Chapter 112: In Haste (Bonus Chapter for 1320 Pink Votes)
Fu Tingyun found Zhao Ling's attitude somewhat peculiar. "What's wrong? Is there something amiss?"
"Nothing!" Zhao Ling smiled. "I was just thinking that with Wang Furen returning to Fujian, you'll have one less person to talk to."
Though doubtful of his response, Fu Tingyun didn't press further as Zhao Ling had already changed the subject. "You mentioned that Marquis Yingchuan's concubine Xiao Yiniang has been quite kind to you..." She nodded absentmindedly. "But I think Wang Furen's earlier advice was sound—I don't wish to become too close with this Xiao Yiniang."
Zhao Ling fully agreed. "Why don't you move to Nianbo Garrison then? I'll likely be stationed there for the next few years anyway. With you there, I'd have someone to look after my daily needs. What do you think?" By the end, his gaze had softened considerably, his tone carrying a hint of pleading.
Fu Tingyun's heart melted, recalling how reluctant he always looked when they parted after evening chats in the garrison courtyard. Softly, she asked, "Will... will you be staying at Nianbo Garrison for a long time?"
Hearing this, Zhao Ling knew she was seriously considering the suggestion and was overjoyed. "Marquis Yingchuan hinted last time that although he's pulled strings with the Ministry of Personnel and Ministry of War to prevent others from eyeing the Chiliarch position at Nianbo Garrison, he hasn't stopped the Wu Family's lobbying in the capital. His implication was that I should seize this opportunity to accumulate military merits within two or three years to solidify my claim to the position."
Fu Tingyun understood perfectly.
Marquis Yingchuan wanted Zhao Ling to become Nianbo Garrison's Chiliarch, but Zhao Ling currently lacked sufficient military achievements. Coincidentally, the family of the former Chiliarch Wu Ying was pulling strings in the capital to have a Wu collateral relative inherit the position. The Marquis was using this situation—allowing the Wu Family to continue their futile lobbying while ensuring they wouldn't succeed—to buy Zhao Ling time to establish military merits. With both achievements and the Marquis's recommendation, the Commander of One Thousand Households position would naturally fall to Zhao Ling. However, the court couldn't allow the Wu Family's antics or leave the Chiliarch position vacant indefinitely. Within two or three years at most, the matter would be settled—meaning Zhao Ling's future depended entirely on these coming years.
"Once I secure the Chiliarch position, transfers become easier," Zhao Ling continued. "Then we can find a way to return to Jiangnan!" Remembering Fu Tingyun was from Shaanxi, he added, "Or we could go back to the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission."
Staying in Shaanxi would be entirely for her sake, wouldn't it?
But remaining with the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission would indefinitely delay Zhao Ling's return to Jiangnan to clear his mother's name, while keeping him entangled with the Sixteenth Master. She'd rather follow Zhao Ling to unfamiliar Jiangnan.
Warmth filled Fu Tingyun's heart as she lowered her head and murmured, "Let's return to Jiangnan... I'll always follow wherever you go."
The words carried such wifely devotion that Zhao Ling was momentarily speechless with joy. After a long pause, he suddenly turned and knelt before Fu Tingyun, taking her hands earnestly. "For Mid-Autumn Festival... shall we go see the lanterns together?"Her decision could influence Zhao Ling's mood, which filled Fu Tingyun with both joy and a sense of cherishment. She nodded with a smile.
Zhao Ling's expression immediately brightened.
Suddenly, as if struck by a thought, Fu Tingyun exclaimed, "Oh no!" and furrowed her brows.
"What's wrong?" Zhao Ling asked at once, his face tense with concern.
"I promised Wang Furen that I would go to her house for dinner on Mid-Autumn Festival," Fu Tingyun said hurriedly, her face clouded with regret.
"We can go together then," Zhao Ling replied, relieved, and smiled. "After dinner, we can still go see the lanterns together." He added, "I also have some official business to attend to this time, so it’s a good opportunity to meet with Lord Wang."
Fu Tingyun relaxed, her eyes brimming with happiness. She asked Zhao Ling if he had eaten, how long he could stay at home, and what official matters he needed to handle.
Zhao Ling had eaten in the morning. He had come to Zhangye to discuss with Deputy General Wang about allocating a batch of weapons to Nianbo Garrison. He wouldn’t return to Nianbo Garrison until this matter was settled, so he wasn’t sure how long he could stay at home.
Hearing this, Fu Tingyun couldn’t suppress the smile in her eyes. She helped Zhao Ling comb his hair, personally cooked a few of his favorite dishes, and shared a meal with him—too late for lunch and too early for dinner. Then, they brewed tea and sat in her room, sipping tea while chatting about the happenings at home. Meanwhile, A Sen and Anxin were comparing martial arts in the courtyard, while little Linchun, perched on his father’s shoulders, watched and occasionally clapped his hands to cheer for A Sen.
The atmosphere in the courtyard was warm and lively.
Suddenly, Sanfu came to visit.
He wore a lilac-colored short coat, carried a bundle on his back, and was covered in dust. Barefoot, he gulped down the teacup handed to him in one go and asked Zheng Sanniang for another. He looked nothing like a squad leader but rather like a destitute commoner.
Fu Tingyun was puzzled, but seeing Sanfu’s sudden arrival and Zhao Ling sitting there silently, she knew they had matters to discuss. Smiling, she asked Sanfu if he had eaten and excused herself to prepare food for him.
Within the time it took to drink a cup of tea, Zhao Ling and Sanfu came out together.
"I have something to attend to with Sanfu," Zhao Ling said, instructing Anxin to fetch the horses. He then turned to Fu Tingyun, "We might be gone for two or three days. If anyone asks, just say I had urgent business in Linze—the commander of Ganzhou Garrison is marrying off his son." He added, "Do we have any ready-made flatbreads or the like at home? Pack them all for us."
The commander of Ganzhou Garrison marrying off his son wouldn’t make Zhao Ling this tense!
Fu Tingyun had many questions, instinctively sensing that this matter might not be simple. But Zhao Ling was leaving in such a hurry—now wasn’t the time to ask. She quickly replied, "We only have a few steamed buns at home. If you can wait for half an hour, I can make some fresh buns and flatbreads for you..."
"Never mind then!" Zhao Ling said immediately. "We’ll buy some on the way." Then, realizing he might not return in time for Mid-Autumn Festival, he hesitated. "Mid-Autumn Festival..."
It was only two days away."Official matters take priority," Fu Tingyun said immediately. "Mid-Autumn mooncakes can last for ten to fifteen days without spoiling." Her voice then softened like spring water as she continued, "What matters most is your safe return. You promised me—next spring, you'll accompany me back to the capital."
"Mmm!" Zhao Ling nodded firmly, gazing at her tenderly for a moment before mounting his horse with Sanfu and Anxin.
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After Zhao Ling left, people indeed came asking about him.
Fu Tingyun followed their prearranged explanation. Qi Taitai sighed, "Your Lord Zhao is truly remarkable. In less than a year in Zhangye, he's already acquainted with people everywhere. Unlike my husband, who keeps the same small circle."
"Lord Qi specializes in internal affairs," Fu Tingyun reassured her with a smile. "With Ninth Master now in the General Military Headquarters, many matters still rely on Lord Qi's decisions."
"Exactly!" Qi Taitai regained some dignity and soon took her leave after casual conversation.
A Sen practiced alone in the courtyard with a wooden sword, ignoring Linchun's calls, appearing somewhat despondent.
Fu Tingyun approached and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What's wrong?"
"Ninth Master took Anxin..." A Sen muttered. "He always used to take me for such things before!"
Fu Tingyun couldn't help but laugh. "But Ninth Master is now a centurion at Nianbo Garrison. Military affairs naturally require military personnel."
"It can't be military business," A Sen grumbled. "Brother Sanfu looks honest, stays calm, and runs fast—he used to specialize in surveillance. If it were military, who would Ninth Master have him tail?"
Fu Tingyun paused at this.
Indeed, what exactly was happening?
By the Mid-Autumn Festival on the 15th, with the sky ablaze in sunset hues and still no sign of Zhao Ling, Fu Tingyun could wait no longer. Carrying gift boxes, she took A Sen to visit Wang Furen.
The two Wang daughters and Li Niang were hanging lanterns and rushed over at their arrival, calling out "Sister Fu! Sister Fu!" before dragging A Sen off to help.
Hearing the commotion, Wang Furen emerged wearing a sapphire-blue gold-patterned wide-sleeved jacket, her face glowing with joy.
"Come inside and sit," she said, peering behind Fu Tingyun. "What? Is Lord Zhao upset I didn't send him an invitation, so he didn't come?" she teased. "My Lord Wang was waiting to share a drink with him!"
"He went to Linze," Fu Tingyun could only reply.
Wang Furen looked surprised but quickly understood, comforting her, "Lord Zhao is now one of Zhangye's rising stars. Many wish to know him, and such social engagements are necessary for his career. You must be understanding."
"I know," Fu Tingyun said sincerely. "There will likely be more of this in the future."
But the problem was—this time, he wasn't meeting any commander of Ganzhou Garrison at all!
Fu Tingyun mused silently as they entered.
They had just settled when Li Niang brought in a sharp-eyed young servant. "Madam, Moxiang is sent by Marquis Yingchuan to invite Lord Wang for moon-viewing."
Wang Furen blinked, then gave Fu Tingyun an amused look. "See? Here it comes!"
Fu Tingyun smiled faintly.
The servant stepped forward to bow respectfully to both women.Wang Furen waved at him with a smile. "Lord Wang is in the study. You can go find him yourself!" She added, "If he gets drunk, make sure to help him back!"
"Rest assured, Madam. I'll take good care of Lord Wang." Then he retreated with a grin.
Wang Furen smiled. "Now we can have some peace." She led Fu Tingyun to the back garden. "There's an osmanthus tree in the back garden. We'll have dinner under it."
Fu Tingyun agreed with a smile.
When they entered the back garden, they found the two Wang sisters and A Sen had already arrived.
Second Miss Wang, supported by her maid, was hanging rabbit lanterns on the osmanthus tree.
The eldest Miss stood under the tree and asked A Sen, "Will you come to Fujian to see us?"
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Heavens, finally managed to add an update to reach 1320...
(End of Chapter)
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