The General of Cavalry just “ran off” like that, and Dai Zhanxiao asked his younger brother what was going on. What happened that their father didn’t even have time to explain to him?

Shao Yunan answer was: “I don’t know, Father seems to have made some important discovery.”

Dai Zhanxiao looked at his younger brother. “…” His brother was lying.

Shao Yunan pretended to be innocent.

With the General suddenly returning to the command post and his brother clearly unwilling to reveal the truth, Dai Zhanxiao didn’t bother to investigate further. Whatever he needed to know, he would find out eventually, and what he didn’t need to know, he wouldn’t ask. Shao Yunan didn’t expect his older brother to be so easy-going, unaware that General Dai had privately instructed Dai Zhanxiao not to pry into his brother’s affairs.

With Dai Mingrong gone like that, the generals were in a state of lamentation. They were still waiting to “rob” those twenty carts—no, ten carts—of New Year’s gifts! Dai Zhanxiao had already learned the most accurate information from Loyal and Brave Duke place: among those twenty carts—no, ten carts—of New Year’s gifts were “good” wine: “good” tea, rare items from the Duke’s mansion, and instant noodles!

General, if you want to return to the command post, please wait until we finish robbing, then you can run away again!

Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan pretended not to notice the hopeful glances from the generals, while Dai Zhanxiao regretfully expressed to those uncles and uncles that he dared not open the packages privately and had to wait for the General to return.

But by nightfall, even Dai Zhanxiao was ecstatic. Loyal and Brave Duke and Madam Wang Shao invited all the generals to dinner, serving fine wine, brewing excellent tea, preparing delicious dishes, and most importantly, Madam Wang Shao himself cooked!

To Shao Yunan, a modern person, these generals were not inferior subordinates but heroes deserving of his respect. They stationed year-round on the borders, living in hardship with meager meals and clothing, without high salaries or the status and honor commensurate with their sacrifices. For decades, they endured the harsh winters here, separated from their families, some unable even to marry wives. Moreover, these generals supported his father and the General’s Mansion. He merely provided them with food and cooked a meal for them.

Wang Shijing understood Shao Yunan’s mindset, but when he tried to assist his wife, he was promptly kicked out of the kitchen.

“Shijing, go accompany them for tea and conversation. I can handle cooking, you can’t, lest you be looked down upon.”

Shao Yunan was a male wife and a member of the Dai family. Others praised him for such actions, but Wang Shijing, as a nobleman, had to maintain his outward appearance. If he lowered himself too much, some might disrespect him.

After giving his wife a kiss, Wang Shijing obediently left. The kitchen staff and soldiers looked curiously at the openly affectionate Loyal and Brave Duke and Madam Wang Shao. Blushing, they felt that these figures were no longer unapproachable aristocrats.

Shao Yunan didn’t prepare anything overly complicated. Though not every officer was eligible to join, there were still about twenty or thirty people in total. He prepared a simple hotpot and a few side dishes.

After slaughtering sheep and chickens, the aroma wafted from the kitchen. The soldiers of the Tiger Army’s stomachs rumbled, and when the logistics officer announced additional dishes for the evening, cheers echoed throughout the camp.

Shao Yunan did not mobilize any military supplies for the Tiger Army nor sent New Year’s gifts to his father. The sheep and chickens were bought on the spot when passing through the town. The logistics livestock in the military camp belonged to the military supply and could only be slaughtered with the direct order of the Grand Marshal. Shao Yunan didn’t want to cause trouble over such a small matter. He had already understood the rules of the army from his elder brother on the way. When passing through the town, he happened to see sheep and chickens for sale, so he bought them all. However, because they were difficult to carry, he only took what they needed for the evening, and the rest of the sheep were delivered along with Shao Yunan’s request for more—coming over. This was the second large-scale sheep collection in the town by the Tiger Army since Wang Shijing donated gold, this time including chickens.

The soldiers ate communal meals with lamb, chicken, vegetables, and other ingredients cooked in a big pot. Shao Yunan also provided hotpot ingredients. The aroma of hotpot ingredients filled the air above the military camp. If these soldiers weren’t highly disciplined, they could have caused chaos before the enemy even attacked.
The soldiers ate heartily, while the officers ate more delicately. The hotpot was a split-style pot to accommodate Shao Yunan’s preference and inability to eat spicy food. A large temporary tent was set up for the officers to eat, three tables in total, each with a large split-style pot. The air was filled with the fragrance of hotpot ingredients. Wang Shijing, who had generously donated from the Loyal and Brave Duke Mansion, poured out the milk wine, which was priced exorbitantly in the capital, and served the Qimen red tea that money couldn’t buy. He raised his glass: “Generals, well done. Enjoy your meal and drink tonight, as a toast from me.”

“Cheers!” Dai Zhanxiao was the first to raise his glass, he had been looking forward to this for a long time.

Wang Shijing didn’t waste time with many words. After the first drink, everyone began eating and drinking. The generals appreciated Wang Shijing’s straightforward manner. With each drink, the soldiers’ reserve melted away, leaving behind only joy and camaraderie. Madam Wang Shao cooking skills were truly amazing! Brother Duke Wang is so fortunate! The Grand Marshal is so fortunate! Brother Duke Wang, you and Madam Wang Shao must come more often!

Shao Yunan brought his three children with him. Wang Qing and Jiang Moxi, who were young, were persuaded to have two drinks by these overindulgent generals, as they put it: “Men should learn to drink from a young age!”

After the children had eaten their fill, Shao Yunan took them away from the table. After all, he was a husband and father, and with his status, these old masters couldn’t completely let loose, especially with children around. If they didn’t leave soon, Wang Qing and Jiang Moxi would have been intoxicated by them. Once they left, the atmosphere in the tent suddenly became ten times livelier. Wang Shijing could only count his blessings.

The little prince and little Xingyi went to bed early. Before Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing went to eat, they had already fed them and put them to sleep. Although the Empress had entrusted the little prince to Shao Yunan, she still sent twenty top-notch palace guards to protect him. After Shao Yunan returned, he let the guards and maidservants in the tent leave, then sent the two little treasures and Nizi and brother Tiger into the space. As he was about to fall asleep, Wang Shijing, who was drunk, was sent back by someone. Shao Yunan closed the curtain and put Wang Qing and Jiang Moxi, Big Gold and Little Gold, in the space, gave Wang Shijing a drink of Spiritual Spring water, and Wang Shijing soon woke up.

At this meal, Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan drank all the milk wine they had brought themselves. Wang Shijing didn’t regret it because there was still space.

Wang Shijing rubbed his head and said with a hoarse voice: “Fortunately, we brought ten barrels of wine, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to come back tonight.”

In the camp, there was only a matter of drinking down, not saying they couldn’t drink – Shao Yunan brewed green tea and asked with a smile: “Where is my brother, drunk?”

“He got drunk before me.”

“Haha.”

The torches were bright in the camp. Shao Yunan looked at the shadows reflected in the tent and said quietly: “I’ll go see the children.”

Wang Shijing said: “You should sleep in ‘there’ tonight and I’ll keep watch outside.”

“No need. They’ll be ready for milk soon. After I feed them, I’ll come out.”

Shao Yunan went in, but Wang Shijing was nervous about “feeding” … He swallowed hard, and twenty minutes later, Shao Yunan came out of the space and was tackled by someone.

“Wife …”

Wang Shijing, under the influence of alcohol, well, not really, they were a legally married couple, there was no “misbehavior.” However, the guards outside were a bit embarrassed. They didn’t intentionally “eavesdrop” on the intimate moments of Lord Loyal and Brave Duke and his husband. It’s just that the tent completely lacked soundproofing, and the sound was too loud!

On the way, Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan had two romantic encounters, but both times hastily ended in the carriage and had to be at night while the children were in space. If Wang Shijing hadn’t sobered up, he would definitely have passed out now. However, even though he had sobered up, his desires seemed not to have fully dissipated. The stimulation that could be heard at any time from the outside was irresistible to both of them. Shao Yunan was not shy to begin with, and the two of them clicked immediately, but it was hard for the outsiders.

The next morning, Wang Shijing woke up amidst the training sounds in the military camp. For a moment, he was confused. Did he just dream? Why was he still in the military camp?

With a jolt, Wang Shijing snapped out of it, his hand moving faster than his brain, cold sweat breaking out. His wife was still there! Thank goodness, he wasn’t dreaming!

Shao Yunan slept deeply, undisturbed by the outside world, as Wang Shijing gazed affectionately at the obvious marks on his body. He gently kissed his hair. It was wonderful. This wasn’t a fleeting dream. He didn’t care about his noble title, but he absolutely couldn’t be without his wife.

Gently lifting the covers, Wang Shijing got out of bed, dressed, and walked out of the tent.

“Lord Loyal and Brave Duke.”

The guards outside saluted him, and he noticed soldiers in the distance also saluting him. It was a spontaneous show of respect. Wang Shijing knew why. The meal from last night had earned him this respect from his wife.

The previous night, the generals had all passed out from drinking, but this morning, every single one of them was up on time, leading their troops in training. Even Dai Warlord, now in the vanguard, was leading the charge bare-chested. They liked drinking and eating meat, but no matter how much they drank, they never neglected their duties. A splash of cold water was all they needed to sober up.

“Lord Loyal and Brave Duke!”

General Dai strode over. The meal from last night had brought Wang Shijing even closer to these soldiers, who all hailed from the Tiger Army.

“General Dai.”

General Dai approached with a warm greeting: “Noble Loyal and Brave Duke, have you had breakfast?”

“Not yet. I’m embarrassed to say I just got up.”

“Lord Loyal and Brave Duke, you were tired last night. It’s normal to wake up late.”

Dai Zhanxiao smile looked rather lecherous. Wang Shijing asked casually: “General Dai, have you eaten?’

“Not yet. I’ll eat after the morning training ends. Would you like to come and see, Lord Loyal and Brave Duke?”

“Alright.”

“Dai Zhanxiao led Wang Shijing away, actually wanting to speak with him.

Dai Zhanxiao was rough in his ways but had a keen eye. While Wang Shijing observed the soldiers morning training, Dai Zhanxiao asked: “Lord Loyal and Brave Duke, you sent a personal letter to the Young Marshal before, requesting to send someone from your village to the Tiger Army. Would you like to meet him?”

Upon hearing this, Wang Shijing was momentarily stunned. If Dai Zhanxiao hadn’t brought it up, he would have forgotten about Wang Zhisong being here. Wang Shijing asked calmly: “How is he now?”

Dai Zhanxiao observed Wang Shijing’s reaction and truthfully replied: “He had a rough start when he arrived, but the Young Marshal spared his life. He’s educated, initially, he helped soldiers with their letters home, but later, the Grand Marshal sent him to work under Military Advisor Cao, assisting with official documents.’

Perhaps worried that Wang Shijing might be displeased, Dai Zhanxiao explained: “Lord Loyal and Brave Duke, as you know, literacy is rare here. I heard he’s quite scholarly, but merely writing letters might not fully utilize his talents.”

Wang Shijing interrupted his explanation: “General Dai, you worry too much. I sent him here to give him a chance to find his own path. His future depends on his choices. Nevertheless, he’s still a scholar. If his conduct improves, you may look after him. If he remains unsure of his path, let him be.”

Dai Zhanxiao chuckled: “Indeed, Lord Loyal and Brave Duke, your tolerance is remarkable.”

Wang Shijing replied: ‘We drank quite a bit last night. General Dai, please taste the rice produced at my estate. Cook some rice porridge and our own pickled vegetables for the generals to sober up.”

General Dai’s eyes lit up: “Who doesn’t know the produce from Lord Loyal and Brave Duke estate is top-notch? I won’t stand on ceremony then.”

“Please.”

Wang Shijing didn’t intend to see Wang Zhisong. What more could be said if they met? If Wang Zhisong could reform, as an educated man, as long as he wasn’t afraid of hardship, he could find his own way. If he remained unrepentant, arrogant, someone would teach him. Dai Zhanxiao inquiry certainly represented General Dai’s intentions. He had already made his stance clear. General Dai would certainly not deliberately trouble him again, and might even look after him. This was enough for Wang Zhisong.

With good wine and tea, and such delicious rice porridge and pickled vegetables, the generals of the Tiger Army hoped that Lord Loyal and Brave Duke would visit often. They didn’t know how the rice from Lord Loyal and Brave Duke estate was grown, but after eating it, their hangovers disappeared. Wang Shijing and General Dai enjoyed breakfast together, with no one else. Since General Dai returned to the capital twice, Shao Yunan gave him plenty of spiritual spring water and diluted spiritual milk. General Dai thought it was a good meal to go home and strengthen his body and spirit. He also liked the fragrance of the rice produced by Lord Loyal and Brave Duke estate. Unfortunately, when his younger brother returned home, he didn’t have such delicious rice porridge to drink.

After eating, Wang Shijing returned to the tent, where Shao Yunan was already awake but still lying in bed. Wang Qing and Wang Nizi could both cook, the space was fully equipped, and there was a lot of cooked food. Shao Yunan didn’t rush to take the children out. When Wang Shijing returned, Shao Yunan drank the porridge he brought back and then sent Wang Shijing into space. Half an hour later, the tent of the husband and wife of the public husband and wife rang out with the sound of a baby.

General Dai had to deliver those supplies to Big Brother. After Shao Yunan got up, he talked to his younger brother for a few words and then escorted the other half of the supplies. His brother was left to be sent. Among those materials is the hidden important ‘military fire’, which must be sent by himself. General Dai and Wang Shijing have mixed well, and he is responsible for all matters between Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan in the army.

The three children ran away after they had eaten their fill. There were no children in the army, and the appearance of these three children, especially the girl Nizi, made most of the soldiers like them very much. They safely handed the three children to Big and Little gold. Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan each held a child, and followed Brother Tiger to visit the military camp.

Brother Tiger and the two Gold brothers were coveted by the soldiers in the army. They were not coveting their flesh and blood, because they were the guardian beasts of the country, and they would not dare to have any improper thoughts about them. They were just coveting the fact that the loyal and brave couple could make the beasts submit, which was too impressive.

After touring the military camp, the two children were hungry, so Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing returned to the tent. Unlike Dai Zhanxiao happiness, the two returned with a heavy heart, especially Wang Shijing.

“Brother Tiger, you stay here.”

“Roar!”

Wang Shijing and Shao Yunan took the children into the space, while Brother Tiger walked out of the tent and lay down at the entrance. Seeing this, everyone else understood that the Duke and his husband did not want to be disturbed.

They fed the two children, put them to sleep, and left them in the space. Shao Yunan went out, brought Brother Tiger back inside to guard the children, and then he and Wang Shijing left the space. Once outside, Wang Shijing said: “Wife, the conditions in the army are still too poor.” He hadn’t noticed it before, but now it was painfully clear.

Shao Yunan held his hand and said: “It will get better. Once the sheep and chickens arrive, we can give the soldiers some mutton and chicken soup for a few days. Tomorrow, let’s go into the city for a walk.”

No matter how much money the Duke’s residence had, it was a drop in the bucket compared to the needs of an army of hundreds of thousands. Ultimately, improving the army’s conditions relied on the national treasury and Emperor Yongming. However, Shao Yunan and Wang Shijing could still do many things.

The couple discussed in the tent which military supplies should be prioritized for development. Armor, weapons, better military tents, medical kits, and military tools were all on the list. Although Shao Yunan wasn’t a military enthusiast, the modern information age provided a wealth of knowledge, and even watching movies could teach a lot about military logistics. They listed areas that could be improved and then selected the ones easiest to implement first.
While they were discussing, Dai Zhanxiao voice came from outside: “Duke, Sir.”

Shao Yunan looked up and quickly entered the space. After he and Brother Tiger brought the two children out, Wang Shijing stepped out of the tent. “General Dai.”

“Duke.” Dai Zhanxiao, accompanied by another person, saluted.

“Military Advisor Cao,” Wang Shijing greeted.

Edited by: Jaisland

Proofreader: 

 

Support translation: