Chapter 1481: Chapter 1481: Tujia Village
Zhou Changli flipped through the list of silver compensations given by the Ministry of Revenue. He had been traveling for seven days, always rushing on the road. His plan was to first visit the farthest places on the list and slowly make his way back.
Ming Hui’s face turned pale. It was his first time traveling far, and they were moving quickly without much rest. His father took his first mission very seriously, and let alone proper meals and accommodations, Ming Hui felt like he was falling apart.
Ming Hui cried out in pain, his rear aching. "Dad, when will we get there?"
Zhou Changli felt heartache for his son. This child resembled his mother, and Zhou cherished him dearly. He raised his hand and gently touched Ming Hui’s little face, which had grown thinner. "We’ll arrive tonight."
Ming Hui’s eyes lit up. "We’re finally arriving!"
Chang Li closed the list. "Tujia Village, the farthest village on the Ministry of Revenue’s list. Tonight, we’ll rest in the village."
Compensation lists were compiled based on statistics from various provinces. Thanks to his father’s reforms in the Ministry of Revenue, their records were now incredibly detailed, saving Chang Li plenty of trouble. He only needed to discreetly inquire about matters.
Tujia Village was large, about twice the size of Zhou Family Village. From afar, it looked almost like a small town. He could even see a clan shrine and several imposing mansions in the distance.
Ming Hui marveled aloud. "The clan in Tujia Village is quite impressive."
Chang Li was more concerned about the fact that five people from Tujia Village had died in battle — three of them sharing the same surname. Though the village appeared peaceful and its residents seemed spirited, it was clear the clan enforced strict discipline. What intrigued him most were the children from the Bu and Tong families.
Disguised as merchants buying grain, Chang Li and his group infiltrated the village during a period of food shortage. Such merchants were abundant and wouldn’t raise suspicion.
Entering the village, they directly sought out the Lizheng of Tujia Village.
The Lizheng’s surname was Wang. The Wang family was the largest surname in Tujia Village. Upon learning the group’s purpose, the Lizheng smiled bitterly. "Since last winter, no fewer than five groups of merchants have come here. Our village no longer has any grain left for sale."
Chang Li wasn’t surprised. A village as vast as Tujia would surely attract merchants. "That’s truly unfortunate. We’ve been traveling for several days and would like to stay in the village to rest for two days. We’ll be troubling you."
As he spoke, a young servant handed over tea leaves and other gifts as thanks.
The Lizheng, having verified their household registration and travel permits as authentic, wasn’t suspicious. His gaze fell upon the gifts, and his smile became even more cordial. "You’ve braved the cold and winds to get here; you may rest for as long as you need. The houses in the village are available for use."
Chang Li exchanged a few more words before heading off to settle into the provided accommodations and rest.
In the capital, Zhulan’s thoughts lingered on news of her eldest son’s journey. "It’s been seven days since the eldest left, yet there’s not a single letter from him."
Zhou Shuren responded, "He’s focused on the road, probably finding little worth writing about."
"...That’s exactly something the eldest would do."
Zhou Shuren asked, "When are Jiang Sheng and his wife planning to set out?"
Zhulan replied, "I haven’t asked them yet."
"Ask them when they’ll depart and have Jiang Sheng visit once."
"Why do you want to see him?"
"I had his bitter experience presented to the Emperor. The Emperor liked it and suggested it could be promoted more widely. I asked him to create more artwork to send back."
Zhulan reflected, "Who would’ve thought Jiang Sheng had such a talent."
Zhou Shuren agreed, "Indeed, I never expected it."
Zhulan added, "I heard Ming Rui mention that tomorrow is his day off. He invited Liu Yuanbo and Yu Yueyang. Ming Rui, being someone highly vigilant, seems to have taken a liking to Yu Yueyang, the second son of Official Yu."
Zhou Shuren paused in stroking his beard. "Tomorrow, have Yu Yi secretly observe for a bit."
Zhulan thought of Yu Yueyang’s appearance and smiled. "I already have my suspicions."
Zhou Shuren smiled along. His stern-faced fourth daughter could frighten her younger sisters, and when his wife mentioned she liked the Liu family, she suggested they engage more with them. While others said Yu Yi should become the eldest daughter-in-law, Zhou Shuren believed Yu Yi was competent. Besides, wouldn’t a life lived with ease and comfort be better?
Being a housewife of the clan wasn’t easy—it meant leading by example in everything, which was far too exhausting.
The following day, the Zhou family residence had barely opened its gates when Liu Yuanbo arrived. Lady Gu shook her head helplessly at his enthusiasm. Fortunately, the engagement between the two families had been proactive; otherwise, it wouldn’t have been decorous.
Ming Rui was in the garden, directing preparations. Seeing Liu Yuanbo, he rolled his eyes internally. "You’re really eager."
Liu Yuanbo, thinking that eagerness was essential, replied, "I’m just seeing if there’s anything I can help with."
Ming Rui pointed to the busy maids and young servants. "No need."
Liu Yuanbo glanced around the garden, hoping to catch sight of Yu Die.
Ming Jung munched on a rice cake. "Stop looking. The sisters know that Ming Rui invited guests, so they won’t come to the garden."
Liu Yuanbo reached out and grabbed a rice cake, taking a big bite with a smile. "Tastes good."
Ming Jung was startled, "!!"
He had kindly shared news, only to have his rice cake snatched! Ming Jung tilted his head to look at Ming Jia for support. Ming Jia, lost in thought, missed his older brother Ming Hui. If Ming Hui had been home, he would’ve helped bully Liu Yuanbo in return.
Shangguan Liu and others gradually arrived. Yu Yueyang didn’t arrive too early or too late, yet he felt uneasy.
Ming Rui noticed. "Are you uncomfortable?"
Yu Yueyang, feeling even more awkward, replied, "No, I’m fine."
Ming Rui, seeing Yu Yueyang was truly fine, smiled cluelessly and stopped paying attention.
Yu Yueyang’s unease came from overhearing his father and elder brother’s talk. His elder brother had praised Zhou Family’s fourth daughter, suggesting that their father take action. He was utterly stunned, as he hadn’t paid much attention to Zhou Fourth Daughter before!
In the main courtyard, Zhulan heard the news and had Qing Xue summon Yu Yi. Without hiding the intent, she directly conveyed her thoughts. Despite her steady demeanor, Yu Yi’s face turned red. "Grandmother, I don’t need to peek secretly."
Zhulan asked, "Hmm?"
Yu Yi chuckled. "Those two deep dimples—I remember them vividly."
Zhulan couldn’t help but laugh. "That boy has a cheerful and open heart."
Yu Yi blinked. "Grandmother, I’ll take my leave."
Zhulan nodded. "Alright."
After her granddaughter left, Zhulan turned to Qing Xue. "This girl will definitely meet Young Master Yu today; do you believe it?"
Qing Xue laughed. "I believe it. Fourth Miss has her own ideas."
"The children in the family have a sense of propriety. I don’t worry about them."
Back in Tujia Village, Chang Li wandered the village with his son, dragging Ming Hui along. Ming Hui was practically being pulled forward.
Chang Li ground his teeth. "Look at yourself—what kind of manner is this? Walk properly."
Ming Hui yawned. "Dad, we’ve stopped rushing, but you’ve dragged me out at dawn to wander the village. I’m sleepy."
All he wanted was to sleep.
Chang Li twisted his son’s ear. "Your grandfather asked you to assist me."
"I’ve been giving you advice. Walking around the village in the morning is the best way to spot problems."
Chang Li was about to respond when he noticed a frail-looking child ahead carrying two bundles of firewood. He looked at the child, then at his own son—they were about the same age. Chang Li signaled his son to stand properly.
The boy walked with his head down, panting heavily with each step. He cautiously approached the entrance of a house, calling out that he had firewood. A woman emerged from the house, handing him half a cake. The firewood bundles were taken inside, and the boy ran off happily clutching the cake.
Ming Hui whispered to his father, "Dad, let’s follow him and take a look."
Chang Li responded, "Alright."