Seeing him look over, the officer waved to him again.
Zhou Liu-lang spurred his horse forward and galloped over, clasping his fists in salute to the officer who had called him.
“Sir.”
The officer laughed heartily and pointed to Zhou Liu-lang as he spoke to the crowd. “When our provisions were running low, unable to retreat and unable to advance, it was Guard Zhou who led twenty men in a surprise raid through Duan Mountain. They seized a granary belonging to the western bandits – hurting the enemy while replenishing our own supplies.”
At these words, everyone suddenly understood, and exclamations of admiration rippled through the crowd.
“Sir, you flatter me. It was the scouts who found the advantage, and the soldiers who fought bravely,” Zhou Liu-lang said, showing not the slightest trace of pride in the face of such praise.
Able in battle yet unwilling to claim credit – he was truly a model among the younger generation!
The more young men like this, the better!
His modest words drew another round of praise, and after some laughter and chatter, the officers all headed toward the government hall.
As they entered the streets of the inner city, their households came out to greet them -wives, children, and favored concubines filling the road with laughter and tears alike, no less lively than the scene outside the city gates.
“Liu-lang, Liu-lang!”
Walking among the crowd, Zhou Liu-lang was chatting and laughing with the uncles and brothers of the Zhou family who had come to welcome him when he suddenly heard the call. He turned his head and saw Xu Sigen standing among the onlookers, smiling at him.
When Zhou Liu-lang looked over, Xu Sigen clasped his fists and made a respectful welcoming gesture.
What’s that supposed to mean?
Does he think we’re family now?
Zhou Liu-lang felt a bit uneasy. Just as he hesitated, Xu Sigen turned and walked away.
After all, he had no family left…
When they set out, there had been seven brothers. Now, in the blink of an eye, only he remained.
Watching that slowly retreating figure fade into the crowd, Zhou Liu-lang felt a sharp ache in his chest.
“Liu-lang!”
Someone patted him on the shoulder and called out. Zhou Liu-lang came back to his senses.
“Hurry up – General Zhong wants to see you all,” one of his brothers said.
Zhou Liu-lang nodded. Ahead, the officers were already stepping into the government hall, so he quickly lifted his foot to follow.
Just before entering the doorway, he turned back for one last glance – Xu Sigen’s figure was no longer visible on the street.
As night fell, the victory banquet in the government hall was in full swing. Outside, countless fireworks blossomed across the sky – so dazzling that even the drunken couldn’t help but look up.
“They fly high, don’t they?”
A voice spoke beside his ear. Zhou Liu-lang quickly turned and saw that it was Zhong Chengbu. He hastily set down his wine bowl and saluted.
Zhong Chengbu patted him on the shoulder and stood beside him, gazing up at the sky.
“These are the best and newest fireworks from the Li family – rushed here specially from the capital,” he said with a smile, pointing upward. “All for today’s celebration.”
Zhou Liu-lang bowed again and thanked the general.
Zhong Chengbu turned to look him over and chuckled.
“Not bad. Whether it’s the Divine Arm Bow or your title as an imperial-appointed Palace Guard – you’ve truly lived up to both names,” he said.
“Thank you for the praise,” Zhou Liu-lang replied formally, straightening his posture and bowing.
“No need to be polite – it’s what you deserve. It’s not as if my praise could make it so. There’s something new in the capital again,” Zhong Chengbu said with a grin. “Do you want to go try it out? Maybe you’ll earn another two ranks.”
“Once is enough for luck’s favor. I’ll leave the chance to someone else,” Zhou Liu-lang said stiffly.
Zhong Chengbu burst out laughing.
“Young man, still so stubborn,” he said. “All right then – get yourself ready. You’re coming to the capital with me to report our victory, and while we’re there, we’ll bring back that new thing they say can make ten thousand people cry with a single blast.”
With that, he turned and walked away.
Go to the capital?
Zhou Liu-lang was taken aback, watching Zhong Chengbu turn back to drink with the other officers.
To the capital…
A single victorious battle brought true New Year’s cheer to the entire northwest.
People on the streets walked with easy smiles, and the crackling of firecrackers echoed through the alleys from dawn till dusk.
“…There will be even better days to come,” said Xu Sigen, sitting in the courtyard, mending a pair of shoes by hand.
Four or five children in new winter clothes sat nearby, eyes wide as they listened.
“Uncle Xu, even better days?” they asked in unison.
“That’s right,” Xu Sigen said. “Now, half the frontier has been cleared. When the other half is pacified, our army will grow stronger, and the western bandits will no longer dare to invade so easily. Then, no matter the season – winter, summer, spring, or autumn – the people will live without fear. That will be the truly peaceful and steady life.”
Two women came in from outside, carrying a pot that gave off a rich, meaty aroma, drawing all the children to crowd around in excitement.
“Officer Xu,” one of the neighbor women said, “we’ve finished stewing this meat for you.”
Xu Sigen quickly thanked them with a smile and waved for the drooling children to go and eat.
“This won’t do, this won’t do!” the two women protested, shooing the children away. “Officer Xu, we haven’t even finished eating the meat you gave us – how could we come and eat yours again?”
Xu Sigen just smiled.
One of the women, sharp-eyed, noticed what he was holding and immediately cried out in alarm.
“Officer Xu! It’s the New Year – how can you be sewing at a time like this?”
“It’s fine,” Xu Sigen replied. “Just idle hands – thought I’d mend a bit while I’m free.”
The women set down the pot, exclaiming as they rushed forward to snatch the sewing from his hands, then earnestly reminded him again and again of all the New Year taboos.
“You men never remember these things,” one of them scolded, then hesitated before adding, “Officer Xu, you’re not that young anymore… haven’t you thought about what kind of lady you’d like to marry?”
Xu Sigen smiled.
“I don’t plan to start a family,” he said.
A man with wealth, status, and such a good temperament – how rare! Surely he was just being selective, the two women thought as they exchanged glances, ready to make another match for him.
But just then, a light cough came from outside the gate.
Everyone in the courtyard turned to look and saw a young man standing there with his hands at his sides.
From his attire and bearing, it was clear he was no ordinary youth. The two women quickly lowered their heads and hurriedly took their leave, flustered.
“Guard Zhou, what brings you here?” Xu Sigen said with a smile, gesturing invitingly. “Come in, come in, have a seat.”
Zhou Liu-lang didn’t enter; he remained standing at the gate.
“I’m heading to the capital,” he said. “Do you have anything you’d like me to take along for you?”
Xu Sigen froze for a moment, then his face lit up with delight.
“Yes, yes – please wait a moment, I’ll fetch it right away,” he said.
Zhou Liu-lang stood by the courtyard gate. Seeing the neighbors and children gathering around to watch, he felt increasingly uncomfortable, so he stepped inside.
As he waited, he glanced around the courtyard. It was tidy and well kept, yet – perhaps it was just his imagination – it felt a little desolate, as though something vital was missing, some trace of human warmth.
Xu Sigen came out carrying a large bundle.
“I’ll trouble you then,” he said with a smile. “Everything’s already sorted inside – one part for my brother, one for my sister. You’ll recognize them at a glance.”
Zhou Liu-lang grunted in acknowledgment, and one of his attendants stepped forward to take the bundle.
The courtyard fell silent for a moment.
“Why don’t you start a family?” Zhou Liu-lang suddenly asked.
Xu Sigen hadn’t expected the question. He froze briefly, then smiled.
“It’s nothing,” he said. “It’s just that… thinking of them lying there alone beneath the ground, my heart can’t bear to make things too lively around me.” He paused, then added with a light smile, “But who knows – maybe when I’m older, I’ll change my mind.”
He bowed slightly. “Thank you for thinking of me.”
Zhou Liu-lang responded awkwardly with a quiet hum and turned to leave. After a few steps, he stopped at the gate.
“That’s not right,” he said. “I think… they wouldn’t want you to be alone either.”
With that, he strode off, vaulted onto his horse, and was gone before Xu Sigen could come out after him.
…
Though it was already the tenth day of the first lunar month, the festive spirit in the capital still lingered – and with the coming Lantern Festival on the fifteenth, the city was growing even more lively.
“They say the streets will be filled with colored lanterns, and even the Emperor will come out to celebrate with the people.”
In the courtyard, a few maids huddled together, hands tucked in their sleeves, chatting and laughing.
They were all attendants whom Second Madam Cheng brought from Jiang-zhou, and since arriving in the capital, none of them had yet had the chance to explore the city.
“Miss Ban Qin said everyone in the household can go and watch when the time comes.”
At this, the women grew excited.
“Miss Ban Qin has already ordered a decorative tower of lanterns to be built!”
Though only a short time had passed, everyone in the household now spoke of “Miss Ban Qin” constantly – while Second Madam and Master Cheng had faded into the background.
It was no wonder. All matters of food, clothing, and daily needs were now in Miss Ban Qin’s hands; even if one didn’t wish to mention her, one couldn’t help but do so.
Most importantly, she was generous and never meddlesome – if you dared to ask, she dared to give.
“Speaking of which, maybe I should go see if the First Young Lady’s quarters have been tidied yet?” one maid suddenly said, stepping forward.
The others caught her by the sleeve.
“You’re too late. There are already plenty of people watching over there – what chance do you have to curry favor now?” they said with a laugh.
Ever since that night when the basket of coins was divided among five people, the area around Cheng Jiao-niang’s courtyard had noticeably grown livelier. Not just maids and servants – even Second Madam Cheng herself had been visiting quite often.
“Someone – someone, come here!”
The voice of Second Master Cheng came from the main hall. The maids gathered at the gate quickly scattered, and a moment later one of them came hurrying out.
“The master is asking for the lady to meet a guest?”
Ban Qin frowned. “What kind of guest? A relative?”
For a woman of an official household, it was improper to meet with outsiders – only relatives, or friends close enough to be considered family, could be received face to face.
But in the capital, Second Master Cheng had no relatives.
“It’s the master’s friend,” the maid said softly, lowering her head.
“What friend?” Ban Qin’s frown deepened. “He’s only been here a few days – how has he already made such close acquaintances?”
This Second Master Cheng really was too quick to befriend people.
There were plenty who wished to see the lady; if everyone were to come calling so casually, how could the household ever find peace?
Hearing the call, Cheng Jiao-niang came out, with Ban Qin following reluctantly behind her.
Second Madam Cheng was already there, along with Cheng Si-niang, Cheng Wu-niang, Cheng Qi-niang and Cheng Wu-lang . They were greeting two gentlemen seated in the hall.
When a maid announced that the First Young Lady had arrived, the once lively room suddenly fell silent.
Even Second Master Cheng was momentarily at a loss for words.
By household ranking, Cheng Jiao-niang was technically the fourth daughter – but she had never been addressed that way. Now, suddenly calling her “First Young Lady,” what were the other daughters – who had already paid their respects – to make of it?
Before he could sort out how to handle it, the two guests had already risen to their feet.
“Lady Cheng,” they said with warm smiles.
Cheng Jiao-niang bent gracefully in a formal curtsey.
“These are two senior officials from the Bureau of Imperial Inscriptions,” Second Master Cheng said stiffly.
“Greetings,” Cheng Jiao-niang said.
The two men quickly smiled and nodded in return. After the courtesies were exchanged, Second Madam Cheng led the younger ones out of the hall.
“These two gentlemen will certainly invite us in return,” said Second Madam Cheng. “Jiao Jiao, you’ll come with me when the time comes.”
She ignored Cheng Qi-niang tugging at her sleeve and continued with a smile, “Si-niang and the others are still young, and it’s their first time in the capital – I wouldn’t want them to feel shy.”
“All right,” Cheng Jiao-niang replied.
Second Madam Cheng beamed with delight. People said this girl was strange – but where was she strange? She was perfectly agreeable!
Meanwhile, in the hall, the guests and hosts had resumed their seats, all smiles.
“Zhongzhi, you’re truly a fortunate man,” one of the officials said warmly, addressing Second Master Cheng by his courtesy name. “A harmonious household, full of joy.”
Second Master Cheng hastily murmured polite denials, though he couldn’t hide the pride on his face as he ordered the servants to prepare a feast.
“Ah, speaking of feasts,” the other official said suddenly, raising a hand as something came to mind, “since we’re visiting Zhongzhi’s home, we mustn’t leave without tasting the most authentic Passing Immortal.”
Second Master Cheng was momentarily taken aback.
Passing Immoral…
“Yes, yes – Passing Immortal is from your household, isn’t it, Zhongzhi?” the first man said with a laugh.
At that, Second Master Cheng’s expression darkened slightly.
The Immortal’s Abode, Tai Ping Residence, the pharmacy – and oh yes, the Li family’s fireworks. What they’d sent wasn’t just fireworks; he had seen it himself – the maid had also accepted a profit-sharing contract, sealed and stamped!
Those businesses, that money, the food, clothes, and luxuries at home – all of it. His wife’s near-constant smile, her obsequious deference toward that maid – he had pretended not to see it these past few days. But could he really pretend?
This was his household!
And yet it was being run by a maid!
What a disgrace!
Since the visitors were friends, Second Master Cheng made no effort to hide his displeasure. He raised his tea bowl.
“Brother Zhigao, you jest,” he said with a touch of bitterness. “That’s not mine.”
The two men exchanged a glance.
“Zhongzhi, what’s this about pretending to be poor?” the one called Zhigao said with a hearty laugh. “It’s not like I’m borrowing money from you – relax.”
“But still, Zhongzhi,” the other added with a smile, “when we go to Immortal’s Abode for a meal, save us a private room, will you? I actually wanted to ask you for a small favor.”
Second Master Cheng’s face grew even darker.
“I have no say in the matter,” he said, setting down his tea bowl. “None of it belongs to me.”
“Zhongzhi, isn’t that your daughter’s establishment?” one of the men asked, looking puzzled, his tone turning more serious.
“It is,” Second Master Cheng admitted reluctantly.
“Then if it belongs to your daughter, doesn’t that mean it’s yours?” The two men looked at each other and laughed. “What’s hers is yours, naturally!”
Second Master Cheng frowned, about to speak, but the man before him raised a hand to stop him.
“Zhongzhi,” he said solemnly, “since you call us brothers, there are some things we must say – as elder brothers should.”
Second Master Cheng furrowed his brow. “What things?”
“Never say again that those businesses aren’t yours,” the other man said.
“But they truly aren’t–” Second Master Cheng began, irritation creeping into his tone.
He didn’t get to finish.
“Zhongzhi!” the man interrupted sharply, his brows drawn tight. “Those businesses are registered under your daughter’s name! You are still alive – if you go around saying such things in public, you’ll bring upon her the name of being unfilial!”
Second Master Cheng froze, staring at the man.
“Zhongzhi,” the other said, placing a hand on his arm, “the sages have spoken: While one’s parents live, there can be no private property; by law, father and son hold no separate wealth.”
Father and son hold no separate wealth!
Second Master Cheng’s gaze shifted to him, stunned.
The man patted his arm again, speaking earnestly:
“Zhongzhi, for your daughter’s sake, mind your words carefully.”
