Chapter Thirty: We Are Refined and Cultivated Second-Generation Ancestors

  The westward-facing Zhengwangfu's first road has a elegant and unique courtyard, in the spring, the flower beds in the courtyard gradually bloom with tender green. This small courtyard is usually used by the young master to receive guests.

  In the flower hall across the courtyard, Ye Zhaowore elegant attire and was chatting with Han Jin Chun. Today was indeed the day when Ye Zhaowas supposed to accompany the new bride back home, but Han Jin Chun had just been appointed as a guard and would soon be leaving for the border to help with the Heilongjiang militia training.

  The ban on crossing the border was lifted, and Han people in the Yanlu region were allowed to migrate to barren areas such as Heilongjiang Jiangbei and Jianguo to open up wasteland. The imperial edict was transmitted to various provinces and prefectures, and many responded. Who wouldn't want a few acres of their own land? This is the most realistic and long-awaited life for farmers since ancient times.

  Han Jin's heart was actually uncertain, he was a fierce general, but not a reckless one. Organizing the militia was already a complex task, let alone in a place where people's hearts were unsettled and migrating. However, on the other hand, he also knew that if it were in other provinces, prefectures, or counties, only local gentry would have the ability and influence to organize the militia, while outsiders shouldn't even think about it.

  Ye Zhaoping sipped his tea, thinking and saying: "When you go this time, you must understand the local situation clearly. You should get along well with both the Han people who have moved there and the indigenous people. Don't be in a hurry, don't rush to arm yourself, for haste makes waste."

  Han Jin-chun nodded silently.

  Ye Zhao said, "As for organizing the militia, wait until Old Master returns and he can go to Guanwai to lend you a helping hand. As for preparing food and supplies, it's naturally not as easy for you as it is for him."

  "Outside the pass, there aren't many wealthy gentry, but there are quite a few bandits who smuggle black gold. I've heard of one, Han Xianzhong, who has some reputation. Initially, you and Old Master can think about getting the money from them, but still prioritize appeasement, don't hurt the harmony, after all, they're the local dragons."

  After taking a sip of tea, Ye Zhaosaid: "In the imperial court, I'll think of another way, after all, you can't be short of breath because of money."

  Managing troops and military affairs, the most troublesome thing is money. If there was an endless supply of silver, any kind of armed force could be raised. Han Jin Chun was also worried about his nominal defense position outside the pass, not knowing how to take action. Who knew that young master Wang had already thought everything through for him?

  "I, your humble servant, will not disappoint Young Master Wang's great expectations!" Han Jin-chun kowtowed with gratitude, tears streaming down his face. From being a small battalion commander to being appointed as the guardian of the outer provinces and entrusted with the task of organizing the militia, Han Jin-chun knew that he was merely helping Young Master Wang with his tasks. Young Master Wang wanted to organize the militia in the outer provinces, but unfortunately, he couldn't do it himself, so he entrusted this heavy responsibility to Han Jin-chun, giving him a chance to prove himself and fulfill his ambitions. If he failed to accomplish this task, he would be the first to apologize to Young Master Wang by cutting off his own eyes.

  Ye Zhao took out a folded banner from his sleeve, unfolded it, and on it were ten neat characters: "Defend China's prosperity, even if I die nine times, I will not regret".

  Ye Zhao smiled and said: "This is what I wrote, sent to Brother Han."

  Han Jin-chun took it over and stared blankly at the ten words, feeling a bit bewildered. He felt that there was something wrong with this sentence, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.

  Ye Zhaoming smiled and said: "I suppose this is my creed, let's work together with Brother Han."

  Han Jin-chun muttered to himself, "Though I die nine times, I will not regret it. Though I die nine times, I will not regret it." A surge of heroic passion burst forth in his chest. He knelt down on one knee and shouted loudly: "Yes! Your humble servant has taken note of this. Your humble servant will definitely bring these words to every brother in the army! Your humble servant will do his duty for Young Master Wang, even if it means dying nine times without regret!"

  Ye Zhao smiled and gently patted his shoulder.

  ……

  Hurriedly returning to the Chrysanthemum Phoenix Building, I saw the little guy all dressed up, wearing a bright red brocade robe, and dainty little flag shoes, looking even more lovely and adorable, sitting obediently on the couch waiting for me.

  "Just met a friend, let's go, the carriage is waiting outside." Ye Zhaohad been aware that Xiao was mischievous and cunning despite his young age. Although he had spent the past two days playing chess and drinking with her without neglecting her, he still hadn't made a move. He wondered what she was thinking in her heart, so he wanted to find an opportunity to have a chat with her.

  One person lightly picked up the gift tray covered with red brocade on the outer house table, although according to custom, it is not necessary to send any valuable gifts when returning home. However, apart from the silk fabrics on the carriage, Ye Zhaoyang also chose a pair of jade earrings for the old lady and selected snuff bottles and other trinkets for his two uncles, which were the auspicious objects in his hands.

  "Husband, don't spoil my brother." The little guy was clearly dissatisfied with giving such an expensive gift to his useless older brother. As for the younger brother, he was still in diapers and didn't understand things yet.

  Ye Zhao smiled and said, "This is what makes me love you!" Ye Zhao thought carefully about it yesterday, but was shocked to discover that by the standards of this era, she was actually somewhat in the wrong when it came to matters of intimacy. This astonishing conclusion left Ye Zhao stunned for a long time. But as for intimacy, how could that be possible? At eleven years old, what she needed was to grow up happily and healthily.

  For now, I can only coax her, lest she gets any wild ideas.

  However, the little guy had already begun to think wildly. Sitting in the horse-drawn carriage on the way to Chai Hutong, the little guy whispered into Ye Zhao's ear: "Husband, Rong'er won't tell others what she said, you don't have to worry, there will be a time when she gets better."

  Ye Zhao started off being unclear, randomly nodding her head, but the more she thought about it, the less it made sense. What did this little guy mean? What wouldn't he say to others? What was always curable at some point?

  Suddenly I somewhat understood, is this little guy saying something? Ah, it seems like he thinks he has a hidden illness? Can't be cured?

  The more I think about it, the more I feel that's what it means. But no, there are many rumors circulating behind my back in the mansion, saying that I have a fondness for men. This maid, Jixiang, looks very cunning and must have already gotten wind of this rumor. Why wouldn't she protect her master? She secretly reveals this rumor to her master's face?

  No matter what the little guy thinks, anyway, he must think that there is something wrong with his body or mind.

  Ye Zhaohua couldn't help but laugh and cry, but thinking about it was also good, after all, it saved her the trouble of explaining herself. She couldn't very well say she was too young, that little guy would probably be devastated.

  Furrowing his brow, Ye Zhao said: "Don't call me husband anymore, just...just do as you please, in short, don't call me husband." Every time he heard the little guy say this word, he really felt like he was nothing.

  "Oh." The little guy nodded obediently, but then took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from Ye Zhaos forehead.

  Ye Zhaohas this helplessness, looking at her childish face, elegant demeanor, such a lovely "wife", is really a rare encounter in history.

  ……

  The old lady smiled and measured them, in her eyes, Ye Shao and Rong Er were a match made in heaven, there was no one more suitable than this pair.

  Zhuo Xiang took out that emerald green snuff bottle, his eyes shining brightly, and he practically worshipped Ye Zhao like a living ancestor.

  Yeshao said that the four flavors of dim sum were all his own hand-drawn sketches, and he asked the pastry chef in the mansion to help him create them through steaming and frying. The old lady was overjoyed, her mouth couldn't close, and she kept praising her son-in-law for being filial and knowing how to care for others.

  It's said that although Xing Zhen has a noble status and is a dignitary in the palace, she is just a nominal figure. She can't even decide whether to return home or not, let alone mention it casually. It's only when the Emperor occasionally feels like it that he thinks of letting her out of the palace to visit her mother's family. Moreover, this might happen once every year or two, and even then, it's only possible for those who have an audience with the Emperor and are in his favor. As for ordinary concubines, it's not even worth thinking about.

  Now looking at this family, it can only be hoped that Jing Ge, this second uncle, will take care of things.

  The little guy looked dignified, but the joy and pride flashing in his beautiful big eyes couldn't escape Ye Zhaos notice. Ye Zhao found it somewhat amusing and thought to himself that this little kid was quite easy to coax.

  At the banquet, Zhaoxiang drank a few cups of wine and became somewhat inebriated. He toasted Ye Zhaoyi with a cup and said: "Young Master Wang, look at me, I'm not young anymore, but I still don't have any decent business to attend to. Just thinking about our clan's monthly grain allowance, it's not even enough for me to make a bowl of millet porridge to show filial piety to my elderly mother! What do you think, why am I so lacking in ambition?"

  The old lady glared at him, "Nonsense again, go to the backyard and take a rest after drinking too much." Anyone who heard this knew what it meant.

  Zhuo Xiang didn't dare to argue with his mother, and smiled: "What's nonsense? I'm thinking of making progress, aren't I? Besides, if I leave, who will accompany Jing Ge to talk?"

  "What you're saying is nonsense! It's ridiculous to listen to! You think our family doesn't have any discipline!" The old lady was really angry, and Xiang lowered his head in embarrassment, not daring to make a sound.

  Ye Zhaobusi laughed and said, "Big brother is right, actually I've been thinking about this matter for a long time. I asked someone to talk about it, and I reckon they can arrange a job for big brother. It should be settled in the next few days, and there will definitely be news."

  The old lady sighed: "How can you say that, Jing Ge, you can't hit me in the face like this in the future."

  Ye Zhao smiled and said: "Elder brother is still treating Jingxiang as an outsider, Jingxiang must be feeling uncomfortable in his heart."

  "Where's the skill? Where's the skill?" The old lady finally turned her anger into joy and burst out laughing.

  Zhuo Xiang secretly gave Ye Zha a thumbs up, praising himself for being a "brother-in-law" with real skills.

  The little guy glared at his brother fiercely, apparently his elbows were already starting to turn outward.

  ……

  Before getting on the horse carriage, seeing that it was still early, Ye Zhao whispered a few words in Rui Si's ear.

  The horse carriage headed westward, and the little guy seemed to feel that it was not the way back to the mansion. He lifted the curtain and took a peek outside, then asked curiously: "Where are we going?"

  Ye Zhaohao smiled and said: "Going fishing in the western suburbs is so much fun."

  The little guy remained silent for a while before saying: "But, but isn't there fish in the lake at the mansion too?"

  "What's the point of that?" Ye Zhaosaid with a pout.

  The little guy knew that his husband was greedy for pleasure and infatuated with entertainment, and he also knew that even if he advised him, he wouldn't listen, so he could only worry in his heart.

  Finally arrived at the west suburb, a piece of emerald water's edge, willow trees sprouting, green grass lush, occasionally with a few small flowers dotted among them, and butterflies fluttering around.

  As soon as he got off the horse carriage, the little guy opened his beautiful eyes wide and had to admit that Master was indeed a first-rate talent in finding places for fun.

  Several horse-drawn carriages stopped at a distance, the guards stood solemnly, Rui Si'er and a servant brought over a sedan chair, a soft chair, and a fishing rod, these tools had already been prepared in one of the carriages.

  The little guy was originally puzzled, and he didn't know what the car following closely behind had to do with anything. He hadn't seen anyone getting in or out, nor were there any gifts being loaded to be sent to his wife's family. Now it seemed that this was actually the husband's pleasure carriage, and it must have been carrying all sorts of strange playthings for him.

  Ye Zhaos actually felt a bit helpless, in his own era, inviting friends to go fishing by car was a very normal leisure activity, but more than 100 years earlier, why did it feel like a waste of manpower and a second-generation ancestor not doing a proper job?

  Looking at the little guy sighing, as if worried about his own future, made Ye Zhao even more cry and laugh.

  However, under Ye Zha's persistence, the little guy had to take the fishing rod and sit beside Ye Zha to become a fisherman. He immediately felt the joy of fishing, although he still looked calm and collected, and wouldn't jump up or shout when a fish was hooked. But who could know the excitement and tension in his heart?

  "Here, this is also fun." Ye Zhaohanded the binoculars over to the little guy.

  "What's this?" The little guy held the telescope in his hand and examined it back and forth.

  Ye Zhaoheld his hands in a circle in front of his eyes and gestured with his hands, "Look like this, right, just look like this."

  "Huh?" When the originally distant scenery suddenly became clear and rushed in front of his eyes, the little guy finally let out a soft cry of surprise. Ye Zhaosheng smiled: "In the future, I'll tinker with some more advanced ones, so you can see the stars and moon at night, and Chang'e will be visible as clear as day."

  The little guy didn't hear clearly at all, but curiously held up his binoculars and looked around.

  Ye Zhaolong leaned back in his soft chair, eyes slightly closed to rest his mind. To say that the western suburbs were full of royal gardens, it wasn't easy to find a place like this where one could fish, and he himself loved coming here to ponder some difficult problems that were hard to solve.

  For example, now the biggest problem is how to leave Beijing. Even if I go out of Guanwai, I will still be in Beijing as a idle minister with a loose official position. With my lazy and idle personality, I'm afraid that I will slowly get used to the leisurely life of a second-generation ancestor again.

  ………………………………….

  Thank you everyone! I'm sweating, this week's chart is out, hopefully can stay on the weekly chart all week...