lady, please calm down

Chapter 403 Family Happiness

April 16, morning.

It was late spring and early summer, under the morning sun, on the flat land, there was a river of tobacco, and the eyes were full of wind.

Ten miles out of Tokyo city, a team composed of thousands of soldiers with bright armor was winding its way south.

After singing the song "A Big River Has Wide Waves", the soldiers walking on their way home felt more homesick.

In this battle in Hebei, everyone in the Huaibei army gained something, some received rewards, and some received titles.

Taking the upper-level military officers as an example, Peng Er and Xiao Xin, who were stationed on Hebei Road after the peace talks, were promoted to chief and deputy commanders of Hebei Road respectively.

Peng Er was granted the title of General Dingyuan of the fifth rank and was awarded the title of Founding Prince of the Kingdom; Xiao Xin was granted the rank of General Ningyuan of the fifth rank and was awarded the title of Founding Prince of the Kingdom.

Jiang Huaixiong was appointed to stay in Tokyo and lead the Beijing camp of the Tenth Army. He was granted the title of fifth-rank Ranger General and was awarded the title of Founding Man.

Liu Baishun was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Forbidden Army, leading the four armies of the Imperial Guard and responsible for defending the imperial city.

The eldest son of Yao, the commander of the first brigade, was awarded the title of guerrilla general and the founding son of the country.

Although the knights awarded to the above officers are all entry-level barons and viscounts, for them who were either working as farmers in Tongshan seven or eight years ago or were frustrated lower-level officers in the army, being knighted is already a big deal. A great event that brought glory to eighteen generations of ancestors.

The treatment of having a single page of genealogy is a fatal temptation for all aspiring Chinese men.

This time, there was no objection from the whole Qi State to the large-scale granting of titles. In today's Da Qi, all the officials in the court have either boarded the King of Chu's ship, or are working hard to get closer to the King of Chu.

Now that interests have been rebalanced, it would be of no benefit to anyone if the Jin Kingdom wreaked havoc on the Central Plains again.

Moreover, the great victory on Hebei Road gave them a glimpse of the possibility of Qi's unification of the world. If they had the choice, who wouldn't want to be a hero of the country who was in Lingyan Pavilion in the prosperous Tang Dynasty and was loved and respected by future generations day by day.

If it can be recorded in history with a positive image, who cares whether Daqi's surname will be Liu or Chen in the future.

This is the subtle psychological change of the officials after a victory.

At the end of the hour, after traveling twenty miles, the towering Tokyo had turned into a small black dot on the horizon.

The white-haired rat walking beside Chen Chu looked back for the last time, reached into his arms and took out a delicate and intricate gold hairpin with bamboo patterns inlaid with agate and East beads, and held it towards Chen Chu with both hands.

Chen Chu turned his head and looked at it, and couldn't help but wonder: "What's wrong? Bailu confiscated it?"

The white-haired rat smiled awkwardly and replied: "Well, the White Lady said that she has no preparations for getting married in this life and just wants to do more things for the princess."

Bai Maoshu has been pursuing Bai Lu for three or four years, but the latter always talks like this. Chen Chu is worried about Lao Bai. During these days, he is staying in Tokyo. In order to help Lao Bai, he specially asked Cai Hua to choose a suit. The elegant golden hairpin was given to the white-haired rat and asked him to give it to Bailu.

Unexpectedly, the result remained the same.

"How can you get back what Sanniang gave away? Just keep it for yourself. You may not have another chance in the future."

Chen Chu shook his head with a smile, and then said: "You also know about Bai Lu's past. You were murdered by Zhang Li and his gang back then, and you were a thief at that time. She is concerned about it, and it is understandable."

Hearing this, the white-haired rat couldn't help but darken his expression, and said guiltily: "If I hadn't met my boss in the early years, I would have lived in a haze for the rest of my life. Now that I recall the stupid things I did back then, I wish I could slap myself in the face." Bai Madam, I know that as long as she is not married, I will wait, hoping to make up for what happened in the past."

Chen Chu sighed and said with a wry smile: "Why bother? Although Lao Bai is a little older, if he wants to get married, why don't the girls from Caizhou and Tokyo just let him choose?"

This is not an exaggeration. Lao Bai is twenty-nine this year. He only has an old lady who came to Caizhou from Shandong Road a few years ago. He has no brothers or relatives.

But now he is the commander of the Chu King's personal army, not to mention the generous salary, but with this position, it is easy to find a girl with a good family background in Caizhou.

If he is willing to ask the King of Chu or the princess to come forward, it will not be difficult to marry a girl from the Xu and Ximen families among the five golden flowers.

Unexpectedly, Lao Bai, who is used to being slick, showed a shy smile, "My boss, I'm not afraid of your jokes. In the ninth year of Fuchang, there was a flood in Huaibei. On the day when I escorted the princess to visit the orphans and children in the Bureau, a handful of sunrises came from The water leaked from the eaves and splashed on the side of White Lady's face. She was distributing snacks to the children, speaking softly and softly, and smiling. "

Lao Bai rubbed his nose in embarrassment and said with a shy smile: "What a pretty smile. That day, I told Baoxi and Maotou that I would not marry anyone other than this girl in my life."

Chen Chu looked at Lao Bai, who was like a boy in love for the first time, and couldn't help but feel dumb. He was stunned for a long time before he laughed and said: "In that case, I arrange for you to serve under Jiang Dutong and stay in Tokyo, but you still refuse?"

Jiang Huaixiong commanded the Xiang Army's Beijing Camp. With Lao Bai's qualifications, if he agreed to stay, a full-time regimental commander would not leave.

Bai Lu is now responsible for the daily operations of Prince Chu's Mansion on Suimian Street and is based in Tokyo. Lao Bai stays, just enough to create more contact opportunities.

Unexpectedly, after Chen Chu mentioned the matter to him, Lao Bai refused without any hesitation.

Just listen to Lao Bai himself explaining: "Hey, my boss promoted me, and I, Lao Bai, will bear in mind the five talents. But I know how many pounds I have. I neither have the bravery of my brothers such as Peng, Zhou, Yao, nor General Xin." He is so bold and careful, daring to do things that others dare not do, and to fight battles that others dare not fight. I am just a little thief with some light skills, and I cannot be a general. I will be satisfied if I can stay by my employer's side and listen to his teachings for the rest of my life. .”

"Stop flattering." Chen Chu scolded with a smile, but then became serious, "From now on, you are not allowed to say that you are a thief! All officers and soldiers in our Huaibei Army are all good men who promise a lot of money and dare to die for the country!"

"Yes!" Lao Bai's eye sockets were hot, and he clasped his fists and frowned.

"My lord, sing a song!"

"haha okay."

Lao Bai received the order, clamped his legs around the horse's belly, and the horse accelerated forward, catching up to the eldest son who was leading the way, clasping his fists and saying something.

Then, soul singer Yao Changzi coughed twice, cleared his throat, and shouted: "The whole army is here. The young man is chivalrous, and he has made friends with the heroes of the five capitals. Get ready!"

"Young man is chivalrous and makes friends with heroes from all five cities. His liver and gallbladder are holed up and his hair is arrogant. During the conversation, life and death are the same."

Thousands of people roared in unison, like thunder on the ground.

Instantly awaken the silent countryside

The old farmer working in the field in the distance straightened up, holding a bamboo hat in his hand, and took a look from a distance. When he saw the king's flag with the word "Chu" in front of the team, a simple smile appeared on his face covered with deep wrinkles, "It's the King of Chu." After the victory in Hebei, the army returned home in triumph."

Several children beside them were not afraid when they heard that it was the army of the King of Chu. They all cheered and ran to the roadside, shouting "Good Luck" for the team from a close distance.

Seeing this, the farmers working in the fields were not worried. Instead, they shouted at the back of the child running away: "Younger, if you see the King of Chu, kowtow to your second uncle!"

The old farmer was illiterate, but since the year before last, the army of the King of Chu had often traveled on the road from Huaibei to Tokyo.

At first, they were accustomed to panic and hide when they saw the army, but as time went by, they found that the Huaibei army never disturbed the people, let alone went to the village to search for food, chickens and ducks.

Over time, they remembered this flag.

Not to mention, the food tax has suddenly dropped from 50% to 20% in recent years.

In fact, after careful calculation, in absolute terms, today's grain tax is higher than in the past. For example, in the past few years, they could get 130 to 40 kilograms of wheat grown in dry fields, and the 50% tax was 60 to 70 kilograms.

Now, after acquiring new wheat seeds in Huaibei and dredging the irrigation network, the 20% tax of an astonishing 500 jin per acre has to be paid in excess of 100 jin.

But they accepted this food willingly!

In addition, high-yielding crops such as potatoes and sweet potatoes can be replanted after the summer harvest. After a year, the family can not only make ends meet, but also have room to raise some chickens, ducks, pigs and sheep.

Compared with the past when people starved to death as soon as they arrived in Chunhuang Village, many people now feel that they are in heaven now that they can realize the simplest wish of "having enough to eat".

Chen Chu left Tokyo on April 16th. The journey that originally only took six or seven days ended up taking more than ten days.

This is because every time they go to a place, prefectures and counties at all levels organize organizations to reward the troops. Sometimes during the march, before they reach the planned stationing place for that day, local officials will "hijack the troops halfway".

Once Chen Chu wanted to leave on the grounds that the place was not the planned camp, white-headed elders would come forward and surround them, leading horses, kowtowing, and wiping tears.

No matter what, the army should be stationed there for one night to let the villagers express their feelings.

Among them, there were naturally some people who wanted to sincerely thank the King of Chu because Tian Gai had lived a good life, and there were also gentry who felt grateful to the King of Chu for restoring the glory of the Han family because of the great victory in the Battle of Hebei.

But it was absolutely indispensable that the officials at all levels were behind it. After the First World War in Hebei, the King of Chu not only gained the hope of thousands of soldiers and civilians in Qi Dynasty, but also in the court, he was extremely close to "one word and nine tripods" with the power of victory.

Moreover, the King of Chu is young. In the future, he will either be a super powerful official who has controlled the government for decades. If he is more courageous, it would not be unusual to replace Liu Qi, who has only one woman to support him.

When the situation was so clear, local officials naturally took advantage of the King of Chu's passing and hurried up to get acquainted with him.

Everyone thought so, so much so that later, prefecture and county officials traveled dozens of miles north to meet him in the next county to avoid being intercepted by the neighboring county.

The officials also caused some unpleasantness.

Seeing such a farce, Chen Chu did not stop it. It was not because he wanted to be in the limelight. In fact, Zhou Qi had suppressed the warriors too much in the past two hundred years, and Chen Chu wanted to take this opportunity to feel the glory of being supported and welcomed.

Going all the way south is sowing the seeds. Perhaps a few years from now, the children who have watched the triumphal army at this time may have a dream to join the army after seeing the soldiers being welcomed along the street.

On April 30, the army finally arrived in Caizhou.

Before going on vacation, it was a reward that everyone loved as usual, but then, Chen Chu had to devote himself to the most uncomfortable work: burying soldiers who died in battle, providing pensions to military families, and resettling disabled soldiers.

However, Maoer, who has more delicate emotions and a more friendly image, took the initiative to go to the homes of military families to express condolences.

The two of them were busy until mid-May when they had some free time.

On May 16, Chen Chu personally brought home two disabled veterans. One was Wang En, thirty-one years old, lame in one leg, and the former captain of the fifth regiment; the other was Weng Bingding, thirty-five years old. At the age of 18, his left arm was broken at the elbow. He was the former company commander of the 1st Guards Regiment.

Due to the existence of field medical centers, the survival rate of Huaibei soldiers after injuries has increased significantly.

During the First World War in Hebei, most of the hundreds of wounded soldiers treated by the medical center have returned to active duty after recovery. However, the disabled soldiers who were seriously injured could only retire from active service, demobilize and return to their hometowns.

Their destinations are roughly divided into two types. Those who want to continue working can either work as instructors in paramilitary organizations such as joint defense teams in various fields, villages and towns, or join the Huaibei Horse Infantry Army Officer School that is being built.

If you don't want to work, you can return to your hometown, whether it's farming or lying down. Anyway, the monthly disability allowance they pay is enough to support a family of three.

Wang En and Weng Bingding are in a special situation. Firstly, they are both over thirty years old, so they are a bit old. Secondly, they have no family members, and they are alone even if they return to their place of origin.

Both of them were among the first batch to join the Huaibei Army. They were used to spending time with brothers in the military camp day and night. When they heard that they were going to be demobilized and go home, they couldn't help but feel confused about the future and extremely depressed.

After Chen Chu heard about it, he specially brought them back today.

After entering the house, Chen Chu went to the stables in the front yard and smiled at Wang En: "Old Wang, you are a horse soldier. Although your legs and feet are inconvenient, the work of raising horses and driving carts should not be difficult for you."

Wang En nodded hurriedly and said: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I am not good at serving people, but I am very good at serving animals."

To show his affinity with animals, Wang En walked lamely to the side of the prince's horse, smoothed its fur, and praised: "Your Majesty, this Chi Yan Hao is indeed a divine horse!" "Chi Yan Hao!" ' is the stage name given to Xiaohong by the good guys in the army.

However, Xiao Hong, who was chewing black beans, was obviously not interested in Wang En's flattery. He raised his head and snorted, spraying saliva and snot all over Wang En's face.

Chen Chu couldn't help laughing and said: "Other than being a coward, I really have nothing wrong with this old guy."

"Huh~"

Wang En then wiped his face and defended Xiaohong: "My lord does not know, the divine horses are all sexually promiscuous. This shows that Chi Yanzhai is full of energy! This horse is just like a human being. Since ancient times, which emperors and generals have been Not lustful? Being lustful shows that you are capable and strong."

"Cough cough!"

Weng Bingding glanced at King Chu, and coughed quickly to interrupt Wang En, who was expressing his unique opinions.

Wang En did not understand Weng Bingding's kindness, but asked strangely: "Old man, what's wrong with you?"

Weng Bingding ignored this idiot, turned around and bowed slightly to Chen Chu, who looked slightly unnatural, and said: "Your Majesty, Old Wang and I know that you pity your subordinates, but we are both rough people. Your Majesty asked me to be a concierge and coachman." It's acceptable. But the front yard manager and his subordinates are already disabled, which may bring disgrace to the palace."

Before coming, Chen Chu had roughly told the two of them that he would like Wang En to be the coachman of the palace and Weng Bingding to be the front yard steward.

The palace will be neither short of coachmen nor stewards, and the two of them know that this is a way out that the prince has specially arranged for them.

However, Weng Bingding also worried that it would be embarrassing for him, a disabled person, to act on behalf of the palace.

Chen Chu frowned and said, "You are working in the palace, so don't think wildly. Anyone who dares to say that you are dishonorable will let him know that it is truly dishonorable."

After saying that, Chen Chu turned around and walked out of the side yard dedicated to feeding livestock, "Let's go, I'll show you where you live."

Weng Bingding and Wang En were a few steps behind. After walking out of the courtyard, the former suddenly whispered: "Old Wang, this is the prince's residence, not a military camp! Can you speak over your head in the future?"

"What's wrong with me?" Wang En touched his head, feeling a little aggrieved.

Weng Bingding glanced at Chen Chu's back and said angrily: "Just now, are you talking about the horse or the prince!"

"Of course I am."

Halfway through his words, Wang En got stuck.

'The divine horse is sexually promiscuous. Horses are the same as humans. Which emperor, general or minister is not lewd'

Oh my God!

When these words are put together, it seems like they are alluding to the prince!

After all, the prince has a bit of a reputation for being lecherous, and it's not just a day or two.

"It's over, it's over." Wang En suddenly broke out in sweat.

"The prince is broad-minded, and he is even more forgiving towards his brothers. He is not angry. But from now on, when we work in the prince's palace, we will not dare to say such shameless words again!"

Weng Bingding said a few more words of comfort.

Although the two of them entered the second outer house after Chen Chu, they turned into the second courtyard on the east side.

This place was originally the residence of the family's personal guards.

Including Yang Erlang and Xiao Yi, they also live here.

"stand at attention!"

Seeing Chen Chu's sudden visit, Xiao Yi, who seemed to be cleaning, shouted loudly. Erlang and the other guards turned their heads to look, and quickly straightened their legs and stood still.

"At home, be casual."

Chen Chu said casually, without stopping, he walked to the two rooms that had just been cleaned up and looked around. He turned back and said, "Old Wang, old man, you two will live here from now on."

Before they joined the army, they were poor and relied on doing long-term labor for a living.

After joining the army, he slept in the barracks with fellow soldiers all year round. Did he ever have his own room?

At this time, I saw that the windows in the house were bright and clean, and there were beds and cabinets. All I had to do was buy bedding, and it would be a cozy little nest. I could also be with Erlang Xiaoyi and the Huaibei Paoze group day and night.

The recent depression due to the impending demobilization has instantly transformed into expectations for a new life in the future.

Wang and Weng looked at each other and grinned.

At this moment, I suddenly heard another wave of chaotic greetings in the courtyard.

"I've met the princess."

"Say hello to sister-in-law."

Before the two of them could go out, Mao'er had already led Han Lu and several maids in. The maids were carrying brand-new mattresses, quilts, and even washbasins and face towels.

The two rough old men had never been cared for so carefully. They couldn't help but rush. They wanted to step forward to take these things, but they were afraid of disturbing the royal family.

He wanted to kneel down to thank him, but was grabbed by Chen Chu. He just said, "We don't like to kneel down."

Mao'er asked the maid to put the bedding on the bed, then smiled at the two of them and said: "You two are my husband's subordinates on the battlefield, but after taking off your military uniforms and entering the house, you are the brothers of our couple. We will all be a family from now on, but we can’t do this anymore.”

Wang Enruo and Wang Enruo suddenly felt sore in their noses for some unknown reason. Wang En lowered his head and muttered: "From now on, the affairs of the palace will be the affairs of our brothers. The princess only has errands to do. If I, Wang Enruo, frown, I am the son of a little mother!" "

It's late afternoon.

The sun shines through the green treetops, casting a mottled light and shadow on the tree-lined avenue of the palace's back house.

Han Lu walked behind, looking at the backs of the King of Chu and the princess, and couldn't help but secretly smile. Of these two, one was a powerful minister, and the other was a princess who was well-known in Huaibei.

While walking, they actually held hands and swayed, even more disgusting than the lovers in love.

At the front, Chen Chu said in a pretendingly jealous tone: "Wang En and Weng Bingding and I fought side by side in Hebei, but it's not as good as yours to give you something and say a few words. My kitten really knows how to win over people."

"What did the officials say? Since the two of them have entered our home, Mao'er will of course treat them as family members. The palace is so big and there are so many people. Only when Mao'er treats people sincerely will everyone treat the palace as their own home."

Mao'er explained seriously, his voice as soft and gentle as ever.

Chen Chu turned to look at Mao'er, used both hands to knead Mao'er's face into various shapes, and joked at the same time: "She looks more like a princess, not as cute as before!"

Mao'er slapped Chen Chu's hand away, raised her face a little unhappy, and muttered: "I can't compare to Yu Nong, I can't be as clever as A Yu, I can't be as young as A Yu, I can't be as good as Sister Hua'er."

Mao'er paused, and Chen Chu asked: "Why can't you compare to Hua'er?"

Mao'er looked back and found that Han Lu and the others were quite far away, so they probably couldn't hear what she was saying, so she whispered, "It's not as good as Sister Hua'er in bed~"

"Hahaha"

Chen Chu smiled, looked up at the sky, and said, "It's getting dark."

Hearing this, Mao'er raised his head slightly and looked at Chen Chu, wrinkled his small nose, and made a strange expression, "Did my official lose his soul in the Imperial City of Tokyo? It's clear that the sky is bright and white, but he said it's dark?"

There is something in these words. Both of them know what "the imperial city has lost its soul" means.

But Chen Chu chuckled, bent down and squatted down, and when Mao'er was not prepared, he put her on his shoulders and trotted towards Hanchundang.

"Ah! Officer, what are you doing! Put me down quickly, someone is here!"

The cat was startled and hit Chen Chu on the back a few times. It was afternoon. In the garden of the back house, not only the maids and women passed by from time to time, but also Caihua and Ayu. far away.

How embarrassing to be seen!

But Chen Chu refused to stop and said to himself: "Madam, it's getting dark, it's time to go to bed."

"."

Even if they are an old married couple, there are so many people in the back house. They are promoting prostitution in the daytime and spreading the word. How can the Shuhui and decent princess still be a good person!

"Officer, don't mess around! Let me down quickly."

"Haha, no."

The movement here finally attracted the attention of people in the distance.

In a corner of the garden, Yunong was playing chess with Ayu. Yunong had a dispute with Ayu because he regretted playing for the Nth time.

Next to her, Cai Hua was holding Ji'er on the swing. When she was swinging high, Ji'er laughed happily. Cai Hua seemed to be addicted. She no longer looked cold and lazy for the time being. To please Ji'er, a smile appeared on her tired forehead. Sweat broke out.

"It's my turn, aunt, it's my turn. Auntie will take me to play."

Rao'er, the eldest daughter of the royal family and daughter of Yunong, stretched out her short arms, wanting Cai Hua to hold her and play for a while, tears welling up in her anxious eyes.

"Put me down quickly"

Mao'er's voice was so recognisable, its distant cry for help made the royal family members stand up and look over at the same time.

This is the palace!

Who dares to bully the princess?

But then, I saw that familiar figure, like a successful flower-picking thief, flying towards Hanchundang with the cat on his back, and then I realized that it was a couple playing around.

The three of them were caught off guard and stuffed with mouthfuls of dog food.

Ayu watched for a moment, then silently sat back in front of the chessboard.

However, Yu Nong was reluctant to look away. After a while, he said sadly: "Young master, what if I fall and knock my sister down?"

Cai Hua held Ji'er until she saw Chen Chu carrying Mao'er upstairs, then she looked away and said angrily: "It's broad daylight, don't be ashamed! You're not afraid of spoiling the child!"

(End of this chapter)