mtl008 Chapter 224: Three Years
Chapter 224: Three Years
Zong Yanli looked down at the little guy and inexplicably thought of her adopted son. She hadn't seen him for many years and didn't know what the child looked like now.
She was in a rare good temper. She squatted down and took the candied haws handed to her by Zong Yanyao. She crushed it a little, removed the sugar coating and put it into her son's mouth. Looking at the little smacking mouth, she showed a gentle smile.
Yang Shangyue walked out and saw this scene. She instinctively thought not to disturb them, so she stepped back silently.
“Don’t think that our Ali is extremely ferocious in killing enemies on the battlefield. In fact, he is gentle and easy-going towards others.” Zong Yanfeiyi was watching this scene with a smile. Seeing Zong Yanli maliciously breaking off a small piece of hawthorn fruit for Zong Yanyao to eat, the little baby’s facial features were almost wrinkled because of the sourness.
Zong Yanli laughed and broke off another piece of sugar coating. The scene was so heartwarming under the warm sunshine.
Yang Shangyue smiled, and said with a hint of regret: "A good boy like Ah Li is always alone, which is too lonely."
Zong Yanfei patted his wife on the shoulder and said, "He has the righteousness of his country in his heart. The one who accompanies him is not necessarily a lover, but a brother who shares life and death with him, and a counselor who knows him and understands him."
"In my opinion, A-Li has never been alone." Zong Yanfeiyi smiled and pointed at Wen Nian who was standing behind Zong Yanli, leaning against the door and watching him silently, and said, "Look, he has such a loyal general by his side, why is he lonely?"
"It is certainly desirable to have a beautiful lady by your side, but compared to conquering the world together, it is really insignificant."
Yang Shangyue didn't understand. She just listened to her husband's words full of longing and couldn't help but ask, "Why, is marrying me an injustice to you?"
Zong Yanfeiyi was shocked and quickly slid down to his knees to apologize.
On the other side, Zong Yanfeiyi coaxed Yang Shangyue for a long time, but was finally kicked out to post door couplets.
Zong Yanli got bored after playing for a while, so he gave the remaining candied haws to the wet nurse, washed his hands, and asked Fourth Aunt if she needed any help. Then he was assigned to catch chickens and slaughter sheep, and was very busy.
"Ali, come and see this dress. Do you like it?" Near the New Year's Eve, Fourth Aunt came to Zong Yanli's room with a new dress. She looked a little shy and said to her, "I asked your Fourth Uncle to find out your clothing size and habits, and cut a new dress for you."
"Since it's the New Year, how can we not get rid of the old and get the new?" Yang Shangyue smiled and handed the clothes over and said, "Take a look, do you like it?"
"Thank you, Fourth Aunt. I'm sorry for your trouble." Zong Yanli was very surprised. He reached out to take it and saw that the color of the dress was red and black.
Yang Shangyue smiled and said, "I know you don't like bright colors, so I just used red to embellish it a little."
Zong Yanli listened to her and secretly sighed at her aunt's thoughtfulness. He quickly thanked her and expressed his appreciation. Yang Shangyue was relieved and said, "I asked your uncle to send new clothes to Deputy General Wen as well. You don't have to worry."
Yang Shangyue had obviously learned about Wen Nian's life experience from Zong Yanfeiyi, and she couldn't help but feel a little pity for him.
Zong Yanli thanked her again, and after sending Yang Shangyue out, he lowered his eyes to look at the clothes on the table and couldn't help but smile. Then he went to fetch water to take a bath and put on brand new clothes. The clothes were cleverly made, and although they were red and black, most of them were black.
Only the collar and cuffs were painted red, and the embroidery on the robe was made of silk, with cloud-patterned white cranes that looked extremely noble.
Zong Yanli has a tall and straight figure and outstanding temperament. This dress makes her look even more handsome.
She smoothed the wrinkles on her clothes, put on her brocade boots, fastened her belt and then walked out of the guest room.
Wen Nian was about to knock on the door outside the guest room when he saw Zong Yanli coming out. The moment their eyes met, Wen Nian's eyes lit up, and he seemed to be stunned for a long while before he quickly lowered his head and said, "General."
Zong Yanli lowered his eyes and looked at Wen Nian's clothes. His robe was mainly navy blue, with blue sleeves and collar. There were tall green pines embroidered on the robe, which made him look a little sharper. Compared with Zong Yanli's slightly handsome appearance, his appearance was undoubtedly heroic.
"It suits you very well." Zong Yanli retracted his gaze and smiled at Wen Nian.
Wen Nian felt a little embarrassed, but Zong Yanli had already walked out of the guest room.
Zong Yanfeiyi sat down with the child in his arms. Everyone sat around the table to eat the New Year's Eve dinner. The servants in the courtyard also set up a table in the kitchen. The master was kind and did this every year, and the servants in the courtyard were very grateful.
There was a constant sound of firecrackers outside the yard. The little guy was scared and cried loudly, but after getting used to it, he started giggling and even found it interesting and fun.
This year passed in such peace and warmth.
Zong Yanli stood outside the yard holding a glass of wine, listening to a new round of firecrackers. He raised his hand slightly to toast the heaven and earth, and then poured the wine in the glass onto the ground, as if at this moment he was spending the New Year with countless brothers who died in battle and welcoming the new year.
From the age of fifteen to twenty-eight, a full thirteen years.
It took her thirteen years to barely unify the southern countries, and she has not yet set foot in the north. If she is given another thirteen years, will it be possible for her to unify the northern region?
Zong Yanli didn't know, but he didn't show any fear.
The southern countries are familiar to me after all, and the customs and cultures are pretty similar, but the northern countries are different.
The regional differences are too great, the water and soil are unique, and the countries do not know each other well. Entering the north is like entering a dangerous place, and you have to rely on yourself to explore and move forward.
In his previous life, Zong Yanli had suffered too much. It can almost be said that he used the lives of countless generals as a stepping stone. He fought bloody battles time and time again, and returned wounded time and time again. He paved a road to great victory with the flesh and blood of his soldiers.
Walking through the thousands of miles of the Northern Territory, leaving bloody footprints step by step.
She stood on the top of the mountain carrying the souls of so many heroes. Although she won, her heart was filled with scars and it was impossible to turn back.
"The Northland..." Zong Yanli stared into the distance, listening to the hustle and bustle around her ears. She would never give the Northland another chance to invade!
Wen Nian stood behind Zong Yanli, looking at her back, his eyes deep and full of affection, then suppressed. What she saw in her eyes was the whole world, and in his eyes there was only her.
After the New Year, Zong Yanfeiyi took his wife and children to visit relatives. Zong Yanli was reluctant to go with them, but was invited by the new governor of Shouxi County. Thinking that her fourth uncle now settled in Shouxi County, she would inevitably have to deal with him. She touched her new clothes and gladly accepted the invitation to go to the governor's mansion.
The new county magistrate Wei Kaiji is a capable person, otherwise he would not have been able to take over Shouxi County.
Zong Yanli only brought Wen Nian with him. When he entered the county governor's mansion, he was personally greeted by the county governor and a banquet was prepared to entertain him.
Wei Kaiji was a smart man. During the banquet, he only praised Zong Yanli for his bravery in killing the enemies and his strategic planning, and never mentioned any state affairs.
"I gained a lot from this visit to my old place." Zong Yanli sat at the table and said to Wei Kaiji with a smile: "Now Shouxi County is very prosperous under the jurisdiction of the county governor. No wonder my fourth uncle wants to stay here."
Wei Kaiji was a smart man. He immediately responded by saying that he had many contacts with General Feiyi. He also praised Zong Yan Feiyi's bravery and went on to praise the Zong Yan family for their admirable generals.
Zong Yanli smiled and talked about coming to his fourth uncle and aunt's home to celebrate the New Year at their invitation. His tone was full of respect for them.
Wei Kaiji immediately understood that Zong Yanli wanted him to pay more attention and not let her fourth uncle's family suffer any injustice!
After the banquet, Zong Yanli had no intention of staying any longer. He thanked the county magistrate for his hospitality and left.
"General Zong Yan is truly a man of character." Wei Kaiji slowly breathed a sigh of relief. None of the beauties and treasures that were kept in the program were used!
"Why don't you keep General Zong Yan for two more days, sir?" asked the attendant.
"Too much is as bad as too little. This is good enough." Wei Kaiji shook his head and said with a smile: "It is enough for us to have a good relationship with General Qian of Pingnan Camp."
Wei Kaiji ordered his men to clear away the banquet, and was thinking about finding an opportunity to give last year's gifts to Zong Yanfeiyi and Qian Zhixing.
As soon as Zong Yanli came out of the county magistrate's mansion, he met someone sent by Qian Zhixing, who said that he wanted to invite Zong Yanli to his home.
Zong Yanli naturally agreed, thinking that she had thought there would be no need for any socializing in Shouxi County, but she didn't expect there would be so many things to do. When she returned home, she heard from Zong Yanfeiyi that the Yang family wanted to host a banquet for her. Suddenly, her schedule was full!
Qian Zhixing is still a newlywed. His beloved wife's surname is Guo and her given name is Xueru. Although her name is elegant, her face is disfigured.
There was a terrible burn scar on her chin. She was introverted and petite, and she looked even smaller when she stood next to Qian Zhixing.
"General, this is my wife, A'ru." Qian Zhixing introduced her generously.
"Greetings, General." Guo Xueru's voice was so soft that Zong Yanli had to control the volume. He smiled and nodded, "Sister-in-law."
Guo Xueru may have felt that her appearance was damaged, so she just said hello and found an excuse to leave.
Qian Zhixing followed Guo Xueru's departing back, his eyes full of pity and helplessness, then turned around and invited Zong Yanli into the courtyard to talk.
This courtyard is similar to my fourth uncle's house, but it seems to be larger and the furnishings inside are more luxurious.
According to Qian Zhixing, Guo Xueru's family is in business. If it weren't for her damaged appearance, she would never have married a soldier like him. The daughter of a wealthy family, she didn't want to go into business and get into trouble. Her enemies set fire to their house. Others were fine, but the poor young girl in the family had her face burned.
"She has a kind heart." Qian Zhixing said that the first time he met her, he saw her giving alms to a beggar. Unexpectedly, the beggar wanted to rob her because she was a woman.
Qian Zhixing stepped in to rescue her, and the next time they met was when she was secretly lighting a lantern alone on the Lantern Festival.
Inexplicably, this little girl appeared in his sight, and they had not met for more than three years.
Qian Zhixing was a straightforward man and was rejected when he expressed his love to him. Later he found out that Guo Xueru felt that she was too ugly and not worthy of Qian Zhixing.
This boy was also stubborn. Not only did he try his best to coax her, but he also contacted the Guo family from top to bottom. This went on for another year, until Qian Zhixing was transferred to Pingnan Camp, when the clouds finally cleared and the moon appeared, and this marriage took place.
"My sister-in-law is kind and pure-hearted, more beautiful than any other beauty in the world." Zong Yanli said with great admiration.
Qian Zhixing was delighted to hear this and agreed with a laugh.
At first, Qian Zhixing told his wife that he wanted to invite Zong Yanli. Guo Xueru was very reluctant, thinking that her face might offend the nobleman. Qian Zhixing repeatedly said that the general was not that kind of person. After several persuasion, Guo Xueru finally agreed.
At first, outsiders said that Qian Zhixing was greedy for the Guo family's wealth. Perhaps the Guo family also thought so. Only after Qian Zhixing took over the Pingnan Camp, they valued his ability and agreed to the marriage.
There was no further discussion of the twists and turns, and Zong Yanli did not want to ask more questions.
Qian Zhixing invited Zong Yanli and Wen Nian to drink and chat. When they talked about the past, their faces were full of memories. They also asked about Bai Xiuyun, Meng Qi and others. Before they knew it, it was very late.
Zong Yanli had no intention of staying overnight and did not want to disturb the two of them, so he took Wen Nian by the hand and said goodbye, and went back in the night.
The next day, she attended a banquet at the Yang family and had another round of socializing. Zong Yanli had already wanted to return home, but Zong Yanfeiyi tried to persuade her to stay and told her that it would not be too late to leave after the Lantern Festival. Zong Yanli frankly said that it was not good to disturb her any longer and that there were many things to do in the army, so it would be better for her to go back early and deal with them sooner.
Zong Yanfeiyi couldn't try to keep her, so he could only let her go.
Zong Yanli came casually and left in a hurry without disturbing too many people. He accepted the travel expenses and dry food prepared by his fourth uncle and aunt, rode out of the city on his horse. When Qian Zhixing found out, Zong Yanli and Wen Nian had already left Shouxi County.
Qian Zhixing sighed, as if he had become accustomed to such brief reunions and quick separations.
"Trip him! Use your feet!" The military tent was as lively as ever. When Zong Yanli and Wen Nian came back, they saw soldiers gathered in a circle on the parade ground, and they looked like they were wrestling.
"Where is General Long?" Zong Yanli asked as he walked into the tent exhausted.
"Take people to patrol the border." Gao Feilin hurried in and began to report on what had happened during this period. In addition to military affairs, there were also New Year gifts bestowed by the palace.
While listening, Zong Yanli took off his heavy cotton coat, untied the cloth around his neck, and sat in the tent to warm his hands by the fire.
Monchi and Jie Hu were not in the tent. It was said that they went to a nearby town to have fun.
It was a rare occasion that Zong Yanli was not around, so they really let themselves go. Zong Yanli did not show any dissatisfaction when he heard this. Gao Feilin looked at him and breathed a sigh of relief. They really did not expect Zong Yanli to come back so soon.
Then Zong Yanli asked about Gongsun Pu's condition and learned that Xiao Tianhe had taken Gongsun Pu to the town and took Zhan Haoyue away with him.
As for Zhuang Chengbi, he invited Bai Xiuyun to accompany him home. Rumor has it that he was intending to find a marriage partner for Bai Xiuyun.
Zong Yanli raised his eyebrows. Although he was a little surprised, he didn't feel anything.
only……
Looking at the military affairs on the table, she didn't even have a helper. It was really hard for her...
Zong Yanli was so absorbed in handling military affairs that he didn't stop for a moment. Gao Feilin had long been accustomed to his general's desperate look. He skillfully arranged the meals and boiled hot water, waiting for Zong Yanli to finish so that they could eat.
"Huh, it's really comfortable in the army." Zong Yanli rubbed his wrist. He didn't have to deal with others, and he felt comfortable even though he was tired!
"General, would you like to have the food delivered?" Gao Feilin's voice sounded outside the tent at the right time.
"Bring it in." After she said that, she felt hungry. She immediately called Gao Feilin in and ate two bowls of noodles in succession before she felt full.