Chapter 68

Sitting cross-legged on the kang bed, Song Dingxiang was discussing with her mother, Li shi, and her grandpa, Song Xingyi, her plans for the gifts she had received.

Song Xingyi simply listened with a wide grin, looking at his wife and then at his clever granddaughter, feeling incredibly content as a grandfather. If there was one thing that made him a little unhappy, it was that Bai shi had remained in the capital, bringing their little granddaughter along with her to stay with his youngest son.

His granddaughter, a plump and adorable little girl, he didn't know when he would be able to see her. But in this situation, he couldn't bring his daughter-in-law back, after all, his son over there also needed someone to take care of him, not to mention, if his daughter-in-law came back, who would give birth to his grandson?

"I've put away all the porcelain, and the non-fragile decorations have been placed in various rooms. As for the gold and silver, they are to be saved for buying land and shops. But now it's not suitable to buy land, in a couple of months it will start getting cold, and then there won't be work to do, so it's better to wait until spring. As for those clothing fabrics, the sisters-in-law are picking suitable ones to make clothes and shoes for all of us, the fine fabrics are untouched, and when the time comes, they can be used for gifts."

Li shi nodded and said, "By the way, didn't we promise to provide clothes to the Li Sheng's family in the village and the Liu Dagui's family?"

Song Dingxiang smiled and said, "No need to worry, the clothes weren't provided, but I bought fabrics for them to make their own. What they do with the remaining fabrics is up to them, consider it as a benefit. Also, about hiring people. Once the workshop is up and running, the sisters-in-law and aunties will be busy, having one or two servants around can help with running errands, what do you think, grandmother?"

Li shi smiled and said, "I don't care, I don't need anyone to serve me. I don't think they have any objections either. Just be careful when hiring people, don't bring trouble to our family."

"Trouble?" Song Dingxiang didn't understand.

Song Xingyi, on the other hand, understood and exclaimed, "Our child is not like that, why are you worrying so much, old lady?"

Li shi didn't mind and said, leisurely, "There's a saying that goes, when a person has money, they will turn bad. I know our child is not like that, but I can't control the thoughts of the maids or anyone else we hire."

Song Dingxiang chuckled, "I see. Then I'll do it like Madam Wang, buy a whole family at once, with older children, even if they have some ideas, we can figure it out."

Li shi said, "I know you're attentive, do as you see fit. Although your grandfather and I received this reward, we have no intention of showing off, we just want to be honest. You're still young, you have plenty of energy, think more for yourself in the future."

Song Dingxiang laughed, "I don't care, I have to figure out how to serve my grandparents. My mother is indecisive, I rely on my grandparents to give me advice."

"What bad things are you saying about your mother?" Fang shi, holding a basin of tender pumpkins, walked in. "As soon as I entered the house, I heard you saying I'm not good, how am I not good to you?"

Li shi chuckled and said, "Your daughter finds you too casual, why are you picking these old pumpkins? Are you making filling?"

Fang shi nodded and said, "Her father bought some lamb meat, I'm going to make dumplings filled with lamb meat and pumpkin. Feels like we haven't eaten dumplings at home for a long time, today we're craving them badly."

"You see, which mother still talks about craving on the tip of their tongue?" Li shi shook her head. Since Song Dingxiang became independent, Fang shi has become more carefree, completely letting go and living like a child.

Fang shi grinned, put the basin and wooden grater on the kang table, and started grating the pumpkin. "When I'm chopping the meat, her father asked me to check when you'll be back in the village. It's getting cold soon, we need to quickly bring firewood from the village. Firewood in this county is too expensive, ten wen for a bundle. It's not even burning firewood, it's burning money."

Back in the village, they needed a lot of firewood for boiling the sheepskin and wool, but firewood in the village was cheap, and family members could go up the mountain to chop it. A big bundle from the mountain only cost three to four wen.

But here in the county, even a two-thirds size bundle cost ten wen, it's heartbreaking to burn.

Although they had money now, the family didn't have the habit of being lavish, it's better to save the money and use it wisely.

Just then, Song Zhiyuan walked in and said, "Did you guys hear, there's a locust plague in the south mountain."

Fang shi replied, "We don't go out all day, where would we hear anything? South mountain? That's quite far away."

Song Zhiyuan picked up a piece of tender pumpkin and stuffed it into his mouth as he chewed and said, "I also heard about it when I went out to herd sheep today. When disaster strikes, they said they would plow the land and burn it, but because most people had fled, those who stayed behind didn't have the energy to work, so they didn't burn it. Now it's almost autumn, right? With the harvest about to begin, the locust plague is starting. There are a few scattered locusts in our area, but not many."

Song Dingxiang grinned and said, "I heard that fried locusts taste pretty good."

Fang shi gave her a look and said, "Are you missing meat? Besides, anything fried isn't necessarily tasty, right?"

Song Dingxiang added, "The locusts killed can be burned into powder, at least it's fertilizer. It's just a waste of the grain. Dad, the locusts won't fly over to our area, will they?"

Song Zhiyuan reassured, "They're still far away, before they reach our area, they'll all be killed, so don't worry." After saying that, he hurried out again, "It seems like our sheep have given birth again, I need to go check."

"Your father is idle all day, squatting at the chicken coop to watch the chickens, or watching the sheep, or looking after his mule and horse... That horse is so precious, I suggested giving it to Zhouzi as a gift, but he refused. He just spends his days tending to that horse." Fang shi chuckled, finding her husband quite amusing.

"What about my eldest uncle?" Song Dingxiang asked.

Fang shi replied, "Your eldest uncle is thinking about finding a place outside the city to raise pigs. He can't sit still either, your aunt scolds him for not knowing how to enjoy life."

The Songs were all restless individuals, Song Dingxiang's brothers and sisters-in-law took on the activities in the vegetable garden and went to help at the store all the time, leaving the Liu Dagui family with almost nothing to do.

This made Liu Dagui anxious every day, especially hoping that the lady of the house would hurry up and start the workshop, to give these masters something to do.

"Dingxiang, Dingxiang!" the people outside the courtyard shouted as they ran in, "Mother, grandfather, grandmother."

"Oh my, Zhou Zi, you're back?" Fang shi was delighted to see her son-in-law, "Quickly, sit down. Dingxiang, why don't you go get Zhou Zi something to eat?"

"Mother, no need, I'll get it myself." Zhou Yinuo held back Song Dingxiang, who was about to get off the kang, and smiled, "I have a few days off, so I came back. Mother, what are you planning to do? Let me do it."

"You rest, my mother doesn't want you to work." Song Dingxiang still got off the kang, put on her shoes with a smile, and said, "You sit down, I'll get you some snacks to eat."

Zhou Yinuo had run back after breakfast, and by the time he arrived it was already late in the afternoon, his stomach growling with hunger.

Song Xingyi also liked his grandson-in-law. He poured a bowl of tea and said, "Have some water, how are things over there?"

Zhou Yinuo drank the water and said with a smile, "It's going well, everyone likes me."

Song Xingyi exclaimed, "Of course they do, you're a great guy."

Zhou Yinuo just smiled shyly.

Song Dingxiang brought in a plate of snacks and a plate of fruits. Zhou Yinuo ate two pieces of peach crisp, and an apple before taking a break.

"You came back at the right time, I have something important to discuss with you." Song Dingxiang saw that he had stopped eating and called someone to come in.

Fang shi said, "You didn't even have time to sit properly, now where are you off to again? Oh you child, can't you let people catch their breath?"

"Mom, we'll be back soon." Song Dingxiang called back, then looked at Zhou Yinuo and said, "The mansion granted to you by the emperor is nearby, right? Where is it? Take me to see the entrance."

Zhou Yinuo was momentarily stunned, then slapped his forehead and said, "Oh, I almost forgot about it. Come on, let's go and see our big courtyard."

The mansion granted by the emperor to a meritorious official naturally could not be a dilapidated ruin. Since the day it was granted, people had been sent over to repair and clean it up. They estimated that it should be almost ready.

The two walked through the main street, along a lane for a while, and crossed another street before finding the gate. The gate was majestic, with two new large stone lions at the entrance draped in red cloth.

Above the gate hung three large characters of "General's Mansion" inscribed by the emperor. The deep red gate was said to be made of a single piece of wooden board, a tree of such thickness was truly precious.

There were servants cleaning at the gate, and when they saw the two approaching, one immediately stepped forward to stop them, "Hold on, hold on, do you know what place this is? How dare you barge in? Are you out of your mind?"

Zhou Yinuo frowned and said, "What place? It's my home."

The servant looked at his simple and unadorned attire, then at Song Dingxiang's equally ordinary dress, and scoffed, "Your home? Is your name written on it? I could say it's my home too. Go on, looking for a meal at the General's Mansion? You must be blind!"

Zhou Yinuo was angered, "Is there no one in charge here? Go, bring the steward here."

The servant sneered, "You want to see our steward? Let me tell you, even if the county princess wants to see our steward, they have to pay and present an invitation. What makes you think you're anything special?"

Song Dingxiang chuckled and said, "It's really amusing, can't even enter your own home and have to check the gatekeeper's attitude. Your performance as a fourth-rank general is not impressive."

Zhou Yinuo frowned and took out his waist badge from his pocket, flashing it in front of the servant.

The servant took a quick look, then immediately kneeled down with a thud, "Great, great, general... I-I have eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai, I deserve to die!" He started hitting himself continuously on the mouth.

Song Dingxiang said, "Don't be in such a hurry to die. Let me ask you, how many people have come to deliver invitations, and how many have paid? And who received them?"

The servant hesitated and didn't say anything.

Song Dingxiang continued, "Just sell him off directly. Keeping such people only brings disgrace to you."

"General, general! I was sent by the prince and princess, you can't just sell me off!" The servant was sweating profusely, "I have a contract with the princess."

"If you can't be sold, then send him back. Why stuff all this mess into the General's Mansion?" Song Dingxiang raised an eyebrow, "I really don't believe that the princess would send so many disgraceful things over. I'll write a letter to the princess to inquire about this situation!"

The servant just kept bowing, but Zhou Yinuo kicked him, sending him tumbling out far away.

"What's going on, making such a commotion?" a man dressed as a steward walked over. He glanced at the servant wailing on the ground, then at the people standing at the door, and exclaimed angrily, "Is this a market? Can anyone just come here and act recklessly?"

Song Dingxiang sighed and said to Zhou Yinuo, "When the princess brought these people over, didn't she have them recognize your face?"

Zhou Yinuo replied, "I don't think so... I was busy drinking and socializing during those days, didn't pay much attention."

Zhou Yinuo looked at the man and asked, "I heard you've been using your position as a steward of the General's Mansion to demand money from people?"

The man retorted, "What's it to you? Who are you?"

Zhou Yinuo flashed his badge once again.

The man immediately knelt down in panic, saying, "I didn't know that the General was here, please forgive me, General. Why didn't you send someone to pass on the message before coming? I could have made proper arrangements early."

Song Dingxiang added, "I can see now, the people here only recognize the badge, not the person wearing it. If someone else had this badge, they'd probably kneel down and kowtow as well."

Zhou Yinuo felt angry, taking big strides inside and said, "How many more people have come? Bring them all here!" He had only wanted to show off the big courtyard he had earned to his wife, but before he could even boast, he was disrupted by this group of people, feeling embarrassed and full of anger.

The steward quickly got up from the ground and went to call people. Zhou Yinuo sat in the main hall waiting, and a group of people bustled in, numbering around a hundred or so.

The steward took out a roster and handed it over, with a smile saying, "General, these people have all been carefully selected by the princess to come specifically to serve the General and Madam."

Zhou Yinuo took the roster without looking and handed it directly to Song Dingxiang.

Song Dingxiang opened the roster and saw that it listed one head steward, three regular stewards, twelve first-class maids, twenty-six second-class maids, twenty-six third-class maids, four first-class male servants, twelve second-class male servants, twelve third-class male servants, as well as the remaining women responsible for cleaning and cooking in the household.

She closed the roster and looked over at the people. Most of them were well-behaved, but there were some who seemed to be hiding something, sneaking glances. A few maids even openly looked at Zhou Yinuo with flirtatious eyes.

Song Dingxiang thought to herself that as a former farmer, she now had to deal with household intrigue, feeling quite annoyed. But these people were sent by the princess after all, mishandling them would only upset the princess.

Nevertheless, keeping these troublesome playthings around was even more bothersome.

She asked for their names one by one, got an idea, then quietly said a few words to Zhou Yinuo.

Zhou Yinuo nodded, stood up, and without even taking a sip of water, he left with the people.

This abrupt departure left the others feeling uncertain.

"If I had known, I would've brought a few people with me," Zhou Yinuo regretted.

Song Dingxiang smiled and said, "It's nothing, we can just send them back. It's just that it's annoying to have this unnecessary trouble and feel a bit frustrated. But it's good in a way, better to address any problems now than to discover them later when something goes wrong. Tomorrow, I'll have my brother wake up early to help you take a message back, and you'll need to arrange for some of your own people to be in your courtyard."

"It's really troublesome..." Zhou Yinuo, holding his wife's hand, almost pouted and stomped his foot.

"You'll get used to it, just keep quiet when we get home, so as not to worry my parents," Song Dingxiang reminded.

"I understand, don't worry," Zhou Yinuo replied.

When they arrived home, Song Dingxiang only mentioned how big the courtyard was, without saying the princess had allocated people. She just said the courtyard wasn't fixed up yet, and once it was, everyone could move in.

They had dumplings for dinner, filled with tender pumpkin and lamb, delicious and greasy, finally easing some of Zhou Yinuo's discomfort.

In the evening, he still habitually prepared a bath for his wife and chatted behind a screen.

"I really hate those who look down on others. In the capital, I've heard of many problems caused by these arrogant fools, making their masters clean up after them. Today, seeing so many people, it just made me upset, wishing I could kick them all out."

While washing her hair, Song Dingxiang said, "The princess meant well, that's why she sent people from afar to serve you. But these people might have been used to their ways in the capital, unable to change their arrogant behavior. Now that they're here, even though you and I are a county princess and a general, we're still from the village, so it's normal for them to look down on us. Tomorrow, I'll have my brother go to the barracks to send a message, bring some of your people here, and you can write a letter to have someone take back and also take some of those people back, we don't need so many after all."

Zhou Yinuo listened to the sound of water inside and said, "I'll listen to you, anyway, you'll be the one taking care of these things in the future, not me."

Song Dingxiang thought to herself that she didn't want to deal with it either, but if she could find loyal and reliable people, she could send them to the workshop and save money on hiring.

After she finished bathing, drying her hair and putting on clothes, she came out and said, "You go wash up, I'll make the bed, let's rest well today. You haven't had a good rest at home in a long time, the kang bed here is more comfortable than the one back home."

Borrowing the bathwater from his wife, Zhou Yinuo washed himself clean. His wife was a clean person; if her clothes got dirty, she would change them before going out. In the barracks, mostly filled with men, bathing was a quick and casual affair, lasting no more than the time it takes to have a cup of tea.

But if his wife discovered he hadn't cleaned himself properly, that would be embarrassing.

Song Dingxiang spread the blankets and got into bed first, letting her hair dry on the edge of the kang. She asked about the interesting things in the barracks, gradually feeling drowsy.

After washing up, Zhou Yinuo hurriedly came out and saw his wife, with her cheeks flushed, dozing off. His mouth watered at the sight. However, he felt disappointed when he saw two separate beds on the kang bed.

How... are they supposed to sleep separately?

The general felt a pang of injustice. "Wife," he began, gently lifting the blanket that covered Song Dingxiang. "They say we should consummate our marriage upon our return. I restrained myself in the capital. Now that we're home, can we not share a bed?"

His voice was soft, but there was an underlying firmness in his tone. He had waited for this moment for a long time, and he was eager to finally be intimate with his wife.

Song Dingxiang's cheeks flushed at the thought. Her eyes darted nervously to Zhou Yinuo’s imposing figure, unsure where to place her hands. ‘You’ve traveled so far today. You must be exhausted. Perhaps you should rest?’”

"What's that? I'm not tired at all!" Zhou Yinuo wrapped his arms around his wife's slender waist, his voice low and tender. "You smell divine, my love... perhaps we should start a family."

The candlelight danced in the room, casting a soft, intimate glow. The flicker of the flame seemed to synchronize with the gentle rise and fall of their chests. A comfortable silence settled over them, broken only by the soft rustling of their clothing and movements.

Suddenly, Fang Shi propped herself up and listened intently, then nudged Song Zhiyuan, "Hey, hey! Listen..."

Song Zhiyuan listened carefully for a while, his face turning red. He held back Fang Shi and said, "You're getting old, my goodness! Go to sleep! Why are those two making so much noise... my goodness!"

Fang Shi chuckled and said, "I didn't hear any noise when we were in the capital before. I was worried they wouldn't get along. Now I'm not worried anymore. But should we keep the child away from their room in the future? The noise is just too loud."

(T/Note: Hahaha!!! Consumed by hunger, the wolf at last secured its prey. With a full belly, its gnawing hunger was finally quelled.)

"The younger ones know nothing! But you should find a wife for Hutou, he's not that young anymore. Go to sleep!"

The following morning, General Zhou awoke feeling invigorated, the weight of the previous day's challenges lifted from his shoulders. With a gentle kiss on Song Dingxiang's forehead, he quietly rose, his heart filled with a sense of peace and contentment. As he dressed, the soft morning light cast a warm glow upon their shared space, reminding him of the tranquility and love they had cultivated together.

"Sister-in-law, what's for breakfast this morning?" he asked as he saw Qiao Liu heading to the kitchen.

Qiao Liu blushed and smiled, "You can eat whatever you want. How about some stewed chicken for you?" She laughed and ran off covering her mouth.

Zhou Yinuo didn't quite understand, but Song Junshan walked over, patted his shoulder, and gave him a thumbs up, saying, "Looks like everyone in the courtyard knows now."

Zhou Yinuo: !!

"Uh, bro, don't tell Dingxiang!" he whispered.

Song Junshan chuckled, shook his head, and walked towards the backyard.

Fang Shi came out to wash up, saw the silly boy in the courtyard, and nudged her man, "You go tell him."

Song Zhiyuan hesitated and said, "What can I say, they're just young... How can I say anything?"

Fang Shi scolded, "But this goes on every day..."

"Just a few days, isn't their general's mansion repaired? Let them move there, no one will hear a thing. Hurry up and wash your face!" he, being an old and respected figure, couldn't bring himself to tell his son-in-law about the loud noises at night.

It would disturb the whole courtyard...

Wow! Was he going to lose face like this?

After breakfast, Song Junshan rode the big horse brought by Zhou Yinuo and left. He returned late at night with about twenty strong men. Zhou Yinuo arranged for them to stay in an empty house for the night. That night was peaceful, with loud snores drowning out any other noise.

Song Dingxiang didn't get up until nearly noon, sitting on the kang bed for a long while before finally getting off. Everyone around her acted normal, but couldn't help but laugh when she turned around.

Exhausted, Song Dingxiang couldn't muster the energy to pay attention to others' reactions. In the evening, she helped prepare a meal for Zhou Yinuo's subordinates, but when it was time to sleep, she adamantly refused to share a blanket with anyone.

She just couldn't handle it!

Dealing with these young and brave newcomers was a kind of torture, pity the old lady in spirit.

The next day, Zhou Yinuo and Song Dingxiang went to the general's mansion again, followed by twenty intimidating soldiers. The gatekeeper had changed, and upon seeing Zhou Yinuo, he knelt down and greeted him without hesitation.

Song Dingxiang gathered the group and said, "As you can see, the master of this mansion is just the general and me. We don't need so many people serving us. Those whose names I call out, pack your things, I will send you back to the princess' side."

The group was stunned, and one of the maidens with good looks spoke up, "Madam, what do you mean? We were sent by the princess to serve the general. Without a word, you're sending us back, isn't that forcing us to die?"

Without lifting an eyelid, Song Dingxiang replied, "What? You're only willing to serve when there's a general in charge? The princess not good enough for your service? If that's the case, then go die. Anyone else want to die?"

The kneeling individuals were taken aback by the unexpected response from the general's wife, unsure of what to do next.

Song Dingxiang called out each name, having remembered them from the previous day. She selected the names from the roster, which included the arrogant steward.

The steward objected, "Madam, I am the princess's appointed chief steward. How can you just send me back like this? It will be difficult to explain if I go back."

Song Dingxiang said, "Staying here will also be difficult to explain. The general hasn't arrived yet, but you dare to accept bribes in the general's name, tarnishing his reputation. If someone like you stays by the general's side for too long, you might drive him to his grave. If I don't send you back, then who should go back?"

The steward reluctantly replied, "It's the same in the capital, not everyone can meet the master just because they want to."

Song Dingxiang sneered, "What does it have to do with you wanting to see the master? Do you need to pay someone to make arrangements for you? If that's the case, you might as well be the master of this mansion!"

The steward panicked, "There's no such rule... in the capital..."

Song Dingxiang retorted, "The capital has its rules, but here, I am the rule. Anyone who takes bribes will be driven away!"

"But I'm not the only one who took bribes!" The steward pointed to several others, "They also took bribes, so why aren't they being sent away?"

The others also panicked and quickly said, "We only took a few bribes, unlike you, who took hundreds of taels, right?"

Song Dingxiang sighed inwardly and marked the names of those individuals in the roster. Now, out of the four stewards, only one remained, kneeling obediently with his head lowered, saying nothing.

The group tearfully started packing their belongings. Zhou Yinuo took out an envelope from his pocket and handed it to one of his subordinates, saying, "Liangzi, take half of the people to escort them back. Deliver this letter to the princess, hurry there and back, understand?"

Liangzi smiled, "Don't worry, boss, it's just delivering a letter. Am I unable to handle such a small task?" He took the letter, shouted at the thirty or so people selected, and hurried them out of the general's mansion.

Now, one first-class maid and one manservant were retained, while half of the second-class maids were removed. The rough caretakers were all kept; these women had been working for decades and seemed efficient and untroublesome.

After the commotion from the group subsided, Song Dingxiang spoke slowly, "I know you are all unwilling to be in this poor county town. Even though I am a county princess and he is a general, we both come from farming backgrounds, perhaps not as worldly-wise as all of you."

The servants quickly kowtowed and dared not speak.

Song Dingxiang continued, "I am a straightforward person. What's good is good, what's not good is not good. If you stay, I will keep an eye on you to make sure you behave honestly. Do what you are supposed to do. If you do well, you will be rewarded, if not, go back to serve the princess. My house is small, I cannot accommodate big Buddha. Understand?"

After giving instructions, Song Dingxiang listened to the group of people saying what they can do. She rearranged and reassigned them, leaving only one person in charge.

She said to the remaining steward, "Now you are the only steward left. But we have few people in the house, not much to do. After the renovation is completed, we will move in. Make a list of what is missing or needed inside and outside the house and give it to me."

The steward bowed and said, "The Prince and Princess are afraid that the general might lack something here, so they have sent many things over, all stored in the warehouse. The inventory list is in the chest in the warehouse. Madam, why don't you take a look first, if anything is missing, I will go and replenish it."

Song Dingxiang glanced at him. He was in his forties, with a calm expression, neither obsequious nor afraid.

Not bad at all.

"Take me to the warehouse to see. Zhou Ge, take your people around and see how to arrange things. Xiaoyue, shall we go?" Song Dingxiang stood tall with a noble air, but inside she was feeling exhausted.

What it means to be physically and mentally exhausted, this was it! Managing such a large mansion was definitely not an easy task. She was feeling so fed up.

*

The princess received the letter sent by Zhou Yinnuo and looked at the steward, asking, "Why have you all come back?"

The steward knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face. "My Lady, we have no idea either. That county princess is simply too domineering. She gives orders without understanding anything, and she's always criticizing our work. We dare not speak up, even the General... even the General can't get a word in edgewise. As soon as he says something, she reminds him that she's the county princess and throws her weight around!"

The princess's face darkened immediately.

——— Author's Note:

Princess: Do you know why the Prince has no concubines? Do you really think I'm a fool?