Chapter 004: The Accompanying Maid

However, raising bandits and preparing troops has been a favored practice throughout the ages. If the pirates had truly been eradicated, the Eastern Sea pacification army would have likely been disbanded long ago, and the Han family would not engage in such foolishness.

Han Mo chuckled and said, "I will write a few more for you later. Little sister, you truly have a lot of courage, not even afraid of stories like 'Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio.' My admiration for you is as boundless as the flowing river, unstoppable!"

Han Xuanchang coughed and said, "Eat, eat; there’s no need to talk so much while eating." His expression was rather unpleasant as he glared fiercely at Han Mo, then turned to Han Qin and said, "Qin'er, don’t look at those messy things. Have you finished reading the 'Sunu Classic' that your mother taught you? And what about knitting and embroidery? Have you learned all of that? There’s no time to waste on useless things."

Han Mo was filled with confusion and couldn't help but glance at Han Zhengqian, but he quickly nodded and said: "Grandson, I will remember this and will do my utmost to ensure her safety"

Madam Han, nearing forty, is exceptionally well-preserved, with smooth, fair skin and striking beauty that exudes an air of elegance and nobility. However, her eyes, reminiscent of the stars in the Han desert, carry a hint of mischief. A faint smile graces her face, with her lips curving playfully, giving her the appearance of a mischievous young girl

In that case, it would be better to agree, as it would be akin to stroking Han Zhengqian's tiger fur. As for that maid, wasn't it said that she is quite old? That doesn't matter; she must have already married, so there is no concern about her not being able to find a husband.

The accompanying maidservants in the State of Yan differ from those in the conventional sense. In this realm, the offspring of high-ranking officials and noble families are assigned a female maidservant upon reaching adulthood, whose purpose is to attend to the master during the night. For instance, if the master feels thirsty, hungry, or needs to relieve themselves at night, the accompanying maidservant is expected to serve them. Naturally, if the master wishes to engage in relations with the maidservant, although it is not openly sanctioned, it is nonetheless a common practice among the aristocracy.

Han Mo was seated next to Lady Bi, with books in hand

Indeed, indeed! Madam Han nodded repeatedly, looking at her son, and said with a smile: "Bi, my dear sister, I will take you to play together later."

Han Xuanchang was well aware that his wife had a mischievous and unruly nature since her girlhood. Even after marrying him, her temperament remained unchanged. Han Xuanchang treated her with great care and did not blame her for her stubbornness. Therefore, after nearly twenty years of marriage, his wife's character had not changed much; at times, she still resembled a naive and mischievous young girl. She claimed it was all in good fun, so he did not inquire further. Once the meal was served, they began to eat.

Is this master really looking for a maid for himself or for a sister? However, since Han Zhengqian has given such instructions, Han Mo naturally would not refute and respectfully said, "Grandson understands"

"If you are short-handed, just let me know, and I will provide you with a few obedient individuals." Han Zhengqian said with a faint smile

This maritime expedition, to put it nicely, is a maritime inspection aimed at deterring pirates; to put it less nicely, it involves a few warships meandering in the depths of the East China Sea for a while before returning. When reporting to the court, the official account states, "Pirates are rampant, and the garrison has gone to sea to combat them, delivering a heavy blow to the pirates' audacity. However, the bandits gather and become a plague, striving for an even fiercer crackdown on the pirates," and so forth. In reality, it is merely a means to request military funding from the court.

Han Xuandao is currently one of the esteemed ministers in the cabinet in Yanjing, and as the Minister of Revenue, he is fully capable of making proposals in the court and subsequently securing a sum of silver to strengthen the military.

Han Qin pouted her small lips, looking quite aggrieved

As a concubine, it was originally impossible to dine at the same table as the legitimate wife. However, Mrs. Han was inherently kind-hearted and usually got along very well with Concubine Bi, almost like sisters. Therefore, even during meals, Concubine Bi did not stand aside to serve as other concubines would, but instead sat at the table to eat together.

To the left of Han Xuanchang, there is a beautiful woman, approximately thirty-three or thirty-four years old, charming and alluring, with a voluptuous figure. Her pair of eyes resembles autumn waters, sparkling and bright. Beside her sits a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl, delicate and lovely, with eyes as clear as the beautiful woman's, pure as water.

Han Xuanchang had just turned 40, a prime age of vigor and strength. As an official in the Ministry of Revenue, although he was already in middle age, he possessed an exceptionally handsome appearance and a graceful demeanor, a true dragon among men

Madam Han shot a glance at Han Xuanchang and said, "Have you been upset by someone outside? Coming back to vent your anger on the child, weren't you also listening with great interest the day before yesterday?"

Han Xuanchang furrowed his brow and asked, "What sunglasses?"

Furthermore, after she moves in, do not allow any servants into your backyard, and do not disclose the existence of your maid. This matter must not be made public under any circumstances. If you notice any servant who is aware of this... you must report to me immediately, remember this well!

Aunt Bi said softly: "Mo'er has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood; this pair of sunglasses must be something extraordinary."

... ...

"My lord, our son has been clever since he was little, as you know." Madam Han said with interest, smiling, "A couple of days ago, he promised to make me something to shield my eyes, so I wouldn't be blinded when looking at the sun. He named it 'sunglasses.' Once it's done, I'll take you to play with it!"

These pirates have been rampant for nearly a hundred years. If the military strength of the Eastern Sea garrison had been fully committed to combating them, they would likely have been eradicated decades ago

Han Mo did not want to ruin a young girl because of himself, so he continuously refused, even going so far as to expel the maid that Madam Han had forcefully arranged for him. Later, the Han residence had no choice but to give up, but unexpectedly, the busy Han Zhengqian personally summoned him today for a matter that should have been handled by women, and had even arranged for personnel.

Han Xuanchang sighed, lowered his head to eat, and did not refute.

Aunt Bi hurriedly said: "Qin'er, hurry and eat. After you finish your meal, I will teach you embroidery."

Han Zhengqian revealed a rare smile on his face and said, "Xiao Wu, you are quite clever. However, I have a few instructions regarding this maid accompanying you, which you must absolutely not violate; otherwise, I will resort to family discipline"

Madam Han married Han Xuanchang at the age of 17. After two years of marriage, she had not given birth. Consequently, Han Xuanchang took Bi Yiniang as a concubine. However, within a few months of Bi Yiniang's arrival, Madam Han became pregnant with Han Mo. Bi Yiniang, who was brought in primarily to carry on the family line, did not conceive Han Qin until nearly two years later. This can be considered an extremely peculiar situation

Han Zhengqian nodded slightly and waved his hand to signal Han Mo to withdraw

Han Mo's dinner was enjoyed in the largest octagonal pavilion among them, where maidservants at the four corners carried lanterns, illuminating the pavilion brightly

is not

Madam Han glanced at Han Mo with a smile and softly asked, "Mo'er, is that pair of sunglasses you mentioned ready for me? Why haven't I seen you deliver them yet?"

Han Mo was taken aback, looking at Han Zhengqian with great confusion, truly unable to understand why such instructions were given

"Yes, Father!" Han Mo nodded in response

Han Mo wanted to clarify something, but he knew that if there were matters he was meant to know, even if he did not ask, Han Zhengqian would inform him. Conversely, for things he was not meant to know, no matter how much he questioned, he would not receive any answers.

Han Qin chuckled and said: "You keep talking nonsense; those fox spirits are good beings, what is there to be afraid of"

"My lord, that was just for fun. Why do you blame Mo'er?" Madam Han shot a glance at Han Xuanchang, then smiled at Han Mo, saying, "Mo'er, don't be afraid. Your mother is here to support you; your father wouldn't dare to do anything."

Han Zhengqian pondered for a moment and finally said: "Although she is the maid I found for you, you cannot treat her merely as a maid. Not only must you refrain from treating her as a servant, but you must also show her respect and courtesy... Well, consider her as your elder sister"

Behind the eastern courtyard of the Qingli government office, there are several elegant pavilions. On one side of the pavilions, there is a lush canopy of trees, vibrant and verdant, while on the other side lies a very small pond. Under the moonlight, a few white geese frolic leisurely upon its surface

Han Mo smiled and nodded repeatedly

"Granduncle, this... this grandson really has no use for it!" Han Mo cautiously observed Han Zhengqian, reading his expression. Noticing that his words caused Han Zhengqian to frown slightly and appear somewhat displeased, he quickly added, "However, since it is personally arranged by Granduncle, this grandson will follow all instructions diligently."

Han Mo gritted his teeth and said: "The strength of an army lies in its quality, not in its numbers. Having just a few of them is already sufficient!"

Ah! Han Mo was taken aback

Han Mo understood that since Han Zhengqian had this intention and had even selected the personnel, any opposition from him would be futile. Han Zhengqian held supreme authority within the Han clan, and no one dared to defy him. Even his own father was extremely respectful in front of Han Zhengqian. No matter how temperamental he might be, he would not dare to offend him lightly

Han Zhengqian nodded slightly and said calmly: "Xiao Wu, what your great-uncle has told you today must not be discussed with anyone. Your parents will also come to know of this matter, so it should not be mentioned in daily conversation. You must keep these few instructions in mind; if there is any lapse, I fear great misfortune will befall the Han family. Do you understand"

Madam Han freely dotes on Han Mo, and Han Mo enjoys ample maternal love in this era. Therefore, long ago, he began to occasionally tinker with some peculiar gadgets, using them to amuse his playful mother.

Han Zhengqian suddenly shouted the name "Black Panther," which truly surprised Han Mo, who thought he was being very discreet in his actions

Han Xuanchang was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, and said: "Madam, what use are those ghostly methods of his?" He glared at Han Mo and coldly snorted: "Indulging in trivial pursuits leads to the loss of ambition!"

He is now very curious about the maid he has chosen for himself, wondering what kind of extraordinary person she is, that she could be related to the life and death of the Han family

Please show me, great-uncle

"Alright, you may go," Han Zhengqian waved his hand, signaling Han Mo to leave. He picked up the brush again, preparing to continue writing. Just as Han Mo was about to pay his respects and withdraw, he suddenly said, "By the way, do you still need more hands for that black panther?"

When Han Mo turned sixteen and came of age, Madam Han began to arrange for him to have a maidservant to accompany him. However, Han Mo believed that this was a very inhumane thing. Although he did not mind sharing a room with a woman, he was well aware of the fate that awaited a maidservant. Once a maidservant took on that role, society would only view her as having been defiled by her master, making it nearly impossible for her to be betrothed to a respectable family. She would either be taken as a concubine or remain a maidservant by his side for the rest of her life, until death.

... ...

Seated upright is Han Mo's father, Han Xuanchang, and to the right of Han Xuanchang is Han Mo's mother, Madam Han, in this world

"Brother, I can recite all the stories you wrote. " Han Qin leaned closer to Han Mo and said softly, "Please write me a few more stories."

Han Xuanchang has always been indifferent to these matters. Since Madam Han feels this way, he will not say much more.

This beautiful woman is Han Xuanchang's concubine, whose given name is Su Yubi. Everyone in the household refers to her as "Aunt Bi," and the young girl is Aunt Bi's daughter, Han Qin, the biological sister of Han Mo

The so-called "Black Panther" refers to a group of ten individuals, including Han Qing. This group was formed by Han Mo from a young age, trained based on memories from a past life, resembling a special forces unit. Each member is proficient in military combat techniques and excels in tracking and gathering intelligence. This is Han Mo's proud creation, yet it has remained highly secretive; even Han Xuanchang is unaware of the existence of such a team. To outsiders, they merely appear to be a group of companions around Han Mo.

Han Xuanchang ate only half a bowl of rice before putting down the bowl and said to Han Mo: "Mo'er, in one month, the town's garrison will set sail, and you should also go out to experience it. The men of the Han family are destined to go to sea."

Han Zhengqian's expression was grave, and his voice even carried a chilling tone: "In the end, you must remember, once she moves in, if she encounters any danger, even if it costs you your life, you must ensure her safety."