Chapter 752

“Little Five, Little Five?”

Zhaizhang called out twice, puzzled by his younger brother’s dazed expression, then tugged at Xu Zaijing’s sleeve.

“Huh? Brother, what’s wrong?”

Xu Zaijing snapped back to attention and replied at once.

“What were you thinking about?”

Zhaizhang gave Xu Zaijing a reproachful look.

Xu Zaijing shook his head and said, “Brother, nothing! I just noticed these stone locks placed in the courtyard—they’re heavier than they look, yet covered in signs of heavy use.”

As he spoke, Xu Zaijing glanced again at Yue Fei beside his nephew.

One of the good families said, “Fifth Young Master, no need to doubt—it’s Yue Fei who uses these stone locks. The master who teaches him spearplay is from our village; he taught us too.”

“Speaking of him, he never stops praising Yue Fei, saying the boy has extraordinary talent and will surely become a great martial artist,” another added.

Xu Zaijing nodded repeatedly: “So that’s it! Then you fellows are all older brothers to Yue’s boy.”

The good families all nodded in agreement.

At that moment,

the middle-aged man who had been speaking with the county clerks walked over.

The good families around Xu’s brothers bowed respectfully and introduced the man’s identity—he was the village head, of the same generation as Master Chen, who taught them spearplay.

After some conversation, Xu Zaijing and his brother learned that the village head’s son had enlisted alongside Yue He and now served under the Brave and Resolute Marquis.

With this,

the conversation grew even livelier.

Seeing Xu Zaijing’s expression, the village head seized a pause to say seriously, “Third and Fifth Young Masters, rest assured—so long as we’re here in the village, Yue’s child will suffer no mistreatment.”

“Exactly! Third and Fifth Young Masters, rest easy—even if any ruffians from nearby come around, we’ll drive them off clean,” one of the good families added.

Zhaizhang bowed: “Bianjing is quite a distance from here—we rely on you all. When you come to the capital, be sure to find us for a drink.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Afterwards,

Xu Zaijing and Zhaizhang did not enter the house; they sat on benches brought by neighbors and chatted with the group.

Of course, Xu Zaijing did most of the talking.

After all, Beizhou—the region that had recently seen unrest—was only two hundred li away, roughly the same distance as Bianjing.

Deserted soldiers had appeared nearby before; the good families and village defenders had worked hard to crush them.

Having seen the combat prowess of those rogue troops, the good families now held Xu Zaijing in even greater awe—he who had dared to storm such perilous places.

They were deeply curious about his experiences.

Some who knew men in the Western Army asked about the campaign against Baigao.

Yue Fei, who had finished speaking with Xu Xingdai and was helping his family serve tea and water, stood nearby, listened to a few words, then became absorbed by Xu Zaijing’s concise account and could not help but keep listening.

“Let this servant take that, Young Master,” Qingyun smiled, reaching out to take the porcelain bowl of hot water from Yue Fei’s hands.

“No, let me, let me,” Yue Fei protested.

“Young Master, if you take it yourself, you won’t be able to hear my master’s stories,” Qingyun said.

Seeing the others’ rapt attention, Xu Zaijing added a few more details about his reconnaissance experience in Baigao.

Perhaps word had spread,

from morning until afternoon,

more and more good families arrived on horseback, armed with bows and spears, braving the cold to pay their respects.

Knowing Xu Zaijing’s party had come for mourning, no one suggested any martial contests.

The sun slanted westward,

dozens of good families withdrew from Yue’s courtyard.

Zhaizhang stood beside Aunt Yao and whispered, “Aunt Yao, fifty li away lies Zhu Family Fortress—our true kin. If you ever need help, go to them.”

“The County Magistrate of Tangyin is also a fellow graduate of my elder sister’s husband. If anything arises, send a fast rider to Bianjing.”

Xu Zaijing nodded vigorously: “Aunt Yao, the boy still needs guidance—he’ll need a teacher, and someday, a wife.”

“Thank you, Third and Fifth Young Masters—I understand, you may rest easy,” Aunt Yao said, her eyes red.

Looking at her son, Aunt Yao mused, “Nothing else troubles me, except that Master Chen says he has nothing more to teach him.”

“He says Fei shows talent in archery too—Master Chen insisted I find him a master of great skill.”

Xu Zaijing glanced at the two children speaking nearby and said gravely, “Aunt Yao, I do know one master of great archery skill. My elder brother’s deputy general was trained by him. When we return to the capital, I’ll visit his home and inquire.”

Hearing the conversation, Yue Fei whispered to Xu Xingdai: “Is that general surnamed Lu?”

Xu Xingdai nodded eagerly: “Yes—Lu Junyi. I call him Uncle.”

Yue Fei nodded: “Ah! Father mentioned him when he came home—he said this Lu general was nearly unmatched in mounted or foot combat.”

“So the teacher who trained such a student must be formidable,” Xu Xingdai said brightly.

"So a teacher who can produce a student like this must be formidable," Xu Xingdai said crisply.

“Thank you, Fifth Young Master—I’ve heard my husband speak of this General Lu,” Aunt Yao said, glancing back at her son.

When he returned home, her husband had mentioned him, hoping their son might become like him.

“Aunt Yao, you’re too kind,” Xu Zaijing began, then hesitated.

“Is it because you must go to Bianjing?” Aunt Yao asked.

Xu Zaijing and his brother exchanged a glance and nodded.

Aunt Yao said: “Good. Then when the year is up, I’ll send Fei to Bianjing. At that time—”

“We’ll see to everything in the capital—rest assured, Aunt Yao,” Zhaizhang said solemnly.

Aunt Yao nodded with relief: “Truthfully, I knew the Marquis’s household would send someone—I thought it would be a steward. I never imagined—”

“Commander Yue gave his life for the state. This is our duty,” Zhaizhang said.

"Commandant Yue gave his life for the nation; this is what we ought to do," Zai Zhang said.

Xu Zaijing and his party stepped outside, mounted their horses.

“Xingdai, let’s go,” Xu Zaijing called from his small black mare.

“Oh! Yes, Uncle,” Xu Xingdai replied.

Xu Xingdai turned, hugged Yue Fei—who was taller than him—patted his back briefly, then ran toward Xu Zaijing.

Xu Zaijing leaned down, grabbed him, and hoisted him onto the horse. Xu Xingdai waved again.

Xu Zaijing leaned over and snatched Xu Xingdai onto the horseback; Xu Xingdai waved his hand again.

Xu Zaijing and his group bowed farewell once more, then rode off with the surrounding good families, into the golden sunset, toward Tangyin County.

After Xu Zaijing and the others bowed farewell, they joined the surrounding sons of good families and galloped toward Tangyin County under the golden sunset.

east of the imperial palace,

in the Chai family courtyard,

at the dining table,

“Madam, how was the Gu family’s hearth-warming gathering today?” Chai Jin smiled.

Chai Jin’s wife, Lady Lu, used serving chopsticks to place a piece of meat on her sister-in-law Chai Zhengzheng’s plate and nodded: “Husband, it was excellent! The Lady of Shoushan was there today—she chatted merrily with Lady Bai and Lady Yu!”

Chai Zhengzheng, having just been served, snapped out of her reverie and smiled: “Thank you, sister-in-law, I can serve myself.”

Chai Zhengzheng, startled by the food being placed on her plate, quickly smiled: "Thank you, sister-in-law, I can serve myself."

Madam Chai looked at her son and daughter-in-law, then at her daughter and asked: “By the way, I heard the two Xu boys aren’t in the capital these days?”

Chai Zhengzheng, who had been picking at her food, froze for a moment, then resumed eating normally.

“Yes. There was fighting up north—we lost a commander. With the New Year approaching, the two Xu boys went to pay respects a few days ago,” Lady Lu said.

“War is terrible, especially at this time of year,” Chai Jin sighed solemnly.

Everyone at the table nodded.

Madam Chai sighed and said: “The holidays are near—send gifts to our relatives and old friends in a few days. Da Lang’s wife, Zhengzheng, you two help me plan them tomorrow.”

After sighing, Lady Chai said: "The holidays are drawing near; in a couple days, send someone to deliver New Year gifts to our relatives and old friends. Dalang’s wife, Zhengzheng, you two will help me plan it tomorrow."

Three days later,

after the middle of the twelfth lunar month,

private academies in the capital closed for winter break, including the Sheng family academy.

Xu Zaijing and his companions had far less homework during their “winter vacation,” but the assignments were harder and more time-consuming.

Xu Zaijing and the others had far less homework during their winter break, but the problems were harder and more time-consuming.

“Jingge’er, tomorrow’s the first day of break—Sixth Young Master invited us to Wu Tower for fun,” Qi Heng said, then stopped as he saw Xu Zaijing shaking his head.

“Yuanruo, I have plans tomorrow—let’s go another day,” Xu Zaijing smiled.

“Fair enough, fair enough,” Qi Heng nodded.

Gu Tingye turned his head: “Fifth Young Master, what do you have planned? Can I help?”

Xu Zaijing smiled and shook his head.

The next day,

at the hour of Si (10 a.m.),

the weather was clear,

the main street of Pan Lou was thronged with pedestrians, as bustling as ever—voices, hawking cries, and acrobats performing fire-spitting and balancing jars filled the air, taking advantage of the twelfth lunar month.

Pan Lou’s main street was thronged with pedestrians, as bustling as ever, with continuous shouts and hawking cries, and performers visiting for the Lunar New Year displayed acrobatics like fire-spitting and head-balancing on jars.

"Good!"

"Impressive!"

Amidst a chorus of applause,

a luxurious carriage, guarded by mounted retainers, turned from the alley onto the main street of Pan Lou.

It paused briefly in front of a two-story wooden building bearing the sign "Si Bao Zhai," then continued along the street.

Merely seeing the carriage and its escorts, passersby quickly cleared a path.

Inside the carriage,

Yun Mu looked curiously at Chai Zhengzheng and said, "Miss, I can deliver the New Year gifts to the Zhou family. Why are you here today?"

Chai Zhengzheng lifted the carriage curtain, peering through the gap at the bustling street, and replied, "Madam Zhou taught me archery; I must deliver the gifts in person, and also take a walk to clear my mind."

Yun Mu nodded, her tone tinged with regret: "But Miss, at this hour, the young scholars are mostly finishing their lessons and have no time—"

Before she could finish, seeing her mistress’s gaze, Yun Mu quickly clamped her lips shut.

Soon,

the Chai family carriage came to a stop by the roadside.

Inside the Zhou family’s archery shop,

Madam Zhou, who had been serving a customer, first stared in surprise at the carriage outside, then her eyes flickered, and she said to the customer, "Sir, I’ll reduce the price of this fine bow by thirty wen, and throw in two extra arrows."

After several breaths, the customer left, thoroughly satisfied.

The shop assistants followed Madam Zhou to the doorway, standing on either side.

The carriage curtain stirred, and Chai Zhengzheng, wearing a veiled hat, stepped down with her maid.

Madam Zhou smiled and stepped forward: "Miss, what brings you to my humble shop today?"

Chai Zhengzheng bowed slightly, the veil shifting with her motion, and said, "Madam Zhou, I’ve come to deliver the New Year gifts, and to take a stroll for my own peace of mind."

Seeing the maids holding the gift boxes, Madam Zhou laughed: "Oh! Miss, you’re far too courteous."

Then, hesitating, she added, "It’s just—"

"Madam Zhou, won’t you invite me inside?" Chai Zhengzheng smiled from beneath her veil.

"Oh! Miss, please come in," Madam Zhou gestured inward.

After Chai Zhengzheng and her maid entered, Madam Zhou rose slightly on her toes, glancing anxiously down the main street of Pan Lou.

Seeing no one she expected, she turned and stepped inside.

Deep within the shop,

out of sight from the door, Chai Zhengzheng lifted the veil’s curtain and looked at the shelves, smiling: "Is the old master here today?"

Madam Zhou nodded: "Father is off duty today; he’s drinking tea in the back courtyard. The tea sent from your household—he loves it."

Chai Zhengzheng smiled and picked up an intricately shaped thumb ring engraved with a cat motif: "This shooting ring is quite charming."

Madam Zhou smiled: "Lately, many young ladies have come in and ordered these as decorations—quite a few have bought them."

Chai Zhengzheng nodded and handed it to Yun Mu: "I’ll take this one."

Looking at Chai Zhengzheng, Madam Zhou hesitated before saying, "Miss, a distinguished guest sent a formal invitation, saying he wishes to call on Father today. He may arrive soon—Miss, you—"

Hearing this,

Yun Mu and the two other maids exchanged startled glances.

Chai Zhengzheng suddenly understood: "Ah! No wonder you hesitated just now. You’re thoughtful—I came unannounced; I should have sent a note first."

She spoke these words to protect Chai Zhengzheng’s reputation.

Madam Zhou smiled faintly: "Thank you for understanding, Miss."

"Let’s go," Chai Zhengzheng said, smiling as she lowered her veil.

As Chai Zhengzheng and her party reached the shop’s entrance,

"Whoa!"

Three horses halted before the door.

The lead rider wore a red forehead band for warmth and a purple cloak; his horse was especially majestic.

Seeing three blurred figures through the thin gauze, Chai Zhengzheng, stepping out, froze.

She slightly lifted the curtain of the veil, recognized the visitor, and whispered, "Madam Zhou, is this the distinguished guest you mentioned?"

"Yes, Miss," Madam Zhou replied.

Behind her, Yun Mu whispered to Zi Teng: "What a coincidence." Zi Teng nodded vigorously.

As they spoke,

Xu Zaijing, Qing Yun, and A Lan had already dismounted.

A Lan secured the horses; Qing Yun lifted the gift boxes from the saddle; Xu Zaijing stared curiously at the group at the door.

He glanced at the veiled girl, then at the maids behind her, and his expression cleared with recognition.

Qing Yun, holding both gift boxes in one hand, stepped beside Xu Zaijing.

Looking at Xu Zaijing standing still, Qing Yun asked, "Master?"

Then he glanced at the noble lady approaching from the shop: "That’s Miss Chai."

"Mm," Xu Zaijing nodded.

Chai Zhengzheng stepped six or seven paces from the shop door to the roadside.

Before turning toward her carriage, she paused, lifted the veil to reveal her face, smiled at Xu Zaijing, curtsied, and her maids behind her bowed slightly.

Xu Zaijing quickly nodded and smiled in return.

Qing Yun, burdened with the gifts, awkwardly bowed, making Zi Teng, who saw it, cover her mouth and laugh.

Watching the Chai family’s carriage and guards depart, Xu Zaijing turned to Madam Zhou and said, "Seems I arrived at an inopportune time."

Madam Zhou smiled and shook her head.

Chai Zhengzheng stepped onto the carriage step; behind her, Zi Teng glanced at A Lan, then whispered two words to her while covering her mouth.

Both maids laughed, then climbed aboard and disappeared behind the curtain.

Watching the carriage and Chai’s guards vanish, Xu Zaijing turned and entered the shop with Madam Zhou.

Inside the Chai family carriage,

Yun Mu lifted the curtain, puzzled: "Miss, why do you think Fifth Master Xu came to the Zhou family today?"

Chai Zhengzheng thought a moment: "Perhaps to ask about archery?"

"Fifth Master Xu is quite studious!" Zi Yi praised.

"What were you two laughing about just now, when you looked at Xu’s personal guard?" Yun Mu frowned.

Chai Zhengzheng looked at the two maids with an unreadable expression.

"Sister Yun Mu, nothing much—it’s just that we heard the guard’s name is A Lan, and he’s to marry Qing Zhi, who serves Lady Xu Da."

"Him?" Yun Mu lifted the curtain and glanced back.

(End of Chapter)