Reborn as the Blissful Wife in the countryside Chapter 1305: The Great Conscription

News of Great Chu’s devastating defeat permeated Da Feng Village, leaving several families in palpable sorrow.

"So many young men, the very pillars of their households, lost just like that," Third Grandma lamented, tears welling as she turned to Mrs. Cui. "Dashan’s wife, let’s prepare an offering table and burn some paper money to send off those who perished in battle, shall we?"

Dashan’s maternal family hailed from a military background, with several uncles having fallen on the battlefield. His late mother, Mrs. Fei, had upheld the tradition of burning paper money for Great Chu’s fallen soldiers during the Tomb-Sweeping Festival, a practice passed down through military lineages. Third Grandma, holding Mrs. Fei in high regard, felt compelled to honor the fallen warriors upon hearing of Great Chu’s defeat.

Upon hearing the somber news of the fallen soldiers, Mrs. Cui also shed tears. "Ah, I shall heed your words, Third Aunt. I’ll go at once to enlist Old Zhu’s wife and Da Lei’s wife to help with the preparations."

Gu Jinli addressed Third Grandma, "Third Grandma, Grandpa Qin once served as a soldier, and several Qin family uncles met their end on the battlefield. This news must weigh heavily on him. Would you have Third Grandpa and Grandpa Wu keep him company and share a few drinks?"

Third Grandma readily agreed, her face lighting up. "Yes, yes, yes, Little Xiao Yu always thinks of everything. I’ll fetch the wine for them immediately. It’s fortunate they are roasting a whole lamb; they can enjoy it with the wine."

Seizing the moment, Gu Jinli added, "Third Grandma, I am free now. I will take Erqing, Feng Jin, and the others to fetch Brother Qin. Our martial arts skills are quite proficient, so you need not worry. We shall return with Brother Qin this afternoon. Please kindly inform my parents for me."

With that, she darted off, her speed leaving Third Grandma no chance to object.

However, recalling Little Xiao Yu’s spirited nature, Third Grandma felt reassured. She then proceeded to prepare the wine for Third Grandpa, Elder Qin, Doctor Wu, and the others.

...

At the Military Office, Qin San Lang personally penned a memorial text and instructed Section Leader Jiang to set up an incense table. He then led the remaining soldiers stationed at the Military Office in a solemn kneeling ceremony to honor the fallen warriors.

As soldiers themselves, they felt a profound connection to the deceased, even without knowing their names. Their hearts were heavy with shared grief. With solemnity and deep respect, they followed Qin San Lang’s lead, meticulously observing each ritual.

After the ceremony, one soldier voiced his apprehension. "Lord Company Commander, now that our Great Chu has been defeated, will the Rong people capitalize on this victory to attack our cities again? Will we lose more territory? Will the Emperor dispatch troops to confront Da Rong once more?"

The soldier, surnamed Jiang, a relative of the Jiang family, had served at the Military Office for three years. His questions echoed the concerns of every soldier present. However, Section Leader Jiang rebuked him sharply, "Hold your tongue! Are these matters for you to question? The Emperor shall decide the course of action. Do not speak recklessly and cause trouble for the Company Commander!"

Could he not see the grim expression etched on Company Commander Qin’s face? With such a demeanor, he was either consumed by grief or fury; it was best to suppress any further inquiries for the time being.

Qin San Lang glanced at Section Leader Jiang and stated, "There is no need to scold Jiang Feng. His questions reflect the concerns of everyone here."

After a moment of contemplation, he addressed the assembled soldiers. "Given the nature of the Rong people, following such a monumental victory, they will undoubtedly press their advantage against Great Chu, seizing further cities. Even if they do not intend to hold these cities permanently, they will surely demand substantial ransoms of gold and silver, salt and tea, grain and horses, and even women from Great Chu."

Thus, the prospect of the Rong people launching further assaults on their cities was an almost predictable outcome.

"As for whether the Emperor will continue to dispatch troops against Da Rong, that remains unknown. We can only await further developments."

Emperor Jingyuan harbored a fervent, almost fanatical, obsession with conquering Da Rong, placing immense faith in the Fa Rong campaign. He was also a ruler who valued his reputation immensely. Having suffered such a humiliating defeat, if only for the sake of preserving his dignity, he would undoubtedly muster a large army to strike Da Rong again.

Therefore, the logical next step would be Emperor Jingyuan initiating a widespread conscription to launch another offensive against Da Rong. However, the timing was not yet opportune, a fact that Qin San Lang could not openly disclose.

"Section Leader Jiang, today marks Dongzhi! Our brothers have toiled diligently on guard duty. Let’s prepare the game we’ve hunted these past few days for a hearty meal for everyone." As Qin San Lang spoke, his gaze intensified, surveying the assembled soldiers. "All of you, return to your assigned posts. Any lapse will be met with strict military law!"

"Yes!" The soldiers immediately snapped to attention, responding in unison before swiftly dispersing to resume their guard duties.

Section Leader Jiang, accompanied by a few soldiers, departed to prepare the game for the Dongzhi feast.

Qin San Lang retreated to his personal courtyard. He retrieved a piece of white cloth, tore it into a strip, and bound it around his left wrist, a gesture of mourning for the fallen soldiers.

...An indeterminate period later, Si’an entered Qin San Lang’s courtyard.

Despite his grief, Qin San Lang remained exceptionally vigilant. Long before Si’an crossed the threshold into the yard, he had already emerged. Upon seeing Si’an, his sword-like brows knitted together. "Has something occurred at home?" he inquired.

He had previously dispatched a message indicating his return would be in the afternoon; its presence made Si’an’s sudden arrival perplexing.

Saluting respectfully, Si’an announced, "Master, the Young Master has arrived."

"Xiao Yu is here!" Qin San Lang’s eyes sparkled with surprise, quickly followed by a concerned question, "What brings Xiao Yu here so suddenly? Is everything alright?"

Si’an shook his head. "Master, please do not worry. The Young Master is perfectly fine. She specifically came to fetch you and bring you home for Dongzhi."

The Young Master truly possessed remarkable spirit. It was customarily the man’s role to escort someone home, yet the Young Master reversed this norm. No wonder Third Grandmother often quipped that the Young Master was born in the wrong form and ought to have been a boy.

He added, "The Young Master mentioned that she is not comfortable entering the Military Office, so she is waiting for you in the mule cart just outside. Master, there’s no need to rush. Once you have concluded your business at the Military Office, you may simply return home with her."

How could Qin San Lang remain at ease knowing she was waiting alone outside? He promptly summoned Section Leader Jiang, retrieved paper and a brush, meticulously jotted down all necessary arrangements, and handed the document to Section Leader Jiang. "I am entrusting the Military Office’s affairs to your care. Safeguard it diligently; permit no errors to occur."

"Yes!" Section Leader Jiang accepted the paper, gave his solemn word, and escorted Qin San Lang towards the main gate.

Gu Jinli’s mule cart was positioned near a small bamboo grove, some distance from the Military Office. She sat within the cart, lifting the curtain to gaze towards the direction of the Military Office. Spotting Qin San Lang approaching on horseback, she joyfully alighted from the cart and hastened towards him.

Witnessing her running towards him, the heart that had felt heavy and chilled for the greater part of the day seemed to be instantly pierced by sunlight, warming it through. "Xiao Yu."

Qin San Lang slowed his horse, dismounted before she could reach him, and strode swiftly towards her. He naturally took her hand, a smile gracing his lips as he asked, "Why did you make this surprise visit?"

Gu Jinli looked at him and giggled. "I was worried you'd be so sad you'd cry your eyes out, so I hurried over to check on you. Am I not wonderfully thoughtful?"

If, upon first seeing her moments ago, his heart had merely felt a sunlit warmth, then at this precise instant, it was entirely set ablaze by her affection and concern.

"Mm, Xiao Yu treats me with the utmost kindness." Qin San Lang affirmed, her hand held securely in his as he guided her to the mule cart and stepped inside. No sooner had she followed him in than he drew her into his embrace, his voice a low murmur as he confessed, "Xiao Yu, I am exceedingly happy."

Immensely happy that you came.

He had indeed carried a heavy sorrow throughout the day. While he possessed the fortitude to endure it, this feeling of being cherished and valued by her brought him genuine, profound joy.