“Winter is the manager. It’s her job to handle the accounts.”
Jin Feng said, “Xiaorou, you need to understand something. Leave professional tasks to professionals. Your job is to manage people. Otherwise, as our business grows, how will you keep up?”
“But it’s too late for that.”
Guan Xiaorou wrapped her arms around Jin Feng’s waist, nuzzling his neck playfully, “Darling, how about I fetch Winter, and you two share a room tonight? Tomorrow, I’ll go to the county to arrange your marriage contract. What do you think? She’s going to be yours eventually. Marry her now, and I can hand over the household to her.”
According to Dakang law, as Jin Feng’s legitimate wife, she had the authority to arrange a concubine for him.
“Drop that idea.”
Jin Feng said helplessly, “Listen to me. While I’m away, let Winter help with the accounts. I’ll check them when I’m back.”
“Fine…”
Noticing Jin Feng’s slight annoyance, Guan Xiaorou picked up a bundle from the bed, “Darling, I’ve altered the clothes. Try them on.”
The clothes fit perfectly, giving Jin Feng a more scholarly air.
“Xiaorou, you did a great job with these.”
Jin Feng smiled in praise.
“Winter helped,” Guan Xiaorou said shyly. “Her family is in textiles. She’s been doing needlework since she was young. There’s another set here that she made for you.”
Seeing her steer the conversation back to Tang Dongdong, Jin Feng quickly changed the subject, “After I leave, lock the shop. Don’t let anyone in. Leave the workshop to Winter. If anything happens outside, let Liang handle it.”
“Got it.”
Seeing Jin Feng turn to serious matters, Guan Xiaorou stopped teasing and leaned quietly against him, “Darling, I know you’re off to do big things. I can’t stop you, but remember, I’ll be waiting for you at home.”
“Don’t worry. Mancang and I aren’t going to fight. We’re just following the Lord to see the battlefield. We’re his stewards, not foot soldiers. If there’s danger, I’ll be the first to run.”
Jin Feng reassured her.
“You’re just humoring me. When has danger ever stopped you from charging in?”
Guan Xiaorou said, “That time with the tiger, and today with the bandits…”
“How do you know I fought bandits today?”
Jin Feng frowned, “Did Zheng Fang tell you?”
Zheng Fang’s mouth was too loose.
“It wasn’t Brother Zheng. Winter guessed it.”
Guan Xiaorou explained, “Last time the Lord came to the village, you mistook him for a bandit and told us to run, looking ready to fight. Winter later said that the bald man with Xie Guang might be a bandit. She figured, knowing your nature, you wouldn’t leave for a long trip without dealing with trouble first. So when you left with the Lord and Brother Zhong today, she said you were off to kill bandits.”
“Winter’s really sharp.”
Jin Feng couldn’t help but admire her.
With so few clues, she’d pieced together the situation. Tang Dongdong’s deductive skills were impressive.
“Yes, Winter’s amazing.”
Guan Xiaorou echoed.
“No more talk about marrying her!”
Jin Feng added quickly.
“Fine, I won’t,” Guan Xiaorou pouted, then asked, “Darling, where were those bald bandits from? Did you and the Lord wipe them out?”
“Don’t worry. They’re either caught or caught. Not one left.”
Jin Feng replied.
Cat Mountain had only a few dozen bandits, all known to Zhang Liang’s burly comrade. When Zhong Wu was killing and tying them up, he’d confirmed from hiding that none escaped.
“My darling’s the best.”
Guan Xiaorou looked at Jin Feng with admiration.
“Of course.”
Jin Feng didn’t mind his wife’s adoration and lifted her onto the bed with a smile, “It’s late. Let’s rest.”
“Mmm…”
Guan Xiaorou nestled into his arms with a soft whimper.
Soon, the wooden bed creaked rhythmically.
Knowing Jin Feng was leaving, Guan Xiaorou, usually shy, was particularly bold tonight. They went on until the early hours before the room quieted.
Jin Feng felt he’d barely slept when a dull drumbeat sounded outside.
It was the muster drum, struck before a marquis’s household set out to rally the troops.
Though not a soldier, Jin Feng had to rise when Qinghuai sounded the drum.
Guan Xiaorou sprang up at the first beat, frantically helping Jin Feng dress.
“Don’t fuss. Go back to sleep.”
Jin Feng felt bad for tiring her out last night.
“You’re heading to war. How can I sleep in? I’m already lazy for not getting up earlier.”
Guan Xiaorou tucked her messy hair behind her ears and hurried to prepare washing items for Jin Feng.
Dakang had no toothbrushes. People used frayed willow twigs dipped in salt to clean their teeth. Jin Feng had struggled with it at first but was now used to it.
When he stepped outside, the guards had already assembled in the courtyard.
Aunt Liu was holding Zhong Wu’s hand, giving him instructions.
Tang Dongdong stood in a corner, looking around. Seeing Jin Feng, she hurried over.
“Brother Feng, you’re a scholar, not a soldier. Don’t charge into battle…”
Her eyes were red as she spoke softly.
“Don’t worry.”
Jin Feng looked at her deeply, “Winter, you’re a smart girl. While I’m gone, help Xiaorou with the workshop and take care of her and Little E.”
“I will.”
Tang Dongdong nodded firmly.
Zhang Liang approached with Mancang and the burly man, giving safety advice before pulling Jin Feng aside, “Mancang’s in your hands. If he doesn’t listen on the front lines, just kick him.”
“Got it.”
“One more thing,” Zhang Liang pointed to the burly man, “Old Black’s struggling. I was thinking he could help at your kiln. Is that alright?”
“No problem. You can decide these things, Brother Liang.”
Jin Feng said, “I told Xiaorou and Winter that while I’m away, you shouldn’t make deliveries. Stay home and look after things.”
“Don’t worry, Feng. As long as I’m alive, the house will be fine.”
Zhang Liang thumped his chest.
“Good.”
Jin Feng nodded, about to say more when Qinghuai approached.
Zhong Wu had prepared the carriage, “Sir, it’s time to go.”
Jin Feng patted Zhang Liang’s shoulder, hugged Guan Xiaorou, and boarded the carriage.
Boom!
The drum sounded again.
“Safe travels, return victorious!”
The household servants shouted in unison.
But no one shed tears.
Even Guan Xiaorou, who cried easily, bit her lip hard, not letting a single tear fall.
In Dakang, women knew that crying when sending men off to war was bad luck.
“Victory! Victory! Victory!”
Qinghuai’s guards shouted three times in response, then rode off into the morning mist.
