"Big Brother has returned to the capital on urgent business," Zhan Feiyu said, putting down the letter. Her initially joyful mood plummeted to the bottom, and she slumped dejectedly at the table.
"The Imperial Dragon Guard's affairs are demanding," He Nuan said gently, poking the charcoal basin with a copper skewer. "When he has time, Master Seven will surely visit Miss."
Although she understood, she still felt a pang of sadness. Zhan Feiyu looked at the letter again before handing it to He Nuan to burn in the charcoal basin. "Let's return to Xiangwu County this afternoon."
Zhan Feiyu had traveled a long way from Huaian Prefecture to Weizhou. Although her mission was to deliver a letter from Scholar Gu to Old General Yang, she couldn't fathom Scholar Gu's true intentions, nor did she intend to guess. Her teacher would never harm her.
As for what Old General Yang and Yang Shoucheng would think, Zhan Feiyu didn't care. The letter had been delivered, and her task was complete.
"That's fine. It's quite inconvenient living here," He Nuan agreed with a nod. The lack of convenience in all aspects of life, not to mention the separation of sexes.
"I'll go and take my leave from Old General Yang. We'll depart after lunch," Zhan Feiyu patted her cheeks. In this biting cold, stepping out of a warm room was a significant challenge.
He Nuan followed her out, heading to the kitchen to prepare lunch and asking He Sheng to hunt a rabbit or something similar for an extra dish.
In the main hall, Yang Xu was practicing calligraphy. Stimulated by Zhan Feiyu's diligence and eagerness to learn, even his least favorite "zhi, hu, zhe, ye" passages, Yang Xu no longer resisted them as before, instead patiently studying.
"You're leaving?" Hearing Zhan Feiyu's words, Yang Xu looked up abruptly, his hand shaking. A drop of ink landed on the paper, instantly smudging into a large black blot.
Old General Yang, seated in the main position, glanced at his dispirited grandson, a flicker of guilt crossing his eyes.
Normally, Xu'er couldn't play with the village children. This time, with Xiao Yu's arrival, though she had only stayed for seven or eight days, Xu'er was clearly happy. Even the most resilient child needed playmates.
"I plan to travel south to study before it snows," Zhan Feiyu said. She was afraid of the cold, and the door to the main hall was not closed. As she spoke, her hands felt icy. She had no intention of staying in the Longyou Circuit. Since her teacher had instructed her to travel and study, she would naturally head south.
Yang Xu's eyes widened, and he stared blankly at the smiling Zhan Feiyu. At this moment, besides disappointment, there was a stronger sense of urgency. Clearly, Xiao Yu was a young lady, only a year older than him, yet she could already handle matters independently.
He lowered his gaze to the ink-stained paper. After the New Year, he would be nine years old, yet he couldn't even write properly. Although he had learned martial arts from his grandfather and father for several years, Yang Xu knew very well that his skills were only enough to deal with ordinary people. If he encountered a trained practitioner, he would surely lose.
"Reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles," Old General Yang chuckled, stroking his beard. He did not believe that women should be confined to the inner chambers, relying solely on their husbands and children.
Throughout history, it wasn't that women were inferior to men, but rather due to the excessive restrictions imposed on women by Neo-Confucianism. Women on the frontier could also wield swords and fight enemies, proving their mettle equal to men.
"My teacher made friends in various places during his studies. For years, my teacher has been unable to leave the capital, so as his disciple, I must assist him when needed," Zhan Feiyu said that she was visiting old friends on behalf of Scholar Gu. Firstly, Scholar Gu intended to show off his young disciple.
Secondly, it was for these old friends to guide Zhan Feiyu more, so she could accumulate the strengths of various schools and form her own unique perspective.
After Zhan Feiyu left the main hall, Yang Xu lost the spirit to continue practicing calligraphy. He looked at Old General Yang and said sullenly, "She's so young, how could Scholar Gu bear to do this?"
Let alone Zhan Feiyu's young age, even scholars who had come of age would likely be reluctant to let them travel and study extensively. The hardships of travel, facing wind and dew, were evident just by thinking about it.
"Jade uncarved does not become useful. Xu'er, after some time, you should also go out and see the world," Old General Yang did not think Scholar Gu was heartless. He continued in a deep voice, "If she were still a village girl from Jinlin Village, then she would only need to learn cooking and mending, and after reaching adulthood, she could get married, living her entire life in that small village, peaceful but also mediocre."
Looking at the thoughtful Yang Xu, Old General Yang's kindly face became more serious. "But as Scholar Gu's disciple, she must be exceptionally talented and knowledgeable to avoid disgracing Scholar Gu's reputation."
"Fulfill your duties according to your position. Xu'er, if you are merely a common soldier in the future, then knowing some martial arts will be enough to fight on the battlefield. But if you wish to restore the Yang family's glory and become a general, you must study and write, diligently read military treatises, understand troop deployment and formations, and strategize within your command to achieve victory from a thousand miles away."
Zhan Feiyu saw Yang Shoucheng returning with two fish as she emerged from the main hall, and naturally repeated her farewell.
After sending the fish to the kitchen for He Nuan, Yang Shoucheng entered the main hall and saw Yang Xu deep in thought. He picked up the calligraphy Yang Xu had been practicing and began to look at it. Although it was still "dog-scrawled" characters, it was a significant improvement from before.
"Shoucheng, why not let Xu'er travel and study with Xiao Yu?" Old General Yang suddenly said. Seeing Yang Xu's sudden joy followed by his dark, expressionless little face, Old General Yang couldn't help but laugh heartily. "Childhood sweethearts, Xu'er, do you want to go together?"
"Grandfather!" Yang Xu called out with a stiff face, his earlobes turning slightly red. However, he had no intention of leaving with Zhan Feiyu. Although he was reluctant to part with his playmate, he was even more unwilling to leave home.
Watching his father tease his son, Yang Shoucheng still had his stern and killing face, but his eyes held tenderness. He placed a large hand on Yang Xu's head. "Going out is possible, but it must wait until next year. This period is not peaceful."
Yang Xu suddenly looked up, asking confusedly, "Father, what happened?"
Alas, this was a simpleton, a stubborn little bull. Thinking of Zhan Feiyu, both Old General Yang and Yang Shoucheng sighed simultaneously. No wonder Old Mr. Qiu wanted to poach her. Such an intelligent and perceptive young girl, who wouldn't want to take her as a disciple?
Before Zhan Feiyu's arrival, Old General Yang was satisfied with Yang Xu, only being strict in his studies and martial arts.
However, after the comparison, Old General Yang had to slightly adjust his teaching methods for Yang Xu. The heavy burden of the Yang family would eventually fall on Xu'er's shoulders.
He Nuan was cooking in the kitchen, and Zhan Feiyu continued to write articles in her room. Those who know their own affairs know that without talent, one must work hard. Reading ten thousand books leads to inspired writing, there is no other way.
When Yang Xu called her to the main hall again, Zhan Feiyu was somewhat surprised. "Does the Old General have any instructions?"
"Xiao Yu, tell me, what is the purpose of the Zhenbian Marquis's visit?" Old General Yang beckoned Zhan Feiyu to sit down. Involving Zhang Yiyi, Xu'er's birth mother, Old General Yang had to consider more carefully.
She subconsciously glanced at Yang Xu, who had straightened his body, then looked at the kind-faced Old General Yang and the taciturn Yang Shoucheng. The Old General was asking about Zhang Yiyi.
"Old General, as the saying goes, unsolicited kindness is either a plot or a theft." Since the question was directed at her, Zhan Feiyu spoke frankly. "When I was seeking shelter from the rain in a dilapidated temple outside the official road in Xiangwu County, I encountered that lady. I consider my own lifestyle to be somewhat luxurious, but compared to that lady, it's like a minor comparison to a major one..."
Zhan Feiyu recounted the events in the dilapidated temple in detail. He Nuan's care for Zhan Feiyu was meticulous and thoughtful, but when traveling, one sometimes had to make do. However, Zhang Yiyi's demeanor and style made Zhan Feiyu imagine her pampered life in the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion.
"She hasn't visited Yang Xu for eight years, nor sent a letter or a piece of clothing. Now she suddenly appears, talking about mother-son affection. This talk would fool ghosts, and even ghosts wouldn't believe it," Zhan Feiyu believed that given Yang Xu's personality, even if he yearned for Zhang Yiyi's appearance in his heart, he cared more about Old General Yang and Yang Shoucheng. Zhan Feiyu only worried that he would let down his guard and fall into a trap.
"I know," Yang Xu's still immature face was now more serious than ever.
Whether it was being trampled underfoot like a dead dog by guards halfway, or her blatant insults towards his father, Yang Xu remembered it all. He would never be soft-hearted or be deceived.
Zhan Feiyu smiled at Yang Xu and nodded, believing his assurance. She then continued, "After encountering people from the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion, I had someone investigate the matter. I heard that an imperial censor from the Censorate impeached the Zhenbian Marquis for moral misconduct."
"If they didn't impeach him for the past eight years and chose this time, it means the Emperor intends to take action against the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion. The so-called moral misconduct is just a pretext. The Zhenbian Marquis is likely desperate."
If the sovereign wants a minister to die, the minister must die! Whether the moral misconduct exists or not is unimportant. What matters is that the Emperor's attitude has been revealed. If the Zhenbian Marquis does not want to die, he must have a trump card for self-preservation, and the Yang family's connections in the military are a life-saving straw for the Zhenbian Marquis.
Zhan Feiyu's candid words were a favor to Old General Yang. As for Scholar Gu's intentions to win over or test her, it had nothing to do with the young girl. If Scholar Gu intended to achieve merit by assisting the Emperor, he would never reveal it to the young girl.
Lying on the heated brick bed late at night, Yang Xu somewhat guessed Zhang Yiyi's impure intentions. However, without Zhan Feiyu's intelligence, he didn't know that Zhang Yiyi was after the Yang family's connections in the military and might use him as a hostage to force his grandfather and father.
Knowing the truth, Yang Xu clenched his fists tightly. Being young, his self-control was insufficient, and the anger on his face was evident.
"The Zhenbian Marquis's mansion is now like a headless fly. With the salt tax reform imminent, the seven northwestern guards must be firmly controlled by the Emperor. Whether it's the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion or the generals of the seven guards, they all have intricate connections with the court and noble families. Only our Yang family bears the crime of colluding with the enemy and treason. Having been pure and upright all these years, the Emperor now intends to restore the Yang family."
Old General Yang's access to information was limited, and he knew even less about court affairs. However, after Zhang Yiyi's appearance, Old General Yang secretly contacted old Yang family subordinates. A continuous stream of information reached Old General Yang. After compiling and analyzing them one by one, he understood the Emperor's intentions.
"Ultimately, the Yang family has this opportunity thanks to Xiao Yu." Old General Yang stood up and solemnly bowed to Zhan Feiyu to express his gratitude.
"Old General, there's no need for this. You humble this junior." She quickly dodged, but as Zhan Feiyu moved, Yang Shoucheng placed a hand on her shoulder.
Zhan Feiyu felt a tremendous force pressing down on her shoulder, forcing her to accept Old General Yang's bow.
Yang Xu was confused again. "Grandfather?"
"Xu'er, it's normal that you don't know. The four major salt merchants control the salt prices. The Ouyang family in Longyou Circuit is called the 'emperor of the land,' let alone the other three major salt merchants in Jiangnan Circuit. This salt tax reform originated from a policy question Zhan Feiyu wrote in Shangsi County School years ago." Old General Yang explained in detail. Without the salt tax reform, the Emperor would not have intended to restore the Yang family.
To grasp all the intelligence and information in such a short period, the strength of the Yang family's old subordinates was imaginable. Thus, it was said that a starving camel is still larger than a horse. It was normal for the Zhenbian Marquis's mansion to covet the Yang family's connections in the military.
Once the Yang family was restored and reconnected with all their old subordinates, Old General Yang could definitely control the seven northwestern guards in the shortest possible time. Zhan Feiyu pondered for a moment and suddenly understood why the Emperor had allowed the Yang family to bear the crime of colluding with the enemy and treason years ago.
The Emperor had to guard against the Yang family's power.
Prince Yu, despite being the Emperor's own uncle, had ultimately handed over his military power and become a leisurely prince in the capital. Not to mention the Yang family, who were far away in Longyou Circuit. Frankly speaking, it was a case of "the cunning rabbit is dead, the hounds are cooked; the bird is gone, the good bow is hidden," but this was also the art of emperors.
Zhan Feiyu had planned to take her leave after lunch, but unexpectedly, a letter from Scholar Gu arrived via fast horse from the capital.
In addition to her studies, Scholar Gu's letter instructed Zhan Feiyu to stay in Xiangwu County for a full month, specifically for Qiu Zongxi to teach her for a month. He wanted the renowned calligrapher and painter, Old Mr. Qiu, to witness Zhan Feiyu's lack of talent in calligraphy and completely extinguish Qiu Zongxi's desire to take her as a disciple.
"What do you mean by 'rotten wood cannot be carved'? I have my own specializations!" Zhan Feiyu was so angry her teeth itched. She could feel the mockery in her teacher's words through the paper.
He Nuan smiled and efficiently packed their luggage. Since Scholar Gu had given such instructions, there must be a deeper meaning.
A knock sounded on the door. Zhan Feiyu quickly walked over to open it and saw Yang Xu outside.
"Xiao Yu, can I talk to you outside for a moment?" Yang Xu glanced at the two large boxes placed in the middle of the room, reluctance surging again. After today's farewell, he didn't know when they would meet again, perhaps ten years, perhaps twenty years.
In this weather, stepping outside for fifteen minutes would freeze you like a dog. Zhan Feiyu walked out of the room. "Let's talk in the kitchen."
There was no one in the kitchen at this time, but the fire under the stove had not been extinguished. It was covered with ashes. When it was time to cook in the evening, they could uncover the ashes and stuff kindling into it.
Zhan Feiyu and Yang Xu entered the kitchen one after another and sat down on a small stool under the stove. Zhan Feiyu skillfully lit the fire and added a small handful of fine twigs. Once the flames rose, she added two arm-thick logs.
Looking at Zhan Feiyu, dressed in fox fur, and then at her skilled movements, Yang Xu finally remembered that she had also grown up in the countryside before becoming a disciple. Like the girls in Shitou Village, she probably had to help with household chores, so it was normal for her to know how to light a fire.