LW chapter 89: Extra 5

 

The little general Zhuangzhuang, who had won a battle, followed Chen Qing home with great pride.

“Little father, I want rice mixed with corn kernels for dinner tonight.”

What he called “rice mixed with corn kernels” was made by shelling fresh corn into kernels. Minced meat was fried with lard until fragrant, mixed with the corn kernels, and stir-fried together. It was then mixed into rice and eaten. It was very delicious.

“Then we have to go to the field to pick corn ourselves.” Chen Qing patted the dirt off him from fighting. “From now on, you can’t hit people casually. You must talk reason first.”

Zhuangzhuang looked at Chen Qing. “But they didn’t talk reason first. They grabbed An’an’s pouch as soon as they came up.”

Chen Qing smiled helplessly and found the small cloth that he had sewn especially for Zhuangzhuang. He was worried that Zhuangzhuang might scratch his face while picking corn, so he always made him wear the cloth when they went to the cornfield.

They went to the cornfield on Aunt Sun’s mountain. The corn in that field grew faster than the corn below because the field was exposed to the sun for long hours every day. Chen Qing and Zhuangzhuang had to come pick one or two ears of corn every now and then.

Along the way, Zhuangzhuang didn’t need Chen Qing to carry him. He had good stamina and rarely said he was tired. When they reached the field, he chose the corn himself while Chen Qing watched from the side.

This had always been Zhou Yuan’s method of teaching him: Do it yourself if you can. Aside from being delicate when he had just been born, Zhuangzhuang was independent at all other times.

Soon, he snapped off two ears of corn and ran over to Chen Qing with quick little steps. “Little father, let’s go home.”

“Where did this little thief come from, stealing corn?” Aunt Sun had also come up the mountain at that moment. She had come to see when the corn should be harvested and happened to meet Chen Qing and Zhuangzhuang.

Zhuangzhuang hugged the corn and ran to Aunt Sun, wrapping his arms around her leg. “Grandmother.”

Aunt Sun picked him up and weighed him. “You’re a little sturdier again.”

Chen Qing quickly pulled Zhuangzhuang down from her. After all, Aunt Sun was getting on in years, and Zhuangzhuang was solidly built—it was better not to let her strain her back.

“In another ten days or so, we can start harvesting corn.” Aunt Sun walked around the field. “When the time comes, have Zhou Yuan come back to help me sort the corn.”

Zhuangzhuang immediately replied, “Grandmother, I can help, too.”

Aunt Sun touched his face through the small cloth. “All right, Zhuangzhuang will come help when the time comes.”

They saw some ground-vine vegetables in the field, and Chen Qing picked them to cook for dinner that night.

The three of them went down the mountain together. On the way back, they saw Zhou Yuan tying his horse in the courtyard. Zhuangzhuang quickly ran over and jumped onto Zhou Yuan.

Zhou Yuan lifted him with one hand. “What did you two go do?”

“Picked corn with Little Father.” The corn was no longer in his hands, Chen Qing was carrying it behind him.

That morning, Zhou Yuan had gone out with Qi Shuning. The previous magistrate had helped Zhou Yuan a lot. Since Qi Shuning was succeeding him, today was his departure day. Zhou Yuan and Qi Shuning went to see him off.

“He said he wanted to eat corn rice, so I took him to pick two.” Chen Qing walked into the courtyard, still holding the two ears of corn.

“Only eating corn rice, huh?” Zhou Yuan looked at Zhuangzhuang. “Then the cakes Father bought can only be eaten by Little Father?

“Share with Little Father.” Zhuangzhuang slid down from him and blinked at him.

Zhuangzhuang looked almost exactly like Zhou Yuan, except for his eyes, which were very similar to Chen Qing’s.

Zhou Yuan took out a packet of pastries wrapped in oiled paper. Some were for Chen Qing and some were for Zhuangzhuang. Zhuangzhuang had been taught well by Zhou Yuan: when you have something good, you give it to Little Father first. He picked Chen Qing’s favorite pastry and held it up to his mouth to feed him.

Chen Qing looked at his little hand with dirt smudged on it, leaving a mark on the pastry. He bent down, took a bite from the pastry, and told Zhuangzhuang to put it down. Then he told him to wash his hands before letting him sit to the side and eat quietly.

Chen Qing brought out a bowl from the kitchen and sat in the courtyard shelling corn. As he worked, he said, “Zhuangzhuang got into a fight again today.”

Hearing this, Zhou Yuan raised his eyebrows. “Was it someone grabbing his things again, or someone bullying Xiao Dou?”

Meng Xiaodou is the son of Qin Xia and Meng Shuanzhi. Since he was little, he has always followed Zhuangzhuang around. As the older brother, Zhuangzhuang naturally had to protect him.

“It wasn’t that. Someone tried to snatch An’an and Ningning’s things,” Chen Qing sighed. “I told him to talk things out before raising his hand, but he said they didn’t talk things out first.”

“A little man should be like that, protecting his two older brothers. He didn’t do anything wrong.” Zhou Yuan took a corn cob from Chen Qing to help shell it, but his hands were too rough and the corn was difficult to shell. The plump kernels were crushed into mush under his fingers.

Chen Qing shot him a look. “Go buy some meat, then come back and chop it up. Stop ruining the corn.”

Zhou Yuan stood up, called Zhungzhuang, and the two of them held hands as they went to the butcher to buy meat. Chen Qing watched the large and small figures walking away, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile.

For dinner, Chen Qing made stir-fried meat with corn kernels for Zhungzhuang. Zhou Yuan bought a piece of pork shoulder, Chen Qing sliced it thin, pan-fried it, and dipped it in seasoning from Yunxi Town. He stir-fried the ground-vine vegetables they had picked with eggs and made a pickled-vegetable soup. He steamed rice for Zuangzhuang while he and Zhou Yuan ate mixed-flour steamed buns.

During dinner, Zhungzhuang ate very attentively. Zhou Yuan began talking to Chen Qing about Zhuangzhuang’s future.

“Zhuangzhuang will be five soon. I’m thinking of sending him to school.” Zhou Yuan placed food in Chen Qing’s bowl. “I don’t expect him to become a scholar like Shuning, but I do want him to learn to read and write.”

Chen Qing turned to look at Zhungzhuang, who was eating beside them. He felt that time had passed too quickly. It seemed like just days ago that Zhuangzhuang was crying loudly in Zhou Yuan’s arms. Now, he was already old enough to leave home and study elsewhere.

Since there was no school in Luohe Village, if Zhungzhuang wanted to attend school, he would have to go to the town or the county seat.

Their family no longer lacked money. Two years ago, Zhou Yuan had bought a house with a courtyard in the county seat, but Chen Qing was accustomed to village life, so the house had remained empty. Now that Zhuàngzhuàng needed to attend school, living in the county would be more convenient.

But Chen Qing couldn’t bear to leave his vegetable field, nor Aunt Sun… and this year they had raised a pig as well…

“We can come back often.” Zhou Yuan understood his reluctance. “In a few days, I’ll take Zhuangzhuang to school first. Whether the teacher will accept him is uncertain.”

Hearing that, Chen Qing stepped on Zhou Yuan under the table.

On the third day, early in the morning, Zhou Yuan took Zhungzhuang to the county seat. Knowing that he would get to ride a horse with his father, Zhungzhuang instantly lost all sleepiness. He washed up early and sat by the door waiting for Zhou Yuan.

Chen Qing made breakfast for them. After the three of them finished eating, Chen Qing watched them leave. Zhungzhuang loved riding horses, and he was endlessly excited every time he rode with Zhou Yuan.

After cleaning the house, Chen Qing went to Li Xin’s home. He hadn’t moved the children to the county to live with Qi Shuning, but had chosen to live at home instead. First, he wanted to spend more time with Blacksmith Li and Zhang Yín. Second, he simply felt more comfortable at home.

Chen Qing told Li Xin about their plan to send Zhuangzhuang to school. After thinking about it, Li Xin realized that An’an and Ningning were older than Zhuangzhuang and still hadn’t gone to school. He realized he needed to discuss it with Qi Shuning. A man whose father had passed the imperial exam should have children who can read.

Coincidentally, Qi Shuning had the next day off, so Li Xin took the children to the county. He also asked the other family to join them, after all this time since their return, the two families hadn’t properly gathered. They might as well all go to the county tomorrow and have a simple meal at a restaurant there.

They arrived in town by noon. Qi Shuning had arranged for a table in advance, so dishes were served as soon as they arrived.

Qi Shuning had changed a lot over the years. Perhaps it was because spending a long time in office required seriousness, his expression now carried a natural authority. But in front of his closest family, he seemed like the bookish young man he once was. He had no airs toward the children, hugging each of them one by one.

“I’ve looked into the county school. The previous county magistrate believed in education without discrimination, so regardless of gender, anyone who can afford the enrollment fee can attend classes.” After hugging the children, Qi Shuning began talking about school.

He looked at An’an and Ningning. “An’an and Ningning, would you like to go to school?”

The two children looked at each other and didn’t answer.

Zhungzhuang patted his chest. “Brothers, it’s okay. I’ll protect you.”

So the three children sat together. After Chen Qing served them rice, the adults could finally talk properly.

“At the county school, the classes aren’t divided by gender. Everyone studies together in the same class. After a year, however, they’ll split again—those suited for academics will go to the literature class, while those better at martial arts will go to the martial arts class.” Since Qi Shuning had been in the county, he knew a bit more about it.

“Two years ago, the court established new laws. Civil and martial examinations became official means of selecting officials. In the future, children will have more opportunities.” He looked at Zhuangzhuang. “With Zhuangzhuang’s build and physique, he could pursue the martial examination path.”

Chen Qing had never thought about the distant future. He only hoped that Zhuangzhuang would grow up safely and peacefully.

Chen Qing looked at Zhou Yuan. In truth, Zhou Yuan shared the same thoughts as him. Given their current family situation, as long as Zhuangzhuang didn’t squander their savings, there would be enough for him to live out his life peacefully.

“Let’s see what kind of life the child wants in the future. For now, he should at least go to school and learn to read.” Zhou Yuan knew firsthand how difficult it was to be illiterate, so he truly hoped that Zhuangzhuang would learn to read and write.

In early May, Zhuangzhuang celebrated his fifth birthday at home. The next day, he was leaving for the county town to start school. As they were about to leave, Aunt Sun cried so hard that her eyes were full of tears. Zhuangzhuang was five and had never left home before. The two of them hugged and cried, making even Chen Qing reluctant to let him go.

No matter how hard parting was, though, it had to happen. Zhuangzhuang took out his handkerchief and wiped the tears off of Aunt Sun’s face. “Don’t cry, grandmother. I’ll come right back after school.”

Chen Qing and Zhou Yuan brought many of Zhuangzhuang’s things and moved into their house in the county town. Zhuangzhuang adapted quickly. He proudly carried the book pouch that Chen Qing had sewn for him and turned around and around in excitement.

That night, Chen Qing tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. Resting on Zhou Yuan’s chest, he whispered, “What if someone bullies Zhuangzhuang at school?”

He didn’t even dare imagine it—such a small child suddenly going to a place full of strangers. How would he adapt?

Zhou Yuan patted his back. “He’s the little king of the kids in the village. He’ll be fine at the academy, too.”

But Chen Qing was still deeply troubled and refused Zhou Yuan’s attempts to get close. Zhuangzhuang had slept alone since he was four.

The next morning, when it was time to take Zhuangzhuang to school, Chen Qing’s anxiety was even more apparent. He even considered hiding Zhuangzhuang’s book pouch.

Li Xin went with them. Since Qi Shuning couldn’t appear in public, he asked Zhou Yuan to look after them.

Seeing no way out, Chen Qing could only silently follow behind. As they approached the academy, he looked around. Many other parents were also sending their children, but most of the kids were clinging to their parents’ legs, refusing to let go. Zhuangzhuang was the only one who didn’t look back, he followed Anan and Ningning straight inside.

Zhou Yuan had already paid the admission fee and knew they should pick the children up at the end of the day, at the end of the Shen hour[mfn]Shen Hour (申时) = 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM[/mfn].

Seeing how anxious Chen Qing was, Li Xin took him for a stroll around the county town. Li Xin now lived in a residence behind the county office, which made it easier to pick up and drop off the children.

“Aqing, since we’re going to live in the county town from now on, I’m thinking…maybe I should open a smithy on the outskirts.”

Chen Qing widened his eyes. “You still haven’t given up blacksmithing?”

Li Xin nodded. “It’s my family’s ancestral craft. Of course I have to pass it down. One day, either Anan or Ningning will take it over. Or maybe one of them will marry into the family and learn ironworking.”

Chen Qing admired him. He always knew exactly what he wanted—not like Chen Qing himself, who felt like he had always been drifting through life.

Li Xin looked at him. “Aqing, many people actually envy the kind of life you have. You suffered so much before—your life deserves to be easy and relaxed now.”

On the first day of school, when Chen Qing went to pick up Zhuangzhuang, he realized the boy wasn’t bothered at all. He excitedly told Chen Qing about everything he saw and heard in class.

After realizing he was the only one worried, Chen Qing gradually relaxed.

Li Xin was super efficient. The day after he dropped off the children, he started choosing a location with Blacksmith Li. Five days later, they started cleaning up the shop. With work to do, Chen Qing felt much more at ease.

On the fifth day of school, the teacher called Chen Qing and Zhou Yuan to the academy because Zhuangzhuang had hit someone.

Chen Qing: “…”

From then on, during Zhuangzhuang’s school days, Chen Qing and Zhou Yuan were called in from time to time — each time because Zhuangzhuang had hit someone.

Sometimes it was because someone bullied Anan or Ningning, other times, it was because someone bullied someone weaker. In any case, it was never for his own sake. He was loyal and could fight, so he quickly became the leader of a small group.

Later, a rumor spread through the academy: Don’t mess with the twin ge’er brothers. Otherwise, their little brother will come for you.”

Zhuangzhuang protected Anan and Ningning until they finished their studies.

Later, Zhuangzhuang was placed in the martial arts class. After that, Chen Qing and Zhou Yuan were no longer summoned to the academy, yet Zhuangzhuang always came home injured. He said it was because the martial arts class had frequent physical training.

As he grew older, the academy’s activities no longer exhausted him, so after school, he followed Zhou Yuan to the martial hall to burn off excess energy.

After learning to read, Anan stopped attending school to learn ceramics from Niuniu. Ningning had long decided to learn blacksmithing from Li Xin.

After Qi Shuning finished his term in Luhe Village, he was promoted to prefect of the region. Five years later, he entered the capital to file his official report after serving with outstanding achievements. He brought his entire family with him, including Zhuangzhuang, who participated in the martial exam.

Due to his outstanding performance, Qi Shuning was promoted to Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, a proper fourth-rank official position, and remained in the capital. His superior was none other than the son of his former mentor, Dean Fu Zeyang.

That same year, Zhuangzhuang won first place in the martial arts competition, becoming the youngest martial arts champion.

After winning the championship, he was assigned to the Western Expedition Army, following in his father’s footsteps.

Zhou Yuan expanded the Zhenwei Escort Bureau to the capital. While Zhou Yuan was away, Li Xin, who was often in the capital, handled the affairs.

Ningning stayed with Li Xin. After he stopped blacksmithing, he learned to manage the bureau alongside Li Xin.

Meanwhile, Anan and Niuniu continued learning ceramics. After Niuniu mastered the craft, he began teaching Anan. Now, the porcelain that Niuniu makes sells for high prices and is sought after by the wealthy and powerful.

Meanwhile, Meng Qi and Meng Shuan each managed a branch of the Zhenwei Escort Bureau. From then on, the bureau became the largest escort agency, with routes everywhere, making escort jobs much easier than before.

Once things settled down, Zhou Yuan brought Chen Qing back to Luhe Village and their small courtyard.

Chen Qing wrapped his arms around Zhou Yuan’s waist. “It’s so quiet.”

Zhou Yuan kissed the top of his head. “I’ve always been here with you.”

 

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**Author’s Note:**

The main storyline ends here. I don’t want to write about aging and death, so I won’t detail some characters later on. There will be an IF-line afterward—the story of what would have happened if grandmother hadn’t passed away and Zhou Yuan and Chen Qing had met earlier.