Taiheiki

Chapter 132 Family
"It's not just Panyu that's empty!" Wei Cong laughed. "I was originally worried about having no legitimate reason to fight. Now, even that problem is gone. We now have a legitimate reason to fight!"

"Is your teacher famous?"

"That's right! We can use the banner of being ordered to aid Jiaozhou and suppress the rebellious barbarians! Even if we can't hide it from the officials in Jiaozhou, at least we can cover up these newly recruited soldiers. We can't rely solely on land and money to boost morale, can we?"

"That's right!" Huang Ping also realized: "This is indeed a good idea. What about the officials in Jiaozhou?"

"That doesn't matter. In the end, it's the sword that speaks!" Wei Cong waved his hand. "Tomorrow we'll go up the mountain, then take a boat down and head straight for Panyu!"

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Jiaozhou, Nanhai Commandery, Zhongsu County. (The area around Qingyuan County, Guangdong Province today)
"Sister-in-law, please don't stick your head out of the window!" Yu Wen repeatedly advised her as the group slowly headed south: "Otherwise, you'll catch a cold and get sick!"

"It's okay! Jiaozhou isn't Kuaiji, so a little rain isn't a big deal!" Liu smiled. Her hair had come undone, a strand clinging to her forehead. She could imagine how disheveled she'd look, but this time she didn't care. The Lingnan rain was soft and gentle, and she loved feeling it on her cheek, like a mother's kiss.

This reminded her of the days in the backyard of her husband's official residence: she remembered the banyan trees, their branches drooping, brimming with moisture; she remembered standing under the eaves, snuggling with her husband, watching the children run through piles of wet leaves, chasing each other among the banyan trees' aerial roots, their laughter ringing. Others dreaded the journey to Jiaozhou, but she quite liked the customs and people of Lingnan. Because of the rebellion of barbarians in Jiuzhen County, her husband had forced her to take the children back home for shelter, but she felt a sense of reluctance to leave, as if this wasn't a return home, but a departure from her own land.

Compared with the rain in Lingnan, the winter rain in Kuaiji is cold and merciless. It will turn into frost at night. Not only can it not nourish all things, but it will also freeze the crops to death. If the children return to Kuaiji, they may not be able to chase and play in the rain like they did in Lingnan, right?
"The rain is getting heavier!" complained Yu Wen. He was the youngest brother of Liu's husband. Although he was called a younger brother, he was actually fourteen years younger, almost a generation older. He was only twenty-five this year, at the peak of his vitality. "It's raining so hard in winter! We're all soaked!" The road was already soaked, and mud and water splashed everywhere when the horses' hooves walked. "It's getting late. We should find a place with a fire to rest and get some hot food!"

"If I remember correctly, there's a river bridge ahead, and there's an inn right next to it! My husband and I passed by it when we were on our way south to take up our new post!" Liu said, "The owner is a fat widow who looks fierce, but her fruit wine and grilled fish are both excellent and highly praised!"

"If that's the case, that would be great. I hope the rain stops tomorrow, or at least gets lighter!" Yu Wen looked hopefully in the direction Liu pointed, searching for the inn with fruit wine and grilled fish. "As long as you show me your brother's imperial seal, I can at least get you and your two nephews a courtyard!"

"There's no need for a courtyard!" Liu said, "My husband told me before we left. Times are very chaotic right now. I heard that bandits are roiling Jing and Yang provinces. It's not a good idea to be too conspicuous. If possible, it's best not to reveal our identities!"

"Alright!" Yu Wen shook his head helplessly. "Actually, this is still Jiaozhou. There aren't any moth thieves—" He was almost finished when the sounds of armor clanging, horses neighing, and rain splashing filled the air. He quickly stopped talking. "Someone's coming. Be careful," he warned, reaching for the hilt of his sword. These days, even on the open road, caution is always beneficial.

They followed the sound and, rounding a bend, saw a column of fully armed men and horses noisily crossing the swollen stream. Yu Wen pulled the reins to let them go first. The flags held high by the riders at the front of the team were soaked and drooped, making them difficult to see clearly. But they all wore crimson cloaks, revealing their steel armor, bow pouches, and hulus. Behind the knights were two lines of infantry, with spears like a forest and powerful crossbows strapped to their backs. In the middle of the two columns were mules and donkeys carrying baggage. The leading officer had a stern expression, and the rain slid down the tassel of his helmet. His prominent cheekbones added a murderous aura to his majestic face.

"What excellent soldiers!" Yu Wen couldn't help but sigh softly. He had fought against the local barbarians under his brother in Rinan County many times and had seen swords and weapons, but this was the first time he saw such neatly dressed Tiger Guards, almost wrapped in steel.

"I am Yu Wen from Yuyao, Kuaiji!" Yu Wen shouted, bowing to the leading officer. "May I ask which general of your army you are serving under? And where are you heading?"

Diwu Deng reined in his warhorse and coldly surveyed the young man who had spoken to him. Behind him was an oxcart and a dozen or so attendants and guards. Judging by their attire, they must have come from wealthy families, most likely officials. He immediately bowed and said, "I am Diwu Deng, a captain under the command of Wei Cong, the Rebellion Suppression Captain. I have been ordered to lead the vanguard to Panyu to suppress the rebels in Jiuzhen County!"

"Suppressing the rebellion, Captain Wei Cong? Suppressing the rebels in Jiuzhen County? That's great! The rebels over there are powerful, and the governor is worried about the lack of troops. Your arrival is really a timely help!" Yu Wen laughed when he heard this. Like most young people of his age, he was optimistic and impulsive. He clenched his fists and waved them vigorously twice: "We must teach those barbarians a lesson and let them know the power of the Han Dynasty!"

"Hmm!" Diwu Deng nodded. He was debating whether to detain the group of people, but then decided to try to dig out something useful from the young man first. "Do you know how many people are in that group of rebels, and what is the name of their leader?"

"The leader of the rebellion was Zhu Da, a wealthy man from Jufeng County, Jiuzhen Commandery (near present-day Thanh Hoa, Vietnam). He allied with the barbarians of Linyi State, killed the county magistrate, besieged the Jiuzhen Commandery seat, and looted the people. He commanded four to five thousand men!"

"Can't we deal with four or five thousand bandits in Jiaozhou?" Diwu Deng showed contempt on his face.

"Captain, you don't know, but those four to five thousand men are under Zhu Da's command. There are plenty of Linyi barbarians willing to obey his orders. These barbarians came from the sea, also known as the Zhan people, and are extremely fierce and skilled in fighting. Zhu Da's men also train elephants, over forty of them, and they rampage across the battlefield, formidable. That's why the government troops are never victorious!"

"Elephant? Occupy people?" Diwu Deng looked Yu Wen up and down again, then bowed. "How do you know so much about Jiuzhen County?"

"My elder brother is Yu Xin, the prefect of Rinan County!" Yu Wen pointed to the ox cart behind him and said, "On the cart are my brother's family. They are heading to Panyu and then returning to their hometown of Kuaiji by boat!"

"I see. My apologies!" In a flash, Diwu Deng weighed the pros and cons in his mind. "So, we're all on the same journey. I should have escorted you all to Panyu, but military orders have come, and I can't delay any longer. I can only take my leave!"

"I dare not! Please!" Yu Wen rode his horse back to greet him, but heard Diwudeng shout, "Uncle Yuan Du!"

"Here!" A sturdy officer walked out from the ranks and bowed to the Fifth Deng.

"Take twenty men with you to escort Governor Yu's family to Panyu. Don't make any mistakes along the way, or you'll be punished by military law!"

"Yes!" Before Yu Wen could thank him, he saw Diwu Deng draw his mount and ride away. In a moment, the group of people and horses disappeared in the rain and fog. Just as Yu Wen was looking at the figures that appeared and disappeared in the distance with envy, he heard a steady voice: "Master Yu, let's get on the road!"

"Okay, okay!" Yu Wen glanced at the uncle and asked, "How do you address a warrior?"

"My surname is Yuan and my name is Tian!" The Du Bo responded. He made a gesture and twenty soldiers were divided into two teams, sandwiching Yu Wen and his group in the middle and slowly moving forward.

"Uncle Yuan, we have family members on board, so we're going to rest at the inn ahead for the night and then go to Panyu tomorrow!"

"That's all right!" Yuan Tian said with a smile, "My superiors have already said that we are here to escort you and your group to Panyu, so it's up to you whether you want to go fast or slow. We are just accompanying you as guards!"

"Okay, okay!" Yu Wen was delighted to hear that and said with a smile, "If that's the case, then thank you for your help!"

Liu wasn't mistaken; the inn was indeed located at a fork in the road not far from the river bridge. It was almost dark when they arrived. The fat widowed innkeeper looked just as Liu remembered. She said respectfully to Yu Wen, "There are only two rooms upstairs left. It's on the eastern end of the two corridors, and it's very quiet. It can't be helped. It's raining, and there are so many people, we're almost full."

"Okay, then the rest of us can just set up a bunk bed in the hall!" Yu Wen shook his head helplessly, "But we have to prepare a fire for drying clothes and dinner!"

"That's easy! Come on, take the lady and the young master to their rooms, the two upstairs rooms on the east side!" The female owner called the waiter over and led Liu, the children, and Yu Wen to the rooms. The corridor was a bit narrow, and the stairs were even narrower and older, making them creak when stepped on. "Sir, it's best not to wear your shoes inside. Just leave them outside. Someone will clean them for you later!" The waiter smiled and said, "Someone will shout when dinner is served. Please come out when you hear it. If you miss it, you may not be able to eat!"

After entering the house, Liu changed into dry clothes. She walked to the window. The polished clam shells were blurred by the rain. It was obviously a rainy night. She could only barely see seven or eight small boats docked at the pier next to the bridge.

As the nurse changed the children's clothes, Liu's thoughts began to clear up. She suddenly understood what she had thought was wrong. Nanhai County wasn't at war right now. If these were reinforcements from Lingnan, why would they march through the night in such rain? Furthermore, the armor and weapons these reinforcements wore were incredibly well-made. They didn't look like an army led by a captain of a minor rank. And if they were sending someone to escort her, wouldn't that mean they were sending someone to hold her hostage and keep her safe?
At this moment, shouts for dinner came from outside. Liu suppressed her inner fear and pretended to be unaware. She took the children and went downstairs. Yu Wen and the uncle surnamed Yuan were sitting at the long table, waiting for dinner. The soldiers and guards were eating in the corridor outside.

"Sister-in-law, why are you coming down?" Yu Wen came forward in surprise. Although the Yu family was not a prominent family, Liu was also the wife of a two thousand stone official. With her status, she should not show up in places like inns and restaurants.

"Awen, I'd like to get some information from Captain Yuan!" Liu lowered her voice, "Don't you think they're being too diligent, marching through the night in this weather?"

"It seems so!" After being reminded by Liu, Yu Wen also reacted: "And it was raining so heavily, why did the Fifth Captain march in the rain at night? They were only ordered to assist Jiaozhou, and Panyu was not under siege. There was no need at all! Could it be--" He turned his head subconsciously, and his eyes were full of fear when he looked at Yuan Tian.

"Men are generally not very good at keeping their mouths shut in front of women!" Liu lowered her voice and said, "Let's get everything straight first!"

"Thank you for your hard work, sister-in-law!" Yu Wen whispered, his eyes full of admiration.

Seeing Liu approaching, Yuan Tian stood up in surprise. Before he could say anything, Liu smiled and said, "My husband is still an official in Rinan County. Bandits have been rampant there in recent years. I heard that you are going to lead troops there. Since you are my benefactor, I came down to offer you a drink. Please forgive me for any impoliteness!"

"Thank you, ma'am!" Yuan Tian bowed hurriedly. After they finished drinking, Liu was about to ask something when she suddenly heard a rumbling horn sound from outside. She was startled when a soldier came in to report.

"Uncle Yuan, Captain Wei is here!"

"Oh! Go to the door and greet them!" Yuan Tian was overjoyed when he heard this. He bowed to Liu and Yu Wen and said, "My general has arrived. Please follow me to greet him!"

"What a coincidence?" Liu and Yu Wen looked at each other and saw surprise in each other's eyes.

The group reached the porch. Through the rain, they could see dozens of boats of varying sizes docked on the river. The largest of them had already docked at the bridge, and a large group of infantrymen were filing forward. Beneath an umbrella, a particularly tall man, surrounded by a crowd, approached. He must be the "rebel-suppressing lieutenant Wei Cong."

"Your subordinate greets the general!" Yuan Tian stood in the rain and bowed to Wei Cong.

"It's Yuan Tian! Well, aren't you following Diwudeng? Why are you here?" Wei Cong asked.

"That's what happened!" Yuan Tian recounted his encounter with Yu Wen and his group along the way, and concluded, "The commander ordered his subordinates to take twenty men to escort Governor Yu's family to Panyu, and then reunite with him!"

"The family of the Rinnan prefect is here?" Wei Cong looked at the inn in surprise.

(End of this chapter)