The days in the Luo family passed like that.
Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were people who could not keep still, so they would head to the shabby training grounds outside the Luo residence. Naturally, they trained the front section of the remaining Shen family's army. The front section part of the army were those who did errands and minor stuff, thus, they found it tough being trained like this and Shen Xin also got angry as he trained.
Luo Xue Yan was busy visiting friends and relatives around. Xiao Chun City was the place she lived through her childhood and youth, thus she had a number of good friends around. She would every day bring Shen Miao out to visit old friends and thus Shen Miao became acquainted with a number of Fūréns.
Initially, everyone conscientiously waited upon this delicate Young Lady from Ming Qi, food eaten was the most delicate, the threads used were the most delicate, snacks were of all different types, that even flora and fauna were pruned much more beautifully than before. Previously, those official's daughters had a temper because they came from the capital to Xiao Chun City, thus everyone was afraid of not treating Shen Miao well due to some carelessness. Who knew that after staying for a period of time, they found their previous thoughts were superfluous. Shen Miao integrated into Xiao Chun City properly and did not do anything that warranted special treatment. Xiao Chun City occasionally would have hailstorms and Shen Miao was not afraid and instead curious.
Over time, the Luo family gradually put down their defensive heart towards this Biao Younger Sister. Among the younger generation of the Luo family, Luo Ling and Luo Sa had started duties in the guards, and it would not be often that they could meet up. Luo Tan and Luo Qian were often at home and Luo Tan made friends with Shen Miao after she gave her a Western mirror. As for Luo Qian, he had a naturally lively personality, just like a grown-up Su Ming Lang and often requested Shen Miao to tell him stories of the capital.
Shen Miao need not think about Fu Xiu Yi's matters in Xiao Chun City, thus her mind was much clearer and practically treated Luo Qian as a younger brother.
This day, Luo Qian and Luo Tan came over to Shen Miao's courtyard again to look for her. Xiao Chun City was not like the capital, if one goes to the capital, one could go out shopping. It would take months to visit all the shops in the large and small streets, but Xiao Chun City was small and there would not be much to shop after a few days. Shen Miao stayed in the residence, and probably Luo Tan and Luo Qian found it boring and came over to chat with her.
Luo Qian was eating the Jiangnan snacks that the chef had made as he spoke, "Yesterday, I went to the training grounds to watch Biǎogē train. Although those soldiers are not very good, there is still Guard Mo beside Qiu Biǎogē. I could not pass beside a few strokes from him in sparring. Can you ask Qiu Biǎogē to also give me some pointers?"
Shen Miao smiled, "If you want to learn then directly tell Dàgē, he will certainly agree to it."
"Really?" Luo Qian was an innocent youth and got happy in a moment. Strangely enough, the Gentlemen and youths in the capital were mostly arrogant, and yet a disproportionate number of scandals were created due to their lack of experience. The younger generation of the Luo family was different, like Luo Qian, honest and frank and had an innocent youthful charm, making others feel good.
"Biǎomèi." Luo Qian was very cordial to this pretty and gentle Biao Younger Sister and has long seen her as one of his own so he said, "Qiu Biǎogē's martial arts skill really look good. Is he the first in the entire capital and the best in Ming Qi? Dàgē's and Èrgē's martial art skills are the top here but they still lost to Qiu Biǎogē."
Luo Tan, who had been flipping the picture book finally could not stand hearing this and rolled her eyes at Luo Qian as she bit the orange in her mouth, "Are you not silly to be so ignorant? Do not tell others you are from the Luo family and do not tell others that I am your Jiějiě. So embarrassing."
Luo Tan and Luo Qian were two siblings who would argue all day long, and Shen Miao was already accustomed to it. Sure enough, when Luo Qian heard this he was unconvinced, "How do you know I am ignorant? Are you saying that Qiu Biǎogē is not the first?"
"Southern Xie, Northern Shen." Luo Tan said very slowly.
Shen Miao was startled. Luo Tan triumphantly shook her head and said, "Everyone knows that Ming Qi has two great military families, first is Gūmā's and Gūzhàng's Great General Shen's family, the second is the Marquis of Lin An's Xie family. Qiu Biǎogē is the Shen's family elite and one hear that the Marquis of Lin An residence's Xie family has a Little Marquis that is surprisingly brilliant. Previously, Zǔfù had the opportunity to meet that Little Marquis once, and said upon his return that he is one that does not belong to the pond and will definitely be a dragon that soars through the Nine Heavens."
"Wàizǔ has seen Little Marquis Xie?" Shen Miao asked hesitantly.
Luo Qian also said, "Hey Jiějiě, how come I do not know?"
"You only know how to eat, eat, eat. How would you know?" Luo Tan rolled her eyes at Luo Qian and continued speaking, "Heard that in the beginning, he got a military order with the Marquis of Lin An, and just nice saw the Little Marquis Xie in the camp. After Zǔfù saw Little Marquis Xie, he kept lamenting for a bit. I wanted to inquire but Zǔfù told me to stay far from him, as he said that the Little Marquis Xie is a dangerous character that one must not mess with."
Shen Miao frowned. Luo Sui actually saw Xie Jing Xing before, and this was something that she did not know. However that Luo Sui actually saw that Xie Jing Xing was not simple and before she could break free of her thoughts, she heard Luo Tan asking, "Biǎomèi, speaking of which, you also grew up in the capital so you must have seen that Little Marquis Xie before."
Shen Miao paused for a bit before nodding her head.
"How does he look like?" Luo Tan grabbed onto Shen Miao's arm, "Is he so incomparably handsome like an immortal as the rumours say, and that he is even more handsome than Ling Gēgē?"
The 'Ling Gēgē' she was speaking about was naturally Luo Ling. Among the three sons of the Luo family, Luo Ling was gentle, Luo Sa was fierce, Luo Qian was lively and all of them had a handsome appearance. It is just that because Luo Ling was the most gentle, one would find that he was the most 'handsome' one.
Shen Miao said without reluctance, "Not as handsome as Ling Biǎogē."
"Ah." Luo Tan released her hand and her eyes were filled with disappointment, "But I heard others say that the Little Marquis is very good looking, and had a romantic character that if females were to take a glance at him, they would be drunk and that there is no comparison with Ling Gēgē."
Luo Qian looked at her with rejoice in her misfortune, "The most important thing for men is naturally one's ability, what does it have to do with appearance. Besides if Little Marquis Xie really looked for a wife, he will definitely not look for you." Luo Qian was beaming as he looked at Shen Miao, "Naturally one must look for a gentle, tender and vivid young lady like Biǎomèi."
Luo Tan and Luo Qian immediately started on a roll.
Shen Miao held her forehead as she watched the siblings quarrelling, and felt rather helpless in her heart. She did not expect that in Xiao Chun City, Xie Jing Xing would be that famous. Thinking about that now, Xie Jing Xing had headed to Northern Jiang, most likely he had already reached there. It was the first time he held the position of a Marshal and deployed troops in the battlefield, and even though she knew that Xie Jing Xing had abilities in troops deployment, she could not help but shrink when she thought about his outcome in the previous life.
Dropping the matter, Shen Miao shook her head and chased away the inexplicable thoughts in her mind. Previously, she thought that Xie Jing Xing excelled in using military formations but after sparring with him, she then found out that his expertise lies in moving chess pieces in the dark. That kind of person's mind was so calm, intricate and certain. He could definitely turn misfortune to blessings.
Time flew by quickly, Luo Tan and Luo Qian had been sitting at Shen Miao's side for the entire evening. The skies began to turn gloomy. Whenever it was in the ninth month in Xiao Chun City, the grass outside the city would be dry but it would often rain heavily in the city. It was a different kind of rain than the capital experience, as Xiao Chun City's rain had the scene of the windy sand, and it was often very aggressive and the dark clouds almost covered the entire sky, that in just a few short moments, it was like it was night.
Luo Tan looked at the skies, "It is not good. One fear that there will be a hailstorm."
"Why is Gūzhàng and the rest not back yet?" Luo Qian also stood up and frowned.
Even though the Luo family's army was dispersed, people were still needed for the city guards. On normal days, Luo Lian Ying and Luo Lian Tai would work in the Guard units and after Shen Xin came, he also brought Shen Qiu over to help. Once dinner time came, they would all return to the residence together for a meal but to the time right now, they had yet to return.
Shen Miao took a glance outside and suddenly thought about something before her facial expression changed dramatically.
Luo Tan saw that Shen Miao's expression was not right, and thought that she was afraid and her heart felt a little weird, "Biǎomèi, are you afraid? A few days back there was a hailstorm, you were not even scared so why are you now scared?" Speaking till here, she patted Shen Miao's shoulder, "Do not worry, we have been staying here for so many years and every year at this time, there will often be hailstorms. Do not need to be afraid."
Shen Miao's mood did not improve because of Luo Tan's comforting words, but her expression became even uglier. As a result, even the careless Luo Qian also felt something was wrong and looked at Shen Miao puzzled, "Why is Biǎojiě that anxious? If you are worried about Gūzhàng then it is alright." When his words just landed, one could hear someone outside calling. It was the servant of the Luo residence and due to the quick run, he even tripped over, "Xiǎo shàoyé, Xiǎojiě, Biǎo xiǎojiě, Fūrén request you to come to the hall quickly."
Luo Tan was startled and her brows tightened, "What had happened?"
"The Tu Jue came over and robbed things again. Lǎotàiyé brought the two Lǎoyé and General Shen to the plains. The two Shàoyé are still in the residence and saw that the skies are about to change, Xiǎojiě better quickly head to the hall." Even though that servant was somewhat anxious, he had not forgotten his manners, events like this, happened often and it was a common event. (E/N: Lǎotàiyé refers to Lou Sui)
Luo Tan bitterly stomped her feet, "Those Tu Jue should die."
Luo Qian said to Shen Miao, "Biǎomèi follow us first. It is nothing of the matter." At this time, he still did not forget to comfort Shen Miao."
Shen Miao nodded her head and when she reached the front hall of the Luo residence, there were a number of people gathered there. It was most likely that Madam Ma was afraid of scaring Shen Miao, she walked over to Shen Miao and held her hands, "Jiao Jiao had never seen such big hail before. It is alright, we will be chatting in the hall. It has been so long and Jiao Jiao had never before told us about matters in the capital." But she did not mention Tu Jue's matter. Madam Yu was softer and also smiled, "That is so, let us eat some roasted lamb tonight. Not sure if Jiao Jiao is used to the taste."
Xiao Chun City was adjacent to the grassland and when the Tu Jue were not robbing them, they would exchange their cows and goats for some daily necessities. The cows and lambs were strong thus when one got a fresh lamb, one would slice their meat very thinly and prepare a hot pot to quickly cook these thin slices of meat. When it was cooked, one would dip it in a little sauce and it would taste heavenly. Luo Tan had previously wanted to let Shen Miao taste lamb, but she feared that Shen Miao would not be used to the taste. Fortunately, this was brought up today.
It was obvious that one did not want Shen Miao to be distracted and think of other stuff so Shen Miao smiled gently to Madam Yu. The Luo family always showed their goodwill to the fullest extent.
The Tu Jue would often nest deep in the grassland, thus in every chase, the manpower of the Luo family's army would not be enough. All the abled men of the Luo family need to be activated for such a chase, but this year Shen Xin and wife were around, thus it was better. Shen Xin, Luo Xue Yan and Shen Qiu, Luo Lian Ying and Luo Lian Tai all went and even Luo Sui followed. Luo Ying and Luo Sa also wanted to go but since Shen Xin and the rest went, Luo Ling and Luo Sa stayed back at Xiao Chun City.
The skies outside had turned dark and Luo Tan bit her lips tightly, feeling frustrated. Every year there will be people coming to her own home to steal things, how would anyone feel happy about it.
Most of the people in the hall were females and some servants. Bai Lu and Shuang Jiang, quietly served the leftover snacks from the afternoon to Shen Miao so that she could eat some.
The pot in the hall has been set up and the kitchens were cutting the lamb up. The aroma began to waft out from the thick soup in the pot but, at this moment, no one felt happy.
Luo Qian felt a bit hungry and seeing that there were still snacks by Shen Miao's side, he walked over and sat beside Shen Miao and picked up one snack to eat.
Shen Miao looked at him unblinking. Luo Qian felt weird being looked at by Shen Miao like so, and finally scratched his head and could not help but ask, "Biǎomèi, why are you looking at me? Are you scared?"
Both of them sat a little far away from Madam Yu and the rest, thus normal people would not be able to hear their voices. Shen Miao said, "Qian Biǎogē, for what reason did Wàizǔ not want to reorganise the Luo family's army?"
Luo Qian was startled.
���That day after hearing me speak, Wàizǔ got angry. One fear that it is not only because of the matter of not having enough money for the Luo family's army. Qian Biǎogē, can you tell me the reason?"
Luo Qian looked around and did not look at Shen Miao's eyes at all as he said, "What other reason is there other than money? Biǎomèi does not think too much. If there is no money, how to revive the Luo family's army."
Shen Miao quietly looked at him. Her eyes were very moving and filled with clarity without any unnecessary feelings, but it was this frank expression that one was not able to resist, like lying in front of this pair of eyes was profane.
Luo Qian was after all a lively youth and had a good relationship with Shen Miao thus he finally was defeated, "Biǎomèi, no one in our residence dares to speak about this matter. But you are one of our own so I will tell you, but you must not tell others after you know about it. If my Diē and Niáng knew that I told you about the matter, I would definitely need to endure some planks."
Shen Miao nodded her head.
"Actually, you are not the first one to bring up the matter about restructuring the Luo family's army." Shen Qian said, "When the Luo family's army truly started to decline it was not long after Gūmā was born. At that time, the Luo family had already waned, Zǔfù was frustrated with his ambition and since Zǔmǔ saw him sullen all day, she proposed to revive the Luo family's army."
"Zǔfù already had such intentions in his heart so when Zǔmǔ said that, he immediately started preparing. But at that time, there was a lack of funds and Zǔmǔ also said what Biǎomèi said that day, that when the troops are reputable and after winning a battle, Bìxià would take notice of such an army and naturally will send money over, so one would be able to solve the matters of money. Thus Zǔfù made a request for commander to fight a battle in the frontier."
Luo Qian sighed, "Biǎomèi should have guessed the result of it. Zǔfù's was defeated and was almost treated as a joke. The Luo family's army was originally on a decline, and to be inflicted with such heavy losses, it was a stumble that one was unable to rise from. Most importantly was that when Zǔfù brought the troops to battle, Zǔmǔ was seriously ill and in order to let Zǔfù feel assured, Zǔmǔ did not let anyone in the family tell it to Zǔfù. When Zǔfù returned in defeat, Zǔmǔ had already passed away."
"Zǔfù had always felt that he had not completed the promise he made to Zǔmǔ, that even if he were to leave the earth a hundred years later, he will not be able to meet up with Zǔmǔ. All these years, he had not reorganised the Luo family's army because he did not have the courage to face up to his past failure." Luo Qian put down the snacks in his hand and looked at Shen Miao, "Biǎomèi, I know you want to revive the prestige of the Luo family's army but we the Luo family people do not require to be famous. Niáng said previously, it is better to cherish the people in front. Just like Zǔfù, if time could be returned to before, he will definitely not fight that war and will choose to be by Zǔmǔ's side. So in order to make Zǔfù happy, even if the Luo family's army continues to be in a slump, it would not be an issue."
Shen Miao looked at Luo Qian and in her heart, she was a little surprised. She had not thought that Luo Qian, who was such a careless person, would actually say such words. It was indeed not fake to say that the Luo family's people are righteous, warm and kind-hearted.
But after knowing such an event from Luo Qian's mouth, one heart also somewhat sighed. The worst defeat of a Great General with power and prestige was being overconfident or to have no confidence in the outcome. Shen Miao thought that it was not that Luo Sui could not take this defeat, but what he could not take was to have lost Luo Fūrén. Giving up his seriously ill wife and choosing contributions instead, and then the outcome gave him a big slap. No wonder when Shen Miao spoke those words that day, Luo Sui's face instantly changed. One fear that it had pinched up the most hidden pain in the General's heart.
"But even if one is in such a slump, will Wàizǔmǔ be happy about it?" Shen Miao suddenly spoke.
"Ai." Luo Qian turned his head and looked at her puzzled.
Shen Miao gently smiled, "If I love someone, and if he is a hero, one would hope that he will adorn his valuable sword, ride his fierce horse and lead the most valiant soldiers, to achieve the highest meritorious awards that one would be the proudest. I will not be willing for him to suffer any grievance. The grievances that Wàizǔfù is suffering, if Wàizǔmǔ knows about it, one do not know if she will feel pain. If it was me, my heart would ache."
Luo Qian was confused and disoriented by Shen Miao's words. Not to say anything else, to talk about 'love' in front of a man like him, made him feel a little aghast. Madam Ma kept saying that Shen Miao was a young lady from the capital, and one had to take delicate care of her, as she would definitely have a shy character. But from seeing her today, how was there any shyness? She was even franker than Luo Tan.
Just as one was thinking, one heard the servant outside shouting, "Dà shàoyé and Èr shàoyé have returned."
Everyone looked towards the entrance of the hall and it was the two brothers, Luo Ling and Luo Sa. It was probably about to rain outside as the air was somewhat humid. Both of their clothes seemed to be stained with water, as Luo Ling and Luo Sa just returned from the Guard's garrison and seemed to be busy.
Madam Yu first instructed the servant to pour tea for both of them, and Luo Sa drank it up in one shot. Luo Tan had already run over and asked Luo Ling, "Ling Gēgē, how's outside?"
"Looking at the skies it would be a hailstorm. Had already let the commoners go back to their houses to hide. Everything is prepared outside." Luo Ling replied with a smile, "Èrdì and I returned to guard overnight. Our roof is solid so one need not be afraid."
"What happened to Diē, Gūzhàng, Zǔfù and the rest?" Luo Tan could not help but continue asking.
Luo Sa's brows wrinkled, "Still not yet return."
Luo Tan wanted to say something but Luo Ling saw Luo Qian and Shen Miao walking over and quickly said, "It is nothing. Most likely there are things to do tonight and can only return tomorrow." He changed the topic, "Smells good. Are we eating roasted lamb? Biǎomèi has not yet eaten such things, not sure if you will get used to it."
Shen Miao walked to Luo Ling. Luo Ling was eighteen this year and his eyes were as handsome as Luo Lian Ying's but his character was as gentle and considerate as Madam Yu. Compared to Luo Sa's character, it was almost a thousand miles apart. Shen Miao said, "Ling Biǎogē, how are the soldiers deployed in the guards?"
Luo Ling was surprised for a moment as he did think that Shen Miao would ask that and replied, "All has been arranged properly."
"How many people are guarding the city?" Shen Miao asked.
This time Luo Sa's eyes landed on Shen Miao.
When the younger generation was speaking, Madam Yu and Madam Ma would usually move far away. Luo Qian asked, "Why is Biǎomèi asking about this? There will be a hailstone tonight, thus no one will be entering the city."
"East, thirty. West, thirty. Including ten in the North, there are a total of seventy people." Luo Ling patiently answered.
"Is it normal for there to be this many people?" Shen Miao asked.
After hesitating for a moment, Luo Ling said, "Normally, there will be even more but they were transferred away by Diē, thus, there is only little left at the city guards. But as there are no accidents in the city, seventy people are enough. Today's weather is not good, and Sāndì is correct to say that there would not be people entering the city."
The number of people that the Luo family's army could use was limited, thus if one were to pursue the Tu Jue, naturally one would need to bring abled people along. Those remaining soldiers guarding the city appeared to be over-extended. Of course, Xiao Chun City had been safe and sound for so many years, and the guards would only help to arrest fugitives or thieves and the like most of the time, and were not of good use.
Luo Sa stared at Shen Miao for a while before suddenly speaking, "You are afraid the Tu Jue will attack?"
When the words were spoken, everyone froze for a moment. Luo Tan opened her mouth wide and Luo Qian questioned, "Èrgē, what are you talking about? Why would the Tu Jue attack?"
Luo Sa sneered and stared at Shen Miao's eyes without blinking, "Did not Biǎomèi say it on that day, that the Tu Jue are ambitious and had the strength, so why could they not attack? You are scared of this right?"
Luo Sa's temper was aggressive and facing his sharp eyes, Shen Miao nodded her head, "Correct, what I fear is this."
"How is it possible?" Luo Tan said, "Not to say that what you mention will not happen, but today Diē and Gūzhàng had gone to the plains to pursue and attack Tu Jue. Would the Tu Jue be distracted and attack Xiao Chun City? Even if one was ambitious, then would it not be better to find another better timing?"
"Not only the Ming Qi knows how to use 'moving the tiger away from the mountain' tactic." Shen Miao said blandly, "Although the Tu Jue is a clan of nomads, they are not fools. After living with Xiao Chun City's citizens for so many years, do you think that they would not learn those weasel things? As long as the Tu Jue are not fools, they would have long learned it."
Shen Miao's unnatural cold attitude, made the few people present be a little surprised. After a moment of silence, Luo Ling spoke first, "Biǎomèi, this is your conjecture or is it information that was heard somewhere else?"
Shen Miao had been constantly thinking about the Tu Jue attacking and was extremely unusual today. Everyone noticed this and as long as one was not a fool, they would be able to see the difference from the norm. If it is a mere fear then it was one aspect, but if there were information elsewhere, then it would be another story.
"Intuition."
"Intuition." Luo Sa did not get angry but laughed, "Biǎomèi, this is not the time to joke!"
"Could it be that both Biǎogē, who had been in the city guards for so many years, cannot understand the logic of taking preventative measures in advance." Shen Miao slightly held back and her eyes were controlled before she quickly became firm. She said, "If the Tu Jue really attacked and one make preparations in advance then one would naturally be happy. If there is no attack and Xiao Chun City is unharmed, it is also a good thing. Can it be that a bad thing must happen before preparations can be made? If one does not even know about this logic then it is no wonder the Luo family gradually declined."
"You!" Luo Sa got furious in a short moment. Luo Tan and Luo Qian did not have a good expression on their faces.
It was Luo Ling who stared at Shen Miao for a while, and without a change in his expression spoke to her warmly as he cupped his hands, "Biǎomèi said correctly. It is us that are stupid but there is a shortage of manpower at the city guards, and it has become the crux of the matter. According to Biǎomèi's opinion, what is to be done?"
On the surface, these words were inquiring, but it was an insinuation for her to solve the thorny problem on hand, and also a test of her abilities. Shen Miao's heart smiled, this gentle Biǎogē did not seem to be that tolerant as he seemed on the surface.
She said, "If it really comes to this point, then it is not possible for manpower to increase without cause. Since the Tu Jue came prepared, naturally we are not their rivals. I am, after all, just one of the weaker gender and do not know martial arts. Rather than take risks, why not defend oneself. Actually, Ling Biǎogē can gather more guards to the Luo Residence's doors, and protect the Luo Residence. If there are really problems then it would be able to withstand for a while.
When her smooth and slippery words were spoken, everyone blanked out. She said that impassionately, why was it that at such a time, she showed a helpless appearance. The younger generation in the Luo family did not understand Shen Miao's intention.
Luo Sa felt the most oppressed and wanted to get angry when he looked at Shen Miao, but could not find any reason to be angry, thus he had to sit at the side with a furious face.
Luo Ling looked meaningfully at Shen Miao and unexpectedly said, "Then follow accordingly to what Biǎomèi had said."
Everyone sat back at the hall. No one knew why but because of Shen Miao's words, the atmosphere became somewhat rigid. Even Luo Qian and Luo Tan seemed to be nervous. Only Madam Ma and Madam Yu were completely ignorant and were giving instructions to the kitchens.
Until suddenly, when the skies completely became dark, one of Luo Ling's guards came from outside to seek an audience. Luo Ling allowed him to come in, and that guard was filled with anxiety and said a few words to Luo Ling's ear. Luo Ling's face changed colour as he suddenly looked over at Shen Miao.
Shen Miao was drinking tea unhurriedly.