Early the next morning, as dawn was just breaking, Jing Zhe and Gu Yu came to help Shen Miao get up. Upon entering the room, they were startled to find Shen Miao sleeping on the couch, the blanket nowhere to be seen, replaced by a fox fur coat covering her.
The two were immediately alarmed. When they had left the previous evening, everything had been in order, and there had been no fox fur coat. Where had it come from? Jing Zhe woke Shen Miao, who, upon seeing the coat, was equally bewildered.
Though the lingering effects of the plum blossom wine were strong, just as the farmer’s wife had said, Shen Miao woke without a headache. While her head was clear, she couldn’t remember anything from the previous night—not even why she had insisted on staying alone in that room.
Gu Yu held up the snow-white fox fur coat and asked, "Miss, where did this coat come from?"
Shen Miao took the coat and shook her head.
"All your clothing trunks are here. Could you have taken it out while drunk last night?" Jing Zhe ventured cautiously. "But it feels like we’re seeing this coat for the first time."
Neither of them considered other possibilities, as Shen Miao was unharmed, and guards had been stationed outside all night. Still, the coat’s sudden appearance was baffling. Shen Miao said, "Take it and ask the farmer’s family if it belongs to them."
When they inquired with the farmer’s wife, the woman immediately shook her head. "Such fine fox fur? We don’t have anything like that here. You must be mistaken, miss."
Shen Qiu, examining the coat, added, "This doesn’t look like an ordinary piece. Sister, where did you get this? It must be worth a fortune. The craftsmanship is exquisite, though the fit seems a bit large for you."
Shen Miao took the coat back, utterly perplexed. She truly couldn’t recall ever owning such a garment. But hearing Shen Qiu mention its value, she naturally decided to keep it and lied without batting an eye, "Now that you mention it, I think I bought this in Fixed Capital a long time ago. Jing Zhe, put it away."
Jing Zhe, racking her brain to remember when Shen Miao could have bought the coat, didn’t dwell on it further and promptly obeyed, storing it in a trunk. Shen Miao shook her head. Regardless of the coat’s origin, she knew their journey to Xiaochun City would likely require substantial funds. With Shen Xin no longer as prosperous as before, this coat could be sold for a tidy sum if they ever found themselves in dire straits. With that thought, the mystery of the coat’s appearance became trivial.
Time passed swiftly.
A change in perspective altered the scenery. Though the journey to Xiaochun City was arduous—winding through mountains and rivers, trudging through mud—Shen Miao never once complained of exhaustion. The soldiers from the Shen Family Army’s vanguard, initially seen as burdens, grew closer to Shen Xin’s remaining loyal followers through shared hardships along the way.
Having left the capital in early February, they finally arrived in Xiaochun City by the beginning of August.Xiaochun City was located on the border of Ming Qi, a very small town where the highest-ranking official was the garrison general, Luo Sui. For years, Luo Sui had protected the people of Xiaochun City, allowing them to live and work in peace. However, being so far from the Fixed Capital, everyone knew this assignment wasn’t exactly a coveted one. Over the years, the Luo Family Army had dwindled significantly, and the Luo family’s influence was now confined to Xiaochun City.
When the city gate guards saw Luo Xueyan produce the Luo family’s token from her sleeve, they immediately stood at attention with deep respect and sent someone to inform the Luo household. Xiaochun City was small, and the Shen family’s arrival with their entourage quickly drew the attention of the locals, who crowded around to inquire. Upon learning that it was the Luo family’s married daughter returning with her family, the excitement grew even more lively.
Jing Zhe quietly lifted a corner of the carriage curtain to peek outside and said to Shen Miao, "Miss, we’ve arrived at Xiaochun City."
Shen Miao glanced out.
Xiaochun City wasn’t as wretched as the noble ladies of the Fixed Capital made it out to be. Though a small border town, it appeared bustling and lively. The wind and sand were stronger here, and as a result, the local women’s complexions were slightly darker, lacking the delicate fairness of the capital’s ladies. Perhaps due to the open and unrestrained local customs, the girls here were lively and spirited, with a mischievous air that exuded vitality. The streets were lined with vendors and small shops, showing no lack of goods.
Jing Zhe’s initial nervousness melted away as she observed the scene, and she said cheerfully, "Miss, Xiaochun City isn’t much different from the Fixed Capital after all."
"Jiaojiao, do you like it here?" Luo Xueyan asked anxiously. Her greatest worry was that Shen Miao wouldn’t adjust to life here. Having grown up in Xiaochun City herself, Luo Xueyan had no issues. Shen Qiu and Shen Xin, as military men accustomed to the battlefield, wouldn’t complain either. But her pampered daughter was another matter.
Shen Miao smiled. "It’s quite nice here."
Only then did Luo Xueyan relax, smiling as she added, "We’ll head straight to your grandfather’s house. You’ve never met him since you were old enough to remember. You also have two uncles, three older brothers, and an older sister. They’re all good people—they’ll surely adore you when we arrive."
Lady Luo had passed away early, and Luo Sui had remained a widower all these years. The Luo family had three siblings, with Luo Xueyan being the youngest. When Shen Miao was born, the Luo family had traveled all the way to the Fixed Capital to see her once. After that, due to the great distance and their responsibilities in Xiaochun City, Shen Miao had never met them again. In her past life, her impression of the Luo family had been vague, so she simply smiled at Luo Xueyan’s words.
By now, a crowd had already gathered in front of the Luo residence—some were curious onlookers, but most were members of the Luo family themselves.
Luo Sui stood at the forefront, followed by a middle-aged couple. Behind them stood three young men and a girl side by side. The young men all had dignified features and an imposing presence; though still young, they already carried the bearing of future generals. The girl had a healthy wheat-colored complexion, almond-shaped eyes, and a delicate, diamond-shaped mouth that hinted at a fiery personality. She tugged at the sleeve of the young man beside her and asked, "Eldest Brother, what do you think our cousin is like?"
The young man she addressed had a gentle temperament and replied warmly, "She must be a good person.""What's so good about her? Can you be more specific?" The girl pressed on relentlessly. "Pretty looks? Just look at those girls from Fixed Capital who come to our Xiaochun City—they’re all pretty, but their delicate temperaments are downright annoying. Besides, didn’t that official’s daughter who visited Xiaochun City last year say she knew our cousin?" She lowered her voice, though her clear tone still carried easily. "I heard our cousin has quite a bad reputation in Fixed Capital."
"Tan'er!" A sharp rebuke cut the girl off as Luo Sui spoke up, glaring fiercely at the girl named Tan'er. She immediately straightened up, stuck out her tongue, and fell silent.
Though she stopped talking, another younger boy with a lively demeanor tugged at Tan'er’s sleeve and said, "Grandfather is just biased. Our cousin hasn’t even arrived yet, and he’s already defending her. I really want to see what kind of person this cousin is."
Shen Xin had spent years fighting in the northwest, and his journey to the frontier often took him through Xiaochun City, so he visited every year. Shen Qiu was also familiar with the Luo family. But the one who piqued the Luo family’s curiosity the most was undoubtedly Shen Miao, whom they hadn’t seen since her birth. The world was vast, yet small in its own way. Xiaochun City occasionally hosted officials who had been demoted or were passing through, and rumors from Fixed Capital inevitably spread. Over time, even Xiaochun City had heard the infamous tales of the "Incompetent Heiress," Shen Miao.
Seeing was believing, and today, they would finally meet her. The crowd gathered outside was likely filled with people eager to see what Shen Miao truly looked like.
As the girl and the boy whispered among themselves, a procession of carriages slowly approached. Leading on horseback were Shen Xin, Shen Qiu, and others, followed by a contingent of soldiers.
"Father," Shen Xin dismounted, and Shen Qiu quickly followed, stepping forward with a grin. "Grandfather."
Luo Sui’s gaze swept over the father and son before settling on the carriages. Familiarity breeds indifference—what Luo Sui truly wanted to see was his granddaughter.
A plump, kindly smiling woman remarked, "Your sister-in-law and Jiaojiao must be in the carriage. They must be tired after such a long journey."
No sooner had she spoken than the carriage curtain was lifted. Jing Zhe and Gu Yu helped Luo Xueyan alight, and Luo Xueyan then reached into the carriage, guiding out a young girl.
The girl bent slightly as she stepped down, lifting her head to reveal a delicate, fair face. As she turned, Luo Xueyan took her hand and led her forward, saying, "Jiaojiao, we’re home."
Tan'er’s mouth fell open, but no words came out.
Xiaochun City was windy, sandy, and dry, leaving most girls with darker complexions. Fair skin was rare, let alone skin as flawless as this girl’s. Her features were delicate—dark brows, black eyes, a small nose, and rosy lips—but it was her bearing that truly astonished onlookers. Held by Luo Xueyan’s hand, she appeared every bit the pampered young lady, yet instead of seeming fragile beside Luo Xueyan’s heroic presence, she exuded an air of dignified nobility, as if she were the one in command.
The surrounding townsfolk and Luo family members were stunned.Judging a person by their demeanor, while appearance is important, for women, innate qualities take precedence over beauty. The innate qualities of this young lady from the Shen family outshine even her striking looks.
She followed Luo Xueyan step by step until they stood before Luo Sui. Luo Sui was tall, with deep-set eyes and a high nose bridge. Compared to Shen Xin’s ruggedness, he appeared more stern and unapproachable. He frowned as he stared at Shen Miao, his cold demeanor enough to make a timid girl burst into tears. Given that Shen Miao seemed like a delicate young lady from Fixed Capital, everyone expected her to be utterly terrified. Tan'er and the young man beside her curled their lips in amusement, anticipating the spectacle.
Shen Miao raised her head and met Luo Sui’s gaze. Her expression was relaxed, her posture soft, showing no signs of tension from his reaction. Her eyes were calm, and she even smiled faintly—an attitude of a superior toward an inferior, which actually took Luo Sui aback.
An attitude of a superior toward an inferior?
In Xiaochun City, the Luo family was akin to local rulers—who could possibly act superior to them?
After a moment of surprise, Luo Sui suddenly burst into laughter. His booming laugh startled those around him who had been tense. He patted Shen Miao’s head heartily and boomed, “Girl, why aren’t you calling me?”
“Grandfather,” Shen Miao answered meekly.
Only then did Luo Xueyan let out a sigh of relief. Luo Sui was different from Shen Xin. While Shen Xin doted on Shen Miao to the heavens, Luo Sui had always been a strict father. Even Luo Xueyan herself had been intimidated by him as a child. Though Luo Sui had mellowed with age, his habit of scaring young girls remained unchanged. She had worried Shen Miao might be frightened, but thankfully, her daughter’s reaction was subdued. Secretly, Luo Xueyan felt a hint of pride.
Shen Miao’s demeanor not only eased Luo Xueyan’s worries but also surprised those around her. The young lady from Fixed Capital didn’t seem to be the type who only knew how to cry and indulge in luxury—she appeared to have some courage. Unconvinced, Tan'er whispered to the younger boy beside her, “She must be pretending not to be scared.”
The eldest and most mild-mannered of the youths, however, gave Shen Miao a thoughtful glance but said nothing.
Luo Xueyan then led Shen Miao forward to introduce her to the others. Besides Luo Sui, the Luo family had two sons—Shen Miao’s uncles, Luo Lianyin and Luo Liantai.
Luo Lianyin’s wife was Yu Shi, a gentle and kind-hearted woman. They had two sons: Luo Ling and Luo Sa.
Shen Miao’s second uncle, Luo Liantai, was married to Ma Shi, a shrewd and sharp-tongued woman from a merchant family. They had a daughter and a son: Luo Tan and Luo Qian.
Luo Ling was Shen Miao’s eldest cousin. At eighteen, he was gentle and kind-natured, much like Yu Shi. He greeted Shen Miao warmly and politely, proving to be a considerate young man. The second cousin, Luo Sa, seventeen and Luo Ling’s younger brother, had a much fiercer temperament. He snorted at Shen Miao and sneered, “A young lady from Fixed Capital—can you endure the sandstorms of Xiaochun City?” Luo Lianyin promptly kicked him hard in response.
Luo Tan, sixteen this year, regarded Shen Miao with skepticism, her attitude more curious than warm. Luo Tan’s younger brother, the same age as Shen Miao, scrutinized her with a round face full of scrutiny.
After greeting the entire Luo family and getting acquainted, Luo Sui finally allowed Luo Xueyan to take them to the residence.The Luo residence housed a large extended family who lived together in harmony and affection. The Shen family was settled in the courtyard Luo Xueyan had occupied before her marriage, which was spacious enough. While the servants were tidying up the rooms, everyone gathered in the main hall to talk.
After the initial excitement, the conversation turned to serious matters. The Luo family was different from the Shen family. Back in Fixed Capital, since Shen Gui and Shen Wan pursued civil official careers, their paths diverged from Shen Xin's, and naturally, they never discussed court affairs. Moreover, not being blood relatives, there was always a distance, and such private matters were never brought up. The Luo family was different—everyone was family. Not only could Luo Lianyin and Luo Liantai listen in, but even younger members like Luo Ling could participate, and even the womenfolk were included. Now that Shen Xin's family had arrived, they were naturally expected to join these discussions.
"Yan'er, what are your plans now that you've returned to Xiaochun City?" Luo Sui asked.
The reason for Shen Xin's retreat to Xiaochun City after being stripped of the Tiger Seal had been communicated in a letter beforehand. However, being so far away at the time made it difficult to discuss in detail. Now that they were face to face, it was only natural to ask.
Luo Xueyan smiled and said, "Father, why do you ask? Since we've come to Xiaochun City, we naturally intend to settle down and live peacefully here." As for the matter of reviving the Luo Family Army, Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin hadn't yet figured out how to broach the subject with Luo Sui. Given his old-fashioned temperament, it would likely take some time to persuade him.
"Third Sister," Luo Lianyin spoke up, glancing at Shen Xin hesitantly before asking, "But the Shen Family Army was just taken away like that. Is there really no way to reverse it?"
As military men, they understood better than anyone what an army meant to a general. Shen Xin had spent so many years on the battlefield—suddenly being forced into idle retirement was no easy transition. Had it been them, they too would have been filled with indignation.
Shen Xin clasped his hands and replied, "Elder Brother, rather than dwelling on grievances, it's better to accept things as they are. Xiaochun City is quite pleasant, and I'd like to spend some time in the place where Xueyan grew up."
Hearing this, Luo Sui gave Shen Xin a few more appraising looks, his stern expression softening slightly. "It's rare to see you so composed now."
Everyone knew Shen Xin's usual fiery, straightforward temperament, so his unexpectedly calm words took them by surprise.
Shen Miao, observing the varied expressions of the Luo family, suddenly spoke up. "Grandfather, I heard there are Tujue people near Xiaochun City's borders?"
Her words plunged the room into silence.
After a moment, Ma Shi, ever forthright, laughed and reassured her, "Don't be afraid, Jiaojiao. Those Tujue are outside the city walls and wouldn't dare come in. Even if they did, our Luo family soldiers would drive them away. It's been peaceful all these years—nothing to fear."
Shen Qiu, thinking Shen Miao was frightened, also comforted her gently. "Aunt is right, Jiaojiao. There's no need to worry."Shen Miao lowered her gaze. Xiaochun City was a small frontier town, and border regions were always prone to harassment by nomadic tribes. The Eastern Turks were one such group—strong, robust, with formidable horses, and exceptionally fierce in battle. If it came to a real fight, Ming Qi might very well end up at a disadvantage. However, Xiaochun City was easy to defend and hard to attack, and coupled with the Luo family’s formidable reputation, the Turks dared not advance too far, limiting themselves to minor disturbances along the border. Every year from August to October, when the grasslands where the Turks lived became arid, they would raid Xiaochun City for supplies. These minor skirmishes were easily driven off, and the townsfolk had grown accustomed to them, hardly giving them a second thought.
But Shen Miao remembered—this was the year something major happened in Xiaochun City.
She nodded and spoke as if casually, "The Luo Family Army is as valiant as Father’s Shen Family Army, right? If that’s the case, even if the Turks breach the city, they should be able to hold them off."
Luo Sui’s expression stiffened, and Luo Lianyin and Luo Liantai also looked uneasy, even somewhat embarrassed. Without an enemy to fight, the Luo family could no longer sustain the enormous military expenses, and Emperor Wenhui in Fixed Capital had long since abandoned Xiaochun City to its fate. Over the years, the Luo Family Army had all but disbanded. Soldiers had returned home to farm or start businesses, and those who remained were little more than mercenaries collecting pay. Apart from occasionally intimidating the Turks along the border, they had practically nothing to do. Comparing the Luo Family Army to the Shen Family Army was like slapping the Luo family in the face.
Luo Sa immediately flared up, glaring at Shen Miao with barely contained anger. "What are you implying?"
Luo Ling quickly tugged at him and said gently to Shen Miao, "My younger brother speaks out of turn. Cousin, please don’t take it to heart."
"People from Fixed Capital are so different," Luo Tan muttered, curling her lip. "We’ve lived here peacefully for so many years, yet the moment you arrive, you’re all worried about this and that. Relax, the Turks won’t enter the city—it’s been like this for years."
Shen Miao smiled faintly. "And if they do?"
Luo Tan hadn’t expected Shen Miao to counter her and was momentarily stunned.
Luo Sui, seated at the head of the room, remained silent. The Luo family’s way of educating the younger generation was to let them argue and reason things out for themselves—some lessons were best learned through experience. The elders merely observed quietly. Shen Miao’s words had piqued his interest, and since Luo Sui didn’t intervene, Luo Lianyin and the others couldn’t either, leaving the younger generation to debate among themselves.
"How could they possibly enter the city?" Luo Tan snapped, flustered. "All the Turks want is food and tools. Once October passes and the drought eases, they’ll stop their raids. Entering the city would mean war—it’s not that simple!"
Shen Miao’s expression remained unreadable as she replied coolly, "For over a decade, they’ve only taken food and tools. Don’t you think they’ve been far too easily satisfied?"
The others froze.
Luo Qian, who was around Shen Miao’s age, asked curiously, "Little cousin, what do you mean by that?""If it were me, I wouldn't be so content," Shen Miao replied gently. "With brave soldiers, strong horses, and vast grasslands to retreat to—all of this is far better than the scattered military households and shoddy weapons in Xiaochun City. Why not strive for more? If we don't, it's only because we're unfamiliar with the city's layout. But after exploring for over a decade, even if we only visited once a year and only one place each time, we could have mapped out this small city by now." She tilted her head with a smile. "When two armies face off, one side has everything prepared yet doesn't act—is it because they're bound by decades of tradition, or because they must follow some rule? Who made that rule?"
For a long while, silence filled the room.
The Turks had never shown ambition toward Xiaochun City, only raiding for supplies when resources were scarce—a fact everyone had grown accustomed to. Yet Shen Miao's words today struck them like a wake-up call, presenting a perspective they had never considered.
Indeed, the Turks had everything. Why couldn't those who have everything harbor ambition? If the Turks sought to take Xiaochun City, how could its people possibly resist?
Luo Sa's expression gradually shifted. He glanced at Shen Miao, his tone still not entirely pleasant but noticeably calmer than before. "Then what are you suggesting?" he asked.
"I observe that the Luo Family Army is not as tightly knit as the Shen Family Army," Shen Miao said tactfully, though in truth, it was far from just being less tight—it was practically a scattered mess. Watching Luo Sui's fleeting look of pain, Shen Miao smiled faintly. "When I was little, I heard Mother speak of Grandfather's heroic days leading the Luo Family Army in battle. Have you never thought, Grandfather, of restoring the Luo Family Army to its former glory?"
Restore the Luo Family Army to its former glory.
The people in the room collectively drew a sharp breath. Even Shen Xin and Luo Xueyan looked at Shen Miao with disbelief.
Luo Qian and Luo Tan's eyes lit up. The younger generation always yearned for glory, and the vision Shen Miao painted at least greatly satisfied their youthful vanity. Luo Ling and Luo Sa, being older, were less fervent, though a glimmer of hope still flashed in Luo Sa's eyes.
Luo Sui studied Shen Miao for a moment before suddenly laughing. "You little girl, quite the ambition you have. Rare indeed—to raise someone with such backbone in a place like Fixed Capital." His tone carried clear admiration for Shen Miao.
Luo Xueyan and Shen Xin immediately swelled with pride. But after a brief moment, Luo Sui sighed, his voice tinged with ambiguity. "But child, restoring the Luo Family Army's glory is not as simple as you make it sound. Troops and provisions all require silver. How could the Luo family afford such expenses? Raising an army with no battlefield to fight on—child, do you intend to drain the Luo family's coffers for this?"
An army is maintained for a thousand days to be used in a single moment. But those troops are sustained by the national treasury. For a force like the Luo Family Army, stationed in remote borderlands, Emperor Wenhui could rest easy—and naturally, he wouldn’t allocate funds. For the Luo family to bear the expenses of such an army, with no clear enemy to fight, no war to wage—it was indeed a bleak prospect.
"An army must earn its fame. The court refuses to fund the Luo family because the Luo Family Army lacks distinction. But if the army were renowned, victorious in battle, even if just to pacify the court's factions, His Majesty would willingly send silver. As for enemies..." Shen Miao smiled faintly. "Far away, there are Qin State and Great Coolness; nearby, there are the Turks and the Xiongnu. Ming Qi has never lacked adversaries. With a well-trained force, they would naturally be deployed to farther battlefields. What do you think, Grandfather?"
Regardless of the merit of her words, the way she casually analyzed the various factions with a smile, her sidelong glance revealing astonishing ambition—this pampered young lady from a place of privilege somehow gave the illusion of a tenacious woman who had clawed her way up from the bottom.
Luo Sui suddenly grew angry. He stood abruptly, flicking his sleeve as he said coldly, "Drop the matter of reorganizing the Luo Family Army. I refuse. Xueyan, take them to rest. This topic will not be raised again." With that, he turned and left without another glance at those in the hall.
Luo Sui's outburst was baffling, and Luo Xueyan was equally puzzled. Shen Qiu patted Shen Miao's head, standing firmly by her side. "Well done, little sister."
Luo Sa glanced over and murmured to Luo Ling, "This little cousin of ours is no simple girl."
Luo Ling chuckled. "Perhaps."
Luo Tan curled her lip. "What’s so impressive about just talking big? Even Grandfather got angry."
Luo Qian shook his head, his eyes gleaming as he stared at Shen Miao, who was speaking with Shen Qiu. "It’s not just talk—she’s also very pretty. Sister, prettier than you."
Luo Tan glared at him fiercely.－－－－－－Off Topic－－－－－－
With three cousins to choose from, there's bound to be one that suits you. Like whichever one you prefer and give a thumbs up to "Rebirth of the Poisonous Medical Consort".
Chapter 119: The Luo Family
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