The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 669 A Joyful Encounter with Lu Dali
When Jia Huan and Duan Yong learned that Mianchi County had been occupied by Zhang Cunmeng, who was known for his incorruptibility, they were worried about retaliation. So they led their marriage procession westward in haste until they entered Shanzhou, which was next to Mianchi County, before they dared to stop and rest.

However, the group still encountered many starving people on the road, all heading towards Mianchi County. The reason was simple: Zhang Cunmeng had opened the granaries to distribute grain, and the starving people were rushing to collect it.

The common people's wishes are actually very simple. As long as they have food to eat and can survive, they will obediently be obedient citizens. Even if they eat bran and wild vegetables, they will still pay taxes obediently and accept the exploitation of the rulers. But once they have no way to survive, the common people will not care who the emperor is. There are only four words for them: "Rebel against the damn emperor!"
If you look at the dynastic changes over the past thousand years, the vast majority of them were caused by the corruption of the court, which left the people with no way to survive, leading to uprisings. According to the laws of history, corruption is inevitable. A dynasty usually lasts only about three hundred years from its rise to its fall. The fact that the Great Jin Dynasty has fallen to this state in less than a hundred years is quite an anomaly.

Seeing countless starving people dragging their families towards Mianchi County, Duan Yong was terrified. After resting for only half an hour, he urged the team to set off again.

On the afternoon of the second day, the marriage procession finally arrived in Shanzhou City, and Eunuch Duan finally breathed a sigh of relief. However, bad news followed one after another: a mutiny had broken out among the soldiers of Tongguan Guard. Tongguan was the only way for the Central Plains to enter Guanzhong. In other words, the westward route was blocked, and Mianchi County in the east had been occupied by mining bandits. The marriage procession was caught between a rock and a hard place, unable to advance or retreat.

Duan Yong was so worried that he couldn't eat or sleep. He was afraid that the rebel troops from the west would attack, and he was also afraid that the bandits from the east would come. So he consulted with Jia Huan and decided to cross the Yellow River into Shanxi Province, then go along the Fen River Valley in Shanxi Province to Yan'an Prefecture in Shaanxi Province, and then take the Pingliang Line into Gansu Province.

This would mean the trip, which would normally take three months, would likely take an extra half month, but for safety reasons, it was the only option. Jia Huan didn't mind, as it wouldn't affect his plans, so he readily agreed.

So the marriage procession crossed the Yellow River and entered Pinglu County, Shanxi Province. After a long and winding journey, it took ten days to finally reach Yan'an Prefecture.

It was already March, and the weather was getting warmer, but it was still very dry. The Loess Plateau, which was already sparsely vegetated, was even more devoid of greenery. However, the sky was a deep, clear blue, making one want to burst into song.

The women all changed into light spring clothes, showing off their youthful and graceful figures. Lin Daiyu and Baochai, tired of riding in carriages, would occasionally take a ride on horseback to relax.

Since the battle at Mianchi Post Station, Duan Yong and Jia Huan seemed to have grown closer, and the former was no longer keeping such a close eye on them. Jia Huan would occasionally chat with Lin Daiyu up close, and Duan Yong would not be as wary of him as if he were a thief. On the other hand, Ahemaiti, the envoy from Hami who was welcoming the bride, paid special attention to Jia Huan's actions.

At this moment, Lin Daiyu changed horses and rode alongside Jia Huan, her slender figure and stunning beauty partially obscured by the veil. Seeing the two pointing out the scenery along the way and chatting happily, Ahemaiti couldn't help but reveal an angry glint in his eyes, as if his possessions had been violated.

Lin Daiyu's current physical condition is undoubtedly much better than that of the sickly Lin Daiyu in the original novel, but she is still a delicate young lady, so she got tired after riding for about two incense sticks' time and returned to the imperial carriage to rest.

"If Sister Bao isn't tired, why don't you ride a little further?" Jia Huan said to Xue Baochai.

Xue Baochai nodded quietly. Although half of her face was covered, her bright, almond-shaped eyes were as gentle as the spring sunshine, making people feel close to her.

However, Jia Huan clearly sensed that Xue Baochai's mood had been somewhat low since they crossed the Yellow River and entered Shanxi Province. Although she concealed it well, he still keenly felt it.

"I thought this journey would pass through Chang'an, but plans can't keep up with changes, so we had to change our route at the last minute. But don't worry, Sister Bao, I will definitely arrange for you to meet with Cousin Pan on the way back." Jia Huan leaned closer to Xue Baochai's ear and whispered.

Xue Baochai felt a warmth in her heart and said softly, "As long as we are all well, it doesn't matter whether we see each other or not. Brother Huan, don't take this risk, it's not worth it!"

Despite Xue Baochai's gentle and quiet demeanor, she felt uneasy watching Jia Huan and Lin Daiyu being affectionate with each other. On the other hand, she was also worried about her elder brother whom she hadn't seen for many years, so she was a little down. When she heard Jia Huan take the initiative to arrange a meeting with her elder brother, she was naturally delighted, because it proved that her brother Huan really cared about her and that he could see through any emotional changes.

Jia Huan smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll arrange it properly. There won't be any problems. However, I don't know if my cousin Pan is still in Chang'an now that he's in the jade business."

Having survived the near-death experience of the restoration of the emperor, Xue Pan has learned his lesson. He has lived in anonymity in Chang'an for several years without causing any trouble, and has even started a jade business. Although he doesn't earn much, it's enough to support himself. In the past two years, he has occasionally written back to the capital to let Aunt Xue and Baochai know he is safe and sound, and has even sent several dozen taels of silver for living expenses. This would have been unthinkable in the past, so Aunt Xue and Baochai are very pleased and grateful to Jia Huan.

Jia Huan and Xue Baochai rode their horses side by side for a while. Seeing that the latter was slightly sweaty, Jia Huan took the water pouch from his waist, thoughtfully removed the cork, and handed it to her, saying, "Sister Bao, have a drink of water."

Xue Baochai hesitated after taking it, and Jia Huan said, "Only I have drunk it."

Xue Baochai's cheeks warmed slightly. She turned her face to the side, lifted the veil covering her face, brought the water pouch to her lips and took two small sips, then handed it back to Jia Huan and said softly, "Thank you, Brother Huan."

There was a severe drought, and water was scarce everywhere, so Baochai dared not drink too much.

Jia Huan took the water pouch back, drank a mouthful without hesitation, and even deliberately licked his lips, earning him a glare from Baochai.

At this moment, the team suddenly stopped. Jia Huan quickly hung up his water bag and shaded his eyes with his hand to look out. He saw sand and dust flying among the gullies and ravines of loess, which did not seem to be caused by wind.

Man Gui was experienced and knew immediately that a large force was approaching. To be on the safe side, he immediately ordered the guards to assume a defensive posture. Since the death of Han Xin, the leader of the guards, Man Gui had become the commander of the guards. The soldiers respected him and were willing to follow his orders.

About an incense stick's time later, a group came into view. Fortunately, it was not the bandits who were rampaging in this area, but a government army. There were dozens of cavalrymen at the front, followed by infantry, with a force of about a thousand men.

Jia Huan instructed Baochai to return to the imperial carriage first, and then urged his horse forward. Soon, the soldiers arrived. The leader was dressed in the robes of a civil official and looked somewhat familiar. Before he could take a closer look, the man dismounted and clasped his hands in a salute, saying, "Lu Xiang-sheng, the Vice Prefect of Yan'an Prefecture, has come to welcome Princess Kangle's carriage!"

"Build—Fight!" Jia Huan blurted out, quickly leaping off his horse and stepping forward.

It turned out that the civil official was none other than Lu Xiang-sheng and Lu Jian-dou. His originally fair skin was now tanned red and black, probably due to the climate of the Loess Plateau.

Lu Xiang-sheng recognized Jia Huan from afar, and with a smile on his face, he opened his arms and said, "Ziming, it's been a long time!"

Jia Huan opened his arms and gave Lu Xiang-sheng a firm hug. Years ago, after passing the imperial examination, Jia Huan entered the Hanlin Academy, while Lu Xiang-sheng, due to his lower ranking, failed to be selected as a Hanlin probationary official and was ultimately assigned to serve as a local official in Mizhi County, Shaanxi Province. It had been over three years since they last met. Both Jia Huan and Lu Xiang-sheng were students of Lin Ru-hai and had fought side-by-side in life-and-death situations, sharing a brotherly bond. Reunited after so many years, they were both incredibly excited, seemingly having endless things to say, leaving Duan Yong and Ahemaiti standing to the side.

As Duan Yong watched Jia and Lu embrace and chat, he felt a strange sense of envy. Reflecting on his own life spent scheming and plotting in the deep palace, he realized he had no close friends and confidants, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

"Jiandou, this is Duan Zhongshi, and this is Ahemaiti, the envoy from Hami Kingdom to welcome the bride!" Jia Huan finally remembered the two and hurriedly introduced them.

Lu Xiang-sheng bowed and said, "Lu Xiang-sheng, the Vice Prefect of Yan'an Prefecture, greets Duan Zhongshi and His Excellency the Marriage Envoy."

Ahemaiti returned the greeting with a pat on his chest, and Duan Yong clasped his hands in a bow and nodded, saying, "Prefect Lu has arrived just in time. Please follow me to pay your respects to Her Highness the Princess."

Lu Xiang-sheng hurriedly came before the imperial carriage to pay his respects to Princess Kangle. Lin Daiyu was already acquainted with Lu Xiang-sheng, and was surprised to see him here. She said happily, "Lord Lu, there's no need for such formalities. It's been many years since we last met. How have you been?"

Lu Xiang-sheng was filled with mixed feelings. In his heart, Miss Lin was like a white moonlight. He originally thought that Zi-ming and Miss Lin would eventually become a couple. Who would have thought that things would turn out so unexpectedly? Alas, fate is cruel!
"I am well, Your Highness, thank you for your concern," Lu Xiang-sheng replied.

Lin Daiyu nodded and smiled: "To rise from a seventh-rank county magistrate to a sixth-rank prefect in three years is already better than many people. Congratulations, Brother Lu!"

"I'm ashamed to say that compared to Ziming..." Lu Xiang-sheng originally wanted to say that he was far inferior to Ziming, but he realized halfway through his sentence that Jia Huan had already resigned from his position as governor of Liaodong and was now just a commoner. He could only cough awkwardly.

Jia Huan, however, remained calm and smiled, saying, "Don't try to compete with me. It's pointless. Let's go, Magistrate. Your safety is our concern on this journey."

Lu Xiang-sheng laughed and said, "Any blind scoundrel who dares to mess with Zi-ming can only consider himself unlucky."

Mu Ye arrogantly raised his chin and said, "That's right. My Third Master has fought from south to north, from east to west, and no one has ever been able to get the better of him. Look, not long ago, Bu Zhan Ni, who rebelled and occupied Mianchi County, suffered a great loss at the hands of my Third Master. If that guy hadn't run away quickly and saved his life, how could he have occupied Mianchi County? Bah!"

Jia Huan frowned and said, "Don't listen to this kid's bragging!"

Mu Ye said urgently, "I'm not bragging. My third master is a war god who has never been defeated. He was able to suppress the pirate Kang Dayong in Yangzhou and defeat Nurhaci in Liaodong. Moreover, he is good at winning with fewer troops. Believe me or not, if you give my third master two thousand men, he can destroy the Hami Kingdom. What's the point of making a marriage alliance with him then!"

Jia Huan kicked Mu Ye to the ground and scolded, "Shut up, you dog slave, you're getting more and more outrageous."

Mu Ye quickly kowtowed and admitted his mistake, and Jia Huan then shouted, "Get out, don't embarrass yourself here."

Mu Ye hurriedly and awkwardly slipped away.

Jia Huan then apologized to Ahemaiti, who had a strange expression, saying, "This servant usually speaks without restraint and likes to talk nonsense and boast. Please forgive him."

A barely perceptible hint of doubt flashed in Ahemaiti's eyes, and he chuckled dryly, "It's nothing, Brother Muye was just joking."

Lu Xiang-sheng glanced at Jia Huan without showing any emotion. Based on his understanding of Jia Huan, although he was usually very lenient with his servants, he would never indulge them. Moreover, Mu Ye was always quite clever and would never say such outrageous things in public, unless... Zi Ming himself instructed him to do so.
"If it was Ziming's doing, what was his purpose?" Lu Xiang-sheng was deep in thought when Jia Huan smiled and said, "Jian Dou, it's getting late, let's set off!"

Lu Xiang-sheng nodded, bowed to the imperial carriage, then mounted his horse and ordered his soldiers to clear the way for Yan'an Prefecture.

Jia Huan rode his horse alongside Lu Xiang Sheng, chatting as they walked, reminiscing about their experiences over the past few years, both deeply moved.

When Lu Xiang-sheng first took office, bandits were rampant in Yan'an Prefecture, and public security was extremely poor. The situation was particularly serious in Mizhi County, where Lu Xiang-sheng was located. Bandits were extremely harmful, and the previous magistrate of Mizhi County was scared away by them.

These bandits were highly skilled riders, gathering in the mountains and forests, moving like the wind. When government troops came, they would run away, and when the government troops left, they would immediately turn around and attack. Sometimes, when they encountered small groups of government troops, they even dared to fight them head-on. If they encountered a large-scale siege by the imperial court, they would simply run to the border regions. Therefore, the authorities had no way to deal with them.

After Lu Xiangsheng took office in Mizhi County, he was determined to reverse this passive situation and asked his superiors for troops to suppress the bandits. However, his superiors obviously did not think highly of him and refused to provide him with troops or funds.

Just when everyone thought that this greenhorn, who had just arrived, would soon give up after hitting walls everywhere, the result was unexpected. Lu Xiang-sheng actually requested to recruit militia members on his own.

Seeing that Lu Xiang-sheng loved to cause trouble, the higher-ups decided to let him do as he pleased. With a stroke of their pen, they approved it: "Recruit as you please. Anyway, there's not a penny of funding or military pay. If you're so capable, pay for it yourself."

Lu Xiang-sheng was decisive and resolute. After receiving the approval from his superiors, he went everywhere to raise funds and solicit donations from local gentry. As the saying goes, a new broom sweeps clean, and the wealthy people in the county all had to show their support for the new magistrate.

A month later, Lu Xiang-sheng, with the several hundred taels of silver he had begged and pleaded for, began recruiting the first batch of militiamen. He personally led the daily training, and six months later, he actually managed to wipe out a small group of invading bandits.

Lu Dali's reputation spread quickly, and the local gentry, seeing his true abilities, increased their "investment." Gradually, Lu Xiang-sheng built a militia of 500 men, and in just one year, they basically wiped out the thieves in Mizhi County, greatly improving public security.

The prefect of Yan'an was both surprised and delighted, and recommended Lu Xiangsheng to be the vice-prefect of Yan'an Prefecture, in charge of the security and anti-theft affairs of the prefecture. The court quickly approved the appointment, and in just two years, Lu Xiangsheng was promoted from a seventh-rank county magistrate to a sixth-rank vice-prefect.

(End of this chapter)