Chapter 139: Hello Chang’an
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Chapter 139: Testing the Waters
As Chang Suining asked the question, her thoughts rapidly turned in circles.
Could it be the work of the Marquis Ying's wife, Madam Chang?
Logically, it didn’t seem likely.
The Madam Jie had taken the full responsibility for this matter, and the previous punishment handed out by the holy emperor meant the case had been settled—aside from all that, someone like Madam Chang, who had been skilled in covert methods for many years, was unlikely to leave a trace of her involvement on a minor character like Wu Lin.
Therefore, there was no need for such an action as silencing him. In fact, it would only backfire, creating new problems if handled poorly.
However, this was only a conclusion based on common sense, and the true nature of the situation still needed to be determined after finding out the cause of Wu Lin's death.
“I heard… it was from an illness,” Chang Sui’an’s voice lowered even further.
Chang Suining straightened up and asked seriously, “What illness?”
Meeting her serious gaze, Chang Sui’an’s eyes flickered for a moment, and his words became hesitant. “I heard… I heard it was an incurable disease.”
Chang Suining: “…”
It was indeed as the saying goes—hearing one person speak can be like hearing another speak.
But based on what she had heard earlier, she had a general sense of things and thus asked, “A venereal disease?”
Chang Sui’an’s eyes nearly popped out.
His sister… understood it already?!
....
This novel is translated by the Eternal Novel Hits translators. Please read it at https://eternalnovelhits.blogspot.com
....
Seeing that her expression remained calm, he could only force himself to stay composed. “Yes... They say it was caused by a disease that led to some sort of wind illness. He died in a brothel about five hundred miles away from Bingzhou.”
Chang Suining nodded in understanding.
A venereal disease usually wouldn’t be fatal, but if the illness worsened, it could lead to other sudden complications.
Still, she asked one more question: “Are you sure it wasn’t caused by someone?”
Chang Sui’an nodded. “Someone reported it to the authorities immediately. The local government called in an examiner to perform the autopsy... Our father’s men used connections to get a detailed look at the autopsy records, and it was confirmed that he died from the disease, with no signs of foul play.”
Chang Suining understood, and didn’t ask further.
Even if there was a remote possibility that someone had done it, the death had been handled so cleanly that it was unlikely they would uncover anything further.
Moreover, the people Old Chang sent to investigate would certainly not have been careless. If anything suspicious had been found, they would have continued the investigation. The news they brought back confirmed that Wu Lin had indeed died from a natural cause.
“Perhaps this is his retribution,” Chang Sui’an said angrily. “But it’s still letting him off too easy.”
Chang Suining simply responded, “Let him die then. It’s simpler this way.”
She had never expected him to be of any use. The reason for going after him in the first place was partly to relieve her anger, but also to prevent him from causing any trouble for the Chang family in the future.
At this point, there was no need for Old Chang to get involved—he had died on his own, and it was a clean resolution.
The siblings decided not to dwell on the matter further. Chang Sui’an only made a final promise to his sister: he would definitely get revenge on Marquis Ying’s family in the future.
A young man’s promise wasn’t a vague, empty one spoken casually. It was a decision that arose from introspection, and it led to a resolution.
“Ning Ning, I want to join the army,” Chang Sui’an said seriously after sitting down with his sister.
“Join the army?” Chang Suining was a little surprised. She had never heard him bring this up before.
He nodded, his determination clear. “I’ve been thinking about it for a long time.”
“Does Father agree?”
“Father said I should think it through myself, and he won’t stop me.”
Chang Kuo seemed to have some reservations about his only son joining the army, but he had always respected his child’s thoughts. He never expected his son to follow in his footsteps just because he came from a military background, nor did he place unnecessary restrictions on him due to his protective instincts as a father.
“Has Big Brother really made up his mind?”
“Yes,” Chang Sui’an said. “I want to join the Xuanzhe Army and serve in the front-line camp.”
“The Xuanzhe Army recruits new soldiers, but there’s a selection process.” Chang Suining looked at her brother and reminded him, “With your qualifications and our father’s connections with the Xuanzhe Army, joining the Xuanzhe Army itself shouldn’t be difficult—”
She warned him, “But getting into the front-line camp is no easy feat.”
Within the Xuanzhe Army, there were five divisions: front, rear, left, right, and center. The front-line division, which was responsible for charging into battle and leading the charge, consisted of the most elite soldiers.
To join the front-line division, one had to go through strict selection processes.
Additionally, the front-line camp had fixed slots, and new recruits wouldn’t be admitted unless someone retired due to injury or illness.
“I know all this. I’ll try my best!” Chang Sui’an said.
“But staying in the front-line camp is dangerous!” Ah Dian, who had been listening, asked, “Aren’t you afraid, Little Sui’an?”
“Joining the army and fighting in wars, where is it not dangerous?” Chang Sui’an replied. “In recent years, battles have broken out all over Da Sheng Dynasty, even Father, who hasn’t fought in a long time, has to lead troops into battle. This shows that Da Sheng Dynasty is in need of talent, and someone has to take on this danger. Why can’t it be me?”
Chang Suining looked at the young man.
She simply said that her brother had a heart of innocence.
Such innocence was always precious and commanded respect.
Seeing her eyes, the young man laughed a little shyly. “Besides… I genuinely want to make my own mark.”
It wasn’t solely out of loyalty to Da Sheng Dynasty.
His father’s title as General of the Valiant Cavalry was now merely an honorary position. Twelve years ago, after his father disobeyed the court’s orders to behead the khan of the Northern Di, he was stripped of his command of the Xuanzhe Army due to injury, leaving him with no real power.
While his father’s achievements and pension ensured that their family would live comfortably, he suddenly realized that it wasn’t enough—
He wanted, someday, to be able to protect his father, to protect his sister… to defend her so fiercely that no one would dare to harm her!
The young man’s thoughts might have been naive, but they were heartfelt and firm.
He didn’t voice all of this out loud, not wanting his sister to feel burdened by it. Yet, Chang Suining could read his protective intent in his eyes.
She, too, had once felt that pressing need to acquire the strength to protect her family.
That was precisely her original reason for choosing the path of a soldier.
Noting his embarrassment when he spoke about wanting to make a name for himself, she said, “To aspire to great achievements doesn’t mean your heart isn’t pure. Offering one’s life on the battlefield, striving for honor in blood and flesh—that is as honorable as it is commendable.”
Hearing her words, Chang Sui’an’s slight discomfort disappeared.
She continued, “The Xuanzhe Army usually recruits new soldiers after autumn. There’s not much time left. Since you aspire to join the frontline camp, you’ll need to prepare thoroughly.”
“I will!” he nodded firmly, glancing at her with curiosity.
“But, Ning Ning, how do you know so much about the Xuanzhe Army’s recruitment?”
Chang Suining was about to make something up when he suddenly said, “Ning Ning, you wouldn’t also want to join the Xuanzhe Army, would you?”
She simply nodded. “...Yes.”
She added with a hint of disappointment, “But the Xuanzhe Army doesn’t recruit women.”
Chang Sui’an quickly comforted his sister.
Inwardly, he was amazed—his sister really had thought about becoming a female general!
After hearing his many words of reassurance, Chang Suining chuckled, “...Maybe they’ll start recruiting women in the future.”
Chang Sui’an eagerly nodded in agreement. Rules might be set in stone, but his sister was a living talent, a natural!
“Then let me blaze the trail!” the young man declared, filled with confidence and newfound motivation.
Chang Suining nodded with delight. “Good.”
“Then let me go with you to the training field for some spear practice,” she said, standing up. “If you want to get into the frontline camp, spearwork is a must.”
“Alright!”
“I’m coming too!” Ah Dian quickly stuffed the last piece of dessert into his mouth and hurried to follow.
…
As the summer ended and the weather cooled, both official and private matchmakers in the capital found themselves busier than ever.
Word had spread that the holy emperor was planning to host a Mid-Autumn Flower Banquet to select a crown princess. Some families, wishing to avoid the intrigue of the power struggle, sought to arrange marriages for their daughters before the palace invitations arrived.
Others, having already found potential matches, hastened the engagement process.
Initially, only a few families pursued this approach, but some with sons worried that if they didn’t act quickly, the most desirable girls would be taken. Thus, the matchmaking trend gained momentum, until everyone seemed to be getting involved.
For instance, one day, a matchmaker even visited the home of Qiao Yan, the Head Master of the Imperial Academy.
Over the past two years, many had come to propose, knowing that the Qiao family had a son, Qiao Yubai, known for his handsome appearance, good character, and promising future.
However, to the Qiao family’s surprise, this particular matchmaker wasn’t here for Qiao Yubai but to seek the hand of a Qiao family young Miss on behalf of a county magistrate’s son.
“...So, it’s a proposal for my sister?”
At noon, after the academies dismissed, Qiao Yubai had come home to fetch a book, accompanied by Cui Lang.
Seeing the servant nod, Cui Lang eagerly suggested, “Brother Qiao, shouldn’t you go take a look?”
Qiao Yubai hesitated. “Isn’t that improper?”
After all, his mother was talking with the matchmaker, and it might seem rude for him to suddenly join in.
“It’s fine; they’re probably speaking in the front hall. We can just listen from behind,” Cui Lang suggested.
“...Well,” Qiao Yubai sighed, taken aback by Cui Lang’s ‘solution’ to the problem with an even bolder suggestion.
“When a younger sister is discussing marriage, the elder brother should definitely check the situation!” Without further ado, Cui Lang dragged him along.
Inside the hall, the Head Master’s wife, Wang shi, was struggling to maintain a polite smile. “...So, are you saying that this young man was born with a different mind?”
Her question was tactful, but she understood the meaning—the magistrate’s son was mentally deficient.
The matchmaker sighed, “It was due to premature birth…”
The matchmaker added, “But he’s not incapable of everything. Unlike Miss Qiao’s mobility challenges, this young man can manage his own meals and doesn’t appear much different from a typical person at first glance!”
“This official is the newly appointed magistrate of Wannian County and has a promising future. His family is also quite affluent, so Miss Qiao would never have to worry about being neglected if she were to marry him.”
Noticing the displeased look on Wang shi’s face, she continued to persuade, “After all, Miss Qiao’s eye condition… it’s an unfortunate reality. She’ll need a household to care for her. Once she has children, her future will be more secure, won’t it?”
Behind the screen, Qiao Yumian could no longer hold back her sadness and suddenly got up to run outside.
She headed for the rear courtyard, avoiding the front hall, so her departure went unnoticed by Wang shi and the matchmaker.
Listening to the matchmaker’s words had deeply pained her, and she had earlier excused herself, saying she felt cold, and sent her maid, Xiao Qiu, to fetch a cloak, leaving her alone.
Meanwhile, Qiao Yubai, who had been pulled along by Cui Lang to eavesdrop from behind the hall, stepped forward without hesitation. Ignoring any concerns about impropriety, he raised his hand and asked the matchmaker to leave. “My sister is currently uninterested in marriage. Please take your leave.”
Just as Cui Lang was about to barge in to express his disdain, he caught sight of a figure clad in light purple dashing away and paused in surprise. “...Miss Qiao?”
She had heard everything? But given her poor eyesight, why was she running so fast?
Cui Lang quickly chased after her.
Guided by memory, Qiao Yumian managed to run a short distance but tripped and fell. After getting up, she continued forward.
A worried voice called out from behind her, “Miss Qiao, please stop; you’re nearing the lotus pond!”
Recognizing the voice, Qiao Yumian stopped in her tracks, feeling flustered, and turned away to wipe her tears.
Cui Lang hurried over. “Miss Qiao, did you hurt yourself when you fell?”
“No… no, I’m fine.” She choked back her tears, unwilling to let herself appear weak in front of others.
Cui Lang sighed. “Don’t take those matchmaker’s words to heart. It’s rare for any of what they say to be true.”
Qiao Yumian looked up in surprise. “Did… you hear everything, Young Master Cui?”
Cui Lang scratched his head sheepishly. “I happened to be passing by with brother Qiao.”
Lowering her head slightly, she replied, “I must have made a fool of myself before you, Young Master Cui.”
Cui Lang waved his hands, shaking his head. “Not at all!”
They stood on the soft grass near the riverbank, which, being soft, felt safer, prompting Qiao Yumian to linger there for a while.
As if speaking to herself, she murmured, “It’s no wonder you think me foolish. I have my eye condition and shouldn’t judge others for their flaws. I should understand this… but for some reason, hearing those words just now…”
Tears of frustration and self-reproach fell onto the grass at her feet.
Cui Lang had never felt so flustered. “It’s not about judging others. That matchmaker was out of line, intentionally hitting on sore spots. She wasn’t here with sincere intentions; she was here to drive down the ‘price’!”
“Drive down the price?” Qiao Yumian’s tears halted in confusion. What, was she some sort of commodity?
“The matchmaker knew this proposal was a mismatch. She was aware that the young man was unworthy of Miss Qiao, which is why she kept highlighting your eye condition. It’s just a bargaining tactic. To take her words to heart would be truly foolish!”
Qiao Yumian wiped her tears. “Is that so…”
“Exactly, so don’t be fooled.” Cui Lang added, “Besides, Miss Qiao, you may not know, but that son of the Wannian County magistrate is not only slow-minded; he also has quite a few bad habits. I even caught him foolishly visiting a brothel once!”
“...?” Qiao Yumian was at a loss for words, as this sentence contained too much information for her to process.
Realizing he’d overstepped, Cui Lang quickly added, “...That was before.”
“And since entering the Imperial Academy, I’ve rid myself of all those bad habits!”
Qiao Yumian’s cheeks reddened slightly. Why was he telling her all this?
However, after several months of acquaintance, they were now rather familiar with each other, and curiosity got the best of her. “...Why?”
Why did he suddenly change?
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