Жизнь сельских жителей в городе во времена династии Сун

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Wei Shulan's face flushed red. "Winning and losing are common occurrences in war. How could your father be so shameless?" Despite his words, there was still a hint of melancholy in his eyes. He couldn't even beat his daughter in a game of chess.

Looking up, she met He Lu's ever-smiling face. "It's all because you were watching me from the side that I was so uneasy."

He Lu continued to smile, without saying a word.

"Dad—don't bully him. How did he affect you? He didn't say a word from beginning to end." Wei Zijun smiled and glanced at He Lu. He was quite obedient; he had watched several rounds without moving an inch.

"How long has it been? You're so old, and you still need Jun'er to coax you?" A gentle female voice sounded from behind. Mu Xiaoya walked over, stirred the chessboard, and said, "Go eat."

"Sigh, I'm getting old." Wei Shulan sighed and stood up. "Xiaoya, you don't think I'm too old and want to have an affair, do you?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Zijun chuckled, but then felt a pang of pain in her heart. Yes, her father was getting old and needed her to entertain him, unlike when he was a child and she was the one who always entertained her.

Instantly, tears welled up in her eyes. She wiped them away with her hand and followed.

On a summer afternoon, the scorching sun beat down on the ground. The tall poplar branches stood motionless, cicadas chirped, and the lush vegetation cast deep shadows on the ground from the slanting sunlight.

The lush shade of the trees provides a cool and shady corner for the Left Guard General's Mansion during the sweltering summer.

"Hmm, it's a nice place," Li Tianqi praised as he arrived at the General's Mansion.

Upon seeing Li Tianqi's arrival, the guards at the gate panicked and forgot to kneel before going to announce his arrival, but Li Tianqi stopped them with a raised hand.

He entered the mansion directly, passed through the rockery and corridors in the garden, and encountered a young and handsome servant, so Li Tianqi stopped.

The servant was holding a plate of watermelon when he suddenly bumped into him. He panicked and dropped the watermelon on the ground. He knelt down tremblingly and kowtowed.

He had met Li Tianqi before; he had visited the residence once. "Your Majesty, I will go and inform the general immediately."

“No need. Where is your third young master?” Li Tianqi asked Wei Zijun.

"Your Majesty, the Third Young Master is in his room with his wife," the servant replied in alarm.

"Hmm, stand up and talk." Li Tianqi gestured for the servant to rise. "Which way do we go?"

"Your Majesty, go up through that corridor; it's on the west side of the main hall."

Li Tianqi looked towards the bamboo grove. "Who's serving your Third Young Master?"

"Your Majesty, it is indeed this humble servant, along with a maidservant who does odd jobs."

Li Tianqi withdrew his gaze from the distance and looked the person in front of him up and down. "What's your name?"

"Your Majesty, my name is Ji An."

"Oh, just like the eunuchs in my palace, you are the youngest. Do you have any relatives at home?" Li Tianqi asked gently.

Ji An was somewhat flattered. "Your Majesty, my second brother, Zhong An, also works in the manor."

"That's good, at least we can look out for each other. What do you three young masters usually like to do?"

"Your Majesty, the Third Young Master usually enjoys reading, playing the zither, composing poetry, and playing chess. Our General especially loves playing chess with the Third Young Master, and they often play for half a day. The Third Young Master likes to travel to Jiangnan, ride horses to the countryside, do business, compose poems with a few close friends, and is also very generous. He also likes to stroll through the streets and markets, attend fairs, solve riddles, and keep things clean. The Third Young Master loves the New Year festival the most, especially the lantern riddle party on the Lantern Festival. He also occasionally plays Cuju (ancient Chinese football) and enjoys eating various snacks in the markets."

"You clever lad, asking so many questions. Here's your reward." He took out a sum of gold from his sleeve. "Here's your reward. Now, go and don't tell anyone I'm here."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Ji An accepted the gold ingot and withdrew.

The tall poplar trees cast a shade under the blazing sun, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of the trees. A thin, soft mat was laid on the ground beneath the trees, where the mother and daughter sat and lay down.

As the sun began to set and a gentle breeze blew, Wei Zijun rested her head on her mother's lap, her eyes lightly closed, enjoying this tranquil and blissful moment.

In my dream, a light rain was falling; in my dream, the setting sun shone softly; in my dream, there was the sound of children's laughter, a little boy holding a seven-colored glass bead… The sound of car horns, a crossroads where pedestrians and vehicles clashed, figures gradually fading into the distance until they disappeared from sight… Those memories seemed to belong to a past life…

When Li Tianqi arrived, this was the scene he saw.

That slender yet stubborn figure, now like a languid kitten, had shed its untamed spirit, becoming so gentle that one wanted to wrap it in an embrace. His fair and clear face was as tender as water, long eyelashes veiling his clear, wise, and captivating eyes. He slept peacefully, his head resting on his mother's pillow, a happy smile playing on his lips. His slender white fingers tightly gripped the silk skirt on his mother's legs, as if afraid that if he let go, this fleeting happiness would vanish in his dreams.

Li Tianqi stared at her for a long time, almost lost in thought, until a soft sound under his feet startled his mother, who had been watching her sleeping face.

The moment I looked up, I was so startled I almost stood up.

"Don't move! Let him sleep." Li Tianqi stopped her. Her body, which had just been about to sit up, made the sleeping woman clutch her skirt tightly in unease.

"Your Majesty, how could I be so rude?" She then lowered her head and gently called out, "Zijun, wake up, Zijun, wake up quickly." After calling twice, the sleeping girl only hummed in response and continued to sleep.

Mu Xiaoya said awkwardly, "I don't know why this child is so sleepy. Even if I take him away, he won't wake up."

Li Tianqi burst into laughter. Indeed, he was a deep sleeper; he recalled how the man had fallen onto his lap that day and continued sleeping soundly. It was completely unlike the behavior of a martial artist.

Perhaps the loud laughter startled the sleeping person, for Wei Zijun finally woke up.

Mu Xiaoya hurriedly stood up to greet him and then called out, "Zijun, why don't you come and greet His Majesty?"

"Alright, no need for formalities, Ziju. Now that you're awake, come with me for a walk." Li Tianqi looked at Wei Ziju, who was still rubbing her eyes, with amusement, and turned to walk ahead.

As they walked, they talked. "Zijun, you've rested enough. It's time to go to court."

"Why are you still bringing that up? Didn't we agree on this back then?" She had refused at the time.

Li Tianqi turned his head to look at her, "As a subject, how can one not share the burdens of one's ruler? As a general of the country, how can one not serve one's country?"

Wei Zijun turned her head to look at him, "If we're talking about sharing your burdens, then our Western Turkic Khaganate's peaceful coexistence with you and non-aggression is enough to share your burdens. If we're talking about serving the country, then I've offered up the entire Western Turkic Khaganate; doesn't that count as serving the country?"

Li Tianqi waved his hand, "Alright, since you have served the country, you should accept the reward. You did not refuse the additional title back then."

"However, he didn't agree." To ask her, the ruler of a country, to accept a reward from someone else was truly humiliating.

"You, Wei Zijun, how dare you scheme against me like this! If you continue like this, I will definitely send your father to lead the army to the battlefield!" Li Tianqi threatened angrily.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zijun turned to look at him, trying to guess whether his words were true or false. When she realized she couldn't figure it out, she forced a smile and said, "A reward is good, it's a good thing. Who wouldn't want to take advantage of a good deal? I'm just an ordinary person." She was annoyed that he was using her father Xiang as leverage, but she was also afraid that her father would really be made difficult by him. Her father was loyal and owed her a favor, and he was absolutely obedient to her.

Li Tianqi breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good!" Walking to a bamboo grove, he asked again, "What title does Zijun want?"

"Zijun already has a title, isn't he Yipi Shekui Khan?"

“That was your Western Turkic title; I want to give you the title of Dayu.”

"But Ziju only wants to be the Khan of the Western Turks; she really doesn't want to be anything else."

“That won’t do. The Khan of the Western Turks must do it, and so must the others.”

"As for the rest, let His Majesty decide. County magistrate, registrar, or ninth-rank military advisor are all good options. Or, you could even make me a scholar. I've never been a scholar before." Wei Zijun found it increasingly amusing and smiled. "Being a pedantic scholar, hehehe—how fun."

Li Tianqi was so angry that his hand trembled, and he tore off a handful of bamboo leaves. "Do you look down on me, the emperor?"

Wei Zijun smiled slightly, "Your Majesty misunderstands. It's not that I look down on Your Majesty, but rather that I look down on myself. I, Wei Feng, am content to be a mere scholar, able to compose a few sentimental poems. But beyond that, I'm afraid I'm not up to any important responsibilities."

Li Tianqi gritted his teeth, "Fine, then I'll make you a scholar."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Scholar Wei, look how bright the sun shines and how beautiful the flowers are. Shouldn't you recite a couple of sentimental poems to express your joy at receiving this honor?"

“Your Majesty, a pedantic scholar never feels that he is pedantic, much less that his poems are pedantic. Although I am just a scholar, I have been humiliated by Your Majesty. How can I feel any joy?”

"Wei Zijun—" Li Tianqi gritted his teeth and looked at Wei Zijun, his teeth itching with hatred, yet he couldn't hit her, nor could he curse her. He pressed his face close to hers, wanting to bite her hard, but he couldn't. Finally, unable to contain his anger, he grabbed Wei Zijun's arm, lifted her sleeve, and bit down on her snow-white arm.

"Ah—" Wei Zijun let out a shrill scream.

Two rows of teeth marks were deeply imprinted on his arm.

"You...you...you bit me?" Wei Zijun was incredulous that the refined Li Tianqi would do something so out of character.

"It bit me! How is it?" Li Tianqi felt a moment of relief.

Wei Zijun blinked. "So what? Next time His Majesty's mouth itches, I'll have Ji An prepare a bone for you."

“Say it again—” Li Tianqi gritted his teeth and approached Wei Zijun step by step. “I plan to send your father to guard the border.”

"Huh?" Wei Zijun quickly forced a smile. "What I mean is, bones... bones are good. Bones are more chewy than soft ones."

Li Tianqi continued forward step by step, his fiery eyes fixed on her, until her back was pressed against the bamboo forest with nowhere to retreat.

The sudden closeness of her face made Li Tianqi stop in his tracks; her soft breath was already on his face. Looking at the face so close to his, Li Tianqi took a deep breath, turned around, and strode forward. "I've decided to send your father to guard Yuesong County!"

Upon hearing this, Wei Zijun was immediately enraged. "Wait, wait a minute! Li Tianqi—you stop right there! If you dare to make things difficult for my father…"

Before she could finish speaking, Li Tianqi turned around and said, "So what?" He then grabbed her arm, pulled up her sleeve, and bit her hard.

"Ah—" Wei Zijun cried out in pain again. "Why did you bite me?"

"Go to court tomorrow morning, you better behave yourself." With that, she tossed aside Wei Zijun's hand and walked forward, then stopped abruptly after two steps. "Does he live here?"

Wei Zijun looked in the direction he was looking and saw He Lu walking over from there.

He Lu saw them, paused for a moment, then walked over and stood in front of them.

Li Tianqi looked at him with a cold glint in his eyes, "Ye Hu is also a general of great talent, how can he not serve the country? I will grant Ye Hu a title as appropriate."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, but Helu does not need a title. Helu is merely a follower of the Khan and does not require one." Helu refused expressionlessly.

"How can that be? Remember, you two will go to court together tomorrow to receive your titles." He glanced at the two of them again and walked away.

――――――――――――

Note: ① Ji. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, many names included the birth order, such as Bo, Zhong, Shu, Ji. This ranking was very common in names. It was also common to address someone as Lang or Niang, with the birth order preceding it. Even the dignified Emperor Xuanzong of Tang secretly preferred to be called Sanlang. So please don't assume there are duplicate names here.

Volume Three, Chapter Ninety-Five: The Prince

The night before dawn was so quiet that even the chirping of insects had ceased. The stars in the sky were sparse and cold. For the morning court of Dayu, all the officials had to arrive before dawn.

The fourth watch had barely begun when the officials, rushing to the morning court, were already up and heading to Daxing Palace under the stars. One by one, they arrived at the court room, exchanging pleasantries and discussing current affairs while waiting to begin the court session.

At dawn, the eunuchs led the officials in their rank and into the Daxing Palace to pay homage to their emperor.

The magnificent nine-tiered palace was filled with officials filing into the court, creating a spectacular scene.

The current emperor, seated on the nine-dragon throne, had an unusually gentle expression. His piercing black eyes swept over the assembled officials, filled with obvious anticipation.

Gradually, his expression turned cold, his lips tightened, and he coldly surveyed the assembled officials. "Has Wei Feng not come?"

"Your Majesty, Wei Feng has not come," the eunuch replied.

His face instantly turned icy cold.

After a long silence, Zheng Pingying said, "Draft the decree." She took a deep breath and continued, "Wei Feng, with his heart set on the common people, took the initiative to cease hostilities and submit to our Great Yu. Appreciating his profound understanding of righteousness and his deep knowledge of the people's conditions in the Western Turks, he is hereby granted the title of Khan of the Western Turks and will continue to govern the Western Turks. Furthermore, the Anxi Protectorate will be established within the territory of the Western Turks, to be remotely led by Wei Feng. He is also granted the title of Prince Feng, with the fiefdoms of Wu County, Yuhang, and Kuaiji, a fief of ten thousand households, and the remote command of the garrison troops of Jiangnan Circuit, Jiannan Circuit, and Shannan Circuit."

As soon as these words were spoken, a chorus of opposition erupted from the court officials. "Your Majesty, please reconsider!" "Your Majesty, this is a dangerous move!" "Your Majesty, you mustn't!"

“Your Majesty, this appointment is truly inappropriate. These are all strategically important military locations, frequently the site of battles. A slight misstep could lead to their loss. Yet Your Majesty has entrusted them with the command of a young foreign child. This is highly unwise,” said Minister Wei Xiaozhong, who was the first to object.

Li Tianqi smiled faintly, “My dear minister, you are overthinking this. First of all, Wei Feng is a descendant of my General Dayu and belongs to a foreign tribe. Moreover, you have already heard about how Wei Feng is a military commander. Although he is young, he was able to annihilate hundreds of thousands of Tibetan troops in a single day. If he were to command my border army, my border would surely be as solid as an impregnable fortress.”

“Your Majesty, this only makes us more uneasy. If Wei Feng is a brilliant strategist, Your Majesty must not allow military power to fall into his hands. You must know that Wei Feng once betrayed the country and killed countless of our soldiers. How can Your Majesty give him military power again? Aren’t you afraid that he might rebel again one day?” Grand Secretary Zou Wenguang also strongly opposed this.