Chapter 43: Second Sister, You Must Not

Chapter 43: Younger Sister, It’s Impossible!

Xiao Wan’er and Xiao Jinghong entered the tranquil manor together to pay their respects to the venerable lord.

Within a ten-zhang radius of the manor, no one dared approach—not even the illustrious Duke Qian Zhang Xuan or the former Governor Sun Fu, who were temporarily barred from entering.

Shen Huatan, Su Zhenyue, and Xiao Die, among others, placed the gifts for the two ladies inside the manor and stood guard at the entrance.

Duke Qian sat by the pond in the main courtyard, playing chess with Sun Fu.

The board, with its four corners each occupied by black and white stones, clearly had only just begun.

Zhang Xuan gazed toward the manor’s entrance, exhaling a sigh: “It’s a lie not to envy him.”

Sun Fu glanced at him, then looked away with a smile: “Your duke’s household is prosperous—why envy old Master Xiao’s prowess?”

“Hmph. A thriving household may lack talent. Shaojie has strength and courage but lacks strategy, and his impulsive nature has brought him sorrow.”

“Is that why you linger here, under the guise of old friends?”

“You old fool sees right through me.”

Zhang Xuan slammed a white stone onto the board with a sharp *tap*, chuckling.

Indeed, he harbored designs to steer Sun Fu away to the southern provinces.

After all, as the saying goes, “A family’s elder is its greatest treasure.”

In terms of intellect and strategy, Sun Fu might fall short, yet as a former governor, his governance was masterful.

If he lent his support, Duke Qian’s estate would likely remain stable for a decade, spared from chaos over finances and supplies.

“Different views. Speak your mind.”

“I decline.” Sun Fu placed a black stone to block the white’s liberties, neither considering nor daring to outright refuse.

“Your reasoning?”

“Wealth doesn’t last three generations—why strain?”

Zhang Xuan’s eyes narrowed: “Who says that?”

Sun Fu showed no fear, calmly remarking: “Rather than wasting time here, why not consider how to educate your son, Heng’er?”

Zhang Xuan furrowed his brow, then waved a dismissive hand: “You mean, spare Shaojie?”

“Without courage, without spirit, without wit—what use is he?”

“Ah, you old relic, where do you think you’ll get such audacity? Your…”

“A commoner’s life, free of worry, is enough.”

Zhang Xuan rolled his eyes, grumbling, and placed a stone with a muttered curse: “Damn it, I’ll find Heng’er a good teacher—enough to show you what a fool you are!”

Sun Fu smiled, placing a black stone in return.

“They say a child at three can judge elders. By my judgment, this boy will surely surpass your Heng’er.”

“Silence! Focus on the game…”

Every household has its own burdens; many matters are not fit for outsiders’ ears.

Within the inner chambers of the manor, the venerable lord met his granddaughters. His joy was fleeting.

“Jinghong, how fares the new army’s training?”

“Strength and vigor are present, but their cultivation lags. New weapons and armor are insufficient, horses are scarce, and funds are tight.”

Xiao Jinghong spoke plainly, yet no word conveyed satisfaction.

The lord frowned: “Have the Protectorate and Military Office been consulted?”

Xiao Jinghong nodded: “After presenting the request, the District Secretary opposed, citing that this year’s funds for the Protectorate were already allocated, leaving no room for the distant army.”

“The Military Advisor spoke in our favor, but to little avail. The Emperor ultimately accepted the District Secretary’s proposal, diverting the salt and iron tax revenues from Shu to fund the new army.”

The lord’s brow remained furrowed. He leaned back on the High Minister’s chair, his hand trembling as he clutched the armrest.

Nearby, Xiao Wan’er saw her grandfather’s distress but, knowing this concerned the army’s fate, said nothing.

A pause.

The lord sighed: “This sum barely covers soldiers’ wages… what of the Protectorate?”

Xiao Jinghong sat upright, calmly: “No help to be had.”

She paused, then asked: “Grandfather, our thirty thousand soldiers are starving, their funds exhausted. Those who’ve retreated…”

As she spoke, she noticed a flash of pain in the lord’s eyes—she understood.

“The retreating soldiers, I’ll arrange their relocation.”

The lord blinked: “You have a plan?”

“A mountain clan envoy recently came to me, proposing a mutual trade post. If managed well, I could settle some of them there.”

“Excellent, excellent… a trade post benefits the ten tribes and supports our three garrisons.”

The lord’s expression eased.

Yet after a moment, he asked: “Will you inform the Protectorate?”

Xiao Jinghong shook her head: “They already control the salt and iron operations—I intend to keep the trade post independent.”

The lord bowed slightly: “Well, the Xiao family faces inner strife and external threats. To sustain such a vast army, some personal interests are inevitable.”

Xiao Jinghong’s eyes brightened—she longed to correct him.

The distant army was not the Xiao family’s private force but the imperial cavalry.

Yet the court withheld funds, leaving them to fend for themselves—how could that be?

Still, she held her tongue.

A long pause.

The lord turned to Xiao Wan’er: “How fares the family?”

Xiao Wan’er smiled: “Grandfather need not worry. Our medicine business thrives, bringing in thousands of taels monthly. Recently, Uncle Dongcheng secured a shipment of rare herbs from the northern provinces, enough to sustain our shops for half a year.”

The lord nodded: “Good. With you here and Auntie supporting us, I needn’t worry.”

Xiao Wan’er and Xiao Jinghong exchanged a glance, then exchanged a few casual words before rising to leave.

“Jinghong, stay home for a while. Your husband, Chen Yi…”

The lord’s face lit with a rare smile: “He’s a decent fellow. Let bygones be bygones.”

Xiao Jinghong bowed: “I won’t forget, Grandfather.”

Xiao Wan’er suddenly recalled the *Song Divine Poem*, her pale face flushing slightly.

Her heart was a muddle—shame, anger, and frustration all at once, unsure how to proceed.

The two granddaughters bid the lord farewell and left Qingding Manor, heading back to Chunhe Garden.

At this very moment, a voice floated in from the distant horizon: "Jinghong, Wan'er, it has been so long since we last saw you. I miss you dearly, my elder brother."

Xiao Jinghong furrowed her brows. By her keen ears, she had already sensed his arrival long before he appeared. She had intended to retreat with her sister, but he would not be so easily dismissed.

Xiao Wan'er glanced at Xiao Jinghong, seeing no intention of speaking, and bowed respectfully to the newcomer: "My elder brother, pray you are unharmed."

"Unharmed, unharmed—ha ha..."

Before he had even arrived, his voice came, and there he was—tall and broad-shouldered, dressed in a dark green brocade robe, striding forward with quick steps.

His features were exquisitely handsome, with a straight face, bold eyebrows, and large eyes, though his skin bore the hue of ancient copper, clearly weathered by wind and sun.

When Shen Huatang and Su Zhiyue saw him, they all bowed and saluted: "Good general Li!"

The commander of the iron-bullet stronghold in Tanggu, General Li Changqing waved his hand dismissively: "No need for such courtesies. We are all family here."

He turned to gaze at Xiao Jinghong and Xiao Wan'er with a smile: "You have just returned from seeing the old patriarch?"

"Yes." Xiao Jinghong glanced at him, her voice cool: "We have more pressing matters. You may take your leave, elder brother."

Seeing them about to depart, Li Changqing raised his hand to stop them. "Jinghong, my younger sister, I missed your grand wedding. Let me make it up to you, perhaps we could meet again soon?"

"No need, thank you."

Xiao Jinghong spoke coldly, and with a slight limp, she supported her sister and turned away.

Li Changqing watched them go, still smiling as he called out in the distance: "Tell your brother-in-law to ask after his health!"

Xiao Jinghong paid no heed, but Xiao Wan'er found herself at a loss for words.

"Younger sister, you and General Changqing..."

"There's no need to bother him. He should just do his own duty."

"Oh."

They walked through the courtyard and into the long corridor of the rear garden. Xiao Jinghong's brow creased again.

At the far end, Xiao Wang and Xiao Qiuyun were waiting there, accompanied by several soldiers.

Xiao Wan'er sighed inwardly, but her face remained bright with a smile: "Second elder, it has been a long time. How do you keep?"

"Do remember my words, Wan'er."

"Wan'er has seen your niece Qiuyun."

After their greetings, Xiao Wang leaned on a staff and spoke calmly: "Jinghong, it has been some time since you returned. I have a few matters I must discuss with you."

Xiao Jinghong bowed: "Second elder, please speak."

"Your husband has been acting recklessly of late. How do you intend to handle this?"

Xiao Qiuyun, seeing Xiao Jinghong's cold gaze, immediately interjected: "Father, I think he means you should keep a closer watch on him, so he doesn't do anything out of line."

Xiao Wang's expression grew stern: "My words are clear—punish him severely!"

Xiao Wan'er took Xiao Jinghong's hand, fearing she might offend the elders.

But Xiao Jinghong had already begun: "My lord, while your husband has been a bit reckless, it is not as serious as you imagine."

Xiao Wang furrowed his brow slightly. Just as he was about to press further, she continued: "Jinghong knows that you now oversee the torture chamber, and many matters are handled in favor of the Xiao family."

"Yet I urge you to heed my words—regarding your husband, pretend you never saw anything."

"You..."

Before Xiao Wang could finish, Xiao Qiuyun quickly pulled his hand away, smiling: "Father, listen to Jinghong. Their private affairs are their own. Why should you worry?"

Then, with a shift in tone: "But Jinghong, have you heard what Chen Yi has been up to lately?"

Xiao Jinghong nodded: "Yes."

Xiao Qiuyun smiled: "Then let me share my thoughts with you."

"As you said, Chen Yi has been a bit reckless, but fundamentally he is not bad. Moreover, he has some talents. How about I and your brother Dongchen help find him some work?"

"Just the other day, there was an opening in the Chancellor's Office for a clerk. The position isn't high, but..."

Before she could finish, Xiao Jinghong interrupted coolly: "Dongchen's wife is now the Duchess of Qin Guo. It would be best not to involve yourself in family matters."

She then turned away, leaving the others behind, and led Xiao Wan'er straight down the corridor.

Xiao Qiuyun's face darkened, and Xiao Wang's eyes reddened with fury, yet he could not utter a word.

Xiao Wan'er sighed quietly to herself, unsure how to persuade her sister.

Meanwhile, Shen Huatang and Xiao Diao, among others, dared not even take a breath.

When they reached the outside of the Spring Lotus Garden...

Xiao Jinghong had been deep in thought all the way. Suddenly she spoke: "Sister, think carefully. Qiuyun auntie has a point."

"Your husband has indeed been wasting his talents by staying at home. But it is not suitable for him to be in the Chancellor's Office. How about he helps you instead?"

Xiao Wan'er opened her mouth to speak, "This—this..."

Younger sister, it's no use, is it?

(Chapter Complete)