......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The tree branch snapped with a crack as Mianmian broke it off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Early morning in Jiangzhou, out for a spring outing - no, not quite a spring outing, it was winter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Not a snow excursion either, as there was no snow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Perhaps it could be called surveying the territory.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Uncle Gong was extremely fond of givingnd deeds as gifts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
With the newly acquirednd deed, Mianmian went out with Father and Elder Brother to familiarize themselves with the ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiangzhou was not far from the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A day''s journey on foot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Half a day if one moved quickly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiangzhou was and of fish and rice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Gong Qichi was very thoughtful, giving Mianmian and deed for the location of the Jiang Family Ancestral Home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He knew that although Brother Jiang deeply resented the Jiang family matriarch, he was still very dependent on and admired his father, Grand Preceptor Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If one were to say who Jiang Changtian''s every move resembled, those who had seen Grand Preceptor Jiang would realize that he was very much like him. Their faces might not look alike, but their mannerisms were extremely simr.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In his youth, Grand Preceptor Jiang was also known as a talented and handsome schr, with every gesture exuding the grace of an aristocratic family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The phrase "as bright as the wind and clear as the moon" seemed to be welded to Grand Preceptor Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Changtian was also striving to develop in this direction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Those who didn''t know him well would think he was as bright as the wind and clear as the moon, while those familiar with him thought he was crazy about the moon - wild during the day and even wilder at night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
After Grand Preceptor Jiang''s incident, the Jiang Family fell apart and was quickly divided up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
For arge family, without a strong authoritative figure at the top andcking robust strength of their own, it was basically impossible to hold on to everything and could only be eaten away piece by piece.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian looked at the vast fields before her, with houses, rivers, and trees - this was where the Jiang Family once lived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was a very peaceful ce, and one could see its prosperity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
So muchnd could support many people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But prosperity is like clouds and mist, dissipating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Gong Qichi didn''t immediately go to wee Jiang Changtian, but he had done the work of redeeming, buying back, and reiming the Jiang Family Ancestral Home and thend, painstakingly connecting it into oneplete piece.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Originally, the ancestral home''snd wasn''t this intact.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Now Mianmian, Father, Elder Brother, and Uncle Gong had climbed to the top of the mountain, where there was a four-story small pagoda.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
There was incense burning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
And green pine trees.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The view was extremely vast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When Uncle Gong pointed to a whole area below the mountain, saying this was the range covered by thend deed, Mianmian was so surprised that she broke off a pine branch.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was fortunate that Mom didn''te; if she had seen this expanse ofnd, she might have uprooted the entire pine tree.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
"This vige has one side bordering the river. I had arge port rebuilt there. With a boat, you can reach the Capital City very quickly by water."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"This area is just behind the mountain and can be used for military training."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"This area is rich in paddy fields,pletely self-sufficient, secluded, yet with convenient transportation."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Gong Qichi spoke with slight excitement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He didn''t know why Grand Preceptor Jiang had originally chosen such a ce for the ancestral home, but when he bought it back and connected it all, he discovered that this ce was perfect for training troops and staging a rebellion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It had both natural and geographical advantages.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Gong Qichi came to Jiangzhou intending to give Brother Jiang a gift.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He had always known that Brother Jiang had no ambition. Whenever Brother Jiang had free time, he would stay at home with his wife and children, rarely going out to socialize.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
To see a person''s ambition, one only needs to observe their words and actions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If he were truly ambitious, he would certainly beworking and socializing everywhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Brother Jiang wasn''t that kind of person; if he had time, he would definitely spend it with his family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
For such a person, dragging him into the vortex of the Capital City made Gong Qichi feel guilty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
With the Lord gone, the only person who could rece him, Gong Qichi felt, was none other than Brother Jiang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Because when the Lord had previously talked about Brother Jiang, he had also said that if the world were to fall into chaos, this man would be a true hero.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Gong Qichi knew himself; he had the talent to assist butcked the heart for decisive action.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He couldn''t aplish great things.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although Changtian had no ambition, he had ability.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This piece ofnd was his sincerity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He knew that while he and the Lord were out conquering everywhere,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Brother Jiang had been taking in refugees, the old, weak, sick, and disabled, building schools and libraries.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
From several years ago until now, those children had gradually grown up, and they were the Jiang family''s true foundation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Loyal and educated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Looking back, one would feel that Brother Jiang was truly remarkable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Anything, as long as you do it, as long as you start doing it, it''s never toote.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Even now, starting now, it''s not toote.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If you don''t do it, ten yearster, it will still be wasted time, twenty yearster, it will still be empty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was Gong Qichi''s biggest realization after seeing the people Brother Jiang led.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The subordinates Brother Jiang led all had a kind of sharpness, as well as a uniformity, absolute loyalty, and super strong execution ability.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Though the sparks were few, they could start a prairie fire.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Brother Jiang did things very steadily, step by step, steadily and surely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Changtian looked at the scene before him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In the distance were rolling rivers, stretching as far as the eye could see.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Nearby were fertile farnds, clusters of houses, and groves of trees.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was indeed a very good ce, with an excellent geographical location.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Easy to defend and difficult to attack.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Convenient transportation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
essible by both water andnd.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A natural base for rebellion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">4
No, no, no, he was now a legitimate official, he couldn''t think like that.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He only wanted his family to live peacefully and safely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If they were bullied, they would have the strength to resist, nothing more.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After viewing the new territory his brother Gong had given him, Jiang Changtian spoke: "Brother Yehang, this ce indeed suits my heart. It vaguely reminds me of my childhood memories. I remember that port used to be able to dock small boats. Father once took me boating, rowing himself. It feels like just yesterday. I truly like this ce very much, thank you for your thoughtfulness, elder brother. I can''t promise anything else, I can only say that whenever you need me, whatever I can do, I will do my best."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The group went down the mountain together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They encountered a shepherd boy on the way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The shepherd boy didn''t recognize the group of people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The old man with the shepherd boy didn''t recognize them either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But Jiang Changtian remembered that old man.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He too had once been a shepherd boy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Time had not been kind to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He had aged very quickly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Returning to the inn, the group set off for the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lord Jia came in a hurry to see them off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I''m sorry, I''m so sorry, Lord Jiang. Today Governor Lu suddenly fell seriously ill and needs to take a long leave. Many of his tasks have been transferred to me. I was originally idle, but now I''ve be busy too. I had nned to take you sightseeing for a few days."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"It''s alright, Jiangzhou is very close to the Capital City. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Changtian left Jiangzhou with his family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They were about to reach the Capital City, and the most nervous was Elder Sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although Jiang Yu was now undoubtedly a great merit to the Meng family, she had never met her inws and elders, so she was still somewhat anxious. Moreover, if they entered the capital, would she have to live in the Meng family''s house from now on? Suddenly she realized that she was married; before, while staying at her maiden home, she hadn''t felt like she was married.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, Great-aunt said she would apany her for a while, which made her feel a bit more at ease. As long as Great-aunt was there, it seemed like everything would be fine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her husband also said that she could return to her maiden home anytime, and that his mother often went back to her maiden home too. They wouldn''t have as many rules as the schr-official families.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Mianmian was also looking forward to it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They were finally reaching the imperial capital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Soon she would be able to see Zi Xiaochong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
And help the stargazer send him a letter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A letter that could have been sent long ago but wasn''t.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After all, it was the prosperous imperial capital, so there was some anticipation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She had left Jingzhou earlier than Miss Wu Yi''an, but arrivedter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Wu Yi''an had left her half a book, which she had given to her nephew to read, without memorizing it herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She didn''t know if her little nephew had memorized it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Uncle Gong hade to Jiangzhou specifically to acquirend for their family, and then return to the capital together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This was probably the sentiment of the ancients. Without real-timemunication, even letters were hard to receive on time, maybe just one or two letters a year.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z css-x61atf"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">3
Then, knowing you wereing, he would cross a city to wait for you.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Preparing gifts for you with all his heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Not worried about changes in people or things, just doing it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
At this time, people''s feelings seemed more sincere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
They traveled quickly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When they reached the Capital City, it was truly at the time of the evening glow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The city gates were majestic, with a red background.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Each soldier''s face was unclear, like a silhouette.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Because it was evening, there were fewer teams entering the city and more leaving, so they didn''t have to wait long.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Jiang Feng sat on horseback, looking at this city.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As a youth, he would wander the streets every day, listening to passing merchants boast about how grand the Capital City was. Just listening made him feel like he was gaining knowledge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Now, at the foot of the city gate, his heart was both excited and nervous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He had left Jingzhou, left that burial ground, ande to the Capital City to see new sights.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It was wonderful.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The young man dared to pursue his future now, because his whole family was with him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The young man had finally arrived in the Capital City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
......<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0