Chapter Six, Depei goes to enlist in the military

Without hope, she smiled faintly, adjusting the scarf on his head and said, "I naturally have great faith, but the military is not like home; the most important thing is to preserve one's own life, do you understand?"

Zhang said, "Jun Ge'er must be careful this time, he is sure to succeed in the imperial examination"

Liu Hong observed that her expression was clear and untroubled, as if she had no burdens weighing on her, so he inquired, "Has Young Master Pei mentioned anything to you during his two visits?"

A green oilcloth-covered cart was parked by the street, and the person on the cart asked, "Have you been inside?"

De Pei Dao said, "Since we have decided to leave, let us do so with a sense of decisiveness, without any hesitation like a woman!" He then added, "Mother, please do not promise my sister Chun Jun to anyone as a concubine; let us make plans after I return successful."

The young servant chuckled and said, "Auntie has also gone in. I really don't know how much fortune Miss Liu has, to make us gentlemen put in such great effort!"

Without hope, I sighed. Uncle's leg has just been reattached and should not be moved. The cart we bought together with Niu last time can still carry oil and grains, but it would be difficult to lie a person down. Looking at Zhang, it is not appropriate for an unmarried girl like her to worry about such matters. However, this aunt of mine has always been at a loss when faced with issues. At this moment, the county magistrate is still present, yet she is not attending to serious matters but is busy offering incense to our ancestors, which truly leaves one both amused and exasperated.

Without expecting it, Wu Wang left to greet his uncle and aunt to get into the car. Wen Jun stood there, feeling extremely frustrated. After a moment, he saw Wu Wang come out and bow to him, saying, "My uncle has difficulty walking and cannot get into the car. Could you lend a hand, please?"

Depai was overjoyed and ran out, grabbing Wuwang's hand, saying, "Sister Chun Jun, did you hear? Master Ji Er is going to take me away. I once told you that in the future, I would give you something even better than that Eastern Pearl, and I will never let you and my parents suffer even a bit more. Do you believe me?"

Pei Zhen tilted his head, the long silk ribbon dancing up and down in the morning breeze, and with a profound smile, he said, "With more experience, one will become capable. Have you not heard of the saying 'to love the house and its crow'?"

Without expecting a response, he bowed to the county magistrate and said, "I wonder if my uncle will be able to attend the court session tomorrow? His legs are still unable to move, and I fear he may not even be able to sit in a carriage. If the journey is bumpy, it could further injure his bones, and that would be quite troublesome"

Do not expect to suddenly find the sun obscured by dark clouds, how coincidental it is that Wen Jun is going to take the provincial examination again? How many times has it been? Failing every time, what is the point of continuing to take the exam? He truly lacks the qualities to be an official; it would be more beneficial for him to learn business from his uncle! Let him take the exam, but why must he make such a fuss about it? So eager to join the fray, no wonder he cannot even produce the answers for the three questions on the Four Books!

County magistrate, "No matter what, we must find a way; if the victim does not come to court, we cannot punish the criminal. In this case, we can only keep him in jail. The county magistrate has many official duties, and cases come one after another. If we cannot adjudicate this case now, it will have to be postponed. Eventually, it will come around, but I fear it may be delayed until autumn!"

Do not expect, "It is neither treason nor rebellion; Uncle might as well speak directly to that person. If it does not work out, then do not go."

The assistant did not understand and asked, "What does the master want Lord Ji, who is beside the King of Yan, to do with this young boy?"

Mu Wang was quite surprised; had this matter already become a secret known to the entire village? But why was it so far from the truth? She glared at him in anger, remaining silent.

Do not expect to laugh and say, "It would be better to go and donate for an official position, as it would save some effort."

The young servant outside replied, "Wang Dingru just brought him in with some people."

Pei Zhen jumped down from the car, shaking a fan, with a slight smile at the corner of his mouth, exuding an air of calmness. He murmured, "That Liu Depei should have followed Ji Gang on his journey by now..."

Wen Jun muttered to himself, "That is still better than marrying that fellow Zhang Cheng." His expression slightly twisted, and seeing Wu Wang still glaring at him, he hurriedly lowered his head

At a quarter past the hour of the rabbit, the horse belonging to the magistrate arrived, stopping in front of Liu Hong's door. Wen Jun leaped down from his prized Dawan horse and, upon seeing Wu Wang, smiled shyly. Wu Wang briefly wondered if he was seeing things through tear-stained eyes; in the past, it would have been impossible for him to feel embarrassed, but after not seeing each other for two years, Wen Jun had seemingly transformed into a different person. He had grown significantly taller, likely due to being cooped up at home all day, and his complexion had become fairer. Wearing a sky-blue shirt, he exuded a certain scholarly elegance.

At this moment, Depei walked in, wiping his sweat, with a patch of skin scraped off on his forehead, and blood was dripping down. Zhang was startled and quickly took a handkerchief to cover it for him, exclaiming, "Where have you been running wild! Did you get into a fight with Ruan Qiu again?"

Due to the heat, the curtains in the car were lifted. Wen Jun occasionally bent down to look inside the car. The people inside, having just seen off De Pei, all had long faces. He felt it was inappropriate to say anything, so they traveled in silence. After about five miles, Wu Wang leaned out and said, "Let's part ways here. You go to the examination hall, and we still need to head to the county."

In this village of steamed buns, for dozens of miles around, there are only impoverished families, and how many can afford a horse-drawn carriage? Apart from the Qi family, only the village head's family has one. She absolutely cannot go to the Qi family; who knows what sour words she would have to endure from Aunt Qi! The village head is indeed a good person, but his son, Wenjun, is quite difficult to deal with. Having not seen him for two years, he will surely drag her into a long-winded conversation about her family, which will give her a headache for half the night. After thinking it over, it is better to send Aunt to go; as a young woman, how can she openly go out to borrow things without inviting gossip behind her back!

Do not expect to laugh and say, "It is not the depths of winter, where does the false evil come from? It will not be a big deal if it only lasts for a while."

Liu Hongdao said, "I also plan this way. In the past, I heard that King Yan, Zhu Di, was good at recognizing and appointing talented individuals, so I believe he is not the kind of person who lacks understanding and reason."

Depei was indifferent and walked up to Liu Hong, saying, "Father, today a person came to the village, a relative of the Lin family. I heard he is a retainer of the Prince of Yan, very skilled in martial arts. He sparred a few times with some of the village children and told me he would teach me martial arts. He also asked if I would be willing to go with him to join the army. I didn't dare make a decision on my own, so I came back to hear your opinion."

Do not worry, "Will walking with us delay your scientific examination?"

The person in the car asked again, "Where is the girl?"

Wen Jun said, "I will certainly do my best, but both fame and fortune are predetermined by heaven; if I cannot succeed, then so be it"

The Liu family was overwhelmed with joy upon hearing the news. The Zhang family hurriedly lit candles and incense before the ancestral tablet, murmuring a few words, "Truly, our ancestors have manifested their divine power, capturing that wicked person. We can finally breathe a sigh of relief; after all the suffering we have endured, we deserve an explanation. Since Peige's father fell into the canal, he has been unable to sleep at night due to the pain, and he has lost quite a bit of weight. Tomorrow, when I see that robber, I will surely take a piece of his flesh to relieve the hatred in my heart"

One might maliciously think, what does it matter if one fails? Even if one does not fail, it is not guaranteed that one will be admitted. Wen Jun's luck in examinations is truly very poor

The next day at the hour of the rabbit, Depei left with Master Ji Er, and it goes without saying that the family was heartbroken.

Wen Jun hurriedly summoned a servant who ran over in a flurry, and together the crowd managed to lift Liu Hong onto the cart, setting off towards the county office.

Depei, with a serious expression, confidently stated, "He showed me the badge; it belongs to the Prince of Yan's residence"

"Is being a concubine still better? Do you think I am destined to be a concubine?" I really want to hit him on the head with a rolling pin! Wen Jun's words have always been unpleasing; although he means no harm, they are still quite unhelpful.

Zhang suddenly laughed again, "Are you perhaps waiting for your return to act as a matchmaker for her? Even if you achieve great success at eighteen, you will still need ten years' time. What will the situation be like in ten years? Chun Jun is already twenty-four; will she not have become an old maid?"

Depei soon brought the man back, and one could see that the burly man had a strong build and a full beard, striding with great vigor. Wuwang hurriedly stepped outside to prepare food and drink with his aunt. Through the wall, they could vaguely hear their conversation, which likely revolved around how, despite Depei's youth, he possessed exceptional talent, and how His Highness the Prince of Yan did not inquire about one's background. It was decided that he would take Depei away the next day. Zhang was weeping bitterly by the stove, and Wuwang felt reluctant as well, so he could only comfort her by saying that a good man should aspire to travel far and wide. In the end, he could not help but shed tears himself, thinking of how such a young child like Depei would leave his parents and sisters to seek a living in the military camp, not knowing how many hardships he would have to endure in the future. With the princes holding power in their respective territories, what would happen if there were to be a war!

Without expecting to be thanked repeatedly, they sent the officials out the door, sitting at the table in a daze, troubled by the matter of the carriages and horses

Liu Hong said, "I originally said the same, but who knew your aunt would not allow it, fearing it would invite malevolent energy."

Liu Hong's face was a mix of green and blue. As for the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, his character remains unknown; however, the Liu family had previously committed offenses before the emperor. After all these years, although life has been difficult, they have managed to live long. If they were to return to the imperial court, a great cauldron of corruption, it is uncertain whether the Prince of Yan would tolerate them. Should any mistake occur, it could lead to a bottomless abyss, putting their lives in jeopardy. It would be better to live as an ordinary citizen in Mantou Village. Thus, he said, "You are still young; what can you achieve by joining the army? It would be better to wait a few more years until you have grown taller before making such a decision." Should any mistake occur, it could lead to a bottomless abyss, putting their lives in jeopardy. It would be better to live as an ordinary citizen in Mantou Village. Thus, he said, "You are still young; what can you achieve by joining the army? It would be better to wait a few more years until you have grown taller before making such a decision."

Liu Hong shook his head and said, "Is there still a way out for us in this rebellion? Your father was originally in charge of the cavalry affairs of the border garrison, but he was punished for missing the allocation of horses and carts to attack the Yuan camp due to getting drunk on one occasion."

After resigning from Wen Jun, he traveled south for several dozen miles before finally arriving at the county. The horse-drawn carriage stopped at the entrance of the yamen. Without delay, the drums were beaten, and shortly thereafter, the county magistrate from yesterday led the chief clerk out and instructed the yamen runners to carry Liu Hong into the yamen.

Do not expect a calm demeanor, "I have not said anything, and it seems that I am also a person who observes propriety"

The thief who committed the crime in the open channel has been apprehended by the authorities. It is not entirely clear how he was caught, but it is said that he was caught red-handed while attempting to steal from another household. He also confessed to having forcibly taken money from a cloth shop's account in the open channel and pushed the victim down the embankment, the details of which remain unknown. Now, the county magistrate has come to seek out the victim in order to advocate for justice on his behalf, announcing that a court session will be held tomorrow, where the magistrate will make a ruling and restore justice to Liu Hong.

One would not expect that Depei, unlike other children, is much more mature and sensible. However, it was utterly unexpected that at such a young age, he would have such thoughts. This remark struck a chord, and upon looking at his uncle, it was evident that he showed a troubled expression, his heart filled with worries.

Wen Jun leaned closer and whispered, "Have you made a promise to someone?"

Zhang was extremely reluctant to part with his son, crying to the point of nearly choking. He tugged at Depei's sleeve and said, "Are you really leaving tomorrow? My son, could you speak to that Master Ji Er and see if it would be possible to postpone for another two days?"

De Pei joyfully went, yet she did not know whether her father was conscripted into the army or not. The exact nature of her father's crime from years ago was never discussed by her uncles and aunts. Now, she felt the need to inquire about it. The current emperor is known for his swift executions, and it is uncertain whether her father's actions were of a grave nature. If that were the case, it would not be impossible for De Pei to enter the residence of the Prince of Yan. Thus, she asked, "What was my father's crime that led to his execution? Was it treason?"

Liu Hong initially wanted to inquire further, but felt it was inappropriate to do so. Considering that his niece had always been aware of propriety and took her uncle and aunt's words to heart, he refrained from saying more and simply advised, "A good appearance is of little use, remember that."

Without expecting to understand the implications of his uncle's words, he nodded and said, "I understand."

After Zhang left, Wu Wang rolled up the curtains and the door curtain in his uncle's room, instantly brightening the space. He remarked, "Now that summer has arrived, my uncle has also been feeling the heat; it is essential to open the windows to avoid getting sick from the stuffiness"

Depay is a stubborn person. He was quite displeased after listening to his father's words and muttered, "We are a family that has committed offenses, and we cannot achieve fame through examinations. The only way to stand out is to join the army. Only by earning military merit in the future can we bring glory to our family. Then, my parents will have a good life, and others will not dare to call my sister a concubine. What is wrong with that?"

After the time it takes to burn two incense sticks, Zhang returned, appearing unperturbed. He sat down, took a sip of tea, and said, "It has all been agreed upon. Wen Lizheng has heard that the evildoers have been captured, and he is quite pleased. Coincidentally, his son Jun is to take the provincial examination tomorrow, so he will be joining us on our way."

De Pei Dao, "Rest assured, I naturally know how to preserve my life."

Wen Jun said, "We will only enter the venue at a quarter past the hour of the rabbit, and it is only five or six li to the village, so we will not be late."

Liu Hong pondered for a moment before saying, "You go and tell him, just say that father wishes to thank him, but unfortunately, my legs are not convenient, so please invite him to come to our home for a drink. I will investigate further before making any plans."

Depay also said, "In three months, I will turn nine years old. That person said to let me learn some martial arts from him first, and then he will teach me strategies and tactics. In the future, I will surely achieve great things. Isn't that better than farming in this Steamed Bun Village?"

"Then I cannot become a concubine!" Depei pouted and turned to go back to her room to pack her change of clothes

Zhang said, "Is there such a thing? Could it be a trick?"

Upon hearing these words, Zhang immediately wiped his hands and said, "I will go right away. Whether to borrow or not can be discussed later. If absolutely necessary, I will spread a quilt on the ox cart; it is certainly better than being carried away by others"