Chapter 144: Huo Zi’an is Back Again
The two rode their fast horses towards the Tuntian Camp. Gu Changxiao finally regained his senses, looking at the galloping Big Black Horse ahead and the heroic figure on its back.
That unsettling and fearful emotion surged in his heart again, just like that night when he looked at Jinsui’s sleeping face.
I actually had such impure thoughts about Daoist Ji? If he knew…
No, he absolutely cannot know! Otherwise, he would unhesitatingly distance himself from the border city and never appear before me again.
Will he go under Yan Jiu’s command? That’s right, serving under Yan Jiu is much better than following me, a penniless person with enemies everywhere, the Li King.
For the first time, Gu Changxiao felt an emotion called ‘inferiority’.
Heaven is merciful; he didn’t have this emotion even when he was expelled from the capital, alone, and hunted by Prince Yu’s men, facing life-or-death situations multiple times.
At this moment, Jinsui slowed down, riding alongside him, completely unaware of Gu Changxiao’s current mood. She asked strangely, “Why do you think Huo Zi’an returned at this time?”
Gu Changxiao guiltily shifted his gaze and shook his head, “Let’s just ask him directly later!”
Jinsui tentatively asked, “Um, are you planning to spare his life?”
To be honest, Jinsui didn’t have much feeling for Huo Zi’an. He had been chased by him and his men in the bandit den, and later, when she was the fake Li King, he tried to assassinate her.
She indeed had a belly full of anger. If she hadn’t restrained her emotions, she would have directly cut him down back then.
When she kept Huo Zi’an in the border city, she had tormented him thoroughly. First, he plowed fields like an ox, then he was covered in sugar and thrown into an ant nest, and later, he was made to carry manure.
Haha, during that period, life was hard and there were many troubles. Huo Zi’an became the target of her emotional venting, even scaring Hei Hu.
Her change of heart towards Huo Zi’an began with the battle against the Zheng Family attacking the border city. Huo Zi’an didn’t seize the opportunity to escape; instead, he used his abilities to organize the Tuntian soldiers to resist.
He didn’t dare to claim credit either and honestly continued to carry manure afterward. Then, when preparing for the battle against the Tartars, even the stray dogs passing by the border city were brought in to be used, let alone Huo Zi’an.
Jinsui had tested him many times, and he had passed all the tests. She didn’t expect him to escape when the Imperial Commissioner arrived this time.
If he escaped, he escaped. The border city currently had no ability to chase him to Chang’an. Who knew he would return.
Jinsui was truly baffled and just wanted to see Huo Zi’an quickly.
By the time they reached the Tuntian Camp, Niu Da’s son, Niu Da Mao, was already waiting by the roadside, “Your Highness, hurry!”
Jinsui joked, “Why the rush? Is Lord Niu going to die if we’re a bit late!”
Jinsui had jokingly called Huo Zi’an “Lord Niu” back then, which led everyone to believe his surname was Niu. Even now, many people in the Tuntian Camp still call him Lord Niu.
Unexpectedly, Niu Da Mao’s brow furrowed, and tears almost fell, “Yes, Uncle Niu Er is about to die.”
Jinsui was startled. When she and Gu Changxiao entered the house and saw Huo Zi’an, she realized Niu Da Mao hadn’t been speaking nonsense.
Although Huo Zi’an’s wounds had been bandaged by Niu Da’s wife, they were still bleeding. There were wounds all over his chest, abdomen, and arms.
A knife wound on his cheek had exposed the flesh. This would definitely leave a deep scar. It’s a pity; Huo Zi’an is quite good-looking. He can only play the role of a cold, scarred man from now on.
Niu Da’s wife, a capable middle-aged woman, sighed and said, “Da Mao found him in the back mountains. He was lying in a pool of blood and was almost taken by wolves.”
“He kept saying he wanted to see Your Highness, wanted to see Your Highness.”
Jinsui quickly asked, “Have the military doctors seen him?”
Niu Da’s wife nodded, “Yes, they have. And they even gave him some medicine!”
“Medicine” was the border soldiers’ affectionate term for the antibiotics provided by Jinsui. They all knew this medicine was extremely precious and was not given to people unless they were severely injured.
Everyone had great confidence in the effect of the “medicine,” as if as long as you had a breath left, you could be saved.
Jinsui stepped forward to take his pulse and personally examined him. Fortunately, they were all superficial wounds, and his internal organs were fine. However, the stab wound to his chest had injured his lung, and he would need at least half a year to recover.
Just then, Huo Zi’an woke up. The moment he saw Jinsui, his eyes lit up. Finally, he had returned to the border city!
He clutched his wound and tried to sit up. Jinsui pressed his shoulder, “Don’t move. Can you speak?”
His voice was hoarse, “Your… Your Highness.”
Jinsui poured a cup of water and was about to feed him. Gu Changxiao, who had been standing by without moving, immediately took over and personally fed Huo Zi’an the water.
Huo Zi’an was very shocked. He drank very quickly and choked, coughing again.
Jinsui turned to Niu Da’s wife and said, “Sister Niu, please keep an eye on the door and don’t let anyone nearby approach.”
Niu Da’s wife readily agreed and went out, even asking Da Mao to fetch the horses of Your Highness and Lord Gu to wash them.
She also asked her daughter to light the tea stove. It was the first time Your Highness had visited their home; even if they weren’t staying for a meal, they should have some tea.
Huo Zi’an seemed to be organizing his thoughts. After a long while, he said, “I want to report to Your Highness alone.”
Jinsui stepped forward and cupped her hands to Gu Changxiao, “Then you go guard the door.”
Huo Zi’an choked, feeling a bit embarrassed to look at Jinsui’s face. His gaze fell on his wound, “I mean, I want to report to the Li King.”
Jinsui was stunned for a moment before she realized. Without any awkwardness, she stood up, “Oh, then you guys talk. I’ll go guard the door.”
Too immersed in the role, thinking it was real!
Gu Changxiao grabbed her, “It’s fine, stay and listen with us.”
Jin Feng, however, was very perceptive. Since he said he wanted to report to the Li King alone, it was definitely related to matters in Chang’an.
She was very clear about her role in the border city. She was not the Li King’s military strategist or think tank; she only wanted to build up the border city.
Even if Gu Changxiao returned to Chang’an in the future, at most, she would follow him to help Father Ling overturn his case. She would never participate in political struggles.
Therefore, she genuinely didn’t want to get involved in matters concerning Chang’an.
She smiled, “I probably can’t help with what you need to discuss. I’ll wait for you at the door. The polo match is about to start.”
Gu Changxiao wanted to say more, but she had already run out.
Taking maltose candy from her purse to reward Da Mao and his sister Xiao Mao, Jinsui touched Xiao Mao’s soft hair and smiled at Niu Da’s wife,
“It’s fine for a boy to be called Da Mao, but why call such a cute little girl Xiao Mao?”
Niu Da’s wife didn’t react at first and replied with a smile, “A humble name is easy to raise. That’s how they’re called. The neighbor’s three children are Da Gou and Er Gou, and the third is also a girl named Gou Mei.”
Da Mao was thoughtful. While sucking on the maltose candy, he tugged at his mother’s sleeve, “Mom, then ask Your Highness to give my sister a nice name!”
Niu Da’s wife’s eyes lit up. She pulled Xiao Mao and knelt before Jinsui:
“If Your Highness names Xiao Mao, it will be this girl’s fortune! Your Highness is blessed with good fortune. We are a widowed mother and child; we hope Your Highness won’t dislike us and will rename Xiao Mao!”
Xiao Mao stopped eating the candy, her beautiful eyes looking shyly at Jinsui. She also disliked her name. Every time she saw a cow, mischievous boys would pull its tail and call her:
“Look, Cow Xiao Mao.”
Jinsui smiled, “Since that’s the case, then I will rename Xiao Mao. I hope my Xiao Mao will grow up to be leisurely and skillful, peaceful and smooth, without illness or disaster. How about calling her An Min? Does Niu An Min like it?”
Xiao Mao smiled shyly, “I like it.” As long as it sounds better than Xiao Mao, she likes it!
Niu Da’s wife quickly bowed her head, “Thank Your Highness quickly!”
Niu Da’s wife didn’t understand “leisurely and skillful,” but she understood “peaceful and smooth.” A mother’s greatest wish is for her children to be safe.
Jinsui chatted with Niu Da’s wife about the Tuntian Camp. She didn’t have many opportunities to talk with the low-level border soldiers, and also to let Gu Changxiao and Huo Zi’an know that she wasn’t eavesdropping!
Niu Da’s wife spoke in detail about the recent changes among the low-level border soldiers in the Tuntian Camp. Captain Liu wanted to take a group of people to the East Sea Base to work in the salt fields, and initially, no one was willing to go.
They all said it was even tougher there than in the border city, and it was far away. If anything happened, there would be nowhere to hide.
Later, Captain Liu said that if they went, they could be allocated land, not public land, but land that would be privately owned, with land deeds, although it was salt fields.
This caused an uproar in the Tuntian Camp. Private land! Regardless of whether it was paddy fields, dry land, poor quality land, or salt fields, as long as it could be allocated to them, even if it was a difficult piece of land, everyone would be happy!
Many people didn’t understand the peasants of this era. Farmers were indeed suffering, but among scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, farmers were ranked high. Below farmers, there were countless low-status individuals, and even after generations of hard work, they couldn’t afford a piece of land.
For people like fishermen and craftsmen, many people’s lifelong wish was to buy three mu of poor land and become peasant households.
The border soldier Tuntian Camp was nominally under the military department, but in reality, it was only slightly better than military slaves; they still didn’t have their own land.
As soon as Captain Liu announced the allocation of salt fields, everyone scrambled to go to the East Sea Base. In the end, they used a method of drawing lots by small teams to select people to go.
However, war widows like Niu Da’s wife were not eligible to participate in the selection. The most discussed topic in the Tuntian Camp now was this matter.
Those who were selected were beaming, while those who were not were dejected, but soon they regained their fighting spirit. As long as this door was opened, there would definitely be a next time.
Niu Da’s wife smiled, “Even if I were selected, I couldn’t go. The children are still young. How much salt can we three produce? It’s better for me to carry manure, as I earn more.”
Da Mao quickly said, “In another five years, I can take my father’s place and join the Tuntian Camp. Then I can also be allocated land.”
Da Mao was already ten years old. Although it was said that one could join the camp at fifteen, in reality, strong twelve or thirteen-year-olds would start working, treating children like adults.
Jinsui comforted Niu Da’s wife, “Don’t worry. This kind of situation will become more and more common. Not only salt fields, but we also have vegetable gardens and orchards. Sister Niu is diligent and capable; sooner or later, you will have the opportunity to be allocated your own land.”
Niu Da’s wife was overjoyed, “But my husband is gone, and Da Mao hasn’t joined the army yet. Am I eligible to be allocated land?”
Jinsui thought to herself, after the large-scale planting of potatoes and sweet potatoes next year, they would naturally prioritize their own people for land allocation.
She nodded solemnly, “Yes! As long as you are a resident of the border city, you are eligible!”
Recently, she had focused her energy on hoarding grain, earning silver, accumulating pig iron, and attracting merchants and gentry to the border city. The trivial matters at the bottom level were all handled by the veteran border city residents like Cheng Yu and Captain Liu.
There were always oversights. Regarding the allocation of land, she had mentioned it to Cheng Yu before, but she didn’t expect Cheng Yu to have revealed nothing.
This wouldn’t do. She couldn’t let the border soldiers think that Your Highness only cared about big matters and looked down on them. They needed to know that Your Highness was doing this for everyone’s future.
Well, after the polo match ends, while the enthusiasm is still high, she would finalize this matter. Anyway, the border city had plenty of wasteland. If others didn’t open the door for land allocation, their border city would.
Li Heng dared to complain to the Imperial Court? If he really complained, they would find another excuse. The land would still belong to the Tuntian Camp, but it would be leased to the border soldiers due to a shortage of manpower.
They could only open the door wide for refugees to come out of the mountains and join the border city’s household registration to help the Li King farm.
Of course, Jinsui believed the Imperial Court would definitely not care about such a small matter.
Their eyes were set higher, fixed on that chair, and they couldn’t see the hardships of the common people.
Jinsui understood too well the significance of this land allocation. She believed that those who were allocated land, upon seeing the high yield of potatoes and sweet potatoes and planting them for two seasons, would be completely loyal to the border city.
While she was chatting enthusiastically, the conversation inside had also concluded.
The moment Gu Changxiao pushed the door open, Jinsui saw a solemn expression on his face, and a flicker of struggle and sadness in his eyes.
She also started to panic. She hoped it wasn’t about the Imperial Court’s rewards!
This place was clearly not suitable for talking. Jinsui asked Niu Da’s wife to have someone quietly send Huo Zi’an to the infirmary for treatment.
Gu Changxiao said he wouldn’t go to the polo field in the afternoon and asked if she wanted to find a quiet place to talk.
Jinsui was naturally willing, but now there was no quiet place to be found in the entire border city. In the end, the two rode their horses to the river embankment. They were almost out of the border pass before they slowly walked and talked while leading their horses.
In a little while longer, they wouldn’t be able to come here; it would be freezing.
“Huo Zi’an didn’t escape; he learned from the assassins sent by Prince Yu that they had also arranged a group of people to meet him.”
“He went ahead to scout, but unexpectedly, those people recognized him and wanted to kill him to silence him.”
Jinsui quickly said, “Then immediately have Han Xing lead people to suppress them!”
Han Xing was used to suppressing bandits; after killing them, they could just label them as mountain bandits.
Gu Changxiao shook his head, “It’s too late. They have already withdrawn from Yandi. The several waves of people sent by Prince Yu were all annihilated. They probably won’t send assassins again.”
Jinsui felt his idea was wrong. The more unsuccessful the assassination attempts, the more they would want to kill. Prince Yu would only send more formidable assassins; how could he give up?
Just as she was about to remind him, she heard Gu Changxiao say, “The reason they wanted to kill Huo Zi’an to silence him was that Huo Zi’an discovered another secret of Prince Yu.”
“He is secretly raising troops and privately buying warhorses from the Tartars.”
Jinsui slapped her thigh, “As expected, the Central Plains merchant the herdsmen mentioned was Prince Yu’s man!”
“What is he raising troops for? Rebellion? Then quickly send the news to the Emperor’s desk.”
Gu Changxiao’s eyes showed disappointment and self-mockery, “Without concrete evidence, it’s slander. Heh heh, Prince Yu is different from me. Even if something is found out, he will find an excuse to cover it up.”
“And Father Emperor will only try to downplay it.”
She had seen favoritism, but never such blatant favoritism! Jinsui wanted to ask Gu Changxiao, “Are you really your father’s biological son?”
But she knew this joke couldn’t be made. In this era, matters concerning royal bloodlines could not be spoken of carelessly.
She could only comfort him, “We’ll find evidence slowly. Anyway, the border city is so far from Chang’an. If Prince Yu really does something, we won’t be able to reach him.”
“The most important thing now is to develop the border city. Only when your strength is great can you deter those petty individuals.”
Gu Changxiao knew she was worried that he was distracted by matters in Chang’an and had become careless about the development of the border city.
He quickly said, “Don’t worry, I know what’s important.”
After delivering the bad news, came the good news: “The Imperial Court’s edict has reached the border of Yandi. It will arrive at the border city in at most half a month. By then, our identities can be switched back.”
Jinsui was overjoyed, “That’s great! The soldiers have been waiting for this imperial edict with bated breath!”
She was too. As soon as the imperial edict arrived and the merits of the battle against the Tartars were confirmed, she could retire with honor.
But for some reason, a trace of loss still flashed through her heart. Perhaps she was too immersed in the role; she was reluctant to leave the stage.
