Chapter 189 – The Army Stationed at Tongluo Plain
Yao Cheng and Yao Jia were still not the least bit intimidated seeing Yan Shujing’s enraged declaration to seek justice.
Yao Jia, smirking with contempt, said, “Yan Shujing, if you wish to accuse us, then go ahead. We are the sons of the county magistrate. Even if General Zhan is present and our father doesn’t dare to bend the law, according to the Great Chu’s laws, the worst that would happen to us is a beating and a short imprisonment. Once General Zhan leaves, we will be released. But if you make a big fuss, it will only ruin your reputation. Who would marry a woman who has been with two men? Without a suitor, you might as well become a nun.”
Yao Jia’s words tightened Yan Shujing’s heart, her fists clenching even tighter. She had been intent on complaining to Yao Jin, but now she reconsidered. Yao Jia was right; pursuing the matter would ruin her reputation without harming the brothers.
Moreover, with the strict values of the Yan family, if her grandfather learned of her violation, he might disown her.
Seeing her fear, Yao Cheng pulled out a banknote and tossed it at her. “Yan Shujing, this is our compensation to you. Be wise, take the money, and go back to Shaoyao Village.”
After dropping these cold words, Yao Cheng and Yao Jia left arrogantly.
Yan Shujing stood dazed for a moment, then bent down to pick up the banknote, her teeth clenched in anger.
The scene shifts to Daxing Town.
Today, the townsfolk under Daxing Town’s jurisdiction were overjoyed because the imperial army of fifty thousand had been stationed at Tongluo Plain, at the foot of the Four Sisters Mountain.
Tongluo Plain is separated from the Rongdi Kingdom by the Yunluo River. To the left of the river is Tongluo Plain and the Four Sisters Mountain Range, part of the Great Chu Dynasty. To the right is the vast grassland, territory of the Rongdi Kingdom.
The Rongdi people, known for their ferocity, had often crossed the Yunluo River and invaded the lands near the Four Sisters Mountain, causing unrest among the local Chu populace. Now, with the imperial army stationed at Tongluo Plain, those fierce Rongdi no longer dared to cross the river.
Early in the morning, Yan Xiaosi went shopping in Daxing Town with her mother and sisters. Despite not being a market day, the town was bustling, with vendors selling vegetables, fruits, and firewood.
Planning to host a meal for the workers starting the house construction tomorrow, Ms. Zhong intended to buy meat and vegetables. Even though Yan Xiaosi had paid Gaocui, Wang Sanbao’s wife, to take care of the workers’ meals, it was customary for the homeowner to host a meal on the first day of work, signifying a good start and showing generosity.
Entering the town and finding it bustling, both Ms. Zhong and Yan Xiaosi’s sisters were surprised.
Yan Xiaosi looked around and asked, “Mom, what’s the occasion today? Why is Daxing Town so lively?”
Ms. Zhong, looking puzzled, indicated she didn’t know.
Yan Shuxue chuckled, “Who cares what day it is? The busy market is perfect for us to shop. Mom, Xiaosi, big sister, let’s check out that old man’s cabbages over there.”
Without waiting for Ms. Zhong to respond, Yan Shuxue took Yan Xiaosi’s hand and headed towards the old man, with Ms. Zhong and Yan Shuqin following.
At the vegetable stand, Ms. Zhong noticed the old man’s cabbages were indeed good, tightly curled and with few insect holes.
“Old man, how much are these cabbages?”
The elder, puffing on a tobacco pipe, hurriedly put it down upon hearing the question.
“Five wen per jin, madam. Which ones would you like? I’ll weigh them for you.”
Thinking of the many workers to feed, Ms. Zhong chose three large cabbages.
The elder weighed them and cheerfully said, “Madam, that’s fifteen jin in total, at five wen per jin, that will be seventy-five wen.”
Ms. Zhong counted out seventy-five copper coins and handed them to the old man.
The old man tied the cabbages with dry straw and added a small one. “It’s a good day today, so I’m adding an extra one for you, madam.”
Ms. Zhong thanked him.
Yan Xiaosi noticed the old man smiling broadly as he resumed smoking, seemingly overjoyed about something.
“Old uncle, why are you so happy? Is it a bumper harvest of cabbages this year?”
The elder chuckled even more, taking the pipe from his mouth, “Something happened today that makes me even happier than a cabbage harvest.”
“Old uncle, what happened? Can you tell us?”
Yan Xiaosi looked curious.
The elder exhaled a puff of smoke, making Yan Xiaosi almost cough, then extended his palm, saying cheerfully, “The imperial court has stationed fifty thousand troops at Tongluo Plain, below the Four Sisters Mountain. With these troops, those barbaric Rongdi won’t dare to cross the Yunluo River and harass our Chu citizens anymore.”
Hearing this, Yan Xiaosi finally understood why Daxing Town was so lively today.
She smiled and said to the elder, “That is indeed a reason to be happy. Old uncle, continue your business, we’ll look around elsewhere.”
After leaving the cabbage stand, Ms. Zhong quietly asked Xiaosi, “Xiaosi, is the fifty thousand-strong army led by General Zhan?”
Xiaosi nodded. “General Zhan mentioned that his troops would be stationed near the Four Sisters Mountain. The fifty thousand troops mentioned by the old man are probably his.”
Ms. Zhong’s face lit up with a smile. “The backside of Big Sister Peak is Tongluo Plain. If General Zhan’s troops are indeed stationed there, it’s quite close to Shaoyao Village.”
Having the army camp near Shaoyao Village meant she could often go to Tongluo Plain to secretly watch over her youngest daughter.
