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Chu Lingxuan slammed his fist on the table in anger, cursing, “Utterly despicable, devoid of conscience. How dare they falsely claim such military achievements! The assassination of the Prince of Wanguo incident was widely known, and I am aware that it laid the foundation for our final victory. It’s said that fifty brave soldiers went on that mission, and only three returned alive, even the Emperor commended them… This matter must be thoroughly investigated to provide an explanation to your uncle.”
Wang Cheng quickly interjected, “That incident happened so many years ago, it will be difficult to investigate now. General Chu, please don’t offend those who shouldn’t be offended for the sake of such petty individuals. General Zhao mentioned that the person behind this is extremely influential, and we can’t afford to provoke them. I’ve come this far, let it be.”
Chu Lingxuan reassured him, “No worries. My third uncle was also stationed at the border at that time. I’ll ask him to help investigate, and we will surely find out.”
Ignoring the issue of falsely claimed military achievements, Chen Feng continued to wipe away her tears, feeling immense empathy for Wang Cheng, who had faced numerous hardships and challenges throughout his life. She looked at Wang Cheng’s left hand, missing half a palm from the index finger down, with only a portion of his palm remaining along with his thumb, a small piece of the index finger. She also noticed his slightly crooked posture, which filled her with sorrow.
Wang Cheng smiled, comforting Chen Feng, “Feng, don’t be sad. Compared to those brothers who sacrificed their lives, your uncle is already content. Despite being disabled, I’m still able to work in the military, have military provisions, married a wife, and had children. Now that I have found you and sister, I feel that the heavens have been kind to me.” He wiped away his tears as he spoke.
Chen Feng inquired further, “I heard that Aunt’s health isn’t good. What happened?”
Wang Cheng sighed, “It’s my fault. When we got married, we had to pay a dowry to her family, buy land to build a house, and we faced several famines. My wife worked tirelessly day and night on embroidery, didn’t properly rest after childbirth, and fell ill. Her eyesight worsened, preventing her from embroidering for long periods. She also suffered from back pain and couldn’t walk long distances, sometimes needing to lean on walls to move…”
With Wang Cheng’s military pay of one or two taels per month, life in the countryside with a wife should have been manageable. Before their marriage, he had saved up over twenty taels, intending to save more to return to Xiaoli Village and learn about his origins from his foster family. However, upon meeting Mrs. Wu, he was impressed by her diligence and beauty, leading to their marriage…
Chen Feng inquired, “How much money is still owed to Aunt’s family?”
Wang Cheng replied, “The principal has been fully repaid, most of the interest of over twenty taels has also been paid back, leaving a balance of nine taels.”
Chen Feng stated, “Uncle, don’t let Aunt do embroidery anymore. I’ll cover that amount for you. Aunt’s family is truly heartless, squeezing out so much silver from her isn’t enough, they still demand interest, forcing their daughter to pay off debts despite her illness.”
Blushing, Wang Cheng responded, “Ah, it’s all because of my incompetence.”
Disapprovingly, Chu Lingxuan remarked, “How can you consider yourself useless? You are a hero of the Dachun Dynasty. Once we clarify everything, any debts owed to you will be settled.”
With the meal served, the three sat down to eat together.
After the meal, Chu Lingxuan left to inform the patriarch, planning to return to the countryside the next day. He also intended to discuss strategies with Marquis Chu and the other elders. While publicly old Marquis Chu was the head of the Chu family, privately Marquis Chu held true authority, and both the patriarch and the elders would follow his lead in important matters.
Left alone in the room, Chen Feng and Wang Cheng continued their conversation. Wang Cheng would be staying at the Chu residence for the night, and the next morning, Chen Feng would accompany him to Wang’s home in Jiuli Village. After making preparations, in a couple of days, Wang Cheng would return to the countryside with Chen Feng to reunite with Mrs. Wang.
In the middle of the night, Chen Feng, half-asleep, heard rustling sounds as Chu Lingxuan entered the room and lay down on the bed.
Chu Lingxuan kissed her and said, “Feng, you are my lucky star.”
This statement sobered Chen Feng up, and she opened her eyes, asking, “What do you mean? How have I brought you luck this time?”
With a low chuckle, Chu Lingxuan replied, “You brought your uncle to the Chu family — it’s like hitting the jackpot without any effort…”
Before he could continue, he leaned in to kiss her again.
Panicked, Chen Feng quickly stopped him, saying, “You are so impatient. What exactly is going on? Tell me, or I won’t let you kiss me.”
Chu Lingxuan chuckled, settled down, and said, “According to Third Uncle, three individuals returned from the assassination mission. Among them, the other two are fine, but the problematic one is likely Yang Qing. Third Uncle was puzzled as to how Yang Qing managed to personally participate in such a dangerous task of assassinating the Prince of Wanguo, succeed in the mission, and return safely. After discreet inquiries, it was confirmed that Yang Qing did take part and sustained severe injuries. Third Uncle realized he had underestimated him, turns out, he is quite a capable man.”
“Who is Yang Qing?” Chen Feng inquired.
“Yang Qing is a sharp blade for the Wang family. Due to his merits in the assassination of the Prince of Wanguo and with the help of the Wang family, he advanced smoothly in his career, eventually reaching the position of General in Shaanxi. The Wang family even married their daughter to him… In times of war, there are always those who falsely claim military achievements, mostly taking credit for fallen soldiers, but he climbed the ranks by stepping on the living, which is truly despicable. If this matter is swept under the rug, it remains hidden, but if exposed and proven, it’s a grave offense of deceiving the Emperor… If Yang Qing is implicated, the Second Prince’s faction will lose a valuable general.”
Concerned about the extensive power of those claiming false credit, Chen Feng couldn’t help but worry. She expressed, “Their influence is overwhelming, and after so many years, can the truth be uncovered? Those involved may have fabricated evidence, if exposed, they will be guilty of a serious crime. Will they speak the truth? Furthermore, could Yang Qing resort to eliminating witnesses?”
Chu Lingxuan responded, “It will be challenging to uncover the truth, but every action leaves a trace. Keeping your uncle here might be General Zhao’s way of protecting himself. General Zhao is shrewd, he likely possesses other evidence. With Third Uncle’s twenty years of experience in the western regions, a thorough investigation will yield results.”
After speaking, he leaned in to kiss Chen Feng.
Feeling slightly reassured by his words, Chen Feng’s mood lightened. However, she was put off by Chu Lingxuan’s strong alcohol scent and turned her face aside, teasingly scolding him, “My, how much have you had to drink?”
Chu Lingxuan laughed, “We’re all in a celebratory mood today – my father, Third Uncle, and myself. We’ve all had a little extra to drink.”
Pushing away his face as he leaned in again, Chen Feng playfully remarked, “Your alcohol breath is too strong, no more kissing.”
Chu Lingxuan playfully buried his head in her neck, laughing, “Alright, no more kissing then.”