Qing Huai, concerned about the Iron Forest Army, descended the mountain and immediately went inside to write a letter to Duke Qing, requesting to regain command of the army.
He initially wanted to mention finding a way to counter cavalry but, recalling Jin Feng’s caution, ultimately left it out.
“Zheng Fang, Liu Qiong, each of you take two horses and deliver this letter to Bianjing as fast as possible.”
Qing Huai handed the sealed letter to the guards.
“Lord, how soon can the order be sent back?” Jin Feng asked, watching the guards’ horses disappear.
“From here to Bianjing, a round trip takes at least twenty days. If smooth, about a month. If someone obstructs, it’s hard to say,” Qing Huai replied.
“Besides the eldest and second young masters, who else would obstruct?” Zhong Wu muttered softly.
“Quiet.”
Qing Huai scolded, sighing slightly.
His father, Duke Qing, was an old general with many military connections. Regaining the Iron Forest Army’s command wasn’t difficult; his concern was interference from his older brothers.
“I’ll sleep for a bit. Call me when the supplies arrive.”
Finding Qing Huai approachable, Jin Feng grew more casual, waved, and went to the inner room to sleep.
Exhausted from a sleepless night, Jin Feng skipped lunch and slept until mid-afternoon.
Upon waking, he saw Guan Xiaorou sitting by the bed, sewing clothes.
Since marrying, Guan Xiaorou had been busy with other tasks, unable to make clothes. With no ready-made clothes available, both she and Jin Feng still wore patched garments.
Before, it didn’t matter; everyone in Xibeiwan wore patched clothes, so no one judged.
But since Qing Huai arrived, always in crisp, clean attire, Jin Feng looked shabby beside him.
Noticing this, Guan Xiaorou stopped spinning thread, focusing solely on making new clothes for Jin Feng.
“Dear, you’re awake?”
Knowing Jin Feng liked water upon waking, Guan Xiaorou set down the clothes and handed him a cup.
She changed the water every half hour, keeping it at the perfect temperature.
“Dear, try the clothes to see if they fit. If not, I’ll adjust them.”
Guan Xiaorou took the cup, picked up the clothes she was working on, and helped Jin Feng try them on.
“Oh, why are the shoulders so wide? The waist is loose too…”
It was her first time making clothes alone, and they weren’t great. The shoulders and waist were loose, and the sleeves were uneven.
“Dear, take it off quick.”
Guan Xiaorou, embarrassed and upset, teared up: “Dear, I’m so useless, I can’t even make one piece of clothing right…”
“It’s your first time, and it’s already quite good. If it were me, I’d probably end up with three sleeves.”
Jin Feng pulled her into his arms: “Why cry? If it’s wrong, just fix it.”
“But what will you wear?”
“Without this, I’m not naked, am I?”
“Your clothes have patches.”
“So what? Don’t everyone’s clothes have patches? You’ve got more patches than me.”
Jin Feng smiled, pointing at the patches on her clothes.
“You’re a scholar. Every time I see you in patched clothes talking to the Lord, I feel so bad.”
Guan Xiaorou pouted: “You bought the fabric long ago, but I’ve been busy with nonsense and didn’t make your clothes…”
“Haha, we can’t compare with the Lord. His silk clothes could feed our family for two years.”
Jin Feng laughed: “Besides, the Lord values ability, not clothes.
Even in rags, doesn’t he still chat and laugh with me? If I had no skill, no matter how fine my clothes, he wouldn’t spare me a glance.”
“My dear is the most capable man.”
Guan Xiaorou looked up, smiling sweetly.
“Exactly. Don’t cry, take your time fixing it, no rush.”
Jin Feng tapped her nose: “Don’t prick your hands again.”
Guan Xiaorou, rushing these past few days, had pricked her fingers countless times, leaving them dotted with red marks.
“Mm-hmm.”
Guan Xiaorou nodded obediently: “Oh, Runniang saved some food, warming on the stove. I’ll fetch it.”
“No need, I’ll go eat.”
Jin Feng waved, put on his patched clothes, and headed to the kitchen.
Runniang was washing vegetables. Seeing Jin Feng, she smiled shyly and deftly pulled a small pot from the ashes under the stove.
“Brother Feng, I stewed half a wild chicken since last night. Try it.”
Knowing Jin Feng couldn’t stomach wild greens or wheat porridge, Runniang always cooked something special for his family.
Jin Feng didn’t object.
What kind of boss doesn’t get special treatment?
Tang Dongdong initially opposed it but was rebuffed by Jin Feng.
Later, finding the women didn’t mind, she joined Jin Feng’s table, claiming as a manager she should eat with the boss, and wouldn’t leave.
Guan Xiaorou felt embarrassed and, if not for Jin Feng’s insistence, would’ve rejoined the women eating porridge and greens.
Stewed nearly a day, the chicken’s bones were almost melted. Lifting the lid released a rich, savory aroma, whetting the appetite.
Taking rice from Runniang, Jin Feng scooped meat and broth over it, paired with crisp greens, and savored the meal.
As he ate, Zhong Wu barged in, swallowing hard at the pot: “Sir, the steward’s back. The Lord sent me to ask where to unload the supplies.”
“Did you get everything I asked for?”
Jin Feng frowned.
Xibeiwan to the county wasn’t close. Zhang Liang usually left at dawn and returned by dinner if lucky.
Sometimes, with heavy loads, he returned at midnight.
The steward left at seven or eight and was back by mid-afternoon?
Did he fail to get the supplies?
“Sir, don’t worry. The steward said everything but coal was bought.”
Zhong Wu said: “Jinchuan has no coal; you’d need to go to Hanzhong. The steward sent someone, and if quick, they’ll be back in three to five days.”
“Good.”
Jin Feng said: “This steward’s quite efficient.”
“Knowing you’re in a hurry, he rode hard.”
“No wonder.”
Jin Feng nodded.
Zhang Liang usually took a cart to the county, but the steward rode horseback, naturally faster.
“My place can’t hold more, and with all the hemp thread here, a fire would be trouble. Store it at your place for now.”
Jin Feng finished his meal quickly: “Let’s go, I’ll come with you.”
