Chapter 43

The thirty-first day of the year.

The entire Ji family got up early in the morning to clean inside and outside the house. Then they cut window decorations, pasted couplets, and hung lanterns.

After a busy morning, they ate lunch, and Huang Manqing called Yuan Huiru over to help prepare the early evening meal.

They killed chickens, slaughtered fish, picked vegetables, and went in and out of the house. Some villagers had their reunion meal at midday, and as noon approached and passed, there were intermittent sounds of firecrackers.

Taoyu busied herself in the kitchen, and Huo Shu didn’t idle either; all the livestock slaughtering was left to him.

After the whole chicken was cooked in the soup pot, it had to be taken out for ancestral worship.

Ji Yangzong carried the chicken and meat, leading Huo Shu to worship the Kitchen God. When the dishes were almost ready, they had to set up a table with some light food and wine to invite the ancestors and elders to eat first.

After that, they cleared the table and prepared the evening meal.

Although they started preparing dinner early, by the time everything was ready, it was already dark.

The dishes were all laid out, piled high. The New Year’s Eve dinner not only had a variety of dishes but also larger portions than usual, symbolizing abundance for the coming year.

Ji Yangzong lit a string of long firecrackers in the yard, which crackled loudly for a long time. The red paper wrapped around the gunpowder exploded into fragments, like petals scattering in the sky.

“Look at how loud these firecrackers are—not a hint of hesitation. Next year will definitely be prosperous!” 

Ji Yangzong, hands behind his back, watched the firecrackers until the white smoke cleared. He raised his hand and said loudly, “Dinner is served!”

Huang Manqing invited Yuan Huiru, and Taoyu pulled Huo Shu’s hand, running towards the main room. “Hurry, hurry; it’s so cold; the food will get cold soon.”

After a few bites, Ji Yangzong brought out the wine, looked at Huo Shu, and said, “This year, I finally have someone to drink with. Come, come.”

New Year’s Eve is a joyful occasion, so Huang Manqing didn’t mind Ji Yangzong drinking. The New Year’s Eve dinner is meant to be long, with some drinking and chatting naturally extending the meal time.

Huo Shu did not refuse his father-in-law’s request, drinking wine while using one hand to peel shrimp for Taoyu.

By the end of the meal, Taoyu, with a round belly, had left the table. Only the two drinkers remained, and the dishes were reheated.

Taoyu, her mother, and Yuan Huiru set off some fireworks they had bought in town, also helping with digestion.

The sound of firecrackers in the village at night was much more frequent than during the day, signaling that everyone was having their New Year’s Eve dinner.

In the distance, in the direction of Tongzhou City, wealthy families set off large fireworks, which burst into beautiful flowers against the dim night sky.

Taoyu looked up, entranced, when she suddenly felt a warm hand on her back. She turned to see Huo Shu gazing into the distance. “Why did you come out? Where’s Dad?”

Huo Shu, smelling of alcohol, replied, “He said he was a bit tired and went to sleep for a while.”

Taoyu couldn’t help but laugh. “Did you drink Dad under the table?”

Huo Shu withdrew his gaze. “Should I have gone easier on him?”

Taoyu waved her hand at the suggestion: “No, otherwise he’d think he’s an unbeatable drinker and drag you into drinking every time, bragging about it.”

Huo Shu ruffled Taoyu’s hair and wrapped an arm around her. Together, they watched the continuous fireworks in the night breeze.

For the first time in years, Huo Shu had such a lively New Year. Although there were thousands of soldiers in the army, and they gathered around fires and roasted lamb, there was always a sense of desolation.

During festivals like this, soldiers felt especially homesick, which could never compare to the warmth of family reunions.

He hugged the person in his arms tighter, concluding that Jiangnan is wonderful.

“Ah, is it snowing?!”

Huang Manqing suddenly raised her hand and exclaimed.

“Indeed, look at those tiny snowflakes.”

Yuan Huiru noticed it too.

Afraid that the snow might make the roads slippery, Huo Shu first escorted Yuan Huiru home.

Taoyu and Huang Manqing then cleaned up the table full of dishes.

A wind started to blow, and the snow gradually changed from round particles to fine, uneven flurries.

Ji Yangzong, remembering to stay up for the night, dozed off for a while. When he woke up and came out, the snow had already become significant.

When Huo Shu returned, his hat was covered with a thin layer of snow.

As the snow began to fall, the air seemed to get even colder. Taoyu had intended to stay up late, but feeling stiff from the cold, she soaked her feet and then retreated to her room.

Huo Shu brought a charcoal brazier into the room, and Taoyu, taking advantage of her still warm hands and feet, climbed into bed early.

Judging by the snow, it was better to go to sleep early and get up early to see the snow-covered landscape in the morning rather than stay up late.

“Come quickly.”

Whether it was the actual cold or just the idea of snow making it feel colder, Taoyu found the bed much cooler than usual, shivering as her hands and feet touched the sheets.

Huo Shu got into bed as instructed.

Taoyu quickly burrowed into Huo Shu’s arms. “Sleep early; we have to visit the ancestors’ graves in the morning.”

Huo Shu responded, blowing out the candle by the bedside.

The room plunged into darkness, but outside, the firecrackers continued to explode loudly, their sounds echoing across the countryside.

The continuous crackling made it hard to settle down.

Huo Shu felt Taoyu wriggling in his arms and asked, “Can’t you sleep?”

Taoyu poked her head out from under the covers. “Can you sleep?”

Huo Shu closed his eyes. “Yes.”

Taoyu was incredulous. “You can sleep with all this noise?”

When Huo Shu didn’t respond for a while, Taoyu silently retreated back under the covers. “Fine, I was going to suggest we try something from the box we brought back if you couldn’t sleep.”

The small box they had brought back from the medical hall had already been thoroughly examined by Taoyu. It contained a few bottles of ointment with a faint scent and a smooth texture.

Additionally, there were a few jade rods of varying sizes, finely polished.

Taoyu hadn’t dared to think too deeply about their specific use. He had just brought the items home and tucked them away in a hidden corner, not having had the time to consider them due to the busy New Year preparations.

Huo Shu, hearing this, opened his eyes in the darkness.

“If you can’t sleep, we can try it.”

Taoyu squinted slightly. She knew it!

“But weren’t you tired? Better sleep, or you won’t get up in the morning.”

“No matter when I sleep, I’ll wake up.”

“Whether you sleep early or late, you won’t get up easily. There’s no difference.”

Taoyu pouted and pinched the only place she could on Huo Shu’s body. “Why are you so annoying?”

Huo Shu silently grabbed the mischievous hand on his chest. “Did I say anything wrong?”

Taoyu ignored his question, hearing Huo Shu ask, “Should I go get it?”

“Yes.”

Taoyu replied softly, then added, “Do you know how to use it?”

“The doctor explained it to me.”

Huo Shu got up to light the lamp and fetched the box.

Taoyu thought it made sense that the doctor had given instructions; no wonder it took so long that day.

Thinking of this, she blushed, curling up under the covers, leaving only her head peeking out to watch what Huo Shu would do.

Unexpectedly, he came over carrying the box, holding several jade rods of different thicknesses. “Which one?”

When the items were lying in the box, Taoyu hadn’t thought much of them. But now, seeing them in Huo Shu’s hand, they seemed to take on a different implication.

Her face grew hot, mixed with a strange excitement. “How would I know? Didn’t the doctor tell you?”

Huo Shu furrowed his brow slightly. The doctor had advised that we proceed gradually. Though all the jade rods were smaller than him, using any of them would follow the doctor’s instructions.

Considering Taoyu’s condition, he didn’t choose the largest one, instead picking a medium-sized rod and asking, “This one?”

Taoyu hastily agreed and hid under the covers.

With the curtains down, the flickering candlelight created a dim atmosphere.

The strange yet somewhat familiar sensation made Taoyu tense up. She instinctively gripped the edge of the blanket tightly.

Huo Shu held her waist, probing inch by inch. The ointment made it easier, and it was a significant improvement from before.

Though not prone to fantasy, Huo Shu couldn’t help but let his imagination run wild.

“Hiss, it’s so cold!”

Huo Shu was focused. “Where’s cold?”

Taoyu’s legs felt weak as she reached out to stop Huo Shu’s movements, and her eyes reddened. “Where else do you think?”

Huo Shu had no choice but to stop, wrapping Taoyu tightly in the blanket. The wind and snow outside had not ceased, and catching a cold during the New Year would be troublesome.

“Apart from being cold, does it hurt?”

Taoyu covered her face with the blanket, embarrassed to lie there naked in front of Huo Shu. “It’s manageable.”

“Then I’ll use a different one.”

Hearing this, Taoyu quickly lifted the blanket. “It’s too cold!”

The ointment was not only smooth but also had ingredients to reduce swelling, making it much colder than usual. Coupled with the cold jade rod, it was indeed very chilly.

Huo Shu said, “I’ll warm it up first.”

Taoyu hesitated but then coughed lightly and nodded.

Huo Shu wrapped the jade rod and tucked it under his arm to warm it, then laid back on the bed.

Taoyu clung to him, feeling too embarrassed to say anything more.

Huo Shu frowned in thought, wondering when he could proceed without the aid of tools.

Given the current progress, things were looking promising. With consistent practice, it wouldn’t be long before they could move forward.

Huo Shu checked the warmth of the jade rod. It was already warmer, and it would be less cold once the ointment was applied.

After a quarter of an hour, Huo Shu turned over. “Ready?”

However, the person next to him didn’t respond. Taoyu, snuggled up, had fallen asleep, her breathing steady. Huo Shu paused with the jade rod in hand.

“Didn’t you say you couldn’t sleep?”

Even in the dim light filtering through the bed curtains, Taoyu’s fair skin was visible. Being somewhat frail, even her eyebrows were light, and her hair was as soft as fine silk.

Huo Shu watched her for a while, noticing her lightly sniff and instinctively burrow closer to him, her feet slipping under his legs.

He placed the jade rod on the bedside table, wrapped his arms around the soft bundle in his embrace, and let the sound of fireworks outside fill the night.

The next day, Taoyu woke up to a brightly lit room. As expected, Huo Shu was already gone.

She called out tentatively but got no response.

Taoyu’s legs felt sore as she tried to get up, reminding herself that it was the first day of the New Year and she shouldn’t laze in bed.

She climbed to the edge of the bed to retrieve her clothes, but as soon as her leg emerged, she realized she was bare-legged and quickly tucked herself back under the blanket. 

Fortunately, her underwear was at the foot of the bed. She hurriedly put it on, not minding the cold.

She blushed, remembering the night before. The blanket had felt unusually snug against her skin, probably because she had slept naked.

She got up, intending to find her outer clothes, but when she emerged from the curtains, she first saw the jade rod on the bedside table.

The jade rod from last night was blatantly displayed in a conspicuous spot!

With a flushed face, Taoyu quickly put the rod back in the box, annoyed at Huo Shu for not cleaning up. He always left his clothes lying around, but this was different!

What if someone saw it? Clearly, Huo Shu didn’t have a sense of shame!

Huang Manqing was about to call Taoyu for dumplings when she saw her come out, looking upset.

“What’s got you in a bad mood so early?”

“Where’s Huo Shu?”

Taoyu asked angrily, determined to have a word with him.

“We have guests. He’s talking with your father.”

Huang Manqing explained, “Remember, your father talked to some families about joining Huo Shu for trade journeys?”

Taoyu’s anger subsided, replaced by curiosity. “On New Year’s Day?”

She wasn’t sure if the villagers would agree to join Huo Shu in the risky business of trading. Leaving their homes and families wasn’t a decision taken lightly.

“I’ll be right out.”

She hurried to her father’s study, where he was meeting the guests.

Peeking through the window, she saw five men inside, ranging in age from their twenties to about thirty years old.

“We came to wish Uncle Ji a happy New Year.”

The oldest man presented a basket of eggs, addressing Ji Yangzong warmly despite not being closely related.

The others also offered fruits and gifts, modest but appropriate for the New Year.

“Just come and sit; there is no need for gifts.”

Ji Yangzong, despite his words, didn’t refuse the gifts too politely, knowing that rejecting New Year gifts could be taken as a sign of disdain.

“Have some tea and fruit, everyone. Make yourselves comfortable. We’re all friends here; there’s no need to be formal.”

The eldest man said, “Visiting on the first day of the new year, with everyone busy visiting relatives and paying respects to ancestors, we feel a bit intrusive. But we’ve been thinking about what you mentioned before the New Year, about the opportunity to go out for trade. We wanted to settle our minds early on.”

“We wanted to know if it’s true that Brother Huo plans to lead a group to do business outside.”

“I wouldn’t joke about something this serious,” Ji Yangzong replied, glancing at Huo Shu sitting nearby. “My son-in-law plans to venture out for a couple of years and needs more hands to help. Given the current unstable times, it’s getting harder for everyone. If things continue like this, even the few acres of land we have might not be enough to live on.”

“You all are honest and reliable men. I’ve watched you over the years, and if you’re willing to take this chance, I’d be fully confident in you. However, going out isn’t as safe as staying in the village. The decision is entirely yours.”

The men were moved by his words. The increasing taxes over the years have made their lives increasingly difficult. Even though they worked hard on their land, their situation hadn’t improved.

The land was limited, and the produce was barely enough. In earlier years, when taxes were lower, they managed to get by. Now, with the government’s ever-increasing demands, even the best efforts have left them struggling.

Young men in their twenties couldn’t afford to marry because they couldn’t save enough for a dowry. Families had to send their daughters and sons to work as servants in wealthier households or marry them off as concubines to richer men.

This downward spiral was evident everywhere. A few years ago, families wouldn’t think of sending their children away for such lowly work, but now, survival takes precedence over pride.

Selling children was becoming common, and so was selling land, with many farmers becoming tenant farmers. The rich were acquiring more land easily.

Rumor had it that in the bandit-stricken Fan Village, many were selling their land, and the dowries for daughters and sons were significantly lower than elsewhere, as marrying them off was still better than sending them into servitude.

The men present had troubled family situations. After learning of a potential new path, they hurried over to discuss it.

“We don’t know what new taxes might come this year, but clinging to our small plots is already hard. If a disaster hits, even selling land won’t ensure we can eat. We are willing to take this chance and follow Brother Huo.”

“Huo Shu is a man from the front lines and Ji’s son-in-law. We trust him. We’ll follow his lead completely.”

Ji Yangzong didn’t say much more. The fact that they came indicated their willingness.

He turned to Huo Shu. “They’ll be following you. What do you think?”

Then, addressing the villagers, he said, “My son-in-law spent a long time in the army. He speaks directly, and if he offends, don’t take it to heart.”

Huo Shu wasn’t afraid to offend. He assessed the men—strong villagers in their prime, likely with no major health issues.

“From Tongzhou to Beiyu Prefecture, even with fast horses, it takes a month. With goods, it’s common to take two or three months. The journey isn’t safe; bandits are a real risk. You’ll have to be prepared for the worst.”

“I can’t promise everyone will return safely. Discuss this with your families. If you’re ready to risk your lives, come back on the fifteenth to sign and leave your mark.”

His stern words left the men silent. They had known the risks, but hearing them plainly from the leader sobbed them.

Ji Yangzong added, “Think it over. This isn’t compulsory. Make sure it’s your own decision.”

After seeing the men off, Ji Yangzong sighed in the snowy courtyard.

Huo Shu returned, intending to clear a path in the snow, and noticed Taoyu standing outside, looking distressed.

“It’s just the way of managing people. Don’t overthink it.”

Taoyu clenched her hands and nodded lightly.

Feeling conflicted, she reminded herself that she had supported Huo Shu’s venture. Backing out now would make things difficult for him.

“Let’s eat dumplings. I’m hungry. The snow outside is beautiful; we can enjoy it when we go to pay respects to the ancestors.”

Taoyu, trying to appear unaffected, pulled Huo Shu towards the house. “If we’re late, everyone will be out, and the snow won’t look as nice.”

“Alright.”

The first few days of the new year were filled with visits to relatives, and the Ji family’s far and near relatives came and went for seven days straight. With an abundance of delicious food and wine each day, Taoyu found herself gaining three pounds before the New Year celebrations had even ended.

On the twelfth day, Ge Liang brought five people to meet Huo Shu. Among them, two were younger, around their early twenties, while the other three were older, at least in their thirties, and bore the marks of years of farm labor, making them look older than their actual age.

Under Ge Liang’s instruction, regardless of their age or seniority, they all called Huo Shu “Brother Huo.”

“They’re all strong and can endure hardship,” Ge Liang assured. “I’ve carefully evaluated each one. There shouldn’t be any issues.”

Huo Shu asked, “Have they signed the agreement?”

Ge Liang nodded. “We followed your instructions. Initially, there were ten, but after hearing about the risks, only these six signed.”

Huo Shu nodded in understanding. Ge Liang, having grown up in the village, had an easier time finding people he trusted. Despite Ji Yangzong’s endorsement, villagers were more hesitant to follow someone new like Huo Shu.

“It’s good to screen out the hesitant ones early. It makes them easier to manage later.”

“Exactly,” Huo Shu agreed. “Since we’ll be traveling through tough terrain, they need some training.”

Ge Liang immediately grasped Huo Shu’s point. Transporting goods would attract unwanted attention, leading to potential confrontations. If the men weren’t adequately trained, they risked losing the cargo. Training them beforehand would ensure smoother operations.

However, the government prohibited the gathering of men and training them as private soldiers. Although their group of ten wasn’t large enough to raise suspicion, both Huo Shu and Ge Liang, as former soldiers, would inevitably employ military-style training, which could attract unwanted attention from the local garrison.

“We’ll have to be discreet,” Ge Liang agreed, understanding the need for caution given the nearby troops in Tongzhou.

“I’ve got it under control,” Huo Shu assured him. “Let’s see if we can add two more people to our group. Once we have enough, I’ll leave the training to you while I handle the procurement of goods.”

“Understood,” Ge Liang replied.