''s see who still dares gossip about General Duan Jin''s fate as an ominous star behind his back!


    See if she doesn''t whip their mouths ragged!


    Duan Jin nked for a moment, then suddenly blinked, firmly saying: "I don''t want that!"


    Ye Suijin was astonished.


    "My fate is inauspicious, destined to be a baleful star, how could I let mistress block fate for me!" He said resolutely, "I don''t want that!"


    This fate was divined by a street fortune teller long ago.


    Ye Suijin had kicked over the fortune teller''s stand, driving him away.


    Duan Jin didn''t actually believe it, but this happened to be his reason to refuse Ye Suijin.


    Ye Suijin wanted to say more, but he hurriedly said: "Mistress should rest well even though you''re better! If there''s nothing else, I''ll go back now!"


    After speaking he immediately slipped away,ing like a gust of wind and going like a puff of smoke.


    Ye Suijin watched his figure disappear at the doorway, looked up at the starry night sky, gave a sighingugh, then turned to return to her room.


    The maid peeked as she entered the room, then hiked up her skirt to run after Duan Jin, pounding him while lowering her voice: "Are you dumb? Are you dumb? Why didn''t you agree? If you became mistress''s sworn brother your status would be different! Don''t you know!"


    She was really going to be angered to death by this silly boy.


    They grew up together, practiced martial arts together, both were by Ye Suijin''s side.


    Duan Jin blocked left and right, stubbornly said: "I refuse! Ow--go easy!"


    Turns out the maid was furious enough to twist him.


    "I know you mean well for me, but how can I?" Duan Jin exined in a low voice, rubbing his arm, "I, Duan Jin, what virtues or abilities do I have, to be worthy of being mistress''s sworn brother? What great deeds have I aplished, what great matters have I handled?"


    The maid was speechless.


    "Mistress is a woman supporting the Ye manor alone, already difficult enough. To suddenly recognize me, a grown man, as a brother for no reason, those filthy-mouthed people will surely gossip about her. Did you ever consider that?"


    The maid didn''t make a sound now, after a moment, she sighed.


    She had been by Ye Suijin''s side through it all.


    That year when the old manor lord passed away, the Ye n members fought over the Ye manor, because the old manor lord had no sons, only the sole daughter Ye Suijin. And this daughter was too outstanding, no matter which Ye n member, alone they were no match for her.


    The young miss was also ruthless, directly drinking a bowl of potent medicine in front of the n members, wiping her mouth: "I will not birth children! For one hundred years, choose the best from the next generation as sessor!"


    After speaking, she shattered the bowl: "Agree, or not?"


    Already forced to this step, naturally they could only agree.


    Ye Suijinpeted in martial arts for a husband.


    Not for anything else, only because a married woman controlling the manorpared to an unmarried girl seemed more reassuring.


    Clearly the person was the same, only changed attire, done up hair. Yet this move really worked.


    People''s hearts strangely steadied.


    The maid suddenly brightened, pounding a fist in her palm: "I''ve got it!"


    She excitedly said, "Let Master Zhao be sworn brothers with you! That way, you''ll be Uncle to our master in the future!"


    If he can''t be a younger brother, he can still be a little uncle. It''s all the same!


    She''s so clever!


    But Duan Jin''s eyebrows shot up as he spat, "Humph! Who cares about that?"


    With a snort, he turned and strode away.


    The maid wanted to chase after him, but nced back worriedly at the main courtyard, afraid Ye Suijin would call for her. Then she looked back, but the brat''s ck-clothed figure had already disappeared into the night.


    He runs so fast!


    The maid stamped her feet in frustration and headed back inside.


    Another maid emerged from the main room and waved her over, saying, "She''s calling for you."


    And added, "She''s in the east chamber."


    The west side held the bedrooms while the adjoining east rooms were for banquets and rest.


    The maid hurried over. Ye Suijin asked her, "What did he say?"


    She must have known the maid would chase after Duan Jin to reprimand him.


    The maid quickly exined on Duan Jin''s behalf, repeating his words verbatim, "He did it for the master."


    "I know. He always does things for me." A faint smile spread across Ye Suijin''s lips.


    The maid was burning with curiosity. She had to let Ye Suijin know about her clever idea, so she described her n of having Duan Jin be sworn brothers with Zhao Jingwen.


    Make A-Jin the younger brother of Zhao Jingwen?


    Ye Suijin tugged at the corner of her mouth. "He''s not worthy."


    The maid was confused.


    Who?


    Who exactly was unworthy of whom?


    Ye Suijin sat cross-legged on the kang bed, staring at the scattered letters, documents and ledgers on the desk. Her jet ck eyes seemed to gaze into the empty air.


    After waking from a nightmare, the mistress had be more frightening than before.


    The maid didn''t dare ask any more questions.

 Chapter 6

    Ye Suijin woke up early in the morning to find Zhao Jingwen already washed and dressed, with maidservants doing her hair.


    She looked different today, unusually opting for a slightly more borate hairdo. She had always hated wasting time on this sort of thing before, often wishing she could just tie her hair up like a man to make it easy to ride horses, box and shoot arrows.


    Hearing the sounds, Ye Suijin turned to look at him. "You''re awake?"


    Sure enough, when a woman dresses up, even a simple updo makes her face look more mature and dignified, better suiting her status as the mistress of the Ye Family Fort.


    It really struck Zhao Jingwen in his heart.


    He put on a robe and went behind her, sping her shoulders to massage them as heughed, "Why up so early?"


    Ye Suijin nced at Zhao Jingwen from the bronze mirror. He looked even more handsome in the daylight.


    If someone was born with good looks, it really gave them quite an advantage.


    Ye Suijin pulled at the corners of her mouth in the mirror. "Tiring work."


    What was tiring was something only the husband and wife understood.


    When Ye Suijin was younger, she took it all for granted.


    But after bing Zhao Jingwen''s empress and seeing how he bestowed favors on the women of his harem, she understood. Of course, Zhao Jingwen didn''t dare put on airs like that in the imperial pce, or the empress would have kicked him out of bed.


    A proper wife was different from concubines after all.


    This was also the main reason Pei Lian hated her.


    When someone desperately sought something that another person took for granted, how could there not be hatred?


    But now the young Ye Suijin saw Zhao Jingwen again and realized he was trying so hard to please her in every little detail.


    There was an inexplicable feeling of absurd amusement.


    She wanted to grab Emperor Zhao Jingwen by the scruff of his neck and make him take a look at himself, at how careful and fawning he was acting.


    Zhao Jingwen smiled very contentedly. A youthful couple''s harmonious marital rtions naturally made him happy.


    Ye Suijin pushed him away. "Go wash up. We''ll be meeting everyone in the hall soon."


    Zhao Jingwen obediently responded "Alright" and briskly went off.


    After breakfast they waited a little longer before heading to the main hall together.


    The main hall was used for discussing affairs, spacious and lofty.


    In the center was a seat covered with a tiger skin, hunted by Ye Suijin''s own father,id atop the fortress master''s chair to add imposing ir.


    But because of the summer heat, a soft and breathable woven mat was ced over the tiger skin for coolness. On either side of the main hall were two rows of chairs, mostly unfilled since meetings like today''s didn''t require that many people, though some still opted to sit in the back rows despite empty chairs up front.


    Seeing Ye Suijin and her husband stride in, everyone swiftly rose and bowed in greeting.


    On the left-hand front row, someone called, "Sixth sister."


    These were her rtives. Ye Suijin was sixth among her generation of female cousins in the n.


    Those on the right called her "Young Mistress."


    Some of them were dressed as warriors, some as schrs¡ªthey were retainers.


    Those sitting in the back rows addressed her as "Mistress."


    These were stewards and managers¡ªservants.


    Although Ye Suijin was sixth among her sisters in the n, she actually had no biological aunts or cousins. The other girls numbered along with her were daughters of her father''s cousins, merely adopted sisters to her.


    Since Ye Suijin''s father had no brothers, she had no siblings or parallel cousins. To help her bond with the rest of the n, she was numbered along with her adopted sisters.


    So within the family she was Sixth Sister, but to outsiders she was the Eldest Young Mistress of the Ye Family Fort.


    At a nce Ye Suijin spotted Duan Jin. The brat was also seated in the back row.


    On regr days when there were more people, he wouldn''t have been able to grab a seat due to his young age, forced to stand in the empty space behind the second row. Since today had fewer people, he''d shamelessly taken a seat at the very back.


    Everyone in the fortress had watched him grow up, so they didn''t mind him.


    Just seeing Duan Jin alive and well invigorated Ye Suijin, filling her with energy.


    She concealed her smiling eyes and nodded. "No need for courtesy. Sit."


    The atmosphere in the hall was slightly strange, as everyone more or less sensed the change in Ye Suijin''s aura.


    As one nurtures their spirit, so their vital essence transforms. After acting as the mother of the nation for so long, she was clearly different from the young Ye Suijin they knew.


    But of course they couldn''t imagine this Ye Suijin was not the one from the past few days¡ªthey simply thought her more formal attire today lent her greater poise and dignity, especially in her eyes that seemed particrly spirited. Her gaze imposed an invisible pressure, making people feel awed.


    Once seated, the man in the leftmost senior position spoke first. "Feeling better now? Granny Yan said you were possessed. What happened, did you provoke some unclean thing?"


    Ye Suijin''s father had been an only son. The speaker was his cousin, fourth senior in the n. He was Ye Suijin''s fourth uncle, an elder to her. Within three degrees of mourning, they were the closest living rtives Ye Suijin had.


    Ye Suijin''s gaze turned to look deeply at him.


    When she was young her world was small, confined only to the Ye Family Fort. She saw her rtives as people to be guarded against.


    It wasn''t untilter when she ventured out into the wider world that she realized how vast the heavens and earth were, full of potential for great things. Their tiny Ye Family Fort was nothing inparison. Faced with greater external forces, the n had to unite and forge ahead together.


    This Fourth Uncle of hers had pressured her greatly within the fortress, but outside he had been one of her staunchest supporters.


    Later he was too gravely injured to be saved.


    On his deathbed he clutched Ye Suijin''s hand, using his final breath to gasp, "Zhao...Jingwen...no good..."


    She already understood then what kind of person Zhao Jingwen was.


    But she had already embarked on Zhao Jingwen''s ship. By not decisively abandoning it at the start, she then had to keep investing more and more into it to avoid losing out.


    Otherwise, everything she had poured in earlier would have just been wasted.


    How could she ept that?


    Fourth Uncle recognized the Ye Family Fort''s future and died in anxiety, unable to close his eyes. It was Ye Suijin who closed them for him.


    Right after Fourth Uncle''s funeral, word came from the frontlines that Ye Suijin''s two adopted brothers, Third Son Ye and Fifth Son Ye, had also fallen in battle.


    In public, Ye Suijin only heavily acknowledged, "I see."


    But where others couldn''t see, deep inside the military tent, shey facedown on the campaign bed, biting hard into the bedding to muffle any sounds as she shook with sobs.


    Kindred by blood, sharing the same great grandfather and grandfather¡ªthe severing of each branch felt like cutting away flesh.


    This was what it meant to be "n."


    "Fourth Uncle," Ye Suijin addressed him. Her eyes were murky. "I didn''t provoke any filthy things. Actually, Father and Grandfather appeared to me in a dream and scolded me severely."


    The hall quieted for a moment. Fourth Uncle was even more wary.


    When it came to supernatural things, whether to believe or disbelieve depended on the situation and whether it seemed beneficial or harmful.


    The hot-blooded young Ye Suijin never believed in such things. Her recent possession had Fourth Uncle mocking his own sons, "It must be heavenly punishment since she always showed no respect to the gods and Buddha."


    His eldest son chided, "Watch your offensive conjectures, Father."


    His youngest son urged, "I advise you drink more soup and make less trouble, Father."


    Having a junior niece lead the fortress instead of him, an elder, still rankled. But the younger generation seemed to ept her leadership quite well.


    Nothing could be done about it. Even his own sons, who Ye Suijin had pummeled into submission since they were children, always listened to her.


    After all, they could never beat her in a fight.


    When Ye Suijin wanted to get married into the fortress and have children who took the Ye surname, they elders had disagreed at first too.


    Fourth Uncle directly confronted Ye Suijin. "What if the groom''s family demands continuation of their ancestral line after three generations? Will the Ye Family Fort have to change surnames?"


    But Ye Suijin could be ruthless too. She drank a bowl of potent medicine that made her infertile.


    The medicine was said to be strong enough to prevent almost certain recovery.


    Forcing his niece to such extremes left a bitter taste in his mouth as an elder. Ultimately both sidespromised¡ªthey allowed Ye Suijin to be Fort Master, and Ye Suijin agreed not to have children, so the Ye Family Fort would continue passing to the Ye bloodline.


    Just this issue caused long strife between him and his sons.


    They felt ashamed to face the Suijin they grew up with together, after their own father pushed her so far.


    But Fourth Uncle believed he had done right for the sake of the Ye Family Fort.


    The rift between uncle and nephews caused by this knife-edge conflict was never mended.


    Fourth Uncle nned to continue supporting Ye Suijin for a few more years, then retire from interfering once she fully matured, removing himself from her displeasure.


    But today Ye Suijin suddenly mentioned a "dream visitation." What was she plotting?


    Fourth Uncle watched her warily.


    "Oh?" someone on the right, in the front row, picked up this thread of conversation. "What instructions did the old Fort Master have? Young Mistress, tell us about it."


    All eyes turned to her.


    The speaker was a middle-aged schr with a goatee, scraggly and already sporting some white hairs that lent him a somewhat unsavory look.


    This was Mr. Yang, counselor to Ye Suijin''ste father. Ye Suijin disliked him ever since she was small.


    Mainly because he had an horsey face and huge alcoholic''s nose, too ugly.


    Ye Suijin liked good-looking people.


    After she took over the fortress, her thinking diverged from Mr. Yang''s, and they didn''t get along.


    She actually hoped all along that he would take the hint and resign, but he clung stubbornly to his old age pension at the Ye Family Fort. Out of respect for her father, she could only tolerate him.


    The two of them had the biggest disagreement twice. Once was when he advised her not to be confined by Ye Manor, as the chaotic times, despite being dangerous, also offered countless opportunities.


    But Ye Suijin had just wrested Ye Manor from her n with great difficulty. Her vision was not far-reaching enough and her mindset not open enough. All she could see was Ye Manor.


    Although unwilling to give up opportunities outside, after weighing everything, she gave this chance to Zhao Jingwen.


    She gave him rations, soldiers and horses, letting him explore the outside world on her behalf.


    As husband and wife were one entity, she believed Zhao Jingwen''s going was the same as her going personally.


    And she herself would remain stationed at Ye Manor, both guarding the foundations of the manor and preventing her n from fighting over power.


    Short-sighted andughable.


    With Zhao Jingwen''s departure, he was like a flood dragon entering the sea.


    Her second major disagreement with Mr. Yang was when she learned of Pei Lian''s existence.


    She had never suffered such humiliation in her life and trembled with rage.


    Mr. Yang advised her to break ties with Zhao Jingwen.


    Looking back now, Mr. Yang''s advice was so right.


    But she was unwilling.


    After all, she was a woman, unwilling to hand her husband over to another woman, unwilling to lose to Pei Lian.


    She wanted Zhao Jingwen to turn back, to realize she was the most important woman to him.


    Foolish.


    Mr. Yang was so disappointed, but even so, he did not resign and leave. He continued following her.


    Until Fourth Uncle Ye died in battle, Mr. Yang finally became disheartened. He came before her and said, "I am just a bag of old bones, unable to keep up with the Manor Lord''s troops. I shall not drag you down anymore."


    He wanted to retire and live out his remaining years.


    By then, Ye Suijin no longer looked down on him. She only felt sad, "Teacher, you want to abandon me too?"


    Mr. Yang looked up at her and gently advised, "Fine birds choose the best woods to roost. We are all but human. Do not resent them."


    Then who should she resent?


    Ye Manor''s former subordinates began recognizing Zhao Jingwen as their lord, one by one.


    Who should she resent?


    When Duan Jin questioned their formerrades, they still spoke righteously, "He is the Manor Lord''s husband!"


    Who should she resent?


    Mr. Yang had advised her long ago. Zhao Jingwen was ambitious and ungrateful. He should not be trusted.


    She could only resent herself.


    Back then, she was determined to be Empress.


    Only by bing Empress would all her sacrifices be worthwhile.


    Only then would she not be a joke.


    Her victory in that battle came at a terrible price.


    She held a spear on the battlefield, nkly looking all around. Everywhere she saw were hills of corpses and seas of blood from the Ye army.


    She must be Empress!


    If Zhao Jingwen dared not make her Empress, she would take him down with her!


    If Zhao Jingwen dared make Pei Lian Empress, she would kill Pei Lian, then take Zhao Jingwen down with her!


    Fortunately, Zhao Jingwen did make her Empress.


    One day, Duan Jin said, "Guess who I saw - it''s Mr. Yang!"


    With the realm more peaceful, Mr. Yang came out of seclusion to visit old friends in the capital. Duan Jin ran into him.


    Ye Suijin summoned Mr. Yang into the pce to see her.


    "I became Empress," she said. "I discuss state affairs with the Emperor in the same hall."


    She wanted Mr. Yang to admit she had not lost out, Ye Manor had not lost out. Everything was worth it.


    By then, Mr. Yang had aged much, his beard all white, his body hunched.


    He looked up at her with triangr eyes, and his words were still as annoying as before.


    "Perhaps it is precisely because," he said, "Her Majesty is barren."


    Ye Suijin froze.


    The old man continued, "Without the Ye army, how long can Her Majesty sit in the hall?"


    Ye Suijin''s body stiffened.


    The old man probably knew he was being vexing. He had never pleased Ye Suijin in his life.


    He respectfully knelt and bowed to Ye Suijin, "Your Majesty, take care."


    Then he left.


    Pei Lian always felt that having the Crown Prince made her the winner over Ye Suijin, even if she didn''t be Empress.


    And Ye Suijin always felt she only lost to Pei Lian in this matter.


    Until Mr. Yang''s words awakened her.


    Looking at Pei Lian now, she felt only ridiculousness and absurdity.


    Recalling Mr. Yang''s words made her want to grind her silver teeth to dust and bite her lips until they bled!

 Chapter 7

    Ye Suijin lowered her eyes and took a deep breath before looking up, "In my dream, my father and grandfather severely scolded me."


    "They rebuked me for being toopassionate."


    "With the surge of refugees, they could turn into rioters at any moment. The slightest carelessness could throw Ye Family Fort into chaos. Historically, civil unrests always started with a few people, then quickly snowballed like a rolling snowball. If the situation was not controlled from the very beginning, we would only be left to run around desperately, putting out fires everywhere."


    Just now when she mentioned the "message from a dream", everyone had different thoughts, but they all shared one thing inmon - no one really believed this "message from a dream."


    They all thought she was making up some mystical excuse for her own motives.


    For example, Fourth Uncle Ye immediately became vignt and guarded.


    But to everyone''s surprise, this preposterous im led to the frank discussion of the real issues that had been privately worrying everyone recently.


    While there had been refugees in previous years, everyone this year had an ominous feeling - that the ground was covered in sparks and any misstep could lead to burns, or even explosions.


    Mr. Yang put away his smile and solemnly asked, "Did the old fortress master have any instructions?"


    This was an acknowledgment of the "message from the dream."


    He continued, "Young mistress, what are your thoughts?"


    This was leaving the decision to Ye Suijin.


    Ye Suijin did not answer his question directly. Instead, she raised her voice slightly and called out, "A-Jin!"


    Duan Jin, who was squeezing into thest seat in the back row, immediately stood up with his fists sped, "Yes, mydy!"


    Ye Suijin asked, "Do you know why so many refugees are passing through Deng Prefecture?"


    Duan Jin replied, "They want to go to Huainan, Jiangnan and Shannan to make a living, so they have to pass through Deng Prefecture."


    Ye Suijin asked, "Then why don''t they go through Jun Prefecture and Tang Prefecture?"


    "Because going through Deng Prefecture is safer than going through Jun and Tang."


    "Why?"


    "Because Deng Prefecture has Ye Family Fort that protects the peace and keeps the roads safe."


    Ye Suijin looked at him, "Is that so? Is that the only reason?"


    Duan Jin hesitated for a moment, recalling what she had saidst night.


    He was still young and had not yet faced the truly cruel and cold realities of the world. But he had one principle in life - to listen to Ye Suijin.


    If Ye Suijin said something was right, then it must be right.


    Duan Jin answered loudly, "Because our Ye Family Fort, first does not exploit, second does not plunder, and third does not kill indiscriminately!"


    "The people of Tang and Jun Prefectures are not as reasonable as us. If you want to pass through their territories, they''ll y you first before letting you through. I''ve heard from people who took a detour from Tang Prefecture, and they say it''s terrible over there."


    "But even though we have been benevolent and righteous, have these refugees therefore beenw-abiding and caused no troubles?"


    "No! Those bastards wanted to rob our food supply! Just four days ago, Little Qiu was stabbed with a knife, fortunately only on the arm, nothing too serious."


    Speaking of this, Duan Jin bared his teeth in anger.


    With Duan Jin''s words, everyone began to speak up, talking about the various incidents that had happened recently.


    Ye Suijin nodded and admitted, "This is my fault."


    The voices in the hall stopped abruptly.


    "I thoughtpassion could enlighten people, so I ordered our men not to kill indiscriminately, and to spare lives whenever possible. If Father and Grandfather had not scolded me awake in the dream, I would have still thought I was the reincarnation of the Bodhisattva."


    "Now that evil ghosts are everywhere,passion only shows weakness, making people think we are easy to take advantage of."


    "It is time to use the thunderous approach. My friends, if you think I''m wrong, please speak up now and I will listen. If there are no objections, pass on my order to all divisions: In extraordinary times, take extraordinary measures."


    "Behead those who steal food supplies! Kill those who cause troubles! Skin alive and hang at the northernmost checkpoint in Deng Prefecture those who incite and instigate the refugees to riot!"


    There was dead silence in the great hall.


    Because when Ye Suijin uttered thosest few sentences, her tone was not agitated at all. She spoke in a calm, almost in manner.


    But this made people even more rmed.


    Some of the elders had always felt that the young mistress of Ye Family Fort was still "too young" and "not steady enough". When did she start speaking in a way that sent chills down people''s spines?


    Fourth Uncle Ye''s lips moved.


    Ye Family Fort had a reputation for benevolence and righteousness for decades. Would taking such harsh measures ruin that reputation?


    But he also knew very clearly about the various incidents that had happened recently. Each division sent reports every three days about situations everywhere. The feeling that things were on the verge of spiraling out of control was too strong.


    So strong that he could not immediately object to what Ye Suijin had said.


    He only felt extremely torn inside.


    He looked over but saw Ye Suijin''s eyebrows had not moved at all.


    Speaking of such drastic matters, her voice did not shake, her arms did not il around passionately at all. But the colder she appeared, the more you knew her resolve was firm and unwavering.


    Not wavering like him.


    Just then, someone said loudly, "Benevolence should be practiced in peaceful times, but imposing might is proper in chaotic times! The young mistress is absolutely right! I have no objection!"


    The speaker was Mr. Yang, with his horse face, triangr eyes, red booze nose, and white beard.


    When Ye Suijin''s father was still around, Mr. Yang was his chief strategist. Although after Ye Suijin inherited the fortress, everyone understood that the new mistress did not rely on Mr. Yang like the old master did, Ye Suijin still kept up appearances and treated Mr. Yang as the number one guest of the fortress.


    Therefore, with Mr. Yang being the first to agree, the other advisors also echoed, "No objection."


    Ye Suijin turned her head to look at the other side.


    After a slight hesitation, Fourth Uncle Ye also said, "Your father was right, that''s how it should be."


    The elders of the uncle generation did not participate much anymore. Among the seniors, Fourth Uncle Ye''s opinion carried the most weight. With him stating his stance, no one else objected.


    In thest row, a young man seemed uneasy again and asked softly, "Are we really going to kill people?"


    Ye Suijin deeply understood his concerns. The younger generation had grown up under the protection of their elders. Raised in thefort of Ye Family Fort¡¯s territory, it was normal for them to hesitate when suddenly told to kill people.


    The speaker was none other than Fourth Uncle Ye''s youngest son.


    Ye Suijin said, "Compassion does notmand troops."


    This statement made many middle-aged people in the hall nod.


    Fourth Uncle Ye also told his son, "Suijin is right."


    Ye Suijin said, "Since there are no objections,e."


    A steward then stood up from the back row with his fists sped, "Yes, mydy."


    Ye Suijin ordered, "Pass on mymands to each division."


    She then called out names, "Third Son, Fourth Son, Fifth Son, Seventh Son, Ninth Son, Tenth Son,e with me on inspection."


    Fourth Uncle Ye said, "You''re going personally?"


    Ye Suijin nodded, "Everyone is used to peaceful days. I''m afraid they may not be able to act at first, so I will go personally to oversee things."


    Fourth Uncle Ye thought to himself that you also grew up in peace andfort, how would you know if you can do it when the timees?


    But the fact that Ye Suijin was able to think of this, whether she came up with it herself or really received some message in a dream, she was already better than his foolish son.


    Mr. Yang waved his fan and smiled, "Young mistress, did the old fortress master say anything else?"


    There was something different about Ye Suijin today that gave Mr. Yang a "different" feeling. And he keenly sensed that this change seemed to be moving in a direction he considered good.


    Whether the message from a dream was real or fake, he wanted to hear more details.


    As a strategist, he wanted to understand the inner thoughts of his master better.


    Ye Suijin''s gaze was deep.


    "My father said I have shortsighted vision, only seeing Ye Family Fort."


    "Now, the capital has changed dynasties twice, dozens of heroes have upied territories in the south, yet I only know to stubbornly defend a single Ye Family Fort."


    "Father said of course we must defend Ye Family Fort well, as it is the starting point and foundation of our family, but we cannot be confined here."


    "Because when others around you are growing stronger while you alone stay static, it is the same as you growing weaker."


    "Mr. Yang, does my father speak correctly?"


    With each sentence she uttered, Mr. Yang''s muddy eyes shone brighter.


    When she finally asked thest question, Mr. Yang pped his fan on his leg and apuded, "As expected of the old fortress master, he speaks directly to the current circumstances. That is precisely the situation now! Just yesterday, we received news, but since the mistress had not rested well yet, I have not had the chance to report. I was about to discuss with you, nowadays in this world, three more emperors have emerged."


    There were sounds of surprise in the hall as people asked in chorus, "What happened?"


    The original dynasty was Great Wei. Thest Wei emperor abdicated to a subject, and the nation became Liang. At the end ofst year, the Hedong military governor colluded with northern tribesmen, conquered Liang and imed himself emperor, with the nation changing to Jin.


    People were already dizzy with confusion. How could three more emperors emerge?


    Mr. Yang said, "The news arrived yesterday evening. The three emperors are: Wang Rong, military governor of Jian''nan, proimed himself emperor with the state as Shu; Liu Sheng, military governor of Qinghai, proimed himself emperor with the state as Han;stly, Deng Yanyou of Weiwei military proimed Min Kingdom."


    After he finished briefing, the hall immediately broke into loud discussions.


    Only Ye Suijin was not surprised at all. These were all ancient history to her, some of the people had long turned to dust, leaving only a line or two in the history books.


    By the time of her death, only the Min Emperor was still alive. He had already surrendered to Zhao Jingwen''s Great Mu as the Min Prince, then demoted himself further to Min Marquis.


    Zhao Jingwen never bothered with him, because as a northerner, the Min region was too far and held little interest for him. His ambitions were set on recovering the sixteen prefectures of Yan and Yun.


    It was a pity. In the end, Duan Jin recovered thest four prefectures in the final Northern Expedition, but did not live to return.


    Zhao Jingwen thoroughly fulfilled the idiom of "hiding one''s capabilities and biding one''s time."


    Ye Suijin slightly tilted her head, using the corner of her eye to nce at her husband.


    In Ye Family Fort, Zhao Jingwen was also a special existence. If you called him lowly, he was the mistress'' bedmate. If you called him noble, he was a despised son-inw that everyone looked down on.


    In the council hall, his position was also unique.


    He did not sit with the others, only had a small stool ced diagonally behind and to the side of the mistress'' seat.


    Neither proper nor improper, as awkward as a concubine.


    Ye Suijin withdrew her gaze and said, "This is just the beginning."


    She raised her hand, "Bring the maps!"


    Immediately someone nimbly brought over several desks to be ced in the hall, and unrolled maps to spread out on them.


    Ye Suijin strode over with big steps. She was just about to speak when her gaze fell upon the map and she almost choked.


    What is this thing? Is this a map?


    So the Ye family fortress didn''t even have a proper military map at this time!


    Looking at this crude map, Ye Suijin, who was used to looking at marching maps, felt her temples throbbing.


    This map was small and rough, simple and crude. But everyone''s eyes were already on her, so Ye Suijin could only habitually raise her hand and beckon to the steward beside her.


    The steward didn''t understand: "What does the fort lord want?"


    Ye Suijin was silent for a moment, swallowed a mouthful of old blood, and said, "Never mind."


    She was the fool. With such a small map, what use were any pointer sticks.


    Ye Suijin stretched out her hand and pointed out the three ces Mr. Yang had mentioned on the crude map with perfect uracy: "Min Country, the emperor is far away in the distant heavens."


    Her finger slid: "Han Country, likewise."


    "These two ces are both in the Lingnan Circuit, separated from the imperial court by the Jiangnan, Shannan, and Huainan Circuits." They took advantage of the remoteness of the terrain that the imperial court''s reach could hardly extend to. The local diet and climate were also very different from the north, so northerners who went there would easily lose one-tenth of their men just from not being limated to the water and soil.


    But likewise, southerners going north simply couldn''t stand the cold.


    Therefore, Zhao Jingwen was in no hurry to take back the southern borders, he would do so slowly.


    Ye Suijin''s finger slid again, drawing half a circle: "Jian''nan Circuit."


    "Thend of abundance, with deep blessings. The Shu paths are difficult, more difficult than ascending to the blue heavens. This territory has been easy to defend but hard to attack since ancient times. This is why Wang Rong dared to upy Jian''nan Circuit and establish the Shu Kingdom."


    "These three ces all have the support of natural terrain, which is why they dared to proim themselves emperor the earliest..."


    The earliest...


    Mr. Yang nced up at Ye Suijin.


    But Ye Suijin''s gaze had fallen on a ce outside of Jian''nan Circuit, in the Shan''nan East Circuit, at the border between Gui Prefecture, Fang Prefecture, and Kuizhou.


    Who was there?


    Zhao Jingwen''s second wife, Pei Lian, was there.


    Now was not the time to think about Pei Lian. Ye Suijin banished Pei Lian from her mind and spread out her palm to cover arge area: "Mr. Yang, look here."


    Mr. Yang looked closely. The area Ye Suijin''s palm covered was almost the entirety of Shannan Circuit and half of Jiangnan Circuit. He nced at Ye Suijin in puzzlement.


    The others were also puzzled.


    Ye Suijin smiled: "The imperial granaries are here. Mr. Yang, do you want them?"


    Everyone in the hallughed loudly, thinking Ye Suijin was joking with Mr. Yang.


    Only Mr. Yang''s gaze condensed slightly, but he soonughed loudly as well and said, "If I wanted to be emperor, I would naturally want this ce. It''s been and of contention since ancient times."


    Controlling the Jingchu region could support howeverrge an army. This was the foundation of Zhao Jingwen''s ability tounch northern expeditions time and time again.


    Ye Suijin poked at the map: "Just you wait, I bet this ce will have another emperor soon."


    But this region was toorge. There were several military governors just among them.


    Before the fall of Northern Wei, eunuchs controlled the imperial court and handed out appointments like they were free. Any general with a bit of military power who sent ample tribute to the capital could obtain documentsmissioning them as military governor.


    And so you''re a military governor, and I''m a military governor. There were big and small ones, formal and makeshift ones.


    Someone scratched their head: "Which one will be emperor?"


    Mr. Yang answered almost unthinkingly: "Cui Fu, military governor of Wuan."


    Ye Suijin held her breath for a moment.


    Fourth Uncle Ye did not believe it: "I know him. The Wuan army has some history. He''s a formal military governor, he must be an old geezer now. Didn''t the Wuan army go to the capital to participate in the righteous rebellion back then, and retreated after defeat? It must be greatly weakenedpared to before. How could he be emperor?"


    Mr. Yang said: "A camel that starved to death is still bigger than a horse. He''s also a hero of his time. The only reason he''s like this now is because he''s too old and his health can''t keep up. Also, his eldest son is mediocre, yet suppresses his younger brothers, so they weaken year after year."


    Fourth Uncle Ye still didn''t believe it: "You said yourself they weaken year after year. How could the next person to be emperor be him?"


    Mr. Yang sighed and stroked his beard: "Because he is old, ready to enter his coffin. At his peak, during Northern Wei''s time, he upheld his loyalty. But now, what Northern Wei, even the fraudulent Liang is gone, and who knows how many years this Great Jin canst."


    "Those several," he gestured at the Shu, Han and Min countries, "have already proimed themselves emperor. How could he not have ambitions? A hero of his time like him, if he dies without wearing the dragon robes, would die with his eyes open in resentment."


    The crowdughed loudly again.


    "Of course."


    "If it were me, with so many troops, I would also die with my eyes open."


    "You wish. I meant if!"


    Ye Suijin lowered her eyes.


    Reborn into this time, she knew how history would unfold. Yet Mr. Yang deduced all this relying solely on present information, without a single mistake.


    In her past life, Mr. Yang had never been valued highly by her side. She really had failed to make use of his talents.


    Just as Mr. Yang said, Cui Fu did indeed proim himself emperor and wear the dragon robes before death, establishing the Chu Kingdom.


    He was emperor for two or three months before kicking the bucket.


    With his favored eldest son dead, the useless eldest could not control his brothers, and was killed by his younger brothers. One of his younger brothers took the throne. The new emperor was diligent and vigorously governed, almost unifying the vast and fertilends her palm had covered earlier.


    What a pity, he fell off his horse in his prime, hitting his head on a rock and dying.


    They only managed to take over such a huge breadbasketter because Cui Fu''s sons and uncles, brothers fought each other to the death, causing Chu to fracture again.


    To put it this way, Zhao Jingwen really had some fortune on his side.


    Ugh, what fortune, he relied entirely on scheming, scheming his two wives'' ns to work for him.


    Ye Suijin clenched her fist and withdrew her hand. Amidst the chuckles in the hall, she said to Mr. Yang: "I want it."


    Mr. Yang froze.


    Fourth Uncle Ye didn''t understand: "Want what?"


    Ye Suijin stared at the crude map: "Everyone else is making their move. We''re the only ones staying still, how can this do? In these chaotic times, this is like rowing against the current, retreat if we don''t advance."


    She mmed her fist on the huge granary: "I want this Jingchu region, to stockpile grain and train troops. One day in the future..."


    Her fist suddenly opened, her five fingers pointing in different directions, instantly expanding the area her hand covered.


    The hall quieted.


    Because this was no joking chatter of a young maiden, this woman was the master of Ye Family Fortress.


    She was the one leading them on the road.


    Fourth Uncle Ye had been shocked by Ye Suijin repeatedly today. He felt like his mind simply couldn''t keep up with her. He stared with wide eyes, unsure if he should rebuke her.


    As her uncle, rebuking her preposterous words was of course right. But as a subordinate, he could not openly make the fort lord lose face.


    He had argued and conflicted with Ye Suijin several times in the past. His sons had repeatedly advised him about it afterwards.


    At this time, Mr. Yang directly poured cold water on Ye Suijin, twirling his seemingly dirty beard: "You can''t manage it."


    The atmosphere instantly rxed.


    Just as someone was about tough, Ye Suijin raised her eyes.


    "I know," she said with a smile, casual and indifferent. "So let''s take Deng Prefecture first."


    It was like a thunderp exploding in the discussion hall of the Ye family.


    Instantly silencing everyone present.

 Chapter 8

    The county magistrate of Neixiang County flipped up the brim of his official hat to let in some air. Beads of sweat dripped down continuously.


    He had already tried his best to stay in the shade of the trees, but the sun shone so fiercely that the air was dry and hot. This year was extraordinarily hotter than previous years. The abnormal weather made him feel uneasy, as if something was about to happen.


    After resting for a bit, he stood up, "Let''s go, keep walking."


    It was the height of summer harvest, the busiest time of the year. He went out in person to inspect the situation.


    In such turbulent times, grain was more precious than ever. The county magistrate deeply understood this principle.


    Whether a county could remain stable depended entirely on whether people had full bellies.


    Henan province had fertile soil, suitable for farming. As long as there were no natural disasters ¨C droughts, floods, locust gues ¨C there would be a bountiful harvest most years.


    This year was no exception. The rich farnd had yielded yet another bumper crop.


    But it was too early to rx. He wouldn''t feel at ease until the grain was stored away, guarded by soldiers, with the city gates barred shut.


    As long as the granaries were full, they could seal the gates at the first sign of trouble, maintaining peace and security in most cases.


    Of course, there was another prerequisite - the refugees could not revolt.


    After inspecting the summer harvest here with no issues, he still needed to visit local wealthy households to request they distribute congee to the poor.


    Ordinarymoners would not stir up major trouble if they had even a bowl of thin gruel to drink.


    Unfortunately, things had not gone well this trip. The two local gentry he visited had both imed poverty.


    Nonsense! On his way here, he saw their tenants lugging bundles of wheat to thresh and dry. Many able-bodied men guarded the estates, holding wooden staffs and wearing steel knives at their waists, patrolling back and forth.


    Yet when he turned back, there was only a fat county sheriff, a skinny clerk, and seven or eight dispirited bailiffs behind him. They were no match for the vigorous private guards.


    Although he could organize some local braves, they were for patrolling the city and protecting their hometowns. He could not order them to confront refugees and sh with local elites.


    The county magistrate spoke in a humble, deferential tone without any official authority. He earnestly exined the current circumstances to the elites, describing the terrible consequences if the refugees revolted.


    But the elites simply waved their hands dismissively, "My estate has thick walls and sturdy gates, robust guards - we''re not afraid."


    These people were always so short-sighted and selfish, only caring about themselves and the present!


    They could only see as far as the tips of their shoes.


    No wonder the Ye Family Fort had be the local overlord.


    This trip was fruitless.


    Dejected on the road back, someone up ahead suddenly shouted hoarsely, "Is that the honorable county magistrate up ahead?"


    The magistrate craned his neck to look. A bailiff came galloping over on a donkey, stumbling down in a frenzy, "Terrible news, Your Honor!"


    At this time of year, shouting "Terrible news!" made the county magistrate''s heart jump out of his chest. He anxiously asked, "Did the refugees act out?"


    With sparks flying everywhere, shes between locals and outsiders were increasing. Just one more spark could ignite the tinderbox.


    The county magistrate worried himself sick every day, precisely fearing this scenario!


    The bailiff had sprinted until his throat was practically smoking. In a hoarse voice he said, "It''s...it''s..."


    The county magistrate only felt his head buzz as a wave of dizziness came over him. He had barely endured these past few years, but would this year truly be impossible to get through?


    "It''s...it''s..." the bailiff''s voice was raspy, "the Ye Family Fort!"


    What a huge relief!


    The county magistrate came back to life instantly! He scolded, "Give him water to drink!"


    Someone immediately untied a gourd from his waist and passed it over. The bailiff guzzled it down in huge gulps, finally regaining his voice a little. He hastily exined, "Terrible news, Your Honor! The Ye Family Fort is on a killing spree!"


    Shock after shock!


    The magistrate had just calmed his horse when he heard the bailiff''s emphatic words. He anxiously pulled the reins and jumped back on his horse. How could the peaceful Ye Family Fort suddenly start attacking locals?


    This was too much. He really couldn''t take it anymore.


    Maybe it was time to resign and return home?


    But the bailiff grabbed his horse''s bridle, "No, Your Honor! The ones killed by the Ye Family Fort were not our vigers, but the refugees!"


    The magistrate halted.


    The bailiff continued, "Those wretched outsiders dared to raid our granaries! Not just petty theft this time, outright robbery! Clearly premeditated, all able-bodied men. The outsiders were vicious, desperate enough to kill. Our peace-loving vigers are no match for their frenzied attacks. One of our vigers was even beaten to death by the outsiders!"


    "Fortunately the young miss of Ye Family Fort was out patrolling with her men! She charged in on horseback, her de shing, and a man''s head went flying! Blood sprayed three feet high! Everyone was stunned speechless in that instant!"


    "The raiders were all captured. The ringleaders inciting them were immediately beheaded on the spot! The rest were strung up and brought to our county town!"


    Upon hearing the ones killed were refugees, the magistrate rxed somewhat, though he felt conflicted.


    How to put it? It was very strange. Hearing about Ye Family Fort''s ruthless crackdown, he simultaneously felt relieved yet uneasy ¨C two extremely contradictory emotions.


    Relieved that Ye Family Fort had finally struck with force, suppressing the sparks everywhere.


    Uneasy because he vaguely sensed an unleashed beast, now impossible to tame.


    Not that they had ever tamed it before.


    In short, he felt both reassured yet anxious, buffeted by both emotions and very ufortable.


    He asked, "Why were they brought to the county town?"


    The bailiff replied, "They said they were looking for you, magistrate."


    "We rushed over when we got the news. Met them halfway. Those men were covered in blood, all tied up together. The vigers didn''t even stay to harvest and dry the grain, everyone ran to the main road to watch."


    "Frightening, the ox cart they pulled was loaded with corpses. When it jolted, a severed head tumbled out, nearly startling my donkey!"


    "Let''s go, tell me more on the road." The magistrate flicked the reins.


    The Ye Family members were looking for him, he had to hurry back.


    Jogging along, he listened to the bailiff describe the scene in detail.


    "Exaggeration!"


    "This lowly one would never dare exaggerate! I saw it with my own eyes! Those necks were sliced so cleanly. Ah, well, one wasn''t that neat."


    "When we get back, if it''s not as you said, I''ll break your dog legs."


    "You''ll know it''s all true when you see, Your Honor."


    Continuing down the road under the zing sun, when they reached a certain spot, the bailiff pointed at the ground and shouted, "Look Your Honor, there''s still bloodstains."


    Indeed the road had sporadic dark patches of dried blood.


    Seeing the magistrate, farmers came over from the fields, moring chaotically, "Your Honor, outsiders raided our grain!"


    "Beat our fellow viger Liu Er Zhuang to death!"


    "Tragic, his son isn''t even a hundred days old and has no father now."


    "The young miss of Ye Family Fort left the widow some silver, enough to support her for years."


    "Your Honor, we can''t continue indulging these outsiders!"


    "I know! This official is going back to take a look first." The magistrate wiped his sweat. "You all should return to your work, don''t dy the farming season!"


    Leaving the chattering crowd behind, they continued rushing back to the county town.


    From a distance, he could already see many people gathered at the city gates. One nce revealed they were dressed in rags with cards hung around their necks ¨C all refugees.


    Everyone tensed up at once.


    The bailiffs tightened their grips on the long spears in hand.


    These were found in the armory. The magistrate had them carry spears daily to deter the masses. But they were only yamen bailiffs, knew some basic fists and kicks, and were not very skilled with long weapons.


    The county magistrate also slowed his horse and touched the sword at his waist.


    Just as he hesitated whether to approach, loud drumbeats sounded up ahead. Someone yelled hoarsely in an exaggerated, elongated cadence, "By order of Ye Family Fort ¨C grain raiders beheaded! Rioters killed! Those inciting chaos and revolt dismembered! Bodies exposed for ten days!"


    That voice sounded so familiar. It was Liu Ajiu from the county yamen, normally responsible for patrolling the streets beating a drum and shouting announcements.


    Why was he doing this for Ye Family Fort?


    The magistrate was puzzled. He rode forward, but suddenly sensed something amiss. Raising his eyes upward, he saw...


    "Make way, make way! The county magistrate is back!"


    The bailiff on donkeyback charged ahead to clear a path for the magistrate.


    The refugees quickly moved aside. There were also many locals in front who didn''t dare get close, so the locals were nearer the front.


    Everyone looked to the magistrate, but saw him frozen stiff atop his horse, mouth gaping, staring nkly upwards. He seemed paralyzed, raising his horsewhip with a trembling hand, asking "That...what...what is that?"


    The bailiff riding donkey nced back after reining in his donkey. He cried "Heavens!" and tumbled right off the donkey in fright.


    For hanging over the city gates were several headless corpses, with heads tied at their waists by rope.


    Just the headless bodies would have been gruesome enough, with so many deaths in recent years. But one of the corpses was particrly horrifying, with over half its clothes stripped off, just a few scraps of fabric preserving modesty. The exposed body was covered in bloodstains, with white bones peeking through, like a half-butchered pig.


    The county magistrate thought he had long been numbed to the sights of frozen corpses, starved corpses, vited women''s corpses.


    But while freezing, starving, vition deaths made one feel sad pity, the corpse hung at the city gates only inspired sheer horror!


    The severed head and body were ghastly enough, but this yed body with bones exposed ¨C what kind of death was this?


    Liu Ajiu beating the drum had someone run over, "Magistrate, you''re back!"


    It was none other than the county vice-magistrate.


    With the magistrate and sheriff out, he had remained guarding the yamen. Suddenly encountering this incident, he could only take charge of the situation.


    Today his heart, liver, lungs and eyes had all been rinsed clean by Ye Family Fort. Never again would he look upon them with his former perspective.


    The county magistrate dismounted, raising his whip again: "What''s that?"


    The county clerk looked back once more, nearly vomiting again as he forced himself to exin: "Miss Ye of Ye Family Fort said, looters shall be beheaded, rioters shall be killed, those who incite and provoke riots shall be yed, and their corpses left exposed for ten days."


    "Those few hanging above are the ones who incited and provoked the refugees to riot. Miss Ye said they should all be yed."


    "The money butcher from the city was called to y them. He had only ughtered pigs before, never yed a person, and his hands shook terribly. Plus the hot weather, Miss Ye thought it took too long, so only the one was yed while the rest were just strung up like that."


    "She said they''re not to be taken down before the ten days are up."


    The county magistrate badly wanted to ask: So you''re just going to listen to Ye Family Fort''s orders?


    But the county magistrate took another look at the mutted corpse, able to sense the deterrent force contained in each knife stroke.


    Even if he had been there, he might have nodded like a chicken pecking at rice just like the county clerk, even busying himself with instructing the gate guards to string up the corpses.


    What else could be done?


    The county magistrate swallowed back these words and gave a stern nod: "I see."


    ncing left and right, they were either locals or refugees. He asked: "And where is Miss Ye of Ye Family Fort now?"


    "She left," the county clerk said. "Went to Ruan County."


    The county magistrate''s shoulders rxed slightly.


    He tossed the reins to someone nearby and walked with the county clerk towards the city.


    The county clerk added: "But Miss Ye left a message for you, sir."


    The county magistrate tensed his shoulders again: "What message?"


    "Miss Ye said that once the summer grain harvest ispleted, pleasee to Ye Family Fort for a chat."


    Somehow the words "the feast at Hongmen" shed through the county magistrate''s mind.


    He shivered involuntarily.

 Chapter 9

    Yejiabao was the local tyrant of Dengzhou, but was not the master of Dengzhou.


    To tell the truth, Yejiabao was actually a bit lucky.


    Dengzhou used to have a military governor as well, whomanded Xuanhua troops at the end of the Wei Dynasty, and the military and politics of Dengzhou, Suizhou, Fuzhou, Yingzhou and Dengzhou were all under his control.


    His office was in Dengzhou, so he was the master of Dengzhou.


    When he was there, Yejiabao was at most just a local despot.


    It hadnd, private troops, and strongholds.


    Ordinary people would bow their heads and be afraid when seeing them, but the military governor was not afraid.


    When there was no conflict of interest, the military governor would give Yejiabao some face. Once there was a conflict of interest, the military governor could also wipe out Yejiabao.


    So when Xuanhua troops were still there, Yejiabao was far from having the arrogance in Dengzhou like nowadays.


    Fortunately, he died, and his son inherited the position of Xuanhua military governor and took over the Xuanhua troops.


    In theory, the military governor was an official appointed by the imperial court, and when a military governor died, the imperial court should appoint a new military governor.


    But the imperial court had long lost the ability to restrain these self-important military governors.


    The military governors regarded the territories they governed on behalf of the imperial court as their own private properties, and the imperial troops as their private armies. When a military governor died, his son would naturally inherit his position.


    The imperial court was helpless and could only issue an appointment letter with nose clipped, keeping up appearances on both sides.


    But the new military governor did not have his father''sposure. He was young and ambitious. At that time, thest emperor of Wei was forced to abdicate, and the regime changed.


    It was chaotic, and many people wanted a share.


    The new military governor was young and overconfident. He took the Xuanhua troops to the capital to get a big share, no, to support the new emperor.


    He died in the capital region, and the remnants of Xuanhua troops stranded in the capital region were merged by other forces and never returned.


    At that time, the capital region and the north were constantly at war during the pseudo-Liang Dynasty.


    The unrest never stopped throughout that period.


    For a while, there appeared a power vacuum in these states including Dengzhou. The pseudo-Liang court was still overwhelmed, let alone these ces.


    The civilians fled south, the garrison troops deserted, and the loose soldiers roamed around. Various disorders began in Dengzhou.


    The county magistrates of Dengzhou''s three counties of Ran, Nanyang and Neixiang were helpless and begged local powers to step in.


    Those families who could not discern the trend of the times only wanted to protect themselves. At this time, Yejiabao stood up and with just one stronghold, protected the peace of Dengzhou.


    Of course, these years were also a period of rapid growth for Yejiabao. It stood out among other families and became the biggest influence in Dengzhou.


    But "having influence" did not mean it was the master of Dengzhou.


    Now the three counties still had incumbent county magistrates, none had resigned and returned home. The reason was that the three were northerners. Going home was not necessarily safer than staying in Dengzhou. With the imperial court in great turmoil, there was no evaluation system for local officials. So everyone stayed in office in a seemingly legitimate but actually illegitimate manner.


    At first nce, people''s livelihood and government affairs were still running smoothly, looking as if the imperial court was still there.


    Indeed there was now a regime called Great Jin, but starting from Great Liang, Dengzhou and surrounding states in the southern edge of Hebei Province had boldly stopped paying taxes to the imperial court.


    If the court sent someone to collect, they would pay.


    But since the court had never sent anyone to collect, things just went on like this.


    The three counties were under Yejiabao''s protection, and would make a certain "donation" every year. They would also consult with Yejiabao on issues. This had always been something the Ye family felt honorable about.


    Now Ye Suijin had reincarnated and came back. Looking at everyone, they really smelled like country bumpkins from head to toe, exuding a petty aura.


    There was no way. At this time, everyone was still a country bumpkin indeed, and had not seen the world or broadened their horizons yet.


    In this life, she would take them to broaden their horizons and lead them to peace all the way!


    Zhao Jingwen brought over a bowl: "Missus, mealtime."


    Ye Suijin sat on a horse nket and took the bowl to eat.


    Third Son, Fifth Son, Seventh Son, Tenth Son and Zhao Jingwen all sat around her on their own horse nkets, each holding a bowl with a stern face.


    Ye Suijin said, "Eat first, talk after the meal."


    The young masters all kept their heads down to eat voraciously, and no one spoke, strangely silent.


    Although there were viges along the way, Ye Suijin did not take them to stay overnight, insisting they camp outdoors to temper everyone. Zhao Jingwen''s mouth twitched slightly, but he held it in and lowered his head to eat too.


    These young Ye masters might be more skilled in martial arts than him, but had not endured the hardships nor experienced the things he had.


    They usually looked heroic and promising, like young elites and heroes, but you could only see their true abilities when faced with real challenges.


    Zhao Jingwen was still immersed in the feeling he had in the council hall a few days ago.


    Ye Suijin, his wife. How could she say something so shocking like "taking Dengzhou" in such an understated tone?


    At that moment, looking at her profile, he felt she was glowing. He even unconsciously held his breath, with only his heart thumping.


    He couldn''t take his eyes off her!


    But today, she gave him an even bigger shock.


    She rode wildly, and he tried very hard to chase her but couldn''t catch up.


    The arc she sliced out with her sword drew a rainbow in the dust and sunlight.


    Blood mist shot up halfway to the sky, but she had already passed through it to continue the pursuit.


    Zhao Jingwen saw every move of hers was done in one go, without needing to think or hesitate.


    So why was Ye Suijin the Chief instead of Fourth Ye?


    Dare he ask if Fourth Ye had this kind of guts! He still always wanted topete with his wife.


    Duan Jin sat on the ground eating steamed buns with the soldiers! His cheeks bulged as he chewed hard!


    He was angry with himself.


    He was actually inferior to that Zhao guy! He really wanted to punch himself a few times out of anger.


    Duan Jin had actually hesitated for just a moment.


    After Ye Suijin beheaded the first man, she just captured the rest alive.


    Tied them up and interrogated on site. They were just a mob, without backbone. yielded everything when asked.


    Several masterminds were brought out.


    At that time Duan Jin was standing by her side.


    Because he held her horse for her and waited on her, he often stood by her side.


    And Zhao Jingwen stood on her other side.


    "Behead them."


    Duan Jin was certain that the order was given to him. Because when she gave the order, her face turned slightly towards him.


    In fact, before setting off, he had already mentally prepared himself to see bloodshed this time.


    But human nature dictated that his first reaction was still to hesitate for a moment.


    Only for a second, in the next second, he had already drawn his sword!


    But!


    Zhao Jingwen!


    He didn''t even hesitate for a moment. The moment mydy gave the order, he had already drawn his sword and beheaded a man with one stroke.


    Ahhhhhhhh so angry!


    At that moment Duan Jin regretted his hesitation.


    He did not hesitate again, and immediately beheaded another man after him. He beheaded two men in one breath. Until Ye Suijin stopped him, "Duan Jin, let Third Son do it."


    He did lose to Zhao Jingwen, but the young masters were still no match for him.


    They were also seeing such scenes for the first time. It was already not bad that they could behead people smoothly. Seeing Tenth Son''s situation, with the half-severed neck, they didn''t know whether the man was dead or alive. Anyway they were stunned and didn''t think of going over to help.


    Zhao Jingwen also didn''t seem to have the intention to help, not knowing if he was shocked silly or what.


    At this time, Ye Suijin called, "Duan Jin."


    Having hesitatedst time due to inexperience, this time Duan Jin did not hesitate again. He immediately went over, stepped on the man''s shoulder, and said to Tenth Son, "Hold still, don''t move."


    Tenth Son gripped the hilt tightly, not daring to move at all.


    With one stroke from Duan Jin, the half-severed neck waspletely severed.


    Tenth Son finally pulled out his sword. Tenth Son almost cried.


    Among the corpses, the cut on that one''s neck was the messiest.


    Duan Jin had salvaged some face, but remembering that Zhao Jingwen got to make the first cut, he was still angry.


    He took a bite of the steamed bun and nced over.


    That Zhao guy was sitting right next to mydy, sitting so close.


    The young masters were all silent.


    Ye Suijin looked around at them, and they all lowered their heads.


    Ye Suijin picked up the bowl and took a sip of soup, then retracted her gaze.


    There were low chatters among the soldiers. But this circle around Ye Suijin was silently eating.


    While eating, Tenth Son unconsciously nced down at the meat in the steamed bun. Not knowing what he recalled, he suddenly retched.


    Seventh Son didn''t say anything, just patted his back.


    Third Son and Ninth Son ate big mouthfuls of steamed buns and meat, absolutely not looking down again.


    Everyone had unease in their hearts, each with their own thoughts.


    How interesting, Zhao Jingwen thought. Indeed the young masters'' backgrounds were better than his.


    Like him, his skills were just some superficial boxing and palm techniques before. The real skills with des and spears were all personally taught by Ye Suijin after their marriage.


    They had also studied properly, unlike him who only learned a little as a child, recognizing just a few characters, barely not blind.


    But so what?


    When Ye Suijin ordered the beheadings, they didn''t dare to act.


    Zhao Jingwen bit into a steamed bun with smoked meat and chewed with big mouthfuls, hiding his disdain for the Ye young masters.


    His eyes swept outward and suddenly saw Duan Jin sitting on the ground eating with others not far away.


    This kid... was quite capable. Much stronger than the young masters.


    Seeing him look over, Duan Jin snorted softly and turned his head away.


    After dinner, Ye Suijin summoned her brothers to her tent for a meeting: "A-Jin, youe too."


    Duan Jin answered and darted over.


    Inside the tent,mps were lit, mes flickering. Illuminating the sons'' unhappy faces.


    Ye Suijin''s gaze swept over them: "Speak your thoughts."


    This year, she was twenty years old. So it was actually eighteen years in the past.


    Memories so distant, many events left an impression, yet also blurred.


    What was etched in her heart was the valor of her elder and younger brothers on the battlefield.


    She knew they were still young before her,cking experience, green. Yet forgot they were so green as this.


    For it was from such greenness, they followed her step by step to be as they wereter.


    Stumbling and crawling, covered in scars.


    One by one, sacrificing their lives, helping Zhao Jingwen to ascend the throne step by step.


    This was not Zhao Jingwen''s fault.


    It was Ye Suijin''s crime.

 Chapter 10

    Of the same honorable ancestor''s descendants in the near lineage, the two eldest brothers passed away prematurely, one in childhood and one aftering of age. Among this generation, the third son was the eldest. And he was three years older than Ye Suijin, so he was the elder brother. But although Ye Suijin was a younger sister, she spoke as the lord of the Ye Family Fortress. The younger brothers all looked to her, as she naturally had to speak first.


    Third Son thought back on the events of the day.


    The knife piercing flesh, severing bone, blood sttering.


    Ye Suijin said to the trembling butcher: "It''s simple, just like carving pig meat, slice it off piece by piece."


    Although knowing what this trip out was meant to aplish, it was still...different from what I imagined when we set out.


    How to put it, there was a feeling that my whole body had been washed in blood.


    It was not the same as before.


    He recalled again the gazes of the onlooking refugees. Not just the refugees, but also the local people, and even the county magistrate and other officials.


    The eyes of all the people looking at the Ye Family Fortress people had changed entirely.


    Whenever they looked at someone, those in that direction would quickly lower their heads to avoid eye contact.


    Third Son had been too greatly shocked this day.


    His mind swiftly reviewed the whole day''s events, and he pursed his lips and raised his eyes to pledge: "Next time you give an order, I will definitely be the first to draw my de."


    Ye Sng, eldest son of Fourth Uncle Ye.


    Her third older brother.


    Ye Suijin seemed to see his future appearance¡ª


    "I am Dengzhou''s Ye Sng! Left Wing General of the Ye Family Army!"


    "Those who dare offend the Ye Family Army,e receive your death!"


    His future was her memory of the past.


    The pair of brothers Sng and Fifth Son had practically died right after Fourth Uncle Ye.


    At that time, Sng''s two sons and one daughter had all died young from the gue, and after Fifth Son''s wife passed in childbirth without leaving an heir, he never remarried, and had no offspring.


    Fourth Uncle Ye''s line was thuspletely cut off.


    Ye Suijin was heartbroken to the core.


    Her gaze swept over.


    She had sent Fourth Son and Fifth Son to escort the captives back to Ye Family Fortress, leaving behind Seventh Son, Ninth Son, and Tenth Son. Seeing her look their way, Seventh Son and Ninth Son vigorously nodded their heads.


    "Me too!"


    "Me too!"


    "A-And me too."


    Tenth Son''s voice was the weakest. He had vomited earlier, and hisplexion was still a little pale.


    This was the vanguard general who would cheer with delight as soon as the Ye Family Army reached the battlefield, but he was only fourteen now, still half a boy.


    Ye Suijin''s heart of iron these past dozen or so years softened. She patted Tenth Son''s head, "Were you frightened?"


    Indeed he was.


    But hearing Seventh Son snort derisively, Tenth Son stubbornly denied, "I wasn''t!"


    He stuck out his neck and argued, "I''m still young, I don''t have enough strength yet, that''s why the de got stuck. Duan Jin, don''tugh! Why are you turning your head, I already saw it!"


    Absolutely refusing to admit he had been afraid in the moment, and thus couldn''t exert his usual strength.


    Seventh Son asked, "Then why did you vomit?"


    At this reminder, Tenth Son''splexion instantly paled again and he covered his mouth as he ran back outside.


    Ye Suijin helplessly said, "Jin, go get him some water to drink."


    Duan Jin darted out to chase after him.


    Seventh Son guffawed loudly, and Third Son and Ninth Son alsoughed, the atmosphere abruptly turning light.


    The young masters had unknowingly crossed a threshold, taking a step forward in growing up.


    Duan Jin was outside patting Tenth Son''s back as he finished vomiting, then handed him water to drink.


    After a few gulps of water, Tenth Son felt a bit better. He wiped his mouth and asked Duan Jin, "Howe you don''t have any reaction at all?"


    Duan Jin said, "I did odd jobs in the kitchens before, ughtering chickens, butchering geese, gutting fish. I''ve done it all."


    Tenth Son deted. "Che."


    Duan Jin held back hisughter as he fastened the waterskin, saying, "Hurry back, the master must have more to say."


    Tenth Son hurriedly returned to the tent.


    Duan Jin followed him in. In the dimntern light he saw Zhao Jingwen''s ruggedly handsome face.


    He suddenly wondered, why was Zhao Jingwen able to kill without hesitation?


    Where exactly was hecking inparison?


    "This is just the beginning. We''ll all have to get used to it," said Ye Suijin. "Why have so many people this year imed themselves emperors and kings? Because they are unafraid of the new dynasty."


    The dynasty name had changed from Liang to Jin in less than a year. In truth, even the people of Ye Family Fortress were not yet ustomed to it.


    In truth, even Liang had not been ustomed to.


    Short-lived and unstable dynasties could not leave a deeply imprinted mark. What was more deeply imprinted in people''s minds was still Northern Wei.


    "The previous dynasty, pah, I mean the false Liang, though its decrees didn''t reach past the Yangtze, still thends north of the Yangtze were united. No one south of the Yangtze dared be overly defiant."


    "But now, how did this dynasty conquer Liang to establish itself?"


    Eager to regain face, Tenth Son immediately answered, "I know, this emperor ceded the sixteen prefectures of Yanyun to the northern barbarians, borrowing their troops and horses as reinforcements, in order to seize the realm."


    Ye Suijin said, "What do you make of his actions?"


    Tenth Son stuck out his chest and loudly dered, "He''s a coward!"


    "No matter how us people of the Central ins fight amongst each other, changing dynasties, renaming and recing rulers, it''s our own business."


    "Can it be the same with the barbarians?"


    "Through all past dynasties, whenever you hear of which emperor was the most formidable, it''s always because he expanded the borders and territory. Yet this one directly handed over sixteen prefectures to others. He really is a wastrel! If I dared do this, my father would beat me to death!"


    "After this, those sixteen prefectures may change hands, but more than that, even the people will change!"


    Ye Suijin nodded, "People south of the Yangtze think this way too."


    "Although ournds north of the river are still the strongest under heaven, they can''tpare to the past anymore. Just the reduction in territory is a massive loss."


    "Others will naturally want to stand up and vie when they see him as weak."


    "Ambition is contagious, and will continually grow stronger. When lying beside someone, how can you tolerate hisfortable slumber? When I''ve imed myself emperor, how can you stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me."


    Third Son understood the most. "So the chaos will only increase from now on, right?"


    "It must." Ye Suijin said, "Don''t think we can just hole up and defend. Even if we alwaysy low, we can''t stop others wanting to expand theirnds.


    "Sooner orter there wille a day that none of us can remain so peaceful anymore, and we''ll all have to truly take up des and kill on the battlefield."


    "Therefore, from now on, get used to it."


    She said, "The sooner the better."


    "You all did well today." Seeing Tenth Son puff up his chest, Ye Suijin held back herughter, "Tenth Son also did well."


    "We''ll stop here for today and continue inspecting tomorrow."


    The Ye manor''s young masters filed out of the tent one after another.


    But Duan Jin lingered uncertainly, as if his feet were stuck with glue.


    Since Zhao Jingwen and Ye Suijin were husband and wife, they naturally shared a tent, so he had no need to leave. What business did this boy surnamed Duan have?


    Zhao Jingwen asked in puzzlement, "Do you have other matters?"


    "No matters."


    "Then what are you doing here if you have no matters?"


    "I''m leaving now."


    Saying he was leaving, yet his eyes nced at Ye Suijin.


    Still so impulsive in his youth,pletelycking the bearing of the future Supreme Commander.


    "Jin," Ye Suijin called him back with a smile.


    Duan Jin''s eyes immediately filled with anticipation.


    Ye Suijin affirmed, "You did very well today."


    Duan Jin''s mouth split into a grin and he finally left, extremely delighted.


    Zhao Jingwenughed and shook his head. "This boy."


    Ye Suijin didn''t look at him, starting to undo her hair. "Yes, still just a child."


    Zhao Jingwen felt a bit let down.


    Even the cowardly Tenth Son had been praised, and the servant boy Duan Jin had also been praised.


    Who doesn''t want to be praised by important, highly-ced people? Everyone wants it. But she wouldn''t even give him a proper look.


    Zhao Jingwen roused his spirits and sidled over. "Riding a horse all day must have tired you out, let me give you a massage."


    Ye Suijin was very happy to ept Zhao Jingwen pampering her like this.


    "Go ahead," she said, settling down tofortably enjoy it.


    A man''s hands were very strong. Massaging the shoulders felt much morefortable than when her maids did it.


    Thinking it over, she had never asked him to do these things for her before. He had always taken the initiative.


    But after he became emperor, she realized how deeply he held his grievances.


    The resentful emperor said, "Ye Suijin, I am your husband. Why can''t you even give me a shoulder massage?"


    The empress scoffed. "If youck people to order around, then decree a selection across thend to enter one hundred and eighty fresh beauties, taking turns giving you massages every day."


    Massage you until your dying day.


    The emperor grew even angrier. "Ye Suijin, I am the Son of Heaven. Come give your emperor a shoulder massage. Quickly!"


    The empress peeled an orange, saying, "I am the formal pce empress presiding over all women under heaven. I am not someone to fan and fetch drinks for you, knead your feet, and rub your legs."


    The emperor fumed in irritation, "Can''t you even do it for a moment?"


    The empress flung orange peel at his forehead. "Scram!"


    The emperor was mortified with anger. "Just you wait. If your emperor graces you again, I''ll, I''ll... Hmph!"


    He flung the orange peel to the ground, flung his dragon robe sleeves, and left.


    That day was the first of the month. The emperor would stay overnight in the formal pce on the first and fifteenth without fail.


    Ye Suijin ignored him, carefully peeling the orange section by section and popping them into her mouth.


    The new concubines in the rear pce were delicate and had lost favor, no onested long.


    But on the fifteenth, the emperor gloomily came again, not mentioning a word of the oath he had nearly sworn.


    Worthless.


    Just as her thoughts were drifting far away, she heard Zhao Jingwen speaking by her ear.


    "...The sixteen prefectures, that was where our Central ins bred its warhorses. The Central ins'' finest steeds all came from there." Zhao Jingwenmented, "The Jin emperor''s actions have caused extreme harm."


    Ye Suijin finally turned to look straight at him.


    "Who taught you that?"


    Zhao Jingwen was baffled. "Taught what?"


    "What you just said," Ye Suijin asked, "Who taught you that?"


    Only then did Zhao Jingwen understand. He gave an amusedugh. "No one taught me. Weren''t those Master Yang''s words?"


    Ye Suijin was slightly startled. "When did he say this?"


    Zhao Jingwen exined, "When we first learned the dynasty name had changed again. At the time, Master Yang sighed and said this. I''m merely parroting it back."


    How could others learn to parrot this?


    Because others had not considered the distant Yanyun Sixteen Prefectures. Everyone at the time was only concerned with matters rted to themselves - whether the new dynasty would station new armies and governors, whether taxes would be collected again, whether refugees would be more numerous.


    Only focusing on and caring about things directly relevant to themselves.


    What business did Yanyun Sixteen Prefectures have with Ye Family Fortress? No one had been there before.


    Only Fourth Uncle Ye had traveled afar in his youth, going as far as Hedong Circuit. That was already a very distant ce.


    As for the others, they had probably never left Henan Circuit before.


    Mr. Yang''s words, at that time, did not enter anyone''s ears at all, including Ye Suijin.


    Except Zhao Jingwen.


    Heroes from all over the worldpete for hegemony, and warlords rise together. It was not without reason that Zhao Jingwen went from beggar to son-inw, and from son-inw all the way to bing emperor.


    Ye Suijin turned her head back.


    After a long while, she said, "Zhao Jingwen, you are a very smart man."


    Zhao Jingwen finally got the praise he had been looking forward to, but it seemed different from what he had expected.


    He always felt the taste was different, was he overthinking it?


    Why was his wife so mncholy that her husband was intelligent?


    Zhao Jingwen felt confused.


    Ye Suijin gathered her hair and asked, "Where is your hometown, what is it called?"


    "It''s a small ce you''ve never heard of. Northwest of Taiyuan Fu," Zhao Jingwen said.


    Ye Suijin sighed, "It must have been quite difficult for you to get to Dengzhou."


    Zhao Jingwen said, "People still have to walk more and see more." Like today, the gentlemen were all afraid, but I was not afraid."


    However, Ye Suijin did not follow up with praise for him.


    A faint sneer appeared at the corner of her mouth.


    Liar.


    You''re not afraid because you''ve already killed someone on your way south to escape the famine.


    He was a schr with money in his travel bag, and more importantly, he had food.


    You ate his food, stuffed his money.


    Finally, you even took over the man''s name.


    Because you felt "Jingwen" sounded better than "Doggy".

 Chapter 11

    The magistrate of Neixiang County hadn''t been able to sleep well these past few days. Whenever he closed his eyes, all he could see were the corpses hanging from the city gate tower, especially the one that had been chopped in half right through the middle. He hadn''t been able to eat any meat these past few days - just looking at it made him nauseous. The weather was hot and the bodies were starting to rot, with flies buzzing around them in swarms atop the city gate tower. The Neixiang magistrate went to take another look, covering his nose. He said to the county captain, "Maybe we should take them down."


    Before the captain could respond, the gatekeeper hurriedly spoke up to stop him: "We can''t do that! We mustn''t, sir! Miss Ye from Ye Family Fortress said the bodies must be left up for ten days before taking them down. She gave special instructions about it before she left!"


    The Neixiang magistrate didn''t have much interaction with Ye Suijin. As she was a woman, he always felt it inappropriate to deal with her directly. The Ye family likely felt simrly, which was why it was always Ye Suijin''s uncles and older male rtives who came out to socialize and entertain officials whenever needed.


    Thus, the Neixiang magistrate''s impression of Ye Suijin remained limited to: beautiful, only daughter of the old Fortress Lord, martial arts skills formidable.


    As for what kind of temperament she had, he had never gotten a good understanding.


    To this day, they still weren''t used to addressing her as "Fortress Lord Ye."


    Looking back, the three years since she had taken over Ye Family Fortress had been rtively peaceful and orderly, with no major incidents urring.


    But the Neixiang magistrate had always felt this was due to the support and oversight of Ye''s many elders, rather than any credit to Ye Suijin herself.


    Yet now, all of a sudden, this Ye woman''s presence felt stronger than ever.


    He looked at the gatekeeper and could see the reverence in the man''s eyes. After all, he and the county captain hadn''t been there that day, but the gatekeepers had been forced to witness, and even take part in, the horrific dismemberment firsthand.


    Word was the butcher hadn''t opened his shop for days, iming he was having new knives made and wouldn''t reopen until they were ready. What nonsense. As if he only had one knife in his butcher shop!


    No, like the magistrate, the butcher must be having nightmares and unable to sleep well.


    It wasn''t just the gatekeeper. When the magistrate had suggested taking down the bodies, the other city guards around them had tensed up noticeably as well.


    The Neixiang magistrate steeled himself and looked again, then said, "Never mind, let them remain up the full ten days as a deterrent to the restless wanderers. That should give them a shock."


    The county captain fawned as expected: "A brilliant decision, sir."


    The magistrate said nothing.


    Back in the county office, once the attendant had brought tea, the magistrate asked the captain, "Any feelings these past couple days?"


    The captain hesitated briefly.


    "Go ahead and speak inly," the magistrate said.


    The captain then told the truth: "Both in and outside the city, things have quieted down a lot."


    The killings weren''t for nothing, nor the dismemberment in vain. Ye Family Fortress'' sudden show of force had an undeniable deterrent effect.


    The magistrate nodded, then shook his head with a sigh.


    The county advisor was also sitting with them and exchanged a look with the county captain. They both understood somewhat in their hearts.


    In the past, although Ye Family Fortress was a local power, ultimately they were the officials and Ye Family was the people - each had its proper ce. But with Ye Family''s actions now, subtly, the positions of the two sides seemed to have shifted.


    Ever since the Xuanhua Army''s defeat and the fall of the capital to other forces, the officials of Tangzhou, Suizhou, Fuzhou, Yingzhou, and Dengzhou actually had nothing left supporting them from behind.


    After disorder arose in many ces, officials had hung up their hats and returned home.


    The Dengzhou officials were able to remain so stable precisely because they had Ye Family Fortress backing them.


    Now, without even fully rising up in revolt, just a flick of the tail from Ye Family Fortress was enough to make them feel the tremors up above.


    The Neixiang magistrate snapped out of his thoughts and asked, "Did they go to Rang County?"


    "Yes," the advisor replied.


    The Neixiang magistrate pondered silently for a while, then decided: "It''s a bitte to set out today. Tomorrow, you and I will go to Rang County and see what the situation is there."


    Most critically, there was also that invitation. Had Ye Family Fortress only invited him alone? Or were there others as well? Who knew?


    Before tomorrow even arrived, that very afternoon as the sun was starting to set, the magistrate of Rang County suddenly came in person.


    The Neixiang magistrate immediately knew something must have happened in Rang County too. He asked directly: "Was it Ye Family Fortress''s people?"


    The Rang magistrate said, "Water first!"


    The man was nearly heatstroked.


    The Neixiang magistrate personally poured him a cup of chilled tea. The Rang magistrate, heedless of schrly manners, guzzled it straight down. Arm outstretched, he demanded: "Not enough, not enough! Another cup!"


    He downed three full cups before that burst of energy finally subsided.


    The Neixiang magistrate fanned him to help him cool down: "Feeling better? Can you talk now?"


    The Rang magistrate flipped up his official hat and pulled out a handkerchief, mopping sweat while sighing: "Ah, I originally meant toe tell you what Ye Family Fortress''s people did, but when I got here..."


    When he lifted his head, lo and behold, there were also corpses hanging from the city tower here in Neixiang County. And even more grotesque, these were already rotting!


    Between the heat and the ghastliness, the Rang magistrate nearly vomited at the city gates. The two county magistrates sat wordless across from each other.


    The Neixiang magistrate sighed, "What is she trying to do?"


    The unspoken answer lingered in his heart, but he didn''t want to say it aloud.


    The Rang magistrate also sighed: "That woman - do you know, when her group arrived, she didn''te see me first. She took all those people of hers and holed up in some deste, uninhabited area, just sending people out to scout around quietly and covertly, making me wait for days..."


    Until something happened, then the whole crowd came galloping in on fine horses, des in hand, murderous aura billowing to the heavens.


    What happened next was no different than here in Neixiang County, no need to borate.


    "It was no ident, she nned it," the Neixiang magistrate said with a sigh.


    Thest glimmer of hope was also dashed.


    He asked, "Did you meet with Ye Family Fortress''s people? Did the Ye woman say anything else? I happened to be out and missed her."


    "Three years," the Rang magistrate held up three fingers when speaking of Ye Suijin. "Hard to believe, considering we saw her as a child, and it''s been three years since she took over Ye Family Fortress. Brother YuanTao, I had no idea she was such a ruthless and decisive person."


    "She said to send formal invitationster asking me to visit Ye Family Fortress for a gathering."


    "I didn''t daree until after she had gone to Nanyang County. Brother YuanTao, I came because I wanted to ask if she had also invited you?"


    Upon hearing Ye Suijin had gone to Nanyang County, the Neixiang magistrate gave a wryugh: "Of course I received an invitation. I was thinking to go to Rang County tomorrow to ask about the situation there, but you''vee today."


    "Ye Family Fortress''s people went to Nanyang... I see."


    It was easy to foresee the events in Neixiang and Rang counties would rey themselves in Nanyang County.


    In touring these three counties, Ye Family Fortress meant to kill and establish prestige through terror.


    The Neixiang magistrate wanted to confirm one more thing: "In your view, who is in charge by Ye Family''s young miss''s side?"


    The Rang magistrate''s eyes widened: "Didn''t you hear what I just said? It''s that woman herself!"


    "It''s truly her? Not Ye Si manipting things behind the scenes?"


    "If you saw it yourself, you''d understand. It''s her. Trust me, no one else. " The Rang magistrate affirmed, "We''re both familiar with Ye Si. I don''t believe he could restrain her fierceness. It''s a pity you didn''t see for yourself."


    The Neixiang magistrate had no wish to see for himself! Just the few corpses hanging from the city tower were already stressing him greatly.


    What stressed him even more was how, thesest few days, the wine shops and teahouses in the city were all abuzz with talk of Fortress Lord Ye''s daughter personally hacking people apart amidst spraying blood. In just a few short days her name already grated on his ears.


    Apanying that was the stiffening of necks, solemnity of faces, and reverence in people''s eyes when hearing the appetion "Fortress Lord Ye''s Daughter."


    "Brother YuanTao, I''m rather confused right now. She''s calling us to gather at Ye Family Fortress, do you think she might..." the Rang magistrate made a chopping motion with his hand.


    "She won''t." The Neixiang magistrate was quite certain of this. "Whatever she wants, the counties need someone to watch over themoners. Without us, many matters would fall into chaos. After coexisting peacefully with us all these years, Ye Family Fortress must understand this principle. I don''t believe she has recements for us on hand right now either."


    "But in the end, we''re officials!" When it came down to it, the Rang magistrate revealed his true feelings - having been essentially an emperor on his own territory these past years, he was still reluctant to bow his head.


    Yet the Neixiang magistrate retorted with a question: "Officials? Officials of which dynasty?"


    This left the Rang magistrate at a loss for words.


    The Neixiang magistrate said, "When I said ''she won''t,'' it was on the premise that we can sit down with her and talk things through peacefully. If you''re dead set on opposing her, then I take back what I said earlier."


    The magistrate of Rang County still would not give up and tentatively asked, ¡°What if you, I, and Ma Jinhui of Nanyang County join forces with the people of our three counties...¡±


    The magistrate of Neixiang County wanted to roll his eyes.


    ¡°The people of our three counties banding together? Have you ever calcted how many of them are tenants of the Ye Family Fort?¡± he said. ¡°Furthermore, what have you and I done that would make themon people grateful enough to willingly bare their necks for our steel des?¡±


    The Rang County magistrate was rendered speechless once again.


    After all, he still had an urate understanding of himself. The reason why things were still rtively stable in his jurisdiction was entirely because of the existence of the Ye Family Fort.


    He couldn''t help but feel deted and confused. ¡°But we are officials...¡±


    In the eyes of themon people, the county magistrates were already akin to gods.


    Yet they did not know that the county magistrates themselves also felt lost and confused.


    They had not even seen the face of the new emperor, the new dynasty name had barely been established, and the Central ins had already changed hands again with another new emperor.


    Above them should have been a military governor to support them, but he was gone too. The military governor had died, his wife had fled, taking some troops with her while some she could not bring along, resulting in a mutiny there. The prefects governing Dengzhou and Tangzhou prefectures had died amidst the chaos, their subordinates had either died or fled, and the prefectural offices were left empty.


    Vertically down below, there were only the county magistrates.


    On the surface, days continued to pass in a seemingly stable, endlessly repeating manner, but in fact, their hands already secretly harbored a feeling of weakness and powerlessness.


    Compared to the realm and state of the world, that feeling of insignificance was too strong.


    The Neixiang County magistrate patted him on the shoulder, ¡°Ziwen, since you''vee to ask my opinion, I will tell you inly.¡±


    ¡°Before you came, I hadn''t made up my mind. But after you arrived, I suddenly understood.¡±


    ¡°All that you and I seek is four words - Peace in Our Jurisdiction. Since this is so, we should just let whoever can bring peace to Dengzhou have their way.¡±


    ¡°With no one over us these past few years, we''ve grown ustomed to our freedom. To be honest, we''re somewhat unaware of our own limitations.¡±


    ¡°But we are, after all, only county magistrates.¡± The Neixiang County magistrate held up a finger and pointed upward. ¡°Above our heads should not be empty. There should originally be someone there.¡±


    The Rang County magistrate agonized for a long time before finally giving up.


    But he was still worried, ¡°What about Ma Jinhui? Will he also let things take their own course?¡±


    Ma Jinhui was the magistrate of Nanyang County, thest of the three Dengzhou county magistrates.


    ¡°As you know, Ma Jinhui has always been colluding with that Fangcheng bunch.¡± The Rang County magistrate said, ¡°I heard recently that he wants to be inws with them.¡±


    ¡°To take bandits as inws, he has no regard for propriety at all.¡±


    ¡°I feel that he is rather ambitious.¡± The Rang County magistrate also held up a finger and pointed upward. ¡°I reckon he also intends to be the person above us.¡±

 Chapter 12

    On the riverbank, the young masters of the Ye family took off their shirts and were only wearing shorts, bare-armed as they practiced martial arts. Duan Jin and Zhao Jingwen were also among them. From afar, the group of muscr young men looked full of vitality. The scene was truly lively.


    Duan Jin nced over during a break and saw Ye Suijin standing by the water looking pensively at the surface. The others were used to this by now. Ever since she had fallen ill that one time, she would often drift off like this. And recently she had started doing many things she didn''t use to do before, so they all felt she was shouldering the whole Ye Manor and leading everyone to find direction. Her constant contemtion showed she was using her heart and mind, which oddly put people''s hearts at ease.


    In fact, Ye Suijin was trying hard to regain her memories.


    Too much time had passed, nearly twenty years. And her life was not like that of ordinary people, having gone through so much. To her, even the rtively peaceful Dengzhou when she was 20 could be considered a warm memory.


    Naturally it was not as deeply etched in her mind as those events of life and death, intrigues and power struggles.


    It was all so fuzzy.


    She had to reorganize her memories.


    Just then, the sound of hoofbeats approached from afar, pulling Ye Suijin back from reminiscing about the past. She turned to look.


    "Master¡ª¡°


    It was the person she had sent out earlier to secretly scout around, as expected.


    Duan Jin had just been sparring with Tenth Son. With the quickest reaction, he immediately threw down the wooden staff he was using for practice and turned to grab his clothes and de. "Something''s up!"


    And something was up for sure. During this harvest season, it was all too easy for something to happen if you stayed put for just a few days. The young masters could often gain intelligence just by camping out in an area.


    Ye Suijin gave the word, and the group charged out swiftly like a gale.


    Once they arrived at the site, surveyed the situation, and identified the targets, Tenth Son was no longer hesitant and unsure like before. He charged in joyfully.


    Not to be outdone, Duan Jin rushed out as well.


    The two were simr in age and still in their youth. Especially Duan Jin, who had a fearless spirit. Even Tenth Son had transformed.


    The older brothers couldn''t help but smile.


    Just days ago in Neixiang County, who could smile at times like this?


    They were already familiar with the process.


    After capturing the migrant refugees, the local vigers would be in an agitated mood, especially those who had suffered casualties. Their families would be particrly emotional.


    A trial and execution could appease these emotions. After going through it several times in Neixiang County and Ruzhou County, the young Ye masters had gained deep understanding.


    Now they could better grasp why Ye Suijin did this.


    That feeling of holding people''s hearts in your hand was strangely exhrating.


    But this time, unexpectedly they met resistance. Someone forbade them from carrying out the executions.


    The neer wore official robes and held considerable authority. He frowned and sternly ordered, "This official is present. Who dares to carry out vignte justice!"


    It was none other than the magistrate of Nanyang County, Ma Jinhui, who had returned.


    These past couple days, he had already caught wind of rumors about the Ye Manor''s killings, though he was skeptical. The Ye Manor had always given him the impression of being docile and timid. How could a group of obedientmoners dare to start killing people?


    Unsure what to make of it, and since it hadn''t happened in his own county, he thought he would wait until after the harvest season when he had time to ask those two county magistrates about it.


    How could he have expected to suddenly receive report that the Ye Manor people were interrogating and killing someone?


    How could this be allowed? Were they not putting him, the county magistrate, in their eyes? Only the government had the power to interrogate and pass judgement.


    In the current circumstances, Ma Jinhui knew that his authority still held weight only by inertia. He was an official appointed by the court, regardless of whether that court still existed or whether the new dynasty recognized him. Themon people were used to his presence.


    But once his prestige crumbled, it would be difficult to rebuild. And the force that caused his downfall might rece him.


    He could not let that happen.


    When Ma Jinhui heard the report, he brought all the clerks from the county office and mobilized the full force. Those with horses rode horses, those with donkeys rode donkeys, even some riding mules, rushing over as fast as they could to not miss the action.


    Luckily, to attract more onlookers and create greater spectacle, Ye Suijin did not immediately interrogate and execute the prisoners.


    She waited until vigers from all directions heard the news and gathered, the hubbub reaching a peak, before Ma Jinhui arrived in time.


    But after he finished yelling "Who dares to carry out private executions", and took a clear look, all he saw were strong and vigorous youths, des glinting in the sunlight. Especially the eyes of those young masters, bright yet sharp.


    Compared to them, the yamen clerks he brought seemed pathetic. Those clerks could usually strut around the streets but now seemed insignificant before these heroic young masters.


    Ma Jinhui couldn''t help but falter.


    He then singled out one person to ask: "Third Son! Who ordered you all to make trouble? Where is your father?"


    Clearly the most dazzling figure among the crowd was that fiery and bright woman. Yet he deliberately acted as if he didn''t see her, only addressing Ye Sang whom he had met before.


    Sang was the eldest son of Ye Sizi. For many of the Ye Manor''s external affairs, especially dealing with officials, it was often Ye Sizi who represented them. Sang had apanied his father to see Magistrate Ma several times so they were familiar.


    Sensing Ma Jinhui''s intentional ignorance of Ye Suijin, Sang grew wary. Still holding his de, he cupped fists and dered in a clear voice: "Greetings to you, sir. My father is not present, but our manor lord is here."


    As he said this, he gestured towards Ye Suijin.


    Only then did Ma Jinhui properly look at Ye Suijin, and said: "So it is Miss Ye¡ª¡°


    Before he could say "youngdy", Ye Suijin abruptly yelled: "Kill¡ª!"


    Her shout was crisp yet forceful, brimming with youth yet beyond her years.


    Duan Jin swung his de first.


    Closely following were Zhao Jingwen and Tenth Son. Not a moment of hesitation as they obeyed amidst the spectators'' shrieks and screams, des chopping decisively with blood spraying on the spot.


    Magistrate Ma was too close and had his mouth open speaking, only feeling something wet ssh onto his face. He licked his lips and tasted the warm, bloody tang. Wiping with his hand, there were several streaks of blood in his palm.


    Seven or eight heads rolled on the ground. One of them bounced all the way to his feet.


    County Magistrate Ma instinctively staggered back two steps until held up by the yamen clerks behind him.


    Though he seeded in not screaming like the others, he no longer had the imposing air when yelling "Who dares to carry out private executions".


    "You, you¡ª" He red wide-eyed at Ye Suijin, too angry to speak.


    Since he "did not see" Ye Suijin, she also "did not see" him.


    Ye Suijin only asked Sang: "Who is that yelling and interfering with the Ye Manor''s actions?"


    Having grown older, Ye Sang had seen these officials with his father before, so held some awe for them deep down. Just now when he stepped forward to answer, he was a beat slower than the other brothers to swing his de when Ye Suijin ordered the executions.


    But after that one swing, when he looked up again at the county magistrate, the umted awe somehow vanished.


    The official hat was askew, the voice feeble and powerless.


    So these officials were just like this after all.


    Sang still remembered how shocked he was hearing Ye Suijin''s earthshattering deration in the hall about first taking Dengzhou. He simply couldn''t believe it at the time, vaguely feeling "How can this be done?"


    Now he realized, why couldn''t it be done? Without the court or army backing them now, these officials'' foundations were so precarious,ughable that he and his father hadn''t recognized it before, even paying them full respects.


    Hearing Ye Suijin''s question, Ye Sang wiped the blood that had sshed onto his face and said: "This is the magistrate of Nanyang County."


    The youth''s tone and bearing were different from before. Even Ma Jinhui could sense it. The gazes of the surrounding vigers towards the Ye Manor and him had also changed.


    Copsed.


    Rushing over urgently yet still copsing in the end.


    Ma Jinhui shook off the clerks supporting him and stepped forward, angrily yelling: "Ye Suijin, you daring woman, to scorn thews of the state!"


    "Which state?" Ye Suijin sneered. "Wei? Liang? Or Jin?"


    Ma Jinhui was silenced.


    Ye Suijin said: "The emperor has already changed, I ask sir, do you have new credentials from the new emperor and court?"


    Ma Jinhui said: "It is precedent for officials of the former dynasty to remain in ce when dynasties change..."


    "Boyi and Shuqi did not eat Zhou grain," Ye Suijin cut him off. "I''d have thought men of principle and integrity would insist on loyalty and righteousness, dying in these fields rather than serving two dynasties and masters."


    "Just a woman''s nonsense," the county magistrate said. "As ministers, we shepherd the people for the emperor. If I die for such pettiness, who will provide for all thesemoners!"


    He said this so self-righteously.


    Ye Suijin had long seen the shamelessness of civil and military officials, but she still couldn''t help twitching the corners of her lips.


    The magistrate of Ran County was a person who didn''t understand the times. When he saw the scene, he was very respectful to her, and she also gave the other party some face. But this Ma magistrate of Nanyang obviously wanted to suppress Ye Family Fort, so there was no need to be polite to him.


    "Themon people work hard day and night, men plowing and women weaving, and they can support themselves." She said, "The meaning of the yamen is to maintain stability in one ce and protect the safety of the vigers. Today, Magistrate Ma, can you do it?"


    Her voice became severe: "If it weren''t for our Ye Family Fort today, I dare to ask Magistrate Ma, could you and your men possibly snatch back the grain that was robbed? Could you possibly avenge the innocent vigers who were wrongfully killed?"


    Ma Jinhui moved his lips, but in the end he couldn''t say "yes" in front ofyer uponyer of vigers watching.


    The Ye family didn''t even sheathe their bloody knives, which reflected a cold and cruel light in the sunlight. The yamen runners felt chills running down their necks and desperately tried to shrink their heads back.


    Ma Jinhui hated this very much. He shouldn''t have rushed over so eagerly, he should have organized a group of able-bodied men toe over.


    "Ah Jin, tell the vigers about the rules of our Ye Family Fort," said Ye Suijin.


    Duan Jin sheathed his knife and took the big "Ye" g from someone else, pounding it heavily on the ground next to Ye Suijin!


    "Fellow vigers, listen up. Ye Family Fort protects the safety of Dengzhou people, outsiders are not allowed to do evil in our hometown!"


    "Ye Family Fort orders: Robbers shall be beheaded! Rioters shall be killed! Those who deceive and incite riots shall be disemboweled, and their corpses exposed for ten days!"


    The vigers knelt down in unison.


    "Thank you, Fort Lord Ye!"


    "Fort Lord Ye, plead for us!"


    "Please, Fort Lord Ye, drive away all these damned outsiders!"


    Ye Suijin helped up the elder in front and promised, "I''ll do my best."


    This scene was too ring. Ma Jinhui gritted his teeth and attacked Ye Suijin from another angle: "The refugees are also people, also our dynasty''smoners. Arriving destitute and helpless for the time being, Miss Ye, have you ever thought about this!"


    As soon as he said this, the noisy voices of gratitude from the vigers suddenly fell silent.


    But soon after, a hoarse, shrill cry of a woman rose sharply from the ground¡ª


    "Husband, ah¡ª"


    "You died so miserably¡ª"


    "Without you, how will the orphans and widows survive¡ª"!


    Ma Jinhui''s face instantly turned dark.


    Ye Suijin walked over to the source of the sound, and the vigers gave way to reveal a woman sitting on the ground crying loudly.


    The men were the ones who died in the fight, so the women naturally became widows.


    Ye Suijinforted the widow and also slipped a silver ingot to her. That one ingot of silver was enough for a peasant family to use for several years. The woman clutched it tightly and kowtowed to Ye Suijin while crying.


    The scene was even more ring than before.


    Ye Suijin stood up and looked at Ma Jinhui: "What the county magistrate said is right. The refugees are alsomoners."


    "But people have varying degrees of intimacy. My Ye family is the Ye n of Dengzhou."


    "First of all, I have to protect the safety of the local elders and vigers of Dengzhou."


    "Talking about ''we are allmoners'' is your business as an official, not Ye Family Fort''s business."


    "Come, string up these rioters for me and expose the corpses for ten days!"


    Without even needing the young and strong of Ye Family Fort to take action, the vigers swarmed forward.


    Soon, ten wooden crosses were erected by the roadside, and the beheaded corpses were tied to them, bloody and truly deterring.


    The local vigers were naturally encouraged, but the surrounding refugees dared not look up, some even wiping away tears stealthily.


    Ye Sang took all this in.


    Today, Ye Suijin had trampled the authority of the Nanyang county magistrate to the ground.


    It didn''t matter, she had no intention of keeping this Ma-surnamed magistrate anyway.


    Yes, Ye Suijin now regarded Dengzhou as her possession. In the future, whoever was in charge of Dengzhou''s three counties would naturally be up to her.


    She told the local vigers: ¡°Expose the corpses for ten days! Don''t take them down before ten days! Whoever dares to take them down secretly is opposing Ye Family Fort. Feel free toe report to me at Ye Family Fort, and I will settle ounts. The informant will be rewarded with two taels of silver."


    Ma Jinhui was so angry that his face turned iron blue.


    Two taels of silver was enough for a peasant family to use for more than a year. The eyes of these country bumpkins lit up, and they peeked at him stealthily.


    He had originally nned to dismantle the corpse racks after Ye Suijin left. But now there was no way he could do that.


    If he let Ye Suijin kill him with a backhanded p and humiliate him again, he was afraid that even the yamen runners would stop listening to him in the future.


    He could only watch helplessly as the agile and fierce people of Ye Family Fort leapt onto their horses and galloped away in a cloud of dust.


    That handsome young man had excellent horsemanship and was responsible for holding up the g. The big "Ye" g fluttered in the wind as he galloped.


    The ignorant and stupidmoners were still kowtowing there.


    It was truly ring.


    "Come." He gritted his teeth. "Send a message to Fangcheng."


    "Just say, the engagement... I have agreed to it!"


    He couldn''t do anything without soldiers on hand.


    That group in Fangcheng were the remnants of the Xuanhua army garrison left behind in this ce. Although they were now just local bandits, they were still a force to be reckoned with.


    He wanted to grasp this force in his hand.


    He wanted to grasp Dengzhou in his hand!

 Chapter 13

    "I remember now!"


    Ye Suijin suddenly rode up on her horse and blurted out, startling everyone around her.


    Tenth Son asked, "Sis, what do you remember?"


    But Ye Suijin ignored him and instead asked Third Son, "That man surnamed Ma, didn''t he propose to me before?"


    "Huh? That happened too? For his son?" Tenth Son asked.


    Third Son''s face, however, looked awkward. "How did you know about this?"


    Ye Suijin would only know about this afterwards. It was after they had dealt with that Ma family and Fourth Uncle Ye spat, "That old fool, he even wanted Suijin to be a concubine for him, Bah!"


    Ye Suijin was nonchnt. "I remember everything now, just tell me."


    Ye Third Son said, "Yes, he dide to propose. But he was too old, and you were only fourteen that year. Second Uncle rejected the matchmaker right away."


    "What?" Tenth Son was shocked, "For himself? Disgraceful old man! He''s so old, how dare he covet my sister!"


    He looked around angrily, spurred his horse, and rode up to Zhao Jingwen. "Brother-inw! Let''s go beat him up!"


    But Zhao Jingwen just stroked his head. "Listen to your sister."


    It was as if he was treating him like a child. Tenth Son angrily turned his head away.


    But Zhao Jingwen didn''t take offense. Instead, he pulled on the reins to ride closer and said, "That Ma fellow had ulterior motives. He wanted to get hold of our Ye Family Fort''s troops, didn''t he?"


    Third Son and Ye Suijin looked at him at the same time. So did Duan Jin.


    Ye Third Son said, "That was probably his intention. My father said at that time Second Uncle said that as long as he had a son of appropriate age to match Suijin, he would be happy to form an inw rtionship. But his unmarried sons were too young, and he himself was too old. Second Uncle only had one daughter. He was unwilling to marry Suijin off in this kind of match."


    "Of course. My father loved me the most." Ye Suijin said lightly.


    In fact, memories of her father were now very distant. After all, when people reached middle age, they cared more about themselves and the next generation rather than looking back.


    Ye Suijin had no children. At that time, she only looked after Duan Jin and the few remaining members of the Ye family bloodline.


    She hadn''t thought about her father for a very long time.


    Tenth Son seemed to understand a little. After all, he was no longer a child. But he was still indignant.


    In contrast, Ye Suijin, Ye Third Son and Zhao Jingwen showed no sign of anger at all. As if they were talking about a verymonce matter.


    He looked left and right, spurred his horse to ride alongside Duan Jin, and whispered, "I''m so angry! Aren''t you angry, Duan Jin? Should we go beat up that old man?"


    Duan Jin helplessly said, "Don''t be impulsive."


    He said, "This is not a private affair between children, but a matter of whether the Ye Family Fort will form an alliance or enmity with another power."


    How could Duan Jin not be angry? He was about to explode!


    That old man must have been forty years old! To actually covet Ye Suijin back then!


    Just thinking about it made Duan Jin want to explode.


    Although Zhao Jingwen also looked at him unfavorably, at least he was a beautiful sight, and wouldn''t embarrass them or be disgusting to look at.


    The old man was too disgusting!


    It was said that men of that age even peed in two streams!


    But Duan Jin was not an unconcerned young master like Tenth Son. No matter how angry he was, he had to restrain himself.


    Especially since Zhao Jingwen, as Ye Suijin''s husband, exined the essence of the matter in one sentence, and blended into the conversation so naturally. He could not behave like Tenth Son, like a brat.


    "That Ma fellow is up to something else." Ye Suijin said.


    Ye Third Son was surprised. "What else?"


    "I can''t remember it for the moment. Let me think about it." Ye Suijin said.


    After experiencing many storms and trials, looking back now, the matters in Dengzhou were just small disturbances. It wasn''t worth the effort to remember every single thing.


    In any case, that Ma fellow made trouble afterwards, gathering some people to rebel.


    Where did he get those people from?


    Ye Suijin felt that she really, really needed a real map!


    She truly felt on this trip, not having a map gave her a feeling of empty-handedness.


    How annoying. Where was the map?


    She wracked her brains but still couldn''t remember where the Ye Family Fort had obtained its first proper map from?


    She only vaguely recalled that Mr. Yang had brought it, saying someone had presented it. But who was it?


    That day after the meeting, she had specifically asked Mr. Yang. Mr. Yang was just astonished: "A campaign map? How would we have such a thing?"


    There was a time difference. Mr. Yang obviously hadn''t obtained the map yet at this point.


    Campaign maps were military supplies, ssified information normally.


    In a military tent with maps, people of insufficient status were forbidden from entering, or they would be suspected as spies.


    So who would have ess to this kind of thing?


    Her memories were just too fuzzy. She couldn''t recall who this person was at all, only that he was an insignificant character.


    As she rode, she looked up and saw Third Son looking down.


    "Third Brother," she called out, "What are you thinking about?"


    Ye Third Son raised his eyes, seeming somewhat hesitant. Clearly he was in a mood.


    Ye Suijin softened her voice. "Third Brother, speak what''s on your mind. What can''t be said between siblings?"


    Ye Third Son felt Ye Suijin had been somewhat strangetely. Sometimes overbearing and awe-inspiring, and other times like a spring breeze, making you willing to open your heart.


    Although she was younger sister. Despite her superior martial arts skills, Ye Third Son had always felt that he himself was more steady.


    But now, he no longer had that feeling.


    He felt instead that she was more like an older sister, even an elder.


    After a slight hesitation, he pulled the reins to ride closer, lowered his voice to speak, so that his words would not be overheard by too many people. If there were differing views, it would be a discussion between Ye Suijin and her brother.


    He said, "I just feel that the refugees are quite pitiful too."


    He nced at Ye Suijin. She did not show any disdain or contempt, but listened attentively instead.


    He continued, "Today I saw in the crowd a woman holding a child, copsed on the ground. She was probably family of those we killed. I suddenly thought that before the refugee situation, they were alsow-abiding citizens, just like us. Because of the chaos in the world, they declined to this state, and lost their lives in the end."


    "I know that kindness does notmand troops, but... I still feel... they are people too."


    "Ah, am I...am I being womanly?"


    Ye Suijin said solemnly, "Don''t say womanly in front of me."


    Ye Third Son scratched his head and let out a couple dryughs.


    Ye Suijin alsoughed, very gently.


    "Third Brother has a kind heart. I don''t think it''s womanly." She looked at Ye Third Son, "Just continue being like this, Third Brother. It''s good. When Third Brother feels I''ve gone too far, speak up to remind me."


    Ye Third Son also felt warmth in his heart.


    He had always advised his father not to contend with Ye Suijin, actually because he knew his father''s disposition was not suited to being the leader either. He could be second inmand, but as the head of household, his father stillcked some boldness.


    On the other hand, Sixth Sister inherited the decisiveness of Second Uncle. She was the one suited to be the leader.


    "Suijin, whatever you want to do in the future," he said, "Us brothers will unite and fully support you. Our Ye Family Fort will definitely be more and more prosperous!"


    Ye Suijin held back the tears that almost burst out, pointed her horsewhip at the wild grass by the roadside to change the subject. "Third Brother, look over there!"


    She raised her voice, attracting everyone''s attention over.


    Tenth Son forgot his earlier displeasure, craned his neck to look. "What is it? What is it? I don''t see anything!"


    It was just green weeds and wildflowers.


    Ye Suijin pointed at a "weed" and said, "That''s edible."


    Then she pointed at another, "That''s edible too."


    Tenth Son: "Huh?"


    Ye Suijin then pointed at the trees along the road, "When extremely hungry, even bark can be eaten."


    Ye Third Son looked thoughtful.


    Ye Suijin said, "Tenth Son, look, there are still so many wild vegetables in the fields now. What does this indicate?"


    Tenth Son scratched his head. Duan Jin spurred his horse forward, "It indicates the refugees have not yet reached utter desperation."


    Ye Suijin looked approvingly at Duan Jin for a moment, but did not openly praise him.


    Duan Jin''s current status was still only a servant. He ranked under her younger brothers. A person like Ye Suijin would not cause unnecessary trouble for Duan Jin. Or rather, it would be akin to sending him to his death.


    But her nce of approval was enough to delight Duan Jin.


    He couldn''t help but nce at Zhao Jingwen as well.


    Zhao Jingwen just smiled silently.


    Ye Suijin said, "Exactly. Although the refugees suffer, they have not truly reached the point of swapping their children for food."


    "First, we must remember, their suffering is not caused by us."


    "Secondly, we must understand that Dengzhou is the foundation of our Ye family. Protecting the safety of the people of Dengzhou must be put above everything else. We can never forget this," said Ye Suijin.


    "The refugees are indeed pitiful. Today I killed over ten refugees, which seemed like a lot. But it was precisely to prevent more refugees from bing violent, and to give them other options."


    "You don''t know how terrifying it is when the violent lead the masses astray. When ites to that, people have no choice. Once the refugees kill their first person, burn their first house, or assault their first woman, they can never go back to beingwful citizens again."


    "By killing people today, I''m preventing them from killing, arson, andmitting crimes tomorrow."


    "But don''t worry, Third Son. This is just the first step," Ye Suijin said. "Establishing authorityes before appeasement."


    Ye Sang''s eyes lit up. "Suijin, what should we do next?"


    Now that the rules of the Ye Family Fort had been made clear throughout Dengzhou, deterrence was sufficient. What next?


    Ye Suijin raised his horse whip. "No matter what we do next, we have to harvest the summer grain first."


    "Food in the left hand, knives and spears in the right."


    "Then we can do whatever we want."


    Ye Suijin whipped the horse''s hindquarters and the healthy steed galloped forth.


    The members of the Ye family hurried to follow suit.


    In an instant the fields were filled with swirling dust and thundering hooves, mingled with the cheerfulughter of the youths.

 Chapter 14

    That night when they set up camp to rest, Zhao Jingwen said, "Third Son has such a soft heart."


    Ye Suijin refused to listen to the nderous words of the evil concubine and said directly, "Can you not tell the difference between having a soft heart and having a benevolent heart?"


    Zhao Jingwen was left speechless by this retort.


    For some reasontely, he found that disparaging the Ye n didn''t sit quite right with Ye Suijin anymore.


    Things weren''t always this way.


    Ye Suijin scoffed, "If Third Brother was just soft-hearted, he wouldn''t be able to wield his de. Did you see any hesitation when he swung his sword? There was none."


    And that was exactly why Zhao Jingwen didn''t want Ye Suijin to think highly of Third Son Ye.


    Third Son Ye was steady and calm. If it wasn''t for the strange rtionship between his father Ye Lao Si and Ye Suijin, he might have be the younger brother Ye Suijin relied on most.


    Zhao Jingwen didn''t want to see that happen. He hoped Ye Suijin would continue to be wary and suspicious of the Ye n members.


    That way, she would rely on him more.


    After all, they were husband and wife.


    As he was thinking this, he suddenly heard Ye Suijin sigh, "You and I are both ruthless people..."


    He looked up. Ye Suijin was taking off her outer robe. Heughed and said, "Why say something like that all of a sudden?"


    Ye Suijin said, "It''s true."


    Zhao Jingwen''s ruthlessness was perhaps innate.


    Ye Suijin''s ruthlessness had been slowly forced out over time, from seeing far too much, until her heart grew cold and hardened, no longer softening easily.


    Inparison, Third Son Ye''s sincerity made people feel such warmth.


    But Ye Suijin suddenly remembered Wu Shi''s resentment before her death.


    She had said, "You two, husband and wife...so vicious..."


    What had she meant by that?


    Ye Suijin froze.


    The thought shed by in an instant, with no possible answer, so Ye Suijin discarded it.


    "That Xing Ma De guy will definitely stir up trouble. We''ll have to keep an eye on him when we get back," she said.


    Ye Suijin''s group did not immediately return to Ye Castle after leaving. They went from Ye Castle to Neixiang County, then to Rang County, and finally Nanyang County, continuing to patrol and set up camp, training the younger brothers while overseeing the summer harvest throughout Deng Prefecture.


    For the wandering refugees who caused disturbances each time, they only killed the ringleaders, and had the younger brothers take turns escorting the rest to Ye Castle. Once delivered, they would quickly catch up on fast horses to continue patrolling.


    By the time they returned to Ye Castle, it was already June 24th, and the summer harvest was nearing its end.


    Despite a few minor gang disturbances, there were norge scale uprisings, because Ye Castle had shown its ruthlessness, hanging the shed corpses of the perpetrators at the city gates of Neixiang County and Rang County for all to see.


    Compared to what Ye Suijin remembered from that year, it was rtively "peaceful" this time.


    Ye Castle''s reputation in Deng Prefecture was also much greater than before.


    The expressions in the eyes of the rural people all along their journey back were different this time. The fear and awe were obvious.


    Not just themon people, even the Ye n members looked at this group of young people returning from patrol differently now.


    Fourth Uncle Ye led everyone to greet them. His gaze toward Ye Suijin no longer held the defiance from before.


    The sons and nephews had taken turns escorting the refugees back and passed along Ye Suijin''s instructions. Ye Suijin''s actions and ns while away, the important people back at the castle all knew about now.


    The young female lord of the castle stood tall in everyone''s hearts, her prestige rising to an unprecedented level.


    Ye Suijin pretended not to notice. She dismounted, threw down the reins, and cheerfully called out, "Fourth Uncle, we''re back!"


    It was as if all the previous contention, friction, grudges and suspicions didn''t exist. She was just a junior facing her close elder.


    Even Fourth Uncle Ye was startled for a moment.


    The n brothers standing beside him quietly kicked him, and Fourth Uncle Ye came to his senses, but he was used to contending with Ye Suijin and couldn''t adjust right away. He could only stiffly nod, "Mm, you''re back."


    After the murmured agreement, feeling his attitude was too coldpared to Ye Suijin''s, he awkwardly added, "Good you returned safely."


    This time, all the young people Ye Suijin had brought along were her peers, under the pretext of "giving the younger brothers a chance to train." In truth, she was worried the elders like Fourth Uncle would be too constrained dealing with officials, holding them back.


    Those "officials" were deeply ingrained in the elders'' minds. Even if the circumstances were different now, the long-instilled sense of awe would be difficult to shake off immediately.


    The young people were much better. Newly entering the world, they had fewer restraints. With Ye Suijin leading the brothers, killing decisively and shedding blood, their awe of the imperial officials waspletely erased.


    Now when they saw a county magistrate, they could meet his gaze evenly. They no longer felt those county officials were of higher status than them, the Ye n sons.


    Two of Fourth Uncle Ye''s sons stood behind Ye Suijin.


    Seeing their father''s stiff attitude, Third Son Ye lowered his head to rub his temples while Fifth Son Ye rolled his eyes skyward.


    Ye Suijin''s expression remained unchanged, still wearing a smile. She greeted everyone, then gestured for them to make way. The crowd parted and Fourth Uncle Ye walked alongside her toward the interior.


    Fourth Uncle Ye asked, "More captives brought back? How many this time?"


    Ye Suijin said, "Not many, only six including the ringleaders."


    Fourth Uncle Ye was surprised. "The ringleaders weren''t killed this time?"


    "They weren''t killed," Ye Suijin exined. "They were stealing, not robbing."


    Fourth Uncle Ye was very satisfied.


    When Ye Suijin had ordered the notice "Robbers of grain be beheaded! Rebels be in! Those who deceive and incite riots be sliced and exposed for ten days!" spread throughout Deng Prefecture, he had been worried. Worried she was too young and fierce in word only. If unable to follow through with actions, it would be a joke and make Ye Castle look weak.


    He didn''t expect Ye Suijin to fully execute that order on this trip out. The feedback from the children showed that not just the local people, even the wandering refugees shuddered at the name Ye Castle now. Those who still dared openly rob food must have no fear of death.


    Fourth Uncle Ye had already faintly sensed that Ye Castle''s power now far surpassed the counties.


    Butpared to the southern Yangtze River region, the north central ins had remained rtively intact until now. Perhaps the new emperor simply hadn''t had time to spare his hands here yet. What if the imperial court regained stability and new appointment letters arrived, acknowledging these remaining officials?


    It would be awkward then.


    Thus Fourth Uncle Ye had always hesitated, not yet acting. And because of his poor rtions with Ye Suijin, he had never brought up this idea to her either.


    He didn''t expect Ye Suijin to have somehow realized it on her own this year. Not only did she understand, she dared to take action.


    The young were indeed more impulsive.


    No choice but to admit one''s elderly limits.


    As they walked, Fourth Uncle Ye briefed Ye Suijin on the various affairs at Ye Castle during her absence.


    Ye Suijin listened attentively, continuously nodding.


    "With Fourth Uncle here," she said with a smile, "I have no worries."


    Fourth Uncle Ye still felt awkward.


    The truth was, the bitter medicine Ye Suijin had forced down their throats that time had torn their familial bonds.


    Fourth Uncle Ye still felt he had done no wrong. Letting a woman inherit the family business, wouldn''t that lead to a change of surname? No Ye n member could ept that.


    Talk of marrying her off or having her take the maternal line was too naive. She didn''t understand men''s attachment to their surname, the importance of continuing the ancestral line over three generations.


    But Fourth Uncle Ye also hadn''t expected Ye Suijin to be so fiercely upromising, willing to renounce childbirth rather than let go of Ye Castle.


    In any case, words now were useless.


    What was done was done.


    Yet now Ye Suijin seemed to be making overtures toward him? Her attitude had always been hard as bone before.


    Ye Suijin said, "When I used to go out with Father, he would always say with Fourth Uncle guarding the home, his heart was at ease no matter how far he traveled. It''s the same for me."


    As she spoke, she strode across the threshold into the great hall, not looking at Fourth Uncle Ye.


    Fourth Uncle Ye''s steps faltered as a hard to describe anguish welled up in his heart. Taking advantage of stepping over the threshold, he surreptitiously brushed a hand over his eyes as if just casually wiping sweat, before hurrying to catch up.


    Everyone sat in the hall for discussion. Each had their own matters to report, more detailed than Fourth Uncle Ye''s earlier summary.


    Ye Suijin listened carefully, giving affirmation or correction. When everything had been said, she asked, "What has be of the people sent back previously?"


    Mr. Yang said, "All was done as you instructed. We had them repair the walls and dig drainage ditches to fix up the ces around the castle that needed work. For meals, we only gave them three-tenths rations, so they wouldn''t have the energy to run off."


    This was clearly how prisoners of war were treated, but appropriate for the situation.


    Mr. Yang approved.


    Ye Suijin said, "Three-tenths is enough. Right now many people outside are also just getting by on three-tenths rations. It''s pitiful, but after all, when people leave their home soil behind, their value decreases."


    At this time, everyone sighed, "That''s right."


    So they must defend thisnd. Ye Family Fort had to be well managed and operated.


    Mr. Yang asked, "What are the ns for these people next, Fort Lord?"


    They couldn''t be locked up in Ye Family Fort for a lifetime, and killing them all was also unrealistic.


    But before leaving, Ye Suijin said she had some ideas that she hadn''t sorted out the details yet. She had to go out and see the external situation before making ns when she came back. And now she had returned.


    "I''ve figured it out," Ye Suijin had been out for half a month, both to observe the current situation and gather her memories to organize her thoughts.


    These days were enough for her to think it through about what to do next. She had it all thought out now.


    "Let''s do this for today. Tomorrow I''ll discuss the details with Mr. Yang and Fourth Uncle," she said, "Everyone just got back. Go get some rest first."


    Indeed, they were all travel-worn. Thend of Henan was vast. Even when riding a horse, they had to wear face veils, otherwise after a swift day of riding, their nostrils would be ck.


    The crowd dispersed.


    Ye Suijin called Mr. Yang to stay behind and asked him again, "Any news about the map?"


    This puzzled Mr. Yang even more than the first time.


    "What news could there be?" He spread out his hands, "It can''t just pop up on its own, can it?"


    But it did just pop up on its own!


    How could it still not pop up? Where was it hiding? Why couldn''t she remember?


    Ye Suijin clenched her fists in frustration.


    If you''re gonna pop up, then be quick about it!


    Leaving the great hall, people chatted with each other in groups of threes and twos. Those who went on the trip told those who didn''t all about their experiences, with great excitement. And the listeners were also fascinated and invigorated.


    "From now on, no one in Deng Prefecture would dare look down on us!"


    "That''s right!"


    There was a vibrant energy. This was the living Ye Family Fort.


    Ye Suijin smiled subtly.


    As her gaze turned, she noticed a hint of smile in Zhao Jingwen''s eyes. She cocked her brows, "What are you smiling about?"


    Zhao Jingwen moved closer to her and said in a low voice, "Mr. Yang called you Fort Lord."


    Mr. Yang addressed her as Fort Lord, and no longer Little Fort Lord.


    On this trip, she had finally be the true leader in Mr. Yang''s heart.


    In the past, she was merely "the orphan left behind by thete Fort Lord". Perhaps even until Mr. Yang waspletely disappointed and left, she would still just be her father''s daughter, and not a leader he was willing to serve.


    Ye Suijin lowered her eyes, then looked up.


    There was no need to be trapped in the past. Otherwise, what would be the point of rebirth? The road ahead was still long.


    She would no longer take those wrong turns and detours.


    Her loved ones would not let her down, and talents would not be wasted.


    Ye Suijin strode forward, with Zhao Jingwen following her.


    In the courtyard under the corridor, Duan Jin and Tenth Son were talking. The two boys of simr age were both handsome. It was pleasing to the eye to see them.


    Especially on this trip, both of them performed outstandingly, which was gratifying.


    Ye Suijin walked by with a smile, not wanting to disturb them. But she overheard Tenth Son say, "...something must be wrong with the horse''s leg. I felt like his right forelegcked power all the way back."


    Duan Jin said, "Then don''t dy. Go let Xu Qu¨¨zi take a look right away. Don''t let a small problem be serious and hard to treat."


    Ye Suijin took two more steps forward, then suddenly stopped and turned around. It was as if a sh of light went off in her mind.


    "A-Jin¡ª" she called out.


    Duan Jin immediately bounced over, "Master!"


    "Who?"


    "Huh?"


    "Who did you just mention?"


    "I didn''t mention anyone...Tenth Son?"


    "No, the other one, who?"


    "...Xu Qu¨¨zi?"


    Ye Suijin clenched her fist in realization!


    She knew it! The map must be somewhere close by!


    It must be hiding somewhere, just waiting to pop out and jump in front of her!

 Chapter 15

    Xu Cripple, a crippled man who knew how to take care of horses.


    Ye Suijin finally remembered this name.


    "Call Xu Cripple to see me!"


    Xu Cripple was brought to the side hall with anxiety and knelt down: "Greetings, master."


    He was old andme, but knew horses well. He made a living by working as a groom in Ye''s Fort after selling himself.


    "Stand up and talk." Ye Suijin said.


    Xu Cripple''s legs and feet were not convenient, he had to prop himself up before he could stand up. Duan Jin helped him up in the past.


    After standing still, the female lord of Ye''s Fort said, "Old Xu, I''ll give you twenty taels of silver to buy the map in your hands."


    Xu Cripple almost lost his bnce again. He stared and said, "How did you...know..."


    Duan Jin pped him on the back of his head, "How dare you speak like that!"


    Xu Cripple quickly apologized, but was still curious, "Master, how did you know I have that thing?"


    Ye Suijin said, "I asked around and found out you came to Ye''s Fort with two horses when you arrived years ago. Those were military horses and you were a veteran of the Xuanhua Army, right?"


    The Xuanhua Army was long gone. Xu Cripple sighed as he thought back.


    He was originally in charge of taking care of the army¡¯s horses.


    When the news came back that year that the military governor of Xuanhua Army had died and the troops were dispersed, his wife packed up and left with the guards protecting her to her maternal home.


    As a woman, she could not take everything with her. By then, the stationed troops had already deserted their camps, it was clear something was about to happen. She left in a great hurry.


    Fortunately she left quickly, otherwise the marauding troops would have rushed into the military governor¡¯s mansion afterwards. They took whatever they could take, looted whatever they could loot, some even took maids back as wives.


    As for the elderly, weak and disabled like Xu Cripple in the barracks, they could notpete with others. While others ate meat, he could only drink soup and scrounge for scraps.


    Because he was unfamiliar with theyout of the mansion, Xu Cripple had wandered into the White Tiger Hall by mistake. The boxes were smashed open by those who went in before him, and they were full of iprehensible documents strewn all over the floor. Xu Cripple was feeling despondent when he suddenly discovered this map.


    As a soldier, how could he not recognize that the map was ssified.


    After thinking about it, he felt that "ssified" was equivalent to "valuable", so he took it with him.


    It was onlyter that he realized this thing was not easy to sell. Ordinary people simply had no need for it, and did not dare to want it either. However valuable it was, he could not find a buyer for it. He could only curse his luck. But he couldn¡¯t bear to throw it away either, so he secretly hid it.


    Later when he was almost out of food, he led thest two privately kept military horses and surrendered to Ye¡¯s Fort, where he finally found a ce he could spend the rest of his life.


    Anyway, Ye Suijin now had the map in her hands! Her mood was indescribably good.


    It was like sunshine.


    Duan Jin craned his neck curiously from the desk: "Master, is this the map? So many lines, just looking makes me dizzy."


    Xu Cripple walked too slowly, so Duan Jin was the one who brought the map back. The map was not a single sheet, but a whole set, packed in a wooden box. It was quite heavy.


    "From now on, viewing maps will be prohibited under military order. Vitors will be subject to militaryw." Ye Suijin said.


    Duan Jin immediately retracted his neck upon hearing this.


    Ye Suijin chuckled, "Come over and take a look."


    The teenager grinned happily and went around to the back of the desk to see.


    Ye Suijin pointed to the lines and taught him, "These are mountains, roads, viges, rivers... This shows how much the scale has been reduced. Comparing the distance between two ces and calcting will give you a rough estimate of the route.¡±


    Duan Jin flipped through it in awe of the intricate details of the map.


    "Of course, this map came from the military governor¡¯s office." Ye Suijin said. "It wasmissioned by the imperial court in the past."


    "The ''imperial court'' is so powerful!" Duan Jin marveled.


    Ye Suijin nced at him and said, "The imperial court is the ''country''. It is powerful because it controls thergest territory, thergest army, and collects the most taxes. If you grasp these few things in one ce, you be the most powerful one in that ce too."


    "At least you have to think about how Deng Prefecture and themon people are doing."


    "Then you need a strong enough army to protect Deng Prefecture and govern it."


    In the past, Duan Jin might have happily listened without deeper thoughts, after all these seemed distant. But after following Ye Suijin out once, killing the rioters, confronting the county magistrate, it was as if a window suddenly opened up for him, freeing his vision and heart from being confined by the high walls of Ye''s Fort.


    Just imagining it slightly, made his chest undte.


    Ye Suijin liked seeing the bright-eyed and unlimited future look on the teenager.


    She smiled and then said solemnly, "Ah Jin, from now on, you''ll be by my side hearing and seeing a lot of things."


    "Firstly, you must learn wholeheartedly. What I teach you must enter your heart, memorizing is not enough, you have to be able to apply it flexibly."


    "Secondly, watch what you say. Anything I don''t allow you to say outside, not a single word can be leaked. This applies to everyone, including..."


    "Zhao Jingwen."


    Duan Jin was nodding vigorously, but was slightly taken aback when he heard thest name.


    But Ye Suijin had already lowered her head, "Just remember it."


    She flipped through and spread out the maps of Henan, Shan''nan and Huainan circuits, connecting the borders to view together.


    "I remember around here..." Her fingers slowly slid across the map, and suddenly she eximed "Ha", stabbing hard at a certain spot, "I remember it now!"


    ¡°Fangcheng. It turned out to be Fangcheng.¡± She held down that spot, looked up and asked, ¡°Who in the house is from the Xuanhua Army?¡±


    Duan Jin thought about it, ¡°General Xiang?¡±


    "General" was actually a nickname. The man''s surname was Xiang, his given name was Da. He was only a ninth-rank Brave and Righteous Captain in the Xuanhua Army.


    Later, when the Xuanhua Army garrison rioted and deserted, he was unwilling to be a deserter. He wandered around alone for a while without prospects before seeking refuge in Ye''s Fort.


    Once when he was drunk he boasted that "if the Xuanhua Army was still around, I could at least make general", so people called him "General Xiang" for fun.


    But Ye Suijin suddenly hesitated.


    Duan Jin looked up, not understanding what was going on with her.


    Ye Suijin released her hand and stared at the two words Fangcheng for a while. She asked Duan Jin, "What if someone more capable than me emerges in Ye''s Fort in the future, and people no longer want to listen to me but turn to listen to him instead? Do you think I should be angry?"


    She said it with a smile, but Duan Jin was still furious.


    "Why shouldn''t you be angry? You should be angry for sure!" He said indignantly.


    But Ye Suijin murmured, "Not necessarily, depends on what kind of person he is.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s someone from our own family, I''ll be angry."


    One''s own family included close rtives like Uncle Ye and Cousin Ye Sang, as well as servants like Duan Jin.


    If they were nsmen rted by blood, they should have supported each other to strengthen the family with one heart.


    If they were servants, they had the obligation to be loyal to their master.


    "But if it''s Mr. Yang and Xiang Da, I should be ashamed." Ye Suijin said. "A good bird chooses a tree to nest in. If they seek another master, it''s because I am inferior to others, right?"


    She said it with a smile, but Duan Jin was still furious.


    "How could you be inferior to anyone. Who in Deng Prefecture doesn''t know you, Master. I don''t even know of anyone in Deng Prefecture more capable than you." His eyebrows shot up. "Who is this person? Bring him out and let me see."


    The teenager was so adorable when he got angry, like a cat puffing up.


    Ye Suijin''s eyes crinkled into a smile.


    "It¡¯s alright.¡± She said approvingly. ¡°Even if everyone else leaves me, as long as Ah Jin still follows me, I won''t be afraid."


    Duan Jin puffed out his chest, "I don''t care about others. I¡¯ll follow Master for life.¡±


    Ye Suijin said, "Good, go call Xiang Da toe see me."


    Duan Jin was about to run off when Ye Suijin called him again, "Think carefully about bing my sworn brother."


    Duan Jin raised his eyebrows, "No need to think about it. I''ll be Master''s servant for life, and I love being Master''s servant."


    With that said, he darted off without waiting for Ye Suijin to speak again.


    It was gettingte, yet Ye Suijin had not returned to the main residence. Zhao Jingwen asked around and was told she was in the study, so he went over to take a look.


    On the way there, he bumped into Xiang Da.


    Zhao Jingwen stopped and called out, "Brother Xiang."


    Xiang Da was very skilled in martial arts. He used to be a military officer and was experienced in military affairs. Now at the Ye Family Fort, he was in charge of overseeing the guards.


    As a joke, some called him "General Xiang". Those more familiar called him "Xiang Laoseven". Zhao Jingwen always properly addressed him as "Brother Xiang".


    As an inw, there were quite a few people in the fort who looked down on him. But Xiang Da had always had a decent impression of him.


    The two stopped to exchange a few words. Zhao Jingwen asked why he was out sote and what he was discussing with Ye Suijin.


    Xiang Da replied, "Oh, nothing much. She was just asking me about some of my oldrades from the Xuanhua Army. We ended up chatting for quite a while."


    Zhao Jingwen felt a stir in his heart.


    Nowadays, Ye Suijin made no attempt to conceal her ambition. Some of the older people in the fort still held conservative views, but she had stirred up fiery zeal among the younger ones.


    Zhao Jingwen was fully supportive of Ye Suijin.


    Could she be trying to win over the veterans of the Xuanhua Army?


    He walked over to the study, but found two guards stationed at the foot of the stairs. Since when were there guards stationed outside the study?


    As he lifted his foot to climb the stairs, the guards stopped him, "Please wait a moment, Sir. Let us announce you first."


    Zhao Jingwen was surprised.


    The guards told him, "New rules as of this afternoon."


    Since these were Ye Suijin''s rules, Zhao Jingwen had no objections and cooperated immediately.


    Soon the guards came to usher him in.


    Inside the study, many candle mes lit up the room brightly. His wife was sitting at her desk, busy writing and drawing something.


    In the candlelight, her brows, eyes, nose and lips all looked so beautiful.


    Her features were striking and imposing, with a natural aura that made him look up to her. Zhao Jingwen loved this about her.


    But she was not the only one in the study.


    A man was standing by the desk with his back to the door, grinding ink for her.


    The man had a tall and straight figure, with broad shoulders and a slender waist. One nce revealed him to be a young man.


    Neither of the two people in the study spoke, yet there was an implicit sense of intimacy.


    Who was that?


    For a moment, Zhao Jingwen felt not only confusion, but a rising sense of crisis.

 Chapter 16

    Zhao Jingwen called out "Mydy", and the young man turned around, hands hanging by his sides: "My lord."


    It turned out to be Duan Jin.


    Zhao Jingwen''s confusion immediately dissipated, and he rxed. He looked Duan Jin up and down: "Haven''t you grown taller again?"


    Not waiting for Duan Jin to reply, Ye Suijin alreadyughed in response: "Of course, he''s at an age where he grows every day. In the blink of an eye, it''s as if he''s be a different person."


    Zhao Jingwen said: "You''re right."


    And to Duan Jin: "You may go."


    Duan Jin was very reluctant, but there was nothing he could do, so he had to leave.


    Zhao Jingwen sighed to Ye Suijin: "Ah Jin has grown up. I remember when he was just a little boy."


    "Back then" naturally referred to the year when Ye Suijin held her martial arts tournament for suitors.


    At that time, Duan Jin was only twelve years old. His figure, bearing and gaze were stillpletely childlike. But now, looking at him from behind, he waspletely a grown man.


    Ye Suijin nced up at him and sighed "Yes", before lowering her eyes to focus on whatever she was drawing.


    Zhao Jingwen raised his hand to grind some ink for her, but seeing that Duan Jin had already prepared a whole pool of fresh ink, he could only lower his hand again. He paced to Ye Suijin''s side and bent down: "What are you working on?"


    Looking closely, Ye Suijin seemed to be drawing something, but he couldn''t make out what it was. Little square shapes arranged in neat rows.


    Ye Suijin resolved his puzzlement: "An army camp."


    Zhao Jingwen''s eyes lit up.


    ncing over the desk, there were also many sheets of paper with writing on them. He picked one up and read it, sucking in a breath: "This is...too harsh, isn''t it?"


    Ye Suijin snorted: "Are there any militaryws in this world that aren''t harsh?"


    Zhao Jingwen sat down to look through them more closely, growing more astonished and admiring with each one. Raising his eyes, his gaze at Ye Suijin was even brighter than before: "Mydy, you are truly remarkable."


    It really was interesting.


    Zhao Jingwen''s gaze was so sincere,ing from the bottom of his heart.


    Looking back at him, Ye Suijin was truly moved to ask: What were you thinking when you decided to marry Pei Lian?


    Back then, Zhao Jingwen kept saying:


    "It''s for the sake of Ye Family Fort."


    "Joining forces with the Pei Family will widen our path."


    "You have to trust me."


    Looking back now, Ye Suijin remembered Zhao Jingwen''s gaze had been very resolute too.


    At that time he was leading troops alone outside, and had experienced much discipline, with the air of being reborn.


    Ye Suijin even half-believed now that at that moment, Zhao Jingwen had sincerely thought that way.


    Butter, bit by bit, everything changed.


    What grew wider was Zhao Jingwen''s own path, not that of Ye Family Fort.


    Ye Suijin smiled wryly and shook her head.


    Zhao Jingwen still thought she was being modest.


    "It''s only right that you lead the household," he praised. "Who in Ye Family Fort could be more suited than you?"


    "That''s not necessarily true," Ye Suijin said slowly as she sketched the lines. "Some people only show their scheming minds and capabilities when forced into shallow waters."


    "Given the chance, their cunning and skill bes apparent."


    "People are like actors on a stage, they need the right tform to sing or dance as they wish."


    Zhao Jingwen scoffed: "There is no such person in Ye Family Fort. Not just Ye Family Fort, in all of Deng Province, I''m afraid there is no one. If there were, they would have soared to prominence long ago instead of being stranded in shallow waters."


    "That''s right, Suijin, Master Xiang said you asked him about those hoodlums in Fangcheng? Are you thinking of recruiting them?"


    "Recruit them my ass," Ye Suijin''s voice turned cold. "That rabble of deserters turned to banditry, everyone has heard what they did in Fangcheng."


    "If forced by circumstances to take to the hills, block roads and extract tolls to enrich themselves, I could still ept it. They could be considered for recruitment."


    "But once a man has done such evils, there''s no turning back. It taints their nature."


    This was different from what Zhao Jingwen had imagined, but it made his eyes shine even brighter: "Suijin, are we moving against the Fangcheng mob?"


    Ye Family Fort had always behaved too kindly and tamely, while the Fangcheng gang was too vicious. It made people subconsciously feel thetter were "tougher".


    But Zhao Jingwen had married into Ye Family Fort for three years now, and understood their true strength.


    Not acting against the Fangcheng mob was simply because they hadn''t overstepped and infringed on Ye Family Fort''s interests. Now that Ye Family Fort had waited long enough and wanted to transform from a snake in shallow waters into a soaring dragon, striking at them was perfect timing.


    "Let me lead the vanguard!" he said, pressing both hands on the desk in his eagerness, leaning forward without hiding his thirst, "Let me take the first attack!"


    Ye Suijin looked back at the past now, and saw everything clearly.


    Zhao Jingwen thirsted so keenly for achievements and renown, thirsted to stand tall before her.


    Later, before the empress''s coronation, he had personallye to the imperial harem and ced the ceremonial robe on her with his own hands. She had watched him in the mirror as he draped the robe over her, the two of them standing side by side, how proud and aplished he looked.


    That moment was probably the young Zhao Jingwen''s dream.


    "We''ll discuss it again tomorrow," Ye Suijin said without agreeing, lowering her gaze.


    She didn''t look at his disappointment, but finished thest few strokes of her sketch, weighed it down with a paperweight, and put down her brush. "Let''s go, time to rest."


    The two left the study together. Outside, the sky had darkened and guards were on patrol.


    Duan Jin was in the corridor practicing handstands without anything to prop himself up - he had grown up in the residence since childhood, a clever and charming boy whom Ye Suijin had always doted on. She had personally taught him martial arts, training him to a solid foundation.


    Seeing the two emerge, Duan Jin flipped back to his feet: "Master."


    His forehead was beaded with sweat.


    Ye Suijin casually fished out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat for him: "Look at you. Go and wash up properly, don''te tomorrow stinking of sweat."


    Duan Jin quickly took the handkerchief to wipe his own sweat.


    "Tomorrow, call Fourth Uncle, Mister Yang..." Ye Suijin pondered for a moment, "and Third Son too. Have Third Sone to the study to discuss matters."


    After setting the time, Duan Jin acknowledged the order.


    "Rest early," she exhorted him again as usual. "You''ve still got growing to do."


    There was still more toe, more growth ahead.


    Theter Duan Jin was so tall and broad-shouldered, with a slender waist.


    Outside, he was an iron-blooded general standing proud and erect, desired by countless youngdies in the capital as a husband.


    But before her, he never stood on ceremony, always with a hint of an impish grin, as if he had never truly grown up, remaining the indulged brat at her side.


    Duan Jin joked: "If I grow any taller, I''ll be taller than my lord."


    He even lookedughingly at Zhao Jingwen.


    A very cute, innocent, harmless look.


    Only Zhao Jingwen understood the difort in it.


    - A provocation.


    Between males.


    Ye Suijin flicked his forehead, then turned to walk down the corridor.


    Zhao Jingwen naturally had to follow her. But after a few steps he looked back.


    He saw Duan Jin tuck Ye Suijin''s handkerchief into hispel before turning to tidy up the study.


    The ufortable feeling grew stronger.


    But Ye Suijin didn''t even notice. Given his status, it would seem petty and jealous to make a fuss over a handkerchief, inviting ridicule.


    With his standing as an adopted son-inw, there were already too many peopleughing at him. Thus at all times, everywhere, he had to pay attention to his own words and deeds.


    The moonlit night was beautiful, filled with the chirping of crickets.


    Ye Suijin was thinking about discussing ns with Fourth Uncle Ye and Mister Yang tomorrow, when her hand was suddenly grasped.


    ncing sideways, in the light of the colored clouds and moon, her sweetheart''s eyes were gentle.


    So it wasn''t entirely unreasonable that she couldn''t immediately cast aside Zhao Jingwen at that time and break ties on the spot.


    Nor could Pei Lian be called stupid.


    In their youth, people always have moments of weakness.


    Later, didn''t Pei Lian''s heart also turn cold? She considered only the Crown Prince''s interests, forcing her own son to kneel and call Ye Suijin mother.


    "In future, when I''m gone..." she told the Crown Prince, "listen to the Empress."


    But unfortunately they had struggled against each other for too long, and the Crown Prince was too deeply influenced, impressions of people are difficult to change.


    So after Pei Lian died, he didn''t exactly listen to her wishes either. There were also old retainers of the Pei n whispering in his ear due to various interests.


    In the end, the child hung himself in the ce where Zhao Jingwen confined him.


    When someone dies, all matters end.


    So Ye Suijin wouldn''t bother expending any effort investigating whether the death was by hanging, or by someone hanging him.


    It was meaningless now.


    In any case Zhao Jingwen wept behind his sleeve in the imperial harem.


    In other ces he could only be the emperor, but in the imperial harem, he could still be Zhao Jingwen, a man who was once full of anticipation for the birth of his eldest son.


    A man''s instinct to procreate is indeed strong.


    In the night, Ye Suijin let Zhao Jingwen hold her hand and ask: "I cannot bear children, are you very regretful?"


    This question came so abruptly amidst the tender atmosphere that it left Zhao Jingwen stunned. He quickly dered his loyalty: "Didn''t you already tell me this before we got married? Why mention it again?"


    After winning her hand in marriage, Ye Suijin had clearly told Zhao Jingwen that she could not conceive children, and Ye Manor would be inherited by the younger generation of the Ye family in the future.


    What could the once impoverished and wifeless Zhao Jingwen say? Just being chosen to marry into the family was a blessing from the heavens.


    Afterwards, he did not bring up the matter even once.


    Until Pei Lian became pregnant.


    He gripped Ye Suijin''s hand tightly. "I want her to bear children."


    "You are the wife, she is a concubine. Suijin, you are this child''s rightful mother."


    "She is giving you children." "Whether there are children or not is not important." Zhao Jingwen smiled and said, "In the future, we can choose the best among Sang''s children to adopt over. He must be clever and good-looking. When the timees, Sang will surely rmend the most beautiful and clever child to us."


    Ye Suijin smiled without replying.


    Zhao Jingwen had finished crying in the imperial study, but still stripped his eldest grandson of the title of Heir Apparent, demoting him to amoner.


    After all, he had other sons. There would be more grandsons in the future.


    The Ye family still had the hereditary and irreceable title. But the Pei family was doomed to never rise again in the Mu dynasty.


    "We should assign someone to the study now." Zhao Jingwen changed the topic. "Ah Jin has grown up. He shouldn''t keep doing these things."


    He was already so tall. It was time to find him a wife. Having him keep following Ye Suijin around, doing intimate tasks for her...made Zhao Jingwen ufortable.


    Who is a person most prone to grow close to? Naturally, those who are intimate with them.


    Once no longer intimate, they would not be as close either.


    Ye Suijin fully agreed: "You''re right. I''ve asked them to find someone for me."


    She had only not gotten around to doing this yet. But removing Duan Jin from these trivial matters was something she would certainly do.


    At Duan Jin''s age, this was a crucial period for rapid learning and growth.


    In this life, he would walk farther and faster.


    In their past life, they had agreed that he must attain the position of Supreme Commander of Chariots and Cavalry.


    Later, Zhao Jingwen did posthumously grant him the titles of Supreme Commander of Chariots and Cavalry, Duke Who Settles the State, Grand Minister Over the Masses, and the posthumous name "Jingwu".


    But to her, this was all meaningless. Even if he was granted titles all the way to the heavens, or made into an immortal, what difference would it make?


    Her Ah Jin did not return alive.


    A slight itch on the back of her hand - it was Zhao Jingwen gently caressing with his fingertips.


    Under the soft moonlight, the handsome gentleman secretly conveyed his feelings.


    Ye Suijin nced at him.


    The two strolled leisurely towards the bedchambers in the shimmering moonbeams.


    Regarding Duan Jin, Fourth Uncle Ye, Mr. Yang and others, Ye Suijin already had a rough idea of how their futures should unfold.


    But Zhao Jingwen...


    Ye Suijin still had not decided just how she should deal with her husband.

 Chapter 17

    As a married couple, it was sometimes hard to avoid what the other was doing.


    Ordinary couples still had distinctions between inner and outer spheres, their own time and space. Ye Suijin and Zhao Jingwen had no such distinction at all.


    When Duan Jii invited Ye Suijin, Zhao Jingwen didn''t make a sound but followed closely.


    He seemed intent on following all the way to the study.


    Ye Suijin just nced at Zhao Jingwen, the corner of her mouth twitching.


    As expected of you, Zhao Jingwen.


    Clearly, among the people the master had instructed her to meet yesterday, there was no one surnamed Zhao.


    Duan Jin''s lips moved, but he held it in.


    If Ye Suijin didn''t want him to go, she would stop him herself. It wasn''t Duan Jin''s ce to decide whether or not Zhao Jingwen was qualified to listen in.


    Since Ye Suijin hadn''t spoken up, he had no right to speak up either.


    He endured all the way to the study.


    Ye Suijin strode right in, then suddenly said, "Ah Jin,e in and serve me."


    Zhao Jingwen''s footsteps faltered.


    But Duan Jin''s eyes lit up, and he eagerly followed with the buoyant steps he had just stopped.


    "A few things," Ye Suijin said, taking a seat with everyone in the study. "First, previous ns remain unchanged. The notices to the counties should be sent out. Let''s sit down together and talk it all through openly. We''ll draw the line - submit or resist. We''ll speak with our fists."


    These were things Ye Suijin had basically finalized before inspecting Deng Prefecture. They just needed confirmation now.


    She took out the results of her hard work the previous night and handed them over. "Take a look at this."


    Fourth Uncle Ye and Mr. Yang looked them over, passing them back and forth. Third Son Ye crowded in next to Fourth Uncle to read together.


    When they finished, even Fourth Uncle Ye sighed, "What our ancestors left behind has finally not gone to waste."


    The Ye family''s ancestors had been a military family back in the dynasty beforest¡ªhere skimming over the false Liang and the newly established Jin whose duration was still uncertain, taking the Wei as the dynasty beforest. Later, when dynasties changed and Wei arose, their ancestors retired to their hometowns. There was a teaching that ordered their descendants not to serve Wei with official titles.


    Thus they gradually declined into rural gentry.


    Some distant branches even abandoned the martial for the literary, only the main line of the Ye Fortress passing down martial skills and military strategy from generation to generation.


    Martial skills were easy to verify, but military strategy gradually became nothing but armchair spection.


    Thus, emphasizing martial prowess while neglecting military strategy became an unstoppable trend.


    Ye Suijin had always been the most outstanding of her generation, and that referred not just to her martial skills, but also her inheritance of the family''s teachings.


    Fourth Uncle still remembered hermanding her siblings in ying war games as a child, with two armies arrayed and each bringing their pages. She already had quite the bearing.


    His second brother hadughed and praised her then. But Fourth Uncle felt regret on Second Brother''s behalf,menting that Ye Suijin wasn''t born a boy. He also worried she was too outstanding, and no one would dare marry her in the future.


    Fourth Uncle was exceedingly moved. Mr. Yang''s normally murky eyes shone bright.


    Ye Suijin loved to see the eyes of those around her light up like this. Especially from Mr. Yang, whose gaze she couldn''t recall ever holding such brightness when looking at her.


    He was always wearing a dazed, listless look. She couldn''t remember him ever being so spirited in her presence before.


    "We can start work now," Mr. Yang was already nning. "Have those people you escorted back do it. Hurry and get it done this summer, and we''ll be able to safely pass the winter."


    "Your design is also cost-effective, saving us a good amountpared to my original idea."


    As he spoke, he calcted in his heart, growing more spirited the more he calcted.


    "Then leave this matter to Uncle Yang," Ye Suijin relinquished control. "Uncle Yang will be troubled."


    Mr. Yang nced at her. "It''s just my duty," he replied readily.


    But in his heart he thought, this year, Ye Suijin really was different than before.


    He didn''t know this Ye Suijin had long passed the stage of needing to oversee everything personally to feel at ease. She had long grown used tomanding from on high, coordinating strategies.


    She really was different from the Ye Suijin who was wary of n kin at every turn, needing to intervene personally in everything before she felt assured.


    When there were no external conflicts, people often sank into inner turmoil, vainly expending their energy in a way that benefited neither affairs nor people.


    "Another matter," Ye Suijin said. "The Ma surname in Nanyang County has great ambitions. From what I know, he''s gotten involved with the hoodlums in Fangcheng."


    Everyone''s expressions grew solemn. Fourth Uncle Ye asked, "What''s he trying to do?"


    Ye Suijin smiled. "Probably the same thing we''re trying to do."


    Fourth Uncle Ye scoffed. "He thinks he''s capable of that?"


    Ye Suijin''s brows quirked. "Uncle doesn''t like him?"


    Fourth Uncle said, "Of the three county magistrates in Deng Prefecture, he''s the hardest to get along with. And he previously wanted to..." He cut himself off. "Nevermind!"


    Ye Suijin understood. "Wanted me as a concubine, right?"


    Fourth Uncle was shocked. "How did you know? Did Second Brother tell you?"


    Since Ye Suijin already knew, he didn''t hide it. He pped his thigh. "That shameless old codger! You were only fourteen then, not even of marriageable age. He really had some nerve, acting like he was giving the Ye Fortress face. I wanted to punch that little punk back then. Second Brother didn''t let me, politely refusing him and seeing him off courteously."


    The situation had changed then, but official authority still held sway. The Ye Fortress also hadn''t yet adapted to the new change in status. In short, back then, everyone was still adjusting their posture.


    If it was now, if some other shameless old man had the gall toe asking for the young daughter of the main descendant line of the Ye family, Fourth Uncle would break his nose!


    "Mr. Ma is quite clever," Ye Suijin was unexpectedly unbothered, even praising Ma Jinhui. "Back then, he was already thinking of grasping military power in his hands."


    "He had decent foresight to approach the Ye Fortress back then."


    For private troops to reach a certain level of numbers, to possess a certain level of might, to receive a certain level of training before they could transform from "private troops" to "soldiers," this wasn''t something every rural elite household was capable of.


    Northern strongholds flourished, and the Ye Fortress wasn''t the only stronghold in Deng Prefecture. But afterparing them, Ma Jinhui only saw promise in the Ye Fortress.


    Wanting to control the Ye Fortress in his palm, marriage was definitely the optimal method. But the talks fell through.


    In recent years he had also courted other households with strongholds. But as the times grew more chaotic, these families only drew their wings in tighter, preserving their strength, thinking only of minding their own business behind closed doors when trouble came.


    Back then, only the Ye Fortress, out of a sense of public justice, had assisted Deng Prefecture in quelling chaos and maintained stability.


    Heaven''s way held natural justice. Because of this, the Ye Fortress rapidly expanded in strength, bing Deng Prefecture''s greatest power after the disbanding of the Xuanhua Army.


    "ording to my information, Ma Jinhui and Du Jingzhong of Fangcheng want to be inws." This was something Ye Suijin vaguely remembered, but wasn''t certain whether it had happened yet or not, so she added, "I don''t know what stage they''re at now."


    Fourth Uncle was shocked. "He''s not keeping up schrly appearances anymore?"


    If Du Jingzhong was still with the Xuanhua Army, this marriage wouldn''t be out of the question. But after going rogue, he was utterlywless and cruel, no different than a beast.


    Although he was wary of the Ye Fortress and had never overstepped boundaries, people of the Ye Fortress had heard of his reputation.


    Forming inw ties with someone like him, let alone that Ma Jinhui was originally an upright schr of the imperial examinations¡ªthis truly was shameless!


    Fangcheng bordered Nanyang County, but it didn''t belong to Deng Prefecture, rather it was part of Tang Prefecture. Back then, Du Jingzhong didn''t dare directly sh with the Ye Fortress, which was why he took his gang to Fangcheng.


    The Ye family''s power wasn''t that great then. They felt it was sufficient to protect the three counties of Deng Prefecture. Later, everyone minded their own territory, not interfering with each other.


    Ye Suijin said, "After lording over there without restraint for so long, gatheringmon folk under him, he gradually became bolder."


    "Also, Uncle, we''ve been too kind all this time," sheined. "The Ye Fortress has done so much for Deng Prefecture, yet we only stand on equal footing with the county offices. No, not even equal footing, we''ve always bowed our heads lower than them."


    Fourth Uncle: "..."


    Mr. Yang stroked his beard and smiled.


    His former master was a good man, not without ability, he justcked ambition.


    Back then, he had remonstrated that they should seize Dengzhou when the opportunity arose. It was regrettable that Ye Suijin''s father had hesitated again and again, still fearing the imperial court''s pressure and did not dare.


    It is just that good citizens who have been so for too long forget about the prestige of their ancestors.


    Fourth Uncle Ye awkwardly said, "No, no, it was just a habit."


    He always retained an awe of the imperial court and officials.


    "This won''t do," Ye Suijin said solemnly, "From now on in Dengzhou, others must only have awe and fear of us. Dengzhou must be firmly grasped in our hands!"


    Although Fourth Uncle Ye was advanced in years, he was stirred by his niece''s words: "I agree!"


    "For this Du Jingzhong, shouldn''t we give him a bit of color to look at?" he asked.


    "Just giving a bit of color is not enough. Although he has not yet set foot in Dengzhou, the one who sleeps soundly by your side, how can you allow it?" Ye Suijin looked up, "This Du Jingzhong and his gang cannot remain."


    Fourth Uncle Ye calcted that with the Yefang Fort''s current fighting forces, at most they numbered one thousand two hundred or three, not the false front Du Jingzhong was putting up, but real troops.


    If Du Jingzhong was all pretense, it would not be impossible to deal with him.


    It was just that after quelling the soldiers¡¯ mutiny back then, the Yefang Fort had not undertaken such a big affair again. To tell the truth, the Yefang Fort was able to expand to its current numbers also because it had absorbed many remnants of Xu Huai''s troops at that time.


    The Yefang Fort originally governed its fort with the military and sustained its troops by farming.


    After these Xu Huai troops joined the Yefang Fort, they quickly adapted, and moreover enabled Ye Suijin''s father to have ample manpower. He reorganized the Yefang Fort''s dependent viges, enabling some of the most elite young adult males topletely stop farming and be full-time soldiers.


    The others farmed to provide supplies.


    Fourth Uncle Ye could not help counting on his fingers, figuring how many troops could be sustained with the output of Dengzhou and Fangcheng added to their current four ces?


    After calcting it, his heart burned with eagerness.


    "I agree!" He pped the table. "If you say to do it, then we''ll do it!"


    Duan Jin who was attending nearby, and Zhao Jingwen who shamelessly eavesdropped, heard this. Duan Jin''s blood was fired up, but Zhao Jingwen became nervous.


    He had always been someone who would certainly seize any opportunity, and if there was no opportunity he would create one. Last night when he had asked to duel Ye Suijin, she did not agree.


    Now they spoke of battle, he had to fight for a chance for himself.


    "Suijin, if we fight, I will lead the charge!" he said.


    He made a show of loyalty and passionate ardor.


    Mr. Yang looked at him for a moment and chuckled: "What does the fort master n?"


    But Ye Suijin cast her gaze at Third Son Ye: "I want third brother to go investigate first."


    "Troops are precious, if we can reduce casualties by even one man then we should. We can''t recklessly charge in, we must first scout out the realities."


    In the eyes of the battle-tested Ye Suijin this fight was just a scuffle. But the Yefang Fort had not experiencedrge battles yet, and needed the whetstone of Du Jingzhong.


    She spoke her n: "Third brother will go make contact with Du Jingzhong, and say that you and fourth uncle both disobey me, and want to invite him to assist you inpeting with fourth uncle for control of the Yefang Fort."


    The room suddenly became quiet.


    Even the youth Duan Jin strongly sensed the awkwardness in the air.


    Third Son Ye looked up at the ceiling.


    Mr. Yang turned his head to stifleughter.


    Fourth Uncle Ye''s face turned red then pale, truly a marvelous sight.

 Chapter 18

    Fourth Uncle Ye was worried that the hearts of the people of Ye Family Fort could not be united. Only by letting go of past grudges could they truly serve their own interests best.


    When Fourth Uncle Ye had died in his previous life, because he could not rest assured about Ye Family Fort, he even died with his eyes open.


    Things could absolutely not continue this way in this life.


    Ye Suijin tapped her fingertips on the armrests of her chair. "Outsiders think our Ye family must be divided, so let them think that. It works to our advantage if they believe so. Why don''t we make use of this?"


    Her gaze did not waver at all from this matter that everyone had intentionally avoided mentioning in the past.


    Fourth Uncle Ye felt somewhat uneasy and stole a nce at her. Ye Suijin''s eyes were fixed on him. "Fourth Uncle, do you think this could work?"


    Her gaze was upright. She was not mocking or ridiculing. She was sincerely asking Fourth Uncle Ye for his opinion.


    Fourth Uncle Ye looked left and right. Finally he gave a cough and asked solemnly, "Sang, do you think you can do it?"


    Ye Sang scratched his head. "I can try."


    Zhao Jingwenughed. "Or it would be even more foolproof if Fourth Uncle went personally."


    Mr. Yang''s smile faded somewhat.


    But Ye Suijin humphed, "Du Jingzhong isn''t even worth it."


    Mr. Yang smiled again.


    Ye Suijin called for Duan Jin, "Bring out the maps."


    Everyone was a bit surprised.


    Duan Jin carried over a box.


    Mr. Yang was overjoyed and kept turning around, looking at this map and touching that map. "Where, where did you get these?"


    Strange. Ye Suijin had asked him yesterday if he had any news about maps. Today she already had maps.


    Ye Suijin smiled. "They fell from the sky."


    After joking, she exined, "They were hidden away by an old soldier from the Xuanhua Army back when the war broke out. He took them home during the chaos."


    Mr. Yang suddenly understood and rubbed his hands together happily. Maps made using the official standard of the court!


    Duan Jin efficiently spread out the maps they needed.


    There were still no pointers. Ye Suijin told Duan Jin, "Make me a stickter, this long, as thick as a finger, with the tip rounded off."


    They would have to make do for now. Ye Suijin took a writing brush and held it reversed in her hand, pointing, "Here, Neixiang, Rang County, Nanyang. Here, Fangcheng. This is good. I remember Fangcheng was quite famous for its millet production, with very good yields."


    "In recent years, Du Jingzhong has wrecked it. The fields are in ruins." Fourth Uncle Ye waved his hand. "Not to mention nine rooms empty out of ten, at least four or five households must be empty. Much of thend has been abandoned."


    Millet was the staple grain for making military provisions.


    Ye Suijin was extremely distressed. "So what''s he upying Fangcheng for? It should belong to us."


    Fourth Uncle Ye still felt it wasn''t quite right, but Ye Suijin spoke in such a justified tone that he didn''t know how to refute her.


    They discussed the geography and terrain of Fangcheng.


    Fourth Uncle Ye had assumed he ought to be the person most familiar with Fangcheng, or Mr. Yang might know a bit more.


    But he hadn''t expected Ye Suijin to also know Fangcheng like the back of her hand.


    She hade and gone from Fangcheng countless times. She was very clear about the terrain. She just couldn''t remember the specifics of Du Jingzhong''s situation.


    "I need to know how Du Jingzhong has set up defenses here, here and here."


    "Although he''s a reckless fellow, being from the Xuanhua Army, fighting is his specialty."


    "Third Brother, we may look down on him as a person, but we can''t look down on his abilities."


    Ye Sang answered steadily, "Alright, I''ll remember that."


    Even Fourth Uncle Ye couldn''t help but nce over at Ye Suijin.


    This niece was much more steady than he had thought. It was a bit unexpected.


    Looking again, if she really was this reliable, he could feel at ease handing over everything in Ye Family Fort to her.


    He would keep observing.


    Ye Suijin did not assign anyone to go with Ye Sang. Instead, she asked him directly, "Who are you nning to take with you?"


    Ye Sang pondered and looked at Fourth Uncle Ye, then reported several names. Fourth Uncle Ye was worried and added another very reliable subordinate.


    Ye Suijin nodded at them all.


    Just as she was about to speak, Zhao Jingwen said, "Xiang Da is also from the Xuanhua Army like Du Jingzhong, so they have some connection. It would be better for him to go too."


    In their previous lives, Xiang Da was among the first group who went out adventuring with Zhao Jingwen, and also one of the earliest people to throw in his lot with Zhao Jingwen.


    Actually, Ye Suijin had intended to have Xiang Da go with Ye Sang as an intermediary. She just hadn''t expected Zhao Jingwen to speak up first.


    Since someone had provided a step for her, Ye Suijin agreed.


    Fourth Uncle Ye and Ye Sang went out to make arrangements.


    With them gone, the steward who had been waiting outside came in to report, "I''ve brought all the children you wanted, for you to select from."


    Ye Suijin called Duan Jin over, "Jin''er, you go pick."


    She instructed him, "Choose six children. Two to take shifts in the study, attentive, taciturn, and tight-lipped. Four to be by my side, clever, able to read situations, and articte." So the affairs of the study and being by Ye Suijin''s side would now fall to these newly chosen children.


    What about him then? What was he to do?


    Previously, all these matters around Ye Suijin were his responsibilities.


    Unlike his usual immediate acknowledgment, Duan Jin''s eyes naturally revealed anxiety.


    He was quite tall, but still a child after all.


    Ye Suijin said gently, "This way, you''ll be freed from these trifling affairs to properly assist me."


    With just that one sentence, the youth''s face lit up radiantly.


    He gave a clear acknowledgment and went out, only to be called back by Ye Suijin, "Pick ones with sturdy builds. Don''t choose sickly ones."


    They would inevitably need to rush around with her in the future. Frail bodies wouldn''t do.


    Duan Jin''s footsteps were light as he happily went off.


    Mr. Yang stroked his beard. "Grown up now and thinking more."


    "Of course." Ye Suijinughed. "He even knows how topete for favor now."


    Mr. Yang could hear the doting tone in her voice.


    But Zhao Jingwenughed. "Servants and ves are often like this."


    He was not a servant or ve, but of higher status. Yet hepeted for favor all the same.


    Mr. Yang stroked his beard and lowered his eyes, smiling without speaking.


    Ye Suijin red at him. "Don''t take advantage of the young and poor."


    "I won''t. Our Jin''er will be a stewardter no matter what." Zhao Jingwen said, "Hurry and find him a wife so he can settle down."


    Mr. Yang had turned his face to one side, still stroking his beard.


    Ye Suijin said, "No hurry. What''s the rush? He''s only fifteen. As a servant, if he marries now, what good wife could he get? We''ll talk about itter."


    Zhao Jingwen joked, "What, are you going to find some youngdy of a prestigious house for him to marry?"


    What was wrong with youngdies of prestigious houses?


    In the capital, countless youngdies of prestigious houses wanted to marry the supreme militarymander Duan Jin, but were unable to.


    Those who tossed sachets down from tall buildings, those who deliberately bumped into his sedan chair on the streets, those who encountered him while offering incense at the temple, those who twisted their ankles to block his path in the mountains.


    If Duan Jin wanted to marry, with his status and wealth, what youngdy could he not obtain?


    But Wu Shi was pregnant with Zhao Jingwen''s child, and even gave birth.


    What''s more, Duan Jin had known all along!


    Although she had calmly set goals for herself after rebirth, intending to overturn her previous life and start overpletely, Ye Suijin suddenly could not restrain her anger and it surged forth.


    She mmed her palm on the desk with a bang. "Let''s get back to business!"


    Zhao Jingwen and Mr. Yang were both frightened.


    Zhao Jingwen was baffled. The atmosphere had been rxing and they were joking around. When had he struck one of Ye Suijin''s sore spots to make her so angry?


    If they were alone, he would have no qualms about lowering his status to gently and tenderly coax her. But Mr. Yang was here.


    He nced at Mr. Yang, rather embarrassed.


    Mr. Yang said, "Yongtang and Sang might be too busy. Young Master, could you go help them?"


    Zhao Jingwen looked at Ye Suijin.


    Since someone had provided a way out, Ye Suijin said, "Go on."


    Zhao Jingwen tactfully left.


    Duan Jin came out. In the covered corridor outside the study, a row of half-grown children were lined up. The youngest only came up to his waist, while the oldest looked to be around ten years old.


    They were all children born in Ye Family Fort. He asked each of their names and ages, as well as who their parents were.


    He first pulled out the clever ones, then questioned them closely to select the best to present to Ye Suijin.


    Zhao Jingwen came out and saw his back.


    Contrasted with the children, he looked even taller and straighter.


    He stared over for a while before leaving.


    Duan Jin also nced back at his retreating figure.


    Mr. Yang still hadn''te out. He was still inside discussing things.


    What was that Zhao fellow doing? Sent out to work? Or not qualified to listen in, so driven out?


    Duan Jin bared his teeth in a grin.


    Inside the study, Mr. Yang asked, "Why did you get so angry?"


    He didn''t like Zhao Jingwen much, but Zhao Jingwen didn''t seem to have said anything that would make people angry just now. Ye Suijin''s sudden rage also left him confused.


    Ye Suijin also knew that she had just lost control of her emotions, which was a big taboo for her superiors.


    "I was just thinking of something annoying, and he was chattering again, so I couldn''t help raising my voice for a moment," she said, pausing, then added, "I was in the wrong."


    Mr. Yang had intended to advise her, but she admitted her mistake first. So Mr. Yang didn''t say anything more, just held out his hand: "Come,e."


    Ye Suijin nced at him, resigned, and also held out her hand.


    Mr. Yang took her pulse.


    Mr. Yang was not only an advisor, but also skilled in documents, money and supplies. In addition to that, he was quite knowledgeable about medicine. When he was free, he would often take the pulse and prescribe medicine for people in the fort.


    Nothing could be hidden from reading the pulse. After feeling her pulse, he was surprised: "What made you so angry? Maybe you could tell me about it?"


    How to say it? There was no way to say it.


    Ye Suijin looked up at him.


    "Uncle Yang," she said, "A wise bird chooses a tree to nest in. One day, if I let you downpletely, you needn''t worry about my father''s feelings, you can freely choose to pledge allegiance to a better master."


    Mr. Yang was stunned.


    "However, if I''m not that bad," she said, "not bad enough to make youpletely disappointed, still redeemable, please don''t give up on me so easily, Uncle Yang."


    Mr. Yang gazed at her for a moment, then smiled: "Alright."


    Zhao Jingwen brought Xiang Da back and they entered the study.


    Fourth Uncle Ye and Third Son Ye came a bitter, with a few others, and also entered the study.


    Duan Jin had already picked six children. This matter was less important than the affairs in the study, so he sent the others away and waited in the courtyard with the six children.


    Among the six children were some he knew, who whispered and asked him: "Brother Jin, is the master good-tempered? Will he beat us?"


    Duan Jin tried to scare them: "If you don''t work hard, you''ll get the stick on the spot, with your pants stripped bare for a beating on your bottom."


    The children all had fearful expressions.


    Duan Jin had to cover his mouth as he chuckled softly, not daring tough out loud for fear of disturbing the people in the study.


    It wasn''t until noon that the people in the study came hurrying out. They all had bright faces and walked hastily, making appointments with each other at the door to set off in the afternoon.


    After Fourth Uncle Ye, Third Son Ye and the others left, Duan Jin listened closely and heard Xiang Da say to Zhao Jingwen: "Thank you for rmending me to the fort master."


    The one surnamed Zhaoughed cordially: "You''re still so polite with me."


    Duan Jin called out to the children: "Stand up straight, you''ll meet the master soon."


    Yet he cast a nce in that direction, then quickly drew it back.


    That Zhao really knew how to win people''s hearts.


    It was the master who had called Xiang Da to speak with him at length yesterday. Although it wasn''t stated at the time, Duan Jin could sense that the master already intended to include Xiang Da today.


    But Zhao had brought it up first, and was now selling Xiang Da a favor here.


    If Xiang Da epted his favor, he would naturally be a little less grateful for Ye Suijin''s discerning eye as his patron.


    Duan Jin couldn''t help but softly "humph" out loud.


    Ye Suijin''s voice came from the study: "Where''s Jin? Has he finished picking them?"


    Duan Jin immediately perked up and raised his voice: "Master, I''ve picked them, they''re all here."


    A momentter, Ye Suijin stepped out of the study and stood on the stairs: "Just these few?"


    Duan Jin cheerfully replied: "Yes! Master, take a look, do you approve?"


    He looked up, and his master Ye Suijin stood in the sunlight, her body like a willow branch, her face outshining the bright peach blossoms and red plums. The bright light illuminated her.


    Just like in his dreams every night.


    He couldn''t remember when it started, but she was always appearing in his dreams.

 Chapter 19

    Duan Jin''s people chosen by Ye Suijin were all satisfactory.


    Duan Jin had been clever since he was little, and understood her very well, knowing her needs and requirements. Besides, the people below understood the thoughts and tricks of the people below better than the masters, and those he had screened were all just right.


    Ye Suijin asked the steward to take the children away to teach them manners, and said to Duan Jin, "Come, let me check your skills."


    Duan Jin straightened his back: "Yes."


    There was a big parade ground in the Ye Family Fort, and a small parade ground in the Ye Mansion as well. With such good weather, Duan Jin thought Ye Suijin would go to the parade ground to test his martial arts. Unexpectedly, Ye Suijin took him to the practice room.


    She also had the door of the practice room guarded.


    Duan Jin felt inexplicably nervous.


    The attendant offered two long spears with spear heads wrapped in hemp cloth.


    Martial artists often learned more than one weapon, and there was a saying that "Eighteen Martial Arts", referring to the martial arts of using different weapons.


    Ye Suijin had extraordinary bones and tendons, and she had truly mastered the eighteen martial arts. Duan Jin''s talent had also been praised by her many times.


    But the family studies passed down in the Ye Family were spears, also known as Ye Family Spears.


    The reason why Duan Jin would be nervous was because the practice room was where martial arts were taught.


    Ye Family Spear Techniques were not secret, in fact most people in Ye Family Fort knew them. The moves did not need to be kept secret, but the subtleties and key points did need to be kept secret.


    Therefore, martial arts lessons were usually not allowed to be watched by others.


    Today Ye Suijin had closed the door of the practice room and had people standing guard outside, obviously it was not as simple as the "test" Duan Jin had imagined.


    Ye Family Spears used Nine-bend Spears. Nine-bend Spears were one zhang and one chi long, spears used for cavalry battles. Ye Family spear techniques were cavalry techniques, battle array techniques.


    Ye Suijin did not bring spears on this trip out, because there was no need, sabers were enough.


    She took the long spear in her hand and stroked it.


    Originally in the imperial harem she did have spears at first, she even had swords and sabers, at that time she could sit in the Golden Hall with Zhao Jingwen and discuss state affairs together. But as Mr. Yang said, once she lost the Ye Family Army, how long could she sit there? Afterwards, she was forced to retire to the inner pce, andter the imperial censor impeached her, and Zhao Jingwen confiscated her swords, spears and halberds.


    In the end, she was only allowed to keep a waxwood stick for daily practice.


    The sound of breaking wind rose, and the long spear spun smoothly in Ye Suijin''s hand, unfolding the starting position.


    Ye Suijin looked up at Duan Jin.


    Duan Jin suddenly felt that the person in front of him was a stranger.


    He had grown up by Ye Suijin''s side, and unlike others, his sword and spear skills were all personally taught by Ye Suijin. He was too familiar with Ye Suijin!


    Just now in that instant, the feeling Ye Suijin gave him was like a sudden gust of cold wind in the face.


    What was going on?


    Before he could think carefully, Duan Jin took a deep breath, spun his spear, and also unfolded the starting position.


    Ye Suijin crooked her finger.


    Duan Jin shouted "Watch the spear", shook his spear, and dots of phantom shadows attacked Ye Suijin!


    The sound of spear shafts shing rose rapidly in the short few breaths.


    Although the spear heads were wrapped to prevent injury, the shafts of both spears were of bright silver, and when rubbed, sparks flew everywhere!


    After a few moves, Ye Suijin blocked Duan Jin''s offensive with her spear, Duan Jin exerted force pressing down, and she instantly felt a force of a thousand cattiesing from the spear shaft.


    When she first picked up Duan Jin, the steward had arranged for the child to run errands and do chores in the misceneous courtyard. Ye Suijin happened to see the little child able to lift an axe to chop firewood, and discovered that although the child looked thin and frail, he had great strength.


    On a whim she taught him martial arts, and discovered the child had excellent bone structure, and could learn anything with just one lesson.


    She then kept Duan Jin by her side and raised him.


    Now he had grown so big, with astonishing strength.


    Ye Suijin shouted loudly, shook her arms, and bounced Duan Jin''s spear back.


    Her silver spear moved like a swimming dragon, blocking, capturing, stabbing, thrusting, encircling, pointing, pouncing, all aimed at fatal points.


    If on horseback, it would be life or death within a tiny space.


    Duan Jin shook his spirit, and his silver spear whistled with the wind, not yielding one bit.


    It was fine to let the young masters win when sparring with them, but now this was Ye Suijin''s test, how could he yield in a test.


    If the mistress thought he had beenzy in practicing and unskilled in the arts, it would be terrible.


    After dozens of moves with crisp shing sounds, Ye Suijin suddenly shouted: "Be careful!"


    Duan Jin was alerted, and retreated early due to the warning, but even so, the tip of Ye Suijin''s spear still grazed past his throat, even rubbing against his adam''s apple on the protruding cloth!


    This move!


    He had never seen it before!


    Was this Ye Family Spear Technique? Could this be...


    In an instant Duan Jin bent his waist back to dodge this spear. Using the spear shaft as support on the ground, he somersaulted back to retreat, avoiding this spear. Afternding, he looked at Ye Suijin in shock and puzzlement.


    Ye Suijin''s spear did not withdraw, the spear tip pointing at Duan Jin, trembling slightly. The thrilling instant just now still lingered in the air.


    Duan Jin was so clever, in a sh he understood what was going on: "Mistress!"


    The corner of Ye Suijin''s mouth curved up in a smile. She withdrew her spear, and asked Duan Jin: "Do you know what that move just now was?"


    Duan Jin was excited: "Return Horse Spear!"


    Many people in Ye Family Fort knew Ye Family Spear Technique, not just nsmen, but also many servants for generations and children born in the household.


    Like Duan Jin who was raised from childhood, he also learned.


    But Return Horse Spear was not taught outside. Not even to the side branches and cadet houses, only the main lineage.


    This generation, the main lineage only had Ye Suijin alone. Even Fourth Uncle Ye''s house was no longer considered the main lineage, only the main household.


    Only Ye Suijin alone knew Return Horse Spear. No, everyone actually thought Ye Suijin didn''t know it either. Because she was female, in theory, Return Horse Spear was only passed down to sons not daughters.


    Tenth Son had privately told him before, that they brothers had all spected whether Ye Suijin had actually learned Return Horse Spear or not.


    Because Ye Suijin''s father passed away suddenly from illness, before he passed away, he did not teach Return Horse Spear to Fourth Uncle Ye, the closest male cousin by blood.


    If Ye Suijin also didn''t know it, then Return Horse Spear would be lost.


    Now Duan Jin knew, Ye Family Return Horse Spear was not lost. The old Fort Lord really cherished his only daughter, and broke family rules, secretly teaching it to her.


    This was great, it added another chip in Ye Suijin''s hand, she had nothing to fear now.


    While Duan Jin was happy for Ye Suijin, Ye Suijin took off the cloth wrapped around the spear head: "Watch closely."


    Duan Jin opened his eyes wide, not even daring to blink.


    The spear tip glimmered, drawing bizarre and sharp trajectories in the air at a cunning angle, reaping invisible lives.


    One move.


    Two moves.


    Three moves.


    ...


    How were there even fourth and fifth moves?


    Wasn''t it said to be Return Horse Three Spears?


    Ye Suijin withdrew her spear, seeing Duan Jin''s surprised expression, she told him: "Return Horse Spear has five moves total. Three moves are passed down, thest two moves are for the Fort Lord''s protection. Not passed down until the timees."


    Duan Jin did not dare speak.


    Such secrets, even Third Son Ye and Fourth Uncle Ye might not necessarily know, why was she telling him?


    "Jin." Ye Suijin said, "Today, I''m teaching you all five moves of Return Horse Spear."


    Although he had vaguely guessed, Duan Jin was still shocked: "Mistress?"


    He stared at Ye Suijin, needing to understand clearly: "Why? On what basis?" He suddenly paused, speaking rapidly: "Did Noble Lord Zhao learn it too?"


    Zhao Jingwen''s spear skills were also personally taught by Ye Suijin.


    Dead memories jumped up to attack her.


    Ye Suijin put her hand on Duan Jin''s shoulder, staring into his eyes: "Don''tpare with him, he''s not worthy."


    Zhao Jingwen stepped over the corpses of the Ye Family Army to ascend the throne.


    Duan Jin proved with his life that the Ye Family Army still existed.


    Those memories Ye Suijin had already suppressed in her heart in her previous life jumped up again to frantically attack her.


    Those regrets and pains from lonely nights deep within the pce walls that she had already forgotten and resigned to many years ago now jumped up to attack her again.


    She had taught Zhao Jingwen.


    Worried about his safety outside, before Zhao Jingwen left Ye Family Fort, she secretly taught him the three moves of Return Horse Spear.


    Even the brothers didn''t know it.


    She had always painfully regretted it afterwards.


    Because martial arts needed to be memorized with the body, the earlier it was learned, and the more diligently it was practiced, the more deeply the body would remember, and the faster the reactions would be.


    If the brothers had all learned earlier, or practiced more diligently, perhaps in the fleeting moment on the battlefield they could have escaped with their lives. Perhaps some could have lived.


    The Ye main household would not have declined to this extent.


    Although Duan Jin learned it allter, all five moves, that was afterwards.


    But this was another reason Zhao Jingwen scorned him - Ye Suijin had only taught Zhao Jingwen three moves, but taught Duan Jin the two life-saving moves for the Fort Lord as well.


    He had also asked: "On what basis?"


    "Duan Jin." Ye Suijin held Duan Jin''s face in her hands, staring into his eyes. "In a few days, I will teach all three moves of the hui ma san qiang to the main Ye family descendants. I won''t teach Zhao Jingwen any, not even one move."


    "But you, I will teach you all five moves."


    "You will always be by my side from now on, protecting my safety, apanying me into battle to kill enemies and win achievements."


    She looked into his eyes.


    The young man''s eyes were clear and confused, filled with bewilderment and iprehension.


    She knew he could not understand at this moment.


    She pressed Duan Jin''s head down, with her forehead against his.


    "It doesn''t matter if you don''t want to be my younger brother."


    "Then be my general!"


    "I will make you rise through the ranks to be a cavalier general!"


    "I want you to live a long life! Attain the Three Ducal Ministers! Leave your name in history!"


    Why? Just because General Duan Jin was the essence of the Ye family army! As long as Duan Jin lives, the Ye family army lives!


    ...


    Forehead against forehead.


    The heat passed through their skin.


    Breathing was audible.


    She could see his eyshes trembling.


    In his life so far, Duan Jin had never been so intimate with any woman, let alone Ye Suijin!


    In the past, he was short, having to crane his neck to look up at her.


    She was older than him. She had raised him. In the past when he looked at her, she was first his master, then like a mother, and also like an elder sister.


    Later, just thesest two years, he had suddenly grown from that child who only knew to foolishly eat candy at her wedding.


    He had be taller than her. When he looked at her now, she was still his master, but no longer like a mother or sister.


    She began appearing in his dreams.


    At first he was extremely rmed. He felt it was sacrilegious.


    Butter, if she did not appear in his dreams for a night, he could not sleep well.


    So she came to his dreams every night after that.


    Duan Jin''s heart was about to leap out of his chest.


    His hands opened and clenched into fists, opened and clenched into fists!


    His blood vessels seemed about to burst, his body on the verge of losing control.


    But in the end, he still remembered his status. He tightly clenched his fists until the veins bulged out on the backs of his hands, getting himself under control.


    "Master. I..." Duan Jin''s throat moved as he swallowed hard.


    Forcibly suppressing all the heat, he made himself remain calm.


    "I will learn well!"


    "I won''t be any damn general."


    "Duan Jin will be the young servant to my master for life."


    ...


    That day, the messenger from Ye''s Fort had extended an invitation for the Ningxiang County Prefect to visit Ye''s Fort as a guest. The Ningxiang Prefect was anxious for many days, until he finally received the formal written invitation.


    By now, the summer harvest was basicallypleted. It seemed Ye''s Fort had also freed up their hands, since the summer harvest was a major undertaking that kept everyone busy.


    But this feeling that "Ye''s Fort must be up to something" grew even stronger.


    The Rong County Prefect came again, "Brother Yuan Tao, what should we do about this? Should we go or not?"


    If they went, they feared being held ountable.


    "Go, nothing good wille of it." The Ningxiang Prefect stated the obvious, "Don''t go, even less good wille of it."


    He said, "I stand by what I said before, let nature take its course."


    What concerned him was, "Did Ma Jinhui also receive an invitation? Will he go or not?"


    They had already heard about the confrontation between Ma Jinhui of Nanyang County and Ye''s Fort. The woman of Ye''s Fort did not give him any face, greatly damaging his prestige. Not only Nanyang, even themoners under their two counties were having stray thoughts.


    "These officials are actually from the previous dynasty"¡ªthemon folk seemed to have realized.


    Inertia was broken.


    "Ma Jinhui is not on the same road as us." The Rong County Prefect told him, "I have news on my end that he is determined to marry his daughter into Fangcheng."


    The Ningxiang Prefect sighed, "Nothing more than wolves devouring tigers."


    The Rong County Prefect continued to waver, "Why don''t we watch a little longer and notmit too early. What if Ma Jinhui can suppress them?"


    The Ningxiang Prefect said, "Then I''ll hang up my boots and return home."


    Du Jingzhong''s group in Fangcheng had too notorious a reputation. No matter what, he could not tolerate being associated with those people.


    Inparison, Ye''s Fort...was not too bad actually.


    When the two County Prefects received the invitations, Third Son Ye was in Fangcheng.


    Du Jingzhong did not remember Xiang Da very well. Hearing he was from Xuanhua, he assumed Xiang Da hade to defect to him. Meeting face-to-face, he looked vaguely familiar, and was indeed an old acquaintance.


    But the main guest was a young man, tall and handsome, with a steadfast air in his brows and eyes.


    After exchanging pleasantries, Xiang Da introduced him, "Brother Du, this is the third young master of the fourth branch of Ye''s Fort in Dengzhou."


    Third Son Ye sped his fist, "Greetings, General."


    Du Jingzhong had just settled the marriage alliance with Ma Jinhui, precisely to help him oppose Ye''s Fort. He smiled, "Why has Young Master Ye honored this lowly ce with his presence?"


    Third Son Ye put on a frank and honest face, "My father admires the general''s famous name, and has specially sent me to pay you a visit."


    It was not proper to be blunt with guests, so Du Jingzhong held a banquet to entertain his old friends and honored guest.


    A group of men toasted and drank, and also called out many beautiful women to sing and dance. Most of those women had numb expressions and sorrowful eyes. Their dance skills were not particrly polished, but their clothes were thin and revealing, clearly gentlewomen who had been seized by force.


    Third Son Ye understood at a nce.


    As the men drank, their speech and behavior became lewd. They casually pulled those women over to humiliate and take advantage of them, as if it was normal. Third Son Ye was extremely disgusted inside, but endured it for the task Ye Suijin had entrusted him.


    After enduring for a while, unable to take it any longer, he signaled Xiang Da with his eyes.


    Xiang Da started showcasing his acting skills, unpromptedly praising, "Big brother is even more impressive today than back in the Xuanhua army days. Little brother is truly envious." Du Jingzhong knew the main course wasing. He put on a pretense, "Not at all. My worthy younger brother must be enjoying sess in Ye''s Fort now."


    Xiang Da pped his thigh, "Big brother doesn''t know, I should be sessful, s!"


    Du Jingzhong nced at him askance.


    Third Son Ye said, "It''s because my father and I don''t have ability that a woman presses down on our heads."


    Du Jingzhong''s interest was piqued. "What is going on?"


    Xiang Da said, "Does big brother know, San Lang''s father is the cousin of the previous generation master of Ye''s Fort, the current master''s own paternal uncle. In principle, the position of fort master should have gone to San Lang''s father since the former fort master had no son."


    Xiang Da then told Du Jingzhong about how Ye Suijin and her nsmen fought over Ye''s Fort back then, and the showdown at the Re Xiaoli fight club when she brought in a son-inw.


    When he got to the exciting parts, he gesticted and spit as he spoke, making it seem as if they were there witnessing the internal chaos in that family back then.


    Third Son Ye thought to himself, good heavens, when not in our presence, they really spoke about his family in such "lively" terms.


    If not for private discussions like this, how could there be such vivid storytelling.


    He very much wanted to p his forehead, but with great effort controlled himself and put on an indignant expression, nodding along.


    Du Jingzhong cursed, "Outrageous that she rules the roost like a hen!"


    Third Son Ye said, "My father says the same, but the family''s troops are currently under her control."


    Du Jingzhong smiled with satisfaction.


    Third Son Ye stood and bowed, "San Lang hase on my father''s orders to earnestly beseech the general for assistance. Fangcheng is poor and barrenpared to Dengzhou''s prosperity. My father is willing to invite the general to Nanyang for sustenance."


    Du Jingzhong waved his hand. "Nanyang is already in my pocket."


    Third Son Ye and Xiang Da looked at each other in bafflement. "What do you mean?"


    Du Jingzhong was very proud of arranging a marriage with the schr-official and bragged, "The Nanyang county magistrate just agreed to marry my son to his daughter."


    He said, "I won''t deceive the young master, this inw has long been displeased with your Ye''s Fort, and also wanted me to conquer you. Fortunately you havee, otherwise when des meet, it would be most unjust."


    Just as Sixth Sister said, Ma Jinhui was colluding with Fangcheng for no good.


    Third Son Ye pretended to be confused, "We have never formed enmity with Magistrate Ma."


    Du Jingzhong told him what he had heard, "You damaged his face, and he hates you for it."


    Third Son Ye said, "That was all done by my female cousin alone. She fears that as a woman she cannot control the crowd, so uses ruthless methods to intimidate us."


    The more the two sides talked, the more "invested" they became, discussing together how to overthrow Ye Suijin, and let Fourth Uncle Ye take over the fort, so Du Jingzhong could also enjoy the bounty of Dengzhou.


    Only Du Jingzhong said, "Nanyang is already mine, no longer relevant. Find me another ce."


    It just so happened Third Son Ye said, "I cannot make decisions, my father muste to discuss with the general personally."


    Du Jingzhong also felt Third Son Ye was too young. It would be more reassuring if Fourth Uncle Ye came in person, so he readily agreed.


    Xiang Da diligently poured wine. "Drink, drink!"

 Chapter 20

    Third Son Ye returned to Ye Family Fortress on June twenty-ninth. As soon as he returned, he asked, ¡°Where is Sixth Sister?¡± He wanted to see Ye Suijin immediately to tell her that the group of bastards in Fangcheng must be killed. What a mess they made of Fangcheng! He still remembered that when he was little, Nanyang was just a county town, while Fangcheng was the superior county and produced abundant corn, quite prosperous. His father had taken him to the big fair in Fangcheng, which was very lively. Now there was no way it could be seen anymore, shocking to behold. At this time, he understood more profoundly what Ye Suijin said about first protecting their hometown and fellow vigers. If Dengzhou was also gued by these mobs, themon people would suffer.


    He was told Ye Suijin was in the martial arts training hall, so without even washing up and changing from his sweaty travel clothes, he went straight there. When he arrived, he happened to run into his younger brothersing out of the hall, one after another, all sweaty. Seeing him, their eyes lit up.


    ¡°Third Brother is back!¡±


    ¡°Third Brother, go see Sixth Sister quickly!¡±


    ¡°Oh my, Third Brother, you missed something!¡±


    ¡°Third Brother, where on earth did you go?¡±


    His brother Fifth Son Ye grabbed him. ¡°Brother! Go see Sixth Sister quickly. Sixth Sister taught us the Three Turn Back Horse Spear! Go learn it!¡±


    Third Son Ye had originally returned full of things to say to Ye Suijin, but was shocked at these words. ¡°The Three Turn Back Horse Spear?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Fifth Son said excitedly. ¡°Luckily Second Uncle passed it on to Sixth Sister before he died. Sixth Sister said it¡¯s best to learn early, so she¡¯s taught all the boys of the main house. Even Eleventh Lady and Twelfth Lady are learning it!¡±


    ¡°Father said there was no need for them to learn. Twelfth Sister even quarreled with Father, saying that if Sixth Sister could learn it, how could she be told there was ¡®no need¡¯?¡±


    Eleventh Lady and Twelfth Lady were unmarried sisters of the main house. Twelfth Lady was Third and Fifth Son''s own sister, Fourth Uncle Ye''s daughter.


    Third Son Ye digested this information, and asked, ¡°Where is Sixth Sister now?¡±


    ¡°Still in the martial arts hall. Ah Jin is there too.¡± Fifth Son said.


    Third Son Ye found it odd that Fifth Son would specifically mention Duan Jin. Of course Duan Jin would be wherever Ye Suijin was, as her attendant.


    ¡°Brother, let me tell you,¡± Fifth Son lowered his voice behind his hand. ¡°Sixth Sister has even taught the Three Turn Back Horse Spear to Ah Jin. Father was unhappy about it.¡±


    Third Son Ye paused, then said, ¡°Father didn''t speak out of turn, did he?¡±


    His father was sharp-tongued at times, and could unintentionally hurt feelings with his words.


    ¡°Hehe,¡± Fifth Sonughed. ¡°Mr. Yang persuaded him. Mr. Yang asked, if we adhered to our ancestors'' rules, would we have the chance to learn the Three Turn Back Horse Spear? Then he asked, if Father was the heir, would he be willing to teach the spear to all the boys of the main house? Father shut his mouth after that.¡±


    In the previous generation, Ye Suijin''s father had a younger brother who died beforeing of age. They also had a cousin who died young.


    So although Ye Suijin''s father was second in line, he was actually the eldest of his generation, with Fourth Uncle Ye below him.


    The contradiction between Fourth Uncle Ye and Ye Suijin was that Fourth Uncle believed since Second House had no son, Ye Suijin should marry out, and the Ye Family leadership should go to Fourth House.


    But in the end Ye Suijin fought to gain control of Ye Family Fortress, protecting her position as the heir.


    So although Fourth House was of the main line, they were not the heir line.


    Putting himself in the other''s shoes, Fourth Uncle Ye felt that if it were him, he would never have brought out the Three Turn Back Horse Spear to teach everyone.


    He would only teach his own sons, Third and Fifth Son.


    Mr. Yang said, "In these troubled times, when there is opportunity for great deeds, is it right to still... Fourth Elder Ye, think it over yourself. As an outsider I shouldn''t say much, but your Ye family''s Three Turn Back Horse Spear has been passed down for hundreds of years, yet has never made a great name for itself or shown divine power, and has nearly been lost several times, that is true."


    Fourth Uncle Ye thought a great deal, and finally yielded to Ye Suijin''s open-mindedness, no longer nitpicking.


    Third Son Ye breathed a sigh of relief. "Fortunate Mr. Yang was there."


    He pped his younger brother on the shoulder and headed for the martial arts hall.


    But there were family guards stationed outside who had to announce him before letting him in.


    Inside, there were only Ye Suijin and Duan Jin. Both held long spears in hand, and despite the cooling basin in the corner, they were still sweaty, clearly just finished sparring.


    "Third Son," Ye Suijin handed her spear to Duan Jin, "how did it go?"


    Third Son Ye''s first sentence was, "Sister Six, Fangcheng is in terrible shape!"


    Though it bordered Dengzhou and wasn''t far in truth, the trip there with Xiang Da felt like two different worlds from Dengzhou.


    Though Dengzhou also saw many disced refugeesing from north and south, the local vigers were still stable.


    But Fangcheng--the viges Third Son Ye passed were empty, two in a row, good fields lying fallow. None of the prosperity he remembered from childhood remained.


    Duke Jinzhong had taken over the estate of Fangcheng''s wealthiest household. It was said that family had all been killed. There, Third Son Ye saw many more unspeakable sights.


    Though Third Son Ye had maintainedposure before Duke Jinzhong, he had been greatly shaken internally, so was anxious to confide in Ye Suijin.


    Ye Suijin understoodpletely.


    She could have sent someone else to handle this matter, but had deliberately chosen Third Son Ye to temper him.


    Her eldest brother was kindhearted by nature. Though he would listen to her instructions, in his heart he surely harbored doubts like, "Fangcheng never offended us, if we take the initiative to attack Fangcheng, is it not quite right?"


    Now looking in Third Son Ye''s eyes, she knew he no longer had any reservations about taking Fangcheng.


    "The world is like this nowadays. Actually, the central ins are still alright, only because the new and old dynasties have just changed over, so there is chaos for the moment. Give the new emperor two years to stabilize, and it will improve greatly," Ye Suijin said. "If you really want to see chaos, you have to cross the river south. Only there would you know what chaos is."


    Third Son Ye was confused. "Then why are so many people fleeing south?"


    "Because they are northerners themselves. With war and turmoil in the north, if they don''t flee south, do they flee beyond the passes?" Ye Suijin retorted.


    Third Son Ye felt confused.


    Duan Jin thought for a moment and said, "Actually...isn''t it like, they actually have nowhere to flee?"


    If my home is on fire on three sides, and there is only one exit, I can only flee desperately in that direction.


    Who cares if a flood awaits on the other side, right now, I can only flee the fires around me.


    Third Son Ye was enlightened.


    "So that''s how it is," he murmured.


    Watching those people dragging their children south, he had developed an erroneous assumption that going south would be better, would be safe, would have hope.


    Now he realized it was not so simple.


    "The south of the Yangtze is the granary, so even if they have to beg there after going, it is slightly better than the north," Ye Suijin said.


    "Come, go wash up and change first. Notify Fourth Uncle and Mr. Yang that we will talk in the studyter."


    "I''m covered in smelly sweat," sheined. "Third Brother, you stink too. Go change."


    Riding hard in the summer heat, of course he was drenched with sweat on the hurried ride back.


    Third Son Ye scratched his head with a smile, said "I''ll go do that," and swiftly departed.


    Ye Suijin called after him, "Ah Jin, you go change too."


    Like the other Ye boys, Duan Jin only wore a loincloth when training, bare above the waist. He pulled at his cor and sniffed it. "Still alright?"


    Ye Suijin scoffed at him. "You''re soaked through!"


    After scoffing, she asked, "Do you have enough changes of clothes? I''ll have Autumn and Peach make you some moreter."


    Duan Jin liked beautiful clothes.


    Though influential and wealthy, he had no wife or family, eating his fill while the whole family went hungry. He wore new clothes every day, a differentvish robe each time he went out, riding his Ferghana horse through the streets.


    He just loved to unt.


    But the current Duan Jin was merely an attendant by her side, without so many clothes to change into.


    These days of frequent training and washing, she didn''t know if he had enough.


    Though she wished to dote on him in every possible way, she had to restrain herself for propriety''s sake, as he refused to be like a brother to her.


    If it drew petty jealousy, it would inevitably be troublesome.


    Duan Jin looked up at her. "They made me several sets of summer clothes in early spring. It''s plenty."


    "I''ve grown up now, and the mistress still dresses me like a child." He smiled.


    His eyebrows and eyes curved charmingly, teeth gleaming white.


    Lean and strong, the muscles of his arms well-defined.


    Ye Suijin froze, staring.


    To prevent peeping, the windows of the martial arts hall were ttened on top. Sunlight nted in, partitioning light and shadow.


    Ye Suijin''s face was in the light, seemingly a exquisitely carved beauty cast in jade and porcin.


    Duan Jin said, "Mistress?"


    Ye Suijin looked away.


    "Yes, I like dressing you up..." she murmured. "I actually forgot..."


    The petty quarrels and trivial matters of the Ye Family Fort era seemed like peaceful old timespared to theter turbulent waves and painstaking difficulties. In her memory, too many "big events" had squeezed those times into forgotten corners covered in dust.


    Yes, she remembered now.


    She liked dressing up Duan Jin.


    Duan Jin was good-looking since he was little, and looked even better dressed in fine clothes.


    Ye Suijin had yed with knives and swords since childhood, and never liked ying with dolls, but she did like ying with Duan Jin.


    Who could me her when he was so adorable?


    The young miss of the Ye Family Fort was generous, with no shortage of fabric for clothes. From a young age she had ordered people to tailor beautiful clothes for him to dress up and admire like a ything.


    "Mistress, don''t I look beautiful today?" The dignified garrison general, returning from an audience with her, still wanted to show off his new clothes.


    Sheughed at him for being vain.


    ...


    So that was how it was.


    So that was how it was.


    It turned out she had forgotten, while he still remembered.


    "Of course, if Mistress wants to make new clothes for me, I''ll take them," Duan Jin said with a grin as he put on his shirt. "I''ll take them all! The more the better!"


    Ye Suijinughed too: "Alright, I''ll make you...I''ll make you..."


    Her throat choked up.


    Duan Jin''s smile disappeared, taken aback.


    "I''ll make you..."


    Ye Suijin wiped her face.


    Then wiped it again.


    Finally, she covered her face with both hands.


    In her whole life she had rarely cried, but had never let anyone see it.


    No one could.


    Not Zhao Jingwen, and not Duan Jin.


    Ye Suijin''s weaknesses and regrets were always borne by herself alone.


    Duan Jin was stunned.


    In his life he had never seen Ye Suijin be weak.


    Not even during the hardest days after the old fortress master had fallen ill and passed away.


    The confused youth said, "Mistress?"


    Ye Suijin lowered her hands, her face wiped clean. Her eyes were red but had regained the dignified, gracious smile ready to receive imperial concubines and ept their respectful bows.


    "I''ll make you many new clothes."


    "I''ll let you wear new clothes every day."


    "Even more than Zhao Jingwen."


    "Come, let''s go change clothes. Don''t keep Fourth Uncle Ye and Mr. Yang waiting."


    She strode out briskly.


    Duan Jin did not follow. He stood in the dimly lit martial arts room, somewhat distracted.


    More...than Zhao Jingwen?


    The youth was confused.


    Since a few days ago when Ye Suijin had pressed her forehead against his intimately, he had vaguely sensed that something between them was different from before.


    But what exactly was it?!

 Chapter 21

    Duan Jin suddenly darted out and caught up with Ye Suijin in the gallery: "Mistress!"


    Ye Suijin stopped.


    Duan Jin asked, "Will I be attending youter?"


    He looked a little apprehensive.


    In the past few days, several newly chosen attendants had finished learning the rules and started working. Including the two in the study.


    Those used to be his duties, but not anymore. What would he do when Ye Suijin held meetings in the studyter? Would he still have the privilege to follow her?


    "Of course," Ye Suijin readily agreed.


    Duan Jin''s shoulders rxed.


    Ye Suijin understood clearly.


    "Duan Jin. From now on, no matter what the asion," she told him, "as long as I don''t ask you to withdraw, you will stay by my side."


    "Understand?"


    Duan Jin stood up straight, chest thrust out: "Yes!"


    Ye Suijin returned to her own room and told her maids, "Go get some patterned gauze to make Duan Jin some more clothes."


    The maidsughed. "We''re already making autumn clothes. Why are you still having summer clothes made for him?"


    Winter furs, summer gauzes.


    The patterned gauze from Youlin was light, soft and breezy. Early in the Da Wei dynasty, it used to be a royal tribute. Onlyter did it gradually spread among wealthy households. Even as it became moremon, it remained high-quality material for summer clothes.


    Ye Suijin said, "He practices martial arts and changes clothes frequently every day. Make him some more so he doesn''t run out of clean clothes to change into. Check out the autumn clothes too, make him more of those. He''s grown taller, his old clothes must be small now. Make him more, pick bright colors for him."


    The maids didn''t find anything inappropriate about this. Theyughed. "You''re dressing him up again."


    Ever since Duan Jin was little, the young mistress had liked picking his clothes. Little Duan Jin was always dressed in fine, colorful clothes, just like a young master''s son.


    Only in the past three years, because the young mistress was in mourning for thete Lord Ye, everyone wore sober colors. Now that the young mistress'' mourning period was over, she had started dressing up Duan Jin again.


    No one found it objectionable.


    The maids swiftly brought in hot water.


    Ye Suijin washed up quickly, changed into clean, crisp clothes. Zhao Jingwen came in. "Mistress, is Third Son back?"


    "Mm-hmm," she said. "I was just about to go over."


    Zhao Jingwen smiled. "No rush, take your time getting dressed."


    He even helped her with her sash. Then, as expected, he followed along naturally behind her after she finished dressing.


    Ye Suijin''s lips quirked. She didn''t drive him away.


    If it weren''t for the Ye family forces'' support, how far could Zhao Jingwen have climbed?


    Interesting. She wanted to see.


    When they arrived at the study, Duan Jin was already there, straight-backed in his military uniform, waiting to report. Seeing her arrive, he came up to brief her, "Mistress, Fourth Lord and Mister Yang are here."


    Ye Suijin nodded and stepped up onto the dais.


    Zhao Jingwen followed behind her. After a couple steps, he nced back in surprise. Duan Jin fell in behind him, clearly intending to follow them inside.


    Zhao Jingwen stared at him.


    In the past, Duan Jin would have faced him with a slight smile, respectful yet unshrinking. After all, Ye Suijin didn''t allow anyone to disrespect her husband, even though he was an adopted son-inw.


    But now, Duan Jin unconsciously lowered his eyes to avoid Zhao Jingwen''s gaze.


    He didn''t know why he felt guilty himself.


    But he would definitely follow them inside. Zhao Jingwen couldn''t stop him on this. This was Ye Suijin''s explicit instruction ¡ª as long as she didn''t tell him otherwise, he would stay by her side.


    Zhao Jingwen was surprised, but he knew Duan Jin seemed easygoing yet was actually reliable in his work. Otherwise, Ye Suijin wouldn''t have made him her personal attendant.


    Since Duan Jin dared to follow them into the study, it must be because Ye Suijin had given him clear instructions.


    So Zhao Jingwen retracted his gaze and turned back around. He stepped over the threshold after Ye Suijin without blocking or questioning Duan Jin.


    He knew in his heart, it was actually him who didn''t have Ye Suijin''s permission to tag along.


    When youck confidence, it''s better not to make trouble.


    But... as he walked, Zhao Jingwen thought, Ye Suijin spoiled this little attendant too much. He would have to advise her about thister.


    Inside the study, Fourth Lord Ye, Mister Yang, Third Son Ye, and Xiang Da were already present.


    Third Son Ye first briefed everyone on his interactions with Du Jingzhong and observations in Fang City. Xiang Da supplemented him.


    So Ye Suijin gained a general understanding of the situation in Fang City.


    "So it''s here and here?" She tapped the map twice with a thin wooden stick.


    Third Son Ye and Xiang Da both nodded. "Yes."


    The wooden stick tapped several more spots. "And here, here, here and here have no defenses?"


    Ye Suijin found it hard to believe. In her assessment, those were positions that must be defended when holding a city.


    But Third Son Ye and Xiang Da were very certain. "None. We deliberately took a roundabout route and looked carefully. Indeed there were none."


    Faced with Ye Suijin''s confusion, Xiang Da thought for a moment and said, "He probably doesn''t have enough men. Also, Fang City is so small, no one contends with him, so he has nothing to defend against."


    Back then during the battle for Fang City, Ye Suijin had still been young herself. It was her first time applying book knowledge to reality, so she inevitably made some clumsy mistakes. Although after that, she grew swiftly, she still remembered that battle being quite difficult.


    Now, reborn over ten yearster, she was battle-hardened after experiencing hundreds of campaigns. Looking back at Fang City, it was like a sieve, full of holes big and small.


    "I can''t believe I wanted to try a stratagem..." Ye Suijin rubbed her temple. "I overestimated that Du fellow."


    Third Son Ye socialized with Du Jingzhong, while Xiang Da reconnected with several old friends, gaining a lot of useful information.


    In their previous lives, Xiang Da had been one of the earliest to follow Zhao Jingwen. But in this life, Ye Suijin recognized that this man was actually capable and pragmatic. Plus, he had refused to join Du Jingzhong and the others in bing bandits back then, showing he had principles.


    On reflection, Zhao Jingwen wouldn''t have recruited a useless good-for-nothing either.


    One of Zhao Jingwen''s biggest strengths was his insight in judging character and daring to seize opportunities.


    Once the situation in Fang Cheng was sufficiently understood, Ye Suijin told Duan Jin, "Go, gather everyone to meet in the council hall in half a shichen."


    Duan Jin swiftly departed.


    Ye Suijin asked Mister Yang, "How many men can we mobilize now?"


    Only a small part of the Ye family battalion were full-time elite troops. The others still needed to farm. In June during the summer harvest, people were scattered across the fields. Only after the summer harvest ended could they free up manpower.


    Mister Yang said, "We have 1,200 able-bodied young adults in active service. If needed, older men can be called up to reach 2,000."


    This number didn''t sound like much, but this was eighteen years ago. At this time, only the few contending forces in the Central ins with ambitions on the imperial capital could mobilize armies numbered in the tens of thousands.


    South of the Yangtze River, in another two to three years, a new state would arise called Chu, which would be Zhao Jingwen''s arch nemesis. Once Chu was established, its strength gradually grew until it could wield such military might.


    As for the rest, five thousand soldiers was already enough to fight a war over a domain.


    Compared to the whole Central ins, 1,200 able-bodied young adults was indeed negligible, not to mention the 50,000 elites of the Xuanhua Army back in the day. But the Xuanhua Army was gone, and in Deng Prefecture, the Ye family stronghold with 1,200 young troops was not to be looked down upon by anyone in Deng Prefecture.


    By the time she reached the council hall, Ye Suijin already had ns in mind.


    Seeing her arrive, everyone stood up and saluted.


    Ye Suijin raised a hand to press them back down, then said, "Third Son, share with everyone Du Jingzhong and Ma Jinhui''s intentions."


    Third Son Ye stood up and informed everyone, "Magistrate Ma Jinhui of Nanyang County is colluding with the bandit Du Jingzhong in Fang City. They want to rece our Ye family stronghold and seize control of Deng Prefecture."


    An uproar broke out among the crowd.


    The two youngest, Ninth Son and Tenth Son, even jumped to their feet. "What is that Ma Jinhui! Cowardly bastard! He dares covet our Ye family stronghold!"


    They had personally witnessed Ma Jinhui retreat several steps in fear, his old face turning green. These young masters now held zero respect for the Nanyang magistrate.


    To think this coward would secretly collude with bandits and plot against the Ye family stronghold!


    If they didn''t kill him dead, they wouldn''t keep the Ye name!


    Ye Suijin added, "Third Son, also tell everyone about the situation in Fang City."


    Third Son Ye sighed. "Fang City is in dire straits."


    He recounted all he had seen and heard to everyone. Hearing this, they were all moved topassion and sighed ceaselessly.


    Although young, Ye Shi Lang had grown up in peace and safety. Listening to this, his face turned pale. He asked, "If there was no Ye Family Fortress here in Deng Prefecture, would it have be like that too?"


    The chaos extended beyond just Fang City in Tang Prefecture. They had heard it was chaotic everywhere, so refugees were taking routes through Deng Prefecture. Moreover, many who discovered the stability of Deng Prefecture began to entertain thoughts of staying.


    What Ye Shi Lang asked was exactly what everyone else wondered, and precisely Ye Suijin''s intent.


    She nodded and said, "Du Jingzhong had always kept his distance from us before. Why do you think he suddenly got together with Ma Jinhui and plotted against Deng Prefecture?"


    Ye Shi Lang could not figure it out.


    Third Son Ye resolved his puzzlement: "Because Fang City was ravaged until themon folk could barely survive, and there was not enough for Du Jingzhong''s appetite anymore."


    The other ces in Tang Prefecture were only slightly better, still far from good. Only Deng Prefecture was fertile and fat, making mouths water.


    Ye Shi Lang suddenly understood and pped his palm: "I knew it! That''s how it is!"


    Ye Suijin stood up and everyone swiftly quieted down.


    Ye Suijin said, "Then what should we do? Just wait here for others toe bully us?"


    The conference hall exploded! "Beat the turtle bastards!"


    "Don''t let the Du''s escape. I''ll go right now with my de!"


    Some even stood up and sped fists towards Ye Suijin: "Fortress chief! Strike first before being struck. Reactte and suffer disaster! We can''t sit and wait for them to make the first move. We must take preemptive action!"


    "Good!" Ye Suijin mmed the armrests and shouted, "Third Son, Fourth Son, Fifth Son, Seventh Son, Ninth Son!"


    The Ye brothers who were summoned from the left seats stood up and cupped fists: "Here!"


    Ye Suijin: "Xiang Da, Mao Mingyu, Li Gu, Zhao Risheng!"


    The retainers summoned from the right seats also swiftly stood up and cupped fists: "Fortress chief!"


    Ye Suijin: "Ye Wang, Ye Quan, Ye Youfu, Ye Fengshou, Ye Laixi!"


    Several figures emerged from behind the left seats: "Master!"


    n members, retainers, and servants who had been granted the Ye surname.


    Ye Suijin shouted: "Follow me to Fang City and punish Du Jingzhong!"


    Everyone roared: "Yes sir!"


    Ye Shi Lang jumped high: "Sis! Sis! Why don''t you bring me?!"


    Everyoneughed loudly.


    Ye Suijin alsoughed: "You''re too young! I''ll bring you next time!"


    "I''ll bring you next time", wasn''t that just cating a child?! Ye Shi Lang was about to explode with anger, stomping his feet and making a fuss: "How am I too young! I''m nearly fifteen!"


    He suddenly remembered and turned his head. Sure enough, Duan Jin was standing there. He pointed at Duan Jin: "Is Jin going or not?"


    Zhao Jingwen also wanted to ask this.


    Because although Ye Suijin had summoned so many people, she did not call out his name. But now Ye Shi Lang was throwing a tantrum, so he did not speak up.


    Hearing this, his eyes flickered over.


    But Duan Jin knew that at times like this, he must not behave childishly like Ye Shi Lang.


    He held his hands behind his back, stood upright, straightened his shoulders, and fearlessly met the many appraising looks cast his way.


    Everyone in the fortress knew Ye Suijin doted on Duan Jin.


    But Duan Jin had been raised by her side since childhood, and she had personally taught him martial arts and spear techniques. Although a servant, he was different from the rest, so it was excusable.


    Moreover, with such a stark contrast as Ye Shi Lang, many instinctively nodded upon looking, thinking to themselves: This Duan Jind is much more steady in real situations than Ye Shi Lang, though he usually darts about swiftly as a rabbit.


    He does not disappoint Ye Suijin''s teachings.


    Ye Suijin smiled and said, "Jin is already fifteen."


    Ye Shi Lang was furious: "We''re only months apart!"


    Plus, no one actually knew when Duan Jin''s real birthday was. His current birthday was just the day Ye Suijin had picked him up by the roadside.


    His age was also estimated - he may not even be fifteen yet.


    Ye Shi Lang stamped his feet and screamed: "No! I refuse! What does my age matter, I''ve killed seven, no, eight people already! I must go no matter what!"


    His father Ye Qi Shu helplessly scolded him: "Rabbit brat, stop making trouble!"


    Ye Suijinughed heartily: "Alright, our Shi Lang is amazing, already killing eight people. Let''s go together!"


    Ye Shi Lang cheered.


    Ye Qi Shu, embarrassed, grabbed him by the neck and knocked his head.


    Everyoneughed.


    Ye Shi Lang did not care at all, as long as he could go.


    The atmosphere at Ye Family Fortress was great, with a feeling that everyone had twisted together into one rope.


    Only Zhao Jingwen smiled along, but lingered outside this atmosphere.


    It''s fine, he told himself. I''m her husband, we''re one body. Wherever she is, I am.


    Whether she calls my name or not, it''s irrelevant.


    Wherever she is, I am.


    Never parting.

 Chapter 22

    tags:


    <tranted>


    "Uncle Ye, I''m taking troops to Fangcheng. I''m leaving the family in your hands," said Ye Suijin.


    Everyone smiled over at him.


    In recent days, the rtionship between Ye Suijin and Fourth Uncle Ye had visibly improved. This was to the delight of everyone at Ye Family Fort.


    Uncle Ye said in a deep voice, "You can rest assured."


    He then asked, "How many people are you nning to take?"


    Ye Suijin said, "Eight hundred."


    Uncle Ye murmured, "Eight hundred, huh..."


    ording to Third Son Ye and Xiang Da''s report, Du Jingzhong only had four to five hundred able-bodied young men.


    Moreover, not all of them were old retainers from Xuanhua. Many were local ruffians and coercedmoners.


    Du Jingzhong''s real fighting capacity would be even less after taking this into ount.


    Ye Suijin nodded. Her gaze swept over the young masters of the Ye family. She said, "Ultimately, war is about people, armaments, and provisions."


    "Those so-called surprise attacks sound exciting in storybooks, but are actually desperate measures when supplies and logistics fail."


    "Only if you win is it called a surprise attack. Otherwise, it amounts to nothing. Even if you do win, the cost is men''s lives."


    "Since I can overwhelm them, why bother with tricks and ambushes? Naturally, we''ll steamroll all the way through."


    "The battle formations will advance wave upon wave in a steady and methodical manner."


    "This is the proper way to wage war."


    In truth, everyone was rather confused since the Ye Family Fort had never fought a real war. How did the discussion escte to the level of national warfare?


    Only a handful of people actually understood her words.


    Mr. Yang with narrowed eyes.


    Zhao Jingwen who had thoughtfully studied military books for three years.


    And the bright-eyed Duan Jin.


    The mistress is right about everything. I must remember her teachings!


    "So when real fighting starts, you all must obey my orders. I''m talking about you, Jinng. If you dare run around on the battlefield, I''ll break your legs," Ye Suijin joked and scolded.


    Everyoneughed again.


    Uncle Ye listened and fully agreed with Ye Suijin''s ns. His two sons were going too, so the more prudent the better.


    But he worried about another matter: "When do you n to set out and for how long will you be gone? The fields will be prepared soon."


    After the summer harvest ended in the sixth month, they would rest for a few days. Thennd preparation would immediately follow to nt beans in the seventh month.


    The Ye Family Fort''s retainers were not fully exempted from farm work. Agricultural tasks took priority when they were busy in the fields.


    Ye Suijin said, "We''ll be back victorious by the fifth day of the seventh month at thetest."


    Although they outnumbered the enemy twofold, the Ye Family Fort had never actually fought a real "war". Ye Suijin''s words thus seemed somewhat arrogantly youthful.


    Uncle Ye nced at her askance. But he had smoothed rtions with Ye Suijintely and didn''t want to make her lose face on the spot. He held his tongue.


    After everyone else left, Uncle Ye said, "You really dare say you''ll finish the fight in five days?"


    Unexpectedly, Ye Suijin replied, "He''s just a mere officer. For someone of Du Jingzhong''s caliber, any dy will be a disgrace to my name Ye Suijin."


    Uncle Ye: "..."


    He was left speechless by her audacity.


    After cooling down, Uncle Ye said, "Why not let me stay and send your uncles instead?"


    Although there were elders among the servants and retainers, having seniors from the family itself felt more reassuring. Because once away from home, the Ye n members were still the true masters. Only youths were going this time.


    It felt uncertain.


    But Ye Suijin declined, "Uncle, Third Son and the others have seen blood and killed. They''re different from before. Don''t underestimate them. Our Ye family has been farming for too long. We mustn''t forget our ancestors were military officers."


    The Ye n''s forebears were a martial family. After retiring to the countryside, they had gradually declined into rural gentry.


    Yet the family''s martial arts and military knowledge had always been passed down. The boys all learned it, especially those of the main line.


    Ye Suijin had purposefully taken her younger brothers out on a tour all around Dengzhou County. She had virtually led them by the hand across that threshold.


    Once they crossed the line of killing, their ancestral bloodline and family learning would surely awaken.


    Uncle Ye hemmed and hawed for a long time before saying, "Why not bring more people then? Take everyone."


    "That won''t do. There must always be people left to guard the home," said Ye Suijin as she stared at Uncle Ye. Suddenly she asked, "Uncle, are you afraid?"


    Uncle Ye pushed up his sleeve in anger. "What do I have to be afraid of!"


    *Why are you pushing up your sleeve on such a hot day?*


    *Tsk, thinking only of toughening up the young generation, it seems the older generation ought to be tempered as well. *


    *But no matter, there will be ample opportunities in the future.*


    Duan Jin was worked to death!


    He finally finished his tasks when it was already dusk and had missed mealtime.


    He ran to the main kitchen and asked, "Is there any food left?"


    His stomach rumbled loudly as he spoke.


    The kitchen auntie waved her hand when she saw him: "Come,e quickly!"


    Duan Jin smiled brightly and went over.


    The auntie lifted the steaming tray on the stove, using a cloth to carefully bring out bowl after bowl of dishes, and added threerge steamed buns. "Everyone else already came by to eat. I figured you must''ve been running errands for the mistress again when I didn''t see you. I specially set these aside for you."


    Duan Jin sweet-talked her: "I just knew Auntie loves me most!"


    He wolfed down the meal in no time. As he was leaving, the kitchen auntie even gave him a bag of fried beans, "Take these back for snacks. Boys your age are always hungry."


    When he returned to his quarters, there was someone waiting for him who had apparently been there a while already. A neighbor was keeping the guest entertained.


    "Master Qin." Duan Jin quickly went over. "What brings you here? Does the mistress summon me?"


    Qin Guanshi promptly said, "No, no. The mistress must be resting now. I came to see you about something."


    Qin Guanshi smiled kindly.


    Duan Jin already guessed what this was about, but still gestured, "Let''s talk inside."


    Duan Jin was spoiled since childhood. Although not an official attendant, he had his own private room.


    This courtyard housed the family servants and retainers. The residents were all youths.


    Those with families mostly lived in the rear alley behind the Ye estate where the servants resided. They would stay here while on duty and got one day off each month to go home.


    Duan Jin was orphaned so his home was inside the estate, this one room.


    The upants of the main wing were older. The few living in this annex were young. Two bedrooms shared between several people, yet Duan Jin had one all to himself.


    That was the housekeeper''s arrangement. No oneined either.


    After all, Duan Jin had status in the mistress'' eyes.


    The others nudged each other knowingly as they saw him invite Qin Guanshi inside. "It must be about matchmaking!"


    "Think it''ll work out this time?"


    "Which family''s daughter wants the housekeeper to personally propose?"


    After the time it took to burn two sticks of incense, the two came out again.


    Qin Guanshi looked regretful while Duan Jin kept bowing and apologizing until he had seen the housekeeper off the premises. Only then did he return.


    Hispanions immediately hooked his neck. "Speak! Whose daughter was it?"


    Indeed, Qin Guanshi hade on another''s behalf to matchmake for Duan Jin.


    Among the servants, Duan Jin had a bright future. Handsome as well, many housekeepers with daughters had their eyes on him.


    But since it didn''t work out, Duan Jin naturally wouldn''t gossip. He justughed it off coyly.


    Then said, "I''ve got snacks in my room, let''s eat."


    His friend said, "We''ve got wine in our room."


    But Duan Jin declined, "We''re setting off tomorrow."


    And admonished in a serious tone, "A few of you are going too right? Don''t drink then."


    He was younger than them but had more status. Even the housekeeper deferred to him, so the others didn''t dare disobey. They didn''t drink but went to get tidbits from Duan Jin''s room and gathered in the yard.


    Soon, those still awake in the other rooms sauntered out as well, each bringing their own snacks and chilled tea. The residents of the courtyard congregated together to enjoy the cool night breeze, moonlight, and exchange silly jokes and dubious gossip.


    The older ones nagged Duan Jin, "It''s time you got married."


    Duan Jinughed, "I''m not getting married now. I''ll wait until I''ve made my name and fortune, then I''ll marry myself a rich man''s daughter."


    His friends snorted withughter and jeered at him.


    Some couldn''t help sighing wistfully, "We''ll never have Master Zhao''s good fortune."


    The smile faded from Duan Jin''s face. He lifted his cup and gulped down a mouthful of chilled tea.


    That year he had still been young, knowing only that Ye Suijin needed a husband, that this husband would share her bed. She said this would be good for her, would keep her from restlessness.


    Zhao Jingwen cut a fine, upstanding figure, much better than the others who''d mounted the stage before him.


    Duan Jin still didn''t grasp what Ye Suijin''s beauty meant to a man. He simply felt those previous men were too ugly, and didn''t look right standing next to her.


    He was d Zhao Jingwen was so handsome.


    By the time Duan Jin had grown taller even than Ye Suijin, nearing Zhao Jingwen''s height, he understood everything. Lying awake at night afterwards, he would pound his bed in frustration.


    Three years. If only he''d been three years older, he could have kicked Zhao Jingwen off that stage.


    But time hadn''t waited for him. Ye Suijin hadn''t waited for him to grow up.


    Duan Jin sat on a little bamboo chair, resting his feet on the stone weights the men used for strength training in the yard. Tilting back in his chair, he craned his head back, counting the stars.


    One, two, three...


    Four, five, six...


    The moon was only one, but the stars were countless.


    A man could have one wife, yet often took many concubines.


    Why couldn''t a woman do the same? Even married to Zhao Jingwen, why couldn''t the mistress take a few more young, handsome, fit men into her chambers as well? Men could do it, after all.


    Duan Jin seethed with frustration, but he knew better than to voice these thoughts aloud. It would damage the mistress''s reputation.


    He gazed up at the night sky, lost in mncholy.


    Not until the others all got up, saying, "Time for bed, we''re setting off tomorrow," did Duan Jine back to himself.


    "Ah Jin, you''re bearing the banner tomorrow. Go and rest."


    Dark figures dispersed, each returning to their own quarters. They daydreamed of apanying the mistress''s family on their campaign, achieving great wealth and status.


    The next day, the eight hundred strong party assembled.


    The Ye family stronghold had always had its own troops, but their numbers had never been so great as this. After the Xuanhua army disbanded, the Ye family stronghold absorbed some of their men for assisting in suppressing the mutiny. From then on, Ye Suijin''s father consciously began expanding, recruiting more people, which led to today''s forces, the strongest in Dengzhou.


    Even so, it was rare for the Ye family stronghold to rally so many at once.


    Cavalry, infantry, pikemen, archers - though in name they were the household guards, in truth they constituted aplete army.


    The Ye scions and retainers, the officers among the troops, all wore leather armour. Themon soldiers also had uniform dark green shirts and ck pants. All eight hundred men were dressed alike.


    In the sunlight, with the cold gleam shing from their des, the strong horses and men, the force was a mass of ck crows. The snorts of the horses, the thunder of their hooves and the asional metallic sh of des and shields inspired an imposing, oppressive aura.


    Even the Ye family members were struck for the first time by the stark realization of the stronghold''s might, and could not help but marvel at it.


    Pride swelled in their hearts.


    Among them all, only Ye Suijin pursed her lips.


    Rags!


    Truly, the weapons and armour of the Ye family forces before her were far too shabby and wretched by her standards,cking in both quantity and quality. They did not meet her eyes at all.


    Ye Suijin couldn''t help but sigh.


    Easy in, hard out, as the ancients said. How true!


    "Mydy," said Zhao Jingwen, wearing his leather armour at her side. "Myds are so mighty. Why sigh instead of rejoicing?"


    He too wore leather armour over a dark green shirt. Handsome and spirited, he stayed right by Ye Suijin as if he were her shadow.


    The people of the stronghold were long used to it. No matter what, even if Ye Suijin appointed troops and officers without naming Zhao Jingwen, his presence came as no surprise. It even seemed right, somehow.


    Ye Suijin''s mouth quirked. Naturally she could not share her thoughts with anyone. She only said, "We''ve still a long way to go."


    Until Duan Jin came dashing over to report, "Mistress, the troops are assembled. Please give the order to move out."


    The sunlight shone on the boy''s leather armour too.


    As if Zhao Jingwen would have armour when even Duan Jin did not. Ye Suijin would never have neglected to outfit her page in armour.


    The lean, vigorous youth had bright, shining eyes.


    Seeing him, Ye Suijin finally cheered up.


    "Very well," she gave Fourth Uncle Ye and Mr. Yang final instructions before departure. "I''ll certainly be back by the fifth. Everything is to proceed ording to n."


    After seeing his sons'' awe today, Fourth Uncle Ye suddenly felt Ye Suijin''s arrogance might not be groundless after all.


    He nodded. "I''ll be here."


    Mr. Yang saluted her. "You will certainly return safe and sound, mydy. We await your triumphant news at home."


    Ye Suijin smiled. She turned and surveyed the entire army, then leaped onto her horse, taking up the reins and riding to the fore.


    "You are all familiar with Fangcheng. Many of you have been there before. But you only remember its former prosperity, unaware of its current state. What you see there now may shock you. Such disorder is the way of the world in these chaotic times.


    "As long as the Ye family stronghold stands in Dengzhou, we will not share Fangcheng''s fate. Yet some resent us for this. Fangcheng''s brigands have allied themselves with others, intending to topple my house and seize our ce."


    "Myds!" Ye Suijin roared, "Can the Ye family stronghold be bullied so?"


    Eight hundred voices answered as one, "Never!"


    Their bold, resounding voices fused into a single force, piercing the clouds. The onlookers froze, ears pounding, hearts shaken by the impact. Some women covered their children''s ears in fright, yet the children still screamed and cried from the shock.


    Ye Suijin''s horse reared, whinnying in rm!


    Yet Ye Suijin kept her seat firmly in the saddle, reining in her mount as steady as a mountain. Before the crowd, she disyed such consummate horsemanship that, though a woman, shepelled belief and deference.


    "In Fangcheng, all who bear arms are guilty!" she dered. "We will show no mercy to those who carry des and wear armour!"


    Gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by murmurs.


    Third Son Ye suddenly shouted, "Fangcheng has no people left, only beasts! y them all!"


    Third Son Ye was known for his steady, honest nature. Though all had heard something of Fangcheng, they''d thought themselves uninvolved, listening and sighing over asional stories then dismissing it from mind. To see Third Son Ye speak of Fangcheng with such resentment and rage brought those terrible, tragic tales to mind once more.


    If even the good-natured, loyal Third Son Ye deemed Fangcheng beyond mercy, then...then perhaps those people did deserve death after all.


    From on high, Ye Suijin looked coldly down. "Some of you are veterans of Xuanhua. You may encounter oldrades there. But those you knew are gone, unrecognizable beasts, less than human. If you cannot bear to raise your hand, step forward now. You need not be soldiers. The Ye family stronghold is a ce of peace where an honest living may be made. As long as you do right, you will not starve here."


    Abruptly, a man broke ranks and stepped out. "Mydy, be at ease. When we came to the Ye family stronghold, it was to turn from banditry and break all ties with those people. Today we are soldiers and they are bandits, we are righteous and they vile. Mydy, we heed your orders. Those deserving of death will find no mercy from usds!"


    At once many voices echoed him. These men were scattered among the units -


    The infantry beat their swords on shields, the pikemen stamped their long spears against the earth, the archers pped their quivers with their short swords.


    "No mercy!"


    Then those not of Xuanhua''s former army took up the cry with them: "No mercy!"


    The cold menace in the metallic ng of des and shields raised goosebumps.


    Only now was Ye Suijin finally a little satisfied.


    The Ye forces before her had finally gained some glimmer of the bearing they wouldter assume.


    "Ah Jin, transmit my orders."


    Duan Jin leaped onto his horse. A banner bearing the character Ò¶ (Ye) flew from his saddle.


    He was Ye Suijin''s standard bearer.


    Where that banner went, the soldiers would follow.


    Whenever Ye Suijin went touring, Duan Jin bore her banner, though that time she had brought only a hundred lightly armed men, without even spears.


    Now the officers wore full armour and the troops marched in formation, rows and columns.


    All eyes were fixed on Duan Jin.


    Gripping the banner pole, he took a deep breath -


    "Ry orders!"


    "The army will..."


    "Move out!"


    The sound of hooves and the friction of armor rose neatly.


    Ye Suijin''s hair stood on end again.


    He didn''t know if it was fear or excitement.


    But he clearly realized¡ªthe Ye family army marched out of Dengzhou for the first time!

 Chapter 23

    Uncle Ye Si grabbed Ye Wu''s reins, but he didn''t know what to say. Everything he wanted to advise had already been said yesterday.


    Finally, he could only say to Ye San, "Keep an eye on your younger brother."


    Sitting atop his horse, Ye Wu leaned down. "Don''t worry, Father."


    "You have no idea what kind of training your sister has put us through this past half month."


    "I''ve told you who knows how many times, we''re different now."


    They had apanied Ye Sui Jin on patrols around Deng Prefecture for half a month, and it was far more than just killing some rioting refugees.


    Forced marches, night marches, making camp, cooking with camp stoves, maneuvering troops and gs, charging and attacking different terrains...


    Ye Sui Jin had them put all those textbook lessons into practice.


    And for every shoring and loophole, she was able to point it out precisely. She also had many detailed pointers.


    They had all studied the same military books back home in Ye Manor, yet it was obvious they were just a bunch of greenhorns. How was it that Sixth Sister seemed like a seasoned veteran general?


    Of course, that question had no answer. But this trip allowed them to apply their family teachings of many years to reality.


    It really was different now.


    Uncle Ye Si let go of the reins and reluctantly watched his sons follow their cousin Ye Sui Jin off in the direction of Fang City.


    He kept watching until the 800-manpany gradually faded from view.


    Master Yang came up and said, "Fourth Master, leave outside matters to our Chief. We just need to do our jobs well here."


    Ye Si heaved a long sigh and put his hands behind his back. "You''re right. We have our own work to do here."


    Ye Sui Jin had left the manor''s affairs in his hands. As an elder, he couldn''t let his niece down with any oversights that would make herugh.


    Ye Sui Jin said to Duan Jin, "After this battle, transfer Duan He to my side."


    Duan Jin was puzzled. "Who?"


    "His name is Duan He. He has the same surname as you," Ye Sui Jin told Duan Jin. "The one who stood up to speak just now."


    Duan He originally came from the Xuanhua Army.


    Heter became an esteemed general under Commander-in-Chief Duan Jin.


    Since they both had the surname Duan and Duan Jin favored him, some people mistakenly thought they were rtives. There were also nasty rumors that the Commander-in-Chief led the "Duan family army."


    Zhao Jingwen had jokingly told this to Ye Sui Jin. But Ye Sui Jin knew Zhao Jingwen hated that kind of "X family army" reputation the most. Hisughter was fake.


    Tsk, old and ugly.


    Fang City was in Tang Prefecture, bordering Deng Prefecture. And Deng Prefecture was just a small prefecture with only three counties under it. Ye Sui Jin could reach it after a day and a half march.


    If not for avoiding rming Nanyang County, they could have gone even faster.


    At nightfall, they made camp in Yikong Vige.


    Most of the troops were local, so some of the older men eximed in surprise, "This is He Family Vige!"


    "I''ve been here before."


    "How did this ce be like this?"


    The smoke-ckened ruins and bones in the weeds silently told of what had happened these past few years.


    Everyone fell silent.


    "No survivors..." the man who had spoken earlier mumbled as he recalled Ye Sui Jin''s order. After a while, he suddenly cursed, "Damn it!"


    He found a corner to silently sharpen his spearhead.


    Inside the vige, Ye Sui Jin found a courtyard with intact doors in the house of a wealthy family.


    Other than therge furniture, everything else had long been looted clean. But at least there was a roof.


    Everyone gathered in the main hall to listen to Ye Sui Jin''s final instructions. Having a map made everything clear at a nce. Even though Jiu Lang and Shi Lang were young and had never been to Tang Prefecture, looking at the map allowed them to easily visualize the terrain.


    Shi Lang highly praised, "This stuff is great."


    Ye Sui Jin said, "Our ancestors originally had them too. But the Wei court found out and forced us to hand them over."


    Shi Lang clicked his tongue. "Sis, I have to be the vanguard!"


    Si Lang and Wu Lang simultaneously smacked the back of his head, making him yelp in pain.


    San Lang sternly said, "Don''t mess around!"


    Ye Sui Jin loved how lively and spirited her cousins were.


    She loved that they were alive.


    She wasn''t angry, butughed instead and said, "In a couple years, I''ll definitely let you be the vanguard. No need to rush. Tomorrow, Si Lang and Wu Lang will lead the charge since they''re good at mounted archery."


    After she had instructed everything, the meeting dispersed and everyone left. Since they hadn''t brought new attendants on this trip, Ye Sui Jin''s personal affairs were still seen to by Duan Jin.


    As Duan Jin tidied up the maps andnterns, he pricked up his ears to eavesdrop on Zhao Jingwen pestering Ye Sui Jin with questions.


    Zhao Jingwen had a poor foundation, only recognizing a few characters before. Unlike the Ye heirs who had a schrly family tradition and read military books since childhood, he had hastily crammed knowledge after marrying Ye Sui Jin.


    Eavesdropping, Duan Jin understood that Zhao Jingwen''s foundation was weaker than his own. Because Ye Sui Jin had favored him since he was little, she had sent him to study hall under the guise of attending the young masters, but had him study as well.


    Yet as Duan Jin carefully put away the maps, he couldn''t help but admire Zhao Jingwen.


    One, he admired his shamelessness.


    No one was more sensitive about this than Duan Jin¡ªYe Sui Jin hadn''t named him to go into battle at all. He had followed along entirely of his own ord. And sat in on strategy meetings in the study several times too. Others might think Ye Sui Jin tacitly allowed it, but Duan Jin knew she didn''t. She simply hadn''t stopped him.


    Two, he admired Zhao Jingwen''s studiousness and daring to ask questions.


    Duan Jin actually only understood things superficially too and had many unclear parts as well. But he kept them to himself and didn''t dare bother Ye Sui Jin with them.


    Yet Zhao Jingwen seemed unafraid of annoying Ye Sui Jin and insisted on asking until he understood something.


    Why was that? Were these things more important to him than worrying about disturbing Ye Sui Jin?


    Just as Duan Jin was lost in thought, Ye Sui Jin suddenly called him and asked, "Do you understand what the master asked?"


    Duan Jin took the chance to say, "I don''t really understand either. Although I memorized it back when studying, I never truly grasped it."


    Ye Sui Jin pointed at the stool beside her. "Sit down. I''ll exin it to you both."


    Zhao Jingwen nced at Duan Jin out of the corner of his eye.


    Duan Jin ignored him and tidied away the maps. Extending his long legs, he hooked the stool with his foot and pushed it over to sit slightly behind and aligned with Zhao Jingwen.


    Ye Sui Jin seemed to notice nothing. She let both of them ask questions.


    Zhao Jingwen dared to ask more. Some of his questions were ones Duan Jin didn''t need to ask, but some were also ones Duan Jin needed to know. They were all very practical questions arising from listening to Ye Sui Jin''s marching arrangements.


    Duan Jin noticed Ye Sui Jin looked at Zhao Jingwen with a very peculiar gaze.


    Maybe he was too young to understand it.


    In any case, it wasn''t the gaze of a wife looking at her husband.


    Appreciation was in her eyes, but having grown up with her, Duan Jin could sense her underlying detachment towards Zhao Jingwen.


    Duan Jin couldn''t help but feel confused.


    At the same time, Zhao Jingwen''s gaze at Ye Sui Jin grew hotter and hotter.


    In the end, all his questions were answered to his satisfaction. He marveled, "Wife, you''re amazing!"


    "No wonder Ye Manor is led by you."


    How rare. Duan Jin actuallypletely agreed with Zhao Jingwen for once.


    And Duan Jin felt Zhao Jingwen''s gaze at Ye Sui Jin was very familiar. Didn''t he look at Ye Sui Jin the same way?


    Since he was little.


    And forever would.


    Always.


    The next day was beautiful weather.


    The weather was too nice, prone to making people drowsy andzy.


    The guards at Fang City''s south gate, or rather they couldn''t be called guards, just the gatekeepers, were lounging in the gate tunnel to keep cool. A broken table, two dpidated benches, a bowl, three dice, some copper coins, a few silver hairpins and bangles were spread out as theyzily gambled.


    There really was nothing for gatekeepers to do¡ªtoo few people entered and left Fang City.


    They had even started drinking in thete morning, stinking of alcohol, and nearly came to blows because they suspected someone was cheating with the dice.


    Just when everyone finally sat back down and the one holding the bowl was about to roll, he suddenly pricked up his ears and froze.


    The others said, "Hurry up and roll!"


    But the man said, "What''s that sound?"


    Only then did the rest withdraw their minds from the petty gambling and listened carefully. Indeed there seemed to be some sound.


    Horse hooves?


    The first to speak grasped the bowl and walked out of the gate tunnel into the sunlight. Shielding his eyes, he peered into the distance.


    Dust stirred in the distance as an unknown number of riders came towards them.


    "Who''re they?" he muttered. "Which master took people out hunting today?"


    In theory, their job was only to guard the gate. Keeping watch was the responsibility of the people in the city''s watchtowers.


    Since the watchtower hadn''t given any rms, there shouldn''t be any issues.


    This was only in theory. The people hiding in the city gate tunnels had no idea. They were cooling off, drinking, and gambling in the tunnels, so why would the guards on the city wall towers take their duties seriously?


    The guards on top had removed some of the gate boards and propped up a small canopy under the arrow crenels for a nap, quite enjoying themselves.


    A man looked back and shouted, "Stop ying! Someone''sing back!"


    Several others crawled out of the tunnels too. The sun was too bright, and they all raised their hands to shield their eyes, looking out. Indeed, a plume of dust rose up in the sunlight, swirling towards them.


    "Who''s that?"


    "Which boss is it?"


    "Why do they have their bows drawn?"


    "...Bows?"


    "...!"


    These men were no soldiers at all.


    The real veterans from Du Jingzhong''s Xuanhua Army were kept close as his backbone. The former foot soldiers were all leaders of some sort now.


    The men on the city walls, above and below, were just local ruffians or hapless townsfolk who got caught up in it all. They could hardly get a full bowl of soup following Du Jingzhong, just a whiff of meat.


    The real fighters wouldn''t be guarding the gates!


    Just as thest man muttered in confusion, "...Bows?" they finally reacted!


    Bowls were smashed, dice went rolling. The first man stretched out a hand in utter horror towards the swirling dust, mouth open to scream. An arrow tore through the air and went right into his mouth! It pierced clean through the back of his neck and flew into the dark tunnel, gone!


    The others were scared witless!


    Another arrow followed, piercing one''s chest!


    Atst someone shrieked. The other two ran for the tunnel. Purely to escape with their lives, with no thought for their duty to guard the city.


    But how could the attackers know?


    Over ten whistling sounds, and before they made it two steps, the men''s backs were filled with arrows. They copsed into the muddy road.


    Hoofbeats instantly trampled over the corpses.


    A roar: "Seize the gates! Seize the gates!"


    The guards dozing in the sun on the tower were jolted awake, annoyed and confused. "What''s all this racket! Pipe down or I''ll piss all over you!"


    He didn''t bother listening to the chaos below, just got up to unzip himself and relieve his dder. But halfway through he paused, sensing something off. He poked his head out from the arrow crenels¨D


    Damn!


    Who were these people?


    What did they want?


    The guard snapped awake.


    He didn''t face them but reacted a bit quicker than the men below, realizing the city was being invaded. Up here on the walls there was no escape. Then he remembered¨Dthe gong!


    He had to beat the rm!


    That was his duty up here!


    Just as he took down the gong and mallet hanging on the wall, someone rushed up the tower.


    A sh of cold light and his throat was pierced. Hot blood sprayed as the untouched gong crashed to the ground, immediately stamped silent under a ck boot.


    Ye Wuyang wiped the blood stter from his face: "Clear the tower!"


    He looked around. Other than the man just killed, there was not a soul.


    They swarmed over and kicked down the door to the chamber. But des shed within as someone charged out!


    There had been over a dozen men inside, also shirking duty to gamble. They''d only sent the one out to patrol. Hearing themotion, the men grabbed their weapons andy in ambush by the door.


    The moment it opened, they roared and attacked!


    Wuyang, also on his first city siege, was tense too. Seeing them rush out fiercely, he reacted without thought. His long spear shot out like a dragon from water, straight for the nearest throat!


    These men were just local bullies, only used to pushing around the weak. In the past they acted fierce and themoners cowered, letting them have their way. But now, bursting out they were met with men in green robes and leather armor. Before they could react, a blur of flickering silver filled their vision. The sharp spearheads struck faster than their eyes could follow, piercing throats and chests. In just a few breaths, several lives were reaped.


    The men were instantly thrown into chaos, the cowards directly dropping their weapons and kowtowing: "Spare me sir! Spare me sir!"


    In the past when Du Jingzhong led his ragtag troops to Tangzhou, this is how they begged for mercy before joining him and adding to the evil.


    But that wouldn''t work today.


    Below, Ye Siqu led the taking of the gates. Above, Wuyang cleared the tower guards.


    They had already bloodied their des, and neither he nor his men hesitated. In the dim chamber, knives shed, taking life after life.


    The screams and pleas were cut short as blood sprayed the walls.


    Just as Wuyang told his father, they were different from the past now.


    Since this summer, after their Sixth Sister led them on a journey out in the world, they had changed.


    "No survivors!"


    "No survivors!"


    "Kill all armed resisters!"


    No one gave the scattered coins, broken silver, and jewelry in the house a second nce. The strong men followed Wuyang back out, leaving only a floor of corpses behind.


    Wuyang quickly went to the outer wall and looked down from the arrow crenels.


    The Ye family forces in green robes surged into the city like the tide.


    With no warning from the tower, the troops stationed inside the gates were caughtpletely off guard.


    Within the walled city, hooves, footsteps, des, yelling, screams and curses rang out.


    Closebat!


    Chaotic, tangled, disordered, intense!


    Themon families near the south gate had barricaded themselves in, hiding under tables, beds, and woodpiles in sheds.


    Or a whole family with nowhere to hide huddled together, shivering.


    What new enemy hade to attack Tangzhou?


    Was this the end of the difficult life they had struggled to keep to this day?


    Husbands held their wives tight, wives clutched their children, with fear flowing down all their faces.

 Chapter 24

    Du Jingzhong was still hungover today and did not get up.


    After Third Son Ye left Yejiabao, he immediately sent someone to contact his inws.


    Ye Fourth Master of Yejiabao actually wanted to win him over to plot against Yejiabao together. What a great opportunity for him and his inws!


    He sent someone to inform Ma Jin in high spirits.


    People from Nanyang came yesterday afternoon already.


    His father-inw didn''te, only sent an entourage, which was quite disappointing.


    To be honest, Du Jingzhong was especially annoyed by these schr types.


    Pretentious faces.


    But after all they were going to be inws, it was not good to break ties now, so he still got dead drunk with the entourage.


    Waking up today at noon, he hazily thought, what did they discuss yesterday?


    Oh right, the woman from Yejiabao had sent a message to his father-inw, asking him to visit Yejiabao.


    Du Jingzhong''s intention was to take this opportunity to cooperate inside and outside with Ye Fourth Master, and kill the woman from Yejiabao on the spot.


    But the entourage said his father-inw had already considered this n and rejected it.


    Because he was worried that taking action in Yejiabao, with the woman having many followers, would inevitably lead to intense fighting, and be somewhat dangerous. It had the meaning of "unable to remainposed". He instead wanted to first solidly go to Yejiabao to respond to the invitation, probe the situation, then invite the woman back to Nanyang County before making a move, which would be more secure.


    Bah, gutless coward!


    Afraid of everything!


    Du Jingzhong had been stationed in Fangcheng for a long time, gathering manymoners, and had gradually be inted, and actually could no longer clearly recognize his true situation.


    He always felt that his own strength was on par with Yejiabao''s.


    Just as he was pondering this, he vaguely heard noisy and chaotic sounds in the distance. He picked his ears, just about to ask "What''s going on outside, is someone fighting in the streets?", when a subordinate had already burst in: "Bad news! Boss! This is bad!"


    "Someone wants to seize the city!"


    "Seize what?" Du Jingzhong was confused.


    "Seize the city!" The subordinate thought he was still hungover and his head had exploded, and shouted, "Seize our Fangcheng!"


    Du Jingzhong was not still drunk, he really was a little confused.


    What was there in Fangcheng worth seizing? He was even a little sick of it himself.


    Looking around, the nearest and fattest target was Dengzhou. If you wanted to seize somewhere, seize Dengzhou! Seize Nanyang, seize Neixiang, seize Ran County!


    Why seize broken down Fangcheng? Who would be so stupid?


    Although he did not understand the situation, with people breaking into the city to kill, he could not just lie there and do nothing.


    Du Jingzhong hastily put on his armor, took his weapons, and first went up the mansion walls to see the situation. Taking a look, he realized it was bad.


    Although it was street fighting, those soldiers in green outfits were not ughtering randomly - long spears, short sabers, shields, shield bearers covering the charge, long spears stabbing through gaps, saber soldiers protecting the nks. Five men in one group, cooperating flexibly.


    This...


    Du Jingzhong had not seen formations like this for a long time.


    These were regr troops, these were soldiers!


    As for the side being attacked, Du Jingzhong''s own side, it was hopeless.


    Hooligans, rogues, scoundrels, waving sickles and wooden sticks were considered soldiers. Bullyingmoners was fine, but facing properly trained regr troops that could advance and retreat in an orderly manner, they immediately copsed.


    In recent years Du Jingzhong had lived a life of debauchery and excess, with a gradually expanding waistline and a bulging belly.


    Today he suddenly became extremely sober.


    It was as if he was the benevolent and bravepanymander of Xuangua Army again.


    He climbed down thedder and gave the extremely decisive order: "Retreat!"


    His trusted aides thought he meant to open the gates and confront the enemy, and prepared to raise their sabers to charge forward, but he kicked them flying: "Fools! Retreat from the back gate!"


    The enemy were well-trained regr troops. He had no time to gather his men now. And did he vaguely hear something about "leave no survivors"?


    A grown man does not eat losses in front of him, always leave himself a way out.


    "Go! Ready the horses!"


    "Where is my son? Go get my son!"


    "The one in Nanyang? Damn you! Who has time to care if he dies!"


    Ye Sang reported to Ye Suijin: "Du Jingzhong ran towards the north gate!"


    "At least he has the sense to know to run for his life." Ye Suijinughed loudly, pulling the reins, "Let''s go! Follow me to chase!"


    For the Ye family army''s first battle, Ye Suijin had to start strong, had to take the first head.


    "Leave no survivors!"


    Du Jingzhong took a few dozen people and escaped from the north gate of Fangcheng.


    He brought his closest aides, who could also be considered elites. As for those left in the city, he did not care about them. Experience over the years had taught him that gathering followers was such an easy thing to do, able to quickly snowball.


    However, they did not get far before the violent sound of galloping horses came from behind - the pursuers had arrived.


    This time, he finally knew who the other side was - arge "Ye" character banner fluttered as the fierce horses charged forward, exceptionally eye-catching.


    Especially the one leading the chase, turned out to be a woman!


    Damn it! It was Yejiabao! It was the Yejiabao woman!


    It must have been Ye Fourth Uncle and Ye Sang who leaked the n! They sent her to kill him first!


    As he ran, Du Jingzhong kept looking back. Suddenly he said: "Not many chasers!"


    It looked like only a few dozen riders, presumably most of the troops were left behind in the city fighting. Street battles were especially troublesome, and it was difficult to regroup in a short time.


    Du Jingzhong was also a fierce character. Although he had momentarily cowered in the face of the situation and wanted to temporarily avoid the edge of the de, he was also unwilling to just abandon the foundation he had built over the past few years.


    He looked back again and again, especially since the one leading the enemy was highly likely to be the Yejiabao woman herself. If he could capture the bandit leader... Du Jingzhong steeled his heart and shouted loudly: "The brave wins in a narrow path! Damn them!"


    The group of people turned from retreating to confronting the enemy. To avoid slowing down and affecting the impact of the charge, the horses circled around the open field, kicking up arge cloud of dust, turning around and rushing towards Ye Suijin, sabers drawn.


    His son had sharp eyes and shouted loudly: "Father! It''s Ye Sang!"


    At this time Du Jingzhong also saw Ye Sang!


    Damn it! So it was not that Ye Sang leaked the n! Overthrowing Yejiabao was aplete scam!


    Du Jingzhong was furious! He had not provoked Yejiabao at all! Yet Yejiabao hade to deceive him!


    His broken down Fangcheng produced nothing, yet Yejiabao would not let him be!


    If you corner a dog it will jump the wall!


    Du Jingzhong, filled with rage, drew his saber and spurred his horse to charge. He swore to kill Ye Sang first, then capture alive the Yejiabao woman!


    The sky was dry and the earth scorched. The two sides charged towards each other, churning up clouds of dust.


    On the Yejiabao side, a rider in front suddenly elerated to charge.


    It was none other than that woman.


    That was good too, he would capture this woman first, then kill Ye Sang!


    The two fierce horses charged straight at each other, getting closer and closer!


    Unconsciously, a thought shed through Du Jingzhong''s mind: This Yejiabao woman... was truly beautiful!


    In a sh of silver light before his eyes, his chest turned cold. The earth suddenly seemed to sink down and spin.


    It was as if he had taken flight.


    Ye Suijin charged forward, lightning fast with her spear, directly piercing through Du Jingzhong''s heart.


    She did not withdraw her spear to let the corpse fall from the horse, but instead shouted loudly. Using the momentum of the two charging horses, she lifted Du Jingzhong high up, drawing an arc in the blue sky, and flung the corpse spurting blood behind her.


    Heavily hitting the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust.


    Ye Suijin''s horse did not pause, galloping straight towards the oing people to kill. One spear sealing the throat, striking down Du Jingzhong''s son who was right behind him!


    Therge "Ye" character banner closely followed her, crashing into the enemy.


    Ye Sang and the others arrived just a stepter, also killing their way in.


    A burst of intense metallic shing rang out!


    In the melee, several long spears, glinting silver, reaped lives.


    Yejiabao''s younger generation, from the small Fangcheng, followed Ye Suijin, stepping onto an iron and blood path.


    In their previous life, they had fallen one by one midway.


    This life, Ye Suijin would lead them to the end.


    On the fifth day of the seventh month, the county magistrates of Neixiang, Nanyang, and Ran County came as promised to Yejiabao.


    Ye Fourth Master greeted them at a pavilion, smiling with hands sped: "May you enjoy great sess and prosperity, may you enjoy great sess and prosperity."


    Although he said this, the three county magistrates who had dealt with him before could still feel that he no longer had the same respect for them as before.


    The innate respect thatmoners naturally held towards "officials appointed by the court".


    Although the Neixiang and Ran county magistrates were dignified, they were also polite. Only the Nanyang magistrate had a long face, with no visible joy or anger.


    Ye Fourth Uncle weed the three magistrates and their entourages towards Yejiabao.


    On the way, the Neixiang magistrate suddenly cried "Oh!" and raised his hand to block the sunlight, peering into the distance and asking: "What are those over there?"


    Some short, squat things stuck out of the ground, one side high and one side low, nted like half a roof, with rammed earth walls on both sides. But if you called them houses, they were a bit too short. Adults would have to stoop to get in.


    Uncle Ye Si said, "Dugouts."


    Dugouts? The Prefect of Neixiang County did know about them. He said, "Aren''t those things only in the north?"


    Uncle Ye Si said, "Yes, I''ve heard they were learned from the north."


    It was discussed in detail based on Ye Suijin''s oral instructions and the drawings made by Mr. Yang before the size and dimensions were finalized. Each could hold ten people, just right for one fire.


    They were dug into the ground, creating a lowered space, then surrounded by three rammed earth walls on three sides, with a nted roof inserted directly into the ground.


    Although they didn''t look very good, they were practical.


    More importantly, they saved money and were quick to build. Enough could be built before winter arrived.


    The Prefect of Rang County asked, "What are these used for?"


    Uncle Ye Si said, "For people to live in."


    "Who lives in them?"


    "The retinues," said Uncle Ye Si. "Ah, there are more and more people, and there''s not enough space to live."


    These words, when heard by the three prefects, did not give them afortable feeling.


    In any case, the three prefects of Dengzhou were not veryfortable. Especially the Prefect of Nanyang, Ma Jinhui, his face looked even more unpleasant. In a low voice he said, "It''s just after the summer harvest, and it''s time to nt beans again. You''re wasting manpower like this..."


    Uncle Ye Si boldly waved his hand: "No waste. They are all those people who made trouble and looted grain that the Chief captured earlier."


    After being caught, they first built walls and dug trenches to repair many ces in the fortification that had been neglected for a long time.


    Once Suijin Ye''s ns and specifications for the dugouts were drawn up, they were put to work building the dugouts.


    They were so useful!


    But these words sounded even more unpleasant to the ears of the three prefects when spoken aloud.


    They all felt somewhat threatened.


    Ma Jinhui had been frowning the whole time. Finally, when they arrived at the Ye Family Fort, he looked around and asked, "Where is the Honorable Chief?"


    In his eyes, given his official position, Ye Suijin, the Chief of Ye Family Fort, should have personallye out to greet him.


    Although it had always been Uncle Ye Si who came out to entertain them in the past, the real master of Ye Family Fort was still this young woman, Ye Suijin. She was the one who haughtily invited the three of them to visit Ye Family Fort. How could she not show up now that he had arrived?


    If she intended to wait inside the fort and note out to greet them, it would be too insulting.


    Uncle Ye Si didn''t look flustered at all. He cupped his fists and said, "My chief had something suddene up while she was out and has not yet returned. She sent word that she would definitely be back today and should return soon. Please bear with us for now as Fourth Ye ys host in her ce."


    Saying so, he stretched out his hand, "Please¡ª"


    The Prefects of Neixiang and Rang counties exchanged subtle nces, then rode into the fort withposure and courtesy but no loss of dignity.


    The Prefect of Nanyang, Ma Jinhui, camest. He gave Uncle Ye Si a meaningful look.


    Uncle Ye Si somewhat understood the meaning behind that look¡ªNanyang and Fangcheng were close, and travel between them was very convenient. After Third Son Ye went over there, Du Jingzhong had probably contacted this guy.


    He just smiled amiably. "Prefect Ma, please."


    Ma Jinhui felt that he and Fourth Master Ye had some tacit understanding.


    He was annoyed that there was still no word from Du Jingzhong''s side after several days. The aide he sent over there still hadn''te back. Du Jingzhong had captured many beautiful women and sent a few over to him. His aide must have taken the opportunity to enjoy the women''spany and deliberately dyed returning. When the man still hadn''te back by yesterday, Ma Jinhui had sent someone else to urge him, but there was still no sign of him this morning. Having no choice but to attend this meeting without clear information or preparation, nothing could be aplished today.


    But it was just as well¡ªthis was a good chance to directly establish contact with Fourth Ye. It was said Fourth Ye had sons, right? Marrying his daughter to one of them would be hundreds of times better than marrying her to some bandit''s son...


    Everyone harbored their own thoughts as they were led into the fort.


    A straight wide road led directly to the Chief''s residence.


    Ye Suijin and Zhao Jingwen were the only residents of the Ye house. Others like Uncle Ye Si each had their own houses.


    Today, Uncle Ye Si was temporarily acting as host on behalf of Ye Suijin to receive the guests. He weed the three men into the great hall of the Ye house.


    The seats and tables were already arranged. The three schrly officials had equal positions, so they spent a long time politely deferring to each other before finally sitting down in order along the left side ording to seniority.


    Uncle Ye Si and the other members of the Ye family sat along the right side.


    The main seat at the head of the hall was also set with tables and cushions, but remained empty with no one sitting there.


    Since the guests had arrived, courtesy preceded confrontation.


    First, wine and refreshments were served back and forth several times, then dishes flowed in like water.


    There were even dishes they had never eaten before, which made the three Prefects involuntarily dismiss their arrogance a little¡ªonly prestigious families would have so many private recipes. Although they had heard the Ye family ancestors were militarymanders in the previous dynasty, they still looked down on them, always seeing them as just an ordinary local gentry n.


    After all, a thin camel is still bigger than a horse.


    With the extravagant dishes and lively singing and dancing, after three rounds of wine, Uncle Ye Si saw it was gettingte but Ye Suijin still hadn''t returned. However, the person she sent back informed him to just proceed ording to n.


    Uncle Ye Si pped his hands, the music stopped, and the performers withdrew.


    Everyone knew it was time to talk business.


    The three Prefects'' eyes were focused.


    "Since the Xuanhua Army disappeared, everywhere is in turmoil. Only Ye Family Fort alone is still supporting stability in Dengzhou. We can be said to not have disappointed the hopes of our elders and townspeople, and have protected the peace here. Our people can still get by." Uncle Ye Si said.


    "But Ye Family Fort has paid a huge price to bear this responsibility."


    "Consider when the Xuanhua Army was garrisoned here, they fed on the five prefectures of Tangzhou, Suizhou, Fuzhou, Yingzhou, and Dengzhou."


    "After thinking it over, we Ye Family Fort don''t have the great ability of the Xuanhua Army to protect five prefectures. But protecting just Dengzhou should be possible."


    "Since Ye Family Fort has taken on the responsibility of guarding Dengzhou, it is only right that we feed on Dengzhou."


    "I invited the three of you here today to inform you that from today onwards, Ye Family Fort will take on the responsibility of the master of Dengzhou."


    "From today onwards, the civil administration of the three counties will be decided by Ye Family Fort, and the tax revenue of the three counties will all be handed over to Ye Family Fort."


    "The three of you need not panic. You will continue in the same official positions you held before. As long as you govern justly and hand over taxes on time, we will certainly prosper endlessly."


    Not bad, thought the Prefects of Neixiang and Rang counties. The axe has finally fallen after teetering on the edge.


    Only the Prefect of Nanyang, Ma Jinhui, was furious. "Ye Si, do you know what you are saying?!"

 Chapter 25

    All eyes turned towards her.


    Somehow, all the maidservants in the hall had already slipped away without anyone noticing, and the only ones left standing were the armed guards of the Ye family.


    The county magistrates of Neixiang County and Rong County kept their heads lowered, pretending to drink.


    Fourth Uncle Ye nced at them sideways and said, "Of course I know. Does Master Ma know what I''m talking about?"


    No matter who Ma Jinhui nned to coborate with, he had no intention of letting either side gain the upper hand over him.


    On the contrary, he always believed that he should be the one in charge, not these bandits ormoners in white.


    After all, he was an official.


    "With the new dynasty established, imperial power rules the realm!" Ma Jinhui stood up with a solemn expression. "As overseers of this bordend, how can we not serve the kingdom!"


    In just a moment, he had made up his mind. The Ye Family Fortress harbored the wild ambition of wolves, and if they wanted to ride on his head, they might as well marry their daughter to Du Jingzhong''s son. Although Du Jingzhong was a short-sighted fool, fools were easier to control.


    He self-righteously dered, "The vacancy in Dengzhou is only temporary. Once His Majesty is free to act, he will naturally appoint new administrators and officials at all levels. The provincial and prefectural system can be restored in a matter of days. Even rebuilding the Xuanhua Army is not difficult. I advise you, the Ye Family Fortress, not to be muddle-headed. Even if you swallow it down today, when the court is free to act, you will still have to spit it back out!"


    He spoke haughtily, his voice cold.


    However, it was clear that Fourth Uncle Ye and the others were not buying his story at all. Their expressions even held a hint of ridicule.


    After Ma Jinhui tried to intimidate them with his official authority to no avail, he became incensed with shame and anger.


    He flung his sleeve and stood up abruptly, sping his hands behind his back and arrogantly proiming, "I will not deceive you all, I have recently contacted the former members of the Xuanhua Army and n to petition the court to rebuild the Xuanhua Army."


    When he mentioned "the court", he also bowed in the direction of the capital, showing respect.


    "The Ye Family Fortress consists of good citizens who assisted in suppressing the rebellion in the past. I advise you all to abandon any improper thoughts. In my petition, I will request merits on your behalf, and it''s not impossible for you to gain an official post. If you insist on your foolish notions, when the court..."


    Before he could finish speaking, a woman''s cold, crisp voice rang out, "The one he contacted was this man, wasn''t it?"


    A ball flew in from outside, rolling and bouncing on the floor.


    Since Ma Jinhui was standing, he was the first to see clearly that this "ball" was actually a severed head.


    He cried out in rm and stumbled back, nearly falling over backwards into his chair.


    Fortunately, the Ye family guards behind him were agile. One of them swiftly braced the tilting chair with his foot, pushing it back upright with a bent knee.


    Thus Ma Jinhui avoided making a fool of himself in front of everyone.


    The county magistrates of Neixiang and Rong also sucked in a breath, gripping the arms of their chairs.


    Because that "ball" was none other than a man''s severed head.


    The head was covered in thick beard, its eyes wide open, clearly the head of a man who had died with unclosed eyes. It was none other than Ma Jinhui''s rtive by marriage in Fangcheng, Du Jingzhong, whom he had met and secretly plotted with before!


    Fourth Uncle Ye''s expression lightened, and he stood up and asked, "Why sote in returning?"


    Following his words, a tall woman strode into the hall, her gaze sweeping around. Her face was coated in powder yet contained a dignified air.


    Wherever her gazended, people stood up one after another.


    "Fort Master."


    "Mistress."


    The county magistrates of Neixiang and Rong also stood up and bowed, "Master Ye."


    Ye Suijin nodded almost imperceptibly to one person, and said helplessly to Fourth Uncle Ye, "Too many trivial matters."


    She had taken Fangcheng in one battle,pletely as nned. Clearing up the remnants afterwards would take one or two days, also as nned.


    What was unnned was themon people who finally realized that this new army did not indiscriminately kill civilians, did not pige wealth, and did not rape women, yet showed no mercy in beheading Du Jingzhong''s remnants. They swarmed out to block the roads and cry injustice.


    The wailing shook Fangcheng, all blood and tears. They gnashed their teeth, wishing they could devour Du Jingzhong raw.


    Fortunately Ye Suijin had made arrangements in advance. As soon as Fangcheng was settled, she sent people racing on fast horses to bring Teacher Yang over.


    Thus, although she had not yet returned, the Ye Family Fortress already knew about the situation in Fangcheng, and Ma Jinhui''s performances seemed especially hypocritical and boastful in their eyes.


    After greeting Fourth Uncle Ye, Ye Suijin turned to look at Ma Jinhui, "Master Ma, this is the bandit Du Jingzhong of Fangcheng. Do you recognize this viin?"


    Ma Jinhui hadpletely lost his earlier majestic air. He practically copsed into the chair, gripping the arms tightly.


    By now, not only him, even the county magistrates of Neixiang and Rong finally understood why Ye Suijin was absent from the Ye Family Fortress today ¡ª she had gone to Fangcheng to weed out evil at its root!


    Ma Jinhui''s cheeks twitched a few times, and he suddenly stood up.


    The county magistrates of Neixiang and Rong shuddered, thinking Ma Jinhui was about to erupt in anger and start cursing loudly. For an instant, both wondered if they should step forward to stop him or not.


    After all, they were colleagues who had persisted together in Dengzhou for many years. It would weigh on their conscience not to stop him. But if they did, they feared the Ye Family Fortress would show no mercy and jeopardize their own lives.


    Truly a perplexing dilemma!


    Yet unexpectedly, Ma Jinhui stood up and loudly acimed, "Fort Master Ye''s noble deed¡ª!"


    Pointing at his rtive''s freshly severed head, he angrily denounced, "In my visits to the former members of the Xuanhua Army these past days, all I heard were ounts of this viin''s evil deeds in wreaking havoc in Fangcheng. Fort Master Ye eliminated this harm to the people, and is truly carrying out justice on Heaven''s behalf! Dengzhou, Fangcheng... No, Dengzhou, Tangzhou need someone as virtuous and majestic as Fort Master Ye to lead themon people!"


    "This insignificant official boldly requests Fort Master Ye to oversee Dengzhou and Tangzhou, rescuing the people from fire and water!"


    As he spoke, he bowed deeply, his sleeves brushing the floor, his head nearly touching his knees.


    The county magistrates of Neixiang and Rong wore numb expressions.


    He''s already saying "this insignificant official".


    Shameless.


    He had stolen the words right out of their mouths.


    Utterly shameless.


    Ye Suijin curled her lips in a faint smile and strode forward to sit in the master seat, "Let''s all sit and talk."


    The people of the Ye Family Fortress promptly took their seats.


    The county magistrates of Neixiang and Rong quietly sat down.


    Ma Jinhui did not dare sit. His waist remained bent.


    Ye Suijin asked, "Master Ma, do you think I can do it?"


    Finally Ma Jinhui raised his head and solemnly dered, "Of course you can! This is what the people of Dengzhou and Tangzhou have desired day and night, the aspirational ce their hearts are set on. Fort Master must not decline! Otherwise, I will be the first to object!"


    "Very well. Servants, bring writing utensils!"


    Ye Suijin pped her hands, and people swiftly cleared away Ma Jinhui''s table of food and drink, wiped the table clean, and neatly arranged brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.


    The servants bustled efficiently, making a cacophony.


    "Then I will trouble Master Ma to draft a petition on my behalf, to be submitted to the court." Ye Suijin gestured with her chin.


    As long as he got to keep his dog life, she did not care what he did. Ma Jinhui obediently returned to his seat, dipped his brush in ink, and asked Ye Suijin for instructions: "What matters shall be reported to the court? Please instruct this humble one, Fort Master."


    "First, of course, is to congratte the new emperor on his ascension to the throne on my behalf, celebrating the establishment of the new dynasty." Ye Suijin said without hesitation.


    She had pondered this matter for many days already.


    Right now, the Ye Family Fortress simply did not have the ability to oppose the new dynasty. But being so close, if she made too much of a fuss and attracted attention, she feared that just as Ma Jinhui said, once the new dynasty was free to act, they woulde for her.


    "Call me a subject," she said. "As overseers of this bordend, how can we not serve the kingdom? Now that His Majesty has ascended the throne, the Son of Heaven, I, Ye Suijin, pledge my heart towards royal authority, and will naturally be a subject."


    She knew exactly how long this dynasty couldst and how it would eventually copse.


    She was no righteous hero who would rather die than capitte, who would starve to death rather than eat Zhou grain.


    Moreover, those schrly reader types were not necessarily so righteous either.


    Just now, Ma Jinhui kept calling it "the court", talking about his official appointment by "the court" over and over, making it seem as if he were truly a loyal, devoted official appointed by the new dynasty.


    Judging by ears alone, who could tell he was actually an official of the Great Wei?


    Yet even such an examination graduate schr-official acted this way, so Ye Suijin was even less constrained. Calling herself a subject was no issue at all. She would lose no hair over bowing her head as a subject when shecked power.


    The people of the Ye Family Fortress had absolutely no objection to this point.


    In fact, Fourth Uncle Ye even felt a sense of relief, feeling this was the proper path. It would be best if the court recognized their existence.


    "Tangzhou is not yet under my control, so let''s just say Dengzhou for now," Ye Suijin followed up without pause, "Petition His Majesty requesting that His Majesty appoint me Governor of Dengzhou."


    In the mid-Great Wei period, there had been an empress, and female officials had also been in vogue for a time, though mostly limited to the imperial pce and harem. There had yet to be a woman who became a provincial governor like this.


    Ye Suijin is really daring!


    Fourth Uncle Ye gasped. He looked at Ye Suijin hesitantly, then sighed silently and folded his sleeves up.


    When Ma Jinhui heard that Ye Suijin wanted to be the prefect, he waspletely irritated! He wanted to grind his teeth into powder!


    Ye Suijin is walking the path that he wanted to take! He colluded with Du Jingzhong. He just wanted to take advantage of the court''s vulnerability to upy Dengzhou, and then make the court recognize him. His goal is to be the prefect of Dengzhou!


    Ma Jinhui was furious inside but didn''t dare to be impolite on the surface. With neat regr script, the style used for memorials to the throne, he gritted his teeth and wrote the memorial for Ye Suijin.


    Still biting and bleeding, he wrote on behalf of Ye Suijin.


    Ye Suijin wasn''t done yet.


    "Please allow this one to establish an army in Dengzhou, to protect the safety of themon people."


    "Please allow this one tomand the Dengzhou army, and feed Dengzhou."


    "We won''t mention Tangzhou, but let His Majesty know that Fangcheng has already been incorporated into Dengzhou."


    To obtain military and political power by proper means, and make those in the central government feel that Ye family and Ye Suijin can''t even take over neighboring Tangzhou, just a local despot wanting a title.


    Tiny Dengzhou is just three counties, and four counties if you include Fangcheng.


    A small matter.


    The new court can''t spare effort now, but because the new court has just been established, it needs recognition from all sides. Ye Suijin is voluntarily pledging allegiance, just wanting an insignificant Dengzhou.


    A small matter.


    It will very likely be granted.


    In the future, if Ye Suijin still doesn''t have the ability to confront the court, when the court can spare effort, it will certainly go after those unwilling pledgers firstpared to this Dengzhou which already pledged allegiance.


    Who knows, Dengzhou which took initiative may even be used as a model.


    As a seasoned official, Ma Jinhui understands all this clearly.


    And the clearer he understands, the more hatred he feels.


    However, his brush moved like a dragon, and a proper memorial was written. Out of habit, he polished the literary style, so that people in the capital who read it would praise the excellent writing.


    After finishing, he blew on it, respectfully carried it over to Ye Suijin.


    Ye Suijin quickly read through it once: "Good handwriting, excellent literary style! Very good, all very good."


    "Ajin," she looked up with a smile, extremely satisfied, "Execute him."


    Duan Jin swung his de down, and Ma Jinhui''s head flew up, blood spattering everywhere.


    All his calctions turned to ashes.


    In the end, just an insignificant man in troubled times.

 Chapter 26

    The grand hall of the Ye manor was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. There was a faint chittering sound. Everyone looked towards the sound and saw the sleeves and hems of the Prefect of Ruan County trembling slightly. It turned out to be the sound of his upper and lower teeth chattering unceasingly.


    Fourth Uncle Ye was somewhat stunned. Although he had heard his sons and nephews talk about Ye Suijin''s deeds of killing people outside, this was still an official appointed by the imperial court after all. Even though he was appointed by the previous Wei Dynasty, generally, these kinds of officials would be epted by the new dynasty as long as they swore allegiance.


    Fourth Uncle Ye had a feeling that...they were in too deep now to turn back. Where was Ye Suijin, the helmsman of Ye Manor, taking them?


    ...No matter where she was leading them, the character Ye could not be written twice. In others'' eyes, Fourth Uncle Ye and Ye Suijin were tied together.


    At least regarding this matter, Fourth Uncle Ye was clear-headed and firm.


    "Why did you have to kill them?" he asked. Asking on behalf of the Prefect of Ruan County who was sitting there with his sleeves trembling.


    Ye Suijin said, "Bring those two in."


    The Prefect of Ruan County thought she meant bringing him and the Prefect of Neixiang County in to be beheaded too. He nearly fainted in fright.


    But the Prefect of Neixiang County remained unmoving, calm as an old monk in meditation, observing his mind.


    The Prefect of Ruan County was on the verge of tears.


    He had thought he would meet his end today at Ye Manor, but unexpectedly two people were half-dragged in and thrown to the ground outside.


    Seeing the decapitated heads of Ma Jinhui and Du Jingzhong on the ground not far away, the two men who had just been thrown in immediately begged for mercy. The one dressed as a schr crawled over pleading, "Lord Ye, spare my life. I was merely a retainer passing messages! It was the audacious Ma Jinhui who wanted to collude with Fourth Lord Ye to ambush and kill you to seize control of Ye Manor..."


    Fourth Uncle Ye spat in disgust.


    Ill-omened words!


    Everyoneughed heartily.


    Now everyone knew about Third Lord Ye Fei''s earlier scheme to probe Du Jingzhong. But this just showed that the rtionship between Ye Suijin and Fourth Uncle Ye had been mended, and they trusted each other again, putting everyone at ease. So theyughed freely without reservations.


    "Don''t be angry, Fourth Uncle." Ye Suijinughed and waved for the two men to be dragged away. "They judge others by their own standard, naturally they would believe it to be true. They don''t understand, the character Ye cannot be written twice."


    Fourth Uncle Ye felt a pang of sadness in his heart. He quickly collected himself and said solemnly, "That''s right."


    He asked, "Will that memorial be sent to the imperial capital?"


    "Naturally, otherwise who will grant me my official appointment?" Ye Suijin said with augh.


    Fourth Uncle Ye felt somewhat apprehensive, "We don''t have connections in the capital."


    "It doesn''t matter. The massive imperial pce is right there, it can''t run away. We''ll go and report we''vee from Dengzhou to present congrattory gifts for the Emperor''s enthronement. They won''t dare stop us."


    "We have to prepare congrattory gifts too?"


    "Of course we need gifts, we''re asking them for a favor. How can we not bring gifts?"


    "Not only do we need to give the Emperor gifts, but also to the Emperor''s son-inw. He has a lot of sway. If he speaks up for us, this matter will be practically settled."


    The Jin Emperor doted dearly on his eldest daughter and found an extremely capable husband for her. He favored his son-inw by association and ced great trust in him as well.


    Later when the Jin Emperor passed away, it was because his daughter and son-inw fought with his sons over the throne, that a dynasty only just recently unified fell into turmoil again.


    In the end, this son-inw gained control over the realm, changed the name of the dynasty, and started a new one.


    After that, Zhao Jingwen coborated with the Jin Emperor''s sons to kill the son-inw. But suppressing the Jin Emperor''s sons afterwards still expended a lot of his energy.


    There was not a single easy thing about conquering the realm, sitting on the throne, and settling the realm.


    Zhao Jingwen was actually quite capable as well.


    Fourth Uncle Ye was puzzled over how Ye Suijin knew so much about the matters of the capital.


    But he was more captivated by the matter itself. He stroked the back of his head, still finding it a bit unbelievable. "A prefectural governor...?"


    "Just an empty title," Ye Suijin said. "No matter what, with this title on our heads, the court will find it awkward toe settle ounts around us in the future."


    She asked, "How is the construction of the barracksing along?"


    Fourth Uncle Ye said, "The first batch is almost done. We''ve recruited people who can move in directly. We''ll build the second batch after."


    Ye Suijin nodded, "With more people recruited, construction will go even faster."


    Fourth Uncle Ye guaranteed, "At this speed, everything will bepleted before winter."


    "We''ve tested it. Dig pits in the ground, burn them first to harden the earth, theny straw and hay over it to inste against dampness. Wooden nks for the beds. As long as there are braziers by the door and vents in the walls for the heat to circte, it''ll be almost like having heated brick beds. We''ll be able to withstand even the coldest days."


    As the two of them discussed, it was as if the Prefects of Neixiang and Ruan did not exist, as if the two decapitated heads on the ground did not exist.


    But the Prefect of Neixiang County suddenly cupped his fists and interrupted them, "My lord."


    What a respectful address of "my lord"!


    Ye Suijin looked over with a faint smile. "What is it, Prefect He?"


    The Prefect of Neixiang County was surnamed He, given name Zhou, courtesy name Yuantao.


    With this one address of "my lord", he elegantly turned around. From an appointee of the previous Wei regime, he instantly became a subordinate of Ye Suijin''s.


    He cupped his fists and asked, "May I dare ask, is my lord recruiting troops?"


    "That''s right," Ye Suijin said. "What are Prefect He''s thoughts?"


    "This lowly official is ignorant of military affairs, I wouldn''t dare spout nonsense. Since my lord wishes to establish the Dengzhou Army to protect Dengzhou''s peace, this will be a blessing for Dengzhou''smon folk. Please put your mind at ease, my lord. This lowly official and Prefect Sun will certainly render our full assistance."


    The Prefect of Ruan County was surnamed Sun, given name Xiangxue, courtesy name Ziwen.


    Right now Sun Xiangxue wished he could fiercely kiss He Zhou several times!


    His teeth were no longer chattering. He quickly followed He Zhou''s example and likewise cupped his fists towards Ye Suijin, "Prefect He has spoken what is also in this lowly official''s mind. We await your orders, my lord, and will render our full assistance."


    They had narrowly escaped cmity with their lives. There was a feeling of utter exhaustion.


    Ye Suijin''s memorial petitioning for appointment as a prefectural governor was still sitting on the desk, yet they were already addressing her as "my lord".


    Very tactful.


    This was exactly the kind of people Ye Suijin needed right now. Governing a region was not something just anyone could pick up and do immediately. Currently none of the people at Ye Manor had experience in these affairs.


    "You two have good intentions. But now, Nanyang and Fangcheng counties in Dengzhou are unupied. Prefect He..." Ye Suijin nodded slightly, returning a peach for a plum[1], "Do you have anyone to rmend?"


    With these words, He Zhou and Sun Xiangxue felt reassured in their hearts. The two of them knew that as long as they did not harbor designs on Ye Manor or even secretly plot against Ye Suijin''s life like Ma Jinhui, their positions in Dengzhou were secure.


    No matter how things were in the past, as long as they turned in taxes to those capable of collecting taxes in the future, they could continue being officials just the same.


    Especially He Zhou of Neixiang County. He felt even more steady now.


    After careful thought, he said, "The county magistrate[2] of Neixiang, Qin Huaizhu, though not of examination schr background, is knowledgeable about governance and revenues, steady and extremely capable. He may serve as prefect of a county."


    Ye Suijin had floated two vacancies, yet he had prudently only rmended one person, not acting greedy. Clearly a man who knew restraint and understood when to advance and when to withdraw.


    Sun Xiangxue of Ruan County was somewhat envious, but since Ye Suijin had not addressed him specifically, and her casual killing just now had left a psychological shadow on him, he also did not dare overreach. He could only watch He Zhou rmend people to her longingly.


    Ye Suijin considered briefly, then said, "Let him go to Fangcheng. We''ve killed all those who needed killing there and cleared it out rtively cleanly. Let him start over from the beginning. As for Nanyang..."


    Her knuckles tapped lightly on the desk.


    This habit would only be cultivated muchter. Deep within the secluded inner pce halls, without wielding des and troops, everything had to be aplished through mental strategy. When pondering alone she found it hard to decide, she could not help but tap her right hand that once grasped spears and sabers lightly on desks and armrests. Over a long period of time, this became habit.


    A person''s temperament and aura were mysterious things unrted to external appearance.


    Although Ye Suijin''s body was currently youthful, the aura she carried back from the inner halls and court had not diminished at all. When her knuckles tapped, everyone in the hall felt an indescribable sense of pressure.


    How strange.


    He Zhou thought, she is merely a young woman after all.


    But he attributed this feeling of oppression to¡ªshe was too adept at killing.


    After all, there were still two decapitated heads and a corpse dressed in official robes on the floor, withrge pools of blood that hadn''t been cleaned up yet. The stench kept wafting up to their noses.


    Yes, that must be why.


    "Fourth Uncle," Ye Suijin asked, "Is Six Younger of the Zhongyuantang branch home now?"


    With such abundant and flourishing family branches, there were many offshoots. Zhongyuantang was one of them.


    The Sixth Younger of Zhongyuantang mentioned by Ye Suijin was no longer of the main line, but a distant side branch instead.


    Later, almost all of the main line perished, leaving only the crippled Thirteenth Lord Ye and some of the younger generations. Ye Suijin carefully nurtured them.


    But they were too young, and would not have another chance to lead troops. Zhao Jingwen would not give them opportunities in the court either. For their safety, Ye Suijin did not force them to seed at all costs.


    To be a rich and leisurely person under Zhao Jingwen was the best future Ye Suijin, as their elder, could arrange for the young masters of the family.


    Thus, she and Zhao Jingwen were both at ease.


    The sixth son of Zhongyuan Hall, Ye Jingyi, could not even fully perform aplete set of the Ye family spearmanship. He was a typical example of the Ye family''s side branches abandoning martial arts for literary pursuits.


    But he was a capable person who had followed Ye Suijin in the early days, andter followed Duan Jin.


    After Mr. Yang left, she did not have many people she could use.


    A good bird chooses a tree in which to roost. Those with a bit of ability were more willing to follow Zhao Jingwen.


    Only those surnamed Ye were destined to be tied to her, with no way to untie.


    Ye Jingyi had always harbored a desire to study, but in the chaotic times his family was unwilling to let him venture out.


    He had secretly run away several times, only to be caught and brought back each time. Although not destitute, his branch of the family was just ordinarily well-off. Each time he ran away, his father woulde to Fourth Uncle Ye, and Fourth Uncle Ye would send people on horseback to tie him up and bring him back.


    Upon hearing her inquiry, Fourth Uncle Ye immediately understood her intentions.


    He was somewhat unhappy. "The main family doesn''tck people."


    The third son, fourth son, fifth son, seventh son, ninth son, tenth son... The biggest one was his own son!


    Even if you don''t give it to the young ones, there''s still you, Fourth Uncle, Fifth Uncle, Sixth Uncle - so many people!


    How could you give a county magistrate position, an official post, to a branch descendant first?


    Ye Suijin felt somewhat helpless.


    But she could not me Fourth Uncle Ye either. At this time, capturing Dengzhou was probably already the limit of what he could imagine and envision. Having taken Dengzhou, dividing up the profits, in his eyes a county magistrate position was already a veryrge piece cut from the big pie, and should naturally go to the main family line first.


    There was nothing inherently wrong with this way of thinking.


    The mistake was simply that Fourth Uncle Ye still did not know just how big the pie was that Ye Suijin intended to bake!

 Chapter 27

    "All the sons of our n must follow me, and our n''s people must be ced in the army," Ye Suijin said.


    Fourth Uncle Ye paused for a moment. He was no fool, and could detect the implications.


    Ye Suijin spoke solemnly, "Fourth Uncle, everything else is false."


    What then is real?


    It is the silver spear in hand, it is the military power in grasp.


    That feeling of being on a boat unable to get off came again.


    In the depths of Fourth Uncle Ye''s heart, he was both apprehensive and secretly expecting and excited.


    "Alright, I''ll listen to you," he said. "That little whelp Sixth Son can''t even wield a spear, though he does have some schrly learning. In times of peace, who knows, he may have been able to be a Zhuangyuan or Tanhua. In the fifth month I had people fetch him back when he ran away. His father has probably locked him up at home recently. I''ll send someone to summon him."


    "It''s just..." he worried again, "Managing a county is different from studying. He''s good at studying, but can he manage a county?"


    After all, he was still just a young whelp.


    To Fourth Uncle Ye, most of the younger generation were just downy-chinned monkeys who had to be whipped and kicked to obey orders.


    Except for Third Son. Third Son had been steady since he was little.


    But even Third Son was not as good as sending an elder statesman.


    Ye Suijin said, "Let Sixth Son from the Zhongyuan Tang go to Nanyang. It doesn''t matter if he can''t serve as an official. What about..."


    He Zhou turned his body towards Ye Suijin.


    Ye Suijin said, "Neixiang and Nanyang are neighboring counties. You have much experience, please instruct him on how to govern a county. Our Ye n has no experience serving as officials, I''m the first of our n, I hope he can bring good fortune for everyone."


    He Zhou smiled, "Madam, don''t worry, your subordinate will certainly assist with all my strength."


    Ye Suijin said, "For each ce, I''m giving you twenty men each. One is to protect your personal safety, one is to train the local militias, and one is... to assist with recruitment matters."


    Thest two reasons were eptable, but as for protecting their personal safety, He Zhou and Sun Xiangxue understood in their hearts that it was both protection and supervision.


    But since they had already surrendered, they had no dissenting thoughts for the moment, and so were not worried. Both cupped fists in salute, "Madam is thorough, many thanks to Madam."


    Ye Jingyi from the Zhongyuan Tang was summoned by the main n. He waspletely confused.


    Although he had been confined at home, he also knew there were honored guests who hade to the fortress today. Why would Fourth Uncle Ye summon him? He was just a junior branch descendant.


    He could never have imagined that he would be brought directly to the main hall, where not only was the head of the Ye n - his sixth cousin Ye Suijin - seated in the center, but also many elders of the main n on one side. On the other side were two men dressed as officials, who should be today''s honored guests. Weren''t there supposed to be three guests?


    Ah... what was thatrge patch of dark red color on the ground?


    It looked somewhat like...


    Since He Zhou and Sun Xiangxue had already surrendered, there was no need to frighten them with severed heads anymore.


    The two heads on the ground had been removed, and the floorboards scrubbed, but therge patch of dark red could still be seen.


    Yet the atmosphere in the hall was no longer tense, and was instead quite intimate and rxed.


    When Ye Suijin saw Ye Jingyi, she was very happy. This was the first time she had seen him since her rebirth.


    Seeing someone who had died or left again made one feelplicated emotions of loss,mentation, and sighs. But seeing someone who was still alive and by one''s side brought a special intimacy and joy.


    "Yongxiu!" She directly called him by his courtesy name, withughter in her eyes.


    Duan Jin sensed the delight in that call, and nced at her before carefully inspecting this Sixth Son of the Zhongyuan Tang - strange.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t recognize him, he did recognize him, but they weren''t familiar, really not familiar at all.


    Given that Ye Suijin could affectionately call out his courtesy name in one breath, he shouldn''t be unfamiliar.


    Not just him, even Ye Jingyi himself was startled for a moment.


    Since they were of the same generation and close in age, they had indeed yed together when they were young.


    But this cousin''s martial prowess was truly too high, and the n brothers who followed her were also exceptionally mighty. As someone of ordinary constitution who did not like practicing martial arts, he had gradually drifted away from Ye Suijin''s circle.


    When grown up, sometimes he would see her galloping out of the city on a fine steed. During New Year visits to the main n with his father, he would also see her apanying the old fortress master, doted on as the only daughter.


    But as they grew older, he truly interacted with her less and less.


    How could Ye Suijin actually directly call out his courtesy name? He had just received this courtesy name from his teacher earlier this year. Could someone have specially told her?


    "Yongxiu, this is the magistrate of Neixiang County, Sir He," Ye Suijin introduced him, "Sir He, this is my cousin Yongxiu."


    Ye Jingyi was just amoner, and a schr at that. He was very respectful towards degree holders, and greeted with propriety, "Your humble servant Ye Jingyi, I pay my respects to Sir He."


    "Young Master Ye need not be overly courteous," He Zhou stroked his beard and smiled, "Young Master is talented and promising. In the future we will be neighbors, let us point out lessons for each other and look out for one another."


    Ye Jingyi listened inplete confusion, and looked towards Ye Suijin.


    Ye Suijin put it sinctly, "Yongxiu, I have already beheaded the magistrate of Nanyang County, Ma Jinhui. Deng Prefecture is now under my administration. The position of Nanyang magistrate is vacant, you will provisionally take this role on behalf of our Ye n fortress. You will be neighbors with Magistrate He, if there are matters you cannot decide, you may always ask him for teachings."


    This was an enormously fortuitous bun that had fallen on the head of Ye Jingyi, a junior offshoot with no warning whatsoever.


    Even Fourth Uncle Ye felt a little envious, let alone Ye Jingyi himself.


    An ordinary person would likely have been knocked out by this.


    After hearing Ye Suijin''s short but informationally explosive statement, Ye Jingyi seemed to freeze entirely for a few breaths, not even blinking his eyes.


    He Zhou observed out of the corner of his eye - it was evident that Ye Jingyi was not a core figure of Ye n Fortress.


    The core figures of Ye n Fortress were either seated in this hall right now, or still on the frontlines of Fang City.


    Even that youth with dark green robes, ck leather belt around his slender waist, standing behind Ye Suijin and ready to unsheathe his sword to kill at any moment for Ye Suijin, was closer to the core than Ye Jingyi.


    But then, Ye Jingyi deeply inhaled, and bowed to Ye Suijin, "Yes!"


    After a few breaths where his mind exploded, he absorbed the information Ye Suijin had given him.


    He also bowed to He Zhou, "Magistrate He, please guide me much in the future."


    He Zhou stroked his beard and smiled, "Likewise, likewise."


    Not bad.


    Although he looked rather stiff, he was able to restrain his emotions in a short period of time. No wonder he could stand out from the junior branch descendants.


    Ye Suijin had assigned He Zhou to guide Ye Jingyi, and Ye Jingyi was malleable talent. For him, this was undoubtedly good news overall.


    The banquet today hadid everything on the table that needed to beid out, and killed all that needed to be killed.


    Ye Suijin let He Zhou and Sun Xiangxue stay overnight at Ye n Fortress, and the two readily obeyed. She even arranged neighboring courtyards for them, and the two did not visit each other, only obediently staying within the boundaries Ye n had delineated for them.


    Ye Suijin summoned Ye Jingyi to the study.


    "It''s a bit sudden, but before things were finalized, it wasn''t good to spread the word," she exined.


    "Sixth Cousin, amazing," Ye Jingyi sincerely praised her.


    Ye Suijin smiled gently, "Come, there is much you originally did not know that I will fill you in on."


    Ye Jingyi knew in his heart that with this first step through the door today, he could almost be considered to have entered the core circle of Ye n Fortress.


    He listened attentively, heart pounding more and more, just wanting to gasp for breath but forcing himself to maintain calm.


    Ye Suijin had taken her first stride out, and when she needed talent, she had chosen him first from all the Ye n descendants. He could not let her down.


    "It''s just, Sixth Cousin, can you tell me... why me?" Ye Jingyi asked. "Wouldn''t it be more fitting to send a respected elder?"


    Ye Jingyi was neither main n nor considered any remarkable genius among the n. The n practiced martial arts, but he was not the only schr either, nor the only young one. Eighth Uncle from the main n was also a schr.


    Fourth Uncle Ye was also in the study, and he too wanted to know the reason. He had held his tongue earlier in front of so many people.


    "Nanyang was governed by Ma Jinhui for many years, so his roots must run deep. And once a pattern is established in officialdom, it is difficult for someone inside to break it down. If County Magistrate Qin Hualu from Neixiang were sent, he would also carry officialdom''s corrupt practices with him, and be easily swept along. If our n elders were sent..."


    Fourth Uncle Ye pricked up his ears.


    "The elders have naturally rued more life experience than us, but they are also too worldly wise, inevitably makingpromises and concessions everywhere. That''s not what I want."


    "Yongxiu is a schr. I believe young idealists with the world in their hearts can see things clearly without getting sand in their eyes. So I''m entrusting Nanyang to Yongxiu."


    "You don''t need to be afraid either. As an official, youck experience. But as a person, we are all born knowing how to be good. Just follow your instincts," Ye Suijin said. "If something feels right, then it''s right. If it feels wrong, then it''s wrong. No matter how eloquently those oily officials try to persuade you, go with your gut!"


    "Don''t be afraid of offending people. I''ll have Third Brother apany you to your post. Third Brother is seasoned now. He can smell with his nose who needs to be killed."


    "Just focus on the job and do it fearlessly. If someone blocks your way, have Third Brother kill them."


    "Nanyang has been under Ma Jinhui''s influence for too long. His influence likely prates all levels. Killing a few people to consecrate your official seal will be necessary to bring them to heel," Ye Suijin said. "There can be no reconstruction without destruction."


    Uncle Ye clucked his tongue, seeing how his son ordered Third Son around like an ox.


    But he was happy inside.


    Although Third Son was just "apanying" him, Uncle Ye could tell from Ye Suijin''s words how much she valued Third Son.


    She believed Third Son could act on her behalf externally.


    "Alright, Third Son can apany Jingyi," he said. "Kill whoever needs killing."


    When Ye Suijin spoke of "killing people," she said it lightly.


    But Ye Jingyi broke out in a cold sweat.


    Lately, he had indeed heard much. Although his father had confined him to the estate and forbid him from going out, his father would share tantalizing news he picked up from others during meals.


    The Ye family stronghold''s recent actions made everyone associated with them hold their heads high.


    When people spoke fervently of killing, listeners'' blood boiled with excitement.


    But when it fell in front of him, when it concerned him personally, Ye Jingyi felt tremendous pressure.


    There was a threshold that seemed insurmountable, yet Ye Suijin and Third Son of the main house had already crossed over.


    "Alright," Ye Jingyi clenched his fist in his sleeve and solemnly said, "I will live up to Sixth Son''s trust."


    He was well-read with many ideas and aspirations, but the times were difficult.


    Now someone was extending a hand, wanting to pull him from the confines of the estate to a wider world.


    He would also need to cross that threshold.

 Chapter 28

    nting Beans in July


    This year, thebor pressure was not as great, because there was a good harvest in June, and there were many refugees, so casualborers willing to work cheaply were easy to hire to help with the work.


    Families that were better off were willing to spend this money, because with ample manpower, morend could be worked, and more grain could be harvested in the future.


    Everyone could calcte this ount.


    Some even used two bags of grain to hire a beautiful maiden refugee daughter.


    But othersughed at him for being silly: "Just wait until winter, you''ll see, I can trade back one with half a bag of grain."


    The former person thought about it and felt it made sense, so he regretted it, but was reluctant to return the beautiful maiden, and after hesitating again and again, still took her home.


    The hottest summer heat had passed.


    At this time, some could still exchange food by selling goods,bor, or even their wives and daughters. Those even worse off could, as Ye Suijin said, forage for wild foods on the ground.


    People would not starve to death yet.


    But the refugees were not carefree in their hearts. They knew the weather would soon cool down.


    After the coolness, the cold would follow closely.


    What would they do then?


    Could they continue to move forward? It was said that the south of the Yangtze, with its four seasons like spring, triple rice harvests per year, and more grain than they could eat.


    But many who had walked here already did not want to continue walking.


    It was too far.


    For northerners who had never left their hometowns, the south sounded beautiful, but was too far away.


    Also, the south had long been divided, beyond even the reach of the emperor. Was it really safe?


    Many people hesitated in Dengzhou, precisely because after passing through many dangerous and destitute ces, they felt a long-lost sense of security in Dengzhou.


    If only they could stay here.


    But they had no property or roof over their heads here. The grass shacks built in summer could certainly not keep out the harsh cold of winter.


    Should they continue on, or remain here?


    Many refugees spent their days wandering and wavering, lost in indecision, unable to make a decision.


    Until early July, when Nanyang, Neixiang, and Ruzhou suddenly put up notices recruitingborers.


    This news exploded when it came out. The shantytowns under the county walls immediately boiled over.


    "Recruiting what people?"


    "Recruiting troops!"


    "Is there going to be a war?"


    "No! My dear husband, don''t go! A good man doesn''t be a soldier!"


    "It''s still better than starving to death! I heard you get fed until full!"


    "Then...let''s go take a look?"


    "I heard they also want those who can farm fields!"


    "Me! I can farm, I can grow anything!"


    "They also want craftsmen! And literate people!"


    "What craftsmen do they want? I''m a carpenter, does anyone need me?"


    "I''m a mason with mud and tiles!"


    "Let''s go take a look!"


    The refugees struggling to survive in this foreignnd swarmed to the county town. On the city wall, there really were recruitment notices.


    At the Neixiang county town gates, Liu Jiunine forcefully beat a gong.


    Bang--


    The gathered crowd clutched their ears, shocked by the sound.


    "Listen up! Soldiers get fed, eat until full--"


    "New recruits get a bag of settlement provisions when they enter camp, fifty coins per month after that. After passing probation, one hundred coins per month, supplied food until full, and family members get four dou of grain stipend per month--"


    "Sign up at the tables over there--"


    Just the phrase "fed until full" was already enough to move many people''s hearts.


    Because many had not eaten their fill in a long time. Hearing the words "eat full", their feet unconsciously walked in that direction.


    Upon further hearing "one hundred coins, four dou grain", those footsteps quickened, afraid of losing a spot to others.


    In peaceful years, fifty coins was nothing. But now no one thought it was too little. This money and grain could save lives.


    "Line up! Line up!" Some people wearing green shirts and belted swords maintained order.


    Row upon row of green shirts, neat and uniform. The people in green shirts were all ruddy faced and strong bodied. One look and you knew they were well-fed people.


    By now, everyone in Dengzhou recognized these green shirts. They were people of Ye Fort!


    "Why are Ye Fort people doing the registration? Whose troops are being recruited?"


    "I heard that Ye Fort is recruiting troops."


    "Oh? But isn''t that the county magistrate sitting there?"


    "I heard that Lord Ye of Ye Fort now controls Dengzhou!"


    "What, a woman?"


    "These days, whoever''s fist is hardest is in charge. Whoever''s fist is hardest is emperor."


    "Shh...don''t speak nonsense!"


    Although imperial authority no longermanded the same awe among themon people as before, it was still like a great mountain that could only be looked up to.


    He Zhou sat under the pavilion, listening to the discussions around him.


    That Lord Ye Suijin of Ye Fort was taking control of Dengzhou was no longer a secret. This news was intentionally spread by Ye Fort itself.


    He Zhou also understood, whether the new dynasty recognized this title or not, Ye Suijin was determined to grasp Dengzhou in her hands.


    If the new dynasty did not recognize her, they likely would not recognize them, these former dynasty officials either. That they could still securely serve as officials here now was not because of that new emperor of Jin dynasty in the north, but because Ye Fort holding Dengzhou.


    They were now bound together with Ye Suijin.


    "So who exactly is recruiting troops? Whose troops will those recruited belong to?"


    "Let me quietly tell you, in name it''s the Dengzhou army, but in actuality...it''s the Ye family forces."


    "If it''s Ye Fort, I''m willing to go."


    "I''m also willing. Look, those in green shirts and ck pants, you can tell they eat their fill."


    "Being fed is enough! Let''s go, join the Ye Fort troops!"


    The line in front of the recruitment registration tables was the longest.


    Green shirts manned the registration, green shirts handled the physical examinations. The disabled and sickly were rejected.


    Those selected could immediately receive a bag of settlement provisions and fifty coins, the first month''s sry.


    Fifty coins was nothing in peaceful years. But now no one thought it was too little. This money and grain could save lives.


    Outside the city gates,rge mule carts left every few hours, filled to the brim with people.


    Those first on the carts were mostly shabbily dressed, sallow and thin. Parents, wives, and children tearfully chased after the carts.


    The green shirts were helpless: "It''s just at Ye Fort, not far. Those who don''t pass probation can return. There is leave to visit family after bing full soldiers."


    The families only then somewhat stemmed their tears, and asked: "Sir, can we go visit them?"


    The green shirt said: "They won''t let you in if they don''te out. Don''t make trouble. It really isn''t far. Go to the other registration tables over there, they havend and housing cements. If it suits you, allocated farmnd means you can settle in Dengzhou.


    "Families with members enlisted get priority."


    In that moment, the crowds forgot their weeping, and hurried to inquire about the details.


    It turned out they were not only recruiting troops, but also farmers. All who could farm were allocated fields.


    Where were these fields? Not far, just the recently annexed Fangcheng into Dengzhou territory.


    Thanks to Du Jinzong''s crimes, Fangcheng was left half empty by him. All along the way were abandoned viges and wasted fields.


    Ye Suijin''s motto in Fangcheng was "Leave no living person who bears arms." Shepletely unleashed massacre, and even the town of Fangcheng was empty.


    Of course many were dragged into it.


    But Ye Suijin knew well what "being dragged in" meant.


    Once a person''s evil pus all flowed out, it became vengeful ghosts that could never be restored. So she would not allow chaos in Dengzhou, nor leave behind any chaotic bandits in Fangcheng. She squeezed all the evil pus out, precisely in order to tightly grasp and govern Dengzhou.


    What Mr. Yang did in Fangcheng was take inventory of the households, fields, and buildings. Many empty houses had floors and walls sttered inrge patches of dark red, furniture overturned, boxes emptied, bowls smashed.


    Mr. Yang was going crazy from being so busy.


    Because they were racing against the farming season - they could still nt a crop of beans if they hurried.


    The conditions for resettlement were having mutual guarantees within groups.


    Most refugees were from the same vige or n, or were neighbors from the same streets. Those who knew each other could vouch for each other. If anything happened, everyone would be implicated.


    Housing was allocated by number of heads, fields by mou per person. No taxes for the first year.


    Many hesitated greatly, looking at each other in their families, struggling to decide.


    In the end, the elderly or the wife would say in tears, "Let''s just stay, we can''t go on."


    Moreover, people''s hearts still held their hometown. Dengzhou was closer to home than the south, and who knew, maybe they could return someday.


    And so the carts carrying troops departed, and morerge mule carts carried entire families towards Fangcheng to settle.


    As for craftsmen, Ye Suijin wanted every kind.


    They were directly hauled to Ye Fort along with the carts carrying the strong youths.


    Neixiang county magistrate He Zhou stood under the pavilion gazing at the carts filled with people gradually disappearing into the distance.


    This was how many days now, how many people had been taken away.


    The people in green clothes from Yejiabao naturally had detailed data, but He Zhou didn''t care about this data. He just let out a long sigh.


    The county magistrate stood by his side, "Sir? Why do you sigh?"


    The county magistrate didn''t know why He Zhou was sighing.


    The shacks at the foot of the city wall were half empty, and there were suddenly far fewer beggars and dayborers looking for work in the streets. The pressure on him as county magistrate lightened all at once.


    The overall public security in the county town improved a lot.


    How could the county governor sigh instead?


    "I''m not sighing, just feeling emotional," He Zhou said. "A woman..."


    The county magistrate pointed in the direction of Yejiabao, "Does the sir mean her?"


    Now even Ye Suijin''s nickname didn''t dare be mentioned directly.


    He Zhou said, "I saw her when she was very young. I didn''t see her many times over the years, but I did watch her grow up. I really didn''t expect..."


    As far as he knew, Ye Suijin had never left Dengzhou.


    Also, the year her father passed away, she was only seventeen years old, and showed no abilities that were shockingly brilliant other than her famed martial prowess.


    But now, it was obvious that she had ideas about "governing".


    She didn''t just recruit troops simply. She also knew the importance of poption, knew agriculture was fundamental, knew how to deal with the imperial court above, and how to pull the tiger''s skin as a big banner below.


    This time she only collected three years worth of grain taxes for the three counties she had taken. Taxes from more than three years ago were forgiven.


    This left a way out for him and Sun Xiangxue. You can''t handle affairs in a way that kills people off, this was the lesson of officialdom.


    Not to mention others, even the Fourth Lord of the Ye family, who He Zhou had interacted with many times, didn''t have this systematic way of thinking.


    If it were Fourth Lord Ye, He Zhou could imagine that at most, he would take advantage of the cheap poption to buy more ves,borers, and expand his personal retinue, to have more thugs.


    That was it.


    While for Ye Suijin, He Zhou could only guess that perhaps inside Yejiabao, she had a good teacher.


    With the teachings of this teacher, she was transformed from a country manor lord.


    Of course He Zhou didn''t know the name of this teacher was¡ª


    Her past life.

 Chapter 29

    In Fangcheng, Du Jingzhong was lifted up by a shot from Ye Suijin, and the whole Fangcheng was overturned. The wealth Du Jingzhong and his men had umted in Fangcheng over the years through sucking human blood fell into the hands of Ye Suijin.


    Everything had already been transported back to the Ye family stronghold.


    The third son and fourth son were both summoned back to the Ye family stronghold. Only Zhao Jingwen, the fifth son, and a few others were left there to assist Mr. Yang.


    Mr. Yang personally supervised the first batch of refugees settling in Fangcheng.


    Those who arrived first gained the benefits of arriving first. The houses allocated to the first batch were mostly intact and only needed some simple repairs to be livable. More importantly, the fields allocated to the first batch were all good fields. Especially for those families with members serving in the military, they were allocated even better fields.


    Almost as soon as they arrived, after registering their houses and fields, they were immediately given farming tools and driven dazedly to the fields.


    Time waits for no one. In July, the fields were leveled for nting beans. In November, the beans would be harvested.


    If it waste, the beans would not have grown well before the cold weather came, which would affect the yield.


    After harvesting beans in Dengzhou, wheat still needed to be nted. Only after wheat was nted would the year be consideredpletely free. Then next June would be time for harvest again.


    In spring days, vegetables could be nted, but it was not as pressing.


    There was some ovep between the sowing and harvesting times for millet and wheat, so only one could be chosen. As for what should be nted in Fangcheng, Ye Suijin¡¯s intent was very firm - it should be corn.


    Because corn was the main ingredient of military hardtack.


    Properly stored corn couldst nine years without rotting or molding, much longer than other grains.


    Tangzhou was already famous for its high corn yield to begin with.


    Mr. Yang personally oversaw the proper settlement of the first batch. After smoothing out all the reception procedures, he handed things over to others there and rushed back to the Ye family stronghold on a fast horse.


    He had not had this kind of busy yet exciting feeling for a long time. Even his steps seemed to stir the wind.


    As soon as he returned to the Ye family stronghold, he grabbed someone and asked, "Where is the stronghold master?"


    Ye Suijin was at the barracks.


    The first barracks were built by the rebelling refugees who were caught during the patrol of Dengzhou.


    When a convoy of new recruits arrived, they started by lighting the stoves and eating a meal. Although it was just hardtack mixed with bran and soup with a little minced meat and bones, it was filling.


    For men who were not eating enough daily, being full felt like entering heaven.


    They wolfed the food down; it had been so long since they ate their fill.


    After eating their fill, they were assigned to squads and barracks.


    The barracks were not proper buildings, but pits dug into the ground. But experts looking at them would know: "It can make it through the winter."


    With the weather getting cooler day by day, getting through the winter weighed more and more heavily on everyone''s minds.


    After the new recruits were admitted, briefed on the rules, and assigned to squads, ten men to a pit barrack, just right for one stove, they were let to choose their own stove leaders.


    Most people came with rtives, fellow townsmen, or neighbors, so it was easy for acquaintances to elect a squad leader.


    Once each squad knew its members and barracks, they were given tools - go build new barracks!


    Pit barracks were simple in technique, mainly physicalbor, so the more people, the faster it went. The more people, the faster they were built.


    In no time, the camp was a hive of activity. No need to worry theter arrivals would have nowhere to stay.


    Ye Suijin rode on horseback, overlooking therge area of barracks already taking shape.


    The men were all bare-chested, dripping with sweat. As long as they were given enough to eat, they were willing to work hard.


    Each batch was given a quota. They just needed to finish their quota. By the time the next batch arrived, the previous batch would have already built new barracks for them and started training. Then the next batch would build barracks for the batch after them.


    This way, they didn''t need to use the existing manpower of the Ye family stronghold.


    The Ye family stronghold relied on farming to support the troops. Their own people had to finish their own farming tasks first. Ye Suijin took Fangcheng in a lightning strike precisely to avoid disrupting the farming schedule too much.


    "Mr. Yang is back?" Hearing the report, Ye Suijin immediately galloped back to the stronghold.


    Mr. Yang was already waiting for her in the study, reading the memorial that Ma Jin had brought back on her behalf.


    "Good penmanship," he praised.


    Fast horses went back and forth daily between Fangcheng and the Ye family stronghold, so both sides knew each other''s progress. Ye Suijin didn''t need to repeat it. She just exined her arrangements: "Sir and Fourth Uncle will go. I will give you a battalion of men."


    A squad had ten men. A toon had five squads. Two toons made up a battalion, which was a hundred men.


    Mr. Yang asked, "Won''t it disrupt farming?"


    "It won''t disrupt it," the Fourth Uncle Ye who was in charge of logistics replied. He was even clearer on these matters than Ye Suijin. "We hired more temporaryborers this year, and they''re cheap. Manpower is sufficient."


    Not to mention there were also the ones Ye Suijin had caught earlier. Pure freebor.


    Mr. Yang asked again, "Were taxes collected from the three counties?"


    Ye Suijin replied, "Neixiang was very obedient and submitted them the fastest. ounts were settled. Ruoxian was a bit slow but the numbers werergely urate. Just some small discrepancies being made up. No issues there."


    "On the Nanyang side, Third Brother is running a killing campaign. Yongchun, oh, Sixth Brother of the Loyal and Distant Hall, is auditing. The reports we''re getting are the yield should be even more than the past three years. They''re making them vomit up everything they''ve swallowed."


    After Ye Sang washed the Nanyang county government with blood, it was now clean and extra efficient.


    "The young people are too amazing," Mr. Yang marveled. He added, "Third Son has changed so much."


    This was his personal feeling.


    It was only after Fangcheng was settled that he was brought over. He could clearly feel the changes in the young masters of the Ye family. Ye Sang especially stood out, seeming to have just emerged from the fire like freshly forged fine steel.


    But Fourth Uncle Ye wasn''t sure if Mr. Yang saying "changed so much" was meant as praise or criticism.


    As their father, he could also sense the changes in his sons. But these kinds of changes actually made him feel somewhat apprehensive. It was only natural for fathers to feel apprehensive when they started losing control over their sons.


    But Ye Suijin simply said, "Of course, he''s my Third Brother."


    Her voice was full of pride.


    What were these little changes? Just the start, the lotus first peeking out of the water, the edge first glinting keen.


    Ye Sang of Dengzhou, Left Wing General of the Ye Family Army.


    Ye Suijin''s only brother of the main line.


    No matter how difficult the circumstances, he had never cowered or shrunk back. He had always silently supported her from behind, amodating her. No matter what decisions she made or which battle g she pointed at, he charged straight ahead without hesitation.


    He had waded through every kind of bloody battle as her dependable left and right arm.


    When the news of his death came, Ye Suijin felt her heart shatter.


    It was as if a de had shed diagonally across her shoulder, slicing off half her body.


    The steady confidence and pride in Ye Suijin''s voice strangely soothed Fourth Uncle Ye''s apprehension.


    "Don''t praise him too much. Later he won''t know his own weight," he said happily. Then he asked, "So Fourth Uncle and Mr. Yang are going to the capital. Who should we look for?"


    "No need to look. If you can enter the city, head straight for the pce. If you''re blocked at the city gates, just report your names and exin clearly you''vee to present congrattory gifts to the Emperor. The new emperor needs this the most right now."


    "For the Emperor''s side, Fourth Uncle will handle it."


    "The Emperor''s son-inw is called Fang Shuo. Mr. Yang will contact him. Fang Shuo and his wife have a good reputation. They take money and get things done, no empty promises."


    Fourth Uncle Ye burst outughing, "That''s considered a good reputation?"


    "Don''tugh, Fourth Uncle," Ye Suijin said. "When you meet those who take your money but don''t get things done, you''ll know how good Fang Shuo is."


    "That''s true. Taking money without delivering is the worst kind of bastard." Fourth Uncle Ye had to admit.


    Ye Suijin gave them a gift list to look over.


    Fourth Uncle Ye hissed, "This much?"


    He was clearly distressed about the amount.


    "Fourth Uncle, think of it as money to buy peace," Ye Suijin said with a smile. "Once Fourth Uncle visits the capital, you''ll know this money is well spent."


    Always cooped up in Dengzhou, cooped up in the Ye family stronghold, it was easy to get delusions of grandeur.


    Ye Suijin was also arranging for Fourth Uncle to go in order to broaden his horizons. When someone''s horizons expanded, their thinking would naturally change too.


    "Fourth Uncle, don''t fret about it. Don''t forget, this time in Fangcheng, we made a fortune."


    Mentioning the wealth brought back, Fourth Uncle Ye couldn''t help grinning again.


    Before attacking Fangcheng, he had only thought about expending manpower and resources. He didn''t expect they would also earn a windfall. Suddenly he didn''t feel so pained about the Emperor''s gifts: "Alright, whatever you say. When do we set off?"


    Ye Suijin looked to Mr. Yang, "Sir, do you need two days to rest?"


    Mr. Yang smiled, "Why rest? Fangcheng is just a short distance from us. Running this bit of road won''t tire me out. We can leave any time."


    He was energetic and bursting with vigor.


    Ye Suijin smiled and said, "The people and things are all prepared. Let''s set off tomorrow."


    Ye Siju said, "Why the rush?"


    He was always a little uneasy when they were busy with farm work and he couldn''t keep an eye on things.


    Ye Suijin nced at him.


    Her fourth uncle didn''t actually have big ambitions. His biggest ambition was Ye Manor - to pass on Ye Manor.


    He was a very typical man, loyal to the family business and suited to preservation. Also, since the Ye family elders had regarded him as the head of the family after the death of Ye Suijin''s father, his sense of responsibility towards Ye Manor was stronger than anyone else''s.


    Back then, when he fought Ye Suijin for Ye Manor, it was also out of this mentality as the family elder.


    Soter, when he saw the Ye family army being consumed little by little, and the younger generation falling one by one, he grabbed Ye Suijin''s hand and died with his eyes wide open.


    Did he think in hisst life that it would have been better if he had handed over Ye Manor to him back then?


    If it had been handed over to him, he would definitely have stayed holed up in Dengzhou with the n members to guard Ye Manor well as a local tyrant.


    Then he wouldn''t have gotten on Zhao Jingwen''s boat to seize power in the Central ins.


    Ye Suijin suppressed her emotions.


    "It''s better to set off early to get things done, set off early to save money."


    "If we set off early, people will still covet us. If we gote, people will be settled and won''t covet us anymore, and we''ll have to spend even more money."


    "Fourth uncle, we have to move quickly to get things done."


    "You''re right." Ye Siju stood up, "I''ll go get prepared."


    He left the study hurriedly.


    He was born sturdy, and from behind he looked broad-shouldered.


    Ye Suijin smiled as she watched his receding figure.


    When she turned her head, Mr. Yang was smiling at her while stroking his beard.


    Mr. Yang was more astute than anyone.


    But he didn''t ask her how she suddenly knew so much about the details of Beijing.


    Nor did he ask how she had suddenly let go of her resentment towards her uncle.


    As long as she was moving in a good direction, Mr. Yang didn''t think what had prompted her to take the step was important.


    The host and guest looked at each other in the sunshine for a moment, both smiling tacitly.

 Chapter 30

    The weather in July was very good, but the mood of Sun Xiangxue, the magistrate of Rang County, was not good at all. He heaved a long sigh.


    The arrears of three years of grain taxes were finally scraped together. Just thinking about how much he had vomited out, he felt a pain in his chest.


    The men sent from Ye Family Fort were supposedly there to protect his safety, but in reality they were monitoring his every move.


    Ye Suijin of Ye Family Fort was clearly just a young woman, yet somehow she was deeply versed in the ways of the dark bureaucracy. She had warned them early on, "You must not squeeze themoners any further for this. Whoever has swallowed it must spit it back out."


    Furthermore, "Those who refuse to spit it out will have their heads chopped off, and it will be dug directly from their bellies."


    From what he heard, the people in Nanyang didn''t know how fierce she was. They saw that the former Ye Sang and the new magistrate were both greenhorns, so they tried to y some tricks.


    Little did they expect that Ye Sang didn''t y these games at all. He flipped the table directly. At the first sign of trouble he enacted a killing ordinance.


    This style of conduct was exactly the same as his younger sister Ye Suijin.


    The staff of a county was always just a handful of people. With the county magistrate and sheriff killed, the rest immediately became docile.


    The taxes in Nanyang were collected even faster than in his own county.


    He was so frightened that the county magistrate and sheriff of Rang County urged him not to dy, to pay up what was owed and vomit up what needed vomiting.


    s.


    Magistrate Sun looked up to heaven and sighed deeply.


    While Magistrate Sun was sighing ceaselessly, Fourth Uncle Ye had already arrived at the capital city. He craned his neck to look at the city walls, stunned by what he saw.


    He had thought that the walls of the capital city would surely be much higher than the walls of the county towns, but he hadn''t imagined they would be so much higher, so much more massive.


    He was a man who had travelled afar, who had been to Hedong Road and seen Pingyuan Prefecture, yet he had never seen city walls so majestic.


    Fourth Uncle Ye was truly shocked.


    Now he finally understood what Ye Suijin meant.


    He had to see it with his own eyes, in order to curb his arrogant mentality and realize just how weak and insignificant Ye Family Fort really was.


    "Master Ye," an armored officer called to him, "Don''t dy, let''s hurry into the city."


    Dengzhou was not actually very far from the capital city, but the journey had not been safe. He and Master Yang brought a hundred soldiers, and they encountered problems repeatedly along the road.


    When they met the first army that looked properly regted, Master Yang took the lead in reporting their origins and purpose. To Fourth Uncle Ye''s surprise, when the other side heard their purpose, they treated them very well. That general even dispatched a contingent of men, with a lower officer to escort them into the capital.


    "To curry favor," heughed. "The hearts of all under heaven turning to His Majesty will surely delight him."


    Everything Ye Suijin predicted hade true.


    Therefore, although that lower officer looked at them as if they were country bumpkins, he still escorted them smoothly into the capital city.


    His superior had exined it clearly to him - this was a good opportunity, and rewards were sure to follow.


    They continued to receive good treatment after entering the capital city. The soldiers remained outside the city walls, while Fourth Uncle Ye, Master Yang, and some attendants were arranged to stay at the official guesthouse, with food and board provided.


    Someone came to collect the memorial and the gifts for the Emperor.


    Fourth Uncle Ye simply waited obediently, while Master Yang went out as soon as the other party left, only returningte at night.


    "Didn''t see the Imperial Son-in-Law, he''s not in the capital city right now," he said. "But I did see the Princess, and she epted the gifts."


    Fourth Uncle Ye felt uneasy: "Can the Princess aplish it?"


    Master Yangughed. "She''s even more capable than the Son-in-Law."


    The Jin Emperor favored the Son-in-Law because he favored the eldest daughter born to his original wife, loving the crow for the crow''s nest. But the Princess was the real "nest."


    Fourth Uncle Ye waited anxiously for two days before being granted an imperial audience.


    To be honest, meeting the Emperor was much simpler than he had imagined, without so much convoluted etiquette.


    This was clearly because the new dynasty had just been established, and there were too many things waiting to be handled. The Jin Emperor had not yet freed his hands to mess with these kinds of things.


    As Fourth Uncle Ye kowtowed before the Jin Emperor, he couldn''t help thinking of Ye Suijin''s words - when the Emperor frees his hands, he will bring the hammer down on these surrounding thorns who refuse to bow and dere allegiance.


    It seemed this was true.


    They hade early enough that the Emperor did seem happy.


    The Jin Emperor was a few years older than him, with greying hair and beard. A military man, he looked quite majestic.


    But Fourth Uncle Ye still remembered - the man before him had ceded the sixteen prefectures of Yan and Yun to the northern barbarians, bringing in foreign troops to help him seize the throne.


    Bah, this was a typical scoundrel who ruins his family, by the standards ofmoners.


    Fourth Uncle Ye suddenly didn''t feel the Emperor was so impressive anymore.


    Looking again, he was just an ordinary old man. His clothes were finer, his hat more gilt, the jade ques on his belt more numerous.


    He even had a big paunch. If it came to fighting on horseback with des, Fourth Uncle Ye felt the Emperor might not necessarily defeat him. Fourth Uncle Ye was still quite confident in his own martial arts skills.


    The Jin Emperor was indeed somewhat delighted, asking about the situation in Dengzhou. Fourth Uncle Ye responded ording to Ye Suijin''s teachings, weeping as he spoke: "Everywhere is in turmoil, only Dengzhou remains stable. At that time when the Xuanhua Army garrison was blown up, disorder spread through several prefectures. My family spent tremendous effort driving away as much of the chaos as we could, so Dengzhou did not fall into turmoil. After my elder brother unfortunately passed away prematurely, we younger generation knew we must defend thend for Your Majesty, and readily took responsibility wherever something happened in the counties.


    Fangcheng originally had nothing to do with us, but the situation there was truly tragic, unbearable to watch. After those rebels finished ravaging Fangcheng and leaving its people with nothing to eat, they set their sights on our Dengzhou, so we had no choice but to take action. Otherwise we would not have wished to, it was such arge territory, with themoners starving and desperate. We governing family members were also extremely anxious. I hope Your Majesty can advise what to do about Fangcheng.


    The Jin Emperor waved a hand: "Since you''ve already taken it, merge it into Dengzhou. This new head of your family, she''s only twenty years old?"


    The Princess was also present to one side,ughing: "Father, she is a young woman."


    The Jin Emperorughed. "As capable as my daughter."


    How interesting. It turns out the Emperor was just like an ordinary father, joking around with his children too.


    Fourth Uncle Ye stole nces out of curiosity, increasingly feeling that an "Emperor" was not a deity descended to earth either, but a mortal with flesh and blood like himself.


    The Princess had epted their gifts, and honorably spoke on their behalf before the Jin Emperor.


    Things went much more smoothly than Fourth Uncle Ye had anticipated.


    "Come," the Jin Emperormanded in his golden voice. "Grant Ye Suijin, Prefect of Dengzhou, establish the Dengzhou Army, to protect the local peace."


    He paused, rapping his knuckles on the armrest of his chair.


    Fourth Uncle Ye had noticed Ye Suijin make this motion several times recently. At first he thought nothing of it, but seeing this old Emperor make the same gesture, he suddenly felt a strange sense.


    Hard to describe, just a sh.


    The Jin Emperor had already considered: "Authority to wield the imperial sword, Governor of Dengzhou."


    The authority to wield the imperial sword held greater power than simply wielding or temporarily wielding the sword, permitting execution of officials below 2000-stone rank in both peace and war.


    The Jin Emperor was a wise man, and did not grant that authority, since this Ye Suijin already practically controlled Dengzhou. It would only make him look petty.


    Having just ascended the grand throne, he urgently needed to buy horses with gold, to make a disy for others'' eyes. A person so intelligent and capable should be richly rewarded.


    Fourth Uncle Ye touched his forehead to the floor: "Thank Your Majesty for your abundant grace, may you live ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years!"


    Unlike the bleak and mournful atmosphere of the Rang County administrative offices, the Nanyang County offices had practically taken on a whole new atmosphere.


    After killing the county magistrate and sheriff, manymoners swarmed in beating drums and shouting injustice. Ye Jingyi reviewed a few cases before his face turned pale with anger, directly ordering a group of yamen runners seized.


    These people hadmitted all kinds of misdeeds together with Ma Jinhui in the past.


    The entire yamen was reced with new people, except for the clerks. Even among the clerks, two were flogged with the nk before being dismissed.


    After Ye Jingyi handled a few cases, the Nanyangmoners wiped their tears and directly proimed, "Our heavenly parents are here!" They also called Ye Sang an "Underworld Vajra."


    The two young masters could kill people and handle cases without batting an eye, but they were utterly flustered by thesemoners who wept as they kneeled to thank them. One would hurry to help someone stand, only to rush and stop another from kneeling -


    "Old fellow, stop that, stop that, you''re killing us!"


    "Auntie, quickly get up!"


    "Child, don''t cry. The ones who killed your parents are dead, no need to be afraid from now on. Get up, get up, don''t kneel!"


    Ye Sang was here to protect and support Ye Jingyi.


    Ye Suijin had specially summoned him over from Fangcheng. She had exined it very clearly to him: "This is the first person from the Ye family to enter officialdom. He must take this step steadily."


    Before Fangcheng, Ye Sang would still argue with Ye Suijin about the worth of human lives. After experiencing Fangcheng, Ye Sang only gripped his sword hilt and nodded: "I understand."


    He apanied Ye Jingyi in Nanyang and stayed until July 21. The vacant positions in the Nanyang county government were filled with new officials who smoothed things over, and they could finally return to the stockade.


    Ye Jingyi saw him off respectfully: "Sang, thank you."


    Without Ye Sang, he alone as a schr could not have settled the mess in Nanyang. Even if those guards were handed directly to him, it wouldn''t work. He didn''t have the guts.


    He had also imagined many scenarios beforeing, all using his own talents and intelligence to solve potential problems.


    Only after arriving here did he realize the many tricks in officialdom that could easily y a neer like him round and round, especially since the county magistrate and county captain were local veterans of many years, not moved for decades, deeply rooted.


    While he was still angry and helpless, the Third Son from the main family had already drawn his sword.


    The obstacles in front of him thus disappeared.


    At that moment, Ye Jingyi understood.


    His past arrogance and talent were soughable. As an individual in the world, no, just for a small Nanyang county, he was so insignificant and powerless.


    But with the Ye family stronghold at his back, it was different.


    This was the meaning of ¡°n.¡±


    "Sang," Ye Jingyi looked at Ye Sang and affirmed, "You''ve changed a lot."


    As nsmen of the same generation, they didn''t often y together, but they knew each other. Or perhaps the Third Son from the main family didn''t know him, but he certainly knew the Third Son.


    Steady and prudent ¨C this was how the elders described him.


    To put it simply, he was honest and dull, didn''t talk much, a simpleton.


    But the steadfast, honest Sang that he saw in Nanyang acted with such cold ruthlessness that he was shocked, overturning all his previous impressions.


    Hearing this, Sang lowered his eyes for a moment, then smiled and said, "And you, Yongxiu, how have you not changed?"


    In his heart, Ye Jingyi had always been a quiet, weak, book-loving nsman. Among the many nsmen, he did not stand out.


    Over the past half month, Sang had seen with his own eyes how meticulous and thoughtful he was, had seen his pair of eyes deepen day after day from innocent simplicity.


    Removed from the secluded and refined study, thrown into the dye vat that was Nanyang, the simple schr had to face tedious trivial affairs and sinister human hearts that battered him every time he opened his eyes.


    It could be said that in the first few days, he was almost pressed to the ground and given a beating. Sang was even a little worried that he couldn''t endure it.


    But this n brother gritted his teeth and persisted. By the time Sang cleared the obstacles for him, he was like a changed man.


    Sometimes Sang also marveled at how Aunt Ye could pick the seemingly mediocre Ye Jingyi from the nsmen as the vanguard to take this first step.


    Her appointment was not without dissenting voices. His father had quietly told him before leaving for the capital that some elders in the main family were quite dissatisfied with Ye Jingyi''s appointment.


    After all, it was the position of county magistrate! Just given to a young member of a branch family like this!


    Clearly there were still so many seniors in the n, which one was not more experienced than the young Ye Jingyi. Who could be convinced?


    But Ye Suijinpletely disregarded them. Once she had made up her mind, no one could shake it.


    Fortunately, his father supported Aunt Ye.


    His father said, "She has a point, youths have the momentum. If it was left to me, there would certainly be many faces I can''t slight, inevitably constrained. The county judge and county captain are local veterans of many years, not like impermanent officials, deeply rooted here for decades."


    His father also said, "What Aunt Ye said about reserving the main family''s sons for the army is absolutely right. What''s a county magistrate? We can still take it whenever we want with the Ye family stronghold. Nowadays, official seals are not mightier than fists. Just for that one sentence from Aunt Ye, I trust her." It was great that his father and Aunt Ye were of one mind.


    Ye Jingyi smiled and asked, "Is everything still going smoothly at home?"


    Within one province,munication was convenient. Every day there were fast horses going between Ye Sang and Ye family stronghold.


    Ye Jingyi had known all along that his every response and action here each day were reported to Ye Suijin. Though Aunt Ye did note in person, she had been keeping an eye on him from afar.


    Fortunately, with Ye Sang''s support, he had endured.


    Although his entire being had been drained and reassembled, never to return to the past, Ye Jingyi had a strong sense that the path had just begun at his feet.


    "The new troops have already started training," Sang said. "I have to hurry back. Beforeing, Aunt Ye said to save me a spot. We''re going to lead the new recruits ourselves."


    Ye Jingyi apologized, "It''s me who dyed Sang."


    But Sangughed and said, "There are priorities, Nanyang was more urgent. With you taking this first step, from now on everyone will know what to do."


    The unintentional outline of the future in his words caused Ye Jingyi''s chest to swell up.


    The two brothers said farewell outside the county city. Just as Sang was about to mount his horse to return to the Ye family stronghold, the sound of galloping hooves suddenly approached. A Ye family courier hade again. Had something happened?


    "Sang!" Seeing them, the courier swiftly reined in his horse and jumped down, bringing good news. "Fourth Uncle has returned!"


    Hearing this, they were both invigorated and quickly asked, "Did it seed?"


    "Sess, sess!" As this was a glorious event for the entire Ye family stronghold, the courier was still excited. Seeing the busy traffic at the city gate, he raised his voice and loudly proimed, "The Emperor personally appointed our Lord as the Chief Inspector of Dengzhou!"


    "With authority over Dengzhou!"


    Manymoners at the city gate could understand appointment as an inspector, but not thetter sentence, and they buzzed in discussion, asking each other.


    Until a schr eximed: "Good heavens!"


    "The Lord of Ye Stronghold, made Governor of Dengzhou!"


    "Authority over Dengzhou!"


    The city gate immediately erupted inmotion!


    Ye Sang and Ye Jingyi exchanged a nce, both seeing the light in each other''s eyes.


    Inspector plus Governor, full civil and military power grasped in Ye Suijin''s hands.


    Ye Suijin, Ruler of Dengzhou!


    In name and reality!!

 Chapter 31

    Zhao Jingwen''s fingertips were still trembling. The excitement still had not faded.


    His wife Ye Suijin was now the Inspector and Military Governor of Dengzhou!


    It still felt like a dream.


    He had been left behind in Fangcheng by Ye Suijin to first assist Mr. Yang. He really learned a lot of pragmatic things from Mr. Yang.


    Later, Mr. Yang left and went to the capital with Fourth Uncle Ye.


    Fangcheng was very busy and chaotic, but he liked it because there was work to do. More than being busy, he feared even more being idle in Ye Manor, bing a useless son-inw who just ate and did nothing.


    - People need to have things to do in order to demonstrate their value and have opportunities to gain power or status.


    Before leaving, Mr. Yang had expressed approval of his ability to get things done.


    Zhao Jingwen''s observant eyes had long noticed Ye Suijin''s different attitude towards Mr. Yang now. When working for Mr. Yang, he never cked off.


    He was not surnamed Ye, and did not have the natural confidence of the young masters of the Ye family. So he had to work hard in every way, to let others know he was good.


    But Mr. Yang had left, the important figure was gone, and the matters of Fangcheng had be endless repetitions, losing meaning and bing useless.


    Zhao Jingwen really wanted to go back to Ye Manor to return to Ye Suijin''s side. That was where the core of powery.


    But Ye Suijin had only summoned back Third Son Ye.


    Every day there were messengers going back and forth between Fangcheng and Ye Manor delivering news, but Ye Suijin seemed to have forgotten about him.


    Today, news from the capital arrived that everything Ye Suijin had requested, the Emperor had granted!


    The people left in Fangcheng were bursting with excitement. The five brothers came to find him, "Brother-inw! Go quickly and congratte Sixth Sister on our behalf!"


    How could Zhao Jingwen miss this opportunity? He immediately agreed, "Alright! I''ll go back right away!"


    Riding a fast horse, he galloped at full speed, his heart filled with longing, his horse''s hooves like thunder, and arrived back at Ye Manor that afternoon.


    The entire Ye Manor was filled with joy.


    Even the gatekeeper of the Ye household congratted him when taking his horse, and told him, "Third Young Master only just returned this noon!"


    NanYang was closer than Fangcheng, so it was clear Third Son Ye had also hurried back upon receiving the news.


    Zhao Jingwen walked quickly towards the inner manor.


    Third Son Ye had returned earlier than Zhao Jingwen.


    When Fourth Uncle Ye saw him, he giggled.


    Third Son Ye: "?"


    Since his younger brother Fifth Son was still in Fangcheng, he had no one to ask what madness his father was up to again.


    Fourth Uncle Ye couldn''t hold it in, and took the initiative to tell him, "Sixth Sister appointed me Deputy Executive Attendant! Heeheehee!"


    The Deputy Executive Attendant was basically the deputy of the Inspector.


    Alright. Third Son understood, his father was ted.


    He went to see Ye Suijin in the study, with Fourth Uncle following behind, chatting excitedly all the way: "You don''t know what the capital is like!"


    "Ah, the city walls are so high!"


    "Ah, the imperial pce is so big!"


    "The Emperor gave us a lot of rewards, this trip was profitable, we even earned some!"


    After returning, Fourth Uncle Ye had already been surrounded by many people asking about all sorts of things regarding the capital.


    He was very happy to talk about it.


    Only the matter of "the Emperor is actually just an ordinary man" was kept in his heart. After all, he understood this was not something that could be casually mentioned, or others would think him arrogant.


    But when Third Son Ye asked about meeting the Emperor, Fourth Uncle Ye still couldn''t help whispering to his own son, different from what he said to others, "The Emperor isn''t that evil, he''s also human. The princess also takes money to get things done, just like the concubines of the Inspectors in the past. When your Second Uncle and I were fighting with the Chen family overnd in the past, we also went to the Inspector''s concubine to get things done. She was also very trustworthy, as long as we gave money she would get it done, just like the princess..."


    Third Son Ye found it both funny and absurd, yet also real.


    In just over a month, it seemed the world in his eyes hadpletely changed.


    Or rather, it was he who had changed, and was looking at the world throughpletely different eyes.


    Ye Suijin and Mr. Yang were in the study, with Duan Jin standing by her side in attendance.


    Even though the study now had new servants to handle brush and ink, tea and water, and to clean and tidy up, Duan Jin was always by Ye Suijin''s side whenever Third Son Ye noticed.


    But Duan Jin had also grown up watched by him, and was intimate with him. In Third Son Ye''s eyes, he was certainly more trustworthy than some others.


    As for the so-called others...he specifically meant Zhao Jingwen.


    Unable to even write two Ye characters properly.


    There were many servants in Ye Manor, intricately interconnected with their ownworks of rtionships.


    Zhao Jingwen often secretly defamed Fourth Uncle Ye to gain favor with Ye Suijin, which did not escape notice. Third Son Ye more or less knew some of it.


    He just didn''t bother with it.


    Ye Suijin was very happy to see Third Son Ye: "Third Brother!"


    The delight in her eyes when she saw her fourth uncle and third brother could not be faked.


    It was very obvious Ye Suijin did not believe those nders. Third Son Ye felt gratified.


    Third Son Ye first congratted Ye Suijin on her imperial appointment as Inspector and Military Governor: "...At that time the city gates were buzzing with excitement. Themon folk were so happy."


    The Ye family had taken control of Dengzhou, and had done practical things, acting for themon people. Now that Ye Suijin had the formal title and official post appointed by the Son of Heaven, of course themoners were happy for her.


    Ye Suijin sighed, "In the minds of themon folk, there still needs to be an Emperor."


    No matter how the Emperor changed, or how weak some specific Emperor might be, the existence of the "Emperor" itself still held an unchanging position in the hearts of themon people.


    Wasn''t that only natural?


    Mr. Yang, Third Son Ye, even Duan Jin gave her strange looks.


    They didn''t know Ye Suijin had shared a bed as consort to an Emperor for over twenty years, and had long ago lost any awe towards the "Emperor" in her heart.


    Only Fourth Uncle felt a twinge of resonance.


    Third Son took a seat, and Duan Jin personally poured him tea.


    Ye Suijin then asked about affairs in NanYang.


    She received daily reports on major events in NanYang, naturally she was clear. But the specific details at the time, how the decisions were made, Third Son slowly recounted, giving a sense of being there at the scene, with thrilling danger.


    Duan Jin standing with hands sped behind Ye Suijin could also feel the difficulties Third Son had faced at the time.


    Mr. Yang stroked his beard and smiled.


    Only Fourth Uncle Ye felt distressed for his son: "He''s gotten thinner!"


    He had run all the way to the capital and hadn''t lost any weight, had even gained some weight there, while his son had been worn thin taking care of things at NanYang right outside their door.


    Ye Suijin''s eyes shone gently.


    The peace and growth of her brothers of the same generation brought her a sense of fulfillment that could not be expressed in words.


    If everyone could live on like this, safe and sound for a lifetime, then just staying peacefully in Ye Manor would also be fine.


    After finishing talking about NanYang, Third Son Ye nced at Ye Suijin''s desk: "I''ve been wondering since just now, what''s this for?"


    On Ye Suijin''s desk, four teacups were inverted.


    Ye Suijin tapped each tea cup in turn: "This is grain, this is horses, this is cloth, this is ironware."


    Ye Suijin''s fingertips gently circled the bottom of the cups.


    "The remnants of Former Liang fled to the roads within the passes, and the Emperor sent his son-inw and sons to pursue and kill them. The northern barbarians took the sixteen prefectures of YanYun and still greedily eye the south, always wanting to take another bite when the chance arises. The Emperor brought wolves into his home and now suffers the bitter consequences, anxiously guarding day and night unable to rest easy."


    "By taking the initiative to surrender, it also eased the Emperor''s worries, which is good for both sides. For the time being, everyone can live in peace."


    "I''m afraid there won''t be such good times again in the future, so we must solidlyy our foundations now. That will require manpower, grain, money, horses, cloth, iron, salt... I''m discussing with Mr. Yang about where to obtain these things."


    Third Son Ye couldn''t help but ask: "How many people do we have now? Isn''t Dengzhou enough to feed ourselves?"


    The grain taxes of the three counties had been made up in full. In NanYang he and Ye Jingyi had cracked down hard, extracting nearly all the arrears of the past chaotic years. Why was it still not enough to feed the Ye family army?


    "There are currently 2,700 men under arms, and recruitment continues with ns to expand to 3,000," Ye Suijin said. "But in the future, it may not be enough."


    She continued, "People will grow more and more numerous, expenses will berger andrger. If we don''t n well now, it will be difficultter."


    Two thousand seven hundred men, Ye Manor had never had so many servants and retainers. Yet Ye Suijin''s meaning was that this was just the beginning.


    Third Son Ye unconsciously held his breath.


    Fourth Uncle Ye smacked his lips.


    But Ye Suijin did not continue on this topic.


    She took out a paper and gave it to Third Son Ye: "Take a look at this."


    Third Son Ye looked closely: "Oh, I''m a General now?"


    Fourth Uncle Ye proudly said: "I''m the Deputy Executive Attendant, Deputy Military Governor."


    On the paper were listed the structure of Dengzhou administration.


    Ye Suijin was appointed Inspector and Military Governor of Dengzhou,manding the Dengzhou army.


    Fourth Uncle Ye was appointed Dengzhou Deputy Executive Attendant and Deputy Military Governor.


    Mr. Yang was appointed as the militarymander, with Ye Suijin cing him under hermand. The others were also assigned official positions. The whole army consisted of the main branch of the Ye family, their retinues, and the household guards who had served them for many years.


    Third Son Ye noticed that even Duan Jin had been given the title of Supervising Colonel to Apany the Army, but he still could not find Zhao Jingwen after looking over the list a second time.


    Ignoring Zhao Jingwen for now, he nced up at his own father. His father was grinning from ear to ear.


    He looked to Ye Suijin and said, "My father..."


    He understood this arrangement well enough.


    Ye Suijin stated directly: "Fourth Uncle will be my second inmand for both military and political affairs. If anything happens to me, he will take over to ensure the people''s loyalty to the Ye family does not waver."


    Fourth Uncle Ye choked out indignantly: "Cough! Don''t spout nonsense, bah!"


    No one knew when it started, but he no longer had any intention ofpeting with Ye Suijin for power. All he hoped for now was that his niece would be well. With everyone following her lead, it felt like the path ahead was growing wider. "Fourth Uncle, there''s no need to avoid the subject. This is just a precaution." Ye Suijin''s mouth quirked up arrogantly as she continued, "I''m certain I will live well, and live even longer than you."


    Mr. Yang and Duan Jin both guffawed loudly.


    Third Son Ye alsoughed despite himself.


    Fourth Uncle Ye: "Bah! Bah! Bah!"


    Just as the atmosphere was bing harmonious, a servant came in to quickly report: "An urgent letter has arrived from Ruan County. The messenger is waiting outside."


    "Oh?" Mr. Yang was surprised. "What business does Ruan County have?"


    Ye Suijin''s brows furrowed slightly.


    The brief illusion that "everyone will be fine if we all stick together in the Ye family stronghold" vanished. The state of the world would not be peaceful and joyful just because she had been reborn.


    She had been waiting for this for a long time. It was finally here.


    This year, rebellious troops from the southwest had been harassing Ruan County, looting some goods before quickly retreating. Ye Suijin had been busy quelling the internal turmoil in various parts of Deng Prefecture, so she did not intervene. This led to repeated harassment by rebels afterwards.


    The Ye family felt that leaving this unchecked would give the impression that Deng Prefecture was easy to bully. But at that time, Ye Suijin did not have the capacity to deal with it personally, so she made a decision.


    She decided to send Zhao Jingwen to represent her in resolving these rebellious troops from the southwest that dared to disturb Deng Prefecture.


    That was the first time Zhao Jingwen led troops independently and marched out of Deng Prefecture.


    This was the starting point of everything that happenedter.


    And then came all that followed.

 Chapter 32

    Zhao Jingwen hurried back to Ye Family Fortress, full of joy. Rushing in, he ran into someone and grabbed them, asking, "Where is my wife?"


    The servant said, "Young Master is back. The mistress is in the council hall. Please go quickly, Young Master."


    Daily affairs could be handled in the study. Only big matters required gathering people in the council hall.


    Zhao Jingwen asked, "What happened?"


    The person said, "I heard Ruan County was attacked."


    Zhao Jingwen didn''t want to miss any council discussions, so he hurried over.


    The backbone of Ye Family Fortress gathered in the council hall, listening to a report from Ruan County.


    "We don''t know which family it was, but they looked like defeated soldiers. Our county magistrate organized the local militia to resist them. When they saw they couldn''t seed, they cursed and ran off, but they harassed many vigers along the way. Some men were killed and wives and daughters taken away."


    "The county magistrate didn''t dare send people to pursue them, so he specially came to report to you."


    It seemed in just one day, everyone in Deng Prefecture had changed how they addressed Ye Suijin.


    Now except for Ye family members still calling her "Sixth Sister," servants calling her "Mistress," everyone else uniformly called her "Your Ladyship."


    No one called her "Fortress Master" anymore.


    Everyone adapted extremely quickly.


    This was when the people of Ye Family Fortress were most spirited. How could they allow outsiders toe and bully them? Hearing this, many said, "We can''t ignore this."


    "We can''t let people think Deng Prefecture is easy to bully!"


    Previously it was "our Ye Family Fortress." Now it had be "our Deng Prefecture." The responsibility on their shoulders instantly became heavier.


    Mr. Yang said, "First we need to figure out what exactly happened over there. Where did these peoplee from? Jun Prefecture or Xiang Prefecture?"


    In such chaotic times, ces changed hands frequently.


    But Ye Suijin knew it was Xiang Prefecture¡ª


    The Pei family was fighting with Xiang Prefecture over territory. This was just a scattered group of Pei''s defeated soldiers.


    But right now, news from Ye Family Fortress was still very closed off, at most only knowing the situation in neighboring areas. Further ces were unclear.


    So at that time, they decided to send someone "out" to investigate.


    Ye Suijin had personal motivations and wanted to give her husband a chance, so she let him go.


    In a sh, she heard Mr. Yang saying, "...We can''t just watch the heavens from the bottom of a well. We have to at least know a little about the situation with our neighbors. Now, Your Ladyship is master of Deng Prefecture. Everyone must understand that things are different than before."


    Ye Suijin nodded. "What Mr. Yang says is right. We need to know what happened over there. Will those mene back again? Are there others behind them?"


    Fourth Uncle Ye said, "Exactly. Our Deng Prefecture can''t let anyone bully us now. Anyone who dares make trouble for us, we have to beat back. Once our reputation spreads, others won''t casuallye to bully us."


    Third Son Ye eagerly volunteered, "Sixth Sister, let me go."


    Ye Suijin''s lips parted slightly.


    Last life, this was Zhao Jingwen''s opportunity. His life embarked from here and he rose higher and higher.


    But now Zhao Jingwen was in Fang City.


    Perhaps this was fate. Just as Ye Suijin was about to agree to Third Son Ye''s offer, a guard came to report, "Master Zhao has returned."


    The council hall''s screens were all open, and afternoon sunlight nted in from right to left.


    The airborne dust was divided into light and shadow.


    With this report, it was as if time froze.


    Ye Suijin looked up.


    Ye Suijin had always known that the entanglement between her and Zhao Jingwen across two lifetimes would eventually end.


    She had never figured out how to end it.


    But now, arriving here, she made a decision.


    "Have hime discuss matters together." She told the guard.


    She turned and said to Third Son Ye, "Military training is more important. Third Brother has to stay. They''re just a mob. Let Jingwen go."


    Marriage is aplex tangled ball that you only understand once you''ve experienced it. It''s absolutely not as simple and straightforward as one plus one equals two, two plus one equals three.


    Twenty years as husband and wife, sharing the same bed.


    Relying on each other back-to-back in life and death struggles, walking through difficult times together, bearing setbacks and failure together.


    Later, each had their own interests and sat down to meticulously haggle and not concede an inch.


    They had resented and cursed at each other, schemed against each other.


    But when he lost his child, he would cry covering his face in front of her.


    She would also hand him a cup of hot tea.


    The decline of Ye family was due to her, not Zhao Jingwen. She was the one who led them down the path of contending for the realm, from which they could not turn back.


    Duan Jin also did not die by his hand, but due to political schemes.


    Having reached the position of Empress, Ye Suijin would no longer treat political schemes as personal grudges. Love was a trivial matter, interests were most important.


    Zhao Jingwen was not an enemy or foe. He and her had contention over interests, as well as cooperation over interests.


    She had to admit, Zhao Jingwen was a capable man.


    Being in the midst of itst life, she still held some resentments. But having reborn and looking back, she could actually see more clearly, and was even convinced of her loss.


    Last life, Zhao Jingwen still made her Empress in the end, always treating her as the principal wife.


    This life, she would also give him a chance.


    Let him go.


    If he was a real dragon, he could soar to the ninth heaven by himself.


    Only Ye Family Fortress would absolutely not be the pnquin bearers lifting him up as a footstool again.


    If he had the ability, he could sit on that supreme position again by his own effort.


    The rules in the council hall and study had be very strict now, requiring announcement and permission before entering.


    Zhao Jingwen was not unhappy about this, instead feeling Ye Suijin ought to establish rules like this. After being granted permission, he hurried in.


    Stepping into the hall, all eyes turned to him.


    Third Son Ye had already instructed the servants not to tell Fourth Uncle Ye about Zhao Jingwen applying medicine to his eyes in front of Ye Suijin.


    Fourth Uncle Ye didn''t know Zhao Jingwen had always worked to sow discord between him and his nephew. Now that he was reconciled with Ye Suijin, he looked on Zhao Jingwen favorably too.


    Moreover, now that Ye Suijin had the emperor''s conferred title, as her husband Zhao Jingwen also rose with the tide. Whether they liked him or not, they had to give Ye Suijin face.


    ¡ªEveryone knew Ye Suijin doted on this son-inw very much. In food, clothing, and provisions, she always gave him the best grade. And didn''t allow others to disrespect him for being a son-inw.


    Of course, no one knew the Ye Suijin before them now had a different soul, and was no longer the young Ye Suijin harmonious with her husband like lovebirds.


    Stepping into the hall, Zhao Jingwen cupped his fists. "Wife, I''ve returned. Everyone."


    Fourth Uncle Ye was the first to greet him. "Jingwen is back. Do you know the good news?"


    Zhao Jingwen smiled. "I rushed back to congratte my wife on the joyous news."


    This really was fantastic news for Ye Family Fortress. Everyone smiled.


    Ye Suijin also smiled slightly.


    Zhao Jingwen went to sit in his seat and asked, "I just heard Ruan County was attacked?"


    Quickly trying to integrate into the discussion.


    Ye Suijin nodded. "We''re discussing this matter. Since you''ve returned, you''ll lead people to go investigate."


    She concisely told Zhao Jingwen about the situation, saying, "First, go look at the damage to Ruan County. Second, pursue them if you can, kill them if you catch them. Third..."


    She looked deeply at Zhao Jingwen.


    Deng Prefecture didn''t have such stability at this timest life. She had just defeated Du Jinzong and was cleaning up the mess in Nanyang and Fang City.


    When Zhao Jingwen went, he handled things very beautifully.


    Her requirements of him were just to drive off the mob and maintain Ruan County''s order, but he took the initiative to go further.


    This trip...


    "Third," she said, "Go investigate what exactly happened. Whether it was Jun Prefecture or Xiang Prefecture that rebelled."


    Zhao Jingwen didn''t expect to be given a task as soon as he returned.


    He had actually rushed back for military training.


    He saw very clearly that county magistrates, prefects, military governors, you had to have soldiers in hand to have a say.


    The one with the most soldiers under heaven could be Emperor.


    It was this simple.


    He had anxiously returned wanting to find a suitable position for himself. Some things were just one person one slot. Recently Ye Suijin didn''t seem to listen to him much, instead being close with the Ye family members, her intentions to promote her n brothers were too obvious. He was afraid if he wasn''t by her side, there would be no good positions leftter.


    How could he have known Ye Suijin wanted to send him out as soon as he returned.


    Zhao Jingwen was somewhat unwilling in his heart, as training the troops was the major event at present. But for some reason, the look in Ye Suijin''s eyes seemed full of anticipation as she gazed at him. She hadn''t looked at him that way for a long time.


    There was nothing more important to him in this world than not disappointing Ye Suijin.


    Zhao Jingwen immediately agreed, "Alright."


    Ye Suijin nodded and specially told him, "I''ll give you apany of troops. Take Xiang Da and Ye Mancang with you."


    In their previous life, she had squeezed out three hundred men and four officers for him. This life she cut that all in half - one hundred soldiers, two officers, to let him fool around with as he wished.


    Xiang Da and Ye Mancang were among the first to follow him and were the most loyal to him.


    As for Xiang Da, fine. But Ye Mancang had been granted the Ye surname as a servant. Later in the capital, whether in the pce or on the streets, Duan Jin had never so much as nced at Ye Mancang.


    Of course by then Ye Mancang had already changed back to his original surname.


    Letting those two follow Zhao Jingwen again this life, whoever was willing to follow Zhao Jingwen to the end could go.


    If they were fated to have no bond, there was no use in forcing it.


    But apany was a hundred men. Last life, despite tight manpower, she had still squeezed out three hundred for Zhao Jingwen.


    She wouldn''t do that this time.


    One hundred men, to let him take as far as he wanted to go.


    Giving him these hundred men and allowing him to go, the two of them as husband and wife would clear their obligations to each other in this life, with nothing owed between them.


    Zhao Jingwen just happened to return and happened to arrive in time for the Rancheng county incident, so Ye Suijin assigned him to handle this matter.


    The appointment seemed natural, and no one thought much of it, including Zhao Jingwen himself.


    Only Third Son Ye gave him an extra look.


    After the council dispersed and there was no one around, Third Son Ye said to his father in the corridor, "Big sister''s list of appointments didn''t include Zhao Jingwen."


    "Huh? It didn''t include him?" Fourth Uncle Ye said in surprise. "I thought I saw everyone''s names. You must have missed it, how could he not be there?"


    Third Son Ye affirmed, "I didn''t miss it. I looked twice, he definitely wasn''t there."


    "Strange. Even if someone was missed, it shouldn''t have been him." Fourth Uncle Ye stroked the back of his head and suddenly said, "Is Suijin deliberately avoiding suspicion?"


    If the genders were switched, Zhao Jingwen would be the "wife".


    No high official could give an appointment to the "wife".


    That seemed usible.


    But Third Son Ye said, "Even A Jin has a rank of Captain."


    Fourth Uncle Ye was unconcerned, "Why make a fuss over so much? Don''t interfere randomly in other people''s marital affairs. Your uncles and brothers all have official positions, Suijin has arranged things perfectly, I don''t see any issues."


    The elders who had previously voiced some objections over Ye Jingyi being appointed as the county magistrate of Nanyang were now all satisfied as well.


    "Especially you. Among your brothers of the same generation, they are all Captains, while only you are a Colonel, on equal standing with your uncles. It shows Suijin understands things clearly in her heart," Fourth Uncle Ye waved his hand, "No need for you to say more."


    Third Son Ye nodded and didn''t continue on the matter.


    Fourth Uncle Ye said, "Let''s go, I''ll take you to see the new recruits!"


    Compared to anything else, this was the important thing. Third Son Ye walked faster to keep up.


    Ye Family Fort originally had 1,200 robust youths on the registers of itspanies, equivalent to a Deputy General''s office. After recruiting for a month, it had now expanded to 2,700 robust youths, an increase of 1,500 people.


    In terms of military power, it had doubled.


    Third Son Ye rode his horse and followed Fourth Uncle Ye to the new recruit camp.


    At a sweeping nce, it took his breath away.


    The dugouts were low, but extremely neat, in rows and columns.


    It was already evening now. The new recruits had just finished training and were dismissed, and were now preparing dinner.


    The "stove" was a pit dug outside the dugout barracks door on the left side, the same for each one.


    Even the smoke from cooking rose in lines and columns.


    No matter what, once in formation and with scale, and so neat, it made people involuntarily filled with awe!

 Chapter 33

    "A flue was built here that could be used for heating in winter. The whole room became warm, simr to a heated brick bed or hypocaust." Uncle Ye Si pointed at the dugout and said.


    Ye Lang looked into the distance from horseback, finding it a bit hard to believe: "We had just started digging before leaving for Fangcheng..."


    Yet now it was already on such arge scale.


    Uncle Ye Si chuckled: "With manpower, it naturally progresses quickly. Those who arrived earlier built shelters for those who cameter. As more people kepting, construction sped up. By the timeter arrivals got here, it was already finished. Even now, not all the living quarters are upied."


    Father and son dismounted, walking among the barracks.


    The smell of cooked rice wafted from the quarters everywhere.


    The young robust men had just finished military drills. Some wore sleeveless shorts while others exercised bare-chested. Finding a spot near the dugouts, they squatted and ate with gusto, the food aroma lingering!


    Their dark backs showed traces of dried sweat.


    "Look at them, so skinny when they first arrived! Faces pale as vegetables." Uncle Ye Simented, "Now take another look."


    Many were visibly more muscr.


    Eating their fill and intense training will naturally strengthen the body.


    Ye Lang walked through the barracks and saw some who had finished eating were fetching water.


    Deng Prefecture had four rivers, an ample water supply. It was easy to build waterways and dig wells. Uncle Ye Si had people dig wells first to locate water sources before deciding the final locations of the barracks.


    The men carried buckets of water and poured them over themselves, washing away sweat and grime. After a day of training, having eaten their fill, they even had energy left to joke and fool around.


    The smell of food mixed with male sweat diffused in the air.


    The water vapor from their washing floated around.


    Walking among them, Ye Lang could feel the power.


    The power of Fort Ye.


    "Father," he stopped and said to Uncle Ye Si, "Sixth sister is more capable than anyone else at managing the household. We should listen to her."


    Uncle Ye Si put his arm across Ye Lang''s shoulders and huffed: "As you say."


    Ye Lang smiled in the evening glow.


    Duan Jin finished dinner and drew a basin of water from the vat to wash up in the yard.


    The once skinny youth had also grown sturdier day by day.


    Seeing this, his dorm mate who just returned from dinner was surprised: "Brother Jin, you''re back so early today?"


    Lately Duan Jin had beening back veryte every day. It was odd to see him back so soon.


    Duan Jin grunted in acknowledgement: "Not much to do today."


    Noticing his subdued mood, the other asked: "What''s wrong? Did someone upset you?"


    Duan Jin said: "No one."


    Another chimed in: "We all know you got promoted to Captain. Why the long face when you should be happy?"


    Duan Jin scoffed: "You''re the long face! You''re the donkey face!"


    Hispanions guffawed loudly.


    After drying himself, Duan Jin got dressed.


    His friends surrounded him, trying to get on his good side: "We heard they''ll be selecting personal guards soon. They get different treatment in food, clothing, and supplies. With our rtionship, don''t forget to put in a good word for us to get in."


    Duan Jin scolded him: "Then you better practice hard. No skills means no good."


    The other stuck out his neck: "If my skills are no good, no one in this dorm dares say they have better skills!"


    Moreughter ensued, with some friendly shoving and banter.


    After enough fooling around, someone still envied: "Brother Jin, you''ll be different from us from now on."


    They were still department attendants and servants, though some also served as junior stewards. Duan Jin on the other hand, was already an apanying Captain.


    He had an official position!


    Duan Jin said: "So what if I''m a Captain? Even if I be a General, I''m still the master''s servant!"


    The group guffawed: "Whoa! Already thinking of bing a General!"


    Duan Jin went back to his room, took out some money and said: "Go on, take this to buy wine. I''m treating. Stop bothering me."


    They leftughing.


    After shutting his door, Duan Jin leaned back against it.


    It was different indeed.


    He could sense it clearly.


    His dorm mates who he had lived with for so long still only thought of bing personal guards, getting better treatment, bing stewards.


    Yet now his mind was filled with - military drills, logistics, taxes, Deng Prefecture''s defense ns, provisions, metals, soldiers, armors.


    Ye Suijin kept him by her side all the time.


    She taught him when alone, and let him observe and listen when with others.


    She taught him everything, academics and martial arts.


    She even taught him thest two forms of the Ye family spear. No one else had learned them except him.


    But if you asked him, he actually just wanted to be the attendant always by her side, listening for her call, the groom holding her horse, the guard protecting her safety. Yes, that would be enough.


    He just wanted to be her person for life.


    But she didn''t seem to allow him to be satisfied as just a messenger boy or horse-holding killer. She appeared to have high hopes for him. What exactly did she want him to be?


    Duan Jin didn''t understand.


    He rubbed his hair in frustration.


    It wasn''t exactly frustration for no reason. He knew in his heart - Zhao Jingwen''s return was what frustrated him.


    He knew this was wrong.


    He was just Ye Suijin''s servant. Zhao Jingwen was Ye Suijin''s husband. What right did he have to be jealous of Zhao Jingwen?


    Yet he was jealous.


    Previously he could bury this jealousy deep, even deceiving himself it didn''t exist.


    But as the days passed, the clearer he felt the subtle intimacy between him and Ye Suijin that couldn''t be put into words, the more he resented Zhao Jingwen.


    Just now, his friends hadughed at him for wanting to be a General.


    What ambition was there in wanting to be a General? His master was already the ruler of Deng Prefecture. If things kept going like this, he would surely be a General one day.


    It was just a natural progression.


    If you wanted to talk about ambition...


    The intense physical longing for her that exploded within him day and night, now that was true ambition.


    Ye Suijin finished washing up and saw many items on the table, all brought back by Uncle Ye Si, imperial gifts from the emperor.


    They were all fine things. As Uncle Ye Si said, not only did they not lose out, they even gained.


    The maids smiled as they surrounded her: "Mistress,e see."


    The maids around her weren''t fools. They still sung praises. After all these were from the capital, bestowed by the emperor. None were ordinary.


    "Mistress, look at this." A maid blew on the sable fur, creating a swirl. "So nice."


    This quality of sable fur was rare in the central ins. Ye Suijin knew with a touch: "This is from the northern barbarians.


    The feel was really good. This emperor she had never met before seemed to be a generous man.


    After all, he could even cede the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun.


    Ye Suijin said: "Perfect. Make a sable fur cloak for Ah Jin."


    As soon as she spoke, the previously lively room suddenly quieted.


    Ye Suijin looked up in surprise to see the maids giving her strange looks.


    She suddenly realized her slip of the tongue. In the past, any nice item, her first thought was always to give the best to Duan Jin.


    She had momentarily forgotten that was in her past life. Duan Jin''s current status was right before them. No wonder the maids were taken aback.


    "Nevermind, he''s still young." Ye Suijin took back the sable fur with a smile and said, "Go, give this to Fourth Uncle instead."


    The maid epted it with a smile: "I''ll go."


    She was around the same age as Duan Jin and they grew up together. Very familiar with each other.


    By now, the maids who had been with her were all married off. Ye Suijin couldn''t remember who she had married, just that it seemed to be a decent match.


    She was probably married this year.


    Duan Jin at the same age never married, remaining single his whole life.


    The head maid went to Duan Jin''s residence holding the knife.


    The youths in the residence were extremely attentive when they saw her. The head maid nodded and smiled as she went straight to knock on Duan Jin''s door: "Why are you sleeping so early after shutting your door? Get up, the mistress has a reward for you."


    As soon as the word ¡°master¡± left her mouth, Duan Jin opened the door, ¡°Who¡¯s sleeping? Are you reading?¡±


    The maid tutted as she stepped into the room.


    Duan Jin quickly pushed open the window and left the door ajar before saying, ¡°Let me see it quickly.¡±


    The maid handed him the knife, ¡°Here. This was brought from the capital by the Fourth Master, a gift from the Emperor.¡±


    Who cares about the Emperor, the key was that Ye Suijin took the Emperor''s gift and gave it to him.


    Duan Jin¡¯s face lit up as he epted it.


    Seeing that he hadn¡¯t made his bed yet, and there were indeed books on the table, the maid sat on the kang and flipped through them, ¡°You really are reading?¡±


    Duan Jin drew the knife, ¡°They¡¯re military books, don¡¯t mess with them.¡±


    Military books were precious items in the Ye family, only the Ye family members could get their hands on them. The maid knew better than to touch them, and quickly retracted her hand.


    She nced at Duan Jin, and was stunned.


    She knew Duan Jin had attended the Ye family private school since childhood to serve the young masters, and went to school with them. She didn¡¯t know the master would even lend him military books to bring back and read.


    No wonder he wanted to close the door.


    Duan Jin brandished the knife, happily proiming, ¡°What a good knife!¡±


    The maid said, ¡°It was gifted by the Emperor, how could it not be good?¡±


    Duan Jin put away the knife and enthusiastically took out some dried fruits and snacks from the cab to treat the maid, ¡°Eat, sister.¡±


    Calling by name meant no business, calling sister meant he wanted something.


    This fawning meant he certainly had a request.


    The maid scoffed, ¡°Humph.¡±


    Sure enough, Duan Jin asked, ¡°What did everyone else get?¡±


    The maid said, ¡°The Emperor gifted fine sable fur, master had it sent to the Fourth Master.¡±


    Duan Jin praised, ¡°The Fourth Master is an elder, it''s appropriate.¡±


    Zhao Jingwen often spoke ill of the Fourth Master behind his back, but it didn''t get past Duan Jin.


    Whoever Zhao Jingwen didn''t like, Duan Jin liked.


    Moreover, he could see that regardless of the past, Ye Suijin now had truly let go of resentment and was sincerely getting along with the Fourth Master.


    In fact, whether others noticed or not, Duan Jin felt she clearly favored the Fourth Master over Zhao Jingwen.


    The maid said, ¡°I don¡¯t know about anything else, I brought you the knife right after I got it, I don''t know how master distributed the other things.¡±


    So first she rewarded the Fourth Master, then immediately rewarded him.


    Duan Jin asked, ¡°What about Master Zhao?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Master Zhao went out and hasn¡¯t returned yet,¡± the maid said, ¡°Humph, Master Zhao is her husband, what does heck?¡±


    As she spoke, she suddenly recalled earlier when Ye Suijin picked up the sable fur, instead of thinking to make something for her husband, she actually wanted to make a cloak for Duan Jin.


    She paused and asked, ¡°I heard Manager Li asked Manager Qin to propose a marriage for you?¡±


    Duan Jin admired, ¡°Your news is quite well-informed.¡±


    He hurriedly added, ¡°I refused, and didn¡¯t spread it around. They don¡¯t know who was proposed.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± the maid said. ¡°It was the Li family daughter herself who cried and secretly told others, then it spread from one person to another until it reached my ears.¡±


    The maid said, ¡°You look down even on the Li family, who are you looking for?¡±


    Duan Jin tossed a dried fruit and caught it in his mouth, ¡°Don¡¯t you worry about me. Us men aren¡¯tte marrying even at thirty. But you¡¯re over half a year older than me, howe you haven¡¯t settled your engagement? Hurry up, if you find a good match seize it, don¡¯t let all the good ones get taken by others. We¡¯re all familiar, it would be awkward for me to snatch back a groom already taken by an acquaintance.¡±


    Speaking of herself, a girl couldn¡¯t bear it. Blushing furiously, she spat at him and fumed off, ¡°I¡¯m leaving!¡±


    Duan Jin smiled as he saw her out.


    In the narrow outer corridor, Duan Jin said, ¡°Really, hurry and pick, don¡¯t regret itter.¡±


    His face was unexpectedly somber.


    They had known each other since childhood, he hoped she could marry well.


    The maid raised her hand, ¡°Looking to be beaten?¡±


    Duan Jinughed as he fled back inside.


    The maid cursed and lowered her hand, alsoughing.


    Reaching an empty part of the corridor, she stopped.


    The master even gave him military books.


    The master¡¯s favoritism towards him was obvious to anyone with eyes.


    In the first round of appointments, he was on the list and already had official status.


    What kind of woman would he marry in the future? Definitely not a lowly maid like her.


    The girl lowered her head and wiped her eyes.


    After a long while, having collected herself, she continued on, once again the capable head maid at the master¡¯s side.


    Many sought her hand in marriage!

 Chapter 34

    It waste when Zhao Jingwen hurried back to the main house. He should have returned early to be intimate with Ye Suijin, but Ye Suijin had assigned him a pressing new task that required him to depart the next day.


    This was the first time he would independently lead so many troops, so he had to finalize details with several leaders tonight to ensure a smooth deployment tomorrow.


    What surprised him was Xiang Da''s hesitation when he went to find him. Given Zhao Jingwen''s rtionship with him, even that brief hesitation was unexpected.


    But Zhao Jingwen was not angry. He too wished to remain by Ye Suijin''s side. It was unsurprising Xiang Da felt the same.


    People always aimed high.


    Now, Ye Suijin was the pinnacle of the Ye Family Fort, the apex of all Dengzhou.


    "Brother Xiang is a captain now, congrattions," he said. "It must be due to your exploits at Fangcheng. We must go out and aplish things to have opportunities for merit. Staying home will not make honors fall from the sky."


    With that, the hesitation vanished from Xiang Da''s face. "Exactly."


    The family steward Ye Mancang revealed his envy, repeatedly rubbing his legs. "What a pity I wasn''t called to Fangcheng. That brat Duan Jin is a captain now."


    Zhao Jingwen had not seen the appointment list, nor had Ye Suijin mentioned anything to him. He only just learned of Xiang Da''s captaincy from Ye Mancang.


    He was intrigued but did not want to directly ask about his own appointment. He simply smiled approvingly, "Duan Jin performed remarkably at Fangcheng. My wife noticed too."


    Xiang Da and Ye Mancang nodded. "Of course, Awang, Aquan, Fortune, Bounty, Celebration, they''re all captains now!"


    These were all household servants who had followed the campaign against Du Jingzhong at Fangcheng.


    Hearing this, Zhao Jingwen grew more curious but suppressed it. After finalizing tomorrow''s affairs, he calmly left.


    But he did not return to the master bedroom. He went to Ye Suijin''s study instead.


    Since the new rules were instituted, the study required reports by day and was locked at night, with guards on duty for all twelve hours.


    Arriving sote, it was naturally locked. Zhao Jingwen had the guard summon a clerk and asked, "Isn''t the list of appointments in the study? Bring it out for me to see."


    The boy replied, "Master Zhao, please wait while I fetch the key."


    When the key was retrieved and the door opened, Zhao Jingwen stepped forward to follow him in, but the clerk blocked his path, "Master, no one may enter without the mistress'' permission, those are the rules."


    Zhao Jingwenughed, "I''m not just anyone."


    But the boy insisted, "The rules say no one."


    With the guards watching, it would be unseemly to argue with a clerk.


    Zhao Jingwen still remembered how Ma Jinhui''s authority in Nanyang had copsed. He could not let things escte like that.


    So he stepped back and gently praised, "You''re right, go on, I''ll wait here."


    From the corner of his eye, he saw the guard also rx.


    This document was not ssified. Copies had been made and distributed today. Many people had it, since sries would be issued ordingly. More urgent now was procuring official uniforms, name tes, banners, rosters, and so on.


    The boy was quick. He swiftly retrieved a copy and handed it to Zhao Jingwen, "Here''s a transcription, Master Zhao."


    Zhao Jingwen folded it into his robe. He tossed the boy a silver coin and patted his head, "You did very well, guard the study diligently like this, don''t let people in casually."


    Delighted, the boy clenched the coin and puffed out his chest, "Never! Brother Jin repeatedly taught me, even if Master Zhaoes, don''t let him in casually!"


    The patting hand paused.


    Then patted him again, and Zhao Jingwen left.


    Once alone, he unfolded the list bymplight to scrutinize it.


    Third Son Ye had read it twice. Zhao Jingwen read it three times but could not find his own name.


    Yet from the list, he clearly saw the contours of the Ye Family Fort''s future power structure.


    The main house Ye n were favored, with uncles and elders granted posts, mostly the lowest roaming general, but that still merited the title of "General". The low rank was clearly to allow room for promotion.


    The young masters of the same generation were made captains. Tenth Son had the lowest miridional captain.


    Others were fruit captain, vice captain, or miridional captain, vice captain.


    Two individuals stood out: Fourth Uncle Ye and Third Son Ye.


    Ye Suijin had ced them in unique positions, clearly signaling that without her, the Ye n would be led by Fourth Uncle and Third Son. A group''s core session ensured stability, preventing rapid copse after a leader''s death.


    Fourth Uncle and Third Son, one had seniority, one was trusted. As father and son, together they offered ample stability.


    Clients were simrly arranged. Mr. Yang was made marchmander, clearly favored.


    Finally were the household stewards. Those who had followed the Fangcheng campaign were all attending captains now. Lower than the young masters, but now had origins.


    Among them was, unsurprisingly, Duan Jin''s name.


    Yet through it all, he, Zhao Jingwen, could not find his name!


    His wife Ye Suijin had excluded him from Dengzhou''s future power structure.


    In the night, Zhao Jingwen badly wanted to crumple the paper, but endured and neatly folded it into his robe before hurrying back to the master bedroom.


    Fortunately Ye Suijin was still awake.


    Her cascading ck hair draped over her shoulders as she leaned against the headboard reading something.


    The goat hornmp illuminated her face hazily, gentler than her looks by daylight. Her eyebrows and eyes were beautiful, her lips full.


    Three years into their marriage, whenever Zhao Jingwen saw his noble, lovely wife, he still felt a deep intoxication.


    What virtue or ability did he, Zhao Jingwen, possess to have won such a wife?


    "What are you reading?" he asked, going over.


    Ye Suijin looked up. "You''re back? Got everything settled?"


    "Don''t you trust me to handle things?" Zhao Jingwen pretended to scold.


    ncing at the papers on the headboard, they were all routine reports from the four regions. Especially numerous from Nanyang and Fangcheng.


    Rather than needlework and housekeeping, she spent her days pondering these matters of governance.


    Ye Suijin smiled slightly. "Go wash up. I left hot water for you."


    Zhao Jingwen spoke affectionately, "Wait for me."


    Of course, to be intimate after their brief separation.


    But after swiftly washing and getting into bed, Zhao Jingwen embraced her and kissed her hair, then held her and said, "Suijin, I saw the list of appointments, how could you leave me out?"


    His tone was light, as if making casual pillow talk between husband and wife, both stating andining.


    ttery was easy.


    But previously, Ye Suijin never needed to tter anyone.


    Exercising her skills now was amusing.


    Zhao Jingwen forced augh. "Uncle, Third Son, everyone, they''re your family. Why make distinctions?"


    "That''s different. As head of the Ye n, all those surnamed Ye are public. Only you are private, only you are mine alone." Ye Suijinzily reclined.


    Zhao Jingwen was silenced.


    He could not find words to retort.


    All he could do was lie down.


    Ye Suijin rolled over to face him. "What''s wrong? Unhappy?"


    She knew perfectly well.


    But Zhao Jingwen hadmitted all kinds of unsavory acts. Ye Suijin had barely begun.


    The apprentice had seen the master''s tricks.


    Zhao Jingwen stared at the tent ceiling, feeling dejected as he said, "Everyone else has an established background, yet I''m just a nobody. In the future, I''m bound to be looked down upon by others."


    Ye Suijinughed and said, "Who would dare look down on the bedmate of the military governor of Dengzhou?"


    Zhao Jingwen felt utterly miserable!


    With words like these, wasn''t she just nailing him down in the identity of a mere "bedmate"?


    Even worse was the implication in her words that not just this once, but for a long time toe, he could only ever be a "bedmate" and not gain achievements and reputation like other people in the Ye''s stronghold.


    Zhao Jingwen was extremely anxious.


    It could be said that this was the first major problem he had faced since bing Ye Suijin''s husband. He had never felt so distressed before.


    Yet Ye Suijin seemed to be in high spirits, running her warm palms over his chest and abs, caressing him.


    Zhao Jingwen knew that at times like these, the best thing he should do was to make passionate love to her.


    Making love was the best way for two people with no blood rtion to be intimate and fuse their beings.


    But Zhao Jingwen was feeling anxious inside, and though he tried to embrace Ye Suijin and kiss and caress her, he just could not get aroused.


    Fortunately, Ye Suijin seemed tired as well, letting out a big yawn and patting him as she said, "Let''s sleep."


    Zhao Jingwen felt relieved inside, and carefully held Ye Suijin in his arms, patting and soothing her until she fell asleep before gently letting go.


    Lying back down and gazing at the dim ceiling, he himself could not fall asleep.


    If he could only ever be a "bedmate", then Ye Suijin would look down on him for the rest of his life.


    How Zhao Jingwen desperately wished that Ye Suijin would see him as an equal.


    He didn''t even dare fantasize about being looked up to. Just being seen as an equal would be enough, truly enough. He would bepletely satisfied.


    But how could he achieve this?


    Zhao Jingwen felt lost about the future.

 Chapter 35

    Ye Suijin slept very soundly. She had a regr schedule and naturally woke up when it was light. She didn''t need to get up right away, just wake up slowly.


    Zhao Jingwen also woke up and turned over to hold her.


    The morning tent was filled with an ambiguous atmosphere.


    After a while, Zhao Jingwen rolled over on top of her...


    Waking up this way in the morning was quitefortable and pleasant.


    The young man''s body was firm, his skin tight.


    Ye Suijin gently stroked his muscr back, the texture was excellent.


    This is probably thest time, she thought.


    When he leaves today, their lives will likely fork apart.


    Before leaving, Ye Suijin gave Zhao Jingwen a box.


    Zhao Jingwen asked: "What''s this?"


    He opened it and saw a sh of gold. He was surprised andughed: "No need to bring so much travel money, right? I already put some in the baggage train."


    Ye Suijin said: "Better to be rich on the road, take it with you."


    At least in their past life, Zhao Jingwen had never been stingy with her in this regard. The best things were always first sent to the imperial pce.


    Zhao Jingwen just liked to present the best things in front of her.


    He also generously rewarded the Ye family, though he held power tightly, he was not miserly in granting them wealth and nobility.


    Zhao Jingwen was generous, Ye Suijin could not be petty.


    Zhao Jingwen felt warmth in his heart, Ye Suijin still cared for him after all, though her status prevented her from formally taking him as a husband or granting him titles.


    He held Ye Suijin''s hand: "Leave outside matters to me, don''t worry."


    Ye Suijin didn''t speak, just squeezed his cheek and smiled.


    Zhao Jingwen mounted his horse, taking Xiang Da, Ye Mancang, and the hundred men Ye Suijin gave him, and set off vigorously after bidding farewell to Ye Suijin.


    He had just realized, since he couldn''t rise up internally, he should seek external development instead. Being sent abroad was good for him after all.


    In any case, he, an outsider, could not intervene in the Ye family. So it was better to take a good look outside.


    It was an opportunity.


    Ye Suijin rode on horseback watching the hundred plus people depart into the distance.


    At this point, their lives diverged.


    Zhao Jingwen, from now on, we will each rely on our own abilities.


    It had been two lifetimes.


    She had always known what Zhao Jingwen wanted from her - he thirsted to stand tall before her, he thirsted for her recognition and praise, he even thirsted for the day she would look up to him.


    But that was impossible.


    It was impossible in their past life, and even more impossible in this life.


    In this life she had given him gold, but did not even give him a Ye family rifle.


    After all, Ye Suijin was not the Ye Suijin who had once wholeheartedly devoted herself to her husband. She only wanted a clear conscience, with no debts between them.


    With a flick of the reins, Ye Suijin turned and headed back to the fortress without lingering.


    After subduing the county magistrates of the various counties, Ye Suijin had begun establishing postal stations within Deng Prefecture''s territory, ensuring fastmunication between Nanyang, Ruan, Neixiang, and Fangcheng with Ye Family Fortress.


    If fast horses ran urgently at about 100 li per day, messages from any corner of Dengzhou could arrive at Ye Family Fortress within a day.


    Four dayster, Zhao Jingwen sent word.


    He had already discovered the trail of the rogue soldiers and was chasing after them. It seemed they would leave Dengzhou''s borders, so he specially sent someone to report to Ye Suijin not to worry.


    Six dayster, he sent over twenty severed heads of the rogue soldiers.


    Fourth Uncle Ye said: "Jingwen handles things cleanly."


    Teacher Yang asked: "Were you able to find out their background?"


    The scout reported: "They were from Xiangzhou."


    The scout said: "Sir Zhao interrogated them and found out they had been following a general around Yangcheng. That general lost a battle at Mount Xie. Some of them got captured by the other side, the rest scattered and turned into roaming soldiers and bandits, wandering to Ruan County."


    He reported the name of that general, one they had never heard of before.


    Now thend was filled with people calling themselves "General". Du Jingzhong in Fangcheng was the same.


    It could be said, big and small, genuine and fake, generals were everywhere.


    Ye Suijin led the scout: "What about the other side?"


    Scout: "Still unclear. The ones interrogated didn''t know either. Sir Zhao said they were useless now. We are few in number and can''t spare men to bring them back. And they had killedmoners in our Dengzhou too, so he beheaded them."


    Teacher Yang asked: "Why didn''t Sir Zhaoe back?"


    The scout said: "We only ran into a small group. There''s probably a few hundred of them total, scattered around. Sir Zhao said, we''vee all this way already, might as well clean up as many as possible, to avoid them harassing Dengzhou again some day."


    Ye Suijin and Teacher Yang both nodded.


    Zhao Jingwen''s thinking was right. In fact, early on in their past life, Ye Suijin had ignored that small group at first. It was because of repeated harassment that she eventually sent Zhao Jingwen to deal with them.


    Ye Lang was already looking at a map, locating Yangcheng and Mount Xie: "Not too far from us. It''s good for Jingwen to go clear them out."


    Ye Suijin''s gaze also fell on the map, but skipped over Yangcheng and Mount Xie.


    Ye Lang followed her line of sight and asked: "Sister, what are you looking at?"


    Ye Suijin was looking at the intersection between Xiangzhou, Junzhou, and Fangzhou, in the area between Mount Xie and Zhijing River.


    She also knew who had defeated this rogue general - Pei Lian''s father Pei Ze, the son of the former Sword South Circuit protector.


    When his father passed away, Pei Ze was still too young. His father''s deputy Wang Rong had seized power in Sword South Circuit. The same one who now imed himself emperor in the Shu region.


    Wang Rong had even obtained recognition from the court at the time, and received an appointment decree. He got his appointment in a simr way to Ye Suijin.


    Anyway, Pei Ze had a rough time those years, fleeing in panic during the unrest. He was constantly chased and killed by Wang Rong''s men, living as a fugitive.


    Later, when Wang Rong was purging Pei family remnants in Sword South Circuit, another group fled Sword South Circuit. They found Pei Ze and took him as their leader. The two groups merged and settled in the intersections between Xiangzhou, Junzhou and Fangzhou, between Mount Xie and Zhijing River. By now Pei Ze probably upied half of Fangzhou.


    But his wife and daughters had been abandoned at the time. Later his wife disappeared, likely dead.


    The two-year-old Pei Lian was protected by two loyal servants as they drifted for years before finally finding her father, suffering great hardship.


    Pei Ze always felt guilty for abandoning his wife and child in his panicked escape that year. Although heter had a son, he still doted on Pei Lian exceptionally, aspensation.


    So when she came looking for himter, Pei Ze couldn''t refuse Pei Lian''s insistence on taking Zhao Jingwen as husband, even though he already had a wife. She loved Zhao Jingwen deeply, and would not give him up even if it meant sharing a husband. Pei Ze had no choice but to acquiesce.


    And Ye Suijin - Zhao Jingwen begged her for forgiveness and entreated her endlessly. He also persuaded her on the benefits of an alliance between the Ye and Pei families.


    Moreover, Zhao Jingwen promised she would be the primary wife and Pei Lian a concubine.


    Pei Lian was also seduced by him into agreeing.


    The Ye family leadership only had one woman, Ye Suijin. The men didn''t really see an issue with a man having multiple women.


    Moreover, Ye Suijin was barren and could not bear children with the Ye bloodline. No matter how many children Zhao Jingwen had with others, it was unrted to the Ye Family Fortress, which would not change surnames. Sacrificing Zhao Jingwen''s fidelity in exchange for an alliance with the Pei family seemed beneficial for the Ye Family Fortress at the time. Better than the two families fighting over a man.


    Even Fourth Uncle Ye agreed then.


    Only Teacher Yang was clear-headed at the time, advising her to break ties with Zhao Jingwen.


    But she couldn''t do it.


    Ultimately, things progressed down the path Teacher Yang had predicted early on.


    Relying on both the Ye and Pei families, Zhao Jingwen drew nourishment from both.


    From relying on both families, he changed to controlling both families.


    His rise also sealed Ye Suijin''s inability to withdraw. Otherwise, the Ye Family Fortress would lose its heritage.


    Worse, there were others on board who were also frantically investing. She didn''t want to lose or be seen as the loser who let the other be the big winner, so she invested even more.


    She was the primary wife. Pei Lian bore a son. Both felt they were in too deep to withdraw from the boat.


    The art of rulership lies in checks and bnces. Zhao Jingwen was naturally skilled in this, early on applying the ruler''s techniques on the two wife tribes of the Ye and Pei families.


    Gradually, the power dynamic inverted and the secondary became primary.


    With his own power, Zhao Jingwen went from relying on both families to controlling both families.


    His rise also sealed Ye Suijin''s inability to withdraw. Otherwise, the Ye Family Fortress would lose its heritage.


    Ye Suijin could only grit her teeth and persist until she could apany Zhao Jingwen as he ascended the steps to the throne.


    She had thought that by bing Empress, she would not lose out.


    But when she thought about it, she realized that she, along with Pei Lian, had lost.


    The only winner was Zhao Jingwen.


    "We must defend Dengzhou," Ye Suijin said, turning her gaze from Mount Ju to the waters of Zigui. She took the slender wooden rod from Duan Jin''s hand and drew a line southwest of Dengzhou.


    This was actually the issue they had been discussing in the study before being interrupted by the scout Zhao Jingwen had sent back.


    "No matter who the enemies are, since they''ve already attacked Xiangzhou, we must guard against their advancing on Dengzhou," she said.


    What she really wanted to guard against was Zhao Jingwen.


    Given Zhao Jingwen''s personality, he would have gone to investigate Fangzhou even in their past life. In this life, she hadn''t even left a ce for him in Dengzhou''s power structure. With his intellect, he would certainly take advantage of this independentmand to seek opportunities elsewhere.


    Would he encounter Pei Lian again?


    Ye Suijin couldn''t guarantee anything else, but she could guarantee that if Zhao Jingwen met Pei Lian again, he would still be able to entrance her and cloud her judgment. In fact, Pei Ze also liked him very much, seeing him as someone with great potential.


    Pei Lian''s younger brother was still young, and Pei Lian was a woman, so Pei Ze had always wanted to find someone to support his son. He had taken in many sworn brothers, but Zhao Jingwen, his son-inw, was clearly closest to his heart.


    Ye Suijin suddenly understood how Zhao Jingwen had beguiled Pei Ze.


    Naturally, it was with the same method he had beguiled Ye Suijin - at the Ye family stronghold, he had talked about the benefits of an alliance with the Pei family, and at the Pei family, he had naturally spoke of how an alliance with the Ye family would allow him to help his young uncle-inw.


    This must also have been an important reason why Pei Ze was willing to invest in him.


    But in this life, Ye Suijin would never make the same choice as in their past life.


    When she decided to send Zhao Jingwen to Guan County just as she did in their previous life, she had already made her choice.


    In this life, she chose to sever all ties with him.


    Since this was the case, she had to guard against Zhao Jingwen colluding with the Pei family to the detriment of Dengzhou.


    "Alright, we can do that," her fourth uncle said. "Now that we''re free for the moment, go ahead and busy yourself with it."


    The busy farming season in July was finally over. Even Fangcheng had sessfully rushed to nt a crop of beans.


    The next busy period would be in November to harvest the beans, then they would enter the winter farming off-season.


    August, September and October in between were quite rxed.


    "The new recruits have also trained for a month now," Ye Suijin said. "It''s time to review their progress."


    Thus, in the new recruit camp, someone came to pass on Lady Protector Ye Suijin''s order: the new recruits'' first major assessment, those who did not pass would be eliminated.


    The recruits buzzed in discussion. Having eaten their fill for so long, some were unhappy. "Why are we still being eliminated? Everyone has been turning up for drills on time, no one has been cking off."


    Just as they were grumbling, someone suddenly said, "Do you think you were recruited just to show up and monkey around for drills?"


    Everyone looked over at the voice, and saw a young man in brocade robes steadying himself with a hand on his saber hilt as he stepped forward.


    With straight shoulders and piercing eyes, every inch of him radiated an aura of sharpness.


    This youth was always by the Lady Protector''s side. Despite his young age, he possessed an air of vigor equal to the Ye family scions.


    He already held the rank of Attendant Counselor of the Forces, an official position.


    Everyone recognized him as Duan Jin, who was said to have been raised by the Lady Protector.


    At his words, the crowd quieted.


    "The elimination is for your own good," Duan Jin said. "We don''t give you full meals every day just so you can show up and look good at drills. Don''t forget, we recruited you to be soldiers for fighting on the battlefield in the future, to win glory and promotion through martial valor."


    "Those eliminated at the major assessment will be people who would just get hacked down with one stroke on the battlefield," he said coldly. "If you want to die, feel free to fail the assessment and stay loafing around the barracks. Battles are about sacrificing lives. You can throw yourself forward to block the enemies, so yourrades can kill enemies and earn deeds."


    Everyone kept their mouths shut now, no longer daring to speak.


    Ever since the Lady of Ye Castle, Ye Suijin, had taken charge of Dengzhou, recruiting troops, settling refugees, organizing rush nting - the whole of Dengzhou had taken on an air of peace and order.


    It was true they had forgotten themselves after eating their fill for so long.


    Soldiers were meant for fighting wars.


    Wars meant death.


    No meal came free.

 Chapter 36

    "Duan Jin." Duan He called out to Duan Jin and caught up with him.


    Duan He was from the Xuanhua Army.


    Duan Jin naturally did not know anything about past lives, he only knew that when they set out earlier to attack Fangcheng, Duan He had stepped forward to speak, catching Ye Suijin''s eye. She had specifically asked him to bring Duan He to her side.


    Duan Jin followed beside Ye Suijin, and would pay attention to anyone Ye Suijin paid attention to.


    He had been observing Duan He for a while, and found him to be quite congenial. As expected, he would like whoever his mistress liked.


    Except for Zhao Jingwen.


    Duan He caught up andplimented: "I really didn''t expect that, Young Master Duan is so young, yet so eloquent."


    Duan Jin smiled and said, "I was raised to be a messenger for my mistress, how could I not be eloquent?"


    Duan He reminded him: "Young Master Duan is already a Captain, you may call yourself ''Sir''."


    Duan He was not the first person to tell him this.


    Duan Jin cast a sideways nce at him in the wind.


    "Even this captain position was given by my mistress," he said, "Without my mistress, I am nothing, I may not even survive. Whether I live or die depends on her."


    "What''s wrong with calling her ''Mistress'' for a lifetime?"


    Duan He stroked his nose to dissolve the awkwardness, andughed: "Young Master is loyal, the Madam will surely see it."


    This sentence touched Duan Jin''s heart deeply.


    He pulled Duan He along: "Come, let''s go drink in my room."


    Duan Jin did not use to need to consider interpersonal rtionships before.


    He grew up by Ye Suijin''s side since he was little, and was favored by her. He was also handsome and eloquent. In the entire Ye Family Fort, he was well-liked by all.


    The Ye family elders saw him as a clever and delightful servant boy, the children of the Ye family grew up with him as ymates.


    The stewards gave him face.


    Someone so well-liked like him never needed to specifically curry favor with anyone.


    It was Zhao Jingwen who taught him a lesson.


    Duan Jin would pay special attention to anyone Ye Suijin paid attention to, how could he not pay attention to Zhao Jingwen? He had always been observing Zhao Jingwen, analyzing his behaviors.


    Zhao Jingwen''s actions in winning over the guests'' and family retainers'' hearts did not escape his eyes.


    Observing out of personal motivations, and pondering meticulously, when he grasped some insights on conducts in life, he was not ashamed to learn from someone he disliked.


    Everyone had their strengths, if Zhao Jingwen had no strengths, how could he stand by his mistress'' side?


    But in the Ye manor, most people he sincerely admired were of high status, it was not his ce to get close with them. Those of ordinary status rarely caught his eyes.


    On the contrary, this Duan He who had caught Ye Suijin''s eyes did not look bad to him, and he was interested in getting close with him.


    Duan He''s thoughts were simr, he also wanted to get close with this intimate attendant of the military governor.


    Furthermore, this person was not one of those useless sycophants, despite being young, he was clever andposed, his etiquette and speech were all excellent,parable to the young masters of the Ye family. In the previous battle at Fangcheng, his military achievements were also real.


    Wherever the military governor was, Duan Jin would be there. Not only could he enter the council hall, it was said that in the military governor''s study, the only person in the entire Ye Manor who could enter without announcing, was Duan Jin alone.


    Or to put it another way, in the entire Deng Prefecture, only he had that privilege.


    Now, Duan He was definitely not the only one who wanted to get close with Duan Jin.


    Duan Jin was apparently happy to get close with him, so how could Duan He not go along?


    The two went to Duan Jin''s residence, just in time to meet a maid from Ye Suijin''s room bringing a package to Duan Jin: "Mistress asked us to sew these clothes for you. Hurry and take them, they are so heavy I''m exhausted."


    The package was not small, Duan Jin quickly took it over.


    The autumn outfits in the manor had just been distributed not long ago. Although Duan He was a personal guard and not part of the manor servants, seeing many servants wearing new clothes, he knew about it too.


    This package that was delivered was clearly special treatment beyond the norm.


    He eyed it and saw that Duan Jin was clearly very ustomed to this kind of preferential treatment beyond the standard. He did not even ask "Why are there clothes again" at all, but instead asked: "Why did youe? Where is Qiuqiu?"


    This maid was a little younger, Qiuqiu was a few months older than Duan Jin. Back then they had learned the rules together and grew up together, and were very familiar with each other.


    Although Qiuqiu was now a senior maid beside Ye Suijin, usually when sending things to Duan Jin, she would personallye over.


    The little maid giggled: "Sister Qiuqiu got engaged, these days she''s hiding away shyly."


    Duan Jin sighed: "She''s settled down? Who''s family did she get engaged to?"


    "It''s Brother Xiaoliang, Steward Qin''s son."


    "That''s great, Liang is very reliable in his work, in the future he can also be a steward. Wait for me a moment."


    Duan Jin apologized to Duan He, and hurried into the room first to take out a purse with some loose silver: "I''ll give a gift for the engagement, to buy her candy to eat. Oh yes, when is her wedding day?"


    "It''s said to be this time next year. She''ll lead us for one more year."


    "Then tell her, at that time I''ll give her a big silver bangle, nice and thick, to add to her dowry." The little maid left cheerily holding the purse, and Duan Jin only invited Duan He into the room after that, to sit on the kang. He took out some snacks and wine to entertain him.


    Duan He looked around the room, it was tidy and the cabs were still wrapped in copper corners.


    Even the steward''s room was just like this.


    Moreover, as he looked around, he saw: "You live alone?"


    The other rooms had open windows, you could see that there were several people sharing each room.


    Duan Jin''s eyes lit up: "That''s right, I''m different. I grew up at Mistress'' knees."


    Just now at the barracks, he had been cold-faced and stern, able to restrain many grown men despite his young age. But now he acted like an innocent and naive youth.


    Duan He saw through it clearly.


    Because Ye Suijin was also only around twenty years old.


    There was still a very obvious gap between a seventeen or eighteen year old girl and a twelve or thirteen year old boy. But the gap between a twenty year old woman and a fifteen year old adolescent was not so big.


    Especially since Duan Jin was tall, clearly well-fed and well-dressed, his physique was sturdy and agile. Seen from behind, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his build waspletely like a grown man already.


    These many preferential treatments beyond the norm would surely cause envy and even resentment, and invite unfavorable gossip.


    But just looking at Duan Jin''s devotion in serving Ye Suijin, Duan He felt that Ye Suijin''s doting on this youth was justified.


    Duan He did not point it out and just poured some wine with Duan Jin, toasting by the window.


    Smart people got along well with other smart people, it was rxing.


    "I''m young, elder brother need not be so polite with me, just calling me Duan Jin will do," Duan Jin said, "I''ve always wanted to ask elder brother, before Fangcheng, have you been on the battlefield before?"


    "I''ve suppressed bandits before."


    Duan Jin''s eyes lit up: "I knew it, one look and I can tell elder brother is no novice."


    Duan He also had to boast: "After all, we''re from the Xuanhua Army."


    Not some misceneous army, but the formal army of the previous dynasty.


    Then Duan Jin discussed the battle at Fangcheng with him, analyzing the situation at the time.


    Speaking of the battle at Fangcheng, Duan He mmed the table: "I must say, our Madam is truly worthy of being a general''s daughter. That was her first time leading troops in actualbat right? Myself and some veteran brothers from the Xuanhua Army have discussed, every arrangement she made, there were barely any mistakes. If there were, it was because the men below had no battlefield experience, were nervous in their first battle, it was absolutely not Madam''s problem."


    Duan Jin was even happier than being praised himself, his handsome face glowed: "Of course."


    The two used snacks, dishes, and wine cups to recreate the terrain, and analyzed in great detail. They talked enthusiastically for a full half a shichen.


    When leaving, Duan He was already arm in arm with Duan Jin: "Let''s meet at my home another day, I''ll have my wife stew a chicken, and I''ll invite some brothers over, we can have a great time drinking."


    Because it was in the Ye manor, even Duan Jin only dared to drink a little, and did not dare get drunk.


    Duan Jin agreed with smiling eyes, and also wrapped up some pastries for him to bring back to the kids. Duan He did not decline either, and thanked him with a smile as he epted it.


    Duan Jin sent him to the back door of the Ye manor. Duan He marveled: "Deng Prefecture is clearly bing more and more peaceful and prosperous, it would be even more stable if Madam could have another son soon. I hope Young Master Zhao returns soon."


    The sky darkened.


    Duan Jin hid his expression in the shadow of the eaves, and justughed as he punched Duan He''s shoulder: "Don''t worry yourself over it."


    Duan Heughed: "You''re right."


    Drawing the guards'' pay, but loyal to the military governor at heart.


    Duan Jin returned to his room alone to tidy up the cups and dishes.


    Ye Suijin had actually already reviewed the battle at Fangcheng with him before. Many things in military books need to be experienced like this to truly grasp them.


    But Ye Suijin''s perspective waspletely amander''s perspective, which was why Duan Jin looked for Duan He to review it again, to think through the gains and losses repeatedly from the perspective of a low-ranking soldier. It was indeed very helpful.


    He now understood those textual things more deeply.


    Waging war, it really was a very interesting thing.


    But Duan Jin''s good mood was ruined by Duan He''s big mouth before leaving.


    The fact that Ye Suijin had decided not to have children was not widely known. Apart from her immediate family, only a few trusted people knew about it. Both Duan Jin and Qiuqiu were among those trusted people.


    Thinking of Duan He''s words, Duan Jin felt very conflicted.


    She felt sad that Ye Suijin could not have her own children - all women want to have kids, right?


    But there was also a secret sense of relief that Ye Suijin would not give birth to Zhao Jingwen''s children.


    Otherwise, if the mistress and Zhao Jingwen had a little master, would he love the little master or loathe him?


    Just thinking about it made him feel very troubled.


    Fortunately, this would never happen.


    Where was Zhao Jingwen now?


    Duan Jin even hoped, it would be best if that man never came back.


    There were those unwanted son-inws who ran away on their own, he had heard about such cases when he was little. Why didn''t Zhao Jingwen run away?


    Tsk.


    The first major inspection of the new Ye family army recruits was extremely spectacr. Over a thousand strong men were bare-chested, lining up to take turns in the assessment. Veterans in green shirts were in charge of the tests, patrols, and record keeping.


    Despite therge number of people, everything was orderly. There were shouts and reprimands to maintain order, and often cheers or jeers rang out, making the scene lively and exciting.


    Almost all Ye family members with military positions hade.


    The young masters were especially excited, because Ye Suijin had promised that they could pick first, and take whoever caught their eye to be personal guards. Of course, they had to pass all three inspections and be officially recruited first, but they could select in advance now.


    Except for the consistentlyposed Third Young Master Ye, the others like Fourth Young Master Ye and Fifth Young Master Ye, had their eyes wide open, clenching their fists, determined to pick some good seedlings and register them first, so others couldn''t snatch them away.


    Ye Suijin was walking among the queues in military attire, with her waist gathered in and a long sword at her side, the hem of her robes billowing in the wind.


    Wherever she went, the military men there would quickly straighten their backs.


    Everyone followed behind her, also looking around.


    The lively scene stirred up many indescribable feelings in Fourth Uncle Ye.


    He looked at Ye Suijin walking ahead. Although a woman, she had an agile bearing and straight back.


    She was the head of the Ye family in Deng Prefecture.


    The military governor of Deng Prefecture.


    And she was still so young! With unlimited future ahead!


    Fourth Uncle Ye felt proud and heartbroken at the same time, and also a sense of pride filling up his chest.

 Chapter 37

    The first assessment for the new recruits was very strict. But the results were still satisfactory. Less than five percent of the people were cut. Over ny percent of the people passed.


    For the first month of enlistment, the training was all martial arts and physical fitness. The assessment standards were also simple and clear. How many times they could lift the stone locks, how many stones they could pull on the bow... Whether they passed or failed was obvious. There was no room for cheating or special treatment.


    As the Ye family promised, the army really did provide enough food to eat. Even those who failed and were cut still became stronger after a month of eating their fill and undergoing high-intensity training.


    Those who were cut were inevitably disheartened. Fortunately, even if they couldn''t be soldiers, they could still work as civilianborers for the army. They would still have food to eat. Unlike the soldiers who not only got rations but also extra pay.


    I heard that in the future, the Prefect would also select personal guards. The treatment for personal guards would be even better.


    For those who passed the first assessment, especially those with excellent results, their hearts were burning with anticipation these days. The most talked about topic was whether they could enter the personal guard battalion and what the treatment would be like.


    When the third day of assessment was over, there was actually meat for dinner!


    Everyone was even more excited.


    Not just them, even the Ye family members were excited. The entire Ye Family Fort was passionate.


    After all, evenmon folks like Wang Ada who sold vegetables on the street, Zhao Sao who washed clothes for others, and Li Wu who beat the night watch - they all knew, the more soldiers their Prefect had, the more stable Dengzhou would be, and the more settled their lives would be.


    Now entering the eighth month, Xian Ling of Guan County, Sun Xiangxue, had sent over a visit request, saying he woulde to pay a visit on the eighth day punctually.


    Ye Suijin thought he had some business, but it turned out he came to suggest repairing the Xuanhua Military Governor''s Mansion.


    In short, he came to tter.


    Of course Ye Suijin would not fall for this. She directly rejected it, and the reason for rejection was simple: "Inauspicious."


    That young Prefect died with his troops scattered, it was truly inauspicious.


    Sun Xiangxue''s face froze instantly, repeatedly apologizing. Deeply feeling that his ttery had kicked the horse''s leg.


    Unexpectedly, Ye Suijin stared at him for a long time, and suddenly smiled: "Ling Sun... you must be very familiar with the affairs of yamens and officialdom?"


    Sun Xiangxue was stared at by her gaze until he broke out in cold sweat. He deeply regretted meddling anding to tter Ye Suijin. He stammered: "Yamen affairs... are the responsibility of this official..."


    "Good." Ye Suijin was very happy. "Ling Sun, please help me take a trip to the capital."


    Sun Xiangxue: "..."


    Really, he really shouldn''t have meddled and made this trip!


    Sun Xiangxue forced himself to calm down: "This official is a county magistrate. Byw I cannot leave my post without authorization..."


    Ye Suijin didn''t care: "Laws from Former Wei?"


    Sun Xiangxue: "..."


    Sun Xiangxue left Ye Family Fort and hurried to Neixiang County toin to the county magistrate there, He Zhou.


    He Zhou wondered: "Why did you go to Ye Family Fort?"


    "Cough..." Sun Xiangxue didn''t want to say he abandoned He to tter Ye Suijin alone, and equivocated, "I waste in delivering grains...just walking around..."


    They were both experienced officials, so He understood at once. But he didn''t hold it against Sun. He just asked: "What exactly does she want you to do in the capital?"


    Sun Xiangxue said bitterly: "She wants me to ask the Emperor for something. She didn''t tell me specifically what to ask for, just said it was something for the winter. You tell me, she just got her official post from the Emperor, how could she dare ask for more things again?"


    He Zhou: "..."


    Our Governor really has thick skin and guts.


    "Don''t worry," He Zhouforted him, "It''s just a few days¡¯ travel from Dengzhou to the capital. Those bandits and rogue soldiers, themoners are afraid of them, but we officials surely aren''t. Naturally it will be safe for you."


    Sun Xiangxue also knew this. But there were always dangers in long journeys, never as safe as staying in Dengzhou.


    He couldn¡¯t help but sigh.


    He Zhou asked: "How are things with Zhao Langjun? I heard he left Dengzhou?"


    "Yes, he went to Xiangzhou," Sun Xiangxue said. "Thest message he sent back was on the first day of the eighth month. He beheaded some people, and went chasing farther out." He added resentfully, "With him gone, things have settled down on my side."


    He Zhou asked: "Shouldn''t he havee back by now?"


    Still upset about being sent on official travel, Sun Xiangxue dismissed it: "What business is it of ours. "


    At this moment, Zhao Jingwen was chewing on a hardtack biscuit.


    They traveled light with only cavalry, focusing on high mobility without much baggage. The rations they brought were already finished. Now they survived on what thend provided, either buying from locals or just snatching from others outright.


    "Others" mainly referred to rogue soldiers. And wherever rogue soldiers loitered, public security was surely already beyond hope. Many hoodlums would also take advantage of the chaos. If left unchecked, it would likely be something like Fangcheng.


    On their way here, they had killed many rogue soldiers, and did not harass or plunder themoners. After discovering this, the nearby peasants took out the food they had hidden and thanked them profusely.


    Xiang Da came over to talk to him: "Should we head back now?"


    Just yesterday, Ye Mancang had also asked when they would be going back. They had collected quite a few heads. Bringing those back should at least earn him an acting aide-de-camp rank.


    This revealed the difference between people.


    If the leader of this expedition was Third Master Ye, upon arriving here, the mission would be considered aplished. Third Master would decisively turn back for Dengzhou without hesitation.


    But the leader this time was Zhao Jingwen.


    And Zhao Jingwen didn''t want to go back yet.


    When he first set out, he didn''t think too much about it. Limited by his status, Ye Family Fort didn''t allow room for advancement, so he thought to aplish more merits by killing more enemies outside.


    But now that he was actually out here, he tasted an unprecedented feeling.


    Although back in Ye Family Fort, his wife had been extremely generous, providing him with the best food, clothing, and supplies. But in everyone''s hearts, he was still inferior. The Ye n members, retainers, even the more presentable stewards, only showed him face superficially, and didn''t actually see him as an equal at all.


    Although he had fought bravely at Fangcheng, charging ahead of others, he only followed orders andmands.


    He was just one of many.


    This was the first time.


    Although Ye Suijin had only given him onepany, thispany truly listened to hismand and followed his orders.


    When he clenched his fist, he could feel a strong sense of power in his palm.


    It made his whole body tingle excitedly.


    But if he went back, back to Ye Family Fort...


    "Langjun?" Xiang Da looked at him puzzled.


    Zhao Jingwen was silent for a moment. He swallowed the biscuit in his mouth and called Ye Mancang over: "Mancang,e talk together."


    Ye Mancang came over: "Langjun?"


    The two sat down on the felt nket. They both thought Zhao Jingwen was going to discuss arrangements for the return trip. After all they had been out for over half a month, it was about time to go back.


    "Mancang," Zhao Jingwen asked Ye Mancang first, "Do you think the heads we¡¯re bringing back are enough to earn you an Aide-de-camp rank?"


    Ye Mancang waved his hand: "Aide-de-camp might be a stretch. Deputy aide-de-camp I think is possible, no?"


    Zhao Jingwen then asked Xiang Da: "Enough to promote you from Benevolence and Bravery Captain to Withstand Humiliation Captain?"


    "Wishful thinking. That''s definitely not enough," Xiang Daughed openly. "The higher the rank, the harder to get promoted."


    Zhao Jingwen alsoughed.


    Ye Mancang envied even more: "You''re already a Benevolence and Bravery Captain."


    While he was still nothing, just a steward. Need to gain an official rank for prospects and to change his descendants¡¯ status.


    Zhao Jingwen smiled, then restrained his smile and looked up: "Then what if we don''t go back?"


    Xiang Da and Ye Mancang were both stunned: "Huh?"


    "Not go back?"


    "What do you mean not go back?"


    Xiang Da was shocked: "Langjun! Langjun, you can''t be thinking of defecting, right?"


    Zhao Jingwen smiled and said: "My wife is Prefect of Dengzhou, General Who Upholds Authority, Governor of Dengzhou. How could I defect?"


    Only then did Xiang Da feel relieved.


    Ye Mancang blinked: "Then Langjun, could you be thinking of... going independent?"


    Xiang Da became anxious again.


    Zhao Jingwen was a son-inw by marriage. There were some cases where these husbands had taken their wives¡¯ family wealth and ran off.


    "How could I betray my wife, that''s impossible." Zhao Jingwen immediately rejected the idea wholeheartedly.


    Xiang Da and Ye Mancang looked at each other, and asked together: "Then what does Langjun mean...?"


    Zhao Jingwen stared at Xiang Da for a while, then stared at Ye Mancang for a while.


    "Let''s go back. There are so many people in Ye Family Fort, when will it be our turn to stand out?" he said, "From my understanding of my wife, next time something happens, she will definitely choose some people who did not go to Fangchengst time to earn merit. Master Mancang said there may be a chance, or may not be, after all there are so many people in Ye Family Fort, it''s hard to say whether it will be your turn or not. Old Xiang, you probably won''t get to go. We have to give others a chance, otherwise people will say my wife the military governor is unfair in appointing people."


    Xiang Da and Ye Mancang were not foolish men. Otherwise, Zhao Jingwen in his previous life would not have taken the initiative to draw them in.


    The two looked at each other, and Xiang Da, being of slightly higher status, spoke first: "Young Master, just say what you have in mind."


    With these few sentences, Zhao Jingwen''s mind waspletely made up.


    "I''m not going back," he said. "Ye Family Fort won''t miss the three of us, or thispany of men. We don''t have to go back. Of course, it''s not that we''ll never go back. No matter what, I''ll live and die as my wife''s man. I''m definitely going back."


    "But not now." He convinced himself, and his emotions gradually rose. "This is such a rare opportunity we have now. We have men under us, we''re out on assignment."


    "Not enough military exploits to get promoted? Then keep earning more!"


    "Not enough heads? Keep chopping heads until there are enough!"


    "It''s better than going back and getting buried among the crowds doing nothing, don''t you think?"


    He looked sharply at the two men with his beautiful eyes.


    His words stirred their hearts.


    On careful thought, he was right!


    With so many people, it would be difficult to stand out. One had to be assigned tasks in order to have opportunities to earn merit. After going back this time, who knew when they would get assigned something again.


    Those who were assigned tasks and followed along to Fangchengst time all got official positions, precisely because they earned merits by following along.


    In fact, the family servants had been satisfied just to be stewards before, and the retainers were content just to find a ce where they could get fed.


    But suddenly, their master and patron went from being a little country fort lord to the military governor of Deng Province, and their hearts expanded along with his.


    It seemed Young Master Zhao was thinking the same way.


    Xiang Da and Ye Mancang both felt they understood why Zhao Jingwen would have this idea.


    It was public knowledge, not a secret - the first batch of appointments did not include Zhao Jingwen''s name. Everyone had privately discussed it already.


    Mistress Ye''s intention to avoid nepotism was very clear. Of course everyone wanted to see a fair superior, but for Zhao Jingwen himself, it was still unfair.


    Xiang Da rubbed his knees with his rough hands: "Yes, yes, we were thinking, Young Master, if you earn enough merits and aplishments, Mistress will give you an official post, and others won''t be able to say anything. That''s the idea, right?"


    Zhao Jingwen smiled slightly: "Brother Xiang understands me."


    Ye Mancang was also moved. More than anyone, he wanted to improve his status.


    But he was also worried: "But if we don''t go back for a long time, and the Master gets angry at us..."


    "You''ll have me," Zhao Jingwen said magnanimously. "I''m in charge on this assignment out here. Everything will be decided by me, including not going back. You two just have to follow my orders. If Mistress mes us, hmm... I''ll kneel and ept punishment."


    The two menughed loudly.


    After theugh, their hearts were also put at ease. Indeed, Zhao Jingwen and Ye Suijin were husband and wife. They may fight but they would make up. With him shielding them, what did they have to fear?


    "Alright!" the two said, "We will follow Young Master''s orders."


    Zhao Jingwen stood up: "Then follow me."


    Zhao Jingwen had thought it through. He could no longer keep chopping off heads.


    Taking heads was useful for others, but not for him. What he needed were living people. He needed troops, more troops.


    In this world, with troops in hand, one could have a say.


    Just like his wife, rising high as soon as she took office, the position of Deng Province''s governor easily falling into her hands.


    Under his orders, thepany packed up and set off south again.


    Zhao Jingwen sat on his horse and looked back northeast, towards Ye Family Fort.


    Suijin, wait for me. I will definitely make you look at me with new eyes.


    I will make you shine with pride because of me!!

 Chapter 38

    After Ye Jiajun finished the big examination for new recruits, Ye Suijin brought all the Ye family members with military positions to live in the barracks.


    There were not only her cousins, but also her uncles, and even Mr. Yang.


    Everyone slept in the dugouts with the new recruits.


    Every morning when Mr. Yang crawled out of the dugout, he would grin and ask Chang Sui to pound his back.


    Ye Suijin said, "Why don''t we give Mr. Yang a tent? If we really march, the camp bed in the tent will also be morefortable than this."


    But Mr. Yang refused: "If we march in a hurry, there won''t be so manyforts. I''ve been toofortable for too long. I''m fine. I''ll stretch my waist, ouch, ouch..."


    If Mr. Yang, a schr, was like this, Ye Suijin''s uncles, as descendants of a military family, could not show weakness even more.


    Even her eighth uncle - the only literary man among the uncles of the main family - gritted his teeth and followed along. Because Ye Suijin had given him the position of a judge.


    Now under the Jiedushi of Dengzhou, he was the only judge,


    and the eighth uncle was both happy and worried.


    Because Ye Fourth Uncle and Ye Eighth Uncle were brothers of the same mother, the two of them squatted at the head of the dugout at night looking at the stars and discussed this matter.


    Ye Fourth Uncle said, "Suijin has a big heart."


    Eighth Uncle asked, "What do you mean?"


    Fourth Uncle said, "If we just defend Dengzhou, many things don''t need to be practiced."


    The training of soldiers was not blind training, it had to have ns, arrangements, and mustplete indicators and tasks, desk paperwork and daily attendance records ofpletion.


    The Ye family fort was the home of a martial arts family from the previous dynasty. These were all family teachings. It was just thatter it degenerated into a local squire, and although it also trained private troops, it had to be greatly simplified.


    And this time Ye Suijin''s military training n that she personally directed was surprisingly detailed,plex, and intensive, astonishing everyone.


    ording to the results of the first major examination, the new recruits were divided into more detailed arms. This month, the training of formations began, and in addition to this, each arm also had its own emphasis.


    Now due to the limited number of people, infantry and infantry archers were still the majority, while other arms looked thinner. But as long as there are any, they will surely grow in the future.


    During the day, Ye Fourth Uncle walked with Ye Suijin among the troops. The boys were bare-chested, steaming hot, and shouting loudly.


    The gs changed, and the formations adjusted ordingly. Raise the knife and lower the spear, collect the shield and draw the bow!


    Truly feeling the solid ground beneath their feet.


    As long as the foundation is solid, what tall buildings can''t be built?


    "I''m not joking." Ye Fourth Uncle chewed on a de of grass and pped his knees, "She said she wanted the granary of Jingchu..."


    More than a month ago, he really thought she was joking, and Mr. Yang also said she couldn''t afford it. Ye Fourth Uncle felt that what his niece said was ridiculous.


    But now that she has Dengzhou, looking back at what she said at first... Ye Fourth Uncle no longer felt it was ridiculous.


    Eighth Uncle also rubbed his neck.


    In the early morning before the birds sang their first note, Qiuqiu had already crawled out of the dugout.


    She was Ye Suijin¡¯s head maid. She was originally engaged to be married and waiting to get married next year. She had already changed her previous fiery temperament and was only responsible for teaching the little maids in the yard. But this time Ye Suijin wanted to live in the barracks, she couldn¡¯t care about propriety and followed along to serve closely.


    Of course the maid had to get up before the mistress. At first light, Qiuqiu roused several little maids to prepare Ye Suijin¡¯s washing up.


    In fact, in the barracks, although Ye Suijin was a woman, the matter of "washing up" was also simplified to the extreme. The time she spent getting up in the morning was no longer than that of a soldier.


    Qiuqiu often felt distressed for her.


    The cold water had been preparedst night. She got up and went to boil hot water for Ye Suijin first.


    As soon as she got out of the dugout, she saw that Duan Jin was already up.


    Bare-chested, with sturdy muscr knots. Grass mats were spread on the ground, and the youth was doing dragon back exercises in the morning light.


    Qiuqiu sat on the smoke pipe of the dugout to build a fire, and from time to time looked over.


    These days, tanned by the sun with the bare-chested men, the skin had be wheat-colored. Bending down, you could see the muscles on the back bulging as the vertebrae were stretched open one section at a time.


    The boy who used to learn rules with her had gradually grown into a man.


    As Qiuqiu watched, she even forgot to add firewood.


    Suddenly her eyes shifted and she saw Ye Suijin crawling out of the dugout¡ªto train the new recruits, she required all Ye family members with military positions to eat and live with the soldiers, including herself sleeping in the dugouts as well.


    The mistress stood in the morning light looking at the youth justing of age.


    The corners of her mouth held a smile, and her eyes shone with love.


    Qiuqiu withdrew her gaze and added a piece of firewood to the hearth, also revealing a smile.


    Ah Jin grew up at the mistress'' knees. Although a little wild, with the mistress'' doting, he would surely have a great future ahead.


    The dragon back stretch requires strong exertion of the waist and back muscles to hold the posture.


    After stretching for a stick of incense, fine beads of sweat had seeped into Duan Jin''s lower back.


    When he finally released the posture and stood up with a long inhale, he saw Ye Suijin standing in the morning light.


    "Mistress!" Duan Jin''s voice always carried a delightful mood that made people happy as soon as they heard it.


    He got up and put on his shirt, about to go over.


    Ye Suijin rubbed her eyes: "Don''te over, I have eye boogers."


    Duan Jinughed loudly and said "I''ll go get breakfast", then ran off.


    He was already a captain, and misceneous chores like fetching meals weren''t something he should do anymore. But he always regarded himself as Ye Suijin''s attendant, happy to do these handyman tasks that involved running errands and being close by her side.


    On the contrary, others felt that the boy didn''t forget his roots and didn''t get arrogant just because he had an official position.


    Qiuqiu hurriedly prepared the warm water for Ye Suijin to wash up.


    After breakfast, Ye Suijin went to the main tent of the central army for roll call.


    Ye Fifth Uncle and Ye Eighth Uncle got an errand.


    "Fifth Uncle and Eighth Uncle, take a trip to the capital city." Ye Suijin assigned tasks to the two elders.


    Ye Fifth Uncle practiced martial arts, while Ye Eighth Uncle was literary. Naturally, Ye Fifth Uncle was responsible for escorting, while Ye Eighth Uncle was responsible for official business.


    "What do you want me to do? See the Emperor?" Ye Eighth Uncle asked.


    Ye Suijin smiled and said, "This time there is no need to rm the Emperor for the matter, it is to deal with some yamens. Little ghosts are hard to deal with, the affairs at the yamen gate are the most vexing. I have asked County Magistrate Sun to apany you. Eighth Uncle, watch carefully how County Magistrate Sun deals with these people. We will all need it in the future."


    After exining clearly what to do, Ye Fifth Uncle and Ye Eighth Uncle then packed up and left for the capital with the scowling Sun Xiangxue two dayster.


    Ye Fourth Uncle asked Ye Suijin, "Still no news from Jingwen?"


    By now it was already August 13th, and the Mid-Autumn Festival wasing soon.


    Ye Suijin''s mouth curled: "Don''t worry about him, he''ll be fine."


    Ye Fourth Uncle also agreed: "Jingwen is smart."


    Just after mentioning Zhao Jingwen, his scout came back on Mid-Autumn Day, bringing back another pile of lime-sealed human heads.


    "Young Master said to go southwest to see what the situation is, to see if there is any threat to our Dengzhou. He maye backte, so My Lady need not worry." The scout reported, "It''s possible he''lle backte, please don''t worry, My Lady."


    In this life, Zhao Jingwen did go in that direction after all. As if by some irresistible force in the dark.


    What would happen this time?


    Ye Suijin felt excited.


    In the previous life, everything was settled, and the main branch of the Ye family declined severely.


    In fact, it wasn''tpletely without male heirs, but Ye Suijin gave the hereditary title to Twelfth Sister, making Twelfth Sister a female aristocrat, and letting one of her sons take the Ye surname and be the heir.


    She also had Zhao Jingwen personally write "change surname and forfeit title" on that que of hereditary nobility.


    If you want to keep the title, don''t even think about continuing the family line for three generations.


    She forcibly continued this branch of Fourth Uncle.


    The n naturally also had objections.


    Ye Suijin herself had no children, so this branch of Fourth Uncle was the orthodox branch of the Ye family. Men naturally felt that the bloodline of a nephew was closer than an outsider grandson, even if a cousin grandson.


    But Ye Suijin was a woman, she didn''t think so.


    In her eyes, Twelfth Sister was the closest bloodline to Fourth Uncle, Twelfth Sister''s children were naturally closer in bloodline to Fourth Uncle than cross-house cousins.


    Third Son, Fourth Young Master, and Fifth Son had all enjoyed the ancestral temple. Even without descendants, there was nock of incense to enjoy, not even needing adoption.


    No one else was allowed to grab Twelfth Sister''s title.


    In the previous life, Zhao Jingwen would no longer allow the Ye family to touch the military and power. In return for the Ye family''s support, he rewarded them with wealth and nobility, allowing the Ye family to be wealthy and nobleyabouts.


    People all said that descendant houses aroused envy. Indeed,pared to the imprisonment and suicide of the Crown Prince, and theplete severing of the Pei family''s lineage, the descendant house looked quite bright and shiny.


    Only Ye Suijin understood that this was what the Ye family deserved.


    This was the result of her fighting with all her might.


    That was all she could aplish in the previous life.


    But what about this lifetime? Ye Suijin gazed towards the southwest, and a me arose in her heart.


    She had never actually resigned herself to this.


    How did she go from being Zhao Jingwen''s wife to Zhao Jingwen''s empress? Was she inferior to Zhao Jingwen?


    Without the Ye family, could Zhao Jingwen still have be emperor? Free of Zhao Jingwen, no longer taking those wrong paths, how far could she get by relying on herself?


    ...


    Let''s give it a try!


    Sending heads as gifts during holidays was inauspicious formoners, but joyous for the military. These were military achievements after all.


    Ye Suijin had a scout pass on the message: "Tell the young sir that Dengzhou has ample manpower and there is no rush for his return. He may do as he pleases."


    Mr. Yang even asked: "Do you need supplies?"


    Mr. Yang could not have known about Pei Lian''s existence. So in Mr. Yang''s eyes, Zhao Jingwen was still Ye Suijin''s husband, their interests were one and the same.


    The army''s Marshal Xi should have inquired about this.


    Zhao Jingwen had given instructions about this matter already. The scout replied: "The young sir said there is no need. The young sir has already acquired quite a lot of wealth abroad, it will suffice."


    Besides, it was only August now. They had just collected grain in June. No matter which power had plundered it, or themoners had hidden it away, Zhao Jingwen could certainly get supplies from somewhere.


    At the moment, Dengzhou really did not need to send any supplies to him.


    Fourth Uncle Ye even praised: "Jingwen is capable."


    Fourth Uncle Ye was suited for defending, so with Zhao Jingwen declining supplies, he looked upon it favorably. Otherwise, it would be a wastrel''s behavior.


    Waging war could bring gains, martial families naturally understood this well.


    It was the Mid-Autumn Festival on the 15th day of the eighth month.


    For sacrificial offerings on festival days cattle were used, for offerings to the moon sheep and pigs were specially used.


    Ye Suijin led the Ye family for offerings to the moon in the military camp. After the ritual sacrifice, the ughtered pigs and sheep were given to the troops as rewards.


    At that time, people mainly ate mutton. They ate pork less often.


    The mutton was stewed into pancakes. Though each person may have only gotten one or two thin slices of mutton, they practically swallowed their tongues.


    They could also get a piece of steamed pork.


    This holiday was spent too perfectly.


    Since all the important people were in the camp, many people also came from Ye Manor to celebrate the festival together.


    The Eleventh and Twelfth Sister refused to wear pretty dresses, insisting on wearing gant attire like Ye Suijin''s.


    After the little girls learned the backhand spear themselves, no one could control them anymore. Or in the words of Aunt Ye Fourth, they had "gone crazy".


    In fact, the little girls had not been close to Ye Suijin before. Because of their young age, they were not as attached to Ye Suijin as the brothers who grew up ying with her since childhood. Since they already differed in age, plus Ye Suijin''s estrangement from the main house these past few years, their rtionship was inevitably distant.


    But when Ye Suijin passed on the backhand spear to the children of the main house, she also called for the Eleventh and Twelfth Sisters. Only then did they realize their Sixth Sister whom they did not see often was actually so nice.


    She even knew what they liked to eat, what colors of fabric they liked.


    This was just so magical. Their parents and elder brothers may not even know, but Sixth Sister actually did.


    How could the little girls not adore Sixth Sister? From then on, they started down the path of imitating her, madly charging down it.


    The n gathered in the camp for a banquet, the firelight bright andughter unceasing.


    Ye Suijin raised her wine cup, her gaze sweeping over:


    Uncles were already standing on stools waving fists in the firelight.


    The Eleventh and Twelfth Sisters ran wildly with the still young Eleventh, Thirteenth and Fourteenth Young Masters, ying army games.


    The aunties had all dressed up, wearing gold and silver, faces full of joy. Especially those whose children were not betrothed yet.


    Now that the Ye family held Dengzhou, the engagements of their younger siblings could only be even better than those of the elder brothers and sisters. How could they not be delighted?


    Ye Jingyi the Sixth Son of the Loyalty and Distant Hall had also rushed back. He did not sit with the elders of the Loyalty and Distant Hall, instead gathering with the Fourth and Fifth Brothers, telling them about how ruthless the Third Son was in his dealings in Nanyang.


    The Fourth and Fifth Brothers listened till their blood boiled, constantly saying: "He should kill them! If I was there, I would also raise the knife!"


    The Third Son sat together with his wife.


    His wife whispered something in his ear. The normally calm andposed Third Son was suddenly agitated, and actually reached out towards his wife''s belly. She smiled and pushed his hand away.


    He also held his wife''s hand and said something to her. She was suddenly moved to tears.


    Ye Suijin recalled what was going on.


    The Third Son was going to be a father again.


    The Third Son had lost a child prematurely before. His wife had grieved for a long time, and only this year conceived again.


    But this child, and subsequent children, would also pass prematurely in the end.


    There was also the Fifth Brother''s wife. Due to excessive worry about her husband on the battlefield, she developed pica during pregnancy.


    The fetus grew toorge, resulting in her difficultbor and death.


    But that was all in their past lifetime!


    Ye Suijin downed all of the wine in her cup!


    Since I know the direction fate will take, how can I let it happen again?

 Chapter 39

    KinKou.


    Imperial Pce.


    A few days after the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the emperor was frowning over the northwestern war, the eldest princess came to the pce.


    The eldest princess was the daughter of his principal wife and his first child. He doted on her very much. Seeing the eldest princess cheered him up a lot. He told her, "Don''t worry, your husband is fine."


    The eldest princess said, "I''m not worried about him at all. I''vee to present a memorial to Father Emperor."


    She waved the memorial and said, "Father Emperor, guess who submitted this memorial?"


    Emperor Jin was not going to y this childish guessing game with her. "Just tell me directly."


    The emperor would usually grant reasonable requests from his eldest daughter.


    The eldest princess smiled and said, "It''s from that woman surnamed Ye from Deng Prefecture."


    The emperor said, "She''s presenting a memorial of thanks?"


    The memorial of thanks was a littlete. But the emperor had never considered that rural stronghold master Ye Suijin to be someone important, and hadpletely forgotten about her.


    To his surprise, the princess happily said, "I guess you could say that. But she''s asking for something more."


    The emperor rubbed his temples. "That woman really has thick skin."


    But since the princess had a smiling attitude, it meant that the woman''s request was not too excessive, but eptable.


    "Father Emperor, guess what she''s asking for?" said the princess.


    The emperor had a headache. "You''re too old for childish games like Guess Guess Guess. Just tell me directly."


    The princess handed him the memorial. "Father Emperor can read it yourself."


    As the emperor started reading, the princess chatted away, "They rushed to my residence as soon as they arrived, to thank me for speaking on their behalfst time. I asked what they hade here for. When I saw what she was asking for in this memorial, I was delighted and hurried to bring it to you, Father Emperor."


    In fact, the princess had epted gifts from them again. After looking at the memorial, she said, "If this was submitted to the yamen, who knows whether it would even reach my Father Emperor? Since the family master is so understanding and cultured, I''ll help pass it directly to you."


    The emperor read it. The beginning was naturally ttering words of gratitude. It was clear the memorial was written by someone very versed in the official style.


    Then it started to describe the plight of Deng Prefecture, how many refugees there were, and how she was extremely anxious about theing cold winter and losing sleep worrying over it.


    By this point, the emperor was mentally prepared for this shameless woman to ask him for food, cloth and fabric. But as he read on, he was surprised. "Huh?"


    The princess leaned over. "I know, right? I was surprised when I first read it too. She''s asking for paper. Father Emperor, can paper clothing keep people warm?"


    The emperor sighed. "You really don''t know the sufferings of themon people."


    The princess said proudly, "I was born young miss of Hedong Circuit. Now I''m the Princess of Great Jin. Why would I need to know about suffering?"


    The emperor smiled at her indulgently. "Oh, you."


    He exined to her, "The poormon folk have always worn paper clothing. As long as the paper is thick enough, it can keep the wind out. Keeping the wind out keeps you warm."


    He added, "This woman Ye Suijin from Deng Prefecture is very tactful."


    He had worries about keeping his troops warm over the winter too. If Ye Suijin had directly asked him for food and clothing, it would have shown ack of judgment.


    Even if he gave her some to keep up imperial appearances, it wouldn''t be much, just enough to send her off.


    But she asked for paper.


    [Your servant has heard that the Three Departments, Six Ministries and Nine Courts, have old documents from Former Wei piling up and overflowing the storerooms, gnawed by rats and worms. These discarded objects are of no use whatsoever to the court. But they can be made into paper clothing for the poor to keep out the cold. The rich scorn it, but it is the only aid for destitute refugees.]


    What she wanted was the old documents piled up in the storerooms of the various yamen and bureaucratic agencies.


    In fact, it wasn''t until yearster, after Zhao Jingwen''s Daming reforms, when the yamen did a major clear-out, that they still discovered huge quantities of old Wei documents.


    In one yamen, just the old attendance records alone filled dozens ofrge boxes. The amount was quite astonishing.


    These things were useless trash to the yamen, but many poor families could take them home to paste up windows and walls, or make clothes.


    Of course Ye Suijin would not skimp on winter clothes and shoes for the Ye family troops she was currently raising.


    But Deng Prefecture still had so many refugees, many who had lost all their property while fleeing, and were now destitute. As the master of Deng Prefecture, Ye Suijin naturally could not ignore them.


    But meeting such a huge demand for winter clothing would be difficult even if she used money to purchase supplies, and would lead to sharp rises in cloth and fabric prices, directly impacting the livelihoods of the localmoners.


    After thinking it over, Ye Suijin thought of the massive piles of discarded documents and paper umting in the yamen storehouses of the capital.


    See, the capital was nearby, and had this benefit.


    Normally the yamen would clear these out every few years in peaceful times.


    But from the end of Former Wei, through the False Liang, to the present Great Jin, it had never been peaceful or stable, so naturally these piles were left untouched.


    Ye Suijin nned to help Emperor Jin clear out his inventory.


    "Grant her request," Emperor Jin decided after thinking about it. After all, he could not be too stingy as the majestic Son of Heaven. "Also grant her twenty sets of iron armor and a hundred sets of leather armor."


    In fact, there was no need to bother the emperor with something like this.


    The main thing was that the eldest princess was honorable to help someone who had given her money. She really did assist in getting things done.


    But there was a saying, the young devils were the real troublemakers. Even with the emperor''s verbal approval and the princess'' backing, when it came to the minor officials at the bottom actually getting things done, it still wasn''t smooth sailing.


    Fortunately, County Prefect Sun Xiangxue of Ruan County was along. As an outside official, he was very familiar with all the ins and outs of the yamen.


    Uncle Ye Ba apanied Prefect Sun on visits to the various halls of the Six Ministries and Nine Courts, dealing with the troublesome petty officials. The experience shattered many intellectuals'' rosy imaginings of the "capital".


    On August 24, Uncles Ye Wu and Ye Ba set off on the return journey with a full harvest.


    On the way back, they encountered the same general they had met on the way there. This was the general that Uncle Ye Si had also met before, who had sent a deputy general to escort Uncle Ye Si.


    Since it was the farming off season now, and Ye Suijin had sent more men to apany Uncles Ye Wu and Ye Ba, plus the family steward who hade before was familiar with the route, there was no need to ask for an escort again.


    But they had brought gifts for the general this time, to thank him for his previous kindness. On the return journey, when they passed his station, they dropped by to pay their respects.


    General Guan naturally had to give them a warmer reception after epting gifts. He even drank wine with Uncles Ye Wu and Ye Ba, and said, "It''ll make my job easier if Deng Prefecture remains stable."


    On the way back to the Ye family stronghold in Deng Prefecture, they saw that the women of every household were sitting in their yards and doorways, taking advantage of the daylight to sew and patch clothes and shoes during the farming off season.


    They were working on the military robes and winter shoes that the Ye family stronghold had contracted out.


    The Ye family stronghold now had almost three thousand retainers being organized. The number of military robes and shoes needed was not just three thousand sets. The Ye family stronghold still intended to continue recruiting in the future.


    They had not contracted this work out to the silk shops and embroidery houses, but had set up recruitment points throughout, like when recruiting troops, and registered households to take on the work, just likemoners.


    The neighbors would keep each other ountable, so no one dared embezzle the cloth and thread.


    But what woman did not know how to sew? And the requirements for military robes were not high, unlike the embroidered silks of wealthy households. Even coarser farm women could do the work. This autumn, the extra ie gave many households something to smile about.


    Uncles Ye Wu and Ye Ba returned safely, bringing back the paper Ye Suijin had requested.


    Cartload after cartload.


    Uncle Ye Ba said, "Too much to transport all at once. It''s been arranged to store the remainder in the capital first. We can go get it againter."


    Ye Suijin and Mr. Yang were concerned about the same thing. "Where did you encounter General Guan?"


    Afterparing the location where Uncle Ye Si had met General Guan on the map, Ye Suijin and Mr. Yang exchanged looks and nodded.


    Uncle Ye Si asked, "What is it?"


    Ye Suijin told him, "General Guan has moved south."


    Although Emperor Jin was currently stationed in the capital, his actual power base was in Hedong Circuit. His priority now was the west, pursuing and mopping up the Former Liang remnants.


    General Guan guarding the southern line was essentially the limit of Emperor Jin''s actual control in the south.


    That was why he also said if Deng Prefecture remained stable, it would take a load off his mind, allowing him to devote more attention to other areas.


    Deng Prefecture in turn guarded the area further south for him.


    "Not bad. Still room to spare," said Ye Suijin, pinching her thumb and forefinger to indicate the distance between Deng Prefecture and General Guan''s forces, then tapping it down to draw a line. "Here. Let''s not overstep this boundary."


    However ipetent one might find Emperor Jin for ceding the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, for Deng Prefecture he was still a massive force not to be provoked.


    Ye''s influence could not expand northward.


    Fourth Uncle Ye said, "Suijin, let''s take Tangzhou. Taking half is fine too. Leave the other half for His Majesty."


    After a trip to the capital, Fourth Uncle Ye''s horizons had broadened considerably. He no longer had any awe of the Emperor, and was much bolder now, with appetite to match.


    Suijin was pleased to see this change. She smiled, "Train the troops first."


    Fourth Uncle Ye eagerly nodded. "Yes!"


    He praised the Emperor again, "Quite generous."


    Just like that, he had given a hundred sets of leather armor, twenty sets of iron armor.


    "He has geographical advantages," Suijin sighed. "He used to be the military governor of Hedong, with ess to coal and iron."


    With his former location, he had horses to the north and grain to the south, supporting tens of thousands of crack troops. It really made people envious.


    If Emperor Jin had not ceded the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, or had died a littleter, the Jin Dynasty could have matched Da Mu of the Later Zhou.


    But that was fate.


    The short-lived dynasty vanished like dust.


    Who knows how many heroes and nobodies had faded away in the long river of history.


    Judging by the situation when she died, Da Mu was rising steadily with unification of the realm at hand. Zhao Jingwen was destined to go down in history as the founding hero.


    Her Ah Jin had restored the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, with glorious battle achievements, and would also be a romantic segment in the writings of schrs and poets.


    Then what about her?


    How would history record Ye Suijin?


    But she also knew, no matter the record, her final identity would be pinned on Zhao Jingwen''s empress.


    How annoying, to be nailed to this identity.


    Suijin was furious.


    Suijin instructed her uncles to build good rtions with General Guan: "It will be very usefulter."


    Her uncles were naturally more adept than her at good rtions with men. They all thumped their chests and told her to rest assured.


    After the meeting dispersed, only Mr. Yang remained.


    Suijin and he stood by the map, staring at it.


    After a long while, they both looked up.


    "Was Your Ladyship looking at the same ce I was looking?" Mr. Yang ventured.


    Suijin nodded.


    The wooden stick extended and drew a line southward from Dengzhou, tapping at a certain spot.


    Mr. Yang grinned.

 Chapter 40

    The people of Ye Family Fort had to make two more trips before they brought all the remaining paper back from General Guan.


    Ye Family Fort also sent General Guan a flock of sheep.


    General Guan was delighted, "This is good, it can be used to make sacrificial offerings for the officers and soldiers."


    After drinking together, the men''s rtionships became easier.


    General Guan alsoined bitterly.


    Now that Emperor Jin had entered the capital city, every inch his actual control expanded outward was Great Jin''snd, and those circled in were people of Great Jin.


    Although Henan Province could notpare with Jingchu, it was still an important grain producing area in the north. Emperor Jin would not allow his men to ravage Henan Province.


    For the soldiers, if they followed the rules, life would be hard. Besides, unlike the west, General Guan''s side was not at war here. There were more war spoils in the west, and it was easier to make achievements. So the warriors'' money bags were easier to fill up there.


    Naturally General Guan''s side here was more peaceful than the west and north, but there was less oil and water.


    After several trips back and forth, everyone became familiar. General Guan said, "You are locals, help me find out where I can buy southern goods. I''ll pay a high price if there are any."


    But the Ye family also said, "There is little southern goods now. You have to find the big businesses, and you need connections."


    Merchants were really a magical existence. No matter how chaotic the world was, they still had their own channels tomunicate between north and south, and could always bring in rare exotic items from afar through some ways.


    However, the Ye family also promised, "We''ll think of you first if wee across any."


    When they returned and told Ye Suijin about it, Ye Suijin just smiled slightly.


    Now that Dengzhou''s four counties were under unified governance, if anything happened, messages could be delivered by express horses at ry stations, reaching the destination within a day.


    Most of the paper was sent to Fangcheng, because many of the refugees who were willing to stay, plus the family members of the new recruits, were settled there. Some were distributed among Neixiang, Nanyang and Ranxian counties.


    Whether they could safely get through this winter was set by Ye Suijin as an assessment of the officials in the four counties.


    Seeing the documents issued by the Dengzhou Governor''s Mansion led by Ye Family Fort - now also called Dengzhou instead of Ye Family Fort, but people were still used to calling it Ye Family Fort - with requirements listed one by one, the county magistrate of Ranxian felt a headacheing on: "She''s just a woman, how can she be so good at being an official?"


    He had thought that although this woman was fierce, she must be clumsy in public affairs and easy to fool. He didn''t expect her to be like a seasoned official, thinking of everything, and directly plugging possible loopholes for corruption and trickery.


    With this batch of paper, they could distribute the excess to themoners to paste on their windows if there was any leftover after ensuring the refugees could get through the winter. But Ye Suijin went through great pains to obtain the paper, so the top priority was to provide for the refugees to survive the winter. Ye Family Fort tried making finished products first, estimating the amount of paper needed to make a winter coat thick enough to keep out the wind and cold for an adult man of average build.


    Using this data as a benchmark, allocate by household.


    Things went most smoothly in Fangcheng.


    Because Fangcheng had undergone a major purge before, most of the current poption were refugees moved inter. They were registered at that time, with mutual responsibility among neighbors. The records were clear, so it was easy to handle affairs when needed.


    The troublesome thing was the homeless scattered in the other three counties. This required a lot of manpower to do paperwork.


    The clerical staffs of the three counties were far from enough, actually literate people could be employed, after all there were literate people everywhere. But Ye Suijin mobilized all the adolescent children of the n to go, everyone who could write was arranged to work.


    Even those who were too young to work were encouraged to follow along and watch.


    Although some pocket money was paid to the youth as wages, some well-off nsmen were still unwilling to go.


    Ye Suijin didn''t force them.


    But there were more nsmen with insight: "Go, we must go."


    "The child is young now, have him follow Sixth Sister to do trivial things."


    "When the child grows up and gains experience, he can follow Sixth Sister to do big things."


    "Look at Sixth Son of the Zhongyuan Hall! He is a county magistrate now!"


    The teenagers themselves were very enthusiastic. Even some girls wanted to try it out, but most were held back by their fathers and mothers.


    Eleventh Sister was held back.


    Because Eleventh Sister was older, she was at the age to get engaged, so her parents forbid her to make trouble at this time.


    But no one could hold back Twelfth Sister. She was Fourth Uncle''s precious youngest daughter, spoiled since birth, unruly and unconstrained.


    Fourth Uncle was so angry that he took off his shoe to whip her.


    Little rabbit ran away, Twelfth Sister turned and fled, yelling as she ran, "My brothers even dare to kill people, how dare you not scold them! Sixth Sister lives in the barracks every day, how dare you not scold her! Why only scold me!"


    Fourth Uncle was choked speechless by her.


    Damn it! Who dared to scold Ye Suijin!


    Third Son coughed and stepped forward to block: "Dad, actually it''s not a big deal. The Ye family''s daughters shouldn''t have weak and delicate dispositions in the first ce."


    Fifth Son desperately gestured to Twelfth Sister to slip away, and blocked from the other side: "That''s right. What''s wrong with learning from Sixth Sister? Sixth Sister leads a prosperous life, does her husband dare say no to her?"


    Fourth Uncle was blocked by his two strapping sons and couldn''t get past them. He humphed: "Look at what she''s be now!"


    Third Son said, "It''s better for a girl to be fierce than weak and bullied, sufferingter in her husband''s family."


    Fifth Son said even more directly, "Think about Third Sister."


    Third Sister was their cousin, Seventh Son''s sister. She was raised to be timid and had a bad life in her husband''s family.


    Once when Seventh Son was out hunting, he passed by Third Sister''s husband''s home and dropped by to visit her. He saw Third Sister with half her face swollen. In a panic he grabbed her arm and she cried out in pain. Her arm was badly bruised from being beaten.


    The p was from the mother-inw and the arm was beaten by the brother-inw.


    Seventh Son was young then. He flew into a rage on the spot and wanted to beat the brother-inw. But Third Sister desperately stopped him.


    Seventh Son was furious and told the family after going home. But his parents just said, "We''ll tell her husband to hit her more gently."


    Seventh Son was so angry he almost died. He told Sixth Sister Ye Suijin about it. Young as she was, Ye Suijinshed her horsewhip and charged over with a bunch of n brothers and family guards.


    The other side was also a prestigious household. Seeing her momentum, they also called out their guards.


    Under Ye Suijin''smand, her side shed fiercely with the other side, beating them badly. Third Sister''s husband was punched by several uncles until his face was ck and blue.


    But Third Sister cried and med Ye Suijin and her brothers for meddling and tried hard to protect her husband.


    Ye Suijin was so angry she said, "Then we won''t care about you in future!"


    When she returned, Third Sister and Seventh Son''s mother even went to tell on Ye Suijin to her father: "Third Sister''s reputation as a virtuous wife was ruined by her."


    Thus Seventh Son couldn''t hold his head high among his brothers.


    The next year, Third Sister died in childbirth.


    It waster learned from the maid who apanied the marriage that because Ye Suijin and her cousins had beaten Third Sister''s husband before, Third Sister was mistreated by her husband''s family during pregnancy, ruining her health, so she didn''t make it through.


    Although Ye Suijin had said "we won''t care about you", she still couldn''t swallow this anger in the end.


    She told her father, "Don''t stop me, whoever dares to stop me! I''m going to rip open their roof!"


    The elders also held grievances, so they tacitly approved this time. Ye Suijin led her brothers to attack the doors again. This time even the crone mother-inw was beaten.


    "I respected you as an elder, yet you are old without virtue!" Ye Suijin pped the old mother-inw back and forth with her palm. She even spat in her face.


    She also took back all of Third Sister''s dowry.


    This time, Third Sister''s mother didn''tin again.


    She quietly sent thick gifts and apologies to the second wife''s quarters.


    "I only thought of my daughter''s reputation and good marriage. I never imagined that family would be so vicious. Poor my Third Sister..." She regretted itter, covering her face and crying bitterly, "If Third Sister had even one-tenth of Sixth Sister''s fierceness, she wouldn''t have endured such wrongful treatment during pregnancy and didn''t dare tell anyone at home."


    After that, the husbands'' families suddenly treated the married daughters of Ye family more politely.


    It could be said, they benefited from Ye Suijin''s prestige.


    Too bad Third Sister didn''t get to benefit from it.


    At the mention of Third Sister, Fourth Uncle''s raised hand froze in ce.


    He slowly put it down, his shoe also tossed on the ground, and he put it back on his foot.


    Third Son obediently squatted down to put on his shoes for him: "Let Twelfth Sister go. She''s the daughter of the Vice Commander of Dengzhou now. No fear of not marrying well."


    Fourth Uncle thought about it and realized he was right. He was now the second most powerful figure in Dengzhou after all.


    He humphed, "Send her to Nanyang and have Yongxiu keep an eye on her."


    Hands behind his back, stomach stuck out, he walked away cursing.


    At the end of September, pulp-beating to make paper clothes could be seen in refugee households across the four counties.


    The blue-shirted and ck-panted Ye Family Army - actually it should be called Dengzhou Army now, but people were still used to calling it Ye Family Army - patrolled everywhere.


    Some refugees regretted and timidly went to the Ye Family Army: "Army Lord, if people want to go to Fangcheng now, are you still taking people in?"


    There were instructions from above already.


    Ye Jiajun said, "Hurry up and collect them. Those whoete will get worse houses and fields than those whoe early."


    That was certain.


    Those who hesitated too much at the time and wanted to continue southward, and who were reluctant to leave this ce of stability and wanted to stay longer, missed out on the earliest benefits.


    There were also someting refugees, and some men who had hesitated at the time and refused to serve as soldiers, who asked, "We heard that soldiers get fed until full, are you still recruiting?"


    Not all soldiers can eat their fill.


    In some ces, not only do they have to sell their lives, but their rations get skimped on.


    But now it was already September. The families of the men who had joined General Guan''s army in the first batch back then had all received their sitting grain on time, full catty and full tael, which made people''s hearts stir.


    Of course they wanted more.


    They had always wanted more, never too many.


    Once enough people for a carriage had been gathered, they could be sent to Ye''s Fort.


    This time, the families did not cry and wail again.


    Not only Ye''s tenants, but many refugees could also take on General Guan''s army''s winter clothing work, as long as they could vouch for each other.


    At the ces where they got the fabric, there were scales on both sides. On one side there was fleece, on the other side there was cattail down. The coats of poor families were also padded with cattail down. Cattail down could also keep warm, but was far inferior to fleece. Of course the best was floss silk, but only the rich and noble could afford that.


    It could be seen clearly that with the same volume, the heavy fleece weighed down the cattail down.


    Fellow vigers, those of the same n, neighbors vouched for each other. When the materials were given out, they would be weighed, and when the products were inspected, they would still be weighed. If anyone had secretly substituted cattail down for fleece, those who had vouched for them would also be implicated.


    This would guarantee that no one embezzled the army clothing materials.


    This was quite good, General Guan''s army could get qualified army jackets, and the refugees could get paid.


    The new Governor also distributed paper to the refugee households for making paper clothes, looking ahead, it seemed they would be able to get through this winter.


    Actually everyone should be happy.


    Only one person waspletely unable to feel happy.


    This person was called Jiang Yinyu, he was the head clerk of the Ruiyun Company''s Dengzhou branch Yangzhou sub-branch.


    Although merchants were of low status, they often had many clever people among them. Jiang Yinyu was one such clever person. Starting from when Ye''s Fort had carried out that massive massacre in June, he had sensed that power in Dengzhou was about to change hands.


    In July, that woman from Ye''s Fort had actually obtained an imperial edict of appointment from the new dynasty, and just like that she had be the Governor of Dengzhou.


    Now many trade routes were blocked. But after a little thought, Jiang Yinyu had made the decision, and had tried to figure out ways to get in arge shipment of goods, which finally arrived some days ago.


    The quantity was considerable, the bulk of it coarse hemp fabric.


    Coarse hemp fabric had never been in the considerations of rich people for clothing. But coarse hemp fabric was often used by the poor for clothing. Especially this batch of coarse hemp was thick hemp, meant for winter clothing.


    The second-in-charge had advised against it.


    Because for fabrics, the better they were, the higher the profit margin. Rare fabrics could be worth thousands of gold per bolt.


    This kind of coarse hemp had extremely low margins, and would not earn much money.


    But Jiang Yinyu had said, "Don''t worry, there will definitely be people whoe to buy it on their own initiative."


    The second-in-charge had asked: "Who?"


    Jiang Yinyu had been very confident: "Our newly appointed Governor."


    Although she was a woman, since she could get to this position, she was no ordinary person.


    People sitting in that seat tended to have vision and caliber. Especially since she was also using refugees to popte her Fortress City, Jiang Yinyu had confidence in her.


    "Such a person cannot bear to watch the refugees freeze to death in winter," he had said. "Even if just for show, tofort the people''s hearts, she has to show some benevolence."


    "She must be trying to find ways to keep the refugees warm."


    "This thick coarse hemp of mine, I won''t earn much from it, I''ll only take one and a half percent from her... No, two percent profit will do."


    "Low margin high volume."


    It had seemed a pretty good n.


    He just hadn''t expected this woman of Dengzhou to be even more crafty than him. She had calcted and gotten paper from the Emperor, endless convoys pulling it.


    And distributed it to the refugees for making paper clothes!


    Jiang Yinyu was left holding this batch of thick coarse hemp fabric!


    Finished!


    The second-in-charge was even looking at him strangely now.


    He might even secretly write to their boss, wanting him reced!


    Jiang Yinyu had encountered the biggest crisis in his career as a head clerk. His job was about to be smashed!!

 Chapter 41

    "Shopkeeper!"


    Just as Jiang Yinyu was sitting by the second-floor window looking out at the peaceful street scene with a furrowed brow, racking his brains over how to resolve the predicament before him, the second shopkeeper came upstairs, an abnormal look in his eyes as he called out to him.


    His expression was also suspicious, with even a hint of strange panic.


    Jiang Yinyu''s heart skipped a beat, and his face tightened: "What''s the matter?"


    Though he looked rtively calm on the surface, his heart was actually pounding.


    The second shopkeeper stammered, "Shopkeeper, go down...quickly, there''s a...distinguished guest..."


    Jiang Yinyu let out a breath, saying "Alright," as he got up and walked towards the stairs, instructing the second shopkeeper as he went, "What distinguished guest can''t you receive properly? Why the fluster? Be calm, don''t let the customer think Ruiyun Pavilion has lowered its standards... Oh right, who hase?"


    He had just lifted his robe and stepped down one stair when he heard the second shopkeeper tremble out, "It''s...it''s the regionalmander of our Dengzhou, m''lord."


    The head shopkeeper felt his leg go soft and nearly stumbled down the stairs!


    Thankfully he grabbed the railing in time!


    He nced at the second shopkeeper.


    The second shopkeeper looked back at him innocently.


    Ruiyun Pavilion was a renowned silk shop. Naturally, Yefu Outpost was one of its clients too.


    It was just that purchasing matters were the responsibility of Yefu''s stewards, and Miss Yefu didn''t really enjoy shopping. Now that she was the de facto controller of Dengzhou, raising troops and stockpiling supplies, one could imagine she was even busier than before, so how could she havee to browse a silk shop personally?


    The head shopkeeper ttered and mbered down the stairs, striding swiftly towards the VIP reception room.


    Silk shop patrons were mostly female customers, so apart from the main hall, there were also many private rooms inside for female customers to make their selections alone.


    Since the regionalmander hade, Jiang Yinyu headed straight for the highest-standard VIP room without a second thought. He guessed the second shopkeeper wouldn''t have dared arrange another room either.


    Sure enough, as soon as he entered, he saw there was someone inside.


    A woman sat in the seat of honor, nked by several men in green shirts, each wearing a de, exuding a killing aura. The shop''s attendant had just served tea and was just tremblingly trying to exit.


    Jiang Yinyu strode over swiftly, bowed and greeted, "This little one is Jiang Yinyu, I pay my respects to the honorable regionalmander."


    Ye Suijin had just picked up the teacup and blown on it, then raised her eyes.


    "Jiang Yinyu," her voice was cold. "Do you know your crime in hoarding goods and manipting the market?"


    Jiang Yinyu''s heart lurched, and his face tightened.


    These days he had been vexed over that batch of coarse hemp goods, to the point of muddling his mind a little. To suddenly have the Dengzhou regionalmander p such a huge usation on him, his mind buzzed nkly for a moment, and his legs went soft, about to kneel...


    When suddenly a thought struck him, wait no, how have I hoarded goods and manipted the market?


    So-called hoarding refers to absorbing goods from the existing market, causing scarcity of that type of goods on the market.


    As for manipting the market, it means not selling when people need the goods, jacking up the price and profiteering.


    He hadn''t done either!


    Admittedly the quantity of this batch was somewhatrger than usual, but he had transported it in through Ruiyun Pavilion''s channels from outside, not impacting Dengzhou''s original market supply at all.


    Moreover, he hadn''t intended to do business with themon people at all. He had aimed this batch of goods at the purse of the present Dengzhou regionalmander.


    Ifmoners needed to buy coarse hemp, there was plenty on the market for them to buy. Those who could afford it definitely wouldn''tck supply. As for the penniless refugees...they couldn''t afford it anyway.


    He hadn''t disrupted the market at all. He had just spotted an opportunity, and wanted to take a gamble.


    Jiang Yinyu forcibly steadied his knees to avoid kneeling, and bent his waist even lower. "Esteemedmander, this subordinate truly does not understand. This subordinate keeps thew and lets the market take its course, never having disrupted the market before, so where does this talk of ''hoarding goods and manipting the market''e from?"


    Ye Suijin saw that he wasn''t cowed, and let out a chuckle. She sipped some tea, smiling amiably as she said, "What do you think? Have you gotten your hands on that batch of coarse hemp?"


    When she said this, Jiang Yinyu''s expression became even more colorful, flushing red one moment and pale green the next.


    The regionalmander actually knew!


    How did she know?


    In truth, ever since returning from Fangcheng, after discovering Duan He among the attendant troops, Ye Suijin had begun sending people to keep an eye on these "old acquaintances" living in Dengzhou.


    Jiang Yinyu bringing in such a huge batch of goods, and coarse hemp no less, was not a conventional product for a silk shop. The person watching him noticed this anomaly and naturally reported it to Ye Suijin.


    When Ye Suijin heard, it became clear to her immediately.


    This sly old fox Jiang Yinyu wanted to make a huge profit off her.


    As expected of him.


    He started out in Dengzhou supplying the Yefu Outpost with military provisions,ter simply abandoned his shopkeeping career and joined Yefu Outpost, following all the way to Duan Jin''s appointment as suprememander, where he was still at Duan Jin''s side overseeing military expenditures.


    The finance department''s people all knew him.


    He had brought his bunch of ountants to blockade the finance department before, abacus beads clicking and cking as they nitpicked over every ounce of money and grain with the finance guys. Neither side could leave the department gates to go home until everything was calcted clearly.


    The finance officials were left ashen-faced by him,ter all circumventing him when they encountered him on the road.


    Due to Ye Suijin''s status, it was inconvenient for her to meet with him directly. Come to think of it, they hadn''t seen each other for years. But he never failed to summon his wife into the pce during festivals and holidays, as a show of favor.


    Gifts for the four seasons and holidays always included a share for his family.


    For these people who had followed from Dengzhou all the way to the end, even when she became Empress she had not forgotten them.


    And after rebirth, she was also happiest to see these old acquaintances who were still alive in her previous life.


    It really lifted her spirits.


    Seeing Jiang Yinyu''s face dye itself the colors of an opened dye shop, Ye Suijin chuckled.


    The oppressive killing intent around her dissipated immediately.


    "Esteemed...esteemedmander..." Jiang Yinyu said awkwardly, "This subordinate was just, just not, not..."


    "Not what?" Ye Suijin asked. "Not spotting an opportunity, wanting to gamble, and profit hugely off me?"


    Jiang Yinyu''s expression grew even more interesting.


    But he soon collected himself again, and bent waist once more. "This subordinate had originally gambled on the esteemedmander''s benevolence andpassion, not expecting to underestimate the esteemedmander''s resourcefulness, actually finding another way that both solves the problem and saves money. The esteemedmander is truly formidable, under your governance Dengzhou will surely..."


    "Alright, enough ttery." Ye Suijin set down her teacup. "Speak. What was your purchase price for that batch? I''ll give you an eight percent profit margin, and I''ll take it off your hands.


    The thorny problem that had been causing him sleepless nights these past days was just solved like that!


    Jiang Yinyu fell straight to his knees with a thud, kowtowing vigorously. "Profound thanks to the esteemedmander! The esteemedmander''s kindness is as vast as the sea, this subordinate..."


    "That''s enough, stand up and talk properly," Ye Suijin said, rubbing her temples.


    "Speak straight. I know you..." she coughed, "I know Ruiyun Pavilion has channels. Help me think of a way to transport southern goods over."


    A money god hade knocking on his door!


    Jiang Yinyu quickly asked, "May this subordinate boldly ask, what goods does the esteemedmander need?"


    Ye Suijin said, "You look into it yourself. In short, I want my market to have things, I want people with money in hand to be able to buy anything they want. I want southern merchants to know Dengzhou is a safe ce where they can transport goods to me. Consider what''s needed yourself, you''re surely more knowledgeable than me about what the northcks. This is where you surpass me."


    Jiang Yinyu digested the implications behind Ye Suijin''s words, gaining some understanding. "The esteemedmander wishes to attract merchants?"


    Naturally, the more merchants gathered in a ce, the more prosperous it would be. Or rather, when prosperity and abundance was achieved, it would naturally attract merchants.


    In short, to judge a ce''s prosperity, one need only look at whether its trade routes were smooth or obstructed, and whether many merchantpanies came and went between north and south.


    Ye Suijin waved her hand, and Duan Jin took out a letter from his robe and passed it to Jiang Yinyu.


    "Bring this to your eastern family[business backers], tell them this is a handwritten letter from Dengzhou''s new regionalmander, bearing the seals of both prefect and regionalmander. It is my, Ye Suijin''s, promise to him. Tell him what I want, have him think of ways to aplish it. Tell him Ye Suijin of Dengzhou will not shortchange those who aid me."


    When a new power is established, being able to gain effective ties with it was crucial. Moreover, this emerging power had always had a reputation for benevolence and righteousness, with no signs of excesses or tyranny.


    This was the Dengzhou regionalmander delivering a money god to Jiang Yinyu''s doorstep.


    Jiang Yinyu was simply overjoyed. When receiving the envelope, his hands even shook a little, full of reverence. "The esteemedmander may rest assured, this letter will surely reach our eastern family."


    The present Jiang Yinyu was still just a shopkeeping manager of a business in this ce after all.


    Ye Suijin nodded, and added, "Oh right, there is one particr item I really want."


    Jiang Yinyu''s spirit lifted. "Please instruct this subordinate, esteemedmander."


    "There is a certain cloth called white folded floral cloth..." Ye Suijin asked, "Are you familiar with it?"


    Jiang Yinyu had worked his way up from apprentice, over twenty years in the business already. When it came to any cloth, it was his field of expertise.


    He immediately said, "Is the adult referring to the kind of long nap cotton spun fabric? That cotton is also called jibei, simr yet different from the cotton in Central in."


    In fact, that thing could not just be called cotton. Later it had its own specialized name, called cotton. Just not yet at present, still only able to continue using the ancient term.


    Ye Suijin said, "That''s right."


    Jiang Yinyu said, "This white cotton cloth, was once tributary to the Anxi Protectorate during Northern Wei''s heyday. But afterwards it was no longer seen."


    That was because Northern Wei declined, connections were severed, and each protectorate was isted and lost contact.


    But Ye Suijin knew, that thing was not limited to the Anxi Protectorate alone.


    "The south also has it." She said, "Should be in the Dali Kingdom."


    Jiang Yinyu as a merchant, interacting with peopleing and going, saw himself as a worldly wise man, yet had never heard of any Dali Kingdom, and could not help feeling confused yet curious, "Where is this Dali Kingdom? I have never heard of it before."


    Ye Suijin immediately realized she had slipped up.


    That ce was too far, and the frequency of regime changes was no less than Central in. Ye Suijin also could not be certain whether it was Great Tianxing Country or Great Yining Country over there right now.


    So she simply said, "It''s chaotic over there, constantly changing. It''s the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom." Hearing Nanzhao Kingdom, Jiang Yinyu suddenly understood, "Oh, Nanzhao!"


    He said, "Perhaps it has been a long time since we''ve seen goods from Nanzhao."


    That was certain. In these years the times were too chaotic, and manymercial routes from Northern Wei era had been severed.


    Jiang Yinyu said, "Does the nobledy want white cotton cloth?"


    "No." Ye Suijin said, "What I want is that kind of long nap cotton. Either the seeds or saplings will do. Can it be found?"


    Jiang Yinyu said, "I dare not guarantee, but can only say I will try my best."


    But he cautiously asked, "Is the nobledy thinking of... cultivating long nap cotton in Dengzhou?"


    Ye Suijin admitted, "Yes, that is my intention."


    "Nobledy, I have only heard of the white cotton cloth, and have never actually seen it." Jiang Yinyu was very curious, "Is it that good?"


    Good enough that Ye Suijin had only ruled Dengzhou for a short time, yet already thought of introducing cultivation. This could not have been a sudden idea, she must have had this thought for a long time, and now finally had the ability to do so.


    Yet Ye Suijin said, "It''s not better than silk, damask or linen. But it does have its benefits."


    In her previous life, it was the current Southern Chu Emperor still suppressed by his elders who brought cotton from south of Lancang River. Or maybe it wasn''t him. In any case, by the time they took over Jingchu region, cotton had already been sessfully cultivated in Chunds.


    The yield was astonishing.


    The biggest benefit of that stuff was not in weaving cloth, but in stuffing jackets and winter clothes, with warmthparable to fur.


    But the cost was much lower.


    Cotton and grain were Zhao Jingwen''s confidence in repeated northern expeditions.


    This was a long term n. Ye Suijin had been reborn, how could she not want to take advantage of this opportunity!

 Chapter 42

    Ye Suijin told Jiang Yinyu about her needs and left subsequent matters for Jiang Yinyu to handle. She was in no hurry to recruit Jiang Yinyu under hermand. Human rtionships are all about affinity. Even in their past lives, it was only after long years of cooperation that she recruited Jiang Yinyu as one of her own.


    At present, Jiang Yinyu was just a shop owner who knew nothing about military supplies and provisions. There was no need to rush.


    "Let''s go take a look at Twelfth Sister," Ye Suijin said as she leapt onto her horse and spoke to Duan Jin.


    Recently, because of the paper clothing matter, many of the Ye n''s young masters had been sent out by Ye Suijin. Twelfth Sister had also gone along to join in the fun.


    Fourth Uncle Ye was worried, so he arranged for Twelfth Sister to go to Nanyang, as the magistrate of Nanyang was Ye Jingyi of the Loyalty Hall, Sixth Young Master Ye. Having a cousin keep watch over her made Fourth Uncle feel more at ease.


    Despite the ruckus Twelfth Sister caused at home, she was actually a frivolous child. The paperwork for the paper clothing matter was extremely boring and tedious statistical work dealing with refugees. Although pitiable, many of the refugees were dirty and disheveled. Twelfth Sister onlysted two days before she couldn''t take it anymore and ditched the work, spending her time ying in Nanyang instead of going back.


    Fourth Uncle had sent people to call her back several times, and the other Ye n youths who hade to help had all returned, but Twelfth Sister was still frolicking and ying in Nanyang.


    Since Ye Suijin happened to be passing through today, she had promised Fourth Uncle to bring Twelfth Sister back.


    She went directly to the Nanyang county office.


    The county office was extremely dpidated. Because the magistrates were all temporary officials, they would normally be promoted or at least transferred after serving a few years. As a result, they had no motivation to spend money repairing the county office. Moreover, with the years of turmoil and unrest, they never knew when they might have to flee. They were even less inclined to repair the county office.


    Although the county office was run-down, the people inside were brimming with vitality¡ª


    When Ye Suijin arrived, the doors of the public courtroom were wide open with manymoners gathered around. It turned out a case was being tried in the county office.


    Ye Suijin waved her hand for her attendants to remain silent as she quietly stood at the back of the crowd.


    At a nce, she could see Ye Jingyi inside the courtroom, dressed in official robes and hat, sitting behind the magistrate''s bench listening closely to the intiff and defendant''s arguments below.


    On either side of the courtroom, attendants wielding wooden staffs stood upright. They were all young and strong¡ªthe previous batch, who had followed Ma Jin tomit evil for many years, had been nearlypletely wiped out by Ye Jingyi.


    Third Young Master Ye had already told Ye Suijin about the specifics after he returned.


    At that time, no one else could be used, so Ye Suijin first sent over the twenty guards. Ye Jingyi then put out notices to recruit people.


    It was not easy to eat from the public coffers. Ye Jingyi was very strict in investigating three generations of the recruits'' families for any criminal or evil acts before hiring them.


    At that time, Third Young Master had killed many people. The two young men acted decisively without regard for rtionships or face. This shocked the entire county and prevented those hoping to take advantage of the situation from daring to get close. Those who dared approach appeared to be decent people, at least without ulterior motives in their hearts.


    The entire county office could be said to have been washed clean and taken on a new air of vitality and authority.


    These were all things that could be observed at a nce.


    What Ye Suijin had not expected was that she would see Twelfth Sister there as well?


    Twelfth Sister was actually in the courtroom too, seated at a small table busily scratching away, recording the proceedings as court secretary.


    How could that fickle and mischievous girl allow Ye Jingyi to indulge her so?


    She would have to talk to these twoter.


    The case was notplicated: an overdue loan dispute that had dragged on for years.


    After the loan dispute case, there was a theft case between neighbors.


    Ye Suijin could not help smiling.


    She understoodpletely. Commoners daring to bring their disputes to court indicated they trusted the current magistrate.


    One must know,moners were usually reluctant to sue officials. Whether intiff or defendant, once they entered the courtroom, they would be yed by all levels from attendant to clerk to magistrate, each one lining their pockets.


    Formoners, even intiffs often ended up at a loss, better off not suing.


    But today, Nanyang County weed these young magistrates surnamed Ye who rejected corruption and upheld justice, adjudicating fairly for themon people. From county magistrate down to attendant, the previous culture of extortion and bleeding the people dry was gone. Whenmoners had disputes, they now dared to boldly and confidentlye ask their parents, the officials, to settle matters and try cases.


    This was the atmosphere needed in Dengzhou.


    As a schr, Ye Jingyi had naturally read thew books, but could not be considered an expert.


    But since Ye Suijin had put him forth as the Ye n''s first representative to enter officialdom, she would invest in him. She had arranged learned clerks knowledgeable inws and taxes to assist him.


    These were carefully chosen from among the Ye n''s long-term retainers. Before they followed Ye Jingyi to Nanyang, Ye Suijin had briefed them thoroughly, telling them her desired oues and goals.


    Back then, wielding the might of capturing Dengzhou, who would dare disobey her words? She had also personally dispatched Third Young Master Ye to protect and assist Ye Jingyi. The learned retainers were smart people who understood clearly, naturally doing their utmost.


    Nanyang''s rity and order today was the result of the collective efforts of Ye Suijin and all those above and below her.


    With the cases adjudicated and intiffs and defendants dismissed or taken away, themoners dispersed. Ye Jingyi was discussing matters with a clerk when Twelfth Sister suddenly called out, "Sixth sister!"


    Everyone looked over to see Ye Suijin striding in wielding a horsewhip.


    "Your Honor!"


    "Greetings, Your Honor!"


    Amid the chorus of respectful greetings, Ye Jingyi led everyone over, "Sixth sister, what brings you here?"


    "Who else but her?" Ye Suijin rapped Twelfth Sister on the head with the horsewhip.


    "Ow!" Twelfth Sister clutched her forehead. "Did Father ask you toe fetch me? I''m not done ying yet. I''ll go back in a few days."


    "You dare say that?" Ye Suijin red at her.


    In her previous life, she had made Twelfth Sister a duchess and allowed Twelfth Sister''s son to take the Ye surname and be heir. She had been very close with Twelfth Sister and her children.


    She waved her hand and her attendants shut the county office gates behind her.


    The main gates were only opened for public trials. Otherwise, people came and went through the side gates.


    Commoners submitted petitions through the attendants. If they had injustice to appeal, they could also beat drums to proim their grievance. The main gates would open for them.


    Now with curiousmoners still peeping outside, closing the doors cut off prying eyes and allowed discussion of family matters.


    The attendants tactfully withdrew.


    Ye Jingyi led Ye Suijin to the rear residence from the front offices. As they walked, Ye Suijin admonished him, "You''re as bad, indulging her childish antics and letting her run wild in the courtroom?"


    Actually after watching two cases just now, seeing Twelfth Sister seriously taking notes, she had gently chided them.


    Otherwise, she would have hauled these two over the coals already.


    Nevermind that Twelfth Sister was a child. Even if Ye Jingyi was around the same age, even Third Brother in her eyes was still a child.


    Ye Suijin had already lived an entire lifetime, addressed as Empress Dowager and Grand Empress Dowager by princes and princesses.


    All these young generation Ye family members were still children in her eyes.


    Twelfth Sister dared to throw tantrums in front of her own father, but didn''t dare make trouble in front of Sixth Sister. She defended herself aggrievedly, "I wasn''t messing around! I was working hard!"


    Ye Jingyi also said with a smile, "If she was causing trouble, I would not have allowed her in the courtroom. But you really have wrongly used Twelfth Sister this time, Sixth Sister. Twelfth Sister was not ying around, she was working diligently."


    Twelfth Sister nodded rapidly in agreement, "That''s right! That''s right!"


    Sitting down in the rear hall and listening to Ye Jingyi slowly exin, she finally understood what had happened.


    It turned out after Twelfth Sister could no longer stand the dull, repetitive statistical work and tallying, she had ditched it to go y. As Fourth Uncle''s belovedte-born daughter, how could Ye Jingyi let any mishap befall her? Since he could not coax her back to the Ye manor, he could only appease her and have her stay by his side.


    When he held court to try cases, the little girl would listen from behind a screen to one or two, then three or four trials. She became engrossed, finding the adjudications very interesting.


    "Sixth sister, you don''t know the many bizarre things one can hear," Twelfth Sister said. "I''ve grown up to this age in the Ye manor and not heard as many bizarre tales. It''s even more exciting than storybooks!"


    Ye Suijin: "..."


    Just as Ye Suijin was about to pinch the bridge of her nose, Twelfth Sister continued, "What''s even more interesting is I feel one side makes sense and the other doesn''t for a case. But the clerk cites the statutes showing it''s actually the other side that''s right and this side that''s wrong! It''s so amazing I could die! These days I''ve been reading the Wei Code1 until my head spins and eyes blur."


    1 Ancient Chinese penal codemissioned by the Wei dynasty in the 3rd century CE.


    Ye Suijin was surprised, "You can understand the Wei Code?"


    The Great Wei was once powerful, and the Wei Code was veryprehensive. Later, Zhao Jingwen established the Great Mu and directly changed the Wei Code into the Mu Code to use it, with almost no modifications.


    Ye Suijin didn''t believe that Twelfth Sister could get through such arge volume.


    "It''s true," Ye Jingyi spoke for Twelfth Sister, "Twelfth studied very seriously. Otherwise, she wouldn''t be able to understand why a case should be judged this way and not that way during court sessions."


    Twelfth Sister nodded madly, "Yes, yes, yes! After I studied, I finally understood what was going on! It''s very different from what I thought in daily life!"


    "Sister Six, have you read the Wei Code?" she said, "It''s really interesting."


    Ye Suijin stared at her.


    In the Ye Family Fort, the Ye Family''s tutors mainly taught martial arts and military strategies, and didn''t prohibit girls from studying, but didn''t force girls to study either.


    Twelfth Sister studied a bit in a so-so manner, and was only a little better than Ye Jingyi in martial arts. In her previous life, one could say she was neither literary nor martial, but fortunately her marriage was still decent, and the couple was affectionate. She also gave birth to several sons in session.


    Later, when the capital was stable, she was often free and loved to listen to opera performances.


    Ye Suijin had even rewarded her with an opera troupe.


    "Do you find it interesting?" Ye Suijin asked.


    "Yes, very interesting," Twelfth Sister nodded vigorously, light shining in her eyes.


    Ye Suijin had never seen such an expression in Twelfth Sister''s eyes.


    Later when they watched opera together in the pce, seeing the "generals" and "chancellors" on stage maneuvering behind the scenes, Twelfth Sister had sighed, "I wish I could have their talents too. Maybe I could help my father, brothers, and Sister Six like you."


    Instead of beingpletely useless, watching as her Sixth Sister struggled alone.


    In the court, the only one left she could rely on was Duan Jin, the former family servant!

 Chapter 43

    "Sixth Sister." Ye Jingyi stood up to speak for Eleventh Sister, "Mr. Chen praised Eleventh Sister."


    Mr. Chen was Ye Jingyi''s mentor inw. He was well-versed in codes and regtions. Every prominent family needed to have one or two people like him. He was specially selected by Ye Suijin from the retainers she had nurtured over the years to be Ye Jingyi''s mentor.


    In this life, Eleventh Sister and Ye Suijin were not that close yet.


    She was young and had not gotten to y with Ye Suijin''s group when she was little. Afterwards, when Ye Suijin lost her father, remarried, and managed the fortress, it was even less possible for her to y with the younger ones. There was also the obstruction of Fourth Uncle Ye between the two sisters, so there was no need to mention it.


    To tell the truth, it was only in the past few months when she followed Ye Suijin to learn archery that she started to be familiar and intimate with her.


    But she admired Sixth Sister very much.


    When Sixth Sister looked at her with such serious eyes and talked to her seriously, unlike how Father always treated her words like a child''s joke. Eleventh Sister boldly grabbed Ye Suijin''s sleeve, "Sixth Sister, I want to ask you for a favor."


    Ye Suijin said, "Tell me."


    Eleventh Sister gathered her courage, "I want to apprentice under Mr. Chen."


    Before Ye Suijin could respond, she hurriedly added, "I''ve mentioned it to Mr. Chen before. The teacher said I was just a child and would need an elder from the family to put in a word before it could happen."


    Of course that was how it worked.


    Apprenticeship was a solemn matter. How could it depend on a child''s casual request? The parents had to lead her there, present apprenticeship gifts, and the student had to kowtow eight times before the teacher-student rtionship could be established.


    Ye Jingyi smiled. "Why are you telling Sixth Sister? You should go tell your father."


    Eleventh Sister didn''t let go, "Father would never agree. He would only force me to learn embroidery."


    In fact, Eleventh Sister''s embroidery skills were also quite poor afterwards. Fortunately, her husband''s family also had plenty of maids who could sew and embroider.


    But a person''s energy in their lifetime was limited.


    If that was the case, why waste the limited energy on something that was actuallypletely unnecessary, just because "everyone thought it should be this way" so it "must be this way"?


    "If you want to learn, I can arrange it for you." Ye Suijin did not dismiss it as a joke, instead she responded very seriously, "But you have to know, if you really apprentice, then it won''t be a matter of you learning when you want and not learning when you don''t want to. I will watch over you, just like how I watch over your brothers'' martial arts training."


    Ye Suijin was so strict on the training grounds that even Tenth Son was afraid of her.


    Eleventh Sister shrank back a little, but soon straightened her chest, "I can do it! As long as Eldest Sister is willing to help me apprentice, I will definitely not bezy or y tricks!"


    Ye Jingyi''s lips moved slightly.


    In another year or two, Eleventh Sister would have to get engaged. It was even possible some families had alreadye proposing.


    At this age, a girl should be properly learning embroidery, cooking, and how to manage the inner quarters.


    But when Ye Jingyi raised her eyes, she saw Ye Suijin.


    She sat there upright, her chest full, waist slender, clearly a woman.


    But so what? She was the military governor of Dengzhou!


    Ye Jingyi could even imagine, when Ye Suijin was in the army, she also had female servants by her side. In the future, would she also have female officials?


    Although it was brief, during the time when Woman Zhuang ruled as empress in Northern Wei, there were also female officials.


    Ye Jingyi then closed her mouth.


    Apprenticeship was not a problem on Mr. Chen''s end. The problem was obviously Fourth Uncle Ye here.


    When Ye Suijin returned to Ye Manor and mentioned it to him, his eyes bulged, "What''s the use of her learning this?"


    This was a justified, righteous retort. He truly felt from the bottom of his heart that even Ye Suijin would not be able to refute this.


    However, Ye Suijin only replied, "She can be an official."


    Fourth Uncle Ye: "......"


    These four words left him dumbfounded.


    "Why can''t she?" Ye Suijin said, "If I can do it, so can she."


    Fourth Uncle Ye thought, how can my precious daughterpare herself to you, a tigress.


    "Fourth Uncle," Ye Suijin''s soul pierced him, "I''m only asking you, if I have an official position vacancy in front of me, would you rather I give it to someone else, or to Eleventh Sister?"


    Fourth Uncle Ye''s expression was truly fascinating.


    Fifth Sonughed until he wheezed.


    Third Son rubbed his temples, "Father!"


    Fourth Uncle Ye was still mumbling, "But she''s a daughter..."


    "What about being a daughter?" Ye Suijin said, "Eleventh Sister''s temperament is clearly not suited for needlework or recognizing threads. Fourth Uncle, you don''t need to worry about her living poorly after marrying either. With you and me sitting steadily in Dengzhou, Eleventh Sister''s marriage will be stable."


    This was the hard truth that wise people understood.


    Fourth Uncle Ye smacked his lips, but could not find any words to refute her.


    Ye Suijin said, "It''s true she''s a daughter, but she''s a daughter of my Ye family. Urging the n''s sons and daughters to study is my duty. Since Eleventh Sister has this intention, and there is a ready teacher, we can certainly afford the tuition. Fourth Uncle, you can''t persuade me with just ''she''s a daughter''."


    In the previous life, the main family''s poption declined.


    Those who remained in the capital relying on them were mostly some side branch rtives.


    Ye Suijin gave them prosperous lives, but did not fight for power for them. Being a low official was fine, but they could not touch the core of power.


    That way, the Ye family members could live safe and stable under Zhao Jingwen.


    Ye Suijin''s hopes were all ced on Thirteenth Son.


    Thirteenth Son lost a leg on the battlefield. After Eleventh Sister seeded the title, Thirteenth Son returned to Dengzhou to inherit Ye Manor and preserve their ancestry.


    "Have more children," she said to this younger brother before he returned home. "Have many offshoots and leaves, and teach the children well."


    Thirteenth Son smiled bitterly as he touched his severed leg, and agreed.


    Later, Eleventh Sister said, "I''m so useless."


    But now, all the sons and daughters of the Ye family were vigorous and lively with youth!


    Be they sons or daughters, Ye Suijin did not care. She wanted the children surnamed Ye to stand up.


    With this paper clothing matter, many of the Ye n offspring were sent out, and as expected, some who stood out in the previous life still stood out in this life, while some who had been buried before were now revealed.


    These youths were all surnamed Ye, and together they were the future of the Ye family of Dengzhou.


    Now, Ye Suijin wanted to ce Eleventh Sister into this framework as well.


    Fourth Uncle Ye was actually already swayed, showing hesitation.


    After all, he was just an ordinary father who wished the best for his daughter and for her to be virtuous.


    Ye Suijin thought for a moment, then said, "Then don''t take office. Learningw and regtions, she can be the first to know not to let herself be bullied by her husband''s family. And she can also admonish her husband to walk the proper path. It''s notpletely useless."


    Fourth Uncle Ye clicked his tongue, "How are you so good with words?"


    Everyoneughed.


    "Fine, if she wants to learn then let her learn." Fourth Uncle Ye said, "When she gets tired of it after three days of fishing and two days of drying the, I canugh hard at her."


    Third Son: "......"


    Fifth Son: "......"


    Listen, were those words a father should say?


    "Speaking of which, it''s been a while since Jingwen sent any news?" Fourth Uncle Ye also had to care about his niece''s marital life.


    Leaving a man outside for too long was asking for trouble.


    Everyone understood.


    But Ye Suijin was unconcerned, "No bad news means nothing''s wrong. If he encountered someone he can''t beat, he would run. If he couldn''t run, he should know to send someone for help."


    So no news actually indicated he was safe and sound.


    "Let''s not talk about him. Let''s discuss the September assessments." She said.


    The first stage of new soldier training was basicallyplete. It was time for the first major assessment. Hearing this, everyone''s spirits were roused and they gathered around...


    After receiving the letter, Ye Jingyi went back to Ye Family Fort to report official business and brought Eleventh Sister and Mr. Chen with him.


    When Eleventh Sister heard that Fourth Uncle Ye wanted tough at her, she was furious!


    "He thinks I can''t do anything right!" She stamped her feet. "But every time I want to do something, he says ''What''s the use of you doing this?''"


    Always being told like this, one would lose motivation. The enthusiasm that was initially full would dissipate.


    Sang said, "This time it was thanks to Sixth Sister speaking up for you that it worked out. If you give up halfway this time, Father wouldugh at Sixth Sister as well."


    Eleventh Sister swore to the heavens, "I will never drag Sixth Sister down! Just watch me!"


    Although Father was a bit excessive, in the end he still helped arrange for his daughter''s apprenticeship.


    After going through the apprenticeship ceremony, Eleventh Sister officially became Mr. Chen''s disciple.


    Mr. Chen said to her, "Actually, even I don''t know what use there is in you learning this."


    "But I devoted myself to the Ye family very early on. I never thought that Sixth Young Lady would one day be the fort master of Ye Family Fort. I also never imagined the fort master would one day be the military governor of Dengzhou."


    "People perhaps have infinite possibilities."


    "Therefore, since you have apprenticed under me, I will do my best to teach you."


    Eleventh Sister''s matters were for her father, brothers, and teacher to worry about. This time Ye Jingyi rushed back ording to schedule. Aside from official business, he actually wanted toe back specially to watch the new recruit examinations.


    Ye Jingyi understood clearly in his heart-


    The reason he leapt from being amoner to be the magistrate of a county was naturally because of his surname Ye, because Ye Family Fort had troops.


    He also saw clearly that Ye Suijin on one hand ced the main household''s sons in the military to firmly grasp military power, and on the other hand mobilized the side branches toe out and serve.


    Whenever he thought of these things, Ye Jingyi''s chest burned with heat.


    And he also knew, how far the Ye n of Dengzhou could go in the end, fundamentally speaking, still depended on the troops in their hands!

 Chapter 44

    For the second assessment, the Ye family main branch mobilized again.


    This time, the new recruits were divided into red and blue armies, with different colored cloths tied around their arms to distinguish between them. They were tested on formation, battle array, and coordination.


    Since the de edges were all tightly wrapped in thick cloth, the shing sounds were all muffled thuds. The men''s shouts and yells were louder.


    Once in formation, the impact was astonishing.


    It waste September, and the wind had turned cool, yet the parade ground remained steaming hot.


    Ye Jingyi sat at the side of the observation tform, his palms sweating profusely.


    Although his martial skills were poor, having studied in the Ye family school since childhood, he knew more of military affairs than the average bookish person.


    Whenever the formations changed or battle arrays shifted, he couldn''t help but recall the corresponding contents from the military texts. As a child he had no interest in such things, preferring the Four Books and Five ssics and the teachings of Confucius. But now, for the first time, he felt the power and aesthetics of military affairs.


    Since they were divided into teams and assessed by toon, the second assessment was much faster than the first individual assessments, taking only a day and a half toplete.


    No one failed this time. Having passed the first assessment, as long as one wasn''t an idiot, one would pass the second assessment. The difference was only whether one scored in the first, second, third or fourth toon.


    On the second day in the afternoon, the barracks grew even livelier, as they began reorganizing the new recruits together with the veterans and mixing up the toons.


    Only those who scored double first ss could enter the imperial guards toon.


    Everyone knew the imperial guards enjoyed the best treatment, because the imperial guards were the backbone of the army.


    Likewise, the main force naturally had the best weapons and armor, and thus had the highest chance of survival in warpared to other toons. This was easy to understand.


    While queuing up waiting to be reorganized, the new recruits couldn''t help but discuss: "Is this considered being formally recruited?"


    "Hey, didn''t they say it takes three assessments to be formally recruited? This is only the second, isn''t it?"


    "There''s still an assessment? What else is there to test?"


    Ye Jingyi also asked Ye Suijin, "Another assessment? What will they test?"


    In his opinion, the fundamentals described in the military texts, if not all, at least the basics had been demonstrated on the parade ground. What more was there to test?


    Further refinement required time, money and resources, and could not be aplished in one or two months.


    In fact, he was already shocked that the new recruits could be trained to this level in just two months.


    It was true his ancestors were military generals, but that was a hundred years ago. In the past century, it was only in recent years that they had rediscovered some of their ancestors'' legacy.


    That was why Ye Jingyi had insisted on personally observing the new recruit assessments, because hecked confidence.


    He worried his family were just armchair strategists.


    He didn''t expect Ye Suijin to personally join the barracks, personally train the troops, and achieve such results. This once again expanded his understanding of the family leader.


    Now, with greater assurance, he was even more eager to know Ye Suijin''s next steps.


    Ye Suijin, fist propped against her chin, had been studying the map for some time. At his question, she raised her eyes: "Of course, practicalbat."


    Ye Jingyi was taken aback.


    "The parade ground and the battlefield are two different things," said Ye Suijin. "If you don''t believe me, ask Third Son and the others. Forget the battlefield, when I first took them on an inspection tour of Deng Prefecture, they reacted terribly just from killing a few men."


    Even Third Son Ye turned pale at the memory, and Fifth Son Ye had vomited.


    Yet each of them had been outstanding sons of the Ye family, vigorous as lively dragons on the parade ground.


    "Good civilians who''ve learned to wield des on the parade ground don''t necessarily be killers on the battlefield," said Ye Suijin.


    Third Son deeply understood this point. He nodded with feeling, "Too true."


    In fact, everyone knew Third Son had changed the most these past few months. Even Fourth Uncle Ye sometimes felt as if his son had molted and transformed.


    Previously among the brothers, Third Son was famed for his gentle heart. Whenever the younger brothers got into trouble, they would run to him for help.


    Now in Nanyang, he had a nickname of "Yama King".


    Some of the old officials in the Nanyang county government still trembled at the mention of Third Son Ye. As a result, when they returned home to educate their children, they solemnly admonished: Remember, never corner an honest man.


    That would mean... another beating?


    Amidst nervousness, Ye Jingyi also felt a surge of ardor. Indeed, he too had the Ye family blood.


    He asked, "Are we attacking somewhere?"


    Ye Suijin had been studying the map for some time already. Lowering her fist that had been propping up her chin, she tapped the map with her wooden pointer and circled a spot: "Let''s start here."


    She said: "Clean up Tang Prefecture first."


    Tang Prefecture bordered Deng Prefecture. In the past, it had been administered by the same prefect who alsomanded the Xuanhua army.


    "Shangma, Ciqiu, Biyang!" Ye Suijin''s pointer marked out a triangle on the map. "Such good ces, with excellent corn."


    Tang Prefecture''s corn had long enjoyed fame. Fangcheng''s corn was exceptional, but in recent years it had been ravaged by Du Jingzhong, leaving much good farnd abandoned.


    Although they had sessfully grown a crop of beans this year, depleted soil could not recover fertility so quickly. The beans this year were better than nothing, but Ye Suijin did not have high hopes.


    Thus it was even more imperative to take over these areas early on.


    This was military provisions!


    Previously Ye Jingyi only knew the Four Books and Five ssics and Confucian teachings. Only after going to Nanyang did he begin learning about money and grain. Now he hadn''t looked at the ssics in a long time, instead poring over codes ofw, agricultural texts,modities, and math daily.


    As Ye Suijin spoke, Ye Jingyi''s mind raced with calctions: "A county of thirty thousand can probably support eight hundred troops. Fangcheng currently produces almost nothing, at most half a county. Yuan County is smaller, also about half. So our total is like three counties, roughly able to support two thousand five hundred to three thousand troops. Currently..."


    "Currently, it''s barely enough for defense," said Ye Suijin. "Furthermore, this depends on favorable weather andpetent county officials."


    "I know," said Ye Jingyi solemnly. "Leave the Nanyang side to me."


    "Rong Lin from Sheng''an Hall and Gen Zhi from Heguang Hall are not bad. Bring them back with you this time," said Ye Suijin. "Keep them at your side and show them how you handle affairs."


    These two Ye descendants had performed outstandingly during the paper clothing incident.


    Military affairs naturally fell under Ye Suijin''s personalmand. For civil administration, she had appointed Ye Jingyi to lead the charge. Now that he had zed this trail, he had to bring along nsmen and nurture talented personnel.


    Ye Jingyi had never imagined that one day, he, a coteral descendant, would shoulder such an important responsibility. But for the n to prosper, the n must first grow strong, and only with a strong n could individuals thrive.


    Clearly Ye Suijin did not intend for the main branch to monopolize all the good resources. She evidently wanted the entire Deng Prefecture Ye n to flourish.


    With such a magnanimous family head, the nsmen felt tremendously reassured. Ye Jingyi agreed steadily, "Very well, leave it to me."


    He nced at the map and asked, "When do we take action against Tang Prefecture?"


    Saying take action meant taking action.


    Ye Suijin gave the Ye family five days to adjust to the new organization and be familiar with their newrades.


    Five dayster, Ye Suijin selected a thousand troops, "Food isn''t free. Remember you''re soldiers now, des in hand, arrows in pots. You''re no longer refugees begging for food, no longer people who don''t dare fight back when bullied. You''ve hacked enough straw men on the parade grounds. From today on, you''ll be hacking living men."


    "Didn''t you all want to know what the third assessment for formal recruitment was? This is the third assessment!"


    She shouted, "Those who can''t do it, either die out there with families to mourn them, ore back alive by luck, and I will permit you to return home and farm."


    "But whoever dares to turn their back in battle, me me for the army''s merciless militaryw!"


    "Speak! How are deserters dealt with in battle?"


    Were they going to war?


    Even brawny men who had scored double first ss felt a trace of panic. Hearing Ye Suijin''s harsh demand, their palms grew damp with sweat.


    Having been assigned to the imperial guards toon during the reorganization, Duan He had specially been ced under Duan Jin in Ye Suijin''s personal guard. As a former regr soldier who had campaigned against bandits and fought bravely at Fangcheng, he was clever. Hearing Ye Suijin''s yell, he was the first to reply: "Executed on the spot!"


    Duan Jin unsheathed his saber with a loud ng: "Deserters will be beheaded before the battle formation!"


    With a chorus of ngs, steel sabers were unsheathed, spreading out like waves. The veterans were quick to draw their des: "Beheaded before the battle formation!"


    The new recruits'' panic was reced by the heat rising in their blood. They were a beat slower at drawing their swords: "Beheaded before the battle formation!"


    The husky, coarse voices of the men mixed with the cold metallic friction, raising goosebumps on the backs of necks.


    In this atmosphere, even people''s eyes took on a different look.


    Ye Fourth Uncle instinctively rubbed his arms to smooth down the goosebumps.


    Before Ye Suijin''s departure, Fourth Uncle had instructed: "Come back soon, okay?"


    "It won''t dy the soybean harvest," Ye Suijin said.


    Fourth Uncle said, "Go early and return early, save some rations. These horses eat people alive!"


    Fifth Son Ye rolled his eyes in exasperation: "Dad, stop pinching pennies!"


    "I''m not pinching pennies," Fourth Uncle put his hands on his waist. "I''m the junior prefect, if you weren''t acting as head of household, you wouldn''t know the prices of firewood, rice, oil and salt. Stop farting around."


    Ye Suijinughed out loud, praising Fourth Uncle: "Fourth Uncle is bing better and better at managing the household. Our family is poor, we have to carefully budget to get by."


    Fourth Uncle: "That''s right!"


    He remembered and instructed Ye Suijin again: "Moneyes second, don''t miss out on any good horses, destriers or chargers, bring them all back!"


    At the outset of the Battle of Fangcheng, Fourth Uncle was overjoyed at the prospect of looting treasure and riches.


    But soon after, Ye Suijin appointed him as junior prefect of Deng Prefecture, putting local defense, taxes, armory, saddlery and horse-breeding under these uncles'' management. Fourth Uncle calcted ounts daily until his head shone, wishing he could split every penny in half to make it stretch further.


    Heter realized that the most precious spoils of Fangcheng were not the gold, silver and treasure, but the horses.


    Back then, Du Jinzhong''s gang had taken many of Xuanhua''s military horses. Although the best warhorses had left with the Commander-in-chief for the capital never to return, what remained were still military horses.


    Du Jinzhong was a rough military man, useless at governing civilians, but he knew to take good care of horses. After all, what soldier doesn''t love horses?


    The horses bred under him were quite decent, proving there were capable horse-breeders under hismand.


    Obtaining this batch of seized horses made Xu Cripple bloom with joy, bragging that he would breed a batch of fine steeds for Ye Suijin.


    But breeding horses was not something to be rushed, so Fourth Uncle specially instructed Ye Suijin.


    After the instructions, Ye Suijin struck camp and set off.


    In truth, for low-ranking soldiers, fighting wars was often confusing. They simply went wherever their superiors ordered them, fighting whoever they were told to fight. Sometimes they didn''t even know where they were going, or who they were fighting.


    It was not umon for them to quietly ask their superiors along the way: "Who are we going to fight?"


    The superior would say: "To suppress bandits."

 Chapter 45

    After the Xuanhua garrison mutinied, the governor was killed, officials fled, and Tangzhou had been in a state of anarchy.


    Many deserters and mercenaries settled down and became bandits. Among them, Du Jingzhong was the most notorious.


    When Du Jingzhong suddenly disappeared, other local powers felt relieved. Because these guys not only lootedmoners but also fought among themselves, especially Du Jingzhong.


    Of course, some people were curious about what had happened in Fangcheng, so they went there to investigate, with the intention of taking advantage or even upying Fangcheng directly. However, none of them returned.


    For a while, Fangcheng became a ce of mystery.


    So outsiders didn''t dare to go recklessly anymore, they only dared to peek from afar. They discovered some troops in green shirts and ck pants stationed there. A big g with the character "Ye" was fluttering in the wind on the city tower.


    The city gate was heavily guarded, carts and horses came in and out busily but in good order. In the following days, batches of people were transported to various ces under Fangcheng''s jurisdiction.


    The local powers pondered, Ye? There was a Ye family near Dengzhou that should not be provoked. Could it be them?


    But how did theye to Tangzhou across the border? Didn''t the Ye family only mind their own business in Dengzhou before?


    What was the deal with bringing in so many people?


    With more people, things could be done. They secretly inquired in the fields and finally got the answer. It was indeed the Ye family from Dengzhou.


    They had killed Du Jingzhong and upied Fangcheng, recruited many refugees, distributed houses andnd, and were busy farming.


    The surrounding people were quite apprehensive, not knowing whether this was good or bad for them.


    As time went by, even worse news was revealed: when Fangcheng was captured, Du Jingzhong''s men... were said to have been killed to thest man.


    This news, once confirmed, changed many people''s faces.


    After years of being bandits, who could say their hands were totally clean? No one could tell who would be the next to be cut down.


    Many were secretly on guard for a long time. However, the Ye family was busy farming. Soon every household was making paper clothes, turning paper pulp into paper clothes.


    It seemed that the Ye family was content with the current state and had no intention of further expansion.


    As time went on, many people gradually lowered their guard.


    People still had to eat and sleep, life went on as usual.


    No one knew that this peaceful period was actually the gathering strength period of the Ye family.


    As the weather grew cooler day by day, on this day, a force that had been stationed near Shangma led men out to "collect food".


    "Collecting food" meant going to viges to demand grain or valuables.


    But the men didn''t return that day. What returned was a cloud of dust ¡ª after all, Henan borders on deserts. Especially now, it was the time of drought.


    In short, everyone was dumbfounded.


    Fortunately, they were mobile raiders after all. Seeing the dust, the leader knew the scale of theing attack was beyond their ability to withstand. He decisively ordered: "Retreat!"


    Abandoning theirir, wealth, women, the most important thing was to survive!


    The gang fled wildly on horseback, looking back to see if they were chased, and cursing: "Sons of bitches!"


    Strangely, therge troop behind did not seem to pursue. Just as they slightly rxed, dust rose from the nk, they were being outnked!


    In shock, the bandits had no choice but to flee in another direction.


    After barely escaping, just as they were about to slow down, the ambush in front suddenly emerged and volleys of arrows were shot at them.


    Strangely, those arrows seemed a bit weak, falling neatly just a tiny bit off target. Only a few that were uncontrolled injured people in their ranks.


    This gave the bandits another chance to escape.


    "Who the hell are these people!"


    That was the thought of all the bandits. Because they didn''t even see any banners, had no idea who the enemy was.


    Before they could figure it out, they were outnked again.


    Amazingly.


    When they fled east, they were outnked from the east. Fleeing west, outnked from the west. Fleeing back, behind them was the main force. Fleeing forward, there were ambushing archers blocking their way.


    Going back and forth for nearly two hours, not just the horses couldn''t take it anymore, even the men couldn''t.


    All the bandits had a strong sense ¡ª they were being toyed with. Yes, that''s how it felt.


    The other side kept not attacking, only herding them back and forth within the area they had delineated.


    Finally, men and horses were exhausted.


    The sky had also darkened.


    The bandit leader steeled his heart: "Live or die, damn it!"


    He was thinking of gambling it all. Why did the other side only feint attacks? Maybe their formation was not asrge as it appeared. Ancient records told of tying tree branches to horse tails to exaggerate forces.


    What if the other side was just a small group? What if they were bluffing?


    The bandit leader looked around and gritted his teeth, pointing in one direction: "That way!"


    The gang rushed in that direction. Meeting the outnking force, they no longer turned back this time, all drew their des and charged roaring.


    As expected, the other side had exaggerated their might. Seeing them speed up instead of slowing down, the enemy cavalry seemed to split down the middle and rapidly retreated in two directions.


    "Damn it! We were tricked indeed!" the leader cursed, even considering chasing back and killing them.


    Just then, his underling shouted anxiously: "Boss, watch out!"


    Toote, also because it was dark now with all the dust, he didn''t notice the caltrops on the ground.


    What people were these! Even preparing caltrops!


    As this thought shed through the leader''s mind, he was thrown off his horse.


    The patch of caltrops tripped many men and horses. The fallen blocked the path for those behind.


    As the men struggled to get up and find their horses, the sound of war drums suddenly rose, followed by the sound of arrows cutting through air!


    This time, the arrows were no longer falling harmlessly short. This time, countless arrows shot into their ranks like meteors.


    The meaty thunks of arrows hitting flesh rang in their ears!


    Screams and shrieks together!


    Before they could flee, the archers in front swiftly split and pulled back on both nks in seamless formation.


    The true might was revealed as orderly ranks of sword-and-shield troops interspersed with pikemen.


    Spear tips glittered coldly in the setting sun.


    The war drums beat again.


    Roughmand voices shouted: "Charge!"


    Many fierce battle cries suddenly erupted¡ª


    "Kill¡ª Ah!"


    "Kill¡ª!"


    The bandits shuddered as the well-trained troops stomped to the increasingly rapid drumbeats and surged murderously upon them.


    In that moment, with the screams of ughter rising to the heavens, the setting sun dyed the earth red.


    Resisting the pain of his twisted ankle, the leader lifted his de to meet the enemies, still thinking¡ª


    Dammit, who are these people, mobilizing such a huge force just to deal with less than two hundred of them?


    Was it necessary?


    Was it really necessary!!


    When the sky waspletely dark, the Green Shirts swept the battlefield, made camp on site, and cooked rice in pots, soon filling the air with the fragrance of food.


    The leader''s body was shed several times but his life was spared. He was tied up, and hearing the smell of food, his stomach inevitably growled loudly.


    After running for hours, even the strongest man needed to eat!


    But clearly no food for him now.


    He was brought to the main tent of the central army.


    In the firelight, the great big character "Ye" fluttered on the grand banner in the night breeze.


    The generals were all very young, extremely young in fact.


    And the woman dressed in armor among them, her face was even more enchanting than hibiscus in the firelight.


    Well, now he knew whose hands he had fallen into.


    The leader was forced to kneel on the ground.


    Ye Suijin looked him up and down and asked, "Do you know who I am?"


    The leader nodded.


    Ye Suijin said, "Tell me then."


    The leader replied, "The lord of the Ye Family Fort in Dengzhou."


    Ye Suijin smiled. She said, "Let me ask you, why did you choose that direction for your final breakout?"


    Before the leader could answer, a young man anxiously cut in, "You must have chosen randomly, right! Say it!"


    The slightly older young man beside him gripped the back of the young man''s neck: "Shut up, let him speak."


    It really wasn''t random.


    The leader said, "Compared to the other teams, that team''s formation was rigid. When nking, they always wanted to take fixed routes. Not as flexible as the other teams."


    The young generals burst into loudughter.


    "Didn''t I tell you not to stick rigidly to the book! You have to adapt to the terrain."


    "Oh dear, even from afar I could tell it wouldn''t go well for you, Junhua."


    "You see, we told you before but you just wouldn''t believe it. Now you know, don''t you?"


    The one who had just spoken impatiently was Qng. The leader had chosen to break through in the direction that was his team''s position. Because he didn''t know the situation had changed, it became the weak link in the encirclement formation, which the bandit leader had noticed.


    Qng was annoyed.


    This time, he had truly recognized his own shorings.


    The leader understood.


    So the Ye Family Fort was using them for military training!


    The leader had many swear words, but he held them back in his chest and throat, enduring the difort.


    Ye Suijin asked him, "What''s your name?"


    The leader answered, "Zhou Junhua."


    "Junhua," Ye Suijin appraised, "That''s a good name. I imagine when you were born, your parents had many hopes for you. Did they ever think that one day you would be a bandit, robbing themon people, indiscriminately killing the innocent, and oppressing the poor?"


    Zhou Junhua retorted, "It''s true I rob people, but I mostly target rich households. And while I have killed people before, I wouldn''t say indiscriminately. "


    Ye Suijin raised his eyebrows. "I reckon you don''t have much ability. Du Jingzhong already has one or two thousand men, yet you only have this many."


    Zhou Junhua said, "What Du Jingzhong is doing won''t work. He''s already conscripted or killed all the able-bodied men in Fangcheng. With no one left to farm thend, sooner orter everyone will be in dire straits. What he''s doing is draining the pond to get the fish."


    Shng scoffed.


    A bandit leader actually caring about people''s livelihood?


    Ye Suijin looked seriously at Zhou Junhua. "Were you with the former Xuanhua troops?"


    Zhou Junhua said, "Let''s not mention that."


    Ye Suijin asked, "You were a xiaowei, right?"


    Zhou Junhua said, "Zhaowu xiaowei."


    The Lang brothers collectively gasped.


    Because a zhaowu xiaowei was 6th rank, and above that was youji jiangjun, a proper general.


    Among the brothers, only Lang was a youji jiangjun, the rest were still only xiaowei.


    This gasp made Zhou Junhua feel bitter inside.


    In truth, he didn''t even know how he had ended up like this over the years, much of it was out of his control.


    Ye Suijin said, "Back then, many people joined Ye Family Fort. Why didn''t youe to us?"


    Zhou Junhua stayed silent.


    Ye Suijin understood, "You looked down on our Ye Family Fort?"


    It was true that back then, Ye Family Fort was just one of the big households in Deng Prefecture. Zhou Junhua was 6th rank after all, higher than even the county magistrate.


    Unlike Xiang Da who was just a renyong xiaowei, much lower rank, so he readily bowed his head.


    Zhou Junhua lifted his head, "Master Ye, I heard that in Fangcheng, Du Jingzhong left no one alive. Is that true?"


    Ye Suijin said, "Yes."


    Zhou Junhua''s expression was pained as he lowered his head again.


    After a while, he raised his head, "Master Ye, many of my brothers here are former Xuanhua troops just trying to find a way to survive. I''ve always kept them in check, never letting themmit great evil. If you must kill, kill me alone and leave them a way out."


    But the woman just nced at him through the firelight, "Whether to kill or not isn''t up to me."


    "It''s up to what you yourselves have done."


    "A person''s fate is not decided by Heaven or others, but always by oneself."

 Chapter 46

    On horseback all the way here, the Ye family saw a much better scene than in Fangcheng at that time.


    Although it was a little dpidated, there were still people living in the viges. The fields were also better than in Fangcheng, withoutrge areas of abandonednd.


    The next day, Ye Suijin gathered people from nearby viges.


    Hearing the news, which vige dared note when they saw the strong horses, waist swords, bows and arrows, and spears of the Green Clothes Army? They all came.


    Only then did they know it was to interrogate Zhou Junhua''s gang.


    This was what Ye Suijin meant by their fate being in their own hands, whether to kill or not, depending on how much evil they had done.


    With over two hundred people, even though Zhou Junhua restricted them, it was impossible for them to bepletely innocent. They were already bandits to begin with.


    Some had forcibly taken civilian women, some had seized family heirlooms, and some had killed indiscriminately.


    All those who were used and identified by the victims were beheaded on the spot.


    The rest of the petty evils were still eptable.


    As for the food collected by Zhou Junhua''s gang, the peasants did not actuallyin much.


    The county government in Shangma County had long been empty. They had all died during the wartime chaos earlier, and the few surviving yamen clerks had also taken off their official uniforms and quitpletely. Some even joined Zhou Junhua outright.


    Shangma had essentially only been supporting Zhou Junhua''s gang. With just over two hundred people, the food they collected was less than the various harsh taxes and levies of thete Eastern Wei. So the burden on themon people was actually lighter.


    Besides, they did provide some governance.


    Some vigers said, "People from Fangcheng sometimes came to rob food and even kill people. They were the ones who drove them back."


    In Zhou Junhua''s view this was because those people had crossed the boundary and encroached on his "turf", damaging his interests.


    But for the local vigers, Zhou Junhua was protecting the viges and preventing them from falling into an even worse situation.


    Things in Fangcheng were really miserable. ording to refugees who escaped, there was almost no way to survive there. The locals all felt it was Zhou Junhua''s virtues that kept Shangma from deteriorating like Fangcheng.


    Some who hadmitted petty evils were singled out and tied up in a line, obviously for separate disposal.


    Zhou Junhua asked, "What will be done to them?"


    Ye Suijin said, "Don''t worry about it."


    Zhou Junhua deted. After a while, he asked again, "Then what about us?"


    Ye Suijin did not answer him, but instead strode to the front of the tied up prisoners.


    Apart from those who were killed and those singled out, there were still over seventy people left. Ye Suijin looked them over one by one. When she was done, she said to Zhou Junhua very affirmatively, "These are all former Xuanhua Army men."


    Among those killed and singled out, there were also some former Xuanhua Army men, but the rest were all former Xuanhua Army.


    Third Son Ye eximed at hearing this, "Really?"


    Zhou Junhua looked around and finally nodded, "It really is."


    Everyone greatly admired her and kept asking, "Sister Six, how did you see it?"


    Because real regr troops and those messy gangs were different.


    Ye Suijin had been at war for many years and was too familiar with the aura of soldiers, basically able to distinguish at a nce.


    She said to Zhou Junhua, "You didn''t lie."


    Zhou Junhua said he had also restrained his subordinates.


    That the ones left in the end were all Xuanhua Army proved he was telling the truth.


    Because regr troops were used to following orders and militaryw, Zhou Junhua''s restraints worked best on them. Those who joined halfway were harder to manage, because they went "rogue" and "joined bandits" from the very start. No matter how Zhou Junhua tried, he couldn''tpletely stop their petty evildoings.


    As for those whomitted greater evils, it was innate human nature, unrted to background. It was just that when given the opportunity, the pus of evil burst out.


    Zhou Junhua understood the meaning in Ye Suijin''s words. He fell silent for a moment, then knelt down on one knee: "Lord Ye, my brothers and I just want to make a living. Please take us in! We will surely obey orders and strictly abide by militaryw under Lord Ye!"


    Back then, Ye Family Fort was just a vige fort. Zhou Junhua was a sixth-rank official, just one step away from general. He looked down on Ye Family Fort and brought some men to Shangma instead.


    Who knew this would happen after all these years.


    He also didn''t want to be as unscrupulous as Du Jingzhong. Although he had amassed some personal wealth, that was it. The ideas and righteousness from those years had also worn away.


    Looking at Ye Family Fort now, it had made a name for itself as "Ye Family Fort, Dengzhou".


    With all kinds of troops, brave soldiers, and young and vigorous generals full of vigor.


    Even Du Jingzhong was taken down by her.


    Truly, the river flows east for thirty years and west for thirty years.


    Zhou Junhua finally bowed his head.


    "Alright, buting under me, you can only start as an escort colonel," Ye Suijin nodded.


    With news blocked everywhere nowadays, Zhou Junhua was surprised.


    Ye Suijin then told him: "Dengzhou and Fangcheng are under my control. I am Governor of Dengzhou and Commander of Dengzhou Military Affairs. Ye Family Army is now Dengzhou Army."


    Zhou Junhua gasped - he had still underestimated her after all.


    But he had found a troop.


    Zhou Junhua even felt a little like crying.


    He had felt a kind of lost and helpless panic these past few years, even though he upied territory and could provide for his brothers.


    Now there was a sense of stability.


    Ye Suijin called out, "Seventh Uncle!"


    Ye Qi Shu then came over.


    Ye Suijin said, "Colonel Zhou is one of us from now on. Go settle his men with him."


    Zhou Junhua quickly said, "We are all Dengzhou Army and Ye Family Army men now."


    He knew his ce well.


    Ye Qi Shu and Zhou Junhua then left.


    Many of the vigers had not yet dispersed, watching Ye Family Army. Seeing their strict military discipline, some bolder ones came forward and asked, "Shangma will also be governed by Ye Family Fort from now on?"


    "Is Ye Family Fort the court?"


    Ye Family Fort had long had a unified response to this: "The court is the court, Ye Family is Ye Family."


    "Yes, Shangma will be under Dengzhou and governed by Ye Family from now on."


    "Don''t worry, Dengzhou is good now."


    Having executed the greatly evil earlier and avenged themoners, as well as tied up the petty evils, the people''s hearts were filled with awe and conviction. They all said, "That''s good then. Someone is finally governing us."


    Some also said, "Lord Ye is a...great woman."


    Making Ye Family''s menugh.


    As Ye Suijin walked to the main tent here, she suddenly made a strange hmm sound.


    Duan Jin and Third Son Ye beside her both nced at her. Third Son asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Ye Suijin sighed, "Zhou Junhua...is a man without much ambition."


    Zhou Junhua was a man with a bottom line but little ambition.


    ording to Zhou Junhua, he had brought over a brigade originally. Developed until now it had only doubled.


    Du Jingzhong had expanded to one or two thousand men, although thebat power was weak, the numbers were not.


    Of course Ye Suijin was willing to ept Zhou Junhua and his men because Zhou Junhua did not involve themon people.


    Having been an empress in her previous life, she viewed everything from the "court''s" perspective, and hated those like Du Jingzhong who involved themon people the most.


    Because this model had an iparable destructive power on local areas.


    Not only taking able-bodiedbor away from production, it also easily burst all the pus of human evils, letting it all flow out. And it was irreversible.


    Once someone went through this process, they could never go back to being aw-abiding citizen.


    So in Fangcheng, Ye Suijin left no survivors.


    But Zhou Junhua was different. He was clearly a man without much ambition.


    He was obviously someone suited to working steadily within the system, getting promoted step by step. upying Shangma, he actually became a local army without organization, just making a living locally.


    And that was it.


    If it were someone like Zhao Jingwen instead...


    In Ye Suijin''s mind, she could almost map out a path to sess for an ambitious man in turbulent times, using Shangma as the starting point.


    Having ambition or not really made a huge difference.


    Where was Zhao Jingwen now? Had he met Pei Lian yet?


    Or could he even meet Pei Lian in this life? Would he still marry Pei Lian?


    Ye Suijin raised the corners of her lips.


    Although growing rapidly, Third Son and Duan Jin still could not understand that smile at the corner of Ye Suijin''s lips.


    They did not know that when one reached a certain age, they viewed and handled matters not merely limited to the matters themselves.


    Especially officialdom and the inner pce were the ces that most refined the human heart.


    Ye Suijin had long reached the level of observing human nature and handling affairs. There really was nothing more interesting than studying human nature, unless it was wielding power.


    And if one wielded power and studied human nature, that was the most interesting.


    Topete with others was endless joy.


    Zhou Junhua''s dozen men were first not given weapons, only counted as extra. The seized weapons and horses also had to be checked. There were also some aggrieved people whose properties and several women were promised to be returned, which also had to be arranged. It took some time.


    The next day, they broke camp and headed for Shangma County.


    A masterless city, the defenses were actually stronger than Du Jingzhong¡¯s Fang City. At least people on the city wall were conscientiously on duty.


    Seeing therge group heading to Shangma County from afar, they immediately sounded the rm. After some chaos at the city gate, they at least seeded in closing the big door.


    That¡¯smendable.


    Ye Suijin was quite surprised.


    Zhou Junhua said, "I trained them."


    He was a little proud. After all, he used to be a proper military officer, hmm, maybe not an officer, but a lieutenant.


    That was still his rice-bowl skill.


    "My lords, please wait as I go to call to open the door," Zhou Junhua said, then rode forward and yelled, "Which family is above? Open the door, I''m back."


    The people above were frightened by therge group and cautiously peeked out. Seeing clearly, they eximed in surprise, "Is it Master Zhou?"


    "It''s me. Is it the Wang family?" Zhou Junhua said, "Don''t worry, open the door. It''s me."


    But the person in charge felt something was wrong just by looking.


    Master Zhou had about a hundred people, but there must be thousands here, right? This didn''t look right at all. Could Master Zhou...have been kidnapped?


    Not daring to make the decision, the person replied, "Master Zhou, please wait. I will report to the elders."


    Zhou Junhua awkwardly exined to Ye Suijin, "They must have been startled."


    Of course Ye Suijin could see that the people on the wall hadn''t foolishly opened the door right away. They hadn''t done wrong. Even if they were civilians, they were qualified servants.


    She was just curious, "Is your wife''s hometown Shangma County?"


    Zhou Junhua nodded and said "Mm-hmm."


    His reply was somewhat vague and unclear what he was vague about.


    After waiting for a while, an old man poked his head out from the top of the city wall and asked down, "Is it son-inw?"


    "It''s your son-inw." Zhou Junhua replied, "Father-inw, open the door."


    The old man asked, "Why are there so many people?"


    Zhou Junhua answered, "This is the Ye family army from Dengzhou. Lord Ye from Dengzhou Prefect. Lord Ye has recovered Fang City and wiped out the rebel bandits Du Jingzhong. Son-inw has also been enlisted. Now my lord wants to recover Shangma. Father-inw, hurry and open the door."


    Another old man''s head popped out from the top of the city wall, "Really?"


    "Really." Zhou Junhua knew what they were worried about, and said, "Father-inw, don''t worry. Ye family army''s military discipline is strict and won''t disturb the people. Please rest assured."


    The Ye family people all thought, which old man are you talking to? Isn''t your father-inw the other old man? Got it mixed up, right?


    The two old men on the wall both shrank back, seeming to have gone to discuss. After a while, they poked their heads out again, "Please wait a moment, my lords. We''ll open the door right away."


    The city gates really opened. Some servants holding sticks, spears, and steel knives came out, with one, two, three, four old mening out in the middle. Judging by their dress, they should all be well-off townsmen with status in the county.


    Seeing Zhou Junhua, the four all called out "son-inw" or "worthy son-inw".


    Ye family''s young masters: "..."


    Ye Suijin had seen all kinds of messy bullshit in the chaotic times, and only she understood, smiling meaningfully.


    Sure enough, Zhou Junhua introduced both sides, "The Wang, Zhang, Sun, and Qian families are all prominent gentry of Shangma County. Now the county defenses are taken turns guarding by the four families."


    "Cough, these four..." Zhou Junhua''s old face turned red. "Are all my fathers-inw."

 Chapter 47

    So why did Zhou Junhua restrict his subordinates to ensure a basic stability after taking over? It was very simple, because he was the son-inw of Uploading.


    The four big families of Uploading each gave him a daughter, rted by blood or marriage, to stabilize him.


    The young men of the Ye family had stiff faces even after entering the city and having lunch. They didn''t know what to say.


    Indeed, they had heard from the storybooks about some rich merchants in Jiangnan who walked around outside doing something ambiguous, with both sides being considered formal wives.


    But there was a premise for that - the assets on both sides were kept separate, and they almost never met.


    Well, this Zhou Junhua guy had four wives in Uploading County, and they even knew each other and often met. It is said that they would even fight sometimes.


    The most ufortable thing was that the four were all formal wives.


    Bah, apart from continuing the incense with "one shoulder carrying two rooms", whichw has ever recognized this kind of "all formal wives" situation?


    What a mess.


    The Ye family considered themselves to be people who observed propriety, and the young masters had received orthodox education. If it was one wife and three concubines, it would be fine, but if it was four wives, what was going on?


    However, the four fathers-inw in Uploading seemed to ept it well.


    After discussing it briefly, they brought Ye Suijin into the Zhang family, apparently because the Zhang family had the best courtyard in the county town.


    Old Master Zhang even found some distant rtives with Ye Suijin. Going back and forth, he found someone from Deng Prefecture''s Ye family who had married off a daughter, and so they were rted.


    Ye Suijin smiled and acknowledged it, then got to the point: "Uploading has been without a leader for a long time. Now the court has newly established, decreeing that I supervise this ce. Since Uploading is without a leader, I will shepherd the people on behalf of the Emperor and bring it under Deng Prefecture''s jurisdiction."


    Part of her people entered the city, and part remained outside the city.


    Uploading hadn''t seen such arge troop for a long time, let alone one that was so well-trained and disciplined, not harassing anymoners along the way.


    Uploading County could not remain leaderless forever. Old Master Zhang was the first to stand facing the direction of the capital and bow: "By the Emperor''s grace, the court has finally sent someone to govern us."


    Uploading was handed over peacefully.


    Third Son Ye took people out for inspection, and came back to report to Ye Suijin: "The county office has copsed."


    If a building was left uninhabited for years, it would deteriorate. The county office had been vacant for several years and copsed.


    It didn''t matter if it copsed, it could be rebuilt.


    Ye Suijin assigned this matter to Zhou Junhua''s fathers-inw: "Either I collect back taxes for these years, or you rebuild the county office for me."


    The bigger thendholding of the powerful families, the more taxes they would have to pay.


    After deliberation, the four Masters finally took on the task of rebuilding the county office.


    Ye Suijin said, "I will leave two hundred people here to garrison. I will send a new county magistrate. You can select the county captain and county secretary yourself. Just one thing - no matter whether it is the county captain or county secretary, the clerks or scribes - in this county, my magistrate''s word isw. If his word cannot bew, then my de''s word isw. We''re not strangers to clearing out a county office."


    Third Son Ye was most familiar with this, and it brought back some unpleasant memories.


    He nced at the four men.


    All four felt a chill and promised, "We absolutely dare not obstruct the county court''s business. Please rest assured."


    Ye Suijin left two hundred people to garrison Uploading under Seventh Uncle Ye.


    "Seventh Uncle," she said, "Someone wille to rece youter. But you must know, I only recognize my Seventh Aunt. Other little aunties, I don''t recognize."


    Seventh Uncle Ye turned red with anger, craning his neck and saying, "What kind of man do you take me for?"


    Still worried, he added: "Don''t go telling your seventh aunt nonsense!"


    Tenth Son jumped out, "Father, be honest. If you''re not, I''ll be the first to tell Mother."


    Seventh Uncle kicked him. "Little brat! Get lost!"


    The nephews all covered their mouths to muffle theirughter.


    Seventh Uncle Ye sent off Ye Suijin when she left Uploading.


    The Ye family troops entered the city in orderly ranks, and left orderly ranks. Themoners of Uploading County finally felt relieved.


    Clearly the neers were even more disciplined than Zhou''s previous men, which was a good thing.


    Also a good thing that there were more of them than Zhou''s men.


    But there was one thing Third Son Ye couldn''t figure out.


    Among his younger brothers, Ye Suijin knew he was someone who used his brain and could think. She immediately noticed something was on his mind and asked him what was wrong.


    Third Son Ye said, "There''s something strange I can''t figure out."


    "I thought Uploading could be a little better than Fang City at best, still not much better."


    "But the result..."


    The result was much better than he had imagined, which made him feel confused.


    Ye Suijinughed, "That''s because you only valued titles."


    Third Son looked at her.


    She said, "When Zhou Junhua took men to the viges to collect food and riches, what do you think it was?"


    Third Son said, "Robbing and ransacking homes."


    Ye Suijin said, "What if he had been wearing official garments?"


    Third Son stopped short.


    People wearing official garments going to viges to collect food and riches?


    That would be...


    Third Son was a little confused: "Collecting taxes?"


    Ye Suijinughed, "Because Zhou Junhuacked the title, you felt he was a bandit. But he collected taxes from themoners, and drove away Du Jingzhong''s men who came to plunder, protecting themoners. The people in the county town also paid taxes to him, so he also defended the county town. "


    "In fact," Third Son thought to himself, "he did the government''s duties."


    "Yes. After all, he was different, having once held the sixth-rank office, his perspective was different." Ye Suijin affirmed.


    Third Son said, "So no matter what, a ce must always have someone who takes up these responsibilities."


    He didn''t say anything more, rode for a while, and suddenly added, "Titles and official status aren''t really important in the end."


    Ye Suijin nced at him and rode on ahead.


    So what was important?


    Third Son looked back.


    Duan Jin had been riding beside him and Ye Suijin, listening to their conversation. Seeing Third Son look back, he also looked back -


    At the long troops, the cold gleam of the long spears.


    The rhythmic tramp of feet.


    The melodic nking of armor and clothes rubbing.


    Whether it was Du Jingzhong or Zhou Junhua, both had died or surrendered in the end, simply because the Ye Family Fortress had the stronger troops and horses.


    Third Son and Duan Jin both turned their heads forward again. Ye Suijin rode ahead, back upright, forging onward.


    The two spurred their horses to catch up.


    The Ye Family Fortress soon received the prisoners escorted back from Uploading.


    Fourth Uncle Ye grinned - he loved these prisoners now, good workers! He didn''t even have to feed them fully, saving money!


    Asking about Ye Suijin''s situation out there, the messenger said: "A new recruit, used to be a captain in the Xuanhua troops. Brought a few dozen men to join us. The boss took the troops on to Ci Qiu."


    The men escorting the prisoners back also brought a letter in Ye Suijin''s hand, appointing He Zhou of Nei County as the magistrate of Uploading County.


    Themoners'' livelihood in Uploading was fairly orderly. Ye Suijin had given the positions of county secretary and county captain to local elders. It wasn''t a ce that required massive killings. Her brother Ye Jingyi was still too green, good for charging into battle butcking the experience to maneuver with local powers. He Zhou had abundant experience as a people''s magistrate, was astute yet principled, pragmatic, and was the most suitable person for Deng Prefecture now.


    Although reluctant to leave Nei County where he had governed for many years, He Zhou also knew Ye Suijin''s favor was most important. He swiftly packed and set off for Uploading County under the Ye Family Army''s escort.


    Waiting for him there was the Ye family''s Seventh Master.


    "General," he asked after the pleasantries, "Does the boss have any message for me?"


    "She does," Seventh Uncle Ye said. "Sixth Sis says the yamen has copsed, and all thend and poption records are gone. This is a good chance to resurvey thend and take a new census. Allnd and people not registered will be charged one by one as evaded tax and confiscated as the Ye Family Fortress''s property."


    Vicious.


    How could the powerful families still conceal any hidden households or evade taxes?


    He Zhou hesitated for a moment.


    Seventh Uncle Ye understood and waved his hand grandly: "All of us here are at yourmand."


    At a nce, it was sturdy troops in green shirts and ck pants, des and spears, packed densely in serried ranks.


    Suddenly, He Zhou''s morale rose.


    "Good!" he said. "I will surely not disappoint the Regional Commander!"


    In October, with the autumn wind gusting, legends of the Ye Family Army began circting in Tang Prefecture.


    The gang upying the stronghold in Ci Qiu was not bad, managing to seize a small fortress. Much smaller than the Ye Family Fortress, but still a small walled town. Ye Suijinughed when she saw it.


    Fang City didn''t even get a chance at a siege battle, yet she had fought one at this rural ce. Small in scale but a fully proper siege.


    The people on the walls of the fortress stared nkly at the blue-d soldiers running around, carrying lumber, and crawling on the ground just an arrow''s flight away outside the walls: "What the heck are they doing?"


    Someone familiar with military matters who had served in the Xuanhua Army climbed onto the wall, watched for a while, and suddenly understood. He cursed, "Damn it!"


    Outside the fortress, Zhou Junhua sat on his horse surveying the scene, feeling utterly speechless: "This is going too far."


    Earlier, his fellow brothers had already gone too far by using him to train the cavalry in encirclement, nking, and pursuit tactics. And now this was even more outrageous. Taking advantage of the terrain of the fortress, they were pretending this was a walled city with a moat.


    Those carrying lumber, and tying it together likedders, and crawling on the ground...they were pretending to build floating bridges to cross the river.


    Zhou Junhua had already surrendered, and had sat in on meetings in the main tent of the central army these past few days, bing acquainted with the Ye brothers. Unable to restrain himself any longer, he asked Seventh Son: "You''re not really out here training soldiers, are you?"


    Seventh Son, Ninth Son, and Tenth Son: "Mmm hmm mmm..."


    Zhou Junhua''s eyes bulged: "Really?"


    Seventh Son rubbed his nose: "Sixth Sister said that nothing can train soldiers better than actualbat."


    He truly felt that what their Sixth Sister said was right. No matter how much drill was done on the training grounds, it could never impart the understanding and conviction that came from being in actual terrain and situations. The instant they were faced with the realndforms and circumstances, it was as if they suddenlyprehended and grasped things that had eluded them before.


    Zhou Junhua had felt from the start that bringing such a huge force just to subdue his little band was making a mountain out of a molehill. The power of the Tangzhou forces was actually quite fragmented, and thergest faction led by Du Jingzhong had already been eliminated. There was no need tounch a massive campaign just to deal with the other groups.


    Now he understood clearly - Lady Ye, she...she was just using them to sharpen her de.


    Zhou Junhua swallowed the mouthful of curses welling up inside him once again.


    As dusk fell, the gong was sounded on this side and the troops withdrawn.


    The people on the fortress walls heaved a sigh of relief as well, pissing down and swearing.


    The leader brought his men to carefully survey the scene again, unable to guess what this group was up to. However, their numbers wererge indeed. Those in the fortress were able to pige and plunder at will, but if they wanted to take on so many in a one versus many battle, to pull off an ambush and gain victory like the giftedmanders in storybooks...everyone felt they didn''t have that kind of good fortune.


    As usual, the Ye army held an after-action review in the main tent that night.


    The "attackers" today were Third Son, Fourth Son, and Fifth Son. The three of them were earnestly reviewing the mistakes they had made during the "attack" phase.


    As Zhou Junhua listened, he recalled how he had been surrounded on four sides and fled for his life for several hours without even a sip of water, all for the purpose of training these young masters in soldiery. He was so angry his eyes kept rolling back in exasperation.


    "Does Cloud Fly have anything to add?" Ye Suijin noticed his exaggerated eye-rolls and smiled in amusement as she deliberately asked him.


    Zhou Junhua''s courtesy name was Cloud Fly.


    "Ahem." Zhou Junhua was a surrendered general, so he quickly hid his dramatic eye-rolls and assumed a humble demeanor. "This lowly officer has nothing to add."


    "Is that so? I see many problems in their performance that you seem not to have noticed. Could it be you were just coasting along during your time in the Xuanhua Army?" Ye Suijin sneered disdainfully.


    Don''t get angry, don''t get angry.


    When staying under someone''s roof, one has to lower one''s head.


    Don''t get angry.


    Zhou Junhua took a deep breath, then another.


    ...


    Damn it, he just couldn''t stand it anymore!!

 Chapter 48

    In Ye Suijin''s previous life, although heter controlled Dengzhou, it was muchter than this life.


    The battle with Du Jingzhong was one he had been forced to fight. Du Jingzhong had colluded with Ma Jinhui to attack Ye Manor, forcing Ye Manor to retaliate.


    At that time, Jin Emperor''s real controlled territory had already advanced southward. Although Ye Suijin had also taken Fangcheng, he had not initially tried to interfere with Tangzhou.


    When theyter set foot in Tangzhou, they had never seen or heard of Zhou Junhua.


    He was either already under their control, obscure and insignificant, or had died early on during Jin''s purge.


    But Ye Suijin''s intuition told him that a former regr armypanymander who had been a step away from "General", a deserter who still tried his best to restrain his men, and a man who, when surrounded on four sides, could urately find the weak point, would not be without ability.


    Sure enough, Zhou Junhua endured in silence for a while, clearly provoked by this tactic.


    "Ahem," he said. "Actually there are some issues, since you want me to speak, then this humble officer will dare to say a few words?"


    Ye Suijin raised his brows: "Let''s hear it."


    Zhou Junhua first pointed out Third Son''s mistakes.


    "Third Son''s troops are the sharpest, they can be called well ordered and prohibited. It ismendable," he said. "But Third Son has forgotten that today is just a drill. We are all out of the enemy''s firing range, so we can be so calm and orderly. If this were a real siege, who could remain like this?"


    "In a real siege, the vanguard would suffer heavy casualties. It would be impossible to maintain cohesion front to back. From the initial deployment, it should be heavier at the front, lighter at the back."


    "If the front can''t get through, everything after is useless."


    Indeed, just as Ye Suijin guessed, although Zhou Junhua was a step away from bing a general, after all he wasn''t one. He was apanymander - a junior officer.


    In the army, orders frommanders filtered down level-by-level until junior officers implemented them.


    For Zhou Junhua to be a Zhaowupanymander, if he didn''t have some family background, he must be truly skilled in military affairs, and extremely pragmatic.


    Ye Suijin''s troops had too many new recruits, new officers and soldiers. What theycked was experienced veterans like him.


    The situation was much better than Zhou Junhua expected.


    Where there are people there are rivers andkes. He had wanted to keep a low profile and just get by eating with Ye''s troops. He really couldn''t hold back his frustration any longer before speaking up.


    But Ye''s young masters weren''t offended when Zhou Junhua pointed out their mistakes one by one. On the contrary, they all had looks of sudden realization.


    They even actively asked questions, as if the headquarters tent was some kind of school.


    Absurd.


    Yet Zhou Junhua still patiently answered all their doubts in detail.


    In the end, the headquarters tent became his stage. He spoke until his mouth was dry and his tongue was tired. Duan Jin, who was also apanymander, stepped forward multiple times to pour him more tea.


    By the end, Zhou Junhua was somewhat reluctant for it to end.


    Ye Suijin said, "Alright, that''s enough for today. We''ll go through it again tomorrow."


    Zhou Junhua: "..."


    On the second day, the drills continued.


    People on the manor walls: "..."


    This really pissed them off!


    Usually they could swagger around, chopping anyone who looked at them wrong. Now they were blocked at their own door, used as training dummies. Who wouldn''t be pissed?


    But the enemy had greater numbers. To win outnumbered, they would have to pay a price, usually in lives.


    Now the enemy wasn''t truly attacking, so it didn''t seem worth it.


    They thought, why not hole up in the manor for a few days and see if the enemy retreats on their own?


    On the third day, the enemy showed no signs of withdrawing at all. They were even more extravagant, with coordination between all branches of the military, advancing and retreating, feints.


    This really pissed them off to death!


    The manor boss had someone bring a bow and shot a few spiteful arrows down.


    But the people below were out of range, and the scattered arrow feathers did nothing but vent their anger.


    On the contrary, it infuriated those below. They sent a shield-bearing squad to approach and curse them.


    So those above and below cursed at each other.


    "You have to have people with loud voices who can curse," Zhou Junhua said with hands on hips to the young masters. "Otherwise if you let them curse at you without retorting, morale will be damaged first."


    Ye''s young masters were well-educated, although they could swear, but... not so vulgarly.


    Their horizons had really expanded.


    At the sounding of the gong to withdraw troops for the day, Tenth Son was silently reciting some choice phrases to himself.


    Duan Jin: "What are you doing?"


    Tenth Son said, "This way I won''t lose when cursing at someone in the future."


    After dinner, Ye Suijin''s order was passed down: "The whole army, rest. Attack the city at the third watch."


    Everyone sucked in a breath. After three days of ying, were they finally getting serious?


    Everyone was pumped up, eager for a fight. Tenth Son was so excited he couldn''t sleep holding his saber. He finally dozed off, only to be shaken awake - "Get up, we''re attacking the city!"


    Tenth Son rubbed his eyes and flipped up from his camp bed like a carp.


    The nking of armor in the cold night was particrly chilling.


    Especially with everyone so quiet, even orders spoken in hushed voices. It created a heavy, silent atmosphere.


    Tenth Son armed himself and mounted up. He asked, "Sis, how are we attacking?"


    Ye Suijin looked at the manor - a typical northern Chinese manor. Usually privately owned by wealthy households, with high walls, like a small town.


    This manor was much smaller than Ye Manor. It was insignificant in Ye Suijin''s eyes. But even so, it had high walls.


    She answered, "Fire attack."


    Everyone was stunned.


    Third Son pressed down on his horse''s neck and leaned down slightly. "Use rockets?"


    Third Son had seen soldiers preparing arrow shafts earlier, attaching incendiaries to the arrowheads.


    Ye Suijin said, "Yes."


    Siege warfare was the least favored battle formanders.


    Casualties were high, efficiency was low, and gains were poor. Even victory was often pyrrhic.


    Although this manor was small, forcing the walls would still inflict casualties Ye Suijin didn''t want - her sons'' lives.


    Unnecessary. Better to force the enemy out and fight them face-to-face.


    For arge city, rockets might not be effective. But for a small manor like this, their power was multiplied.


    Tenth Son was taken aback for a moment. Before he could speak, Ninth Son spoke first, "But..."


    Everyone looked over.


    Ye Suijin looked over too.


    Ninth Son hesitantly said, "But... there must still bemoners inside the manor..."


    Although much smaller than Ye Manor, with only north and south gates, there would still be ordinarymoner households inside.


    And in a typical northern manor, the closer to the walls, the moremoners there were.


    "Commoners have feet, they will run," Ye Suijin said calmly.


    Ninth Son: "But, but..."


    "Then," Ye Suijin looked at him, "because we are concerned about the enemy''smoners, we waste many days of provisions, fodder, and manpower here. We simply give up and go home empty-handed? Or we waste many of our sons'' lives on the enemy''s arrow traps just for the sake of amander''s conscience?"


    The night was silent.


    Only the asional nking and grinding of weapons and equipment being moved could be heard.


    Many figures were just ck silhouettes in the firelight.


    "Situations like this happen frequently in battlefields," Ye Suijin swept her gaze over her brothers, "Enemy cities havemoners, or they drivemoners ahead as cannon fodder while troops hide behind them, or they even capture your wives and parents to force your surrender. You will encounter things like this not just once or twice in the future. I ask, what will you do then?"


    No one could answer.


    Ninth Son even less so.


    Tenth Son looked at Ye Suijin, then at Ninth Son. He desperately wished someone would tell him what to choose here, what was right.


    Duan Jin held his breath.


    "In the future, you will all sit in my position -mander of an army. You will all face many simr situations," Ye Suijin said as she looked over them. "What I said today, keep it in your hearts -"


    "An army''smander can never consider the enemy''smoners."


    "Sometimes, you can''t even consider your ownmoners."


    "If the enemy pushesmoners ahead to force you to engage, the more you hesitate, the closer they get."


    "If they pushmoners ahead, don''t hesitate. Immediately order archers to suppress them and cry out to let themoners know to flee to the sides."


    The people were told, ¡°If you wish to live, flee to either side. If anyone dares rush into our ranks seeking shelter, you must be cut down on the spot.¡±


    ¡°If onemoner breaks through, it opens up a breach in the great formation. If tenmoners rush in, it tears open ten breaches. Once a breach is opened, it is the lives of our sons that will be harvested.¡±


    ¡°In this moment, anymoner who rushes the ranks is the enemy.¡±


    ¡°The Emperor can be benevolent. Officials can be benevolent. But we who lead armies on the battlefield cannot show benevolence.¡±


    ¡°Those who are merciful do notmand troops. I hope I will not have to repeat this to you again.¡±


    ¡°Do you understand?¡±


    In the flickering firelight, her face was both beautiful and cold.


    There was a ruthlessness in her expression that was unfamiliar to her younger brothers.


    They all felt they could hardly breathe, and lowered their heads, answering, ¡°Yes!¡±


    A guard came to report, ¡°Mydy, all is prepared.¡±


    Ye Suijin''s horse snorted. Ye Suijin gazed at the ck silhouette of the stronghold in the night, and began to issue orders.


    ¡°Third Son, Seventh Son, guard the south gate.¡±


    ¡°Fourth Son, Fifth Son, guard the north gate.¡±


    ¡°The rest,e with me.¡±


    They departed to follow hermands, the sound of cloth-wrapped hooves muffled in the darkness.


    Ninth Son remained at Ye Suijin''s side, feeling just as stifled, like he couldn''t catch his breath.


    When all was ready, counting the time until Fourth Son and Fifth Son would be in position, Ye Suijin said, "Ninth Son, give the order."


    At this, even Zhou Junhua was taken aback.


    These were siblings, brother and sister. If it had been an uncle or elder issuing orders, Zhou Junhua wouldn''t have thought anything of it. He would have thought it only right and proper.


    But Ye Suijin was an elder sister.


    She was a woman.


    Zhou Junhua had never seen a sister be so stern with her younger brother.


    In the firelight, Ninth Son''s face was so young, taut with tension.


    He gritted his teeth and stepped forward. "Ready...bows!"


    In the night came the sound of bows drawn and arrows nocked. The faces of each archer were lit by the mes kindled on their arrow tips.


    Ninth Son saw that many were about his own age, some even younger like Tenth Son and Duan Jin.


    Ninth Son took a deep breath, sinking his energy. "Loose arrows!"


    The ming arrows were aimed high over the walls of the stronghold. They arced through the air like fiery serpents, plunging with bared fangs into the keep.


    "Ready...bows!" Ninth Son''s voice was much steadier the second time he gave the order. "Loose arrows!"


    The second volley of rockets howled as they streaked into the night sky, illuminating the arrow tforms along the castle walls.


    The third volley had barely left the strings when a mor rose up from the stronghold.


    Light bloomed within as the interior was illuminated.


    As all eyes were fixed on the stronghold, Zhou Junhua noticed Ye Suijin move out of the corner of his eye.


    In the firelight, the elder sister drew near her younger brother, reaching out to caress his cheek left exposed by his helmet. She smiled at him.


    The younger brother''s shoulders rxed, then squared again.


    It was as if he had suddenly grown a little taller.


    Zhou Junhua couldn''t help but smile. As he went to turn his head back, he suddenly saw that Duan Jin, the apanying military officer, was also watching the scene.


    There was longing and yearning in the young officer''s eyes.


    Fixated...

 Chapter 49

    The touch of his fingertips was Ninth Son''s still young cheeks.


    In his past life, Ninth Son was the first to die in battle.


    The boy died because he was too soft-hearted.


    Because he was soft-hearted, he died young without growing up.


    Ninth Son was a bloody lesson for his brothers, and a bloody lesson for Ye Suijin.


    No one could be ruthless and cold-blooded from the beginning, not even the children of prominent families.


    They had alle this far in the same way.


    From then on, on the battlefield, there was only the wrathful vajra, no merciful goddess.


    Later, the minister Duan Jin said the "killing was too heavy".


    Ye Suijin really disliked these civil officials.


    If Duan Jin didn''t have the vigor of blood and flesh, how could he have killed his way up to the position of Grand General?


    What did it matter if his hands were drenched in blood, as long as he came back alive each time?


    Now, this was how she treated her brothers too.


    Ye Suijin drew back her hand and looked towards the garrison.


    The mes had risen, and the mor had started too.


    The people inside the garrison had watched Ye''s army drilling outside for days. Their minds had rxed. Some even hoped they would "y" enough and withdraw on their own.


    Who knew that fire rockets would rain down from the sky in the middle of the night? It was October, in the dry season. With one spark, the mes zed up immediately.


    The garrison was small, so the fire attack was very effective.


    The garrison gates opened as expected. Men in hurried dress charged out wielding weapons.


    What greeted them outside was the crane wing formation standing neat and tidy, lying in ambush.


    As the gates opened and the enemy charged, themander gave an order:


    "Fire arrows!"


    Sharp arrows shot out like meteors to meet the first wave of attack.


    The front chargers were shot down from their horses. Without their masters, the horses instinctively changed direction and fled to the sides of the battlefield.


    The bolting horses obstructed the charging cavalry''s path. Without gaining speed, the cavalry lost their advantage.


    The crane wings closed in and surrounded them. The Blue Coats attacked together -


    Outnumbering the enemy.


    Third Son''s spear thrust out like a dragon, parrying several men in session. His gaze swept across the battlefield. The basicbat units of three or five men with spears, sabers and shields grappled and surrounded the enemy. After days of livebat drills, the new recruits were shedding their clumsiness and timidity. There was no longer chaos or disorder in their formations.


    The shield bearers protected while the spearmen thrust.


    On the drilling yard they had stabbed straw men. On the battlefield they reaped human lives.


    None of their own troops were isted.


    One on onebat was the worst tactic whencking manpower, with undoubtedly the highest casualty rate.


    With sufficient troops to overwhelm the enemy, only a fool wouldn''t exploit their superior numbers.


    Ye Suijin''s tacticscked challenge, but Third Son liked it.


    Although not the family head, he was the eldest brother of this generation. His thinking was simr to Ye Suijin''s - the younger brothers were the first priority, then their own officers and soldiers.


    The crushing tactic indeedcked excitement, but casualties were minimized.


    At Fang City, Ye Suijin had shown no quarter. Afterwards some in Ye Manor also whispered about it.


    No matter how well you do things, there will always be people who disapprove of your methods - they''ll say you''re just a woman, yet also too ruthless and sinister, as expected of a woman instead of a man.


    But Third Son stood firmly by Ye Suijin''s side, firmly supporting her.


    In the battle at Fang City, Ye''s army had only single digit fatalities, mostly light injuries.


    So what if Du Jingzhong''s men were wiped out? Ye''s army returned whole and intact. Their parents, wives and children stood anxiously in the fields, watching expectantly. When they saw their living husbands, sons and brothers return, they were overjoyed with tears.


    Nothing was more important than this.


    Some felt Ye Suijin''s ughter was too heavy, sinister and terrifying.


    But to Third Son, his sister gave him such assurance - she was willing to spend however much money and resources rather than carelessly waste even one footsoldier''s life from Ye''s army.


    A de shed towards him. Third Son''s long spear thrusted out.


    An inch longer, an inch stronger!


    The Ye family used nine-bend spears, which were ten feet long cavalry spears.


    Before the enemy''s de could touch him, Third Son had already unhorsed his opponent. Then his spear tip pierced the heart.


    There was no more suspense on the battlefield, just methodically reaping lives.


    By daybreak, Ye Suijin was already sitting in the main hall of the garrison manor, listening to a woman''s weeping.


    This garrison was originally called Tang Manor after its former master. The weeping woman was Tang Manor''s lord''s daughter.


    A few years ago during the turmoil, a banished retainer colluded with some rebel troops and evil ves from the governor''s mansion to kill Tang Manor''s lord and seize the manor.


    The Tang family was nearly wiped out except for Miss Tang, who had since borne two children for that man.


    Upon learning that the man she hated was now dead outside the garrison, Miss Tang wailed, "I dare not die before avenging this huge enmity for even a single day."


    Even Duan Jin listening felt it was tragic. As soft-hearted as Ninth Son, his eyes reddened and his fists clenched.


    Third Son also felt pity. But looking up, he saw that Ye Suijin remained as calm as ever.


    How could she remain so calm?


    In that moment, Third Son felt he couldn''t understand his sister either.


    It wasn''t that Ye Suijincked sympathy for Miss Tang. Her emotions simply wouldn''t fluctuate due to these matters.


    Because she had seen too many simr things in her previous life.


    Once the heart hardened, it became very difficult to soften again; once aged, it became very difficult to be young again.


    Ye Suijin''s heart had long since grown cold and hard.


    "I can kill whoever you hate in your ce. I''ll avenge you. You can go wherever you like in my domain. I''ll provide for you and your children," she said. "From now on, Tang Manor will be surnamed Ye."


    Miss Tang had no objections, but she bowed down deeply. "There is one more thing I wish to entrust you with."


    Ye Suijin said, "Speak."


    Miss Tang looked up with tears streaming down her face, "I wish to entrust my brother to you."


    The Tang family should have been wiped out. How could there be a surviving brother? Everyone was baffled.


    Ye Suijin was also curious. "Where is he?"


    Miss Tang wept, "At the bottom of the well in the backyard."


    There was an abandoned dry well in the backyard.


    When the treacherous retainer had massacred the Tang family, Miss Tang and her father''s concubine - the boy''s birth mother - had lowered the youngest boy into the well to save his life.


    The concubine had died. Miss Tang was taken by the retainer, but secretly and sporadically tossed food into the well.


    Afraid of leaving trouble for the future, the retainer had searched for years after finding the former lord''s son missing. So the boy had been forced to live in the well for years.


    Tenth Son and Duan Jin hauled him up together. His gaze towards everyone was filled with terror - aside from his sister secretly bringing him food over the years, he had not seen anyone else.


    He could barely speak anymore, only daring to shiver in his sister''s embrace.


    His whole body reeked, with patches of moss growing on his skin. Except for his sister, no one wanted to go near him.


    "Please allow me to tidy up my brother first," Miss Tang pleaded guiltily, "Then let him pay his respects to you."


    Of course no one would deny her this. Ye Suijin let the siblings have time alone. She still had many things to handle.


    She hade to Shangma, Cixiu and Biyang because their locations formed a horn facing northeast.


    And northeast was where the capitalid.


    Tang Manor''s location and size were perfect. With some minor repairs and modifications, it would serve well as a military garrison for her.


    She was busy until daylight before sleeping. She slept until afternoon before being woken by herdy attendant.


    "Miss Tang hanged herself," they said softly.


    Ye Suijin sat up and scrubbed her face with a hot towel, then hurried over.


    Most of the brothers were napping or on patrol outside. Only Third Son and Duan Jin were there, heads craned back looking at Miss Tang''s body swaying slightly.


    The bald teenager was huddled in the corner, patches of moss on his skin. His sister had washed him and shaved his head this morning since the lice in his hair were too severe, all tangled and stiff.


    He hugged his knees curled up like a helpless little animal, staring nkly at his sister''s dangling embroidered shoes.


    Ye Suijin gazed at Miss Tang for a moment. Her hand went to her waist and flicked out. Her dagger glinted as it sliced through the sash and embedded itself into the ceiling beam.


    Miss Tang fell silently.


    Ye Suijin opened her arms to catch her.


    She ced Miss Tang in the inner room bed and went out to order, "Find two old women to tend to Miss Tang."


    Third Son sighed, "She really didn''t have to..."


    Whether the enemies were killed or captured, her younger brother would see the light of day again. Ye Suijin had promised she would take care of her. They could still live a good life afterwards.


    But she chose death.


    Ye Suijin stood silently at the door, looking into the yard. Suddenly she looked up, "What about her child?"


    Duan Jin''s expression changed as he rushed out.


    But it was toote.


    The child was found in the well where their uncle had hidden him for years.


    Their mother had thrown them down there and stoned them to death before hanging herself.


    The Ye family''s joy at winning the battle and capturing a fortress faded away. They just didn''t feel like celebrating anymore.


    But anyone would feel the same.


    The young Tang master remained curled in the corner, ignored by all.


    His skin was so revolting that no one but his sister wanted to go near him.


    He watched peoplee and go, collecting corpses, cleaning up filth, not knowing what to do or how to react.


    Until a pair of boots appeared in his vision.


    The young master looked up.


    This woman was taller than his sister and did not seem as gentle.


    She gave off a cold, hard feeling. Her gaze made him want to lower his head and avoid her.


    He was afraid of her.


    Ye Suijin said, "Come with me."


    The young master got up trembling and followed her to the front courtyard of the main hall. He vaguely remembered ying here as a child.


    Now the yard was filled with kneeling, bound people.


    "Since you were very little then, let me tell you what happened to your family," said Ye Suijin.


    She recounted everything she had heard from Miss Tang - how the Tang family was destroyed by traitors colluding with evil servants. She told the young Tang master the whole story straightforwardly.


    "The mastermind was beheaded on the battlefieldst night," Ye Suijin pointed to the kneeling people. "These are his aplices."


    The young master knew she was telling the truth. Because this morning, as his sister bathed him, she had told him the whole story.


    "That woman''s surname is Ye. She''s very powerful," his sister had said. "From now on this fortress is hers, because she''s so powerful."


    "You should follow her from now on."


    "She promised me she would take care of you."


    Ye Suijin drew a de from her waist and held it out to him, hilt first. "Go, kill them. Avenge your sister, your parents, your family."


    Having lived in darkness for so many years, the young master''s speech had deteriorated badly. He could hardly talk.


    He took the de with a shaking hand.


    He tried it out, then decided it wouldn''t work. So he pointed the tip at the man''s chest instead.


    Suddenly a tall young man came over and nudged the de aside. "Here, the heart is here. Use force."


    He nodded, gathered his strength, and stabbed with all his might.


    But it was very difficult to stab in. The tip only went in a little before it wouldn''t go any further.


    Perhaps he was still afraid, after all. Afraid of viins, and afraid to kill.


    Another young man, even taller and more handsome, came over and grasped his hand. "Follow my lead and use force."


    The handsome young man was very strong. Perhaps he had mastered the knack of using force. In any case, the de pierced through the viin''s body.


    With his mouth gagged, the viin could only make muffled squeals like a pig being ughtered, writhing desperately but held down by the shoulders so he was stabbed to death.


    After killing the first man, he was no longer so afraid.


    See, viins could be killed too. He could kill them.


    The second time, he didn''t need the young men''s help anymore. He stabbed the man to death himself.


    And so he killed all the enemies.


    He didn''t really understand why his sister hanged herself. Hadn''t they been saved?


    But he knew that if not for these people, he would still be the young Tang master of Tang Manor, with parents, aunts, brothers-inw, sisters, and babbling baby nephews and nieces.


    Now all of that was gone.


    His sister had bathed him clean and exined everything clearly before taking him to bed. "Sleep, you haven''t slept in a bed for so long. Sleep, and everything will be different when you wake."


    He shouldn''t have slept. Shouldn''t have indulged in the soft bedding.


    If he hadn''t slept, if he had stayed with his sister, perhaps she wouldn''t have hanged herself.


    After stabbing thest man, Young Master Tang was gasping for breath, exhausted.


    He went back to return the de to Ye Suijin.


    That de was so sharp. It slid smoothly into human flesh when stabbing.


    Duan Jin took the de and wiped it clean before presenting it to Ye Suijin with both hands.


    Ye Suijin epted it and spun it gracefully before sheathing it again.


    "What is your name?" she asked.


    "Ming...Jie," the young master''s voice was hoarse, and he spoke haltingly. "I''m...called, called...Tang, Mingjie."


    "Tang Mingjie," said Ye Suijin. "Your sister has entrusted you to me."


    "I will raise you to adulthood. Whether you want to study literature or martial arts, I can arrange for you to learn."


    "Tell me, what do you want to study?"


    Tang Mingjie was at a loss for a moment, unable to answer right away.


    But he saw the de at Ye Suijin''s waist and remembered the feeling of killing his enemies with his own hands.


    If he could have killed those people before everything happened, none of the tragedy would have urred.


    "Mar...tial arts," the youth said through tears. "I, I want to...learn, learn martial arts."


    "Good. Then you will learn martial arts," said Ye Suijin. "When you grow up you can follow me onto the battlefield, kill enemies, and win glory."


    She then asked how old he was. Tang Mingjie replied, "Eleven."


    Miss Tang had told him everything that morning.


    Knowing her brother had lived in darkness down the well, afraid his mind would be simple, she had exined everything clearly. And after watching him fall asleep, she had tucked him in before going to hang herself.


    Ye Suijin nodded.


    "I am Ye Suijin of Dengzhou."


    "Tang Mingjie," she said. "From today onward, you are my adopted son."

 Chapter 50

    Taking in adopted sons has been amon practice since ancient times. During times of war and chaos when warlords ruled over different regions, they were especially fond of taking in adopted sons. Having over a dozen or even several dozen adopted sons was considered normal. Sometimes the adopted sons were even older than their adopted fathers. During the peak of power of the Northern Wei Dynasty, military governors even took imperial concubines favored by the emperor as their adopted sons and daughters. The ages of the military governors were old enough to be the fathers of those imperial concubines.


    Adopted sons did not mean they were adopted as heirs or sessors. It was merely a gesture to build rtionships and show favor.


    Tang Mingjie was an orphan without any support. Giving him the status of an adopted son would prevent others from bullying him.


    After conquering a ce, it takes more than just winning battles. There are many trivial matters that need to be handled afterwards.


    First, taking inventory of the assets in Tang Manor. These assets include not just movable properties like money and treasures, but more importantly,nds and tenants. Anyone capable of building a castle manor must be a bigndlord. Indeed, the Tang family had a lot of fertilends and tenants. Over the past few years, these were seized and divided up by the stewards and evil servants.


    Fortunately, the registers and deeds in the manor were intact, so it was easy to sort everything out clearly.


    Unlike Tang Manor, thends around Ye Manor were not imed as private properties. Instead, they were distributed to refugees.


    If the refugees were only made tenants of Ye Manor, it would be hard to make them stay when times got better and they wished to return home.


    In order to make these refugees remain in Dengzhou and truly be Ye Suijin''s people, they had to be given permanent properties to cultivate.


    But that was unnecessary here in Tangzhou.


    Thends were still cultivated by local farmers. They were natives of this ce.


    Therefore, the former assets of Tang Manor now changed hands and became the Ye family''s assets.


    Everything was now owned by the Ye family.


    It took two days to sort everything out clearly. Ye Suijin called Tang Mingjie over and handed him several deeds, "These are for you."


    "But you must understand," she said, "I''m not giving these to you because you are surnamed Tang and should inherit them."


    "The Tang family had long lost everything. You and your sister did not have the ability to take them back, so your family''snds and assets had already be others''."


    "If I hade a few yearster, you would probably have died at the bottom of the well. It seems your sister would not have had the ability to seek medical help for you either."


    "You should also know that I am not a great phnthropist."


    "I did note here to seek justice for the Tang family. I came here and seized these assets through my own abilities. So from now on, these manor andnds belong to the Ye family. They are obtained through our Ye family''s abilities."


    "I owe you nothing." She told Tang Mingjie, "Giving these to you is out of pity for your sister."


    If not for the younger brother still waiting for her at the bottom of the well relying on her secret feedings, perhaps with Miss Tang''s fortitude, she would have ended her life long ago instead of surviving disgracefully for so many years, suffering the humiliation of bearing children for her enemies.


    "Giving these to you is to make sure you do not forget about your sister," she said. "Do you understand?"


    It was obvious Tang Mingjie''s mind was still a bit slow.


    It took him some time to fully digest everything Ye Suijin told him.


    "Understand," he said. "Bad people took my family''s, made it theirs."


    "My family, gone."


    "Adopted mother took it back, made it adopted mother''s."


    "Not mine."


    "I, will not forget sister."


    Ye Suijin stroked his head, "Your speech has improved a lot."


    Tang Mingjie said, "Uncle Ah Jin... talks to me."


    Ye Suijinughed, "How can he be uncle? He is just a child."


    Tang Mingjie said, "He said... is uncle, not brother."


    Ye Suijin ruffled his hair, "Alright, uncle it is then."


    She pondered for a moment, then took off her sword belt and gave it to Tang Mingjie. "This is for you too. Ah Jin''s martial arts skill is great, no one will bully him. You should also learn martial arts diligently, then no one will bully you again."


    It was Duan Jin who held his hand and taught him how to exert force and kill when he could not stab someone.


    Duan Jin was very skilled at killing.


    Who would dare bully someone like that?


    Tang Mingjie gripped the sword he used to kill his enemies and nodded forcefully.


    The location of Tang Manor was truly excellent. Since Ye Suijin had chosen it as a military base, she stationed her troops there directly.


    There were so many things to handle that Sang, Wng, Qng and Shng were kept busy rushing around. Ye Suijin ordered them about until they were spinning around in circles.


    Fortifying the interior defense of the manor was the first task to be done. Although it had already been taken over by the Ye troops at dawn on the day they conquered the manor, now it underwent proper organizational changes and shift rotations were formally assigned.


    These were easy to handle since the Ye family members grew up familiar with such defensive duties in their family manor that was also a fortress.


    But sorting out the Tang family''snd assets was really tedious. The young masters did not enjoy handling these trivial matters. They only loved riding horses and fighting battles, maneuvering troops.


    Qngined, "We should have brought father along instead of letting him stay behind in Shangma. It would have been better."


    Because the elders were more adept at these things.


    But Ye Suijin insisted they do it themselves.


    "So in future you''ll yell for father whenever somethinges up?" Ye Suijin asked.


    The brothersughed heartily.


    Ye Suijin told them, "In future there will be many more of such matters. Of course you won''t have to handle everything personally each time. But if you don''t get familiar with these things now while they are right in front of you,ter you''ll easily be fooled and deceived by your subordinates."


    Ye Suijin did not resort to flowery words to inspire them.


    But often, her casual remarks seemed to reveal a corner of a long scroll. Always leaving people curious, not knowing how wide the full picture was.


    It made people unconsciously straighten their spirits.


    Although extremely busy, the young masters worked diligently and willingly.


    Ye Suijin sent Tang Mingjie back to Ye Manor.


    Not only did Tang Mingjie need to gradually recover his speech and mind, he was alsocking in education over the past few years. His foundations needed to be reinforced first.


    She wrote a letter to Fourth Uncle Ye entrusting him with these matters.


    Judging from Sang and Wng, Fourth Uncle was quite good at nurturing children.


    The locals were already aware that an ounder troop in green and ck had conquered Tang Manor.


    Soon, these people swiftly came to the viges and informed the elders, asking them to pay their respects to the new master. The tenants were notified that they had a change of owner again.


    Among themon folks, farmers were the most docile group.


    As long as theirnds were not seized, and they were left with enough crops to survive, they would remain docile no matter who their master was. The surname of the owner did not matter.


    Just that in the past few years, the previous group had exploited them quite badly, and life was not easy. Suddenly the new master surnamed Ye announced a significant reduction in rents. Although not reduced to the levels during the Tang family''s time, it allowed the folks to loosen their belts a little and eat a bit more.


    Moreover, the previous group also frequentlymitted evil acts like bullying men and disgracing women.


    The new master''s troops were in green and ck. They looked spirited and conducted themselves properly, unlike people who wouldmit evil.


    No one had any objections to this change. On the contrary, they eagerly weed it with open arms and feet.


    Although trivial, these matters proceeded smoothly.


    Ye Suijin''s main focus was on fortifying the manor.


    Tang Manor was an unexpected spoil of war, but it was great. It could be put to good use.


    But it was merely a civilian manor, a wall built by a richndowner to protect his family, life and assets. It was stillckingpared to a military fortress.


    Ye Manor was different. From the very beginning it was constructed as a military fortress. After all, it belonged to a military household.


    Building military fortresses was Ye Suijin''s expertise.


    She sent people to deliver Tang Mingjie back to Dengzhou, while summoning Fifth Uncle and Master Yang over to be in charge of the reconstruction works at Tang Manor.


    Her younger brothers were too young for such financial and construction matters, her uncles would be more capable at them.


    The round trip took several days, as a child was sent away, while middle-aged Master Yang could not travel at the urgent speed of scouts and ry riders.


    Ye Suijin took this time to have her brothers take troops out on patrols to sweep the surroundings clean. All the bandits and small groups of thieves in the vicinity were eliminated.


    For a period of time, public security within the vicinity was cleaned up extremely well.


    She herself remained in the manor, drawing ns and designing the fortress.


    Unexpectedly, some people iming to be nsmen of the Tang family came calling.


    "The Tang family?" Ye Suijin raised her eyebrows when she heard the report. "I thought with the exception of Tang Mingjie, all the Tangs were dead?"


    "They im to be rtives." Duan Jin said coldly, "Surely nothing good."


    Although the same age as Qng, Duan Jinpletelycked Qng''s naivety.


    No matter how favored one may be, Ye Suijin was still just a pampered servant after all. Having grown up among the lower servants, she had seen the fickleness of status, the warmth and coldness of human feelings, the cunning and scheming.


    When he finished speaking, Duan Jin lifted his eyes, only to see Ye Suijin gazing at him, her expression somewhat distracted.


    "Master?"


    Duan Jin did not know that Ye Suijin had been reborn eighteen years from the future.


    In the eyes of others, he had grown into a young man, just beginning to take on the contours of manhood. People had already enthusiastically begun proposing marriage prospects, thinking he should take a wife and start a family. After all, boys his same age already had children.


    The fifth, seventh, ninth and tenth young masters had not yet married because they were waiting to take wives of equal status. Elite families could afford to keep their daughters at home a bit longer, allowing them more time to enjoy blessings.


    Servants like Duan Jin did not need to wait.


    The more presentable head maids also stayed an extra year, to finish training the junior maids.


    The rougher maids had no such prospects. As soon as they came of age they were married off, hurried to start bearing children.


    But Ye Suijin had been reborn from eighteen years in the future. Etched in her memory was Duan Jin, the stalwart Marshal who had stood tall in the imperial court.


    That man had been tough and valiant, with a wild air about him that brooked no disagreement. Only Ye Suijin could tame him.


    Those who loved Duan Jin did so fiercely, while those who hated him gnashed their teeth in frustration, yet still they were powerless against him.


    Not until the sixteen prefectures of Yanyun had been fully recovered did his enemies make their move.


    Having divined the mind of the Emperor, they knew if Duan Jin returned alive, he would surely be made Grand Marshal.


    But to an emperor, a dead Grand Marshal was the best kind of Grand Marshal.


    Marshal Duan Jin had not returned alive, but his visage was forever engraved in Ye Suijin''s heart.


    Yet having gone back eighteen years to the past, the fifteen-year-old Duan Jin was not the Marshal.


    The boy was naive and tender, bold and beautiful, but ultimately not the same as the man who had touched his forehead to her pearl-studded shoe before riding off to war.


    Not just young Duan Jin, even his older brother San Lang seemed but a child in the eyes of the reborn Ye Suijin.


    The human heart had such difficulty returning to youth.


    Just now, Duan Jin had given a slight, coldugh. For a moment, Ye Suijin saw in him the shadow of the Marshal.


    She greedily wanted to look a moment longer, but Duan Jin lifted his eyes and he was a boy again.


    Facing the youth''s puzzled gaze, Ye Suijin smiled slightly and lowered her head. "It''s nothing."


    She lifted her head again. "Who''s all here in the fort? Call everyone toe and meet the Tang family together."


    Growth happened not just on the battlefield. A person''s life encountered so many people and events.


    It was because Duan Jin had seen and experienced them together with her that heter became the man he did.

 Chapter 51

    The young masters were called together to meet with the Tang n people.


    When these people saw that Ye Suijin was actually a woman, they all exchanged nces.


    Ye Suijin had just asked "Who is below the hall?" when someone took the lead and burst into tears. Everyone else also cried mournfully as they wiped their eyes.


    This left the Ye family young masters staring wide-eyed at each other in confusion.


    Ye Suijin, however, was very patient and gently said, "Don''t cry, speak properly."


    The leader, in tears, wanted to kowtow to Ye Suijin: "Mistress, you have shown great kindness and virtue to our Tang family. The Tang family people will never dare to forget this for generations toe. We must set up a spirit tablet for the mistress and pray for her wellbeing day and night."


    Ye Suijin''s mouth twitched slightly: "I don''t know any of you, what great kindness and virtue?"


    The man wiped his tears and said, "The mistress doesn''t know, but we are the Tang n people. It''s a pity that Tang Family Fort had been upied by viins for many years. Fortunately, with the mistress''s help, the viins were driven away and she helped us regain Tang Family Fort. How is this not great kindness and virtue? This is a heavenly great favor!"


    The others all nodded: "That''s right!"


    "I see, so that''s what happened," Ye Suijin said in surprise. "So this fort originally belonged to your family?"


    The group immediately nodded like chickens pecking at rice: "Yes, yes, yes! It''s ours!"


    Ye Suijin asked: "So this trip you wanted to..."


    The group fell silent again, looking at each other.


    You nudged me with your elbow, I nudged you back with mine.


    Finally, it was still the leader who spoke: "Ahem, the merciful mistress, if you return the fort to us, we would be eternally grateful."


    Ye Suijin was surprised: "Give back everything? We found thend deeds, the Tang family still has a lot of good fields, what about those? Do you want those back too?"


    The Tang n people were all excited!


    "Yes, yes, yes! We want..." "Ow!"


    The leader stomped on the man''s instep, abruptly cutting off his words.


    The others'' heated heads finally calmed down a little, and looked around. Those young masters with des at their waists were already frowning.


    These young masters were not easy to talk to like women, each looked quite fierce and arrogant. The Tang n people involuntarily shrank their necks back.


    Luckily, the one handling matters was a woman. Women were much easier to talk to.


    "Mistress, how can this be?" That person was clearly smarter than the others. "The mistress and young masters went to war and showed your might, how can we shamelessly take everything back? Why don''t we..."


    He held out his hand, wanting to spread out five fingers.


    Ninth Son had the quickest temper, and was already fuming.


    The Ye family had fought and seized this ce themselves, how could they give any of it to this group of people who didn''t know where they crawled out from!


    Seeing the man about to spread out his palm, clearly intending a "fifty-fifty split".


    He was so angry that his eyebrows stood upright, and loudly "humphed"!


    The man was startled by this, hesitated, and retracted his thumb from the five fingers.


    Just as he wanted to hold up four fingers, feeling the ferocious stares from those young masters, he shrank back again, and the four fingers became three.


    Hesitantly, in the end, he trembled as he held up two fingers: "Why don''t we, the Tang family and you masters, split it twenty-eighty. We get twenty percent, you get eighty percent. What does the mistress think?"


    Those behind him were unsatisfied with this "twenty-eighty" split, but didn''t dare speak, and kept jabbing him.


    The man had no choice but to fiercely jab them a few times back with his elbow before they calmed down.


    Ye Suijin ordered: "Go, have someone take an inventory to see how much twenty percent is, thene back and report to me."


    The guards immediately left.


    With the appearance that they were going to split the property twenty-eighty with the Tang family.


    This was aplished!


    The Tang n people were both shocked and delighted.


    They had quietly watched after hearing Tang Family Fort had changed hands, and discovered these people were very proper, not looting or harassing. So they hatched the idea toe try their luck, originally just wanting to see if crying miserably could get the leader of the Blue Shirts to let some slip through her fingers.


    They didn''t expect that the one handling matters turned out to be a woman, so these people''s thoughts became even more active.


    Their appetite grew as big as their courage, thinking that they could get away with as much as they dared ask for!


    It worked!


    Truly, one can take bowls as big as one dares!


    Tang Family Fort''snds had long been surveyed, and very quickly the ounting room came to report a number.


    The Tang n people''s eyes went wide when they heard it.


    Twenty percent was actually so much!


    It was also because the fields were actuallypletely unrted to these distant Tang rtives. They were just some distant coteral rtives, and didn''t actually know exactly how much goodnd Tang Family Fort really had. Hearing this number, they were overjoyed.


    Happy to strike it rich!


    But also resentful that they had only asked for twenty-eighty earlier. If they had said thirty-seventy, forty-sixty, fifty-fifty, it would have been double the riches!


    pping themselves for missing the chance!


    Ye Suijin asked: "Is this enough for you to divide among yourselves?"


    The leader was so excited he kept nodding: "Enough, enough, enough!"


    Ninth Son was so angry his eyes rolled back.


    Tenth Son''s hand was already on his de hilt, about to step forward. But Fourth Young Master raised his hand to stop him.


    Since Third Son had taken Seventh Son out today to sweep the area, Fourth Son was the eldest left in the fort.


    Ninth Son and Tenth Son were younger, and hadn''t been involved in the power struggles within the Ye family fort after their Second Uncle passed away a few years ago. But Fourth and Fifth Son had seen what happened back then.


    Their Sixth Sister was not someone to be bullied.


    Let alone by this group of cowardly and greedy fools.


    Sure enough, the Tang n were excited about this windfall that fell from the sky, but Ye Suijin justughed and said to Duan Jin, "What arge sum, I originally thought since the Tang n people were dead and gone, what we snatched from others de by de was naturally ours. Who knew they weren''t actually wiped out, now what do we do?"


    The Tang n people froze.


    Duan Jin grew up by Ye Suijin''s side, and in recent years had been personally taught by her. He knew best how to follow up on every word she said.


    "That''s simple," he smiled as he slowly drew his de, "We''ll just wipe them out."


    Duan Jin was Ye Suijin''s personal number one man. The guards all followed his lead. As he pulled out his de, the hall instantly rang with the sound of des leaving sheaths.


    The air seemed to suddenly turn cold.


    Only Ninth Son and Tenth Son were delighted.


    The Tang n people all stiffened.


    Even fools could understand now. There was no windfall, they were dreaming.


    People capable of driving away and killing the viins who had seized Tang Family Fort could not be good people.


    "Mi-mistress, spare us, spare us!" The leader desperately tried to stay calm, "We were just joking earlier, Tang Family Fort was won back by the mistress leading troops, of course it all belongs to the mistress. We have no objections. We only came to thank the mistress for avenging our Tang n."


    The others all nodded rapidly: "Yes, no objections."


    "Um, why don''t we just...take our leave now?"


    Some were already slowly moving towards the door.


    Ye Suijin coldlyughed, "Am I a great phnthropist? You all came to harass us, and think you can juste and go as you please?"


    Duan Jin shouted, "Why are you just standing there, tie them all up!"


    The guards rushed forward, ignoring their cries and pleas for mercy, and tied them up, pressing them to the ground.


    The leader was drenched in sweat, yelling loudly, "Mistress spare us! Young masters spare us! We won''t dare anymore! We won''t dare anymore!"


    Ye Suijin''s gaze turned icy cold: "Only now you know not to dare, but just now how did you dare?"


    "Tang Family Fort was upied for days on end, yet you never went to demand it back from the viins. Now that I''m here, how dare youe make demands of me?"


    "All this talk of being Tang n people, when Miss Tang was disgraced in the fort, just where were all of you?"


    The Tang n cried out: "We''re justmon folk, the viins kill without blinking. How could wemoners dare resist? Your Highness spare us!"


    The mistress had now be Your Highness.


    Ye Suijin coldlyughed: "Do I blink when I kill?"


    Tenth Son couldn''t help but ask: "Sister, should we kill them?"


    These people really were so aggravating, yet alsoughable. He couldn''t decide if they should actually kill them or not, so he asked Ye Suijin.


    Everyone looked to Ye Suijin.


    "Killing the likes of them will only dull my de." Ye Suijin turned to the ounting room and said, "Take a count of their numbers, divide that twenty percent ofnd among them, calcte it into silver based on our Dengzhound prices."


    The ountant took out his abacus from his sleeve, quickly calcted, and reported the exact figure.


    "The people outside are theirs?" Ye Suijin asked.


    The ones who came were from the more well-off branches of the Tang extended n, and had also brought along some servants, all waiting in the courtyard.


    The doors of the great hall were wide open, so those followers could see everything clearly inside. But the courtyard was also filled with armed Blue Shirts, ring fiercely. The followers were so scared their legs turned soft, yet didn''t dare run away.


    "Send people to follow them back and report," Ye Suijin said. "Have each family pay ransom ording to this number. Those with gold pay in gold, those without gold pay in silver and copper coins. If they have nothing else, bring all the silks, satins, fields and houses, pots and pans from their homes."


    "String these people up on the city wall. Whoever''s family pays up first, let them go."


    A group of people were dragged out, wailing and crying. The attendants and servants outside were escorted out trembling with fear.


    They resented that their masters had been so greedy as to provoke this pack of demons.


    "Sister, are you really making them pay?" Tenth Son still couldn''t quite believe it. It seemed too much like what bandits would do.


    Ye Suijin was helpless.


    Children were so innocent and naive.


    But she had deliberately called her younger brothers over to show them that some people could be utterly shameless and thick-skinned.


    She retorted, "What else? Should we let them shit on our heads and then leave untouched?"


    They had grown up well-fed and carefree, and by now the boys could ept takingnd and spoils by grappling with enemies.


    But when faced with these seemingly unarmed moners," they didn''t know what to do.


    Tenth Son scratched his head.


    "Tenth Son, all of you, remember this," Ye Suijin said solemnly. "Our Ye family has its rules. We act with integrity and do not engage in such petty deeds, especially bullying themon people."


    The family rules had always been thus.


    Ninth Son and Tenth Son nodded vigorously, but then Ye Suijin turned her words. "But even more important is that we Yes will never allow others to bully us."


    "While we don''t go bullying others, if they try to bully us, we must ruthlessly fleece them. Let them know pain, so they won''t dare to try again."


    "Among these people today, some will be reduced to penury. But is that our fault?"


    "Fort Ye has always been here, never moving. Why did they nevere before? It''s just because they saw the Ye troops as honest and easy to bully."


    "Since they dared try to extort us Yes, they should be prepared for severe punishment."


    "They brought this on themselves."


    Just as Ye Suijin said, some families really were reduced to utter poverty.


    The Ye troops in their green shirts and ck pants came and took away their gold, silver, and silk. Even when that was not enough, they brought out the deeds to theirnd and houses. The ountants followed to calcte if it was still not enough.


    Truthfully, Fort Tang''s assets were not small. Divvied into portions for these dozen or so people, the ringleaders of the wealthy households could still pay up. But the ordinary tribespeople who had tagged along hoping for a share simply didn''t have the means.


    In the end, wives, children, and parents were all chased out from their own homes.


    Right in front of their countrymen and neighbors, the Ye troops in green shirts and ck pants confiscated their fields and sealed up their mansions.


    Gripping their sword hilts, they told the onlooking crowd, "This man was audacious and reckless, extorting money from our masters. Our masters showed mercy and spared his dog life. A death sentence may be absolved, but a living sin is hard to escape."


    "Now the man hangs from the city wall. ording to the amount he demanded, ransom must be paid. This mansion now belongs to the Ye family."


    The parents, wives, and children wailed, "Damn him! We told him not to go! Greed clouded his mind!"


    The vigers immediately understood what had happened and buzzed in discussion.


    So that''s what went on. Pah!


    The upright Ye troops did not loot or bully, and the new steward even set the tenant fees lower than before. Everyone was deeply grateful, saying Fort Tang had gotten a great phnthropist.


    But in such times, with no thunderous might and iron-hard heart, how could one be a good person!

 Chapter 52

    After stabilizing Tang Family Fort, the next natural step was Ciqiu county city.


    The county magistrate of Ciqiu was still there.


    This county magistrate had some backbone and ability. Seeing therge troops approaching, he ordered the people to close the city gates and defend. On the city wall, you could see he had some experience in advancing and retreating.


    Ye Suijin nodded, and sent someone to shout.


    Aftermunicating back and forth from the city tower, Ye Sang went up in a hoisted basket with two guards as envoys, and went into the city tomunicate face-to-face with the county magistrate.


    Ye Sang''s honest face was natural, and his temperament was also clean. His eyes were bright, and at first nce he did not seem like a sinister schemer, so his words were quite convincing.


    The Ciqiu county magistrate had already heard about the change of ownership of Tang Family Fort, and after asking in detail, he only found out that Miss Tang hadmitted suicide. He choked up, "Her father and I were also old acquaintances. I really had no power to save her."


    Indeed, he was able to organize some militias to defend the county city, because everyone''s homes were in the county city. If the county city was ravaged, no family would escape.


    Therefore, themon people were willing to help.


    But if he asked them to stick their necks out for an unlucky rich family outside the city walls, and go against a group of bandits, possibly getting injured or killed, naturally no one would be willing.


    Why should they?


    When he heard that Miss Tang had hidden her youngest half brother in a well for years and actually kept him alive, and that the child was now adopted by the Ye family master of Dengzhou as a righteous son, he wiped his eyes and stood up, bowing deeply to Ye Sang, "The righteous nobility of the Ye family. This minor official admires it."


    A child that no one knew about in the depths of a well, even if the Ye family had taken the fort, if they had wanted him dead, it would have been as easy as crushing an ant.


    But the Ye family let him live.


    As for the assets of Tang Family Fort... Forget one family, even if a dynasty copsed and warlords fought over its remains, it would still be fighting over the deer.


    If even nations were so, what more some family assets?


    To have descendants survive was already a great kindness.


    The gates of Ciqiu county opened from the inside.


    The county magistrate wore his faded official robes to wee the Ye family troops into the city.


    He did not expect the Ye family emissary to be a woman, and was quite surprised.


    This woman had the looks of glowing spring flowers, the aura of a cold winter sun. The county magistrate had thought she would be a ferocious female warlord, but after weing her to the hall to sit down, the first thing Ye Suijin asked about was the livelihood of the people of Ciqiu county these past few years, the public order, taxes, and county reserves.


    The county magistrate was lost in a daze, as if answering superiors again.


    It had been years since he had this feeling,


    because his superior who concurrently held Tang and Deng prefectures had died in the mutiny that was bombed by Xuanhua troops. Since then, he was like an unsupervised child, barely holding on.


    He almost cried.


    He pulled himself together and earnestly reported everything, and had the county magistrate fetch all kinds of registers for this woman.


    Not only was she not bored, but she could understand everything.


    Even newly appointed young officials might not understand these things without guidance from their mentors and staff.


    Yet she understood it all.


    After roughly looking through everything, Ye Suijin closed thest ledger, looked at Ciqiu county''s magistrate, and said one sentence: "Magistrate Yuan... you''ve worked hard."


    Magistrate Yuan''s eyes reddened. He stood up and saluted, "Just insignificant effort, surely not failing the teachings of the sages."


    "Our two prefectures of Deng and Tang have been neighbors since the Northern Wei dynasty. Since you have received the new dynasty''s appointment, please nurture the people on behalf of the Son of Heaven." He bowed down, "Please, mdy, take Ciqiu as well."


    Ye Suijin said, "Very well."


    When Teacher Yang and Fifth Uncle Ye arrived at Tang Family Fort, Ciqiu had already surrendered. But Ye Suijin still set up her mobilemand post at Tang Family Fort.


    She was used to battlefields and campaigns, andpared to the county city, she preferred this kind of fort.


    "Fourth Brother knows he''s gotten a lot ofnd, and is very happy," Teacher Yang said, stroking his beard.


    Fifth Uncle Ye spat, "Nowadays Fourth Brother calctes all day. He''s be miserly,pletelycking magnanimity."


    Everyoneughed loudly.


    Obtaining the surrender of a county meant obtaining taxes and poption, which was public. But obtaining spoils of war was profits distributed among them, which was private.


    It meant everyone''s purse had grown fatter.


    Ye Suijin looked at the carriages Teacher Yang had brought, and asked, "Why have you brought so many carriages? What''s inside?"


    Teacher Yang was about to tell her about it, "Master Jiang from Ruiyun Company''s Nanyang branch has obtained what you wanted."


    "Southern goods?" Ye Suijin''s eyes lit up and she became happy, "Teacher understands me well."


    After sitting down inside the residence, Teacher Yang took out a letter, "A reply letter from the owner of Ruiyun Company to you."


    Ye Suijin took it and skimmed through it. The corners of her lips hooked up, "Businessmen, always gutsy."


    This was clearly Ruiyun Company testing the waters. If sessful, the two sides could truly cooperate long term.


    Third Son did not understand, "Why bring southern goods here?"


    They were leading troops outside, sometimes even fighting wars.


    Teacher Yang stroked his beard and smiled.


    Ye Suijin folded up the letter and smiled, "Naturally to send north."


    But things had to be done one by one. They had to n Tang Family Fort in front of them first.


    Fortunately Tang Family Fort was not big, and the Ye family''s background in military affairs meant Teacher Yang had also been at Ye Family Fort for many years. He had always been the most trusted man by Ye Suijin''s father, and was extremely familiar with fort administration.


    Everyone discussed together, modified, and finally settled on the final n, arranged manpower and resources. Ye Suijin then handed matters of the fort to Fifth Uncle Ye, Fourth Son Ye, and Fifth Son Ye, and said to Seventh Son Ye, Ninth Son Ye, and Tenth Son Ye, "Follow them closely and learn, don''t treat it as trivial. If you don''t learn it well, then you''ll always be little followers for others in the future, and never get to independently lead troops on your own."


    As Ye Suijin said "you", her eyes stared at Tenth Son.


    Tenth Son had originally been impatient with these things. He only wanted to lead troops out to have fun killing people. Pinned by Ye Suijin''s stare, he shrank his neck, "Got it."


    The brothers allughed loudly.


    They also gave Tang Family Fort a new name. Because Tang Family Fort was located in Ciqiu, the northernmost part of Tang prefecture, from then on it would be called Tang Northern Fort.


    Tenth Son said, "Just changing one character."


    Everyoneughed again.


    Although it was just one character changed, Tang Family Fort had changed hands and owners.


    Afterughing, Ye Suijin said, "Teacher, Third Son,e north with me."


    Her fingertips slid across the map, tapping a certain spot, "Let''s go, I''m going to meet the General Who Guards the Pass."


    It was getting cooler. The General Who Guards the Pass had sent people to the capital to urge the winter military provisions.


    Although the west was more important now, he couldn''t neglect his side for the sake of the west. The ministry of revenue were all XXXX with three legs, who only took but never gave. He had to keep kicking them to spit some out.


    That day, he suddenly got a report in the mobilemand post that the Ye family of Dengzhou had sent people again.


    The Ye family did things very pragmatically, and had vision. The General had quite a good impression of them. And judging by the capital''s reaction, the Emperor obviously felt the same.


    He asked, "Who came?"


    The guardsman said, "It''s the strategist surnamed Yang we''ve seen before, brought a young master surnamed Ye. Also brought a woman, very beautiful."


    Guardsmen and their big mouths, just had to add in "very beautiful". The General''s thoughts went astray.


    Because whenever the Ye family came by, they never forgot to bring gifts for him. Could it be they had brought a woman as a gift this time?


    Although the guardsman had said "very beautiful", when the woman came to the hall and lowered her hood, the General still stared nkly.


    What a gift! A great gift! He was willing to ept it!


    He didn''t expect the woman to not act coy at all. Meeting his gaze directly, her brows and eyes radiated a heroic spirit. She saluted and said, "Greetings to the General Who Guards the Pass. I am Ye Suijin of Dengzhou."


    The General was taken aback.


    This name was familiar. Wasn''t that... the brand new prefect of Dengzhou this year?


    Before bing Empress, no, it should be said before being forced out of the pce by the civil official clique, she had always been high-profile.


    She was long used to such burning gazes from men, and did not take offense.


    In her words she was even polite.


    Although Dengzhou was small, her position as governor also carried the titles of Commander-in-chief and Imperial Agent, making her a military governor of the same rank as the general who guarded the pass. Strictly speaking, the general who guarded the pass still had to address her as "this humble officer" or "your subordinate".


    But in reality, she was indeed a very insignificant military governor. On paper she only controlled the Dengzhou area.


    To maintain an army one needed territory, as territory provided taxes to support the soldiers. So with a small territory, it was clear the army would not berge.


    The general guarding the pass, however, was a militarymander under the Jin Emperor, so although his rank was lower than Ye Suijin''s, behind him stood the Great Jin, so in terms of military power he was not someone Ye Suijin couldpete with at present.


    Therefore she used the term "this humble one" from the Jianghu, avoiding bureaucratic ranks, while also indicating that this visit was not on official "Dengzhou Military Governor" business.


    Strictly speaking, a military governor could not randomly travel outside their jurisdiction without an imperial edict. Although right now everyone was making a mess, traveling and attacking each other everywhere without anyone able to control it.


    In short, with one sentence Ye Suijin rified her identity and attitude. The general guarding the pass suppressed his disappointment and cupped his fist in return: "So it is Householder Ye, I have long admired you by reputation."


    By not mentioning official positions, only private rtions, it made it easier for them to speak inly.


    After sitting down and exchanging pleasantries, Ye Suijin stated her purpose: "I''ve escorted a batch of southern goods for the general to take a look."


    The general guarding the pass was overjoyed: "Householder Ye really knows how to conduct business!"


    As a businessman, Jiang Yinyao had very discerning eyes. When Mr. Yang presented the manifest, the general guarding the pass was even more delighted, as they were all exquisite southern products desired by the northern nobles.


    The essence ofmerce was converting distance into profit.


    The farther the distance, the greater the profit.


    The general guarding the pass had his own channels to transport goods northward.


    Now that the sixteen prefectures of Yan and Yun had been ceded to the northern barbarians, with this barrier in between, exchanges were not as convenient as before. But because of this, transporting southern goods over would bring astonishingly high profits.


    The general guarding the pass had long wanted to earn this money, he justcked channels in the south.


    Last time when he made contact with the Ye family, since they were not close, it was merely casting a wide. He didn''t expect the Ye family to truly understand his intentions.


    After personally inspecting the goods, they really were exquisite southern objects. He could well imagine, once transported north, they could make a fortune.


    The general guarding the pass was so happy his eyes disappeared. When they returned to the hall, he called for wine and his attitude was much friendlier: "Householder Ye, how shall we split the profits? You say."


    But Ye Suijin just smiled without answering.


    The general guarding the pass was perceptive, and immediately understood. With a wave of his hand he said: "Whatever Householder Ye wants, just say it, anything but iron is fine. Don''t be shy, I''m a cousin of His Majesty."


    Ye Suijin was not familiar with the early Jin kingdom figures, she was more familiar with several of the princes who had coborated with Zhao Jingwenter on. She didn''t know whether this general guarding the pass died early or what happened to him afterwards.


    But that he was a cousin of the Jin Emperor was something Mr. Yang had heard from the subordinate general escorting them on Ye Siliang''s first trip apanying Ye Fourth Uncle to the capital.


    Of course she wanted iron, but iron was too strictly regted, even the Jin Emperor''s eldest daughter the Grand Princess didn''t dare smuggle iron to other factions.


    Ye Suijin understood this very clearly, so iron was not her target.


    "The general is wise, I''ll be direct." Ye Suijin said.


    "I want horses."

 Chapter 53

    General Guan stopped abruptly.


    Oh dear, he had said a bit too much.


    He had forgotten that nowadays the sixteen prefectures of Yan and Yun had been ceded, and the Central ins had lost its horse breeding grounds. Nowadays His Majesty kept tight control over horses.


    "Ah, um..." General Guan started rubbing his knees.


    Ye Suijin gave a faint smile.


    How could she not know that nowadays the Jin Emperor kept tight control over horses too.


    This Emperor had ceded the sixteen prefectures of Yan and Yun to the barbarians, and made an agreement with the barbarian emperor to be father and son, borrowing soldiers to seize the Central ins. Afterwards he was constantly scolded as the "Child Emperor", destined to leave an ugly mark in the history books.


    Zhao Jingwen had told herzily during pillow talk in the rear pce: "Reading history recently, looking at the appraisals of previous emperors, internal conflicts within the Central ins didn''t really matter. But an ''Child Emperor'' like the Jin Emperor, that reputation would follow him for all eternity and could never be erased."


    "He deserved it," Ye Suijin said. "Forget about him. If we don''t recover the sixteen prefectures of Yan and Yun, our reputations in the history books will be tarnished too."


    Ye Suijin dreamed of recovering the sixteen prefectures of Yan and Yun.


    Not just the rear pce, she actually preferred military camps and the shing of swords and spears over the court.


    But her hands were tied. Zhao Jingwen would not let her personally lead campaigns. As Empress, her military aplishments were already too great. Neither Zhao Jingwen nor the civil officials would give her opportunities to take to the battlefield again.


    She could only have Duan Jin fulfill this dream for her.


    "The general need not feel awkward. I would certainly not covet His Majesty''s horses," Ye Suijin said. "What I want are the horses of Liangzhou."


    General Guan: "Huh?"


    Ye Suijin said: "I ask that General Guan help make connections with the Dingnan Army''s Tuyuhun Li n."


    ording to historical records, the horses of Liangzhou were the Dayuan horses introduced to the Central ins a thousand years ago. Later they blended the bloodlines of Ganqing horses and Monguor horses. During the Northern Wei dynasty, they had shone brilliantly.


    But under the current fragmented situation, when Ye Suijin thought of the horses of Liangzhou, the first that came to mind was the Dingnan Army.


    The Tuyuhun people were "skilled in marshes and grasnds, and excellent at animal husbandry."


    The Tuoba n, the Li n.


    The Li n were also turncoats, originally surrendering ministers of the Northern Wei. Just a few years ago they had also pledged allegiance to the bogus Liang regime. Soon, they would pledge allegiance to the Jin Emperor like Ye Suijin had.


    When that time came, the Jin Emperor would definitely restrict the Li n''s horses. It would be even more difficult to obtain horses then.


    It had to be now.


    The Jin Emperor had originally been the military governor of Hedong. His territory was cheek by jowl with the Dingnan Army''s. General Guan was a cousin of the Jin Emperor. He must have ways to contact the Li n of Dingnan.


    Sure enough, General Guan heaved a sigh of relief. After a brief moment of thought, he said: "Let me try."


    Ye Suijin raised her wine cup. "I toast General."


    General Guan clinked cups with her. Observing her bearing, she downed it in one go, very bold and unrestrained. He praised: "Lady Ye is refreshingly straightforward."


    And downed his in one go too.


    He did not know that in her past life, after Ye Suijin had taken over the position of head of the Ye Family Fort, she had to grit her teeth and prop up the Liang regime. No matter what she faced, she could not use "I am a woman" as an excuse to shirk responsibility.


    She led troops, the military camps were full of men, running around half-naked. If it weren''t for theirmander being a woman, those fellows could prance around butt naked swinging their birds during the summer when bathing.


    What could she do? She could hardly demand, just because she was a woman, that the officers and men be fully dressed beyond fighting bloody battles for their lives, could she?


    She could only adapt herself to the environment, make everyone forget she was a woman.


    After a long time, everyone did indeed forget, even she herself forgot.


    Only Zhao Jingwen''s existence could remind her that she was a woman.


    Ye Suijin put down her wine cup. Her shoulders, waist and back were erect as she said, "General Guan, there is another matter."


    General Guan said: "Lady Ye, please speak."


    "Since His Majesty appointed me Military Governor of Dengzhou, day and night I worry, fearing that I may fail to live up to His Majesty''s sagely grace," said Ye Suijin. "This time His Majesty has also bestowed a hundred sets of armor. Such great favor makes me apprehensive."


    "Thinking it over, Dengzhou and Tangzhou were originally one entity. Since the routing of the Xuanhua Army, bandits have sprung up everywhere, and themon people live in unease. Having received His Majesty¡¯s grace and been appointed Military Governor of Dengzhou, how can I only sweep the snow in front of my own door? My strength is meager, but I should also aplish some merit for His Majesty."


    General Guan''s hand holding the wine cup stopped. He gazed intently: "Lady Ye''s meaning is...?"


    Ye Suijin said smilingly: "I am currently sweeping Tangzhou clean for His Majesty. Shangma and Ciqiu have already been purified, officials are in ce, and themon people settled. Just these meager contributions need not disturb His Majesty. Reporting to General Guan is the same."


    General Guan paused for a moment, then put down his wine cup: "Bring a map."


    Once the attendant had spread out the map, Ye Suijin and General Guan stood before it.


    "Let the General look. The General is currently here. Shangma is here, Ciqiu is here. The other ces, I will slowly take care of them for His Majesty."


    Ye Suijin''s lips curved in a smile: "General, look, Ciqiu is not far from you, very convenient for Dengzhou to get close to you."


    As expected, money does not fall from the sky for no reason. This Ye woman of Dengzhou wants to swallow Tangzhou whole, and does not want His Majesty to know. She wants to get rich quietly, not loudly.


    Very good. General Guan does not want to make noise either. He also wants to get rich silently.


    Dengzhou and Tangzhou were notrge in area. During the Northern Wei era they were administered by a single prefect who concurrently held both provinces. Militarily, they were merely two of the five provinces originally held by the Military Governor of Xuanhua.


    General Guan thought briefly, then drew a line with his finger: "The area south of here will be handed to Lady Ye. The north and other ces I will guard for His Majesty."


    He nted a nce at Ye Suijin: "His Majesty is only temporarily unable to spare effort here. Once the west is settled, I will definitely push forward to the northern banks of the Yangtze. When that timees, all the Central ins will be the royal domain."


    "Naturally," Ye Suijin tactfully agreed. "I and the General are both ministers of Jin, we are one family."


    With the agreement that the Ye family would not invade north, a borderline was thus happily drawn.


    After leaving General Guan''s camp, both Mr. Yang and Third Son Ye were happy that this trip had been sessful. With General Guan''s tacit approval, they could boldly swallow up Tangzhou.


    "Let''s go back," Third Son Ye said.


    Although they had seized the northern part of Tangzhou, Tangzhou still had many other parts for them to wrest away.


    But upon hearing this, Ye Suijin looked north.


    Third Son Ye and Mr. Yang also looked north, though they did not know what she was looking at.


    Ye Suijin''s face held a strange expression they could notprehend.


    Third Son Ye: "Sister?"


    Ye Suijin suddenly jerked her reins: "Since we''re here already, Third Brother, you haven''t seen the capital yet right? Let''s go take a look at the capital!"


    Mr. Yang and Third Son Ye were both surprised.


    But Third Son Ye was quite eager, because he truly had not seen the capital before.


    Since this was so, Mr. Yang had always been easygoing, and did not try to stop them. On the contrary he said: "If you want to go then go."


    After sending people back to report their safety, the party set off north.


    Mr. Yang came to the capital for the second time. On the way he said: "Much more peaceful thanst time."


    With General Guan''s defense line pushed south, public security in the capital region had visibly improved. Great Jin was clearly taking on the air of settling down.


    When living in the present, how could one know what twists the future would take? In one lifetime, there were far too many unimaginable things.


    Ye Suijin said nothing.


    They had left the southern goods with General Guan. The party traveled light. In just a few days they arrived at the capital.


    Third Son Ye craned his neck to look at the city walls, his manner identical to Fourth Uncle Ye. Passersby could tell with one look this was a country bumpkin seeing the capital for the first time, shaking their heads and smiling.


    Third Son Ye waspletely oblivious to the disdainfulughter of passersbys. He was immersed in shock.


    "So this is the capital," he murmured. "It really had to be seen."


    Looking at such majestic city walls, he suddenly felt his heart fill with boundless heroic spirit.


    Just what was that feeling surging in his heart, Third Son Ye could not say clearly. He just felt like taking a deep breath, and felt his blood vessels grow hot.


    Ye Suijin, however, was looking at the city gates, observing for a while. She said to Mr. Yang: "No verification at all."


    Verification referred to documents imprinted with official seals, used to verify identity. An official taking up his post had his "report of name", ry runners had their "tally slips", militiamen mobilizing had their "muster rolls". As formoners, it was a permit stating your native ce, proving you were aw-abiding citizen.


    Mr. Yang was surprised: "It''s been abolished for so many years."


    Ye Suijin said: "That''s true."


    It had been eighteen years since the turmoil, when thend could not retainmoners. Where was there still any "verification"?


    "It reminds me," she said, "Dengzhou''s verification system should be revived. Can''t have people wandering around randomly."


    Adult males had to pay taxes and provide corveebor, they could not lightly leave their native soil. In the era when the verification system was still intact, amoner without a "permit" could not go anywhere.


    It was an effective means of bindingmoners to thend.


    Mr. Yang said, "That''s right."


    The group entered the city.


    Mr. Yang had been here before and stayed for quite a few days. He and Fourth Uncle Ye had gotten fat in the capital and were no longer impressed by it. But many of the guards were visiting the capital for the first time and were very impressed by everything they saw. When they returned home, they would have many boastful stories to tell.


    Inter years, when they dandled their grandchildren on their knees, they could tell their grandsons, "Your grandfather once visited the capital."


    Ye Suijin instructed the guards not to get into any fights with people, then let them wander freely around the capital city.


    Mr. Yang''s old waist couldn''t take the hardship of travel, so he rested at an inn. Ye Suijin only brought along Third Son Ye to tour around.


    The capital city was both familiar yet strange to her.


    She saw shops that would still exist over ten yearster, as well as many houses she had never seen in the future capital.


    The stone bricks on many streets looked worn and old, unliketer when they would all be repaved and the capital made more splendid and prosperous.


    As they walked, she led Third Son Ye outside the Imperial City.


    She craned her neck and squinted up for a long time.


    Third Son Ye eximed in admiration, ¡°This is the Imperial Pce!¡±


    Ever since his father had visited the capital once and seen the Emperor, he had be conceited. He had even secretly told Third Son Ye, "The Emperor is no different than ordinary people."


    But Third Son Ye did not agree.


    To ordinary people, the Emperor was distant and high above.


    As Third Son Ye looked at the majestic pce walls, this feeling was even stronger.


    Just as he was feeling emotional, he heard Ye Suijin give a long, leisurely sigh: ¡°The walls are so high!"


    Third Son Ye agreed, ¡°Yes, truly magnificent. As expected of the residence of the Son of Heaven, an imperial pce.¡±


    But her sentiment was actually the opposite of his. Hearing his admiration, Ye Suijin gently said, "It''s not as good as you imagine."


    Third Son Ye looked at her in surprise: "How could this not be good enough?"


    Ye Suijin lifted her horse whip and gestured as she spoke: "It looks impressive from the outside, but it''s quite boring on the inside. The front area is still alright, but the rear areas are extremely boring. There is only empty nobility that vainly consumes one''s life."


    "Extremely boring," she said.

 Chapter 54

    Third Son Ye understood the meaning of ¡°front¡± and ¡°back¡±: ¡°The harem?¡±


    He squinted and looked ahead.


    As a ¡°home¡±, the walls of the imperial city were indeed too high.


    In fact, the restrictions on women in recent years were much looser than in the previous Dai Wei period. It was always like this during the years of war and chaos.


    After Zhao Jingwen''s Great Mu dynasty stabilized, the civil officials started to nitpick and pretend to defend etiquette andw with their lives, determined to force Ye Suijin back into the harem.


    When she led the army, sleeping and eating outdoors, soaking in ice rivers at night, no one jumped out saying that women should not lead armies.


    Once settled down, men started to bother women.


    In fact, Zhao Jingwen didn¡¯t care much about discussing politics with her in the same hall. Later, even when she retreated to the harem, Zhao Jingwen would stille to ask her for advice and listen to her opinions when he had difficulties in making big decisions.


    Because this was the model they had as a couple from the very beginning.


    Zhao Jingwen was indeed a smart person, but at first, at the very beginning, it was Ye Suijin who taught him hands-on.


    Deep down in his heart, when he was most hesitant, he still preferred to listen to Ye Suijin''s ideas.


    Facing him, Ye Suijin would definitely fight for the interests of the Ye family and Duan Jin and his people. But when facing the group of civil officials, Ye Suijin and Zhao Jingwen hadmon interests as a married couple.


    Third Son Ye grew up during this period when women were rtively liberated.


    Since he was little, his sister Ye Suijin could fight anyone in Ye Manor.


    When grown up, his sister Twelfth Sister could ride horses and leave the manor whenever she wanted.


    But he also knew that the women living in the crimson-red-walled "back" area of the pce on the other side of the high wall in front probably did not have such freedom.


    He nced at Ye Suijin and saw her frowning at the high wall. He couldn''t help butugh, "Of course it¡¯s meaningless to you. The women living inside are not like you and Twelfth Sister. You two are used to freedom. If Twelfth Sister doesn''t go out for three days, she¡¯ll start tearing down the roof.¡±


    Ye Suijin let out a long sigh, rxing her eyebrows.


    "Third brother, I will never let myself be locked up behind such high walls in this life," she said. "I still have a lot to do."


    Third Son Ye smiled and said, "Who dares lock you up? Who can lock you up?"


    The cold wind rose.


    But Ye Suijin''s heart was very warm.


    That''s right, such a person didn''t exist.


    She really wanted to shout at the majestic pce-


    Yes! No one can lock me, Ye Suijin, up again in this life!


    I won¡¯t be the empress again!


    I won''t be trapped in the harem again!


    In the eyes of others, the trip to the capital was just a whim of Ye Suijin¡¯s.


    She took Third Son Ye to taste many specialties of the capital city and let him see the scenery of the capital. Although the current capital city looked quite shabby in her eyes, it was still much more prosperous than Dengzhou.


    And they were lucky enough to see the emperor traveling.


    The emperor¡¯s guards wore shiny iron armors.


    Third Son Ye''s eyes were fixed on them.


    Last time when the Jin Emperor granted Dengzhou twenty sets of iron armor, they all eximed that the emperor was generous, starting out with twenty sets of iron armor. Who knew that after seeing it today, they realized what the real imperial style was-four long columns of guards, all tall horses, shiny armors.


    So neat!


    Third Son Ye had never seen so many iron armors before in his life, and couldn¡¯t take his eyes off them at all.


    Even on the way back, he was still obsessed with those armors, and his eyes were full of envy whenever he mentioned them.


    Ye Suijinughed and said, "Don''t worry, we''ll have it sooner orter."


    Dengzhou had already recruited some craftsmen and established an arsenal. In order to produce weapons earlier, she had temporarily mobilized almost all the cksmiths in Dengzhou. She also confiscated all the weapons and iron stored in the county treasuries.


    Only in this way could all the new soldiers be equipped with their own weapons in such a short time.


    But armors could only be the next step.


    All these had to be solved step by step. Even a reborn Ye Suijin couldn''t aplish everything in one go.


    They returned to Ciqiu inte October.


    Fourth Son Ye guaranteed: "Any leftover bandit nearby, take my head if you can''t kick it around like a ball!"


    A lot ofbor was needed for the renovation of Tang North Fort. Fourth Son Ye had tasted the sweetness of using captivebor and brought his brothers to sweep Ciqiu and Shangma clean.


    No matter what gang you were, as long as you ran into Ye family¡¯s troops, there was no escape.


    Also influenced by the incident of the Tang family, Fourth Son Ye was enlightened now. For those who had families, he also allowed them to be ransomed. After all, renovating such a big fortress required a lot of money for every brick and tile.


    Fourth Son Ye and his father Fifth Uncle suddenly understood Fourth Uncle. They calcted ounts with abacuses every day, reluctant to spend every penny.


    They oftenmented: Raising an army really costs money!


    They asked about the trip to see the General.


    Mr. Yang stroked his beard and smiled, "Get ready, we¡¯ll take Biyang."


    Everyone immediately rolled up their sleeves eagerly.


    Tenth Son was even more gleeful, "Ninth Brother and I have sneaked over several times. If not for Big Sister''s order, we wouldn''t have dared to act rashly."


    Which gang to beat first and which one to beatter, they had already nned it all.


    Now the border with the General to the north had been drawn. They could swallow Tang Prefecture with ease.


    As soon as Ye Suijin came back, she handed Tang North Fort to Mr. Yang and Fifth Uncle and led her brothers south to advance on Biyang.


    Only when Mr. Yang sent away these vigorous young men from the fortress, he stood gazing for a long time.


    Fifth Uncle Ye: "Teacher?"


    Mr. Yang came to his senses before turning back with him.


    Fifth Uncle Ye asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Mr. Yang waved his hand: "Nothing."


    It was great that Mr. Yang came back. Fifth Uncle Ye was really troubled by the fortress renovation. With Mr. Yang here, he could heave a big sigh of relief and focus on defense wholeheartedly.


    There were just too many things to do. Fifth Uncle Ye couldn''t help but tick them off one by one to Mr. Yang.


    Mr. Yang listened patiently, only nced up at Fifth Uncle Ye asionally.


    It seemed that no one noticed that from his arrival at Tang North Fort, apanying Ye Suijin to the General''s station, and then to the capital city, and Ye Suijin mobilized the army again...


    She didn''t ask about Zhao Jingwen at all.


    Indeed everyone was too busy now, especially the young masters who were immersed in the excitement of expanding territory.


    But if others couldn''t think of Zhao Jingwen, how could Ye Suijin, as his wife, not.


    This was not "someone else".


    Mr. Yang stroked his beard and shook his head, letting go of this matter for the time being.


    After all, Zhao Jingwen was just "someone else" to him. The Ye family were his masters.


    Biyang was a big city where the former governors of Deng and Tang prefectures were stationed. The city wall was high and thick, with many powerful households. Since the years of turmoil, the powerful families contributed money and effort to protect themselves, and also mobilized themon people to defend the city.


    Like Shangma, although they couldn¡¯t fight wars, they could lock the gates for self-protection when necessary.


    They also had more or less connections and even paid tributes to the surrounding forces.


    As the surrounding forces disappeared one after another, the people of Biyang City became uneasy.


    More than a dozen powerful families gathered together to discuss this matter.


    The leading family surnamed Li imed that their ancestors were the Li family of Longxi. They had a huge business in Biyang, and the other families had to watch their faces.


    Today, the person they sent out to inquire about the news came back and was briefing everyone.


    "It''s the Ye family of Dengzhou," the Li family owner told everyone. "It seems that they have surrendered to the new dynasty."


    The new Jin State was established in the north, but the Jin Emperor was busy clearing the remnants of the pseudo-Liang, and his hands had not reached Tang Prefecture yet. Everyone was watching.


    If the new dynasty''s army came, they would naturally have to bow their heads. But now, wasn''t it that the new dynasty''s army hadn''t arrived yet? So what should they do? Everyone looked at Master Li.


    "Don''t panic," Master Li said. "The Ye family of Dengzhou didn''t just emerge out of thin air either. I''ve also heard about them these years. There''s nothing strange. I heard three years ago they changed to a new family head. The young man must have finally sat firmly and wanted to expand outwards now."


    He stroked his beard and smiled, "Young people are really keen, ah."


    "But the Ye family of Dengzhou, after all, is not a gang of bandits. They are people who care about face. Since they care about face, we can talk. Don''t be afraid." he said.


    Since Master Li was not worried, everyone else was not worried either, all nodding that he was right.


    Li Laoye dusted his sleeves: "It''s better to remain still than to act rashly. Let''s wait for them toe to us."


    Around the same time, Ye Suijin was talking to a captive: "So the one in charge of Biyang now is this Li Laoye?"


    The captive still had bandages on him. He answered with his head bowed obediently: "That''s right. Our money and food supplies are all given by him. He also told us to operate around Biyang all this time."


    After the captive was taken away, Third Son Ye and the others knitted their brows.


    Third Son Ye asked: "This Li family sounds like an influential figure in Biyang. Why would they associate with these petty rascals?"


    "Raising bandits is naturally to empower oneself," Ye Suijin had seen much of the world, and smiled knowingly. "Take a guess, has anyone been collecting taxes in Biyang over the years?"


    The others were enlightened at once.


    Third Son Ye nodded: "I see."


    After interrogating the leaders of several groups, they had all been in contact with this Li family to some extent.


    Ye Sng said: "This Li Laoye is crafty indeed."


    The Li family funded these people, and incited them, causing the situation in Biyang over the years to be one where multiple forces coexisted. None of them grew powerful enough to swallow Biyang.


    Ye Suijin scoffed: "He yed the bnce well."


    And he was also ruthless, havingmitted some appalling acts that Ye Suijin forced them to confess under interrogation.


    Third Son Ye grasped the hilt of his sword behind him. Although he said nothing, his fierce eyes contained traces of killing intent.


    Since Nanyang, he understood the term "local despot" all too deeply.


    Ye Suijin stretched out two fingers to press down on his wrist, smiling: "Don''t be impatient, brother. There wille a time for you to draw your de."


    Third Son Ye loosened and tightened his grip on the sword, and nodded.


    The families of Biyang gathered together once more.


    This time, it was because the Li family of Biyang received a letter from the Ye family of Deng Prefecture to Biyang.


    The signature read:


    [Ye Suijin, Governor of Deng and Tang Prefectures, General Who Holds the Authority of the Special Imperial Emissary, Commander of the Two Prefectures]


    Ye Suijin wrote this herself.


    When she was writing, Third Son Ye was watching by her side. Seeing what Ye Suijin wrote, his expression was a bitplicated.


    She even made the seal of the Governor of Tang Prefecture. The Emperor had only given her Deng Prefecture''s gold seal, when did she make the (fake) seal for Tang Prefecture?


    Ye Suijin blew on the ink to dry it, and nced at him.


    "Brother, don''t be too much of a goody-two-shoes," she said.


    "Yes, His Majesty only appointed me to be in charge of Deng Prefecture. So what?"


    "Now I''m adding Tang Prefecture in. The people of Biyang can''t possibly take this and ask His Majesty whether he really gave me Tang Prefecture as well, can they? Deng and Tang Prefectures are both small, giving me one or two makes no difference to His Majesty."


    "Truly, brother. Having thicker skin won''t hurt."

 Chapter 55

    To swagger and unfurl the banner, why do people like doing this? Because it makes things so much easier.


    Facing Biyang, Ye Suijin made a name for herself as "Da Jin". As expected, Biyang didn''t dare resist and opened the city gates to wee her.


    ording to the captives from earlier, over ten wealthy households in Biyang City could gather about a thousand men.


    Regardless of whether this "thousand" was exaggerated or factual, it was certainly notparable to the four old fathers-inw from the insignificant Shangma County.


    But numbers were numbers, and strength was strength.


    A thousand servants and a thousand soldiers were two different things.


    While Ye Suijin extracted information about Biyang from multiple captives, Biyang also sent people to spy on Ye''s army. The reported situation made the Biyang families understand - although the numbers seemed simr, the difference was obvious...


    So when Ye Suijin assumed the name Da Jin, the Biyang city gates opened up nice and docile.


    With Li Laoye leading a group of masters, they personally came out of the city to wee the Ye Prefect who now "concurrently administered Deng and Tang prefectures".


    Although they knew she was a woman, seeing her alluring beauty beneath military attire still made some of the old men exchange nces.


    That''s just how shameful old men could be, looking down on both youth and women. Unfortunately for them, Ye Suijin was not only young but a woman as well.


    Not only that, she was beautiful too.


    A young, beautiful woman - she could be said to embody all the qualities these old men looked down upon.


    Sang and Duan Jin were by Ye Suijin''s side. They reacted most directly to these gazes, their eyes turning cold.


    Both of them could sense what Ye Suijin felt even more strongly.


    The way these people looked at her was different from General Guan.


    Guan''s gaze upon her was heated, but that was a man''s instinct, without malice, and even admirationter on.


    But the stares of these old fellows contained too much scheming and malice.


    This was nothing. The sharp, literary tongues at court were the truly ruthless ones.


    Ye Suijin reined in her horse and raised a hand.


    With this gesture, her azure-d troops transitioned from a halt to standing at attention.


    Spear-tips hit the ground, swords and shields scraped. The long serpentine formation did not stand as rigidly as a square formation, so the sounds rang out in session, like echoes in a valley.


    It wavered, yet was startling.


    Some of the old men were shocked enough for their shoulders to shake, unconsciously hiding behind theirpanions as their gazes dodged around. When someone''s heart holds demons, it directly reflects in their actions, movements and eyes.


    They had expected Ye Suijin to dismount and exchange courtesies. Unexpectedly, she merely halted her horse with no intention of getting off.


    She looked down at them from her high vantage point. "Which one is the Li family?"


    Li Laoye was a white-bearded old man. He stepped forward politely, "Your Excellency, this subordinate is Li Chong."


    Ye Suijin looked him up and down. "What office do you hold?"


    Li Laoye saluted with his hands. "A minor position as an Imperial Libationer."


    This was a low civil service rank, obviously purchased - during thete Former Wei dynasty, the desperate emperor granted titles for money. It was an unpaid, rank-only position.


    Ye Suijin''s mouth curved slightly. "The former dynasty''s irregr appointments are not recognized by the current dynasty."


    Li Laoye''s honorable status in Biyang meant a stomp of his foot would shake the entire city. He did not expect to be so humiliated by Ye Suijin. The others'' faces also showed displeasure.


    But Ye Suijin waspletely justified in denying his irregr rank from the former dynasty.


    Li Laoye waved his hand to pacify the others'' impatience.


    He personally had great endurance and replied calmly, "Thedy speaks true. The previous dynasty is history and need not be pursued. We came out to wee you and pledge our allegiance to the new dynasty and His Majesty. The sun and moon bear witness to our sincerity."


    Only then did Ye Suijin look satisfied. She nodded, "You seem quite advanced in years. Get on the carriage. Lead the way."


    Her arrogance towards these old masters made them darken in irritation.


    But she had just denied their irregr ranks, rendering themmoners in her eyes.


    In terms of status, she made perfect sense, yet it frustrated them enormously.


    Li Laoye did not get on the carriage immediately. He nced at the long column of Ye''s troops and signaled to the others.


    A middle-aged man stepped forward to advise, "Your Excellency, you have a great many troops. If they all entered the city, I''m afraid it would rm themoners."


    Ye Suijin nced at him. "Oh? Please borate."


    The man said, "Why not have the generals set up camp outside the city? Your Excellency may enter the city with your personal guards, how about it?"


    Li Laoye added, "We have prepared a banquet with wine in the city to wee you."


    Ye Suijin narrowed her eyes at them.


    To be fair, their reception and prepared banquet were reasonably courteous, their attitude respectful enough. An ordinary person would havepromised by this point. But Ye Suijin leaned over to stare at them.


    They were all crafty old foxes, yet wilted under the scrutiny of this young woman.


    Many avoided her gaze, not daring to meet her eyes directly.


    "That won''t do," Ye Suijin smiled strangely. "If I don''t bring enough men, how can I avoid your Feast at Hong Gate?"


    Silence outside the city walls.


    No one knew how to respond.


    Suddenly, pfft pfft, Shi Lang couldn''t helpughing out loud.


    The Biyang people''s faces were filled with awkwardness.


    It wasn''t that the Feast at Hong Gate hadn''t crossed their minds, just that they hadn''t reached that step yet. Usually everyone would sit down first to negotiate splitting the pie. If that failed...


    No no, the key point was...how could she just blurt it out like that? This Dengzhou woman, what madness!


    In any case, the masters of Biyang didn''t bring up any more banquets. Ptooey.


    Ye Suijin knew from the captives that the former prefectural offices in Biyang City remained rtively intact.


    This yamen also had separate front and back sections. The Biyang families would gather here to discuss major affairs. Thus it had been maintained all along.


    Ye Suijin had previously sent word to Biyang of her impending arrival and ordered them to prepare the prefectural offices.


    The families had indeed followed her instructions.


    All along the way, the azure-d troops marched in neat, orderly rows with an imposing, murderous air. The spear-tips glinted with sharp reflections.


    This formation waspletely different from when they first left Dengzhou.


    Themon folk stood by the roadside watching. As the troops marched past them, they unconsciously shrunk back further. Women hid behind the men, children curled into their parents'' embrace, only daring to peek out from between their guardians'' arms.


    The people''s faces held worry.


    Although taxes and levies had been extortionate and chaotic these past years, at least there was no threat to their lives, unlike viges like Fan and Niu which were massacred. That was real suffering.


    But now, with these unfamiliar, intimidating troops entering the city, what impact would it have on Biyang''smoners?


    At the very least, increased taxes probably.


    Sigh.


    That Ye woman''s attitude meant the masters didn''t bring up any banquets or the like anymore. Ptooey.


    As expected, they went straight to the former prefectural offices.


    It had to be said, the yamen was kept surprisingly tidy. Ye Suijin even praised it.


    This made the others even more unhappy. Because this was an indication of their sincerity which was clearly wasted on this blind woman.


    If they had known earlier, they wouldn''t have tried so hard.


    Ye Suijin went directly into the great hall and the two sides could finally sit down to talk.


    "I heard that in recent years, Biyang had no magistrate and affairs were handled by you honored sirs?" she asked.


    The middle-aged man who had advised her not to enter the city with soldiers outside the gates was Ke Laoye of the prominent Ke family, second only to Li in Biyang. He was just about to answer proudly when Li Laoye slowly cut in, "That is a false rumor, Your Excellency must understand, we are merelymoners without any authority to overstep our bounds and conduct affairs on behalf of the court and officials."


    Ke Laoye promptly shut his mouth.


    This waspletely different from their earlier discussions.


    Because Ye Suijin''s initial attitude vastly exceeded their expectations, their ns were disrupted without a chance to re-strategize.


    But it was obvious that Li Laoye''s attitude had changed.


    Everyone followed Li Laoye.


    Ye Suijin asked about people''s livelihood again, just as she had in Ciqiu County.


    But Li Laoye was not the diligent Yuan County Magistrate of Ciqiu. Li Laoye pleaded ignorance to every question.


    "You''re asking the wrong person, sir." He acted as if he were blind and deaf, putting on an air of old age, "Us half-dead old folks just stay home doting on our grandchildren. How would we know any of this?"


    Ye Suijin was not annoyed. She simply asked, "Where are the old documents and records of the prefecture?"


    In Ciqiu, as soon as she had asked, Magistrate Yuan presented her with neatly organized historical records.


    Li Laoye was no Magistrate Yuan. He sighed and said, "Back then, when the Xuanhua army rebelled, Biyang was at the forefront. The prefect died a violent death in Biyang, and it was us who retrieved his body. Fires broke out everywhere in the government offices, ransacked clean. It was thanks to us tidying up afterwards that it looks like it does today. But the old records from those years were lost long ago. Mydy asks now, but I have no ability to conjure them up for you."


    Ye Suijin understood: "So the treasury must also be empty?"


    "That''s right," said Li Laoye. "The rebel troops didn''t even spare the prefect''s life. How could they leave the treasury be? That was their target from the start. s, emptied out."


    No direct resistance, just passive non-cooperation. The main tactic was to let your punch sink into cotton, leaving you no leverage.


    The people of Biyang secretly rejoiced, finally letting out that stomach full of resentment from outside the city.


    The Ye family of Deng Prefecture could hardly be called eminent, with nowhere near the deep background and connections of the Li n of Longxi. A young woman whomanded some troops solely by martial skill, not knowing her ce.


    They all secretly gave Li Laoye a thumbs up.


    But Ye Suijin did not get angry.


    "No problem," she waved her hand, "I had only wanted to look at the old records and use them to estimate an appropriate amount.


    "Since there are no references, there is no need to estimate."


    "You all, prepare 10,000 shi of military provisions for me."


    The barely suppressed smiles of satisfaction had not yet left their faces when "10,000 shi" came crashing down on their heads.


    The people of Biyang were left seeing stars.


    Li Laoye''s murky eyes lifted, shooting out a sharp, vicious light.


    For the first time, he looked straight at Ye Suijin.

 Chapter 56

    Everyone''s faces changed.


    Master Ke forced a smile and said, "Sir, you jest. In recent years, the people of Deng Prefecture have lived in peace and prosperity, with favorable weather for crops and no disasters of droughts, floods, insects or gues. I believe sir does notck military provisions, but merely jokes with us."


    Ye Suijin raised her eyebrows and asked, "Do I look like I''m joking?"


    Master Ke froze.


    Master Li coughed and slowly said, "Sir has travelled a long way to shepherd the people on behalf of the Emperor. You must be exhausted from the strains of war. Let us show our gratitude. How about this - we will all try our best to contribute and present sir with two thousand stones of provisions to aid the military. What does sir think?"


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


    There is a saying - ask for a sky-high price first, then bargain down to something reasonable. This woman from Deng Prefecture was too arrogant, demanding ten thousand stones right off the bat. Fortunately there was Master Li, let''s see how much they can haggle down to in the end.


    They knew that with the new powers taking control of Biyang city, it would be impossible to not contribute anything. In their view, the key now was how much they could bargain down to.


    But before the thought even shed across their minds, a teacup came crashing down, shattering to dust!


    "Am I some dancing girl?" Ye Suijin stood up, "Guards! Take these people away! Notify their families - when the ten thousand stones of provisions are prepared, they will be released!"


    The guards in green and ck descended on them like wolves and tigers.


    The people were incredulous, some struggling, some cursing.


    Finally, Master Li''s expression changed: "Miss Ye! Think this through clearly! We people of Biyang are generations of good citizens. Even the old prefects never gave us such poor treatment! Miss Ye, you''ve just arrived and are already behaving so unreasonably, oppressing us with force, bringing cmity to this ce. When His Majesty in the capital hears of this, how will you exin yourself to him?"


    Third Son Ye couldn''t help but nce skyward.


    Exin what? The Emperor in the capital didn''t even know Ye Suijin had already extended her reach to Tang Prefecture.


    Master Li and the others had been fooled by Ye Suijin''s fake seal.


    Because of that fake seal, they had already epted in their hearts that Ye Suijin held an official position. They thought since the Emperor had granted Tang Prefecture to her, she ought to govern it well and give the Emperor a good exnation.


    In theory, the officials appointed by the Emperor rarely engage in mass ughter.


    The proper approach would be to engage, coexist and cohabit with the local powers, that was the meaning behind the Emperor sending officials to govern the regions.


    This was the path every person holding an officially sanctioned position from the court would eventually take.


    The weaker ones might even be suppressed and marginalized by the local powers, it was not impossible. It just depended on whether the east wind or west wind was stronger.


    Ye Suijin was a young woman, leading a bunch of green troops without a hint of hair on their lips. At a nce, there didn''t seem to be even two among them who had reached adulthood.


    They did not look upon her favorably from the start.


    And she was too arrogant, showing no regard for anyone, so Master Li chose not to cooperate, hoping she would suffer a setback and learn how to get along with them local powers after smashing headfirst into a wall and bleeding.


    Who knew this person acted as if she had never set foot in officialdom, not following the rules at all.


    At the slightest disagreement, she flipped the table!


    They really did not know that the only reason Ye Suijin specifically obtained an official position from Great Jin was for the sake of convenience in taking action, and to avoid bing Great Jin''s enemy for the time being.


    But from beginning to end, she never truly intended to pledge loyalty to the Jin Emperor.


    That was the pitfall.


    Even more pitiful was that this young woman who had just established her forces carried within her a soul that had spent half its life conquering battlefields and the other half navigating court politics.


    To her, human lives could just be numbers on an official document.


    She had seen grander spectacles, crossed deeper pits, kicked harder iron tes, and fallen harder falls.


    Sheughed: "Governing Biyang well is the best exnation to His Majesty. You are but amoner, do not meddle in court affairs. Think about how much provisions your family can prepare first."


    "The grand prison is still there, right?" She ordered, "Take them away!"


    "Send the news to their families."


    Themon folk of Biyang watched the Green Standard Army enter the city, watched their masters dressed in finery wee the new arriving young miss and young generals into the prefect''s residence...then not emerge again.


    Then they saw the retainers of each household running around in panic.


    Themoners couldn''t help but buzz in discussion, doubtful and uncertain.


    More and more Green Standard Army troops swiftly took over the city defenses at great speed. They also began patrolling the major avenues, and themoners could hear the steady footsteps through their windows. Peering through the cracks of their doors, they could see the tall, upright figures of the Green Standard Army passing by.


    Fortunately, these troops only patrolled the streets and did not trespass into people''s houses or harass shops. Their military discipline seemed extremely strict.


    Themoners had also heard they were the regr troops of the court, and after observing for a while, began to believe it somewhat.


    Within the prefect''s residence, the people did not settle down to enjoy theforts of the residence. On the contrary, the servants left behind in the residence by the Biyang families were all chased out. The guards took over the residence.


    Just like when they were on the march, everyone remained vignt without rxing one bit. "What''s next?" Third Son Ye asked.


    Ye Suijin nced up: "Wait and see what other moves they have. We''ll counter them all, then clean up thoroughly."


    As a foundation, Deng Prefecture was too small. Combining Deng and Tang Prefectures into one was more fitting.


    Ye Suijin had too many things to do, the foundations had to be stable. Deng and Tang Prefectures had to be thoroughly cleansed, no individuals, ns or powers could be allowed to be destabilizing factors.


    Ye Suijin never intended to peacefully coexist with the wealthy households of Biyang right from the start.


    The fact that they had maintained control for so many years without an official administration showed how deeply rooted they were. If you followed their rules to struggle against them, you would be falling into the pit they dug.


    Many people often took a whole lifetime before they could understand this principle, only realizing what was going on when looking back.


    Fortunately,pared to others Ye Suijin had an extra lifetime''s worth.


    Her younger self would definitely have been led astray by these people. No, she had already been led astray in the past, although not in Biyang, the circumstances were simr.


    How did she deal with it back then? She and her elders thought the same, pondering how to maneuver against these people.


    To hell with maneuvering!


    This was why when Ye Suijin emerged this time, she preferred to bring her sworn brothers and as few elders as possible, especially the likes of Fourth Uncle Ye who liked to take charge and call the shots.


    Their age meant they were deeply constrained by the ways of the world. Yet their status was not high enough to see through all pretense and grasp the essence.


    But seated on the phoenix throne, the people Ye Suijin faced were the elites of the world.


    Later in the inner pce, she kept pondering why these people were so determined to force her withdrawal? Were women really so intolerable in the outer court? If so, why did they tolerate her previously?


    Eventually she realized that it was not that they couldn''t tolerate her, it was that they feared her.


    They feared her holding power, feared hermanding troops. So they used the rules of the world to tightly trap her.


    Once you saw through all this, you would deeply detest these rules.


    "The true principle of the world is that one can subdue ten with might," Ye Suijin said.


    "Fortunately, there are no powers in Deng and Tang Prefectures capable of suppressing us. We are the strongest in both prefectures."


    "Since this is so, do not fall into the rules set by others. Third brother, you should understand this point well."


    Everyone looked towards Third Son Ye.


    Their eldest brother was different nowpared to before. The ces of Fangcheng and Nanyang had changed him.


    Fangcheng was a battle of attack, killing was a given. But when the news of him massacring people in Nanyang came back, it surprised his brothers somewhat.


    When he returned, he was apletely different person.


    "That''s right, can''t be led astray," Third Son Ye said heavily.


    Before he left for Nanyang, his father had instructed him about human rtionships and the ways of the world at great length. He listened earnestly, learned and memorized, thinking it would be useful.


    Yet Ye Suijin simply told him: "Just don''t forget, you have a de in your hand."


    At first, he followed his father''s teachings.


    Later, he realized it was useless. He would only be toyed to death in those rules.


    So he drew his de.


    What rules? We are the rules.


    What principles? We will decide.


    "Should we impose a curfew?" He asked.


    "No need," Ye Suijin smiled, "Let them meet up."


    Local powers often had hidden connections that outsiders would not expect, best to let them reveal all their moves.


    "Don''t hinder prison visits either," she said. "The decision makers are all the old fellows, let their familiese see them,e ask questions."


    Fifth Son reported: "There are still many people locked up in the prison!"


    "Huh?" Tenth Son asked. "How can there be prisoners?"


    Weren''t there no officials? Logically there should be no litigation or imprisonment.


    "Taxes, corv¨¦ebor." Someone said.


    Everyone turned back to look. It was Duan Jin speaking.


    He said, "Can''t escape these two things."


    Li Laoye didn''t look like someone who would help themon people adjudicate cases and resolve disputes. They must have offended the interests of their group to be locked up.


    What else could it be, if not these two things?


    Ye Suijin and Third Son Ye both nodded.


    "Trouble," Third Son Ye frowned.


    Because he had been to Nanyang, he knew that for a city as big as Biyang, without the previous documents, poption registers, city defense maps and so on, starting everything from scratch would really waste manpower, resources and time.


    "Of course the stuff exists, just depends whose hands they''re in," Ye Suijin said. "Let them jump around first, let me see what cards they have."


    The surrounding forces of Biyang had been mostly cleaned up. Without their covert support to these bandits, Biyang City''s defenses were reduced to each family''s own retainers.


    Biyang was presenting a strange state.


    Themoners were very quiet, trying their best to stay indoors if they didn''t need to go out, with doors shut tight in broad daylight.


    The gentry households had their gates wide open, with peopleing and going busily, hurrying along to pass messages.


    "Second Young Master! Second Young Master!"


    At the Li manor, someone came hurriedly into the main hall. In the main hall, there were not only Li Laoye''s sons, but also the Ke family brothers and some others.


    The messenger reported: "I asked, they don''t forbid visits."


    Several people stood up at once, about to say "In that case, let''s go..."


    But hesitated, afraid that like the family patriarchs they too would be detained.


    The middle-aged man addressed as "Second Young Master" was Li Laoye''s second son. Li Laoye''s eldest son had gone with him today to wee the new prefectural governor, and they had both been detained.


    Everyone looked towards Li Er.


    Li Er pondered for a while, then called out, "Younger brother, go take a look at Father and Eldest Brother for me."


    He added: "Tell everyone, don''t jump in yourselves, need to have someone managing affairs at home. Don''t go in person."


    The new prefect didn''t y by the rules, so they couldn''t act ording to convention either.


    Naturally, the jail was filled with curses.


    The old masters were all furious.


    They were all major households of Biyang, rooted here for at least a hundred years. They had seen off and weed countless officials, never encountering such disregard for propriety.


    How could someone just flip the table without even giving them a chance to haggle!


    Li Laoye sat cross-legged deep inside the cell, eyes closed and meditating, not participating in everyone''s curses.


    He was pondering how this could happen, why the woman didn''t follow the ybook.


    He had different ybooks for different types of officials, he could even go through a whole set ofbo moves, but...


    In the end, he was stumped.


    He could only attribute it to: a woman.


    Just then, someone came to visit them in the jail.


    There was his third son, and other families'' sons and brothers too. Very good, they knew to leave someone managing affairs at home, quite astute.


    Everyone gathered around to listen to Li San''s report of the situation outside¡ª


    "Though no curfew''s been announced, the streets are full of patrolling soldiers."


    "But they haven''t harassed themoners, very disciplined."


    "Themoners even dare to open their windows and watch now. Everything in the city remains normal."


    "In that case," Li Laoye said, "then let''s make it not normal."


    "Tell everyone, this is my idea. Let''s join hands¡ª"


    He looked up.


    "General strike."

 Chapter 57

    Ye Suijin strode into the main hall. ¡°Master.¡±


    Ye Suijin looked up and asked, ¡°Well? How did it go?¡±


    Duan Jin replied, ¡°I went and took a look. It¡¯s empty, not even a single mouse.¡±


    The Changping warehouse in Biyang was empty. So empty that even the mice were starving.


    Li Er also came back. ¡°Sis.¡±


    Li Er had been sent out to gather information in the streets.


    ¡°It¡¯s just as you expected. Biyang hasn¡¯t stopped collecting taxes at all. Everything¡¯s still being collected¡ªtea, salt, seedlings, city repair fees, canal fees, longevity celebration fees, rain praying fees...¡± He clicked his tongue. ¡°Good heavens, they can think of every fee imaginable, nothing they won¡¯t dare collect.¡±


    The Fifth Young Master they had imprisoned was also under interrogation.


    Up until now, almost all those interrogated had been jailed for failing to pay taxes or corv¨¦ebor duties.


    If you couldn¡¯t hand over the money, you would be jailed.


    If you couldn¡¯t perform corv¨¦e duties, you could pay tomute it. If you didn¡¯t have money to pay for themute, you would still be jailed.


    The Fifth Young Master came to ask, ¡°Should we release them all?¡±


    Ye Suijin asked, ¡°Have the interrogations finished?¡±


    The Fifth Young Master replied, ¡°Not yet, most but not all have been interrogated.¡±


    ¡°Then wait until the interrogations areplete before deciding,¡± said Ye Suijin. ¡°Even though we expect they are probably all innocent, we have to wait until all cases have been reviewed before releasing them together. We can''t give anyone an opening they could take advantage of.¡±


    Without ess to any of the prison records, they could only rely on interrogations. If there were others jailed for different crimes, they would naturally im they were also jailed for taxes and corv¨¦e once they saw the earlier prisoners released.


    Although the chances of that were very slim currently. Still, they could not give the impression of sloppiness in the Ye army¡¯s actions.


    The younger brothers still needed more tempering and growth.


    ¡°Oh!¡± The Fifth Young Master was enlightened. ¡°Sounds good!¡±


    He hurried off.


    Duan Jin watched the Fifth Young Master¡¯s retreating back.


    Over the past few months, everyone had actually grown quite a bit. This kind of growth could be tangibly felt by both themselves and others.


    He looked back at Ye Suijin again.


    She was the only exception.


    Duan Jin actually had a strange feeling.


    That summer day when the Young Mistress had taught him the backhand saber technique, he had briefly felt as if the rtionship between them was somehow different from before. There was an indescribable intimacy, far beyond what they¡¯d had in the past.


    But over the past few months, as they had boldly undertaken great deeds, he instead felt that the earlier feeling had perhaps been an illusion.


    Of course Ye Suijin¡¯s doting and favoritism towards him had never changed, and was in fact even deeper than before. No one could deny that.


    But...


    Just now, Duan Jin suddenly realized¡ª


    It wasn¡¯t that she had grown distant from him. In fact, she was even more intimate, caring and affectionate towards him and the Ye brothers than before.


    It was her herself who had changed.


    Sometimes when he looked at her, he would feel she was distant.


    Yet she was still her.


    How could this be?


    On the first day they entered the city, rumors began spreading through the streets:


    ¡°Do you know why all the masters have been arrested? Because the new female magistrate demanded ten thousand stones of military provisions right off the bat!¡±


    But rumors never tell just half the story. The second half soon followed: ¡°Split up among all the households, that¡¯s who knows how much money once converted to cash!¡±


    This second half was the real point of the rumors. Sure enough, when themoners heard the first half they still treated it as entertaining gossip, but upon hearing the second half it struck their own interests and they paled in fright: ¡°What, it still has to be split up? We¡¯ve already paid so much this year! Any more and we won¡¯t be able to eat!¡±


    No one questioned the truth of these rumors, because they had all seen the arrests of the local masters with their own eyes.


    Therefore, somethingpletely false is not easily believed, but a mix of truth and lies can easily sway opinion.


    Originally, seeing the orderly discipline of the Green Uniform Army, themoners had gradually let down their guard and dared to go out on the streets again, with life returning to normal. But with these rumors, tensions rose again in the city.


    ¡°Inciting public sentiment, of course,¡± Ye Suijin murmured upon hearing the news.


    Duan Jin nced at her and clearly sensed her disgust at this kind of tactic.


    Of course Duan Jin didn¡¯t know Ye Suijin¡¯s perspective was that of the imperial court, and naturally detested any incitement of themoners to pressure the court.


    ¡°Just watch, this is the next step,¡± Ye Suijin said derisively. ¡°I predict they¡¯ll call for a market strike next.¡±


    On the fifth day, a market strike was called in Biyang City.


    The major shops and businesses closed their doors to customers. Themoners were thrown into confusion.


    The young masters were shocked when they returned from the streets and asked Ye Suijin directly, ¡°Sis, how did you know they would strike the market?¡±


    They all looked to Ye Suijin with admiration in their eyes.


    Their sister had predicted it all.


    Because I¡¯ve experienced it all before!


    Of course not in Biyang, but elsewhere. Yet very simr situations, with the entrenched local elite.


    Their methods were just those methods.


    Once you¡¯ve lived through it all, seen it all, and learned your lesson, looking back now it¡¯s no longer surprising, and you can even predict their next moves.


    ¡°In total there are only so many tactics,¡± said Ye Suijin. ¡°The areas surrounding Biyang have already been cleared out by us, cutting them off from outside support.¡±


    ¡°If we had marched straight into Biyang without first sweeping through the surroundings, it¡¯s most likely they would have colluded with Du Jingzhong like Ma Jinhui did. But that route is blocked now.¡±


    ¡°That leaves only internal means. Without external forces, they can only rely on internal strength. And what is internal strength? Naturally, it¡¯s themoners.¡±


    A ferocious light shed in Ye Suijin¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Remember, anything else may be forgiven.¡± She continued, ¡°But never spare those who incite themoners or use public sentiment to coerce the court.¡±


    The brothers subconsciously responded in unison, ¡°Yes!¡±


    Li Er was briefly confused, almost thinking they were the imperial court already. Then he came back to himself and rubbed his head sheepishly.


    He looked at the Young Mistress again.


    Perhaps his vision wasn¡¯t as great as the Young Mistress¡¯s.


    And Duan Jin again had that feeling¡ª


    that feeling she was very distant.


    That feeling was especially strong in this moment.


    For an instant in Duan Jin¡¯s eyes, Ye Suijin even seemed somewhat ethereal.


    Why was this happening?


    Li Er asked, ¡°Should I send someone back to hurry along my father?¡±


    Ye Suijin nodded. ¡°Tell Fourth Uncle Ye and Jiang Yinyu to move faster. With things like this, the longer the dy, the more panicked themoners be. The more panicked themoners, the more their sentiments can be twisted into a rope.¡±


    The Tenth Young Master didn¡¯t quite understand. ¡°It¡¯s just closing shops and not selling things, right?¡±


    He couldn¡¯t grasp why Ye Suijin spoke of panic.


    Ye Suijin exined, ¡°Because this is the city, not the countryside.¡±


    Moreover, this wasn¡¯t even a county seat, but a major metropolitan regional seat. The lifestyles here werepletely different from the countryside.


    In the countryside, most people were self-sufficient, only asionally going to the markets to buy things. Or if they needed something special, they would purposely make a trip to the market or even the county seat to purchase it.


    Their main livelihood was farming. Their main source of grain was their own fields.


    But the big cities were different.


    Themoners all had their own means of living. When busy, without time to make meals, they could buy food from the streetside shops.


    Yang¡¯s meat pies, Xu¡¯s fried cakes, Sun¡¯s soup balls...in short, money flowed more frequently herepared to the countryside.


    And the key difference from rural folk was, city households didn¡¯t store as much grain.


    With thrivingmercial business and convenient shopping in the city, there was no need to buy in bulk and store at home when the grain shops were right there¡ªjust buy more when the stores at home ran out.


    With limited ie in a household, money had to be spent in many ces, it couldn¡¯t all be sunk into grain.


    Therefore, when a strike made non-essential goods like cloth and paper unavable for purchase, people would onlyin.


    But when the flour jars and rice bins at home emptied out, and the grain shops shut their doors, the salt crocks ran out but the salt shops locked up¡ªthat was when themoners panicked.


    Some individual small shops still opened, but prices shot up tenfold overnight.


    That made themoners even more frantic.


    Unable to buy grain in the city, they couldn¡¯t very well starve to death. Once they exhausted borrowing from their neighbors as well, they had no choice but to shoulder carrying-poles and leave the city for the countryside to buy grain there.


    And they couldn¡¯t keep their mouths shut, directly bringing news of the city situations to the countryside. The rural folk weren¡¯t stupid either, once they figured out what was going on, they would either hide and hoard their grain or jack up prices.


    A chain reaction thus rippled out from the city to the surrounding regions.


    Thepliance of themon people rested on the premise of full bellies. If they went hungry, how could there not be chaos? In just a few days, turmoil spread through Biyang City.


    If not for the Green Uniform Army troops patrolling the streets with shining weapons and killing aura, riots would have already erupted.


    Ye Suijin asked the Tenth Young Master, ¡°Understand now?¡±


    Seeing it firsthand, the Tenth Young Master finally grasped the severity. ¡°I understand now.¡±


    Heined, ¡°Why hasn¡¯t Fourth Uncle arrived yet?¡±


    Ye Suijin was much calmer. ¡°Soon.¡±


    Because she hadn¡¯t waited until the Biyang families struck the market toe up with countermeasures¡ªshe had dispatched orders to Deng Prefecture long before they entered the city.


    Ye Suijin''s Changping warehouse in Biyang was empty, but Dangzhou''s Changping warehouse was full.


    She took from Dangzhou, and collected a whole year''s worth of money and grain!


    The people gathered at the Li''s house again.


    In the past, discussions of important matters were always held at the prefect''s office. With the prefect''s office unupied, they gathered at the prefect''s and acted as if they were the prefect''s office.


    It gave people a feeling of floating on air.


    Li Er regretted it especially.


    "Should have surrendered to the new dynasty earlier," he wrung his hands. "Really shouldn''t have kept watching. If we had surrendered first, perhaps the position of prefect of Tangzhou would have been my father''s. Wouldn''t have let a woman snatch the title first."


    Was that so?


    Some nodded, but some were also confused, feeling something was off.


    Thinking carefully, it became clear.


    It wasn''t about not wanting to surrender, it was not having the ability to surrender!


    Going to the capital, what could they say to the Emperor? That they were a prominent family in Biyang?


    How many troops did they have, how muchnd did they upy?


    None, they only had family guards.


    Biyang''s biggest shoring was, they really were all good citizens.


    Even the Li family, though they always imed ancestors from Longxi Lis, it was just "ancestors" after all. They didn''t have an ounce of the prestige of Longxi Lis.


    The Lis didn''t have any martial experts.


    The guests they invited were just average. The civilian robust men and family guards trained were barely passable. But when they saw the Azure d Army brought by Ye Suijin, they were shocked by the difference between family guards and soldiers.


    Miss Ye, cough, though news was not very timely, one could imagine, being granted edicts by the Emperor must mean she had already taken control of Dangzhou.


    How could the Lis...me this on "not taking the lead to surrender"?


    Afterining, Li Er listened to servants reporting the panic in the city, and smiled smugly again: "A little girl doesn''t know the height of the sky or depth of the earth. Now you know, right, if not for us, the whole city of Biyang would not get by."


    "Everyone get ready, in a few days, incite themoners to cry in front of the prefect''s office!"


    "Then we''ll see if she panics, if shees to ask us for help!"


    The n was pretty good, who knew the next day, the family guard rushed in panic: "Second master! Not good!"


    "Dangzhou! A convoy from Dangzhou is here!"


    "A very long convoy!"


    Jiang Yinyu lifted the carriage curtain and looked at the city gate, excited.


    He was originally just the manager of Ruyun Company''s Nanyang branch. Who knew a pie would fall from the sky, Ye Suijin favored him and chose him as the liaison.


    He pulled strings through this, connecting Ruyun Company''s owner with Dangzhou''s new power.


    This was already a big step forward in his career.


    Unexpectedly, Ye Suijin truly appreciated him, and entrusted such important matters to him as well.


    With Ye family''s schrly background, of course there were many who could be generals, but in terms of business affairs, Jiang Yinyu dared to thump his chest and say, even the whole Ye family could not produce someone stronger than him.


    As long as he could handle the matters entrusted by the military governor neatly and properly, Jiang Yinyu already sensed vaguely, his future perhaps was not just a store manager.


    "Master Ye, shall we enter the city now?" he asked.


    The "Master Ye" he called was none other than Fourth Uncle Ye of the Ye family, Deputy Censor-in-Chief of Dangzhou, Vice Military Governor.


    Fourth Uncle Ye looked up at Biyang''s city wall, just as excited as Jiang Yinyu.


    He finally got a chance to go out!


    Such a big city, it would be theirs from now on!


    Fourth Uncle Ye whipped the horse, high-spirited: "Go! Enter the city!"


    The long convoy, under the escort of the Azure d Army, marched grandly into Biyang City.


    "Go lower the grain prices for the sixth youngdy!"

 Chapter 58

    "There''s grain! There''s grain! It''s rationed grain!"


    Themoners spread the news to each other.


    "How is there grain? Has the Li grain shop opened?"


    "How is that possible? Old Master Li is still locked up in the government prison!"


    "Quick, wife, quick, go grab the bags and let''s go buy grain!"


    Grain was the most important ofmodities.


    Whenever there were drastic fluctuations in grain prices, it was often apanied by natural disasters, human-made cmities, unrest in public order, and military crises. Themoners were extremely sensitive to this. Based on this knowledge, even if other livelihood-rtedmodities were not actually in shortage, their prices would also fluctuate along with the grain prices.


    An area would then be unsettled.


    But as long as grain prices stabilized, the prices of othermodities would calm down as well, and these disturbances would vanish without a trace.


    Ye Sizhu and Jiang Yingwu had transported grain into Biyang City. The prefectural government had posted notices selling rationed grain. In almost a single day, Biyang City had stabilized.


    Other daily necessities like salt, cloth, andmp oil were also sold alongside, and sold quite well too.


    Ye Sizhu also brought news for Ye Suijin: "There is news of Zhao Jingwen."


    No matter if it was Third Son Ye or Duan Jin, everyone who heard paused for a moment.


    Tenth Son Ye even eximed, "Ah!" and scratched his head with an embarrassedugh, "I''d actually forgottenpletely about brother-inw!"


    Not just him, everyone then realized they had not thought about this person for a long time.


    Even Duan Jin was the same. He swiftly nced at Ye Suijin, and suddenly understood¡ª


    Because Ye Suijin had never mentioned that man.


    Not once since they left Ye Manor.


    It was as if that man had disappeared from her life.


    Ye Suijin smiled, feigning ignorance, "Has he returned?"


    Impossible.


    Zhao Jingwen was the kind of person who would seize any opportunity at any time. Before he left, she had already clearly implied to him¡ªYe Manor had no room for his advancement.


    He was so smart, once out he would realize, in order to turn around this predicament, he could only seek it outside of Ye Manor.


    The fact that he had not returned the previous time and only sent someone back with news of his safety had already proven this point.


    Indeed, Fourth Uncle Ye said, "No, he hasn''t returned."


    "But Jingwen is quite capable." Fourth Uncle Ye happily told everyone, "Outside, he has actually upied a foothold for us."


    "When we''re done here, we can go over and expand our territory westward too."


    The young masters naturally sang praises of their brother-inw.


    They were currently fighting to seize territory, battling ardently and vigorously, feeling that the most interesting thing in the world was nothing other than this. Hearing that brother-inw was achieving merits outside, upying a foothold, they were all sincerely delighted.


    Duan Jin inhaled deeply, barely stopping himself from letting out a dissatisfied "hmph".


    But he immediately grasped the key point.


    "So Master Zhao won''t be returning for a while?" he probed.


    "That''s right, he said not to return first. To stabilize that side." Fourth Uncle Ye said, "He has also gathered some people."


    Fourth Uncle Ye fiercely praised: "Jingwen is the most capable, not asking the family for money or grain no matter what. Truly capable!"


    Fifth Son Ye chuckled, "Father, look at you being so stingy."


    "What do you know!" Fourth Uncle Ye craned his neck and said, "The family has been recruiting troops, and you''re all outside, do you know how much money and grain is spent per day to feed the men and horses?"


    "You should all learn from Jingwen, he can be self-sufficient outside, this is what it means to be capable!"


    Ye Suijin smiled faintly, "Fourth Uncle works hard."


    She gently steered the topic along: "Let''s not worry about him for now, let''s discuss the current matters first. Did Jiang Yingwu bring the ountant I wanted?"


    "Where''s Jiang Yingwu? Call him to see me."


    The topic was brought aside just like that, and no one mentioned Zhao Jingwen again.


    Duan Jin''s gaze circled around Ye Suijin.


    This was good as it was.


    With Zhao Jingwen not around, the mistress could wholeheartedly focus on her own matters, on big matters.


    Radiating light from her entire body.


    This was so good.


    Li Er could no longer care if he would be detained or not. He personally hurried to the government prison to see Master Li, anxiously telling him about this matter.


    Master Li''s expression was dark.


    "Where did she get so much grain?" Master Li asked, "Did she empty out the granaries at Ye Manor?"


    Li Er said, "After inquiring, it seems she opened the national granaries at Dengzhou."


    During the previous Wei dynasty, when the court was suppressing a rebellion in the Biyang region, the general leading the troops had coerced military provisions and imposed temporary additional taxes from wealthy households. His great-grandfather had then led all of Biyang City in a market boycott, directly resulting in soaring grain prices and shortages ofmodities in several surrounding counties. Themoners had swarmed the prefectural government offices to protest, and public sentiment had surged.


    Forcing the prefect to intervene and mediate, the matter of increased taxes had ultimately been dropped.


    This was the power of local gentry.


    He didn''t understand, they were doing nothing different from back then, so why was it not working now?


    Why was the Ye woman not following the proper conventions? Li Er could notprehend it.


    Master Li closed his eyes.


    That she could mobilize the national granaries at Dengzhou in such a short amount of time meant she had Dengzhou''s actual authority in her grasp. It meant the officials across Dengzhou were deferential to her.


    He should not have looked down on her for being a woman.


    "Father," Li Er asked apprehensively, "What should we do now?"


    It was very quiet in the prison, only asionally the sound of coughing. It was cold now, not as warm inside the prison as at home. The chill prated through. Elders found it a little hard to endure. Many were waiting for the new prefect toe and for them to soften their stance. This belief was supporting them to bitterly endure being in the prison.


    Now, suddenly hearing that their n to boycott the market had actually been broken, at once many could no longer endure. They immediately felt chest pains and waist pains setting in, leg cramps ring up, aches and pains all over.


    It was clear they could not hold on any longer.


    "Brother Li..." someone called hesitantly.


    The unsaid meaning was very clear.


    Master Li''s chest heaved for a moment before he controlled himself. Opening his eyes, he said: "We''ve lost this round. Right now there''s no other way. Obediently soften our stance."


    With his words, many in the prison conversely felt relieved.


    Ten thousand dan of grain, it wasn''t impossible to scrape together after all.


    Immediately some voiced: "I''ll put up six hundred dan."


    There were those who put up five hundred, and those one thousand. Largely still in ordance to each family''s capacity. A dozen or so families dividing it up, actually wasn''t a lot per family.


    Finally, two thousand dan was left to the Li family.


    Who told them to be the biggest, swallowing the most over the years.


    Master Li also did not argue over this with them. Given the current circumstances, if they argued further, people''s hearts would scatter like sand. He could distinguish priorities.


    Thus, he instructed his second son: "Do as this."


    Li Er epted his orders and left.


    Master Li closed his eyes again to nurture his energy. Although resentful through gritted teeth, there was no other way for the moment.


    He constantly circted his inner energy, telling himself: wait until after getting out, then we''ll see!


    However, Ye Suijin had no intentions of letting these people out at all.


    Footsteps sounded, Duan Jin hurriedly entered. His eyes were bright, the corners of his lips raised in a smile.


    Seeing him, Ye Suijin knew: "You found it out?"


    With the turmoil from the market boycott smoothed out, and each family understanding that such coercion would not work on her, deferentially preparing to soften their stance. Then naturally, they would need to prepare for her lion''s gaping maw of "ten thousand dan" of grain.


    Such a huge amount of grain certainly could not be directly carried out from their kitchens, it would certainly need to be taken out from their granaries.


    "Mapped it all out clearly." Duan Jin nodded.


    While each family went to prepare grain themselves, little did they expect there were yellow orioles behind them. Duan Jin had sent people to secretly follow and track them, clearly finding out where each family''s hidden granaries were.


    In a city so big, with the national granaries emptied enough to starve rats to death, where had all the annual taxes over the years gone?


    Naturally, they had been hidden away.


    Ye Suijin smiled, then looked over at Third Son Ye: "Third brother, you can unsheathe your de now."


    Ever since Nanyang, Third Son Ye had never been without his de by his side. Hearing this, his lips thinned, and he grasped the hilt of the de.


    Fourth Uncle Ye eximed: "What are you going to do?"


    Ye Suijin said: "Naturally, kill people."


    Fourth Uncle Ye was a little lost: "But...haven''t each family started preparing the grain?"


    Since they were preparing the grain, that meant they were capitting right? Since they were capitting and bowing their heads, then why still...


    "Father." Third Son Ye''s tiger eyes emanated a cold light. "If we let such people off, it only leaves hidden dangers for our own family, who knows when they will bite back again. It''s best to eliminate thempletely."


    Hearing these words from his usually honest and steady eldest son, even carrying an upromising tone, it made Fourth Uncle Ye falter.


    "But, but..." he mumbled, "How can this be done?"


    He felt in his heart this could not be done.


    The gentry families of Biyang were not rebel troops and chaotic bandits. They werew-abidingmoners. And not just ordinarymoners, they had the same status and standing as local gentry.


    They were people who should be appeased and pulled closer.


    Look, the younger brothers on the front lines have all been tempered, while the uncles in the rear are still the same as before.


    Ye Suijin said, "Fourth Uncle, just watch for now."


    "Father," Third Son Ye said, "listen to Sixth Sister."


    Fourth Uncle Ye opened and closed his mouth.


    It was Ye Suijin who took Fang City, it was Ye Suijin who took Deng Prefecture, and today, the one who took half of Tang Prefecture was still Ye Suijin.


    If it had been him, he wouldn''t have had the ability to achieve this much, he probably wouldn''t have even dared to think about it.


    Since this was the case, they should listen to the person with ability.


    After the grain prices stabilized, the rumor that "the female prefect wanted to distribute the military provisions" naturally fell apart on its own.


    Themon people watched coldly and whispered among themselves: "Hey, the Li and Ke families are busy again."


    What were they busy with? Naturally, they were busy preparing grain.


    Once they got started, it moved quickly. After all, the old men were still in jail, and it was so cold today that although winter clothes and bedding had been sent, it still couldn''tpare to being home. They had to quickly gather the military provisions and get the old folks out as soon as possible.


    In two days, ten thousand shi of grain was gathered, and the convoy stopped outside the city. The people temporarily in charge of each family''s affairs came together to see Ye Suijin, all bowing their heads and bending their waists: "Due to the dy in collecting grain, we hope the official will be magnanimous."


    Ye Suijin asked, "Is my military grainplete?"


    Duan Jin smiled and said, "We''ve checked it. Ten thousand shi, not a single shi less."


    Li Er bowed and said, "How could we dare to neglect the official''s order?"


    "Official," he raised his head, trying to start a new round of bargaining, "Now that the military provisions are prepared, could our fathers be..."


    Shouldn''t they be released now?


    Even bandits who kidnap people exchange hostages for money. A proper prefect and military governor should have some credibility.


    Who knew there were actually shameless people with no credibility.


    The proper military governor, officially appointed by the court, Ye Suijin actually said, "Since this is the case, arrest them."


    Li Er and the others were stunned.


    The guards had already pounced on them like wolves and tigers and arrested everyone.


    Li Er was shocked, "Official! Official! We have already followed your order and prepared the grain!"


    "What is the meaning of this? Please tell usmoners!"


    "Official! Official!"


    "Official¡ª¡ª"


    Amidst the cries for justice and shouts of "Official", the group was dragged away.


    Fourth Uncle Ye couldn''t help but say, "At least give them an exnation."


    It seemed something was missing in the process.


    In operas, when the Eight Ministers brandish the Emperor''s sword, re angrily, shout "Men!", the men step forward to receive the order and capture the viin, the main character still has to righteously sing a long verse enumerating the crimes of the viin, shaming him until he doesn''t dare raise his head, and only then is the viin dragged away.


    With Ye Suijin, why didn''t she say anything? The transition was missing!


    Ye Suijin said, "He''s not someone who deserves me wasting words on."


    Look how she talks.


    Fourth Uncle Ye scoffed. "You think you''re the Empress?"


    Ye Suijin rolled her eyes. "What''s so special about that broken Empress."


    Such an arrogant attitude.


    Fourth Uncle Ye folded his arms to admonish her: "Don''t roll your eyes, just like Twelfth Sister, so unbing for a youngdy."


    Old Master Li could never have dreamed that the people temporarily in charge of each family would also be thrown into jail by Ye Suijin.


    He had thought that bowing his head on this matter would make it pass, at most paying morepensation to Ye to apologize.


    He never imagined this woman, this woman...


    "What''s going on?" he asked in shock, "Wasn''t the military grain prepared?"


    Li Er struggled all the way, was thrown in bloody and bruised, and said with snot and tears: "It was prepared. Prefect Ye arrested us without saying a word."


    Everyone gathered around to ask for details, and Li Er answered them one by one.


    The more Old Master Li listened, the more rmed he became.


    He had a very bad premonition.


    It seemed that he and Ye had never been on the same level at all. The game they were ying wasn''t even the same one.


    Although the shops weren''t open yet, with the affordable grain, oil, and salt from Deng Prefecture, themon people''s anxiety was gone.


    On the contrary, they gathered to discuss, "When will the old masters be released?"


    "I heard ten thousand shi of grain was transported to the city for Prefect Ye."


    "Pah, ten thousand shi is nothing to them. Have you calcted how much tax they''ve collected over the years?"


    Suddenly the sounds of hoofbeats and marching echoed in the streets.


    Something was happening.


    Themoners all craned their necks to watch.


    The blue-clothed troops, fierce as wolves and tigers. They pounced in all directions.


    The locals recognized at a nce: "Aren''t those the old masters'' homes?"


    Sure enough.


    The troops charged in, and not all families surrendered without a fight. At least the Li and Ke families resisted.


    Third Son Ye knew there were still women and children in these households.


    But he knew even better what kind of Beiyang Ye Suijin wanted.


    She made decisions and set direction.


    Someone had to share her burdens and execute on her behalf.


    Here, Third Son Ye of Deng Prefecture grasped his sword hilt and looked up¡ª"Kill!"


    Elsewhere, Duan Jin also raised his eyelids with a cold smile¡ª"Kill!"

 Chapter 59

    Ye Suijin, the newly appointed prefect by the new court, had been in Biyang City for fourteen days, and blood had already been shed in Biyang City.


    The Li family mansion upied a whole street by itself.


    Passersby peered curiously into the alley and saw the Green Uniform Army blocking off the street and gates. They could vaguely hear shouts, cries, and screams from inside the high walls.


    Suddenly a servant burst out from the gate, desperately trying to escape.


    Without thinking, the Green Uniform Army guarding the gate thrust their spears, apanied by a miserable shriek as they pierced him through several holes.


    Someone dragged the corpse back inside. The guards at the gate remained expressionless.


    Only the bright red blood trickled down the steps.


    The onlooking passersby at the alley entrance were scared away like frightened birds and beasts.


    Everyone returned home and closed their courtyard gates, pushing their families into the house and even pulling up the windows. Yet their hearts continued pounding wildly.


    The frightened families asked: "What''s happening?"


    "Murder... The officials are killing people." The eyewitness could barely swallow his saliva to speak.


    Everyone was horrified.


    Killing was quick, but the aftermath was troublesome.


    With clear goals, Ye Sang and Duan Jin ransacked the Li and Ke households, interrogated prisoners, and finally found what they were looking for and presented it to Ye Suijin¡ª


    box after box.


    Household registration records, tax records, city defense maps.


    As well as the manor andnd deeds and ount books of the Li and Ke families, piled high in the prefect''s hall.


    When Jiang Yinxue received the order in Deng Prefecture, Ye Suijin had already told him what kind of people she needed.


    Now he brought a group of ountants from Deng Prefecture who stared at the piles of ledgers and documents filling the hall.


    Abacuses clicked softly in their hands, like the swords at the officials'' waists and the spears on their horses. Everyone had their own battlefield.


    Ye Suijin tapped the boxes. "I''ll leave this to you."


    Naturally a big city had designated ces for executions.


    On this day, the execution grounds were packed inside and out with crowds standing on tiptoe and craning their necks, all trying to see more clearly.


    There was no public interrogation, but documents were read dering the crimes, listing the egregious offensesmitted with the Li family as ringleaders.


    Among them, embezzling taxes, illegally running prisons, and all kinds of bullying men and women, seizing by force¡ªnone of these surprised the people of Biyang City. They had long known this was happening, just powerless against these powerful households.


    However, aiding and abetting bandits, especially masterminding the two shocking cases of massacring Fang Vige and Niu Vige to seize theirnd¡ªthis truly shocked the people of Biyang City!


    "After investigation, the four families conspired to massacre 471 people in Fang Vige and 602 people in Niu Vige, old and young alike, in order to seize theirnd. Shocking and appalling. Their actions were evil, provoking the wrath of gods and men, intolerable by the Way of Heaven or thews of the state..."


    Someone shouted, "So does this mean the bandit attack on the city was also arranged by them? A sham?"


    The document reader looked up and affirmed, "That is indeed what happened. Some already confessed during previous interrogations."


    In the crowd, someone wailed, "Damn them! My son died!"


    Many were furious. "After that we started listening to them, paying taxes whenever they said, sending corveeborers whenever they said!"


    Out of fear of the external bandits, when the powerful households stepped forward offering protection,moners believed, supported, and followed them. And so they bore all kinds of exploitation obediently and paid all kinds of taxes and fees.


    Who would have thought the bandits were backed by these dogs of powerful households!


    "Execute them!"


    "Off with their heads!"


    "Your Excellency, please deliver justice for usmon folk! These evil wealthy households have lost all conscience!"


    "Behead them! Off with their heads!"


    The people''s rage surged into the winter sky like hot waves. Many had eyes bloodshot with fury.


    Without executing these powerful households, how could public wrath be appeased!


    With popr sentiment at this point, it was only natural to oblige.


    To cries of "Execute them!" heads rolled as blood sprayed and headless bodies convulsed and fell lifeless in death.


    The former masters who once rode roughshod over themon people were now parted from their bodies. Their wives and children were reduced to prisoners, the men toborers, the women to ves. Servants became property to be sold by officials. Sturdy young servants were conscripted.


    With each household handled, themoners erupted in cheers.


    The formerly influential families of this great city were all wiped out, fallingpletely under the new prefect''s control.


    Swept clean.


    After thest patriarch''s head rolled, the sun had nted westward.


    Ye Suijin rose and strode through the blood onto the tform.


    This was themoners'' first time seeing the prefect up close. Although they had caught sight of her beauty when she entered the city half a month ago, seeing her so closely now was still a first.


    The people craned their necks looking up at her¨Das beautiful as she was cold,manding both awe and fear.


    The aura of authority she radiated as a woman exceeded what many could remember from Wei prefects in the past.


    She spoke concisely, no wasted words:


    "Shangma, Ciqiu, and Biyang are now under my administration. The rest wille in time."


    "From today, Biyang shall be my seat of governance."


    "Deng and Tang Prefectures will unite as one from now on. All extraneous taxes and levies in these two prefectures are abolished, returning to the two tax system of Wei''s early years."


    "I am Ye Suijin of Deng Prefecture."


    Her robe sleeves billowed in the cold wind. She held her sword hilt, waist bound tight by leather belts, vigorous and resolute.


    Under the bright sun and blue sky, she raised her hand and pledged to the people: "Within three years of my governance, taxes will not be raised!"


    Years of exploitation and misceneous taxes and fees had long burdened themoners beyond endurance. Returning to the two tax system of Wei''s middle period would instantly lighten the load on every household.


    And she had promised no new taxes for three years.


    When the people understood, they erupted in ardent cheers!


    Someone in front kneeled, and like waves it spread backward. Arge swath of people knelt.


    "Long live Your Excellency!"


    "Your Excellency is a savior sent by Heaven! May you live a hundred years!"


    "Please recover Tongbai quickly, Your Excellency. My uncle''s family is there."


    "Your Excellency!"


    "Prefect Ye!"


    ...


    On the tform, everyone made way and avoided the seats.


    Ye Suijin stood on the tform, calmly epting the people''s kowtows.


    Watching her, Fourth Uncle Ye was filled with both excitement and difort.


    Admittedly, as a Ye, how could he not be excited by this scene?


    Although the elder of the Ye family, he was self-aware enough to know hecked the courage to calmly ept the kowtows of so manymoners. Yet his niece stood there holding her sword hiltpletely undaunted, as if long ustomed to such scenes.


    What pained him was how differently she and Sang had handled things in Biyang from his own conduct and principles over the decades.


    While he understood the present oue was far better than coexisting with a dozen families, it still conflicted with his perceptions over decades, smashing the mindset and living habits of a grown man and forcing him to discard ingrained ways of handling the world. This was naturally ufortable.


    Fourth Uncle Ye couldn''t help rubbing his arms and pressing his lips, smacking his mouth.


    All these subtle movements and expressions were noticed by Duan Jin.


    Duan Jin was skilled at reading people. He could roughly sense Fourth Uncle Ye''s delight and wistfulness, admiration and awe. He understood what Fourth Uncle Ye was thinking.


    He shifted his gaze again to Ye Suijin''s figure, staring at her back.


    Everyone wanted to contend with the status quo, only she never feared upending it all.


    Then start over on a nk page and draw her own rules.


    Duan Jin heaved a long sigh.


    Refreshing, and captivating.


    Zhao Jingwen had not falsely reported military exploits¡ªhe had indeed seized a patch ofnd.


    It was called River Mouth Town, northeast of Gu City, no longer far from Gu City.


    Gu City was the previous base of that mixedmander. Now it was vacant, temporarily unupied. From what he knew, the battle that led to the mixedmander''s death originated from an exploratory skirmishunched southwest, which then turned into a pursuit battle as themander was routed and fled.


    With themander''s death, many of the troops had scattered. Some wandered to Deng Prefecture, directly bordering E County.


    When Zhao Jingwen developed ambitions to expand outward, he realized ughtering captives was not cost-effective for him. What he needed more were not dead heads, but living soldiers.


    So he began pacifying and absorbing.


    By now, besides absorbed captives, plus some young men who had joined him on the road, he had over 300 men, approaching 400.


    Of course, it was a mixed bunch.


    Before his eyes, he could only seek quantity for the time being, not quality.


    At this moment, he understood very well why Du Jingzhong had to involve themon people.


    When you have too few cards in your hand, you have to make a facade first. For people like him and Du Jingzhong, what could make others wary at first nce was the number of soldiers in their hands.


    It had to be intimidating.


    Going out with a hundred people, nearly four hundred now, sounded quite good. But only Zhao Jingwen himself knew exactly how things were.


    So he still could not go back.


    He had to turn these people into something presentable.


    Since there were no survivors left in Fang City, it was evident how high Ye Suijin''s requirements for her troops were. Now if he took these people back, she might not even look upon them favorably. If she did not look upon them favorably, it would just be aughingstock.


    Other than training them, he also had to gainplete control over these people.


    If he returned to Ye Family Fort, the brigade of Ye Family Army he had brought out probably would not remain under hismand. But as long as he could keep hold of these irregr forces, they could be a power belonging to Zhao Jingwen himself.


    Just thinking about it made him have to take a deep breath to keep his heart from surging with excitement.


    Since he could not go back, he had to have a foothold somewhere. Because winter was fast approaching, he and his men needed a ce to spend the winter.


    So he had upied this town to temporarily use it as a foothold.


    Fortunately, Xiang Da and Ye Mancang who hade out with him this time were both capable people. Xiang Da was formerly from the regr army, and Ye Mancang was skilled at handling details. They were simply tailored to be his right and left hand men.


    What was even better was that they were both people he could see throughpletely.


    What they wanted, where their weaknessesy, he could see it all clearly with his eyes.


    With just a little maniption and hints in his words, he could make them listen to him.


    It was not difficult at all. This was an innate ability he had been aware of since he was a child.


    Even in Ye Family Fort it had been like this. What Fourth Uncle Ye, Yang Xiansheng, Lang Jun, the gatekeepers, the garrisonmanders wanted, what motivated them to act, with just a flick of his eyes and a twitch of his lips he could guess their thoughts with eighty to ny percent uracy.


    Up until now, the people he could not see through, whose hearts he could not grasp... were only his wife, Ye Suijin.


    When he thought of Ye Suijin, he was suddenly overwhelmed by a tide of tenderness.


    She was the most beautiful existence in his life since he was born. What virtues and abilities did he possess that allowed him to gain a wife like this?


    When Ye Suijin was wreaking havoc in Biyang City, Zhao Jingwen in River Mouth Town was missing her.


    At this time, Zhao Jingwen still did not know that the wife he was missing had not thought of him at all.


    She even hoped that he would note back.

 Chapter 60

    Ye Suijin decided to make Biyang City her base of operations.


    When Fourth Uncle Ye learned of her decision, he was taken aback for a moment, then asked, ¡°What about the family estate...?¡±


    Ye Suijin said, ¡°Of course people will be left behind to guard our ancestral legacy.¡±


    With the phrase ¡°guard our ancestral legacy,¡± her meaning was made more clear.


    Yefamily Fortress was now a thing of the past.


    Fourth Uncle Ye was stunned for half a beat.


    ¡°Uncle,¡± said Ye Suijin, ¡°As you¡¯ve seen, the city walls of Biyang are even taller than those of the other county seats.¡±


    The poption was greater,merce more prosperous, and its geography and transportation links were superior in every way.


    Once Ye Suijin controlled the entirety of Deng Prefecture, she would possess two prefectures¡¯ worth of territory. So looking at it from every angle, making Biyang the seat of power undoubtedly far surpassed Yefamily Fortress.


    Even though Yefamily Fort had been built in the style of a military fortress from the very beginning, making it a cut above the average civilian stockade, in the end it was still just a country fort.


    There was noparing it to a prefectural city.


    Fourth Uncle Ye understood this reasoning, but the decision made him feel suddenly hollow inside.


    Because in the past, ¡°inheriting and managing Yefamily Fortress¡± had been one of the most important matters in his life. For the sake of this fort, uncle and niece had once opposed each other to the point of falling out.


    Yet now his niece was telling him that Yefamily Fortress wasn¡¯t actually that important, or rather, was no longer that important - at least not as important as he¡¯d thought.


    How could Fourth Uncle not feel upset?


    Ye Suijin saw this clearly.


    After thinking for a moment, she decided, ¡°Fourth Uncle, don¡¯t go back this time. Stay here for now.¡±


    ¡°How can that be?¡± said Fourth Uncle Ye. ¡°There are still many matters at home. Bean harvesting will begin soon, and we still need to drill the troops...¡±


    Recruitment had never stopped. Yefamily Fortress still had new recruits in training.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t Sixth Uncle and Eighth Uncle still at home?¡± said Ye Suijin. ¡°The household affairs can be left to them. As for drilling troops...¡±


    ¡°It¡¯d be best if Third Brother went back to check on Third Sister. Let him go back and recuperate for a while, and put him in charge of training the new recruits.¡±


    Her third brother had also been a fierce general in his past life. But in this life, it seemed he was moving too quickly.


    Ye Suijin noticed the killing intent on him was too heavy.


    She was starting to worry whether she had pushed him too fast. This was a good chance to send Ye Sang back home, to be by his mother and wife''s side, and recuperate. She looked at the hesitant Fourth Uncle.


    "Uncle, don''t you want to show off your martial skills?" She smiled. "Seventh Uncle has fought real battles with real steel."


    Fourth Uncle Ye''s heart stirred.


    He too was of the Ye family bloodline, raised on military books.


    When at home, he had also envied the younger pups getting chances to go to battle, while he was tangled up in administrative affairs, busy from dawn to dusk, always feeling that Yefamily Fortress and Deng Prefecture couldn''t do without him, so he could only admire from afar.


    On the recent trip to and from the capital to see the Emperor, he had also killed some bandits who tried to block the road. But that was just small fry.


    He shouldn''t let his martial skills go to waste.


    Ye Suijin smiled as she watched her uncle struggle with himself.


    Among her uncles, Fourth Uncle was the best in martial arts and military strategy.


    Because recently she had needed to make many drastic changes, she had worried the elders might not be able to shake off their outdated concepts and old thinking right away, which could hinder her. So she had deliberately kept only the younger generation at her side as she acted, while keeping the uncles in supporting roles at the rear.


    But now that the overall situation in Deng and Tang Prefectures was clear, and the Ye family forces'' way of doing things and fighting wars had taken initial shape, the elders had also started to get used to it.


    Since this was the case, Deng Prefecture''s Ye Feng Tang - her Fourth Uncle - should no longer be bound by little Yefamily Fortress, and should alsoe out and show his skills.


    Let the world see the might of Ye Chong and Ye Feng Tang, ck steed and silver spear, violence like thunder!


    Some were born eloquent, like Zhao Jingwen; some honed their eloquence through effort, like Ye Suijin.


    In any case, Ye Suijin persuaded Fourth Uncle to let go of Yefamily Fortress for now and remain in Biyang City.


    She nned to send Third and Fourth Brothers back to train new recruits.


    It was also because both of them had wives. Ye Suijin wished to see the brothers reunited with their wives. And it would be best if they had more children.


    The Ye family of this lifetime should prosper and multiply.


    With Fourth Uncle here, he could also help her handle affairs in Biyang City.


    In one fell swoop she had taken down over a dozen powerful households, seizing almost half of Biyang City¡¯s wealth.


    Just in real estate there were over fortyrge and small properties, while two or three streets of shops in the bustling East Market, one after another, now belonged to the Ye family. Not to mention countless fields and tenants outside the city.


    In Fourth Uncle''s words, they had "struck it rich again."


    Fourth Uncle was starting to be numb to getting rich.


    But Ye Suijin said lightly, "We''ll probably need to recruit more soldiers than we can afford to pay."


    Fourth Uncle: "..."


    Fourth Uncle wiped his face. "Sixth Miss, give me a number. How many troops are you nning to recruit?"


    Raising troops really cost a lot of money. Fourth Uncle wanted to have a figure in mind.


    But Ye Suijin said in surprise, "How would I know?"


    Fourth Uncle: "???"


    Ye Suijin spread her hands, looking innocent. "When you gain some territory, you want to hold onto it, so you need troops. Once you have troops, if your territory isn''t big enough to support them, then you have to go seize more territory. After gaining morend, there still aren''t enough troops, so recruit more troops, then go take even morend. The morend..."


    "Alright, alright!" Fourth Uncle said irritably. "Are you telling some monk''s tale that goes on forever?"


    Hands on hips, he said, "If we keep going by your logic, there''ll be no end to it! Territory keeps expanding, troops keep growing. In the end, we''d have to be Emp- hmmph, we can''t say that!"


    The ingrained taboo against speaking of seizing the imperial throne remained. Especially since they were now vassals of the Jin, they couldn''t speak recklessly.


    Ye Suijin raised her brows. "Aren''t princes and ministers born frommon men? Who knows? If a man dares enough, even a beggar can be emperor."


    "Psht psht psht!" Fourth Uncle looked around quickly to make sure no one else was within earshot. "Watch your words!"


    While he privately felt "The Emperor is just an old man with a bit more white hair than me," he didn''t dare voice it carelessly. He only grumbled in whispers to his sons behind closed doors.


    Unable to get an answer for now, this question would have to be shelved.


    Fourth Uncle asked, "What should we do about the businesses in Biyang?"


    Over a dozen in total that monopolized eighty percent ofmerce in Biyang City. Or more precisely, four or five houses headed by the Li family that controlled seventy to eighty percent of Biyang''smercial livelihood.


    Now, those killed were killed, those who''s properties were seized had properties seized. All these assets had fallen into Ye Suijin''s hands.


    It was wealth beyond what Fourth Uncle had dared imagine before on a personal level.


    Of course, the term "massive wealth" was speaking from the standpoint of private property.


    But no matter who managed it, there would be no starving chefs in this world. Withdle in hand, the chef''s waist would thicken and his belly grow rounder, and people would find it reasonable and normal.


    Yet Ye Suijin said, "I don''t n to hand it over to the family."


    Fourth Uncle: "Huh?"


    "Sudden wealth can easily lead people astray and muddle the mind," said Ye Suijin. "I''m still counting on these businesses to generate money, but I also don''t want money to make my own kin see blood."


    Fourth Uncle''s forehead beaded with sweat.


    He recalled execution day.


    Those hadn''t been petty thieves and bandits. They had once been upstanding citizens and gentry of the big city. If you admitted it, many had held petty official ranks, their ancestors having held proper official posts.


    That day, there had also been wailing women, and children crying in terror.


    Thinking of it now, Fourth Uncle''s palms still sweated a little.


    But Sang, his son, had remained expressionless the entire time.


    How had Sang changed so much? In the past, when he saw a child trip and fall, he would also gently crouch down and patientlyfort them. How could Sixth Miss have changed Sang so much? It was like he had be a different person.


    No - Sixth Miss herself seemed to have be a different person.


    Pondering the phrase "don''t want my own kin to see blood," the back of his neck chilled slightly.


    Fourth Uncle rubbed the back of his neck. "What do you have in mind then?"


    "There is expertise in every industry. We can hand it over to professionals who specialize in this line of work," said Ye Suijin. "There''s no disadvantage to cooperating with others, and it saves a great deal of worry. Our family should focus on military affairs."


    Ye Suijin had Jiang Yinxuan pull some strings on this.


    She told Jiang Yinxuan, "Let your eastern family pick first among the businesses in Biyang City. The remainder I want no less than five other firms to take over. For your family''s portion, I can take a lower percentage than from the others."


    This is not allowing one family to dominate and monopolize the market.


    This woman can ride horses, fight wars, open granaries, and distribute grain. She also understands how to bnce the market. Not only that, she reciprocates favors and does not just peel the skin and suck blood from merchants.


    Jiang Yingao bent his waist even lower: "My lord, please rest assured."


    "There is no hurry for this. There are too many things to do, we''ll take them one by one." Ye Suigold said.


    Right now, Jiang Yingao is bringing people to organize the various books of Bayang City.


    This is really a huge project. The prefectural office has specially allocated a row of rooms for the ounting room, and the abacus of the ountants is smoking fast. Fourth Uncle Ye does not even like to walk past that side.


    "The ttering sound makes my head hurt," he said.


    Now, there is neither manpower nor energy to recount the entire poption of Bayang City and resurvey the fields. We will have to make do with the data from when the Prince of Wei was the prefect for now.


    During the transition between Liang and Jin dynasties, Ye Suigold had to secure enoughnd as a foundation to operate first.


    Otherwise, it would be more and more difficultter on.


    While Jiang Yingao was organizing the ount books of Bayang City and the confiscated assets of the various families with the ounting room, he was also sending people south to deliver letters to his employer. At the same time, he was also preparing the shops under the names of the various families to open for business and resume Bayang''s normalmercial cirction.


    How could a big city not havemerce? With all the shops closed, even with abundant grain and oil, the lives of themon people would still be very inconvenient.


    The Ye family troops in green shirts and ck pants followed him, street by street, to announce Ye Suigold''s orders.


    For shopkeepers who used to operate their businesses in a certain way, they should continue to operate that way for now.


    If the shopkeeper was also someone from a certain family who had their assets seized this time, then Jiang Yingao would take over to manage it temporarily first, and pick a temporary shopkeeper from the shop assistants.


    "Watch the ount books closely," the female prefect instructed. "When my peoplee to take over, if anyone tells me the books have been burned, lost, or ruined by water, I''ll send them to reunite with their former masters. I''ll confiscate all their assets to make up for my incalcble losses."


    The green-shirted troops loudly transmitted these words to eachmercial street.


    The shopkeepers, sniffing up their snot in the cold wind, listened to the warning and repeatedly said, "We servants would never dare. Military sir, please reassure my lord."


    The livelihoods of Bayang City have been initially restored to normal.


    As for the huge asset transfers behind this "normal", ordinarymoners did not care.


    The Ye family males were not idle either.


    Even Tenth Son doesn''tin anymore. Now even he understands that managing a ce after "conquering" it is much more troublesome than the "conquering" itself.


    Of course he wasn''t bored of these matters, he was just so worn out by them that he got used to it.


    He was ordered around by his sixth sister till his backside got kicked.


    The fields of the various families have all changed their surname to Ye.


    The hidden granaries everywhere were seized by Third Son and the others.


    First they had to fill Bayang''s ever-normal granary. Then, they had to replenish Deng Prefecture''s ever-normal granary to return the grain they borrowed this time.


    Just returning it was not enough. Winter was here, and it was difficult for the refugees. They had to transport relief grain to Deng Prefecture.


    Fangcheng had the greatest amount.


    Although they had sessfully rushed to nt soybeans this year, much of Fangcheng''s fields had been abandoned for a long time, and the soil fertility could not be restored all at once. The growth of the soybeans was not good, andrge poptions were concentrated there, so at least for this winter they still could not be self-sufficient.


    But the nting of this crop of soybeans itself helped to restore fertility to the fields.


    After this crop of soybeans was harvested, nting corn next year would yield better results than this year.


    Fourth Uncle Ye stayed in Bayang City, while Third Son Ye and Fourth Son Ye escorted the grain convoy back home to...ahem, back to Ye Family Fort to train soldiers and deliver grain, amidst the mocking sounds of their younger brothers.


    Before leaving, Third Son Ye instructed his father: "When in doubt, listen to Sixth Sister."


    Fourth Uncle Ye red at him, annoyed: "Since when do sons get to teach their fathers?"


    Third Son just smiled and rode off.


    The convoy of grain wagons lumbered towards Deng Prefecture.

 Chapter 61

    The Imperial Guard camp all stayed in Biyang.


    Ye Suijin had already decided that the Imperial Guards would withdraw from farming in the future and be full-timebat soldiers. There was no choice but to withdraw from farming in order to train elite troops.


    The soldiers Third Son Ye brought back were all garrison troops. Now rushing back, they could still help harvest soybeans and nt winter wheat.


    Among these soldiers, some also quietly asked their superiors, "So does passing the third major exam mean we''ve been officially recruited?"


    "Of course, fool," the superiorughed and said, "Being alive now means you''ve been officially recruited."


    The troops went to Fangcheng first, because Fangcheng originally belonged to Tangzhou.


    Qin Huailu, the county magistrate of Fangcheng, was originally the county magistrate of Neixiang County. He was rmended to Ye Suijin by He Zhou because of his expertise in practical affairs. Ye Suijin appointed him as the magistrate of Fangcheng.


    When he first arrived, Fangcheng was aplete nk te. There were many bodies to be buried, and not a single living person left in the county government.


    Fortunately, he had been informed of the situation here beforehand, so what more could he say? He just rolled up his sleeves and got to work.


    At that time, several of the Ye sons were in Fangcheng for disaster relief, as well as Mr. Yang. Everyone worked together wholeheartedly to clean up Fangcheng, followed by receiving refugees.


    But Third Son Ye was called back early, because he was appointed to Nanyang.


    Therefore, Qin Huailu was not as familiar with Third Son Ye as with other sons like Zhao Langjun, but at least they had some connection.


    When the grain was delivered, Qin Huailu heaved a huge sigh of relief. He stroked the bags of grains as if he was about to press his face against them.


    "Now I can rest assured," he said with great satisfaction.


    Third Son Ye smiled.


    When they sat down for tea, Qin Huailu naturally wanted to ask about the situation on Ye Suijin''s side.


    Third Son Ye said, "We now have effective control over Shangma, Ciqiu and Biyang. Everything has been cleaned up very thoroughly."


    What does ¡°clean up¡± and ¡°thorough¡± mean? No one understood better than Qin Huailu.


    How ¡°clean¡± Fangcheng had been "cleaned up"!


    It could be said that nine out of ten houses were empty.


    Now Fangcheng''s poption consisted entirely of outsiders with ents. There were also few elderly people, mostly young and middle-aged.


    If Third Son Ye considered this ¡°clean¡±, it meant the Ye family army had strong control over the ce, and there should be no local resistance left.


    Qin Huailu raised a finger and pointed up: "Then..."


    To Qin Huailu¡¯s surprise, Third Son Ye understood his meaning.


    Qin Huailu was from Dengzhou, not like those people from Biyang who were fooled by Ye Suijin''s fake seal. He was very clear that in the emperor''s appointment of Ye Suijin, she was only appointed to govern Dengzhou.


    So he understood very well that Ye Suijin''s actions in Tangzhou were actually unauthorized, killing first and reportingter.


    Qin Huailu had been worried all along.


    Because Fangcheng was further north than Ciqiu! He was at the northernmost end of Tangzhou!


    Further north was the territory under the emperor''s direct control.


    How could he not be anxious? Of course he was afraid that Provincial Governor Ye''s unauthorized actions would provoke the emperor''s wrath.


    "Don''t worry. We and the other side..." Third Son Ye gestured northward with his thumb, "have already talked it over."


    Not the emperor, but the "other side", and he used the word "talked over". This meant everything was handled under the table.


    As an official of low birth, Qin Huailu understood instantly.


    "Oh, great, great!" Although this was not good to talk about openly, his rubbing of his hands expressed clear joyful emotions.


    Third Son Ye felt it very clearly.


    He left Fangcheng and entered Dengzhou, first going to Pingnan County''s Changping Warehouse - the grain for this mobilization was mainly from Changping Warehouse in Nanyang. Because Nanyang was closest to Dengzhou.


    So of course the Changping Warehouse in Nanyang also had to be replenished first.


    Ye Jingyi was also very happy to see him.


    After looking him up and down, he affirmed, "You''ve killed many more people again."


    Third Son Ye was surprised: "Is it that obvious?"


    "I don''t know if others can see it," Ye Jingyi said, "But I can definitely feel it."


    Third Son Ye didn''t say anything more, just grabbed his shoulder and squeezed hard.


    Ye Jingyi held his arm and also squeezed hard.


    When people have gone through something together, sometimes no words are needed tomunicate.


    Now Dengzhou had been fortified, and it was very safe throughout.


    The grain did not need to be personally escorted to Neixiang and Ruan counties by the third and fourth sons. The convoy was split up, and the brothers returned to the Ye Family Fort.


    Soybean harvesting had already started now. The people in the fields were very happy to see their mening back with them. After the soybean harvest came turning the soil and nting winter wheat, allbor-intensive work, and it was a race against time.


    The men''s return was so great.


    Some families'' men had joined the Imperial Guards and did note back. That was fine too. Since garrison troops were allocated, there would naturally be arrangements in the fort.


    Grain was more important than anything.


    Before entering the fort, they went past the barracks first.


    The trained soldiers had been taken away inrge numbers by Ye Suijin, and there were constant mobilizations. But new recruits were housed in the dugouts of the barracks, training.


    Because it was cold, the stoves at the entrances of the dugouts were kept burning, so inside the dugouts was warm.


    Now dugouts were also built in the refugee settlements in Dengzhou''s counties. Very useful, far better at retaining warmth than the shacks built by the refugees themselves.


    Ye Suijin had made refugee survival through the winter a hard standard for county magistrates'' performance reviews, so no one dared to cut corners.


    The military craftsmen camp was not far from the barracks, the fires burning intensely, non-stop day and night.


    There really was no other way, because the speed of production could not keep up with the scale of expansion.


    For now, they could only prioritize weapons first.


    But everything would get better in the future, Third Son Ye knew, and believed deeply.


    Not long after leaving the barracks, they saw the ramparts of the Ye Family Fort.


    The towering fort walls that had seemed so tall since childhood now looked different.


    "They look shorter," Fourth Son said with feeling, "How did they get shorter?"


    Third Son peered at them.


    Of course it was because they had seen higher walls, owned bigger cities.


    Ye Family Fort, it''s so small!


    Once they reached Ye Family Fort and saw the elders who stayed home, reported on things, the elders smiled and said, "Go on, hurry and go see your wives."


    Especially Third Son Ye, whose wife was six months pregnant. She must miss her husband when he was not by her side.


    Fourth Son was already impatient, and with the elders'' permission, said to Third Son, "Third brother, we''re home!"


    Third Son said, "Go on."


    Fourth Son hurried off like the wind.


    Third Son Ye also returned to his own home.


    His mother, Fourth Madam, and his wife were already waiting for him. Since the men had to see the elders first when they came back to talk about important matters, the two women could only wait eagerly at home.


    Third Son Ye finally came back: "Mother, I''m back."


    Fourth Madam held his hand and looked closely, distressed, "You''re tanned."


    He didn''t seem to have gotten thinner, on the contrary he looked even sturdier.


    But as a mother looking closely at her son, she always felt there was something different about his facepared to before, though she couldn''t say exactly what.


    His features hadn''t changed. Still thick brows and big eyes, straight nose, very upright and pleasing features.


    Third Son Ye smiled and said, "We all got tanned. Only Sixth Sister and Ajin won''t tan no matter how long they''re exposed, so annoying."


    While heined verbally, his eyes looked towards his pregnant wife.


    Of course his mother understood. A good rtionship between the young couple was a good thing. Fourth Madamughed and said, "After such a long and dusty journey, you must not have slept well outside either. Go on, go back to wash up and rest well."


    But when the young couple bowed to take their leave, she covered her mouth and coughed loudly.


    Third Son: "What''s wrong? Did you catch a cold?"


    Fourth Madam: "No, ate too much candy, throat''s a little sticky."


    Third Son reprimanded: "Eat less."


    But his wife lowered her head, not daring to look up.


    Before Third Son came in, Fourth Madam had repeatedly warned her: "He''s young and vigorous, don''t indulge him. You''re precious now, can''t have any mishaps. You must remember!"


    With her mother-inw''s cough, only she understood, blushing to her ears.


    The young couple returned to their own courtyard.


    After entering the main room, Third Son casually closed the door, then hugged his wife. He buried his face in the crook of her neck.


    She was startled, thinking her mother-inw''s words hade true, her husband had been holding back his urges for half a month.


    "No, no, my belly..." she said in a fluster.


    But instead of any further moves, Third Son just buried his face in her neck and murmured, "Tong Niang, don''t move, just let me hold you for a while."


    Tong Niang stopped.


    As his bedmate, how could she not understand?


    She raised her arms and hugged him back, asking softly, "Killed many more people again, right?"


    It was the samest time too, when he came back from Nanyang.


    The whole Ye Family Fort was immersed in the joy of Sixth Miss bing the military governor of Dengzhou. But when Third Son Ye returned to his room, he hugged her tightly without saying a word, just holding her.


    Then he fell into a deep slumber.


    "Mm," Third Son Ye murmured lowly, "Don''t ask."


    Thest time, he had only ordered the soldiers to put in shackles those who deserved death and carry out the executions together.


    This time, he killed fathers in front of their children, husbands in front of their wives, and sons in front of their mothers.


    Because the Li family were bold and reckless, when the Ye family troops went to ransack their home, they organized the family guards to resist.


    This could not be allowed.


    This was something Sixth Miss would never tolerate.


    For people like them, Sixth Miss only gave them one path.


    The path of death.


    And he was the one responsible for blocking off that path.


    Breathing in his wife''s scent, Third Son Ye finally rxedpletely. It was winter, and the wind was strong, blowing the skies clear of every cloud, so the sunshine was very nice.


    Tong Niang sat at the edge of the bed, gently caressing her bulging belly, and ncing up to see the dust motes floating in the air.


    She desperately hoped this child would be a boy as well.


    Every man with a household and business needed sons. The Ye family''s current circumstances especially called for that.


    It was a pity her first child had died prematurely.


    Of course everyone hadforted her about it. But some less tactful women had said, "You''ll get used to it."


    How could she get used to it?


    Tong Niang stared nkly at the floating dust.


    Of course she also knew that typically seven births would result in four premature deaths and three living.


    This was what had happened in her husband''s family. Third Son Ye''s mother had given birth seven times in total, and in the end only Third Son Ye, Fifth Son Ye, and Twelfth Sister Ye had survived.


    Third Son Ye was the eldest brother of this generation in the main family, because the older Big Brother Ye and Second Brother Ye had died prematurely. But those were children who had at least lived past five years old, were officially entered into the family records, and given "Big Brother" and "Second Brother" as their birth order.


    Those who died before five years old were never recorded in the family tree.


    Her first child had been like that. There wasn''t even a grave, because the child was too small to be buried with ceremony.


    She gently stroked her bulging belly with one hand.


    This time, the baby must grow up strong and healthy!


    Hearing movement beside her, she turned her head. Third Son Ye was sleeping deeply, his furrowed brows slowly rxing.


    He''d said a good long sleep would make everything better.


    But only at home with her by his side could he properly get that sleep.


    Tong Niang carefully extracted her other hand from Third Son Ye''s grip and tucked the quilt snugly around him.


    She leaned over with difficulty and nted a light kiss on his temple.


    Third Son Ye''s brows smoothed outpletely.

 Chapter 62

    When Duan Jin came in, he saw that Ye Suijin was also asleep.


    Duan Jin had an extremely different privilegepared to others around him - he could go directly to Ye Suijin''s side anytime without having to announce his arrival first, unless Ye Suijin had secret matters to discuss and had ordered him to withdraw.


    No one questioned Duan Jin''s privilege. After all, someone in close attendance like him was a must for a figure of great importance.


    Ye Suijin was a woman. Having Duan Jin, the boy she had raised, serve as this attendant was indeed more suitable than anyone else.


    So Duan Jin walked right into the study, but saw that Ye Suijin was sleeping in the sunlight.


    The prefectural administrator''s study originally had heating pipes underneath the floor. When the Li family had the house renovated, they made sure the flues were all connected properly. After Ye Suijin moved in, she could use them right away.


    At this time, the room was warm and cozy. She sat on the couch, leaning back against the pillow, her elbows propped on the short table supporting her head, her eyes closed napping.


    Too many trivial affairs these days made one feel tired.


    The sunlighting through the mulberry paper gently enveloped her. Her skin seemed to glow, her brows and eyes were extremely beautiful.


    Duan Jin didn''t even want to wake her up.


    He just wanted to stand here, with no one else around, and gaze freely and boldly at her face.


    But that wouldn''t do. He hade in for a reason.


    After greedily stealing a few breaths, he still had to open his mouth and call her as lightly as possible: "Mistress? Mistress."


    Ye Suijin''s eyshes fluttered twice before opening her eyes.


    Duan Jin said gently, "Mistress, are you awake?"


    He came closer, and even bent down slightly, moving a little closer to her.


    Ye Suijin rested her head on her elbow, her gaze still a little sluggish after just waking up.


    It wasmon for people to be like this when they just woke up. So they needed to wake up fully.


    Duan Jin couldn''t help lifting the corners of his mouth.


    Ye Suijin remained still, leaning on her elbow. But following Duan Jin''s smile, she also smiled.


    She raised her hand, reaching for him: "Ah Jin..."


    Duan Jin was stunned, holding his breath, not daring to move.


    But full of anticipation.


    However, her fingertips stopped just before touching him.


    Confusion appeared in Ye Suijin''s eyes.


    "Ah Jin?" She called out, as if notpletely sure.


    Duan Jin didn''t understand, and responded: "Mistress?"


    Ye Suijin retracted her hand.


    "It''s Ah Jin." She said.


    As if talking to herself, like a sigh.


    Who else could it be if not him?


    Duan Jin lowered his eyes and reported: "Mr. Yang is here."


    She put down her elbow that was propping up her head, and her gaze became clear, obviously fully awake now.


    This time, really awake.


    "That''s great." She said, "Quickly invite Mr. Yang in. And summon Jiang Yinyu as well."


    "Also notify everyone that we''ll have a meetingter."


    Duan Jin obeyed and went out to invite Mr. Yang in.


    He then turned around to call for someone, asking them to notify everyone else.


    Everyone acted efficiently. Once given instructions, they turned around and left immediately. Duan Jin watched their backs, then looked up at the sky.


    It was very windy yesterday, but the sunshine was especially good today.


    Duan Jin stood in the sunshine in the courtyard of the study, thinking about what had just happened in the study.


    There was inexplicable confusion in his heart.


    Mr. Yang came in.


    He hade from Tangbei Fort. Having gained Biyang earlier, there were too many things to handle, so Ye Suijin could not let herself get tangled in these affairs. She summoned him over and had Fifth Uncle Ye stationed at Tangbei Fort.


    Anyway, it was close by. The courier routes were already unobstructed, so passing messages was convenient. It was also quick to travel between the two ces.


    Although capturing Biyang had been in their ns all along, Mr. Yang was still overjoyed when it really happened.


    Soon, Jiang Yinyu arrived as well - his work ce was also very close to the study.


    Jiang Yinyu was now the person most familiar with all kinds of data about Biyang. Mr. Yang pulled him along and asked him many questions, all of which he was able to answer clearly and in detail. This was especially to Mr. Yang''s taste.


    Before long, Fifth Son and the others arrived one after another.


    "Where is Fourth Uncle?" Ye Suijin asked.


    Duan Jin came in: "Fourth Master can''t be found."


    Ye Suijin looked to Fifth Son. Fifth Son said: "Let me go find him. Really, where did he randomly run off to."


    Fourth Uncle Ye was extremely fond of ck horses.


    Among his beloved ck steeds, the one he loved most was called Whirlwind. This was the one he rode to Biyang.


    At the moment, he was lecturing Whirlwind in a grave manner.


    "This is our first outing together. You''ve got to liven up."


    "You can''t get startled by the war drums and throw me off."


    "We can''t let the youngstersugh at us right? At the very least we are their elders, we can''t perform worse than a bunch of juniors."


    "Bute to think of it, the youngsters have indeed experienced more than us. Who''s to me for this? We elders are preupied with affairs and naturally can''t be as free and easy as them, able to dash off with Sixth Sister anytime we want, right?"


    "We..."


    "Dad!" A shout from behind interrupted him, "What are you doing? You''re so hard to find!"


    "Ahem." Fourth Uncle Ye quickly straightened his back, hastily stroking Whirlwind''s mane a couple times, "I''m looking over Whirlwind, worried it might not suit the water and soil here."


    "What not suiting water and soil, hasn''t it been to the capital and everywhere?" Fifth Son couldn''t make head or tail of it, "The water of Deng and Tang Prefectures connects, how could it not suit the water and soil of Tang Prefecture?"


    Fourth Uncle Ye said irritably: "Why are you looking for me?"


    Fifth Son: "Oh, Sixth Sister is asking for you. Mr. Yang has arrived."


    "Why didn''t you say so earlier." Fourth Uncle Ye knocked Fifth Son on the head, flicked his sleeves, and strode off with the air of a hero.


    Fifth Son rubbed his head: "???"


    In the study, Mr. Yang and Jiang Yinyu were both present, in the middle of briefing on the various matters of Biyang.


    When Fourth Uncle Ye came in, Ye Suijin beckoned to him: "Uncle,e take a look."


    Fourth Uncle Ye squeezed over to crane his neck and look together with her.


    Ye Suijin pointed it out to him: "...We''ll pass through Pingshi and head for Huyang. The waterways of Du River, Bi River, Li River must all be under our control, the transport services have to be grasped firmly in our hands."


    Fourth Uncle Ye kept nodding: "Mm-hmm!"


    Ye Suijin noticed something amiss and nced up at him.


    Fourth Uncle Ye strove to stand up straight, clearly somewhat ill at ease, looking left and right.


    Ye Suijin withdrew her gaze.


    She first felt amused, then her heart ached.


    The uncle in her memories was already a seasoned and valiant veteran general.


    Compared to her, he was senior in both generation and age, with richer life experience. So he had always put great pressure on her.


    But it turned out he would also feel nervous at the starting point.


    Ye Suijin pretended she didn''t notice and continued: "This way, connecting Xinye and Huyang, I n to establish a county here in the future."


    Xinye was under Nanyang''s jurisdiction. Eighteen yearster it would be a county, but right now it was still just a town.


    There were so, so many differences between the present and the future.


    Yet back then, it had never been noticed at all.


    In the past, going from Ye Castle to Neixiang County, Rang County, Nanyang County, was already considered going far away. Whenever there was an opportunity, all the children would fight to go. If any of them wasn''t brought along, they would surely bawl tearfully.


    And now, she casually pointed at the map and said "establish a county".


    Moreover, she had truly and solidly taken a major city like Biyang, upied half of Tang Prefecture, and still dared to demand official posts from the Emperor.


    Fourth Uncle Ye actually felt a little numb already.


    No matter what Ye Suijin said, he just nodded "Mm-hmm" anyway.


    Out of the corner of his ear, he heard that on the other side, near the desks, Mr. Yang and Jiang Yinyu were already enthusiastically discussing the matter of dredging waterways.


    When they talked about specifics, Jiang Yinyu even took out a small abacus from his sleeve and started briskly calcting the required corveebour.


    Mr. Yang was also counting on his fingers, calcting in his heart while murmuring out loud.


    "We still have to dredge the rivers?" Fourth Uncle Ye asked.


    In the past, it was the officialndlords who demanded corveebour from them to dredge the rivers.


    But now, they had be the ones demanding corveebour from others.


    Yet Ye Suijin sighed.


    As the core of the entire Ye army, when she sighed, even Jiang Yinyu stopped moving the abacus beads, and everyone in the room looked at her.


    "There are not enough people." Ye Suijin said worriedly, "We''re short everywhere."


    Everyoneughed.


    Although they didn''t know Ye Suijin had rebirthed this year from eighteen years in the future on a summer day, it was indeed on a summer day this year that Ye Suijin started leading them out of Ye Castle.


    Up till now, it seemed like they had experienced many earth-shattering, world-changing events, but counting on their fingers, huh, it had only been five months so far?


    Fourth Uncle Ye felt especially bewildered: "Only five months? I didn''t get it wrong?"


    He truly felt as if years had passed since Ye Suijin said "Take Deng Prefecture".


    So that was it, they advanced too quickly, yet avable manpower struggled to keep up. Ordinary people rarely had such troubles.


    Even Mr. Yang couldn''t helpughing.


    "Don''t be impatient." Mr. Yang said, "As long as a ce is stable, the poption will naturally grow."


    Deng Prefecture was able to gather so many refugees simply because it was more stable than surrounding areas. Themon people were naturally attracted here.


    With more people, talents were bound to emerge.


    "Before my third brother returned home, I instructed him to post notices in the counties of Deng Prefecture to recruit talented people. I wonder how many he''s managed to recruit. Post notices in Biyang as well to attract talent. There are far too many vacant positions." Ye Suijin sighed.


    She added: "If you know of anyone suitable, by all means rmend them. Old Jiang, that goes for you too."


    Somehow, she had started addressing Jiang Yinyu as "Old Jiang" in front of the Governor.


    Jiang Yinyu was extremely delighted and responded spiritedly. But he hesitated, "The people I know are mostly merchants..."


    "What''s wrong with merchants? They''re much better than schrs," Ye Suijin said.


    During her conquests, she had dealt with many merchants. Merchants valued trust and were proactive and pragmatic. As long as profits were agreed upon, they were extremely handy to use.


    After taking power, she had to deal with schrs.


    There were so many shameless schrs. Ye Suijin was sick of them.


    She said, "I like merchants. Feel free to rmend any useful ones."


    Jiang Yinyu readily agreed.


    Biyang also posted notices to recruit talents.


    Anyone proficient inw, mathematics, agriculture, irrigation, martial arts, criminal investigation and arrest were wanted.


    In the past few years, Biyang had no proper government. Patrols, night watches, and fire prevention were overseen by various households. But there was no one to resolve disputes and conflicts betweenmoners. They could only resolve issues among themselves.


    There was apleteck ofw enforcement for criminal cases.


    Even coroners were wanted in the recruitment notice.


    Administratively, Biyang was Ye Suijin''s base. She naturally oversaw all military, political, and civilian affairs across both prefectures. Currently, her staff consisted only of people brought over from the Ye Family Fort, without any outsiders.


    Under the Prefect, Biyang had a county. It existed before, just vacant in recent years.


    Now it was re-established. Positions were vacant from the county magistrate down to the county advisor, sheriff, and clerks. Going further down, institutions like the market and leveling offices that regted trade had people before. But they were controlled by the Li and Ke families and were nowpletely emptied out.


    While county security could rely on the sheriffs and clerks for a regr county, that was not enough for a major city like Biyang.


    Currently, security was maintained by the Ye troops, but they could not be bound to such tasks.


    Positions like the Patrol Commander and Military Posthouses had to be rebuilt.


    The neighborhood heads did exist across districts, but most curried favor with powerful households to get their posts. There were manyints from themoners, so they would definitely need to be removed and reced.


    Curfews were also abolished in recent years, along with inspections.


    All of these had to be reinstated.


    Biyang waspletely reshuffled with many vacant positions requiring talents. The notices recruiting talents caused a huge stir across the entire city.


    After years of oppression and enduring in silence, the city suddenly erupted with tremendous vitality.


    The deep impression Ye Suijin left at the execution grounds gave themoners unprecedented trust and confidence in her. Many schrs saw the notice and after contemtion, put down their books and went to the Prefect''s office to volunteer.


    "See, I told you so," Mr. Yang said happily while stroking his dirty beard.


    "Noble birds choose the best branches to perch on. This has always been the case."

 Chapter 63

    Everyone saw that the government offices and yamens in Biyang City were being refilled. Even the tailors on the street were so busy they wished they had grown three heads and six arms, as the newly appointed officials all needed official robes made. It was no small amount.


    The night patrols and military outposts were reestablished, and Biyang City began enforcing the Curfew Laws from the old Northern Wei dynasty again.


    Law-abiding citizens naturally obeyed the curfew. After all, what proper person would be out wandering the streets at night anyway?


    But after all, the curfew had been neglected for too long, and some rogues and chivalrous rascals were still not used to it, repeatedly breaking curfew at night. ording to thews of the former Northern Wei dynasty, those who broke curfew were mercilessly beaten to death, and the city''s public order immediately improved.


    Compared to the great oppression felt in previous days under the Blue Shirts Army, after the curfew was implemented, there was a feeling of peaceful tranquility that put people''s hearts at ease.


    Some elderly people were quite nostalgic, "It used to be like this before. You young ones wouldn''t remember. Back then, Tang Prefecture had a Governor, and Deng Prefecture had a Military Governor, and the Xuanhua Army had tens of thousands of troops... s,ter they were all gone. Even the Emperor was reced. Oh, that''s right, which family is the current Emperor from?"


    Hoofbeats and footsteps could be heard from Main Street, not rushed but steady. Very loud, clearly arge group of people.


    Themon people all rushed out to the street to watch.


    They saw the Lady Governor fully outfitted in battle armor. Although a woman, her fierce aura was even stronger than the group of young generals around her.


    The Blue Shirts Army was the same as usual, forbidding and uniformly orderly, giving a tremendous oppressive feeling.


    The long column of troops left south out the city gate under the seeing-off of themon people.


    Many people buzzed in hushed discussions, asking each other, "What is Lady Ye going to do?"


    "What else could she be doing, of course she''s going to conquer other ces."


    "Do we know where she''s going first? My uncle''s family is in Tongbai, and it''s chaotic over there, it''d be great if she went there first."


    "Hmph, does it matter what I say?"


    Of course the thoughts of themon people could not influence Ye Suijin''s ns and arrangements.


    They spent the first night camping outdoors, and on the second day Ye Suijin said, "This time going out, don''t expect to rx, we must force march and try our best to fight field battles."


    Previously they had mainly been training troops, taking advantage of their greater numbers to bully others, steadily and unhurriedly.


    In Ye Suijin''s eyes, it was all child''s y, not real warfare.


    "Cloud Flying,e over and exin to them again," she called Zhou Junhua.


    Zhou Junhua was already used to it, and no longer demurred, directly telling the young masters, "Out there, there''s not as much time to prepare. When you really encounter the enemy, it will have already begun from the moment the scouts report back.


    "At times like this, you can''t even set up proper formations, it''s purely a contest of strength.


    "Remember this old saying - when two armies meet on a narrow road, the braver wins."


    "Seventh Son," Ye Suijin called out.


    Seventh Son immediately tensed his body: "We must be flexible and adapt to changes!"


    "Ninth Son," Ye Suijin called the next one.


    Ninth Son also tensed his body: "We must react decisively and resolutely, without hesitation."


    Ye Suijin nodded, then looked to Tenth Son, "And you?"


    Tenth Son''s weakness was a little different from his brothers''. He scratched his head and grinned foolishly, "Don''t run too happily and leave the troops behind."


    Duan Jin couldn''t helpughing and thumped Tenth Son''s shoulder. Tenth Son made faces at him.


    Fourth Uncle Ye looked at one and then the other, and had to admit these whelps had more experience than him.


    He also noticed Ye Suijin seemed to nce at him, and he too tensed his body.


    After Ye Suijin finished briefing them on the situation ahead, and had assigned the troops, she assigned Zhou Junhua to Fourth Uncle Ye.


    When the others had gone to assemble their troops, she called Zhou Junhua over and whispered, "This is my uncle''s first time, keep an extra eye on him."


    Oh great, so after teaching the young ones, now she had to babysit the old guys too. Was she here to be a nanny for their family?


    Zhou Junhua respectfully said, "I understand, My Lady, don''t worry."


    They increased their marching speed, and before half a day had passed, scouts reported: "Enemy ahead, five li."


    Ye Suijin said, "Fifth Son, Seventh Son, nk them from both sides. Fourth Uncle, Tenth Son, charge with me. Ninth Son, cover our rear."


    Fourth Uncle Ye gripped his spear, feeling his palms were a little sweaty, and hurriedly wiped them on his pants.


    Ye Suijin also gripped her spear, and looked back once: "Uncle, guard my side."


    Fourth Uncle Ye hurriedly tightened his grip on the spear and nodded. Still feeling uneasy, he said: "Can Little Ten handle it?"


    Tenth Son was so angry he cried out, "Fourth Uncle! You look down on me!"


    Even his own father didn''t dare underestimate him now!


    Ye Suijinughed gently and told Fourth Uncle Ye, "He is the vanguard general of my future army, Uncle, don''t belittle the young."


    Tenth Son pped his saddle and said, "Sixth sister is right!"


    Everyoneughed.


    The banners were raised and orders were given.


    Everyone sprang into action.


    The horses'' hooves thundered as they ran faster and faster.


    If viewed from high above, one would see the troops had divided into three prongs, like a trident stabbing fiercely forward.


    These enemies had also heard that the Ye family of Deng Prefecture was sweeping through Tang Prefecture. But after the Ye family had taken Biyang City, they stopped.


    They had been upying this ce for several years now. How could they lightly abandon it? In the end, they still harbored false hopes, thinking that with the Ye family having taken such a massive city, they should stop to recuperate and digest their gains for now.


    They did not expect the Ye family woulde so swiftly and unexpectedly.


    There was no other path left for them now.


    When two armies meet on a narrow road, the braver wins!


    Not only was this Fourth Uncle Ye''s first official battle, it was also the first time he fought side by side with Ye Suijin.


    The enemies grew closer and closer! They could already make out their forms!


    His niece and nephew suddenly spurred their horses faster, Duan Jin also speeding up alongside them.


    The horses of both sides shed by each other like lightning.


    Fourth Uncle Ye watched wide-eyed as his niece''s silver spear pierced through the oing general''s heart. She did not even withdraw her spear!


    That nine chi long serpentine spear, like an arrow loose from the bowstring that could no longer turn back, pierced through the enemy''s body and out the other side!


    In the instant they crossed, in the next instant, Ye Suijin had already gripped the spear shaft from the exit wound in the man''s back.


    She shouted fiercely! The nine chi long spear pierced through the enemy''s body of flesh, pulling back out from his back, the entire length dyed red, moving in her hand like a bloody dragon, straight at the throat of the second foe!


    Fourth Uncle Ye had always known his niece was fierce.


    But he did not know Ye Suijin was this fierce.


    In the instant the vanguards crossed, he was shocked by Ye Suijin''s valor.


    A daughter of the Ye family!


    Such powerful beauty!


    It was as if the bloodline of their ancestors had awakened. The tension and unease vanished in an instant, and boundless heroic spirit suddenly rose in his heart.


    He too was a son of the Ye family. And he was her elder.


    Fourth Uncle Ye roared furiously. His long spear shot out, and the enemy suddenly felt empty space beneath him as his warhorse charged forth, his body lifted into the air, actually plucked from horseback.


    The long spear swung across, the corpse smashing an enemy soldier from his horse to be trampled cruelly underfoot.


    Ye Suijin nced over in the midst of fierce battle. ck horse, silver spear, raging like thunder.


    Shedding his old self and emerging anew.


    This was the Ye Chong, Ye Feng Hall of the Deng Prefecture Ye Family Army.


    The Ye Feng Hall that she was familiar with.


    Her Fourth Uncle had returned to form.


    Good news continually arrived in Biyang city. By the end of the year, the Ping n and Huayang had both been swept. Tang and Deng Prefectures were basically linked.


    Teacher Yang understood very clearly that for a newly upied city, the hearts of themon people were most important.


    Every time there was a victory report, he would publicly announce it and share in themoners'' joy.


    Biyang City gained new vitality. Even the businesses left behind by the former wealthy households, the shopkeepers all clearly saw how things stood, and shook off their previous calctions and dejection, and earnestly went about their proper business.


    Lady Ye had said people woulde to take overter, so they had to perform well. Only then could they keep their positions when the new owners arrived.


    Brand new county and peace preservation offices were established, all new faces.


    The marketce became orderly and regted. No one dared to bully and dominate the market anymore. Themonersing and going all felt at ease.


    Even the execution grounds looked so clean under the first snowfall, as the city was dressed in silver white and the earth a pristine expanse.


    Themon people hoped Lady Ye would spend New Year''s in Biyang, but from inquiring in the government offices they heard that Lady Ye had returned to Deng Prefecture to spend New Year''s in the Ye Family Fort.


    After all, the Ye Family Fort in Deng Prefecture was her roots. For New Year''s, who wouldn''t want to go home?


    "Does this mean she''ll spend next year here?" many asked.


    After all, Biyang was the seat of governance. It had been too rushed this year, but next year Lady Ye''s family members would definitely relocate here right?


    They returned to Ye Family Fort before the Lunar New Year, and Tenth Son asked, "Sister, we''ll spend next New Year''s in Biyang right?"


    Since Biyang City was chosen as the administrative center, naturally everyone would have to move there in the future. They had received so many grand mansions in Biyang, enough to house them all.


    Ye Suijin replied, "Maybe."


    "Huh?" Tenth Son was puzzled. "Why ''maybe''?"


    Ye Suijin said, "In June, could you have imagined Biyang bing our family''s base? The next new year is a year from now. Who knows where we''ll be in a year?"


    Tenth Son scratched his head. "You''re right."


    He added, "I feel bad for my dad, spending New Year''s alone."


    Ye Suijin consoled him, "We''ll switch his post after New Year''s."


    Tenth Son said, "It doesn''t matter if we switch his post or not. I''m just afraid he''ll be an old man with a young heart, and go find a wife in Shangma."


    Everyoneughed heartily.


    Zhou Junhua had returned to Shangma on leave.


    Fourth Uncle Ye had already heard about Zhou Junhua''s "exploits" from others, and he alsoughed and scolded him a few words.


    The gates of Ye Family Fort were wide open, and Third Son and Fourth Young Master came out to wee them from ten li away.


    "Third Brother," Ye Suijin pulled her reins and went forward, looking him up and down carefully, and nodded, "You''re looking spirited."


    Third Son looked at her in surprise for a moment. The siblings looked at each other for a while, and Third Son nodded.


    Ye Suijin smiled contentedly.


    Actually, it wouldn''t have been a problem to have the family move to Biyang City before the new year.


    But starting with Third Son, Ye Suijin began to reflect on herself - she had been too impatient.


    She had used her twenty years of hardened, steely heart to forcibly push her brothers to grow up, ignoring the bearing capacity of their young hearts.


    As the eldest brother, Third Son had done and endured the most.


    Yet he never said anything.


    Neither in his past life nor this one. Such was his disposition.


    As the eldest brother, he believed it was his duty to shoulder the burdens for his younger sister.

 Chapter 64

    Zhao Jingwen thought about it for a long time, and still believed that he could not return to Ye Family Fortress now.


    If people were detained, what to do? If soldiers were detained, what to do?


    Just saying "a couple should not be separated for too long" could easily take away his military power, and trap him in the Ye manor.


    That would not do.


    In this world, nothing is more agonizing than gaining something and then losing it.


    After tasting being in charge alone, and having troops in his hands, how could he go back to just being a pillowpanion.


    But how could he not go back?


    Even if he said he would garrison the River Mouth Town as an enve, it did not necessarily require all three of them to stay, nor did it require all the troops to stay.


    No matter how he reasoned, it seemed forced.


    However, what Zhao Jingwen did not expect was that, in his previous life, he had Ye Suijin''s support. In this life, he still had Ye Suijin''s support.


    Ye Suijin''s messenger arrived in time, delivering her handwritten letter to him.


    After Zhao Jingwen read it, he almost could not help showing joy on his face.


    He called Xiang Da and Ye Mancang over, and generously let them read Ye Suijin''s letter: "My wife asked us to stabilize this ce and wait for her to free up her hands to connect Deng Prefecture and this side. By then, this ce and Ruan County will be linked together, expanding Deng Prefecture''s territory."


    He said, "This is our joint achievement. You two, do not worry about the future."


    In fact, Ye Suijin''s letter did not mention Xiang Da and Ye Mancang at all. Her letter was simple and clear.


    But Zhao Jingwen was able to interpret itpletely differently: "My wife does support me working outside."


    He smiled at the corners of his mouth, his eyes shone, standing tall and graceful like a jade tree, heroic and extraordinary.


    Xiang Da and Ye Mancang both ignored the clear and simple information in the letter, choosing to believe Zhao Jingwen''s interpretation.


    The two of themughed and said, "The mistress must miss the young master."


    They also asked the messenger about the situation at home: "...The people who came backst time seemed to say she went to Tang Prefecture?"


    Now at home, she had taken Tang Prefecture, doubling the territory, with Ye Suijin alone controlling two prefectures. Her prestige in the two prefectures had reached an unprecedented level.


    But the messenger had received special instructions.


    He did not need to know why, just follow his master''s orders.


    He replied deferentially, "Yes, the master has been leading the young masters to suppress bandits and train troops."


    As for how much they had achieved in suppressing bandits and training troops, he did not mention at all.


    Suppressing bandits and training troops, the emphasis they heard was on "training troops", after all Ye Family Fortress had only started recruiting troops in July. It had only been a few months now.


    Xiang Da evenughed and said, "With the mistress''s ability, she must have trained the new recruits very well."


    The three of them naturally could not imagine that in the short few months they were away from Ye Family Fortress, changes at home had been earth-shattering.


    Since they could not imagine it, looking at the present, Zhao Jingwen had a total of about five hundred men here. Just in terms of numbers, it was quite intimidating.


    Xiang Da and Ye Mancang felt that "what we have aplished here following Young Master Zhao, bringing it back would all be thunderous achievements."


    The two men even vaguely harbored the thought "we don''t have to go back."


    Because the corrosive power of power on people really exceeds imagination.


    Here, the two of them were Zhao Jingwen''s trusted aides. Let alone Ye Mancang who was merely a steward, even when Xiang Da was in the Xuanhua Army, he had nevermanded so many men.


    That feeling of having it in your grasp was really different.


    It was only when they thought of Ye Suijin''s position as "Deng Prefecture Governor" that they became sober.


    Although there were five hundred men here now, and all the scattered soldiers and able-bodied young men in the vicinity had been recruited, those who could really enforce orders were still the original hundred men from Ye Family Fortress.


    The motley troops of misceneous generals really did not amount to much. In Xiang Da''s eyes, they still needed to be retrained from the ground up.


    Seeing that the two had settled down, Zhao Jingwen''s heart settled down as well. He put away Ye Suijin''s letter, and said kindly to the messenger, "Rest well, have a hot meal. Tomorrow when you return, tell my wife about the situation here."


    Xiang Da and Ye Mancang also looked expectant.


    If they must, inevitably, go back, they still hoped these military exploits could help them get promoted.


    The messenger naturally responded "Yes", and took out a stack of letters from his pack,ughing, "Everyone has been away from home for so long, their families all asked me to bring letters."


    He took out one letter, "Steward Ye, this is from your wife."


    Ye Mancang tutted, "Foolish woman, I can''t read, why waste the money."


    His wife was also illiterate. The letter must have been written by a scribe she found in town. He would still need someone to read it to him, surely just some nagging trifles.


    The messengerughed, "Your wife also wanted me to bring you a padded jacket. But everyone wanted to send things, I alone could not carry so much. The master did not allow me to hinder my speed, saying Young Master Zhao could handle it."


    "That''s right," Zhao Jingwen nodded, "I have already arranged for it locally."


    As they were speaking, someone suddenly came in, "Young master, trouble!"


    Everyone stopped talking abruptly and looked over. The man said, "The townspeople have brought in a youngdy, already dead. They said it was our men who harmed her."


    Zhao Jingwen''s expression was very ugly. He hurried out.


    Xiang Da followed him out.


    Ye Mancang called someone over, pointing at the messenger, "Take him for a meal."


    After giving the instructions, he hurried out as well.


    With the stewards gone, the assigned soldier darted over, "Are there any letters for me, quick, let me see!"


    They all knew each other.


    The messenger covered themughingly, "Go get me a bowl of hot soup first!"


    The two walked off arm in arm to eat.


    Hearing he was sent from home, many of Ye Family Fortress''s soldiers crowded around. They had been out for months, and missed home too.


    Some were worrying about wives at home, some were concerned no one was working the fields with them away.


    The messenger spoke indistinctly with a pancake in his mouth, handing out the family letters, "Ermao''s, you with the beard, Old Xu Seven, which one''s Old Xu Seven, oh it''s you..."


    They naturally asked about things at home. The messenger only said, "All''s well, same as before."


    "Don''t worry, the fields have arrangements at the fortress. Though you''re not there, there''s still all those newly recruited soldiers."


    "Letter? No letter for you. Words? Your wife didn''t ask me to bring words. I see your head''s going green hahaha."


    As the messenger chatted andughed, he also probed about things here.


    How many men, how were they stationed, what was the situation, and so on.


    He saw everyone was wearing winter clothes, although mixed and matched, some with cloth padded jackets, some with sheepskin jackets. Fortunately Ye Family''s blue robes were worn on top, so it did not look too messy, still rather neat.


    They all hurriedly pulled open their cors to show him.


    The messenger asked with a smile, "I was worried you''d be freezing. When did you prepare the winter coats?"


    Someone answered, "Young Master Zhao started arranging them in September."


    From here to Deng Prefecture, just a few days'' travel to reach Ruan County.


    Young Master Zhao began preparing winter clothes in September. Did that mean he already knew back then they would be staying here through the winter?


    How did he know they did not need to return to Ye Family Fortress?


    The messenger''s expression did not change. He raised his hand to call someone over, "Er Bao, your ma told me to bring you a message, I''ll tell you after I eat. Choking to death, is there any soup?"


    Er Bao brought him soup, smiling, "You sleep with me tonight."


    The messenger epted the soup bowl, agreeing.


    He had just gulped down two mouthfuls when someone came in shouting, "Young Master Zhao is holding a military trial!"


    Everyone asked together, "What happened?"


    The man said, "That fool Si Gui, went with some outsiders to harm a big youngdy from a family, and she died!"


    After listening, everyone showed anger on their faces.


    "Bastard! Told him long ago not to mix with those people. They''re no good!"


    "Let''s go see!"


    A big group of people rushed off.


    The messenger and Er Bao exchanged a look, the messenger stuffed the remaining half pancake into his mouth and swallowed it in two bites. He gulped down some more soup, and the two followed along.


    Zhao Jingwen''s expression was icy.


    The town''s esteemed elders and grieving family members and neighbors had carried the deceased youngdy over on a door nk, wailing.


    An old man came forward, tearfully saluting, "General! When you wanted grain, we gave grain. When you wanted housing, we vacated residences. When you wanted winter clothes and bedding, we did our utmost. But General cannot let your soldiers harmmoners'' families!"


    The girl''s body was covered with a quilt, her hand slipping out. On her bare arm were bruises of purple and blue. The bruises around her wrist where she had been grasped were particrly noticeable.


    The girl lived in a small courtyard with her parents, and had her own room with a kang firece right under the window.


    In the middle of the night several men jumped over the wall and climbed through the window. They covered her mouth and held down her hands and feet, viting her the entire night.


    When the family discovered her in the morning, she was already at death''s door. There was no saving her, and she breathed herst breath.


    Without thinking, it was clear this had been done by the garrison troops stationed in the town.


    With so many men gathered together, it was inevitable that incidents like this would happen. Usually the people endured petty thievery, extortion and such, but this was a matter of life and death!


    Of course, themon folk dared to bring the corpse to cry and wail, because they acknowledged these were "soldiers" not bandits stationed in the town.


    After all, soldiers and bandits were ultimately not the same.


    Though they didn''t know which unit these troops along the way belonged to, that general looked dignified in appearance and spoke politely, seemingly an upright person.


    The Ye family army had militaryw, with an incident like this they would surely investigate.


    In fact it would be very easy to investigate. Because at night other than those on sentry duty, no one should be outside the barracks.


    Those groping around in the dark must be up to no good.


    Zhao Jingwen immediately offered a reward, and someone immediately stood out: "Si Gui from our barracks wasn''t therest night. I got up to pee and felt his bedding next to me was empty."


    Catch one and you can catch two, three, four.


    There were a total of four perpetrators.


    But what really made Zhao Jingwen''s face turn ashen wasn''t the case itself. Rather, of the four suspects, the one called Si Gui was a soldier he had brought from Ye Family Fort.


    If the four were allter recruits, he wouldn''t have been so shocked and furious. But for there to be a soldier from Ye Family Fort involved, cooperating with three outsiders tomit the crime, what did that mean?


    It meant that under the influence of these people, the discipline of the hundred Ye family troops had begun to copse!


    Zhao Jingwen broke out in a cold sweat.

 Chapter 65

    No one understood the severity of this situation better than Zhao Jingwen.


    In his current state, he was actually simr to Du Jingzhong in Fang Cheng - empty.


    The core force he truly relied on was actually just these one hundred people from Ye Family Fort.


    The Ye Family were descendants of a prominent military family, with deep roots. Although they had declined, the Ye Family''s training of their family troops still followed formal military practices.


    Otherwise, why was it that during the years of war and chaos, only the Ye Family stood out in Deng Prefecture? And only the Ye Family had a fort and troops?


    Zhao Jingwen''s mind had always been clear, but in order to achieve certain goals, one often had to sacrifice something else.


    There was no ce for him in Ye Family Fort. He had to seek opportunities outside.


    He yearned to have his own power, but also knew that these one hundred Ye Family troops would eventually return to Ye Family Fort.


    Therefore, he urgently recruited more men.


    The scattered troops of misceneous generals, local bandits, willing young and strong men - whether they were captured, encountered, or came to enlist themselves, he wanted them all.


    In this rapid expansion process, in pursuit of numbers, naturally quality could not be demanded.


    Also fearing these men would flee, he was very lenient towards them.


    Some originally mixed good and bad people clustered together, and gained arrogance when they had strength in numbers.


    But if these hundred Ye Family troops also turned bad, then the foundation would be gone before he even finished building his high tower.


    An aerial castle simply could not exist without foundation.


    Zhao Jingwen''s face was ashen. He realized the qualitative changes caused by quantitative changes, and how dangerous that was.


    What should he do now?


    Pay them off, punish them lightly? Or......


    What would Ye Suijin do if she was here?


    No, if it was her, she would not have recruited such a mixed group of people from the very beginning!


    How did she treat Du Jingzhong''s men?


    [Show no quarter.]


    At this time, Xiang Da leaned in slightly and lowered his voice: "Sir, shall we enforce militaryw?"


    Zhao Jingwen looked at him.


    He also nced at Ye Mancang, who seemed to have no objection to the proposal.


    Yes, the Ye Family troops had militaryws!


    The new militaryws currently in effect required everyone to memorize them. Thosews were written by Ye Suijin herself, one by one. Zhao Jingwen had seen it with his own eyes, even earlier than others.


    Zhao Jingwen had an epiphany.


    He took a deep breath.


    Those who could not abide by the Ye Family militaryws would simply not be recognized by the Madam.


    What would be the point then.


    "Come!" His gaze became clear again, "Enforce militaryw!"


    The numbers were enough. Even if not enough, he could not wait any longer. It was time to rectify the quality.


    He wanted to build an army and establish military systems. He did not want to be a bandit.


    Ye Family Fort was filled with festive atmosphere everywhere.


    When Ye Suijin led the troops back to Ye Family Fort, she did not rx immediately.


    She first inspected the new barracks training, the progress of the craftsmen camp, and lightly-armed, made a quick trip around Deng Prefecture with Fourth Uncle Ye, Third Son, Duan Jin and others, inspecting people''s livelihoods.


    Shelter pits were built in each county for the refugees. Some refugees from the north were even more familiar with these than the locals, and made some modifications. They were better and more suitable for a family to spend the winter than the simple design of the new barracks in Ye Family Fort.


    In short, very few froze or starved to death in Deng Prefecture this year.


    Wherever Ye Suijin inspected, the refugees recognized her and bowed down to thank her.


    Ye Suijin also checked the results of dredging waterways, and listened to the reports of Gaoyang County Magistrate Sun Xiangxue, Nanyang County Magistrate Ye Jingyi, as well as Eighth Uncle Ye who administered the counties and townships.


    This included the surplus in county treasuries after autumn taxes, expenditures of the Ever Normal Granaries to aid refugees, corvee burdens, and so on.


    Gaoyang County Magistrate Sun Xiangxue was truly convinced. His Lordship was not just a mindless brute who knew only to fight and kill. Her depth of understanding and concern for people''s livelihood even shocked him somewhat.


    As a properly-educated degree-holding official of the former Wei Dynasty, he vaguely sensed that Ye Suijin''s perspective on governing her domains was very orthodox from the court''s point of view.


    He could not understand why. Given her family background and life experience, was this some kind of innate gift?


    Were there really people who just knew these things by nature?


    Of course Ye Suijin would not tell him, I have conquered the realm before, and I have ruled the realm before.


    When conquering the realm I was concerned with soldiers, provisions, and military affairs.


    When ruling the realm I oversaw the people''s livelihoods.


    I have also debated with groups of schrs, whose knowledge, abilities and even shamelessness were tens of thousands times stronger than yours.


    Schrs learned the art of governing from the ssics of sages, while Ye Suijin learned from experience.


    After making this round trip and returning to Ye Family Fort, the n was busy preparing for the ancestral worship ceremony.


    Fourth Uncle Ye suddenly recalled, "Ah, isn''t Jingwening back for New Year?"


    "Neither Fifth Uncle, Seventh Uncle, nor Mr. Yang cane back," Ye Suijin said matter-of-factly. "Since he is holding that isted territory, how can hee back so casually?"


    Fifth Uncle Ye was at Tangbei Fort, Seventh Uncle Ye at Shangma County, Mr. Yang at Biyang City.


    Actually they coulde back for a few days to celebrate New Year before returning. But Ye Suijin deliberately kept them all pinned down there.


    Thus, Zhao Jingwen''s absence seemed all the more natural.


    Zhao Jingwen, isn''t this exactly what you hoped for?


    You''re wee.


    "Suijin," the Emperor said, feet up on the couch in the inner pce, wine in hand. "Let me tell you, if you hadn''t given me those three hundred men all at once back then, perhaps..."


    "Perhaps I would have just gone back to Ye Family Fort obediently."


    "Then there wouldn''t have been the Pei Family incident."


    "Don''t you think so?"


    "It was the first time Imanded so many people, with power over life and death in my hands."


    "Suijin, that''s how the fire burns in a man''s heart."


    "Once lit, how could it possibly be extinguished? It can only burn stronger and stronger, more and more..."


    The Empress looked down. The Emperor was pillowed on herp, already asleep.


    Mumbling drunkenly, the Emperor said: "Quick... praise me..."


    The Empress lifted the Emperor''s neck with her hand, stood up from the couch herself, and retracted her hand.


    Thump!


    On the first day, the Emperor kept touching the back of his head, wondering why there was a bump.


    This year, the ancestral worship ceremony was still led by Ye Suijin.


    Ever since she fought for the inheritance rights of Ye Family Fort, as family head it naturally fell to her to lead.


    In previous years, there were always some idlers in the n who, unable to stand a woman leading the ceremony, would gossip and criticize: "A woman..."


    But this year, no one dared fart.


    Every year at the ancestral ceremony, everyone would of course wear bright new robes and finery. As the wealthy main branch, the Ye family clothes were particrly eye-catching.


    But this year they were no match for - those in the back rows looked ahead, and the main family in front all wore official robes.


    Especially Ye Suijin''s purple robe and Fourth Uncle Ye''s red robe looked so majestic.


    It made people''s hearts burn with admiration.


    Who still dared to gossip? The n could drown him in spit.


    After the ancestral ceremony was the family banquet.


    Although Fifth Uncle and Seventh Uncle were not present this year, the festive atmosphere was even more lively than previous years.


    Ye Suijin exchanged greetings with Fourth Madam, and asked after Third Son''s wife.


    Fourth Madam said: "She''s expecting, so of course cannote out to see guests. She''s at home."


    The thinking at the time was that pregnant women should not go out to see people.


    Ye Suijin said: "I''ll go see Third Sister-in-Lawter."


    Fourth Madam smiled and nodded, actually taking it as mere courtesy.


    Even in the past Ye Suijin did not go around social visiting likemon women, let alone now when she heldmand of two prefectures.


    Fourth Madam did not take it seriously at all. On the contrary, she enthusiastically pulled Ye Suijin into conversation about Fifth Son''s marriage.


    "I kept saying my heart couldn''t bear to marry my daughter off, wanting to wait a couple more years." Fourth Madam was very smug. "Yet the other day, the mother of the bride suddenly came to see me, going on and on, just wanting to hurry up andplete the marriage."


    The aunties at the table shared her glory.


    Fifth Son encountered his betrothed during a visit to the temple to pray. It was love at first sight. After finding out her family, he came back and begged his parents to propose the marriage.


    At that time, the Ye Family of Ye Family Fort was already prominent in Deng Prefecture, one of the top families. Fourth Uncle Ye''s family reputation was also good, and Fifth Son was handsome and healthy.


    Naturally they agreed immediately.


    Although the bride''s family was not as wealthy as Fourth Uncle Ye''s, they were also a solid local gentry n. It could be considered a good match.


    Both Fourth Uncle and Fourth Madam were satisfied.


    But as the Ye Family rose in prominence, Fifth Son rose with the tide.


    Previously, Fifth Son was just country squire Ye Chong''s son. But now, Fifth Son was Deputy Censor-in-Chief, Vice Prefect Ye Chong''s son.


    Suddenly, their standings were no longer so well-matched. It was inevitable the other side would be nervous and want to quicklyplete the marriage.


    "Fifth Son''s..." Ye Suijin murmured thoughtfully.


    Fourth Madam''s smile froze slightly.


    Because of Ye Suijin¡¯s tone, it sounded... Clearly not a very satisfied or pleasing tone.


    Although the Fourth Madam was delighted, she had never thought of going back on her word and arranging another engagement.


    Moreover, the girl was picked by Fifth Son himself, who had been thinking of her day and night.


    This was originally her family affair, the children¡¯s marriage was entirely up to the parents, and originally had little to do with Ye Suijin who lived in a different wing.


    But why were the inws pushing for the marriage, surely not for Fifth Son himself.


    Naturally it was for Ye Suijin, Fifth Son''s aunt who controlled two prefectures.


    If Ye Suijin was unhappy, didn¡¯t approve...


    The Fourth Madam became slightly nervous, and quickly said: ¡°The child doesn¡¯t know if you¡¯ve met her before, although she¡¯s been spoiled, she really is a good child, extremely virtuous and filial.¡± But she''s too delicate, can''t handle things, as the daughter-inw of a general¡¯s household, when her husband goes to battle, she can''t handle the mental pressure, and actually developed binge eating disorder.


    After she died, Fifth Son was heartbroken, and refused to remarry for a long time.


    Later, when Fifth Son had no heir, he too died in battle.


    It''s sad when you think about it, the girl was also pitiful. But people look at things from their own perspectives.


    In this matter, Ye Suijin was naturally biased towards the bride¡¯s family.


    Even the Fourth Madam, who had been very fond of her darling daughter-inw,ter held some resentment. Whenever she saw Ye Suijin, she would cry andin that Fifth Son stubbornly refused to remarry, ming her deceased daughter-inw for taking away her son''s heart.


    "Suijin, could there be something wrong with their family?" The Fourth Madam became apprehensive.


    The other aunts also pricked up their ears.


    Ye Suijin knew that with one word from her, she could call off this marriage.


    At this time, no one in the Ye Family would defy her, dare to defy her.


    Not even Deng Prefecture.


    Her lips moved slightly.


    "Sister, don''t worry about me." There was a nted scar on Fifth Son''s face, left by a stray arrow when his helmet fell off.


    A close call.


    "What does it matter if I don''t marry again, don''t have kids? Sister, you don''t have children either, what''s there to be afraid of." He said, "Following you around on campaigns, I''m having a great time. Why must I remarry."


    "Sister, about the Pei family back then, I was against it."


    "I was so young then, my father and them wouldn''t listen to me at all."


    "Now when I see you and brother-inw, I often think, this is not right. Between husband and wife, it shouldn''t be like this."


    "Sister, I don''t know if you understand. Lan is my wife, my wife is Lan."


    "It can''t be anyone else."


    "I don''t want anyone else at all."


    Ye Suijin''s lips moved slightly.


    The women at the table all held their breaths, waiting for the most powerful person in Deng Prefecture to speak.


    Ye Suijin looked up and smiled, "I''ve heard Fifth Son mention her before. Whenever he does, his face turns red, so he must really like her."


    "Marriage is of course themand of the parents, the word of the matchmaker. But if you add in affection, there''s nothing better than that."


    The whole table rxed, especially the Fourth Madam.


    Ye Suijin said, "Fifth Son''s marriage should be celebrated in grand fashion."


    The Fourth Madam was ted, "Of course!"


    Fate can be changed, of course Fifth Son could be given another wife, perhaps allowing him to have a houseful of children.


    But that was not the only method.


    To walk the easy path with bowed head, or to stand tall and walk against the heavens.


    Ye Suijin, do you have the ability, to allow the loyal brothers to live out their days in peace, to spare the darling sister from fear and rm.


    Ye Suijin, don''t take the easy road, or I''ll have no respect for you.

 Chapter 66

    It was the day after the New Year''s Festival, and Ye Suijin had drank some wine the night before, so she inevitably woke up a littlete the next day.


    Because she had things to do, the maids woke her up: "Duan Jin is here."


    Ye Suijin opened her eyes.


    After washing up quickly and putting on a robe, she came out to see Duan Jin: "What''s the matter?"


    Duan Jin said: "Qiu Sheng is back."


    Qiu Sheng was sent to Hekou Town in Xiangzhou before the new year to deliver a letter to Zhao Jingwen. Based on the distance, he was quiteteing back.


    Beforeing to see Ye Suijin, Duan Jin asked him what had dyed him. But Qiu Sheng kept his mouth shut and said, "I''ll report everything to our masterter."


    Duan Jin was a little surprised.


    He was one of the most trusted people by Ye Suijin''s side. So trusted that Ye Suijin had passed the Firearm to him, and the young masters all knew but said nothing about it.


    He nced at Qiu Sheng and went to report.


    Since Qiu Sheng hadn''te back before the new year, Ye Suijin guessed something must have happened on Zhao Jingwen''s side. Because when Qiu Sheng set off, she had told him, "Take a good look around."


    She said, "Let''s go."


    The maid brought over the fur coat, and Duan Jin reached out to grab it.


    The maid rolled her eyes at him.


    Ye Suijin stretched out her hand.


    Duan Jin shook open the fur coat and helped her put it on.


    The two of them went to the study. Qiu Sheng was chatting andughing with the young bookkeeper under the window.


    Seeing her, he quickly stood up with his hands down: "Master."


    "Let''s talk inside," Ye Suijin said, stepping into the study.


    Qiu Sheng followed her in.


    Duan Jin had just put one foot in when Ye Suijin turned and said, "Go take care of your business."


    Duan Jin paused for a moment. He never disobeyed any of Ye Suijin''s orders. He bowed slightly: "Yes."


    Stepping out of the study, he closed the door and looked around. The servant boy was warming himself by the fire under the window, ready to be called on.


    Duan Jin took out a packet of candy from his jacket and beckoned to him.


    The child came running over: "Brother Duan Jin~"


    His voice was sweet as honey, even before he ate the candy¡ªas expected of a child handpicked to be by Ye Suijin¡¯s side, clever and tactful.


    So Duan Jin sat with him in the corridor, basking in the sun by the fire, eating candy together.


    "Why did Qiu Shenge back sote?" Duan Jin asked.


    "I know right,¡± the child replied with bulging cheeks, ¡°he missed the New Year''s rewards. I wonder if he''ll getpensated for it."


    "Of course he''ll getpensated. If the ounts room doesn''t remember, I''ll remind them. Don''t worry about it," Duan Jin said. "I haven''t been to Xiangzhou yet. Wonder what it''s like. Do you know?"


    Children always love to show off. Even though this child''s mouth had been carefully picked to be tight-lipped, he still took the bait, gesturing as he said, "Qiu Sheng said there are mountains over there, not too tall, just a lot of them. Not like here where it''s all t ground."


    Duan Jin naturally asked, "Young Master Zhao is doing well?"


    The child spoke admiringly, "Young Master Zhao is amazing, taking overnd and training troops outside. That''s expanding territory!"


    Duan Jinughed. "Oh? You even know the term ''expanding territory'' now?"


    The child stuck his neck out. "I''m studying! We servants in the study can''t be illiterate."


    It was a pity the child didn''t know much more.


    Qiu Sheng had a tight mouth. His master liked that about him. So Duan Jin chatted and joked with the servant boy, but didn¡¯t get any leaks from him.


    Duan Jin generously gave the boy the whole bag of candy.


    The child was overjoyed. "Brother Duan Jin, go take care of your business. I''ll be here, don''t you worry one bit!"


    Duan Jin smiled and ruffled his hair, "I don''t have much to do anyway."


    So he didn''t leave.


    It was truly strange.


    Because there were almost no secrets from him regarding Ye Suijin¡¯s affairs.


    Of course, knowing more was also the privilege of being so close.


    When Qiu Sheng left on his errand, Duan Jin happened to not be there. Later when he asked about it, he knew it was just to deliver a letter to Zhao Jingwen, a routine correspondence. There was nothing special about this trip.


    Why was he dismissed like this?


    Inside the study, Ye Suijin listened as Qiu Sheng recounted everything.


    "So he carried out militaryw and beheaded those offenders?" she asked.


    ording to militaryw, those who harmedmoners¡¯ lives without reason and those whomitted adultery with proper women would be beheaded.


    Those four nobles were guilty of both crimes. If Ye Suijin had been there, there would have been no need to tie them up before executing them. It would have just been a simple matter of unsheathing and sheathing swords.


    "Yes, the young lord decisively beheaded them on the spot," Qiu Sheng said.


    "At least he wasn''t taught in vain," Ye Suijin nodded.


    But she was disappointed in Zhao Jingwen for letting things develop to this point.


    Because with some thought, she could easily understand his motivations and logic behind his actions.


    Sure enough, people were often pushed along by circumstances.


    Having three hundred men versus one hundred men were two very different situations. When you had enough cards in hand, there was less urgency and you wouldn''t make such mistakes.


    Qiu Sheng continued, "The young lord also said he was negligent in governing the troops. He took off his robes as punishment and was going to take thew upon himself. But he was dissuaded by the elders in town. He alsopensated the victims, and the matter was considered settled. The townspeople even praised the young lord..."


    Ye Suijin''s mouth twitched.


    Qiu Sheng quickly lowered his eyes.


    Ye Suijin was born heroic and dashing. The cor of her robes were trimmed with fur, entuating an indescribable magnificence and nobility in her features.


    Young men like Qiu Sheng didn''t quite dare look at her directly.


    In this, they all admired Duan Jin.


    They also envied Duan Jin, and were possibly somewhat jealous at times too.


    It was only human nature.


    Ye Suijin asked, "Why did you take so long toe back?"


    Qiu Sheng said, "That day, I reconnected with Er Bao. Er Bao was tasked by you to keep watch. There really wasn''t anything special happening on the young lord''s side. I thought since it wasn''t urgent, why not stay a few more days to observe myself."


    Making a name for oneself wasn¡¯t easy.


    Among Ye Suijin¡¯s personal guards, especially those from the Ye Family Fort, those who were selected and got to stay by her side were all clever and martial arts masters.


    Despite Duan Jin''s young age, he was one of the best.


    Trying to stand out among so many people was too difficult.


    It was hard to get an errand like this.


    While it looked like a routine task, his master had given him special instructions in Duan Jin''s absence.


    Qiu Sheng understood this was no ordinary mission.


    But when he arrived, he didn''t get anything useful from Er Bao.


    Everything that happened after Zhao Jingwen left Ye Family Fort seemed perfectly normal. Perhaps there was some impatience that led to the incident.


    But he and Er Bao agreed it was understandable given Zhao Jingwen¡¯s mindset.


    In fact, it was the same as them¡ªeager to make a name for themselves.


    How could Qiu Sheng bear to leave just like this?


    He was just a lowly soldier, able to blend in inconspicuously among the troops. He stubbornly stayed for several more days.


    It wasn''t untilter that Zhao Jingwen identally discovered him and was shocked, "You haven''t gone back yet?"


    He thought the messenger had returned long ago.


    On one hand, he was too busy. On the other hand, Qiu Sheng intentionally avoided being seen.


    Qiu Sheng spoke very respectfully with a smile, "Before I left, my master told me to take a good look around and report back properly when I return."


    Zhao Jingwen was even touched. He told him, "Then look around properly."


    And also, "Go back and only say the good things, don''t let her worry about me."


    He even rewarded Qiu Sheng generously.


    "So other than these people, he didn''t meet anyone special?" Ye Suijin asked.


    Qiu Sheng affirmed decisively, "No one."


    "Hekou Town is situated between the confluence of waterways and opposing mountains, forming a gorge. If people from other ces came, Er Bao wouldn''t have missed it," he said. "Er Bao is very meticulous in his work. If he says there was no one, then there really was no one."


    Ye Suijin also praised, "Yes, Er Bao has always been reliable."


    They were all her personal guards. She had deliberately assigned some to Zhao Jingwen originally to monitor him.


    Zhao Jingwen had clearly misunderstood her intentions. He kept looking back before he set off, full of tender feelings.


    Perhaps he thought she was worried for him.


    Tsk!


    "Go on," she said.


    Qiu Sheng continued, "Then the young lord started enforcing military discipline. He dealt harsh punishments to some."


    Ye Suijin said, "A rabble is bound to have deserters."


    "That''s right. Indeed some ran away. The young lord caught them back and also beheaded them," Qiu Sheng said.


    Desertion during battle versus during peace time was different. Only hiding during battle warranted death penalty.


    The circumstances at Hekou were unclear, but Zhao Jingwen dealt with it as if it were wartime and beheaded the deserters.


    Clearly he had learned his lesson and hardened his resolve, hence the harshness.


    His reactions and improvements were as quick as ever.


    "And so things improved a lot after that," Qiu Sheng said. "Our men weren''t so resentful anymore either."


    "Were they very resentful originally?" Ye Suijin asked.


    What was particrly interesting was that Ye Suijin noticed that Qiu Sheng used the term "our people" very naturally and clearly.


    "Er Bao said that the old and new people here often sh with each other, big and small conflicts. They look askance at each other."


    "Don''t Xiang Da and Man Cang manage them?"


    "Er Bao said they both made suggestions to the young master, but the young master persuaded them. It seems to be in order to quickly gather more manpower ¨C this was Er Bao''s guess. Over there, the young master still has the final say."


    When it came to "persuading" people, whether in her previous life or this life, Ye Suijin always admired Zhao Jingwen.


    She had asked all she could and roughly understood the situation on Zhao Jingwen''s side.


    In fact, she didn''t have the idea to continue probing westward, or perhaps she did but hadn''t been able to implement it yet. Anyway, she had found a suitable ce to settle for now, and was recruiting troops and buying horses.


    She really, really wanted to have her own power.


    Hearing a summons from the study, the servant boy hurriedly wiped his mouth and ran in. Duan Jin followed along.


    Ye Suijin turned to look, and saw that the servant still had sugar powder around his mouth, oblivious, and was waiting solemnly for orders.


    Qiu Sheng held back augh.


    Duan Jin wiped it away from the servant without changing his expression.


    The servant turned red with embarrassment.


    Ye Suijin alsoughed, and instructed him: "Take Qiu Sheng to receive a reward."


    After exining the reward amount.


    It was quite generous, indicating she was satisfied with how the task had been handled, putting her mind at ease.


    Duan Jin swiftly nced at Qiu Sheng.


    Qiu Sheng left following the servant boy, and Ye Suijin said: "Bring out the maps."


    Duan Jin went to fetch them and spread them out. Without her saying, he took out the overall map and detailed Xiangzhou map.


    Ye Suijin looked for a while, then suddenly irrelevantly said: "Zhao Jingwen really learns things very quickly."


    When the master says irrelevant things, others may listen nkly, but Duan Jin doesn''t allow himself to do so.


    His gaze immediately fell on the maps, trying to understand why she said this.


    After a moment, he said: "The river mouth, very suitable for stationing troops."


    Ye Suijin sighed: "What a misceneous general, yet he chose Gucheng."


    In troubled times there were countless generals, like dogs. Just yesterday they were ughtering pigs and feeding horses, today they gather a group of men to upy a corner somewhere, and stand up calling themselves generals.


    From the ce he chose to station, it was clear he had no military knowledge.


    One thing Ye Suijin couldn''t change was the point in time she had been reborn back to.


    When she opened her eyes, Zhao Jingwen had already been her husband for three years.


    What had she done to him in those three years?


    - Hand in hand teaching him to read, correcting his speech and ent, training his etiquette, so he would not embarrass her.


    Zhao Jingwen was born into a very ordinary farming family.


    But the family had some fields, and his parents were able bodied. They had lived afortable small life in the vige before. His parents doted on him, even sending him to the vige private school to gain literacy.


    But Zhao Jingwen wasn''t very interested in the saint''s teachings and such from school. He often questioned what the teacher taught, using facious arguments to anger his teacher.


    So his parents felt he wasn''t suited to studying. They didn''t have high hopes to begin with, just being literate and not ignorant, so he wouldn''t be easily cheated in the future, they were satisfied with that. They didn''t continue his education after that.


    Later he fell into destitution on the road while fleeing from disaster, almost bing a beggar. When Ye Suijin chose him as her husband, his speech and manners were not refined, and people hadughed at him.


    A proud woman like Ye Suijin, how could she allow her own husband to be ridiculed.


    She fiercely pressed him to study.


    Study literature, martial arts, military affairs, speech, dressing.


    Her husband could not be Zhao the dog, he had to be Zhao Jingwen.


    Zhao Jingwen was no longer a carefree child. His parents had died, and he was disced from his hometown, with no property to his name.


    At the time when he had nothing, with one correct step, he rose like flying to be the son-inw of the young mistress of Ye Family Fort. Ye Suijin taught and he learned whatever she taught.


    One taught fiercely without reservation, the other learned fiercely gritting his teeth.


    They were both fierce people to begin with. After three years of polishing, by the time Ye Suijin was reborn back, Zhao the dog had be presentable.


    His attire was refined, his speech courteous, his conduct polite.


    He started martial artster, not as solid as the Ye Family''s young masters. But military affairs relied on brains, and he was not inferior there.


    He really was an intelligent person.


    Ye Suijin sighed.


    When she looked up again to see Duan Jin, she was slightly cheered up, letting out her breath, and said: "You also learn things very quickly."


    Old fondnessforted her.


    "This ce is not bad. Zhao Jingwen has good judgement." Ye Suijinughed and said, "It just so happens to solve a problem for me."


    Duan Jin''s back straightened: "Are we going to take control of this ce?"


    It was still an enve for now. Topletely take control, they would need to clear a path through the middle, and then station troops there long term.


    Ye Suijin said: "No rush, it''s not time yet."


    She had done everything like thunder these past few months, so why was she particr about "timing" now.


    Duan Jin watched as her finger traced along the river mouth westward on the map, circling a certain spot.


    Duan Jin could remember very clearly everything Ye Suijin did.


    This was not the first time Ye Suijin had paid attention to that ce.


    Why exactly did that ce catch her interest?!

 Chapter 67

    Ye Suijin cared about Pei Ze.


    Why did Zhao Jingwen dare to arrogantly marry Pei Lian? Was he after Pei Lian''s beauty? No, he was after her father, Pei Ze.


    If Pei Lian had not been Pei Ze''s beloved daughter, none of theter events would have happened.


    Pei Ze, the son of the former Sword South Circuit Protectorate, had taken over Fang Prefecture.


    He had one daughter and one young son. The daughter was the eldest, while the son was still young.


    Zhao Jingwen, in all likelihood, had seen the opportunity presented by "the son still being young."


    How old was Pei Lian''s younger brother at this time?


    Ye Suijin wasn''t really clear. In any case, he was just a child, not yet able to take charge of affairs.


    Since Pei Ze didn''t have a daughter like Ye Suijin who could take on important responsibilities, it was only natural for him to rely heavily on his son-inw and hope that his son-inw could support his nephew.


    This was probably what had attracted Zhao Jingwen.


    Ye Suijin stroked her chin as she stared at the map, hoping very much that Zhao Jingwen and Pei Lian could meet soon and clear up all the rotten ounts between their past and present lives.


    She regretted not having thoroughly looked into the specifics of when Zhao Jingwen and Pei Lian had met in the past.


    If she had known, she could have given them a push now, speeding things up.


    But because she didn''t know, all she could do in this life was to let Zhao Jingwen out as soon as possible, hoping he would have great luck and meet Pei Lian quickly.


    She couldn''t do anything else.


    However, Zhao Jingwen taking over River Mouth was very satisfying to Ye Suijin. It gave her ideas on nning for some future events.


    The meals Zhao Jingwen had eaten these past few years at Ye Manor hadn''t been for nothing.


    Putting away the map, Ye Suijin ordered, "Prepare some things. I''m going to visit Third Brother."


    Fourth Uncle Ye hadn''t expected Ye Suijin toe calling.


    Ye Suijin smiled. "I already told Fourth Sister-in-Law I wasing to see Third Sister-in-Law."


    Fourth Uncle Ye looked back. Fourth Lady had an innocent expression.


    How could she have guessed that Ye Suijin''s words weren''t just polite chatter?


    But with Ye Suijin''s arrival, the whole Ye family was bathed in glory.


    What was her status now!


    The guests who hade to pay New Year visits were sure to see her here. If they came to pay respects to Ye Suijin and found her absent, they would certainly ask where she had gone. It would reflect very well on the Ye family.


    Fourth Lady beamed as she busied herself with preparations to entertain her.


    Ye Suijin waved her hand. "Auntie, go on about your business. There must be many guests today. Don''t worry about me. I just came to see Third Sister-in-Law."


    Fourth Lady had also grown distant from her these past three years.


    Although Fourth Uncle Ye had greatly mended his rtionship with Ye Suijin in the past half year, Fourth Lady had never directly interacted much with Ye Suijin. She didn''t know if this was appropriate or not.


    Fourth Uncle Ye waved his hand. "Go on, go on."


    Just like an uncle and niece in someone else''s family.


    Third Son, who was receiving guests in the hall, hurried over. "Why the sudden visit?"


    Ye Suijin said, "You go on about your business. I''m going to chat with Third Sister-in-Law."


    Even Third Son, who was usually very stern and proper, nced askance at this.


    Ye Suijin said, "...What''s with that look?"


    Third Son held his forehead. "Let me go with you. Tong Niang and you..."


    Two people with absolutely nothing inmon had nothing to chat about as women.


    Ye Suijin also couldn''t exin how she had gotten along well with the women of a rear pce. They all thought she was still that Ye Suijinpletely devoted to Ye Manor.


    That Ye Suijin who, as a daughter, had fought her nsmen for control of the manor, and moreover won.


    To demonstrate as the mistress of Ye Manor that "I am different from other women," "I am not an ordinary woman," she would sometimes unconsciously convey this meaning through her actions, hoping others would see her as equal to a man.


    Looking back now, it was quiteughable.


    But she really wasn''t familiar with Tong Niang now. And Tong Niang was six months pregnant, best not to startle her.


    "Alright then," she said. "Let''s go together."


    Third Son went with her.


    When Fourth Uncle returned, he exined to the guests, "Sixth Sister hase to see her sister-inw, so Third Son has gone to apany his younger sister."


    There were many guests from the Vice Protectorate in Deng Prefecture.


    Some of the guests couldn''t make out the rtionships between "Sixth Sister," "Sister-in-Law," and the rest. They thought, what business is it of ours, this matter of women, and what''s more, Third Son Ye abandoning the guests to apany a younger sister?


    Until the person next to them whispered, "Ye Sixth Sister is the Protectorate Lord..."


    This person sputtered and coughed up the tea he had just sipped.


    Fourth Uncle Ye just smiled blithely, pretending not to have seen.


    It was understandable outsiders didn''t know, since family order by generation was usually based on the patriarch''s order. Ye Suijin''s father would have been ranked with Fourth and Fifth Uncles and other close paternal cousins. But in the next generation, they separated into different family lines.


    Ye Suijin should have been ranked with her close cousins on her father''s side. But she didn''t have any siblings or close cousins.


    Usually one wouldn''t be ranked with one''s husband''s siblings.


    Tong Niang was quite surprised to hear Ye Suijin hade to see her.


    Since Ye Suijin was also a woman, Third Son Ye directly brought her to the main room. Tong Niang made to get up, but Ye Suijin went up to stop her. "Sister-in-Law, don''t get up."


    Tong Niang hurriedly called for maids to serve tea and fruits.


    Ye Suijin said, "I didn''t really have anything to do. I didn''t see Sister-in-Law at the family banquet, so I wanted toe see how you were doing."


    She chatted idly with Tong Niang about this and that.


    "Not going back to your maternal home this year?"


    "Not going back since I''m pregnant. Can''t travel when expecting."


    "I see, I see."


    "Have enough little clothes been tailored? Is the little cradle ready?"


    "So many clothes have been tailored, even before New Year my mother came and scolded me, said I wouldn''t need so many."


    And so on.


    Originally Third Son Ye had worried the two would have nothing to talk about, which was why he had speciallye along.


    But watching the two converse, while it wasn''t especially lively, at least it wasn''t awkward.


    On the contrary, he was rather amazed by Ye Suijin. His impression was that she really wasn''t the sort to casually chat about household affairs with other women.


    She should have been very impatient with this kind of thing.


    But now, her expression was gentle, clearly extremely patient.


    Third Son Ye was somewhat curious what had changed her.


    He didn''t know that the deepest pce chambers and highest pce walls could grind away even the most impatient temper. After living inside for years, even the most hot-tempered would be extremely patient.


    Suddenly, Tong Niang gripped her belly.


    Ye Suijin smiled and asked, "Could it be the baby kicking?"


    Although she had never given birth herself, she had seen imperial concubines pregnant and inbor.


    Even when exempted from greeting her, these women insisted oning, pregnant bellies and all, to pay respects.


    After the children were born, they were also always brought before her.


    As if she, as the empress, would like these children.


    In the early days, Zhao Jingwen only had her and Pei Lian. It was only after he became emperor that he started taking concubines.


    As a result, the Crown Prince was much older than the other imperial princes and princesses.


    By the time he already had a son, the Crown Grandson, who was just learning to speak, the younger princes were the same age or even younger than the Crown Grandson.


    Ye Suijin had no fortune with children in this life.


    In principle, she knew that as the official wife, all of her husband''s children were also her children.


    But in reality, she held no feelings toward these children. She had no desire whatsoever to take any into her pce and raise them.


    Those concubines had wasted their efforts.


    Her alliance with the Crown Prince was purely political. Hecked support in the rear pce while shecked sons, so theyplemented each other perfectly and their interests aligned.


    Right before her death, Pei Lian had hoped they would form a solid political alliance.


    Yet it still fell apart in the end.


    Of all Zhao Jingwen''s offspring, the only child Ye Suijin had felt a hint of affection for was the Crown Grandson.


    When the child, just learning to speak, after "Father King," "Mother Imperial Concubine," and "Imperial Grandfather," had learned to call her "Imperial Grandmother," at that moment, Ye Suijin had felt that time was flowing past her cheeks through the lines by her mouth.


    She had softened for an instant toward that child.


    Later, after the Crown Prince had died by strangtion, Zhao Jingwen had cried in the main pce. After drying his tears, he degraded the Crown Grandson and his mother tomoners.


    Ye Suijin had people secretly look after that child.


    Zhao Jingwen doted on the new little emperor, who was younger than the Crown Grandson, as a loving father.


    "Sister-in-Law," Ye Suijin said, "may I feel the belly?"


    The Ye Suijin today made not only Third Son Ye feel like she was a stranger, but also secretly astonished Tong Niang.


    She had always felt Sixth Lady was a bit too outstanding. Sometimes when she returned to her natal home, her family members also said this.


    Especially, if not for Ye Suijin fighting for control of Ye Manor, if Ye Suijin had been willing to marry out with a dowry like other women, take her husband''s residence and surname, and be a Lady of the Ye n, then Ye Manor should have been inherited by her uncle, Ye Feng Tang.


    Andter it would have naturally gone to the eldest son of Ye Feng Tang, who was none other than Tong Niang''s husband, Third Son Ye.


    These were grave family affairs, not for her to interfere with. Even her mother-inw didn''t speak of it, so of course Tong Niang would not casually mention it either.


    Only her impression was that Ye Suijin was indeed hard and masculine like a man. She wouldn''t have imagined that today she would see a different side of her.


    It makes one feel quite rxed, and is no different from being with other women in the family.


    When Ye Suijin asked this, she smiled and took her hand to ce on her round belly.


    As Ye Suijin''s hand was ced there, she could feel the little life inside kicking and punching vigorously.


    She held her breath.


    In the past, the imperial concubines woulde up to her with their bellies sticking out, faces full of delight: "Your Majesty, the baby is moving, feel it."


    She had only wanted to roll her eyes.


    But now, she could feel the warmth of life.


    She suddenly understood.


    She didn''t actually dislike children. She liked the Twelfth Lady''s child.


    She just didn''t like children who had no blood rtion to her at all.


    She didn''t know who had decreed that the primary wife was mother to all of the man''s children.


    Nonsense.


    She had no interest in the Zhao princes and princesses.


    But now, the little life she could feel in the palm of her hand was of the Ye family''s bloodline.


    Connected by blood to her.


    It was her third brother''s child.


    This really was delightful.


    After leaving gifts, Ye Suijin left Ye Sang''s residence.


    Naturally, Sang escorted her.


    The two walked very slowly, anyway they were wearing furs so it wasn''t cold.


    Very quiet.


    Ye Sang wasn''t a talkative person, so he was often silent. But now he was silent because he didn''t know what to say.


    - Ye Suijin being unable to have children was caused by his family.


    Should he tell her to look for famous doctors and nurture herself well? Should he tell her to adopt a child from the n?


    Neither was appropriate, so only silence remained.


    "San Ge, I''ve thought about it, we need to slow our pace," said Ye Suijin.


    Ye Sang looked at her in surprise.


    "What I''m thinking is, for now, to just hold on to Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture well," Ye Suijin said. "Thend, themon people, they all need to rest and recover. We also need to think of ways to attract people from other ces toe here. Without poption, nothing great can be aplished."


    Ye Sang heaved a long sigh of relief.


    "I''ll listen to you on everything," he said.


    But he couldn''t help asking: "Suijin, if you have any ns for the future, can you share them with me?"


    Ye Suijin said, "What I just said is the n."


    Ye Sang was speechless. "Then, do you have any goals?" he asked.


    Ye Suijinughed. "What are you talking about?"


    Ye Sang couldn''t exin clearly, and scratched his head. "That is... in the future..."


    Ye Suijin said, "If you''re talking about ten or eight years, twenty years from now, what we''ll be like, then I''m telling you there is none of that."


    "In this lifetime, who knows what circumstances may arise, where we may have to turn. That can''t be said."


    "So I say we take it slow, don''t go too fast and throw out our backs."


    She put her hands behind her back and slowly paced.


    "I think that as long as we take each step steadily, that''s fine. The more solidly we walk, the more steps we''ll take."


    "Even if we stop here for now, history books in the future will still mention that I am Ye Suijin of Deng Prefecture, leader of the two prefectures. You... hmm, you still may not make it into the history books yet, you''ll need to try harder."


    "Let''s at least strive to leave a note in the history books."


    Ye Suijin was speaking sincerely.


    In this chaotic era, with so many variables, even with her rebirth and gained advantages, she still didn''t dare say what she would or wouldn''t achieve in the future.


    All she dared say was that she would not repeat the mistakes of her previous life, she would not make the same errors again.


    As for the future, even she could only say, take one step at a time.


    In this lifetime, go as far as you can go!

 Chapter 68

    The man sitting in front had his husband apanying him, and Ye Suijin left again. So the Fourth Madam hurried to the back to see her daughter-inw, asking what she and Ye Suijin had talked about and whether anything had happened.


    Since Tong Niang got along well with her mother-inw, she whispered some gossip: "Sixth Madam is more amiable than I thought."


    The Fourth Madam also had the same feeling.


    Given the past between their family and Ye Suijin, now that her husband and son had to rely on Ye Suijin, it was really giving their family a lot of face that Ye Suijin personally came to see her daughter-inw during the Lunar New Year.


    Tong Niangughed and said, "She even touched my belly, feeling the baby''s movements were very interesting."


    Having been a mother once before, Tong Niang knew well the feeling of experiencing fetal movements for the first time. What she had previously seen in Ye Suijin''s eyes was a woman''s first experience - surprise, awe of life, and indescribable poignancy.


    She said, "Speaking of which, Sixth Sister''s husband has been away for quite a while. Our family is not short of people. We really should send someone to take turns with him toe back. It''s not good for couples to be apart for too long. Now that Sixth Madam is so distinguished, she onlycks a child. It''s time to pay more attention to this."


    But when she looked up, she saw an odd expression on her mother-inw''s face, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.


    Tong Niang was taken aback and softly asked, "Mother, what''s wrong?"


    The Fourth Madam looked around, waved to dismiss the maids, leaned in and said, "Let me tell you in secret, don''t tell anyone else."


    Tong Niang nodded and listened attentively.


    The Fourth Madam lowered her voice, "Sixth Madam, she...she can''t have children anymore..."


    The Fourth Madam still remembered what had happened that day.


    When her husband and son came back, they both looked very gloomy. As a woman, she shouldn''t interfere in n affairs, but with something so important, the Fourth Madam couldn''t just not ask about it at all.


    The Third Son said, "From now on, Sixth Madam is in charge of the household."


    People have different positions.


    For Ye Chong, the struggle over n assets was more about preserving the family business rather than changing surnames. This was a bottom line that many men could not cross.


    But for the Fourth Madam, it was for the sake of her sons. Yet both of her silly sons did not support their father. As their mother, she didn''t need to y the viin.


    She was very open-minded. If they won, she would give Sixth Madam more dowry. If they lost, it was fate. Who made Sixth Madam so capable?


    It was understandable. She also had a natal family. If n rtives took over her natal family¡¯s property, although there were no issues in etiquette andw, she would still feel upset in her heart.


    Moreover, her own family was not poor either, and her sons had assets to divide as well.


    People who can let go can live a carefree life.


    But her husband tossed and turned in bed that night unable to sleep.


    She thought it was because he lost the struggle over n assets. Afterforting him with a few words, he gloomily said, "It''s not about that..."


    After repeated questioning, he told the truth.


    In front of the elders, Ye Suijin drank a bowl of strong medicine and smashed the bowl!


    It was settled.


    The Fourth Madam was so shocked that she sat up, "Sixth Madam... Sixth Madam is just too..."


    The man turned over to face the other side, showing her his broad back.


    "I did nothing wrong," he mumbled. "If she gave birth to a child to inherit Ye Family Fort, sooner orter Ye Family Fort would change surnames. In three generations, our children would all be coteral branches, the main lineage would be a different surname. Who could still control it... I did nothing wrong."


    The Fourth Madam didn''t dare say anything more.


    The next day she quietly asked her eldest son.


    The Third Son said, "You just need to know about this. Don''t tell anyone else."


    The Fourth Madam: "Okay."


    The Third Son said, "Not Uncle''s family either."


    The Fourth Madam: "Okay..."


    The Third Son said, "I''m telling you upfront, but if I hear anyone from Uncle''s family gossiping, I''ll hit them one by one. If it''s a woman, I''ll have Sixth Madam''s maids go hit them."


    Ye Suijin''s maids knew some martial arts.


    The Fourth Madam was annoyed, "I know, I won''t say anything!"


    Others praised her eldest son for being honest and steady, only she as his mother knew that once this fool made up his mind, it was set in stone.


    If he said he would hit people, he really would hit people.


    For the sake of peace in her natal family, the Fourth Madam held her tongue.


    She was angry.


    She held it in until now. She had almost forgotten about it. But when Tong Niang suddenly brought it up, she couldn''t hold back. This was not someone else, but her own daughter-inw.


    The Third Son certainly wouldn''t hit his own wife.


    So she told her.


    Tong Niang was shocked to hear this.


    "Sixth Madam is just too..." she murmured.


    "I know, right? That''s what I said too..." The Fourth Madam felt a sadness in her heart.


    She quickly admonished, "But don''t mention it, okay? Neither of them want to hear about this. And don''t tell anyone else either."


    Ye Suijin''s reputation in Deng Prefecture now, everyone feared her.


    Tong Niang shrank back a little. She was pregnant this year so of course she couldn''t go back to her natal family.


    But now that she was the daughter-inw of the Vice Prefect of Deng Prefecture, her status rose along with the Ye family. Her natal family came to see her very often now.


    When her mother came, they talked about the child, the Third Son, Ye Suijin. Tong Niang couldn''t help but secretly told her mother.


    Her mother''s eyes widened in shock.


    After Tong Niang finished speaking, she regretted it immediately. She urgently admonished her mother, "You must not tell anyone else. If Grandfather and Third Brother know, they will definitely be angry. Sixth Sister... is not someone to be gossiped about behind her back."


    Ye Suijin''s reputation in Deng Prefecture now, no one dared provoke her.


    Tong Niang''s mother shrank back, but because of her older age, she was more mature. She in turn admonished her daughter, "You can''t talk about this anymore either. Don''t let this make Third Son angry with you."


    Tong Niang already regretted it. But it wasn¡¯t like she could cut off her mother¡¯s ears and dig the words she heard out of her brain.


    Fortunately her mother was not gossipy.


    But her mother reached out and gently stroked her belly, a gleam in her eyes.


    "Since this is the case," she said softly to her daughter, "you must...give birth to a son."


    The unspoken meaning was deep and profound.


    Tong Niang was stunned.


    After the new year holiday, the yamen reopened and everything returned to normal.


    Military training naturally continued. The refugees who couldn¡¯t endure the winter, and new arrivals to Deng Prefecture, were recruited in another batch.


    The new refugees brought news from the north. The remnants of the false Liang kingdom were obviously declining. The Jin Kingdom in the north seemed stable.


    Since Ye Suijin said to "take it slow", she entered an adjustment stage.


    Prior to this, her rapid advance to Tang Prefecture, many personnel arrangements in the two prefectures were temporary. Now they all needed to be adjusted.


    Zhou Junhua returned after the new year holiday from Shangma. There were very noticeable scratch marks on his face and neck. Because they were so obvious, he couldn¡¯t hide them.


    Everyone looked at him, "What happened here?"


    Zhou Junhua was evasive, at one point saying "scratched by a cat", at another point saying "a flower rack fell over".


    He came back first, returning after the fifteenth. At the end of the first month, Ye Seventh Uncle also came back.


    The transition in Shangma went smoothly. He Chuan was an officialdom veteran with extensive experience governing counties. Backed by the Ye family army, everything went very smoothly.


    With thend and poption registers rified, the atmosphere was renewed.


    So he rotated back.


    Of course no one believed what Zhou Junhua said.


    Men were just as curious about such things as women. They naturally all went to ask Ye Seventh Uncle.


    Ye Seventh Uncle chuckled.


    The Ninth Son and Tenth Son rushed to tell Ye Suijin, "Hurry and guess what happened!"


    Ye Suijin raised her eyelids, "Fighting over wife status?"


    The Tenth Son said, "You already know! Did Jin tell you?"


    Ye Suijin''s mouth twitched. She said, "His mess was just an expedient measure given the circumstances back then. In troubled times, no one criticized him for being a bandit. Now that it''s peaceful, he''s an official. Of course the four families of Ge must fight it out."


    In chaotic times and copsed rituals and music, all kinds of inconceivable disorder happened. No one jumped out to denounce this or that.


    But once the world stabilized, many people suddenly seemed to have learned to speak, and started talking. Or they suddenly learned etiquette and started caring about etiquette.


    So this was wrong, that was wrong.


    The Empress has great aplishments, so reward her maternal family with silver,nd and property. But how could she also sit on the golden throne, equal with the Emperor?


    Simrly, ording to etiquette, Zhou Junhua could not have four formal wives. One wife and three concubines was proper.


    The Ninth Son said, "Sister, then guess, who became the formal wife in the end?"


    Ye Suijin said, "The Zhang family?"


    Back then when they entered the city, they were weed into the Zhang family residence. Although the four families were simr, the Zhang family seemed a bit wealthier. Their residence was the best in the county seat.


    The Tenth Sonughed loudly, "You guessed wrong, Sister!"


    Ye Suijin: "Oh?"


    The Ninth Son said, "It was the Qian family daughter who became formal wife."


    Ye Suijin recalled the four old fathers-inw in Shangma. The Qian family one looked rather honest, didn''t talk much, and seemed weaker financially, sitting in thest seat.


    "How so?" She also had the same train of thought as most people, "Is the Qian family daughter especially good-looking? Or did she give birth to a son?"


    Ninth Son and Tenth Son both asked: ¡°What makes her so special that even Cloud Flyer wants her?"


    "It''s not that," Duan Jin came in at this time.


    "Oh, you know about it too?" Tenth Son put his arm around his shoulder, "If you know, tell us quickly."


    Duan Jin said: "It''s because you two walked away too fast just now."


    He told Ye Suijin: "I asked Elder Zhou, it''s because Miss Qian is the only real Miss Qian."


    Ninth Son and Tenth Son were confused.


    Ye Suijin immediately understood and said: "Cloud Flyer is in his right mind."


    In turbulent times, adopted daughters and sisters were ubiquitous, each serving their own purposes.


    At the time, the four families, in order to stabilize Zhou Junhua, and also afraid of him favoring one family which would then take advantage to oppress the other families, each gave him a daughter.


    Among them, only Elder Qian honestly handed over his own daughter.


    The other three were a maid from the household, a poor girl from the same n, and an orphaned girl who was residing there.


    Zhou Junhua married them all, and they seemed no different in daily life. But when it came to this time, he had his own preferences in his heart.


    Ignoring the crying and wing of the other three, he decided to make the Qian family''s daughter his primary wife.


    Ye Qi Shu returned from battle, and Ye Eighth Uncle also resigned from his position as Prefect of Neixiang County.


    Sun Xiangxue had been the Prefect of Ruan County for too long, so Ye Suijin moved him to Neixiang.


    The new Prefect of Ruan County was none other than Twelfth Sister''s teacher, Mr. Chen. He had been in Ye Family Fort for many years, previously helping to manage the farms and handle various disputes andwsuits.


    Now ascending with the wind, he was envied by many.


    Ye Fifth Uncle was still at Tangbei Fort.


    The fort rebuilding had not beenpleted yet. With the coldest days of winter, construction had halted and would continue after the new year when it became warmer.


    But Biyang had sent arge number ofborers, so it was expected to bepleted soon.


    Tangbei Fort was a military base, so Ye Suijin attached great importance to it.


    After some personnel changes in Deng Prefecture, Ye Suijin officially moved her administration from Ye Family Fort to Biyang City.


    On the Tang Prefecture side, Fang Chengling was Qin Huaru. He rose from the county clerk and had done well in Fang City. He was able to properly handle the refugee affairs. The new households andmoners, with relief to get through the winter, were gradually settling down.


    Shangma Huzhou was getting old and there was no need to worry about him.


    Ye Suijin quite liked Yuan Ling of Ci Qiu. She rarely liked any literary man, so she transferred Yuan Ling to Biyang City. Biyang was a county under the Governor, so Yuan Ling took over responsibility for the livelihood, justice, taxes and grain.


    There were some differences betweenrge cities and small counties. In a small county, the county magistrate with several yamen runners could maintain order. Inrge cities, there were also Patrol Commanders, with military outposts to control security.


    But for Yuan Ling, moving from a small county to a big city was undoubtedly a promotion.


    Tongbai was left unchanged for now. Pingshi was originally under Tongbai, but Ye Suijin made it into a county.


    She also split Xinye from Ruan County,bined it with Huyang on the Tang Prefecture side, and made that into a county as well.


    This freed up many new positions.


    Recruiting talents, many people eagerly rmended themselves.


    Soon, it was February.


    She called Qiu Sheng: "Go to Hekou for a trip."


    It was necessary to go frequently, so that with someone from her side going there, Zhao Jingwen would not need to send people here.


    Otherwise, if Zhao Jingwen knew of the current situation in Deng Prefecture, with his ability to assess the times, Ye Suijin was really worried that he woulde running back in a frenzy.


    That would not do!

 Chapter 69

    In February, the heads of eightmercial firms came together to Biyang City to visit Ye Suijin.


    Ye Suijin said, "I allow you to enter the market and engage in any trade you wish. Ruiyun Firm gets to choose first, the rest of you can discuss among yourselves. Of the profits earned, 40% for me and 60% for you. The storefronts all belong to me, for rent not for sale. I have two points for you to keep in mind."


    Everyone said, "Please go ahead."


    Ye Suijin held up her fingers one by one, "First, I want a fair market, not a wicked one. No matter the situation, anyone who hoards goods, intes prices, maniptes livelihoods, or stirs up public sentiment will be beheaded as a warning to the market."


    "Second, do not push out local small businesses. Business cannot be made absolute, money cannot be earnedpletely. Leave others a way to survive."


    These people had been making inquiries along the way before arriving, so they already knew a thing or two about Ye Suijin''s way of doing things.


    They were not surprised.


    On the contrary, that the ruler had a clear mind and quite understoodmerce, and was also strong-willed, meant the likelihood of her maintaining long-term stability here was even greater.


    This gave these people more confidence.


    Moreover, Ye Suijin had received them, merchants, in the main hall. It was known that no matter how wealthy merchants were, when calling on nobles, they would at best be received in a side chamber.


    "Discuss the specifics with Jiang Yinyu, then report back to me," she said before taking her leave.


    Naturally when she was gone, the merchants felt free to discuss among themselves.


    In fact, they had already reached an agreement beforeing. Today was just to finalize things face-to-face.


    After settling on a n, Jiang Yinyu prepared to go report to Ye Suijin. But Ruiyun Firm''s head held him back, saying, "Let Xiao Ding take over the Nanyang branch from now on, no need for you to manage it anymore. The family''s intention is for you to take charge of business here in Biyang. Or do you have other thoughts?"


    Jiang Yinyu was startled.


    Other thoughts...


    What could be considered other thoughts?


    The headughed and waved his hand, "No rush, I''ll be staying here for a while. Think it over and get back to me."


    Jiang Yinyu thanked him and returned to his own office¡ªyes, Jiang Yinyu already had his own exclusive office at the Governor''s residence.


    He neatly copied the items just agreed upon from his draft onto a clean sheet, and took it to Ye Suijin''s study to report.


    There were no unexpected issues. Ye Suijin skimmed it and nodded, "Fine, do it this way."


    She said, "You take charge of this matter."


    Jiang Yinyu had been responsible for checking and settling the massive ounts for Biyang City''s takeover. With him handling it, Mr. Yang was much more rxed.


    Not only was Mr. Yang getting on in years, he was also Ye Suijin''s advisor, and should not be bogged down by petty affairs. With a capable person like Jiang Yinyu under him, it was truly reassuring.


    It had been Mr. Yang who recruited Jiang Yinyu in the previous life.


    Yet neither of them were the shy sort, so they did not leave much of an impression.


    When Mr. Yang visited friends in the capital city in the previous life, Duan Jinter told her that Mr. Yang did not meet with any oldrades from the former Ye family army, but he did go drink at Jiang Yinyu''s residence.


    When he left, Duan Jin and Jiang Yinyu saw him off together.


    "There is one more thing," Ye Suijin said. "Handle the liquidation of the seized assets from the households."


    Over ten wealthy families had been raided. Their real estate like houses,nd, storefronts naturally went to Ye Suijin. The now vacantmercial rights were given to the firms introduced by Ruiyun. But there were still many liquid assets, clothing, jewelry, objects, fragrances, etc. Aside from those, there were also the original ves, servants, and the women who had been punished into very.


    "Turn it all into hard cash," Ye Suijin demanded. "But don''t sell cheaply. I can''t take that loss."


    You''re such a powerful military governor, yet you''re so shrewd with money!


    I had just thought this to myself when I heard Ye Suijin say, "Don''t think I''m being petty, I need to feed my troops, I''m poor."


    Jiang Yinyu was startled, almost thinking he had uttered his inner thoughts aloud. He quickly assured, "Would never sell cheaply, mydy can rest assured."


    But these matters kept him upied, and there were still many things to handle at the Governor''s residence, so he could not spare the effort to take over Ruiyun Firm''s Biyang branch.


    Seeing his worried look, Ye Suijin added, "You have too much on your te, can''t work for free either. I''ll give you an official sry."


    Jiang Yinyu: "..."


    First an independent office, now an official sry.


    Felt like...he had been lured in.


    But he was just a hired hand, at Ruiyun Firm before, and still one now under Ye Suijin.


    Working for whichever master was still working.


    Jiang Yinyu went to tell Ruiyun''s head: "I really can''t get away. I won''t be taking over things here in Biyang."


    If he was working for hire anyway, of course he would choose the bigger boss.


    Ruiyun''s master was also a wealthy merchant, but Ye Suijin ruled over a whole region.


    It was different, very different.


    Jiang Yinyu made up his mind. With a city as big as Biyang, even if he got through all the current tasks, he could still find things to keep him upied.


    Mr. Yang also got along very well with him.


    So he cozied up to Ye Suijin, determined to at least secure a position at the Governor''s residence.


    After all, he was already someone with an independent office.


    The head had not expected him to make a decision after just one meeting with Ye Suijin. He waved his hand, "No matter, I''ll arrange someone else."


    But he quickly added, "The family had already considered this situation. Don''t worry, focus on working for Lady Ye. Your sry will be paid ording to a head manager''s level, we''re still one family."


    The Nanyang branch was just a mid-sized firm, yet this was raising his sry by a whole rank.


    Ruiyun''s master understood people. Merchants were the best at investing.


    Jiang Yinyu epted it with a smile.


    Even more certain he had made the right choice.


    On Qiu Sheng''s second visit to the rivermouth, he sensed the changes.


    The mob''s appearance was much better than before, quite orderly now.


    Zhao Jingwen did have some capability after all.


    This time he brought another letter from Ye Suijin.


    To put Zhao Jingwen''s heart at ease, Ye Suijin had endured the corniness this time and used rather stirring words. Encouraging him to strive and build his business outside.


    "Women often find themselves confined to the inner chambers, bearing and raising children, managing household affairs. In life, we see only as far as the courtyard walls. Fortunately, sir, you were born a man. The world is vast with no ce you cannot go, no deed you cannot aplish."


    After writing this, she could not help but sigh.


    In the previous life, although she did not need to bear children, managing the imperial harem could also be called "managing household affairs". And her life ultimately ended confined within four walls.


    As she wrote, she inadvertently bared her true thoughts. This was exactly what she had envied Zhao Jingwen for in her past life.


    When Pei Lian''s matter happened, someone had said,


    "What a pity Suijin is a daughter, otherwise she could have married Pei Lian herself."


    If she had been a man, she could have married Pei Lian herself and allied with Pei Ze.


    Then Zhao Jingwen would not have benefited from it.


    Things would have gone in apletely different direction afterwards.


    Zhao Jingwen was deeply moved by the letter¡ª


    Thedy understands me.


    Thedy still cares for me after all.


    Her status is above mine, so she has to act aloof with me normally, just for show to others.


    After all, so many people in the Ye family are watching her.


    She is protecting me!


    Striking at the soft spot in one''s heart was Zhao Jingwen''s innate talent. Ye Suijin''ster cultivation also resulted in some minor aplishments.


    Zhao Jingwen''s heart grew increasingly warm¡ª


    She and I are indeed husband and wife, of one body.


    The others in the Ye family will always be outsiders to her.


    Who in this world could be as intimate as she and I? Not even father or brothers could achieve this, only a husband.


    So once a woman marries, she would definitely side with her husband wholeheartedly.


    "Tell her not to worry. I''m staying right here, guarding the rivermouth well, waiting for her toe," Zhao Jingwen said. "Stay a few days, take a good look around, and report back to her in detail."


    Recently he had been training the troops and gradually gaining insights. What Ye Suijin had taught him on paper before, and he observed at Ye Family Fort, were starting to be applied in reality.


    Once he has this army trained and returns the hundred Ye troops to Ye Manor, his own people will be clearly separated from those of Ye Manor. The men of Ye Manor will not be able to take away his power.


    Qiu Sheng stayed behind to deliver everyone''s letters from home, then of course resumed contact with Er Bao.


    Er Bao said, "Nothing to report. The young master has been training his troops and has made good progress."


    He said, "The young master has some skills."


    Qiu Sheng gave Er Bao a look, but Er Bao was still oblivious.


    If a mission is divided into segments, then each person involved only has limited information, so their understanding is iplete.


    Er Bao''s assigned task was to act as eyes. If anything unusual happened, he could abandon everything and report directly to Ye Suijin.


    Just what constituted an "unusual happening," Er Bao had no idea, because nothing unusual had actually urred. Everything that happened was normal.


    And if nothing unusual urred, he didn''t need to do anything.


    So it was easy for him, like Zhao Jingwen, to interpret Ye Suijin''s orders as a wife caring about her husband and having someone secretly keep an eye on him.


    But the information Qiu Sheng received was different than Er Bao''s.


    Qiu Sheng already understood very clearly that there must be some problem between Ye Suijin and Zhao Jingwen. Although he didn''t know exactly what it was, when carrying out his mission he could not arbitrarily regard the mission target "Zhao Jingwen" as Ye Suijin''s husband.


    Because there was a huge discrepancy between a husband and a mission target.


    After staying there for several days, Qiu Sheng returned to Deng Prefecture, then went to Tang Prefecture. In Biyang he saw Ye Suijin and reported back on the situation at River Mouth.


    Ye Suijin was satisfied. "Very good, it''s best if he stays there peacefully."


    It was abundantly clear that her wish was for the young master not toe back. But Qiu Sheng knew this was certainly different from what Zhao Jingwen thought.


    He considered for a moment, then decided to bring up Er Bao.


    "Er Bao had quite a lot of praise for the young master." He truthfully recounted this situation.


    Er Bao himself might not have noticed, but Qiu Sheng noticedpared to thest time he was at River Mouth, this time Er Bao was clearly more inclined toward Zhao Jingwen.


    The study was quiet for a time.


    After a moment, Ye Suijin gave a gentleugh.


    "Not surprising, given who he is."

 Chapter 70

    Zhao Jingwen trained soldiers. It was easier than training soldiers at Ye Family Fort. Because among the people he recruited, many had followed that mixed general of Gu City before.


    Not only had they killed and fought battles, they might even have looted and plundered.


    Unlike the refugees recruited in Deng Prefecture who were all good folks, just getting them to cross the threshold of killing was quite an effort.


    Military discipline was extremely strict in Ye Family Fort from the very beginning, and the recruits of good folk origin were also willing to abide by it.


    Many of their family members and fellow vigers had settled in Fang City. So being a soldier was not just about getting fed, defending Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture had be defending their own homes.


    Killing was not difficult for Zhao Jingwen''s side, but restraining military discipline cost him a lot of effort.


    Fortunately, he was a ruthless man who would never hesitate when it was time to kill.


    Nothing deterred more effectively than killing. The motley crew gradually took shape under his crackdown.


    At this time, he was extremely grateful to have these one hundred Ye family troops.


    The model of military discipline and the main force of crackdown.


    It was these one hundred Ye family troops that suppressed the four hundred motley crew. This further illustrated that numbers were one thing,bat effectiveness was another.


    So Fang City''s Du Jingzhong was defeated like a mountain copse.


    Zhao Jingwen reminded himself of Du Jingzhong''s failure from time to time.


    He now also admitted that earlier, he had be inted due to the rapid increase in the number of men under him. One really tends to make such mistakes easily. Once you fly up, you lose sense of your own weight.


    Fortunately he realized the situation in time and corrected it promptly.


    A man need not fear making mistakes, as long as he can correct them.


    Xiang Da and Ye Mancang were very dedicated in training the soldiers.


    They both felt that Young Master Zhao was right, a man ought to go out and aplish great things to have prospects.


    With these troops trained, even if they returned to Deng Prefecture, Aunt Ye Suijin would have to give them a promotion. If they didn''t return... hmm, just thinking, only thinking about it.


    Keeping so many men idle in Hekou Town for a long time was not going to work.


    Hekou Town could barely feed five hundred people, feeding troops was really expensive in food and money. Although there was still some money, food and seized assets on hand, Zhao Jingwen knew they couldn''t live off of it for long.


    As the weather grew warmer, he decided to do what Aunt Ye Suijin did ¡ª raid bandits.


    This was really something that could both train the troops and enrich their purse.


    Because Zhao Jingwen could not go about looting, burning and plundering himself. He still cared about face and knew his bottom line.


    Then, ck eating ck was a quick way to get rich.


    Deng Prefecture was arge in. But once you went west of Deng Prefecture, the terrain gradually rose. The mountains were not particrly precipitous, but there were many hillsrge and small. In this kind of terrain, given the state of the times, bandits and rebels proliferated.


    Just right to feed Zhao Jingwen.


    He remembered Aunt Ye Suijin''s teaching to send scouts twenty li ahead.


    The terrain here changed a lot. If they were ambushed, it would not be a joke.


    And he had been ambushed before ¡ª he wanted to eat others, and others wanted to ck-eat-ck him too. The new gang in Hekou had been marauding around, and many had heard a little about them.


    Especially since Zhao Jingwen did not massacre thempletely, nor did he recruit them under his banner. Usually he would beat them back and disperse them, take what he wanted, then stop.


    Because he could not feed more men. Any more, if they still had to honestly keep their hands off themon folks and not loot, the troops would go hungry. Once so many strong young men went hungry and revolted, it would be a mutiny.


    Unless they were like Du Jingzhong or these bandits, scraping off thend. Not caring if themon folk lived or died, as long as they themselves don''t starve.


    But he could not do that.


    ck eating ck, however, he could do. Since that was the case, there had to be "ck" to eat.


    He could not exterminate thempletely.


    Therefore, proper military forces could not expand indefinitely. At the minimum, food supply had to keep up.


    This made him realize how good Deng Prefecture was. Large ins, as long as there were no natural or man-made disasters, it could basically yield a bountiful harvest every year.


    Ever since Aunt Ye Suijin''s father''s time, they had been very prudent about stockpiling food. Later when Aunt Ye Suijin took over, she inherited this policy. Before the attack on Fang City, Zhao Jingwen already roughly knew that the food reserves at Ye Family Fort gave him confidence.


    Now that she had taken Deng Prefecture, her confidence was even greater.


    In contrast, Hekou here was suitable for stationing troops. Xiang Prefecture should also have been an agricultural area, but after years of turmoil and instability, much of thend had been left fallow.


    Now that Zhao Jingwen was directly responsible for feeding the troops himself, he now understood how great the expenditure was. Looking at the fallow fields, it hurt his heart to death.


    No wonder when Aunt Ye Suijin took Fang City, she immediately relocated refugees to settle and cultivate the wastnds. She must have also felt terrible pain seeing those abandoned fertile fields.


    On this day, Zhao Jingwen was on the march. Ahead was a gang he had been eyeing for some days. This bunch had just gone out looting a while ago, and Zhao Jingwen intended to have a full feast off of them.


    Unexpectedly, the forward scout galloped back urgently: "Young Master! There are two groups fighting ahead!"


    One side was the gang they had been watching for days.


    "The other side, don''t know who they are, seems to have women with them." said the scout. Zhao Jingwen became interested: "Let''s go take a look."


    He leaped onto his horse, and brought his men sneaking over.


    Finding a high vantage point, looking down he did see one group besieging another group.


    The besieged side was a convoy, with defenders using severalrge carts surrounding one cart, forming a fan-shaped defense against the attack.


    There should be women, Zhao Jingwen saw maidservants jumping off the carts in panic trying to escape, only to be hacked down.


    Those carts looked expensive at a nce, presumably carrying many valuable items.


    The bandits probably thought the same.


    Ye Mancang asked: "Save them?"


    Zhao Jingwen said: "Wait a little longer."


    They were neither kin nor acquaintances, why save? If they saved them, it would not be easy to get those items in the carts.


    He could not loot and plunder precisely because of this ¡ª Ye Family Army had strict militaryws. If he did such things, he would not be able to exin it to Aunt Ye Suijin afterward.


    Better to let others do the dirty work, he would swoop inter to ck-eat-ck.


    But after watching closely for a while, he noticed something strange.


    Although the convoy guards were fewer than the bandits, the bandits were unable to overtake them for a time.


    Looking closely, the guards cooperated seamlessly in their advance and retreat, deployments clear and orderly. Clearly they were not ordinary guards.


    They were troops. And well-trained troops at that.


    Looking again, seeing the trick, he was even more astonished.


    These were not just some ordinary ragtag militiamen, such quality, only a few of his personal guards among the Ye Family Army could match.


    How could ordinary people have guards like these, those in the carts must not be ordinary people, but people of some status and background.


    Now that he saw these, if he still only eyed those chests and packages of the other''s floating wealth, it would be too petty and shortsighted.


    Zhao Jingwen swiftly changed his mind: "Let''s go, save them!"


    With a jerk of the reins, the party thundered down the slope!


    Using the speed of the downhill charge, they joined the melee!


    "Crap! They have reinforcements!" Seeing the cavalry charging down the hillside, the convoy guards'' expressions changed drastically.


    If it was just the people before them, they should still be able to protect the young miss to retreat, but if the other side had reinforcements...


    The guards gritted their teeth, preparing to meet this wave of charge.


    Inside the cart, Pei Lian took a deep breath upon hearing "They have reinforcements". She drew the dagger from its sheath, gripping it tightly.


    Now, of course there were regrets.


    Gripping the dagger tightly, she took a deep breath. Closing her eyes, she reviewed her sixteen years of life.


    When the family fell, she had been too young to remember.


    But she knew her mother hadmitted suicide, entrusting her to the loyal servant. The loyal servant took her fleeing, seeking her father.


    She had very deep memories of those few years.


    Cold, hunger, fatigue and fear often shrouded her. She had eaten many unpleasant foods, and seen many frightening faces.


    But eventually, the loyal servant found her father, and her suffering ended.


    After that, life had been good.


    Only the suffering from before still stuck in her heart. Recalling it, she was the young miss of the Sword South Military Governor''s residence, how could she have fallen into such misery and hardship. Naturally, it was because her father had abandoned her and her mother, fleeing alone.


    When she found her father, her father already had other children. That child had never left her father''s side since birth, unlike her, wandering for years.


    But because of this, her father and uncle felt guilty toward her, indulging her every request.


    Only not for this matter, her father refused to yield. Annoyed, she decided to leave home for the capital.


    Her mother''s family had originally been in the capital, although they lost contact for a long time, she wanted to try her luck. Or maybe, her father would find her on the way and bring her back, which was also very likely.


    Even if she was brought back it was fine, she had demonstrated her determination decisively this way. Her father surely could not force her anymore after this.


    She just didn''t expect to encounter bandits like these on the way. Just now hearing rm in the guard''s voice outside.


    Pei Lian parted the curtains with her dagger and took a peek outside. The fighting was intense.


    Raising her eyes, many horses were charging down the slope, stirring up rolling clouds of dust.


    Pei Lian regretted in her heart.


    Tears filled her eyes as she clutched the dagger tightly. If things went badly, she could not fall into the hands of these bandits and would have to follow her mother to the afterlife.


    In an instant, the cavalry had charged up to them, and the man leading them wielded his spear like a dragon. Pei Lian just saw a sh of silver, and two bandits were stabbed through the chest.


    "Who are you evil-doers causing trouble here!" The man rode a white horse and held a silver spear, heroic and imposing like a war god. He shouted, "I am Zhao Jingwen of Taiyuan, die insignificant thieves!"


    Pei Lian was stunned.


    Friend not foe! The guards were overjoyed!


    The two sides joined forces and attacked together. Pei Lian grabbed the carriage curtain, her bright eyes not daring to look away for even a moment.


    Blood sttered outside the carriage, with shouting and screaming. The tide had turned.


    Not long after, the battle was over.


    The lead guard stopped Zhao Jingwen''s horse: "Hero! Do not pursue these meager bandits!"


    Zhao Jingwen dismounted, asking: "Who are you people, why are you here? This area is not very safe. Were there any casualties?"


    The lead guard was extremely grateful. He cupped his fists and expressed his thanks: "Thank you for your help, we are deeply grateful. Our master''s surname is Pei. May I ask which hero the gentleman hails from?"


    Zhao Jingwen returned the salute: "Zhao Jingwen of Taiyuan."


    He also asked: "Is your master injured? Do you need any help?"


    The lead guard replied: "There aredies in the carriage, it would be inappropriate for them to meet the gentleman. May I ask where Sir Zhao resides? Our master will definitely..."


    Before he could finish, a gentle female voice suddenly rang out, calling: "Sir."


    Both men turned to look.


    Pei Lian was getting down from the carriage, supported by her maidservants.


    Zhao Jingwen looked her over.


    The girl looked slightly sickly, probably around the age for hairpinning, a delicate and pretty youngdy.


    As soon as she appeared, the lead guard bowed to the side respectfully.


    But she did not have Ye Suijin''s heroic spirit and fortitude, and did not seem like someone who couldmand these well-trained troops.


    Perhaps her father, or elder brother, in any case there must be an important man in her family.


    With the quality of these soldiers, they could be called elite troops. It was this very point that attracted Zhao Jingwen, making him decide to lend a hand and see if he could make an acquaintance.


    Pei Lian bowed: "Thank you for lending a hand sir. Some of my guards are injured, may I ask if your residence is far? Could my men go there to rest and have their wounds treated?"


    With the soldiers'' might, and Zhao Jingwen arriving so timely, only two had died, the rest were lightly injured. They could actually just be treated here.


    Zhao Jingwen saw this very clearly.


    He also saw the lead guard''s initial surprise, followed by helpless resignation.


    Just like how the Ye family acted with Twelve.


    It was clear the youngdy was doted on at home.


    With the quality of these troops, they could be called elite soldiers. It was precisely this that drew Zhao Jingwen, making him decide to help, to see if he could make an acquaintance.


    Pei Lian bowed, "Thank you for lending a hand, sir. Some of my guards are injured, may I ask if your residence is far? Could my men go to rest and treat their wounds there?"


    Given the soldiers'' might and Zhao Jingwen''s timely arrival, only two had died and most had minor injuries. They could actually just be treated here.


    Zhao Jingwen saw this very clearly.


    He also saw the lead guard''s initial surprise followed by helpless resignation, just like how the Ye family acted with Twelve.


    It was clear the youngdy was doted on at home.


    With the guards'' skills, they were elite troops. This very point attracted Zhao Jingwen, making him decide to help and see if he could make connections.


    Pei Lian was only twenty-eight, living with her father she had only seen military men.


    When had she seen such an affectionate, charming gentleman? His eyes seemed to speak.


    The youngdy was usually aloof about her status and proper in conduct, but under this mature handsome man''s smile, her heart was confused.


    A voice inside her head kept shouting¡ª


    This is the man Pei Lian should marry!


    This is the gentleman suited for me!


    How could I, how could I marry someone like He Lian!!

 Chapter 71

    Almost everyone with eyes could see that the young girl was infatuated with this handsome gentleman. At her age, justing of age, it was the time of budding romance.


    The head guard''s face was taut and very unpleasant. He coughed.


    Pei Lian came to her senses, only now realizing herpse in manners. Her ears instantly flushed red.


    The blush on the young girl''s cheeks was as beautiful as the glow of dawn, shy and delicate.


    Just now, the way she looked at him was full of admiration and reverence.


    She was clearly a girl of status. Enjoying the adoring gaze of such a girl of status was truly delightful for Zhao Jingwen.


    With a smile, he asked, "Youngdy, do you need any help?"


    The head guard quickly said, "No need. Young miss, we''ve already sent word home."


    Pei Lian had just been embarrassed and now redirected her anger, "So you did secretly send word!"


    The head guard said helplessly, "We couldn''t exactly not inform the family."


    Pei Lian was even more angry. "Who did you notify?" she demanded.


    The head guard said, "Naturally, the general."


    Zhao Jingwen''s ears perked up slightly at the mention of "general".


    Pei Lian also heard this "general" without any prefix. She knew it referred to He Lian.


    She had run away from home exactly to show her father her resolve¡ªthat no matter what, she would never marry He Lian.


    Just mentioning He Lian was crossing her bottom line!


    Yet the head guard pleaded with her softly, "Young miss, our injuries are not serious. Let''s not bother Sir Zhao and just go home?"


    Pei Lian was angry that he had taken it upon himself to send word.


    Moreover, she had run away from home. If she took the initiative to go back now, wouldn''t that be a joke?


    If He Lian was on his way toe get her, she absolutely could not take the initiative to go back!


    Fury and indignation welled up in Pei Lian. They wanted her to go back with He Lian? She''d rather die!


    She turned her head again and saw the handsome gentleman.


    The way he had looked just now, like a white horse and silver spear, seemed imprinted on her heart.


    This concerned her own marriage, her whole life! How could she give in!


    Pei Lian gritted her teeth, stepped forward, and pleaded to Zhao Jingwen: "Sir Zhao, I''m being coerced by these people! Please save me, Sir Zhao!"


    Zhao Jingwen raised an eyebrow and looked towards the head guard.


    It was clear the head guard really was extremely helpless.


    A spoiled, willful young miss.


    Zhao Jingwen gently said, "Miss Pei, correct? This ce really is unsafe, not suitable for long stays. Your family will definitely worry if they don''t hear from you. I think it''d be best if..."


    He turned to the head guard to discuss, "First go to my residence. Send someone back to inform the young miss''s family and have theme get her from my residence."


    What else could the head guard do? Although Sir Zhao did seem to be a bit of a flirt, he had after all just saved them. And right now, Sir Zhao had strength in numbers on his side.


    He had no choice but to agree.


    Pei Lian was ted, "Then shall we go?"


    Zhao Jingwen was even a little exasperated. "Your guards are injured. How can we just leave like this? There are also the fallen to bury. Will it be onsite or...?"


    The head guard said, "Bury them here."


    Pei Lian said, "Tell them to hurry up."


    The head guard didn''t make a sound.


    Zhao Jingwen said, "No rush. My men will stand guard here. Everyone tend to your injuries first."


    The guards who were dressing their wounds all nced at him gratefully.


    Pei Lian was escorted back to the carriage, after all she was ady.


    Sitting back in the carriage, she saw her handmaid weeping and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    The handmaid wiped her tears. "Ying''er is dead."


    Pei Lian''s gaze turned cold.


    "How did she die?" she questioned.


    The handmaid couldn''t answer.


    "She jumped from the carriage, trying to abandon me and flee," Pei Lian said. "She deserved to die."


    The handmaid didn''t dare speak again or shed another tear.


    Years ago, for the sake of the circumstances, the master had abandoned his wife and child and fled. This was a wound in the hearts of the Pei family''s three people.


    Everyone knew this and didn''t dare touch upon it.


    Pei Lian ignored her and secretly lifted the carriage curtain to peek outside.


    Sir Zhao was still speaking with her head guard. He was a head taller, very straight-backed and handsome.


    Pei Lian watched him, recalling how he had descended from the heavens on his white horse and silver spear just now. She was somewhat entranced.


    During those years wandering with loyal servants, she had fantasized countless times about her father descending from the heavens like this and saving her from hardship.


    Yet her father had disappointed her every day.


    Pei Lian never expected that one day she would see someone who was just like in her dreams¡ª


    Descending from the heavens.


    Majestic and heroic.


    Rescuing her.


    Sir Zhao was just like this, exactly the same.


    Zhao Jingwen and the head guard were taking each other''s measure.


    "We came from Fangling," the head guard asked. "And Sir Zhao?"


    "Deng Prefecture."


    "I heard Deng Prefecture is peaceful. We were hoping to pass through there."


    "Truly passing through?"


    "Hmm, that''s what I told the young miss."


    Zhao Jingwen had seen maps before. His memory was excellent. After thinking briefly about Pei Lian''s route, he said, "Heading to the capital?"


    The head guard said, "The young miss wants to go."


    Zhao Jingwen said, "This route really shouldn''t be taken. Why not go along the north road?"


    "Tsk," the head guard said. "We went that way, went in circles. Didn''t expect our luck to be so poor."


    Zhao Jingwen immediately understood.


    So they were misleading the young miss, dying time while waiting for the pursuers to catch up.


    "It must have been you all going in circles that attracted attention," he said.


    The head guard also realized this and could only me his misfortune.


    Soon, the injuries were dressed and the burialsplete.


    Zhao Jingwen led them towards the river bank, "My men are stationed there."


    The head guard probed, "What brought you from Deng Prefecture to this area?"


    The two chatted while riding. In the end, they reconciled their stories.


    The one who had killed the misceneous general and scattered his troops turned out to be Pei Lian''s people.


    Zhao Jingwen admonished, "Why didn''t you absorb them? Letting so many people run wild, running all the way to disturb our Deng Prefecture."


    The head guard waved his hand. "Those people are useless."


    His implication was clear: looked down on them.


    Zhao Jingwen felt a chill.


    Such a high opinion of themselves!


    Even higher standards than Ye Suijin.


    But as Zhao Jingwen observed, he also knew the other party wasn''t boasting idly.


    Pei Lian''s guards were well-trained elites. Even if Ye Suijin saw them, he''d be drooling.


    Zhao Jingwen thought of the two who had died to protect that spoiled girl earlier and felt true heartache!


    If they were his, he would treat them warmly like personal guards, not let them die in vain by the roadside.


    Ruining the family fortune!


    Zhao Jingwen did not hide his feelings on this matter.


    Although the head guard and his men didn''t speak again, they felt closer to Zhao Jingwen.


    Arriving at the river bank town, people were busy in the fields. Seeing the troop return, they all stood up to look.


    "Sir Zhao has returned!"


    "Sir Zhao!"


    "Have some water, Sir Zhao!"


    Men and women, young and old called out.


    Zhao Jingwen really did dismount to take a coarse ceramic bowl from the vigers and drink half a bowl before remounting with a smile and thanks.


    Pei Lian had been watching through the slit in the curtain the entire time.


    She felt Zhao Jingwen looked good whether mounting or dismounting, as if he had a special elegance.


    She didn''t know this was because in the past when dismounting Zhao Jingwen had looked unrefined and was mocked. Ye Suijin had led his horse into the yard, shut the gates, and instructed him to practice mounting and dismounting hundreds of times a day.


    After several days, his posture had be elegant.


    Thergest mansion in the river bank town had been cleared out for Zhao Jingwen by the scouts who returned early to prepare. By the time Pei Lian got out of the carriage, hot soup and hot water were ready, with a separate room prepared just for her.


    Pei Lian stepped over the threshold and looked back to see Zhao Jingwen still chatting with her head guard. He seemed much more interested in her guards than in her.


    Pei Lian bit her lip and went inside.


    Indeed, Zhao Jingwen didn''t have much interest in Pei Lian.


    Admittedly, it was very pleasing to enjoy the adoring gazes of a girl of status. But her guards truly attracted him more.


    Zhao Jingwen only regretted that he didn''t have enough capital to recruit them.


    It was frustrating.


    He asked, "When do you expect your family''s people to arrive?"


    The head guard said, "I guessed they would have caught up to us today."


    Sure enough, in the afternoon someone caught up to them.


    The boy looked about nine or ten years old.


    Wearing brocade robes and a gold crown. Although his features didn''t resemble Pei Lian''s very much, he had a child''s full cheeks yet was very mature. He greeted Zhao Jingwen with a bow, "Many thanks to Sir Zhao for assisting my elder sister. We are deeply grateful."


    The head guard introduced, "This is my household''s young master."


    Zhao Jingwen returned the formal greeting seriously, "Young Master Pei, no need for thanks. Coming upon injustice, one should naturally step in to help."


    Zhao Jingwen did not look down on him for being a child. Young Master Pei''s first impression of him was very good.


    Everyone took their seats as host and guest.


    Zhao Jingwen noticed that following the young master of the Pei family was a tall, aquiline-nosed man with stubble on his chin.


    Compared to the young master''s elegant attire, this man''s clothing was much iner and did not stand out at all.


    Yet despite not having said a word, his presence could not be ignored.


    Whether it was his brows, eyes, lips, or the two scars on his face, the sword at his waist, his whole being exuded an icy aura.


    One could not help but nce at him again.


    The Pei family young master said, "I happened to encounter a messenger on the way to pick up elder sister, and this unexpected incident urred. I have not yet prepared a gift of thanks for Sir Zhao, please forgive me."


    Zhao Jingwen waved his hand with augh. "As long as elder sister is unharmed, what else matters between us men?"


    The young Pei master''s liking for him grew deeper.


    After expressing his thanks repeatedly, he went to see his sister.


    The tall, deep-eyed man did not follow him in, remaining outside instead.


    Yet he did not acknowledge Zhao Jingwen either.


    Zhao Jingwen realized this was no ordinary guard. But the man was exceptionally silent, and the head guard did not introduce him either.


    Zhao Jingwen had never feared such things. He smiled and took the initiative to greet him, "How may I address this brother?"


    The man looked older than him, with a somewhat weathered air, likely not yet thirty.


    The man nced at him and said, "He Lian."


    He Lian was a Han surname taken by assimted foreigners. No wonder his features were more pronounced than the average person''s.


    Zhao Jingwen smiled. "So it''s Brother He Lian."


    He Lian cupped his fists in a bow. "I shall repay today''s kindness in the days toe."


    Zhao Jingwen waved his hand. "Well said, well said."


    But he wondered to himself, the young Pei brother had already thanked him, so what was this He Lian''s status that he thanked him again?


    Inside the room, the brother and sister were arguing.


    "Why didn''t Fathere?" Pei Lian asked.


    Pei Dingxi sighed. "How could Father get away? Sister, stop making a fuss. Brother-inw is truly good to you."


    Pei Lian angrily retorted, "Who''s your brother-inw? I''m telling you, I won''t marry him!"


    "You always call me the young miss of the Jian Nan Military Governor Manor, so how could the young miss of the Jian Nan Military Governor Manor marry such an ugly, coarse, old military man?"


    Tears streamed down her face. "Has our family fallen to such straits?"


    Pei Dingxi was also helpless, just like the head guard.


    But after all, he was still a child, and couldn''t help arguing back, "He Lian isn''t ugly."


    There was no way to refute that He Lian was a bit old at twenty-seven.


    But he really wasn''t ugly!


    Pei Dingxi said, "Everyone says he''s heroic and valiant."


    Pei Lian angrily retorted, "He''s ugly! Ugly to death!"


    With scars on his face and bristly stubble, he wasn''t handsome at all!


    In the past, she had only casuallyined about He Lian''s looks. But today, there was a Sir Zhao outside.


    A white horse and silver spear, the bright colored flowers on the side of his light-colored shirt''s arrow sleeves.


    All He Lian knew was riding horses and wielding des, shing and killing people. He couldn''t even speak a gentle word, and didn''t even have a smile on his face.


    When Sir Zhao smiled, how it stirred one''s heart like a spring breeze!

 Chapter 72

    Pei Lian is sixteen this year.


    When she was fourteen, Pei Ze chose He Lian Xiang Yun from his eight adopted sons to be his son-inw.


    Pei Dingxi is still young, and Pei Ze is afraid that if something happens to him, there would be someone to protect his son. Although the adopted sons can also be used, when ites to intimacy, they are still not as close as the son-inw.


    Pei Lian was originally supposed to get marriedst year when she reached the age for hairpinning. But because of Pei Lian''s own reasons, it was dyed until this year.


    He Lian Xiang Yun is seventeen this year. Pei Ze also felt bad about dying it further, so he decided to marry them off this year. Preparations have been in full swing these days, but Pei Lian ran away.


    In order to escape the marriage, she actually wanted to run to the capital to find her maternal rtives whom she had lost contact with for many years.


    It was wishful thinking.


    The guards reported to Pei Ze. Pei Ze just sighed and said to He Lian Xiang Yun, "Go bring her back."


    He Lian said, "If I go alone, she will surely get angry."


    Pei Ze sighed even more. "Dingxi, you go with him."


    The fianc¨¦ and the brother went together to fetch Pei Lian.


    They just didn''t expect Pei Lian to run into trouble on the way and get saved by someone.


    It wasn''t a big deal. With the ability of Pei''s guards, they could have protected Pei Lian. It was just bound to lead to casualties.


    With someone''s help, many casualties were avoided. Pei Dingxi and He Lian were both grateful to Zhao Jingwen.


    Pei Dingxi sighed.


    He sighed like a little old man despite his young age.


    "Sister, let''s go back," he said. "You''ve seen how chaotic it is outside. We don''t know what the situation with maternal grandfather''s family is after losing contact for so many years. Father would never let you go to the capital."


    Pei Ze didn''t remarry. Pei Dingxi''s mother was just a concubine. His maternal family was his maternal grandfather''s family.


    Pei Lian also knew it was impossible to go to the capital.


    She cried for a while. Pei Dingxi didn''t know what to do andforted her gently for a long time.


    From the time he became aware, his father had always told him that his sister had suffered a lot and that he owed her. As father and son, they had topensate his sister well.


    Pei Dingxi was used to it.


    After tidying up, Pei Dingxi apanied Pei Lian to the front.


    The captain of the guards was apanying He Lian Xiang Yun and Zhao Jingwen in conversation. Hearing the sound, they all stood up.


    The two of them stood side by side. Pei Lian looked over and felt the contrast was stark.


    One was a military man.


    The other was as handsome as her father.


    The room was full of grown men.


    A youngdy''s thoughts were hard to hide. Especially matters between men and women. Except for Pei Dingxi who was still too young to understand, everyone saw it.


    The captain of the guards kept his eyes down.


    He Lian Xiang Yun''s eyebrows knitted slightly.


    Zhao Jingwen knew the youngdy had run away from home because of a quarrel with her family. He didn''t know she was actually running from an arranged marriage, let alone that He Lian Xiang Yun next to him was Pei Lian''s fianc¨¦.


    But he enjoyed the way the girl looked at him, and smiled even more charmingly.


    When Pei Lian came over to bid him farewell and thank him, he said gently, "Talk it out properly with your family if there are any issues. It is very chaotic outside, do not wander around recklessly."


    Tears welled up in Pei Lian''s eyes as she looked up at him.


    In her childhood, she had lived a hard few years, drifting and losing her way, suffering from major illnesses several times. Her health was somewhat weak, and she looked perpetually sickly.


    But she was also born very delicate and beautiful, which made people feel pity for her when looking at her.


    Zhao Jingwen pitied the beautiful and delicate girl, and his gaze naturally became as gentle as water.


    This was unlike how her father always sighed when looking at her, or how He Lian looked at her no differently from others.


    Meeting Zhao Jingwen''s gentle eyes, Pei Lian felt her mind go nk.


    In a daze, she followed her brother and fianc¨¦ and left, got on the carriage, and halfway through the journey, she suddenly came to her senses.


    Lifting the carriage curtain, she saw her brother and He Lian riding side by side.


    He Lian''s physique was too intimidating, like some kind of beast. She had always been very afraid of him.


    Was she to share a bed with a man like this for the rest of her life?


    Pei Lian''s eyes welled up with tears.


    No.


    She bit her lip.


    No way.


    She must fight for herself. She must make her fatherpromise.


    This was what he owed her.


    Upon returning to Fangling, when facing Pei Ze, Pei Ze did not reprimand her. Instead, after learning what had happened, he asked with concern, "You weren''t too frightened, were you?"


    Pei Lian just kept her head down without making a sound.


    Pei Ze was used to this and didn''t know what to do with her, so he could only call for someone, "Attend to the young mistress to rest."


    The maids came to support Pei Lian back to the inner residence.


    Pei Dingxi and He Lian stayed behind to talk to Pei Ze.


    Pei Dingxi asked about the band of bandits.


    "Young Master Zhao said he would go back and take care of themter," Pei Dingxi smiled. "But brother-inw had already detoured to wipe them out cleanly on the way."


    Pei Ze nodded. He Lian Xiang Yun was very satisfactory in getting things done.


    How could he leave any survivors after they had frightened his daughter?


    He also asked about Zhao Jingwen.


    He Lian Xiang Yun said, "The location is quite good, suitable for stationing troops. He has good judgement."


    Pei Ze asked, "What is his background?"


    The captain of the guards told Pei Ze the information they had gathered on Zhao Jingwen.


    Pei Ze said, "The Ye family of Deng Prefecture? Are they trying to expand into Xiang Prefecture? Are the Ye family in control of Deng Prefecture?"


    The captain of the guards said, "Yes, he said his family elder has received an imperial edict from the Emperor and is now the military governor of Deng Prefecture."


    Calling oneself a military governor even for just a small prefecture.


    Some random self-styled military governor.


    Pei Ze''s father was a proper Military Governor of Jiannan. Hemanded forty thousand fierce soldiers. He held control over a territory and was like a local emperor.


    In his eyes, he looked down on these random pedigreed ones.


    But on second thought, he sighed again. Those were all in the past. Now he only had two to three thousand men himself, controlling just one province. What right did he have to look down on others?


    "I don''t know how the harvest was in Deng Prefecturest year," he said.


    The situation here was very badst year. It poured rain heavily for days just as it was time to collect the grain.


    Themoners went crazy trying to harvest, but the losses were still tremendous.


    Farming really depended on the heavens for food.


    "What kind of person is this Young Master Zhao?" Pei Ze asked.


    The captain of the guards said, "He is originally from Taiyuan Prefecture. Due to the turmoil of war, he fled to Deng Prefecture and is now under the Ye family''smand there. His martial arts skills are quite good, he is well-spoken, and seems to be from a prestigious family."


    In fact, Xiang Da and Ye Mancang were both present at that time.


    Zhao Jingwen imed to be under the Ye family. He also didn''t exin that the military governor of the Ye family was actually a woman.


    Being a son-inw was a status that invited disdain. Xiang Da and Ye Mancang were not fools either. They would not jump out and grab a stranger''s ears to tell him that Young Master Zhao was actually the Ye family''s son-inw.


    Men could easily empathize with other men and were loyal to their own kind.


    They could understand why Zhao Jingwen did not mention his status as a son-inw.


    Since he didn''t bring it up, no one else did either. To mention it to his face was hitting him in the face. To mention it behind his back was gossiping. Neither were good things to do.


    Pei Ze knocked on the table with his knuckles and said, "Prepare some giftster, you two go over to express thanks. We can''t be impolite."


    Pei Dingxi and He Lian Xiang Yun both acknowledged.


    One was the younger brother, the other was the fianc¨¦. Expressing gratitude to Zhao Jingwen was only proper.


    Only the captain of the guards felt very awkward, and stole nces at He Lian.


    But He Lian''s expression was very calm.


    He and Pei Lian were not in love to begin with. It was normal for Pei Lian as a young maiden to be attracted to a handsome gentleman. He was not angry about it either.


    But that Zhao Jingwen did seem to be too flirtatious. Putting other things aside, when it came to matters between men and women, he did not look like a good man.


    Fortunately Pei Lian would have no more contact with this man in the future.


    They were to be married this month.


    "Young Master Zhao is quite outstanding," Pei Dingxi really liked Zhao Jingwen.


    He liked treating him like an adult who was treated as an adult by his father.


    It was rare to see his son take such a liking to someone, so Pei Ze asked, "Oh?"


    Pei Dingxi praised Zhao Jingwen''s bearing and speech, and also said, "At first, we thought it was just another local bandit gang. But when we arrived at the river mouth, we realized the military is the military, and bandits are bandits. They are simply different."


    "The viges and towns all seemed to live in peace."


    "Themoners also seem to love and respect him a lot."


    He described it so vividly that Pei Ze became rather interested in Zhao Jingwen as well, and asked He Lian, "Is it really as he described?"


    Pei Dingxi wrinkled his nose.


    Look, he already stated it so clearly, yet his father still had to ask He Lian. He still treated him like a child in his heart.


    The captain of the guards broke into a slight sweat.


    Kids will be kids. They can''tprehend anything clearly.


    He stole another nce at He Lian Xiang Yun.


    He Lian nodded and was about to speak, when a maid suddenly rushed in with a pale face, stumbling, "Sir! My lord! The young mistress, she¡ª!"


    Pei Ze only had two children. Regardless of gender, the two children were called young mistress and young master ording to their birth order.


    When they heard "Mistress is unwell", several people jumped up at once: "What happened?"


    The maid said in a fluster: "Mistress, Mistress she... tried to hang herself!"


    Pei Ze was shocked!


    Pei Lian was lying in bed, with a strangtion mark around her neck.


    With so many maids and servants around her, she could not have seeded inmitting suicide. And everyone was wary of this young mistress.


    As soon as they heard the sound of a stool falling over in the room, they knew something was wrong and rushed in immediately to save her.


    Pei Lian heard the sound of footsteps, very soon, her father Pei Ze and brother Pei Dingxi came in.


    One called out: "Lian''er!"


    The other called out: "Sister!"


    One had abandoned her and her mother to escape alone, the other enjoyed their father''s love alone while she was suffering from cold and hunger.


    These two men in the world, who owed her so much.


    "Let me die," she said, "If I don''t die this year, next year, or the year after, I will definitely die in front of you, just like my mother at the same age."


    Pei Dingxi was stunned, and looked towards Pei Ze.


    Hearing this, Pei Ze felt a sharp pain in his heart!


    The beautiful, gentle smile of his wife shed before his eyes.


    She was a noblewoman of the capital, highly sought after by the Pei family of Jiannan Road.


    Phoenixes singing harmoniously, a young married couple.


    Pei Ze still remembered what happened that day.


    He was riding his horse at full gallop.


    Behind him were all the pursuing troops, looking back, there was a fire in the distance.


    The horse''s hooves beat violently, he knew he was getting farther and farther away from her, but he had no choice.


    The crossbow bolts flew like shooting stars.


    His loyal guards leapt over abandoning their horses, using their bodies to block the fatal crossbow bolts for him.


    They were all young guards who had grown up by his side since childhood, loyal and devoted.


    Bodies rolled to the ground, trampled under the horses'' hooves.


    Pei Ze could no longer think of his wife, he could only flee for his life first.


    In his heart he knew, once he left, it would likely be an eternal separation from her.


    Sure enough, his wife entrusted their daughter to the loyal servant, and then took her own life.


    That year, she was only eighteen years old!

 Chapter 73

    Pei Ze sat dejectedly on the embroidered bench. Pei Dingxi quickly went over to support him.


    Pei Ze waved his hand, "Let me talk to your sister."


    Pei Dingxi looked at Pei Lian, then back at him. Knowing what to do, he respectfully withdrew.


    He Lian Xiang Yun was standing outside the courtyard, not even stepping into the yard.


    Although the wedding was to take ce this month, he was still very courteous before the marriage.


    When Pei Dingxi came out, he saw He Lian Xiang Yun standing outside with his hands behind his back.


    Hearing the sound, He Lian Xiang Yun turned around and asked, "How is the Lady?"


    Pei Dingxi replied, "She''s fine now that we were able to save her in time. Nothing serious happened."


    He Lian Xiang Yun nodded slightly.


    Pei Dingxi was muttering in his heart.


    He felt that He Lian was being rather cold towards his sister. She had just tried to hang herself, yet he only nodded lightly in response.


    Especially since his sister was prone to mncholy and tears. She needed more patience, care, and gentle words from others.


    He Lian was indeed a little too cold and indifferent.


    The youngd didn''t yet realize that he had really been duped by his father.


    Pei Ze felt guilty towards his wife and daughter, and wanted to make amends wholeheartedly. But he could not take care of Pei Lian for the rest of her life. When he was gone, Pei Dingxi would be Pei Lian''s main support.


    So from an early age, he had repeatedly told Pei Dingxi to understand his sister''s suffering, to feel that he owed her, and to sincerely want topensate her well.


    In fact, only the two of them, father and son, felt this way in the entire Fang Prefecture.


    When the maid went ahead to report Pei Lian''s suicide attempt, He Lian Xiang Yun hadughed to himself.


    Even the little attendant who served tea at the door knew that nothing would happen to Eldest Young Lady Pei.


    That was for certain. With so many maids surrounding her, there was no way she could trulymit suicide. Otherwise, those maids might as well die too.


    In Pei Lian''s room, Pei Ze asked dejectedly, "What do you want in the end?"


    Pei Lian took a deep breath.


    "I don''t want to marry He Lian. I want to marry the man I like," she said as she sat up.


    "If I am to marry, I will only marry Zhao Jingwen from Taiyuan."


    "Otherwise, I would rather not marry for the rest of my life."


    "Anyway, with my sickly health, I am not destined for a long life."


    Pei Dingxi and He Lian Xiang Yun were both waiting outside.


    Finally, Pei Ze came out with an uncertain expression.


    He Lian called out, "Father?"


    Pei Ze nced at him, feelingplicated.


    He Lian Xiang Yun''s brows furrowed slightly.


    Pei Dingxi called out, "Father," and asked, "How is sister?"


    Pei Ze came to his senses and said, "Nothing serious happened. He Lian, you may go."


    He Lian Xiang Yun had many affairs to handle. After being dyed by Pei Lian for two to three days, he bid farewell and left to attend to them.


    Pei Ze said again, "Dingxi,e with me."


    Father and son went to the study. Pei Ze asked closely about the details of "Zhao Jingwen from Taiyuan".


    But Pei Dingxi could not provide much more. After exchanging pleasantries, he had gone in to find his sister.


    Pei Ze said, "You interacted with him very briefly. How could you be so fond of him?"


    "Huh? Me?" Pei Dingxi scratched his head. "Do I?"


    Pei Ze affirmed, "You like this person."


    Pei Dingxi replied, "Master Zhao is indeed likable."


    Pei Ze asked, "Why is that?"


    But Pei Dingxi could not exin. He only said, "I don''t know, I just... anyway, I quite like him."


    Although young, he was very mature.


    Those around saw him as cute and amusing. Due to his status, of course no one dared tough at him openly.


    But he could still sense the suppressedughter in their eyes.


    This often left Pei Dingxi feeling helpless and distressed.


    But upon seeing his childlike way of speaking despite his young age, Master Zhao immediately assumed a serious attitude, without looking down on him for his youth in the slightest.


    Under Pei Dingxi''s old-souled behavior, there was still a child''s heart. He immediately took a great liking to Zhao.


    He said, "Anyway, I like him a lot."


    After thinking for a bit, he added, "He also spoke to my sister very gently. He even advised her tomunicate well with our family. I could see my sister was nearly moved to tears."


    Pei Ze nodded, dismissed him, and summoned Pei Lian''s guard captain to inquire closely about the situation at the time.


    This was the third time he was recounting it in detail. He had already told it to He Lian, and to Pei Ze once before as well.


    The guard captain again recounted everything in great detail. As he spoke, his heart thumped nervously, having some guesses.


    Sure enough, after Pei Ze had asked many detailed questions about much information, he asked, "Did he act frivolously or seductively towards the Lady?"


    The guard captain knew it!


    s.


    He considered carefully.


    Master Zhao did have a romantic air about him, and his smile was captivating. That was innate to him.


    As someone from thedy''s side, he certainly felt some dislike initially. But to be objective, not only did Master Zhao not do anything improper, he was very courteous.


    He had not even spoken more than a few words to Pei Lian, and had not taken any initiative to get close to her whatsoever.


    But of course the guard captain could not tell the whole truth either - that it was the youngdy who, having reached marrying age, was feeling the first stirrings of romance.


    He could only answer evasively with eyes fixed straight ahead: "Master Zhao is someone who understands and observes propriety very well, and did not act frivolously at all."


    After a pause, he hesitated, "It''s just that..."


    Pei Ze said, "Speak freely."


    The guard captain said, "It''s just that Master Zhao is naturally charming, the kind of appearance that is very captivating to women."


    As he spoke, he even stealthily nced at Pei Ze.


    Pei Ze immediately understood.


    The men Pei Lian interacted with daily were mainly his adopted sons.


    They were talented men, skilled in martial arts and military affairs. He Lian was the most outstanding among them.


    But none really had an appearance that was "naturally charming, captivating to women."


    If one had to pick such a man, it would be...


    Himself.


    Pei Ze''s expression was gloomy.


    The guard captain didn''t even dare to breathe loudly.


    After a long silence, Pei Ze dismissed him. Only then did he carefully withdraw, heaving a long sigh of relief.


    He Lian Xiang Yun first dealt with some matters, then returned to his own residence.


    A teenage boy greeted him, "Uncle, you''re back!"


    The boy looked about 13 or 14. His features were not as striking as He Lian Xiang Yun''s. Although they had Hu ancestry, it had been assimted over many generations long ago. Culturally they hadpletely Sinicized. They were quite unlike the Hu people of the grasnds who shared their origins.


    Basically, they were Han Chinese.


    But asionally there would be some with very striking features, like He Lian Xiang Yun''s appearance.


    The boy asked, "Did you bring my auntie back?"


    He Lian Xiang Yun said, "She''s not your aunt yet."


    The boyughed, "But she''s going to be real soon!"


    He then asked, "Uncle, what if after the wedding, my auntie still acts like this? What should we do?"


    He Lian Xiang Yun replied, "Leng Ban."


    The boy scratched his head as he brought over water for He Lian to wash his face.


    As He Lian washed up, he said, "You can''t have both ends of the sugarcane be sweet. Once you ept one end, you can''t still be wishing for the other."


    The boy said, "...Alright."


    He relied on his uncle for survival. His uncle had brought him to follow Pei Ze, to serve under Pei Ze.


    Since he was marrying Pei Ze''s beloved daughter, he shouldn''t expect a virtuous and gentle wife, and should lower his status.


    One cannot be too greedy.


    Just then, Pei Ze''s personal guards came to summon: "The master requests General He Lian''s presence in the study."


    Having just finished washing his face, He Lian went along directly.


    Upon entering the study, he saw Pei Ze with worried clouds on his brow.


    "Father," He Lian asked, "Why so worried?"


    Pei Ze heaved a deep sigh, raising his eyes to look at He Lian Xiang Yun.


    He truly liked He Lian very much. He felt assured entrusting his daughter and son to him.


    But now...


    Sensing his mood, He Lian said, "Father, speak of any difficulties directly."


    Pei Ze sighed longly and said, "A Yun, you know this. Since you came to Fangling, I have thought highly of you."


    He Lian said, "Father''s grace to me is profound, and always in my heart."


    Pei Ze was silent for a long time before finally saying with difficulty, "But Lian''er is my only daughter..."


    He Lian looked up.


    ¡°I¡¯m the one who wronged you,¡± said Pei Ze. ¡°Xiang Yun, let¡¯s call off your engagement with my daughter.¡±


    He Lian Xiang Yun was silent for a while before asking, ¡°Who will the eldest miss marry then?¡±


    Pei Ze didn¡¯t answer.


    But the number of men Pei Lian could get in touch with was limited. Considering her personality, He Lian soon guessed, ¡°She¡¯s taken a liking to Zhao Jingwen from Taiyuan?¡±


    Pei Ze heaved a long sigh and closed his eyes, kneading his face with his hands. That was as good as admitting it.


    The study fell silent.


    He Lian lowered his head in thought for a moment before standing up and lifting his robe to kneel down. ¡°All these years, I¡¯m grateful to have enjoyed the shelter and care of my foster father. I¡¯ll never be able to repay such kindness,¡± he said. ¡°Now that fate has run its course between us, I wish my foster father good health and longevity, sess in reiming his homnd, and fulfillment of his wishes.¡±


    He performed three deep bows with the utmost respect.


    Pei Ze grabbed his arm and raised him up, with tears in his eyes, ¡°Xiang Yun, I¡¯ve let you down.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just that I owe her too much. This is the matter of her lifetime. I, I really...¡±


    He Lian also held his arm, ¡°Sir, I understand.¡±


    The bond between foster father and son ended with that one word ¡°Sir¡±.


    Pei Ze wept.


    He Lian returned to his own courtyard. His nephew came over and asked, ¡°What¡¯s happened again?¡±


    He Lian said, ¡°Go tell our people to pack up. We¡¯re leaving.¡±


    The youth was puzzled. ¡°Leaving? Where to?¡±


    He Lian said, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    He exined, ¡°My engagement with the eldest miss is called off. Fangling is no longer a ce for me. Let¡¯s go somewhere else and start anew. We¡¯ll figure it out as we go.¡±


    The young man was surprised but held back his questions. He stamped his feet and went to inform the others.


    When the youth returned to the yard, he happened to meet the guard delivering a small chest. He set it down and left.


    ¡°What¡¯s this? It¡¯s so heavy,¡± the youth said, picking it up and shaking it. Opening the chest, he eximed, ¡°Wow, so much gold and silver?¡±


    ¡°A parting gift from the master,¡± He Lian Xiang Yun said. ¡°Are the people ready?¡±


    The young man replied, ¡°They¡¯re ready. Everyone is really upset.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be upset,¡± He Lian said. ¡°Parting can be sweet sorrow.¡±


    He had six or seven servants who were his personal property. They had apanied him when he first arrived, so of course they would leave with him now.


    The young man had gone to inform these several people.


    As frequent travelers, they could pack up swiftly with little fuss. They bundled up and were ready to depart at a word.


    After getting their gear in order, they set off. Pei Ze came out to see them off.


    ¡°Sir, please go back,¡± He Lian said after a look. ¡°Where is the young master?¡±


    Pei Ze replied, ¡°If he knew, he would be heartbroken.¡±


    He Lian nodded, got on his horse, and left with his party.


    After traveling twenty li, dust rose behind them as someone gave chase and caught up. It was none other than Pei Dingxi.


    ¡°Brother-inw, you¡¯re really leaving?¡± The boy had ridden hard to catch up. Covered in dust, he was out of breath. He Lian dismounted and said, ¡°I won¡¯t be your brother-inw anymore. You¡¯ll have to stop calling me that.¡±


    Pei Dingxi¡¯s eyes reddened. ¡°But you¡¯ll always be my master.¡±


    As Pei Ze¡¯s foster son, He Lian Xiang Yun and Pei Lian had both taught Pei Dingxi martial arts. But after He Lian and Pei Lian¡¯s betrothal, He Lian Xiang Yun had been the sole teacher.


    Pei Dingxi looked to the youth again, ¡°You¡¯re leaving too, Feiyu?¡±


    He Lian Feiyu harrumphed, ¡°I have to follow my uncle.¡±


    Upset, he added, ¡°It¡¯s all because of your sister.¡±


    Not having experienced parting before, Pei Dingxi usually acted mature, but had few peers his age and got along very well with He Lian Feiyu. Now that they had to separate, he couldn¡¯t hold back his tears.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you not go?¡± he pleaded. ¡°If she wants to marry someone else, can¡¯t you find another wife too?¡±


    He Lian Xiang Yun was indifferent towards Pei Lian but harbored some true feelings for Pei Dingxi.


    He patiently exined, ¡°Some things a man cannot abide - avenging his father¡¯s murder, hating his wife''s captor.¡±


    ¡°Even if I don¡¯t mind, I can¡¯t guarantee your future brother-inw won¡¯t be suspicious. If he were to be wary in the future, I¡¯m afraid it would end badly for all of us.¡±


    ¡°Better to part on good terms now.¡±


    He said it earnestly and the child was smart enough to understand.


    But Pei Dingxi''s tears continued to fall freely. At that moment, he was every bit a child.


    He Lian Xiang Yun smiled and squatted down to gently pat his head, instructing him, ¡°From now on, you must stay by your master''s side. Think you can do that?¡±


    Pei Dingxi was by his master''s side even now. He didn''t understand what would be so hard about that, and nodded.


    He Lian Xiang Yun told him, "Grow up quickly."


    Pei Dingxi nodded again.


    Through tear-filled eyes, he watched as He Lian and his nephew mounted their horses without a backward nce and rode away.

 Chapter 74

    After Pei Lian and her entourage left, Xiang Da and Ye Mancang poked fun at Zhao Jingwen for a bit. Affairs of the heart were trivial matters in the eyes of men. One must know that men often visited brothels together, as was custom since ancient times. Besides, Zhao Jingwen hadn''t done anything indecent, he just happened to attract the admiring gaze of young maidens, how could one me him for that? On the contrary, Zhao Jingwen spoke sternly, "Stop that nonsense."


    Xiang Da coughed and stroked his nose, "Alright."


    Ye Mancang giggled.


    The three men then discussed the Pei family of Fang Prefecture.


    Xiang Da admired, "The soldiers are impressive."


    Zhao Jingwen said, "I wonder if I''ll have the chance to get acquainted."


    Ye Mancang said, "That little maiden is clearly doted on by her family. If they have any sense of propriety, they shoulde to thank us."


    Sure enough, not long after he said this, the little boy came again.


    This time, Pei Dingxi brought gifts to express gratitude: "Brother Zhao, your chivalrous deed is greatly appreciated by my father, who specially sent me to convey thanks."


    After exchanging pleasantries, Zhao Jingwen invited him to sit as host and guest, and said, "Your esteemed father is too kind."


    He politely declined at first before epting the gifts.


    After chatting with Pei Dingxi for a bit, he revealed his purpose: "My father is impressed by Brother Zhao''s youthful heroism and wishes to meet you in person. He sent me to cordially invite Brother Zhao to Fangling for a gathering. I hope Brother Zhao will honor us with his presence."


    Zhao Jingwen had wanted to be acquainted with the Pei family of Fang Prefecture for some time now, and had worried there would be no opportunity. The pillow came just as he felt sleepy.


    Hearing this, he was overjoyed and said, "You do me too much honor. I''m willing to go to Fangling and pay my respects to Master Pei."


    With mutual intention, it was settled smoothly.


    The next day, Zhao Jingwen brought Xiang Da and guards to apany Pei Dingxi to Fangling.


    Along the way, he observed that the livelihoods of Fang Prefecture''s citizens seemed somewhat bleak. It couldn''t be called downtrodden, justcking the sense of stability and prosperity of Deng Prefecture.


    However, Fang Prefecture had elite soldiers.


    It was inly visible that the guards apanying the young Pei maiden and her brother were well-trained troops.


    Of course, guards protecting nobles were more elite thanmon soldiers, but if everyone was a midget, one still couldn''t pick out a general.


    Or at the very least, Fang Prefecture had talented people who could train elite soldiers.


    It wasn''t difficult to glean information from a child''s mouth.


    On the journey, Zhao Jingwen got a basic grasp of the Pei family''s circumstances: the Pei family had a son and daughter, the daughter was the elder while the son was still young. Additionally, there were a few adopted sons.


    He asked, "Brother He Lian I met previously is also an adopted son of your esteemed father?"


    Pei Dingxi vaguely affirmed, "Mm-hmm."


    Calling off engagements reflected poorly on both men and women, better not to mention it if possible.


    Upon entering Fang Prefecture, seeing with his own eyes, Zhao Jingwen affirmed that Fang Prefecture indeed had elite soldiers. Those guards were not just randomly picked from the bunch.


    This shed some light on things.


    Because he was currently also in the process of training his own troops independently from the Ye family stronghold, he deeply understood how expensive provisions for soldiers were. The Pei family trained elite troops, so their spending must be even more massive than the Ye family''s. Otherwise they really wouldn''t be able to afford it.


    Upon entering the Pei manor, he met Pei Lian and Pei Dingxi''s father, Pei Ze.


    Pei Lian and Pei Dingxi''s features were exquisitely refined, so Zhao Jingwen had expected Pei Ze to also be blessed with fine looks. But actually seeing him still astonished Zhao Jingwen.


    Pei Ze''s countenance and bearing were too outstanding, every move bespoke his noble lineage.


    Previously, Zhao Jingwen had thought the young masters of the Ye family were already quite noble.


    Compared to Pei Ze however, the Ye family youths instantly became country squires.


    After all, the Pei family had ruled Jian''nan for three generations. Pei Ze was born amid luxury, raised with privilege. Even his wives were nobledies from the capital.


    In this aspect, the Ye family were after all country squires, iparable.


    At first sight of Zhao Jingwen, Pei Ze sighed appreciatively.


    With such looks, no wonder his daughter fell for him at first sight and insisted on marrying him desperately.


    He Lian was also quite handsome, with a martial and heroic air, but Zhao Jingwen was "beautiful". His guard captain had described him perfectly, he had the kind of looks women easily fell for.


    If his temperament was softer, he might often be called "pretty boy".


    Fortunately, Zhao Jingwen''s conduct and speech were fairly proper, and his physique and waist showed evidence of arduous training. His martial arts were vouched for by the guard captain, so they were unlikely to be subpar.


    Therefore, despite having a romantic appearance that attracted others, he did not give off a powdered and rouged air, and still carried a heroic spirit.


    Pei Ze was very amiable to Zhao Jingwen, first thanking him, then inviting him to be seated and hosting a banquet.


    Pei Dingxi and two of his adopted brothers attended the feast.


    A group of men and a child, the child''s role was to prick up his ears and listen to the adults'' conversation.


    "The Xuanhua Army is it?" Hearing Xiang Da was originally from the Xuanhua Army, Pei Ze sighed with feeling.


    The Xuanhua Army, the Wei-Rong Army, they were all gone now. Time flowed by, yet here he was, clinging to a corner, when could he return to his ancestral home and pay homage to his grandfather and father?


    And his wife.


    "Master Pei," Zhao Jingwen cupped fists, "Fang Prefecture''s soldiers are elite and disciplined. Master Pei, your bearing is extraordinary, I presume you must be of distinguished lineage?"


    Pei Ze was slightly modest.


    Pei Dingxi answered, "My great grandfather and grandfather both held the position of Military Governor of Jiannan for two generations."


    Zhao Jingwen gasped, "So it''s the Pei family of Jiannan. Please forgive my rudeness."


    Pei Ze waved his hand with a rueful sigh, "Those are matters of the past. Now I merely cling on wretchedly, bringing shame to my ancestors."


    At this time, his excellent memory came into use. He recalled the fragmented things Teacher Yang had mentioned in the past.


    That''s right, Wang Rong had usurped the position of Military Governor of Jiannan when he established the Shu Kingdom and dered himself emperor.


    Now it made sense.


    Zhao Jingwen said, "Master Pei must not disparage yourself. You are still in your prime with elite soldiers under you, and young master is clever beyond his years. Though restoring your homnd will be arduous, there is hope for the future."


    His words struck at the heart.


    No wonder his daughter liked him. Pei Ze was also very favorably disposed towards Zhao Jingwen.


    He waved his hand, "Enough of such talk,e, let''s drink, Master Zhao!"


    Everyone raised their cups.


    After drinking for a while, one of Pei Ze''s adopted sonsughed, "I''ve heard Brother Zhao is quite adept in martial arts. We too walked the battlefield, why don''t we exchange a few pointers?"


    Zhao Jingwen readily agreed.


    Pei Ze said, "Go easy, stop when it''s time to stop."


    The crowd then moved to the courtyard, their des thickly wrapped, and the two exchanged moves.


    Zhao Jingwen was brighter than most since birth, but born to a peasant family, in the past he only attended some rudimentary schooling, recognizing a few characters and learning a couple crude boxing methods.


    Fortunately, though his martial arts foundation was crude, he had built up his physique.


    Later, when he became son-inw to the Ye family, he finally had the opportunity to learn things previously unavable to him. Over the past three years, he had gritted his teeth and put in tremendous effort, sweat ten times as much as others.


    Heaven rewards diligence.


    The two were equally adept in martial arts, and the spectators were all insiders. After exchanging moves for a while, apuse rang out.


    Pei Ze did not need them to determine a victor, he only wanted to observe with his own eyes.


    When he felt they had adequately demonstrated their skills, he called for them to stop.


    Xiang Da also went down and exchanged moves with another of Pei Ze''s adopted sons.


    With no injuries, the atmosphere remained cordial.


    Returning to the hall, they continued feasting and the crowd grew closer.


    Pei Ze asked about the situation in Deng Prefecture. Zhao Jingwen said, "The Lord of the Ye Family Stronghold in Deng Prefecture has now received an imperial edict appointing him Military Governor, he currently rules Deng Prefecture."


    Pei Ze asked, "Have you had contact with the capital? How are things there?"


    "A few months ago when I left, the Emperor was still purging the remaining evildoers of the false dynasty. I heard he had fought all the way to Guanzhong," Zhao Jingwen said. "It''s been months since I left, I don''t know the current situation."


    In the early Tang Dynasty, roads were well-maintained and news travelled swiftly.


    Now, many official roads had fallen into disrepair and been abandoned, leaving many in a state of information istion.


    Pei Ze then asked about Heku.


    Pei Dingxi answered this, as he had actually been tasked with observing Heku this time, so his observations were more detailed. Speaking of it now, it was all praise.


    Pei Ze said, "Unexpectedly, Master Zhao is so adept at governing the people despite your youth."


    Experience was such a precious asset.


    During his time in Fangcheng, following Teacher Yang, Zhao Jingwen had been run off his feet busy. But heaven rewards diligence. Not a drop of his sweat was wasted, moreover he was such an earnest and inquisitive student.


    He had learned so much following Teacher Yang, and had also diligently handled countless tedious chores and record-keeping with his own hands.


    Now, applied in Heku, seen through Pei Ze''s eyes, it all added to his esteem.


    Pei Ze also asked about his background.


    Zhao Jingwen said, "I''m originally from Taiyuan Prefecture."


    In fact it was a small rural ce near Taiyuan Prefecture, probably unknown if mentioned, so it sounded more impressive to simply say "Zhao Jingwen of Taiyuan".


    "Because of the war, I left my hometown. My parents both died on the road, and I was the only one who wandered to Dengzhou."


    At first, it was a whole vige of fellow vigers who left together. Many old and young died on the road. Zhao Gou''er''s parents both died on the road.


    Also with him was his unconsummated wife Xing''er.


    Not marrying within the same vige, Xing''er was from another vige. It was originally said that after she was old enough, she would marry into the Zhao family, but that year she was only fourteen. Her family threw her into the Zhao family and ran away taking their son.


    The Zhao family had no choice but to take Xing''er with them.


    On the road, Zhao Jingwen''s parents died first. Once when Zhao Jingwen went with other men to find food, when he came back he couldn''t find Xing''er.


    Several young women were also gone. They were probably taken away by robbers.


    Zhao Gou''er chased for a while but didn''t catch up, gave up, and continued on.


    At first it was a whole vige of people, but they scattered more and more as they went on.


    But in fact, not only were young women in danger, men were also unsafe.


    When they saw strong young men, the military officials would tie them up and take them away without saying anything, to serve as soldiers.


    In order not to be taken as conscripts, Zhao Gou''er and two young fellow vigers hid all the way, and it was very difficult.


    By the time they got to Dengzhou, they had been reduced to beggars.


    Of course, all these embarrassing pasts were glossed over with a few words. The past didn''t matter, now he was Zhao Jingwen.


    Zhao Jingwen said, "I now serve under the Dengzhou Governor."


    Xiang Da took a sip of wine and smacked his lips.


    With just these few sentences, Pei Ze''s adopted sons were allmenting.


    Because most were in simr situations. If it weren''t for the constant wars and rampant bandits, who would be willing to easily leave their homnd and wander in a foreignnd!


    Pei Ze also sighed, "Drink the wine."


    He raised his ss to toast, nodding to himself -


    Zhao Jingwen from Taiyuan, in all aspects, is qualified.


    In fact, pretty good.


    It can be said, quite good.


    Zhao Jingwen stayed overnight at the Pei''s that night.


    The next day, Pei Dingxi apanied him around Fangling, looking around everywhere.


    When he returned to the Pei manor, they held another banquet. The Pei family was really thorough in etiquette.


    It showed that Pei Ze really appreciated him.


    After the banquet, Pei Ze invited Zhao Jingwen to the study to talk.


    This time no one apanied them, there were only Pei Ze and Zhao Jingwen in the study.


    Even Xiang Da smiled.


    Zhao Jingwen was even more aware, very clear what Pei Ze wanted to do -


    Recruit him.


    It is said, when one acquires literary and martial skills, one sells them to the emperor''s family.


    Literary and martial skills are monopolized wealth.


    Now under the situation where local bullies ruled over territories, whenever they encountered talent, the bullies must try to recruit them under theirmand.


    Of course Zhao Jingwen would not leave Dengzhou to follow Pei Ze.


    He had already privately chatted with Xiang Da beforehand. Pei Ze of Fangzhou was also someone, since they had this affinity, they should build a good rtionship.


    Whether it was for himself or Ye Suijin, they should.


    Zhao Jingwen sat down in the study, fully prepared. He nned to politely decline when Pei Ze revealed his intention to recruit him, and then build good rtions.


    With Pei Ze''s appreciation of him shown these past two days, he was very confident he could do it.


    If necessary, he could also reveal his rtionship as husband and wife with the Dengzhou Governor.


    Zhao Jingwen even felt that recognizing Pei Ze as a godfather to build rtions was not uneptable.


    But Zhao Jingwen never expected Pei Ze to ask, "Nephew Jingwen, are you married?"


    Zhao Jingwen was startled, and looked up at Pei Ze.


    Pei Ze was staring at him, with a solemn expression, but with anticipation in his eyes.


    Suddenly, Zhao Jingwen broke out in a cold sweat on his back.


    Because for others hearing this, they would just answer "I have a wife" or "I''m not married yet" after a pause.


    But Zhao Jingwen''s mind worked too fast, much faster than normal people!


    In an instant, he integrated all the information he knew about Pei Ze and the Pei family!


    Family destroyed and rtives dead.


    One son and one daughter, daughter older and son younger.


    Pei Xiaoniang''s infatuated gaze when looking at him...


    And these past two days, Pei Ze''s various tests of him, and satisfied looks.


    So it turned out Pei Ze didn''t want to recruit him.


    Pei Ze wanted him as a son-inw.


    Pei Ze was very good at training troops. He ruled a province, and had elite soldiers in his hands.


    He only had one son, Pei Dingxi was still just a child, and it would be several more years before he could take over.


    So in those years,pared to an adopted son, Pei Ze would certainly rely more heavily on his son-inw.


    Zhao Jingwen''s mind buzzed.


    He thought that meeting Miss Yecao Li of the Ye family in Dengzhou when she hosted a martial arts contest to find a husband was already the greatest opportunity heaven had given him.


    He thought he would never have such an opportunity again in this life.


    How could it really happen again!


    In this short instant, Zhao Jingwen''s mind was filled with too much information shing through.


    He saw many choices, and different possible futures with different choices.


    He saw various gains and losses.


    He had to choose a path, a future, in the maze-like intersecting futures.


    He could only choose one, and give Pei Ze a reply.


    Zhao Jingwen had never encountered such a difficult choice in his life before.


    For a moment, he only felt his lips were dry, his heart thumping rapidly!

 Chapter 75

    Zhao Jingwen was drinking tea alone in the hall.


    Originally, Pei Ze had invited Zhao Jingwen to speak in the study, and it was Pei Dingxi who was apanying him here.


    Later, a maid came looking for him, saying the "Eldest Lady" was asking for him.


    Pei Dingxi''s childlike face took on a helpless look, which Zhao Jingwen found very amusing.


    He guessed it was that dainty and arrogant Pei young mistress, Pei Dingxi''s elder sister and Pei Ze''s beloved daughter. He said, "Young Master Pei, go take care of your business."


    Pei Dingxi apologized and hurried off.


    No one knew what Zhao Jingwen and Pei Ze were talking about in the study, but it took quite a long time.


    The maids served tea snacks and all kinds of fruits, things Zhao Jingwen had never seen before. He tasted them one by one, and they were all incredibly delicious.


    At this time, Zhao Jingwen''s mind shed the faces of Xiang Da and Ye Mancang.


    And the hundred Ye family troops at the river mouth.


    After integrating all the information and carefully considering and calcting, though it all happened in an instant, only in Zhao Jingwen''s mind.


    He controlled himself not to take a deep breath.


    Deep breathing was the most obvious sign of nervousness.


    He tried to calmly seize the second opportunity of his life¡ª


    "I have never married before. Why does Lord Pei ask this?"


    Sure enough, Pei Ze sighed lightly and a smile appeared on his face.


    ...


    After the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, Zhao Jingwen stepped out of Pei Ze''s study.


    Pei Ze grasped his hands together with Zhao Jingwen: "Go settle down first, I''ll see you offter."


    Zhao Jingwen said, "Alright."


    The attendant led him to the side hall where hispanion was waiting for this Zhao gentleman.


    At first, the Zhao gentleman''s steps were a bit slow.


    But for some reason, he walked faster and faster.


    The attendant led the way, needing to walk diagonally in front, leading the guest forward.


    But the Zhao gentleman walked faster and faster, forcing the attendant to desperately shuffle his steps to avoid tripping himself.


    Fortunately, the Zhao gentleman pulled him to stabilize him, and the attendant repeatedly apologized.


    Zhao Jingwen said, "It''s fine."


    Only then did he take a deep, deep breath, and said, "I was walking too fast."


    The attendant thought, this gentleman is so kind and loves people, like a spring breeze.


    Zhao Jingwen finally resumed a normal pace. By the time he reached the side hall, he had calmed down.


    Seeing him arrive, Xiang Da called out, "Come have a snack, I''ve never seen this method of making them before, they''re delicious."


    Zhao Jingwen went over, picked up a piece and put it in his mouth. It really was delicious.


    After swallowing it, he said, "Brother Xiang, let''s go back and pack up."


    Xiang Da stood up, brushing off crumbs from his hands, "Alright."


    But when they returned to the guest residence, Zhao Jingwen called him into the main room, then immediately closed the door.


    Turning around, his first sentence was: "I have agreed to marry Lord Pei''s daughter and be his son-inw."


    Xiang Da was still thinking about how delicious the snacks were and wondering about the preparation method. Hearing this, he blinked several times, not understanding at all what Zhao Jingwen was saying: "Huh?"


    Zhao Jingwen swiftly looked towards the east and west rooms, then bent down to look through the door gap.


    Confirming no one was in the room, the attending little waiter was sitting under the porch outside the courtyard, far away across the yard.


    Xiang Da finally reacted.


    He jumped up: "You..."


    Zhao Jingwen went over to cover his mouth.


    Xiang Da made muffled sounds.


    His eyes were wide open, unable to believe Zhao Jingwen had done something so bold.


    Even if he went to visit brothels, he could have helped him conceal it.


    But he, he...he was taking another wife!


    His wife was the castle lord of the Ye family castle, the military governor of Dengzhou!


    "Brother Xiang, hear me out!" Zhao Jingwen covered his mouth and spoke low and fast, "The Pei family has at least two thousand elite troops. He only has one son who is just nine years old! If I be his son-inw, I can certainly gain control of the two thousand elite troops."


    In fact, he couldn''t be sure how loyal Xiang Da was to Ye Cuijin.


    After all, with Ye Cuijin in charge of Dengzhou, she was also admirable.


    To be cautious, he said, "Brother Xiang, think about it. With two or three thousand elite soldiers under me, the power of a whole prefecture,bined with my wife. In the future, which Ye family member would still be able to contend with us as husband and wife?"


    Xiang Da''s struggles ceased.


    Grabbing his wrist, eyes wide open.


    Zhao Jingwen slowly removed his hand from his mouth.


    Xiang Da took a couple deep breaths and said, "But, but...would the Lady be willing?"


    If the two sides cooperated, just thinking about it seemed wonderful.


    But...


    Zhao Jingwen said, "The women may make a fuss."


    Of course there would be a fuss. With one so capable and the other so spoiled, how could they not make a fuss? Xiang Da thought, Zhao Jingwen''s grape trellises in the inner courtyard would surely copse every day from now on.


    Zhao Jingwen said, "So Brother Xiang, without you, I can''t aplish this."


    Xiang Da opened his mouth.


    "As long as you help me, I''ll cook this raw rice into cooked rice here. I have my own methods for dealing with the women''s side." Zhao Jingwen pressed his shoulder, "If this seeds, Ziteng, your contributions will be the greatest. By my side, you are my right arm."


    "Ziteng, you know my circumstances in the Ye family. With so many Ye gentlemen, without me they will never promote me."


    "Ziteng, with so many Ye family members, you started from a lowly military officer, when will you ever stand out?"


    "What kind of great man doesn''t strive to stand between heaven and earth? Are you willing?"


    Xiang Da closed his mouth.


    After a long while, he whispered, "What about Mancang''s side?"


    He was just a guest of the household, in a guest-host rtionship with Ye Cuijin. Now it was a superior-subordinate rtionship. He would have his own choices based on self-interest.


    But Ye Mancang was a family servant.


    Servants must be loyal. How could they get Ye Mancang to not report to Ye Cuijin? Concealing such a big matter without reporting was tantamount to betraying one''s master.


    "And there''s still a hundred people, all Ye family members." He asked, "What to do?"


    Zhao Jingwen''s eyes smiled.


    "Don''t worry," he said. "Mancang will surely be of one heart with us."


    "The Ye family members... cate them for now."


    Zhao Jingwen and Xiang Da packed up and went to bid farewell to Pei Ze.


    Pei Ze grasped Zhao Jingwen''s shoulder and said, "Worthy son-inw, I''ll be waiting for you."


    He also said to Pei Dingxi, "From now on, he is your brother-inw."


    Pei Dingxi thought of Helian Shu and felt sad.


    But that day when he had brought Helian back, and ryed Helian''s exnation to Pei Ze, Pei Ze nodded and said, "It''s just as A Yun said. No matter who your sister marries in the future, this person will harbor resentment towards A Yun for stealing his wife. He cannot remain in our family."


    "Luckily A Yun is open-minded. It''s best we part amicably, leaving some leeway so we can meet again in the future without enmity."


    Pei Dingxi adjusted his emotions and greeted Zhao Jingwen very maturely, "Brother-inw."


    Zhao Jingwen stroked his head, "Dingxi."


    He looked around, with a slightly embarrassed expression, coughed and said, "Can I meet Eldest Lady?"


    Pei Ze smiled. Pei Dingxi said, "She already knows and is hiding shyly."


    Zhao Jingwen pressed his lips in a smile.


    Xiang Da felt ufortable, looking left and right.


    Not until they left the Pei estate and could no longer see the Pei family members did Xiang Da finally breathe a sigh of relief.


    Returning to River Mouth not long after, Ye Mancang was very happy to see them return, even asking, "How was Fangling? Is it prosperous? Is Dengzhou better? Or Fangzhou? How many troops does the Pei family have? Exactly how many troops do they have? Did you see the young Pei mistress?"


    Xiang Da''s expression was subtle.


    Zhao Jingwen said, "Mancang,e with me."


    Ye Mancang followed him into the room, confused: "What''s the matter? Were you not treated well there?"


    Unexpectedly, once inside, Zhao Jingwen turned around and said, "Mancang, Lord Pei wants me to marry into their family as his son-inw. I''ve already agreed. I''ll soon be marrying the Pei family''s youngdy."


    Ye Mancang was so shocked he couldn''t speak for a time.


    After a pause, he jumped up: "You! You!"


    "I have to report to the master!"


    "This won''t do, I have to go back!"


    Zhao Jingwen didn''t stop him, only stared at him intently and asked, "Go back to the Ye family castle and continue to be a ve and servant?"


    Ye Mancang stopped.


    Zhao Jingwen stepped forward: "Are you willing to be a ve your whole life, with your sons and daughters also ves for generations?"


    "At best, if you''re lucky, the master will give you a job where your son drives carriages and your daughter sweeps the yard."


    "If you''re even luckier, your son can marry a senior maid and have children who will also be ves. Your daughter can be a concubine to a gentleman and be half a mistress."


    "Mancang, does this satisfy you?"


    Ye Mancang stared nkly.


    Zhao Jingwen leaned down slightly and whispered in his ear, "Pei Ze has two to three thousand elite troops. He only has one son who is just nine years old. Mancang...think about it."


    Compared to Xiang Da''s crudeness, Ye Mancang was much more astute and keen on seeking personal gain.


    No need to spell things out explicitly.


    Zhao Jingwen saw Ye Mancang''s Adam''s apple bob up and down with a gulp.


    Ye Mancang was a smart person.


    "Mancang,e with me," Zhao Jingwen kept whispering to him, bewitching. "I can let you...change your wife and take my surname."


    Ye Mancang stumbled and fell into the chair...


    Er Bao noticed something was wrong.


    Er Bao was chosen by Ye Sujin to carry out a special mission, so of course he was no fool. On the contrary, he was as clever and steady as Qiu Sheng, a young man.


    He did lean a bit towards Zhao Jingwen, but that was under the premise that "Master Zhao is the son-inw".


    In fact, Er Bao had always remembered his mission. After all, like Qiu Sheng, he yearned to make something of himself. Who didn''t want that? Everyone did.


    At first, he found it odd that after Master Zhao returned from Fang Prefecture, he was busy preparing all kinds of things. Seeing they were all auspicious items, someone asked and only then did he know that the Pei family was marrying off a daughter and Master Zhao was preparing betrothal gifts.


    Well, the gifts he prepared were really thick. It looked like he valued the Pei family in Fang Prefecture quite a bit.


    What really alerted Er Bao was when someone said, "I also want to go to Fang Prefecture to take a look. The farthest I''ve gone in my life is Hekou".


    Another person said, "You can''t go. None of our men were chosen to go this time."


    The two speaking were people who followed from the Ye family base in Deng Prefecture. "Our men" referred to the Ye family army.


    In contrast were those other people Master Zhao recruitedter.


    It was these two lines of dialogue that suddenly alerted Er Bao that something was wrong.


    Well-trained soldiers had a different spirit and vigor from ordinary people.


    Although theseter recruits were stronger than before, their spirit and vigor could not bepared with the Ye family army.


    Even just for show, lining up the Ye family army would look more mighty and impressive.


    Master Zhao was going to someone else''s happy event in Fangling, yet didn''t bring a single Ye family soldier.


    This was not right.


    So Er Bao went to find Ye Mancang, "I also want to go and broaden my horizons."


    Ye Mancang said, "The people have already been picked, all chosen by the young master himself. You can go next time."


    Er Bao said, "How strange, why didn''t the young master choose any of our men? Our men have high spirits, especially us few who are the young master''s personal guards. Wouldn''t bringing us give more face than those other men?"


    He spoke with a smile but didn''t take his eyes off Ye Mancang.


    And Ye Mancang was visibly nervous.


    Something was up. And Ye Mancang knew about it, or was involved.


    Ye Mancang racked his brains, making up all kinds of excuses.


    Er Bao pretended to believe him, even shamelessly gave him a piece of cake, then left.


    Ye Mancangughed at him, relieved.


    He was lying, Er Bao was certain.


    He had said too much nonsense just now. Clearly he felt guilty.


    Er Bao thought a lot and guessed a lot, feeling these three people might want to start anew, abandoning Deng Prefecture to seek refuge in Fang Prefecture.


    Reasonable enough - in the Ye family base, Zhao Jingwen likely had little prospects left since he had to avoid suspicions.


    Xiang Da was just a lowly officer, he could follow anyone. Following Master Zhao, he was his right hand man.


    If even he was like this, Ye Mancang, who was a household servant, would be even more willing to be this right hand man.


    Er Bao gnawed on the cake. Since he couldn''t go, he had to think of something.


    Money makes the world go around.


    Beforeing, his master had given him money for the mission.


    Zhao Jingwen took Xiang Da and Ye Mancang to Fangling, leaving a few squad leaders to guard Hekou.


    Er Bao waited three days in Hekou until finally, one of theter recruits who went to Fangling secretly returned to Hekou.


    And told him the truth.


    Although not exactly the same as Er Bao''s guess that "Master Zhao wants to start anew", Master Zhao really was going to start anew.


    "It''s true the Pei family is marrying off a daughter. But guess who the groom is - your Master Zhao, Zhao Jingwen. I just don''t get it, such great news, why hide it from everyone?"


    Because being a son-inw was not an honorable thing. Everyone following Zhao Jingwen outside wouldn''t be socking in discretion to babble everywhere. Especially not to the neers, since the two sides didn''t get along that well. Saying the young master was a son-inw would ruin his prestige.


    So these people didn''t know.


    Er Bao asked, "When''s the wedding day? Have they finished the engagement rituals?"


    "Not yet. The auspicious day is the 22nd of the 3rd month." The man said. "Where''s the money you promised?"


    Er Bao took out a bulging purse. The man weighed it and said, "I''ve got to hurry back, someone''s helping cover for me. I should give them something for their trouble. Give me some more."


    Er Bao grabbed some more money to give him. "Be careful. Don''t let anything slip."


    Satisfied, the man left.


    Er Bao looked for the fewrades he had.


    They were all Ye Sujin''s personal guards, arranged to follow Zhao Jingwen this time.


    Er Bao showed them Ye Sujin''s order: "I have a mission, my master ordered me to act as needed. I''m returning to Deng Prefecture now. Help me keep this from others."


    Therades were surprised but the order was real. They said, "What''s this about? Can you tell us?"


    Er Bao said, "I can''t, don''t ask."


    "Alright," hisrades said. "Go, we''ll help cover for you."


    Er Bao found a horse and left Hekou, rushing at full speed straight to Deng Prefecture.


    He was on his way to make merit!

 Chapter 76

    In March, Ye Suijin was in Biyang.


    News came from the Ye family vige that Third Son''s wife had given birth to their second son.


    Ye Fourth Uncle was the first to return to Biyang, clearly in good spirits. He said to Ye Suijin, "I just hope this one will make it."


    Their firstborn was also a boy, but died before his first birthday, what a pity.


    To avoid misfortune, they deliberately gave the child a lowly name, calling him Little Turtle.


    Ye Suijin nodded, "Little Turtle."


    Just like his past life.


    Same nickname, same time and gender of birth.


    Ye Suijin liked seeing some things were the same as the past life.


    These things were like anchors sunk on a ship, firmly fixed there, giving her reference points amidst the flowing river of time.


    "He will surely live a long life of a hundred years," she said.


    Ye Fourth Uncle said, "Third Son will return in a few days. I hope Er Bao didn''t cause any trouble while we were away?"


    Since Ye Suijin had set up her administrative office in Biyang, naturally everyone would follow her there.


    Fifth Uncle, Seventh Uncle, Eighth Uncle''s families had all moved over.


    Fourth Uncle''s family stayed behind because Tang Rong was nearing her due date. They nned to move after her month of confinement.


    Ye Suijin had instructed them, "No rush, focus on Tang Rong and the baby''s health and safety."


    Fourth Mother deeply agreed, "Sixth Sister is steady and sober-minded."


    But Twelfth Sister couldn''t wait, she had already moved to Biyang.


    Because Tang Rong''s due date was nearing, Fourth Uncle and Third Son had gone back earlier, leaving Twelfth Sister in Ye Suijin''s care.


    Ye Suijin smiled, "Twelfth Sister is no troublemaker."


    Strangely, Twelfth Sister who was "raising the roof three days after not being beaten" and "udylike" in front of Fourth Uncle, became obedient under Ye Suijin''s care.


    She diligently did whatever asked of her.


    Ye Suijin said, "To curb her mischief, I had her teacher assign her more schoolwork."


    Twelfth Sister''s teacher, Chen, who was now the county magistrate, regrly left her assignments. As he came to report official business to Ye Suijin every ten days, he could conveniently check Twelfth Sister''s work.


    For the sake of her studies, and to avoid being mocked by Fourth Uncle, Twelfth Sister worked very hard.


    They were just speaking of her when Twelfth Sister rushed in, "Sis, have you seen Tang Mingjie... Oh, Father you''re back! My sister-inw gave birth? Of course she did, otherwise why would you be back. What did she have?"


    After speaking she realized her silliness, "Oh, of course it''s your nephew."


    Fourth Uncle knocked her on the back of the head, "What do you mean ''what did she have''? What could it be, obviously your nephew. Your nephew Little Turtle, weighed on the gold scale, seven pounds six ounces."


    The Ye family had a gold scale that was specially used to weigh newborn n babies.


    Twelfth Sister rubbed the back of her head, "Tsk, still lighter than me. My mother said I was seven pounds eight ounces when born, nearly killing her. What''s with this name! Father your hand is too heavy! Do you have a grudge against me?"


    In one sentence, death of father and mother.


    What a filial daughter!


    Fourth Uncle was so angry his eyes bulged.


    Ye Suijin smiled, "Tang Mingjie ran away again?"


    Twelfth Sister was incensed, "He refuses to practice his penmanship properly!"


    Fourth Uncle said, "If he doesn''t like writing just let it go. Let him focus on martial arts."


    The orphan Tang Mingjie from Tang vige was taken in by Ye Suijin as a godson and brought back to Ye vige. At that time Ye Suijin and Zhao Jingwen were away, so the Ye manor was empty. They couldn''t leave a child with speech impairment alone there. So Fourth Uncle first housed Tang Mingjie in his home.


    When the family learned of Tang Mingjie''s history they deeply sympathized with him.


    Fourth Mother and Tang Rong took great care of his food, clothing, and shelter.


    They enrolled him in the Ye family school for beginner literacy, together with a group of pint-sized boys.


    Before his family''s misfortune, Tang Mingjie had actually started learning the basics. But after years hiding in a well, he had forgotten everything.


    One advantage of the school was the teacher spoke clearly, and the children were also learning to speak. This greatly aided Tang Mingjie''s recovery of speech.


    At the time, Twelfth Sister seemed ipetent at everything to Fourth Uncle, only passably able to write.


    But she was kindhearted.


    When she heard about Miss Tang''s circumstances from others, she cried and sobbed.


    After asking Tang Mingjie his age, she was shocked to learn he was eleven, the same age as her, only a few months younger. Yet Tang Mingjie was a head shorter than her, she had assumed he was just a young boy.


    Fourth Mother wiped away tears, "It must be malnutrition that stunted his growth."


    Twelfth Sister said to Tang Mingjie, "Don''t be afraid, from now on in our home, you''ll eat meat every day."


    Fourth Mother and Tang Rong took care of Tang Mingjie''s living needs. When Twelfth Sister saw his sloppy handwriting from school, she enthusiastically taught him penmanship.


    In Fourth Uncle''s words, "Twelfth is useless at everything, yet can write decently."


    So back then in Nanyang, Ye Jingyi allowed Twelfth Sister to serve as clerk and record witness testimonies in the hall.


    Yet Tang Mingjie did not enjoy practicing writing.


    The Ye family school was different from others. With the Ye family''s military background, academics were not the primary focus. Those like Ye Jingyi who had academic talents and passion for learning, went to other academies for education.


    Martial arts was the core curriculum of the Ye school.


    Tang Mingjie trained in martial arts together with the pint-sized boys.


    Compared to book learning, he showed great enthusiasm for martial arts.


    Initially when Ye Suijin asked if he wanted to learn literature or martial arts, he chose martial arts.


    However his physical condition was poorer than the other boys.


    The martial arts instructors, who were all Ye nsmen, said his physical foundation was weak.


    Although Tang Mingjie''s speech had recovered, he still didn''t like to talk. Unless teachers asked him questions, he could go a whole day without speaking.


    Hearing this from the instructors, he buried his head into eating. Because Fourth Mother said in order to have a strong body, he must eat well first.


    While flipping and flopping about, and following a better diet, Tang Mingjie''s gaunt little body grew rapidly.


    Compared to normal children, he grew exceptionally fast. Fourth Mother worried, "It''s not good to grow this quickly, what if problems develop."


    They invited an imperial physician to check his bones and take his pulse. The doctor said, "No issues detected, likely making up for prior deficiencies all at once. Just keep up with nutritious meals."


    A strong body was the foundation of martial arts. As Tang Mingjie''s physical condition improved, so did his martial arts skills. Of course, being older he picked things up faster than the little boys.


    Soon he was promoted to train with the slightly older children.


    He worked very hard and made swift progress.


    Yetpared to Ye children of the same age, he still fell short.


    Tang Mingjie asked the martial arts teachers what he should do.


    The teachers all gave simr advice. "You have a weaker foundation, so you must work doubly hard. If others hold a horse stance for one incense stick, then you do two incense sticks."


    So Tang Mingjie worked twice as hard.


    For this move, Twelfth Sister also dragged Tang Mingjie to Biyang, "Fool, my father and brothers are all there. My father, ck Horse Silver Spear Ye Fengtang; my eldest brother King Yama Ye Third Son. My younger brother... oh, ignore him. The point is, all the best in my family are over there. With you in Biyang, my father and brothers can teach you themselves."


    "Of course it would be even better if Sis could instruct you herself. But you''re not at that level yet. At the minimum, you''ll need another five years of practice before you''ll be qualified for my Sis to teach you personally."


    Tang Mingjie had wanted to remain in the Ye family school. But after Twelfth Sister''s persuasion, he also went to Biyang.


    Yet a person''s time and energy is limited. The more devoted to one thing, the less remains for another.


    So Tang Mingjie often skipped his schoolwork to spend more time training martial arts.


    Just now Twelfth Sister was running all over trying to catch him.


    Hearing Fourth Uncle tell her to stop nagging Tang Mingjie about writing, she was indignant. "His writing is so ugly, in the future when he goes out and says he is my Ye Twelfth''s nephew, it will be too embarrassing."


    The passed Twelfth Son left the name "Ye Twelfth" open for her to im.


    As Ye Suijin''s godson, Tang Mingjie lived in the prefectural residence after arriving in Biyang. Ye Suijin was too busy to pay him much attention. She was fine with Twelfth Sister helping to look after him.


    She said, "He''s probably run off to practice martial arts in the western courtyard. Go ask Duan Jin, he would know. "


    Twelfth Sister clip clopped away.


    By the time Ye Suijin was free and remembered to ask Duan Jin, he replied, "I didn''t send Twelfth Sister to find him."


    Ye Suijin looked at him meaningfully.


    Duan Jin said, "Given Mingjie''s background, how can he study and live a normal life like others? He is determined to only learn martial arts."


    Ye Suijin understood the meaning of "obsession" more than others. She nodded, "I''ll mention this to the Twelfth Madamter."


    Tang Mingjie was no longer suitable to keep studying like an ordinary child.


    She then said, "Find Mingjie a proper martial arts master to apprentice under."


    The Ye family was full of martial artists, it would be easy to find a master.


    But Duan Jin said, "No need to find anyone, I''ll teach him myself."


    Ye Suijin nced at him.


    Later, they set up a special ce and gathered the orphans and widows from the Ye family army to support them.


    Since Ye Suijin was in the pce, she could not oversee this herself.


    Duan Jin was the one mainly taking care of things outside.


    He often went to visit the orphans.


    Having been a street beggar himself, the great general surprisingly knew how to care for children very well, and understood what these children needed.


    Duan Jin left the study and stood in the corridor outside.


    That look again, he thought.


    Her gaze would sometimes leave him confused.


    He lowered his eyes for a moment, then left.


    The spring sunshine in March was brilliant, and all things wereing to life. Truly a wonderful season.


    Third Son became a father again, which was joyous news.


    Following that, General Guan sent someone to contact them.


    Ye Suijin ced great importance on General Guan''s side, so she went personally.


    Seeing her, General Guan was much friendlier than before. If she wasn''t a woman, he probably would have greeted her cheerfully with open arms.


    General Guan heartily said, "Let''s settle ounts."


    Ye Suijin had brought Jiang Yinxuan with her. Jiang Yinxuan could handle the ounting.


    Seeing the delighted look on General Guan''s face, it was obvious he had made a huge profit this time.


    As a straightforward man, General Guan''s ounts were very clear and unambiguous.


    He said, "My routes here are open now, don''t let the supply run dry on your end."


    Ye Suijin replied, "I''ll do my best."


    General Guan said, "We''re all making money together. I would never cheat you."


    Ye Suijin said, "The General is of course trustworthy."


    What Ye Suijin cared about more was another matter. "General, how is that mattering along?"


    Stared at yearningly by a beautiful woman, General Guan unconsciously straightened his back and said, "Wait a little longer, I''m working on it."


    With his status and abilities, he could naturally get in contact with the Dingnan army about the horses.


    The key was transportation.


    From Dingnan to Dengzhou and Tangzhou was through the core territories of Great Jin.


    Smuggling quality horses had to be done with great care.


    Ye Suijin also knew this would be difficult. But she desperately wanted horses from Liangzhou.


    Later, when Duan Jin conquered the north, his cavalry rumbled with iron hooves, known as the "Grey Crow Iron Cavalry", striking fear throughout thend.


    Even children in the capital spread this verse: "Grey crows flutter, terrifyingly killing."


    The northern tribes changed color at the mere mention.


    The Grey Crow army rode Liangzhou horses.


    When could she also have Liangzhou horses?


    Perhaps her obsession for Liangzhou horses was too deep, her eyes inevitably resentful. Even General Guan felt a little ufortable under her gaze.


    He quickly cleared his throat and said, "There''s some news from the capital I think you don''t know about."


    Quickly change the subject.


    Sure enough, Ye Suijin was intrigued. "General, please tell me. I''m out of the loop here, I rely entirely on you for news from the capital."


    With one sentence, the General''s chest puffed out again.


    Back in Biyang, Ye Suijin told Jiang Yinxuan, "Keep what''s my share, the rest is profit for the east family."


    Jiang Yinxuan was ted, "We all make money together, that''s how to really make money!"


    Perhaps good things just flock together, because the second day after Ye Suijin returned to Biyang, Qiu Sheng hurriedly came to report, "Er Bao is back!"


    Ye Suijin looked up.


    She had been waiting for this for a long time.


    Had the thing she had been hoping for finally arrived?


    Er Bao was covered in dust, clearly having rushed back urgently at top speed.


    He first returned to Ye Manor, but was shocked to find it much emptier than before. Many families had moved to Biyang.


    Er Bao was dumbfounded.


    Because Qiu Sheng had gone to Hekou several times but never mentioned that the owner had taken Tangzhou. And now she even controlled two provinces!


    Er Bao felt veryplicated, but hurried straight to Biyang.


    Once alone in the room, Er Bao knelt down heavily. "Mistress, Zhao Lang...Zhao Jingwen, he wants to divorce his wife and marry someone else!"


    "It''s the daughter of Pei Ze from Fangzhou."


    "Pei Ze controls Fangzhou and has about two to three thousand men."


    "Mistress, what should we do?"


    Er Bao was furious.


    Servants emphasized loyalty.


    Although everyone respectfully addressed him as Langjun, Zhao Jingwen was merely a lowly dependent son-inw. Yet he dared to divorce his wife and remarry.


    And his proper wife was Er Bao''s mistress, Ye Suijin.


    If the master was dishonored, the servant must avenge.


    Er Bao was so angry, but when he raised his head, he saw his mistress Ye Suijin''s expression was hard to describe.


    But at the corner of her mouth, Er Bao saw clearly, there was a trace of a ......


    smile that was impossible toprehend!

 Chapter 77

    Er Bao was very nervous, worried that Ye Suijin was mad.


    Fengshou steward once secretly went to visit brothels, his wife found out, and she went mad.


    Sheughed first, afterughing, then chased and beat Fengshou steward until his nose swelled and his face bruised, and he didn''t dare fight back.


    Er Bao hurriedly lowered his head, not daring to look at Ye Suijin again.


    He heard Ye Suijin ask: "What are Xiang Da and Ye Mancang''s attitudes? Did they participate?"


    On the way here, Er Bao had reviewed the situation he was going to report many times, just waiting for Ye Suijin to ask.


    It was mainly about how that dog man Zhao Jingwen and that delicate and arrogant beauty from the Pei family got involved.


    Unexpectedly, Ye Suijin didn''t ask about this dog couple at all, but asked about Xiang Da and Ye Mancang first?


    Er Bao replied: "They both participated in preparing everything and went to Fangling together."


    After a pause, he also told how he discovered something wrong at the time, how he tried to probe Ye Mancang, and how Ye Mancang lied.


    Ye Suijin''s face turned cold.


    Right, this kind of expression was normal.


    It wasn''t so...frightening.


    Ye Suijin asked about the situation at the river mouth again.


    Er Bao said: "Two hundred people were left to garrison the river mouth, and the others were all taken to Fangzhou."


    He added: "Our hundred people all stayed, those who left were all neers."


    Ye Suijin nodded: "You''ve worked hard, go rest well."


    She called for someone.


    The servant quickly entered.


    Ye Suijin let the servant arrange for Er Bao to rest.


    She also called Duan Jin: "Call everyone together for a meeting."


    The prefect of Biyang suddenly notified that an emergency meeting would be held.


    Fourth Uncle Ye hurried over and saw the others, asking: "What happened?"


    However, no one else knew either, even Duan Jin looked at Ye Suijin.


    He only knew that when Er Bao came back, he went directly to Qiusheng, and then Ye Suijin talked privately with Er Bao.


    It meant that the things Er Bao came back to report were on the same line as Qiusheng, they were all about Zhao Jingwen''s side.


    It was the thing that Ye Suijin would let him abstain from before.


    When everyone arrived, they were all waiting for Ye Suijin to speak.


    Ye Suijin said, "Zhao Jingwen remarried in Fangzhou, I''m going to the river mouth."


    The room was quiet for a moment.


    Probably because everyone''s mind stopped working for a while.


    Because everyone had imagined many possibilities, most of them were rted to the things they were responsible for, or rted to the things they cared about.


    No one thought that Zhao Jingwen, this son-inw, would remarry outside.


    Even Mr. Yang''s mind froze for a moment.


    Everyone felt incredulous - Zhao Jingwen, did he get his head clipped by a door?


    What was the situation with his wife Ye Suijin now!


    He remarried???


    Unbelievable!


    And no one knew what to say about this matter.


    Fourth Uncle Ye''s mouth opened several times, but he didn''t know how to phrase it.


    Finally, Mr. Yang spoke up: "Is it true? Confirmed?"


    Ye Suijin nodded: "I had nted people to keep an eye on that side, this was reported back urgently by a fast horse."


    Mr. Yang asked about the specifics, and Ye Suijin told everyone the general situation.


    She also told them: "Pei Ze''s father and grandfather were both the Military Governor of Jian''nan. Now the Emperor of Shu, Wang Rong, was originally his father''s deputy. During the handover between the old and new leadership after his father''s death, heunched a mutiny and usurped the position of Military Governor of Jian''nan."


    "Pei Ze wandered to Fangzhou after vicissitudes, and took root there." "He upied a prefecture, umted strength, and hoped to regain Jian''nan Road one day."


    Mr. Yang didn''t ask where she got all this information from, he just asked, "How many people are you taking?"


    Ye Suijin said, "A thousand is enough."


    Fifth Son Ye jumped up: "Sis! I''m going with you! Let''s tie Zhao Jingwen back! I''ll help you beat him up!"


    "Ah." But Ye Suijinughed, "I''m not going there to tie up Zhao Jingwen."


    Fourth Uncle Ye wasn''t sure, so he asked, "Then why are we going...?"


    Ye Suijin tapped on the map: "Of course it''s to take over the river mouth!"


    "Where the Zhishui and Hanshui rivers converge, and with mountains opposite, it forms a gorge. It is suitable for stationing troops." Ye Suijin said, "If we take this ce, we can look south."


    Where is south?


    Everyone''s eyes followed Ye Suijin''s finger to move over.


    But that finger suddenly moved again, sliding northwest for a while, stopping on the ce name "Fangling".


    "I also need to see someone..." Ye Suijin said, "important."


    Who?


    It was just said that Zhao Jingwen was going to marry the Pei family''s daughter.


    This was the resentment of stealing a husband.


    So she couldn''t swallow this anger, and wanted to see the Pei family''s daughter, right?


    Right?


    Everyone thought so.


    Only Mr. Yang squinted, staring at the map.


    Er Bao''s few guards at the river mouth, helping to cover up Er Bao''s disappearance, no one discovered that Er Bao was gone after all.


    Those few were also curious about exactly what mission Er Bao was executing, and couldn''t help gathering together to make wild guesses.


    On this day, someone finally muttered: "Don''t know when Er Bao wille back? Will hee back or not?"


    They had also been away from home for several months, and to tell the truth, they were all a little homesick.


    Right after muttering, a local from the river mouth town ran over in a panic to report: "General! General! This is bad! A lot came! A lot of..."


    A lot of what?


    "A lot of troops!" the local panted.


    The squad leaders looked at each other, none quite believing it.


    "Where are the scouts?"


    "Where are the sentries?"


    "How could there be no movement at all?"


    This was impossible. If they encountered a raid, one or two of them would have died, it was impossible for all of them to suddenly die. It was impossible for none of them to send a warning.


    One of the squad leaders was Er Bao''spanion, knowing about Er Bao''s matter. He suddenly had a thought, and asked: "Could you see the banners? What was written on them?"


    The local said: "It was written with a big character, I don''t recognize it. I can''t read!"


    The captain casually picked up a tree branch and wrote a character in the dirt at his feet, asking: "Is it this character?"


    The local took a look: "Very simr. It seems to be it."


    The squad leaders ran out: "Assemble! Assemble!"


    The local was confused.


    Hearing the assembly order, everyone hurriedly gathered to line up, when they suddenly heard the fierce sound of galloping horses, it was their own scout: "Assemble! Line up! The master is here! The master is here!"


    The crowd buzzed for a few breaths, and everyone''s pace suddenly elerated, quickly lining up neatly.


    These were naturally Ye Family Barracks troops.


    But there were still some who were recruitedter left at the river mouth, so they werepletely puzzled. Although they followed to line up too, they couldn''t help but whisper to each other: "Who is it? Which master?"


    The new recruits were reallycking. The squad leader was exasperated: "Quiet! The master is about to arrive!"


    The bold ones asked: "Captain, whose master is it?"


    "Whose? Of course it''s ours!" The squad leader said, "Our master, the Military Governor of the Ye Family of Deng Prefecture!"


    The sounds of hooves and footsteps drew near.


    Everyone fell silent, looking in that direction.


    There were many rivers at the river mouth, and the water vapor was heavy, often foggy. Especially at this time, looking into the distance, the fog in the distance was misty, seeming like a fairnd.


    The banners appeared in sight first.


    The sturdy and agile horse of the standard bearer stepped out of the fog.


    The banner was the same style as Zhao Langjun''s banner, but bigger, and the embroidery was more exquisite.


    But the character in the middle was different, a big "Ye" character.


    Deng Prefecture, Ye Family Army.


    Every Ye Family soldier at the river mouth tensed up, trying their best to stand up straighter.


    But their eyes kept staring over there.


    The locals also watched from afar.


    The hoofbeats shattered the morning fog, crisp and clear.


    Two rows of banners followed closely behind the standard bearer, fluttering in the wind.


    A robust horse burst out of the fog, a heroic woman in military attire.


    More hoofbeats trampled the morning fog, surging into everyone''s sight.


    The sound of hoofbeats striking the ground stimted everyone''s eardrums. Young generals with killing intent.


    The long formation marched neatly, carrying spears, bows, shields, and sabers on their backs.


    Footsteps trampling the heartbeat.


    Not to mention these newly recruited people, even the Ye Family soldiers at the river mouth were stunned.


    The banners, the uniforms, were clearly their own people. But how were they so unfamiliar. Clearly they had only been apart for a few months, how could the family have changed so much.


    In the heroic aura, no one even noticed the woman''s beauty anymore.


    In the face of power, what was beauty worth.


    Ye Suijin''s horse snorted.


    She reined in the horse, scrutinizing the neatly lined soldiers.


    With her eyes, she could still discern which were the Ye Family troops, and which were the newly recruited.


    The Ye Family troops were not negligent, and the new recruits also had formed up.


    Zhao Jingwen was a halfway monk, and yet he had achieved this much. He was qualified.


    Ye Suijin nodded slightly.


    "Ye family army," she gathered her breath and ordered, "Fall----in!"


    The g bearer signaled with the gs.


    The Ye family army at the river mouth began to move.


    The formation changed, positions shifted, and in a moment, they split from the newly incorporated troops, forming two square formations.


    The Ye family army at the river mouth had fallen in.


    The newly incorporated troops were confused.


    The nearby observingmoners were also confused.


    Ye Suijin''s horse slowly moved forward, circling around.


    Everyone held their breaths, listening to her announce:


    "From today onward--thend of River Mouth shall be the territory of the Ye Family of Deng Prefecture."


    "All of you, remain calm."


    ...


    The camp was busy.


    The newly arrived Ye family army had taken over all the defense works and was rearranging the defenses.


    The new soldiers were nervous, whispering to each other. They also cast envious nces at the newly arrived Ye family army.


    It was visible to the naked eye that the clothing and armor of the newly arrived Ye family army were better than those of the Ye family army at River Mouth. It was clear that the treatment at Deng Prefecture was very good.


    "They''ll recruit us too, right?"


    "They should, right? Otherwise why drill us for so many days? Wasting rations for nothing?"


    Fifth Son Ye entered the military tent: "Sister Six, the defenses have all been changed."


    Ye Suijin was speaking with some captains of the River Mouth Ye family army. She said, "Come over and listen together."


    Duan Jin also came in and crowded over.


    They were actually discussing the terrain here and the nearby powers.


    Duan Jin surreptitiously kicked Fifth Son Ye.


    Fifth Son Ye understood. As the younger brother, the brother-inw, he was in a better position to speak up.


    When Ye Suijin paused, he asked: "Sister, we''ve taken over River Mouth too. When do we go to Fangling?"


    As he spoke, he cracked his knuckles.


    Crack crack.


    The few captains of the River Mouth Ye family army hunched their necks like quails.


    They were at River Mouth, yet they hadn''t known that Zhao Langjun was going to stop being married and take another wife. It was only when the adults had personallye to kill that they realized what was happening.


    They didn''t even dare to lift their heads.


    They felt that if Fifth Young Master couldn''t immediately beat up Zhao Jingwen, this anger would be taken out on them.


    Young Master Duan''s gaze was also like des, ready to hack people.


    "No rush. Isn''t Zhao Jingwen''s big wedding day on the twentieth of the third month? There''s still time." Ye Suijin studied the map intently.


    "Zhao Jingwen is unimportant," her finger fell on the map, pointing: "Let''s take Gu City first while we have the time."


    "After all, we''ve alreadye."

 Chapter 78

    Fifth Son looked over.


    Ye Suijin''s fingers traced from the river''s mouth to Gucheng, connecting the two ces in a straight line.


    Her fingertips traced horizontally until they reached the boundary of Ruan County.


    Thus, this triangr area was merged with Dengzhou.


    No, no, wait a second.


    Fifth Son couldn''t get Zhao Jingwen out of his mind. He was too angry.


    But how could his Sixth Sister be totally fine?


    Fifth Son ran out to find Fifth Uncle and Seventh Son.


    This time, Ye Suijin brought him and Seventh Son, as well as Ajin and Zhou Junhua.


    Fifth Uncle had squeezed himself in. This was definitely his father''s intention.


    Since Sixth Sister left Biyang, his father had to stay put. He couldn''t move, so he stuffed in Fifth Uncle.


    The elders must be afraid that Sixth Sister wouldn''t be able to handle the matter with Zhao Jingwen well on her own.


    Sure enough, when Fifth Uncle heard about it, he also scratched his head.


    "Your father told me toe and keep an eye on things," he said. "Mainly afraid that Sixth Lady would lose herposure. Afraid she''d be too lenient, but also afraid she''d be too harsh."


    Afraid she''d be too lenient meant afraid she''d be indecisive and fooled by Zhao Jingwen''s sweet talk, letting him off easy.


    Afraid she''d be too harsh meant afraid she''d get murderous and cause loss of life. After all, they were husband and wife, it shouldn''t go that far.


    The elders were inclined to advise reconciliation.


    It had always been this way. Better to demolish ten temples than destroy one marriage, these were all old sayings.


    But they also couldn''t let Zhao Jingwen off easy. Her younger brothers giving him a good beating was unavoidable.


    These were all things that should be done when a son-inw of an ordinary family made trouble and the wife''s family had to respond.


    Only now Fifth Uncle scratched his head. "Sixth Lady is no ordinary woman."


    "Let''s not worry about Zhao Jingwen for now," Fifth Uncle finally said. "Let''s listen to Sixth Lady first and take Gucheng. We can''t, we can''t fall behind Sixth Lady''s pace, us men."


    Fifth Son was dejected.


    His sixth sister was taking too big a step, and following made Fifth Son feel like his balls were being pulled.


    Gucheng was a small, dpidated town that didn''t look too difficult to take.


    Capturing Gucheng didn''t take much effort. Because a misceneous general had been stationed there before, but he had diedter, leaving the ce vacant now.


    There had been some scattered troops and warriors before, but they had all been recruited by Zhao Jingwen. With the small town now empty, the Ye family army moved right in.


    Themon people were quite panicked.


    Young unmarried girls all hid away, not daring to show their faces at all.


    After surveying the ce, Ye Suijin was very dissatisfied with the small town: "Too few people."


    The city itself was small, and it felt particrly empty.


    They found locals to ask, who said many people had fled in recent years. With unrest on this side, naturally they all ran toward Xiangyang.


    Those capable enough ran toward Jiangling Fu, which was said to be even better.


    Ye Suijinined to Fifth Uncle: "If we could build a big city here, and station troops at the river mouth, it would make the southern end of Dengzhou and Tangzhou much safer."


    Fifth Uncle: "Mm-hmm."


    Fifth Son drooped his head dejectedly.


    Seventh Son looked around, swaying his body this way and that.


    Duan Jin was unusually silentpared to usual. Neither joking nor talking.


    Zhou Junhua tried his best to shrink away, wanting to pretend he didn''t exist.


    He hadn''t wanted toe in the first ce.


    It was the Vice Envoy who had crammed him in.


    At first Tenth Son had insisted oning along. Afraid thoseing would all be Ye''s sons-inw, and a discrepant word could blow things up, the Vice Envoy had forcibly kept Tenth Son in Biyang and stuffed Zhou in instead.


    To actually have to meddle in this dogshit mess, how unlucky.


    Ye Suijin nced at them: "What''s with you all?"


    Fifth Uncle: "Tsk."


    Fifth Son couldn''t stand it anymore: "Sis, tomorrow is the 22nd!"


    Tomorrow was the auspicious day, the day Zhao Jingwen and the Pei family''s daughter wouldplete their wedding ritual!


    How could his sixth sister be totally unresponsive, as if she had entered samadhi?


    "Sis, speak up," Seventh Son had full confidence Ye Suijin must have a n. "Are we going to march overnight and raid Fangling straight away?"


    That was what they didst time when they raided the Tang Residence, right? Out of nowhere, she''d said "let''s raid them tonight," and then they''d raided the Tang Residence.


    Seventh Son cracked his knuckles, just waiting for Ye Suijin''s order to attack!


    But Ye Suijin smiled and said, "Still too early."


    Fifth Son was so angry his eyes rolled back.


    Even Fifth Uncle couldn''t stand to watch anymore. He said, "Sixth Lady, it''s not toote to go now. Anyter, and their wedding over there will be over."


    Ye Suijin also knew it was time and she couldn''t fob them off anymore.


    She nced at Zhou Junhua.


    Zhou Junhua was very conscious of circumstances: "This lowly officer will go inspect the city defenses."


    He slipped away as quick as greased lightning.


    "Fifth Uncle," with no outsiders around now, Ye Suijin asked the only elder present, "What do you think about this matter?"


    Fifth Uncle said, "Can''t let him off easy. At the very least your younger brothers ought to beat him up good. Drag him back to Dengzhou, give him the cold shoulder for a while. Make him admit wrongdoing."


    Upon hearing this, Fifth Son and Seventh Son were both dumbfounded.


    The two jumped up simultaneously shouting, "Fifth Uncle! / Fifth Uncle! What are you saying?"


    Shouldn''t it be beating him to a pulp, then dering the marriage dissolved?


    Ye Suijin smiled faintly.


    As expected, this was the difference between a man and a boy.


    That was why she hadn''t even brought Fourth Son on this trip. Because Fourth Son was already married, he was a man now. Not like Fifth Son and Seventh Son who could still be called boys.


    Ah, now that she thought about it, boys really were so adorable.


    Men, they truly didn''t feel from the bottom of their hearts that a man having multiple women was "wrong" at all.


    So in her past life, Pei Lian had willingly epted a concubine status, and the elders had all felt it was eptable.


    Back then Fifth Son, Seventh Son, Ninth Son, and Tenth Son had all been hopping mad, but were held back by the elders who taught them about "building affection over decades of marriage" and "better to demolish ten temples than one marriage."


    No, actually the elders couldn''t have swayed her.


    The one who truly made the decision in the past was still Ye Suijin herself. The one who was truly unwilling to give up Zhao Jingwen was herself.


    Ye Suijin had long been able to directly face her past mistakes.


    She didn''t push responsibility onto others.


    Seventh Son shot to his feet: "Fifth Uncle!"


    "Sit down!" Fifth Uncle said. "This is everyone''s opinion."


    By everyone, he naturally meant all the elders. For matters like this, the adults didn''t permit children butting in.


    Third and Fourth Sons who were already married could speak up, but the rest were just children.


    But Seventh Son refused to listen.


    He said: "Marriage is like drinking water. It really shouldn''t be based on what others think, but on asking Sixth Sister what she wants to do!"


    He said to Ye Suijin: "Sixth Sis! Speak up. No matter what you want, I''ll listen to you!"


    Fifth Son chimed in: "Me too!"


    Duan Jin just stood by Ye Suijin''s side with his hands behind his back, silent.


    Anyway, no matter who Ye Suijin chose, as long as she gave an order, he would draw his sword for her.


    Fifth Uncle was angry: "Little children understand nothing. You have to know it takes ten years to..."


    "I don''t know!" Seventh Son interrupted Fifth Uncle loudly.


    He was usually an obedient, courteous child, educated by Seventh Uncle and Seventh Auntie to be a bit too courteous, unfamiliar with adapting to change. But now he actually dared to interrupt an elder.


    "All I know is, if back then I had stubbornly made a fuss, caused trouble until that Wang Ba Dan of the Sun family divorced my sister, my sister wouldn''t have died so early!"


    "Better to demolish ten temples than one marriage, right! That was what my father and mother said back then, and I listened!"


    "And what happened?"


    Seventh Son and Third Sister and Tenth Son were all Seventh Uncle''s children.


    When he was small, he had no say regarding Third Sister''s matters, confusedly listening to his parents. Later Third Sister passed away.


    Only then did Seventh Son understand that what parents and elders said wasn''t necessarily right.


    He also hated himself for listening too much to his parents.


    Of courseter Seventh Uncle and Seventh Auntie also regretted it. Thus for Tenth Son''s upbringing, things were a bit different from how they raised Third Sister and Seventh Son.


    So although they were siblings with the same mother, Seventh Son was restrained and courteous while Tenth Son was very unconstrained.


    At the mention of Third Sister, Fifth Uncle also hesitated for a moment.


    But he still said: "Sixth Lady is not the same as Third Lady."


    "Whether they''re the same or not," Seventh Son had never refuted or talked back to elders like this, unexpectedly stubborn and unyielding, "let Sixth Sister choose herself. Others shouldn''t muddy the waters!"


    Fifth Uncle had never seen Seventh Son be so stubborn before and was shocked looking at him.


    He deeply felt his nephew''s change.


    When had this child be like this?


    Ye Suijin alsomented that in battle after battle, bloodshed after bloodshed, Seventh Son...had finally grown up, huh.


    No longer that little brother who had cried on her shoulder, getting snot everywhere, after his sister''s death.


    Fifth Uncle sighed.


    The children all had strong opinions, and Sixth Lady wasn''t someone they could sway either. He said: "Sixth Lady, how do you want to handle this in the end?"


    Duan Jin''s gaze looked over intently.


    Ye Suijin''s mouth curved into a slight smile. "I think we shouldn''t go too early."


    Going too early before the marriage ceremony wasplete would ruin Zhao Jingwen''s ns.


    More importantly, if the ceremony was not yetplete and Pei Ze changed his mind about marrying off Zhao Jingwen, what would they do then?


    No, they had to time this just right and wait until the dust settled.


    On the 22nd day of the third month, the Pei manor in Fangling held a joyous asion.


    All the eminent families in Fangzhou came, and those who could not make it still sent gifts and congrattions.


    Pei Ze was also very happy.


    Although he was marrying off his daughter, he did not want to "give her away"pletely. He and his daughter had an unspoken understanding that they would find a son-inw who would stay close by her side, so she could always be near her father.


    In her youth she had suffered much hardship and discement.


    Pei Ze decided to take care of her for her whole life. When his time came, Pei Dingxi would take care of her for life in his stead.


    Therefore, the wedding ceremony was held at the Pei manor, and the bridal chamber was also prepared there. Pei Lian would continue living there as before.


    As for the son-inw Zhao Jingwen, Pei Ze nned to have him leave Dengzhou ande to Fangzhou instead.


    When tiger brothers go into battle, father and sons serve in the same army. A son-inw is half a son.


    The guests sang the groom''s praises without end. He was talented and handsome.


    The ceremony went smoothly and joyfully. After the formalities, the bride and groom were led to the bridal chamber.


    Pei Ze''s eyes unexpectedly grew moist.


    Pei Dingxi was worried, wanting to check on the bridal chamber, but several of his sworn brothers grabbed him. "Let''s go, Dingxi,e drink with us!"


    Pei Dingxi struggled violently. "I don''t want to drink, it''s too spicy..."


    But his sworn brothers carried him off like a little chick, his feet dangling in the air as they dragged him away.


    Inside the bridal chamber, the red candles flickered.


    Pei Lian shyly lowered her fan, revealing a face like a hibiscus blossom.


    The matron brought over adle cup. Zhao Jingwen took it and held it out to Pei Lian. "Mydy..."


    Pei Lian lifted her eyes. In the candlelight was the elegant groom she had chosen for herself, with refined features and affectionate nces.


    In his eyes was only her. His voice was so gentle when he spoke.


    Pei Lian epted thedle cup. The two interlocked arms and drank down the wine of matrimony.


    The cup was dashed to the ground, and they fell into each other''s embrace.


    The matronughed. "Auspicious fortune!"


    The maids silently lowered the bridal curtains and quietly withdrew, closing the chamber door behind them.


    Just before leaving, they faintly heard the groom say from within, "Mydy, from now on you and I will be affectionate spouses, never to part..."


    The groom was so gentle and devoted, cherishing his bride in the palm of his hand, close to his heart.


    Who wouldn''t want to marry such a gentleman?

 Chapter 79

    "Mydy..." There was remorseful tears in Pei Lian''s shriveled eye sockets.


    "Worthless." She said, "Both mydy and I are worthless."


    She called the Eldest Prince to her bedside.


    "Mydy has no child, he has no mother, you two joining forces is the best strategy." She looked at her weakly, "Mydy, from now on... he will be your son."


    Pei Noble Consort seemed to be nearing her end.


    The Empress stayed by her side in her final moments.


    When people die, they first lose their vision, sinking into darkness.


    At this time, the dying often call out for their loved ones.


    Pei Lian''s eyes lost focus as she sank into the darkness.


    She raised her hand.


    The Eldest Prince wanted to hold her hand tofort her.


    But thest person Pei Lian called for before death was not her son, but "Zhao Lang..."


    "Look at me again..."


    "You said we would be together always..."


    "Look at me one more time..."


    The Empress stood silently by the bedside for a long time.


    When the Emperor rushed over after court, Pei Noble Consort had already passed peacefully.


    The Empress said, "Herst words were calling for you."


    The Empress had once thought that after having the Eldest Prince, Pei Noble Consort no longer loved the Emperor like before.


    The only thing that could rival a woman''s foolish love was the love for her child.


    She was wrong.


    On the day Pei Noble Consort died, she finally understood¡ª


    Pei Lian loved Zhao Jingwen till herst breath.


    In the morning, sunshine streamed through the windows on the beautiful spring day.


    Pei Lian woke up in Zhao Jingwen''s arms. Recallingst night, she was shy, sweet, and blissful.


    The husband and wife got up to wash up. Handmaids brought new clothes, Zhao Jingwen took them and dismissed the maids, dressing her personally.


    The hardships she suffered in her youth were now all repaid. Pei Lian felt happiness from the bottom of her heart.


    Fortunately she didn''t marry He Lian. She couldn''t imagine sharing a bed with that cold and wooden man.


    She still remembered when they were fleeing destitute on the road in her childhood, loyal servants repeatedly told her, "You are the young miss of Jian Nan Dao."


    Reminding her not to forget her status.


    How could she settle for a coarse military man like He Lian as the young miss of Jian Nan Dao.


    Naturally, she should be matched with a refined gentleman like Zhao Lang. Who knew Zhao Jingwen looked at her with eyes full of tenderness, but suddenly lowered his head.


    Pei Lian was puzzled. "Husband?"


    Zhao Jingwen raised his head to nce at her, lifting his robe with one knee on the ground, kneeling before Pei Lian. He confessed guiltily, "Wife, I have wronged you."


    Pei Lian was shocked and quickly pulled him up. "What are you saying?"


    Zhao Jingwen held her arm but did not get up, remorsefully saying, "I, I deceived you and father-inw."


    Pei Lian stared and asked, "What do you mean?"


    Zhao Jingwen lowered his head again. "Actually, I already have a wife in Deng Prefecture."


    "I see." Pei Lian breathed a sigh of relief.


    Zhao Jingwen raised his eyes in surprise. "You..."


    Pei Lian generously said, "Father already guessed and told me."


    So what.


    In the past, the empress of Wei Kingdom granted her princess''s wish and killed the wife of the man her princess loved, marrying him to the princess instead. They lived harmoniously as princess and son-inw for many years.


    She, Pei Lian, was the young miss of Jian Nan Dao.


    If not for the rebellion, she should be the princess of Shu Kingdom.


    Weren''t the princesses of Jin Kingdom to the north formerly the daughters of military governors as well, same as her?


    How could a man as refined as jade like Zhao Lang be buried in the countryside. It was destined that he and she, a perfect match, would meet.


    Zhao Jingwen knew he had gambled right again.


    Later when he reviewed the events of that day, he realized that although his reaction was already considered fast, there was still a moment of hesitation and doubt.


    He wondered if Pei Ze noticed it.


    But after considering, he knew the matter of his marriage to Ye Suijin would eventuallye to light.


    Rather than being exposed by others, he might as well reveal it himself.


    Indeed, he made the right move.


    He lowered his head, "I feel truly ashamed, but also feared missing the one chance in life to be with you."


    Pei Lian loved these tender words the most. She loved when others regarded her as very important.


    Over the past days, Zhao Jingwen had figured this out about her.


    Sure enough, Pei Lian felt sweetness in her heart. She helped Zhao Jingwen up, "Husband, stand to continue speaking."


    The husband and wife held hands as they sat at the bedside talking.


    Zhao Jingwen guiltily said, "Lian''er, you and father-inw are so magnanimous, I truly feel ashamed. I will go apologize to father-inwter."


    Pei Lian coquettishly scolded, "It''s our wedding day, don''t mention these matters. Wait a few days to bring it up. Let me mention it to father first."


    Zhao Jingwen held her hand and asked, "Father-inw really isn''t angry with me?"


    Pei Lian said, "What decent family is there in Deng Prefecture. And what is that wife''s background anyway?"


    Zhao Jingwen said, "She is from the Ye family in Deng Prefecture. The Ye family who now controls Deng Prefecture."


    "I see, it''s their family." Pei Lian also knew Zhao Jingwen served under the Ye family in Deng Prefecture. She asked, "What were her ancestors'' ranks and titles, what grade were they?"


    Zhao Jingwen shook his head. "Her family had no one who served in office throughout the Wei dynasty."


    Pei Lian was fully confident. "Amoner family, how could they match my husband. Fine birds choose the best branches to perch, that is proper principle."


    "My grandfather and great-grandfather were both second grade military governors who held authority by imperial decree."


    "My maternal grandfather''s family has hereditary first grade nobility."


    "My mother was a gentlewoman in the capital."


    "My lord meeting me was heaven''s destiny." Pei Lian smiled. "A refined gentleman like you, how could heaven bear to let you be buried in the countryside. You and I, a perfect match in beauty and talent, were destined to meet."


    Zhao Jingwen was moved and held her hand. "Lian''er, your grace and magnanimity truly match your noble status. Having you as my wife is my fortune in life."


    The newlyweds went to greet Pei Ze. Pei Ze saw his daughter''s face glowing like pearls and jade,cking the frail sickly aura of the past. Her brows and eyes were full of charm and tenderness, clearly the couple was in marital bliss, which was good for her health.


    Pei Ze nodded, very satisfied.


    Pei Lian secretly told Pei Ze about Zhao Jingwen''s confession.


    Pei Ze indifferently said, "It''s fine as long as you know. Tell him not to bring it up in front of me, I''ll pretend to be unaware."


    Pei Lian gently said, "He truly feels guilty to us and confessed early to me, not daring to deceive."


    "Father, don''t show any resentment towards him in the future, or he''ll feel uneasy."


    Pei Ze nced at her. Complex feelings in his heart.


    On the second day of her marriage, his daughter had put away her former stubbornness, arrogance and resentment. She had learned to speak gently for the sake of her husband, rather than make demands and usations.


    The maiden didn''t used to be arrogant and ignorant. The maiden only knew he felt guilty towards her and she had the advantage.


    Pei Ze said, "Let him settle matters over there and stay on this side from now on."


    From their increasedmunication over these days, his son-inw said he faced much discrimination in Deng Prefecture for being a neer. He was only assigned to lead troops to pursue bandits out of town.


    But he had his eyes on Hekou so he seized it.


    The people of Deng Prefecture failed to appreciate talent.


    Pei Lian went to ry this to Zhao Jingwen.


    But Zhao Jingwen lowered his head again.


    Pei Lian was bewildered.


    Zhao Jingwen raised his head and said, "Lian''er, although Ye family is from the countryside, we''ve been husband and wife for years. If I abandon her so heartlessly now, what manner of man would I be, that you''d entrust yourself to for life?"


    Pei Lian was somewhat unhappy.


    Zhao Jingwen said, "You are a high-borndy, daughter of a great family, and certainly capable of tolerance."


    This was true. She nearly became a princess of Shu Kingdom, how could she have the same perspective as a country woman.


    In prestigious families, concubines were numerous, it wasmonce. Her father only had a few people by his side now, a bit shabby.


    That woman could never supersede her either.


    Pei Lian lifted her chin arrogantly, proud yet tolerant. "Fine, let her stay there. Just don''t bring her to this side."


    Zhao Jingwen was overjoyed and kissed her cheek. "I knew you have the temperament of a main wife. Rest assured, she''s in Deng Prefecture and you''re in Fang Prefecture. You''ll never meet."


    With Jun Prefecture and Xiang Prefecture in between, there was no chance the two women would meet.


    But he had spoken too soon.


    Ye Mancang was especially excited. As he was actually a ve, when had he ever received such treatment?


    The banquet had just begun and the atmosphere was heating up when suddenly an attendant came in to report: "The city defense official is here!"


    Everyone stopped their wine cups and put down their chopsticks. Pei Ze said, "Let him in."


    A general hurried in: "Sir!"


    Pei Ze''s expression became solemn as he asked, "What happened?"


    The city defense official bowed and saluted: "Sir, someone has brought troops outside the city. He ims to be the military governors of Deng and Tang Prefectures, and hase to congratte Miss Pei on her wedding."


    There was a cracking sound as everyone looked over to see that Ye Mancang, seated at the end, had identally smashed his bowl and dishes, and was in a sorry state. Xiang Da''s expression was also tense.


    Zhao Jingwen''s face turned pale white, his mind in turmoil.


    The military governors of Deng and Tang Prefectures?


    When did this happen?


    She, she...she had already taken Tang Prefecture?


    How was this possible? He had left Deng Prefecture for only a short time!


    When he left, she had just be the ruler of Deng Prefecture. Shouldn''t she be governing Deng properly and nourishing the people?


    Zhao Jingwen felt it was unbelievable.


    Pei Dingxi said, "Deng Prefecture? Brother-inw, isn''t that your current boss?"


    Zhao Jingwen knew he had married Pei Lian, so he would follow her father and brother from now on, which meant bidding farewell to his original lord.


    The young boy was very understanding, and advised: "There is no banquet in the world that does not end. Brother-inw, bid farewell properly to your original lord. Let us part as good friends, so we may meet again in the future."


    Wasn''t He Lian like this?


    When He Lian left, Father had given him ample gold. He Lian was not resentful either.


    They had parted ways amicably, so that when they met again in the future, they could still greet each other as old friends.


    Pei Ze asked, "How many men did he bring?"


    The city defense official said, "It looks like about six hundred men."


    As the army units all had fixed numbers, one could roughly estimate the number of men by looking at the rows and formations.


    The city defense official presented the item in his hand: "This is thedy''s greeting tablet."


    Pei Ze asked in surprise, "Whatdy?"


    The city defense official said, "The military governor of Deng and Tang Prefectures, she is ady. Surname Ye."


    "Quite extraordinary for it to be a woman," Pei Ze praised.


    Six hundred men was enough to ensure safety, but not enough to attack a city. So the other party evidently did not have hostile intentions with this visit.


    As Pei Ze epted the greeting tablet, he turned to Zhao Jingwen and asked, "Did you send word to your former master? Why didn''t you tell me her side already controlled two prefectures?"


    With such power, if she and Zhao Jingwen could part on good terms, Pei Ze would also be willing to befriend her.


    Zhao Jingwen, drenched in cold sweat, could not answer.


    Pei Ze had just smiled and praised "Turns out to be a woman," when he unrolled the tablet and looked:


    ¡¾The military governor of Deng and Tang Prefectures, granted authority over the two prefectures...¡¿


    These were all official titles, listed one by one, to let people know her status. This was all normal.


    But below, there was also one line ¡ª


    ¡¾Ye Suijin, wife of son-inw Zhao Jingwen, pays respects¡¿and Pei Ze''s smile froze.


    Pei Ze closed the tablet and asked, "Where is she?"


    The city defense official said, "Already at the residence."


    Pei Ze said, "Please bring her to my study."


    The official responded: "Yes!"


    And left with the guards.


    Pei Ze stood up: "Jingwen,e with me."


    Zhao Jingwen knew Pei Ze''s expression had changed, but now that it came to it, he could only calmly stand up and follow along.


    The others were very curious, but since Pei Ze didn''t say, they did not dare to ask, and could only exchange looks with each other.


    Seeing that Xiang Da and Ye Mancang had also gone out, someone encouraged Pei Dingxi: "Go listen to what''s going on!"


    Pei Dingxi was somewhat worried.


    As his son, he could sense very clearly his father''s change in aura.


    Everything was fine at the start. After Father read the tablet, the whole atmosphere changed.


    He said, "I''ll go take a look."


    And ran out.


    With them gone, the adopted sons joked, "Our brother-inw really is quite the character."


    Zhao Jingwen followed Pei Ze to the side room.


    Pei Ze stopped and turned around: "Zhao Jingwen."


    "Your wife, the military governor Ye Suijin of Deng Prefecture, hase to our door." His eyes burned like torches as he stared at Zhao Jingwen. "Are you nning to return with her?"


    "You really have outstanding taste in choosing a wife."


    Pei Ze was very angry.


    It was one thing for Zhao Jingwen to conceal his marital history. Changing wives and friends ording to wealth and status weremon affairs of the world.


    But he had let them all think his wife was just an ordinary woman from the Ye family of Deng Prefecture.


    Who knew she was the head of the Ye family and the military governor of two prefectures!


    How could a rural woman and the military governor of two prefectures be the same!


    What kind of man would take another wife after marrying a military governor.


    Pei Ze was so angry he almostughed.


    From the reception hall to the side room, although not very far, it still gave Zhao Jingwen sufficient time to react.


    He knelt down heavily: "Father-inw, please see clearly, your son-inw...has difficulties!"


    Pei Ze was in no hurry either.


    He had experienced great changes in his life, and was tempered. Apart from his children, he could be very patient about other matters now.


    He said, "Speak."


    Waiting for his dear son-inw to give him an exnation.


    "Mistress Ye," Zhao Jingwen said, "cannot bear children."


    With just this one line, Pei Ze''s anger dissipated by more than half: "Is that so?"


    Zhao Jingwen said, "I dare not deceive Father-inw, it really is true. Mistress Ye fought with nsmen for the family property as a daughter back then. To gain support, she drank a bowl of potent medicine that made her barren."


    "I, I don''t me her. As a woman, she had no easy path."


    "But, but I..." Zhao Jingwen wept, "My parents have passed in the wars, leaving only me. Father-inw, I cannot fail in my filial duties!"


    Pei Ze was silent for a long time.


    What Zhao Jingwen had stated, men could understand. Among them, Pei Ze could especially empathize.


    Because he was also thest one left of his family. Although exiled and not knowing whether his wife and daughter were alive, he still had Pei Dingxi.


    Otherwise, with the ancestral line severed, it would be utterly unfilial.


    Pei Ze asked, "So what will you do now? She hase to the door, you can only choose one. Lian''er or Mistress Ye, you decide."


    But Zhao Jingwen did not choose. Tearfully, he asked in return, "If I act heartlessly today and abandon Mistress Ye, how could I not also turn cold-hearted towards Lian''er in the future?"


    "Father-inw, you should know best,"


    "With Young Mistress'' mother at your side, could you abandon my mother-inw in your heart?"


    "That day when I attended the ancestral worship with Mother, the incense marks on the memorial tablet were so heavy, clearly showing that Father thinks of her constantly. Father-inw, you should understand such affections, when others do not."


    Pei Ze was stunned for a long time, before letting out a long sigh.


    This son-inw really was just like him.


    His daughter simply didn''t understand these convoluted and entangled feelings. She always resented him for abandoning her and her mother, forgetting her mother in his heart.


    That wasn''t the case at all. Not one day had he forgotten his deceased wife.


    It was he who had failed her.


    Pei Ze''s eyes grew moist.


    He took a deep breath. His anger had dispersed, and he was about to speak, when there were sounds from the reception hall. Hurried footsteps ran away.


    Zhao Jingwen whipped around.


    "Ignore it," Pei Ze said. "Must be Xiao Xi."


    It was Pei Dingxi outside.


    He was Pei Ze''s only son, the heir. Righteous and aboveboard, he had gone to eavesdrop. Who dared to stop him?


    Hearing everything, the child was immediately furious, but didn''t dare to burst in.


    Angry, he ran to the back and found Pei Lian, repeating everything he heard to her verbatim.


    Pei Lian was also quite shocked.


    "That woman controls two prefectures? She was conferred the title of military governor by the Jin Emperor to oversee the two prefectures?" She asked repeatedly.


    Pei Dingxi said, "It sounded like it."


    He was angry: "Not only does he have a wife, he''s also a dependent son-inw."


    Pei Lian sighed, "He is destitute and helpless, it can''t be helped. You have never suffered, so you don''t understand."


    "I didn''t expect the other side to have such an outstanding woman. I always said a man of jade and jewel like Zhao Lang was beyond match for an ignorant country girl."


    Pei Dingxi stared wide-eyed: "Sis, you, you knew he had a wife already?"


    Pei Lian gave a faint smile: "He didn''t hide it from me."


    This was beyond Pei Dingxi''sprehension. Knowing he had a wife already, why wasn''t Sister angry?


    Men were like this. The younger they were, the less tainted by the mundane world. This was why boys were cute, children were cute.


    Grown men each had their own hatefulness.


    Pei Lian said, "I just didn''t expect her to be so incredible. This is good too, so I''m not shamed."


    She stood up.


    "She hase all the way from afar to Fang Prefecture, of course it is to see me."


    "I shall go meet her."


    "Alright, I won''t force you to choose. Just remember, my daughter will not serve one husband with another woman." Pei Ze stood up. "You wait here first. Let me go see her first. You stay here and think it over. I''ll call you when I''m ready."


    Pei Ze left.


    Zhao Jingwen took a deep breath.


    He didn''t want to make a choice in front of Pei Ze. That''s because he had already decided who to choose - Ye Suijin.


    Becausepared to Pei Lian, Ye Suijin would be harder to appease. He had to focus on Ye Suijin first.


    As for Pei Lian, she was too easy to appease.


    He was confident he could persuade Pei Lian to agree to two wives serving one husband.


    Pei Ze''s footsteps were steady as he entered the study. "Esteemed guest, please excuse my tardiness. I hope you can forgive me."


    There was a woman standing in the room, with a handsome young guard by her side.


    Upon hearing Pei Ze, the woman turned around.


    With just one nce, Pei Ze sighed inwardly - his son was no match for her.


    Although Ye Suijin of Deng Prefecture was young, she had neither the naivety of a young maiden, nor the narrow-minded weakness of a woman confined to her inner chambers. Her eyes were like a cold pond, deep and unfathomable.


    Her brows furrowed with a domineering aura.


    She was someone who had experienced storms and tribtions.


    After all, she was the wife of two military governors.


    What Pei Ze didn''t know was that when Ye Suijin turned around and saw him, she was also surprised. She remembered that Pei Lian''s father Pei Ze was clearly an old man.


    But the Pei Ze before her now, although he had the air of experience between his brows, he was...in his prime.


    When Ye Suijin returned to life, she saw Duan Jin as just a child.


    Even seeing Zhao Jingwen, he was still young and inexperienced, his schemes not deep enough.


    She did not expect that the annoying old man who left a deep impression on her, was actually a mature, refined, dignified man in his prime...a peer.


    Back then she didn''t feel it, but looking now, she was too young back then.


    Ye Suijin bowed, "Lord Pei".


    Pei Ze returned the bow, "Lady Ye".


    He did not invite her to sit, because with today''s matter, it was not something that could be discussed while seated.


    So when Ye Suijin entered, she was also standing with her hands sped.


    Ye Suijin asked, "Does Lord Pei know the reason for my visit today?"


    Pei Ze asked, "Could it be to take Zhao Jingwen away?"


    Ye Suijin smiled. "Lord Pei has misunderstood. I''vee specially to offer congrattions upon hearing that you''ve found a good son-inw."


    Duan Jin opened the box he was holding and presented it.


    Inside the box was a piece of paper.


    Pei Ze picked it up and nced at it.


    It was a bill of divorce.


    The writing was neat, the format was correct, and it had the seals of the household registration office and county magistrate of Biyang County.


    It waspletely legitimate with legal effect.


    Although nowadays in many ces there was turmoil and copse of morals, official government did not exist, marriage contracts were void, and agreements invalid.


    But this piece of paper represented Ye Suijin''s attitude.


    Ye Suijin was divorcing Zhao Jingwen.


    Pei Ze looked up. "Lady Ye, this is..."


    Divorce was different from separation. Or rather, divorce was a mandatory separation - in certain situations, regardless of whether the parties involved agreed or not, they had to separate.


    Among the situations where divorce was applicable ording to Weiws, Ye Suijin felt that her situation with Zhao Jingwen fell under Article Six:


    [When a husband marries his wife or concubine to a prison warden or sells his wife or concubine.]


    But Zhao Jingwen was her son-inw and she was the wife. So their situation could be reversed from a normal husband and wife.


    That''s right, Ye Suijin had decided to sell off her son-inw Zhao Jingwen.


    "He''s just a son-inw. Since your daughter is fond of him, I''ll give him to her," Ye Suijin said sincerely.


    "He''s just a man, not worth damaging the friendship between the Ye and Pei families."


    "Lord Pei, my visit today is specifically to see you."


    "With Jingwen marrying your daughter, our families are connected by marriage."


    Ye Suijin looked earnestly at Pei Ze.


    "Lord Pei, matters between children are trivial, let''s set them aside."


    "Instead, how about you and I join forces to take Xiang Zhou?"

 Chapter 80

    Although Pei Ze had told Zhao Jingwen to wait until he called him, Zhao Jingwen was not the kind of person who would leave his fate in the hands of others.


    He followed Pei Ze to his study, but did not dare barge in. He just waited in the courtyard so that he could see Ye Suijin as soon as she came out from her confrontation with Pei Ze.


    After a while, Xiang Da and Ye Mancang appeared at the courtyard gate.


    The study was a restricted area, so they did not dare approach casually. They just gestured to Zhao Jingwen from the courtyard.


    Zhao Jingwen hurried over and asked in a low voice, "What''s going on?"


    "We went to the gatehouse and saw thedy''s personal guards," Ye Mancang said, still not recovering from the shock.


    "My god, can you believe it?" Xiang Da was also shocked. "Thedy... now controls two prefectures. Her administrative center has already moved to Biyang. Biyang! What a big city. I heard that all her subordinates have also moved there and have big mansions now. The whole Tang Prefecture now belongs to the Ye family!"


    The information overwhelmed Zhao Jingwen''s mind, leaving him dizzy.


    His wife Ye Suijin had galloped to a ce beyond his reach when he was not by her side, like a wild horse.


    The breathing of all three men was a little unstable because their hearts were beating so fast.


    When their heartbeats slowed down, the three men looked at each other.


    In the past half year, they had upied the River Mouth, governed the region, fought bandits, and trained new troops. With no one over their heads, the three of them could act as they pleased.


    They felt quite aplished and could not help being smug and cocky, with a lightness in their bones.


    Suddenly, finding out about the earth-shattering changes in the Ye family army while they were away made them feel foolish.


    It was like waking up from a dream.


    Just then, Xiang Da remembered he was a guest of the Ye family garrison and a captain of the Ye family army.


    Ye Mancang remembered he was a son of the Ye family, born a servant.


    His grandmother was so capable, yet she had kept the Ye family troops firmly at the River Mouth without letting any information leak to Deng Prefecture.


    It made him feel empty inside.


    Zhao Jingwen''s face tightened as he suddenly asked, "Where did my wifee from?"


    The other two: "Huh?"


    Zhao Jingwen asked, "Did shee directly from Deng Prefecture? Or from the River Mouth?"


    The River Mouth... The River Mouth was where they were stationed.


    But...


    Ye Mancang said, "Let me go ask again!"


    He turned and ran off.


    Zhao Jingwen looked to Xiang Da. Xiang Da stared at the bluestone floor, his expression changing unpredictably.


    Zhao Jingwen called him, "Ziteng?"


    Xiang Da was startled: "Ah?"


    Zhao Jingwen asked, "What''s wrong? What are you thinking?"


    Xiang Da let out a breath, "Thedy is really amazing."


    Just now they had thought themselves quite amazing, but upon knowing that Ye Suijin had gained two prefectures in just half a year, they instantly felt like little sorcerers seeing a grand wizard.


    They were filled withment and amazement.


    The regret was written clearly on Xiang Da''s face.


    He regretted it.


    Zhao Jingwen looked at him intently.


    "Ziteng," he said softly, "I have wronged you."


    Xiang Da did regret following Zhao Jingwen to mess around behind Ye Suijin''s back in a moment of confusion.


    Who knows if Zhao Jingwen could resolve this matter?


    He really wanted to go to Deng Prefecture and see what the big city of Biyang was like.


    What positions did everyone have now? Had they gotten promotions again?


    Just as he was about to ask Zhao Jingwen how confident he was in cating his wife, he heard Zhao Jingwen say, "In the future, if my wife harbors any resentment against you, it will be my fault."


    Xiang Da was stunned.


    He closed his mouth, his face somber, and said no more.


    Zhao Jingwen waited for Ye Mancang toe back so he could learn more information. Ye Mancang had not returned yet when Pei Lian arrived first, dressed magnificently with tinkling ornaments, looking very elegant.


    Previously, she always assumed a frail appearance, which despite being gentle and beautiful, stillcked some bearing.


    It was obvious she was some family''s pampered darling.


    "Husband," she called out.


    "Lian''er," Zhao Jingwen grasped her hands and lowered his head, like a child who had done wrong.


    Her husband needed her support right now. Pei Lian gently said, "Don''t worry, you have my father and me."


    Zhao Jingwen said in a low voice, "I may need to return to Deng Prefecture first."


    Pei Lian asked, "What do you need to go back for?"


    It would be just right if that woman from Deng Prefecture kicked up a fuss. They could speak candidly then. They could discusspensation for her, be it gold, silver, pearls or jade. Her father could certainly take it out.


    It would perfectly resolve this matter once and for all. From then on, Zhao Lang would be hers alone.


    How perfect that would be.


    Zhao Jingwen held her hands tightly. "She is a martial artist. Stay behind meter and do not conflict with her."


    Pei Lian felt warmth in her heart. She said, "This is my father''s territory, Fang Prefecture. She wouldn''t dare make trouble here."


    Sheughed. "Zhao Lang, I underestimated you. To think you married such an impressive woman. Of course, a man like you wouldn''t marry some country bride. I was foolish."


    "There are many things beyond my control that are hard to exin in a few words," Zhao Jingwen pleaded. "Later, I will go with her first. I will resolve the matters in Deng Prefecture and then return to reunite with you. Do not conflict with her."


    But Pei Lian refused to agree.


    She was the young miss of the eminent Sword South Circuit family. Why should she concede?


    Zhao Jingwen was anxious.


    Ye Suijin had arrived too quickly. It would have been better if she came a few monthster after he had gotten Pei Lian pregnant. Everything would have been settled then.


    In the end, Pei Lian only said, "Let''s see her first, then we''ll talk. Oh, where is she?"


    The study guards said, "Young miss, the study is restricted. No unauthorized entry without the lord''s permission."


    Pei Lian could get her way with her father on everything else, but he would not budge on militaryw.


    That was Pei Ze''s bottom line. Pei Lian could only huff, "I''ll wait here."


    It wasn''t long before Ye Mancang returned. His face was pale.


    Xiang Da and Zhao Jingwen went over to confer with him.


    "The River Mouth," Ye Mancang swallowed, "has already been taken over by thedy. She has also garrisoned troops at Gu City. Now both ces have soldiers stationed there."


    The three men''s expressions were very ugly.


    Unknowingly, over the past half year, they hade to regard the River Mouth as something belonging to them.


    But they had forgotten that they had gone out as Ye family troops and upied the River Mouth relying on the Ye family army.


    Without the original hundred Ye family troops, how could they have subdued the people recruitedter?


    The River Mouth was not their foundation. The Ye family was.


    Pei Lian grumbled, "Why isn''t sheing out yet?"


    The three men looked towards the study. The doors were closed and they did not know the situation inside.


    Ye Suijin knew that in this life and thest, she owed everything to one person.


    This person was the Jin Emperor, mocked in history books as the boy emperor.


    No matter how badly he messed up ceding the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun to the barbarians, for the southern powers he was still a hulking presence dominating the Central ins that no one dared provoke, no matter how thin the camel waspared to a horse.


    In her previous and present lives, Deng Prefecture and surrounding areas had remained vacant, yet no major southern power had invaded, precisely because Deng and Tang Prefectures were too close to the capital.


    It could be said that Deng and Tang Prefectures were right under the capital''s feet.


    To upy thesends meant facing the mighty Jin directly. It was better to leave them as a buffer.


    This had enabled the rise of the Ye family army in her previous and present lives.


    But to think themselves invincible after gaining two prefectures in a short period of time, to think the heroes of the realm were no more than this, that was a daydreamer''s raving.


    Pei Ze was not as fortunate as Ye Suijin.


    He had carved out his territory from the crevices.


    At present, his territory spanned over half of Fang Prefecture, a small part of the southern end of Jun Prefecture, and the Xifeng region of Xiang Prefecture.


    In her previous life, Ye Suijin had of course hated all the Pei family - the old Pei man, the Pei children, the bewitching Pei woman.


    But under the circumstances at the time, the Ye and Pei families still swallowed their resentment and cooperated with linked hands using Zhao Jingwen as an intermediary.


    Was it because Zhao Jingwen was especially charming?


    Bah!


    It was because theirbined strength meant an alliance benefited them both in that situation.


    Who cares about feelings between children, tangible benefits were what mattered. Not just the Ye family elders at the time, even if the Pei daughter insisted on marrying beneath her to Pei Ze, and Ye Suijin who shared her husband, they had epted the alliance with nostrils pinched.


    Why, of course it was because the benefits of the alliance far outweighed the humiliation and difort.


    Zhao Jingwen had never been an important factor.


    And yet, this reluctant alliance, because of the hidden resentment and rivalry on both sides, had nurtured Zhao Jingwen instead, allowing him to grow and expand his power until he could take control.


    Not in this life. Ye Suijin would sell him directly to Pei Lian in exchange for an alliance with Pei Ze.


    At this time, in the study, Pei Ze could sympathize with how Guan Zhong must have felt.


    For men like them with power, even when women wanted to seduce them, they were timid or flirtatious.


    Few women had a gaze as fiery as hers, staring at you directly without dodging or fear. This attitude made men clearly aware that because this woman was their equal in status and ability, she had the confidence and courage to look at them like this.


    Pei Ze was not lost in wild fantasies like General Guan, but was sincerely moved by Ye Suijin''s words "Let''s n together to take Xiang Prefecture."


    He folded the letter of defection and put it in his sleeve, then said solemnly: "Lady Ye is too kind. I ept this congrattory gift."


    He extended his hand: "Please sit."


    The two leaders sat down separately as host and guest.


    Pei Ze said, "May Lady Ye borate on what she just said? I''m all ears."


    Ye Suijin said, "I came today firstly to congratte you on your daughter''s wedding. Secondly, to bring you news - Jun Prefecture and Shang Prefecture have both petitioned the capital to swear allegiance."


    Pei Ze''s expression immediately tightened.


    He was not as fortunate as Ye Suijin with Great Jin at his back. The southern forces were still waiting and watching, acting as a buffer.


    He survived in the cracks, bordered on all sides by east, west, south and north pressure.


    If Shang Prefecture and Jun Prefecture swore allegiance to the new Jin dynasty, they would connect directly with the Hedong Circuit.


    Then Pei Ze would be facing the gigantic Jin head-on.


    Pei Ze asked, "Is Lady Ye''s information reliable?"


    Ye Suijin said, "The remnants of the false Liang dynasty are obviously copsing. The overall situation of the Guannei Circuit battlefields has been initially determined."


    She used this to verify the news from Shang Prefecture and Jun Prefecture.


    Now that Jin''s foundation was stable, those who were waiting and watching previously hurried to bow their heads.


    But for Pei Ze, this was definitely not good news.


    His expression was hard to look at.


    Ye Suijin sighed inwardly.


    When the Sword South Circuit mutinied under Wang Rong all those years ago, Pei Ze was only 19, too young. His father died suddenly of illness without making arrangements for the handover between old and new.


    Later Pei Ze fled for many years, constantly hunted by Wang Rong. It was not untilter, when Wang Rong himself settled in Shu, that he no longer cared about Pei Ze''s life and death and stopped pursuing him.


    Pei Ze was a true general''s son. Unlike the Ye family who had decayed into country squires over generations, he was skilled in military affairs with elite soldiers, even earning Ye Suijin''s admiration.


    With just two to three thousand troops, he faced Jun Prefecture in the north, Kuizhou, Guizhou, and Xiazhou in the south, Xiang Prefecture in the east, and Jin Prefecture in the west.


    Bordering six prefectures, he had carved out territory for himself through sheer ferocity, which was truly valiant.


    In this regard, Ye Suijin sincerely admired him.


    But he really wasn''t good at governing,cking much political foresight in Ye Suijin''s eyes as a former empress.


    Perhaps he just didn''t have thick enough skin.


    He was too attached to the past. After all, the Sword South Circuit was Grand Wei''s Sword South Circuit.


    Since Ye Suijin had noticed him, how could she let him lose rity?


    "Lord Pei!" she shouted sharply, her eyes zing, "What are you still hesitating about?"


    Pei Ze looked up suddenly at the young Ye Suijin.


    Though young and beautiful, her gaze was piercing with a fierce air about her brows, exuding an oppressive aura -


    "If you don''t swear allegiance now, when will you wait until?"


    "Is Lord Pei waiting for the Jin Emperor to issue an edict ordering Shang Prefecture, Jun Prefecture and Deng Prefecture to divide up your Fang Prefecture?"


    Pei Ze was shocked and rmed!

 Chapter 81

    Pei Ze broke out in a cold sweat.


    What Ye Suijin said was very likely to happen.


    For Emperor Jin, driving the three newly surrendered families to attack Fang Prefecture in the south could keep his southern border stable.


    The three families were still new to Emperor Jin, and he had not cultivated any deep loyalty with them yet. Whether they win or lose, Emperor Jin would not lose much.


    If they lost, it would diminish the military power of the three families, making them less of a threat to Emperor Jin.


    If they won, it would expand Jin''s territory.


    Emperor Jin had nothing to lose.


    For the three families, since they had already received the order, Emperor Jin was unlikely to sabotage them from behind. Unless he was truly shameless.


    This possibility still needed to be considered, but could be temporarily put aside for now.


    Let''s first say, if the three families attacked Fang Prefecture in the south, it would be heartbreaking if one family alone was diminished, but if the three attacked together, even if Pei Ze was capable, there was no way for him to turn the tide.


    They could probably easily take Fang Prefecture with small sacrifice, offer some of the spoils to the Emperor, and the three families share the rest of the benefits.


    Under this assumption, everyone would be delighted.


    Everyone except Pei Ze.


    After analyzing it, Emperor Jin was very likely to do this.


    As soon as Ye Suijin gave Pei Ze this reminder, he could understand clearly. How could he not break out in cold sweat.


    At this point, he truly believed that Ye Suijin of Deng Prefecture had good intentions.


    "What Miss Ye said is extremely true. I was muddled. Fortunately Miss Ye has awoken me," he sincerely expressed his gratitude, "I have never interacted with Jin, and did not know..."


    Ye Suijin said in a casual, irresponsible manner, "Myte father once traveled around the Shu region and had the fortune of seeing your esteemed father from afar. The might of the Wuyong Army was so impressive that my father remembered it for many years after. I heard him tell stories often when I was young."


    (Ye Shiju: ??)


    "Later, my father somehow heard that Lord Pei of Fang Prefecture was the son of the former Military Governor of Jian Nan, Lord Pei. "


    "My father always regretted this."


    "I have an extremely deep impression of this."


    Pei Ze''s eyes darkened, "Let''s not mention the past."


    Ye Suijin said solemnly, "But Lord Pei, you are the true descendant of Jian Nan!"


    "Now, the treasonous king looks down on Great Jin, established the Shu Kingdom and imed himself Emperor." Her eyes lit up, "If I were the Emperor, I would definitely be furious to the bone. But now I do not have the capacity to deal with him. But the longer an illegitimate im exists, the more legitimate it bes. Eight or ten yearster, when everyone recognizes the Shu Kingdom, how could I find any justified cause for action?"


    In their previous lives, Pei Ze and his son Pei Dingxi, two generations of men, perished on the road of campaigns against the Shu Kingdom.


    Unable to reim his homnd and avenge his father with his own hands, this man must have died with endless regrets.


    In the end, the Shu Kingdom was still conquered and became part of Great Mu''s territory.


    In the history books, Zhao Jingwen''s achievements in expanding territory must have been written in magnificent strokes. Future readers would definitely be filled with boundless admiration when reading it.


    As for those broken spears half sunk in the sand, those eyes closed in regret, who would remember?


    Usually peoplecking in political vision do not realize their own shorings.


    But Pei Ze was not so unaware as to fail to recognize other people''s strengths.


    Ye Suijin''s reasoning was appropriate and logical, clearing up his thoughts.


    How could a woman be Governor of two Prefectures? She must be capable.


    At this moment, Pei Ze hadpletely let go of useless notions like "she is a woman" and "she is Zhao Jingwen''s wife".


    The Ye Suijin before him was clearly a woman with a clear mind and sharp vision.


    Even if this idea came from one of his advisors, it showed she had good judgement of people and could ept counsel.


    If this idea came from her... Pei Ze had to admit, she was stronger than him in political matters.


    He said, "If I send people to the capital..."


    Ye Suijin generously said, "For our families bound by marriage, Deng Prefecture will certainly lend our way to Lord Pei."


    Since Fang Prefecture did not currently border the territory directly controlled by Emperor Jin, for him to go to the capital, he must pass through others''nd.


    He had controlled Jun Prefecture for several years, and Jun was eyeing him like a tiger watching prey, so he definitely could not pass through Jun.


    But...


    Families bound by marriage...


    It was such an extremely strange, preposterous notion, yet he was somewhat willing to ept it.


    And after epting it, it did not sound as jarring. Upon further contemtion, it did not seem so preposterous. Suddenly, it hit him - if he just switched the genders of Ye Suijin and Zhao Jingwen, everything became so intimate, reasonable, and even full of human touch.


    "Miss Ye," Pei Ze asked, "What do you think about Xiang Prefecture?"


    Ye Suijin asked, "Does My Lord have a map here?"


    Pei Ze then had someone bring over a map and spread it open.


    Ye Suijin said, "Let me first exin to My Lord, I have already taken River Mouth and Gu City under my control."


    She drew a line with her finger, connecting River Mouth and Gu City into a vertical line directly facing Fang Tomb. She then drew horizontally to the east, connecting to her New Field of Deng Prefecture and Lake Yang of Tang Prefecture.


    Of this triangr region, Ye Suijin said, "This already belongs to me."


    Alright. Pei Ze said, "Okay."


    He paused, then asked, "When did this happen?"


    Because River Mouth had always been under Zhao Jingwen''s control.


    Although Gu City had city walls, it was too dpidated. With Zhao Jingwen''s current situation, he did not have the capacity to improve peoples'' livelihoods, so he chose the more suitable River Mouth to station troops.


    Pei Ze thought this was reasonable.


    His men had encountered and started killing their way towards that rogue general, and had already reached Gu City.


    He also felt the city was too run down to squeeze out any resources. Also, that location was like a protruding horn facing Deng Prefecture on the map,pared to his own territory.


    The situation in Deng Prefecture was unclear, but he already bordered six Prefectures, the geopolitics were giving him a headache. There was no need to add another new neighbor for a small broken city to the east.


    Ye Suijin''s mouth curved into a smile.


    "I just came from Deng Prefecture, thesest couple days," she said.


    Pei Ze: "......"


    So she waited around without making a move, until Zhao Jingwen and Pei Lian had tied the knot before she stepped out.


    Pei Ze felt a toothacheing on.


    This woman Ye Suijin, Zhao Jingwen was at least her son-inw. What could you call her, audacious?


    But Pei Ze thought of Pei Lian.


    Zhao Jingwen was brought in by Pei Lian''s own efforts. No, she used threats on her own life to forcefully gain him.


    With her temperament, no matter what she would encounter a disaster like Zhao Jingwen.


    In fact, Ye Suijin had left the Pei family with some dignity.


    If she had caused a scene at the wedding ceremony before or during, with so many guests present, Pei Ze would havepletely lost face.


    Pei Ze regted his qi, and calmly said, "Please continue, Miss Ye."


    Ye Suijin smiled smugly, "Lord Pei is broad-minded. I''m young, don''t hold it against me."


    Pei Ze directly chose not to speak.


    Ye Suijin ced her finger on the map, "I must have Xiang Prefecture."


    Starting from Gu City, she drew a line, "The west of Xiang Prefecture, that all belongs to My Lord. But I must take Xiang Prefecture. "


    Pei Ze stared intently.


    Ye Suijin said, "This way, our families have each other''s backs. My ambitions lie south, and My Lord''s ambitions lie west. Our families do not conflict."


    She leaned her hands on the table, "What does My Lord think?"


    Pei Ze raised his eyes to look steadily at Ye Suijin.


    She was clearly a very young woman, her skin smooth and radiant, her entire being full of vitality.


    Yet Pei Ze truly felt that this young woman not only had sharp vision, she also... understood him very well.


    His son was called Pei Dingxi.


    The child was born in Fang Tomb, and grew up in Fang Tomb. His name meant Stabilizing the West.


    Gazing west from Fang Tomb, far in the distance across Jin Prefecture, Tong Prefecture, Bi Prefecture, Ba Prefecture, Lang Prefecture, was Jian Nan Circuit.


    It was too difficult. Sometimes when he looked at the map, he did not know if he could step foot on his homnd again in this lifetime.


    This young woman Ye Suijin, with just a few words, affirmed his "ambitionsy west".


    Ye Suijin leaned on the table, smiling at him.


    Her gaze was always so ardent, just like her dazzling beauty.


    She looked at Pei Ze, and Pei Ze also looked at her.


    There was some indescribable aura between the two.


    Outsiders could not enter.


    Duan Jin knew that although he was also in this room, there were only Pei Ze and Ye Suijin on the tabletop.


    Duan Jin was envious and longing. When would he be able to make Ye Suijin look at him like this?


    Ye Suijin''s gaze at Pei Ze waspletely different from her gaze at him.


    Duan Jin realized that the kind of gaze she gave Pei Ze was what he wanted.


    Not that kind of gentle, tolerant and benevolent gaze.


    That''s not right.


    Where exactly did it go wrong?


    What should he do to get it?


    "This matter has to be nned for the long term," Pei Ze said calmly.


    "Of course, for now, Lord Pei should first figure out how to speak to the Emperor," Ye Suijin said, "I''m currently stationed at Gu City. Lord Pei''s people cane find me there, and we can go to Deng Prefecture together. In the capital, I can make rmendations for Lord Pei." "Also..." Ye Suijin thought for a moment. For cooperation like this, using just Zhao Jingwen as a gesture of good faith was still too lightweight. She said, "I have grain."


    Pei Ze abruptly looked up.


    "Of course, clear ounts make long friends, even between family," Ye Suijin added.


    Family.


    The corners of Pei Ze''s mouth even twitched.


    But he was surrounded by opponents on all sides, no one would sell grain to him. No matter which faction, they would cover up grain and iron tightly.


    Last year''s grain production in Fang Prefecture decreased quite a bit. His grain reserves were truly somewhat dangerous. Usually it was fine, but with war, it certainly wouldn''tst. This was also one reason why he couldn''t immediately agree to plot Xiang Prefecture with Ye Suijin.


    For Ye Suijin to sell grain to him was a huge gesture of good faith.


    This family member had done well!


    The door to the study finally opened.


    All four people in the courtyard stood up straight, tense, looking over.


    Someone stepped over the threshold, into the spring light.


    She had a slender waist and long limbs, and powerful shoulders. Her face was flushed like a peach blossom, outshining the spring light.


    She raised her face slightly, felt the sunlight, then looked towards the courtyard.


    Zhao Jingwen, her former husband, was gazing at her in a daze.


    Ye Suijin smiled slightly.

 Chapter 82

    Things were very troublesome now, because Pei Lian was stubbornly staying here and refusing to leave.


    With both of them present, every word spoken had to be carefully chosen.


    Zhao Jingwen squeezed Pei Lian''s hand and let her go. He quickly stepped forward and said to Ye Suijin in a low, grave voice, "Suijin, this is not a suitable ce to talk. Let me go back with you first..."


    Ye Suijin raised her hand, cutting off his half-finished words.


    The self-defense arguments he had prepared in advance, tailored to her different possible reactions, were all suppressed by her raised hand.


    "I have agreed with Master Pei," Ye Suijin said with a smile, "to betroth you to the young Miss Pei."


    Her expression was filled with satisfaction and kindness, giving off the warmth of spring breeze.


    But Zhao Jingwen did not understand her words at all.


    What was she talking about? How had it exceeded what he couldprehend?


    Before Zhao Jingwen could blink in confusion, Pei Ze also stepped forward. Following behind him was Duan Jin, who was always by Ye Suijin''s side.


    Duan Jin stood to the side.


    Pei Ze and Ye Suijin stood side by side.


    "Lian''er,e over," Pei Ze called.


    Pei Lian had originally wanted to hold on to Zhao Jingwen and speak for herself, but he had stepped forward first.


    She took a breath, gently lifted her skirt, and walked over, bending her knees slightly. "Father?"


    Yet she nced at Ye Suijin.


    She knew this woman was formidable, so she naturally assumed her looks could not be good. Although Zhao had been married to her due to various circumstances, he must like herself more.


    She never expected that when Ye stepped out into the spring sunshine, raising her face, her beauty put flowers to shame. Pei Lian was stunned.


    Reacting a beat slower, she had failed to grab Zhao Jingwen.


    Pei Ze took out a piece of paper from his sleeve and gave it to her. "Here, Ye Lady has divorced Zhao. From now on, Zhao is our son-inw."


    Your husband alone.


    You asked for this, so you should be satisfied now.


    At this moment, Pei Lian''s feelings wereplicated.


    There was no mor, no confrontation, no ferocious threats or vicious usations. That woman was even smiling kindly at her.


    Pei Lian nkly took it and unfolded it.


    A divorce settlement.


    Why a divorce settlement?


    Because a divorce settlement, unlike separation, was a forced separation.


    A divorce settlement allowed no room for Zhao Jingwen to say "no".


    Pei Ze asked, "Jingwen, do you have anything else to say to Lady Ye?"


    Zhao Jingwen was standing next to Pei Lian, and he too clearly saw the divorce settlement.


    Therge red official seal, from the Ministry of Revenue to the county magistrate, the reviewing officials'' seals were neatly arranged. Even the characters were written more neatly and beautifully than other documents.


    When husband and wife have affection, divorce will lead to separation.


    From now on, Lady Ye Suijin of Deng Prefecture and her dependent son-inw Zhao Jingwen of Taiyuan sever ties of affection and righteousness.


    The words husband and wife shall be erased with the wind, never to be mentioned again.


    Zhao Jingwen felt as if he had been clubbed over the head. His mind buzzed and his ears rang.


    He had an overwhelming sense of vertigo and powerlessness.


    Not even when he was fleeing and hiding in a muddy pond to avoid the chaos of press gangs did he feel so powerless. Because he knew he still had some strength then, and in critical moments he could still struggle.


    He had never felt as right now, in this moment,pletely and utterly helpless.


    That was true powerlessness.


    He had envisioned every possible reaction from her. Crying, making a scene, anger, even killing, he had countermeasures for them all.


    He never imagined that with a smile at the corner of her lips, she would push him away with a turn of her hand.


    "Jingwen?" Pei Ze called.


    His voice contained coercion.


    Zhao Jingwen was awakened by his call and met Pei Ze''s piercing gaze.


    After all, he was a man who had carved out his own piece of sky even in adversity and destitution. His aura was no less than Ye Suijin''s.


    Zhao Jingwen shuddered and suddenly sobered up.


    He didn''t know how things had be like this, why he was at aplete loss, how Ye Suijin could let him go without the slightest reluctance.


    But he knew the current situation was more than he could handle if he lost Pei Ze as well.


    His lips moved with difficulty as he said, "Th-thank you...thank Lady Ye for consenting."


    That one sentence seemed to take all his strength.


    Only then did Pei Ze nod in satisfaction and turn to look at Ye Suijin.


    Ye Suijin knew Zhao Jingwen must be churning with emotion right now.


    She nodded, and earnestly told him, "A marriage is due to karma cultivated in a previous life."


    Of course, sometimes it''s an unlucky karma.


    I don''t want this unlucky karma. Pei Lian wants to monopolize this unlucky karma.


    The two of us have both gotten what we wanted in this life, very good.


    "Treat Young Miss Pei well," she exhorted.


    This girl has a broad and magnanimous heart, beyond what ordinary men can match - Pei Ze thought to himself.


    He shouted, "Lian''er, thank Lady Ye!"


    Pei Lian clutched the divorce settlement, unable to describe her feelings.


    It was just very frustrating.


    She hade aggressively, determined that the best oue would be having Zhao Jingwen as her husband alone.


    Wasn''t that achieved? So why wasn''t she happy?


    It felt awful, like punching into cotton.


    "Th-thank Lady Ye for consenting." She bent her knees in a reluctant, haughty curtsy.


    Ye was clearly Zhao Jingwen''s former wife. They should be peers. But following her father''s lead in addressing her as Lady Ye, she as a junior could not be disrespectful.


    It was truly unbearable.


    Ye Suijin observed Pei Lian andmented how time had changed Pei Lian into what she was today.


    The present Pei Lian was a delicate, charming young beauty.


    So young, fooled by a man, by a man like Zhao Jingwen''s sweet words, it was perfectly normal.


    It was a pity that in her past life, she had sought but never obtained for a lifetime.


    She had ced all her hopes on the Crown Prince, always believing he was the eldest son Zhao Jingwen had with her. Even if he did not love her, he should at least love their son.


    But he was an ordinary man.


    The man she loved was the Emperor. There was never any true father-son rtionship in the imperial family.


    Zhao Jingwen''s suppression of the Crown Prince and the threats from other princes to the Crown Prince''s position were the final straws that broke Pei Lian.


    Love without reciprocation, pleas without response, led to despair and hatred in the end.


    "Young Miss Pei," Ye Suijin said, mindful of that wisp of past affection, "you must remember your noble status."


    She said, "If Jingwen misbehaves, tell your father to discipline him."


    The first sentence, Pei Lian still found agreeable to hear.


    The second sentence, not so much.


    Ye, clearly Zhao Jingwen''s former wife, should be a peer. Yet she spokepletely like an elder.


    Pei Lian felt an unnamed anger, but could not express it.


    Because Ye was also the military governor of Deng and Tang prefectures, conferred the second rank by the Emperor''s edict.


    Although Pei Ze had not yet acknowledged this Emperor, still...


    In short, Pei Lian hade grandly dressed, yet ended up terribly frustrated.


    It was too ufortable to hold it in.


    Pei Lian lifted her chin and looked at Ye Suijin on the stairs. She said, "Lady Ye is beautiful as a mature woman. My Pei family is not petty. Since you have given your husband to me, please just name whatpensation you want."


    At this, Ye Suijin finally revealed a genuinely delighted smile.


    "You needn''t worry about it," sheughed. "I have settled it with your father already."


    "Our families shall have close ties from now on. No need to fuss over these trivial things."


    This punch, too,nded in cotton. Pei Lian wanted to say more, but Pei Ze cut her off. "Lian''er, step down."


    She could act up at home, but in front of others, Pei Lian could not lose her noblewoman''s elegance, maiden''s modesty, and certainly could not let Ye Suijinugh at her.


    She endured and gave way.


    Pei Ze escorted Ye Suijin down the stairs, walking between Zhao Jingwen and Pei Lian.


    Ye did not look at Zhao Jingwen on her right, only tilted slightly left as she talked with Pei Ze. "Princess Chengyang''s route is very good, sincerity is enough. I''ll also petition on your behalf. His Majesty now, if you humor him, he''s quite reasonable."


    Nearing the courtyard gate, her footsteps halted.


    Xiang Da and Ye Mancang did not dare approach, hesitating nearby. Seeing her, Ye Mancang instinctively shrank back.


    Xiang Da greeted her with a bow. "...Mydy."


    Ye Suijin looked at Xiang Da.


    In her past life, Xiang Da had followed Zhao Jingwen early on. So her understanding of him was not deep.


    In this life, although he had also followed Zhao Jingwen, Ye Suijin was very clear that she had been the impetus behind it.


    Between people, it was actually a two-way choice.


    Xiang Da was a freeman. As a guest, he had a guest-host rtionship with her. As a colonel, he had a superior-subordinate rtionship with her.


    All these rtionships could actually be dissolved. It depended on how the person chose.


    In this life, considering her own covert machinations and maniptions behind the scenes, Ye Suijin still decided to give Xiang Da one more chance.


    "Xiang Da," she asked him, "Are you going back with me, or are you staying here to follow Zhao Jingwen in the future?"


    Xiang Da had been anxious and uneasy all this time.


    He hadn''t even dreamed that in just half a year, Ye Suijin had risen so high that she now ruled over two provinces, with Biyang as her capital.


    The territory she now effectively controlled even exceeded that of Pei Ze.


    Although the time had been short, in the brief exchanges with the attendants who had followed her into the city, their tone was proud and their eyes shone with hope for the "future".


    This was not just living day to day, but truly harboring great expectations for what was toe.


    Xiang Da actually already regretted his actions.


    But he hadn''t expected that Ye Suijin would still give him another chance.


    He moved his lips, intent on going back with her.


    Just then, he saw Zhao Jingwen behind her.  His gaze went past Ye Suijin and looked straight at him.


    His eyes were deep and profound.


    Zhao Jingwen''s words suddenly sounded in his ears like a spell ¡ª


    [In the future, my wife will harbor resentment towards you, and it will be all my fault.]


    [My wife will harbor resentment towards you...]


    [Resentment...]


    Xiang Da was stunned once again.


    "I..." he lowered his head, "this subordinate, this subordinate wishes to follow Master Zhao."


    "Very well," Ye Suijin nodded, "You''re attentive to detail, which puts my mind at ease. Serve well in the future, and may you have a promising career and your wishes fulfilled."


    Xiang Da bowed down deeply: "Thank you for your magnanimity, my lord. May you live long and prosper, and may your n flourish."


    Ye Suijin nodded.


    The host and the guest parted on good terms.


    Pei Ze nodded slightly in approval.


    Ye Suijin took two more steps forward.


    Ye Mancang had shrunk back earlier. Seeing Xiang Da receive pardon, he felt relieved.  He hunched over and stepped forward, also saying: "Master, I too..."


    The sound of a de leaving its sheath rang past everyone''s ears.


    The de moved so quickly it was just a sh of rainbow light in their vision!


    A head flew up into the sky.


    Duan Jin took a step forward, raised his arm, using his back to block the spurting blood from the decapitated corpse''s neck.


    Not letting a single drop of blood ssh on Ye Suijin.


    The headless corpse staggered forward a step before copsing backwards, blood spraying everywhere.


    Duan Jin lowered his arm and stepped back.


    The de was already sheathed. Ye Suijin patted the hilt and with a click, it was secured in ce.


    "He was but a household ve. I''m just tidying up around my door," said Ye Suijin. "Pardon the mess in Master Pei''s courtyard."


    In his past life, Ye Mancang had reverted to using his original surname. He took a new, young and beautiful wife from a good family.


    Duan Jin killed him.


    At that time, Duan Jin was not yet Grand General Who Guards the Army. It was after his first northern campaign, when he had just been titled Grand Champion General.


    Zhao Jingwen had been very gracious, granting him the honor of entering the pce fully attired.


    Once inside the pce grounds, many officials clustered around to congratte him.


    Ye Mancang was passing by, trying to sneak away quietly ¡ª after all, Duan Jin had never paid him any mind.


    It took but an instant to draw the de.


    By then, Duan Jin could lop off heads as easily as slicing tofu. Right there, in front of all the ministers, he beheaded Ye Mancang.


    The ministers were naturally in an uproar.


    The officials were so agitated their words tripped over each other, vowing to impeach this arrogant military officer before the Emperor.


    To dare execute an imperial official without sanction!


    Duan Jin was spattered in blood. He stoodughing in the Golden Carriage Hall.


    From his robe he took out a registry and threw it to the ground: "His original surname was Ye. Ye Family Fort was granted the surname Shi as servants. They gave birth to this child."


    "My master has never emancipated him. His name remains in this register."


    "In tidying up my master''s household, and executing this treacherous ve, what wrong have Imitted?"


    In peaceful times, after a household servant attained an official position, their original master would typicallyplete emancipation procedures, releasing them from servant status.


    But in times of turmoil, even the government didn''t function. Who had time for such formalities?


    Things just continued on ambiguously, with no one looking into it.


    But a minister''s loyalty is to his lord, a son''s loyalty to his father, and a servant''s loyalty to his master.


    And a wife must still be loyal to her husband.


    These are the eternal cornerstones of society.


    Duan Jin had produced a servant registry from his old home, with Ye Mancang''s full name and background clearly listed.


    As the Empress''s man, he was the Empress''s household ve.


    He was a traitor to his mistress.


    The officials fell silent.


    Grand Champion General Duan Jin had enjoyed the honor of entering the pce fully attired for but a day before it was stripped from him.


    Confined for self-reflection for one month, and docked wages for half a year.


    After that, any from Ye Family Fort, whether former guests or old family generals, who had pledged loyalty to Zhao Jingwen, would take a detour when encountering General Duan in the capital.


    And Ye Mancang, his life was worth but half a year of Duan Jin''s wages.

 Chapter 83

    It took a full two breaths before Pei Lian and her maidservants'' screams rang out in the courtyard.


    Though no stranger to killing, bracing oneself when brigandse rushing in to ughter is far different from what Ye Suijin did here - leaving them no time to prepare at all.


    Pei Ze stood with hands sped behind his back, looking on as Ye Suijin cleared the doorway. His expression was cold and stern.


    Ye Mancang''s surname was Ye. Zhao Jingwen served under the Ye n banner in Deng Prefecture.


    Pei Ze had always assumed Ye Mancang was a scion of the Ye family.


    The man was undignified, but great households had their poor rtions too. Pei Ze thought little of it.


    Xiang Da and Ye Mancang were Zhao Jingwen''s right and left hands. To honor his son-inw, both men were seated at today''s homing banquet.


    Little did he expect Ye Mancang was but a household ve.


    Given the Ye surname, he was likely homeborn.


    That a homeborn ve would have the gall to sit at his Pei n banquet so boldly!


    Pei Ze''s face betrayed nothing, but rage boiled within.


    "Jingwen," he said without turning his head, "sort yourself out."


    With that said, he looked to the corner of the gallery, "Dingxi,e greet Master Ye."


    Hearing from his wallside vantage point, Pei Dingxi had gone and told Pei Lian, who insisted on horning in. Too small to hold her back, he didn''t dare step forward, lingering in the corner of the gallery instead.


    He had watched with perfect rity as Ye Suijin and Xiang Da stood a body''s width apart, watched just as clearly as Ye Suijin silently cleared the doorway.


    From his spot he saw even more vividly than the rest.


    As Ye Mancang''s corpse fell backwards, spurting blood horizontally, it sprayed in his direction.


    Fortunately, the gallery floor stood higher than the courtyard, sparing him from the spray.


    Lost in thought, he heard his father call for him and hurried over.


    Pei Ze formally introduced Ye Suijin and Pei Dingxi, "Master Ye, this is my youngest, Dingxi. Dingxi, greet Master Ye."


    Well-bred, Pei Dingxi gave Ye Suijin the proper obeisance, "Greetings, Master Ye."


    In theory, as Pei Lian saw it, Ye Suijin should address her and her brother as peers.


    But Ye Suijin dispensed entirely with matters of age, interacting solely on the basis of status.


    Bearing the credentials of a Regional Commander, she owed Pei Dingxi no courtesy whatsoever.


    Now looking at children and youths, she found them all charming.


    Seeing him afresh, Pei Dingxi had a handsome face and quick witted eyes, altogether a child one delighted in at first sight.


    Yet his bearing was peculiarly mature, in an amusingly endearing way.


    She asked, "Young master, how old are you now?"


    Face taut, Pei Dingxi answered, "Nine years old."


    Ye Suijin nodded and sighed, "Hurry up and grow."


    Both Pei Ze and Pei Dingxi looked at her.


    Pei Ze said, "Jingwen, see to Lian''er. Dingxi will apany me to see off Master Ye."


    Pei Dingxi said, "Yes, sir."


    Ye Suijin and Pei Ze deferred to each other. As guest, Ye Suijin stepped first.


    After two paces she suddenly halted and turned around.


    Zhao Jingwen''s heart leaped with wild joy. He took a eager step forward.


    "Oh, right," Ye Suijin suddenly recalled she hadn''t told him, "I''ve taken River Mouth. Your men are all here, outside the city now. I''m returning your people to you, I won''t rob you of them. Later, have Master Pei bring them back to you."


    With that said, she turned and ascended the manor gates'' stairs alongside Pei Ze and son.


    That was it?


    She was leaving just like that?


    Zhao Jingwen''s heart trembled. He blurted out, "Suijin!"


    Ye Suijin had just stepped out the gates. She didn''t look back, only waving a hand behind her.


    Then she disappeared from the entrance.


    Pei Ze also didn''t look back, passing through the gates together.


    Pei Dingxi did turn to look back, hesitating a moment before hurrying after his father out. His little legs moved quick, catching up to Pei Ze.


    Xiang Da stood there dumbly gazing at Ye Mancang''s corpse on the ground.


    Having clung and wept on her maid''s shoulder, Pei Lian looked up when she heard Zhao Jingwen call out "Suijin." She saw the murderous woman''s wave as she left, then vanish alongside Pei Ze and Pei Dingxi.


    Yet her husband still stood there, seeming petrified.


    Releasing the maid, Pei Lian went over and grabbed Zhao Jingwen''s sleeve. "Husband..."


    Zhao Jingwen was distraught and stupefied.


    Frowning, Pei Lian barked, "Master Zhao!"


    Zhao Jingwen jerked alert and turned to her. Staring nkly, he suddenly burst into tears.


    Pei Lian was stunned.


    Zhao Jingwen suddenly embraced her, crying out, "Thank heavens! We can finally be together! No one stands between us anymore!"


    Only then did Pei Lian heave a long breath. "Mm!"


    Oddly, she didn''t feel the imagined tion.


    She knew in her heart she should be d, yet inexplicably felt apathetic.


    sping Pei Lian, Zhao Jingwen closed his eyes.


    Much remained to be done.


    Making arrangements for Ye Mancang''s remains.


    Comforting Xiang Da.


    Most important of all was mollifying Pei Lian...and Pei Ze.


    The men Ye Suijin returned, alongside those he''d brought over himself, needed reintegrating. They were his diehard followers now. Ye Suijin hadn''t robbed him of them, so he couldn''t let the Pei n swallow them up.


    Clearly so much, so very much remained demanding care and action.


    A man should stand tall between heaven and earth, not muddle in petty schemes. He should aim for great deeds.


    Yet why, why...did his heart feel empty?


    Why such distress?


    Ye Suijin had only brought her personal guards into the city, leaving the rest outside.


    As ruler of thend, such audacity made even Pei Ze nce askance.


    "Master Pei need not worry for me," said Ye Suijin. "I am of the Deng Prefecture Ye n, with near a thousand nsmen. I''ve uncles and brothers aplenty. Should anything befall me, there are those who would take my ce. I''ve arranged the order for them already."


    Everywhere, session was a precarious matter. In noble households, it stirred up storms and seas of blood.


    Yet she spoke of it so breezily, utterly careless.


    Silently Pei Ze thought, is it because she herself cannot bear children, hence her nonchnce about posterity?


    In any case, just the fact of "near a thousand nsmen" was enough to make Pei Ze green with envy.


    The Pei n of Jian Nan Dao had been ughtered.


    Later in Fang Prefecture Pei Ze sired three children, yet only Pei Dingxi survived.


    "These are all Jingwen''s men. I''ve brought them for him," Ye Suijin circled her whip once, pointing to a square formation outside the city. "Please take them in for him, Master Pei."


    Pei Ze asked, "The others are yours?"


    Ye Suijin nodded, "My personal guards. Master Pei...would you inspect them?"


    Pei Ze likewise saw no need to stand on ceremony. He rode out and took a general look, then returned to Ye Suijin''s side with a nod. "Passable."


    Ye Suijin smiled wryly.


    Of the five hundred she''d brought, at least half were new recruits who''d only followed her these past six months. Though they too had joined her on raids great and small to purge bandits and seizend, such a short time simply couldn''tpare to Pei Ze''s elite troops.


    In military matters she admired Pei Ze.


    "My foundation is shallow. For Master Pei to call these men ''passable'' already does me too much honor." Sheughed.


    Pei Ze snorted. "To take Xiang Prefecture would be a daydream."


    "What is man if he dares not even dream, no different from birds or running beasts?" Ye Suijin said. "It is in daring to dream that man is man."


    You are indeed one who dares to dream, Pei Ze thought to himself.


    He flicked his reins once. "Let me see you off."


    Leaving Zhao Jingwen''s hundred men behind, Ye Suijin took her five hundred men and departed Fangling, traveling east.


    After five li, Ye Suijin reined in her mount. "This is far enough, Master Pei. Stay your steps."


    Spring winds blew from the crevices between hills.


    Ye Suijin''s loose hair fluttered as she sat astride her horse and cupped fists. "I''ll await Master Pei''s men at River Mouth."


    Pei Ze also cupped fists. "They will arrive within five days."


    Ye Suijin looked once more at Pei Dingxi andughed ruefully, "Young master, hurry up and grow."


    She''d said it a second time.


    Pei Dingxi blinked.


    Pei Ze watched as Ye Suijin and her men traveled into the distance.


    Turning his horse around, he headed back.


    Pei Dingxi couldn''t resist asking, "Father, do I grow slowly?"


    He said, "He Lian also told me to hurry up and grow."


    Hearing him mention He Lian, Pei Ze''s hand tightened almost imperceptibly on the reins. He made a sound of acknowledgement.


    After traveling a stretch, he turned and saw Pei Dingxi''s pouting face all scrunched up.


    He''d been scrunching the whole way.


    Pei Ze asked, "Angry?"


    Pei Dingxi: "Mm!"


    "Angry at whom?" Pei Ze asked.


    But Pei Dingxi wouldn''t say, as his anger excluded only Ye Suijin.


    Pei Ze understood: "Angry at me?"


    "Sister said Father guessed that Sister...Zhao Jingwen already had a wife. Yet though you knew, you did nothing." Pei Dingxi said.


    Pei Ze asked, "What did you want me to do?"


    Pei Dingxi said: "Since other people already have wives, how can they marry my sister?"


    Pei Ze asked: "So what?"


    Pei Dingxi was stunned.


    Pei Ze said: "So what if Wang Rong conquered my territory and exterminated my whole n because I was weak? Can I go to him and say you did wrong?"


    Pei Dingxi''s mouth fell open.


    "If Ye Suijin from Deng Zhou is really just a vige woman, she wouldn''t even have the ability toe to Fang Zhou. Your sister would never worry about her. What if she got married anyway?"


    "If she were just a vige woman and truly came, your sister could just have her killed. Would Zhao Jingwen fall out with your sister over a mere vige woman?"


    Pei Dingxi had no response.


    But the answer was in his heart.


    "If the vige woman died, no one would speak of her, no one would remember her, no one would even cry injustice or seek vengeance for her."


    "But Ye Suijin came before me and spoke with me, and I received her as an honored guest. By what right? By right and wrong? By the fact that she is whose wife?"


    Pei Dingxi lowered his head.


    He was a clever boy, and by now he understood.


    He raised his head again: "But I''m still angry. Even if I''m not angry at Father and Sister, I''m still angry at Zhao Jingwen."


    "If we speak of strength and weakness, then we are strong and he is weak, right? As Father said, how dare he deceive us?"


    Pei Ze looked ahead: "Because our weakness is grasped in his hand."


    Pei Dingxi suddenly deted.


    What was their father and son''s weakness? Naturally it was Pei Lian.


    Pei Ze gazed at the road ahead, and suddenly gave a long sigh: "Dingxi, I regret it now."


    Pei Dingxi: "Zhao Jingwen?"


    "No." Pei Ze said, "Your sister."


    "I was born in Jian Nan Dao, as the son of a military governor, my status was precious, and the women I saw were all gentle and well-behaved virtuousdies. Including my mother and sisters."


    "My wife came from the capital, the legitimate daughter of a first-rank Duke. "


    "When she arrived, she outshone all the famed beauties of Jian Nan."


    "I always thought daughters should be raised like that." Pei Ze said, "So when your sister reunited with me, I doted on her, indulged her in everything, thought there was no problem with daughters being delicate and pampered."


    "I didn''t expect that other families...could raise their daughters like this."


    Pei Dingxi also let out a breath: "She drew that de so fast, I couldn''t have drawn a de that quickly."


    The young boy was easy to impress, and Ye Suijin''s sh had won the little boy''s admiration.


    But Pei Ze said: "des and spears are just her least important things."


    Pei Dingxi looked at him.


    "She has more precious things on her, which you will appreciate and learnter."


    "Okay."


    "Still frowning, still angry at Zhao Jingwen?"


    "Hmph."


    "Given your status, it''s right for you to be angry at him. Go back and you can hit him."


    "Ah, I can?"


    "You can, sometimes you have to remember you''re just a child."


    Pei Ze said: "When you hit him, he surely won''t dare hit back. He''ll say a lot of exnatory words, you don''t need to listen, just go ahead and hit him."


    "He''ll certainly keep apologizing and trying to please you. When he takes out something you actually like, then take the opportunity to forgive him."


    "After that, no matter how you feel inside, don''t show it on your face. From then on, be affectionate with Zhao Jingwen."


    "Until your sister tires of him and won''t go to such lengths for him anymore."


    "Ah," Pei Dingxi asked, "Do we have to do it this way?"


    "Mm." Pei Ze said, "I chose the wrong brother-inw for you, sorry to put you through this."


    Pei Dingxi sighed: "It would be better if it were He Lian. I like He Lian."


    Pei Ze said: "My mistake."

 Chapter 84

    "He doesn''t deserve our lord," General Duan said.


    The Empress helplessly reproached him, "Don''t speak nonsense. He is the Emperor."


    "So what if he''s the Emperor," General Duan said. "He still doesn''t deserve our lord."


    The Empress admonished, "Don''t say that anymore. After all, he is the Son of Heaven and you are his subject. To show such disrespect is asking for trouble."


    General Duan was nonchnt. "I''ve said this many times over the years. He must already know."


    That was indeed true.


    This conversation happened to be overheard by a lowly cleaning servant.


    He had lingered too long after sweeping and the Empress and General Duan were approaching. Fearing he would startle the nobles, he hid in a corner behind a pir without making a sound. He never expected to hear such disrespectful talk about the Emperor from the Empress and the General.


    Thinking this was the opportunity of a lifetime, the little servant ran to tell the Emperor.


    The Emperor silenced him by having his mouth stuffed and beaten to death with rods.


    The Empress was still the Empress, the General still the General.


    The Emperorined to the Empress, "Can you tell Jin not to run his mouth so much? I am still the Emperor after all."


    The Empress said, "Oh hush."


    The weather was so nice, the skies vast and blue, opening one''s chest withfort.


    Ye Suijin called out, "Jin."


    Duan Jin pulled his reins closer.


    Ye Suijin asked, "Are you happy?"


    She meant about renouncing the marriage of course.


    For most women, having one''s husband end the marriage to take another wife would not be a joyous thing.


    But her lord was no ordinary woman.


    In fact, Duan Jin felt the very air today was especially fresh.


    "I am happy," he said, "Because I know my lord is happy."


    Ye Suijin smiled, "You haven''t been so glib in a long time. Why have you be so quiet nowadays?"


    Duan Jin was puzzled, "Have I?"


    Ye Suijin affimed, "You really don''t joke around much anymore, always frowning. Xiaoined to me about it too, said you''ve be more and more like San."


    Whenever Seventh Uncle scolded him, he would use you as an example."


    This was also something that puzzled Ye Suijin.


    Indeed, in hister years in the previous life, Duan Jin had taken on great burdens alone, bing steady and reliable. It could be said he had taken San''s ce at her side.


    But that was only after San had died in battle.


    In this life, she didn''t know why Duan Jin was no longer as lively as before at this age.


    Duan Jin said, "Because I''ve grown up."


    He had to grow up.


    He couldn''t remain a child in her eyes to be looked upon with maternal love.


    Before today, Duan Jin had not consciously and systematically realized this, but he had already subconsciously started adjusting his manners. He no longer acted with a youngster''s rashness.


    But today, after seeing Pei Ze, it was like a sh of enlightenment.


    He had to be that kind of man.


    Of course there were many grown men in the household, whether they were of the Ye n, military officers, or guests. Regardless of status, they were all Ye Suijin''s subordinates, obeying hermands.


    Only Pei Ze was different.


    He conversed with Ye Suijin as an equal, sitting face to face speaking with courtesy.


    Their eyes never left each other.


    Moreover, Pei Ze was an exceedingly handsome man. Of noble birth and upbringing, though he had been in exile for many years, the noble spirit never left him. And now hemanded troops of his own, with the steady air of a leader and the ferocity of a seasoned warrior.


    He even retained some of a schr''s elegance, likely due to his background.


    Of course, although Duan Jin had just turned sixteen this year, in his eyes Pei Ze was an old geezer in his thirties.


    It wasmon for teenagers to view their elders this way, just as Pei Lian saw He Lian.


    But never before had Duan Jin seen Ye Suijin look at a man for so long with such admiring ardor.


    She was enthusiastic towards General Guan as well, but without that sense of appreciation.


    Duan Jin now felt itughable that he had regarded Zhao Jingwen in his heart before, smashing y figurines of him every day.


    Zhao Jingwen didn''t amount to shit.


    He had thought "the lord''s husband" was an important position, but turns out it wasn''t.


    Things like marriage clearly couldn''t bind her.


    His happiness today didn''t stem from the abandonment of someone he always hated, but from seeing Ye Suijin''splete freedom and independence.


    "You didn''t need to do it yourself, my lord. You could have left Ye Mancang to me. Why dirty your own de?" he said.


    But Ye Suijin said, "Go easy on the killing from now on."


    Duan Jin raised his brows.


    Ye Suijin said, "You''re all still young. I was too impatient, we should take it slowly."


    She recognized her mistake in San''s case.


    Hence why the ancients coined the idiom "harm from helping seedlings grow." There was reason in it.


    Fortunately she noticed in time. She arranged for San to return to the Ye family stronghold for a period, to be with his mother and wife. San improved a lot after that.


    She slowed down the pace, paying special attention to Duan Jin in particr.


    Among the younger generation, San and Duan Jin were the two most special.


    One was the only brother she valued greatly, the other her personal attendant.


    They both seemed to have some awareness, believing from the bottom of their hearts that they should take on more burdens.


    There was no need.


    In their previous lives, they had already taken on far too much. In this life, while Ye Suijin hoped they would quickly mature, she did not intend for them to shoulder as much as before.


    She was here now in this life after all.


    Duan Jin protested, "I''m not little anymore."


    But this protest exposed his youth in contrast to the "steady and reliable" image he had built up recently.


    Ye Suijin smiled, "Alright, our Jin is not little."


    Don''t treat me like a child to be pacified, sigh.


    Duan Jin was helpless.


    On the third day, an adopted son and an old general of Pei Ze''s arrived leading a traveling party to the river bank.


    "Uncle Qiao, take a look. This Ye army is not bad," upon seeing the Ye troops drilling on the river beach, the adopted son said to the old general.


    The old general nodded, then sighed.


    The adopted son asked, "Why the sigh?"


    The old general said, "I heard the leader of the Ye family is very young."


    His words carried a note of envy.


    Though the Ye troops looked a bit less polished than Pei''s, their leader was young. It meant power transitioned smoothly internally, and unlimited potential for the future.


    The old general had followed Pei Ze from Sword South.


    When they had left Sword South, he had still been in his prime. Now his hair was all white. His only young master was just nine years old.


    How could he not sigh?


    The adopted son said, "Oh."


    But he too had feelings of his own, "Father made a mistake in this. If it were He Lian, we would ept her. But this Zhao Jingwen..."


    The old general admonished him, "She is his first wife, Elder Sister-in-Law to you brothers, watch what you say in the future."


    The adopted son said, "Alright."


    The old general was also helpless, "Your father is set on her, nothing can be done."


    Unable to contain his curiosity, the adopted son asked, "Is Mother that beautiful to make Father unable to forget her to this day?"


    Because he felt guilty toward his official wife, Pei Ze indulged Pei Lian, treating her with tolerance far exceeding a normal father to daughter.


    The old general said, "They married young after all. When the old master was still alive, all praised them as a match made in heaven. What a pity."


    The adopted son said, "This Zhao Jingwen and the Yedy also married young didn''t they."


    The old general spat, "Bah!"


    The old general asked, "Did you get a look at the Yedy back then?"


    "No, we were in the main hall. She went straight from the study," the adopted son said. "Everyone sighed over it, told me to take a good look when I go back and describe what the Yedy looks like."


    He leaned in and lowered his voice, "We asked the gatekeepers and anyone who saw her said she was exceedingly beautiful."


    "Enough of that," the old general looked ahead, "People areing, must be the weing party."


    As the two sides met and dismounted to greet each other, the old general and adopted son were also polite and respectful.


    Introductions revealed the old general to be Qiao Huai Qiao Maosheng, and the adopted son to be Yan Xiao Yan Lingzhi.


    Ye Suijin said, "So it is General Qiao and General Yan."


    Both bowed and said, "You honor us too highly, Lady Ye."


    Ye Suijin had already spected about who Pei Ze would send to submit a petition in the capital this time, and it really turned out to be these two old acquaintances.


    These two were with Pei Ze all along, loyally following him to the very end.


    Then they followed Young Master Pei Dingxi.


    Old General Qiao Huai also died in battle during the Western Expedition, serving three generations of the Pei family masters faithfully throughout his life.


    Yan Xiao did manage to return alive from the Western Expedition and secured a position for himself in the new dynasty.


    Later, when evidence of treason was found against the Eldest Prince, he was hanged to death in his confinement.


    Zhao Jingwen executed thest survivor of the Pei family, Yan Xiao, under strict orders.


    In the pce courtyard, Ye Suijin burned some paper money for the Eldest Prince and Yan Xiao to pay her respects. After putting Gu Cheng in order, she appointed new officials there.


    With the low poption, Ye Suijin spent money hiring some chivalrous men, telling them to spread the word far and wide that Gu Cheng was stable and secure, in order to attract more people toe.


    She stationed troops at the river mouth. After the busy farming season passed, some fortifications would be built.


    In fact, it was evident that defensive fortifications had existed here before, only they had fallen into disrepair and dpidation over the years.


    Ye Suijin wanted to restore the river mouth properly.


    After making the arrangements, she took the entourages of Qiao Huai and Yan Xiao to Deng Prefecture.


    As soon as they entered Rang County, the two noticed something different.


    Liveliness - a strong sense of vitality and bustle.


    Or rather, prosperity.


    Of course Rang County could notpare with some big cities, but as a small county town, including the viges and towns under its jurisdiction, you could feel a sense of satiation built on a foundation of stability.


    Don''t look down on the two words "food and clothing", you should know this is what countless people desire but cannot obtain.


    Sang weed them in Rang County.


    Ye Suijin asked him, "How are San Sao and A Gui?"


    Sang''s brows immediately showed a smile. "Both are healthy."


    Health is good.


    Everyone should be hale and healthy.


    They went to Nanyang. Ye Eighth Uncle hurried from Biyang to meet them in Nanyang.


    This time, Ye Eighth Uncle and Sang would apany her to the capital.


    Ye Suijin also prepared a gift for the Emperor, an auspicious sign.


    It was a stone as big as a horse''s feeding trough. Looking closely, you could faintly make out the eight characters "Mandate received from Heaven, unifying the rivers and mountains".


    The color of the characters was slightly different, a little darker than the surrounding stone, allowing them to be vaguely visible.


    "Ah..." Yan Xiao reached out his hand.


    "Ahem!" Sang pressed his arm down, "Just look, don''t touch."


    Afraid it would lose color.


    Ye Suijinughed swaggeringly.


    "The Emperor will surely like it," she said. "Trust me."

 Chapter 85

    At the end of March, Third Son Ye and Ye Eighth Uncle apanied the Pei family''s entourage, escorting their own "auspicious omen" to the capital city.


    At the beginning of April, Ye Suijin brought people back to Biyang City.


    Zhao Jingwen''s matter of course had to be exined to everyone.


    The leaders all gathered together, and Ye Suijin announced the handling result to everyone:


    "I have already betrothed Zhao Jingwen to the youngdy of the Pei family."


    "Xiang Da will follow him from now on. He won''te back."


    "Ye Mancang betrayed his master, and has already been beheaded. His family members left in Ye Family Fort have already been dealt with."


    "The river mouth has already been taken over by our people. The brigade of men that was originally given to Zhao Jingwen has also been brought back. Oh, and Gucheng, it''s an extra gain."


    "The Pei Family of Fangzhou, is worth befriending. Take this opportunity to make a marriage alliance. In the future, everyone can look out for each other, and be each other''s reinforcements."


    It was very quiet.


    No one spoke.


    Tenth Son''s face was wooden.


    How could his sixth sister say the four words "marriage alliance family" so lightly, even with a smile.


    He calcted it over and over in his heart, and still didn''t know how this marriage alliance was counted.


    Is this the adults'' world?


    Tiresome, don''t want to grow up.


    Ye Suijin was speechless: "What are with those faces of yours?"


    All the faces were numb.


    Really, in Dengzhou at that time, when Third Son Ye and Ye Eighth Uncle asked about the situation clearly, they were also like this, with numb faces.


    They allcked training too much.


    And saw too little as well.


    They should know that in this world, for profit, countless people can shamelessly betray their morals. Countless unbelievable, unreasonable and even hical things are not rare.


    "Fourth Uncle," Ye Suijin said, "Didn''t you also gift a concubine to that sworn brother friend of yours?"


    Ye Fourth Uncle had a friend he was on very good terms with. One time when he went to his house as a guest, he took a liking to his concubine, so Ye Fourth Uncle gifted her to him.


    The Fourth Madamined: "Bought back for eight taels of silver, just gifted away so casually, he''s so generous."


    Ye Fourth Uncle felt a headacheing on: "Can it bepared?"


    "What''s notparable? They are both not important to us, and can be gifted away to make friends. Isn''t that so?" Ye Suijin said, "Think about it, isn''t it?"


    "Be more open-minded, don''t be petty."


    After this sentence came out, a sound of coughing rose up.


    Mr. Yang said: "Now that I think about it, that makes sense. Everyone''s minds just can''t turn around it for the moment."


    Gifting concubines, exchanging concubines, buying concubines were allmon urrences.


    Gifting a wife was rare, but not unheard of.


    "Then, then you have to beat him up at least!" Tenth Son finally couldn''t hold it in anymore.


    He had originally nned to go beat him up personally, but the elders had forcibly kept him pinned down in Biyang. Maddenning.


    But he had urgently instructed Fifth Son and Seventh Son who went along, that they must severely beat up Zhao Jingwen!


    "Don''t tell me they didn''t even beat him?" he asked.


    Ye Suijin said: "Did you also see Fourth Uncle beating up the young concubine to a swollen and bruised state before gifting her away?"


    Ye Fourth Uncle: "Cough cough cough cough!"


    Tenth Son jumped up: "Fifth Brother, Seventh Brother! What are you guys doing! Weren''t we in agreement?"


    They were supposed to have agreed to beat him up together, adding Tenth Son''s share along with Third Son''s, Fourth Young Master''s, Ninth Son''s and Tenth Son''s portions.


    Fifth Son said: "Why are you ming me? Sixth sister kept us at the river mouth, didn''t even bring me to Fangling!"


    Seventh Son said: "Stop arguing, this was sixth sister''s decision. As long as sixth sister is willing then it''s fine."


    Tenth Son said: "So Zhao Jingwen is just like this? Doing this shameful thing, he doesn''t have any consequences at all?"


    Without receiving any punishment at all, Tenth Son was extremely unhappy.


    Many of the Ye family elders were also unhappy.


    Because for the same matter, the influence it gave people could bepletely different depending on the different time and situation.


    In the previous life, Dengzhou had just been pacified, Tangzhou had only just taken over some ces, Ye Suijin did not yet have the decisive aura to destroy and rebuild like in this life. The local despots made all kinds of trouble, Tangzhou was unstable.


    The Great Jin army steadily pushed south, the pressure was intense.


    In that kind of situation, everyone pinched their noses and epted the alliance with the Pei family.


    But in this life, the Ye family was going smoothly.


    Biyang was killed cleanly. The hidden households and concealednds were all uncovered and reregistered.


    The news spread, and the ces that encountered the Ye family army afterwards were much more well-behaved, and didn''t dare make trouble.


    Tangzhou and Dengzhou were stable.


    Everyone''s needs thus changed, bing that Zhao Jingwen should be beaten up like the turtle grandson he was, to let out their resentment.


    "He has already received the punishment he deserved." But Ye Suijin said.


    Tenth Son: "What? What is it? Tell me quickly, let me be happy for a bit."


    Everyone else also pricked up their ears.


    Ye Suijin looked up.


    "From today onwards, he is no longer my son-inw, so everything I obtain, he can no longer share."


    "My family''s power, he can no longer borrow."


    "From now on, he can only rely on himself. If he has the capability to gain wind and water in the Pei family, then that is heaven rewarding him food to eat. No one should be unsatisfied. "


    Mr. Yang made a light sound from his nose, hard to say if it wasughing or snorting.


    But oddly it represented everyone''s feelings.


    What was Ye Suijin''s current situation¡ªshe was no longer just the head of a rural stockade. She was the ruler of two prefectures.


    Whatever Zhao Jingwen was plotting, he had lost out big time.


    Tenth Son still couldn''tprehend the implications within this. After all he was still a youth, caring more about avenging grudges happily.


    When they dispersed, he pulled Duan Jin aside and quietly asked: "That youngdy Pei, is she prettier than sixth sister?"


    Duan Jin''s eyes rolled to the heavens.


    "Otherwise what was Zhao Jingwen plotting for?" Tenth Son asked.


    Among the young masters, Tenth Son and Duan Jin had the best rtionship. They really grew up ying together.


    So Duan Jin told Tenth Son about the Pei family''s circumstances.


    Tenth Son seemed to understand: "I see..."


    "Tenth Son, don''t be like a child anymore." Duan Jin said, "Think about and see things like an adult."


    Tenth Son stubbornly refused: "Adults and their pile of crappy messy rotten affairs! I refuse!"


    He ran off.


    Ye Suijin instructed Duan Jin to handle a matter.


    "For all who have obtained official positions, that originally were servant-born, release them from servitude.


    "Direct bloodlines together release as one family. Rtives on the side, ask them for their own intentions, those willing to be brought out, also release together.


    "All who have been released, do not continue working for the branch families, regardless of which branch they were from. "


    Duan Jin acknowledged, and was about to leave.


    Ye Suijin called for him to stop: "Ah Jin."


    Duan Jin turned around.


    She said: "Don''t forget to release yourself as well."


    Duan Jin''s face darkened. "I have nowhere to return to. Does my master want to sweep me out the door to go sleep in the streets?"


    He currently lived in Ye Suijin''s prefectural yamen, and had a separate courtyard to himself.


    Ye Suijin said: "You''ve grown up, it''s time to establish yourself. You of course don''t need to move out, just first release your status, then we''ll talk. In the future it will sound better being said out."


    Duan Jin, honoured as Grand General Who Guards the Army, others could say nothing about him, so they privately ridiculed him as: eternal servant.


    But Duan Jin said: "I refuse!"


    And ran off as well.


    Ye Suijin summoned Jiang Yinyu to her and first asked about the clearing of ounts with Auspicious Cloud Commerce, as well as follow up matters.


    Jiang Yinyu said: "The second batch of goods have already been delivered to General Guan. Fourth Master personally escorted it over, and also drank heartily with General Guan, chatting merrily."


    In just over half a month that Ye Suijin went to handle Zhao Jingwen''s matters.


    She eximed: "Oh! So the goods were prepared early on? Just waiting for it?"


    Jiang Yinyu''s expression didn''t change: "Some observations on the first transaction have to be made. Us merchants have suffered losses from officials before, not just once or twice."


    Said they would cooperate, but when the officials got the goods they would turn hostile, directly swallowing it up.


    Merchants could only resign themselves to the bad luck.


    Justice was impossible.


    Fortunately General Guan was not that sort of narrow-minded person. General Guan clearly wanted a long term rtionship. Auspicious Cloud Commerce naturally was willing to cooperate long term.


    This intermediary Ye Suijin also couldn''t be cast aside, her share still had to be given.


    Everyone earning money, that was true earning.


    Ye Suijin said: "Tell the people of Auspicious Cloud Commerce, I want to buy grain."


    This time the big households of Biyang were cleared out squeaky clean. Biyang''smerce was handed over to the merchants rmended by Auspicious Cloud Commerce.


    Ye Suijin had also given Auspicious Cloud Commerce priority favourable treatment. As Ye Suijin expected, Auspicious Cloud Commerce chose to deal in grains.


    In the previous life, how did Ye Suijin get involved with Auspicious Cloud Commerce?


    It was through Jiang Yinyu.


    In the previous life Jiang Yinyu noticed Ye Suijin was constantly recruiting troops, and he also silently observed. Then he also spent money sounding out the clerks in the government offices, obtaining the tax revenue figures.


    Through calctions and estimations, he keenly realized that with the rate of troops increasing, Ye Suijin would soon have a shortfall in grains. And this shortfall would grow even bigger in the future.


    He wrote a letter about this matter to the owner of Ruiyun Company. After obtaining authorization from the owner of the Ruiyun Company, he boldly went to Ye Suijin.


    From then on, Ruiyun Company teamed up with Ye Suijin and started doing grain business.


    Ruiyun Company started out in the mulberry garden and silk business. But his family was in the south, where rice could be harvested three times a year. Selling grain to the north was extremely profitable.


    At that time, thend was divided among warlords, and the powerful figures all had tight control over grain.


    The existing major grain merchants all had various connections with the warlord forces. Ruiyun Company, which started out in the mulberry garden and silk business, couldn''t get involved at all.


    They could only look on with envy.


    With his keen sense, Jiang Yinyu seeded in bringing together Ruiyun Company and Ye Suijin. Not only did he be a hero for Ruiyun Company, he also became a favorite in front of Ye Suijin.


    Later, Ye Suijin discovered that this man was particrly useful.


    Eventer, Jiang Yinyu simply followed Ye Suijin.


    As for Ruiyun Company, in its past and present lives, it always had a fiery heart that wanted to do grain business. In this life, it first got an opportunity in Biyang.


    And this opportunity still came from Ye Suijin.


    Jiang Yinyu was surprised and said, "I''ve calcted that there are no shortfalls in our military rations, and the granaries in various ces in Tangzhou are also full."


    Oh.


    Ye Suijin raised her eyelids and smiled, "Steward Jiang is concerned about so many things."


    Although Jiang Yinyu was indeed assigned many tasks by Ye Suijin and was kept busy like a spinning top. But he hadn''t gotten involved with military rations yet.


    He''s quite proactive, just like in his previous life.


    "Cough..." Jiang Yinyu said awkwardly, "Well, going through various ount books, my hands got itchy and I casually fiddled with the abacus. It''s a habit, it''s a habit."


    "Jiang Yinyu," Ye Suijin asked him, "Does Ruiyun Company still pay you a sry?"


    Without waiting for Jiang Yinyu to answer, she said, "Let them pay you, it''s fine. You can help their business, but you can''t encroach on my territory and make me suffer losses."


    Jiang Yinyu swore to the heavens, "I would never dare! May I be struck by lightning and die!"


    "From now on, just work for me," Ye Suijin said. "This is also the first time. I won''t make excessive demands either."


    "Get Ruiyun Company to procure 30,000 dan of grain for me. Don''t affect the local grain prices in Biyang, don''t touch the local reserves."


    30,000 dan was not a lot. Giving Ruiyun Company this amount was allowing them to test the waters.


    "If it''s done well, we''ll cooperate long-term in the future."


    "Bring my words to your former boss - If you don''t fail me, I won''t fail you."

 Chapter 86

    Third Son Ye and Ye Eighth Uncle were not visiting the capital for the first time. They could be said to be familiar with the ce.


    As soon as they entered the outskirts of the capital region, they expressed their intention to the local county official: to present an auspicious omen.


    Not daring to be negligent, the county official prepared a team of drummers and hung uprge red silk banners, making a great fanfare to escort them to the capital.


    Naturally it caused quite a stir when they arrived.


    When they entered the city, themon people heard themotion and came to watch.


    Ye Eighth Uncle hadpletely mastered Ye''s golden teachings, and rode on a tall horse, repeatedly saluting themoners with sped hands, as if he had aplished something glorious, constantly repeating: "His Majesty is the true Son of Heaven!"


    Many of themoners immediately knelt down and knocked their heads on the ground in awe of the Mandate of Heaven.


    Qiao Huai: "..."


    "..." Yan Xiao said to Third Son Ye, "Uncle...ahem, impressive, impressive."


    Third Son Ye looked straight ahead: "Those who aplish great things should not be concerned with such trivial matters."


    That was Ye Suijin''s original words.


    The Emperor naturally received the memorial, and the Eldest Princess even ran into the pce herself to say: "It''s gotten quite lively out there! The streets are jammed with people shouting long live His Majesty. Many people are kowtowing."


    The corner of the Emperor''s mouth twitched.


    "That Ye Suijin from Deng Prefecture..." He rubbed his temples.


    "She''s a remarkable woman," the Eldest Princess said with a coveredugh. "Oh my, it''s a pity she didn''te in person, otherwise I must be acquainted with her."


    She really was a remarkable woman.


    In fact, the remnant forces of the fallen dynasty, seeing the unstoppable momentum, had even issued a promation, bitterly denouncing Emperor Jin for ceding the Sixteen Prefectures of You and Yun, losing sovereign territory, causing the people of the Sixteen Prefectures to lose their clothing and caps and be barbarians from then on, truly an act against Heaven, an evil deed for a hundred generations, calling for the heroes of the world to rise up together and y this traitor.


    Although it was impossible to turn back the tide, just thinking that this promation would be recorded in history books in the future, even Emperor Jin felt troubled by the pointing and criticism ofter generations.


    The timely auspicious omen from Deng Prefecture was just what he needed.


    The Eldest Princess said, "She really is capable, she even persuaded the people of Fang Prefecture to jointly submit a memorial as well. Father, you should grant them an audience."


    Since even the Eldest Princess had put in a word, and themotion really was quiterge, the group had just arrived at the inn to freshen up when they were summoned to the pce.


    The four of them were fortunate to receive an audience.


    Ye Eighth Uncle immediately prostrated himself, starting from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, all the way up to how the Ye family dug up this auspicious object from the riverbank,ying out the theory of destiny and the Mandate of Heaven that entitled Emperor Jin to the throne. Speaking passionately, tears welled up in his eyes.


    The Ye family''s only schr had indeed not studied in vain.


    Qiao Huai/Yan Xiao: "..."


    The Emperor of course kept nodding continuously.


    Ye Eighth Uncle wiped his eyes and said, "Although Deng Prefecture is now peaceful, Tang Prefecture is overrun with bandits. In the past, our two prefectures were administered by one governor. No one has governed that side for a long time, and themon people, hearing that this side enjoys imperial grace, have all fled here. Our authorities said this won''t do, the borders of the royal territory must not regress, how can we stand by and do nothing? We spent our meager family fortune to campaign for Your Majesty and exterminate the bandits, and finally Tang Prefecture is not so chaotic anymore. But our family fortune was thin to begin with, and we have suffered heavy losses, now we are overburdened."


    "We settled the refugees at Fang City, and nted a crop of beansst year, but the fields had been abandoned for too long, and the harvest was unsatisfactory. Our authorities exempted them from taxes for three years there. Now our coffers are even more strained."


    In short: we''re poor, Your Majesty will have to figure something out.


    If you present me with a papaya, I''ll repay you with a sea pearl.


    Ye Suijin knew how to be tactful, and the Emperor could not be petty. He waved his hand: "Since Tang Prefecture has been pacified, ce it under her administration as well. Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture, exempt from taxes for three years."


    In fact, it had been many years since they paid any taxes to the central government.


    He also bestowed on Ye Suijin a purse with purple goldfish embroidery and a rhino belt as tokens of favor.


    Ye Eighth Uncle deeply kowtowed: "Thank the Lord for his abundant grace."


    It was time for the people from Fang Prefecture to take the stage.


    Old man Qiao Huai came up and immediately started wailing loudly: "Please Your Majesty, uphold justice for my family, the Peis of Jian''nan!"


    Third Son Ye: "..."


    Yan Xiao: "..."


    Our acting skills are no worse than the inws!


    Qiao Huai wasn''t acting though.


    He really was a person who came from Jian''nan.


    As soon as he spoke of the past, the sorrow and pain were all real, his tears and snot were all real as well, crying uncontrobly.


    But as Qiao Huai bitterly denounced King Rong of Shu for usurping Jian''nan, having no lord above him, Third Son Ye and Yan Xiao saw the corner of the Emperor''s mouth clearly curl up slightly.


    Just as Ye Suijin said, the Emperor liked Pei''s family history.


    Sure enough, the Emperor epted Pei''s deration of fealty from Fang Prefecture, and gentlyforted the old general, expressing empathy, and said that the treasonous king was detestable, and that one day, ruler and subject would campaign against him together.


    He also bestowed a purse with goldfish embroidery, as well as a jade belt.


    Pei Ze''s position in Fang Prefecture was now fully legitimate.


    Ye Eighth Uncle spoke up again: "Fang Prefecture''s heart has always been with Your Majesty, but Jun Prefecture created obstacles andpletely blocked their way. Fang Prefecture''s forces are weak, unable to break through ande. Jun Prefecture is near the capital region, close to Fang Prefecture, clearly harboring treasonous intentions. Although the Ye family''s forces are weak, we are willing to campaign against it for Your Majesty." Since the Pei family had juste over, they didn''t have much sway yet, so it was better for the Ye family to make this proposal.


    Qiao Huai quickly added: "We originally nned to campaign against it together with Deng Prefecture."


    Jun Prefecture was just a fence-sitter.


    The Emperor actually knew that Jun Prefecture had also submitted a memorial. But recently, quite a few major and minor powers had started bowing their heads. The envoys of many families were crowded in the capital, lining up to await the Emperor''s summons.


    The Emperor was annoyed that they had sat on the fence watching earlier, and intended to make them wait on purpose.


    Jun Prefecture''s envoys didn''t understand the situation in the capital. They didn''t find the right connections, so althoughter memorials had been approved, theirs was still sitting on the desk.


    Actually there wasn''t much difference between the various families in the Emperor''s eyes. Whether they bowed today or had to be beaten down to bow tomorrow.


    But the Emperor tapped his fingers on the desk and looked at the two families before him.


    He really liked these two families.


    "Order Fang Prefecture Governor Pei Ze and Deng Prefecture Commander Ye Suijin to jointly campaign against Jun Prefecture."


    Sounds good, fully legitimate.


    The four kowtowed together: "We solemnly obey Your Majesty''s order."


    Jun Prefecture''s envoys were still futilely running around the offices, not knowing their nest had already been targeted.


    In mid April, the four returned to Biyang.


    On the way there they had passed through Deng Prefecture, and already felt it was prosperous and peaceful. On the return trip, in order to see Ye Suijin, they passed through Tang Prefecture. They were truly shocked by Biyang''s prosperity.


    "This..." Yan Xiao said. "Impressive, no less than the capital!"


    The shops were filled with ample goods, many items that couldn''t even be seen in the capital were avable for sale, dazzling people''s eyes.


    "To think they still cried poverty before the Emperor with such wealth." Yan Xiao was indignant.


    Third Son Yeughed loudly.


    The grain from Auspicious Cloud Fleet hadn''t arrived yet, but Ye Suijin had killed all the powerful households in Biyang. The fields around Biyang all fell into her hands. She had also seized countless amounts of grain.


    It was just that Tang Prefecture had been unstable before, so merchants were unwilling to do business, and the cirction of allmodities including grain suffered.


    Rice could be stored for five years, corn for nine years. But stored grain was still different from new grain after all.


    It was perfect timing to clear out the stored grain first.


    Ye Suijin said, "I won''t scam you, stored grain has the price of stored grain, new grain has the price of new grain. If you want new grain, I have it too."


    Qiao Huai quickly said, "No need, no need, this will do."


    What kind of powerful households, even soldiers could eat new grain!


    Yan Xiao was so jealous he could die.


    Fang Prefecture.


    Pei Dingxi told Pei Ze: "Father, yesterday I told Zhao Jingwen that I have forgiven him."


    Pei Ze uttered an "Oh", and asked: "What did he give you this time?"


    Pei Dingxi said: "He promised that from now on, whenever my sisteres to bother me, he''ll handle it for me."


    Pei Ze cocked an eyebrow.


    Pei Dingxi said: "I feel he is..."


    Pei Ze looked at him.


    "At the time, I felt he is actually a pretty decent person." Pei Dingxi sighed, "And then..."


    And then he reacted and broke into a cold sweat.


    Pei Ze nodded: "That''s also a kind of skill. Some people simply have that kind of skill. Human skills are manifold, none should be looked down upon. "


    Pei Dingxi epted the lesson: "Yes."


    Pei Ze said: "Go and tell him, no, go and tell your sister, Zhao Jingwen''s three hundred men will be incorporated into the Fang Prefecture army, forming their own battalion, with him as themander. I will be responsible for their provisions."


    These days Pei Ze had been keeping Zhao Jingwen hanging.


    Unable to find a breakthrough with Pei Ze, Zhao Jingwen naturally tried to get in Pei Dingxi''s good graces, doing his utmost to curry favor.


    After putting on enough of a show, it was time to give him an answer. In any case, in name he was Pei Lian''s husband.


    This human connection would be fulfilled by Pei Dingxi for Pei Lian, and then passed on by Pei Lian to Zhao Jingwen.


    Pei Dingxi thought to himself, the world of adults really is troublesome!


    But he knew he had no right toin about troublesome things. As his father''s only son, no matter how many troublesome things there were, he had to shoulder them.


    He was almost ten now, he had grown up.


    He couldn''t act like a child anymore.


    One day, scouts returned from Tang Prefecture and reported: ¡°General Qiao and General Yan are escorting grain and will arrive at Fang Prefecture in three days.¡±


    ¡°The Prefect Ye hase in person.¡±


    He really runs around busily.


    Pei Ze brought Pei Dingxi along to greet them, and the two sides met at the Han River.


    Pei Ze saw Ye Suijin again, still so passionate and energetic.


    It made people a little envious, because Pei Ze felt he was getting older with each passing year.


    In fact, he was still in his prime years, the peak time for a man. But with his homnd far away, no hope of restoring it, the pain of vengeance unfulfilled, tormenting his heart night and day. And enemies surrounding on four sides, requiring tireless efforts day and night.


    His heart was weary, even if his body was not yet old.


    How could hepare to Ye Suijin, who had regained his youth and restarted his life, full of vigor in everything he did, wishing he could run a hundredps on horseback every day just to burn off his abundant energy.


    The river mouth fortifications were beginning to take shape.


    If troops were stationed here long-term, and repairs were done every year during the farming offseason, after five or ten years, it would be a city again.


    The Han River flowed down from Jun Prefecture, winding southward, flowing toward Xiangyang City.


    Compared to the river mouth, that ce was even more of a strategic hub between north and south, a crucial location contested by military strategists throughout history.


    But thinking of Xiangyang now was just wishful thinking. Pei Ze was not so easily swayed by Ye Suijin''s tempting promises.


    They had to focus on the present first.


    Thirty thousand stones of grain was not a huge amount, but it made for an excellent new beginning, the true start of cooperation between their families.


    For this difficult period before the summer harvest, it was like a calming pill.


    Even the troops who hade to receive the grain had smiles of relief on their faces.


    People''s hearts could be settled if their stomachs were fed.


    This was the most basic need.


    "Prefect Ye, you didn''t need toe personally for this," Pei Ze said politely. "You could have just sent someone."


    "I like traveling everywhere," Ye Suijinughed. "What''s the point of being cooped up behind high walls all day?"


    Pei Dingxi thought to himself: I can see he really does enjoy traveling everywhere.


    But he was a little envious of Ye Suijin. Because he had never traveled far himself. The farthest was to the river mouth. Last time Helian had apanied him, this time it was Pei Ze. So he was still some years away from making an independent long journey on his own.


    The adults went to discuss the grain, while a big brother from the Ye family came over and asked him: "Are you Young Master Pei?"


    The adopted son who hade with Pei Ze quietly moved closer.


    Pei Dingxi replied: "Yes, I am. May I ask who you are?"


    The youth said: "I''m Ye Shng."


    Shng craned his neck, looking left and right, gritting his teeth in irritation: "Zhao Jingwen didn''te? Is he afraid to show his face?"


    As he spoke, he cracked his knuckles threateningly.


    He had insisted oning along this time. And Sixth Sister had also agreed, that if he saw Zhao Jingwen and really wanted to beat him up, then go ahead.


    Otherwise, keeping that resentment pent up would make him sick. She was more concerned about her younger brother''s wellbeing than Zhao Jingwen''s, after all.


    But who would have thought Zhao Jingwen wouldn''t evene.


    The adopted son casually drifted away to the side.


    Pei Dingxi advised: "You want to beat him up, right? Don''t worry, I''ve already done that."


    "Oh, you?" Shng looked him up and down, not very satisfied. "You''re so little, you probably don''t have enough strength. Better leave it to me."


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea," Pei Dingxi said solemnly. "The past is in the past. Our families are on good terms now, so we should focus onrger matters."


    The little boy spoke with the manner of an old man: "Young Master Ye, don''t act like a child."


    Ye Shng: "..."


    Shng was so angry his nose was about to go crooked!!

 Chapter 87

    Ye Suijin gave the emperor''s edict to Pei Ze: "Now we have a legitimate reason."


    Plotting to take Xiangzhou together was a big pie in the sky. It was simply not feasible at the moment, but scheming to take Junzhou together was doable.


    This was what the two had discussed at theirst meeting.


    "Once we capture Junzhou, the north side will be secure for me," said Ye Suijin. "Then I can steadily take over the western part of Fangzhou."


    The two of them were sitting at a desk.


    Pei Ze gazed at the map as Jiannan Circuit was still far away, with many obstacles in between.


    But Ye Suijin''s appearance was like a wedge that pried open a crack in the stalemate.


    It gave him hope of breaking the deadlock.


    "Yanchen City," he pointed.


    Ye Suijin said, "I must take Wudang."


    With Wudang, there was Yanchen City in the eastern part of Junzhou, bordering Deng Prefecture to the north. The Han River flowed through there, straight to the river''s mouth.


    Ye Suijin had already demonstrated his willingness to cooperate through the grain.


    It was time for Pei Ze to show his sincerity.


    "Alright," he agreed. "We''ll jointly attack Yanchen City and take it for you. But I must seize Fengli."


    Fengli was in the west of Junzhou, right next to Fang Prefecture to the south.


    Ye Suijin immediately epted: "Good."


    As for the central part of Junzhou, that would be the part the two haggled over.


    After a while, Third Son Ye came out.


    Tenth Son went over and asked, "Why did youe out?"


    "Headache," Third Son rubbed his temples.


    Third Son came from a well-off family and had never experienced poverty.


    In the army, he only needed to worry about marching and fighting. The rest all had their own roles, with Ye Suijin overseeing the big picture.


    Only Ye Suijin and Pei Ze, truly experienced living hand to mouth, counting every grain of rice with their fingers.


    When it was time for the heads of household to be magnanimous, they naturally had breadth of mind. And when it was time to haggle, they did so unabashedly.


    The two pinched every penny and yielded no ground, calcting how to divide up the spoils without losing out.


    It was headache-inducing.


    Tenth Son admired: "Sister Jin is amazing to be able to stay inside."


    Heined: "I hate Pei''s bratty kids. h h h, h h h."


    Finally, everyone inside came out.


    It was evident the final negotiations had satisfied both parties.


    "So, Lord Pei, we''ll meet under Yanchen City," Ye Suijin cupped his fist.


    Pei Ze returned the courtesy: "It''s settled."


    As Pei Ze and his son escorted the grain away,


    Qiao Huai loudly sang praises: "The Ye family is so generous!"


    Yan Xiao also said, "We''ve inspected it. They didn''t mix in any sand at all, truly generous!"


    It wasmon practice at the time to mix sand into grain and salt that was sold.


    Generosity depended on how much sand was mixed in.


    The grain the Ye family gave was pure, weighing true.


    The military biscuits made from it wouldn''t grate the teeth.


    Of course the purchased grain would still be sifted again, but sand couldn''t bepletely sifted out. Gritty biscuits that hurt the teeth were an everyday affair for soldiers.


    They just ate while cursing and grumbling.


    Pei Ze nodded: "Lord Ye is magnanimous."


    He made no mention of how Ye Suijin had haggled with him over military provisions and grain.


    Pei Dingxi said, "Third Son Ye of the Ye family is very amiable. He told me a lot about Deng and Tang prefectures."


    Although he had a sworn brother, that sworn brother was just a particrly trusted and capable general. The title of "sworn son" given to Pei Ze and Ye Suijin by the emperor was simr to bestowing fish purses and rhino belts, a sign of favor and grace.


    Third Son Ye really gave off the feeling of an "elder brother", which made the child look up to him.


    "Tenth Son is not so good," Pei Dingxi shook his head. "He rambled on and on, ring at me very childishly."


    "But Third Brother reprimanded him," he happily continued.


    Everyone smiled.


    Yan Xiao had traveled together with Third Son Ye and they got along well. He also said, "I''ve seen and crossed des with the Ye brothers in Bayang basically. Their spearmanship is quite good, suited for cavalry."


    Qiao Huai affirmed: "The Ye family isrge and of one heart."


    Pei Dingxi was envious.


    Pei Ze let out a sigh.


    When Ye Suijin returned to Deng Prefecture, the Ye family army had already assembled four thousand men.


    Ye Suijin inspected the engineering camp.


    The engineering camp was always a hive of activity. The craftsmen had their trousers rolled up, bared chests glistening from the furnace heat.


    nging and banging, sparks flying everywhere.


    The red-hot ingot when dunked into water sizzled and boiled up white steam, scalding hot. The craftsman used iron tongs to grip it while leaning back. Get too close and it would burn you directly.


    With such an important official visiting, work still continued uninterrupted. Because keeping the fire at the right temperature meant no pause was permissible.


    Even with Ye Suijin inspecting, no one stopped their tasks at hand.


    Ye Suijin resentfully said: "The emperor is too stingy. Doesn''t he know to reward some iron and armor? I already told eighth uncle to plead poverty."


    In peaceful and prosperous times, gifts like fish purses and rhino belts were naturally tokens of imperial favor and glory. Zhao Jingwen also liked giving these things to others. Duan Jin had them too.


    But they were useless now. Couldn''t even sell them for money.


    Third Son Ye consoled her: "It''s good enough that three years of taxes were waived. Our sculpture indeedcked refinement."


    Their craftsmanship was limited, not extremely lifelike. So they disyed it on a high carriage parade through the streets, covered in red silk, not lettingmoners get too close. Later it was brought into the pce for offerings.


    Third Son specifically urged it be ced indoors.


    Best not get rained on, hmm, prone to...you know.


    In another workshop, armor was being produced.


    Mostly leather armor.


    Some apprentices were paintingcquer onto the armor tes, needing two to three coats before the tes became more durable. Some were dying silk cords with cinnabar.


    The veteran craftsmen were punching holes, threading the dyed silk through the tes, and tying knots.


    The knots had to be tied skillfully and tightly to avoiding loose.


    Ye Suijin picked up a half-finished piece and gave it some forceful tugs, satisfied as she returned it to the veteran craftsman.


    She told Third Son Ye: "Next time tell Old Guan, get us as much rawhide as possible, don''t be stingy."


    Cattle were important assets to farming families. The Weiws even prohibited ughtering plow oxen without cause, punishable by fines and imprisonment.


    The Central ins were all farming regions, so rawhide for armor came from the northern regions, not locally.


    These were acquired by General Guanst time.


    He had transported southern goods north and brought back many northern goods. Of those, Ye Suijin of course preferred rawhide over luxuries like sable furs, ginseng, and spices.


    General Guan understood her.


    When dividing the spoils with Ruiyun, she kept all the rawhide and gave Ruiyun the luxuries. Ruiyun then sold those goods down south for more profit.


    Everyone got what they needed.


    There were alsorge siege weapons.


    Wheeled siegedders, huge shields for approaching the city walls, battering rams and rams for breaching gates.


    Tenth Son leapt around inside, examining this and touching that, wishing he could personally operate each one.


    For this campaign, old and young generals gathered.


    Fourth Uncle Ye forcibly kept Fifth Uncle Ye in Bayang, but still came along himself.


    Ye Suijin first gave a pre-battle motivational speech.


    "This time is different from before, everyone must understand this," she said. "Don''t treat Junzhou like Tangzhou."


    "Tangzhou and Deng Prefecture were the same. After Xuanhua Army disbanded, they had no major military forces left, just scattered sand. We mopped them up one by one, easily."


    "But Junzhou is not the same."


    "This is the first time we''ll be facing a proper army. Plus Junzhou has always conflicted with the Pei family. Back then, Junzhou had already invaded Fangzhou. Pei Ze also entered Fangzhou and took root there, driving Junzhou''s men back. They have resented each other ever since with border conflicts for years. Both have far morebat experience than us. "


    "Everyone must put away your casual attitude and prepare mentally."


    This was the Ye family''s first time waging a real siege battle.


    On April 26th, while Junzhou was still wondering "why hasn''t there been any news from the capital, don''t tell me something happened along the way", unexpectedly they simultaneously received military reports of Deng Prefecture attacking from the northeast and Fang Prefecture from the southwest.


    These two houses were separated by the entirety of Junzhou! How did they collude together?


    Surely it couldn''t be coincidence, yet it was also impossible to coincide like this!


    Yanchen City had no choice but to fight on two fronts.


    Ye Suijin sent a squad of loud, burly men to yell outside the city: "By decree of the Great Jin Emperor, we crusade against the Junzhou rebels! You rebels, quickly open the gates and surrender!"


    Junzhou yelled from the city towers: "We''ve already sent envoys to the Emperor petitioning our surrender!"


    The city yellers retorted: "Lies! Our envoys have just returned from the capital with an imperial edict! We act on the decree to crusade against you!"


    With this "imperial order", the morale of Yancheng City''s army started to waver.


    Some couldn''t help but say, "Since we''ve already petitioned to surrender, why don''t we just..."


    The city executed two people before suppressing the army''s morale.


    Petitioning to surrender cannot bepared to being conquered.


    After surrendering, the original leader is still the leader, military power is still in his hands. It just legitimizes things.


    Being conquered, who knows if you can keep your head, power is definitely lost.


    We must fight.


    Yancheng City dispatched two fierce generals to confront the enemy on both sides.


    Pei Ze went into battle.


    Back then, the less than 100 men who protected him when he fled,ter when he escaped from Jiannan Circuit, only two to three hundred people joined him.


    Leading this group, the young master of a powerful family could never hide behind the lines.


    He personally led every battle.


    In this kind of frontal battlefield, there really weren''t many tactics to use.


    It came down to the level of martial arts, strength, and proficiency in killing.


    Like hard rocks shing into each other, sending debris flying.


    The city sounded the gongs, the defenders withdrew back inside the city walls.


    Cutting off the pursuers'' path with arrows from atop the city walls.


    Pei Ze also recalled his troops.


    Returning to camp, his whole body was covered in blood, of course it was other people''s blood.


    Yet Pei Ze was the main general of the Pei family troops, even more so the soul of the Pei family army.


    Victorious in the first battle, the Pei family soldiers were ted.


    His personal guards swiftly came to help remove his armor.


    Inbat this intense, the body sweats profusely, plus the blood that seeps in.


    The metal armor conducts heat and cold. Not removing the armor promptly, the clothes underneath quickly be icy cold, and the chill gets trapped inside. Easy to get sick.


    Many veteran generals, to varying degrees, have this kind of illness, or at least the roots of the illness.


    Ye Suijin in his previous life couldn''t handle it mentally, and his body immediately copsed, this was also the reason. The sickness was already there, only held back by his willpower.


    Once that willpower was gone, he could no longer endure.


    With the armor removed, clothes loosened, the guards gave him warm towels to wipe his body.


    Pei Ze saw his adopted son Yan Xiao riding back.


    Yan Xiao had circled around the other city gate, where the Ye family army was attacking from that side.


    Just now, over here with the Pei family army, there was also a young master of the Ye family, Third Son Ye of the third generation.


    These two were assigned to each other''s camps, ostensibly to facilitatemunication, but everyone understood - since bing allied, of course they wanted to assess the actual strength of the allied forces.


    The Ye family army was also victorious in their first battle.


    "The one who went to battle was Fourth Uncle Ye, he is both the alternate carriage driver for the Governor as well as the Vice Envoy. He is Big Brother Ye''s closest uncle in age and seniority. Big Brother Ye''s only elder brother is his son, Third Son Ye."


    With this exnation, aside from anything else, the order of session in the Ye family army was alsoid out.


    Unlike this side with the Pei family, where there was only Pei Dingxi as the sole descendant, and everyone watched him like the apple of their eye.


    Pei Ze was truly envious!

 Chapter 88

    Then came the report on the battle situation.


    "Lord Ye Si is a fierce general," Yan Xiao said with a smile. "He led Fifth Son and Seventh Son into battle, and they didn''t disappoint either. I''ve sparred with the other young lords as well, and they''re not bad. Don''t be fooled by Little Shi Lang''s monkey-like demeanor ¡ª Ninth Son said that once on the battlefield, no one can rein in his battle steed.


    "The Ye army this time consisted of veterans leading new recruits. It seems the Ye family has been continuously recruiting. You can tell the fresh greenhorns at a nce. The veterans are decent enough."


    To stand out from the generals and be acknowledged as an adopted son by Pei Ze, Ye Suijin was naturally an exceptional talent.


    Yan Xiao also had discerning eyes.


    For the Ye army, his assessment was "decent enough."


    Pei Ze nodded.


    But Yan Xiao wasn''t done singing their praises.


    "Lord Ye," his eyes shone brightly, "looks so dashing fully armed and armored!"


    Ye Suijin''s armor was custom made for her by herte father at great expense.


    Privately owning armor during peaceful times was charged as treason. But back then, peace was already fading, and a doting father had this fine set of armor specially crafted for his beloved daughter.


    When Ye Suijin donned it, she was indeed gant and dazzling.


    Yan Xiao''s eyes were glued to her.


    Pei Ze nced at him.


    Yan Xiao coughed loudly and rubbed his nose. "Anyway, I''ll go over tomorrow..."


    Before he could finish, someone grabbed him from behind, choking his neck. "Take turns, take turns. How can it always be just you?"


    Yan Xiao: "Let go!"


    The army needed some youthful vigor. While Pei Ze was extremely strict with these young generals inbat, he was quite easygoing with them in private.


    As such, his adopted sons were both loyal and affectionate towards Pei Dingxi.


    Pei Ze said, "Take turns."


    Everyone was delighted.


    There were still a few who had yet to meet Ye Suijin and looked forward to it.


    Fang Prefecture, Fangling.


    Zhao Jingwen realized he had trapped himself.


    When Ye Suijin severed ties with him, she took Hekou and recalled one hundred of the Ye troops. Thankfully, she wasn''t heartless enough to go through with itpletely. The men he had recruited himself, she left to him.


    But now, he had no territory, so no ie either.


    Most of the liquid assets he had umted previously were spent on the betrothal gifts for his marriage.


    So he cherished these three hundred ragtag soldiers even more, as they were his only capital now.


    What he had feared most recently was Pei Ze absorbing these three hundred men.


    As his father-inw, if Pei Ze did so, Zhao Jingwen would have no recourse, neither in propriety nor strength, to resist in the slightest.


    Fortunately, Pei Ze did not do so. These three hundred men formed an independent battalion. While the Pei family provided their provisions, they were outside the Pei army''smand structure, with Zhao Jingwen as their sole leader. His old father-inw clearly had no intention to exploit him, even supporting him.


    At that time, Zhao Jingwen felt extremely grateful.


    But after the brief gratitude, he realized his own shortsightedness!


    While this arrangement ensured that the Pei father and son would not encroach on his men, it also excluded him, Pei''s son-inw, from the Pei army.


    He had his three hundred ragtag soldiers, but only these three hundred.


    Leading an independent battalion also meant he would not be given a position in the Pei army.


    Zhao Jingwen regretted it immensely!


    He should have decisively handed over these three hundred men to Pei Ze then to demonstrate his loyalty!


    What choked him even more was that Pei Ze and Ye Suijin had joined forces seamlessly, without any rift between them.


    Ye Suijin allowed Pei Ze passage through Deng Prefecture on his way to the capital to dere fealty, and even sold grain to him.


    Moreover, they conspired together on Jun Prefecture!


    It wasn''t until right before the army mobilized that Zhao Jingwen found out about it. He hadn''t even been permitted to attend the military meetings.


    In that moment, he realized his grave mistake.


    He had excluded himself from the Pei army, whichpletely contradicted his original intention in marrying Pei Lian.


    It was rare for him to make such a huge blunder. Looking back carefully, it was because Ye Suijin''s heartless letting go hadpletely disrupted his footing at that time.


    To this day, he still couldn''t understand how Ye Suijin could be so heartless, as if she didn''t care at all about the time and effort she had spent on him before.


    When someone invests a lot into something, they often find it very difficult to let go. The more they can''t let go, the harder it bester on.


    No one can escape thisw.


    So how did Ye Suijin manage to?


    Many nights, as Pei Lian slept soundly, Zhao Jingwen was kept awake brooding over this question, tossing and turning.


    Was it hatred? Resentment? Bewilderment?


    Or regret?


    In any case, he had truly panicked then.


    And when one panics, it''s easy to make mistakes.


    He could not let that happen again in the future.


    He went to Pei Dingxi.


    Compared to Pei Ze, Pei Dingxi was naturally easier to coax.


    He endured a beating from Pei Dingxi to let him vent his anger, then promised to resolve all of Pei Lian''s troubles in the future. Pei Dingxi then had a smiling expression and was willing to call him brother-inw.


    With Pei Ze away on campaign, he left Pei Dingxi at home with the veteran general Qiao Huai assisting.


    Like a crown prince governing as regent of a country.


    As regent, he wielded the power of governance.


    "Younger brother," he said to Pei Dingxi, "I''ve been thinking about something. I know Father-inw avoids suspicion by specially letting me lead my own men."


    He had a gentle look, like a caring older brother speaking affectionately to his younger sibling: "But Father-inw is overthinking things. There''s no need for that. Since we''re family, I trust Father-inw. I was thinking, why don''t I break up my troops and incorporate them into the family forces? What do you think?"


    With the veteran general Qiao Huai not by his side, there was no other senior who could decide things besides Pei Dingxi''s personal guards.


    Children love to show off and y grown up when given a little power.


    With the right inducement, getting Pei Dingxi to handle this matter while Pei Ze was away... Even if Pei Ze wasn''t happy about it when he returned, surely with Pei Lian''s influence, they could find a way to secure a position for him in the army.


    That would be perfect.


    But contrary to expectations, little Pei Dingxi blinked, his small face tautening: "Brother-inw, you are mistaken in this."


    Zhao Jingwen: "Huh?"


    "Although we''re family, even blood brothers must keep clear ounts," said Pei Dingxi. "Father told me, what''s yours belongs to Sister, and what''s Sister''s also belongs to you. Brother-inw, your men are like your private funds. So they''re also Sister''s private funds."


    "It''s not just because Sister is married to you that we''re family. Even if Sister wasn''t married, Father and brothers absolutely cannot encroach on a daughter''s private funds."


    "Daughters have always only received support from the family, never the taking of what is theirs. So Father said, we''ll handle provisions for Brother-inw''s battalion. But the men ¡ª we won''t touch a single one."


    "The more Brother-inw trusts us, the more we must exercise self-discipline, otherwise we''d be betraying Brother-inw''s sincerity."


    Zhao Jingwen had never imagined there woulde a day he''d be lectured by a child like this.


    He could feel his eyelid twitching uncontrobly.


    "Dingxi," he said, massaging his temples, "listen to me..."


    "Brother-inw, say no more!" Pei Dingxi refused adamantly. "I, Pei Dingxi, am a grown man. From now on, I will only support Sister and Brother-inw, and will never encroach on anything of Sister''s or Brother-inw''s."


    "Oh, I''m still small now. Don''t worry, when I grow up, I''ll grow up to support you Brother-inw!"


    "That''s all. Uncle Qiao is waiting for me. I must go."


    Zhao Jingwen watched as Pei Dingxi left with his personal guards, speechless.


    Clearlymunication with children was hopeless.


    Zhao Jingwen decided to try through Pei Lian instead.


    He expressed simr intentions to Pei Lian, thinking she would surely like him integrating with the Pei father and son. But he still didn''t understand Pei Lian well enough.


    Unexpectedly, Pei Lian adamantly refused.


    Zhao Jingwen was baffled.


    When he asked why, she wouldn''t say.


    Zhao Jingwen tried everything, gently coaxing and persuading her. Finally Pei Lian said coolly: "Father always said Dingxi is my pir of support."


    Indignation showed in her eyes.


    "Why''s that? Dingxi is just a bastard son of a concubine. Yet he''s doted on like a rightful heir."


    "He''s just a child. How can he grow up enough to support me? Father is muddled."


    "Zhao Lang. You are my pir of support."


    "Your men are our household''s men. You must be careful, what''s ours as husband and wife cannot be Dingxi''s."


    "Hold firmly onto your own men. Don''t mix them together with the family troops."


    "If Father and Dingxi have any intentions of encroaching,e tell me immediately. Even if I have to throw a fit to the death, I won''t let them seed."


    Zhao Jingwen felt...headache, toothache, liver ache.


    His whole body ached.


    Pei Lian''s brain was such a puzzle. How could such a delicate and feeble woman, unable to wield a sword or knife, survive in this world without relying on her father and brothers?


    And relying on a husband had to be someone reliable.


    Yet the husband probably wanted to rely on her father and brothers too.


    Such words could not be said bluntly though.


    Although Pei Ze didn''t allow Pei Lian to marry far away, he found a son-inw who could stay close by. But Pei Lian was still "married" after all.


    Zhao Jingwen was her proper husband, not an adopted son-inw.


    No family with sons would take in an adopted son-inw, whose children could threaten the status of the grandsons.


    All men have a clear line drawn in their hearts.


    As Zhao Jingwen held Pei Lian closely, whispering intimately for a long time, he gradually came to understand the rtionship between this father and daughter.


    Pei Ze loved his daughter and felt guilty towards her. This was extremely beneficial for Zhao Jingwen.


    But Pei Lian could note around.


    She remained very stubborn.


    With Zhao Jingwen''s experience, she should have be more flexible after going through such an arduous escape and wandering.


    He wondered how Pei Lian had be this way.


    Until Pei Lian tearfully told him, "You don''t know how much suffering I went through out there, enduring cold and hunger. Old Chen who protected me always told me, I was the young miss of Jian''nan Domain. Young miss of Jian''nan Domain, as long as I found my father, I could live a good life."


    "I relied entirely on this to sustain me. But guess what?"


    "Yes, my father showed fatherly love and filial piety to Er Lang, even teaching him to read and write, and martial arts while riding the same horse hand in hand."


    "As for me, after years of discement and homelessness, I was left with just a sickly body."


    Zhao Jingwen asked her, "Where is this Old Chen now?"


    This man had protected her for many years when she was young. Perhaps his words could persuade her.


    Pei Lian said, "He died of illness two years ago."


    Zhao Jingwen: "..."


    Zhao Jingwen sighed deeply to the sky.

 Chapter 89

    On the second day, Pei Ze''s other adopted son went over to the Ye Family Army side, and simrly the one sent over from the Ye side was also reced with Ye Sng.


    It seems everyone had simr ideas.


    Ye Sng had been secretly clicking his tongue in wonder.


    Yan Xiao, who was most familiar with the Ye family, smiled and asked, "What do you think, Sng?"


    Ye Sng said, "No wonder sixth sister insisted wee take a look."


    Sng sighed and said, "My home is like dogs, and your home is like wolves."


    Yan Xiao said, "Well, we don''t have a choice. You all have a family, we don''t."


    Those with roots and family are like house dogs guarding their homes. Although they look imposing, they have a way out, so they are stable but not vicious.


    The Pei Family Army has no roots, drifting to this ce. If they retreat, it will be exile. So they fight fiercely despite being covered in scars, refusing to let go even when biting the enemy to death.


    A soldier came with orders: "The chief orders General Yan to reinforce!"


    Yan Xiao said, "Well I''m off."


    Sng said, "Be careful."


    Yan Xiao grinned and said, "You watch."


    Yan Xiao''s name means ugh," and he did love tough. But when he went onto the battlefield, he was as fierce as a hungry wolf.


    By the time the sun set in the west and the gong rang to withdraw troops, Yan Xiao came back carrying his de: "Oh, you''re still here?"


    But Sng did not answer, staring intently at the military camp.


    Yan Xiao followed his gaze to look.


    The injured soldiers were treating their wounds. Some could handle it themselves, some had to help each other. There were also medics, who were only responsible for the seriously wounded.


    Some were dragged back disemboweled, trailing...


    The medics took a look, and only shook their heads.


    These were all perfectly normal scenes. Yan Xiao asked, "What are you looking at?"


    Sng looked at him and said hesitantly, "The damage is very heavy..."


    Yan Xiao looked back and was a little confused: "It''s fine, not that bad."


    Suddenly realizing, he asked Sng, "Is it not like this when your family fights?"


    Sng said, "It''s never been this heavy before."


    Yan Xiao didn''t believe him, and asked for details. After inquiring, he realized the Ye Family Army''s consistent fighting method in Tang Prefecture was simply -


    Overwhelming force.


    Yan Xiao was enviously unhappy: "Rich kid!"


    That night at the headquarters tent meeting, he jealously told everyone about it.


    The others: "Tsk!"


    The adopted son who had gone to the Ye Family Army side today said: "That''s right. They''ve started doing that today."


    The first battle yesterday was exploratory, everyone had a rough idea, so today they went all out.


    The others: "Tsk!"


    On the other side, Ye Suijin heard what Sng said and responded, "What Yan Ling said is not wrong. We are indeed rich kids in our fighting methods."


    "If I have greater numbers, I will deploy more people. If I have the advantage, I will press it. Since I have sufficient reserves, of course I will seek to minimize our losses in battle."


    "But this is only for now, on our doorstep. In the future, I can''t guarantee every fight will be like this."


    "So, learn from the Pei family well."


    "Learn what it is to be a lone army."


    The frontal battlefield was a war of attrition. Wearing each other down in soldiers, weapons, armor, provisions. Also wearing down the generals, after fighting for four days, Yanchen City had lost four or five generals. On the fifth day, regardless of provocations from outside the city walls, they did note out to engage anymore.


    Ye Suijin said, "Report to Lord Pei, attack the city."


    The heavy machinery was brought up.


    The trebuchets fired first.


    Since the city walls were high, relying solely on manpower, the power of bows and arrows was rtively weak. It was difficult for rockets to shoot deep into the city. The trebuchets hurled boulders as well as fireballs.


    Huge shields provided cover as they advanced scalingdders to the base of the city walls.


    The city used ballistae, powerful weapons. The spear-like bolts could even pierce through the huge shields, nailing people to death.


    Or they would strike the sides of the huge shields, and the tremendous impact would make the shield bearers lose grip, the shield flipping up and exposing the soldiers below. Arrows immediately rained down dense as a storm.


    Men became like porcupines. The scalingdder stopped halfway.


    The next batch of men lifted huge shields again to press on.


    If the scalingdders could not be pushed to the base of the walls, people could not climb up the city walls to interfere with the archers above, then even if the battering rams broke through the city gates, the follow-up soldiers charging forward would still encounter rainforest-like arrow volleys suppressing them.


    This was the first time the Ye family fought a siege battle.


    Among the various types ofbat, the siege was the type attackers least wanted to engage in.


    Because the defenders naturally held the geographical advantage of higher ground. This exponentially increased the difficulty faced by the attackers.


    All kinds of tactics had been practiced on the training grounds.


    But as Zhou Junhua had admonished the young masters back then, training ground drills and actual battlefieldbat werepletely different things.


    This was also the first time the Ye Family Army had faced such heavy casualties in battle.


    Attrition.


    For the first time, the Ye family deeply understood the meaning of this word.


    Life was a consumable, this was probably the true face of war.


    Compared to the past where they had easily and lightly captured Tang Prefecture with minimal injuries, it was like a game.


    Yan Ling''s words "rich kid" were not ridicule but statement of fact.


    The atmosphere at the headquarters tent meeting that night was gloomy.


    Ye Suijin said, "We haven''t lost yet, just failed to capture the city in one day. And you''re all like this already? Yan Ling was right indeed, a bunch of rich kids."


    Tenth Son raised his head: "Bah! Hmph!"


    Ye Suijin said, "Today you''ve learned that coddling soldiers is not just toward the enemy."


    Everyone was lost in thought, mostly sighing.


    Ye Suijin said, "If you don''t want to fight then go back to being rich idlers. There''s a huge pile of matters back home, every ce needs people, it''s not like there''s no choice." I''m serious, think it through, you cane talk to me."


    The meeting dispersed.


    On the second day, the scalingdders finally made it to the base of the city walls.


    Stones rolled down from above, smashing heads and making blood flow, killing by shattering bones upon hitting the ground. Boiling water poured down, skin bursting and flesh splitting, agonized screams unceasing, also resulting in letting go and falling to death.


    These were all conventional city defense methods, studied in military texts. When learning about them it didn''t seem like anything.


    But right before their eyes, it was unbearably miserable, hearts clenching tight.


    The thumping war drums pounded at their hearts.


    The roaring war cries of the charging men shattered eardrums.


    Because once the war drums started one could not retreat. In front of the formation, the swordsmen and axemen had already cut down four or five people in these two days, all new recruits.


    Ye Suijin had not blinked once.


    On the fifth day, still unable to capture it after a long siege, Duan Jin and Tenth Son came together, wanting to take the vanguard.


    Ye Suijin gazed at the two youths.


    Coddling soldiers was not just toward the enemy, nor entirely toward their own side.


    One still had to try their best to preserve everyone, but not like a mother hen brooding eggs, hiding them under her wings.


    One had to let them fly out.


    Ye Suijin said, "Good."


    Although Duan Jin and Tenth Son were young, no one in the army did not recognize them.


    One was Ye Suijin''s younger brother, the other his inseparable personal guard.


    For these two to lead troops in a charge greatly boosted morale.


    Fourth Uncle Ye said, "Bah, so my lord wants to die without offspring?"


    Fourth and Seventh Uncles also wanted to go up, but Ye Suijin held them back: "Let them go. They''re agile."


    The Ye family men were mostly tall and sturdy, the uncles had burly physiques, not as lithe and agile as the lean andnky young masters.


    The war drums thumped as another wave charged. Ye Suijin observed from a viewing tform set up high. The density of arrows, tumbling rocks and beams today was not as much as the previous few days.


    Both sides were wearing down, not just their own.


    The scalingdders were ced, among the many stalwart figures Duan Jin and Tenth Son moved as quick and agile as monkeys, rapidly climbing upwards.


    Beams were flung down.


    Duan Jin shifted to the side to dodge, only holding on with both hands, body suspended in midair.


    Below rang out cries of pain and anguish. The people below failed to evade and were smashed down by the beams.


    With Duan Jin''s body suspended, he nced up to see a man at the top of the city wall leaning out from the crions, bow and arrow aimed right at him!


    At the critical moment, he let go of one hand, twisting his body, and the arrow shot past barely grazing him as it flew downwards.


    Duan Jin reached to his waist, flinging out a dagger that plunged straight into the archer''s eye socket. Screams also rang out from atop the city wall as that man''s face retreated and disappeared amidst the crions.


    Seizing this opening, Duan Jin grabbed thedder again, flexing his abdominal muscles to swing his body back onto thedder, swiftly climbing upwards.


    More enemies appeared atop the arrow slits, seeing himing up, faces contorted ferociously as they hacked down with des.


    Duan Jin nimbly twisted his body to evade this sh. In a sh his own de was unsheathed, rising diagonally upwards, stabbing straight into this man''s throat.


    He pushed up the corpse as he climbed the final few rungs, finally stepping atop the arrow slits!


    Drawing his de, blood sprayed out, half of Duan Jin''s face was stained red.


    Individual martial prowess could not decide the big picture, but it could indeed exert an advantage on a small localized battlefield.


    Tenth Son had also ascended the city wall!


    The battle to seize control of the city wall was engaged!


    Ye Suijin immediately ordered: "Battering rams charge!"


    Signal gs started waving, shield troops protected the battering rams as they surged forward.


    Once someone made it up the wall, weakness in the wall''s suppression meant more and more were able to climb up. Fighting broke out atop the city wall, and the battering rams charging forward encountered arrow volleys now scattered and sparse.


    The men let out roaring battle cries as they charged the city gate, ramming it with the battering ram.


    Again and again they mmed into the gate violently, the rebound sending shocks up their numb arms.


    But in the heightened tension of battle, they barely felt the pain. Over and over they shouted and threw their strength against the gate.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Above and below the walls, the sounds of fighting, agonized screams, nging weapons, falling bodies, wailing cries, rallying shouts, crashes and booms blended into a deafening cacophony.


    The mind could no longer process all the sensory input.


    Lost in the madness of ughter, all they saw were the enemies right before their eyes.


    Neither bursting brains nor severed limbs retained any meaning beyond shapeless targets.


    Kill all who wear different colors!


    With a resounding boom, the gate gave way!


    The war drums beat a furious tempo!


    As soon as the signal gs whipped into motion, Fourth Uncle, Third Son, and Fifth Son had already charged through the breach!


    Horse hooves seemed to trample the very earth. Racing against time, the Ye Family Army stormed into Yanchen City!


    Pei Ze watched the surge, his warrior''s blood pumping hot. How he regretted that his role today was to observe rather than fight.


    He worried over his own family''s situation at the south gate.


    Oh no, if they failed to take that gate, they''d lose face to the Ye Family Army.


    The battle at the south gate raged just as fiercely.


    Yan Xiao swept onto the ramparts, his shing de a whirlwind of death, like a demon.


    "Smoke signals! Smoke signals!"


    Cries of rm rang out. The defenders'' morale instantly crumbled.


    Wolf smoke from the north gate signaled its fall. The north was requesting aid from the south.


    But the south had no troops to spare.


    In the brief moment they nced at the smoke, Yan Xiao''s shing de lopped off a head.


    The Pei Family Army took control of the ramparts and threw open the gate from within.


    Pei Ze led his forces storming into Yanchen City!

 Chapter 90

    Pei Ze reunited with Ye Suijin in Yanchen City.


    He finally saw the looks of Ye Suijin that the adopted sons praised as "truly handsome" every day.


    Even he was mature, he agreed with the adopted sons in his heart.


    It was indeed handsome.


    Pei Zeplimented: "Nice spear."


    Ye Suijin turned her head and pulled the corner of her mouth: "Nice de too."


    She nced at him: "Long time no see."


    Thest sentence made Pei Ze puzzled.


    But Ye Suijin had already turned her head and thrust out a spear, striking down an enemy soldier. The opportunity passed, and there was no chance to ask again.


    Pei Ze swung his long de in circles, his de was sharp, and wherever it cut a human body, blood spurted out with a hiss.


    Ye Suijin nced back and felt nostalgic.


    That year when she heard that this man had passed away, Ye Suijin was silent for a long time, and also burned paper money for him, worshipping from afar.


    Over those years of expeditions to the north and south, she had burned paper for too many people.


    There were close rtives, and people she had once disliked. But these people all had one thing inmon - they had fought side by side with her.


    Bathing in blood together on the battlefield, facing difficulties together, unconsciously bumping fists, and generously clinking wine cups and drinking baijiu together.


    Some gratitudes and grudges on the battlefield sometimes became trivial.


    Of course after leaving the battlefield, the Ye family was still the Ye family, and the Pei family was still the Pei family. Interests were at stake, and no one couldpromise.


    After the city was broken, it would be over soon.


    The will to fight of the defenders of Yanchen City was not high.


    Why should they fight desperately? Jun Prefecture had not established a country, it was just one prefecture, and there was no idea of serving the country. They had even sent envoys to swear allegiance to Emperor Jin. The Ye and Pei families came with Emperor Jin''s edict to attack them, so their morale was down from the start.


    The soldiers did not have the heart to fight to the death.


    After the city fell, the rebel chiefs were executed, and many soldiers threw down their weapons and surrendered.


    The Ye family army cleaned up the battlefield.


    Ye Suijin emphasized: "Mine."


    Pei Ze red at her.


    Ye Suijin smiled amiably: "Let me tidy up first, after we''re done, I''ll fund the army. The brothers of the Pei family can also have a good meal."


    It was agreed that this city would go to the Ye family, so the Pei family army did not get involved, and still camped outside the city. Only Pei Ze stayed in the city with some of his personal guards.


    He then saw many people from the Ye family busy going to and fro.


    Even Tenth Son could not be idle, Ye Suijin kept him running around in circles. Tenth Son ran backwards facing Yan Xiao and said: "Don''t leave the city, my brothers said they are looking for you to drink..."


    Yan Xiao coughed loudly! And desperately signaled with his eyes!


    Tenth Son changed his words: "Drink...tea, cough!"


    He turned around and almost bumped into someone else.


    Then ran away.


    Pei Ze saw Ye Suijin ask others: "Where is A Jin?"


    Others said: "He is in the medical tent getting his wounds bandaged."


    Pei Ze saw Ye Suijin''s eyebrows furrowed.


    Yan Xiao took the opportunity to say: "Duan Jin is injured? Mydy, let me go see him."


    After getting approval, he also ran away.


    Ye Suijin invited Fourth Madam Ye toe, and said to Pei Ze: "The residence has been arranged, General Pei please take a rest first."


    Pei Ze nodded, and went with his personal guards and some Ye family members.


    Ye Suijin walked quickly to the medical tent, and sure enough Duan Jin was there, but Yan Xiao was not seen.


    Ye Suijin asked: "Where is Yan Lingzhi?"


    Duan Jin said: "He came to take a look at me then ran away."


    Young people easily got along with each other, especially these young people with excellent martial arts skills. Yan Xiao had spent quite a few days in Biyang City, and was familiar with them.


    Ye Suijin pulled up Duan Jin''s arm: "Ribs?"


    Duan Jin said: "Got shed by a de, it was a sneak attack."


    Ye Suijin said: "You must have charged too fiercely, only paying attention to the front."


    Duan Jin grinned.


    In Ye Suijin''s eyes, this kind of injury was just a minor wound. Seeing that he was fine, she felt relieved.


    If one wanted to be a famous general, wounds were unavoidable.


    The Empress also had many woundster. Sometimes in the dark, the Emperor would caress those scars and mumble something unknown.


    She was toozy to listen.


    Yan Xiao took a detour and came back to report to Pei Ze: "Everyone is handling affairs very systematically."


    Pei Ze nodded slightly.


    upying a city, there were naturally many things to be busy with.


    Pei Ze watched coldly, Ye Suijin had a whole team of clerical officers, and they worked efficiently without chaos, in an orderly fashion. It was obviously very mature.


    Pei Ze had to admit he was inadequate in this aspect.


    In his youth, gant in bright armor and vigorous steed, he only loved military affairs. He did not like those trivial andplicated political affairs.


    He always felt that his father was still vigorous, and had so many aides and staff, like a small court. It would still be many years before he took power, so there was no hurry.


    The winds and clouds changed overnight.


    The candlelight on the spirit hall had not yet died out, and the bloodshed was already approaching.


    Galloping eastward escaping under the night, looking back, knowing that his wife and children were behind.


    Yet his life was only saved because the guards sacrificed their own lives to save him out. Pursuing troops followed closely behind, and Wang Rong wanted to eliminate the roots.


    He could only grit his teeth and continue east, abandoning everything behind.


    Life in exile was not easy, he was hunted by pursuing troops for several years. Until Wang Rong no longer cared about him.


    Only then did he settle down in Fang Prefecture with his people.


    Fang Prefecture was not well governed. Mainly because his military expenditures were too huge. And the two constrained each other.


    Looking at the Ye family again, it is fair to say that they had the right time, location and people.


    Rising amidst turbulent times, this was the right time.


    Starting out from their hometown, this was the right location.


    Having a prosperous n with many offspring, this was the right people.


    More important than these was that the Ye family had broken away from gender bias, and chose Ye Suijin, a woman, to be the helmsman.


    In recent contacts, Pei Ze often saw the shadow of his own father from this young woman Ye Suijin.


    That decisiveness, insight, may be innate, but the sophistication that could be felt must havee from somewhere?


    That would require years of governance experience like his father had, before such umtion and enhancement could happen.


    Ye Suijin''s current goal was Jun Prefecture, what would her next goal be?


    She would definitely not be satisfied and stop advancing after merely obtaining Jun Prefecture.


    Emperor Jin, did he know what kind of person he had conferred the title of Prefect of Deng Prefecture to?


    Pei Ze had never really submitted to Emperor Jin.


    He was just like Ye Suijin, paying homage was just a means of survival. War was also a means of survival.


    The basic goal was survival.


    If possible, for two generations, or three generations, perhaps they could fight back to Jiannan Circuit.


    It was very convenient for supplies and provisions to be transported from Rang County.


    Ye Suijin made good on her promise, and did fund the army, treating the Pei family army to a good meal.


    Everyone ate happily, the campfires zed, lighting up flushed faces.


    But the few young masters of the Ye family mored into a pile.


    Fifth Son was hunched over, Tenth Son was lying on his back, just short of riding his neck. Seventh Son and Ninth Son, the two younger ones, one grabbing Fifth Son''s arm, the other prying his shoulder: "Take it out quickly and let us see!"


    The others just giggled watching them. Yan Xiao was actually fooling around here too, standing with hands on hipsughing at the brothers horsing around.


    Ye Suijin went over and scolded: "What are you doing? Tenth Son, don''t you have wounds on your body?"


    "Sixth sister!" Tenth Son choked Fifth Son''s neck, "Fifth brother has a love letter, he won''t let us see."


    "Don''t talk nonsense! What love letter." Fifth Son''s face was beet red, "Just a letter asking how I''m doing."


    It turned out that the supply convoy had brought a letter from Fifth Son''s fianc¨¦e.


    Fifth Son was originally going to get married this month. This was agreed upon over the new year.


    As it turned out, ns could not keep up with changes. Fourth Madam Ye and Ye Suijin had discussed this matter.


    "He doesn''t want to marry early, but doesn''t want to stay for the wedding either." Fourth Madam Ye giggled, "This boy..."


    Not wanting to marry early was for fear of haste, not wanting to stay for the wedding was because the important people were not there, afraid the wedding would be too simple.


    All for fear of wronging the new bride.


    Fifth Son also understood in his heart why the bride''s family was so anxious for the marriage. So he wanted to give face to his fianc¨¦e, hoping that during the wedding, prestigious people could attend.


    The most crucial was for Ye Suijin to be able to attend.


    So the wedding was postponed, deciding to get married after pacifying Jun Prefecture.


    "They are an engaged couple exchanging letters, what are you all looking at." Ye Suijin scolded yfully, "Scram."


    Seventh Son and Ninth Son each got a kick, Tenth Son jumped away quickly, hopping down from Fifth Son''s back, dodging it.


    Seventh Son and Ninth Son chased to hit him: "Why do you get away with it!"


    They ran awayughing.


    Ye Suijin asked: "Isn''t Lan Niang very worried about you?"


    Fifth Son''s face was red, but he admitted: "Yes, her temperament is somewhat mncholy."


    Ye Suijin''s expression was very gentle in the firelight: "Say some nice things to her, don''t let her be anxious and sad."


    Fifth Son''s face reddened as he nodded.


    Ye Suijin immediately wrote a letter to Twelfth Sister, to be taken back by the supply convoy.


    Twelfth Sister was very surprised to receive the letter.


    She was staying at Ye Family Fort precisely. Since A Gui was still young, the weather in April was cold one moment and hot the next, Fourth Madam and Tong Niang had not yet moved to Biyang.


    The original n was also to hold Fifth Son''s wedding ceremony at Ye Family Fort, and move to Biyang together after it was done.


    Twelfth Sister went to find Fourth Madam.


    Fourth Madam was ying with A Gui together with Tong Niang.


    Twelfth Sister raised the letter in her hand, "Mother, guess who wrote me a letter?"


    "Someone wrote you a letter? Is it Chen Ling?" Fourth Madam asked.


    Twelfth Sister''s teacher, Chen Xiansheng, was now the county magistrate, and people also respectfully addressed him as Chen Ling.


    "Of course not. You would never guess." Twelfth Sister said, "It was Sixth Sister."


    "You''re just boasting. " Fourth Madam did not believe at all, "Sixth Sister is leading troops to attack Jun Prefecture, how could she have time to write a letter to you, a little girl. "


    What status Sixth Sister had now, not to mention handling ten thousand matters daily, she had to handle at least a thousand matters, at the very least she had to handle a hundred matters.


    Her aunts did not even have a chance to get close to her.


    "It''s true, see if you don''t believe." Twelfth Sister stuffed the letter into Fourth Madam''s hand and said proudly, "Sixth Sister said that because Sister Lan Niang''s wedding date has been postponed for some reason, and my little brother is fighting outside, she is afraid Sister Lan Niang will be worried and fall ill, which would be bad. Sixth Sister has given me a task, telling me to teach Sister Lan Niang to ride a horse and take her to rx. Let her wait for her wedding happily."


    Fourth Madam read through it in one quick nce.


    Ye Suijin also said that if Lan Niang''s family asked, let Twelfth Sister say directly that it was Ye Suijin''s intention.


    It was needless to say that in Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture, no one dared to go against Ye Suijin''s wishes.


    After reading it, on one hand, Fourth Madam was delighted that Ye Suijin valued her daughter-inw so much and was close with her daughter. On the other hand, she was annoyed that Twelfth Sister was so silly and ignorant, not understanding the ways of the inner quarters at all.


    She should not have shouted about such matters in front of her elder sister-inw.


    When she was reading the letter, Tong Niang was also holding A Gui and came over to read it together.


    Fourth Madam red at Twelfth Sister, and said to Tong Niang, "Look, Sixth Sister treats our family differently than other families. She is concerned about Lan Niang because Fifth Son''s wedding has been dyed. After all, Lan Niang has not married into our family yet, she is not one of us yet."


    Tong Niang had a gentle personality, she did not feel jealous about this, moreover she was the elder sister-inw.


    She smiled, "Since Lan Niang has postponed the wedding again, and has to worry about Fifth Son fighting outside, she must be very anxious. Letting Twelfth Sister apany Lan Niang is good, it will also allow them as sisters-inw to get acquainted early."


    The elder daughter-inw was gentle and understanding, notpeting for favor with the younger daughter-inw, Fourth Madam felt relieved.


    She also thought that her family was indeed different from other families, and had received such attention from Sixth Sister, her face could not help glowing with pride.


    She had firmly suppressed her co-wives!

 Chapter 91

    With the city under control, it was time to divide the spoils.


    It had been agreed beforehand that once Dingcan City was captured, it would go to the Ye family. But the Pei family had contributed mightily to the effort.


    Pei Ze said, "In every battle, fight as if it''s to the death."


    That was the military training of the Pei troops - to treat every fight as a battle of annihtion.


    The elders and young masters of the Ye family were quite impressed.


    Even Tengyang was not moring anymore about having to beat up Zhao Jingwen.


    Trading Zhao Jingwen for Pei Ze now looked like a hugely profitable deal in hindsight. Only now did they realize the prescience of their sixth sister''s decision back then.


    Yan Xiao reported to Pei Ze, "They''ve rotated their defenses. A whole bunch of new green troops came in. Some veteran battalions went back to Dengzhou."


    Pei Ze mused, "The Ye family should have about six thousand troops."


    Yan Xiao snarked again, "Can they afford to feed so many?"


    If the two prefectures were managed well, they certainly could afford it.


    Yan Xiao crossed his arms. "Wow, she''s raising an army now?"


    "Of course," Pei Ze said. "There are no seasoned troops without plenty of drills. War itself is the best training."


    Now Dengzhou and Tangzhou were stable, so for training purposes, all the bandits and thieves had been cleared out. The cities barely even shut their gates at night. With the fighting in Junzhou, taking the hardest obstacle Dingcan had paved the way for rtive easeter. Ye Suijin naturally wanted to blood all the new recruits.


    Walking ap around the battlefield, seeing the severed limbs and ruptured bellies, vomiting a few times gets you used to it. Those whopletely break down mentally can be pulled back to go home and peacefully farm. Deserters when the war drums sound get beheaded by axe squads at the front.


    This way, the new recruits be veterans.


    What concerned Pei Ze was, "Are all her troops nowpletely off the fields?"


    Yan Xiao said, "Can''t be fully right?"


    Pei Ze''s troops werepletely taken off production. Because he faced so many immediate geopolitical disputes around him, his men were professional soldiers. This was also partly why Fangzhou was not thriving, with two to three thousand young and able-bodied men fixed in the military and not engaging in production.


    But the quality of half-farmer half-soldier troops truly could notpare to full-time forces. Yet farming also enabled prosperity in an area.


    Pei Ze was not unaware of these basic principles. He was, after all, the heir to a military governor''s mansion.


    Knowing and being able to do were two different things entirely. His circumstances simply did not allow it.


    Yan Xiao said, "Father, once we stabilize Junzhou, we''ll coordinate properly with the Emperor. The north will be secure. We can also establish some military colonies then."


    And so, Ye Suijin''s proposal to cooperate on Junzhou was agreed to with acim top to bottom in Fangzhou. Interests drove actions, far more effectively than empty promises and pie in the sky rhetoric.


    After taking the city, the spoils still had to be divided, cough, not divided...allocated.


    The Pei troops had contributed no small amount. Without their involvement, the Ye family army may not have been able to take the city gates while Dingcan focused its strength on defending one side.


    The seat of Junzhou prefecture was in Dingcan. With the treasury here, Ye Suijin tallied up and divided the spoils very generously after the capture.


    Yan Xiao looked over a few of the ledgers, and indicated satisfaction.


    Looking forward to continued cooperation next time.


    Ye Suijin really had thick skin.


    "Lord Pei," she oozed affectionately, "My family''s sons all profoundly admire and revere Lord Pei, wishing for nothing more than for Lord Pei to be their elder.


    Pei Ze was very wary of Ye Suijin''s smoldering gaze. He kept his face stiff. "What is it you want?"


    Ye Suijinughed radiantly. "Since they treat Lord Pei as elder, I was thinking, for the next campaign against Quxiang, to have them apany Lord Pei, so they may witness Lord Pei''s magnificence."


    Pei Ze''s own son wasn''t even grown tall enough to shoulder height for Pei Ze to directly mentor on the battlefield, yet he was now supposed to mentor others'' sons first.


    Yet somehow, Pei Ze felt a twitch in his heart and an itch in his hand.


    He put his hands behind his back. "Not too many."


    "Not many," Ye Suijin promised, "Just three at a time."


    Each time...


    The first batch toe over were naturally the third and fourth young masters. The older ones had toe first, and they brought along little Tengyang to pair up.


    Yet Tengyang was already grown to a man''s height.


    The three stood respectfully before Pei Ze. Pei Ze imagined for a moment they were all his sons...


    How delightful that would be.


    But in reality, Pei Dingxi only came up to Tengyang''s shoulder height.


    An exasperating thing.


    Pei Ze knew why Ye Suijin was sending these youths over.


    The Ye family troops were decent, but still just decent. This decency was drilled into them.


    But they were still far from battle-hardened soldiers.


    Especially since the Pei family troops were truly an army alone. Though they held Fangzhou, it was still difficult to truly take rootpared to a native family like the Yes.


    Under these circumstances, a wolfish nature was bred.


    This was something the youths did not experience in their own home forces.


    Eyes alone could not convey it. Ye Suijin sent them to live among the Pei family troops, to personally experience things.


    Each brought a hundred personal guards, so three hundred men came over in total.


    Very good - not only helping to mentor the children, but to train the troops as well.


    After Tengyang arrived at the Pei camp, he looked around and asked Yan Xiao, "Little Lang''s not here?"


    Yan Xiao said, "Little Lang''s still young."


    Tengyang put his fists on his hips. "That''s right, he''s still a kid."


    Yan Xiao asked, "Did you need him for something?"


    Tengyang said, "I wanted to tell him about how I climbed the walls of Dingcan."


    Had to let the brat appreciate his elder brother''s magnificence.


    The elder brother was an adult now, able to lead troops and fight battles, heh heh.


    After the two families divided up the spoils, they regrouped at Dingcan, replenished their supplies, and advanced west.


    With the capital already taken, it would be much smoother going forward.


    They advanced from Quxian to Fenglie. Junzhou was pacified.


    Yet Ye Suijin said, "Now that we''re here already..."


    Pei Ze was used to this by now. He asked, "What is it now?"


    Ye Suijin said, "If Lord Pei trusts me, I will assist Lord Pei in taking Zhushan and Shangyong."


    These two ces were in the west of Fangzhou.


    The further west, the more they left the Nanyang Basin, and the higher the mountains rose. The geography waspletely different from Dengzhou and Tangzhou.


    The two families working together would take less effort and casualties than attacking solo. It just required paying out some spoils as thanks for the cooperation.


    But for Pei Ze, he could spare each one of his elite soldiers of course it was worth it.


    Pei Ze said, "No need to make excuses between our two families."


    Ye Suijin guffawed loudly.


    The two led their troops on the expedition. Naturally they were notpletely out of contact with home. There were periodic messengers back and forth to ry news. This allowed the home front to feel reassured as well.


    Especially Pei Ze, who was kept constantly updated on Pei Dingxi''s condition back home. Only this allowed him to feel at ease.


    And so, Pei Dingxi also knew about the front line situations. When Pei Lian asked, he would of course tell her, "Junzhou has been taken and the spoils allocated. Our northern borders are now stable, and things will be easier going forward."


    Of course Pei Lian did note ask on her own initiative.


    She did not understand military affairs. It was Zhao Jingwen who had her ask. After she asked and got the news, she ryed it to Zhao Jingwen.


    Zhao Jingwen bowed his head silently for a long while.


    He had taken the risk of marrying Pei Lian to break free of being nailed down as a "bedside ornament" in the Ye family manor. Yet now he was still trapped by the status of "son-inw".


    How could Zhao Jingwen sit still for ughter? He had to break free of this situation. There was more than one path for breaking the dilemma, and he could not just try one. He had to take a multi-pronged approach.


    With Pei Lian, the most important thing was for her to conceive soon.


    Pei Ze was already long past the age where he should have upgraded to being a grandfather. But Pei Dingxi''ste birth still left room for anticipation.


    There was a saying about skipped generations being close.


    Although the child Pei Lian bore would not be surnamed Pei, it would still have half Pei blood. With the Pei family numbers so paltry, the daughter and son-inw had to be kept close. If there really was a third generation, surely he would dote on the child.


    Emotions were not perfectly reliable, but often formed cracks that could be leveraged.


    These days, Zhao Jingwen had been very diligent, with Pei Lian lost in his tender love, obediently following his every word.


    At this moment, seeing him bow his head wordlessly, she quickly grasped his hand. "What is it, Zhao Lang?"


    Zhao Jingwen raised his head and gazed at her for a moment.


    She was sixteen now.


    But back when Ye Suijin fought for family head,peted in wrestling on the tform, and invited suitors in trials of martial skill, she was only seventeen then.


    Zhao Jingwen sighed internally.


    He asked Pei Lian from the depths of his heart, "Lian Nang, I want to know, what exactly are your hopes towards father-inw and second brother?"


    Pei Lian was shocked.


    Zhao Jingwen said, "I know you had a pitiful wandering childhood, and father-inw and second brother ought topensate you. What I want to know is, exactly what must they do? To what degree, before you can be satisfied?"


    Pei Lian said, "I..."


    She said "I..." twice, but her eyes grew confused.


    Zhao Jingwen knew that Pei Lian''s heart was bound by resentment, but actually had never seriously thought over this issue with her brain.


    He said, "If you really can''t let go of your resentment towards your father-inw and Er Lang, thene with me. I''ll take you away. We can go anywhere, wander far, far away from your father-inw and Er Lang, so you won''t be reminded of them and get angry and upset. What do you think?"


    "That''s impossible," Pei Lian blurted out.


    Zhao Jingwen knew it.


    Deep down, Pei Lian had never thought of leaving Pei Ze, and might even n to never leave Pei Ze for the rest of her life.


    No matter how willful a person is, as long as they''re not a fool, deep down they know what their willfulness relies on.


    They just won''t admit it out loud.


    Resenting this reliance, yet unable to leave it or dare not leave it, a person bes twisted as a result.


    And so, she hoped a new reliance would appear for her to borrow its power.


    Pei Lian didn''t think any of this through consciously, it was all pure instinct.


    "I knew you still love your father after all. Blood ties can''t be erased." Zhao Jingwen said approvingly, "You''re not an unfilial person."


    Pei Lian lowered her head silently.


    "Lian Niang, I truly ache for the suffering you went through when you were young. In the future, I will treat you well andpensate you properly." Zhao Jingwen held Pei Lian''s hand and spoke earnestly.


    How could Pei Lian not be moved by such an understanding and gentle husband? "Zhao Lang!"


    Zhao Jingwen embraced her. "I understand, I know it all."


    Pei Lian''s eyes brimmed with tears, and her throat tightened slightly.


    Zhao Jingwen patted her back gently, nuzzling his chin against her temple, full of tenderness.


    "From now on, I will take care of you and protect you. I won''t let you suffer the tiniest grievance." He said, "But Lian Niang..."


    Zhao Jingwen held Pei Lian away to look into her eyes. "A virtuous wife brings honor to her husband. I can''t keep going on like this."


    "I eat and drink off your father now, yet I contribute nothing to him. What right do I have to tell him to trust me with you?"


    "Your father''s adopted sons see me as a useless sponge. How could they respect my wife?"


    "Lian Niang, this can''t go on. I must...go out into the world."


    "Nowadays, military power and achievements are paramount. I...can''t just stay home obediently like Er Lang."


    "For you, I must go fight for a chance out there."


    "I''m going to tell your father I want to serve in his army and win merits for him!"

 Chapter 92

    Pei Ze kept in touch with his family every 5 days. This way, Pei Dingxi and Qiao Huai could basically keep track of what was happening on his side and where his troops were.


    After another 5 days, a scout came back to report to Pei Dingxi.


    As usual, Pei Dingxi said, "Tell Father everything is fine at home. Tell him not to worry."


    "Oh right," he added. "Sister really misses Father and hopes he cane back soon."


    Truthfully, he missed Father a lot too.


    It was already July. Father had been away leading troops for two months. He had never been separated from Father for so long before. The longest in the past was only twenty some days.


    But he was a man, how could he act like a child and whine?


    He had to stay calm and collected.


    The scout acknowledged and reached into hispel, taking out a small cloth bag. "This is from Young Master Shi of the Ye family. He asked me to bring it to Young Master."


    "Huh?" Pei Dingxi was surprised. "Young Master Shi sent this for me? Let me see what it is."


    He opened the cloth bag and looked inside. He recognized the item.


    "It''s an arrow cluster," Pei Dingxi said, puzzled. "What did he give this to me for?"


    The scout exined, "Young Master Shi asked me to ry a message to Young Master."


    The scout cleared his throat and said in an exaggerated tone, "This arrow shot over and I flexed my arm muscles to mp it down. This is what it takes to be a man."


    Pei Dingxi: "..."


    The scout lowered his head, his back shaking slightly, trying very hard to hold it in.


    Pei Dingxi said, "How could he... How could you..."


    The scout quickly exined, "The young masters of the Ye family take turns joining our troops. He happened to see me when I was setting out and slipped this to me."


    Pei Dingxi: "Did he really mp it down?"


    The scout lowered his head again, as if taking a deep breath, before saying, "Yes, really."


    Pei Dingxi strongly resisted an urge to exim "Wow!" and just nodded calmly, "I see. Go rest up before heading back."


    After the scout left, Pei Dingxi shooed people out of the room. Making sure no one was around, he rolled up his sleeve, exposing his little arm, and pretended to mp the arrow cluster between his elbow.


    Wow!


    While the scout went to rest, eat and even take a bath before setting out again, Pei Dingxi continued "training" his nonexistent muscles.


    Halfway through his meal, someone came calling for him, "Mistress wants to see you."


    He quickly wiped his mouth, drank some water, and followed the servant.


    Pei Ze''s daughter and son-inw saw him together and asked many detailed questions.


    The scout answered them one by one.


    After he withdrew, Pei Lian was displeased again.


    Zhao Jingwen held her hand and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Pei Lian said, "Are you really going?"


    Zhao Jingwen said, "If I stay cooped up at home aplishing nothing, others wouldugh at you."


    Pei Lian bit her lip. "Ye Shi is there too. If you run into her..."


    Zhao Jingwen said, "Lian, you have to understand one thing. I was the one at fault first. I married you behind her back. If anyone is to me, it''s only me."


    Pei Lian said, "I know you''re an honorable man, but there''s no need to take all the me yourself. It''s not your fault you met her first before meeting me. It was just an ill-fated rtionship. I''m just worried about you and her..."


    Zhao Jingwen smiled wryly. "What are you worried about?"


    Pei Lian bit her lip again.


    Ye Shi''s beauty had exceeded her expectations. She had asked the maidster, and though they hemmed and hawed, she could grasp their implication¡ªYe Shi''s bewitching looks attracted men.


    Zhao Jingwen said, "Don''t be silly. You''re thinking too much. Now, I only have eyes for you."


    When he spoke, his voice was gentle and tender, his gaze intent and focused.


    It made Pei Lian sink deeply into happiness.


    Zhao Jingwen''s troops were separated into their own camp, even though their supplies still came from the Pei army. This clear distinction made it convenient to differentiate Zhao Jingwen''s men from Pei Ze''s troops.


    But it also meant that Pei Dingxi only found out the next day that Zhao Jingwen had departed with his men.


    "Sister," Pei Dingxi went to find Pei Lian, "do you know where Brother-in-Law went?"


    It had already been a day, probably toote to call them back now. She told him, "He went to find Father."


    Pei Dingxi was shocked.


    Pei Lian said, "As family, surely he''s better to deal with than an outsider. Your brother-inw said that since his men eat and drink from our family, they can''t just freeload. He''s not that kind of person so he went to help Father."


    Pei Dingxi repeated her words to Qiao Huai.


    The old general rubbed his knees. "Hmm."


    This line of reasoning was hard to refute.


    By now, Pei Ze was very fond of Third Son Ye.


    The young masters of the Ye Family had all done a rotation under Pei Ze''smand, and after a round, Third Son was his favorite.


    That kind of favor, where everything about the person pleased you.


    Hisposure, calmness, humility, decisiveness were all pleasing to the eye.


    His exceptional martial arts, clear mind, loyalty to his family lord, authoritative yet caring guidance of his younger brothers were even more pleasing.


    There was not one thing Pei Ze found displeasing about Third Son Ye.


    Of course, Third Son still had many inadequacies, but he was indeed the kind of son and heir most men of a certain age wished they could groom.


    Of course, at Pei Ze''s age, he couldn''t have a son this old yet.


    But that didn''t stop Pei Ze from looking at Third Son with fondness and pride.


    As a man who seldom expressed emotions openly, even he couldn''t help but tell Yan Xiao, "I only hope Er Lang could grow up to be like Third Son."


    See, when speaking of Third Son Ye, even the surname "Ye" could be omitted.


    After taking Fengli, they sailed down the Wushui River straight towards Zhushan.


    Ye Suijin reminded him, "After securing Fang Prefecture, this river will need dredging to avoid impeding shipments."


    She even worried about dredging the river.


    Pei Ze increasingly felt she was a mystery.


    The people of Zhushan were furious when they saw Pei Ze''s troops arrive.


    It could be said they were the locals whose turf had been snatched by this outsider Pei Ze.


    This grudge had been brewing for years. There had been many small skirmishes and provocations from both sides all this time.


    Who knew Pei Ze would actually dispatch a huge army toy siege this time.


    With new hatred atop old, their eyes were bloodshot red.


    This fighting spirit was much fiercer than the people of Jun Prefecture. It was an irreconcble life-or-death feud.


    This was the Young Masters'' first time realizing not all armies and enemies were the same.


    This was their first time encountering such ruthless foes.


    Ye Suijin asked, "How did Lord Pei teach you all?"


    Third Son said, "All fights are death matches."


    Ye Suijin said, "That''s not just empty talk. It encapstes Lord Pei''s life experience."


    "He has no way out. His son is still young and he can''t die," she said. "Jiannan Circuit is still not recovered and his n''s mortal enemies remain unavenged."


    "He has to treat every battle as a do-or-die fight in order to snatch life from death''s jaws."


    The young masters carefully contemted this, feeling a chill down their spines and even more respect for Pei Ze.


    Ye Suijin said, "This is what I want you to learn from him."


    In their past life, the Ye army also fought tooth and nail.


    But in this life, coddled by Ye Suijin, they had progressed too smoothly.


    Luckily Pei Ze was here to thoroughly temper them.


    Like Diancheng, Zhushan was also built along the water but the terrain was much moreplex.


    Not only was it next to the river, it was also nestled within encircling mountains.


    Basically, cavalry would be hard pressed to demonstrate their full potential here. Camels could still manage, but galloping charges like on open ins were impossible.


    This was also why Ye Suijin took the initiative to offer helping Pei Ze subdue Fang Prefecture¡ª


    Getting used to such environments alongside Pei Ze''s troops was better than these ins soldiers trying to figure it out themselves in the future.


    The joint Ye-Pei forces had been sieging Zhushan for six days when a contingent quietly joined the fray from the southeast without any warning.


    Pei Ze received the report and asked, "Whose troops are those?"


    Everyone''s positions were pre-assigned. Who dared disobey orders?


    The scout said, "They wear our colors and the banners have the character ''Zhao.''"


    The scout was also puzzled since there were no generals surnamed Zhao among them this time.


    But as soon as Pei Ze and Ye Suijin heard this, they exchanged a look.


    Pei Ze frowned. "Could it be him?"


    Ye Suijin said, "It must be him."


    Pei Ze asked, "You''re that certain?"


    "Although I didn''t ask, I''ve been wondering these past two months¡ªhow did you manage to keep him home, docile and obedient without following along to make trouble?" Ye Suijin said. "Now that he''s here, just tell me. Don''t leave me wondering."


    Pei Ze said, "Nothing much. Just separated his troops into an independent camp."


    Ye Suijin smiled and nodded. "Effective, but won''t always be effective. He will find a way to break out. That''s just how he is."


    Pei Ze didn''t say anything more.


    The battle still raged fiercely.


    When the gong sounded for the troops to withdraw, the additional forces were indeed Zhao Jingwen''s.


    He dismounted and knelt on one knee: "Father-inw."


    Pei Ze asked: "Why are you here?"


    Zhao Jingwen said: "Father has been away from home for too long. Lotus Girl has gradually be unable to sleep well, often having nightmares. She cannot be away from her father for too long."


    Ye Suijin could feel that Pei Ze fell silent all at once.


    In their past life, Pei Lian was Pei Ze''s soft spot. And still is in this life.


    Zhao Jingwen''s peripheral vision had already seen Ye Suijin right next to him, he forced his gaze to focus on Pei Ze.


    He said: "It was Lotus Girl who definitely asked me toe."


    There is no ce for such sentimentality on the battlefield.


    Now that he hade, Pei Ze would not send him back either.


    Pei Ze said: "I see, return to your unit."


    Zhao Jingwen finally got up, and only nced at Ye Suijin.


    In the evening sun, Ye Suijin smiled ambiguously.


    Her gaze made him have nowhere to hide. Zhao Jingwen lowered his eyes to avoid it.


    He walked to Pei''s side of the generals, Yan Xiao and the others did not move, so he very consciously stood in thest ce.


    And across from him, many fierce gazes shot over, it was the Ye men ring at him angrily.


    Zhao Jingwen ignored them.


    On the contrary, Yan Xiao and the others felt strangely embarrassed.


    Damn, because Zhao Jingwen was now one of Pei''s people. The mess he made, Pei''s people would have to shoulder together.


    Making them suddenly lose face in front of the Ye family.


    The battle situation did not undergo any major changes due to Zhao Jingwen''s arrival, things continued as they were.


    When discussing business, everyone tried their best to act as if this person did not exist, so as not to affect the mood.


    But at night, the area around Zhao Jingwen''s tent was empty. At night there should have been patrolling soldiers, but they seemed to have taken a detour and were nowhere to be seen.


    In the dark night, several figures snuck into Zhao Jingwen''s military tent.


    The military had its own militaryw, and brawling privately was also a vition.


    So the ones beating did not make a sound, just hit fiercely.


    The one being beaten also did not make a sound, just gritted his teeth and endured.


    Only muffled groans sounded.


    Fists struck flesh.


    The patrolling soldiers who hid away twitched their ears, pretending not to have heard anything.


    Pei''s young men gathered secretly in Yan Xiao''s tent, opened betting, gambling on how many from Ye Family went, who went and who didn''t go.


    This night was quiet yet lively.

 Chapter 93

    Zhao Jingwen knew this beating was inevitable. For marital disputes like this, it was unavoidable for the uncles to beat up the son-inw. The more vicious ones would even take away the daughter and her dowry, leaving only the child with the man.


    Unless Zhao Jingwen avoided meeting the Ye family for the rest of his life, sooner orter he would have to take this beating. Between him and Ye Suijin there was no dispute over money or dowry, so once this beating was over, the matter would be consideredpletely settled.


    He was mentally prepared.


    The next day, with his bruised face, he still made an appearance. Everyone seemed to both see and not see.


    Since he was here, Pei Ze did not let the opportunity go to waste and incorporated him into the army, with unifiedmand.


    But when they were assembling the troops, Zhao Jingwen was still shocked.


    The Ye family army.


    When did the Ye family army be like this? With such momentum, such scale?


    He still remembered that when they first marched out to fight Du Jingzhong, eight hundred men were already magnificent and stirring.


    Compared to that time, this was now like aplete transformation.


    And all this had happened without him knowing.


    Zhao Jingwen looked at the Ye family army, stunned speechless.


    Yan Xiao and the others looked at him with strange expressions.


    To be honest, Pei Lian was indeed a beauty. And her father did control a territory, with soldiers under him. In these chaotic times, that could be considered having some power.


    If he was penniless and without status, being ambitious in pursuing her would not necessarily be wrong or contemptible.


    But the premise was, you could not already have a wife like Ye Suijin.


    That was Ye Suijin.


    Yan Xiao and the others were all militarymanders, but Pei Ze and Ye Suijin weremanding talents.


    Between these two, there was still a gulf. The more outstanding the general, the more they understood this.


    So while the Ye family fellows respected Pei Ze, the Pei family generals also respected Ye Suijin.


    From the perspective of marriage, she was so beautiful she grabbed men''s eyes, the kind that made men unable to look away once they saw her.


    She controlled two prefectures,manding six thousand troops.


    And it was obvious that she was very good at governing too. ording to Yan Xiao''s description, Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture were very prosperous.


    With such wealth and power! For someone to give her up and instead pursue Pei Lian.


    Cough, not to look down on his own wife, but one had to speak ording to conscience.


    So no one could in good conscience say that Zhao Jingwen had made a clever, farsighted, admirably discerning choice.


    Right?


    So wouldn''t you say Zhao Jingwen''s brain was a bit, hmm, you know... hmm.


    Leaving aside Zhao Jingwen''splicated feelings for now, Zhushan had been under siege for six or seven days without falling. The Pei-Ye allied forces still had to keep charging.


    Zhao Jingwen was assigned to the Pei family army.


    Pei Ze also wanted to see his ability inmanding troops. It was true Zhao Jingwen had ulterior motives, but in any case, he was his son-inw now.


    He had also left him hanging for a while, but could not possibly never use him again for the rest of his life.


    It was just that, with Zhao Jingwen''s too many schemes, Pei Ze would never rely on him or ce expectations and trust in him like he did with He Lianxiangyun in the past.


    But unexpectedly, on the battlefield, Zhao Jingwen managed to turn everyone''s impression of him around with his own efforts alone.


    It wasn''t that no one expected this.


    Ye Suijin of course could expect this. She had seen all sides of Zhao Jingwen, including his performance on the battlefield.


    After all, the two of them had also once fought back-to-back, entrusting each other with their lives.


    The Ye family were also not surprised. Zhao Jingwen''s abilities were something they never denied.


    But the entire Pei family forces'' impression of him greatly improved.


    He was someone brave and fierce on the battlefield, fearless of death.


    For career soldiers, being fierce and fearless of death was already enough to make many convinced.


    Including Pei Ze. When withdrawing the troops, he nodded to Zhao Jingwen and said, "Your men still need more training."


    Morallycking when it came to rtions between men and women. But in the world, many mencked morals like this, he was not the only one. Usually when something did not concern them personally, men couldugh it off and scold it as "unscrupulous". Only when it really harmed their own interests would men put aside their empathy and fly into a violent rage.


    Zhao Jingwen did have ability and talent, Pei Ze was notpletely blind when choosing him as a son-inw.


    Zhao Jingwen respectfully said, "They were only recruited for a short time, and this is their first time fighting such a fierce battle, please give me more guidance, father-inw."


    Pei Ze nodded, and said no more.


    Ignoring the bruises on Zhao Jingwen''s face.


    Ye Suijin rode over on horseback.


    Although fully armored, her build was still slenderpared to the men.


    In the words of Pei''s men: Dashing!


    There were some specks of blood spray on her cheeks, like red plum blossoms in the white snow.


    Matching the red cherry blossoms of her Nine Bend Spear.


    Beautiful yet powerful.


    Zhao Jingwen''s gaze did not move away in time, until Pei Ze nced at him lightly.


    He quickly lowered his head.


    The others had much more freedompared to him. Yan Xiao very fawningly went over to take Ye Suijin''s horse when she dismounted. Ye Suijin dismounted: "Lord Pei, they were a bit conservative today, we need to be on guard tonight."


    Ye Suijin''s abundant battlefield experience and alertness had impressed Pei Ze more than once.


    He nodded: "I was thinking the same."


    Since they had not removed their armor yet, the two quickly discussed for a few sentences, then Ye Suijin mounted her horse again and returned to her own camp.


    Yan Xiao watched her dashing back and hooked his waist: "Ah, ah~"


    After everyone had removed their armor and changed into dry clothes and eaten, they gathered again to arrange the night defenses.


    Once the assignments were given out, they each left to their own ces.


    A few young fellows found an empty area and gathered together.


    Duan Jin said: "Me? I didn''t go."


    Instantly several people moaned in disappointment.


    Yan Xiao was overjoyed: "Note it down, note it down. We''ll settle ounts when we return."


    Someone said indignantly: "Aren''t you Lady Ye''s personal first guard? How could you not go?"


    He had lost money because of this.


    Tenth Son said angrily: "I called him to go, but he wouldn''t go."


    Duan Jin calmly said: "Beating the lousy son-inw is the uncles'' business. I''m not an uncle. The mistress didn''t order me to hit him either."


    Tenth Son said: "You''re bing more and more dull."


    Duan Jin just smiled without replying.


    Yan Xiao actually quite liked Duan Jin.


    Although Duan Jin was only half a year older than Tenth Son, he gave apletely different impression.


    By Ye Suijin''s side, it was obvious he was someone she nurtured and relied heavily on.


    He was also very fierce on the battlefield, much to Yan Xiao''s taste. Even Pei Ze had praised him: "A good sapling."


    Speaking of which, Yan Xiao said: "Zhao Jingwen also seems decent."


    The Ye family fellows unanimously harrumphed, but did not deny it.


    Duan Jin earnestly said: "Zhao Jingwen does have ability."


    Previously he had often been biased against Zhao Jingwen in his heart, but now he was deeply influenced by Ye Suijin, able to objectively recognize an opponent''s strengths.


    Also, if Zhao Jingwen had no ability at all, it would make Ye Suijin look bad too.


    Zhao Jingwen did have ability, it wasn''t that Pei Ze had beenpletely blind when choosing him as a son-inw.


    Yan Xiao and the others nodded. At night, as expected, the enemy raided at night.


    The Pei-Zhao allied forces were prepared. They had even dug pits in advance.


    As they drove back the enemy in the melee, whenever someone fell in it was into a pit. Wails and screams rose from the bottoms of the pits.


    Ye Suijin was delighted: "They''re all mine!"


    Even with allies, ounts had to be clearly settled.


    Ye Suijin wanted captives.


    These Fangzhou people harbored deep hatred against Pei''s army. Killing them was no good, but not killing them was also no good.


    If they did not kill them, they would still have to provide food, and devote manpower to guarding them.


    Giving them to Ye Suijin made this campaign very cost-effective for both families.


    So choosing the right ally, mutually assisting and supporting each other, with mutually beneficial exchanges, how rxing.


    But when you thought about it carefully, it was also subtle.


    Such a good ally was found because of Zhao Jingwen.


    The various generals of the Pei and Ye families all had veryplicated feelings.


    Zhao Jingwen ignored how others looked at him.


    Trapped in a plight, nothing was more important than breaking free of it.


    Now, the Ye family could no longer turn back. They could only go all the way.


    He had to gain Pei Ze''s admiration and trust.


    For a man like Pei Ze, Zhao Jingwen now understood, he could not y mind games with him, he had to give it his all sincerely.


    In the firelight, his long spear moved like a dragon.


    Ye Suijin''s three years of guidance, teaching him hand-in-hand, forcing him to train relentlessly. All that sweat that flowed, the pain in his muscles and bones, the weakness from exhaustion, it all answered the saying that heaven rewards diligence.


    Ye Suijin and Pei Ze observed the battle from a viewing tform set up, controlling the overall situation, seeing everything clearly.


    Ye Suijin only twitched the corner of her mouth.


    Pei Ze saw it and felt that twitch of Ye Suijin''s mouth corner containedplex emotions that were not simple. He said: "He''s still useful."


    "He''s your son-inw not mine," Ye Suijin said. "Up to you."


    Pei Ze said, "You''re saying you don''t want it anymore?"


    Pei Ze''s family was small, with few people he could use, so when he saw someone capable, he still valued their talent.


    Ye Suijinughed in the firelight.


    "If I had fought for him back then," she said, "how could Lord Pei be by my side tonight?"


    "It was a matter of choice."


    "Where there is gain there is also loss."


    A nighttime battle amid mes and light had ended.


    Zhao Jingwen took off his helmet and sat on a corpse to catch his breath.


    ncing up, he saw many people going to report on the battle to Pei Ze and Ye Suijin.


    The two of them stood side by side, both leaning on the swords at their waists, their expressions intent.


    No one was paying attention to him now, and the firelight was behind them. Atst he could look at her steadily for a little while.


    In life there were choices to be made. This time he had foolishly thought he could have both, bncing left and right. He hadn''t expected his boat to capsize so thoroughly.


    He didn''t speak of regret or remorse. Zhao Jingwen had always felt it was pointless to agonize over things that had already happened.


    He just took advantage of the night to look at her a little longer.


    The terrain of Mount Bamboo was difficult to maneuver. After half a month they had finally taken it.


    Ye Suijin could finally soak in a hot bath in the city, and let out a satisfied sigh.


    Soaking in the water, she calcted that now they had taken Mount Bamboo, if they could also take Shangyong, then the Tuo River defense line would be under Pei Ze''s control. But there were too many mountain ranges here, and far less arablend than in Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture, which greatly limited his development.


    She also thought, if they could build a canal, linking Tuo River and Zhi River, then the efficiency of grain transport would greatly improve.


    But as soon as she thought this, she realized howughable it was.


    She wasn''t an empress now, Fang Prefecture wasn''t her territory, and she didn''t have nearly enough manpower for such a massive engineering project as building a canal.


    Why was she worrying about this?


    For now, first settle ounts with the Pei family.


    Then rest well. Deploy more ships, transport as much equipment as possible to Shangyong, so they wouldn''t have to struggle as hard as with taking Mount Bamboo.


    Rest well, and next up, Shangyong.


    One step at a time, moving forward.


    As for the final destination, the ultimate goal? Who could say clearly in such chaotic times.


    Just take each step as ites!

 Chapter 94

    Duan Jin came to report to Ye Suijin, but Ye Suijin''s two maidservants told him: "Madam is taking a bath. Is there any urgent military situation?"


    Duan Jin said: "No, it''s not urgent."


    The maid said: "If it''s not urgent, let Madam rx for a while."


    When Ye Suijin went out on campaigns, she only brought these two women with her to take care of daily life and personal needs.


    With only two people, they were very busy.


    The maid had juste out of the clean room carrying clothes, and there was still steam from inside on her body.


    There was no particrly elegant fragrance, thosefortable, luxurious things were all left at home. Ye Suijin travelled lightly when on campaigns. Everything for daily use was the same as others.


    It smelled like ordinary, clean and refreshing soap.


    But strangely, that ordinary smell lingered in Duan Jin''s nose.


    It just wouldn''t go away.


    She was bathing, just a thin wall away.


    Duan Jin hurried away.


    It wouldn''t go away, it just wouldn''t go away.


    His heart thumped.


    He hadn''t been dreaming these days. The fighting consumed too much energy, even the most vigorous vitality was drained away, and he slept deeply at night without any romantic dreams.


    Suddenly, those chaotic, absurd images shed again in his mind.


    It made him feel panicked, as if he had done something wrong, afraid that others would find out.


    He happened to run into Yan Xiao, who grabbed him and said with shifty eyes, "Ah Jin,e on, brothers will take you somewhere nice."


    Duan Jin felt guilty and tried to decline, but didn''t dare to refuse firmly. He could only follow them.


    He asked along the way: "Where are we going?"


    But the others just smiled ambiguously and wouldn''t say.


    When they arrived at a ce, it was quite lively at the door, with peopleing in and out, all turned out to berades-in-arms.


    There were people from Pei''s side, and Ye''s side too. He could recognize many familiar faces.


    What kind of ce was this?


    Duan Jin asked: "A restaurant?"


    The fewughed mysteriously.


    Yan Xiao said, "You look quite grown up now, not like a boy anymore. Turns out you''re still a child."


    Duan Jin: "?"


    They pushed him inside.


    It was like a restaurant, with many tables and chairs, and many people drinking. There were almost no locals, it was as if Pei and Ye''s armies had booked the whole ce.


    With one look, it was clear they were important people in the army. So a woman came up to greet them and ushered them into a private room, smiling.


    Not a momentter, a bevy of coquettish women came in.


    Duan Jin finally understood.


    "This is..." His mind caught up. "This ce is..."


    Yan Xiao leaned his elbow on his shoulder. "Have you never had flower wine before?"


    Indeed, this ce, it turned out to be a brothel.


    No wonder so many military men came.


    The men had gone through months of deadly fighting, with high mental and physical tension. After the peace, they needed physical release, and Pei Ze didn''t restrain them,


    as long as they didn''t vite decent families or harass locals.


    Pei''s troops soon found the ce, and soon Ye''s men also got the news.


    So they came in groups.


    Duan Jin knew what brothels and drinking flower wine were about, he wasn''t an idiot after all.


    It was just that he had never been to such a ce before in his life.


    Not only was he very young, but he had also been raised by Ye Suijin, and hardly ever left her side. Who would be so blind as to bring him to such a ce?


    It was needless to say, women did not like hearing about such things.


    Duan Jin''s first reaction was to want to run away.


    But Pei''s few rogues had anticipated his reaction and surrounded him.


    "A real cherry boy!"


    "Hahahaha! I knew it."


    "Don''t panic, little Ah Jin. Today brothers will treat you."


    Duan Jin''s shoulders and arms were held down. These were elites who could sever heads with a flick of the wrist.


    Duan Jin scolded: "Go find Tenth Son! Don''t corrupt me!"


    But they said: "Tenth Son is still a child. You''re a grown up now."


    Duan Jin wanted to say he and Tenth Son were only months apart, why was Tenth Son a child while he was an adult.


    Yan Xiao put his arm around his shoulder and said, "Just drink, drink some wine. What are you afraid of, scaredy-cat! What, you afraid these girls will overwhelm you?"


    Everyoneughed loudly.


    Duan Jin''s neck turned red. After all he was still a youth, also curious about things he had never experienced before.


    Indeed, as Yan Xiao said, these women could hardly overwhelm him.


    What man who entered a brothel was overwhelmed? They all came willingly.


    Duan Jin said: "Just drinking."


    The others agreed, and let go of him.


    Drinking, listening to music, toasting. Women snuggled up beside them, the atmosphere was sensual and intoxicating.


    The rogues even signaled the brothel girls to go to Duan Jin.


    Without their hints, Duan Jin was handsome and refined, tall and fit, with a clean aura. A rare young gentleman for the girls. Many were eager to snuggle up to him.


    But Duan Jin warded them off.


    But the group of thugs deliberately made him drink.


    Duan Jin was still a youth at this time, not yet the man who could drink thousands of cups without falling down after years of army training.


    The youth gradually couldn''t handle the alcohol, and his vision blurred.


    His mind was still half clear, knowing this was not good. He mumbled to stand up and leave.


    Yan Xiao looked around and pointed to a woman with a plump figure and alluring brows, clearly an experienced hand in romance. "You."


    He gestured with his chin at Duan Jin.


    The woman came over smiling to support the stumbling Duan Jin. "Young Sir, let me help you to rest..."


    Supporting Duan Jin, she left amid raucousughter: "Go easy on our little brother, it''s his first time."


    Duan Jin hadn''t had an erotic dream for a long time.


    Today he dreamed of one again.


    Through the thin gauze, he vaguely saw a beauty emerge from her bath.


    His body was hard and aching, wanting to kill.


    The scene shifted in the blink of an eye, and he was also in the water.


    Much that cannot be described.


    Suddenly, he smelled the scent of powder and rouge.


    It was neither the elegant fragrance used at home, nor the simple, refreshing soap scent from the campaign.


    It was an unfamiliar, vulgar powdery smell.


    Duan Jin was jerked awake, andshed out the moment he opened his eyes.


    The woman was undressing him, having just pulled open hispel, half-exposing his chest. The handsome young man suddenly came to his senses, seizing her wrist like an iron mp, twisting and pushing down. Her entire shoulder was wrenched as she was shoved onto the bed.


    Half her body was numb and powerless. Her wrist was about to break.


    "Young Sir! Let go!" The woman cried out in pain. "Let go quick! You''re hurting me to death!"


    Duan Jin breathed heavily, chest heaving.


    It was a good while before he regained control of himself and released the woman. Still half-dazed, he knew where he was. "I, I have to go back..."


    He rubbed his face and stood to leave.


    Swaying, his head banged loudly on the wood bed frame.


    The woman had beenining while rubbing her sore wrist. Seeing this, she couldn''t helpughing. She came over andined coquettishly: "You''re still drunk, what''s the hurry? The general picked me to serve you. You know, the spring night is short..."


    "Oww, oww!" Before she finished, Duan Jin reached out again. Elbow against her throat, palm seizing her shoulder. She immediately cried out in pain.


    Finally she understood, she wouldn''t get a taste of this handsome young lord today.


    Duan Jin released her and ordered: "Go get me a basin of water, cold!"


    The woman rubbed her shoulder, grumbling as she left. Soon she returned with a basin of cold water on the table.


    Duan Jin went over, gripped the rim of the basin, and dunked his whole head in.


    The woman cried out in rm.


    Bubbles gurgled up continuously.


    When the bubbles stopped, Duan Jin lifted his head from the water, taking deep breaths.


    Water had drenched arge area, wetting the table and his clothes.


    The front of his shirt was open, chest dripping with beads of water that ran down his cheeks, neck, corbone.


    Gorgeous and lively, what a waste.


    Duan Jin wiped his face clean. Now fully sober.


    He tidied his clothes, took some coins from his purse and threw them on the table, then strode out.


    The woman picked up the coins and flipped them in her hand. Looking at the empty doorway, the handsome young man was already gone.


    "Tsk."


    Ye Suijin enjoyed a nice bath.


    In the hot July weather, the military men jumped straight into the river to bathe. But she and her two maids could only scrub themselves hidden in the tent.


    This was finally a satisfying bath.


    Ye Suijin said: "You two go wash up too."


    The two smiled and agreed. One said: "Duan Jin came by earlier, said it wasn''t urgent business, seeing you were bathing, he left first."


    "Oh, all right," said Ye Suijin. "After my hair is dried, go get him toe."


    But when the maid went to find him, she couldn''t locate the man.


    The maid called out to Qiu Sheng: "Have you seen Duan Jin? Madam is asking for him."


    Duan Jin said, "Do you have anything to do? I can go too."


    The maid said, "Nothing, I''m just looking for A Jin."


    Qiu Sheng had a loyal face: "He went drinking flower wine."


    "..." The maid pounded his head, "Don''t talk nonsense!"


    "It''s true." Qiu Sheng protected his head, "Second Treasure saw it on the street, he went into the building with Marshal Yan of the Pei family and several others."


    The maid angrily went back and reported to Ye Suijin: "A Jin, A Jin went drinking flower wine!"


    Ah, mad to death!


    Ye Suijin was stunned.


    "A Jin... can already drink flower wine?"


    The maid cracked her knuckles: "When hees back, I''ll teach him a lesson."


    "No need." Ye Suijinbed her hair and said slowly, "Don''t bother him."


    The maid was still a young girl herself, how could she stand such indecent things, she said, "It''s time for him to properly marry a wife, with someone at home, then he won''t fool around outside."


    Ye Suijin just smiled.


    The matter was not mentioned again.


    The alliance of the Ye and Pei families, their power was like a rainbow, the capture of Shangyong was unstoppable.


    In mid-August, Shangyong was captured, and the entire Fang Prefecture fell under Pei Ze''s control.


    Looking at the map, the allied forces of the two families started from Yanchen City in the east through Yunxiang and Fengli, went south to Zhushan, then west to capture Shangyong, basically looping around half a circle.


    Jun Prefecture was divided between Pei Ze and Ye Suijin.


    From then on, Tang Prefecture, Deng Prefecture, Jun Prefecture, Fang Prefecture, as well as the northern River Mouth and Gu City, which originally belonged to Xiang Prefecture, were connected together.


    The two families looked after each other.


    More importantly, from Fengli to Yunxiang to Yanchen City to River Mouth to Gu City, the entire upper reaches of the Han River were under their control.


    The Han River flows south to Xiangyang Iron City, which Pei Ze and Ye Suijin could not yet frivolously imagine capturing together.


    At the same time, the other major tributaries leading to Xiangyang mostly flowed through Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture. They converge in Xiangyang.


    Controlling Jun Prefecture, Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture means controlling the waterways from the Central ins south to Xiangyang.


    Pei Ze and Ye Suijin were both forthright people, and the distribution of benefits could be satisfactory to both sides.


    The initial cooperation had established trust. The young generals on the battlefield could rely on each other''s backs.


    When they parted, they were quite reluctant.


    Tenth Son said, "Brother Xiao,e to Biyang for a drink when you have time!"


    Yan Xiao said, "I''ll drink you under the table, you little brat."


    Everyoneughed.


    Tenth Son said, "Say hello to the real kid at your home for me. Tell him about his Tenth Brother''s heroic deeds on the battlefield."


    This time, even Pei Zeughed.


    He said, "You are also wee toe y in Fangling when you have time, Dingxi will definitely be happy to see you."


    The young masters of the Ye family bowed: "If there is a chance, we will definitely go."


    Zhao Jingwen stood among the crowd. Although he was notpletely integrated, he was also notpletely excluded.


    Just as Ye Suijin understood, life and death on the battlefield can easily dilute some grievances and resentments.


    In their past life, she and Pei Ze detested each other, but never sabotaged or stabbed each other on the battlefield. At least in this respect, the beliefs of the Ye and Pei families were the same.


    Ye Suijin bid Pei Ze farewell: "Lord Pei, our two families will join hands again in the future."


    Pei Ze said, "I look forward to that day."


    Ye Suijin smiled and said, "It will certainlye."


    Just as she was about to get on her horse, she suddenly saw Zhao Jingwen among the crowd.


    Under the sun, he looked at her from among the people.


    Ye Suijin suddenly stopped, let go of the reins, and walked up a few steps: "Zhao Jingwen, I have a word for you."


    For a moment, some looked up at the sky, some looked down at the ground, and even Pei Ze turned slightly to pretend to look at something else.


    Zhao Jingwen hesitated for a moment, thinking that this was in front of everyone, so he should be upright. He then walked over.


    Ye Suijin pointed her horsewhip and took him aside a few steps, slightly away from the crowd.


    After all, although so many people weren''t looking with their eyes, their ears were pricked up.


    "Come closer to my ear," Ye Suijin said.


    Zhao Jingwen felt anxious, uneasy yet hopeful. He leaned down slightly.


    Ye Suijin moved closer slightly and whispered in his ear in a voice that only the two of them could hear:


    "The matter between you and me is settled. From now on, the sea is wide enough for the fish to leap, the sky is high enough for the birds to fly, whatever you want to do, I won''t hinder you."


    "But I want to see Dingxi Pei grow up safe and sound."


    "No matter how you bewitch Pei Ze, no matter how it looks, no matter how you exin it has nothing to do with you..."


    "As long as anything happens to Dingxi Pei, I will kill you."

 Chapter 95

    Zhao Jingwen felt a chill down his spine for a moment.


    It was a kind of fear where even his soul was seen through.


    In fact, Zhao Jingwen had not even thought about doing anything to Pei Dingxi yet. He just saw that within the time before Pei Dingxi grew up, there was enough for him to siphon what he wanted from the Pei family.


    He really had not gotten to the point of thinking about what to do with Pei Dingxi. He hadn''t even contemted it yet.


    But Ye Suijin''s calm tone and affirmative words made him recognize from the bottom of his heart that if there ever came such a day, if it reached that point, if the benefits were big enough...he really could do it.


    Obviously, Ye Suijin was also clear about this.


    But how and when did she see through him so thoroughly?


    Their faces were only inches apart.


    They gazed into each other''s eyes.


    Ye Suijin saw the fine beads of sweat on his temples and the tip of his nose.


    In his past life, Zhao Jingwen actually had not harmed anyone.


    They had all died in battle.


    It was just that the Ye family had sacrificed too much, and as a result, the son-inw had be the biggest winner.


    The wife was dissatisfied.


    In his past life, Zhao Jingwen had also never harmed Pei Dingxi.


    Pei Dingxi followed in his father''s footsteps and died in battle halfway through the campaign against Shu.


    In the end, two generations of effort from the Pei family and the pacification of Shu became an unforgettable achievement that founding emperor Zhao Jingwen could write into the history books.


    Ye Suijin did not know if Pei Lian had been dissatisfied, but she was dissatisfied on behalf of Pei Ze.


    This life was different from the past.


    In the past life, Zhao Jingwen had relied on both the Pei family with his left hand and the Ye family with his right, ying them off each other and hedging his bets.


    But in this life, Ye Suijin had severed his ties with the Ye family.


    He only had the Pei family left.


    Ye Suijin had just thought that given Zhao Jingwen''s personality, if pushed to that point, who''s to say, Pei Dingxi may not even get to grow up.


    In this life, Elder Pei was already an ally, and could not be undermined.


    Things had changed in this life because of her. Since this was the case, then let her be the one to deter and restrain Zhao Jingwen.


    Zhao Jingwen stared into Ye Suijin''s eyes, wanting to look away but not daring to.


    It was as if frozen in ce.


    He wanted to defend himself "I never even thought about harming Pei Dingxi", but it seemed he had lost the ability to speak.


    Because Ye Suijin was questioning his soul.


    It wasn''t whether he had done it, or had thought about doing it or not.


    But rather, when it came to that point, would he do it?


    The answer was: he would.


    No defense.


    Sweat beaded on Zhao Jingwen''s forehead,yer afteryer.


    He saw Ye Suijin looking at him, the corners of her mouth pulled into something that could not quite be called a smile.


    She turned and left.


    After bidding farewell to the Pei family army, she led her own army, her spoils of war and prisoners, and went far away inrge numbers.


    Everyone''s eyes darted around.


    They were all vexed.


    Pei Ze shouted: "What are you doing! Return to your squads!"


    Only then did they settle down.


    Pei Ze called out, "Jingwen."


    Zhao Jingwen took a deep breath,ing out of his paralyzed state, and went over, "Father."


    Pei Ze was also curious what exactly Ye Suijin had said to Zhao Jingwen before leaving. It was obvious she had frightened him.


    Although Zhao Jingwen''s mind was a bit too active, he was still a brave and outstanding general who did not fear death on the battlefield.


    What had Ye Suijin said that could frighten him?


    Pei Ze asked, "Do you have a courtesy name yet?"


    Zhao Jingwen said, "Not yet."


    Courtesy names were usually bestowed by elders, teachers, or honored guests.


    Even Zhao Jingwen''s given name was stolen. When he married Ye Suijin, Ye Suijin''s rtionship with the main family elders had been strained, and no uncle hade to bestow a name on him.


    Pei Ze, hands behind his back, said, "Since this is the case, I will give you a courtesy name."


    Zhao Jingwen bowed with hands sped, "Please bestow a name, Father."


    Pei Ze said, "I bestow upon you...the name Shou Shen."


    Zhao Jingwen''s learning was limited after all.


    "Yes," he respectfully said, "From now on your son will be Zhao Jingwen, with the courtesy name Shou Shen."


    Pei Ze nodded.


    "Shou Shen, return to your squad."


    With the pacification of Fang Prefecture and half of Jun Prefecture upied, the territory had suddenly expanded so much.


    When everyone returned to Fangling, they were ted.


    Naturally it was time to reward achievements.


    Zhao Jingwen''s military exploits could not be obscured either.


    If the army could not be fair and impartial, there would be no army morale to speak of.


    Zhao Jingwen had arrivedte, so his exploits were naturally less than others'', and his rewards were thinner than others''.


    But the goal of him forcing his way here had already been aplished - the men of the Pei family, from top to bottom, had shifted their impression of him away from his marital affairs, and acknowledged his talents and abilities.


    Women are often blinded by a man''s halo, unable to distinguish between a man''s public righteousness and private virtue.


    But actually men themselves know clearly in their hearts. As long as you can perform professionally, most do not care about your private morals. A clear separation.


    Pei Lian saw that Zhao Jingwen had gone and indeed achieved merits, gaining acknowledgment, which made her gain face and feel reassured. She increasingly felt that Zhao Jingwen was right.


    Although she liked having her husband gently coaxing her by her side, she agreed with what Zhao Jingwen said - her husband could not be someone without any skills, just eating and resting idle.


    Moreover, Pei Lian then discovered she was pregnant.


    Zhao Jingwen''s efforts had not been wasted.


    When this happy news was reported to Pei Ze, Pei Ze was startled, then overjoyed and sentimental.


    He himself was also going to be a grandfather. But his son was still so young.


    Pei Ze had several concubines by his side, but after leaving Jian''nan, he had only fathered three children total, with only Pei Dingxi surviving.


    But considering the number of concubines he had, to only have three children, the women''s chance of conception could be said to be very low.


    They had all been seen by the imperial doctor, and the women were said to be healthy.


    He had privately had the imperial doctor take his pulse too. The doctor had said euphemistically that he was "thinking too hard".


    ording to the doctor, when people thought too hard, regardless of gender, it would lower the chance of conception.


    The doctor had prescribed some tranquilizing and nourishing forms for him, but Pei Ze knew they were useless.


    His worries were too heavy, and only taking back Jian''nan could resolve them.


    Although his heart was full of sorrow, the arrival of the third generation still brought him joy.


    Pei Lian took the opportunity to gently plead, "Your son-inw still has many inadequacies. Now that Fang Prefecture belongs to Father, what can he do with three hundred men? Please take him into yourmand, Father."


    Pei Lian also associated with some schrly daughters in Fangling.


    She could clearly feel that after Pei Ze expanded his territory this time and increased his power, others were even more cautious around her.


    This feeling was wonderful.


    The source of this wonderful feeling was Father''s might. But what belonged to Father would eventually belong to her second brother.


    What belonged to her husband was hers.


    Pei Lian and Zhao Jingwen were now of one heart as husband and wife. She only wanted Zhao Jingwen to gain as much as possible from Pei Ze.


    Zhao Jingwen had exined theplexities to her, and she finally understood that being an independent battalion of three hundred men was not actually a good thing, but rather a predicament, given the current situation.


    A virtuous wife should of course help her husband in a predicament get out of it.


    Pei Lian had be gentler and more understanding after marrying. The rtionship between father and daughter had eased a lot, which gave Pei Ze somefort in his old age.


    Pillow-side instruction of one''s wife was indeed useful - this was another merit of Zhao Jingwen''s that could not be erased.


    After considering, Pei Ze said to Pei Dingxi, "Break up Shou Shen''s men and incorporate them into the army."


    Pei Dingxi was puzzled. "Shou Shen?"


    Pei Ze said, "The courtesy name I bestowed upon your brother-inw."


    Pei Dingxi thought for a moment - Shou Shen, correcting his name and stopping the deception.


    He nodded, "That is a good name."


    Zhao Jingwen finally got what he wished for. His men were dispersed and incorporated into the Pei family army.


    He officially joined the ranks of Pei family generals.


    He finally had a seat at various meetings.


    Only whenever he saw Pei Dingxi, he would still think of the fright Ye Suijin had left him with when she departed.


    How could there be someone in this world who understood him to his bones?


    And he recalled her figure on horseback, brandishing her spear in the fiery rain of arrows on the battlefield.


    Would there be a chance in this life to ride and fight alongside her again?


    Zhao Jingwen was obsessed.


    Ye Suijin entered Deng Prefecture and first returned to Ye Family Fort.


    Fifth Son''s wedding, since most of the n was still living at Ye Family Fort, and inws and old friends were also in Deng Prefecture, especially with the bride''s family in Deng Prefecture, was eventually decided to be held at Ye Family Fort.


    Before returning, she had already sent people ahead to report the news. The four madams at Ye Family Fort had prepared everything for the wedding.


    They were just waiting for Fifth Son to return and be the groom.


    Waiting for Ye Suijin to attend the wedding, and add luster to the asion.


    When Ye Suijin returned, too many people lined up to see her, all kinds of matters.


    Amidst her busy schedule, Ye Suijin still set aside time to pay a visit to Fourth Uncle Ye''s family.


    This life, it was the first time she saw A Gui.


    Ye Suijin looked this child over carefully, but could not confirm whether this A Gui was A Gui from her past life.


    Until A Gui and his younger brothers and sisters below him died prematurely due to the epidemic, Ye Suijin did not get to see these children much.


    Later, she often summoned Twelfth Sister''s children, which was undoubtedly a way to transfer her feelings and make amends.


    But no matter what, looking now, A Gui was chubby and rosy, with bright eyes. The two chunks of flesh on his cheeks bulged downwards.


    When Ye Suijin held him, he did not act like a stranger, gnawing on his little fist and looking up at her, then grinning broadly.


    A baby''s smile was so pure it could make everything else in the world seem filthy.


    So healing.


    Ye Suijin looked up, the hall was filled with her own people.


    Holding A Gui, she said to Fourth Uncle Ye, "Fourth Uncle, Ye Manor will belong to A Gui in the future."


    Fourth Uncle Ye sighed slightly, then drew himself up, "Alright!"


    Ye Suijin and Third Son exchanged a nce.


    After a moment of contemtion, Third Son silently nodded.


    With this, the contest over Ye Manor between Ye Suijin and Fourth Uncle Ye came to an end in this life.


    If they had known earlier, perhaps things would not have been as they were.


    But life allowed no going back.


    Fourth Uncle and Third Son bothmented feeling upset.


    Of course they did not know, they only knew the present, so they felt regret over the past. But Ye Suijin knew the future, so she strove to change the present.


    On this asion, on this topic, Fourth Mother and Sister Tong could not interfere.


    Just having heard Ye Suijin say this, they were naturally delighted too.


    When Sister Tong''s brother came to see his sister and nephew, Sister Tong happily told her brother about it.


    Her brother asked, "Did she say Ye Manor?"


    Sister Tong happily replied, "Yes."


    Her brother asked, "She just said Ye Manor?"


    Sister Tong did not understand, "Yes. After saying that, she even kissed A Gui, then gave him to me to hold."


    Her brother asked, "She didn''t say anything else?"


    Sister Tong was stunned.


    Sister Tong was just the daughter of a wealthy rural family. As the eldest daughter, her virtues and conduct were all taught following the example set by her mother-inw''s favorite daughter-inw.


    But for a rural family, it was nothing more than being self-disciplined and thrifty, gentle and virtuous, filial and respectful, and good to one''s rtives.


    What she saw, thought, and imagined was limited to the tiny patch within the courtyard walls.


    Her thinking was simple. When Ye Suijin said "Ye Manor," she did not realize the implications and scope covered by it!

 Chapter 96

    No matter how strong Ye Suijin was, in her previous life and present life, she understood one thing - Ye Family Fort should rightfully belong to Fourth Uncle Ye.


    Because Ye Family Fort was not the private property of any one branch of the family. It was not built by Ye Suijin''s father or grandfather. It was the ancestral property built by generations of Ye family ancestors and passed down through the generations.


    Ye Suijin''s grandfather and father had both inherited Ye Family Fort as the eldest son of the main lineage.


    Now that it came to Ye Suijin, since her father had no son, Fourth Uncle''s branch automatically became the main lineage and by ritual andw automatically gained the inheritance rights.


    This was not something Ye Suijin could resolve by adopting an heir for her father. Because she did not intend to leave Ye Family Fort to her branch of the family, she wanted to control Ye Family Fort herself.


    If she adopted an heir, with so many males thriving in the main lineage, they would definitely not allow her to adopt from a side branch. It would have to be one of the Third Son to Thirteenth Son.


    With so many uncles in the family, and male heirs to inherit the ancestral property, how could she as the elder sister marry out to another family and be part of someone else''s household?


    In fact, as long as she adopted an heir, regardless of who she adopted, she as the elder sister would have to marry out.


    Because an uncle is like a father, his status was naturally higher than an elder sister''s, an uncle''s rights were naturally greater than an elder sister''s.


    At that time, Fourth Uncle said that the personal assets earned by her grandfather and father, she could take with her.


    But she could not take Ye Family Fort and the Ye n troops. These were the very foundation of the entire n, and especially in such chaotic times, were extremely important.


    No one surnamed Ye would allow it, whether they were from the main or side branches.


    So Ye Suijin decided to take a husband from another family.


    But she still had to properly resolve the issue of continuing the family line for three generations. This issue could not be avoided. After three generations, when her uncles had all passed away, and the sons, grandsons andter generations of Third Son and his brothers had be side branches, and she herself would no longer be around, if Ye Family Fort changed surnames at that time, she would be the sinner of Ye family through the ages.


    She would not be able to face her grandfather and father, and the long line of Ye ancestors underground.


    But Ye Suijin was still unwilling to let go.


    From the age of thirteen or fourteen, she had started helping her father manage the troops. By the time she was seventeen, the Ye troops all followed hermands.


    And the state of the outside world was in chaos. How could she put all this down, and go to another family to be a daughter-inw sewing and mending? She could not do it.


    In the end, Ye Suijin made a drastic decision to resolve this problem.


    She decided not to have children, to assure Fourth Uncle that after her, Ye Family Fort would still return to Fourth Uncle''s line - the main line of Ye family.


    Only then did Fourth Unclepromise, giving up the position of family head and control over Ye Family Fort.


    That night, Third Son returned. He was also extremely busy these days.


    The distant and close aunts and sisters-inw of all branches of the main family envied Tong Niang to death.


    "A busy man shows capability," they would say.


    Tong Niang firmly believed this too.


    Her husband was also a pir in the Ye troops.


    Tonight when Third Son finally finished his tasks and returned, Tong Niang went up to help remove his robes and clothes.


    The servant girls all tactfully retreated without lending a hand.


    The young couple had been apart for four to five months. Now that they were finally reunited, who would be so tactless as to disturb them.


    The Fourth Madam was even hoping for them to have two children in three years.


    Ye Sang was very perceptive. As he was changing out of his clothes, he felt his wife seemed different from usual, like she wanted to say something but held back.


    "What''s the matter?" he asked. "Is something wrong?"


    But Tong Niang took his clothes and said, "It''s nothing..."


    "Speak if there is something on your mind. I''ve been very busy recently and spend little time at home. Don''t drag things out, bring it up early if there are issues," said Third Son as he went to the wash basin to ssh water on his face.


    Tong Niang twisted the clothes in her hands, and finally asked, "What Sixth Madam said the other day, about giving Ye Family Fort to A Gui, is it true?"


    "Of course it''s true," said Third Son as he scooped up water and sshed it on his face, eyes closed as he washed his face. "Sixth Madam wouldn''t joke about such major matters."


    Tong Niang put down the clothes and went to take a towel.


    "I heard from Sixth Madam that she only mentioned Ye Family Fort," Tong Niang couldn''t help but ask further. "Then what about the rest?"


    The sshing sounds stopped abruptly.


    Third Son opened his eyes.


    He straightened up, took the towel from Tong Niang''s hands, and wiped the water from his face. His deep dark eyes looked at her intently, "What do you mean by ''the rest''?"


    "I mean, what about the rest?" Tong Niang asked. "Like, Deng Prefecture, Tang Prefecture, Jun..."


    She didn''t finish listing them before Third Son interrupted her.


    "Tong Niang," he asked, "Who came by today?"


    Tong Niang: "Huh?"


    He asked again: "Who did you see today?"


    Tong Niang replied: "Eldest brother came by to see A Gui and me. He wanted to see you but you hadn''t returned..."


    Third Son understood then.


    Because Tong Niang was just a simple woman of the inner quarters, focused on household matters, food and clothing, and rearing children for her mother-inw. Things like Deng Prefecture, Tang Prefecture, Jun Prefecture were not something she would think about.


    Someone must have said something to her.


    Third Son asked: "Did Eldest Brother tell you to ask this?"


    Tong Niang fell silent.


    Third Son said: "If Eldest Brother asked, or Father-in-Law asked, tell them for me that these are matters for Ye family, no need for their concern."


    Tong Niang was frightened.


    Her husband used to be gentle and polite, he never spoke loudly to her before.


    But he had gradually changed.


    Many people feared him now. Her eldest brother was also very cautious when mentioning this brother-inw.


    "No, no. He just casually mentioned it, and I thought too much about it..." She quickly defended her eldest brother. "He didn''t... Of course these are matters for Ye family, eldest brother understands that."


    Third Son''s expression softened slightly.


    But Tong Niang still had her head lowered. She still wanted to understand clearly what was going on, after all it concerned A Gui.


    When a woman had a child, nothing was more important than that child to her.


    She said: "But, these ces...they originally belonged to our family. And now our family, is the true main lineage."


    She kept her head lowered, waiting for Third Son''s reply but it didn''te for a long time. When she looked up,


    Third Son''s brows were tightly knitted as he stared at her.


    He had an overwhelming aura of authority now, when he looked at someone like this, it brought great pressure to the recipient.


    Tong Niang lowered her head again. "Did I say something wrong?"


    "What you said wasn''t wrong. We are the main lineage now," Third Son calmed himself and said. "That''s why, that day, Sixth Madam clearly stated this matter before everyone. In the future, Ye Family Fort will return to our branch."


    "Father is getting old. I and Sixth Madam are of the same generation, and I''m even older than her. We''ll probably be around for about the same amount of time."


    "Therefore, she made it clear that Ye Family Fort is given to A Gui. The ancestral inheritance goes to the main lineage, and remains surnamed Ye forever."


    He was not angry, and willing to exin it clearly to her. Tong Niang felt relieved.


    She nodded: "I understand that part. What I don''t understand now is, what about those other territories? Sixth Madam can''t have children, and now Zhao Jingwen is..."


    She stopped herself.


    Because this time, Third Son''s eyes clearly showed anger.


    "Who told you about this?" he asked.


    Tong Niang honestly told him: "It was Mother."


    Just as he guessed.


    Third Son took a deep breath, and asked again: "Who did you tell about this?"


    Tong Niang wanted to say she didn''t dare tell anyone else, but then remembered she did tell one person. It wasn''t an outsider to her, but was definitely an outsider to the Ye family.


    She said in a tiny voice: "I...I only told Mother."


    "Alright. Next time when Mother-in-Law visits, tell her that if I hear one word about this matter outside, I''ll take one head. If I hear two sentences, I''ll take two heads. I don''t care who she told, or who they told. Everyone better shut their mouths about this."


    Third Son had killed too many. When he talked like this, the aura of killing radiated from him. Tong Niang who shared the same bed, how could she not sense it being so close to him?


    She was frightened pale.


    People said, noble men changed wives easily, wealthy men changed friends easily.


    Her maternal family had also always cautioned her to keep Third Son''s heart. If it really didn''t work, pick one of the servant girls from her maternal home and take her as a concubine for Third Son, to help her out.


    "He''s different now, not the same as before," they would say.


    Tong Niang handled the household affairs, bore children, and served her mother-inw dutifully for him. Seeing how frightened she was, Third Son sighed inwardly.


    A woman still needed teaching even in bed.


    He pondered, why did a wife still need teaching?


    Because women, unlike men, did not have the opportunity to go out, to witness the breadth of the world and understand the diverse ways of the world.


    They were confined within the inner quarters, their sights limited to within thepound walls, as far as their toes could reach. What they vied over were gains of three to five feet, one or two gold hairpins, keeping face amongst sisters-inw.


    Twelfth Madam had gone out. And she was different now.


    So actually, it wasn''t the women''s fault.


    If a man were shut in like this from childhood, facing only needles, thread, pots, bowls, basins, and buckets every day, he would not be much stronger than them.


    "Come here," Sang took Tong Niang''s hand and sat her down on the edge of the bed, "Let''s have a good talk."


    Tong Niang obediently sat at the edge of the bed and waited for him to speak.


    "First, tell me why you feel that Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture should also be ours?" Sang asked. "Speak freely, don''t be afraid."


    In the end, he was still gentle.


    Tong Niang timidly said, "I know Sixth Madam is formidable. But she conquered Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture relying on the troops of Ye Family Fort, and Ye Family Fort should have been ours to begin with."


    It was exactly this logic, unsurprising to Sang, just as he had guessed.


    "Thinking this way is not entirely wrong, it''s true that we took so many ces relying on the troops of Ye Family Fort," Sang said.


    "But have you thought, if Sixth Madam had obediently married in the beginning and Father controlled Ye Family Fort, would we still...fight?" Sang asked.


    Tong Niang was startled. Leaning on his knees, Sang slowly continued, "What you''re thinking of, we''ve thought of too. I guess everyone''s thought of it before."


    "Father and I, as well as Fifth Son, we''ve calmly analyzed together before, what it would be like if Father had inherited Ye Family Fort from the beginning."


    "The conclusion was reached by Father himself."


    "He said if it were him, he would take advantage of therge migrant poption and cheapbor to buy more servants and slightly expand the central branch of the family."


    "But the number would still be limited. People need to eat, our fields are just this big, the output is only so much, the number of people we can feed is limited. Even expanding, it is limited."


    "Then he would try his best to maintain good rtions with the county magistrates. Because we aremoners, they are officials."


    "So after analyzing over and over, the conclusion Father reached was¡ª"


    "If he had inherited Ye Family Fort, the current master of Deng Prefecture would either be Ma Jinhui, or Du Jingzhong, one of the two."


    "Ye Family Fort would still be Ye Family Fort, a wealthy family in the countryside."


    "But in truth, Ye Family Fortmanded the strongest force in Deng Prefecture. Ma and Du understood this."


    "The two of them would certainly want our family. Father thought it over and still felt he would not contend with officials."


    "It''s hard to say, Eleventh Madam and Twelfth Madam may have to be married out, to be their daughter-inw or even fill their chambers."


    "This is Deng Prefecture without Sixth Madam, Ye Family Fort without Sixth Madam."


    "Would such a Deng Prefecture fall from the sky like a meat pie into my family''s rice bowl?"


    "Speak, Tong Niang."


    How could Tong Niang find words to speak?


    Tong Niang listened with eyes wide.


    In truth, as long as one''s mind is not congenitally disabled, most can be reasoned with.


    Comparing the different ounts from different people, Tong Niang clearly felt her husband''s words made more sense and were more logical.


    Her father-inw was indeed a man who protected what he had and did not squander the family fortune. But everything Ye Family aplished under Ye Suijin was indeed impossible for her father-inw or husband.


    I see, so that''s how it is.


    Tong Niang felt as if the fog had lifted and she could see the bright moon.


    She murmured, "I understand, I understand now."


    She let out a long breath.


    "Ye Family Fort should go to A Gui in the future, because A Gui is now the eldest son of the eldest branch. It should be his. The rest was earned by his aunt, her private holdings," she reasoned.


    Sang also rxed.


    He told Tong Niang, "I will provide for the children. What their grandfather earns will also be left to them in the future. Our children will have good lives ahead."


    "With you at home, I hope you remain as before, don''t overthink. Don''t listen to others sow discord."


    Tong Niang nodded. "Alright."


    "Right," he asked, "what was the purpose of Eldest Brother''s visit today?"


    Tong Niang said, "Elder brother hopes to find an official post."


    Sang thought for a moment and said, "Eldest Brother can read and write, and knows how to interact with others. I''ll arrange for him to be a clerk in Neixiang County."


    A clerk was a low-level official in the county office, one of the "little ghosts" in the saying "little ghosts are hard to deal with." In the past, local gentry like Tong Niang''s family also had to politely interact with them. Now with a simple word from her husband, the position was arranged.


    "Neixiang County. It''s rather far," Tong Niang remarked.


    Neixiang County was not too far from Ye Family Fort. But soon after Fifth Son''s wedding ended, their whole family would be moving to Biyang City.


    In a sense, Neixiang was the county farthest from Biyang in Deng Prefecture.


    Seeing each other would not be as convenient as before.


    Whereas her brother-inw had hoped he could go to Biyang.


    "Being farther may not necessarily be bad," Sang said. "Rtives being too close together may not necessarily be good."


    "Tong Niang," he continued, "you should know Sixth Madam''s temperament having heard about the past. Now she has the final say, if she takes a dislike to someone, even my uncle, your parents, no one would dare help. At that time, even my pleas would be useless."


    Tong Niang pondered in silence for a moment, then nodded lightly.

 Chapter 97

    Fifth Son''s wedding was very grand. All the prominent people from Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture who did not have to stay at their posts came. The bride''s dowry was very generous. Ye Suijin vaguely remembered it seeming to be more than in her previous life?


    Twelfth Sister secretly told Ye Suijin: "My little brother secretly added to my sister-inw''s dowry. He asked me to keep it a secret after I found out. My father knows too, but they don''t want me to tell my mother and eldest sister-inw."


    Ye Suijin discreetly stopped her: "This matter, you absolutely cannot tell your mother and eldest sister-inw. Unless you want the family to erupt into chaos."


    "You all think I''m silly, don''t you?" Twelfth Sister pursed her lips. "You don''t know how many dowry-rted cases I''ve read."


    She counted off on her fingers to Ye Suijin: "I won''t even mention those that purely fought over the dowry. I''ll just talk about the ones who killed over the dowry."


    "There''s been mothers-inw who killed daughters-inw."


    "Fathers-inw who killed daughters-inw."


    "Husbands who killed wives."


    "Sisters-inw who killed sisters-inw."


    "Eldest and second uncles who killed younger sisters and sisters-inw."


    "Nephews who killed aunts."


    "All rted to the dowry," she said.


    Ye Suijin was too busy to oversee Twelfth Sister''s studies. Hearing her say all this, sheughed, "You''ve made progress."


    She also asked: "After seeing all this, what are your thoughts?"


    Twelfth Sister scowled. "I don''t want to get married."


    "I don''t want to have inws or sisters-inw or eldest and second uncles."


    "It''s frightening."


    "I just want to stay by my parents'' side."


    But in truth, Twelfth Sister had very smooth marriage prospects.


    Her future husband was refined and cheerful. Twelfth Sister was yful, and her husband was not very restrictive of her. After marriage she could still often ride horses with her husband.


    Whenever she returned home, she would ride back. It even embarrassed Fourth Sister-in-Law, who then treated her son-inw especially well.


    She was also blessed when it came to children. Of the several children, only one passed prematurely. The rest all survived.


    Since the children were doing well, her mother-inw looked upon her favorably, letting many things slide.


    She had the marriage prospects that her sisters all envied.


    Yet now, this sister with the smoothest marriage was wrinkling her nose and saying "I don''t want to get married."


    Ye Suijin said, "Don''t be afraid. No one would dare do anything to you. Our sisters won''t have a situation like Third Sister''s ever again."


    She said, "If there is, I will ughter that entire household."


    Twelfth Sister''s eyes widened.


    She felt her sixth sister was joking, yet also seemed serious.


    In the end, she couldn''t discern if it was a joke or serious.


    She was a bit frightened, yet also strangely...felt excited and refreshed.


    Someone came to fetch them, and Ye Suijin said, "I''m going. Go help Fourth Aunt receive the female guests. Don''t cause trouble."


    Ye Suijin was going to the front to receive guests.


    Just as she was about to step across the threshold, Twelfth Sister suddenly caught up to her, "Sixth sister!"


    She asked, "Can Ie with you?"


    The Twelfth Sister of this life was clearly much bolder than the Twelfth Sister of her past life.


    The so-called front was where the male guests were. This was a formal asion, so females should not have appeared.


    It was as if everyone had forgotten Ye Suijin was a woman.


    They only remembered she was the most powerful person across two states, no wait, now it could be said three states.


    From Twelfth Sister''s eyes, Ye Suijin saw admiration.


    This younger sister revered and looked up to her. She wanted to be a person like her.


    Of course no one could be her. She had drawn from the heavens, even she didn''t know which life''s blessings this was.


    But with her here, she could make the path smoother and further for her younger siblings.


    "Then follow me," she said. "Stay right behind me. Don''t let anyone jostle you."


    Twelfth Sister''s eyes shone as she crisply responded, "Yes!"


    "My father will probably be angered to death when he sees me," the young girl said as she followed behind her.


    Ye Suijin smiled.


    When Fourth Uncle saw Twelfth Sister, he really did look like he might die from anger.


    His eyes red at Twelfth Sister again and again, yet Twelfth Sister pretended not to see.


    The guests all greeted the Governor in order of seniority. With the Governor standing here, no one felt it was improper for a half-grown girl to make an appearance.


    On the contrary, many felt that this was even more harmonious than if it had just been Miss Ye alone.


    Today Ye Suijin did not need to entertain these people much. After all, this was Fifth Son''s wedding, and she could not outshine the host. If there was anything, this was not the asion for conversation.


    She took a turn, made an appearance, then left.


    Twelfth Sister was thrilled to death. "Did you see? My father''s beard was so angry it curled up."


    Ye Suijin asked her, "Do you know why he''s angry?"


    Twelfth Sister: "Hmm?"


    "Because this is a formal asion. A young girl ying around in private, everyone will close one eye. But appearing front and center like this damages your reputation and may obstruct your marriage prospects," Ye Suijin said.


    Twelfth Sister didn''t respond.


    She hadn''t reached marrying age yet, but she knew marriage was important for girls. Though her mouth said she didn''t want to marry, she knew girls ultimately had to marry.


    A moment of boldness, her yful heart had emerged, and now apprehension rose up.


    Ye Suijin turned to look at her.


    "Yet you also know I brought you to the front, fully aware of this. Why?"


    Ye Suijin said, "Because one can subdue ten with power."


    Twelfth Sister blinked.


    Ye Suijin did not exin further. She turned and said, "Let''s go see how the bride is doing. How is Lan Niang''s horse ridinging along?"


    "She''s very timid," Twelfth Sister wrinkled her nose. "Her parents aren''t too happy about it either. I brought you up and they didn''t dare say anything."


    "It''s hrious. Let me tell you about her."


    "Sister Lan Niang, no, my sister-inw, was so frightened she cried at the start. Later I rode double with her and took her to y. Then she thought it was fun. I also told her that once she learned, she could ride together with my little brother and travel on horseback for pleasure like in the storybooks. I said noblewomen of the Great Wei Dynasty all knew how to ride and would do the same with their husbands. Only then did she finally willing learn."


    "Teehee."


    "But she''s really soft and weak. I spent a lot of effort before I taught her."


    "She made me so many pouches, kerchiefs, sachets, and pillows as gifts of gratitude. My mother said I won''tck for pouches or kerchiefs for some time now."


    This year, Lan Niang was fifteen. Her family was also well-off and doted on this youngest daughter. They had originally wanted to wait until she was sixteen or seventeen before marrying her off. But who knew the Ye family would suddenly shoot into the clouds like riding the fog.


    Lan Niang''s family inevitably grew concerned, fearing change may ur again, so they went from wanting to keep her longer to hurriedlypleting the marriage.


    She had her hairpin ceremony at the start of the year, and set the wedding date for the fifth month. But it was dyed due to Ye Suijin leading troops to attack Jun Prefecture, dragging all the way until the eighth month.


    Lan Niang was an extremely slender and delicate maiden.


    Though not sickly-looking like Pei Lian, she was still softly and weakly tender, easily evoking empathy at first nce.


    Ye Suijin did not interact much with this kind of girl. She also did not know her well in her previous life, only remembering more about her from Fifth Son.


    When Ye Suijin stepped in, everyone stood up, even the aunties lifted their butts.


    In an instant, the focus in the bridal chamber shifted from the bride to Ye Suijin.


    "Sister," Lan Niang greeted her with propriety.


    Ye Suijin said, "Auntie, I''ll chat with my sister."


    Everyone smilingly exited.


    Ye Suijin was too busy. Even the aunties rarely had a chance to speak with her face-to-face, let alone other women of the n.


    Many envied this opportunity.


    Lan Niang was extremely nervous.


    Her family had married her off early for the sake of this remarkable nswoman.


    They had repeatedly exhorted her to get along well with this nswoman.


    She had anxiously imagined many scenarios, but just now, listening to the Ye n women and the chattering female rtives, she realized that actually no one really saw Ye Suijin at all.


    It had all been baseless imagination, ha, she had worried for nothing.


    Just as she breathed a sigh of relief, Ye Suijin came, and she tensed up again.


    Ye Suijin turned her head and looked wordlessly at Twelfth Sister.


    Twelfth Sister: "What?"


    Ye Suijin asked, "What are you doing standing here?"


    She didn''t see that everyone else had left?


    Twelfth Sister: "Oh?"


    I should leave too? I''m not like everyone else.


    Ye Suijin flicked her forehead, and Twelfth Sister covered her head as she grumbled her way out.


    Fooling around and teasing each other, it was...just like normal sisters.


    Lan Niang exhaled in relief. She was no longer as nervous.


    Ye Suijinughed, "Look at her, she''s asking for trouble again."


    She led Lan Niang to sit at a round table.


    "Little sister, now that you''ve married into our family, you''re one of us. I won''t stand on ceremony with you," said Ye Suijin. "There''s something I''d like to ask of you."


    Lan Niang quickly responded, "Please tell me, big sister."


    Ye Suijin said, "I want to entrust Twelfth Sister to your care."


    "Fourth Uncle, Third Brother and Fifth Son will often be away with me. Fourth Aunt is busy with family matters, and Third Sister-in-Law just had A Gui, so no one has time for Twelfth Sister."


    Although without the formal title, Fourth Aunt carried out the duties of a matriarch.


    Nearly a thousand members in the great n, although split into several halls with autonomy, there were still many petty trifles and nonsense to be brought to Fourth Aunt.


    If Ye Suijin were a man, these would be the responsibility of his wife. But as a woman herself, if she had to handle them alone, she feared she might go mad.


    "Twelfth Sister is at an age where her character needs nurturing. I''m afraid everyone has neglected her, and we''ll regret itter," said Ye Suijin. "It''s perfect that you''vee, little sister. As her sister-inw, you should look after her."


    Lan Niang straightened her chest and said, "I''ll do my best."


    Having been the youngest daughter in her own home, suddenly she was someone''s sister-inw, tasked with caring for a young aunt - it made her very uneasy, doubting her ability to handle it.


    Moreover, this was a personal request from Ye Suijin.


    Ye Suijin had seen all kinds of beauties in the inner pce - clever ones, foolish ones, kind ones, malicious ones, refined ones, vulgar ones.


    All types.


    From impatience, to boredom, to understanding they were just a group of women, with varying personalities, intrigues, self-interest.


    People''s perspectives might differ in breadth. But at heart, whether men or women, the essence was the same.


    Once you saw through it all, you knew how to handle them.


    The confines of the pce, though draining, were also a kind of cultivation.


    Ye Suijin smiled and said, "You needn''t restrict her too much. She has her husband and studies - no need to interfere there."


    "No need topel her in feminine arts or cooking either. Her inws won''tck serving girls in future."


    "Just that she often wants to run around outside - I worry for her safety, being so young and easily tricked." She continued, "From now on, when Twelfth Sister goes out, go with her and help keep an eye on her. Nothing else is required of you."


    So that was it - simple enough.


    Lan Niang breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Just Auntie''s side..."


    "I''ll speak to Fourth Aunt about it," said Ye Suijin. "You just watch over Twelfth Sister."


    After they finished speaking, the women went back inside.


    Ye Suijin kept Fourth Aunt, Tong Niang, and Twelfth Sister outside to speak with them.


    "Lan Niang is so frail, must be from staying cooped up at home. Twelfth Sister, I''m giving you this mission - take your little sister-inw along when you go out, let her get more exercise and see more people," she said smilingly.


    "Get her hale and hearty, just like Third Sister-in-Law. In future, she can give you big fat nephews too."


    Though she felt something was off, Fourth Aunt had to agree Lan Niang was a bit too thin. While Fifth Son liked that, as mother-inw she definitely hoped for a plump and well-nourished daughter-inw.


    Also, Lan Niang seemed a little weak.


    In the past it was fine, but now with their family''s status, the busyness and traffic of guests, the daughter-inw had to have an air about her.


    Alright then.


    Tong Niang was even more radiant.


    Only Twelfth Sister stood akimbo and said, "Oh, fine."


    When it was just her and Fourth Aunt, Ye Suijin quietly said, "This little minx Twelfth Sister can''t be confined from running around outside. I asked Lan Niang to go with her, so no one takes advantage of Twelfth Sister''s youth and tricks her away."


    Now there were many families coveting an alliance with Twelfth Sister as a way to connect with Fourth Uncle Ye and Third Son Ye.


    Fourth Aunt suddenly understood, and pped her hands together, "Right!"

 Chapter 98

    Ye Suijin''s nephew''s wedding was over, and Fourth Uncle Ye''s family moved to Bingyang City in Tang Prefecture.


    But Ye Suijin did not return to Bingyang immediately. She took the men to Tangbei Fort instead.


    Tangbei Fort had already been heightened and rebuilt, with an earthen rampart added. Now it had been transformed from a civilian stronghold into a proper military fort, serving as Ye Suijin''s garrison in Tang Prefecture.


    When the group arrived at Tangbei Fort, the setting sun was already nting westward. They caught sight of a herd of horses being herded back into their enclosure under the guidance of the horseherders.


    In the golden light, the horses were vigorous, galloping like dragons.


    There were several hundred of them, all warhorses.


    Fourth Uncle Ye eximed, "Good gracious me!"


    Ye Fifth Uncle snorted, "Serves you right for keeping me pinned down in Bingyang."


    Ye Fifth Uncle said, "Five hundred warhorses, plus ten horse grooms thrown in. General Guan said this concludes our one-time transaction."


    The Dingnan Jun Li family had also submitted a memorial dering allegiance to Emperor Jin.


    Emperor Jin had already epted it. The first thing he did was to gain control over Western Liang''s warhorses.


    The situation in Jin now looked very positive.


    It took a great deal of effort for General Guan to secretly transport these five hundred horses to Tang Prefecture.


    General Guan said to Ye Fifth Uncle, "If she had dyed me even a little, or I had moved slower, I probably wouldn''t have seeded."


    It was a very close shave.


    General Guan said, "She sure is lucky."


    He didn''t know Ye Suijin didn''t rely on luck. Ye Suijin had actively seized the time.


    He had also gifted ten horse grooms to Ye Suijin for free.


    Ye Fifth Uncle called the horse grooms over to pay their respects to Ye Suijin.


    Their hairstyles were different from those of the Central ins people. Some were Xianbei people, some were of other tribes. They jabbered away innguages no one else understood.


    Fortunately, they all knew some rudimentary Han Chinese.


    While the men romped about trying to ride the horses like children, Ye Suijin spoke with the horse grooms instead.


    The horse grooms already knew she was their highest-ranking master. They answered her questions deferentially.


    Ye Suijin asked many questions, all concerning the breeding and training of horses.


    The most fluent Han-speaker told Ye Suijin, "There are six stud horses. That will be enough. As long as there is sufficient fodder, I can breed a batch of new foals for my master in five or six years. Give me ten years, and my master will be able to possess a valiant cavalry."


    The valor of Western Liang warhorses was famed throughout thend.


    Just imagining it made Ye Suijin''s entire body burn with excitement.


    "These horses are very important to me," she told the horse grooms. "You will keep the horses well and breed more. I can free you from very. I will grant yound, housing, and wives, and make you into respectable people."


    The horse grooms believed her.


    Because after arriving here, they got to eat their fill and wear clean clothes. This was the best life they had ever had since birth.


    They prostrated themselves devoutly and fervently on the ground, "Master, please give us time!"


    Horses had to be trained, and so did people.


    Cavalry were elite among elites, and had to be handpicked.


    This was yet another huge undertaking.


    Even if there were only these horses for now, there had to be more candidates for cavalry to train. They had to be prepared and ready for when the new horses were born and matured.


    A horse could join the battlefield when it reached three or four years old - very soon.


    Ye Suijin was in an excellent mood.


    Although the world was in turmoil now, and she only controlled two and a half prefectures, truly, in herst few decades across both lifetimes, she had never felt so ted.


    On the way back to Bingyang, the Ye family clearly sensed Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture were even more prosperous and bustling than when they had left.


    Caravans could be seen traveling along the official roads.


    Because this ce was peaceful, themon folk had food to eat and work to do, money to earn, so demands arose. Regions with stable governance also provided traders safe environments to conduct business.


    Once businessmen became active, goods began to circte.


    Well-governed regions became prosperous.


    Back at the Governor Residence, there was another round of all kinds of reports.


    Among them was Jiang Yinyu. He was no longer a businessman now, but had an official post on the staff of the Governor Residence. When the people from Ruixun Company in Bingyang saw him now, they were very polite.


    He queued in the side room, waiting for his turn to go into the main room and give his report. After he finished reporting, he did not leave immediately.


    Ye Suijin asked, "Anything else?"


    Jiang Yinyu deliberated for a moment.


    Ye Suijin said, "Speak frankly."


    Jiang Yinyu smiled and said, "It''s nothing much, just a funny misunderstanding."


    He imed it was "funny", but Ye Suijin sensed no amusement in his eyes.


    Ye Suijin raised her brows.


    What could be so funny?


    It turned out a certain business firm got acquainted with someone surnamed Ye. During a meal, this person had suggested he wished to buy shares.


    "Oh," Ye Suijin asked, "Then what happened?"


    Jiang Yinyu could not discern any anger or joy from Ye Suijin''s voice at all. This made him feel somewhat apprehensive, but the businessmunity had discussed this matter and appointed him to convey their stance to Ye Suijin. He carried their mission.


    He could only continue, "Old Feng said buying shares was not for him to decide. It required the agreement of the firm''s two biggest shareholders."


    That Ye person naturally asked who the two biggest shareholders were.


    One was naturally the firm''s original owner. The other was... Governor Ye Suijin.


    So that person gave an embarrassedugh and exined, "I was joking, just joking after drinking."


    And the matter was dropped.


    Because Bingyang was established as Ye Suijin''s seat of power, bing the center of authority. Thus, many people of the Ye n also relocated there to apany her.


    That person was not from the main line, but was still on the same n registry as Ye Suijin. Relying on his Ye surname, he had also found a lowly official post in Bingyang.


    There were quite a few such Ye nsmen seeking bottom rung positions. As family head, promoting nsmen was Ye Suijin''s responsibility.


    After Jiang Yinyu emerged from Ye Suijin''s room, he went straight to the guild hall - everyone in the businessmunity knew he could see Ye Suijin today, so they were all waiting for his reply!


    Seeing him return, they all asked, "How was it? Were you able to inform the Governor?"


    Although this matter was dropped, the experienced businessmen knew that if left alone, there would be more such cases in future.


    What made Bingyang better than other ces was, they had one of their own by the noble''s side.


    Yes, Jiang Yinyu.


    He was just a shop manager, yet now he actually held an official post. How envious!


    Since there was ess, how could the businessmen give up this advantage?


    Moreover, Ye Suijin was a woman herself. For a woman to control three prefectures was already extraordinary. This extraordinary woman was willing to appoint Jiang Yinyu. Adding to their previous cooperative experiences, the businessmen had expectations of her.


    Therefore, they decided to deliver this matter to Ye Suijin through Jiang Yinyu.


    Jiang Yinyu said, "I''ve already informed the Governor about it."


    Everyone asked anxiously, "What was the Governor''s attitude?"


    Ye Suijin''s attitude was crucial.


    They hoped she would be angry, the angrier the better.


    It would be best if she was thunderously furious.


    But Jiang Yinyu said, "...I couldn''t tell."


    Everyone was shocked.


    Jiang Yinyu said helplessly, "It''s true, I really couldn''t tell."


    They looked at each other in dismay.


    Because Jiang Yinyu was previously the head manager of Ruixun Company''s Nanyang branch, being able to reach this position meant he was capable.


    His abilities were strong enough that he could be noticed by Ye Suijin, and transformed into the Governor''s man, favored and trusted.


    Being able to discern expressions and read between the lines could be said to be the most basic of his many outstanding talents.


    "Is she really...fifteen?" someone couldn''t help but ask.


    "Don''t speak nonsense," someone who knew clearer said, "She should be eleven this year."


    Gasps all around.


    If it was some official in his forties or fifties, they wouldn''t find it shocking for Jiang Yinyu to say he couldn''t discern the attitude.


    But Ye Suijin was only eleven. So young.


    The group, all shrewd people, were also astounded.


    Jiang Yinyu said, "Although I couldn''t discern the Governor''s attitude, after I left, a clerk came out and summoned people, ordering the guards to fetch Yuan Ling."


    Yuan Ling was originally the magistrate of Ciqiu County. In recent years, he had barely maintained Ciqiu''s civil administration. When Ye Suijin swept through, he felt Ye Suijin was reliable, so he opened the city gates to wee her.


    Ye Suijin also appreciated him, and after taking Bingyang City, when counties were established under the city, she transferred him over to serve as the magistrate of Bingyang.


    The livelihood and prisons of Bingyang City were Yuan Ling''s responsibility.


    Only the security within the city was split off, with the Patrol Commander and the Military Guard Division specifically in charge.


    Everyone was puzzled.


    Jiang Yinyu exined, "Yuan Ling saw the Governor before me."


    After Yuan Ling finished his report, he had already left. There were others in between, then it was Jiang Yinyu''s turn.


    But as soon as Jiang Yinyu came out, Ye the military governor immediately sent someone to call Yuan Ling back, indicating that there was a connection between the two things.


    Everyone said, "Let''s see."


    Yuan Ling had already left, but was summoned back again.


    But the county yamen in Biyang City was just around the corner, separated only by one street. That is to say, there was no need to ride a horse. He just came back, holding up his robe.


    This was the first time Ye Suijin saw Yuan Ling. She said, "There is something that no one except Yuan Ling can do."


    She looked solemn, and she suddenly summoned him back again, so it must not be a trivial matter.


    Yuan Ling bowed and said, "Please tell me, sir."


    Ye Suijin told him what Jiang Yinyu had said.


    After listening, Yuan Ling nodded and asked, "So does sir want me to...?"


    "Go investigate all the people surnamed Ye and their inws in Deng and Tang prefectures for me," Ye Suijin said. "See if there are any who havemitted adultery or crimes, or bullied others relying on the Ye family name."


    "I will give you manpower. You just need to investigate."


    "For those who havemitted crimes, hand them over to the local authorities. Tell them this is my intention."


    "For those who rely on power to oppress people, report them to me and I will deal with it."


    Yuan Ling looked at Ye Suijin, then cupped his fist and epted the order: "Yes."


    Ye Suijin smiled and said, "What do you think my intention is?"


    Yuan Ling had worked with her for a while and had built up confidence in this superior. What''s more, Ye Suijin had shown him a great kindness.


    So he spoke frankly about his feelings just now: "Although sir is young, she is not irritable or angry, and has deeply attained the art of nourishing energy."


    For literati who nourish energy, the key is to keep the seven emotions off their face, and remain unmoved even if Mount Tai copses in front of them, so that no one can see their joy or anger.


    One couldn''t attain this without reaching a certain age.


    Ye Suijin lent Yuan Ling a soldier named Yi Bao, and also gave him a squad of personal guards.


    Because Yi Bao had distinguished himself at the river mouth, he now held the position of deputypanymander of the escort troops. He had also been freed, and was now amoner.


    This made Ling Qiusheng envious and jealous enough to bite his sleeve.


    Of course, asionally a doubt would sh through his mind ¡ª what exactly was the purpose of the task Ye Suijin had given them back then?


    It certainly wasn''t about Zhao Lang, no, it certainly wasn''t about Zhao Jingwen finding a new lover.


    That incident was just a random urrence that held no foreseeability.


    Qiu Sheng regretted it in particr, because Yi Bao had earned merit based on that random incident.


    If the event that Ye Suijin was "truly" guarding against had happened, that would have been so great. Then he could have earned merit too.


    He wouldn''t have had to watch Yi Bao get promoted and Duan Jin make great strides, while he himself could only bite his sleeve every day.


    s.


    After Yuan Ling left, Duan Jin said, "Why didn''t sir get angry at all?"


    Ye Suijin said, "What is there to get angry about? They are all mortals of flesh and blood. Sudden wealth and honor brings out all kinds of ugliness ¡ª this is simply an unchanging principle."


    In the grand capital, she had long be numb to the various unsavory things stirred up by upstarts and their rtives and friends.


    Even some of the Ye family members who stayed in the capital caused all kinds of trouble at the time.


    Whenever something happened, she was not free to act in the pce, so it was Eleventh Aunt who would go kick down doors and beat people up.


    After getting angry too many times, one just doesn''t get angry anymore.


    In the end, she realized clearly that it was just human nature.


    At the beginning of life, whether human nature is inherently good or evil has been endlessly debated until people''s faces turn red, yet no conclusion has been reached.


    But Ye Suijin knew that there is no one in the world who is pure and wless. As long as external conditions develop to a certain point, and the temptation is strong enough, even the whitest and cleanest person, when squeezed, can ooze out some evil pus to a greater or lesser degree.


    It''s not worth getting angry over this.


    In short, the stick is here, and so is the knife.


    Whoever bumps into the stick or the knife has only themselves to me for stubbornly getting close, and others can''t stop them!

 Chapter 99

    Duan Jin was silent for a moment.


    Ye Suijin asked, "What''s wrong? Is there something on my face?" She touched her face, thinking some dirt had stuck to it.


    Duan Jin was a little confused. He said, "Madam seems...to not have gotten angry for a very long time."


    Ye Suijin stopped and looked at Duan Jin intently.


    He continued, "It seems... it seems like... it was beforest summer."


    The more Duan Jin thought back, the more confused he felt.


    That''s right, he was certain of it. He had always been by Ye Suijin''s side, he knew her matters well. Thest time she truly became angry was a year ago.


    In the year plus since then, she would put on cold, sharp, and fierce looks, but those were all as needed. She herself had not moved to true anger.


    Others may not have noticed, but Duan Jin would not fail to notice.


    Ye Suijin knew why this was.


    It was because people be wiser as they age.


    Although in her previous life she had not aged to that degree, she had experienced many ups and downs in life, and seen and encountered things that ordinary people would not see in their whole lifetime. So she was not far from bing wise.


    Once one bes wise, how could they easily fluctuate between joy and anger?


    It was said before, an aging heart cannot be young again.


    Ye Suijin smiled gently, "When you grow older, you will know, in human affairs, it always boils down to four words - nothing but so."


    Duan Jin said solemnly, "The word ''grow up'' can only be used to describe Tang Mingjie from now on. I have no use for it."


    Ye Suijin said, "You''re sixteen this year, right?"


    Duan Jin: "That''s right."


    Ye Suijinughed.


    Herugh seemed to contain a sigh.


    Duan Jin did not understand, and did not know if Ye Suijin acknowledged that he had grown up or not.


    In any case, now that he and Ten were together, the contrast was too obvious. No one would still treat him as a "child".


    Also because he was Ye Suijin''s personal attendant, his status was special. Ye Family elders, Lang, Fourth Son, Fifth Son, all spoke to him seriously and solemnly, unlike how they treated Ten.


    He had called Duan He to his residence to drink wine today.


    The higher a person''s position, the more they felt the need for power.


    Although all personal guards for Ye Suijin, thepetition between them was also very intense. As the one far ahead of the rest, Duan Jin now also had his own "trusted aides".


    He had his own courtyard in the Governor''s Mansion, not the mixed housing courtyards for servants, but a proper courtyard.


    Also, as Ye Suijin was the only one in the Governor''s Mansion, she could eat and travel with soldiers, there were no other female family members, no worries about chaotic bloodlines from offspring. There was no division between inner and outer courtyards.


    People close to her like Duan Jin, Er Bao, and Qiu Sheng, lived and moved around her.


    Only Duan Jin was treated the best.


    When Tang Mingjie, Ye Suijin''s adopted son, arrived in Biyang, he also originally had his own courtyard.


    But he was willing to live with Duan Jin, so his courtyard was empty, and he lived his daily life in Duan Jin''s courtyard.


    Only when Duan Jin was not in Biyang would he return to his own courtyard.


    Although an adopted son, he treated Duan Jin as master ording to teacher-disciple propriety.


    When Duan Jin and Duan He were drinking wine, although there were servants, Duan Jin still ran around serving them.


    But Tang Mingjie was after all Ye Suijin''s adopted son. Duan Jin dared to order him around, but Duan He did not. Every time Tang Mingjie came in, Duan He had to stand up.


    Duan Jinughed and said, "Go practice your skills."


    Tang Mingjie then silently left.


    Only then could Duan He sit properly. He also said, "Young Master Tang has grown tall."


    After being away on campaign for months, the boy had shot up. Duan Jin said, "Even taller than Twelfth Sister now."


    Girls grew first, boys grewter. Tang Mingjie was at that growing age.


    Duan He said, "He just doesn''t like to speak, nothing like you at all, more like Young Master Lang."


    Duan Jin was very articte and loved to talk andugh.


    Duan Jin said, "It''s better to resemble Young Master Lang."


    Now, he most wanted to resemble Lang.


    Among the young men, Lang''s appearance was closest to Pei Ze''s.


    The two of them standing together, their temperament was very alike, like father and son.


    It was obvious to everyone that Pei Ze doted on Lang, and Ye Suijin valued Lang.


    Duan Jin also wanted to be like that.


    Just as they were drinking and chatting, they heard voices outside the courtyard.


    After a while, Tang Mingjie came in, "Uncle."


    With one word "Uncle", it meant "Uncle, someone/something outside is looking for you." Anything else, Tang Mingjie''s mouth would not say.


    Although he could speak now, he did not speak.


    Twelfth Sister had worried herself to death over this.


    Fortunately, there were also servants attending to him in Duan Jin''s courtyard. They also came in to report, "Manager Li is here. He brought a sister over."


    Duan Jin was surprised. "What sister?"


    The servant then called that "sister" in.


    Because the servant was young in age, so his "sister" actually looked to be only fifteen or sixteen.


    Bright, spirited eyes, fair skin, red lips, delicate and charming facial features. A blooming, beautiful young girl.


    She held a bundle in her hand. Seeing Duan Jin, she greeted, "Greetings, sir."


    Duan Jin was even more surprised. "Who are you, what have youe for?"


    The girl said, "This servant''s name is Yu Meng. Master has sent me to serve sir."


    The faces of Duan Jin and Duan He in the room both showed some strangeness.


    Because maids were a special kind of property.


    For example, maids brought by a woman when marrying, and those who served in rooms and courtyards afterwards, in theory were all the woman''s husband''s women. If the husband did not ept them, only then would they be released to be matched to others.


    If other men took a liking, they could also not randomly take them in, they had to go to the husband to request or purchase them. They could also trade, trade maid for maid, or objects for maid.


    When Lang grew up, reached a certain age, his mother would also send people to the boy''s side, to teach him about affairs between men and women.


    For mansion guards and guests, it depended on circumstances. Usually servants and bookboys were arranged to serve them. If maids were given, then apart from taking care of living needs, they also had the duty of "warming the bed".


    Even if ownership did not belong to the man, when she was assigned to him, the rights to herbor and body were given to him.


    Although Duan Jin was still a servant himself, he held an official position, and his status was special. He fit thest situation.


    Because he already had servants in his courtyard. There were also people serving him around Ye Suijin. In battle, there were also Duan He and other sworn brothers close to him, gradually forming his trusted aides.


    Sending such a charming, beautiful maid in her prime to a vigorous young man like this, the implications were very clear.


    Even someone as perceptive and clever as Duan Jin was stunned for a moment.


    Until Duan He turned his face away tough secretly, did hee to his senses. He asked, "Who ordered you toe?"


    Yu Meng shyly said, "Manager Li."


    Manager Li was also just a steward. Duan Jin asked, "Who arranged this?"


    Yu Meng said, "It was the Master."


    There was only one Master in this mansion, and that was Ye Suijin. She had no parents, husband, children, no other Masters besides her.


    Tang Mingjie could barely be considered half a one.


    Yu Meng could not even dream that such good fortune would fall upon her.


    Because there was no man of the household in the mansion, a maid like her with exceptional looks had no prospects for advancement, and would eventually be matched to someone.


    Fortunately, now the Master was leading everyone forward, and if the men were willing to risk their lives, they could also earn a change in status. With good luck, marrying a personal guard brother, relying on his military merits in the future, she could also flip her status to be an army general''s wife.


    Among the personal guards, the most dazzling, without a doubt, was Duan Jin. In prospects, looks, character, capabilities and favor, who could surpass him, not even Er Bao and Qiu Sheng could.


    Yet everyone vaguely heard that Master favored Duan Jin, and would choose a girl of good status for him when his future was settled.


    Everyone could only sigh regretfully.


    Unexpectedly, good fortune suddenly fell from the heavens. Master wanted to send someone to serve Young Master Duan.


    After all, the Young Master was sixteen already, his body matured, his vitality was flourishing.


    It was just that the Young Master was also of servant origin. Hearing that he did not ept this release, he was still a servant. If she served him well, gained his favor first, feelings, or a child, who''s to say, in the future, the Young Master himself may not be willing to want some youngdy, but be willing to richly provide for the elderly by his side.


    Yu Meng shyly lowered her head.


    A youthful maiden, how charming.


    But since she was given to Duan Jin, she would be his room person from now on. Duan He averted his eyes, and did not look at her much.


    He only smiled at Duan Jin and said, "Good fortune, now everyone will be envious to death?"


    Unexpectedly, Duan Jin did not pick up on this remark.


    He told Yu Meng, "Go find Manager Li, tell him I have no need for people here. Have him arrange something else for you."


    Yu Meng was dumbfounded.


    How could this beautiful dream just shatter like this? The young girl said in a panic, "It...it was Master who arranged for me to serve you."


    ¡°I''m not some important person, I''m the same as you, both serving our master,¡± Duan Jin said. ¡°Sister, you''ll have to marry someday, it wouldn''t be good for you to stay with me. I won''t dy Sister, you should go back.¡±


    He called for a servant boy: ¡°Take Sister back to Manager Li.¡±


    Worried the boy was too young, his wordscking weight, he pointed to Tang Mingjie: ¡°Mingjie, go with him. When you get there, remember to speak.¡±


    In truth, of all those in the room, Tang Mingjie''s status was highest.


    He nodded, not wasting words, jerking his chin at the boy.


    The boy was still young, just a child, with no need for propriety. He tugged at Yu Meng''s sleeve. ¡°Sister, the master has guests,e with me.¡±


    Duan Jin didn¡¯t even nce at her, lifting his wine cup.


    Tears brimming, heartbroken, Yu Meng sadly followed the boy and Tang Mingjie.


    Arriving back at Manager Li¡¯s, he was surprised. ¡°Why are you back?¡± Yu Meng sobbed, unable to speak.


    The boy tucked in his hands, looking to Tang Mingjie: ¡°Young sir, you tell him.¡±


    As a quasi-master of the household, Tang Mingjie was sinct: ¡°No need.¡±


    Manager Li was dumbstruck.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Duan Hemented to Duan Jin. ¡°Such a beautiful youngdy, why send her back?¡±


    Duan Jin said, ¡°It would be hard for her to marryter. If she married someone familiar, it would be awkward.¡±


    With her beauty, Yu Meng would likely be matched to one of Ye Suijin¡¯s soldiers.


    Many of Suijin¡¯s young, capable unmarried troops were suitors. Having been selected from many as elites, their futures were brighter than other servants and guards.


    Meaning, Yu Meng may be the wife of Duan Jin''s colleague, having to call him ¡°Brother-in-Law.¡±


    Duan He grimaced. ¡°Nonsense! Once given to you, how could she be given to another!¡±


    Though unspoken, all knew Duan Jin¡¯s prospects were bright. Despite no formal ties as adopted son or disciple, Suijin had raised and taught him.


    Half-teacher, half-mother, half-sister.


    Who couldpare? However envious others were, it was futile.


    Duan Jin said, ¡°I¡¯m still a servant, what use have I for maids?¡±


    Duan He said, ¡°Clearly the master understands you¡¯re grown, and is considerate.¡±


    A wed woman is different. If Suijin was unmarried, she may not have considered this. But as a wife, she understood. Such care showed Suijin''s affection for Duan Jin.


    Duan Jin froze, cup in hand. ¡°Is that why?¡± he asked Duan He.


    Did the master feel he was a man now?


    Or finally see him as one, and not a child?


    Duan He said, ¡°Of course, you¡¯re taller than me now. And you''ve eaten bridal cakes, lost your innocence, living in the household. The master must think it better to arrange this than risk trouble with the maidster.¡±


    But Duan Jin stared at him. ¡°How do you know I ate bridal cakes?¡±


    Duan He said, ¡°Everyone knows.¡±


    ¡°Who is everyone?¡±


    ¡°Just everyone.¡±


    Duan Jin took a deep breath, let it out, then asked, ¡°Does the master know?¡±

 Chapter 100

    The next day.


    Twelfth Sister rushed over to find Ye Suijin.


    Coincidentally, there was no one with Ye Suijin at the moment, so she could see her sixth sister when she came.


    "Sister!" she said, "Magistrate Yuan is going to Deng Prefecture? Can I go with him?"


    Ye Suijin looked up: "Do you know what he''s going to do there?"


    Twelfth Sister nodded.


    She also said: "I promised Magistrate Yuan that I wouldn''t gossip about it. I didn''t even tell my parents."


    Although Twelfth Sister was a girl, she was also reckless and mischievous, with a reputation for being a troublemaker. But in this life and the next, she had one good trait - she kept her word once she promised something.


    This was because she had learned from Chen Ling. But Chen Ling was far away in his hometown, while Twelfth Sister still had to live with her parents in Biyang.


    Her teacher was not by her side, but there was a Magistrate Yuan here.


    Since taking office, Yuan Ling had handled many backlogged cases. He had also dug through the archives in the yamen and found many old case files that had been damaged by worms.


    Twelfth Sister was now the most prestigious youngdy in Biyang City. Other girls who wanted to y with her couldn''t even find her.


    She spent her days in the Biyang county yamen, hiding and listening to Yuan Ling try cases - she had no choice, Yuan Ling was not like her cousin Ye Jingyi who would humor her and let her sit in court as a clerk. Yuan Ling was a proper imperial examination graduate from the previous dynasty, a real schr.


    Even Twelfth Sister didn''t dare make trouble with a graduate. Her teacher Chen Ling was only a schr in white.


    Both were county magistrates, but their backgrounds were quite different.


    In the world of schrs, Chen Ling had to defer to Yuan Ling.


    But because she often lingered in the county yamen and took the initiative to help tidy up and organize the old case files, and often asked Yuan Ling for advice, Twelfth Sister and Yuan Ling were also very familiar with each other.


    Yuan Ling was an upright gentleman. He was not much older than Cousin Ye Fourth, and his temples were already frosted with age. His age made him suitable to be Twelfth Sister''s father or even grandfather. There was no need to worry about gossip.


    Although not teacher and disciple, they had an affinity as half-mentor and half-friend.


    Ye Suijin said, "Since you know what he''s going to do there, do you know what you''ll be facing if you go?"


    "I know," Twelfth Sister said. "Actually it''s just like in ys and novels, inspecting on behalf of the heavens. If officialsmit crimes, demote them. Ifmonersmit crimes, sentence or behead them as thew requires."


    She was a little excited as she said this.


    Ye Suijin noticed.


    But reality was not a stage y.


    She lowered her eyes, then raised them again: "After investigation, Third Son Ye of Ye Family''s Fourth Branch, kidnapped and raped good families'' daughters, encroached on others''nd, falsely imed military achievements, embezzled military provisions, and murdered an entire family including the husband and children in order to obtain another''s wife. ording to thew, he should be beheaded."


    "Twelfth Sister Ye, will you behead him or not?"


    Twelfth Sister stared at her with wide eyes.


    Ye Suijin looked back at her coldly.


    Twelfth Sister opened her mouth: "How could my brother have..."


    "Of course it''s hypothetical," Ye Suijin tapped the desk with her fingers. "I''m only asking you, hypothetically, if you went with Yuan Ling and discovered this, Twelfth Sister Ye, would you behead your eldest brother or not?"


    Just randomlybining a few of these hypothetical crimes was already worthy of immediate decapitation, not to mention all of them.


    Twelfth Sister knew very clearly that in this hypothetical case, "Third Son Ye" deserved beheading.


    But the hypothetical person was her eldest brother.


    Twelfth Sister had clearly wanted to answer "of course he should be beheaded", but this clear and correct answer was stuck in her throat, unable toe out.


    It was as if her mouth was stuffed full of numb seeds.


    Twelfth Sister and Ye Suijin stared at each other, beads of sweat appearing on Twelfth Sister''s forehead.


    Finally, she said: "Bah! Bah bah bah bah bah bah bah!"


    Begone ill omens. Although hypothetical, it was still inauspicious.


    "It''s not true, is it?" she asked apprehensively.


    Ye Suijin rolled her eyes.


    Twelfth Sister rxed: "As long as it''s not true, that''s good."


    My brother wouldn''t do something like this.


    "You think you''re going to watch a show, see lively events, read case records," Ye Suijin said. "When you get there, you''ll discover that the people Yuan Ling is going to tie up and behead are all people you know."


    "People who came to your house to pay new year''s greetings, who came to your house with gifts when you had a birthday. People who bought candy for you to eat, and slipped you little silver fish-shaped coins."


    "They''ll be shackled, shouting desperately at you: Twelfth Sister, Twelfth Sister, save us! Twelfth Sister, Twelfth Sister, go plead with your father, go plead with Sixth Sister. Twelfth Sister, you can''t abandon us!"


    Ye Suijin gave a coldugh: "Twelfth Sister Ye, what will you do?"


    Twelfth Sister truly didn''t know that aside from being amazing, her sixth sister''s mouth was also so eloquent and demonstrative.


    The sour and caustic words made her angry.


    But she was actually angry because she realized she couldn''t handle the scenario her sister had described.


    She clenched her fists, sweat beading on the tip of her nose.


    "Not talking anymore?" Ye Suijin taunted. "Weren''t you chattering away just now?"


    Twelfth Sister red.


    Ye Suijin said, "If you want to go, then go. After this trip, if you can face it, if you can help,e back and continue studying. In the future, I''ll keep a position for you in my prefect''s yamen."


    Twelfth Sister was stunned.


    She really did find studying thew interesting, more and more interesting the more she learned. She hadn''t actually thought about what she could do with it after learning.


    After all, even her teacher didn''t know.


    So it turned out that if she learned well, she could also follow her sister like her brothers did, working under Sixth Sister?


    Drawing a sry, having status, being respected or feared by others.


    But Ye Suijin''s tone shifted: "However, if you go and can''t aplish anything, if you only drag Yuan Ling down and hinder him, then when youe back, stop studying with Chen Ling. Reel in your heart, talk about betrothals and getting married. Cousin Fourth will prepare a generous dowry for you. In the future, raise children, be an obedient daughter-inw, staying by the stove will suit you just fine."


    Twelfth Sister''s eyes widened again.


    Ye Suijin red back at her.


    From childhood till now, among siblings she had never lost at a staring contest, what was she afraid of with this little Twelfth?


    "I..." Twelfth Sister clenched both fists, steeled herself, "I''m going!"


    A flicker ofughter appeared in Ye Suijin''s eyes.


    But theughter quickly vanished, and she tapped the desk with her fingers: "Since this is the case, I will start giving you your first lesson on this matter now."


    Twelfth Sister: "Huh?"


    Ye Suijin looked at this fool: "It was Yuan Ling who told you toe find me, right?"


    "Yes," Twelfth Sister nodded. "Magistrate Yuan said he wouldn''t agree to take me without your permission."


    Ye Suijin gave a coldugh, looking at her like an idiot.


    Twelfth Sister was apprehensive: "Is something wrong?"


    Ye Suijin said, "You must have caught Yuan Ling preparing to leave and directly asked if you coulde along. Yuan Ling didn''t have to tell you he was going to Deng Prefecture. He could have just said ''on official business'' and dismissed you. With your upbringing, you certainly wouldn''t have kept pestering him to ask ''what official business'', right?"


    "So why did Yuan Ling spill the beans and tell you everything about his trip to Deng Prefecture?"


    "Who are you? What position do you hold? On what basis do you know these things? Yuan Ling is such a principled person that he refused to let you be a clerk in court. How could he suddenly be willing to tell you everything? As an official of his seniority, how could he note up with some excuse to deal with you?"


    Twelfth Sister was stunned.


    "But, but why would Magistrate Yuan..." she didn''t understand. "I''m just a child, what''s the significance in this?"


    "Are you an ordinary child?" Ye Suijin said. "You''re your father''s daughter, you''re my and Third Brother''s little sister."


    "If he takes you along, keeping you by his side, Yuan Ling will have an extra protective talisman."


    Twelfth Sister couldn''t believe it: "Even if some of our nsmen didmit crimes, it wouldn''t go so far as to... right?"


    "Whether or not it will go that far depends on how great the interests at stake are," Ye Suijin said.


    "Throughout history, imperial emissaries sent from the capital to inspect local areas, who were ''killed by bandits'' along the way, burned to death in inns that mysteriously caught fire, arrived at their post only to die inexplicably in the brothels, reputation utterly ruined - there have been too many cases."


    Twelfth Sister stared nkly: "But can I really y such a big role?"


    "You can''t," Ye Suijin said. "But I, your father, and your brothers can."


    "Without you, if Yuan Ling was plotted against and murdered somewhere in the rural countryside... it wouldn''t take much, just one or two families, two or three families working together could aplish it. Then they would alle cry and wail to their ancestors, and in the end, it''s very possible that public outcry would prevent any legal repercussions, and everything would be covered up."


    "Poor Yuan Ling wouldn''t have anyone to seek justice and avenge him either."


    "But with you there, if anything happened to you, even if they dared to harm a single hair on your head..."


    "Myself, your father, your brothers - we wouldn''t care if they were surnamed Ye or not, or if they were even in the same n registry as us. We would ughter them without mercy."


    Now Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture all knew that when Ye Suijin said "kill", she never joked.


    Twelfth Sister was stunned for a long time, lowered her head, and after a long time, suddenly raised her head: "I''ll go!"


    "Since it''s so dangerous, you still sent Yuan Ling. Because this matter had to be done, right?"


    "Since this is the case, I''ll go."


    "I don''t have much skills either, I just got a good rebirth. Since Yuan Ling looks up to me, I''ll go to make him a life-saving talisman."


    "In the future, this matter will be written in the local records, leaving behind the three words ''Ye Twelve'' forter generations to see, and I will be satisfied."


    Ye Suijin looked at her for a moment.


    She got up, walked to a cab, opened it and looked inside, took out a short saber slightly shorter than the usual wide de.


    "Take it." She handed the short saber to Twelfth Sister, "Tell Yuan Ling I promised."


    Twelfth Sister took the de with both hands: "Sister Six, can I really work by your side in the future?"


    "Then you have to be capable." Ye Suijin said, "Those around me do not keep idlers, nor tolerate mediocrity."


    Twelfth Sister grasped the saber: "I see."


    Twelfth Sister came out of the study and saw Duan Jin standing under the corridor.


    "A Jin." She walked over, "You''re looking for Sister Six? She''s not in the room, you can go in now."


    Duan Jin was originally standing in the corridor staring nkly at the courtyard, startled by her, turned his head to look, and saw that saber: "Huh?"


    Twelfth Sister: "What is it?"


    Duan Jin took it and looked it over.


    Twelfth Sister said: "Sister Six gave it to me."


    Duan Jin said: "I''ve used this de before. This was the young master''s practice de when she was little. Later I used it for a period of time, but I grew taller, so I switched to a longer saber."


    Twelfth Sister said: "It''s mine now. Go on in, I still have things to do."


    She walked away in haste.


    But Duan Jin did not go in with his usual vigor.


    He hadn''t slept wellst night, and even had dark circles around his eyes.


    He lingered in the corridor for a long time, until the impatient Ye Suijin inside: "A Jin? Why don''t youe in?"


    She had heard Twelfth Sister chattering away with him, and Twelfth Sister had left. But where was Duan Jin''s shadow?


    Duan Jin had no choice, steeled himself against the numbness in his scalp, and went in.

 Chapter 101

    Ye Suijin nced at him and said, "What''s wrong? Didn''t sleep well? But you were drinking all night?"


    Drinking was unavoidable.


    When a boy grows up, you don''t know when he starts drinking, where, and with whom. Anyway, when a boy grows up, suddenly they start drinking.


    The brothers were all like this, Duan Jin and Tenth Son were also like this.


    At such a young age, they would go out drinking with the rogue veterans like Yan Xiao.


    "No, I only had two drinksst night," Duan Jin said. "Not much."


    He didn''t speak with a smile today, unlike usual. He seemed to have something on his mind.


    Ye Suijin asked, "Then what''s wrong? What are you worrying about?"


    "Nothing, um..." Duan Jin was silent for a moment.


    Just as he was extremely familiar with Ye Suijin, knew all her habits, and could sense any change in her mood.


    Likewise, Ye Suijin was the same with him.


    So verbal denials were useless.


    "Qiuqiu is going to get married." The thought of this matter came to his mind. "Please reward her generously, mydy."


    Ye Suijin said, "You tell me."


    Finally the topic changed. Duan Jin said, "I''ll give her a pair of heavy gold bracelets. I promised herst year."


    Duan Jin was just making small talk. But Ye Suijin stared at him intently.


    Duan Jin said, "What''s wrong? Not enough? Or should I add more?"


    After fighting several battles, Duan Jin had made a small fortune nowadays.


    Ye Suijin hesitated for a moment, "Duan Jin, Qiuqiu..."


    Servant girls couldn''t stay for too long. When they reached the age, they had to be married off. Otherwise, if they were kept for too long without letting them marry, it would hinder their chances. This could easily lead to resentment.


    So batches of girls woulde and go. The older ones left, the younger ones came. They would stay with their master for a few years, never for too long.


    No matter how favored or intimate they were before, once married, they could not casually enter the residence anymore, or often appear in front of their former master. Very naturally, they grew apart over time.


    The longer the separation, the more distant they became. After having children, turned into matrons ving by the stove, disheveled and no longer morous. They wouldn''t even get to greet their former master when asionallying to pay respects, the new and pretty servant girls wouldn''t pass on their arrival, they could only bow their heads outside the door.


    Unlike boys, growing from guard pages to gant generals, staying by one''s side.


    In her previous life, Qiuqiu had married before she took Tang Prefecture. When Ye Suijin was reborn, her impression of Qiuqiu was just "former personal maid" and "married pretty well".


    The maidservants around Ye Suijin came and went, only the pcedies whoter attended her intimately in the pce were the closest.


    Because unlike maids outside the pce walls, pcedies would stay until their hair turned white once they entered.


    But Ye Suijin also knew Qiuqiu was a bit older than Duan Jin, there was a limit. The two came to her around the same time.


    They grew up together. When Qiuqiu was with her, Duan Jin was still young, not yet needing to avoid suspicion, he could even enter the master bedroom back then.


    It could also be seen as colleagues in another sense.


    Or childhood friends.


    Qiuqiu was getting married this month.


    But it didn''t matter. She was just a servant.


    Duan Jin still didn''t understand what Ye Suijin''s hesitation over mentioning Qiuqiu meant.


    He actually had something on his mind, Qiuqiu was just an excuse to conceal his emotions.


    Unexpectedly, Ye Suijin said, "If you like her, I''ll have the Qin family find another daughter-inw."


    Qiuqiu was engaged to Qin Liang, the son of Steward Qin. Among the servant families, it was considered to have prospects. Qin Liang would probably be a steward in the future.


    Duan Jin was dumbfounded, as if struck by lightning.


    Only then did he realize.


    "How could I like Qiuqiu," he quickly denied. "We grew up together, like siblings. There is absolutely nothing indecent between us."


    But Ye Suijin just looked at him.


    Making his defense seem very weak.


    Qiuqiu had a good marriage prospect, he was really afraid of ruining Qiuqiu''s engagement, even more afraid of hisdy misunderstanding.


    Duan Jin said, "Really."


    Ye Suijin asked, "Then why didn''t you want Yu Meng?"


    Manager Li had already reportedst night that Duan Jin directly sent Yu Meng back.


    Servant girls were groomed for specific roles since childhood. Qiuqiu was trained towards being a capable and efficient senior maid.


    Yu Meng was clearly picked out since young to be groomed as a beauty, kept for his use. Usually they wouldn''t even be ced by the master''s side.


    Ye Suijin had seen her personally.


    Yu Meng was truly very beautiful, and just the right age.


    Only after seeing and approving her did Ye Suijin give her to Duan Jin.


    No one would reject Yu Meng with such looks. Yet Duan Jin didn''t want her.


    He couldn''t escape this question after all.


    Duan Jin said, "I''m just a family ve myself, what use do I have for maids. It would only invite ridicule. They already gossip that I''ve slept with prostitutes. If I take a maid, they''llugh at me even more."


    He didn''t even dare to blink, finally taking the chance to say everything on his mind about this topic.


    Unexpectedly, Ye Suijin didn''t care at all whether he had actually slept with prostitutes or not.


    In the past, the emperor would bestow beauties to his subjects. Selecting beauties and pcedies was the empress''s duty. It was part of the empress''s role.


    Matters between men and women were just like that to Ye Suijin, simr to eating, drinking, and excretion, innate human needs.


    And it was even lower priority than eating, drinking, wealth and power.


    It didn''t matter whether Duan Jin liked Qiuqiu or Yu Meng.


    "You''ve grown up, it''s time to have someone by your side." She said, "I''ll arrange someone for you, so you don''t have to frequent the brothels, it''s unhygienic."


    When Ye Suijin spoke these words, she was very calm.


    Duan Jin felt disappointed inside.


    What was he hoping for? Such hopes wereughable in themselves.


    Duan Jin collected himself and said, "There''s no one. I''ve only gone once, because Yan Xiao forced mest time in Bamboo Mountain, said he would ridicule me as a child if I didn''t go. He promised it was just for drinks, but they were up to no good, wanting to get me drunk. The courtesans were frightening too, touchy feely, luckily I ran fast."


    It sounded a bit funny. Ye Suijin smiled.


    But this wasn''t the reaction Duan Jin hoped for.


    She said, "If you don''t like Yu Meng, just say it again. Whoever you like,e tell me."


    She paused, then said, "Duan Jin, I wanted to wait until you''ve made your mark and achieve sess before selecting a well-born maiden for you."


    "But you''re not young anymore either. If there''s someone you like,e tell me."


    "Be it a youngdy of a prestigious family, or a maidservant ve girl."


    "For those with status, I can suppress it. For those without status, I''ll give her status."


    "As long as you like her, anything is fine."


    She thought for a bit, then added, "No limits on age."


    Thest sentence, most would think of younger ages. If too young, she could be kept for now.


    Like Lan Niang who was much younger than Fifth Son, only married this year when she came of age.


    But Ye Suijin meant the opposite.


    Wu was also younger, like a youthful version of herself.


    When Duan Jin was around thirty years old. As men grew older, they liked young maidens more. But Duan Jin didn''t like Wu.


    The one Duan Jin might like could be older.


    He looked up at Ye Suijin.


    Ye Suijin stared back at him.


    Now in the three prefecturesbined, perhaps only Twelfth Lady could endure Ye Suijin''s stare without looking away.


    Even Fourth Uncle Ye and Third Son Ye couldn''t take it.


    Duan Jin lowered his eyes.


    "I haven''t considered such things. I''m still young. Mydy is currently expanding greatly, I only think of establishing achievements to be a vanguard for you."


    "These affairs between men and women are unimportant."


    Ye Suijin said, "Still have to think about it. There will be many more battles ahead, the fight will be treacherous. Have to consider session."


    Wu''s child wasn''t Duan Jin''s.


    Ye Suijin even gave the child the name Duan Lin, all kinds of rewards, appointed him Zhaowu Colonel at birth.


    In the end her health couldn''t take it anymore, she didn''t get to deal with that seed of misfortune.


    She really hated it to death.


    This life, she would definitely not let Duan Jin be without an heir again.


    Even if he fancied a married woman, it was nothing to fear.


    With power and money, nothing was impossible. Without need for force, as long as her husband, father-inw, father, and brothers were given sufficient benefits, they would willingly deliver her to Duan Jin''s side on bended knees.


    As long as it was someone Duan Jin looked upon.


    Duan Jin raised his head.


    He had something that was always on his mind. If not asked now, he might miss the opportunity.


    "What about mydy?" He asked. "Will mydy consider taking another husband in the future?"


    This question wasn''t only on Duan Jin''s mind. Deng Prefecture, Tang Prefecture, there were probably many with this question on their minds.


    Just no one dared to ask.


    Ye Suijin understood very well.


    She didn''t expect Duan Jin to be the first to dare ask.


    Ye Suijin didn''t understand why these men expected her to answer their questions about remarriage.


    Just because someone else lost his wife, it didn''t mean others should care whether he would remarry.


    But Ye Suijin was different.


    Marriage meant sharing power with the husband.


    Men had an inherent advantage over women in this regard. If Ye Suijin remarried, her new husband would inevitably share her power and everything that came with it.


    That would encroach on other men''s resources.


    So in fact everyone cared about this issue, even though no one spoke of it openly.


    On this matter, all of them - her uncles, brothers, generals, subordinates - even Duan Jin - shared the same stance.


    People''s positions shifted ording to their interests.


    If those in power could see through to the crux of the matter, they could manipte things skillfully.


    To these men, twenty-one-year old Ye Suijin was still young. They probably thought she wouldn''t remain a widow.


    But how could Ye Suijin take another husband and let a man share her power?


    The husband''s authority was detestable. Even an inw could make trouble in her name.


    Fortunately she had no children. Otherwise, the husband''s authority could be a father''s authority.


    With that foothold, a man could stir up even more trouble.


    But Ye Suijin would not confess these thoughts to anyone, as the person in power.


    Those in power could not be controlled by others. She could make promises to them, but she could not be controlled.


    In her past life, she had suffered too much under the hands of civil officials.


    She would not let that happen again in this life.


    "This is none of your concern," she rebuked.


    As expected, he had overstepped. Duan Jin lowered his head in apology. "You''re right."


    He raised his head. "Mydy, I ask to be freed."


    Ye Suijin was taken aback.


    She quickly hid her emotions andughed. "You''ve finallye to your senses. You should have been freed long ago."


    She immediately called the steward Qin toe free Duan Jin. "Free Duan Jin."


    Steward Qinughed. "Finally going to do it."


    With Duan Jin not freed, Er Bao and others also felt uneasy.


    They were rewarded by the mistress, yet it seemed they were being disloyal.


    Now that Duan Jin was also freed, they were all the same. There would be no more awkwardness or displeasure.


    Duan Jin gave his thanks. "Thank you, mydy."


    Steward Qinughed again. "Time to change how you address her."


    Servants called their masters ''master''. Subordinates called their superiors ''my lorddy''.


    Now even Er Bao addressed Ye Suijin as ''mydy''. Qiu Sheng didn''t have the status to be freed yet, so he still called her ''mistress''.


    Duan Jin reiterated, "Thank you...mydy."


    From now on he would change how he addressed her.


    Stepping out of the study, Duan Jin took a deep breath in the sunshine.


    From now on he was no longer a servant.


    He had just turned the corner when he realized his mistake.


    No matter howughable or far-fetched his fantasies were, they needed a foothold.


    How could a servant work?


    Servants were lowly. How could they match her status?


    Although Zhao Jingwen had fallen to a beggar, his status was always that of amoner.


    At the very least that was needed!


    Duan Jin regretted not having realized this sooner.


    A servant boy came to congratte him.


    Duan Jin patted the boy''s head and gave him some coins. "Serve ourdy well."


    Walking down the steps, crossing the courtyard, he embarked on a different life.


    Sitting on the corridor bench eating candy, the servant boy heard Mistress Ye call him from the study.


    He responded and went over.


    Ye Suijin called through the window, "No more guests today. Have theme back tomorrow."


    The boy acknowledged and rushed to pass on the message.


    Ye Suijin stood at the window.


    nting afternoon light filtered through the window paper, fragmented into bundles by thettice.


    Ye Suijin silently watched the dancing dust motes in the sunlight.


    For a long time she was silent.

 Chapter 102

    A butterflynded on a flower in the courtyard.


    Ye Suijin stepped out of the study, startling it.


    The butterfly pped its wings.


    And flew away.


    The young servant came back and said, "I''ve already told the gatekeeper that we won''t be receiving any guests today."


    Ye Suijin nodded and called for Qiu Sheng, "Let''s go out for a walk."


    She changed into casual clothes and went out on the street with a few guards.


    The old wealthy families in Biyang City had been cleared out, and new wealthy families emerged like bamboo shoots after the rain.


    There were the members of the Ye n who had moved here, the rtives and old friends who followed them, and some prominent families from Deng Prefecture who hade along because they saw potential in Ye Suijin.


    There were also the newly appointed officials, bureaucrats, and underlings at various government offices.


    People who heard and observed that this ce was peaceful and stable had moved here from neighboring provinces.


    And then there were the merchants.


    Walking on the streets of Biyang now, one could feel the bustling and prosperous atmosphere, and a sense of peace among the people.


    The preferences of those in power influenced the customs of themon folk.


    Nowadays, many daughters of well-to-do families in Biyang City liked to wear convenient and practical clothes, simply because they were imitating Ye Suijin.


    But these clothes were designed with slits at the hem, making them suitable for riding and walking. Many girls fell in love with them.


    Ye Suijin strolled through the lively market with her guards.


    She had seen many ces ravaged by war, where even people dressed in fine clothes often had a look of despair on their faces.


    The people of Biyang City, on the other hand, had much better appearances.


    There were women carrying baskets, men fanning themselves, young girls going out together, and young men delivering takeout for the restaurants, running fast.


    The lively and bustling streets gave Ye Suijin a sense of tranquility.


    Those moments of unease and mncholy in her heart had all passed.


    She wasn''t that kind of person to begin with. As long as she could set foot on solid ground, she would go as far as she could.


    People on the street asionally recognized her, and most of them avoided and made way for her.


    Some people with a certain status approached her and greeted her.


    Ye Suijin nodded and returned the greetings.


    She casually visited some shops, and the selected shopkeepers felt honored and shone with pride.


    The lively atmosphere was very soothing.


    Ye Suijin''s mood became more rxed.


    Just as she was about to leave after drinking some excellent tea in a shop and chatting with the shopkeeper about the market and people''s livelihoods, she suddenly heard amotion on the street.


    She could see people rushing away from the noise, their faces filled with curiosity and excitement.


    When life was stable, watching amotion was also a form of entertainment.


    Themon people, regardless of their wealth or social status, generally loved to watch such scenes.


    Ye Suijin chuckled and stepped out of the shop.


    It turned out that there was a disturbance in the neighboring shop. A crowd had already gathered, all watching themotion.


    Ye Suijin asked, "Whose shop is it?"


    The shopkeeper replied, "It''s the Fang family''s medicine shop."


    There was a court physician in the medicine shop, but misdiagnosis or even causing deaths was not umon.


    Or perhaps some people were simply destined to die, but their family members wanted to extort money, which was alsomon.


    Ye Suijin stood on the steps and saw that a patrol officer was running towards this direction. If someone was causing trouble, the patrol officer would naturally handle it.


    She was ready to leave.


    But in the center of the crowd, someone suddenly raised their voice, "Tell me where the Prefectural Governor''s Mansion is! I''m going to find the Prefectural Governor!"


    Ye Suijin and her entourage all stopped in their tracks.


    Qiu Sheng and the others turned their heads in surprise.


    Why did they mention the Prefectural Governor''s Office?


    The street patrol officer received a report that there was a disturbance here.


    They had known beforehand that Ye Suijin was shopping nearby, but they didn''t expect someone to cause trouble at this moment.


    Damn it!


    They better hope the militarymander doesn''t encounter this. It would make them look ipetent and incapable of managing the situation.


    Street disturbances and conflicts like this don''t usually escte to the level of criminal cases. Most of the time, the standard procedure is to tie up the troublemakers and bring them back to Wuhou Shop for a severe beating.


    They would first beat them ck and blue, then ask, "Do you dare to cause trouble in my jurisdiction again?"


    Usually, the response they receive is, "No, I won''t dare. Please spare me, sir. I realize my mistake."


    But this time, the street patrol officers encountered a tough nut to crack.


    Upon hearing about the Prefectural Governor''s Office, Ye Suijin decided not to continue walking and stood under the eaves of a shop, wanting to see how things would unfold.


    As they saw the fierce expressions on the faces of the military officers, they confidently barged into the crowd. But within moments, an even loudermotion erupted from inside.


    The crowd spread outward like ripples in water.


    When the people inside resorted to violence, themon folks naturally retreated, causing the circle to expand.


    As a result, some people identally stepped on others'' feet, shoes were lost, and some people reached out desperately, causing those who were grabbed to cry out in pain.


    In no time, chaos erupted.


    The military officers were furious.


    In fact, they had noticed Ye Suijin standing on the steps nearby earlier, but they pretended not to see her, wanting to quickly resolve the disturbance and demonstrate their efficient handling of the situation to the Prefectural Governor.


    Perhaps, they could earn her appreciation through this.


    Little did they know that this troublemaker from the pharmacy would dare to draw his sword openly in the street, refusing to be arrested.


    The sound of unsheathing swords echoed, and the military officers drew their swords, gesturing for themon folks to step back.


    What are they looking at? Is amotion really that entertaining? Can''t they see that swords are being brandished? If they''re not afraid of getting hurt, they shoulde forward!


    "Put down your weapons! This is a bustling market. Wielding weapons is a serious crime!" they shouted. "Kid, do you hear me? Stop this immediately!"


    But the young man red and said, "My family member is seriously ill, and I''m in a hurry to find medicine. If you don''t bother me, I''ll put away my sword!"


    However, the situation had escted to this point, with swords already drawn. How could the military officers let this young man go? If they didn''t give him a severe beating that would make him unrecognizable, where could they show their faces as street patrol officers?


    What''s more important is that Ye Suijin is watching from the steps!


    She''s watching!!!


    This brat! He actually dares to resist arrest!


    They''ve been set up!


    To make matters worse, this young man is incredibly skilled in martial arts.


    After several attempts to surround and attack him, they found themselves unable to do anything against him, with sparks flying from their swords at every exchange.


    Moreover, several of his followers also exuded a fierce aura, as if they could kill at any moment.


    Who the hell are these people?


    The military officers were drenched in cold sweat, trapped in a difficult situation.


    Just then, a woman''s voice suddenly shouted, "Stop!"


    Though it was a woman''s voice, it carried great authority.


    The Wuhou soldiers held their swords steadfastly and looked over, and indeed, it was themanding officer. They immediately sheathed their swords and bowed, "Commanding officer!"


    Qiu Sheng had already figured out what was going on by asking the onlookers.


    There was a young man who was passing through with his family from Tang Prefecture when a sudden illness struck one of their elders. After the physician examined him, he prescribed a medicine.


    But among the ingredients, there was a kind of ginseng that had been aged for over five hundred years.


    This ginseng was the most crucial ingredient in the prescription, and the other herbs could be substituted, but not this one.


    The young man had searched all the pharmacies in the city but couldn''t find a ginseng that was over five hundred years old. The oldest one he found was only three hundred years old, which wouldn''t do.


    However, this highly scarce herb was not just a matter of money. For example, if he kept it and sold it to a noble or presented it as a gift, it might have a greater impact or benefit than simply selling it to an ordinary person.


    The young man suspected that the pharmacies refused to sell to them because they were outsiders, which led to an argument.


    This attracted the attention of the Wuhou patrolling the streets, who wanted to apprehend him.


    His loved ones were still waiting for him in the inn, desperate for help. How could he let himself be taken away?


    So, he resisted with weapons.


    Although the young man appeared tough, he was actually extremely anxious inside.


    Suddenly, someone shouted to stop, and he looked over sharply. He saw the crowd parting on both sides as an elegant woman walked in.


    Her face was radiant like a blooming flower, but the first thing the young man noticed was the aura of authority between her eyebrows.


    Who was she? Why did everyone around her bow down?


    To his surprise, those people said, "Greetings, Commanding Officer."


    Amanding officer!


    And she turned out to be a woman?


    Gender didn''t matter! She was amanding officer!


    The young man sheathed his sword and also bowed, "This humble one pays respects to themanding officer!"


    She was a high-ranking official. If he could humbly plead with thismanding officer in front of him, if she was willing to help, who knows...


    Therefore, his attitude was extremely respectful.


    Ye Suijin stared at him.


    The young man looked about thirteen or fourteen years old, even younger than Duan Jin and Tenth Son.


    At this age, there was a big difference between their faces and the faces of adult men. Ye Suijin wasn''tpletely certain, but he looked very familiar.


    Calcting his age, it should be about right.


    Ye Suijin tentatively asked, "He Yu?"


    The young man hesitated for a moment and respectfully replied, "Daring to let themanding officer know, this humble one''s surname is He Lian, given name Feiyu. This humble one''s nickname is He Lian Feiyu, not He Yu."


    This young man was none other than He Lian Feiyu, who had left Fang Prefecture with his uncle He Lian Xiang Yun after the Pei family called off the engagement.


    Ye Suijin continued to scrutinize him for a while and said, "Let me see your sword."


    He Lian Feiyu hesitated.


    But the guards behind Ye Suijin already had their hands on their sword hilts.


    These guards possessed hidden strength without any obvious ws, clearly surpassing the Wuhou soldiers by a significant margin. Even the female high-ranking officer in front of him didn''t have any openings.


    People with formidable martial arts skills had firm muscles and quick reflexes. Their bodies were in a constant state of tension, ready to unleash their power at any moment, so there were no vulnerabilities for someone to exploit.


    She was formidable.


    After a moment of hesitation, He Lian Feiyu thought about his current situation of needing help from others and wisely turned the de around, offering it to Ye Suijin.


    Qiu Sheng wanted to take it, but Ye Suijin was faster. She had already taken the sword in her hand and examined it closely.


    This was not the typical shape of a sword.


    The knivesmonly used by Han people across the whole country are mostly Wei knives. The de of a Wei knife is straight.


    But this particr knife has a noticeable curve, which makes it quite unique.


    She wouldn''t mistake it.


    Ye Suijin raised her eyelids and looked at He Lian Feiyu again.


    Clearly, this is He Yu!


    The young man looks quite adorable for his age. If you look closely, you can still see the resemnce to He Yu in his eyebrows and eyes.


    He Yuter grew a big beard. Ye Suijin had always thought that his beard was too thickpared to others.


    He Lian is a Han surname adopted by the Hu people. It turns out he has Hu bloodline, no wonder.


    He Yu is a general from the Chu Kingdom.


    Ye Suijin''s subordinate and a defeated general.


    This young man has some skills in warfare, but unfortunately, his lord isn''t very capable.


    Zhao Jingwen actually loves He Yu deeply.


    Losing to Ye Suijin is not a shameful thing. There are not many at court who can stand up to Ye Suijin in military matters.


    He Yu is one of the few generals whom Ye Suijin praised even after defeating him.


    Ye Suijin has always felt that Zhao Jingwen actually wants to support He Yu and oppose Duan Jin.


    But it''s strange that He Yu has always been cold towards Zhao Jingwen.


    His lord surrendered, so as a subordinate, he could only surrender as well.


    He turned a blind eye to the emperor''s goodwill and showed more respect to the empress who defeated him.


    Zhao Jingwen couldn''t warm up to this guy''s heart, so he could only begrudgingly give up.


    He Yu wasn''t very ambitious and just idled away his time in the Great Mu Dynasty.


    He kept a thick beard.


    Ye Suijin has only seen his face once.


    That was when he lost a bet to Duan Jin and had his beard shaved by Duan Jin, who then dragged him in front of Ye Suijin to show her.


    But it was because she said, "He Yu, that kid, has a pretty good-looking face. I wonder what he looks like."!

 Chapter 103

    That was the only time.


    In the next few days, He Lian Feiyu avoided seeing people whenever he could.


    His beard grew extremely fast, so after just a few days it had grown quite thick. Only then did he show his face to others again.


    Ye Suijin waved her hand to make the guards disperse the crowd. She returned the sword to He Lian Feiyu and said to him and the shopkeeper, "Both of you,e with me."


    He Lian Feiyu sheathed his sword and followed along, exchanging nces with the others before catching up.


    The pharmacy shopkeeper also scurried after them.


    Ye Suijin borrowed the teahouse they had just been in and asked, "What happened?"


    He Lian Feiyu said, "My uncle and I were passing through on our way south from Tang Prefecture. Unexpectedly, my uncle fell ill, and now he''s unconscious. The prescription the doctor wrote called for five-hundred-year-old ginseng. My lord, I had prepared the silver, I wasn''t forcing them to sell it to me. But when we went looking all over town, these pharmacies took advantage of us being outsiders and deliberately refused to sell it to us. Not only that, they tried to deceive us."


    The pharmacy shopkeeper immediately cried injustice.


    "It wasn''t that we refused to sell it to the young master, much less dared to deceive him."


    "It''s just that now, only the Prefect''s residence has five-hundred-year-old ginseng."


    "We didn''t have a choice!"


    Ye Suijin blinked.


    She looked at Qiu Sheng.


    Qiu Sheng scratched his head and held out his hands, indicating he didn''t understand either.


    Ye Suijin asked the shopkeeper, "What do you mean? Why do you say that? How do you know?"


    The shopkeeper bowed and said, "Ginseng over five hundred years old is too precious. Ordinary pharmacies don''t have any. Only the Lin and Xie families have it. Because it''s so valuable, they don''t normally keep it in their shops. Each family guards it in their own storehouses."


    "After the eleven great households of Biyang were executed and their assets confiscated, these most valuable things, ahem, I imagine..."


    "I had good intentions in telling the young master, seeing how anxious he was for his elder. I didn''t expect him to misunderstand and think I was deceiving him."


    Ye Suijin suddenly understood.


    When she killed off Biyang''s powerful households, all of their assets were confiscated.


    These were the spoils of war, and the best and most valuable things were naturally sent to her first.


    Although the shopkeeper was only guessing, Ye Suijin felt that he was probably eighty to ny percent right. The best ginseng was likely lying in the storehouse of her prefect''s residence right now.


    She turned and ordered, "Go back and ask at home. If we have it, bring it here quickly."


    She also asked He Lian Feiyu, "Which inn is your uncle staying at?"


    He Lian Feiyu told her, and Ye Suijin''s guards hurried off on their orders.


    He Lian Feiyu looked at her strangely.


    Ye Suijin asked, "What''s wrong?"


    He Lian Feiyu said, "Didn''t you say it was at the Prefect''s residence?"


    But you''re the Military Governor!


    Everyoneughed.


    The shopkeeper quickly exined to He Lian Feiyu, "Young Master, you don''t know this, but thisdy here is both our Prefect and Military Governor of Deng and Tang Prefectures."


    He Lian Feiyu was shocked.


    He was already surprised that a woman was the Military Governor, and didn''t expect that she was also the Prefect. Earlier he had been preupied with worry for his uncle, but now all those emotions came out.


    Ye Suijin smiled and asked, "You''vee all the way to Biyang, but didn''t know anything about this?"


    He Lian Feiyu said, "We only just arrived in Tang Prefecture when my uncle suddenly fell ill. It was very serious, the vige''s barefoot doctor couldn''t do anything, so he told us to find a big city. We hurried here to find a doctor and medicine, and had no time for anything else."


    "I see," said Ye Suijin with a nod. She stood up, "Let''s go see how your uncle is doing."


    Although surprised, given the situation, He Lian Feiyu hoped Ye Suijin would care more about his uncle.


    The others were puzzled, but didn''t dare ask why the Military Governor would want to go see this boy''s uncle.


    On the way there, Ye Suijin asked for details. He Lian Feiyu said this uncle was his paternal uncle. His uncle had raised him since he was little.


    This was why Ye Suijin found it even more strange.


    Because in her previous life, she had never heard of or seen this man called He Lian Xiang Yun.


    Never.


    Yet He Lian Feiyu said this was his uncle on his father''s side, who had raised him since childhood.


    It wasn''t hard to infer that He Lian Feiyu''s martial arts and military knowledge were taught by this man.


    Although He Lian Feiyu was reckless in the Great Mu Dynasty, he was still a fierce and heroic young general in Chu State.


    Ye Suijin had always liked him very much.


    Therefore, a man who could teach an outstanding general like He Lian Feiyu must have gone somewhere in their past life.


    They arrived at the guest room. Another servant was there caring for the patient. Though surprised, he moved aside as instructed.


    Ye Suijin went to the bedside and clearly saw the unconscious man lying there.


    This man had deeply chiseled brows and looked quite young.


    There was a scar on his face which many would consider disfiguring. But Ye Suijin had seen all kinds of scars on military men. She felt this one''s position, size and angle were just right, lending a touch of ferocity to his already masculine features.


    "How is your uncle addressed?" she asked He Lian Feiyu, scrutinizing the man with his aquiline nose and closed eyes.


    "Xiang Yun," He Lian Feiyu replied. "My uncle is called He Lian Xiang Yun."


    Ye Suijin nodded.


    She confirmed that in her previous life, she had never heard of or seen this man called He Lian Xiang Yun.


    Yet He Lian Feiyu said on the road this was his paternal uncle who had raised him since childhood.


    It wasn''t hard to deduce that He Lian Feiyu''s martial arts and military knowledge were taught by this man.


    Although reckless in the Great Mu Dynasty, He Lian Feiyu was still a fierce and heroic young general in Chu State.


    Ye Suijin had always liked him very much.


    Therefore, a man who could teach an outstanding general like He Lian Feiyu must have gone somewhere in their past life.


    Maybe this He Lian Xiang Yun had died here in Tang Prefecture in their previous life.


    Because precious and rare medicinal ingredients like five-hundred-year ginseng weren''t necessarily obtainable for money.


    Paying money for it was the least effective method.


    Even if He Lian Feiyu had money, the powerful households of Biyang might not sell it to him here.


    Then his uncle dies of illness here, and the youth continues south with a few servants, bing one of Chu State''s fierce and heroic generals?


    Ye Suijin felt very tempted.


    She immediately ordered Qiu Sheng, "Go invite Staff Yang here."


    Mr. Yang served as her army''s Staff Officer.


    She told He Lian Feiyu, "Our Staff Yang is quite skilled in traditional medicine, better than the regr doctors at pharmacies. I''ll have him examine your uncle again."


    They had just met by chance, yet she, a person of status, was helping him so readily.


    Much better than those fools in the capital.


    He Lian Feiyu was deeply moved.


    He lifted his robe to kneel before Ye Suijin. But Ye Suijin reached out to support him, smiling, "Young Master need not be so ceremonious."


    He Lian Feiyu was shocked¡ªYe Suijin had stopped him with one hand.


    The men of the He Lian family all naturally possessed great strength. He didn''t expect this woman to be no ordinary person either.


    Since they had to wait, they might as well chat.


    He Lian Feiyu was younger than Shi Lang, without his sophistication, and his curiosity showed inly on his face.


    Ye Suijin never imagined the bearded He Lian had such an adorable period.


    Youth is the best time after all.


    They turn out less wonderfully after growing up.


    Except for Duan Jin.


    She deliberately said, "I saw how fierce Young Master was, drawing his sword against the guards. Why so shy and hesitant now? Young Master, speak your mind directly."


    He Lian Feiyu flushed slightly and said, "I''m just curious. My lord is clearly ady, yet is also the Military Governor and Prefect?"


    "It''s very simple," Ye Suijin smiled, "because in these two prefectures, I''m the strongest."


    He Lian Feiyu froze for a moment, then pped his thigh and eximed, "So simple! How could I not think of that? I''m really stupid!"


    Ye Suijin took the chance to ask about their background: "Were you originally from the capital, or just passing through on your way here?"


    He Lian Xiang Yun had instructed him not to mention Fang Prefecture again. He Lian Feiyu only said, "My uncle and I traveled around the north for a while, didn''t find it interesting, so we wanted to go south to take a look. Who knew my uncle would suddenly fall ill."


    Based on the future and current circumstances, it was clear they were looking for someone to follow.


    Ye Suijin said, "The capital must have many first-rate characters."


    He Lian Feiyu tutted, "It''s just so-so."


    Ye Suijin asked again, "Did you catch a glimpse of His Majesty?"


    "Didn''t see him," He Lian Feiyu said. "The emperor is building the Imperial City. Lots of carts carrying bricks and lumber, messing up the stone-paved roads. The streets are covered in dust."


    It was only August now. They estimated being in the capital around early August or evente July.


    The capital must be scorching hot. Dry and hot, plus all the construction dust, tsk, this trip to the capital really wasn''t great.


    Ye Suijin chuckled softly, "It''s a bit early to build the Imperial City now."


    In Ye Suijin''s opinion, massive construction like this should wait until the realm was peaceful. There was still a long way to go.


    The emperor was a bit impatient.


    Or maybe it was because he was old. Old people always feel time is scarce, afraid they can''t finish things. It was understandable.


    He Lian Feiyu pped his thigh, "That''s what my uncle said too!"


    Ye Suijin''s brows rose slightly.


    She was even more interested in this unconscious uncle.


    The imperial guard came back quickly.


    Indeed, there was 500-year-old ginseng in the manor. The guard took it out with Ye Suijin''s token and brought it to the inn, delivering it into Ye Suijin''s hands.


    Ye Suijin held the brocade box and caressed it, sighing deeply, "This was meant to save my life."


    She solemnly handed the box to He Lian Feiyu, "But I admire the young hero. Your martial arts skill is formidable. Since your uncle needs it, take it quickly!"


    She moved He Lian Feiyu again.


    Mr. Yang arrived too.


    Ye Suijin said, "A patient here. Doctor, please take his pulse first before we talk."


    Mr. Yang didn''t ask further and went inside.


    Shortly after, he came out and took the prescription from He Lian Feiyu to look at, nodding in approval, "No issues, brewing medicine ording to this will work. Let me apply acupuncture to see if he''ll wake up."


    He Lian Feiyu already trusted Ye Suijin, so he naturally trusted the person she specially invited too.


    Although this man knew medicine, he was actually an official in the big city. To rush over eagerly to diagnose his uncle''s illness moved and convinced him even more.


    He lifted his robe about to kneel again, but Ye Suijin stopped him once more.


    Mr. Yang then went in to administer acupuncture on the patient. Ye Suijin sat outside while He Lian Feiyu fidgeted anxiously.


    Ye Suijin said, "Don''t mind me, go in and see."


    He Lian Feiyu apologized and hurried in.


    After a while, excited voices rang out from inside, "He''s awake, he''s awake! He opened his eyes!"


    Then He Lian Feiyu''s urgent voice calling "Uncle" repeatedly, choked with sobs.


    The future ferocious general of Chu was still an anxious youth, frightened that he might lose a loved one.


    Mr. Yang came out, "He should be out of mortal danger. Let''s see how the medicine works."


    He smiled, "The young master seems badly frightened and cried."


    Ye Suijin stood up, "Alright, let''s go back."


    Leaving the inn, Ye Suijin ordered Qiu Sheng, "Have people keep watch here, don''t let them escape."


    Qiu Sheng acknowledged the order.


    Mr. Yang raised his brows.


    Ye Suijin said, "The boy has exceptional martial arts, going around with his uncle looking for support. Now that he''s here with me, how can I let him leave?"


    Heaven delivered him right to her doorstep.


    To not take what heaven gave, she''d surely be cursed.


    With He Lian Feiyu falling into her hands, it''d be a total waste of her rebirth if she didn''t intercept him halfway.

 Chapter 104

    Getting sick ispletely beyond control.


    Strong and healthy people may be exempt from minor illnesses, but some diseases will render your strength and health useless.


    When He Lian Xiang Yun woke up, he saw his nephew He Lian Feiyu hugging him and crying.


    His mind was still groggy, but he understood to some extent that he was very ill.


    He was too weak to even speak properly.


    Seeing him wake up made He Lian Feiyu cry with tears and snot.


    When he was about to kowtow to Ye Suijin again, he realized Ye Suijin and Yang Sima had already left.


    So he tidied himself and went away.


    What a kind person!


    With such precious five hundred year old ginseng, the medicinal soup would surely be effective.


    Three dayster, He Lian Xiang Yun was already able to sit up and speak clearly.


    He called He Lian Feiyu to his bedside and asked what happened while he was unconscious, starting from when he lost consciousness.


    This included Ye Suijin and the precious five hundred year old ginseng root she used to save his life.


    "This was a life-saving favor," he said. "Even if others have five hundred year old ginseng, they wouldn''t take it out."


    Because those who could possess such valuable medicine would notck money.


    Money is easy to obtain, but rare medicine is hard to find. Which is lighter, which is heavier, it''s obvious at a nce.


    He Lian Xiang Yun said, "So why did she do this for us? What makes us deserve this?"


    He Lian Feiyu was surprised that after recovering, his uncle would immediately doubt the great kindness of Prefect Ye.


    He quickly said, "Prefect Ye kept praising my martial arts skill. She must want to recruit me."


    Thinking this way cheered him up tremendously.


    Of course He Lian Xiang Yun could not directly crush his nephew''s confidence.


    That would be too devastating to the boy''s growth.


    He Lian Xiang Yun could only nod his head, and asked again, "Did we pay any money?"


    "No," He Lian Feiyu said. "That day they left silently. Then I thought since you woke up, it''d be best for you to handle this. You''re stronger than me. I also don''t know how much we should pay. Is paying double the price of three hundred year old ginseng okay?"


    He Lian Xiang Yun said, "Bring me the money box."


    He Lian Feiyu did as told and carried over the money box.


    He Lian Xiang Yun opened it, looked inside, and gathered all the gold pieces together: "Give them everything."


    He Lian Feiyu was shocked: "So much?"


    He Lian Xiang Yun said, "For things like this, it''s not double the years, after a certain age it bes priceless."


    "Since it was something she kept hidden away to save her life, how could this be enough," he said. "But we also can''t not give it just because it''s not enough. Of course we give as much as we have."


    He Lian Feiyu said, "You''re right."


    His uncle''s life was also priceless. They should indeed give back.


    He Lian Xiang Yun said, "Tell me more about her, starting from the medicine shop entrance."


    He Lian Feiyu''s spirit was invigorated. He sat up straight and gave his uncle the details: "So there I was babbling away while those military officials cowered, but I was also anxious. Uncle, you were still at the inn waiting to be saved. How could I let them catch me? What if they imprisoned me, what would we do? Just then, Prefect Ye suddenly shouted ''Stop!''"


    He Lian Xiang Yun listened very carefully, asking questions from time to time, probing for details.


    Like Prefect Ye''s expression, tone, choice of words. He didn''t want He Lian Feiyu''s embellished version, he just wanted to know Prefect Ye''s original words.


    When He Lian Feiyu finished, he closed his eyes: "Bring me a razor to trim my face."


    Their family had assimted for generations, mixed Han and Hu bloodlines, even more Han than Hu now. He Lian Feiyu looked no different from a Han person. He Lian Xiang Yun''s features were much sharper.


    But both their beards grew quickly. He Lian Xiang Yun currently had a scruffy beard.


    Using the time the servant shaved his face, He Lian Xiang Yun rested with eyes closed.


    His body was still very weak,pletely without strength, limbs all soft.


    Just moving a little caused him to sweat profusely.


    After grooming his face and washing up clean, he looked tidy without betraying his weakness outwardly.


    He told He Lian Feiyu, "Come with me to the Prefectural Administration."


    He Lian Feiyu was ted to see the great kindness Prefect Ye again and readily agreed, "Yes, we should go thank her in person."


    But after going downstairs, He Lian Xiang Yun knew he definitely couldn''t ride a horse with his weak legs.


    In the end, they hailed a carriage from the street. He Lian Xiang Yun sat in the carriage, He Lian Feiyu and the servant rode horses, and together they headed to the Prefectural Administration.


    Duan Jin felt really different after being freed.


    Very strange.


    Invisible, but he truly felt something restricting him hade undone. Yet previously, he wasn''t even aware of its existence.


    The Qin Steward apanied him personally. Although it was just across the street to the Biyang County Administration.


    When they went, Yuan Ling was not at the front of the county administration. He said he was packing to go to Deng Prefecture. The final seal was stamped by the county magistrate, who smiled and congratted him.


    The Qin Steward also smiled.


    "You''re a free citizen now," he said. "Young Sir Duan, nothing is impossible for you now."


    Perhaps it was the steward''s words that resonated deeply, giving him the feeling of "being different from now on".


    When he saw Ye Suijin again, she asked, "How do you feel?"


    Duan Jin thought for a moment and said, "Weird."


    Ye Suijin smiled.


    "From now on, you''re my Chief Cavalry General," she said.


    Duan Jin also smiled, invigorated as he acknowledged: "If I can''t do it, Mistress can beat me."


    Ye Suijin said, "Still calling me Mistress?"


    Duan Jin took a breath: "My Lord."


    Ye Suijin nodded slightly with a smile.


    Those mncholy feelings were long gone. This life would be different.


    No one could ridicule Duan Jin as an eternal ve anymore.


    That day when the servant announced the He uncle and nephew were visiting, he was in the study. He asked, "Who are these people?"


    Ye Suijin said, "A good prospect, no less than you."


    Duan Jin immediately became very rmed.


    Ye Suijin said, "Have theme to the side hall for tea."


    Of course she valued He Lian Feiyu more in her heart. But for now, the He uncle and nephew were justmoners, indeed not qualified for the main hall yet. To recruit them too overtly could raise suspicion.


    It was best to do it naturally.


    If that didn''t work, she could obligate them with kindness. In any case, He Lian Feiyu could not fall into other factions.


    When she arrived at the side hall, He Lian Feiyu jumped up from his chair at the sight of her and happily eximed, "Prefect Ye! My uncle is so much better now!"


    "Feiyu, don''t be rude," He Lian Xiang Yun chided.


    He Lian Feiyu quickly bowed: "Greetings, my lord. Please pardon this little one''s impropriety."


    Ye Suijinughed, "It''s understandable to be excited when nearly losing then regaining a loved one. Don''t worry about it."


    As she spoke, her gaze fell upon the man before her.


    Compared to the sickly, unkempt patient with closed eyes that day, this man called He Lian Xiang Yun looked much better now. His clothing was simple yet neat and clean, giving afortable impression.


    The man also looked back at her. Ye Suijin met a pair of bright eyes, with depth umted from age and experience.


    He Lian Xiang Yun had heard He Lian Feiyu say "Prefect Ye is so handsome". Yet he hadn''t imagined Ye Suijin to be such a dazzling beauty.


    But as he met the young woman''s gaze, her eyes seemed like a deep pond that left him unable to gauge its depths.


    Of course, if just anyone could easily gauge her depths, how could she ovee the great weakness of being "a daughter" to be Prefect and Commissioner of two prefectures, controlling thousands of elite troops?


    People who reached this position definitely didn''t have simple minds.


    Only a child like He Lian Feiyu would naively believe "Prefect Ye thought I was worth that five hundred year old ginseng".


    There was definitely something off about this matter. He could sense some kind of discordance, though He Lian Xiang Yun couldn''t pinpoint the reason.


    Because Ye Suijin was in high position while they just met by chance, what could she want from twomoners like them?


    Moreover, putting aside these suspicions, her life-saving grace was undoubtedly genuine.


    "This He Lian Xiang Yun humblyes to thank Prefect Ye''s life-saving kindness," he bowed deeply.


    He Lian Feiyu quickly followed with a deep bow.


    If not for Ye Suijin, he would''ve be an orphan. This gratitude truly came from his heart.


    He almost cried.


    Hearing He Lian Xiang Yun call his name, he stepped forward and presented the box in his hands to Ye Suijin.


    Duan Jin epted it and opened the lid. Golden light shed.


    Ye Suijin raised her brows and looked to He Lian Xiang Yun.


    He Lian Xiang Yun said, "Sir, your gift to me is priceless. Your great kindness is beyond words. I can only keep it engraved in my heart. This is all my nephew and I have. It''s far from enough, but just a little something to show our sincerity. I hope you won''t look down on it."


    Ye Suijin closed the box and pushed it back. "No matter how valuable, it''s not as precious as the lives of your loved ones."


    He Lian Feiyu puffed out his chest.


    Ye Suijin smiled at him. He really likes to show off. Howe he was like a dead fish around Zhao Jingwen, not striving for advancement at all, just waiting around to die?


    Could he really be so loyal to his former master? But he didn''t seem that way back then.


    She praised He Lian Feiyu''s performance at the time, saying, "You have both skill and filial piety, even at such a young age. You will surely be a talented person in the future."


    "I cherish young master He Lian. That''s why I want to give you this treasure ginseng I had tucked away. Take back the vulgar gold and silver. Let''s not speak of it anymore."


    He Lian Feiyu''s chest puffed out even more.


    Duan Jin nced at him.


    He''s just a child after all. Younger than Shi Lang, older than Ming Jie.


    But still a child.


    It''s over, He Lian Xiang Yun thought.


    No one knows his own child''s level better than He Lian Xiang Yun. It''s true, he''s very good, much better than other people''s children.


    But really, he can''t bepared to the five hundred year old life-saving ginseng tucked away in storage.


    Because for everyone, their own life is more precious than others'' lives.


    He looked up at Ye Suijin again.


    There was a familiar aura about this woman. Sharp, steady, crafty.


    Thest point was a bit surprising to see in such a young woman.


    He could actually feel that something was off about the whole thing, but he couldn''t find a motive for Ye Suijin to plot against them.


    Ye Suijin had no motive.


    If there was no motive, then looking just at her actions, it really was as He Lian Feiyu praised - generous, a good judge of character, courteous to worthy people.


    He Lian Xiang Yun was confused.


    Could it really be so simple?


    But He Lian Xiang Yun was never a sentimental or pretentious person.


    If Ye Suijin didn''t want to take gold and silver then she wouldn''t take it.


    He said, "Madam is exceptionally magnanimous, beyond most people. For this great kindness, we must repay it. My nephew and I have no treasures, just a bit of humble ability. In the future if madam has any orders, my nephew and I will serve unto death without hesitation."


    Ye Suijin raised her eyelids.


    This uncle is not as easy to satisfy as little He Lian Feiyu.


    She had already demonstrated such generosity, it could be considered exchanging thousands in gold to buy their lives. Yet he didn''t even shed a tear of gratitude, vowing uncle and nephew would serve her for generations to repay the life-saving grace!

 Chapter 105

    Grown men are really not adorable at all.


    Ye Suijin sat upright and asked He Lian Xiang Yun sternly, "Lord He Lian, you''ve seen the capital city before. Do you think Tang Prefecture is too small inparison?"


    He Lian Xiang Yun replied, "As I''ve been sick, I haven''t had the chance to take a close look at Tang Prefecture yet. But from the inn to here just now, though it wasn''t a long journey, I could still see Tang Prefecture is prosperous, and you govern it effectively."


    Ye Suijin asked, "Does Lord He Lian not want to take a longer look around Tang Prefecture?"


    "I will. It''s just that my nephew is still young without much experience. I want to take him to see more ces. After seeing the capital city and Tang Prefecture, I also want him to experience the South." He Lian Xiang Yun said.


    This man is so strange. What exactly does he have against Tang Prefecture? Such a life-saving favor, yet he is so reluctant to lower his head?


    Ye Suijin thought for a while, then directly said, "Let''s stop beating around the bush. Tang Prefecture was just established, and I''m sincerely seeking talents. Young hero Lord He Lian is a rare find, and I do like him and hope to keep him by my side. I can tell Lord He Lian doesn''t dislike Tang Prefecture, could it be because I''m a woman? Or does Lord He Lian already have someone in mind that he must go to?"


    Anyone with eyes can see Tang Prefecture''s prosperity.


    The He uncles and nephew looking for someone to rely on would naturally want to find somewhere stable.


    What exactly can''t he ept about her? Was it that she''s a woman? Or what?


    He Lian Feiyu was anxious. He looked at Ye Suijin, then at his uncle.


    He badly wanted to give his uncle a punch but didn''t dare to.


    But He Lian Xiang Yun stood up and bowed, "Mydy must not belittle yourself. Mydy being able to hold this position and make your domain prosperous is enough to demonstrate mydy''s talents. This has nothing to do with mydy being a man or woman."


    "It''s just that I originally thought..." As he spoke, his face suddenly turned pale. His body swayed and he grabbed the chair armrest to stand firm.


    He Lian Feiyu cried out, "Uncle!"


    And reached out to support him.


    Look, even Heaven can''t stand to watch anymore and is rejecting his refusal to stay.


    Ye Suijin immediately happily said, "Lord He Lian is unwell. Quickly help Lord He Lian go rest. Someonee! Go invite Master Yang!"


    In a moment the hall was in chaos.


    Cold sweat kept appearing on He Lian Xiang Yun.


    Already not recovered, he had forced himself. Now he really couldn''t hold on.


    Since he was tall, ordinary people couldn''t support him. Duan Jin personally went over, and together with He Lian Feiyu, one on each side, they escorted him to the guest room.


    Master Yang came over to take his pulse and administer acupuncture, saying, "Much better than a few days ago, but illnesses like andslide and leaves like pulling thread. He needs to recuperate."


    What a relief.


    Ye Suijin said to He Lian Feiyu, "It''s like this now, stop making trouble. I''ll send people to the inn to bring all of your family''s luggage here. Just stay here and recuperate first."


    He Lian Feiyu wanted to decline, but Ye Suijin said, "A grown man shouldn''t be shy and equivocal. What could be more important than your uncle''s health? My side hasplete medicinal ingredients and good doctors, much better than staying at an inn."


    As a grown man, how could He Lian Feiyu let others think he was shy and not bold and unconstrained?


    Moreover, this was said by Ye, who admired him so much.


    He Lian Feiyu immediately said, "Then I''ll impose on you!"


    Ye Suijin smiled and said, "Don''t take it to heart."


    Remember this favor deeply. You owe me greatly. Don''t be like your uncle, insensitive.


    She immediately made arrangements, sending her personal troops and He Lian''s servants to the inn.


    After sending off Ye Suijin, He Lian Feiyu quickly returned to the room.


    He Lian Xiang Yun was lying down resting.


    He Lian Feiyu sat by the bed without making a sound.


    After a while, He Lian Xiang Yun opened his eyes and looked at him, "Why are you angry?"


    When they, uncle and nephew, left Fang Prefecture, they wrapped up their faces and traveled north through Jun Prefecture, taking a detour through Hedong Circuit and went to the capital city.


    The capital city wasn''t as good as imagined, but still, it was the capital city after all.


    Learning civil and military skills to sell one''s talents to the imperial n was the proper path.


    But with their bare hands, they couldn''t possibly get close to the Emperor.


    Before getting acquainted with Pei Ze, He Lian Xiang Yun already knew the Princess''s son-inw was someone extraordinary. Now he''s be the Princess Consort''s husband. He Lian Xiang Yun intended to rely on him.


    Who knew the Princess was used to taking money and also had greedy eyes.


    He Lian Xiang Yun wore in clothes and was also travel-worn. So he was looked down upon at the gates and even asked to pay a "notification fee."


    He Lian Xiang Yun didn''t say anything and directly left.


    After inquiring about the other imperial sons, he didn''t look favorably on them either.


    A first-rate character like Pei Ze was hard toe by.


    So He Lian Xiang Yun decided to go south to take a look at the Military Governor of Wuan, who was also an extraordinary person.


    But who knew, right after entering Tang Prefecture, he fell ill and nearly died in a strangend.


    He Lian Feiyu was angry, "Ye is such a good person, not at all arrogant like the Princess. She gave us such a precious veteran for free. Yet you spoke like that."


    Making him, He Lian Feiyu, seem extremely ungrateful and unaware of favors.


    He wasn''t that sort of ungrateful wretch!


    He Lian Xiang Yun asked, "Do you want to stay?"


    He Lian Feiyu said, "The South doesn''t necessarily have to be better than here. Who knows if we''ll encounter the Capital City people''s attitude again."


    Nothingpared to Ye. With her discerning eyes, she could recognize talents from a thousand miles away.


    He Lian Xiang Yun said, "Ye''s breadth of mind, bearing, and skill are all top-notch. How could I look down on her?"


    He Lian Feiyu said, "Then why are you so unwilling to stay?"


    Nephew was still a child. So there were some things He Lian Xiang Yun didn''t tell him in detail before.


    He told him, "Zhao Jingwen from Taiyuan, passed through Deng Prefecture. He was loyal to the Ye family of Deng Prefecture."


    This was the first time He Lian Feiyu knew. He only knew of the name "Zhao Jingwen" before and hadn''t even seen the person.


    He was astonished.


    Because from what he had learned these past few days, Tang Prefecture and Deng Prefecture were Ye Suijin''s territory, and she was also surnamed Ye.


    So that person surnamed Zhao was previously her subordinate?


    "The situation in Fang Prefecture is unknown." He Lian Xiang Yun said.


    If Zhao Jingwen could really marry Pei Lian, he might directly jump from Deng Prefecture to Fang Prefecture and solely serve Pei Ze in the future.


    But better than this would be not leaving Deng Prefecture, and relying on his own ability to coordinate and connect the two families. If he had the capability to achieve this, the personal benefits he could obtain would be far greater than just serving one family.


    Although He Lian Xiang Yun''s interactions with Zhao Jingwen were brief, he intuitively felt that was an intelligent person.


    He would choose thetter.


    He originally thought nephew was still young and there was no need to tell him everything. Never expected he nearly died himself.


    He no longer had that feeling anymore.


    At this moment, he deeply empathized with Pei Ze. No wonder he raised Pei Dingxi to be so mature.


    So he told his nephew everything he hadn''t said before.


    He Lian Feiyu never expected this to be the case.


    He hesitated. Because he was sincerely inclined towards Ye Suijin, feeling that although she was a woman, her insight was outstanding and she was an unparalleled talent scout of the times.


    She was also generous and esteemed talents, far from being as greedy as the Capital City''s Princess.


    She loved him, and he also loved her.


    A wise lord and brilliant general, reciprocated feelings, in storybooks that would be a magnificent epic, leaving behind an eternal legend.


    He said, "I don''t know what that Zhao''s situation is in Deng Prefecture. I''ll go find out!"


    Speaking, he had already scurried out, calling the servants toe tend to his uncle.


    He Lian Xiang Yun simply had no time to stop him.


    Oh well. Let him go ask.


    Duan Jin said to Ye Suijin, "You can''t judge a person by their appearance. He looks like a big fellow, very martial, yet so weak like this. He''s really a soft-legged shrimp."


    Ye Suijin scolded him, "He''s sick."


    Duan Jin: "Tsk."


    He''s sick and asking others for help, yet still acting so arrogantly.


    Other than Pei Ze, this was the first time he saw Ye Suijin so eagerly want to bring someone into hermand.


    Although he didn''t see what was so attractive about the brat that drew Ye Suijin''s attention, his uncle was still too unaware of favors.


    Ye Suijin was speaking when Qiu Sheng''s face suddenly took on a strange look as he came to report: "That young He Lian has been asking around about Zhao Jingwen."


    The study fell silent.


    Zhao Jingwen was someone they had all tacitly agreed not to mention.


    Of course they didn''tpletely avoid talking about him. In private, they would certainly have in-depth discussions about the rtionship between Zhao Jingwen, the eldest daughter of the Pei family, and our own military governor.


    And about how the Ye family and Pei family had somehow transformed into inws, and not just in name - they truly relied on and trusted each other, as if they were one family. This was quite a marvel.


    But that was all in private. In public, they would only mention the Pei family, Lord Pei, General Yan, and so on.


    Zhao Jingwen? Who''s Zhao Jingwen? Don''t remember him.


    Picking their ears.


    Duan Jin and Ye Suijin exchanged surprised looks.


    Especially Ye Suijin - she couldn''t imagine how the He Lian uncle and nephew could be connected to Zhao Jingwen. Her mind raced back to her previous life, when He Lian Feiyu, using the alias He Yu, had ignored Zhao Jingwen''s overtures...


    She said, "Please ask the young lord toe speak with us."


    He Lian Feiyu was puzzled why everyone had such strange reactions when he mentioned Zhao Jingwen.


    They were all hesitant to speak, nudging each other with their elbows.


    Before he could get to the bottom of it, Ye Suijin had sent someone to summon him.


    Meeting face to face, Ye Suijin got right to the point and asked him, "How do you know Zhao Jingwen?"


    He Lian Feiyu hesitated for a moment.


    Ye Suijin raised her eyebrows.


    Having epted their kindness, it would seem insincere not to say anything. So He Lian Feiyu exined, "We were in Fang Prefecture before. My uncle had met Zhao Jingwen, and heard he was from the Ye family of Deng Prefecture. So we wanted to ask about him."


    What?


    Ye Suijin and Duan Jin were even more surprised.


    Duan Jin asked, "Fang Prefecture? Do you know Lord Pei? Young Lord Dingxi? Yan Lingzhi? Sun Guangtong? Deng Chonghui?"


    Hearing him rattle off so many familiar names, He Lian Feiyu was shocked. "You all know them?"


    After going around the Capital and Hedong, he really missed everyone from Fang Prefecture, so he asked, "How are things in Fang Prefecture? Is everyone well?"


    His concern was evident.


    Ye Suijin said, "We know Zhao Jingwen. He is now Lord Pei''s son-inw, Young Lord Dingxi''s brother-inw."


    He Lian Feiyu: "Humph."


    Ye Suijin and Duan Jin exchanged nces, realizing there was surely more to the story.


    Ye Suijin thought for a moment, then said with a smile, "Let me be frank. He was once my husband, but he abandoned me and married the eldest daughter of the Pei family instead. Since you''re from Fang Prefecture, why are you unconcerned about others and only asking about him?"


    He Lian Feiyu was thunderstruck.


    "That Zhao..." He gaped in shock. "He..."


    He had never seen Zhao Jingwen, and his uncle didn''t allow him to inquire or discuss much, so he didn''t know what kind of man he was.


    But he was familiar with Pei Lian!


    That Zhao...was he out of his mind?!!

 Chapter 106

    Ye Suijin''s mood wasplicated.


    Children are easy to coax. Pei Ze''s side was focused on military affairs, and there was not much internal friction in the past. He Lian Feiyu grew up in a very simple environment these years and was easy to coax.


    In just a few words, Ye Suijin got him to tell her all about the background of uncle and nephew.


    He Lian Xiang Yun, Pei Lian''s fianc¨¦?


    Even Ye Suijin, a reborn person, was shocked.


    In her previous life, she had never heard of him. No one had ever mentioned that Pei Lian had a fianc¨¦ before Zhao Jingwen. It was as if He Lian Xiang Yun had never existed in the previous life.


    After thinking about it carefully, there was only one possibility¡ª


    This poor fellow probably really died a lonely death in a foreignnd.


    Then the teenage He Lian Feiyu continued southward, wandering around, and eventually entered the service of someone in Chu, gradually growing into a valiant general.


    Thinking this way, all the inconsistencies about the bearded He Yu in the previous life seemed to make sense.


    But in this life, they met Ye Suijin, and He Lian Xiang Yun did not die.


    Ye Suijin''s mood was extremelyplicated.


    Because, yes, she really loved Pei Ze very much.


    In terms of marching and siege warfare, she admitted that Pei Ze was a first-rate figure.


    But Pei Ze''s taste in son-inw was really terrible!


    He Lian Xiang Yun was the son-inw he had looked upon, which resulted in Ye Suijin''s current impression of He Lian Xiang Yun bing... veryplicated.


    Trying her best to dispel this prejudice from her mind, she asked, "Your martial arts and military skills, did you learn them from the Pei family, or...?"


    "The Pei family does not raise useless people." He Lian Feiyu puffed out his chest, "It was all taught by my uncle. My uncle was taught by my father. My grandfather died early."


    Ye Suijin deliberately said, "Your uncle must be a very considerate man, so Master Pei entrusted his beloved daughter to him?"


    He Lian Feiyu scratched his head. He really couldn''t say yes from his heart, so he told the truth, "That''s not the case. The main reason why Master Pei looked upon my uncle was because my uncle could fight."


    He said, "Uncle Yan, Uncle Sun, Uncle Deng and the others, Master Pei''s adopted sons, were led by my uncle."


    Afraid that Ye Suijin wouldn''t understand, he deliberately exined, "In our army, we don''t distinguish by age. The one with the toughest fist and the greatest military exploit has the say."


    Ye Suijin''s eyes lit up.


    Although she looked down on Pei Ze''s taste in son-inw, she really believed in Pei Ze''s ability to lead generals.


    Being able to be an adopted son already proved He Lian Xiang Yun''s ability. Being able to be the leader of the adopted sons, and then being selected as the son-inw, it can be seen that this He Lian Xiang Yun, who was unknown in the previous life, would not be worse than Yan Lingzhi, only better than Yan Lingzhi.


    What level was Yan Lingzhi?


    On Ye Suijin''s side, only Sang could hold his own against him now.


    Duan Jin was still young and his rank was still low. Although he was appreciated by everyone, Ye Suijin hadn''t let him lead troops independently yet.


    He Lian Xiang Yun looked like a soft-legged shrimp, so weak that he couldn''t walk. Unexpectedly, unexpectedly.


    She had only looked favorably on the younger one, thinking the older one was just a figurehead. Unexpectedly, unexpectedly.


    What a profitable deal this was.


    After lying down for a while, He Lian Xiang Yun did not wait for He Lian Feiyu toe back, but felt that his strength had recovered somewhat.


    He called for a servant to bring a towel and wiped away the cold sweat on his body.


    Just as he had put on his clothes, he heard that Ye Suijin had arrived. He tidied up his cor and said, "Please invite her in quickly."


    Ye Suijin came in and saw that he was trying to get up leaning against the head of the bed. She quickly walked over, "Master He Lian, don''t move, your healthes first."


    He Lian Xiang Yun was also helpless.


    No one wanted to meet dignitaries in such a weak state, but there was no other way since this happened. If it wasn''t for Ye Suijin, he might have perished by now.


    Having lived two lifetimes, Ye Suijin understood that in fact, many things in the world that go around in circles meaninglessly are often pointless.


    Maybe straightforwardness is better.


    So she went straight to the point, "Feiyu is inquiring about Zhao Jingwen in the mansion."


    He Lian Xiang Yun looked up.


    Sure enough.


    Ye Suijin said, "Zhao Jingwen has married the eldest daughter of the Pei family. He is now the son-inw of Master Pei, and brother-inw to Young Master Dingxi. He has also joined the ranks of generals by military exploits."


    She deliberately mentioned "by military exploits" to show that the Zhao Jingwen from Taiyuan indeed had talent.


    He Lian Xiang Yun nodded calmly.


    Ye Suijin said, "He is my husband."


    He Lian Xiang Yun: "..."


    The room was quiet for a moment.


    He Lian Xiang Yun slowly looked up.


    Did he mishear something just now?


    Perhaps his expression was too obvious. Without even having to ask, Ye Suijin repeated it a second time: "He is my husband."


    "Before he married the eldest daughter of Master Pei, no, when he married the eldest daughter of Master Pei, he was still my husband." She said, "He married into my family three years ago."


    "Someone came back to report that he remarried behind my back. After I found out, I was furious and brought people to kill him in Fangzhou. Unexpectedly, I met Master Pei there."


    "Master Pei is a first-rate figure."


    "I loved him very much and was willing to form an alliance of mutual assistance with him."


    "Since the wife of Master Pei liked this son-inw of mine, I provided a written annulment and gave Zhao Jingwen to her."


    "After that, Master Pei and I jointly dispatched troops to Junzhou. We divided Junzhou in half, each taking one half."


    "Ling Zhi, Chonghui, Guangtong and I are all very familiar with each other."


    "In the few months we were busy working in Junzhou, you were probably moving around Hedong and the capital. You must not have known about these situations. Now I have caught you up on everything. Feel free to ask if there is anything else you want to know."


    This information was also all told to He Lian Feiyu earlier. That boy still hasn''t recovered from the shock.


    However, He Lian Xiang Yun lowered his eyes.


    Seniors are different after all.


    Although Ye Suijin''s body was young, in her heart, she put Sang, Duan Jin and them together with He Lian Feiyu. As for herself, she needed to raise herself up a level.


    She was a senior, a family elder.


    The head of the family.


    He Lian Xiang Yun''s first question was, "Is Dingxi okay?"


    Ye Suijin stared at him.


    He also stared at Ye Suijin.


    At this moment, these two people who were not familiar with each other could understand one another.


    "Master Pei is indeed a good friend who helps me." Ye Suijin said, "I warned Zhao Jingwen that I want to see Pei Dingxi grow up safely."


    "Pei Dingxi''s lifespan determines the length of his lifespan." She promised.


    Fangzhou was already in the past. But Pei Dingxi and He Lian Xiang Yun had always had a very good rtionship. Although they had no fate to be inws, they still had the bond of being half-teacher and pupil, as well as the affection built up from having expectations of each other.


    It would gradually fade away in the future, of course, but at least for now, He Lian Xiang Yun still cherished this sentiment.


    He nodded, and asked the second question, "What status does Zhao Jingwen still have under you?"


    "None. I have already given the written annulment to Master Pei. Zhao Jingwen and I arepletely severed. From now on he is only the son-inw of Master Pei, not anyone from the Ye family or anyone from Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture."


    "Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture have no ce for him. I have cut off his way back."


    She said, "But he is a capable person. He will gradually rece your position over time. Given enough time, even though Master Pei was angry for a time because of his secret marriage, I believe he still has the ability to get Master Pei to ept him."


    "Dingxi is too young, there''s nothing the elders can do." He Lian said, "It reached that point, there was no other choice."


    "You are a first-rate figure." He affirmed.


    Ye Suijin nodded happily, "That''s right."


    He Lian grabbed the bed frame to support himself as he stood up.


    Ye Suijin did not move, only watching.


    He Lian stood up, breathing heavily.


    After regting his breathing, he knelt down on one knee.


    Swearing allegiance did not require such a big ceremony, and the other party was not an elder either.


    The purpose of this kneel was gratitude.


    "The life-saving grace is beyond repayment." He Lian Xiang Yun said, "If you don''t despise us, the uncle and nephew He Lian, we are willing to serve under you."


    Ye Suijin felt extremelyfortable in body and mind.


    There were many kinds of happiness in life.


    Changing one''s own destiny and that of others was something no beautiful silken robes couldpare to.


    Such happiness wasparable to a night of passion.


    Even more intoxicating.


    Ye Suijin reached out her hand to He Lian Xiang Yun.


    He Lian Xiang Yun stared at her hand.


    It looked much better than a man''s hand.


    He reached out and held Ye Suijin''s hand, feeling her strength, and understood the first thing she wanted him to understand¡ªdon''t think about her identity as a woman.


    There was no need for those avoidances, useless and redundant considerations.


    Just treating her as the person he swore allegiance to was enough.


    Ye Suijin pulled him up.


    "From now on, we are family." She said, "Tang Prefecture is stable now. I''ll bring Feiyu first. Just focus on recovering."


    Today the surrounding prefectures andmanderies have all heard that Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture have surrendered to Emperor Jin of Jin. They are now part of Jin.


    Attacking Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture again would be provoking Great Jin.


    So now Ye Suijin can rest easy and focus on training troops and building ships.


    When Ye Suijin left, He Lian Feiyu came in, both still a bit distracted.


    "Uncle, is it true what Lady Ye said, that we''ll be following her from now on?" he asked.


    He Lian Xiang Yun hadin down again, resting against the headboard. "Yes," he said.


    He Lian Feiyu scratched his head in confusion. "Uncle, do you know about the rtionship between Lady Ye and Zhao Jingwen?"


    Oh heavens, oh fathers, it''s more dramatic than a storybook!


    It''s too shocking, he can''t even pull it out. He feels there is so much to analyze here, He Lian Feiyu urgently needs to find someone to pour out hisplex emotions and feelings to, and hopes someone can discuss deeply with him the love triangle here.


    No, wrong, with his uncle added in, it''s a love square now.


    He Lian Xiang Yun opened his eyes.


    "Underestimated him," he said. "Zhao Jingwen of Taiyuan."


    He had thought Zhao Jingwen was just a general under Lady Ye''smand in Deng Prefecture. His guess had been that Zhao mediated between the two families and benefited from both.


    If he could do that, it would still be fair and aboveboard. You could only say the man was clever and capable.


    But now that he turned out to be Ye Suijin''s husband, it changed everything.


    It was rather worth examining closely.


    It seems Ye Suijin also knew what she was doing.


    Why else would she warn Zhao Jingwen?


    He Lian Feiyu wed at his heart anxiously. "How could he give up Lady Ye! What was he thinking?"


    But He Lian Xiang Yun said, "Who said he gave up Lady Ye?"


    He Lian Feiyu: "Huh?"


    "He just thought he was very clever," He Lian Xiang Yun said. "I expect he never thought about giving up Lady Ye at all."


    He Lian Feiyu: "Huh? But..."


    "Just capsized the boat, that''s all," He Lian Xiang Yun tugged his mouth. "Because Lady Ye is even more clever than him."


    This is what a top-notch character is like!

 Chapter 107

    Duan Jin told Tang Mingjie: ¡°There are new people in the mansion. An old one, and a young one. The young one is about your age.¡±


    There were no children in the mansion close to Tang Mingjie''s age and status. There was only Twelfth Sister, but she was a girl.


    The newly arrived He Lian Feiyu was fourteen years old, two years younger than Duan Tenth Son, and exactly two years older than Tang Mingjie.


    Tang Mingjie didn''t need to speak, just looked at Duan Jin with his eyes, as if asking "What kind of people?"


    Duan Jin was helpless.


    He and Twelfth Sister were too much on the same page about this. He barked: "Use your mouth to speak!"


    Tang Mingjie asked: "What kind of people?"


    "An uncle and nephew pair." As for thoseplicated rtionships, Duan Jin skipped over them, no need to tell the child, he only said, "The uncle is a soft-boned shrimp. I heard from Qiu Sheng that the nephew is decent." He continued, "We''ll have you cross hands with himter, just right to let us see."


    Duan Tenth Son had been on the battlefield before, he deeply felt that he was an adult, looking down on He Lian Feiyu through his nostrils, seeing him as a child.


    Of course adults could not bully children. They could only let children y with other children.


    Of course everyone wanted to try out the new person''s skills.


    It was just that the older one was sick, so of course they had to try the younger one.


    When Duan Jin suggested Tang Mingjie cross hands with He Lian Feiyu, Ye Suijin had already anticipated the oue. But with a new person joining them, this point was unavoidable.


    She pulled He Lian Feiyu aside and told him, "This is my adopted son, he has a rough life story, and was only rescued at the end ofst year."


    She told him about Tang Mingjie''s circumstances, and also said, "He had no martial arts foundation before, and only started learning martial artsst year."


    She didn''t say it outright, but He Lian Feiyu understood.


    "That''s so miserable," he scratched his cheek, "I see."


    He would go easy on him.


    Tang Mingjie had been extremely diligent this past year. His body had also grown a lot taller. Although he was lean from growing too fast, it was all muscle without an ounce of extra fat.


    It was just that he had started martial artste, and his foundation was thin.


    At present, he could barely beat Twelfth Sister.


    Twelfth Sister was neither literary nor martial, that waspared to someone who was both literary and martial. In reality, Twelfth Sister had also trained in martial arts since she was little, she could take down two or three idlers by herself easily.


    Tang Mingjie was much more diligent at martial arts than her. The time Twelfth Sister spent on studying, he spent it all on practicing martial arts. The two had different focuses.


    Also after his body''s growth spurt,


    he also had the advantage in strength and height, so he could beat Twelfth Sister.


    When faced with He Lian Feiyu, he was directly beaten down.


    Tang Mingjie didn''t make a sound, just climbed back up to fight again.


    And was beaten down again.


    He climbed back up again, and went back down again.


    Finally He Lian Feiyu had no choice but to hold down his shoulders to keep him from getting up.


    Ye Suijin called for them to stop.


    He Lian Feiyu released Tang Mingjie and praised him, "I heard you''ve only been learning martial arts for a year, very impressive."


    He consoled Tang Mingjie, "I started horse stance at three years old, there''s no way you canpare with me. But you''re not cowardly, that''s great. Just keep at it like this, practice a few more years, you can get there. You''re still younger than me."


    Tang Mingjie didn''t speak, just nodded slightly.


    Secretly sized up He Lian Feiyu''s physique.


    Although He Lian Feiyu wasn''t as tall as Duan Jin, his body was clearly much sturdier.


    Just now being held down, Tang Mingjie couldn''t get back up at all. This was the advantage of physique.


    Indeed he still had to eat more.


    Tang Mingjie secretly made up his mind to properly build up his body.


    Duan Jin said, "Little buddy, let''s try."


    Duan Jin hadn''t originally nned to spar himself.


    But the gap between Tang Mingjie and He Lian Feiyu''s skills was too big, couldn''t test He Lian Feiyu''s true level. Also, He Lian Feiyu''s demonstrated skill level made him curious.


    Tenth Son put his hands on his hips standing: "If you lose, from now on call me big brother."


    Duan Jin said: "In the next life."


    Tenth Son: "Tsk."


    Facing Duan Jin, He Lian Feiyu finally felt a little excited. Just now with Tang Mingjie, at most it counted as warm up.


    Weapons wrapped in hemp cloth, collisions making muffled thuds.


    Exchanged over a hundred moves, Duan Jin had a clear advantage.


    He Lian Feiyu had started horse stance at three years old, he wasn''tcking either, and he was two years older.


    In the end, He Lian Feiyu lostpletely convinced.


    But Duan Jin asked him, "Your uncle taught you martial arts?"


    He also asked, "How is your uncle''s martial arts? Compared to Yan Lingzhi, how is it?"


    He Lian Feiyu said proudly, "Yan Lingzhi has to bow his head and call my uncle big brother when he sees him."


    Among military men, they understand this the most. Between acquaintances, the one with the harder fist is big brother.


    Duan Jin looked stern, this soft-boned shrimp is that powerful?


    In groups with a lot of men, be it an army or prison, they have this sense of ritual.


    After fighting this match,


    it counted as joining them.


    Especially He Lian Feiyu''s personality, he could integrate anywhere very quickly. He could get along with Tenth Son in no time.


    The two of them were very happy together.


    He Lian Feiyu said to He Lian Xiang Yun, "Tenth Son is much more interesting than Dingxi. Mingjie is decent too, he doesn''t speak, so he won''t annoy people to death with words."


    You can''t reason with Pei Dingxi, you will certainly not beat him in "h h h".


    He Lian Xiang Yun asked, "How is the Ye family army?"


    He Lian Feiyu said, "Still decent. Just a bit too proper."


    Compared to the Pei family army, itcked a bit of roguish air.


    In fact in the eyes of local people of Fangzhou, the Pei family army was just a bunch of bandits.


    Pei Ze had drifted to Fangzhou to begin with, wasn''t that a bandit? It was just that this bunch of bandits was capable, grew powerful, so the bandits became officials.


    But the roguish air within the army was still a characteristic of the Pei family army.


    Inparison, the Ye family army was a proper official conscription, with proper military drills.


    Once trained well enough, qualified, then they would be sent out to fight wars.


    By the book.


    The styles were indeed different. This was why back in Junzhou Ye Suijin had the Ye family sons go learn under Pei Ze.


    She was also willing to assist Pei Ze in taking Fangzhou. In the process ofbining their forces, the Ye family army obtained training on the drill grounds that they couldn''t get in the barracks.


    Veteran soldiers brought out. Once new recruits were trained, dispersed and assigned, veterans lead new recruits, numbers growing steadily.


    Solid foundation.


    Of course the premise of all this was that Ye Suijin could support these troops.


    So she couldn''t only focus on military affairs, she also had to focus on people''s livelihood and business.


    Her cooperation with Ruiyun Company had reached a stage where they had started to mutually trust each other.


    Actually it should be said, Ruiyun Company started trusting her.


    This kind of trust was reflected in the amount of trade.


    A win-win situation was this kind of circumstance - Ye Suijin obtained guaranteed food supply, Ruiyun Company found an outlet in the north when squeezed out by major southern grain merchants.


    Not only could Ye Suijin sell surplus grain to ally Pei Ze, now even General Guan asked her if she could procure some grain for him.


    "Not the too rotten kind," he sent word.


    Third and Fourth Sons were astonished, "The Emperor doesn''t give him provisions?"


    "Gives them, the provisions given are too rotten," Fifth Ye Uncle said.


    It was normal for the military to eat old grain. Even the Ye family army wouldn''t give the soldiers brand new fresh grain. Just not as old.


    "Not as old" in the Pei family people''s eyes, was already considered fresh grain.


    Extravagance.


    Rice could generally be stored for five years, corn for nine years. But if it exceeded this time, it basically became inedible.


    The provisions General Guan received over there weren''t just very old, there was also too much sand mixed in.


    The officers and soldiersined a great deal.


    On one hand General Guan quarreled and tore at the imperial court, on the other hand he privately sent people to urgently find Ye Suijin to raise grain, to quell resentment in the army first.


    Fourth Son asked incredulously, "Isn''t he the Emperor''s rtive?"


    Fifth Ye Uncle exined to him, "The one handling this matter is closer to the Emperor than his blood ties."


    Then there was no solution...


    Also heard more chaotic news about the capital from General Guan.


    A major corruption case broke out during the imperial pce construction, the Grand Princess was implicated, took a fall, but came to no harm.


    Some others were beheaded, and also had their families'' properties seized.


    Of course construction of the imperial pce still had to continue.


    Wulong was concerned about other things: ¡°Does General Guan have to pay out of his own pocket?¡±


    Using his own money to feed the emperor¡¯s troops? Are they the emperor¡¯s troops or General Guan¡¯s own troops? Although his parents were selfless, Wulong had married, so he had to n for his own little family. Fighting wars could earn a lot of money, things like private funds, which his father turned a blind eye to.


    But asking him to pay out of his own pocket to spend money on his personal guards, he couldn¡¯t afford that.


    Supporting troops was a bottomless pit.


    ¡°If he doesn¡¯t appease his officers and men well, if there is a mutiny, the emperor will also behead him,¡± Ye Suijin said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, our troops don¡¯t need you to pay to support them.¡±


    Everyoneughed. They even teased Wulong for thinking too much.


    Wulong¡¯s face was red with embarrassment.


    Only Sang was silent, lost in thought.


    Since General Guan had made this urgent request, Ye Suijin naturally had to help.


    General Guan was extremely grateful, and made more bold promises: ¡°Whatever she wants, as long as I can make it happen, just say it.¡±


    Ye Suijin was no saint to do good deeds for nothing. She wanted armor, and other military supplies besides armor, whatever was avable she wanted.


    Ye Suijin had long established an arsenal and military workshops.


    Butpared to the Jin Emperor who started out in Hedong with its advantage in coal and iron, hers were just small workshops.


    General Guan had transported goods between north and south several times, and also helped Ye Suijin obtain horses. The huge profits from these allowed him to make a fortune.


    With a full money pouch, he became bolder.


    Embezzling funds in the military, he ¡°scrapped¡± a batch of military supplies to pay for the grain Ye Suijin had given him.


    The troops were very resentful about the grain issue, but General Guan did this for everyone¡¯s sake, so it went very smoothly.


    Ye Suijin didn¡¯t even need to store these new armaments, they could be distributed directly. Because her expansion was so rapid, in her arsenal, the cksmiths¡¯ hammers were swinging so fast they became a blur, yet still couldn¡¯t keep up with her.


    Sang said to Ye Suijin, ¡°With General Guan doing things this way, who knows whether the troops belong to the imperial house or the Guan house.¡±


    Ye Suijin said, ¡°That¡¯s why our house can¡¯t do things this way.¡±


    Sang nodded.


    Sang had be different.


    Ye Suijin could feel it.


    Sang now had the mindset of a family patriarch.


    Inparison, although Fourth Uncle was nominally Ye Suijin¡¯s deputy, his thinking was that of a small family head.


    Sang was starting to have the mindset of a great family patriarch.


    At this time, in Dengzhou, Twelfth Sister¡¯s face was ashen.


    Having grown up in the countryside, she was no stranger to viges fighting each other with weapons over water sources or marriage issues.


    But they were sent by Ye Suijin to inspect, bearing the military governor¡¯s orders. Yet these people dared to resist arrest.


    Although there were only a few knives, most wielded hoes and shovels, so many people gathered and defiant still angered Twelfth Sister.


    What angered Twelfth Sister even more was what these people said¡ª


    "Our family has been inws with the Ye family for three generations!"


    "Let''s see who dares touch our family!"


    Dare to try? Then try.


    Twelfth Sister stepped forward.


    "I am Ye Jiabao''s Twelfth Daughter."


    "My sister is Ye Suijin, military governor of two provinces."


    "My father is Ye Jiabao''s Ye Feng Tang, my brother is Yama King Ye Sang."


    Mimicking her siblings, she also gripped the hilt of her sword on her back and stood before the crowd.


    "Touch a hair of mine, try it."


    "Whoever dares touch me, my brother and sister will ughter your whole household!"


    One face after another, one pair of eyes after another.


    Interests and desires, violence and courage.


    Standing behind them before, watching her siblings grasp their sword hilts facing forward, shielding her back, she had felt they were so dazzling.


    Until she stood in this position herself, then she felt the tremendous pressure from the front.


    So this was difficult.


    The one standing at the very front, this was so difficult.


    Twelfth Sister gritted her teeth, her palm gripping the hilt was drenched in sweat.

 Chapter 108

    After Ye Suijin took in He Lian Xiang Yun, she wrote a letter to Pei Ze.


    After all, He Lian Xiang Yun leaving Pingyao was not just a simple act of surrendering to another lord, hisplicated rtionships with Pei Lian, Zhao Jingwen and her were also involved.


    "He Lian uncle and nephew originally wanted to go south, passing through Tang Prefecture, but fell ill and couldn''t find medicine. He Lian is in danger..."


    "Fate works in mysterious ways. You have gotten Zhao''s wife, and I have gotten He Lian."


    "I hope we can meet again in the future, and be able to greet each other as old friends."


    She sent the letter by fast horse to Pei Ze.


    Pei Ze read it, and was silent for a long time.


    Pei Dingxi asked: "What''s the matter?"


    Pei Ze sighed: "He Lian... has met Ye Suijin."


    Listening to this, Pei Dingxi felt a sense of momentous events happening.


    "What happened then?" he asked.


    Pei Ze didn''t say anything.


    Pei Dingxi said: "Did he stay behind?"


    Pei Ze said: "I have wronged you in this, my son."


    He understood very well that He Lian was the best brother-inw he could have found for Pei Dingxi.


    There would be no other brother-inw who could exceed He Lian.


    But Pei Dingxi''s brother-inw was also Pei Lian''s husband. He couldn''t disregard his daughter''s life and death.


    For his daughter''s sake, he had sacrificed his son''s interests.


    Pei Ze also didn''t know if he would regret this in the future.


    When caught in the circumstances, it was hard to see the big picture, hard to foresee the future.


    Pei Dingxiforted him: "My brother-inw will be fine too."


    Just as Ye Suijin had said, Zhao Jingwen gradually gained a foothold in Fang Prefecture.


    In the battle at Bamboo Mountain, he had broken the impression others had of him as someone who "fed off his wife". Yan Xiao and the others at least acknowledged he was a capablemander of the Pei family army.


    Since this was the case, and adding that when he returned Pei Lian was with child, which delighted her, along with Pei Lian''s gentle pleadings, Pei Ze also stopped isting Zhao Jingwen, and started giving him responsibilities.


    Zhao Jingwen now understood that his circumstances for survival in the Pei family were different than when he was in the Ye family.


    When he was in the Ye family, he didn''t feel it, but when he truly arrived at the Pei family, he realized that back in Pingyao, he had been silently sharing in Ye Suijin''s power all along.


    But in the Pei family, Pei Lian had no power that she could let him share in.


    The Pei family military was a pure masculine environment. In this environment he couldn''t borrow any of Pei Lian''s influence at all.


    He could only rely on himself, and had to prove his worth. So many eyes were watching him.


    Zhao Jingwen had never been someone who got discouraged easily. He adapted to whatever environment he was in.


    Since he had no outside help, then he would just steadily demonstrate his own talents.


    Soon Pei Ze discovered that while Yan Xiao and the others were fierce generals, top-notch inbat, they were also very capable when it came to military affairs.


    But beyond that, they were not as useful as Zhao Jingwen.


    Although Zhao Jingwen''sbat abilities were not top-notch, they were adequate. But Zhao Jingwen was very skilled at handlingplex and trivial affairs.


    Simply put, Zhao Jingwen was better at governingnd than any of them. And this had always been a weak point among Pei Ze''s subordinates.


    Zhao Jingwen was not a top militarymander, but he was someone who could be counted on wherever he went.


    He could make everything look great, and also make people gradually let down their guard against him.


    For example, Yan Xiao and the others had always felt that him abandoning Ye Suijin for Pei Lian was muddled thinking.


    These military men were not so tolerant, and their mouths could be venomous at times.


    At the dinner table they would inevitably mock Zhao Jingwen a few times, intentionally or not, whether truly drunk or pretending.


    But Zhao Jingwen would raise his wine cup, and say: "She has no ws, she is too perfect, she exceeds men in everything."


    "She has superior martial arts."


    "She has superior military skills."


    "She governs better than men."


    "She even makes more money than men."


    "There are few men who can exceed her."


    "But I... am after all a man."


    After he spoke, he would not say another word, just silently drink his wine.


    The men would suddenly go from ridiculing him, to sympathizing with him.


    They seemed to immediately understand his repression and grievances.


    Although Ye Suijin was beautiful and outstanding, she really was too capable. Imagine for a moment that your wife was Ye Suijin...


    It was unimaginable.


    Looking now, although the Eldest Lady caused some headaches for her family before she married, you see, after marrying she still cared for her husband, warming his bed and tending to him.


    At least she fit men''s imagination of what a "wife" should be like.


    After that dinner, the crowd''s rejection and prejudice towards Zhao Jingwen gradually disappeared.


    Pei Ze saw all this.


    Now Pei Lian carried a child in her belly, and this child had both Zhao Jingwen and Pei family blood. In the future, this child would be a link connecting Zhao Jingwen and Pei Dingxi''s uncle and nephew.


    Therefore, let it be so.


    Ye Suijin received Pei Ze''s reply letter.


    She gave the letter to He Lian Xiang Yun, andughed: "Lord Pei is very concerned about you."


    Pei Ze had good handwriting, and used refinednguage. After all, he was born as an authentic young master.


    In the letter he only praised He Lian.


    One could feel his sincerity in between the lines.


    He asked after He Lian''s health, worried that his medical expenses on the road were too high, and included some silver to give to him.


    At the end, he wrote: "There is much in life that is beyond our control. Although often regretful, it cannot be helped."


    He told Ye Suijin that He Lian''s fate did not fall onto me, but unexpectedly fell onto you.


    Fortunately, you and I are friends, not enemies. We may still meet again in the future.


    "I hope to join hands with him again someday, chattingte into the night about life''s twists and turns."


    He Lian Xiang Yun asked: "Is there still a chance to meet him?"


    Ye Suijin guaranteed: "Between him and I, how could it be just a single transaction? It will certainly be an enduring rtionship."


    She asked him: "How is your health now?"


    He Lian Xiang Yun said: "Much improved."


    Ye Suijin said: "No rush, focus on recuperating."


    Ye Fourth Uncle came asking Ye Suijin when Yuan Ling would being back.


    Because Eleventh Sister said Yuan Ling went to Pingyao with her mentor''s staff, and now it was already early September, but she had been gone half a month and still wasn''t back, so Fourth Uncle and Aunt were starting to miss her.


    Everyone looked down on the unfavored Eleventh Sister.


    Who could have guessed this unfavored girl''s mouth was shut up tight as a m shell. She didn''t reveal even a hint of news to her own father, mother, or brothers.


    Some girls get drowned out among the crowds, looking ordinary and mediocre.


    But if you give them a foothold, who knows what they might achieve.


    Ye Suijin fended off Ye Fourth Uncle.


    Third Son asked casually where Yuan Ling had gone, and Ye Suijin fended that off as well.


    She and Mr. Yang were consulting about something.


    Mr. Yang sighed: "I had thought to just watch for a while, then remind you when needed. I didn''t expect you would think of it yourself."


    "You''re too sly, Sir," Ye Suijin said. "Why wait until things have fallen apart and feelings are hurt before you advise? Why not prevent problems early on?"


    Mr. Yang tutted: "It''s human nature - until they''ve bloodied their heads smashing into that southern wall, they''re often deaf to dissuasion. Moreover... it''s hard to intervene in family matters."


    Ye Suijin sighed: "Too true."


    If not for a lifetime of experience from her previous life, going through the military, the court, the harem, seeing and experiencing it all, how could she know which pitfalls to avoid?


    Just as Pei Ze said, much of life was beyond control. When caught in the circumstances, there was truly nothing one could do.


    After some more days, He Lian Xiang Yun came before Ye Suijin: "I''ve recovered."


    "Truly? No need to rush. Disease recedes gradually." Ye Suijin said, "Rest well a while longer?"


    He Lian Xiang Yun stated firmly: "I''m well now."


    After he spoke, his gaze shifted, looking towards Duan Jin: "Instructor Duan, any pointers?"


    With those words, the air in the room immediately grew tense.


    Ye Suijin turned her head to look.


    What Duan Jin was thinking was obvious at a nce.


    "I wouldn''t dare instruct," Duan Jin smiled. "Tenth Son has been looking forward to exchanging moves with Sir He Lian for a while now."


    Tenth Son and He Lian Feiyu oftenpeted, quite evenly matched, with no clear winner.


    But He Lian Feiyu bragged: "My uncle will beat you down."


    Tenth Son: "Really?"


    He Lian Feiyu: "True as gold."


    Getting Tenth Son all fired up, eagerly awaiting the day his Uncle He Lian would recover so they could allpare skills.


    The others were waiting too.


    With He Lian Feiyu already like this, who didn''t want to see his uncle''s abilities?


    He Lian Xiang Yun thoroughly understood survival in the military.


    In this environment of pure masculinity, you couldn''t be modest. Modesty was admitting weakness, and admitting weakness meant you could be bullied.


    The world of pure masculinity was a bit like the world of undomesticated beasts. If you had horns you brandished your horns, if you had fangs you bared your fangs.


    He cracked his knuckles: "Then today it is."


    The weather was nice, and Duan Jin promised Tenth Son, "Okay."


    Ye Suijin propped her elbow on the table and looked at these uncivilized, high-spirited barbarians with a smile.


    When Tenth Son got the news, he rolled up his sleeves and came over immediately.


    Everyone came, even Fourth Uncle and Fifth Uncle came.


    Because now everyone already knew He Lian Xiang Yun''s background.


    This was equivalent to exchanged with Zhao Jingwen.


    Everyone wanted to see if the exchange was worthwhile.


    "Nephew, take it easy," He Lian Feiyu advised.


    He Lian Xiang Yun nced at him.


    He Lian Feiyu said, "I get along well with Tenth Son."


    Now he and Tenth Son were almost like brothers who wore the same pants. It was not easy for one to find a ymate of simr age, temperament and martial arts skills.


    Otherwise, you would have to make do with those little brats who chattered on and on.


    Someone called from the other side. He Lian Xiang Yun stretched out his big hand, pushed away his silly nephew''s head, and stood up.


    When they got to the middle of the drill grounds, there were really a lot of onlookers.


    Young masters, old masters, as well as military generals and guards. This kind of liveliness was the most popr in the army.


    As soon as the two of them came out, shouts rose up. They hadn''t started fighting yet, but the atmosphere was already fiery.


    Tenth Son was still a teenager, slender and delicate.


    Dressed up in nice clothes, he looked like an elegant young master.


    He Lian Xiang Yun was very sturdy.


    Standing face to face, the contrast in their physiques was quite obvious.


    He Lian Xiang Yun asked, "Compete in what?"


    Tenth Son said, "Fists and feet."


    Among the brothers who could go into battle, Tenth Son was the youngest in age. He was not as strong as his older brothers. But he was very agile with his fists and feet, and his martial arts skills were quite good among the brothers.


    Of course he would take advantage of his own strengths and attack the other''s weaknesses. Sixth sister said, reversing things is foolish.


    The two saluted each other with fists, and took their stances.


    With a drumbeat, the match began.


    Fists flew towards each other like lightning.


    Bang bang bang, fist against flesh.


    Fist against fist, elbow against elbow, knee against knee, they shed hard.


    It looked painful just watching.


    Seventh Son sucked in a breath and turned to Ninth Son, "It looks like Tenth Son is more agile..."


    Before he could finish, he saw Ninth Son''s facial expression change dramatically.


    Ninth Son stared at the drill grounds, mouth wide open.


    A huge "bang" was heard, seeming to reverberate.


    Seventh Son turned his head back.


    The hard-packed earth of the drill grounds was smashed, sending dirt flying.


    He Lian Xiang Yun was down on one knee.


    He had fiercely mmed Tenth Son onto the dirt ground.


    Tenth Sony there with his mouth open, in too much pain to move.


    He Lian Xiang Yun''s back muscles bulged, straining his clothes.


    In the swirling dust, he stood up.


    Silence fell over the drill grounds.

 Chapter 109

    Ye Suijin looked at the man in the swirling dust and felt nostalgic.


    He was just like General Duan Jin.


    Extraordinarily valorous.


    Even his back looked the same.


    A man at this age was at the peak of his prime in every aspect.


    At this moment, the youth Duan Jin standing beside her stared at the man in the field and lifted his foot, wanting to step forward and challenge him.


    Who wouldn''t want to try this, especially those who were usually outstanding in martial arts.


    But as soon as Duan Jin moved, Fourth Uncle Ye held him back.


    Fourth Uncle Ye was extremely excited.


    Although he was past his prime, none of the youngsters dared to underestimate his martial arts skills. He was also a burly, sturdy man, just like He Lian.


    Just as Duan Jin thought, who wouldn''t want to go up and try.


    However, before Fourth Uncle Ye could take a step, Ye Suijin put away the nostalgic smile at the corner of her lips and asked loudly, "Is Tenth Son okay?"


    Fourth Uncle Ye: "..."


    Oh, I almost forgot to ask about my nephew first.


    "Little Ten¡ª" he yelled hoarsely, "Can you get up?"


    "Get up..." Tenth Son said with difficulty.


    He Lian Xiang Yun reached out a hand to help him.


    Tenth Son grabbed his hand, "Get up, can get up..."


    He got up grimacing in pain.


    My back hurts so much. Just now, I only felt my body fly up instantly, as if ascending for a moment, and then tremendous force pressed down.


    I was stunned.


    He Lian Xiang Yun patted him on the back, "Are you okay?"


    Tenth Son quickly said, "It''s okay, it''s okay."


    Alright, as long as he''s fine. Fourth Uncle Ye took a deep breath, his chest swelled, and he was about to challenge He Lian Xiang Yun.


    But who knew Ye Suijin would steal the march on him again¡ª


    "He Lian, let''s try our equestrian skills!"


    Cough! Fourth Uncle Ye almost choked himself and quickly said, "Let me do it."


    "Uncle, don''t snatch it." Ye Suijin elbowed him back, "My hands are itching."


    Whose hands aren''t itchy?


    But Fourth Uncle Ye couldn''tpete with her either. He was now the Vice-Prefectural Governor, an important official, and had to pay attention to his image.


    In recent days, although He Lian Xiang Yun had been recovering from illness, he had already gotten to know the Ye family through He Lian Feiyu.


    Among the Ye family elders, the burly ones in the army were Fourth Uncle Ye, Fifth Uncle Ye, and Seventh Uncle Ye, all of whom could lead troops. Eighth Uncle Ye was a civil official who did not lead troops.


    This generation was led by Fourth Uncle.


    Among Ye Suijin''s peers were Third Son Ye, Ye Sng, Fifth Son Ye, Seventh Son Ye, Ye Jing, Ye Shng, and Tenth Son. They were the grown-ups who could go into battle. Third Son led them.


    Third Son Ye was also different from the others, as the rest were all his younger brothers, while he was Ye Suijin''s elder brother. Ye Suijin valued him greatly.


    Among the retainers, Marshal Yang was the most respected. Outstanding generals included Mao Mingyu, Li Gu, and Zhao Risheng.


    Those who had surrendered and defected included Zhou Junhua.


    Those of servant origin included Feng (Ye) Wang, Cheng (Ye) Quan, Gao (Ye) Youfu, Wu (Ye) Fenshou, and Wang (Ye) Laixi.


    There was also a Duan Jin. He Lian Feiyu spoke highly of him. His status was also special. He was raised and taught by Ye Suijin.


    Although not an adopted son, he was almost like one.


    Now, looking at the Ye family¡¯s structure, He Lian felt it was still very stable.


    The status of n members was the highest, and they held the most power.


    Retainers and servants were generally of lower status than n members, reflecting the closeness of rtionships.


    Servants were of even lower status than retainers, reflecting the nobility versus lowborn.


    The Central ins people valued n and nobility. This hierarchical arrangement was epted by all and seen as having no issues. It was a rather solid structure.


    But He Lian Feiyu had gotten to know them all, and he concluded: ¡°The Ye family does not feed idlers either.¡±


    This meant that the retainers and servants were also capable people. Even though their status was lower than the Ye nsmen, their abilities were not weak.


    Where there were people, there were cliques.


    Now in the army, the Ye nsmen were from the main house and had close bonds, so they were a tight-knit group.


    The retainers, surrendered generals, and servants had many factions.


    That was how it was in the army. But it was fine. No matter how many factions there were, when facing external forces, as long as the leader was capable, they could stille together.


    Yan Xiao and the others alsopeted fiercely, but that didn''t affect their unity as the Pei army when facing outsiders.


    There was no perfect existence without ws in this world.


    To be a leader was to faceplex rtionships and bring order and firmly control them.


    From He Lian''s observations over the past month, Ye Suijin had undoubtedly aplished this and done it very well.


    Her outstandingprehensive abilities were beyond doubt.


    But He Lian Xiang Yun was really curious about her martial arts skills.


    He had been restrained when he arrived earlier, but the expressions on everyone''s faces showed they understood his general level. Yet Ye Suijin still dared to challenge him.


    She was very confident in herself.


    "Alright," He Lian Xiang Yun said, "Let''s spar."


    The guards brought horses and weapons.


    Ye Suijin asked, "Do you want protective gear?"


    He Lian Xiang Yun nced at her.


    She should not be so arrogant. She could only say she had absolute confidence in her martial arts skills.


    He said, "No need."


    Everyone gasped.


    Duan Jin frowned.


    Fourth Uncle Ye and Third Son Ye spoke at the same time: "Sister Six!"


    "It''s fine," Ye Suijinughed. "Have faith in He Lian."


    He Lian Xiang Yun nced at her.


    They all carried dao swords on their waists daily. But dao swords were everyday weapons, and mountedbat had its own weapons.


    The Ye family excelled in spearmanship, so Ye Suijin''s mountedbat weapon was a nine-curve long spear, needless to say.


    He Lian Xiang Yun''s weapon was a horsence.


    Thence was eighteen chi long, hence the name horsence. How long was it? Just thence head itself if cut off would be a sword.


    The horsence was a long mountedbat spear. It was not something everyone could wield in the old days. During the heyday of the Great Wei Dynasty, many noble youths used horsences.


    One could not be an upstart. Even if upstarts could afford horsences, they did not have martial arts passed down through generations, nor could they usences properly.


    Those who could use horsences must have had some family background.


    "Ancient Xihou Tribe of the Tiefu Department, kings of a long perished Hunnic state," He Lian Xiang Yun said. "Extinct for hundreds of years."


    It was an ancient Hunnic country, long gone.


    Several Chinese dynasties had already risen and fallen since then. The He n had long assimted and integrated, only asionally producing someone with deep eye sockets and high nose bridges like He Lian Xiang Yun.


    Ye Suijin said, "That is quite a background."


    Everyone retreated to the perimeter, and one person mounted each horse.


    "Dang!", the gong sounded.


    The horses first trotted in the drill field, then galloped, then charged at full speed.


    The wind blew, and the loess swirled under the hooves. Everyone''s hearts thumped faster.


    When the speed picked up, they turned their horses to face each other and charged!


    No one dared to blink.


    "Dang!"


    That was the sound of des shing!


    Then the horses shed past each other.


    They each ran a circle, maintaining speed.


    "Dang!"


    That was the first sh.


    Mountedbat charges were not like infantry engagements with lots of grappling and fighting.


    Between mounted troops, life and death were decided in the instant of the charge.


    One would charge, the other would fall off horse, one would live, one would die, and the winner would be decided.


    Ye Suijin and He Lian Xiang Yun began their third charge.


    This time, the thundering of hooves intensified.


    Everyone''s hearts pounded with the hooves, and their throats went dry!


    As the warhorses closed in to striking distance, everyone only heard the two let out a roar almost simultaneously!


    Ye Suijin''s helmet flew up, followed closely by the horses shing past each other like lightning.


    The fight ended.


    Ye Suijin''s hair bun came loose.


    She pulled the reins tight and turned her head.


    Her long hair flew in the wind.


    A streak of blood slid down from her hairline, passing between her brows, diagonally across her nose bridge, and down her cheek.


    He Lian Xiang Yun also pulled his horse to a stop.


    He felt under his left ribs, his hand came away bloody.


    Since it was just sparring, they had stopped at first touch. Otherwise, on the battlefield, he would have stabbed her eye socket while she pierced his heart.


    He looked up at her across from him.


    That exquisite face had a streak of red blood flowing down it, and she was smiling at him.


    He had never seen such alluring makeup before.


    No rouge couldpare.


    In the drill grounds, synchronized gasps could be heard.


    It turned out everyone had unconsciously been holding their breath.


    Their hearts had been in distress.


    As someone dismounted, people crowded around.


    "Scared me to death," Fourth Uncle Ye swore. "From now on spars on the drill grounds need padding! We''re making rules and sticking to them!"


    "What''s with that look, Tenth Son! Just because Suijin and Xiang Yun can do it, don''t go thinking just anyone can!"


    "I''m not sending you young''uns off before my hair''s turned white! Settling your deaths would be my job!"


    Indeed, Tenth Son, Feiyu and the other youngsters had eager looks on their faces, sobered by Fourth Uncle''s scolding.


    "Oh..." they sighed.


    How thrilling that was.


    But also scary to go overboard.


    Better than dying on the battlefield, it would beughable to die by a brother''s hand on the home grounds.


    Xiang Yun and Feiyu went to bandage their uncle''s wound.


    Used to it by now, this was nothing but a scratch.


    Xiang Yun and Feiyu roughly pped medicinal powder onto the injury before wrapping it up, chattering all the while.


    And done.


    Tenth Son still sucked in a breath, feeling the pain for his uncle. "Go easy, why don''t you."


    Feiyu red. "You do it if you''re so capable."


    Kids.


    Duan Jin was much more gentle with Ye Suijin.


    He used a handkerchief to wipe the blood from her face, very carefully brushed her hair aside to examine the cut, before exhaling in relief.


    Instead Ye Suijin was startled by him. "It''s not bald there, is it?"


    Caught up in joy, she now felt the sting in her scalp. The wound itself was nothing, but a bald spot would be annoying.


    "No," Duan Jin said gently, lightly pressing with the handkerchief. "Just here, at the peak of your brow, merely a scratch on the skin."


    His voice was gentle, but Ye Suijin knew him too well.


    "What''re you angry about?" she looked up.


    The young man''s face was indeed taut, anger in his eyes.


    "He should have held back more," Duan Jin said, suppressing his rage. "What if it scarred your face?"


    "If it scars then it scars. Look at Xiang Yun''s scarred face, still plenty handsome. My face, what use does it have for me anyway? What, am I going to find another husband with this face?"


    Duan Jin fell silent.


    He said nothing more.


    With her scalp broken, he didn''t dare tug her hair. He could only fish out a hair tie from his waist and bound up her loose hair at her neck.


    Then he turned and looked far into the distance at He Lian Xiang Yun.


    Today, everyone came to a conclusion.


    He Lian Xiang Yun was truly the uncle of He Lian Feiyu, truly someone even Yan Lingdou had to defer to as "big brother".


    Like a ma, Zhou Junhua, Mao Mingyu, Li Gu, Zhao Risheng and the others were quickly drawn to him psychologically.


    He was of the Pei family army, the first adopted son of Pei Ze. Everyone knew the caliber of the Pei family army. The drill grounds could only measure martial skills, unable to evaluate military capabilities. But his background was powerful proof of his militarypetence already.


    He was not surnamed Ye. In the future, retainers and surrendered generals would naturally take his side.


    Today''s sparring had revealed the disparities, satisfying everyone.


    On the way back, He Lian Xiang Yun walked with his hands behind his back.


    September already, the sky was high and the air brisk, matching his mood.


    "Uncle, what''re you thinking about?" He Lian Feiyu carried his uncle''s horsence as he asked.


    He Lian Xiang Yun looked up at the azure sky.


    "An outstanding one..." he praised. "Truly exceptional."


    "Yes, I didn''t expect either. Really didn''t expect it." He Lian Feiyu was also still dwelling on the earlier match. "Thedy''s skills on horseback are actually so aplished."


    "Truly outstanding!"


    He Lian Xiang Yun recalled Ye Suijin''s outstretched hand to him.


    A faint smile. Ambling unhurriedly beneath the blue sky and white clouds.


    These past few days, people had hurried one after another from Deng Prefecture to Biyang City in Tang Prefecture, heading for various manor gates.


    "Dad!" Fourth Son Ye''s expression was extremely ugly, footsteps urgent as he went to find his father Fifth Lord Ye. "Trouble in Deng Prefecture!"

 Chapter 110

    Ye Suijin wasn''t surprised when the father and son duo, Fourth Young Master and Fifth Uncle, were the first ones to arrive. It was because she had been in contact with Yuan Ling, who was in Deng Prefecture, through fast horses, making the trip daily.


    In reality, the entire province was not that big, and a fast horse could reach any ce within the province in a single day. If they were in a hurry, they could even cross two provinces in one day without any problem.


    Therefore, Ye Suijin, who was in Tang Prefecture, was well-informed about what happened in Deng Prefecture.


    "You came for the Tong family matter, right?" Ye Suijin raised an eyebrow.


    Both Fifth Uncle and Fourth Young Master had unpleasant expressions.


    With Ye Suijin''s remark, they understood that she had received the news earlier than them.


    They had no prior business or interest in Yuan Ling. They only knew about his whereabouts because Ye Fourth Uncle mentioned that Eleventh Sister went back to Deng Prefecture with Yuan Ling to visit her teacher, and that''s how they found out Yuan Ling was not in Biyang.


    "Must they sentence Yue Niang to death?" Fifth Uncle''s expression turned grim. "After all, she is Fourth Young Master''s father-inw..."


    Ye Suijin shifted her gaze to Ye Sng and asked, "What do you say, Sng?"


    Ye Sng''s expression was also grim, and he asked first, "What exactly happened? Is it true, or is there a misunderstanding?"


    Ye Suijin handed him a few sheets of paper.


    Both Ye Sng and Fifth Uncle leaned in to read. The more they read, the grimmer their expressions became.


    Ye Sng''s father-inw, Master Tong, forced himself upon the daughter-inw of a tenant family. The daughter-inwtermitted suicide. When the grandson went to demand justice, the Tong family beat him severely and left him in the wilderness.


    It was a struggle to find him, and after they brought him back home, he passed away within a few days.


    The Tong family was located in Nanyang.


    Ye Sng''s grandfather and father wanted to go to Nanyang County to file aint, but when they arrived at Nanyang County, they found out that the young county magistrate shared the surname Ye.


    Why did the Tong family be so arrogant in the past year? It was because their inws, the Ye family, had be prosperous, and they rode on their coattails.


    Ye Sng''s grandfather and father were dumbfounded.


    In the end, they cried bitterly, didn''t file aint, and returned home.


    They didn''t dare to.


    They were afraid.


    Yuan Ling''s letter was thick and included a copy of the testimony, detailing the specifics of the case.


    The tenant family was poor, so the daughter-inw and granddaughter-inw worked for the Tong family, doingundry and odd jobs.


    On that day, when they were going to the Tong family to return the cleaned clothes and pick up the dirty ones, Ye Sng''s father-inw saw the granddaughter-inw, who was well-featured. Taking advantage of the dirty clothes waiting to be picked up, he deceived her and her mother-inw, leading them to another courtyard and into a room.


    Unexpectedly, tragedy struck.


    She hanged herself when she returned home.


    The testimony and witnesses were all clear and detailed.


    The one sent by the Tong family to report and seek help was Ye Sng''s uncle. Although he was evasive and tried to hide the truth, the facts were as they were, and he couldn''t conceal them.


    Yuan Ling''s letter objectively and urately reconstructed the whole incident.


    There was no misunderstanding.


    It was simply that Ye Sng''s father-inw, who had taken six concubines, had once again acted with improper intentions.


    Ye Sng''s face turned livid.


    Fifth Uncle sighed, "Oh dear, oh dear," and said, "So, the Tong family... won''t ept redemption?"


    Ye Suijin said, "Forcing and defiling an upright woman is already a grave crime. If the woman is married, the severity increases. To drive her to her death and still im to be from the Ye family, the wickedness of their actions, if Yuan Ling hadn''t spared them from Lingchi, would have already brought shame to our family."


    Although the tenant family was poor, they were still an upright family.


    The letter made it clear that the Tong family was acting arrogantly and bullying others. They boldly dered, "My son-inw is Ye Sng, currently in Biyang. If you want to report to the officials, go ahead and do it. Let''s see if there''s any official in Deng Prefecture who dares to meddle in Ye Sng''s affairs."


    Upon learning that the county magistrate in Nanyang was surnamed Ye and belonged to the Ye family, the unfortunate victims, father and son, were filled with despair and wept bitterly before wiping away their tears and returning home.


    Those words were written in the letter and caught the attention of both Fifth Uncle and Fourth Young Master Ye. They were extremely provocative.


    But after all, Fourth Young Master Ye was their son-inw, and their daughter-inw was on the verge of death from crying.


    "Well... let them offer more money. Can we save their lives?" Fifth Uncle rubbed his hands together. "Ah, look at your fourth sister-inw. You know how she has always..."


    "Uncle," Ye Suijin interrupted him, her gaze shifting to Ye Sng. "Let Sng speak."


    She stared at Ye Sng and asked, "Sng, what do you think?"


    However, Ye Sng remained silent, his expression filled with inner conflict and hesitation.


    "Sng, we are the same age," Ye Suijin said, looking at him. "We''re not children anymore. Not everything requires the intervention of our elders. Now, it''s time for you to speak up for yourself."


    Her words carried a sense of authority.


    Fifth Uncle turned to look at his own son.


    Ye Sng hesitated for a long time, then continued the unfinished sentence that Fifth Uncle had started: "Yue Niang... you know her, she has always been filial..."


    He couldn''t go on any further.


    Both father and son clearly saw the cold smile on Ye Suijin''s face.


    "So, in order for Tong Family''s daughter to appear filial, we, the Ye family, have to bear the stain on our reputation for her?" she asked.


    Neither Fifth Uncle nor Ye Sng could utter a word.


    After all, they bore the Ye surname.


    Ye Sng murmured, "Must ite to sacrificing our lives?"


    Ye Suijin looked at the two of them and said, "Do you understand what I am doing now?"


    Both Fifth Uncle and Ye Sng fell silent once again.


    When Tong Family''s uncle came seeking help, naturally, he mentioned other matters in Deng Prefecture.


    That was when they learned that Ye Suijin had quietly sent Yuan Ling to investigate. This mission was not just about the Ye family; it was rted to the Ye family.


    It was easy to understand what Ye Suijin was up to with a little pondering.


    In just one year, things had progressed too quickly.


    The Ye family had suddenly be the local tyrants of Deng Prefecture and Tang Prefecture.


    Rtives followed suit and rose in status.


    Many people started to act arrogantly.


    Ye Liu, the sixth sister, took action and intended to cut off all these inted tails.


    Someone suddenly felt dazed.


    It had only been a year, just one year? So short?


    It felt like such a long time had passed.


    How could it be only a year?


    Tsk.


    The sound of knuckles tapping on the tabletop brought the person back to reality.


    Ye Suijin''s knuckles tapped again¡ªtsk.


    This sound inexplicably made people feel ufortable.


    Things were going downhill.


    Everyone understood what Ye Suijin intended to do.


    With her temperament, bloodshed was necessary.


    The problem was that Fourth Young Master Ye''s father-inw arrived at this critical moment.


    Ye Sng dared not meet her gaze.


    "Your sister, causing all this trouble... after all, she''s her biological father, my father-inw. I know what her father did was wrong, but..." he stammered.


    Ye Suijin felt a slight disappointment towards Ye Sng.


    But as the head of the family, she couldn''t abandon a child just because she was disappointed in them.


    The head of the family had to shoulder the heavens and lift up each and every child, unless that child was rotten to the core and beyond redemption.


    Clearly, Ye Sng hadn''t reached that point of no return.


    Ye Suijin had to fulfill her responsibilities as a parent.


    "You know it''s not right," she said. "Why don''t you know that you should divorce your wife?"


    The study fell silent for a moment.


    Ye Suijin said, "Don''t know how to write a divorce letter? It''s okay."


    She opened a drawer and pulled out a piece of paper. "I''ve already written it for you. Sign it and from now on, there will be no connection between the Tong family and our family."


    The study was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.


    Both Fifth Uncle and Fourth Young Master were sweating on their foreheads.


    Fourth Young Master was sweating profusely.


    At this moment, he was not facing his sisters, but the head of the Ye family.


    Sisters would talk about the rtionship between brother-inw and sister-inw.


    The family head only considered the interests of the family.


    Mistakes made by children and grandchildren can be expelled from the n; mistakes made in choosing a wife can be divorced.


    Ye Fifth Uncle was also sweating on his forehead.


    The main branch of the Ye family had not divorced a wife for generations. Yet now, their family was going to divorce a wife?


    But he understood that Ye Suijin wasn''t asking him. She was pressuring Fourth Young Master.


    She was the head of the family.


    She wouldn''t think about changing the older generation. But she had expectations for the younger members of the n.


    Guiding them was her responsibility.


    Back then, she had taken a strong medicine and sacrificed her chance to have children to secure this position. She had to shoulder this responsibility.


    Fourth Young Master''s face turned pale.


    "Mother... Yue Niang..." he said.


    Ye Suijin said, "The Tong family hasmitted many wrongdoings this year. It''s because their nature changed after they became prosperous by following our family."


    Saying their nature changed was putting it nicely. In reality, it meant that when external conditions were sufficient, the evil that had not been able to manifest before burst forth.


    With a backing and increased courage, they dared to do evil.


    "It''s not good to have ties with the Tong family. Cutting them off is better for you and Fifth Uncle," Ye Suijin said.


    Ye Fifth Uncle fell silent.


    But Fourth Young Master still couldn''t bring himself to say the words "divorce your wife." They were still indebted to each other, a young couple with a daughter who was not yet two years old and was just learning to speak.


    Fourth Young Master didn''t immediately agree to divorce his wife, and Ye Suijin felt slightly relieved.


    The Tong family was indeed detestable. But people were ultimately not weapons or swords; they were not heartless objects.


    Ye Suijin, as the head of the family, was naturally only responsible for the n.


    But Fourth Young Master was Yue Niang''s husband, and he should be responsible for Yue Niang. If Ye Suijin pressured him and he abandoned Yue Niang, Ye Suijin would be disappointed in him.


    If a man was indifferent to his own wife, don''t expect him to be sincere to others.


    Fourth Young Master''s forehead was covered inyers of sweat, his face turned pale, but he still held on.


    "The Tong family is the Tong family, Yue Niang is Yue Niang," he said. "The day she married me, she already became a Ye family wife. I can''t divorce her just because the Tong family did something wrong."


    "I''ll go talk to her. I won''t meddle in this matter. You... figure it out."


    Ye Suijin wanted to clean house and make an example to warn others.


    If she didn''t make this move, even her own prestige would be damaged.


    With her personality, no one could stop her from making this move.


    Her father-inw had brought this upon himself and couldn''t me others.


    "Fine. I''ll give Yue Niang another chance," Ye Suijin said. "Talk to her properly. She doesn''t need to get involved in this matter."


    "But if she still forces you to prioritize personal desires over the public good... Fourth Young Master, you know what to do."


    She pushed the divorce letter in front of Fourth Young Master and stopped speaking.


    Fourth Young Master stared at the divorce letter for a while, nodded, and turned around, walking away briskly.


    Fifth Uncle rubbed his hands anxiously, "Oh, you, you caused such a fuss without making a sound..."


    Causing such amotion silently.


    Ye Suijin sneered, "Do I have to go and alert them first? So they have time to cover up and destroy everything?"


    Fifth Uncle gasped.


    Ye Suijin took out a thick stack of letters and flipped through them, saying, "Wu Sheng''s maternal family..."


    Fifth Uncle''s hair stood on end.


    Ye Suijin continued, "Nothing much happened. Everything seems fine."


    Fifth Uncle was almost infuriated.


    He muttered and cursed under his breath before leaving.


    Not long after Fifth Uncle left, Fourth Uncle and Ye Sng arrived.


    "What''s going on? Can''t you make a single sound? You caused such a bigmotion silently," Fourth Uncle said angrily.


    He had just heard the news. Ye Qi and Ye Ba were not in Biyang, and he had nned to meet Ye Wu first before asking Ye Suijin what was happening. Unexpectedly, Ye Wu''s family was in chaos.


    Their family was the first to be involved, such bad luck.


    Fourth Uncle hurriedly came to find Ye Suijin.


    "Prevent the ruler from losing his state, and the subject from losing his life," Ye Suijin replied with a smile.


    "Don''t speak nonsense. Is there anything wrong with my family?" Fourth Uncle asked.


    Ye Suijin smiled. Her smile reassured both Fourth Uncle and Ye Sng.


    "Your family, Tong Niang''s family, and Lan Niang''s family are all fine," Ye Suijin said. "They are all decent families."


    "Naturally," Fourth Uncle said proudly, with his hands on his hips. "Your Fourth Aunt was personally chosen by your Uncle Grandfather. They are honest and upright, never involved in any wrongdoing. That''s the rule set by your Uncle Grandfather. I investigated Tong Niang''s family and Lan Niang''s family before we made the marriage arrangements. They are both decent families. Unlike Ye Wu, who didn''t pay attention to such things when he got married."


    "Wow, are you making a list for Yuan Ling to go house by house?" Fourth Uncle finally realized.


    "This is called investigation," Ye Suijin said.


    "Tsk," Fourth Uncle asked again, "What about Eighth Aunt''s family?"


    Because Fourth Uncle and Ye Ba were siblings. Fifth Uncle and Seventh Uncle were their cousins. Naturally, siblings were closer.


    Eighth Aunt was not in Biyang right now, she was in Yanchen City preparing for the shipbuilding project, so Fourth Uncle had to ask.


    "Eighth Aunt''s family is also fine," Ye Suijin praised. "Uncle Grandfather really pays attention to people."


    "But I still need to talk to them," she said. "I''m most afraid that even if they are originally upright and proper, there might be wicked people watching your family. When they see your family prosper, they might incite or entice, or even set traps and frame you. We must be on guard against bad people causing trouble."


    Ye nodded, "Yes, I''ll go talk to Fifth Young Master and inform the Yue family."


    Ye left.


    However, Fourth Uncle didn''t leave yet.


    He asked, "Will there be bloodshed this time?"


    Ye Suijin coldly smiled, "Just because we''re surnamed Ye doesn''t mean we have a get-out-of-jail-free card."


    Fourth Uncle asked, "Which branch is it?"


    "Zhongyuan Hall," Ye Suijin replied.


    Fourth Uncle crossed his arms, "As expected."


    Ye Jingyi came from Zhongyuan Hall.


    He was the first branch member of the Ye family to enter official service, rising from amoner to a county magistrate in one step.


    It can be said that thanks to Ye Jingyi, Zhongyuan Hall was the most prominent branch of the Ye family, second only to the main branch. With such an outstanding member in the hall, someone was bound to rise.


    It was reasonable.


    However, Fourth Uncle Ye stayed behind because he had something else to ask Ye Suijin.


    With his arms crossed, he had a strong build and stood in front of the desk, his shadow almost enveloping Ye Suijin.


    "Eleventh Sister," he stared at Ye Suijin and asked, "Did you really go to see her teacher?"


    ...


    The study fell silent for a moment.


    Ye Suijin: "Yes!"

 Chapter 111

    Fourth Uncle Ye was furious, "I knew it!"


    After all, he was her birth father. As soon as he heard about Deng Prefecture, the first person he thought of was Twelfth Sister.


    He immediately realized something was wrong.


    There was no way Ye Suijin would let Twelfth Sister go with Yuan Ling''s group to Deng Prefecture just as a "convenience."


    There must be something fishy going on!


    And indeed there was!


    Ever since she was little, she had been going upstairs to take off roof tiles and going to ponds to catch turtles with her Third Brother Five Brother.


    And now, she was actually taking his young daughter to do some messy business.


    "Aren''t you afraid of scaring her? Twelve is just a little girl!" Fourth Uncle Ye was furious, "What''s the point of letting her know about these things?"


    Ye Suijin rubbed her temples: "If she got scared, she would havee back already. Since she hasn''t returned, it means everything is fine."


    Fourth Uncle Ye looked at the thick stack of papers on the table: "These are Yuan Ling''s letters, right? Did he mention Twelve..."


    He reached out his hand.


    Ye Suijin was quick to press it down and nonchntly tucked it into the drawer: "No. She just went along to watch the excitement. Yuan Ling would never let anything happen to her. Besides, Er Bao is with her. Second Uncle, you know he is reliable."


    There must be something she was hiding from him. It had always been like this since they were little.


    Fourth Uncle Ye humphed, leaving Ye Suijin with a warning look before he left.


    Ye Suijin sighed in relief and took out Yuan Ling''s letters again.


    She quickly flipped through them once more.


    Little Twelve... Are you okay?


    After another hour passed, Fourth Young Master came again.


    Hisplexion was a little pale, but very calm. Much calmer than thest time he came.


    "Give it to me." He said.


    His voice was hoarse.


    Ye Suijin looked at him for a while before pulling open the drawer and taking out the divorce letter.


    Fourth Young Master signed and stamped, divorcing Yue Niang.


    Ye Suijin asked: "What did she do?"


    Fourth Young Master was silent for a long time before speaking.


    "To force me to save her father, she jumped into a pond holding Niuniu." He said, "Trying to scare me."


    Ye Suijin''s heart tightened and she had an ominous feeling.


    Fourth Young Master said: "She saved herself."


    Ye Suijin looked at him.


    He said: "Niuniu didn''t make it."


    Niuniu had grown up in her previous life.


    Back then, when several children contracted the gue, Third Brother''s children didn''t make it through, but Niuniu survived.


    Later Fourth Young Master also died in battle. Ye Suijin prepared a generous dowry for Niuniu and married her off well.


    Yue Niang was still Fourth Young Master''s widow.


    That divorce letter was actually used by Ye Suijin to threaten Fourth Young Master and Yue Niang.


    But in this life...


    Ye Suijin held her chin.


    Many things were different in this life.


    She reminded herself that the previous life could only serve as a reference, not a dependency.


    When Fourth Young Master returned home, the house was even more chaotic than when he had left.


    Yue Niang had hanged herself.


    The 5th Madam was crying after losing both her granddaughter and daughter-inw.


    Ye Fifth Uncle remained silent until he saw Fourth Young Master return before standing up.


    "Go take a look at her." He said, "I''ve already sent people downtown to find beggars."


    It was inauspicious for someone whomitted suicide, so family members could not touch the body. Usually beggars from the streets would be paid to take the body down.


    Fourth Young Master entered the room and saw Yue Niang hanging from the beam, her body swaying slightly in the wind.


    "No need, I''ll do it." Fourth Young Master said.


    Ye Fifth Uncle''s lips moved.


    The 5th Madam stopped crying, wanting to stop him: "Don''t, don''t..."


    But she couldn''t stop him. Fourth Young Master had already held Yue Niang down andid her on the bed.


    He looked at her for a long time, took out a piece of paper from his arms and threw it on the ground.


    Ye Fifth Uncle knew what it was.


    Fourth Young Master had gone to Ye Suijin for a divorce decree.


    "Let it be." Fourth Young Master said, "I won''t divorce her. If I divorce her, her soul won''t have a ce to go. Where would Niuniu find her?"


    If he divorced her, Yue Niang could neither enter the Tong ancestral grave nor the Ye ancestral grave.


    In the eyes of the times, she would be a lonely ghost, which was very pitiful.


    "I know she regretted it."


    "She must regret listening to her brother."


    Yue Niang loved Niuniu the most, how could she have thought of jumping into a pond holding Niuniu?


    It must have been instigated by her uncle.


    He probably thought that with so many servants in the house, they would be rescued quickly. The risk was controble.


    But Niuniu had drowned badly.


    With just one gulp of water, blood came out of her nose and mouth.


    There was no way to save her like this.


    She drowned with just one gulp of water.


    Fourth Young Master grasped the hilt of the sword behind him. "Where is her brother?" He asked.


    "Ran away!" Ye Fifth Uncle said angrily, "That turtle grandson! The moment I looked away, he escaped."


    Fourth Young Master hadn''t let go of the sword hilt.


    "Kill them." He lowered his eyes, "The Tong family should be killed."


    In the past few days, news from Deng Prefecture came in batches. Many people in Biyang couldn''t sit still and woulde to Ye Suijin to bother her.


    Ye Suijin didn''t meet with these people and went directly to Tangbei Fort with He Lian uncles and nephews.


    Looking at the location of Tangbei Fort on the map, He Lian Xiang Yun asked her: "You''re stockpiling troops here? What are you trying to do?"


    Tangbei Fort and Biyang were like horns pointing at the capital.


    "Just in case." Ye Suijin said, "In case the Emperor wants to deal with me. The Later Wei''s downfall was certainly rted to the military governors. What if this Emperor wants to vigorously eliminate these problems?"


    It wasn''t a lie.


    The fall of Later Wei naturally had reasons of central government corruption, but the separatist rule of the military governors directly elerated its demise.


    When Ye Suijin was Empress, she had been discussing with Zhao Jingwen about how to centralize power in the central government rather than locally.


    This was certainly something every emperor wanted to do.


    He Lian Xiang Yun said: "The Emperor is old and busy building the imperial city and imperial tombs."


    "It''s a bit early." Ye Suijin said, "But let him build if he wants to build. Whether it can be used or not, if he builds it now, it saves effort for those whoe after him."


    Indeed, because Renzong had renovated extensively during the Jin Dynasty, she and Zhao Jingwen did not have to build extravagantly afterwards, minor repairs were good enough.


    What was meant by "can be used or not", "those whoe after him", He Lian Xiang Yun couldn''t help but twitch his mouth.


    When they arrived at Tangbei Fort and saw the five hundred warhorses, He Lian Feiyu went crazy.


    He whipped his horse and shot off like an arrow released from a bow, rushing into the herd of horses and galloping with them.


    Everyone watched as he stood up directly from his horse and jumped onto the unsaddled Liangzhou horse. Grabbing the mane trying to control the fierce horse.


    The fierce horse neighed and reared, but he clung on tightly and did not get thrown off.


    Ye Suijin called the grooms over.


    The grooms'' Mandarin had be more fluent than a month ago. They earnestly reported how many mares were already pregnant and isted for special care, when they would give birth, and how many horses were being prepared for breeding.


    After listening to the report, He Lian Xiang Yun suddenly spoke Turkic with them.


    With mixed ethnicities,nguages were also mixed. Three out of the ten ves couldmunicate fluently with him.


    They talked for a while before He Lian Xiang Yun said to Ye Suijin: "These few are not bad."


    "Indeed." Ye Suijin was also very satisfied.


    General Guan did business very honorably.


    "How about it?" She asked him, "Can you lead a cavalry battalion for me?"


    Ye Suijin had very high requirements for "cavalry". In her eyes, the cavalry in the Ye army now were just "infantry riding horses".


    True cavalry were not just cavalry because they rode horses.


    But there were many limiting conditions.


    However, the most basic condition now - horses, had been initially resolved. Just give her a few years to breed and train them well.


    He Lian Xiang Yun''s eyes were bright.


    "Give me men, give me horses, give me fodder." He promised, "I can."


    But he paused and asked: "Do we have iron?"


    He already knew Ye Suijin had grain, manpower, and now horses.


    But he observed that the Ye army armor was mainly leather. And the number of armors was also limited.


    She may not have iron.


    Ye Suijin said: "It''s still better than Pei Ze''s tattered bunch right?"


    He Lian Xiang Yun said: "That''s why his territory has never been able to expand."


    The conditions at Pei Ze''s ce were even more limited, so limited that Yan Xiao found everything in the Ye army extravagant and excessive.


    Ye Suijin resentfully said: "I''ll find a way."


    He Lian Xiang Yun nodded.


    It was Ye Suijin''s territory, Ye Suijin''s army. So how to find a way, what way to find, was Ye Suijin''s business.


    He Lian Xiang Yun didn''t worry about it.


    The most stable thing in a structure was everyone minding their own business.


    He Lian Feiyu rode over on the unsaddled Liangzhou warhorse at full gallop, pulled abruptly, the warhorse reared and neighed as it stopped.


    "It''s a Liangzhou horse!" He Lian Feiyu was overjoyed, "Uncle, it''s a Liangzhou horse!"


    He was extremely excited, and kept saying: "Why didn''t Tenth Sone! It would have been great if Tenth Son came too!"


    Then he ran off again.


    He Lian Xiang Yun nced at Ye Suijin.


    Ye Suijin said: "You''re not Mingjie, don''t talk with your eyes."


    He Lian Xiang Yun rubbed his nose and said: "Did you leave all the Ye family in Biyang?"


    On this trip to Tangbei Fort, Ye Suijin didn''t bring a single person surnamed Ye.


    Ye Suijin asked: "Do you know why?"


    He Lian Xiang Yun said: "I just train soldiers and fight wars. I don''t care about anything else."


    Ye Suijin said: "Your mind is only focused on fighting, it''s a waste."


    He Lian Xiang Yun said: "As long as I have it, whether I use it or not is my business."


    He paused and said: "In fact, by bringing the young masters here, I could have kept them away from those messy affairs."


    "That won''t work," Ye Suijin said. "You are my subordinate general, you can just focus on training soldiers and fighting wars."


    "They are my younger brothers, they need to grow up."


    "This way they''ll grow up faster."


    He Lian Xiang Yun looked at her again.


    Ye Suijin sighed: "What are mouths for?"


    He Lian Xiang Yun said: "You are very much like Pei Gong."


    Ye Suijin said: "Misery lovespany I guess."


    They both have children to raise.


    Ye Suijin nced at He Lian Xiang Yun.


    He Lian Xiang Yun: "?"


    Ye Suijin said: "If you''re willing, I can also take you as my adopted son."


    Duan Jin and Qiu Sheng both choked and started coughing.


    The corner of He Lian Xiang Yun''s mouth twitched: "That won''t be necessary."


    Ye Suijin looked up at the sky.


    "Right now in Deng Prefecture, they must be killing people."


    Everyone fell silent.


    Deng Prefecture.


    Ye Jingyi scrubbed his face hard and went out to sit in the magistrate''s seat.


    Yuan Ling sat next to him.


    This was the execution ground. Common people surrounded them in three inner and three outeryers.


    After waiting for a while without him speaking, Yuan Ling called: "Magistrate Ye?"


    Ye Jingyi took a deep breath, reached into the inkstone case on the table and tightly grasped a warrant.


    Kneeling pressed on the stand was the former chief of Zhongyuan Hall, his own uncle on his father''s side.


    Busy with his own affairs, he was unaware that this uncle had been illegally upying fields inrge amounts under the Ye family name.


    And had driven several people to their deaths.


    Even more hateful than taking lives was that he had done it using the Ye family''s name.


    He was a bona fide member of the Ye family, there was no escaping association.


    The impact of his actions was too damaging.


    Yuan Lingmunicated with Ye Suijin every three days.


    Ye Suijin''s instructions were to execute him.


    Everyone knew her de was sharp, but didn''t expect it to be so sharp even against her own family.


    Yuan Ling reminded him again: "Magistrate Ye, it''s time."


    Ye Jingyi''s palms were sweaty.


    He closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again and fiercely flung out the warrant.


    "Execute!"


    In the turmoil in Deng Prefecture, the young county magistrate clearly felt the diverging interests and divisions within the n.


    Everyone had their own interests and private motivations.


    Who were his own interests tied to in the end?


    Zhongyuan Hall?


    No... it was Ye Suijin.


    The executioner''s de rose and fell.


    The head of a Ye family member with a name and face fell to the ground.


    Themoners roared in acim.


    Yuan Ling looked back.


    Behind the screen, Twelfth Sister had revealed half her face.


    Expressionlessly watching all this.


    She was too little.


    Still just a youngss.


    Yuan Ling felt somewhat guilty and regretful for having brought Twelfth Sister along.

 Chapter 112

    This shock in Deng Prefecture quieted down the entire Tang Prefecture.


    Why was it Deng Prefecture that was shaken?


    Because the Ye family n wasrge in number. In truth, only the main household and some rtives with positions and connections had moved to Biyang. The vast majority of nsmen, along with many rtives and old friends, still lived in Deng Prefecture.


    Moreover, Ye Suijin was stationed in Biyang, with the main household all present, so no one else dared to make trouble recklessly.


    Thus Deng Prefecture became the epicenter of this shock.


    Among the implicated Ye family members, the one with the highest status was Fourth Uncle Ye Sng, father and son.


    Ye Sng''s father-inw was not directly involved in the killings, so he was sentenced to death by strangtion, leaving his corpse intact.


    But Ye Sng''s wife and daughters had all perished due to this incident, which was trulymentable.


    His cousin had goaded his sister to threaten her husband to rescue her father-inw, holding her niece''s life hostage. But unexpectedly, the niece drowned.


    Although Ye Sng was not as infamous as Ye Lang with the nickname Yanluo Vajra, he was still a known killer. His cousin was afraid and took the opportunity to flee when Ye Sng''s family was in chaos.


    At that time, Ye Sng decided to divorce his wife and went to Ye Suijin.


    Fifth Uncle was furious and sent people to capture Ye Sng''s cousin. Fifth Aunt wept in anguish over her drowned granddaughter.


    The servants could only sympathize with the innocent death of the young girl. Tong Yuening had be someone everyone shunned and avoided.


    Soon after, she was found to have hanged herself from the rafters.


    The cousin knew he could not save his father-inw and had caused great disaster, deeply offending the Fifth Uncle''s family. He hurriedly fled and never dared to show himself again.


    Later, in the river along the border of Deng and Tang Prefectures, a bloated corpse was found. Based on the namete carried on his person, it was confirmed to be him.


    No one knew how or when he had died. With the character of his father, it was unsurprising the son woulde to no good end.


    No one felt sympathy.


    The other implicated elite Ye family member was the current master of Zhongyuan Hall.


    He had truly ruined the centuries-old reputation of integrity that the Ye family had in the region.


    Ye Jingyi sentenced him to death by decapitation.


    Decapitation would sever the corpse, which was considered worse than death by strangtion to people at that time, as it did not leave an intact body. Hence, decapitation was considered a harsher sentence than strangtion.


    His two sons who were aplices were sentenced to death by strangtion and exile, respectively.


    He still had a younger son who was not involved. But the entire family was stripped of their n status and banished.


    Ye Jingyi supported another rtive from a different branch of the family to take over as the new master of Zhongyuan Hall.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t want to support his own father or uncle. It was just that in his family, there were no seniors capable of taking on the position. It must be known that cing incapable or unvirtuous people in positions they should not upy often led to cmity.


    Of the rest, one was decapitated, one strangled, and five others exiled from among those rted to Ye Family Fort and Ye Suijin''s side of the n.


    In addition to the former master''s family, seven others from Zhongyuan Hall were also exiled, with several receiving canings. One died from the caning.


    Shengan Hall fared slightly better, with one exile and several canings.


    Heguang Hall had no one who warranted capital punishment either. One was exiled and several were caned.


    Of course the heaviest among inws was Ye Sng''s father-inw.


    The rest amounted to over ten exiles and several dozen canings.


    Although it sounds like a lot,pared to the Ye n''s nearly one thousand nsmen, it wasn''t actually that many. After all, with one daughter married off, the entire family on the other side instantly became your inws.


    By this calction, inws could easily number ten thousand.


    What themon people most approved of this time was that no reductions were permitted for all those convicted.


    Reductions were actually an option written into the legalmentaries and codes. Criminals could use money to reduce their sentences, and it was legal.


    The only catch was that this option involved flexibility, with the decision to permit reductions at the discretion of the official in charge. If a case caused particrly severe harm, the official could also reject requests from the criminal to reduce sentences.


    This time, Ye Suijin''s instructions to Yuan Ling were: Follow the heavy side allowed by thew, no reductions permitted.


    Was Ye Suijin angry?


    No one knew. No one could discern this woman''s joy or anger nowadays. No one knew whether she considered this earth-shattering fury.


    They only knew she had an iron will and ruthless methods.


    Not a singlemuted sentence.


    Commuted sentences meant serving the sentence locally in jail. None - either heavy enough for direct exile, or lighter misdeeds punished with canings and then over.


    Ye Suijin did not allow anyone to serve sentences locally.


    In the past, when Wei was unified north to south, exile had varying degrees - five hundred li, one thousand li, two thousand li.


    Now, with the north and south severed, various warlords vying for power, where could one be exiled to?


    Ye Suijin''s instructions were: "His Majesty is building a new imperial capital and imperial tombs over there, andcks manpower. Send them over."


    Thus Deng Prefecture dispatched guards to escort several dozen convicted to the capital.


    It had been many years since so many people were exiled at once. Themon people of the capital all turned out to watch the spectacle.


    The Eldest Princess had kept a low profile for some time after the embezzlement case and hadn''t dared to enter the pce. After this happened, she hurriedly went to the pce and nonchntly rted the events to the Emperor as an amusing anecdote.


    "Half of them surnamed Ye," the Eldest Princess clicked her tongue, "She really doesn''t hold back."


    The Emperor indifferently replied: "Take a look at how she does things."


    The Eldest Princess awkwardly tugged at the Emperor''s sleeve, apologizing: "Father, your child knows her mistake."


    Although already over ten years old, the Eldest Princess wheedled like a young girl when acting coquettish.


    And so the Emperor''s heart softened.


    He shook his finger sharply at her, indicating the matter was settled.


    In the teahouses of Deng Prefecture''s cities, discussions naturally turned to the shockwaves time and again.


    Those who were astute and well-read rapped their knuckles on the tea tables, saying: "All within the bounds of thew."


    Although the sentences were heavy, everything was still within the allowable scope of thew, with each conviction and punishment having a basis.


    Those who should be strangled were not decapitated, and those who should be decapitated were not strangled.


    Although exile was harsher than serving sentences locally, having to leave one''s hometown and travel afar, right now there was nowhere far they could be exiled to. People were sent to the capital, which was not actually that far when it came down to it.


    However, sending these nsmen and rtives away to serve their sentences avoided potential future interference during imprisonment over the next few years. Many future troubles were preempted.


    Everyone knew Ye Suijin was ruthless. She would kill without batting an eye.


    Yet this time, there were no private judgments, no vengeful torture and killings. Everything could be found to have a basis in Weiw and statutes for convictions and sentencing.


    Although Wei was no more, itsws remained.


    Under Ye Suijin''s rule was an orderly ce, not one where those in power could act on a whim.


    Today, those in power could kill a n member who harmed themon people based on personal judgment instead of thew.


    Tomorrow, if her mood changed, she could also shelter someone else harming themon people based on personal judgment.


    Comparatively, order could better protect themon people and give them peace of mind.


    Perhaps not everymoner was knowledgeable enough to fully understand this principle. But everyone could intuitively sense it.


    This purge seemed to instantly cleanse the air of Deng Prefecture.


    With the rot cut out, the Ye nsmen and rtives uniformly became gentle,w-abiding, and amiable.


    Twelfth Sister and Yuan Ling returned to Biyang.


    Yuan Ling kept a low profile after this trip to Deng Prefecture and continued as the Prefect of Biyang.


    Even Fourth Uncle Ye was slightly more courteous to him than before.


    His administration''s orders were implemented more swiftly and efficiently.


    Twelfth Sister watched Yuan Ling return to his daily life, eating normally, working normally.


    But Twelfth Sister could not return to her past.


    Fourth Uncle Ye said: "Don''t tell your mother what you went to Deng Prefecture for. She doesn''t dare scold Suijin, so she will certainlye scold me instead."


    Twelfth Sister agreed.


    Fourth Uncle Ye also asked: "Nothing happened in Deng Prefecture, right?"


    Twelfth Sister thought of the belligerent people who had blocked their way, their vicious eyes.


    In the end, it really was the Ye n''s matrilineal rtives, and even the oldest aunt was still living.


    But they were only distantly rted to the Ye n through marriage alliances.


    Relying on this connection, the vige had built dams to upy the water source, denying downstream viges ess to water, causing injuries, even daring to resist arrest.


    Power made them so arrogant.


    Although the powerful hadn''t actually shared any power with them, yet this was how they acted.


    Twelfth Sister also recalled the family harmed by Fourth Brother-in-Law''s father-inw, their tears flowing ceaselessly as they wept.


    At that time, she felt like her blood vessels would explode from rage.


    Now, Twelfth Sister slowly shook her head and calmly said: "Nothing happened."


    "That''s right," Fourth Uncle Ye nodded in relief. "I reckoned that with Yuan Ling present, and Second Treasure, Jingyi from Zhongyuan Hall, Ronglin from Shengan Hall, and Genzhi from Heguang Hall all in Deng Prefecture, nothing would happen to you."


    "Then again, if something really happened, you''re no fool. You should have reported your name,"


    Twelfth Sister said with a nod. "Reporting your father''s, elder brother''s, or Sixth Sister''s name would have scared them to death."


    Fourth Uncle Ye felt something was off. "What''s the matter? What illness has befallen you? Why are you so listless?"


    Twelfth Sister was silent for a long time before looking up and examining her father.


    Her father and elder brothers were all very sturdy in build.


    Byparison, Sixth Sister was quite tall for a woman, but still far more delicate than them.


    "Father," she asked, "Why couldn''t you seize Ye Family Fort from Sixth Sister?"


    The pleasant, cozy father-daughter conversation came to an abrupt halt.


    Fourth Uncle Ye grew awkward.


    "Well," he struggled to salvage his dignity, "I let her win."


    "Second Uncle''s family has no more sons. Ours is the main branch. Ye Family Fort is ancestral property that should have gone to you, as my inheritance," said Twelfth Sister. "Even I understand this much. How could you let Sixth Sister snatch it away?"


    Fourth Uncle Ye said, "It''s all in the past now."


    But Twelfth Sister said, "What I want to know is, how did Sixth Sister manage to defeat you back then?"


    When she was little, she didn''t understand and thought Sixth Sister was amazing to win everything as a matter of course. As she grew older and saw more of the world, she realized how bizarre it was.


    Orphaned girls or widowed daughters losing everything to their male elders wasmonce.


    But Fourth Uncle Ye, as the proper andwful sessor to Ye Family Fort ording to rites andws, had the ancestral property seized from him by his niece. That was what was truly bizarre.


    When Fourth Uncle Ye and Ye Suijin fought back then, it wasn''t over Ye Suijin''s private assets. What they fought over was the position of family head, ownership of Ye Family Fort.


    Seniority, gender, legitimacy.


    Fourth Uncle Ye should have inherited Ye Family Fort without dispute.


    Yet he lost.


    How bizarre is that?


    What could empower a girl to usurp the position?


    Twelfth Sister had to get to the bottom of this now.


    It was very important to her.


    She must know!

 Chapter 113

    Fourth Uncle Ye was furious and pped his thigh, "It''s all Second Uncle''s fault!"


    "Letting a youngdy grow up in the army camp, what was he thinking?"


    "When she started leading tribal regiments at fourteen, we thought she was just ying around. Youngdies eventually marry out, better they''re capable so they won''t be bulliedter. So we didn''t stop her. Who would have thought..."


    Ye Suijin had been hanging around the army camp since she was eight or nine. At fourteen she started taking charge of regiments, helping out her father.


    The stability of Deng Prefecture was thanks to her contributions.


    By the time she was seventeen and Ye Er suddenly passed away, the thousand regiments of the Ye Family Fort were firmly in her grasp.


    Now the generals Feng Wang, Cheng Quan, Gao Youfu, Wu Fengsou, Wang Laixi under Ye Suijin were originally called Ye Wang, Ye Quan, Ye Youfu, Ye Fengshou, Ye Laixi.


    They were household servants who had been granted the Ye surname.


    During peaceful times, servants, even if they became stewards, could not influence the inheritance of the masters.


    Because back then the government still existed to restrain the master-servant rtions.


    But by then there was no longer any government that could intervene in the Ye Family''s affairs.


    At that time, with turmoil outside and waves of refugees passing through Deng Prefecture. It was said that Deng Prefecture was stable.


    Why was Deng Prefecture stable? Because these people made it so.


    The generals controlled the regiments, and Ye Suijin controlled the generals.


    They all submitted to her.


    Now, under Ye Suijin''s leadership, the middle and younger generations of the Ye men had risen up. It seemed the household generals no longer stood out.


    But back then, if she couldn''t control them, the thousand Ye regiments could also revolt.


    These people didn''t even have their own surnames. They took on whatever surname their masters had. They didn''t actually care what surname the Ye Family Fort would have in the future. What mattered more to them was who was above them.


    These people had all been cultivated by Ye Suijin''s father.


    They recognized Ye Suijin. Not just because of Ye Suijin''s exceptional abilities, but also because with Ye Suijin in charge, the structure of the Ye Family regiments would remain stable. Their current interests and powers would be protected.


    But with a new person like Fourth Uncle in charge, he would certainly need to cultivate his own trusted subordinates.


    Everyone''s interests would suffer losses.


    So the generals banded together behind Ye Suijin.


    Relying on her control over the thousand Ye regiments, Ye Suijin dared to wrestle her uncle for the position of family head as a daughter. And she won.


    ...


    Twelfth Sister felt that her childhood seemed far away now.


    She was familiar with all the people Fourth Uncle mentioned. When she saw them, they would greet her cheerfully. When they were with Fourth Uncle, it was as if nothing had happened between them. Everyone could still smile amiably.


    But she now realized there were so many vested interests hidden behind the scenes.


    Twelfth Sister had thought that reading so many documents and learning about the ugliness of human nature had made her wiser than girls her age, no longer a child.


    But only now, truly understanding theplex web of interests between these people around her, did she take a step into the adult world.


    "What''s wrong?" Fourth Uncle stroked her forehead, "No fever, so why the low spirits?"


    He said, "The matters between Sixth Sister and I, they''re all in the past now. Now we all recognize that Sixth Sister is simply more capable than me, and I admit defeat wholeheartedly. Sixth Sister has also made it clear, in the future the ancestral property of the Ye Family Fort will still go to A Gui.


    What she took from me, returning it to A Gui, can be considered giving it back to our family. So from now on, let bygones be bygones, everyone should look forward, understand? Don''t bring it up again."


    He repeatedly emphasized this, and Twelfth Sister nodded, "Mm."


    Fourth Uncle said, "I still have things to do. Go find your mother. Also learn more about the mourning arrangements at Fifth Uncle''s home. In the future when you marry out and be someone''s wife, you''ll inevitably have to manage things like this inside and out. You''re not young anymore, time to start learning. No more running around randomly."


    Twelfth Sister didn''t feel like arguing as usual, only asking, "When is Sixth Sistering back?"


    "She should be back soon. She must know Yuan Ling is back." Fourth Uncle said, "Fourth Sister-in-Law''s funeral arrangements will be done in two days, just in time for her to return after."


    Twelfth Sister was thus dismissed to the rear courtyards.


    In the rear courtyards, Fourth Madam and two daughters-inw were talking.


    There was a funeral at Fourth Young Master''s home. Usually after a son married, funeral arrangements and managing red and white events, social interactions, and so on, should all be handled by the daughter-inw.


    But this time''s funeral was for Fourth Young Master''s wife, Madam Tong. And Fifth Madam had also fallen ill.


    So Fourth Madam could only take the two daughters-inw to help manage things.


    Fortunately in recent years Fourth Madam had essentially taken on the duties of matriarch, and was very experienced handling such matters.


    Following her, Tong Niang had also be very capable. This time, it was a good opportunity for the younger daughter-inw to learn.


    Lan Niang was born very delicate and pleasing to the eye. But her character seemed rather dainty. Fortunately when choosing a daughter-inw, Tong Niang had been selected with the standards for an elder daughter-inw and matriarch in mind, very steady and gentle, and could be tolerant and amodating of her sister-inw.


    The sisters-inw got along harmoniously.


    But now, everyone''s mood was bleak.


    Madam Tong''s death had truly shocked the women of the rear courtyards. Especially Tong Niang and Lan Niang, who still found it hard to believe even now.


    Yet they knew this was real.


    Just a few days ago, they had still been chatting andughing together with their sister-inw, but now she was gone.


    Her mother-inw had even been unwilling to arrange her funeral, only doing so at Fourth Young Master''s insistence. In the end, they had still held funeral rites, since they were husband and wife.


    Fourth Madam understood Fifth Madam''s intent, keeping everything simple. But the Ye Family was different now. Even a "simple" funeral now was much grander than back at Ye Family Fort.


    At least Madam Tong''s dignity was preserved.


    But this was the first time the women directly faced Ye Suijin''s ruthlessness.


    Of course they had heard many things about her in the past. But those were all "it is said...". Living in the sheltered rear courtyards, they had never personally witnessed or experienced such things. When the men returned, they also did not discuss much with them.


    The Ye Suijin they saw was the Ye Suijin who made people feel like basking in spring sunshine.


    She could have served as matriarch of any great family.


    She was always smiling, making every person who spoke with her feel valued.


    She was very intimate and caring with peers who were her sisters-inw and younger sisters. Apart from the past conflicts the men had with her, judging her alone, both Tong Niang and Lan Niang liked her.


    They truly could not have imagined that Ye Suijin could order the killing of Madam Tong''s own father and Fourth Young Master''s father-inw, people so closely rted to them, with just a word.


    And also the head of the Zhongyuan Hall, the patriarch of a household.


    The final executions demonstrated rule ofw, but the refusal to allow redemption demonstrated Ye Suijin''s cold heart.


    No family couldn''t have paid the money. If they redeemed the sentences, no one needed to die.


    But she let these people close to them die.


    Tong Niang, Lan Niang, even Fourth Madam, were all shocked.


    This was the first time they saw Ye Suijin''s other side, the side they rarely saw.


    It made them feel fear.


    When Twelfth Sister arrived, Fourth Madam was still murmuring: "You weren''t at your teacher''s during all that, right?"


    Twelfth Sister perfunctorily replied: "No, I was studying every day."


    Only then was Fourth Madam reassured.


    As the women talked, it was mostly trifling funeral matters like tallying condolence money, checking items, incense and candles.


    Twelfth Sister remained silent, only listening.


    Lan Niang looked over at her with concern and asked: "Not feeling well? You seem really low-spirited."


    Twelfth Sister vaguely answered: "Just no appetite."


    Fourth Madam also said: "Let''s not keep talking about it, it''s these events upsetting everyone, I haven''t had much appetite these days either."


    As she spoke she sighed.


    Tong Niang and Lan Niang also sighed along.


    Lan Niang said: "I still haven''t returned the embroidery patterns I borrowed from Fourth Sister-in-Law."


    Her eyes grew wet with tears.


    Tong Niang''s eyes also reddened.


    Only Twelfth Sister remained wooden-faced.


    Fourth Madam noticed and worried the daughters-inw would think Twelfth Sister was hard-hearted if word got out, which would be bad for her reputation. So she said: "Look at this child, she''s gone silly already. Sigh, it will take some time for it to sink in for her."


    Twelfth Sister did not refute this.


    Tong Niang and Lan Niang sighed as well.


    Fourth Madam casually remarked: "Suijin''s heart is just too hard. Why didn''t she allow redemption, sigh."


    Twelfth Sister suddenly looked up: "What else could be done?"


    "If everyone redeemed their sentences, without any cost to life?" she said, "Why did the people from Yang Prefecturee? Tonce a festering sore. If the sore isn''t cleaned out, how is that any different from notncing it at all?"


    "If they could be redeemed, who would still fear?"


    "Therger Sister Six''s territory grows, the more troops she has, and the more evil these people dare tomit!"


    "How much effort Sister Six spent to attract more poption!"


    "What is poption? Everymoner is part of the poption! Whether Tang Prefecture and Deng Prefecture can prosper depends firstly on having enough poption."


    "The poption that Sister Six worked so hard to nurture and grow - they didn''te here to be mistreated like this! Not a single one!"


    Twelfth Sister''s chest heaved as she faced her mother and sisters-inw.


    Fourth Madam, Tong Niang, and Lan Niang were all shocked into silence.


    Tong Niang reacted quickly, patting Twelfth Sister''s arm and saying, "Just casual chatter, no need to get so angry over it."


    Fourth Madam also said, "What are you yelling about? I didn''t say anything. Just spewing nonsense for no reason, all this talk about poption and territory - is that something for you to worry about? If you have time for that, wouldn''t it be better to embroider some pillowcases and sew pairs of socks for your sisters-inw? A Gui is so big already, yet his Auntie hasn''t made him a single hand-sewn new garment."


    Tong Niang turned to try and cate her mother-inw: "Mother, Mother..."


    Lan Niang looked around uneasily. Her mother-inw and sister-inw were sniping at each other, and she didn''t know which side she should support. It would be best...to just stay silent.


    Twelfth Sister looked at the three women closest to her.


    Their eyes held various emotions, but not a single one had truly listened to the words she''d just said.


    She knew she had let her emotions get out of control just now. She wanted to calm down.


    But Fourth Madam went on, "All I meant was, if Sixth Sister had agreed to reduce their ransom, Sister Yuening wouldn''t have had to die."


    Twelfth Sister felt her blood vessels about to burst again.


    She was sad that Fourth Sister was gone too.


    But she understood very clearly why Fourth Sister had died.


    Was it Ye Suijin who had made Fourth Sister''s fathermit shameful, evil acts? If he had behaved properly and righteously, Fourth Sister would never have died, and Little Sprout would not have perished so young.


    But they felt it was because Sixth Sister''s heart was too hardened, refusing to reduce the ransom, that led to Fourth Sister''s death.


    They didn''t know that Sixth Sister had to be hard-hearted in order to properly manage the entire great Ye n.


    Only by managing the n well and helping it prosper could they sit here in peace andment others'' hard-heartedness.


    They also didn''t care about what she had just said, about poptions, Tang and Deng Prefectures, whether they prospered or not - everything outside thepound walls was men''s business.


    They didn''t bother with such things.


    What they cared about was which family''s madam shouldn''t have worn vermilion bangles to someone else''s funeral, and which daughter-inw''s shoes were too gaudy beneath her in clothes.


    She looked at them.


    They were all gentle, kind women, and they all cherished her.


    But for some reason, Twelfth Sister felt that every breath she took while sitting here with them was suffocating.


    She felt as if she might die at any moment.


    This feeling persisted until finally, Ye Suijin returned.


    Her Sixth Sister hade back.


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