Chapter 003: The Naming of the General

Mr. Shen, a cultured man, is daily infuriated by his good-for-nothing, spendthrift younger brother, exclaiming in a fit of righteous anger: "Did we not agree to take turns? As a man, if you cannot hear, that is one thing, but why do you always go back on your word when you speak!"

The Xu family has inherited a small piece of land, and Xu Baihu is a military household. Life in the local area is considered quite good, and with a modest family fortune, they have employed a maid to handle tasks such as cooking and cleaning

His gaze fell upon the food box, and suddenly, Chang Geng noticed a long hair stuck to the handle of the food box. The hand that had originally reached out immediately retracted.

Chang Geng then took out the notes he had prepared early in the morning, showing them to Mr. Shen one by one. After Shen Yi finished reviewing and commenting on them, Chang Geng stuffed the page of paper into the stove to help start the fire

Not yet

The Shen brothers are usually quite disrespectful to one another; the younger brother does not show proper deference to the elder, and the elder indulges the younger to the point of losing all semblance of decorum. They argue from morning till night, yet their bond is very strong

The silent Sixteen suddenly spoke up to interrupt him: "Shen Yi."

He is actually ready to work—Master Sixteen is a rare talent that comes once in a hundred years, capable of handling affairs, an extraordinary occurrence, comparable to a flowering iron tree

The armor was sent by the city defense soldiers, and the soldiers returning from the expedition also have their own specialized maintenance unit for military armor known as the "Long-Arm Division". However, due to the overwhelming amount of armor in the military, they are often too busy to manage everything, so they also seek out civilian Long-Arm craftsmen to take on some of the lighter tasks.

Chang Geng smiled at her politely and said, "It's nothing, I happen to have some questions to ask Mr. Shen today, and I will be going to my adoptive father's place for dinner later."

This time, Master Sixteen heard it. He raised his long eyebrows and said to Mr. Shen, "Why don't you send the child less? Why don't you go yourself?"

Mr. Shen is rolling up his sleeves, busily oiling several disassembled steel armors in the yard

Shen Yixiao said: "Although rare, a few pieces occasionally circulate in the market, all claiming to be authentic. In any case, I cannot discern whether they are true or false"

Only that face has distinct contours

The character writing has improved quite a bit; you have put in a lot of effort recently," Mr. Shen said, "I see you are practicing the Changting Post by the stable marquis Gu Yun?

Mr. Shen, a well-read individual, has a peculiar hobby that is quite inexplicable. Not only does he enjoy tinkering with it in his spare time, but he also often resorts to this craft in a somewhat undignified manner to earn a little extra money.

Shen Yi had a high and prominent nose bridge. When he was not smiling, his profile appeared almost eerily indifferent. His eyelids twitched slightly, and he suddenly spoke: "Since the old marquis passed away, the Xuan Tie Camp has gained great merit and has alarmed the ruler, making it a target of jealousy. Moreover, the sycophants in the court are rampant..."

After speaking, he ultimately did not take the food box, but simply grabbed the books on the table and tucked them under his arm, then picked up the heavy sword hanging by the back door and exited.

Let me do it, Chang Geng is accustomed to it, "What rice are you putting out?"

In fact, being deaf can be quite convenient

Shen Shiliu resorted to his old tricks again, and once more he said, "I can't hear it." He then asked, "What is he barking about by himself?"

Chang Geng matured earlier than ordinary boys, standing tall among his peers. Although he had not yet fully developed, his height was already approaching that of his little guardian. With just a slight lift of his head, he could meet the gaze of the sixteen-year-old.

Sixteen drinks without showing it on the face, the complexion grows paler with each drink, and all emotions are concealed within the eyes, making them indistinct.

Mr. Shen may have resigned himself to the situation, no longer engaging in futile struggles. He grumbled as he washed his hands clean with soap pods, rushed into the kitchen, steamed some pastries, and began to tidy up the mess left by the sixteen.

Sixteen casually remarked: "Children should not always think about becoming heroes. What good is the fate of a hero? As long as you can eat your fill, dress warmly, and wake up without worries for the rest of your life, that is the best life. Even if it is a bit frugal and idle, it does not matter."

Sometimes, Chang Geng doubted whether his so-called "blindness" was also an act

While lounging idly nearby, Shi Liu suddenly turned his head, a strange expression flashing across his face

Next door, he can eat the leftover food from the bowl used by his adoptive father, but once he returns home, he will not touch anything that has been handled by Xiuniang.

In the end, it was Lord Sixteen who took the person away for close care

Chang Geng felt a sudden jolt in his heart. He lowered his voice and deliberately used a title he seldom employed: "Foster Father, what is the matter?"

It is fundamentally incomprehensible

It is made to look just like the real thing

The old cook was not surprised by his reply; the daily exchange of questions and answers between the mother and son had become a routine, lacking any novelty

Chang Geng was concentrating on copying the script when he paused at the sound of the words. Habitually, he replied, "No, she loves peace and quiet, so I won't disturb her. Please kindly tell my mother that her son is inquiring about her well-being."

Chang Geng's throat suddenly felt a bit dry, and he quickly composed himself with effort, saying with a blank expression: "Please, sir, do remain seated. There's no need to start playing tricks so early in the morning."

He said... as Chang Geng lowered his head, he unexpectedly met the teasing gaze of Sixteen. In an instant, the dream from the previous night flashed before his eyes, and he suddenly realized that he was not as indifferent as he had thought.

Chang Geng was taken aback: "Has Mr. Shen seen the characters written later by Lord Anding?"

He avoided the hand of sixteen and said perfunctorily: "Don't move around, be careful not to spill the hot porridge on yourself"

He said softly: "Don't talk nonsense"

When the sky began to brighten, the old cook from the Xu family slowly finished preparing breakfast and came to knock on the door of Chang Geng's study: "Young Master, Madam is asking if you will go to her room to eat"

Shen Shiliu picked up the wine jug from the stove, tilted his head back, and took a swig, smooth and flowing, precise and accurate

As he spoke, exhaling white vapor, he brought the dishes to the table. Chang Geng, being perceptive, stepped forward to assist. However, as he brushed past Shen Shiliu while carrying the porridge, he was unexpectedly grabbed by the shoulder by that frail figure.

Mr. Shen unconsciously stirred the spoon in the pot, yet his gaze seemed to drift far away. After a while, he slowly said: "An Ding, with the surname Hou and the given name Mingyun, styled Zixi, is the only son of the late Emperor's eldest princess and the old marquis. Orphaned at a young age, he was cherished by the current emperor and raised in the palace, also granted the title of nobility. Originally, he was a naturally privileged and idle person, yet he insisted on going to the Western Regions to eat sand. Whether he is a hero or not, I do not know; I fear his mind is not quite right."

Sixteen lazily stretched and half-heartedly waved at Chang Geng, instructing, "Son, go bring me the wine jug."

Chang Geng hurriedly followed him inside, only to see his adoptive father swaggering as he casually grabbed a handful of rice and tossed it into the pot. Then, with a splash, he scooped water to rinse the rice, causing water to splash everywhere and white waves to rise. Next, he condescended to extend two fingers, casually stirring in the water, then pulled them out and shook off the droplets, announcing: "Half done, Shen Yi, come over and take turns."

On this day, Shen Shiliu had not yet had the chance to get drunk, and his remaining conscience had finally not been soaked into mash. He smiled as he took Chang Geng's hand, using it for support to stand up, affectionately patted the back of the young man's head, and stumbled into the kitchen.

Shen Yiya tightened his jaw, realizing that Chang Geng was observing him. He forced himself to rein in his emotions and smiled, saying: "Consider it my slip of the tongue—however, isn't slandering the court just a casual topic for conversation over meals? I was merely speaking casually."

Shen Shiliu tilted his head slightly, his hearing just right, and slowly said: "Ah? What?"

Chang Geng : `` ... ... ''

The old cook often suspects that Chang Geng is not the biological child of Xiu Niang, yet just by appearance, the mother and son resemble each other greatly, indicating a blood relationship

Chang Geng rolled up the paper filled with characters and unreservedly stuffed it into the stove: "I have heard people say that the three great Xuan Iron Camps—Xuan Ying, Xuan Jia, and Xuan Qi—under the command of the old marquis, subdued the eighteen tribes of the Northern Barbarians. Later, under the command of the young marquis, they made the fierce bandits of the Western Regions bow their heads. I do not particularly admire his calligraphy; I simply want to know what the handwriting left by the hand that holds the three great Xuan Iron Camps looks like."

Chang Geng: "Hmm"

Chang Geng understood what she meant. When Xu Baihu returned, they would have to pretend to be a loving mother and son again, so he nodded and replied: "Understood"

When Shen Shiliu often pretends to be deaf and mute, it is rare for him to say a few words of human language, yet when he does speak, he immediately pours cold water on Chang Geng.

The term "long-armed craftsmen" refers to those who repair steel armor and lighters, individuals who spend their days dealing with these metallic objects. They can be considered skilled artisans; however, in the eyes of the common people, long-armed craftsmen are akin to dog catchers, foot repairers, and barbers, all of whom belong to the "lower echelons" of society. Although those in this profession do not worry about food and drink, it is not regarded as particularly honorable.

He is a half-deaf and half-blind disabled person, naturally lacking great ambitions and completely devoid of vigor. However, how can young people possibly accept such pessimistic talk of merely getting by?

Mr. Shen : `` ... ... ''

The two people by the stove looked towards him, while the sixteen-year-old was staring at a small cobweb on the door frame

The old cook's hair has turned white, and this long, black, soft hair certainly does not belong to her. Xu Baihu has not yet returned, and there are only three living people in the house, including the master and the servant. If it is not the cook's, then it must belong to Xiuniang.

Moreover, if she is not the biological mother, why would a delicate and weak woman like Xiuniang, who is lost in a foreign land and struggling for her own survival, continue to care for that child

Mr. Shen did not raise his head: "Duke Anding led troops at the age of fifteen, gaining fame in battle, and at seventeen took command, ordered to march westward. Passing by the ruins outside Xiliang City, he was moved by the ancient relics, reflecting on how the customs of the previous dynasty remained unchanged while the country had been in existence for a hundred years. He took up his brush and wrote the 'Ode to the Long Pavilion.' Initially, it was meant to be a casual piece, but unexpectedly, it was secretly preserved by the sycophants around him and inscribed on a stone tablet. To speak of it, Gu Yun's calligraphy was taught by the contemporary scholar Mo Sen, and indeed has its merits. However, when he wrote the Long Pavilion piece, he was still young and had achieved success early, which inevitably made him somewhat unaware of the greater world and not yet mature enough. Since you are practicing calligraphy, with so many ancient pieces available, why do you choose to copy the works of contemporary people?"

Sixteen actually had a pair of very typical peach blossom eyes, which could only be discerned when his gaze was unfocused and wandering. When his eyes were concentrated, it seemed as if there were a pair of mist-shrouded abysses within those pupils, making it difficult for one to see clearly, dark and deep.

Mr. Shen, with his hands covered in lighter fluid and sweat pouring down his back, said to Chang Geng: "Don't pay any attention to him, have you eaten yet?"

No one cared, Shen Yidao. After the Northern Expedition, the Xuantie Camp fell into a period of silence. Those who could leave did so, and those who died did so; the few old soldiers still in the army were mostly disheartened. Over the course of more than a decade, the elite troops of that year had long been replaced by a new generation. The equipment had not been updated for many years and had deteriorated significantly. It was not until a few years ago, when the Western Regions rebelled and the court found itself at a loss, that Duke Anding was appointed in a time of crisis to revive the Xuantie Camp. Rather than saying that Commander Gu took over the Xuantie Camp, it would be more accurate to say that he forged a new group of elite troops in the Western Regions. If you have the opportunity, you might as well learn from his current calligraphy.

He is inherently sensitive, perplexed by the situation, and deeply furrows his brow

It is quite strange that, logically speaking, Xu Baihu is merely a stepfather, while Chang Geng and Xiu Niang are the biological mother and son. However, this mother and son only share a table for meals during the few days Xu Baihu is at home, presenting a facade of filial piety and harmony. Once the male head of the household leaves, they become more estranged than strangers, ignoring each other completely. Even though they live in the same courtyard, Chang Geng does not use the main entrance; instead, he sneaks out through the side gate to run next door, and the mother and son may not see each other for ten days or half a month.

Mr. Shen wore an old long gown that had faded from washing, with the hem still stained with oil from armor. Around his neck hung a rather unfortunate apron—these two brothers were managing to get by together, with no woman in the house, each more outlandish than the other. It was unclear whether the apron had ever been washed since it was brought back, as its original color was long gone, and it looked quite out of place wrapped around him.

Even during the serious illness that nearly took his life last year, Xiuniang merely glanced at Chang Geng with indifference, showing no concern for whether her only son lived or died

Chang Geng sensed the awkward atmosphere and cleverly shifted the topic, asking: "So, during the ten years between the Northern Expedition and the Western Campaign, who was in charge of the Xuan Tie Camp?"

Chang Geng has a peculiar obsession with cleanliness—he only dislikes his own mother

Mr. Shen turned his head and shouted at the sixteen: "You have been waiting here to eat since early morning! Can't you do some work? Go fetch some rice and cook a few bowls of porridge!"

After a while, the old cook brought over a food box and said to Chang Geng, "Today, the master is likely to return to the city, and the lady has instructed the young master to come back early"

The old cook lady, aware of his peculiar temper, carefully removed the hair and, with a smiling face, said: "This is a hair that Madam accidentally dropped on it; no one has touched this dish since it came out of the pot, so rest assured"

Chang Geng had never heard Sixteen speak in such a blunt tone

Chang Geng felt a bit uncomfortable, as he sensed that he was being looked down upon. He thought to himself with irritation: "We are all just passing the days like you. In the future, who will support the family? Who will take care of your food and clothing? It is truly easy to speak when one is not in pain."

Meanwhile, Shen Shiliu, who had inadvertently entered the dreams of youth, was idly stretching his long legs while sitting on the threshold, leaning against the door frame as if his body had no bones. Beside him lay an empty medicine bowl—he had finished drinking but did not know to clean it.