Chapter 51 : My wife and I really have a tacit understanding.

The words of Cui Fangming left Cui Yunzhao deep in thought for a long time.

Later, she began to review the examination results of her family’s elders and found that, just as Fangming had said, once the spring exams included secondary subjects, the results were not as impressive.

Especially in current affairs and law, with the changing dynasties and emperors switching daily, the laws were frequently “updated,” making them difficult to memorize.

Even if they were memorized, tackling practical questions was even harder. For the children of prominent families, rote learning was not difficult; the challenge lay in analyzing real-world problems. Sometimes, they didn’t even know how to handle trivial neighborhood disputes.

After much contemplation, Cui Yunzhao concluded that they lacked experience and insight. As Fangming suggested, they needed to see the outside world.

She looked at Aunt San, who took a deep breath and relaxed.

“I’m not saying this to stir up trouble. I only mention it to you, Aunt, so you can discuss it with Uncle San.”

Aunt San hesitated “Jiao Jiao, what do you mean?”

Cui Yunzhao thought for a moment and said, “I’ve heard that the Zhu Huan Academy in Fulu is renowned, with teachers from all over. If Fangming is willing to go, he is likely to be admitted.”

“If he goes there, he can improve in secondary subjects and experience the local culture, which would greatly benefit his studies,” Cui Yunzhao paused and lowered her voice, “and perhaps we will also go to Fulu.”

That she could voice this idea suggested it was no longer a secret, but Aunt San still replied seriously, “I understand. You don’t need to say more.”

Cui Yunzhao smiled.

Her smile was always gentle, regardless of what she said, her expression remaining calm.

This was due to the consistent teachings of the Cui family.

Seeing her this way, Aunt San sighed “Jiao Jiao, you’re truly clever. It seems this marriage is the best fit for you.”

Cui Yunzhao was momentarily taken aback.

Aunt San laughed as well: “It turns out everyone thought you were sacrificing too much, but it seems that only with the Huo family can you live freely. I saw that the son-in-law is a good person who treats you well, and most importantly, he respects you.”

“Social standing is for others to judge, it’s your own life that matters. How well you live can be seen on your face.”

“I will consider what you’ve said carefully and will discuss it with your uncle. However, if your brother is going to Fulu, our whole family will go with him.”

“Will Lian’er go too?”

Cui Yunzhao looked at Cui Yunlang, who was gazing up at her, and smiled, “Lian’er, would you like to go?”

Though Cui Yunlang had only partially understood what her sister had said, being a member of the Cui family, even at a young age, she could analyze right from wrong.

After a moment’s thought, she said, “I’d like to go. Tingtang would probably want to go too, and if we can attend Zhu Huan Academy, I’m sure he would be happy.”

Her consideration was quite thorough.

Cui Yunzhao smiled again, gently ruffling her sister’s hair, feeling that she could never look at her enough.

“The Zhu Huan Academy also has a girls’ school, so you can attend and make more friends there.”

Cui Yunlang felt a bit nervous upon hearing this, but with Aunt San’s encouragement, she shyly smiled.

“Okay.”

Just then, Cui Yunting arrived, slightly late.

The last time she saw him, the young boy’s expression had been tense and serious. At his young age, he had already experienced oppression and bullying, and felt the pain of being unable to protect his sister, so he had tried hard to mature quickly.

However, after arriving at Tingyue Hall and under the guidance of Aunt San and Uncle San, he gradually relaxed.

This place was truly wonderful.

It felt more like a home than the exquisite and luxurious courtyard of their main residence.

A home that had vanished since their parents passed away.

Cui Yunting had heard from the servant early in the morning that his elder sister had come to see them, so he had run all the way back to Tingyue Hall, arriving with a sweaty brow.

He remembered the rules and stopped at the door, first greeting Aunt San before eagerly approaching Cui Yunzhao.

“Tinlang, you’re back?”

He looked up, his eyes, similar to Cui Yunzhao’s, shining with vitality.

That was the liveliness a young person should have.

“Yes, I’m back.”

Cui Yunzhao took a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead and said, “You have class in the afternoon, right? Let’s have lunch together first before you go.”

Cui Yunting’s eyes brightened even more.

However, he still felt the need to say, “If you don’t go back for dinner, will the people at brother-in-law’s house…?”

Cui Yunzhao laughed and tapped his forehead gently. “Worrying too much.”

“Brother-in-law mentioned earlier that I should eat in the East Courtyard and not go to the West Courtyard. No one will say anything if I’m not home for dinner.”

Only then did Cui Yunting breathe a sigh of relief.

He grinned and said, “Brother-in-law is great. Today in class, I heard Eighteen say that he won another battle.”

Cui Yunzhao nodded. “Yes, he won again.”

After the family chatted for a while, Uncle San arrived a bit late. Aunt San pulled him aside to change clothes, leaving the three sisters alone in the main room.

Cui Yunzhao asked about their living conditions and was reassured to see that Aunt San was indeed very attentive.

She didn’t explain further and told Cui Yunlang, “Just explain it to Tingtang later. If he has questions, he can ask your second sister.”

Cui Yunting didn’t know what had happened, but since his elder sister said so, he obediently nodded in agreement.

Cui Yunzhao then asked about the children’s studies. Hearing that they had both made progress and that Tingtang was receiving extra tutoring from Uncle San after dinner, she felt even more at ease.

“This is the kindness of Uncle San and Aunt San. You should remember to be filial to them in the future,” Cui Yunzhao said earnestly. “Now that our ties with the second branch are few, this Tingyue Hall can become your new family.”

“Sometimes, blood relations aren’t that important.”

Cui Yunting seemed thoughtful, while Cui Yunlang showed signs of happiness.

“Tinlang, can we not go back anymore?” Cui Yunlang asked softly. “I don’t want to go back.”

Cui Yunzhao patted her head and said, “In the future, I’ll let you live as you wish. Do whatever you want, alright?”

Cui Yunlang smiled shyly. “Thank you, Tinlang.”

Cui Yunzhao treasured her sister, whom she had nearly lost.

After talking for a while, Cui Fangming returned. The family sat together for a lively meal. Once Cui Yunzhao saw off those who were going to the clan school, she said her goodbyes.

When she got back home and was about to rest for a bit, people from the Military Affairs Office arrived.

The office handled military discipline, the distribution of pensions, and rewards. Because of this, soldiers who violated military law dared not cause trouble.

Two military officers came to the Huo family.

The leader looked to be in his thirties or forties, a burly man who had initially expected to meet LinXiu Gu but was surprised to find that he was handing over the spoils of war to Huo Jiulang’s new wife.

Seeing his surprise, Cui Yunzhao didn’t elaborate but kindly said, “From now on, I’ll handle family matters with my elder sister.”

The officer quickly nodded and smiled, “Lady Lin is fortunate, she just married and doesn’t have to worry about these trivial matters anymore.”

These military men were straightforward, saying whatever came to mind. In the Cui family, such remarks would have been interpreted in many ways.

Cui Yunzhao was already accustomed to their way of handling things, so she didn’t take it to heart and smiled in return. “Thank you both.”

She had specially asked Mother Xia to prepare tea and gifts. As she took the spoils list to read quickly, she asked Uncle Ping to tally them up.

The entire process was swift and efficient, with no delays at all.

In just a moment, everything was completed.

The leading officer couldn’t help but exclaim, “It’s still the daughters of wealthy families who are efficient. We don’t have to explain everything, and it goes quickly.”

Many military wives couldn’t read, so verifying the spoils and the list took a lot of time.

Mother Xia stepped forward, giving each of the officers a pouch with a smile, saying, “This way, you gentlemen can head back early. It’s cold and difficult to make the trip, so bring back some wine to enjoy.”

The two officers exchanged glances, and considering Huo Tan’s future promotion, they didn’t refuse.

Seeing Cui Yunzhao being so courteous, the younger officer leaned in and said quietly, “Ninth Lady, there are some things we shouldn’t discuss lightly, but we’ve heard some rumors.”

Cui Yunzhao was somewhat surprised.

She lowered her voice and replied, “Please, speak freely. I’ll listen and won’t let anyone else know except for my husband.”

The officer immediately showed an expression of understanding.

If it had been Lin Xiu Gu hosting them, or if Cui Yunzhao had been a more reserved noblewoman, he probably wouldn’t have spoken up.

The two officers exchanged glances, and the older one nodded to the younger.

The younger officer then said, “This time’s expedition to Wuping wasn’t originally about Huo Jiulang. He has enough military achievements this year, and Wuping was a minor event, so Deputy Commander Mu didn’t call on him.”

Cui Yunzhao was already aware of this.

The military officer lowered his voice and said, “However, by then the main army had already departed, and new military orders came from the Defense Commander’s office, urgently dispatching Jiulang to serve as the vanguard. The order was very pressing, and Jiulang was hurriedly sent to take up his position.”

Cui Yunzhao already knew about this but didn’t realize it came directly from the Defense Commander’s office.

As the officer spoke, he glanced at the sky and then quickly continued, “But at that time, General Lu was not at the Defense Commander’s office.”

Some things are valuable simply for being hinted at.

With that, the officer stopped elaborating, and Cui Yunzhao, being perceptive, didn’t press for more details.

Getting this information was a pleasant surprise.

Cui Yunzhao personally saw the two military officers off before returning home to rest.

After a whole day of running around, she was indeed a bit tired.

In the evening, Huo Tan returned home under the stars.

In the winter, it gets dark a bit late in Boling, and around the initial hour of the You time, the sky darkened.

Huo Tan stepped inside, stamping his feet at the door to shake off the dust.

Cui Yunzhao was reading in the room and came out to check on him upon hearing the noise.

Huo Tan was washing his face.

He was quite conscientious, he didn’t know what his old habits were, but now he always washed his hands and face and changed out of his outer robe as soon as he entered.

Cui Yunzhao handed him a towel.

Standing next to Huo Tan, she quietly watched him. Seemingly feeling her gaze, he wiped his face and suddenly turned to look at her.

Their eyes met, and Huo Tan couldn’t help but break into a bright smile.

He casually tossed the towel onto the rack, wrapped his arms around Cui Yunzhao’s waist, and pulled her into his embrace.

“Did you miss me, my lady?”

Cui Yunzhao lightly tapped his chest.

“What nonsense.”

Huo Tan grinned, lowered his head, and touched his forehead to hers, then said, “A day apart feels like three seasons. I really missed you.”

Such sweet talk came easily to him.

Cui Yunzhao had never realized he had this “talent.”

Ignoring him, she pushed lightly against his chest and asked, “Aren’t you hungry?”

That question stirred Huo Tan’s appetite.

“I’m hungry! Let’s eat!”

The evening meal was specially prepared by Cui Yunzhao, featuring a dish of sea cucumber braised with green onions that Huo Tan had praised before, along with a big pot of chicken stewed with mushrooms, fragrant and steaming, making one’s mouth water.

Huo Tan joined Cui Yunzhao for dinner.

“Did the Military Affairs Office come by today?”

Upon mentioning this, Cui Yunzhao glanced at the closed door before relaying what the military officer had said.

This surprised Huo Tan.

“The officers from the Military Affairs Office don’t command troops like we do; their positions are mostly honorary. They’re not like us who hold actual posts.”

“But their salaries are thirty percent higher than ours to compensate for the lack of spoils and military achievements, which makes them relatively safer.”

“Inspector Xun is known for his strictness, and his officers rarely engage in favoritism. I can’t believe they would discuss this matter with you.”

Cui Yunzhao was momentarily taken aback.

“I treated them well with good tea and water, and gave them gifts in return, so I thought it was because of my good attitude that the officer spoke.”

“Is it possible that it wasn’t the case?”

Huo Tan slightly furrowed his brows, but soon relaxed, returning to his meal with an ordinary expression.

He even picked up a piece of braised radish for Cui Yunzhao.

“Is Mother Xia handling the meals now? She’s worked hard; she’s getting older. I should discuss with your elder sister about hiring more help at home.”

Huo Tan made a seemingly unrelated comment, then added, “So it seems the Defense Commander’s office is not as solid as it appears.”

Cui Yunzhao looked up at him.

“Eat first, I’ll speak slowly,” Huo Tan said.

Huo Tan never hid military matters from Cui Yunzhao. One, he trusted her character, and two, he didn’t want to deceive her, which would create a barrier between them.

As a family, they didn’t need to speak in code.

Huo Tan thought for a moment and said, “Do you remember Feng Lang, Inspector Feng?”

Cui Yunzhao thought for a moment before saying, “He is currently the Deputy Commander of Cavalry at the Boling Military Camp, holding the same position as my father.”

“His superior is naturally Lu Jiming, who is the Commander of the Boling Camp, while his nominal title is the Defense Commander of Boling.”

The court employs a system of honorary titles, where nominal titles are generally used to reward court officials, while actual posts confer the authority that officials should possess.

In the past, an inspector was a powerful position, but by the Jingde era, inspectors could no longer become the top authority in the provincial government.

Cui Yunzhao pondered, “So you mean, Feng Lang and Lu Jiming aren’t on good terms?”

Huo Tan nodded.

“You should have met General Lu, when he first arrived in Boling, he hosted a banquet and invited the Cui family,” Huo Tan said. “You probably haven’t met Feng Lang.”

Cui Yunzhao had encountered Inspector Feng in her previous life but had never met him in this one, and even when she had, she didn’t have a strong impression of him.

It seemed he had no ties to the Huo family and wasn’t particularly close to Huo Tan.

“This time, Feng Lang is the main commander of the expedition. Since Li Fengnian at Wuping doesn’t have many troops and they are a ragtag group, after discussing with the other generals, Lu Jiming fully entrusted the operation to Feng Lang.”

Given Lu Jiming’s position, he didn’t even need to intervene against someone like Li Fengnian.

Huo Tan took a large mouthful of rice, swallowing it down before continuing, “Feng Lang is only two years younger than Lu Jiming. He joined Guo Ziqian’s ranks at the same time and became one of Guo Ziqian’s trusted generals.”

“But his luck isn’t as good as Lu Jiming’s. In several battles where they fought separately, Lu Jiming won more than he lost, while Feng Lang lost more often. However, the cost for Feng Lang was much greater, both his eldest son and second daughter died on the battlefield.”

Cui Yunzhao was a bit surprised. “His second daughter?”

Huo Tan nodded. “Feng Lang has a total of five children: two sons and three daughters, all from his legitimate wife. His wife is the eldest daughter of the former governor of Yulin and has accompanied her father into battle since childhood, truly a heroine.”

“After marrying Feng Lang, she also followed the army into battle, and all five of their children accompanied their parents to the front lines.”

Cui Yunzhao couldn’t help but admire, “That’s truly commendable.”

Huo Tan nodded. “Feng Lang’s wife is named Lu Xianhua. Due to her outstanding military achievements, she was also appointed as the Inspector of Qiyang, on equal footing with Feng Lang.”

Cui Yunzhao was a bit surprised but still asked, “But how come I’ve never heard of this Inspector Lu?”

Logically speaking, while female generals aren’t common, there are a few who are well-known in the world today.

It’s precisely because of the chaotic times that women have had opportunities to rise; once the first woman was granted an official title, it paved the way for others to follow, leading to an increasing number of female generals.

However, with wars breaking out frequently, it doesn’t matter whether they are men or women; once they step onto the battlefield, they risk their lives, and casualties are inevitable. As a result, over the years, only two female generals remain alive today.

Cui Yunzhao genuinely hadn’t heard of Lu Xianhua.

Huo Tan sighed.

“Because Lu Xianhua died in battle soon after Qiyang was pacified.”

“In that battle, Feng Lang and Lu Jiming served together as vanguard commanders, with Feng Lang on the right and Lu Jiming on the left, while Lu Xianhua commanded the central mobile unit, ready to provide reinforcements. When the left vanguard encountered the enemy and called for help, Lu Xianhua immediately led her troops to assist,” Huo Tan continued after taking a sip of hot soup. “The situation on Lu Jiming’s left was indeed dire, with the rebel Liu Changdai fiercely resisting, forcing the soldiers to use gunpowder as weapons. The battlefield was a sea of blood.”

Upon hearing this, Cui Yunzhao couldn’t help but furrow her brows.

“Lu Xianhua was incredibly brave. Seeing the situation, she didn’t hesitate and charged in with her troops. The outcome was predictable.”

“Lu Xianhua sacrificed herself for the country, while Lu Jiming, through sheer luck, survived and even managed to kill Liu Changdai, claiming the credit for the victory.”

The battlefield is ever-changing, and it’s hard to blame anyone. Feng Lang himself was an experienced general; how could he not understand?

“If that’s the case, Feng Lang’s character probably wouldn’t show it outwardly?”

Huo Tan nodded.

“Actually, Feng Lang’s right vanguard was also in a precarious position at that time. Liu Changdai had sent his cavalry to the right side, and they were fighting hard,” Huo Tan sighed again. “But Feng Lang was thinking about his wife and didn’t want her to be implicated, which is why he didn’t immediately call for reinforcements. By the time he realized he couldn’t hold on any longer, it was too late.”

“In that battle, Feng Lang lost both his wife and daughter.”

Huo Tan’s expression turned regretful as he spoke.

“The Feng family is full of loyalty and righteousness and deserves to be rewarded and honored by Guo Ziqian, but Feng Lang refused.”

Cui Yunzhao could imagine, “He must have been disheartened at that time?”

Huo Tan replied, “It wasn’t just disheartened; he suffered a tremendous blow and fell into despair. He lost his initial spirit.”

“He felt it was his fault for causing the deaths of his wife and daughter. If he had called for help earlier, perhaps the outcome would have been different.”

Cui Yunzhao felt a pang of sympathy upon hearing this.

Huo Tan noticed she had also set down her chopsticks and thought for a moment before saying, “At that time, Guo Ziqian wanted to promote Feng Lang to the position of regiment commander, but Feng Lang refused. Later, Guo Ziqian rewarded him generously, giving him over a hundred mu of land in Qiyang and Boling.”

“At that time, my father had just passed away, and I didn’t know what had happened to Feng Lang. When I joined the army and started my service, Feng Lang had just returned to the camp, but he was no longer the spirited man he once was.”

“I’ve heard people say that he told Guo Ziqian he felt he was a failure and didn’t want to lose the three remaining children. He wanted to live well, be a good father, and take care of the children his wife left behind, so he didn’t need any military achievements anymore; he just wanted his family to be safe and sound.”

“Later, when Boling was incorporated under Qiyang’s jurisdiction, Guo Ziqian initially wanted Feng Lang to take charge here, but Feng Lang refused. The position of defense commander was essentially given to Lu Jiming, while he remained as the inspector.”

Cui Yunzhao pondered, “It seems the relationship between him and Lu Jiming is not simple.”

Huo Tan nodded. “I’m not too clear on the details, but from today’s events, it’s evident that the defense command isn’t entirely unified.”

“We are all under the command of the defense officer. I’ve been promoted by him, but there are many talented young people in the camp. In this expedition to Wuping, besides Feng Lang, there’s also Lu Zixian. Even though Lu Jiming doesn’t like this son, he won’t let him waste away; this time is to help him gain military merit.”

Li Fengnian is such a fool, this battle is a sure win. Lu Zixian won’t be in danger and will earn a good reputation, adding a shine to his resume.

Cui Yunzhao remarked, “I can’t tell if he really dislikes him or if it’s just for show.”

That notion was quite interesting.

Huo Tan nodded thoughtfully and then said, “I won’t go, as I can’t overshadow Lu Zixian’s glory.”

Cui Yunzhao blinked and couldn’t help but smile. “You’re quite confident, aren’t you?”

Huo Tan raised an eyebrow, trying to lighten the atmosphere in the room. “Of course. If I went, the first merit would definitely be mine. So when Mu Fuzhi told me, I just said I wouldn’t go.”

“This small achievement isn’t worth having.”

Huo Tan spoke grandly, but Cui Yunzhao knew he was fully aware of the situation. He understood what Lu Jiming wanted and was prepared to give it to him.

In the previous life, Huo Tan indeed didn’t go to this battle. But this time, he did.

“Do you think Feng Lang was obstructing things, not wanting Lu Zixian to take the credit, which led to this situation?”

“Furthermore, the military orders were still issued from the defense command. If Lu Jiming wanted to investigate, it would be too late; he still needs to clear out the spies in the office and likely won’t want to trouble Feng Lang. He might even be afraid to do so.”

Huo Tan nodded, praising, “You’re truly insightful, my lady.”

Cui Yunzhao glanced at him, noticing his calm demeanor, showing no worry about Lu Jiming seeking revenge later, which made her smile again.

“When you went to discuss the resettlement of refugees with General Lu, it was to remedy this situation, wasn’t it?”

Huo Tan raised an eyebrow and burst out laughing.

Cui Yunzhao watched him laugh and couldn’t help but join in. “Even without my suggestion, you likely would have thought of a way to resettle the refugees. This time, you were used as a pawn by both of them, having taken the first merit, you’ve already offended Lu Jiming. So, you needed to offer him a merit to make him look good in front of Guo Ziqian.”

“Am I right, my lord?”

Huo Tan sighed, his face filled with satisfaction. “You and I truly share a special understanding.”