[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army":3,"chapter-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-625":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","A Little Soldier of the Late Ming Border Army",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1205914,1561,"Chapter 625: Everywhere Under Heaven Is Filled with Han Style","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-625",625,"\u003Cp>Wang Dou’s birthday celebration was unimaginably lively — every official and officer from the surrounding area who could come, came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who could not come also sent congratulatory gifts. Even from the northern provinces of the Great Ming, many officials, officers, gentry, and merchants sent gifts and cargo loads. Those of slightly lower rank, or ordinary traders, did not even have the qualification to have their names announced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the officers of the Jingbian Army, from Squad Commander and above, also arrived in full. Wang Dou’s Grand General residence could be called spacious, yet on this day, it felt crowded and cramped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And all of them wore the Jingbian Army’s new ceremonial uniforms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the Three-Mountain Hat and the Yisan-style robe were very common in the Great Ming at this time, worn by many officials and commoners alike, with so many gathered together in one place, anyone who did not know better would think that all the Embroidered Uniform Guard of the Great Ming had run off to the Eastern Circuit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ni Yuanlu and the others all had flickering gazes, looking at them again and again. Their expressions varied; no one knew what they were thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou watched with a smile. In later ages, he had admired the Embroidered Uniform Guard style of dress, which embodied the splendor and cruelty of men to the fullest — truly the pinnacle of Han Chinese attire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was only the first step. His goal was for the clothing of the Great Ming, the attire of the Han people, to envelop the entire world in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To let the aesthetic standards of the Han people prevail across the world, so that everywhere under heaven would be filled with Han style.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Wang Dou’s grand birthday banquet, his principal wife Xie Xiuniang naturally sat beside him, and Ji Junjiao also sat on his other side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This put Military Commander Ji at ease. Wang Dou treated his daughter quite well. In private, Wang Dou had also spoken with him: that black sheep of his was already listed among those to be pardoned, only he would be exiled beyond the frontier, serving as a clerk in a garrison fort, and could only be absolved after accumulating a certain amount of merit points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this important occasion, Xie Xiuniang naturally wore her formal attire and golden crown. Ji Junjiao wore everyday dress, a sable fur coat, indescribably alluring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her eyes glistening and her dazzling, radiant beauty, the various officials and officers below either dared not look, or stole glances, each one’s heart pounding wildly. Many cursed inwardly: “A beauty that topples kingdoms!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman like this — only Wang Dou was unfazed. If she were placed in the palace, she would have been driven out immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Ji Junjiao sat there poised and elegant the whole time. It was just that, having just been thoroughly nourished and possessing deeply hidden seductive charm, her graceful bearing made onlookers unconsciously think she was casting flirtatious glances. It was merely an illusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Junjiao smiled, her gaze sweeping over the crowd below. When it fell on Zhong Xiancai, she seemed thoughtful, pursed her lips in a smile, which frightened Zhong Xiancai into hurriedly lowering his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once everyone was seated, with a thunderous roar, all the Jingbian Army officers and the staff of the Grand General’s headquarters stood up and shouted: “To the Grand General, our congratulations!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their voices boomed like thunder, unavoidably startling some of the people nearby. Wang Dou stood up, slowly raised his cup, and shouted: “To my officers and soldiers, my congratulations!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grand banquet was something everyone talked about with relish. The banquet would be held for three consecutive days, though of course, after the first day, everyone was free to do as they pleased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haha, General Lin, the matter between Han Kaixuan, Company Commander Han of our Marquis’s command, and the precious daughter of the Fu household is thus settled.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, yes, Marquis, rest assured, this humble officer will go and report back to my general immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe, Marquis of Yongning, it’s not this little brother bragging, but that niece of my family — not only is she as beautiful as a celestial being, she is also gentle and refined, elegant in appearance and character, naturally graceful, a quiet and modest maiden, of peerless beauty, slender and graceful, exquisitely charming in a hundred ways...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“More importantly, according to a master’s divination, she greatly brings prosperity to her husband! Little Brother Han is a lucky man. So, the three matchmakers and six betrothal gifts must not be handled carelessly...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Jiugao spoke volubly at great length. He and Fu Yingchong were sworn brothers, and by seniority, Fu Yingchong’s niece was naturally his niece too, so he was of course concerned about this matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a year had passed, and Chen Jiugao was still as dashing and debonair as ever. However, since the Eastern Circuit was quiet, the Southern Mountain Circuit was naturally even quieter. How could Chen Jiugao bear to stay in a tiny ditch like Liugou Fort?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All day long, if he wasn’t running off to Huailai, he was running off to Yanqing, or else Yongning City. He accomplished no proper business, only earning a frivolous reputation in the pleasure quarters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Jiugao considered himself on good terms with Wang Dou. How could he not attend Wang Dou’s thirtieth birthday?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bringing up the matter of Fu Yingchong’s niece was also a way to assert his own presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jinsi, Fu Yingchong’s trusted general, echoed him repeatedly from the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fu Yingchong was now considered a prominent figure in the capital. Seeing that the court and His Majesty seemed to have developed misgivings about the Marquis of Yongning, he dared not openly get too close. However, taking the occasion of the Marquis of Yongning’s birthday to send trusted aides to pay respects and deliver gifts was only proper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In terms of ritual propriety, it was beyond reproach, and it also took the opportunity to settle the matter between the two families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the group was in a side courtyard of the Marquis of Yongning’s residence. Only Wang Dou, Chen Jiugao, Lin Jinsi, and Zhong Xiancai were present. Zhong Diaoyang, the trusted general of the Central Army, also sat to the side with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...So, it must not be handled carelessly. According to ancient rites, the three matchmakers and six betrothal gifts are one part. When the groom’s family presents the betrothal gifts, they must also bring a pair of wild geese to show sincerity...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Jiugao wagged his head: “As the ancients said, ‘The wild geese sing in harmony, the sun rises at dawn. A gentleman wishing to marry his wife must do so before the ice melts.’ Sending a pair of wild geese as a betrothal gift is extremely, extremely important...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He talked on and on, then suddenly said to Zhong Xiancai beside him: “Isn’t that right, General Zhong? Quickly, tell that sworn brother of yours to train hard in archery and personally shoot down a pair of wild geese. Without wild geese, he cannot win the beauty’s hand, hahahahaha...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Xiancai had kept his head lowered the whole time. Hearing this, he grunted in acknowledgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood up, cupped his hands toward Wang Dou, and said: “Grand General, this humble officer takes his leave now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou said: “What Chief Regional Commander Chen just said is absolutely right. Xiancai, tell Company Commander Han that the matter of the wild geese must not be taken lightly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhong Xiancai anxious to leave, he added to Zhong Diaoyang: “Cousin, pick something from the arriving guests’ gift list and let Xiancai take it back with him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Diaoyang responded in acknowledgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Zhong Xiancai flee as if for his life, Chen Jiugao remarked: “Why is that General Zhong so shy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning back, he rubbed his hands together and said to Wang Dou with a cheeky grin: “Marquis, this time, you’ve really struck it rich... The nephew of the steward of the cousin of the brother-in-law of that wife of mine is interested in buying a few shops at Zhangjiakou. I wonder about this... this... hehe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou slowly took a sip of tea. Just as Chen Jiugao was growing impatient, he said: “I recall Brother Chen mentioning before that you have extensive connections in the capital?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Jiugao slapped his own thigh: “Need you even ask? Back in the day...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou said: “Brother Chen, I intend to open a public hall in the capital, specializing in selling the commercial goods of our Eastern Circuit. I wonder if Brother Chen would be interested in acting as an agent?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Public hall? Agent?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Jiugao’s brain immediately began spinning at a speed faster than a computer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Jinsi beside him also started calculating rapidly...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These days after returning home from the campaign were a rare leisurely time for Wang Dou, when he could set aside political affairs and focus on accompanying his family. Even for his birthday, aside from the first day, ordinary visitors could not get to see him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the third day of his birthday, Wang Dou came out from the quarters of Liu Qing and Liu Ji, the two women, and without realizing it, he again strolled over to Ji Junjiao’s courtyard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Somewhat unexpectedly, the Young Madam was also there. She was wearing an emerald green sleeveless over-robe, elegant yet revealing nobility, only with a trace of melancholy condensed between her brows, bearing a somewhat pitiable charm that stirred the heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wang Dou enter, the Young Madam’s gaze shrank. After the rumors, others always looked at her with strange eyes. Even after coming to the Eastern Circuit, she did not know how many people pointed and whispered behind her back. Even the old clan elder sometimes looked at her thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She also tried her best to avoid Wang Dou. But having been brought to the Eastern Circuit by the Intelligence Division, with her close friend Ji Junjiao here, and with Wang Dou’s birthday making it impossible for the Li family not to come and offer congratulations, a meeting between the two sides was unavoidable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Junjiao went over and affectionately took Wang Dou’s hand. The Young Madam performed a deep curtsy and said: “I pay my respects to the Marquis of Yongning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou waved his hand: “No need for excessive courtesy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said: “Is Lord Li well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Young Madam said softly: “Letters have come. In Guide Prefecture, bandit refugees are rising everywhere, their momentum too great to control. My father-in-law says he is utterly exhausted and in unspeakable distress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou sighed, sat down. Ji Junjiao reclined lazily beside him, occasionally placing slices of snow pear into Wang Dou’s mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou enjoyed it with ease. Such gestures were commonplace in later generations, so he thought nothing of it. Only the young lady looked awkward, shifting restlessly in her seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After thinking for a moment, the young lady said, \"I have yet to thank the Marquis of Yongning for his gracious aid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou said, \"The young lady need not thank me. This is what we ought to do. When righteous merchants who are on good terms with me are involved, I, Wang Dou, will naturally not stand idly by.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the young lady fell silent again. Wang Dou savored Ji Junjiao's attentions, thinking to himself when this third wheel would leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young lady was quiet for a while, lost in thought, then suddenly said, \"I wish to consult the Marquis of Yongning on one matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou said, \"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young lady said, \"The Marquis of Yongning's arrest of the treacherous merchants is most gratifying. Yet there are some rumors... might the methods have been excessively harsh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou frowned and said, \"Why does the young lady say this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ji Junjiao, beside him, also straightened up and cast a surprised glance at her close friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young lady said, \"I have heard that when the Jingbian Army went to Zhangjiakou, they encountered attacks from some disorderly soldiers. Those men deserved to die. But among the army ranks were quite a few women and children. Why did the great army have the heart to strike at them? Can this still be called an army of benevolence and righteousness?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou stared at her for a moment, but the young lady bravely met his gaze without flinching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her full bosom rose and fell continuously, clearly betraying the fear in her heart, yet she still persisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was very rare. In the Great Ming of the present day, few could hold out under Wang Dou's piercing stare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou gave a snort, thinking to himself: intelligence reports said this young lady was quite shrewd; he never expected her to be a foolish, bookish woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said flatly, \"In the lady's opinion, those women and children could not be killed?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, after the Zhangjiakou affair spread, there were indeed those who seized upon it to make trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside Xuan-Da, Wang Dou's adversaries — certain Shanxi-born officials and generals, along with those on good terms with them — seized the chance to loudly proclaim the Jingbian Army's arrogance and cruelty, denouncing their claim to be an army of benevolence and righteousness, all to strike at the Jingbian Army's reputation. Some censors in the capital even submitted memorials impeaching the matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there were also many who defended Wang Dou and his men, especially the common people of the Eastern Circuit, who naturally stood on the Jingbian Army's side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They declared that those foolish men and women were in league with the treacherous merchants, unworthy of sympathy, and that their deaths were well deserved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Jingbian Army was made up of their own sons and brothers; any casualties among them were what no one wished to see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a choice had to be made, it was naturally to let outsiders die and keep their own families safe. (To be continued.)\u003C\u002Fp>",2332,"2026-06-03T14:06:10.567Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","b7b4f145ba59aaf132fc92bdc83f99c8d4cbbd9436eaa341363963ea017e1b5f","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-626","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-624",896,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-cover.jpg"]