Chapter 132: Response
Not that familiar either.
Just almost became Sixth Sister Pei’s son-in-law, that’s all.
Meng Liulang’s mind flashed with that clear and heroic young girl’s face, his heart suddenly a bit restless and depressed, and he replied expressionlessly: “Not familiar.”
Zhang Yun’s gaze flickered: “I heard you once led troops to Yan Mountains for bandit suppression, so you should have dealt with Sixth Sister Pei.”
Meng Liulang was tall, so he had to slightly lower his head when looking at anyone, naturally carrying a bit of a haughty demeanor: “Still not familiar.”
Zhang Yun was Madam Zhang’s legitimate eldest son, future Family Head of the Zhang family, the Son of Heaven’s consanguineous Cousin Brother, future Imperial Uncle. Officials who came to seek refuge fawned over Zhang Yun everywhere.
Zhang Yun had been riding high lately, increasingly arrogant, and kept hitting soft nails with Meng Liulang, feeling displeased. But he didn’t show it on his face, smiling as he said: “I was just asking casually.”
After sitting for a moment and chatting idly a few sentences, he got up and left.
Meng Dalang politely saw Zhang Yun off, then turned back to the study room, put on a stern face, and scolded Meng Liulang: “What did I tell you? Be polite to Young Master Zhang, at least don’t openly offend him…”
Meng Liulang let it go in one ear and out the other, unperturbed.
Meng Dalang truly had a headache and couldn’t help but let out a long sigh.
The Meng Family only had these two brothers left. He, as the elder brother, had lost a leg and could no longer lead troops in battle; everything would have to rely on Meng Liulang. Looking at Meng Liulang’s impervious attitude, how reliable was he?
It was simply worrisome to death.
Meng Dalang called for his personal soldier and had the personal soldier go inquire where the people from Pei Family Village were staying.
An hour later, the personal soldier returned to report.
Meng Liulang appeared indifferent on the surface but was actually listening intently.
The next day, Meng Liulang went out early in the morning. When the personal soldier came to report, Meng Dalang waved his hand: “Let him go.”
Meng Liulang arrived at the inn but found it empty. A man of short stature and ordinary appearance smiled obsequiously: “Young General Meng came at a bad time; Gu Lian and Feng Chang were summoned into the palace by the Emperor early this morning.”
Meng Liulang glanced at the man: “Who are you?”
The man continued to smile obsequiously: “I’m Wang Erhe, entered Pei Family Village together with Feng Chang.”
Meng Liulang had actually been to Pei Family Village several times and stayed there for quite a few days. However, he only recognized and remembered the names of a scant few people. Gu Lian and Feng Chang barely left some impression. A minor character like Wang Erhe had never even entered his eyes.
Meng Liulang seemingly casually asked: “How has Pei Family Village been this past half year!”
Wang Erhe appeared honest and simple but was actually full of wits, chuckling: “Very good. Xiongnu Barbarians came to raid, and Sixth Sister led us to defend Changping County, driving off the Xiongnu Barbarians.”
“Pei Family Village’s fame has spread far, more and more people are coming to seek refuge. Everyone knows that following Sixth Sister means good days ahead.”
That last sentence stabbed Meng Liulang like a sharp thorn.
Meng Liulang’s handsome face darkened slightly, and he suddenly asked: “Why didn’t she come?”
Wang Erhe smiled honestly: “How could I guess Sixth Sister’s thoughts.”
Meng Liulang left in frustration.
Wang Erhe curled his lip at Meng Liulang’s retreating back.
……
Gu Lian and Feng Chang were led into the Prefectural Governor’s Mansion, waited for half a day, and finally met Emperor Jian’an. The two didn’t dare look around randomly, knelt properly and kowtowed, presenting the gift list and letter.
Emperor Jian’an didn’t look at the thick gift list, eagerly opening Sixth Sister Pei’s letter.
This was her first time writing him a letter.
The letter’s words were sincere, explaining the hardship of not daring to leave Youzhou without permission, hoping the Son of Heaven would understand. A few brief words, concise and clear, without a trace of personal affection.
Emperor Jian’an couldn’t tell if he was happy or disappointed, reading the letter again.
Still no trace of longing in any word or phrase.
Emperor Jian’an sighed quietly in his heart.
Madam Lu’s letter was much thicker.
Full of loyalty.
Emperor Jian’an glanced at it casually and set it aside. Then he asked solemnly: “How many people are in Pei Family Village now? What is their combat power like?”
Feng Chang was about to speak when Gu Lian shot him a glance, and Feng Chang immediately shut his mouth. Then, listening to Gu Lian choke up and wipe tears as she described to the Emperor the hardships of Pei Family Village lacking clothes and food, struggling to survive: “…Now Pei Family Village has over two thousand people, all refugees from the mountains. Sixth Sister kindly took them in, not wanting them to go hungry, worrying about it day and night.”
How did over six thousand people suddenly become half less?
Feng Chang lowered his head.
“Some time ago, Xiongnu Barbarians charged into Changping County Town, and Sixth Sister fought to the death to defend the county town. Heavy casualties, and Sixth Sister herself was injured, unable to come to pay respects to the Emperor.”
Feng Chang’s mouth twitched slightly.
Sixth Sister had indeed suffered a minor injury, a scrape on the back of her hand that healed after two days of medicine.
Those who didn’t know, hearing Gu Lian cry like this, would think Sixth Sister was seriously injured.
The young Son of Heaven in front of them was actually fooled: “Is her injury serious? No major issues?”
Gu Lian replied with red eyes: “The doctor said it will be fine after a few months of recovery, but she can’t ride horses or travel, nor overexert herself. So Sixth Sister couldn’t come to pay respects to the Emperor.”
The young Son of Heaven clutched the letter, his voice low: “When you go back, bring my words to her. She didn’t come, I don’t blame her. Tell her to rest and recover at ease.”
“I have the finest medicine here, take two bottles… take ten bottles back.”
Gu Lian kowtowed in thanks, and when she raised her head, tears streamed down her face full of gratitude, spouting a basketful of nonsense like the Emperor’s immense grace.
The young Son of Heaven asked more about Pei Family Village’s daily situation, and Gu Lian answered fluently. Eight out of ten sentences were true, only vague on key points.
Even Feng Chang listening felt that Pei Family’s women, children, old, and young were truly pitiable.
The young Son of Heaven sighed quietly, pity flashing in his eyes, his voice even gentler: “Go back and tell Sixth Sister Pei to rest and recover at ease, take care of her health. She doesn’t need to come personally here, I know her loyalty.”
Gu Lian wiped her tears with her sleeve, then gave another moving praise and eulogy.
Half an hour later.
The two left the Prefectural Governor’s Mansion and returned to the inn. Once the door closed, Gu Lian raised her head and gave Feng Chang a haughty glance: “How about it? Convinced now?”
Feng Chang twitched his mouth again, cupped his hands: “Completely convinced, thoroughly subdued.”
Crying on cue, brazenly lying, that capability—he truly fell far short.
No wonder Sixth Sister chose Gu Lian to lead. If it had been him responding today, it probably wouldn’t have been so easy to muddle through.
Gu Lian smiled smugly for a while, then sighed: “Still, our Pei Family Army lacks strength, can only show weakness for now.”
Feng Chang said lowly: “Keep a low profile and build wealth quietly, slowly expand personnel, sooner or later we won’t have to bow to anyone.”
Gu Lian nodded, her eyes flashing with vigorous ambition.
Feng Chang had that spark in his eyes too.
The two of them, one bullied by mountain bandits, one struck by war disaster, both people living in the mud.
It was Qinghe who took them in.
It was Sixth Sister Pei who recognized them as human again.
In their hearts, there was no loyalty, filial piety, rites, or righteousness—only Sixth Sister Pei. They could die for her at any time.
The Imperial Court fractured, the world in chaos, rebel armies popping up everywhere. If there was to be a change of dynasty, why couldn’t it be Sixth Sister?
