The Splendor of the Five Dynasties

Chapter 99 Visiting
Xiao Yi talked with Wang Yin for much longer than expected, bought some gifts, and arrived at Li Tao's residence at just before noon.

Braving the wind and snow, he hurried into the hall, not bothering to brush the snowflakes off his hair, and first bowed.

"I am late, please forgive my rudeness."

Li Tao, already seated in the main seat, smiled and said, "At least this time we neither climbed over the wall nor barged in directly."

"I am ashamed."

"It's alright. You keep your word and agreed to come to my residence at noon, not a moment earlier or later. It seems you don't want to waste your breath on this old man, but you still want to enjoy my delicious food."

Xiao Yi knew he liked to joke, so he smiled slightly and said, "This junior is not one to eat for nothing. I brought a gift. This is a She inkstone from Jiangnan. Although it is not valuable, it will be useful after Lord Xinchen is reinstated."

This inkstone was actually quite expensive, a luxury item, costing ten strings of cash, almost half a month's salary for him, but more importantly, it was for the words "reinstatement".

Li Tao accepted it with a smile, seemingly quite pleased with it.

Xiao Yi then unfastened his sword and said, "This is a gift for Brother Mingyuan."

"It's obviously an old military item; the scabbard is stained with blood. I won't accept it."

Li Fang smiled and said, "I observed the celestial phenomena last night and decided to abandon martial arts for literature. Next time, you can send me a set of suitable writing implements. Don't forget the interest."

"Oh? Brother Mingyuan, is it because you sensed the General's different nature that you foresee the world will be at peace?"

Li Fang smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Let's not talk about politics, you should brush off the snow first."

Xiao Yi faintly smelled a refreshing fragrance, and sensing something, he turned around and saw Li Zhaoning enter the hall.

She walked up to him and handed him a handkerchief.

"It's snowing, and you don't even use an umbrella."

"The umbrella has been taken and used by someone else."

"There's also... here on my eyebrows."

Li Zhaoning looked up, her gaze slightly narrowed, as if she wanted to brush it away for him. She raised her slender hand, paused in mid-air, and then touched her own willow-leaf eyebrows.

One gesture drew his attention to her beautiful fingers, eyebrows, eyes, and curved eyelashes.

Xiao Yi, however, was not captivated by her gaze. He smiled faintly, turned his head, and brushed the snowflakes from his hair.

The falling snowflakes seemed to carry a touch of untamed freedom and ease.

Li Zhaoning gave a soft "Hmm?" and asked, "Did you bring gifts for Lord Xinchen and my brother?"

"I have some news for you, do you want to hear it?"

"After dinner, I'll take you home..."

Xiao Yi rarely gets to eat a fine meal.

There were a few dishes he particularly liked, such as Golden Minced Jade Slices, where sliced ​​sea bass was steamed and then drizzled with golden broth. The dish was beautiful in color and the meat was tender. He found it delicious and only after asking did he learn that the ingredients included white plum, orange peel, and chestnuts. Another dish was Ten-Flavor Soup, which was a mixture of three kinds of broth with ingredients such as rock tripe, seaweed, and abalone. It was rich and flavorful.

Unfortunately, the portions of food served separately were small, and he was still not satisfied, while there were still leftovers on Li Tao's table.

After the meal, the bowls and chopsticks were cleared away, leaving only tea, and people inevitably started chatting.

Xiao Yi avoided discussing current affairs, fearing that secrets might be leaked.

The three commented on some current officials and discussed matters of money and provisions. When they mentioned that he had privately given silver to encourage soldiers, Li Fang smiled.

"If you spend money like this, you'll exhaust it today and have to wait until tomorrow. Without a plan for your finances, you'll be forever trapped in poverty."

"It is indeed General Moonlight." Xiao Yi first amused Li Tao, then asked, "Brother Mingyuan, what advice do you have for me?"

"Money is like flowing water; if it only goes out and doesn't come in, it will dry up. Only with a source can it be endless. No matter how much you distribute to the soldiers, they will just spend it on taverns, brothels, and gambling dens. Since you know that you have public funds under your command, don't you know how to make money from public funds?"

Xiao Yi understood what he meant; it was about managing finances.

But being unfamiliar with the ways of the world, he asked, "Are there any ways to make money?"

Li Fang said, "It's simple. After receiving the rewards, keep enough for daily use and emergencies. Use the rest to rent land and collect rent, invest in reliable businesses, or, if all else fails, lend money and collect interest."

"Brother Mingyuan, others would scoff at what you're saying. In these chaotic times, where every day is uncertain, people are used to living for the moment," Xiao Yi said. "But I'm different. Now that I know the commander-in-chief is going to establish a stable situation, it's time to buy property in advance."

"Since you're willing to listen, let me add one more thing. Instead of directly distributing rewards, it would be better to subsidize the soldiers' families. The most difficult to manage in the army are the bachelors who are 'only concerned with their own livelihood.' Letting them settle down, start families, and make a living will ensure that the money is used effectively."

"That makes sense; it clears up the fog."

Xiao Yi understood the principle, but he still needed to think about how to implement it, as he lacked someone around him who was both good at financial management and trustworthy.

Another day we can visit the West Market and see how to make a pair of glasses for Hua Nong.

After chatting for a while and building rapport, he got up to say goodbye.

Li Tao and Li Fang did not see them off.

Stepping out of the side hall, Li Zhaoning was standing under the eaves admiring the snow. She turned around and looked at him, her beautiful eyes sparkling.

"Did you like today's dishes?"

"The flavor lingers on the lips and teeth, leaving an unforgettable aftertaste. Have you tried it?"

"Well, there's only one umbrella left. You can use it."

"Let's do it together, would that be impolite?"

"Is there news about Su Fengji?"

"I suspect he's hiding in Kaifeng."

“How come you see?”

“I have carefully examined the search map, and he can only have returned to Kaifeng to hide. The Kaifeng Prefecture has already arrested everyone in the Su family, but so far no useful confessions have been obtained.”

Li Zhaoning stopped, pondered for a moment, and suddenly said, "I might have a clue."

"Ok?"

Do you remember Ge Yanyu?

“You said that your grandfather’s servant was the one who testified against the Li family to Su Fengji.”

“Ge Yanyu was originally in charge of managing my family’s business. He was skilled in business and trusted by my father. However, he had been falsifying accounts and embezzling money for many years. When my father found out, he was punished. He harbored resentment and found Li Cheng, Su Fengji’s bodyguard, to conspire to frame my father. This man has not yet been arrested by the Kaifeng Prefecture.”

How do you know?

"Ever since he left the Shi residence, I've had people keeping a close eye on him."

Xiao Yi looked over and saw that Li Zhaoning's hair was no longer adorned with any ornaments, only held up by a wooden hairpin. Under her sable cloak, she was still wearing the same ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) she had worn two days ago, so she must have spent all her money on revenge.

She didn't notice his gaze and spoke earnestly. "After Ge Yanyu joined Su Fengji, he was given important responsibilities and managed the Su family's property. Our dynasty was established after taking back Bianliang from the Khitan. In the past three years, they have occupied many unclaimed houses. On the 18th, the day you entered the city, he did not flee with Su Fengji, but went to Xingning Ward and the residence of the Princess of Qin."

"That's... the residence of the Imperial Son-in-Law Song Yanwo?"

"Yes, presumably Ge Yanyu saw that the army was about to enter the city, so he brought the Su family's assets to join their ranks in advance."

Xiao Yi chuckled and said, "He has a good eye for things."

From Ge Yanyu's perspective, choosing Song Yanwo to join was indeed the best option, as he was a nobleman throughout history, making it a safe and respectable choice.

"This treacherous villain is known for his cunning. I suspect he knows Su Fengji's whereabouts, but... I'm afraid this won't be easy to handle?"

"I'll go ask for it."

"Is this feasible? What if you offend the Princess and her husband?"

“You’ll know after you try it.”

"How can I ever thank you for all you've done for me?"

“It’s a small matter. Besides, I have received a great favor from the Li family, so it is only right that I do this, and it will also preserve my reputation for loyalty and righteousness.”

"So it was all for fame."

"Do you have pen and ink? I'd like to write a visiting card."

The two returned to a side room, where Li Zhaoning brought out a brush and ink, gracefully ground the inkstone, and handed the brush to Xiao Yi.

Xiao Yi refused to take it, saying, "Your handwriting is ugly, you write it yourself."

"Okay, how do I write it?"

Let's call it 'Xiao Yi pays respects to Brother Zhongjian'.

"When visiting someone's home, it's impolite not to write down your identity and purpose of visit."

"Oh, it's Xiao Yi, the 20th Commander of the Tianxiong Army Cavalry, the Inner Palace Guard Commander, the Inspector of the Imperial Academy, and the Cavalry Commandant, who has come to ask for a drink."

Li Zhaoning took up the pen and wrote with focused concentration.

Her handwriting is extremely beautiful, delicate yet grand.

Xiao Yi found the calligraphy pleasing to the eye and thought to himself that he should also practice his calligraphy.

Suddenly, I heard her whisper something.

"I know you're capable, having achieved so much... You must have suffered a lot of injuries and hardships, right?"

"Fortunately."

After writing the visiting cards, the two left the residence together.

Xingningfang wasn't far, so they walked instead of riding, arriving before 3 PM.

Xiao Yi stepped forward and presented his visiting card. As soon as the doorman opened, he immediately bowed respectfully.

"General Xiao, please have a seat in the hall. The master of the house should be leaving the office soon and returning home. It will only take the time it takes to drink a cup of tea."

"You know me?"

"Yes, the master of the house specifically mentioned that he was saved by the general twice. No one in the household should be disrespectful to the general, no matter where they encounter him."

"Brother Zhongjian is too kind."

The lobby was warm and cozy, with charcoal braziers burning and animal skins covering the chairs. Not only was the tea delicious, but there were also several kinds of fruit.

Xiao Yi and Li Zhaoning ate and chatted, and didn't get bored.

Not long after, Song Yanwo returned. Before he could even change his clothes, he personally went to the hall, giving people a feeling of warmth and comfort.

"If I had known that Xiao Lang was coming today, I would not have gone out."

"I apologize for my intrusion."

Xiao Yi got straight to the point, saying, "I've come today for Ge Yanyu."

"Ge Yanyu? Who is that?"

“The traitor of the Li family. It was he who falsely accused Lord Li to Su Fengji back then. I must kill this man. I heard that he has joined Brother Zhongjian’s household. I dared to come here to demand him, also because I was worried that Brother Zhongjian would harbor a poisonous snake and be bitten by it.”

"Wait a moment."

Without saying a word, Song Yanwo walked to the door, beckoned the steward, asked a few questions, and then suddenly shouted, "Bring the person here immediately!"

"Yes."

After saying that, Song Yanwo turned to Xiao Yi and bowed again, saying, "This is the third time that Brother Xiao has saved me."

He didn't even memorize his lines; he just blurted out that line.

Xiao Yi was caught off guard and could only say, "Brother Zhongjian, you're too kind."

“If you hadn’t reminded me in time, even if the commander-in-chief hadn’t blamed me, I, Song, would still have been harmed by this villain in the future. My family was short-sighted and greedy for money, and actually harbored this thief. I am ashamed.”

"Brother Zhongjian was busy with official duties, so it's understandable that he might have been momentarily negligent."

"I am indeed tied up with official duties. The commander-in-chief has ordered me to return to Huazhou to guard the north gate of Kaifeng. If you ever come to Huazhou in the future, you must come and find me for a good drink."

"I will certainly be bothered by this."

"Military affairs are easy to manage, but family matters are difficult to deal with. I'm sorry to have made you laugh today. You probably haven't experienced these mundane matters yet and don't know how complicated they are. By the way, if I may ask, does Young Master Xiao have any relatives?"

"No."

"In this world, it is truly difficult without the help of relatives. Even heroes like generals often rely on the strong support of their wives' families."

When Chai Shouyu's assistance to Guo Wei was mentioned, Xiao Yi nodded in agreement.

Song Yanwo suddenly asked, "Young Master Xiao must not be married yet?"

Xiao Yi was taken aback.

If he said no, he was afraid that Song Yanwo would have some ulterior motives, but if he said yes, it would be difficult to explain.

He turned his head slightly and felt Li Zhaoning's intense gaze, as if he wanted to see how he would answer.

I picked up the teacup and slowly took a sip.

Finally, with the sound of footsteps, the butler returned, followed by two servants escorting another person.

(End of this chapter)