Chapter 8, the scenery of the hand is not waiting for each other

At that time, along with you, I was also served by Chen Fu and Yuan Er. Chen Wu's gaze was hazy, faintly recalling his youth. Now they are all gone, only you remain, still by my side. Cough! Cough!

Understood. Chen Jiao would certainly not forget that this morning, Ti Ying had given her countless reminders before she left. In order to help her daughter-in-law Zhang Cui recover her health, the usually wandering Ti Ying finally agreed to stay at the Li family until Zhang Cui gave birth. This should be an unexpected surprise for Li Xi. After all, at the age of 30, Zhang Cui would be considered an advanced maternal age even in modern times. With the renowned healer Ti Ying as her guardian, it is certainly much more reassuring.

After a moment of silence, Chen Fu first spoke up

"Miss Er," Ayu replied, "just now, the lady said that an esteemed guest is coming. So she asked me to sweep the snow in front of the door."

There is no need to call me madam. You can just call me Second Aunt, like Xier does

How infuriating, I absolutely cannot confront that brat right now. Liu Che, Liu Che!" Liu Piao gritted his teeth as he muttered his nephew's name, his expression fierce.

Chen Jiao did not expect to receive an answer from A Yu; as soon as she finished her question, she ran inside

"Princess, please take it easy. Being upset like this is not beneficial for your health," Dong Yan said as he approached Liu Piao, carefully massaging her temples. "You see, the Marquis of Tangyi is currently lying in bed because of this matter. If anything were to happen to you, it would be a great disaster for our marquisate."

No, that is not it. I am thinking of something else. "Chen Fu shook his head, "The merchants in Pengcheng are showing signs of instability.

"Wait, wait a moment. You let me finish my words." Chen Wu waved his hand with difficulty, "If I don't say it now, I'm afraid I won't have the chance later."

"Not bad, this year's assessment has increased again." Chen Fu opened his eyes, his gaze bright and piercing. Perhaps due to his martial arts training, although Chen Fu was nearly 60 years old, he still appeared to be in his forties. He was the kind of person with an exceedingly ordinary appearance; if it weren't for those striking eyes, no one would remember this face that was as plain as could be.

Ti Ying glanced at him, sighed, and said: "This time, it is Princess Guantao who has invited me to Chang'an to treat the Marquis."

It was as if he saw again the girl who often appeared in his dreams, her laughter ringing like silver bells. Chen Wu felt as if he were chasing her figure just like he did in the past, running endlessly.

Ti Ying, with the compound surname Chunyu, is the daughter of the renowned physician Chunyu Yi. Chunyu Yi was originally the magistrate of Taicang, but later resigned from his official position to practice medicine in his hometown. He was falsely accused of disrespecting the emperor and was taken to Chang'an to await execution after the autumn examination. Throughout his life, Chunyu Yi had only five daughters. As he was being led away, his daughters wept beside the prison cart, prompting Chunyu Yi to scold them harshly, stating that having daughters was of no use and that it would have been better to have sons.

I also know that I cannot bear the heavy burden of the Chen family, so I never inquire about matters beyond my capabilities

Merchants, vehicles, ships, and livestock are all subject to taxation

You need not deceive me. If Chen Fu did not hate me, he would not have left the Chen family after that child died. Chen Wu shook his head, tears in his eyes, and said, "However, if I had known that I would ultimately betray her, I would never have married her. Do you believe me? Chen, Chen Qian, and the books.

Lady Ti Ying is the youngest daughter of the Duke of Taicang. Upon hearing the news, she was deeply saddened and followed the prisoner cart all the way to Chang'an. She submitted a memorial to His Majesty Emperor Wen, expressing her willingness to take her father's place and requesting that His Majesty abolish the death penalty, granting the condemned an opportunity for redemption.

While the two were conversing, the carriage suddenly came to a halt. The driver, Chen Xi, spoke with a trembling voice, saying: "Master Chen, it is Master Qian."

Yan Er, do you truly not know or are you pretending not to know? Even if the handwriting is learned to be very similar, it is still not something Jiao Jiao would write. As her mother, how could I not understand her? After causing a commotion for a while, Liu Piao became exhausted and collapsed onto the bed.

I see. Chen Jiao suddenly realized, "Then, the expenses for the free medicinal materials that frequently appear in the pharmacy accounts were also taken by the lady?"

"Young Master! Please do not speak any further." Hearing Chen Wu recount these long-gone memories, Chen Qian became immersed in recollections of the past. "Young Master, you need to rest now." It was still Chen Qian who first awakened from this reverie, looking at Chen Wu's ashen face, and hurriedly stopped him from continuing.

Indeed. My husband was not in good health during his childhood. He was entrusted to Madam Ti Ying for care by our ancestors. Therefore, my husband has always regarded her as a mother. Zhang Cui smiled and nodded, "However, Madam has always aimed to practice medicine for the world, which is why my husband has not been able to bring her to our residence to care for her."

A fierce cry erupted from the bedside, soaring straight into the clear sky

... ... ''

Did the Empress not write you a personal letter?

"The marquis refuses to listen to you, Princess? How can that be said?" Dong Yan was confused by this statement, thinking to himself, how could that timid marquis, who values his wife so much that he does not dare to speak out even when the Princess of Guantao is openly raised in his residence, dare to defy the Princess?

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"Princess, it is not certain that anything will happen to Her Highness. If the Emperor finds out about your current state, what will we do?" Dong Yan breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing Liu Piao calm down, knowing that the storm had passed and Liu Piao's rationality was beginning to return to her mind

Good! Sister, have you ever heard of Lady Tyng?" She smiled as she tidied her hair.

He suffers from a heart ailment. Medicine cannot cure the dead. Even if I were to be the reincarnation of Bian Que, being able to prolong his life for so many years is already the limit

Is that so? Li Xi's voice showed no trace of emotional fluctuation. He himself could not clearly articulate his feelings at this moment. Although the person whose life and death were uncertain in Chang'an was his biological father, he had always regarded Uncle Chen as his true father deep in his heart

Uncle Chen, today's inventory has been counted. Shall we head back? Chen Jiao walked out of the storeroom and sweetly said to Chen Fu

The study that evening

From that day on, the Li family gained a new prominent figure, Chen Qian, the brother of Chen Fu, a pitiful man who had lost both his wives and came to seek refuge with his elder brother. To show respect for Uncle Qian's deceased wives, the members of the Li household also began to observe mourning. In fact, if Chen Jiao had a better understanding of ancient mourning customs, she would know that the so-called "zhan cuo" mourning attire is only worn for direct relatives. However, having just arrived in ancient times, Chen Jiao's interactions were limited to the members of the Li family, and at this moment, she was completely unaware of the death of her biological father in this body.

Who has come? Sister, please tell me quickly

Chen Fu's remarks reminded Chen Jiao of a well-known policy from the reign of Emperor Wu in history, which imposed heavy taxes on merchants, making them bear the financial burden of the wars against the Xiongnu. This policy is often praised by later historians as "the people are not overburdened with taxes while the Son of Heaven enjoys abundance." However, in reality, Emperor Wu's approach did harm the vitality of the state. Nevertheless, because it aligned with the Confucian principle of prioritizing agriculture over commerce, this policy has generally received more praise than criticism over time. Moreover, from the perspective of Confucian scholars, it is only natural for merchants, as commoners, to contribute financially and materially to the state.

Indeed, the lady often has to cover the medical expenses herself while treating the poor. Therefore, the gentleman opened a pharmacy so that the lady could obtain free medicinal materials wherever she goes

***

Are you also unable to do anything?

However, I forcibly married Yuan'er and ultimately let her down. You must all hate me, don't you

--- "Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of Bian Que and Cang Gong, Chapter 45"

Chen Qian made a gesture with his lips but ultimately said nothing. Just looking at his expression, he felt quite perplexed, unsure of what to say. The man before him, filled with regret, was the young lord who had once treated him like a brother.

"Sister, the past is forgotten, no wonder you cannot recall who the lady is." Zhang Cui smiled faintly and said, "Sister, do you know that during the reign of Emperor Wen, there was a remarkable woman who wrote a letter to save her father?"

He is nothing but a waste! Liu Piao picked up the wine jug placed beside him and took a swig, saying, "From now on, you need not concern yourself with his affairs. If it weren't for his constant refusal to listen to me, how could things have turned out this way?"

Looking at Tiying's kind face, Chen Jiao couldn't help but feel a pang in her nose, recalling her own mother in the present. She held back her tears, performed a graceful bow, and called out, "Good day, Madam"

"Lady Ti Ying is indeed a distinguished guest? She is coming here." Chen Jiao looked at Zhang Cui with surprise, feeling that the Li family was truly full of surprises for her. Of course, Chen Jiao was aware of the story of the filial daughter Ti Ying; when she first encountered this tale, she found it particularly satisfying, believing that Ti Ying had refuted her father's notion that daughters were of no use, making her a remarkable woman

Seeing Chen Fu'an's calm demeanor, Chen Jiao gradually relaxed her anxious heart

"Rest assured, my dear, our Li family will not be involved in this matter." Chen Fu clearly understood what Chen Jiao wanted to say, "They are merely taking advantage of the Emperor's unwavering determination to campaign against the Xiongnu and the discord between the Emperor and the feudal lords to act so boldly. It is truly laughable; they know full well the Emperor's resolve to subdue the Xiongnu yet still engage in such actions. Do they not realize that the relentless advance of the wheels will crush all obstacles in their path? Furthermore, regarding the feudal lords, where did these princes come from a century ago? After a prolonged period of peace, it is easy to mistake the fiefs and titles granted by the Emperor as something that will exist forever. How foolish they are."

Once again, a violent fit of coughing struck, and Chen Qian anxiously supported him, wanting him to lie down

Uncle Chen, you cannot..." Chen Jiao raised her head, wanting to dissuade Chen Fu, but found him looking at her with a beaming smile.

The sound of objects crashing to the ground echoed repeatedly, shattering into pieces. Each servant's heart in the Hall of the Tangyi Marquis would leap irregularly with every sound that rang out. The closer one was to the room from which the noise emanated, the more one could see the anxious and fearful expressions of the servants.

Zhang Cui got up from her seat, intending to pay her respects. Ti Ying hurriedly stepped forward to stop her, saying, "You are not the same as before. Be cautious in everything. There is no need for formalities."

"So, does this mean that if we continue to take the horse-drawn carriage in the future, we will be taxed?" Chen Jiao tilted her head and looked at Chen Fu, "Uncle Chen, do you think the increase is too much?"

"No, no, young master," Chen Qian looked at his current dazed expression, and tears involuntarily filled his eyes

However, Liu Piao did not respond to him; she had already fallen into deep contemplation. Indeed, the strength of the Tangyi Marquisate was certainly not limited to what she could see at present. The Chen family had already been a significant power before the Han dynasty, and after their allegiance to Han, they had not suffered any setbacks from Emperor Gao or Empress Gao. Since the reign of Emperor Wen, they had been particularly favored. How could such a Chen family possibly possess only the limited strength that she perceived now?

Sigh. Rest assured, there is nothing much concerning Jiao Jiao.

"This servant does not know," A Yu replied honestly, shaking her head.

Thank you for the letter brought by my second aunt. Did she come from Chang'an? After reading it, Chen Jiao smiled, her face blooming like spring flowers

I know that you and Chen Fu are different from ordinary family members. If you were to go outside, you could also be considered outstanding individuals. However, it is your gratitude for the Chen family's kindness in taking you in that has led you to stay. " Chen Wu tightly grasped Chen Qian's hand, panting heavily, and said, "Father has always said that I am of mediocre talent, and there are many things he does not allow me to know. If I were not his only legitimate son, this title would not belong to me, nor would it be for me to inherit.

Today, the Pengcheng Coal Business you operate has become one of the major enterprises in our Pengcheng. It is possible that someone will come to find you in the next few days. Originally, I and your brother-in-law intended to remind you about this. It seems now that it is no longer necessary. Chen Fu smiled as he looked at Chen Jiao, full of admiration for this legitimate young lady who, despite her royal lineage, is well-versed in the ways of the world.

Gongsun Hong's letter is written in a very simple manner, merely stating that when he was interviewed by the emperor, he was promoted to the first position and awaited orders at the Golden Horse Gate. He has now purchased a residence in Chang'an, allowing Chen Jiao to visit and enjoy leisure time with Li Xi whenever she is free. Although the writing is concise, Chen Jiao can still sense Gongsun Hong's deep affection for her.

"My lord, please take your time," Chen Qian gently patted his back and said cautiously, having served Chen Wu for nearly a lifetime.

The festive season has passed, and winter has arrived. Fluffy snowflakes have begun to fall from the sky. Chen Jiao stepped down from the carriage and looked at the snow on the ground with a shiver. When she looked up, she saw someone at the entrance of her home sweeping the snow with a broom and dustpan, and the one directing the effort was A Yu

Yuan'er, wait for me!" Chen Wu shouted this last call, his eyes fixed on the void in the distance. Then came the dull sound of a heavy object falling to the ground. This man, who had enjoyed the so-called wealth and honor in his life, departed silently on this bright afternoon

"Good child!" Ti Ying said, while taking out a bamboo slip from her sleeve. "No wonder Master Gongsun has been thinking about you so much. Here, this is a letter he wrote for you."

"Sister, which esteemed guest is coming?" As soon as Chen Jiao saw Zhang Cui sitting in the hall, she asked.

"How can you expect me to stay calm?" Liu Piao, after being firmly held by this nominally supported child, ceased his commotion when there was nothing left to smash, and instead began to shout at Dong Yan.

Indeed. When Ti Ying said this, her expression was slightly unnatural. Among those present in the hall, only Chen Jiao, who was not very familiar with her, did not notice.

"You’re back, little sister?" Zhang Cui paused her needlework and looked at her with affectionate eyes

***

Princess Liu Piao of Guantao has lost the calmness and composure she had a few months ago. She is currently smashing everything within her sight to vent her pent-up frustration

Yes, I have been serving you, my lord, since the eleventh year of Emperor Wen's reign

You and Chen Fu are my father's right and left arms, I have always known this

My lord! A hint of reluctance appeared on Chen Qian's calm and unperturbed face

"Is there something going on at the Hou residence?" As soon as Chen Fu spoke, he hit the nail on the head regarding Ti Ying's concerns

The lord is already gravely ill, and I fear he may not hold on much longer

"Second Aunt." Chen Jiao obediently changed her words

Indeed, there is no need to resist; as long as everyone joins forces to raise prices, public sentiment will become unstable, leading to social turmoil, and the court will naturally have to make concessions. However, if the court's choice is not to concede... According to Chen Jiao's knowledge, Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, was never a peace-loving emperor afraid of bloodshed. Upon contemplating these consequences, Chen Jiao could not help but gasp in shock.

Young Master

"If I go underground, do you think Yuan'er will hate me?" Chen Wu seemed to have not heard Chen Qian's voice at all, completely lost in his own world. He pulled out a faded silk scarf from under his pillow, tightly clenching it in his hand, and asked in a manner that was both real and illusory.

"Lady Ti Ying?" Chen Jiao furrowed her brows and pondered for a moment, then uncertainly said, "This person's name appeared in the accounts of the pharmacy before? Who is she?"

Tax resistance? No, they do not need to do that. As long as various parties join forces to raise prices, that will suffice

Ti Ying walked in with Li Xi's support. She appeared to be around 40 years old, looking remarkably youthful. From her features, it was evident that she must have been a stunning beauty in her youth. Ti Ying kindly smiled at Zhang Cui and Chen Jiao.

Liu Piao slammed her fist down hard on the lounge chair. If the Chen family were a bit stronger, she would not be so helpless against Wei Zifu and her siblings. If it weren't for Chen Wu being so obstinate in this matter, she would not be in such a passive position. Damn it, damn it!

Then, she nodded to Chen Jiao beside her and said, "This must be Jiao'er. Your brother-in-law has already told me about her. She truly is a beautiful child."

Chen Jiao clearly sensed that Chen Fu's expression instantly became somewhat frightening. He lifted the curtain and saw a plainly dressed middle-aged man standing in front of the carriage. The glaring mourning attire on the man reminded Chen Fu of something he was reluctant to confront. Chen Jiao felt Chen Fu's body tremble slightly, and then he quickly jumped down from the carriage, embraced the newcomer, and whispered, "Second brother"

Young Master, Qian Ge, Fu Ge, come quickly! Hehe

"Esteemed guest? Who could it be?" Chen Jiao was even more puzzled. The Li Xi couple had very few friends; since she had known them, apart from Gongsun Hong, she had not seen any other friends visit.

"Ayu, what are you doing?" Chen Jiao asked curiously

He may have made mistakes. However, he is a kind person. None of you can deny that, along with the books. Therefore, do not hate him. For a long time, Tiying's voice lingered softly in the air

In the fourth year of Emperor Wen's reign, a person submitted a petition expressing their intention to transfer to Chang'an in the west due to criminal punishment. The petitioner had five daughters, who wept alongside him. Angered, he scolded, "Having daughters instead of sons, there is no one to assist in times of urgency!" At this, the young girl Ti Ying, moved by her father's words, decided to accompany him westward. She wrote in her petition, "... I originally entered service as a government maid to redeem my father's punishment, so that he might reform and start anew." Upon hearing this, the emperor was saddened by her intention, and that year he also abolished the corporal punishment laws.

"Second Aunt, you have come from Chang'an, do you have any news?" One of the four spoke first, and that was Li Xi

"Chen Qian, is that you?" Chen Wu, whose mind had been in a daze for many days, suddenly became clear-headed, and he seemed to regain his spirit. He grasped Chen Qian's hand and said, "You have been serving me for almost 50 years, haven't you?"

Hurry up

Oh! This is indeed an unexpected surprise for Chen Jiao. She did not expect that Gongsun Hong, whom she had not seen for several months, would actually ask Ti Ying to deliver a letter to her. Smiling, Chen Jiao excitedly opened the letter.

"Jiao'er, remember to bring some Eucommia back for your second aunt," Chen Fuzheng instructed without raising his head, as he was discussing something with Manager Qiao.

"Uncle Chen, I think I just heard you discussing something about the tax on coins with Manager Qiao?" Bored to the point of distraction, Chen Jiao turned around to chat with the dozing Chen Fu.

What? Do they dare to resist taxation?

"My lord, there is no such thing. You are overthinking it." Looking at the man in front of him, who was drenched in sweat, Chen Qian felt a deep sense of compassion, truly unable to bear it.

In the midst of casual conversation, Ah Yu came to report that the young master was supporting an elderly lady.

"Xier, he is indeed your father; you should go see him. And you, Fu... Chen Ye, after all, you have been master and servant; you should meet him once. " In the study, apart from Ti Ying's earnest persuasion, no one else, including Li Xi, Chen Fu, and Zhang Cui, spoke up.

I know you both, you and Chen Qian, like Yuan Er.

The moonlight occasionally pierces through the gaps in the clouds, illuminating the four individuals on the ground, each with a distinct expression

Veiled, after inspecting her coal business, Chen Jiao leisurely returned home with Anu. Observing the thriving state of the coal business, she couldn't help but feel a bit dizzy with excitement. It was the first time she realized she had such a talent for business. Although she knew that most of the credit would go to the subordinates sent by Li Xi, she still felt a sense of pride in her heart

Cough, cough! Chen Wu, who was already lying in bed and unable to move, began to cough violently. The old family servant, who had been attending to him for many years, hurriedly stepped forward to present the sputum bowl.

Chang'an Tangyi Marquis Mansion

"Princess, please do not act this way," Dong Yan pleaded earnestly from the side

Then, that's good! Chen Wu's gaze gradually became unfocused, his hand holding the silk scarf slowly relaxed, and his head leaned against the headboard, the silk scarf slipping through his fingers.

On an early spring evening, there is still a hint of chill in the air. A-Jiao leans against the steadily moving carriage, quietly gazing outside. One can see that some flowers, unable to endure the solitude, have already bloomed.

I just want him to know, so he doesn't treat me like a fool. Liu Piao snorted coldly, "To protect the safety of the former empress residing in the palace, they sent people from the Court of Judicial Review to guard Changmen Palace? Because the empress's emotions are unstable, she doesn't even want to see her own mother? What a joke, does he think I, Liu Piao, am a three-year-old child?"

***