Chapter 149: Xiao Wu Goes Hunting; Ping Mei Seeks Advice [Many Thanks for Everyone's Support!]

The official from the Imperial City Bureau who had previously appeared at the dock was nowhere to be seen; some said he had gone to a nearby prefecture.

The more this happened, the less certain he felt, wondering if such an incident in Yang Zhou would affect his promotion.

After chatting briefly with the Old Lady, Sheng Hong went to Weirui Pavilion, intending to speak with his principal wife and ask her elder brother in Runzhou to send a letter to Bianjing to inquire about his official career.

Weirui Pavilion,

"The Master has returned."

Upon hearing the maid's announcement, Wang Wang Ruofu, her face brimming with smiles, looked at Sheng Hong and hurriedly said, "Husband, did Mother speak to you about it?"

As she spoke, she stepped forward to help Sheng Hong remove his outer garments.

Sheng Hong's heart was currently tangled with worry; seeing Wang Wang Ruofu's demeanor, he quickly feigned interest, saying, "What is it? I only paid respects to Mother earlier; we did not discuss anything."

"Husband, Mother said that the Xu family of Bianjing is requesting to marry our Hua'er?"

"What?" Sheng Hong frowned and asked, halting his action of changing clothes.

"How is this possible! What nonsense are you thinking up?"

Hearing Sheng Hong's words, Wang Shi habitually prepared to become angry and retort.

But there was no helping it; this matter was too delightful, so Wang Shi rarely took a deep breath, pursed her lips into a smile, and continued helping Sheng Hong finish changing his clothes.

Sheng Hong looked in surprise at Wang Shi, who had not become angry or retorted; he adjusted his clothes and then sat down on a chair.

Accepting the tea offered by Nurse Liu, Sheng Hong glanced at Wang Shi again and asked doubtfully, "Could it be that you misunderstood her meaning?"

Speaking thus, Sheng Hong took a sip of tea, then looked at Wang Shi and said, "The Xu family of Bianjing does not consist solely of Marquis Marquis Yongyi's household."

Wang Shi, lost in her own delightful thoughts, glanced at Sheng Hong and replied, "As for that other Xu family, could it be that their legitimate second son is also named Xu Zaizhang?"

Sheng Hong was stunned: "With such a major matter, how could Mother not mention a single word to me!"

"Master, the Old Lady likely wished for the Principal Wife to be the one to tell you this good news. Moreover, on the day the Xu family's eldest daughter visited, the Principal Wife already spotted the clues but simply did not dare to tell you," interjected Nurse Liu from the side; having finished speaking, she smiled at Wang Shi.

Wang Wang Ruofu was momentarily stunned, then cast an appreciative glance at Nurse Liu before continuing, "Yes, yes, yes; that Ping-Hua Jie'er, looking at our Sheng Sheng Hualan, was truly smiling so wide her mouth could not close."

"Then did you still go to the Gao family today?" Sheng Hong raised his eyes and asked.

"I, well, wasn't it that Mother hadn't said anything! I just went to see about making an extra preparation. By the way, Husband, this Gao family..."

After listening to Wang Shi's recounting of the scandal, Sheng Hong displayed an expression similar to that of his principal wife, yet with one more piece of information than his colleagues possessed.

"Husband, Mother said that in a few days it will be precisely her birthday, and she intends to invite the official families of Yang Zhou to our home to make things lively," Wang Shi said, looking at Sheng Hong; Sheng Hong was stunned, for having grown up under the Old Lady's care, it seemed he had never once celebrated her birthday.

"Is this to establish our Hua'er's reputation properly?" Sheng Hong asked.

Wang Shi and Nurse Liu nodded together; without these matters, the Old Lady's birthday might have simply passed casually with only a few relatives like her grand-nephews accompanying her.

"Good, good; Mother has truly taken great pains. We two must certainly serve her well."

"Husband speaks rightly."

After speaking, Sheng Hong smiled delightfully, pondering in his heart: 'With Sheng Sheng Hualan secured in such an excellent match, my Mo'er will surely be viewed more favorably when selecting a husband! Excellent! Truly excellent!'

"Lady, why don't we share a few cups of wine today?"

"Yes, yes! Liu-family, instruct the main kitchen to stir-fry a few extra dishes; go, fetch a jar of fine wine!"

The Side Courtyard

Ming Lan looked at Sister Sister Xiaodie and Xiao Xiao Xiaotao, who held food boxes filled to the brim, with some surprise.

"Sister Sister Xiaodie, is today some special occasion? Why are there so many dishes?"

"Today the Master and Mistress are joyful, so the main kitchen prepared many items not usually available; when we went to collect the meal, we happened to meet Zhou Da Niangzi, who thus brought us several additional dishes."

While speaking, Sister Xiaodie had already placed the dishes from the food boxes onto the table.

Wei Wei Shuyi, looking at the table full of food, frowned and said, "This is far too extravagant."

"Mother, isn't it wonderful now? We can eat as much as we wish."

"Concubine, the Physician said your body was depleted in the past; now you must eat well to nourish yourself and rest quietly!" Sister Xiaodie said, handing chopsticks to Lady Wei.

Wei Wei Shuyi hesitated, saying, "Previously, with you going out to sell embroidery, the courtyard never lacked food..."

Sister Xiaodie nodded, looking at Ming Lan, who had already begun eating, and said, "The Miss, Xiao Xiaotao, and this humble servant have also eaten quite a lot."

Wei Wei Shuyi seemed persuaded by Sister Xiaodie's words and smiled slightly.

"Mother, this is shrimp meat; please eat!"

Wei Wei Shuyi looked at the clever and obedient Ming Lan; not knowing what she thought of, but the smile vanished from her face.

She, after all, was merely a concubine.

Regarding Ming Lan's future prospects, she ultimately would be unable to lend any strength...

The Next Day

Sister Xiaodie rose early as usual, taking Xiao Xiaotao to the main kitchen, where they met Seeing Qingcao, who had also arrived early, at the entrance.

"Sister Sister Xiaodie."

"Sister Seeing Qingcao, why have you come to the main kitchen today?"

"The Young Master said yesterday that we should not always let the nurses from the Old Lady's courtyard bear the hardship, so today we continue coming to the main kitchen."

Seeing Qingcao, seeing that Sister Xiaodie and the other were dressed much better than before, felt very happy in her heart.

Since each had someone to serve, the three spoke a few words before quickly parting ways.

Arriving at the location of the Sheng family's outer courtyard, Seeing Qingcao handed the water to the panting Brother Qingyun; half an hour later, Xu Xu Zaijing walked over, sweating slightly.

"Young Master, today at the main kitchen I saw Sister Sister Xiaodie and Xiao Xiaotao," Seeing Qingcao said, handing over a flask of warm water.

"Mm, did you not chat?"

"We spoke a few sentences; they said things are very good now, with charcoal and delicious food, and because Miss Ming Lan's mother is expecting a baby, there are extra meals every day!"

Xu Xu Zaijing's motion of drinking water paused slightly, then he continued to take a few sips.

After finishing breakfast at Shou'an Hall.

Nurse Cui announced that Zhu Zhu Qinghu had matters to discuss with Xu Xu Zaijing, so Xu Xu Zaijing exited the courtyard of Shou'an Hall.

Before leaving, Xu Xu Zaijing called Seeing Seeing Qingcao aside: "Go to the Bai family shortly and tell my sister that the Old Lady has already informed our uncle about the matter yesterday; she no longer needs to hide anything. Also..."

"Yes, Young Master."

After giving his instructions, Xu Xu Zaijing went to the outer courtyard.

At the stables in the outer courtyard, Zhu Zhu Qinghu whispered to Xu Xu Zaijing: "Little Five, just now Master Zhao sent a messenger with news that the troops from Bianjing have arrived outside the city; it is the Duke of Qi who has come, with His Majesty personally issuing an edict to dispatch soldiers from the Xiaqi Army and the Tianwu Army to accompany him; Cao Si Lang, also known as Zhao Ge'er, and our family's Duan Ge'er have all arrived!"

Xu Xu Zaijing was startled and asked: "Eldest Brother? Why, is Master Zhao planning to move so soon?"

"No, they haven't finished reviewing the account books yet." After speaking, Zhu Zhu Qinghu added hesitantly: "Little Five, when you were in Chuzhou, how much of your archery skill did you display?"

"Thirty percent? If not for that item, I wouldn't even have needed to leave the rooftop. Jing Biao Ge, why do you ask?"

"The Wind-Watching Soldiers of the Imperial City Service reported that a band of over ten strong men, displaying military discipline, has arrived outside Yang Zhou City, seemingly waiting for something."

"They want to ask for my help?"

"Yes, they fear that the garrison troops near Yang Zhou have also been infiltrated by the salt merchants and dare not use them; the Duke of Qi and the others left the capital under the pretext of going to Jiangning, so if they reveal themselves now, it would surely alert the enemy."

"If they know all this, why don't they just send someone to drug them?" Xu Xu Zaijing asked curiously.

Zhu Zhu Qinghu replied: "When the bandits pretending to be canal soldiers were interrogated earlier, they said they were guarding against exactly that trick, let alone that band of militarily disciplined strong men outside the city."

"Moreover, if not for us and the personal guards of the Hou Fu, they would have struggled to deal with the bandits in Chuzhou. Although funds and grain have now arrived, the first troops they are reactivating are scouts for gathering intelligence."

Xu Xu Zaijing nodded and asked: "Have they confirmed when they will make their move?"

"This afternoon; they said we should pretend to go hunting outside the city."

"So we've become the hired hands of the Imperial City Service."

Watching the carriage carrying Seeing Seeing Qingcao about to exit the Sheng family compound, Xu Xu Zaijing lifted his chin slightly; Brother Qingyun hurriedly chased after and whispered a few more words into Seeing Seeing Qingcao's ear.

Just past the Wei hour (1:00 PM).

The carriage of the Lady Ningyuan Hou Fu entered the Sheng family compound once again.

Accompanying them were the personal guards of the Hou Fu who had come along.

Two quarters of an hour later, nearly ten people from the Five Five Jinshi emerged together from the Sheng family's side gate, wearing cloaks and riding horses.

Passersby and common folk nearby occasionally heard the noble youths on horseback speaking with their attendants about going out hunting; after disappearing from sight beyond the East Gate, this group met up with soldiers of the Imperial City Service and prepared armor, changed into them, and then turned directly south.

South of Yang Zhou City,

A convoy of over ten carriages was heading south; the carriages seemed heavily laden, pressing deep ruts into the soil of southern Yang Zhou.

Behind the convoy were laborers pushing single-wheeled carts fully loaded.

Just then, the sound of hoofbeats and shouting came from behind.

Everyone in the convoy tightly gripped the whistling sticks in their hands; upon closer inspection, these sticks seemed to conceal something within.

However, to their relief, this group of riders simply galloped past them and continued forward.

Bulging sacks hung on both sides of the horses, clinking and clanging.

Upon closer look, they resembled iron pots.

"We've caught game; let's roast and eat it!"

"Young Master, slow down, slow down."

A rider with a scar on his face shouted anxiously from atop his horse.

The horses moved at great speed; within moments, these ten riders vanished from everyone's sight.

In a hidden grove behind a mound two or three zhang high, some distance from the official road, a group of robust men, no less formidable than the Hou Fu's personal guards, were dressed in bulging gear and eating dry rations.

A whistle sounded from atop the mound.

Everyone in the grove immediately tightened their grip on their weapons.

A man who appeared to be the leader quickly climbed the mound, hid in a concealed spot, and squinted to look.

"Cavalry?"

Hearing this, the lookout just now shook his head and said: "They look like they're out for a hunting excursion."

In their field of vision,

A group of people soon approached near the mound; the noble young master leading them drew a soft bow, aimed at a spot, and loosed an arrow.

Watching the arrow fly out weakly and waveringly, the two men on the mound both spat simultaneously and said in unison: "Useless!"

The man who looked like the leader whispered: "What a pity for such fine horses. If they dare come close, we can lure them in and gain more beast power."

"Could those be the people from the Hou Fu that the city folks mentioned? Dare we provoke them?"

"Are there not plenty of nobles who have fallen victim to bandits?"

"Hehe..."

Xu Xu Zaijing, riding on horseback, casually tossed aside the soft bow in his hand and muttered a curse about what a rotten bow!

Then he drew a large, hard powerful bow from the side of his horse, turned back, and asked the soldier of the Imperial City Service: "Is this the place?"

"Yes! The two on the mound must be their scouts."

Hearing the soldier's words, Xu Xu Zaijing, with his extraordinary vision, carefully examined the two men, then waved his hand toward the pair on the mound.

Beside him, Brother Qingyun shouted loudly: "Greetings to you both! Where can we find game nearby?"

The two men on the mound, realizing they had been discovered, stood up and waved back, pointing behind the mound and calling out: "Young Sir, we thought you were some bandits! There are good things in the woods behind here!"

Hearing the words from the men atop the mound, nearly twenty robust men in the woods drew various weapons from their sides, including crossbows and swords with shields.

Each skillfully took their assigned positions, while the elite among them ambushed the possible escape routes.

Their coordination was seamless, their speed rapid.

When this group was ready and looked up again toward the leader on the mound, everyone was so shocked they could not speak.

For no other reason than that the necks of the two men on the mound had been pierced through together by a single long feathered arrow.

Just as these elite fighters realized what had happened, they saw a rider reveal himself atop the mound; looking at the people surrounding the woods, the rider's voice came: "Ho! There really are good things here!"

As soon as his words fell, Zhu Zhu Qinghu, following closely behind, had already anticipated this group's escape routes and began the slaughter.

With Xu Xu Zaijing present, and furthermore with cavalry facing infantry, within a quarter of an hour, this small patch of woodland fell silent.

On one side, soldiers of the Imperial City Bureau had skillfully smashed the teeth of a burly foot soldier whose shoulders had been pierced by feathered arrows.

Zhu Zhu Qinghu again skillfully delivered the finishing blow to one clearly near death, then skillfully arranged the corpses in a row.

When that earlier team of carriages and porters arrived here, they were quickly surrounded by Xu Xu Zaijing and the others.

Only now did Zhao Zhao Meifeng ride over with a group of people to take over the relevant affairs of this place.

"Han Wulang, troubling you again." Zhao Zhao Meifeng clasped his hands toward Xu Xu Zaijing with some embarrassment.

"Your upper and lower lips meeting alone cannot repay the hardships of these several gentlemen," Xu Xu Zaijing replied.

"That goes without saying." Speaking thus, Zhao Zhao Meifeng pointed at a wheelbarrow and said, "Han Wulang, everything on this wheelbarrow is yours."

Xu Xu Zaijing raised his chin toward the porter, who was frightened out of his wits; that porter, being sharp-eyed, pushed the wheelbarrow aside, lifted the covering upon it, revealing two wooden boxes on either side of the wheelbarrow.

Zhu Zhu Qinghu, brimming with interest, rode his horse over, signaled for the porter to leave, then dismounted intending to lift the wooden boxes in one go, but staggered slightly.

Carefully opening the wooden boxes, he was startled by the gold inside.

"Steward Zhao is straightforward; see you in the city!"

"Many thanks, Han Wulang; see you in the city."

The group returned once more to the eastern side of Yang Zhou City, used the Imperial City Bureau's facilities to wash the blood and grime from their horses and persons, and only then leisurely re-entered Yang Zhou City.

Meanwhile, behind the earthen mound, veteran clerks and soldiers of the Imperial City Bureau examined the corpses, their expressions gradually turning grim.

While Xu Xu Zaijing was hunting outside the city,

at the Sheng family residence,

Wei Wei Shuyi was once again summoned to the Shou'an Hall,

this time, the siblings Gu Gu Tingye and his sister did not follow; Xu Xu Pingmei brought only her personal maidservant.

Xu Xu Pingmei claimed she came solely to inquire about embroidery techniques and stitches and could not delay the Old Lady's afternoon rest; using her belly as 'coercion', she pressured the Old Lady into retiring to the bedchamber for her nap, with Mama Fang and Mama Cui, one following to attend, the other remaining in the main hall of Shou'an Hall.

Watching the Old Lady rise to enter the bedchamber, Wei Wei Shuyi hurriedly stood and offered a slight bow.

"You two chat at your leisure."

"Yes, Old Lady."

"Yes, Great-Aunt."

Once the Old Lady had entered the bedchamber, Mama Fang smilingly directed the young maidservants to bring an embroidery frame; Xu Xu Pingmei said, "Wei Xiaoniang, please."

Wei Wei Shuyi hurriedly rose and said, "Lady, I am unworthy of the word 'please'."

Xu Xu Pingmei smiled and glanced at Mama Fang, saying, "Wei Xiaoniang, previously I found some of the stitching techniques on that embroidered painting incomprehensible, so on the embroidered painting..."

Wei Wei Shuyi, heavily pregnant, step by step reproduced the stitching techniques she had used on the embroidery frame, explaining in great detail; seeing the looks of sudden understanding on the faces of Xu Xu Pingmei, Qingxia, and Mama Fang, she offered a faint smile.

At this moment, Sister Qingzhi checked the time, approached Xu Xu Pingmei, and whispered, "Miss, it is time."

Mama Fang looked at Sister Qingzhi with some surprise and asked, "Miss Ping, you have only just arrived; the Old Lady has not even awakened from her sleep, so how can it already be time?"

Xu Xu Pingmei smiled faintly and said, "Mama, it is not time to return."

Slowly adapting,

Don't know if I can reach ten thousand tomorrow

If there are typos or awkward phrasing, please, esteemed readers, do not hesitate to point them out!

Thank you.

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(End of Chapter)