BMN : Chapter 13

 

As Fu Ming had predicted, the troops set out on their mission despite the inclement weather.

 

The northern wind howled, and the military banners fluttered in the wind. Despite the muddy roads, the army maintained a disciplined appearance.

 

Jin Yi led the backup troops, while the forward army had already engaged the enemy. The backup troops were to arrive and initiate a full-scale siege.

 

As they traveled south from the capital, the weather gradually cleared, and the troops traversed mountains and rivers, eventually reaching the southern region. However, just a few hundred miles from the conflict zone, in the city of Tanzhou, they encountered an unprecedented ice and snow disaster.

 

A heavy snowfall had just melted when temperatures dropped again, followed by another layer of thick snow. This cycle of freezing and thawing led to a build-up of ice. The southern region of Tanzhou is mountainous, and some official roads are carved into the mountains. The heavy snow blocked the mountains, making the icy roads impassable, causing the army to be stalled. Several urgent requests for reinforcements had already reached Jin Yi.

 

Jin Yi analyzed the progress of the battle and knew that they could not afford to delay any longer. He dispatched scouts in all directions to investigate alternative routes and ordered the soldiers to clear the ice.

 

While waiting for the scouts’ reports and as the ice-clearing efforts were underway, a lower-ranking officer volunteered to help.

 

The volunteer was brought into Jin Yi’s tent.

 

“Who are you, and what strategy do you propose?” Jin Yi asked directly.

 

“Reporting to General Jin, I am Jiang Yisun, originally from this area. I used to travel here for business with my family, so I am quite familiar with the terrain. I know of several routes that should still be passable. While not as wide as the official road, if we split the forces, we won’t delay the reinforcements,” Jiang Yisun replied.

 

Jin Yi ordered Jiang Yisun to rise and take a seat, then noticed that despite his strong voice, he appeared quite young. Jiang Yisun took out a self-drawn map from his pocket and spread it on the table.

 

“General Jin, as you can see, this is where our army is currently stationed. The official road winds southward from here, and these are the mountains we must climb along the way. Besides the official road, there is another path used by shepherds in this gorge, and this route here is an abandoned Tea Horse Road, which is still passable. There is also a water route leading to Shuzhou, which we can use to reach the southern part of Tanzhou, where the ice and snow have not caused a disaster. With these three routes, we can alleviate the urgent situation for the army,” Jiang Yisun explained.

 

Jin Yi carefully examined the map and asked, “How do you know that the road through the gorge is not frozen?”

 

Jiang Yisun replied, “Three years ago, we also experienced cold weather, but that shepherd’s path was warmer than other places. I have thoroughly investigated the terrain, and the mountains here are uniquely shaped, blocking the northern wind. Additionally, there are geothermal vents, and the springs retain some warmth even in winter. Therefore, I believe that this path is still passable.”

 

Jin Yi immediately ordered the preparation of copies of the map and sent several cavalrymen to scout the route. The army then prepared to march again.

 

Soon, Jiang Yisun’s information was confirmed, and the army set off, splitting into three groups and converging in the southern part of Tanzhou at Fucheng.

 

While the southern region was embroiled in battle, the capital was bustling with the excitement of the approaching New Year.

 

People exchanged gifts, and the markets were filled with a variety of goods. The streets and markets were crowded with carriages and people.

 

Lady Wang brought a list of New Year’s gifts to be sent to the Fu family and asked Fu Ming to review it.

 

Although Fu Ming was originally from the Fu family, there had been little interaction between the Jin and Fu families over the past year. Fu Ming had only returned to the Fu residence once, accompanied by Jin Yi, on the day of their marriage. The attitude of his family members had become slightly more respectful, but they remained distant. Since then, he had not returned. On festive occasions, the two families exchanged gifts casually, ensuring that appearances were maintained. However, the New Year was different; it was a time when a lack of proper etiquette could invite ridicule from others.

 

Fu Ming reviewed the initial gift list prepared by Lady Wang and pointed to several items, saying, “Remove these and reduce the quantity of the others by half.”

 

Lady Wang smiled and said, “I checked the records of previous years. Before the late Madam passed away, we sent these items to the Zhou family. Even after her passing, we kept about seventy percent. Now, sending less than half to the Fu family is not appropriate.”

 

Fu Ming replied, “The Zhou family and the Fu family are not the same, as you well know. You don’t need to use these rules as an excuse. I know what you’re thinking. My decision stands. If you disagree, you can consult the Old Madam. If you act on your own, you will be responsible for any consequences.”

 

Lady Wang was taken aback by Fu Ming’s bluntness, and she lost her composure. She sneered, “Well, Fu Gongzi, with the head of the household away, you’re using your status to oppress a concubine. I’ve been with the Jin family since I was a child, favored by the Old Madam and serving beside the master. Even the old servants of this house show me respect. The late Madam never spoke to me like this, and who are you to say such things? You should clean that mirror of yours and take a good look at yourself!”

 

Fu Ming dropped the gift list and said to Wanlan, “See her out.” Without looking back, he walked behind the screen to read by the fire.

 

Wanlan half-escorted, half-pushed Lady Wang out the door, then slammed the courtyard gate shut, cutting off Lady Wang’s exaggerated cries.

 

In the afternoon, Renlan came to Fangmanting and saw a pile of fabrics on Fu Ming’s desk. He was examining the fabrics and occasionally jotting down notes.

 

Renlan asked, “What are you doing, Ming-ge?”

 

Fu Ming replied, “Brother Le Xu recently opened a new fabric store. These are fabrics he procured from various places, rare in the capital. He feels that the names given by the places of origin are not good enough, so he asked me to help come up with some names.”

 

Renlan walked over to inspect the fabrics closely. “These are indeed rare, with many new colors!” She picked out a piece. “This green is lighter than usual, yet not dull. How to describe it? It’s like the tender grass sprouting in a courtyard in early spring, fresh and full of life, very endearing.”

 

Fu Ming thought for a moment and smiled, “In that case, let’s call this color ‘New Grass Green,’ and this fabric, ‘Spring Buds.'”

 

Renlan nodded enthusiastically. “That’s perfect! You’re quick, Ming-ge. Just looking at this fabric and thinking of the names makes me want to buy some and make clothes.”

 

They discussed the fabrics for a long time, excitedly examining each one.

 

Fu Ming set down his pen. “As expected, young ladies have a knack for these things. You’ve done a great job, Renlan. I’ll make sure Brother Le Xu sends you some clothes made from the fabrics you like as a thank-you gift.”

 

Renlan lowered her head and softly replied, “You’re too kind, Ming-ge. I was just having fun; it’s hardly a contribution. I can’t accept such a generous gift without merit.”

 

Fu Ming smiled and didn’t press the matter. After chatting for a while longer, Renlan said, “Ming-ge, do you know? I saw quite a show at the Old Madam’s place today!”

 

“Oh?”

 

“Before lunch, Lady Wang went to the Old Madam’s room, crying and saying she had prepared the gift list for you to review. She claimed that she didn’t cut back on the gifts for the in-laws just because you’re a second wife and that you accused her of harboring ulterior motives and had her thrown out by the maids. She rambled on, saying so many things, I felt both angry and amused.”

 

Fu Ming asked, “What did the Old Madam say?”

 

“The Old Madam seemed a bit annoyed with her and didn’t discuss the matter much. She just prepared a list herself and told Lady Wang to follow it. I took a look; she cut the gifts by nearly fifty percent, Ming-ge…” Fu Ming laughed, “That’s good. That’s what I wanted.”

 

“Aren’t you bothered by it?”

 

Fu Ming shook his head, “Etiquette should match the relationship. You know the relationship I have with the other side of the family; this is enough.”

 

Renlan smiled, “I’ve always thought you were a perceptive person, Ming-ge. But I still have a few things to say, and I hope you don’t mind my meddling.”

 

“Of course not. Please, go ahead.”

 

“The news from the south says that the military campaign is progressing well, and it looks promising. They should be back in a couple of months. Lady Wang… I know I shouldn’t speak ill of her, but she’s become quite skilled at flattery and is jealous. When my brother returns, she’ll serve him well and badmouth you. If he doesn’t know the truth, it won’t be good for you, Ming-ge. You’re perceptive, but also a bit stubborn. You don’t like to talk much, and you’re often silent in front of him. If there are any misunderstandings between you, won’t they be hard to resolve? It won’t end well.”

 

Fu Ming smiled and said, “I understand. Thank you for your concern, Renlan.”

 

“I’m glad you don’t think I’m meddling. As a young woman, it’s inappropriate for me to say these things, but I can’t help worrying. Today, Lady Wang was talking nonsense in front of the Old Madam, but the Old Madam is sharp and won’t be fooled. However, my brother isn’t as astute and may easily be swayed.” Realizing she had spoken disrespectfully of her brother, Renlan covered her mouth with her fingers, feeling embarrassed.

 

Fu Ming was touched and remained silent for a moment before saying, “I’ll remember your words, little sister. As a man, I don’t like to get caught up in these matters, but I won’t let your good intentions go to waste. I’ll be more careful in the future.”

 

Renlan calmed herself and smiled, “I know you’re reasonable, Ming-ge. That’s why I took the liberty to speak. Also, I have a small suggestion.”

 

“Please, go ahead.”

 

“When my brother returns, Lady Wang and the others will naturally have plans to welcome him. Ming-ge, you… shouldn’t be too indifferent. I’m not suggesting you… try to win his favor.” Renlan blushed and continued, “But after all, we’re family. Being affectionate and considerate is only natural.”

 

Fu Ming smiled, “I understand. I do have some ideas about that. When the time comes, I’ll need your help.”

 

“Oh? What kind of help?” Renlan asked curiously.

 

“I’ll tell you in a few days.”

 

Renlan nodded, “Alright, I’m at your service.”

 

After chatting and laughing a bit more, Renlan left with a smile.

 

Before the New Year, several sets of newly made winter and spring clothes were delivered to the Jin family and given to Renlan.

 

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