novelSusiti Chapter 32 Farewell to Father-in-Law: Li Hua Uses His Son's Investment
Chapter 32 Farewell to Father-in-Law: Li Hua Uses His Son's Investment
Early in the morning, the peaceful countryside was awakened by a dog's barking.
A large group of people emerged from the Li family mansion. It was Li Xuan and his wife seeing off Li Yuantu and his son, along with their retinue. Each of them led a horse, which was already laden with goods to take home to their families.
Li Yuantu and Li Xuan agreed to meet here in fifteen days, after which they would bring together young men from various places who had come to join the army. This time, the responsibility of recruiting soldiers did not only fall on Li Yuantu; a dozen or so retainers from veteran families of the Black Cloud Longsword Capital were also tasked with recruiting men.
Fortunately, they had all grown up together and knew each other's children's abilities very well. Some even asked if it was possible for someone from a family of veterans, who wasn't also from the Black Cloud Longsword clan, to succeed.
The people of Lianghuai are known for their fierce and martial spirit, and the area is a strategic location fought over by military strategists. In fact, it has a rich pool of skilled and capable soldiers.
Li Xuan naturally believed that the more the merrier. He told everyone that even if there were more than a thousand people in the end, as long as they were capable of fighting and enduring hardship, he would take them all in. Even if they couldn't join the Imperial Guard, they could join his personal guard.
Although it's a bit strange for a commander to keep so many retainers and personal guards, Li Xuan brought his entire fortune this time. We have money, we're willing to spend it, and the Great Zhou court can't stop us!
After seeing these people off, Li Xuan and his wife boarded the ship with their children to Guangling. Li Tan, Li Keshuang, and Li Xiang, members of the clan from the garrison, lived near Lijia Town and returned on the ship, led by Li Ji.
Over the next ten days or so, they will travel through the villages where members of the Li family live, hoping to find some talented individuals or promising young people to take with them. There's no other way; for the past few years, Li Jue has been able to select the best talent from the entire clan, but now if Li Xuan wants help, he'll have to diligently sift through each branch of the family.
On the ship, Li Xuan instructed Li Ji: "No matter how difficult things are for our people, they can still read and write and do basic arithmetic. With these skills, most of them can find some work. Be extra careful with those who don't have work; don't let those with bad intentions and who are lazy sneak in."
In the future, being executed for violating military regulations is a minor matter; what's truly serious is losing the confidence of the entire army and undermining the trust between soldiers and officers.
"Brother Tan, Brother Shuang, Brother Xiang, you all need to remember to keep your eyes wide open and not let personal relationships hold you back. Once you join the army, military law is a serious matter, and I won't forgive you. I invited you all here to help, to join my team, not to act like bosses and ruin my plans."
Li Ji and the others readily agreed. It was the truth; they had finally found a platform to strive for success and couldn't tolerate anyone holding them back.
Not to mention that most of the villagers were not from the Li family. The warriors from different towns and counties came from different backgrounds and were always competing with each other. If someone's family was ruined, it would be their own shame. If they were killed for violating military law, it would be embarrassing for them to face the relatives of the perpetrators. Who would they turn to for justice?
When the boat reached Lijia Town, Li Ji disembarked with three clansmen carrying large bundles. After bidding them farewell, Li Xuan and his wife continued sailing towards Guangling City.
Guangling City
Because the King of Qi was so capable of causing trouble, Feng Daoji, the county magistrate, could neither protect the people of Guangling nor escape the wrath of the King of Qi's cronies. He was miserable and frustrated. So, two years ago, he simply resigned and returned to his hometown. He no longer stayed in the city and hid in the countryside, never going out.
Last year, when the King of Qi fell from power, Feng Daoji returned to Guangling City to pull strings and see if he could find another job, because he couldn't bear to give up his sacred mission of serving the people.
Today is a joyous day for the Feng family, as their son-in-law has brought his daughter back to visit. This son-in-law is quite a legendary figure; though he's not an official, he has connections everywhere, his business reaching all the way to the imperial palace in Nanjing. He can speak on behalf of many local officials.
Mr. and Mrs. Feng were even more enthusiastic. Mrs. Feng, as a mother, was delighted that her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren had come. In addition to being happy about these things, Mr. Feng was also pleased that his son-in-law had taken the initiative to come to their door, saving him the embarrassment of having to go to his son-in-law to ask him to help him get a position.
Mr. and Mrs. Li, along with their child, bowed to Mr. and Mrs. Feng Daoji. Feng Daoji and his wife greeted them with smiles, inviting them to sit down. They even called over their two grandsons and offered them sweets and fruits: "Are they delicious? Here's a little bit for you, we'll have to eat first, okay?"
The eldest son, Li Yuan, and the second son, Li Ke, looked at Madam Feng with pitiful expressions. Madam Feng was very happy and held one of them tightly in each arm, saying, "Oh dear, the children are growing up, Grandma can't hold them anymore. Good son-in-law, it's not a holiday, are you here for something? Although your in-laws are no longer here, you can't neglect Niaoniao's daily care. Don't spoil her."
Feng Niaoniao protested, "Mother, look at what you're saying. When have I ever disrespected my parents-in-law? I'm innocent!"
Li Xuan testified on behalf of his wife: "Mother-in-law, you are wise. Since Niaoniao entered our family, our family has prospered day by day. It is evident that our ancestors and the local deities are extremely pleased with Niaoniao. They must praise the upbringing of my father-in-law and mother-in-law."
Feng Daoji and Madam Feng were all smiles; flattering someone with the truth is the most effective way to win them over.
After marrying into the Li family, Feng Niaoniao devoted herself to her husband and children, giving birth to two sons in quick succession. She not only revitalized the once-prosperous Li family but also led the entire village to wealth. Feng Daoji and Feng had already enjoyed this for a long time. Now that their son-in-law had made such a bold move, they were lucky if they could even remain seated.
Li Ke, nestled in Feng's arms, raised his head and said to Feng, "Grandma, Grandma, I know. We're going out to visit Grandpa and Grandma."
Feng Daoji and Madam Feng were both taken aback. Feng Daoji asked, "Going out? You're both grown up, with your own families and livelihoods. Even if you're going out to visit friends, you don't need to make a special trip over here. Is there something at home that you need to ask of us?"
Fearing that her son-in-law might feel awkward, Madam Feng quickly said, "Xiao Xuan, if there's anything in the village that needs help, your father-in-law and I are both able-bodied and can help out in any way we can. Don't worry about it. Your father-in-law and I have always treated you like our own child."
Feng Niaoniao said, "Father, Mother, your son-in-law has come by boat so early in the morning. Can't we have breakfast first?"
The experienced Feng Daoji and Madam Feng had already figured something out; their daughter and son-in-law were probably in trouble.
After a sumptuous family meal, the children were coaxed to take a nap.
Feng Daoji and his wife directed their servants to keep them at a distance from the outside world, while they had a private conversation with their daughter and son-in-law in their room.
Seeing that his daughter and son-in-law were hesitant to speak, Feng Daoji, who was sitting in the main seat, said, "If you have any trouble, just say it. We are family, so let's not be formal."
Thinking her daughter and son-in-law were in big trouble, Madam Feng quickly offered them a way out: "Yes, what's there to hide in front of us? If they really offend someone important, we can just flee to another place together. Just send a message to my son and daughter-in-law, and tell them to run away together."
Li Xuan said with a wry smile, "Father-in-law and mother-in-law, please don't worry. It's not that we're leaving to avoid trouble. We've come to say goodbye. I've obtained an official position and will be taking Niao Niao and the child with me to my new post. Back then, you didn't consider me a lowly countryman and married your beloved daughter to me. Now that I have a promising future, it's only right that I come to pay my respects to you before I leave and thank you for taking care of me all these years."
Feng Daoji and Madam Feng showed expressions of surprise and joy, and Madam Feng couldn't help but wipe away some tears. Feng Daoji scolded, "Xiao Xuan has a bright future, why are you wiping away tears?"
Feng retorted, "Can't I be happy for Mr. and Mrs. Mei Shi? Finally, finally there's hope!"
Rebuked by his wife, Feng Daoji awkwardly said, "That's right, that's right, I'm also happy for Brother Li and his wife. Xiao Xuan got his official position through his own efforts, that's commendable. If that's the case, why didn't you say so before dinner?"
Li Xuan took out an official document from his satchel and handed it to Feng Daoji, saying, "It's not appropriate to say it aloud."
When Feng Daoji saw the words "Official Appointment Document of the Privy Council of the Great Zhou Dynasty" on the cover of the official document, he was dumbfounded. Then, he realized what was happening and shuddered in fright.
Madam Feng scolded, "It's just an official document! Look at you acting so strangely! Bring it here for me to see. What kind of job has my son-in-law secured? You're even too embarrassed to say." Saying this, she reached out, took the official document, opened it, and read aloud:
"Announcement: "
When a nation is invigorating its military, selecting the right generals is of paramount importance.
A general who leads his troops must first possess virtue.
If we do not seek out the loyal and virtuous, how can we properly instruct them?
Li Xuan, a native of Guangling, is a man of exceptional wisdom and strategy, loyal to the state, and incredibly brave and valiant. He is truly deserving of promotion.
He was appointed as a ninth-rank Renyong Deputy Lieutenant, and Commander of the First Army of the Second Wing of the Black Spear Dragon Cavalry of the Imperial Guard Infantry Division.
As she read, Madam Feng's expression changed, because she saw the signature of the Great Zhou Privy Council and the official seal of the Privy Council's various departments.
Feng came from an official family and had followed Feng Daoji for over twenty years, so he had a very clear understanding of the ins and outs of officialdom. Although the Great Zhou Dynasty had a somewhat different system, it was still derived from the Great Yu Dynasty. At least there were no incomprehensible obstacles on this official document.
Li Xuan stood up and knelt before Feng Daoji and Madam Feng, and Feng Niaoniao followed suit and knelt down as well.
Li Xuan knelt on the ground and said, "I am deeply grateful to my father-in-law and mother-in-law for not abandoning me and treating me like their own son. I remember when my father-in-law asked me about my ambitions, I said that I would definitely wait for an enlightened ruler to serve me. If there is no enlightened ruler, I would rather spend my whole life wandering in the countryside."
Heaven has taken pity on China, and a ruler has appeared to quell the chaos. Even if it means traveling thousands of miles, I will go to join him. However, I am worried about leaving my father-in-law and mother-in-law behind, so I have come to bid them farewell before my departure. I hope you will forgive me!
Madam Feng quickly said, "What are you doing? Get up quickly. We're family, why do you need to perform such a grand ceremony?"
Feng Daoji stood up, took a few steps forward, and personally helped his son-in-law to his feet, saying, "The ancestral home of the Li clan of Guangling is in Zhao County, while the ancestral home of the Feng clan of Guangling is in Bohai. For over a thousand years, our ancestors have wandered and struggled, searching everywhere for any job to earn a living. What you have done is no different from what our ancestors did, so why should I blame you? Sit down, and tell me why you want to take up a post in Kaifeng?"
Li Xuan then began by recounting how Guo Rong, disguised as a salt merchant from the north, met him in Haizhou: "...That's how it is. I believe that a ruler who is strict with himself, lives frugally, yet cherishes and cares for his people, who always considers the farming season when levying taxes and provides wages and provisions for corvée labor—if he is not the true Son of Heaven, then to whom can the Mandate of Heaven reside?"
After listening, Feng Daoji remained silent for a while, then smiled bitterly and said, "If I weren't free from official duties, I would definitely suspect that my son-in-law is acting as an advocate for Emperor Zhou. Oh well, if Emperor Zhou is really as my son-in-law says, the Li family of the imperial family in Jinling will certainly be no match for him. Since my son-in-law is going north, I will stay at home and study in peace, and not bother with any new assignments. Otherwise, I will be unable to choose between loyalty and righteousness when I receive a salary in Jinling in the future."
Li Xuan reminded him, "Father-in-law, don't forget your brother-in-law. You must find an opportunity to inform him."
Feng Daoji nodded and said, "I know. Given the atrocities the King of Qi has committed against us Guangling people, who would still be willing to die for his family? My good son-in-law, go with peace of mind. By the way, you and your group must be short of travel expenses as you head north to settle down. My wife, take two hundred strings of cash from our savings, no, five hundred strings. You are unfamiliar with Bianliang City and have no one to rely on, so you must not be short of money."
Li Xuan and Feng Niaoniao were unwilling to accept it. Li Xuan smiled and said, "Although Bianliang City is unfamiliar, there are some trustworthy people inside."
Feng Daoji misunderstood: "Who could it be? You don't think that just because the Guo family emperor has a past relationship with you, you can trust them? Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger; how can you rely on a monarch? You absolutely cannot have such thoughts."
Li Xuan quickly explained, "Father-in-law, you misunderstand. There are members of the Jiangxia Li clan in the Bianliang court. We were in the main hall that day, and we recognized each other as relatives immediately."
Feng Daoji asked with delight, "Are you in the same hall? Could you be a close advisor to Emperor Zhou? That's good news. It's always easier to get help from family members in ordinary troubles."
Li Xuan said, "He is not only a close minister, but also a Left Advisor, a scholar of the Jixian Hall, and a contributor to the compilation of the national history. He is a member of the most upright and honest faction, and is highly valued by Emperor Zhou. He and Prime Minister Li Gu are also known as the 'Two Lis' for their poetry and prose."
Feng Daoji didn't recognize Li Fang, but he was extremely famous as Li Gu. Feng Daoji nodded: "Good, that's good. With the Jiangxia Li clan around, we're not completely clueless. When do you plan to set off?"
Li Xuan said, "It's set for fifteen days from now. I also need to recruit two elite soldiers to command for Emperor Zhou. I will take these elite soldiers with me then."
Feng Daoji took a deep breath; "Go find the Hu merchants in the city. They don't have much connection with the court, so they can accept your employment to travel between Zhou and Hailing. With so many of you going north, it will be too much of a commotion. You can't go by land or the canal. Go to Hailing to board the ship. It will only take a little over a day to reach Zhou."
Li Xuan couldn't help but admire his father-in-law's shrewdness; he had even considered the Hu merchants.
After leaving his father-in-law's house, Li Xuan went to Li Hua's main store, which was also Li Ji's residence.
After hearing Li Xuan's farewell, Li Hua immediately recommended his son, Li Jin, to Li Xuan: "If my son stays with me, he will be a merchant for life. When the country is unified one day, he might accidentally be relegated to merchant status and never be able to turn his life around. Why don't you go out and try your luck with him? If he can get an official position, then his life will have been worthwhile."
"Don't worry, although my son isn't good at fighting, he's quick-witted, skilled in commerce, and has a clear head when it comes to important matters. Your army will always need officers in charge of finances and provisions, and someone to handle the spoils of war. With my son around, he'll definitely have an advantage when trading with those merchants accompanying the army."
Li Xuan was overjoyed and said, "Uncle, you have solved a great problem for me. It's easy to find officials in charge of money and grain, but there are very few people who can handle the spoils of war properly. Those merchants let them set their prices, and they would even try to drive up the price of goods worth ten strings of cash to one hundred strings. I couldn't argue with them, and it was as if I had risked my life to become their employee."
Li Hua laughed heartily and said, "It seems that your uncle is still somewhat useful. Don't worry, your uncle will assign two more loyal and capable apprentices to my son. They are both literate and good at calculations and are skilled at valuing goods. You will definitely not be fooled."
The two discussed some follow-up matters, and Li Hua made a generous investment of one thousand strings of cash, even taking care of hiring a sea vessel.
He usually imported a batch of high-end fabrics from Nanjing and transported them north by sea. The foreign merchants he knew were very resourceful, so dealing with the sea patrols along the way was not a problem.