The roads were wide and expansive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Crisscrossing in all directions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
Merchants called out their wares.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
People came and went.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
"Come get a bargain! Two coppers, two coppers for this whole basket!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
"No can do, sister. Two and a half coppers, that''s as low as I''ll go."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
"Used clothes for sale! Used clothes for sale!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
"Vinegar for sale! Vinegar for sale!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
"Fish for sale! Fresh fish for sale!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The cries of vendors intertwined.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Pedestrians weaved through the crowds.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Seeing the approaching army of carriages and horses, the crowd surprisingly didn''t panic. Unlike in other ces where they would have scattered like birds and beasts, they continued their sales pitches.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Some food vendors even approached with their goods on their backs, calling out their wares.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
"Pancakes for sale! Pancakes for sale! Fragrant, sizzling oil pancakes!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
"Vinegar for sale! Vinegar for sale! The cure-all tonic!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
"Hot soup! Hot soup! Steaming rich broth!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
The vendors'' cries drew closer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Even the horses began to get a bit restless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
In his carriage, Heir Apparent Han was curious. Were the people here not afraid of death? Why didn''t they flee at the sight of his entourage, but instead approached to sell things?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Did they actually pay for goods?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Weren''t they afraid of being conscripted by the soldiers?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Then came something even more outrageous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
A troupe of women with faces painted bright red approached, banging gongs and drums.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
They came to wee Heir Apparent Han''s inspection of Ming County.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
A huge red banner was held high.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
It bore a line of text.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Neither refined nor crude, itcked elegance but fit the image of rebels perfectly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Rebels, after all, were surely uncultured. The cultured would have taken the imperial exams. Why rebel?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Yet there was something original about it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He had heard the distant drum beats earlier and found them intriguing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
But up close, he was startled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Who were these people? They looked like women in their fifties or sixties, some even grandmothers. When they smiled, some were missing front teeth, leaving ck holes. Their faces were painted like baboons'' behinds, beating drums on their backs, lips thick with red paint. It was terrifying.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Heir Apparent Han didn''t know whether tough or cry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He found Ming County quite interesting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Although the lead drummer had an excellent figure, Heir Apparent Han''s excitement waned. The sight of that garishly painted red face was enough to startle him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The former county magistrate had been sent to wee Heir Apparent Han.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He harbored a glimmer of hope.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
What if, just what if, he caught the heir''s eye and regained his position as county magistrate?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He might even be promoted in the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
It was crucial to align oneself with the right people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
This Heir Apparent Han was the Emperor''s own nephew. No matter how impressive Jiang Er was, he was still just a castoff from the Jiang family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
So he had eagerly volunteered for this reception duty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
The former county magistrate, Little Huang, knelt obsequiously before the carriage and cautiously said, "This humble official hase especially to wee Your Highness and escort you into Ming County."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Heir Apparent Han frowned and asked, "Are you that rebel, Jiang Er?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
"I am Magistrate Huang of Ming County, here to guide Your Highness."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Heir Apparent Han had initially been intrigued by the unique drum rhythms, but was startled to see an old man. He had seen plenty of those and lost interest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He simply lowered the carriage curtain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
Magistrate Huang knelt awkwardly by the roadside, then picked himself up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
It was fine. Important figures from the capital were like this. Thest time he took the imperial exams in the capital, the heir had been just as aloof, not even acknowledging much higher-ranking officials.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
In another carriage, Eunuch Duan learned this was Kan''er Vige and curiously observed the surroundings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
So this was where Senior Eunuch Yan grew up. It was indeed impressive, even the roadside drumming was pleasing to the ear, though the performers'' makeup left much to be desired.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
On horseback, Meng Shaoxia gazed at the unfamiliar ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He could hardly believe this was Kan''er Vige.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
It wasn''t like this when he hade before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The vige had few people then.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
It was very quiet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He hade to offer amnesty when he learned the rebel leader here was called Jiang Er.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He hadn''t connected this person with Little Yu''er at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
As he neared his hometown, emotions welled up. He wondered how she was doing now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The world was in such chaos.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Human life was as fragile as grass.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He dared not think about it. When he did, his heart ached terribly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He was not in control of his fate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Now he returned, but everything had changed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He had said he woulde with a proper marriage proposal, but here he was, still alone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
Little Yu''er''s home was so close. Perhaps she was standing under a tree right now, able to see him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Under a tree, Jiang Yu curiously peered towards the vige entrance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
There were so many people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Her younger sister was counting ants beside her, showing no interest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
She excitedly said to her great-aunt, "Grandma, they say that after epting amnesty, my father will be a high official in the imperial court. The government will provide for us, and we''ll never want for food or drink again, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Aunt Yin: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
That was how it seemed on the surface.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
But it was moreplicated than that.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Jiang Mianmian sat on a soft cushion and sighed, "After epting amnesty, there will be many more leaders to deal with. It''ll be more troublesome. But our father will be fine, he can surely handle it all."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Aunt Yin nodded, somehow understanding the concept of "leaders" - those who lead, guide, and manage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
She didn''t know how this little girl''s mind worked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Nor did she understand how the older girl''s mind worked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
One was too savvy, the other too naive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Both worried her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
When she learned the visitor was Heir Apparent Han, her heart skipped a beat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
She had specifically mentioned this person to her master.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Heir Apparent Han was spoiled beyond measure and had a very bad habit - he liked married women.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
His first wife had died of illness, probably from distress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
She had also warned Qin to avoid appearing before Heir Apparent Han if possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
Led by the county magistrate, Heir Apparent Han arrived at the county office. Without ceremony, hemandeered the courtyard behind the main building.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Former Magistrate Huang felt somewhat ufortable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He suddenly realized he had been foolish. Although Jiang Er had usurped his position as magistrate, he had still shown him respect.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
This Heir Apparent Han didn''t even treat him as a person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Despite this, Magistrate Huang still had to politely vacate the premises.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Magistrate Huang''s wife, upon hearing of Heir Apparent Han''s arrival, fled faster than a rabbit, hiding away early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
However, some concubines, hearing of the noble visitor, primped themselves up instead.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Magistrate Huang''s hat brim turned a deep shade of green.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Weary from the journey, Heir Apparent Han saw the few women in the magistrate''s rear courtyard primping and posing. How annoying - did they think he would be interested in such inferior goods?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Feeling slightly bored, Heir Apparent Han remembered he was supposed to visit the Jiang family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
He had someone send over a visiting card.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Since learning of Heir Apparent Han''s impending visit, the Jiang household had been in a flurry of preparations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
Except for the Buddha Hall which hadn''t been refurbished, Heir Apparent Han probably wouldn''t go there anyway.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
All other areas had been thoroughly cleaned and reorganized.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Apart from Jiang Rong who refused toe out, and Jiang Huaisheng whose face bore fresh injuries but whose spirits seemed improved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
Mother and Princess Huiyun were the closest of friends, like sisters. With the Princess''s son arriving in Ming County, their family would surely be able to turn their fortunes around and leave this godforsaken ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
During this time, he had been tormented by his younger brother to the point of near madness. Now he was desperate to leave this wretched ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Even the usuallyposed Old Lady Jiang was visibly excited. Everyone could understand why - being tormented time and again by Jiang Changtian had driven them all to the brink of insanity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The visitor before them was not just a noble, but a savior who would deliver them from their misery.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Jiang Wan summoned her energy to entertain the distinguished guest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
She recalled thest time they had visitors - those two young gentlemen from the capital. How times had changed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Madam Wu hadn''t seen her husband so spirited in a long time. Ever since his face was injured, he had seemed constantly mncholy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Later, when Shu Shu was born, he was happy, but his mood never truly lifted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
After that dark day, he appearedpletely defeated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Madam Wu hadn''t entered that quiet room and didn''t know what had happened, but Rong''er had been genuinely frightened out of his wits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Today, her husband had finally rallied. Though his face bore fresh injuries, his expression was cheerful, as if he had returned to his old self.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Madam Wu was overjoyed as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
If the family could return to the capital, they might find a renowned doctor to treat Rong''er, and perhaps he would return to normal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
With an important guesting to their home, she had tidied up a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
She had once been a famed beauty in the capital, childhood sweethearts with Jiang Huaisheng. They had married naturally, as a matter of course. But after only a few years of marital bliss, she had followed her husband into exile in this remote ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3
Thinking of the nobles in the capital filled her with wistfulness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Atst, their suffering seemed to being to an end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Madam Wu looked at herself in the mirror as shebed her hair. The bronze mirror reflected a young woman who had recently given birth, exuding a maternal gentleness. Her skin was fair, and her figure slightly plump, but in just the right way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Her clothes were from before she gave birth and had grown old, but under the circumstances, she couldn''t ask for more. Compared to the people outside, she was already quite fortunate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
She and her husband went to pay respects to his mother, finding that the older woman''s spirits had lifted as well. She had taken great care with her appearance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Seeing his mother like this brought a lump to Jiang Huaisheng''s throat. He remembered that she always dressed this way when his father was alive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Jiang Wan was also neatly groomed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Old Lady Jiang was in such a good mood that everything looked rosy to her. Even her hand didn''t seem to hurt anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
The only thing that still irked her was Madam Wu''s appearance. She spoke up, "With an honored guesting, you should at least change your clothes. Wearing that makes us look too impoverished."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Madam Wu''s face flushed with embarrassment at her mother-inw''s words. For the past half year, she had been pregnant and then giving birth. The new clothes she had were made during her pregnancy and were far toorge. After giving birth, she had been too busy to make new ones.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Hearing her grandmother''s words, Jiang Wan realized her own oversight and quickly said, "Grandmother, Mother still needs to hold little sister. The fabric of new clothes would be too stiff. Mother dressed this way to make it easier to hold the baby."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
Old Lady Jiang nodded at this, and in an unprecedented gesture, patted Madam Wu''s hand and said, "You''ve had it hard."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Madam Wu was taken aback by this show of affection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">2
Jiang Huaisheng was delighted to see his mother and wife getting along so harmoniously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Heir Apparent Han did indeed pay a personal visit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
His original intention was simply to look in andplete his task.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
But when he saw that woman cradling an infant, her fair fingers exposed as she lowered her head to coo at the baby nestled against her shapely bosom, when she smiled, revealing pearly white teeth, and lifted her oval face with its willow-leaf eyebrows and swan-like neck, when he took in her slightly plump figure - at that moment, he decided to stay for a meal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
"Sister-inw, what a beautiful child. Let me hold the baby," Heir Apparent Han said, reaching out to take the infant without concern for propriety. The back of his hand brushed against Madam Wu''s soft body.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
As he took the child, his other hand also happened to grasp Madam Wu''s hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Madam Wu felt startled and ufortable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Old Lady Jiang sat regally in the ce of honor, her eyes brimming with undisguised affection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Jiang Huaisheng and the Heir Apparent conversed with great enthusiasm. The Heir Apparent even called him "Elder Brother" and referred to Madam Wu as "Sister-inw."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">0
Jiang Wan busied herself preparing the meal and readying a ce for the honored guest to rest and change clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">1
...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="css-i073lf">3