Chapter 272: A Generation Apart [Many thanks for everyone's support

In the adjoining room,

fist-sized pieces of stone coal, pure as black gold, were lifted from a bamboo basket with carbon tongs and thrown into the stove's firebox.

Ignited by the other glowing red coals already burning within the furnace,

they roared to life with a booming sound,

and the scalding hot smoke surged toward the back of the firebox, flowing into the hollow flues inside the wall, which twisted up and down through several bends;

following the flues, the smoke then crossed horizontally downward through the wall body into the room on the other side;

beneath the floor of that room, similarly winding flues ran front to back, and after the heat of the smoke warmed the flues along the way and the ground above them,

it re-entered the hollow walls from the other side,

where the hot air rose,

and this smoky heat drifted up the chimney inside the wall to a high point, emerging from the roof amidst the fading glow of the setting sun.

From this height, looking out in all directions, the imperial palace walls stood nearby; the tops of the corner towers on the walls and the surrounding rooftops emitting wisps of smoke were all covered in Bai Xue.

The barely visible smoke dispersed into the air.

In the courtyard beneath the eaves,

several tall snowmen had been piled up.

At this moment, a noble young lady wearing silver-squirrel-fur ear protectors and draped in a purple sable cloak walked out from under a moon-gate arch, followed by four female attendants clad in brocade capes.

The five of them crossed the corridor, lifted the cotton curtain, and entered the room.

Inside the room,

white steam drifted from the incense burner, carrying a heart-refreshing fragrance;

walking across the thick carpet for a distance of over ten paces,

by the time Chai Chai Zhengzheng had crossed the main hall and reached the warm outer chamber of the bedroom, she had already changed into her home attire.

Accepting the hot tea offered by Yun Mu, Chai Chai Zhengzheng took a satisfying sip, set down the tea cup, and rubbed her cheeks, which still felt somewhat cool.

Yun Mu, standing nearby, looked at Chai Chai Zhengzheng and said:

"Miss, tomorrow you simply cannot stand there all day long! So many families are distributing porridge; none of them do it quite like you!"

Hearing Yun Mu's words, filled with both concern and slight reproach, Chai Chai Zhengzheng smiled and replied:

"Very well, very well! Tomorrow I will only stand there for the morning."

"Wearing that purple sable cloak, I won't feel cold!"

While the mistress and servant were chatting,

the female attendants in the room began lighting the candles,

and soon, after the sun had set, the sky outside grew dark.

At dinnertime,

Chai Chai Zhengzheng, assisted by Yun Mu, put on her cloak, left her room, and crossed the courtyard, now illuminated by lanterns,

arriving at Lady Chai's courtyard not far away; inside the main hall of the room, Chai Chai Zhengzheng looked at the meal laid out on the table and asked curiously:

"Mother, where are Father and my brothers?"

As she spoke, Chai Chai Zhengzheng sat down on an embroidered stool and picked up her chopsticks to poke at the dishes she liked to eat.

"They are in the front courtyard drinking wine with the heir apparent of Marquis Lady Ningyuan."

Chai Chai Zhengzheng stopped using her chopsticks, puzzled, and asked:

"Miss Xu Pingmei's husband, my lord Gu? How did he come to be here?"

Lady Chai, who was seated, waved her hand,

and the female attendants one by one withdrew from the main hall; the personal nursemaid went to the doorway of the adjoining room, stood on the outer side, and lowered the cotton curtain.

This elaborate display made Chai Chai Zhengzheng even more curious, and Lady Chai, looking at her daughter, said:

"This heir apparent has just returned from the military prefecture where Marquis Marquis Yongyi is stationed in the north, and he brought back half a bag of stone coal."

Chai Chai Zhengzheng was stunned; she put down her chopsticks and immediately looked at her mother, gesturing for her to continue.

Lady Chai continued:

"While you were outside distributing porridge, your father and brothers were summoned to the palace because of that bag of stone coal."

Having said this, Lady Chai picked up her soup spoon and stirred the porridge in the bowl before her.

Chai Chai Zhengzheng took Lady Chai's hand, shook it, and said, "Mother, can you please say it all in one go?"

Frowning at being shaken, Lady Chai asked, "Do you still want to listen or not?"

Chai Chai Zhengzheng immediately stopped moving and nodded repeatedly.

No longer stirring the porridge, Lady Chai said:

"It is said that some time after Marquis Marquis Yongyi established his garrison in the military prefecture, a scout from Bai Gao, due to a young general named Mi Mu defecting to Xu Hou's command, claimed he wished to repay General Mi Mu for saving his life."

"What he carried on his person was merely a bag of stone coal."

"Xu Hou had the heir apparent of Marquis Lady Ningyuan bring half of it back, while the other half was sent via the relay post route."

Chai Chai Zhengzheng nodded and said, "So, Father and my brothers were summoned to the palace?"

Lady Chai looked at her daughter and smiled:

"No, only the officials from the Yu Department under the Ministry of Works, who supervise smelting, were summoned."

"The master craftsmen all believed that the stone coal was nothing more than black-gold charcoal."

"It was this heir apparent who suggested that your father and brothers bring the old steward from our household to the palace to make the distinction."

"After our steward conducted a series of burning comparisons, he stated outright that it is even superior to the black-gold charcoal our family tributes!"

Upon hearing these words, Chai Chai Zhengzheng looked at Lady Chai in disbelief, and Lady Chai nodded to confirm that this was true.

Recovering from her shock, Chai Chai Zhengzheng said, "So, Father and my brothers are hosting my lord Gu first to express gratitude, and second to find out where this stone coal mine is located?"

Lady Chai nodded, then glanced at Chai Chai Zhengzheng and said:

"Speaking of which, the late Lady of Marquis Xiangyang Marquis was the aunt of the heir apparent of Lady Ningyuan Marquis."

"This Eldest Gu counts as an elder; in a little while, we must also go offer him a toast."

'The late Lady of Marquis Xiangyang Marquis would be called 'Aunt' by her own brothers and sisters.'

Chai Chai Zhengzheng pressed her lips together, nodded with some gloom: 'Then wouldn't that mean being inexplicably a generation junior to a certain someone!'

After mother and daughter finished their evening meal, once the maidservant came to report, the two donned cloaks and went together to the front courtyard's reception hall.

In the hall,

Gu Gu Tingyu, whose face bore some signs of wind and frost, was speaking with the head of the Chai household,

while the two Chai brothers, Chai Jin and his sibling, who were accompanying the drinking, showed expressions of surprise upon hearing Gu Gu Tingyu's words.

Just then, the maidservant at the doorway announced:

"The Lady and the Miss have arrived."

Upon hearing this, Gu Gu Tingyu hurriedly stood up.

Subsequently, Chai Chai Zhengzheng and her mother entered, catching sight of that Lady Ningyuan Marquis heir apparent seated before the table, whose handsome features were no less than a certain someone's, though he was somewhat older.

Chai Chai Zhengzheng, with a solemn demeanor, followed her mother in performing a curtsy, while Gu Gu Tingyu hurriedly smiled and returned the salute with clasped hands.

Lady Chai said:

"I have brought Zheng'er to pay respects to Uncle Gu—"

Gu Gu Tingyu, whose face was slightly flushed from drink, swept his gaze over Chai Chai Zhengzheng, then waved his hand and cried out:

"Ai, ai, ai! Lady, forgive my offense! We cannot reckon generations like this!"

Hearing these words, Lady Chai and Chai Chai Zhengzheng were momentarily stunned.

Gu Gu Tingyu said:

"Lady, my mother, Elder Bai Wu Daniang, and my mother-in-law, Elder Sun Wu Daniang, are all of the same generation as you, my Lady; I cannot bear such a title! I cannot bear it!"

"As you know, nowadays the Lady Ningyuan Marquis Hou Fu and the Marquis Xiangyang Marquis Hou Fu do not use the same genealogical records; even if you call me that, I dare not answer!"

Listening to Gu Gu Tingyu's words, the solemn expression on Chai Chai Zhengzheng's face relaxed, and the look she directed at Gu Gu Tingyu became joyful.

Lady Chai also laughed and said: "Very well, then I shall address you as Lord Gu!"

Meaning that generations would not be counted, Gu Gu Tingyu nodded.

After offering her toast, Chai Chai Zhengzheng smiled and performed a curtsy to Gu Gu Tingyu, receiving a nod of acknowledgment from him.

Later in the evening, Gu Gu Tingyu took his leave from the Chai family.

The head of the Chai household and his sons returned to the inner courtyard; upon entering the room, they saw that no maidservants were present,

while the two women of the Chai family were watching them with bright eyes.

"Husband, how was it?"

After the head of the Chai household and his sons exchanged glances, all three laughed self-mockingly.

Seeing the curious expressions on Lady Chai and Chai Chai Zhengzheng, Chai Jin said:

"Lord Gu did not conceal it; that stone mine lies east of the Divine Mountain in Bai Gao."

Chai Chai Zhengzheng asked: "Then why is it said to be repaying a kindness?"

It was still Chai Jin who sighed with emotion: "The world-renowned Great Gao Sword of Bai Gao is forged using precisely this kind of black gold carbon."

Hearing these words, Lady Chai nodded and said:

"So we have also learned a secret."

Seeing the puzzled look on Chai Chai Zhengzheng's face, Lady Chai said:

"Previously, our family had also thought to replicate that Great Gao Sword, but alas..."

Once the matter was concluded, Lady Chai waved her hand, and the attending maidservants entered.

Accepting a hot towel, the head of the Chai household said: "Eldest Gu also delivered a letter of gratitude from his father-in-law; Your Majesty has already read it."

Saying this, the head of the Chai household took an envelope from within his robes,

Chai Chai Zhengzheng rose to accept it, then, after a slight hesitation, handed it to Lady Chai.

"My eyes are failing; Zheng'er, read it for me."

Chai Chai Zhengzheng happily opened the unsealed envelope and read aloud by the candlelight.

The general gist was gratitude for the stone coal gifted by the Chai family; snow had fallen in the north some time ago, and thanks to the ample supply of stone coal, the soldiers were faring quite well.

The head of the Chai household, who had already placed a hot towel over his face, lifted one corner of the towel from his eyes,

and watching his daughter swaying her head as she read,

he sighed melancholically.

On the road from the Chai family's Xingguo Ward,

since the route either neared the Imperial City or was lined with nobles and meritorious families,

the road was not like ordinary streets where melting snow turned to ice, making travel wet and treacherous.

Inside the carriage,

Gu Gu Tingyu stroked the scalding water tank in the compartment, which had just been filled with boiling water,

and the drunkenness he had displayed at the Chai home had vanished from his eyes, replaced by an even brighter clarity.

He had departed the capital in the ninth month and returned at the end of the tenth month; after nearly fifty days of traveling thousands of li,

the first thirty days were occupied with matters regarding the Ministry of War's relay stations and the selection of a site for the navy, while afterward he was summoned north by an urgent letter from his father-in-law, only to rush back to Bianjing.

Such haste,

for a reason that even Seeing Hu Hu Yan Jiong, who returned with him, did not know,

was that Marquis Marquis Yongyi had received a batch of treasures and ninety-nine Great Gao Swords in the north!

The gift-givers were the Guo Liang family of Bai Gao; their sole request was for Marquis Marquis Yongyi to convey their desire to negotiate peace and jointly attack Northern Liao.

If Marquis Marquis Yongyi could privately eliminate the Bai Gao defector generals Li Tao Tie, Li Li Chi Mei, General Mi Mu, You Lian Nu, and others,

be it jewels or beauties, Marquis Marquis Yongyi need only name his conditions,

and the Liang family would refuse nothing, fulfilling every single one.

Moreover, once the corpses and heads of these individuals were delivered,

the state of Bai Gao would present the swordsmiths and secret formulas for crafting the Great Gao Sword!

The recipients of this offering would not be Great Zhou, but the Xu family of Marquis Marquis Yongyi.

It was also at this time that Marquis Marquis Yongyi received that packet of wujin charcoal.

Gu Gu Tingyu exhaled a cloud of wine-scented breath, thinking to himself: 'This is far too coincidental!'

His attendance at the Chai family banquet tonight also carried an element of deliberate deception; ultimately, the decision rested with His Imperial Majesty.

The clip-clop of horse hooves echoed through the streets of Bianjing.

Hou Fu of Lady Ningyuan, having long received the news, still kept its lanterns lit.

Arriving at Wu Da Da Niangzi's courtyard, Gu Gu Tingyu bowed deeply to Bai Shi:

"Mother! I have returned."

Wu Da Da Niangzi scanned her eldest son before stating:

"You've grown thin!"

Behind her, the Gu Gu Tingye siblings hurriedly offered their greetings, and Gu Gu Tingyu smiled and nodded in response.

Finally, he turned his gaze to Xu Xu Pingmei, who was looking at him with eyes full of heartache.

"Ye'er, Yi'er, let us go!"

"Yes, Mother."

The crowd departed.

Inside the main hall, Gu Gu Tingyu took his son, who was sleeping soundly in Qingxia's arms.

Walking along the path back to Fuyao Courtyard,

"Husband."

"Hmm?"

"Our son can say 'Father' now."

"Hmm???"

On the second day after Gu Gu Tingyu's return to the capital,

at Si hour (after nine in the morning),

within the Great Zhou Imperial Palace,

in the great hall outside the study,

inside the warm hall,

several rows of weapon racks lined both sides,

upon which dozens of exquisite long swords, each drawn and carefully inspected, were neatly arranged.

The Emperor extended his hand, taking a pair of gloves from a tray held by a senior eunuch beside him, and put them on.

He then approached the long sword placed at the very front,

"Click."

The Emperor drew the blade partially from its scabbard, gazing at the wave-like patterns on the steel, the razor-sharp edge, and the intricate ornamentation,

and spoke with deep emotion:

"What a fine sword!"

"What a cunning scheme!"

Releasing the hilt, he held the scabbard upright,

'Click.'

The long sword returned to its sheath.

He continued to examine the other swords,

when the senior eunuch beside him bowed and reported:

"Your Majesty! The Xu family's Han Wulang is waiting outside the hall."

"Mm! Let him enter."

The voice of the announcer sounded from outside the hall.

Before Xu Xu Zaijing had entered the hall, the study door swung open, and the Imperial Prince poked his head out, asking: "Father, has Jing-ge'er arrived?"

The Emperor pursed his lips and replied: "He has."

Zhao Fang quickly ran out and took his place beside the Emperor.

Soon, Xu Xu Zaijing, who had grown considerably taller, entered wearing winter attire and draped in the great cloak bestowed by the Empress, bowing as he said:

"I pay my respects to Your Majesty and Your Highness!"

The Emperor hummed in acknowledgment and continued to draw the precious sword in his hand,

casually flourishing it in a few sword flowers before sheathing it with a graceful motion.

Just as he was about to look proudly at Zhao Fang, he heard Zhao Fang speak:

"Jing-ge'er, did you slay several more giant bandits and fierce robbers a few days ago?"

Xu Xu Zaijing, observing the Emperor's expression, bowed and asked: "Your Majesty..."

"Just speak!"

"Yes! In reply to Your Highness, those few bandits, due to the cold weather lacking charcoal, fire, and food, came out to rob and kill; unfortunately, I happened upon them."

Zhao Fang's small face filled with seriousness as he said, "Harming the people of our Great Zhou truly deserves death!"

"What Your Highness says is correct!"

"Take a look at how this sword is!"

As the Emperor spoke, he threw a sword to Xu Xu Zaijing; Xu Xu Zaijing caught it with both hands and drew the precious blade.

This action by the Emperor made the hearts of the guards and eunuchs within the hall skip a beat.

After drawing the precious sword, Xu Xu Zaijing weighed its heft, then examined the blade body and edge.

His relaxed and effortless swinging motion made the corners of the guards' eyes twitch, their gazes locking tightly onto him.

Laymen watch the spectacle, experts watch the method; every move of this Xu family young master carried meaning.

Xu Xu Zaijing paid no heed to the surrounding gazes, located the long sword's center of gravity, then

turned his body, holding the long sword level toward the outside of the hall, and said:

"In reply to Your Majesty, it is a rare and excellent sword!"

The Emperor, looking at the shining eyes of Zhao Fang, said:

"Mm! The Bai Gao nation wishes to give you the artisans and secret formulas for crafting this sword in exchange for the lives of several Bai Gao generals under your father's command; how about that?"

Xu Xu Zaijing did not even lower his head to look at the scabbard; casually sheathing the long sword, he turned and bowed with clasped hands, saying:

"In reply to Your Majesty, I do not engage in losing business!"

Feigning ignorance, the Emperor said, "Oh? How is it a loss?"

"In reply to Your Majesty, generals like General Mi Mu can help the Great Zhou cavalry and infantry plug gaps, supplement deficiencies, maximize strengths, and offset weaknesses!"

"Furthermore, since they understand the Bai Gao army even better, they will surely help the Great Zhou forces identify its flaws!"

"Under such circumstances where one grows while the other diminishes, how could the utility possibly compare to what these few long swords could achieve!"

Zhao Fang, standing aside, nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, while simultaneously looking at his imperial father in puzzlement; without speaking, he trotted off toward the study.

As he ran, he shouted, "Mother Empress! Mother Empress! Father Emperor he—"

Seeing this scene, the Emperor waved his hand and said, "Pick a few to take back and play with!"

Immediately, he intended to chase after his imperial child who was 'telling tales'.

Xu Xu Zaijing bowed and asked, "Your Majesty, how many may I take?"

"As many as you can carry!"

Having spoken, the Emperor waved his sleeves and hurried after him, saying softly:

"Fang'er, I am merely testing and instructing—"

Looking at his imperial child, the Emperor ignored that slight unease in his heart and walked straight into the study.

The chief eunuch nearby also bowed to Xu Xu Zaijing before following after them.

Inside the hall, Xu Xu Zaijing scratched his chin.

After explaining everything clearly,

and soothing Zhao Fang, the Emperor finally recalled the earlier oddity: that boy possessed tremendous strength!

He hurried out of the study with rapid steps,

and upon seeing the scene within the hall, spoke with heartache mixed with resentment, "Brat! At least you have some conscience!"

In the eleventh month,

a rumor spread throughout Jingcheng:

Hou Fu possessed an unknown quantity of Great Zhou iron swords, renowned alongside Northern Liao saddles and Goguryeo blue porcelain!

First come, first served.

(End of Chapter)