Red Mansion: Picking up a Lin Daiyu

Chapter 103: Fight Back

Tuji Khan smiled, "Why, my old master, do you want to talk to him? He just came from the capital. King Kang rebelled and returned to the imperial city. He was defeated and killed by the King of Qin. And your Jia family's business is also involved in this."

"The old general of Ningguo Mansion was deceived into leading his troops into the capital, just to help King Kang ascend the throne, and he could exchange you back."

"Old Duke, please don't disbelieve it. Otherwise, ask him."

Jia Daishan tilted his head slightly and looked at Du Ke. He moved his lips, but they seemed to be stuffed with cotton, so not much sound came out.

Seeing Jia Daishan blinking again, Du Ke didn't know what it meant and looked at Tuji Khan.

Tuji Khan smiled and said, "It seems that the old Duke is in a good mood today and wants you to come closer to talk."

Hearing this, Du Ke stepped forward and said, "Old Duke, please speak. I am listening."

Jia Daishan blinked again, Du Ke frowned slightly, bent down and listened attentively.

Suddenly, Jia Daishan jumped up from the bed, opened his mouth and bit Du Ke's ear, tearing it hard and pulling off half of the ear.

Du Ke screamed in pain and took several steps back. He covered his broken ear and cursed at Jia Daishan, with blood flowing from his head.

Jia Daishan spat out half of his ear, along with a tooth, and said, "You little bastards, give your grandfather a quick death!"

Glancing at Du Ke again, Jia Daishan shouted angrily: "If I could use a sword, I would kill you, the traitor, first!"

After a moment of surprise, Tuji Khan regained his composure and hurriedly asked someone to carry Du Ke out to find a doctor for treatment. He then spoke to Jia Daishan on the couch and said earnestly, "My dear old man, why are you doing this?"

"It's easy to die, but it's hard to live. I worked so hard to save you, so I don't want you to die on this grassland. I have to make the most of your value, right?"

Waving his hand, Tuji Khan left the tent, no longer paying attention to Jia Daishan's insults behind him.

Not long after, Du Ke, who had been bandaged to stop the bleeding, came to the big tent and said to Tuji Khan with a look of resentment: "Khan, why did you keep that old man alive?"

Tuji Khan, who was originally placing a map on the sand table, saw Du Ke coming back with half of his head wrapped in gauze, and couldn't help but laugh: "Look at you, Jia Daishan is only hard in this one spot on his body, and he can hurt you. Aren't all your strategies just theoretical?"

Du Ke frowned and said, "Khan, you haven't told me why you didn't kill him."

"Don't be anxious, don't be anxious."

Now he has become Tuji Khan and comforted Du Ke, "Jia Dai is good at helping me, so he will be of great use to me. Even if we use him as a sacrifice when we attack the capital, it will help boost the prestige of our army and destroy the morale of others."

Du Ke said: "In this way, the Khan will only provoke their anger, and they will fight to the death."

Tuji Khan shook his head. "I have seen through the people of Dachang. Most of them are selfish. They are not the private soldiers of the Jia family and have nothing to do with Jia Daishan. They are only afraid of ending up like Jia Daishan and will not think of revenge for Jia Daishan."

Du Ke said, "If that day comes, I will be the one to do the chopping."

Tuji Khan patted Du Ke on the shoulder and said soothingly, "Okay, I promise you. I still have a letter from the capital that I haven't replied to yet. Please help me draft one. Just write..."

……

Outside the East Gate of Datong Prefecture, at the inn fifteen miles away,
A group of men in black, with flying fish badges hanging from their waists and sabers in their hands, were waiting in the guest rooms on the second floor.

This is the only way for Datong to pass through Zijing Pass to enter the capital. In order to intercept the letters between the outside of the pass and the capital, the Jinyiwei searched in Datong Town for several days and finally determined the route and travel time of the messenger.

At the right moment, there were several taps on the window sill, and a voice came in, "My lord, I'm here."

The flag officer of the Jinyiwei looked serious, looked around at everyone, and ordered: "Prepare your weapons, fight quickly and decisively, and march."

They filed out from the windowsill, leaving only a few silver coins on the table, and then went to the stable to get the horses and galloped away.

It was a sunny day.

Datong Prefecture is located on the Loess Plateau, and the official roads outside are all covered with yellow sand. It looks like it has been burned by fire. At a glance, there are either hills or a few scattered dead trees.

On the branches of the dead trees, there were inky black crows, crowed from time to time, which was a rare sound besides the wheels and horse hooves.

There were many caravans coming and going, and people all wore straw hats to protect themselves from the sun. The climate was very dry, and no one was willing to speak, let alone talk.

Behind a hill, the Jinyiwei group lay on the ground, observing the people on the official road from afar.

"Sir, we have found out that it is the person we followed into the city before. He used the same route this time. He mixed in with the caravan during the day to avoid being seen, and traveled hard at night."

The Jinyiwei flag officer frowned and looked at him, thinking, "Put the people over here, and send a team to take off their official uniforms and dress up as barbarians to rob the caravan and disperse the crowd. A few more people, follow me to get the rabbit."

"As ordered."

Soon, two groups of people came out from the foot of the hill. They were all covered in furs, with their upper bodies half naked, waving their swords and rushing towards the caravan.

Merchants who travel far and wide have seen all kinds of emergencies. Goods are not important, life is important. Except for the escorts, when a group of people come running from afar, they all flee in all directions and abandon the truck aside.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the messengers who delivered letters between the capital and the outside of the Great Wall immediately left the official road and fled deep into the desert on horseback.

He had only walked a short distance when he was stopped by the Jinyiwei who were lying in ambush.

"Cut off the horse's feet!"

There was a shout from the Jinyiwei, and two sabers attacked.

The messenger was unable to dodge and fell to the ground along with his horse. Fortunately, the yellow sand acted as a buffer, preventing his head from hitting the ground and losing consciousness. Moreover, as a well-trained assassin, at this critical moment, he only had one thing in mind, which was to destroy the important information on him.

He put the fire lighter into his arms, and the next moment he was captured.

Seeing sparks coming out of his body, the Jinyiwei immediately put out the fire with yellow sand. When they dug the messenger out of the soil, they saw that his face was blue and purple, and he had committed suicide by taking poison.

"Sir, this is the only thing we found on him."

The flag officer of the Embroidered Uniform Guard took a piece of brocade and could only make out one character "Lu" on it, as the rest had been burnt into charcoal black, and the original appearance could not be seen at all.

The flag officer sighed and said, "We chased them for half a month and traveled 2,000 miles, and we got only this one word. How can we report this? I am really impressed. Where did these people come from? They would not even blink an eye before death."

Someone beside him said, "The one who can train such a group of warriors must not only have financial resources far beyond that of ordinary people, but also have great power in the court to be able to travel between the border and the capital. Sir, let's go back as soon as possible to avoid delay."

He took out a brocade box and put the silk inside. After storing it away, the flag officer gave another order: "Leave a few people to deal with the aftermath and contact the nearby county government offices to have them come back to maintain order on the official roads. The rest of you should follow me back to the capital to report."

At the same time, in Datong Prefecture,
The general's mansion, the person currently stationed here is Niu Jizong, who was appointed by Emperor Yuanqing after he transferred Prince Kang back. He is from the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion, which is a lineage of the four kings and eight dukes.

Shi Ding, the third master of the Shi family of Baolinghou Mansion, assisted Niu Jizon in defending the border against the enemy.

Now, the two were also discussing matters in the hall. Leaning on the bench, Niu Jizong slowly sighed, "Today, Tuji Khan sent a letter saying that he wanted to do business with us. Winter is coming, and they need food, quilts and other things to survive the cold. You can buy them at a high price, or you can exchange them for horses. After the deal is reached, we can live in peace this year and there will be no more invasions. What do you think, Lord?"

Shi Ding took a sip of tea and frowned slightly, saying, "Barbarians are immoral and fickle. They are short of supplies now. If we trade with them, wouldn't that help them to prepare for war and accumulate strength? Besides, our border is also short of soldiers and food. If we let them buy it, what will the soldiers eat in the winter?"

Niu Jizong nodded, "That's true, but they are very sincere in offering war horses in exchange. If we can have peace on the border for a whole year and take a breath, we won't be in such a tight spot. Besides, if they can't survive the winter, they will definitely attack."

At that time, another soldier came in and reported: "General, Lord, the Northern Barbarians just sent another message saying that they can exchange the life of Duke Rong for prisoners of war and supplies with us. Let's see if you two can agree."

Niu Jizong stood up immediately and asked in surprise, "Is the old master okay?"

The soldier nodded, "Today, a spy saw Tuji Khan pushing the old Duke for a walk outside the big tent."

This matter concerns the life of Duke Rong. Even Shi Ding hesitated. "This matter is of great importance. We cannot refuse it outright. Let's report it to His Highness and let him make the decision."

Niu Jizong agreed and said, "That makes sense. I will write a memorial to the emperor right away."

……

Beijing, Yue's house,
Holding the letter from Miss Lin in her hand, Qin Keqing couldn't help but think.

"The journey from the capital to Yangzhou is long. Even by water, it takes at least 20 days. I don't know how much manpower and financial resources are wasted to send a letter. Despite this, Miss Lin can still write to her family at least once a month. The master really dotes on Miss Lin."

Thinking of this, Qin Keqing couldn't help but sigh again.

Although Miss Lin had no parents around at the time, she lived a happy life every day because the master was there. She often had a smile on her face. Qin Keqing was extremely envious from the bottom of her heart.

Now that she has left home, it is as if her father sold her into the mansion and all contact has been cut off. Without any family affection, Qin Keqing naturally hopes to be cared for.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching, I can’t help feeling a little sad.

After walking out of the second door, Qin Keqing found the housekeeper's door and called out, "Housekeeper Yun, are you there?"

Soon, a young man came out and greeted Qin Keqing face to face, "Miss Ke'er, what can I do for you?"

Qin Keqing handed over the letter in her hand, "Housekeeper Yun, this is a letter from Miss Lin to be sent to Yangzhou Prefecture. Please send someone to deliver it as soon as possible. It has been delayed for several days. Miss Lin asked to deliver it as quickly as possible."

Jia Yun nodded hurriedly and said, "Okay, I understand."

Then he pulled out an account book from behind his back and said, "This is the purchase account before the Mid-Autumn Festival. Miss Ke'er, please give it to Miss Lin."

Qin Keqing also nodded slightly and agreed.

Returning to the main hall and stepping over the threshold, one can see Yue Ling making lanterns with Lin Daiyu, Zijuan and Xueyan.

The masters of the mansion usually keep their status in mind and will not play around with the women. In Qin Keqing's eyes, the harmony at the moment is really rare. Never spoiling the fun is also a good side of Yue Ling.

Qin Keqing nodded slightly and thought to herself, "This is why I am willing to stay in the mansion."

After cheering up, Qin Keqing smiled and said, "Miss Lin, the letter has been handed over. This is the account sent by Yun, the housekeeper."

At this time, Lin Daiyu was sitting on a bench with Yue Ling, making lanterns using bamboo strips and colored paper into various shapes. There were simple rabbits and lotus flowers, and more complicated auspicious beasts, all of which were the shapes that little girls loved.

Lin Daiyu looked up and said, "Okay, put it in my room and I will read it before I go to bed."

Then he turned his attention to the lantern, "No, Brother Yue, this needs to be glued to the bamboo, hurry up and get the glue."

Yue Ling hurriedly took a bowl from the table, smeared it on the colored paper, and then glued it to the bamboo handle.

"How about this? Is this okay?"

Lin Daiyu covered her mouth and laughed, "Not bad, it can be considered to be beginning to take shape."

Lin Daiyu's eyes curved as she held the lantern made by Yue Ling, looking it over and over, and then she said, "It turns out that Brother Yue also has things he is not good at."

Yue Ling helplessly spread his hands, "Who can be omniscient and omnipotent?"

Lin Daiyu said: "I thought Brother Yue was omnipotent."

Yue Ling said: "I'm sorry to disappoint you this time."

Lin Daiyu shook her head and said, "That's not the case. This makes Brother Yue seem closer. Isn't the omnipotent a god from heaven? That makes it seem a little illusory."

Yue Ling couldn't help but sigh, rubbing Lin Daiyu's head, and thought to himself: "Good girl, you know how to comfort people."

At the right moment, Xueyan also jumped down from the table, holding up the paper lantern she had made, and boasted, "Look, I made one too."

Yue Ling looked over and thought, "Is this... a boat?"

Xueyan shook her head, "No, these are dumplings."

The corners of Yue Ling's mouth trembled slightly, and he was speechless for a moment.

Lin Daiyu smiled and said, "This is Mid-Autumn Festival, not Spring Festival. You have to make mooncakes anyway."

Xueyan thought about it and thought it made sense, "Okay, then I'll beat it flatter."

Looking at Qin Keqing who was standing alone, Lin Daiyu said again: "Sister Ke'er, you should come and play too. There is nothing to do now."

Qin Keqing nodded slightly, sat down at the round table, came between Xueyan and Zijuan, picked up the colored paper and scissors, and started playing with the little girls.

Lin Daiyu was holding the paper lantern made by Yue Ling, walking out the door, and called Yue Ling again, "Brother Yue, help me up. This lantern needs to be hung in the center under the eaves."

Yue Ling smiled and said, "Why not hang yours? Yours looks better."

Lin Daiyu shook her head and said, "No, I have to hang Brother Yue."

Lin Daiyu was stubborn and there was no turning back, so Yue Ling had no choice but to pamper her and said, "Okay, I'll do it. You're afraid of heights."

Lin Daiyu still disagreed, "No, no, Brother Yue, help me, I want to hang it myself."

Yue Ling chased Lin Daiyu out of the house, picked her up, and helped her hang up the lanterns and light the candles.

The figures of the two people under the moonlight attracted many servants in the mansion to stop and look at this warm and beautiful picture, and they all smiled.

　Thanks to Agoui丶Chen, Yiju Wine and Two Jin of Meat Once Every Three Days, Daoyou Qingliubuyou, PAZ, Book Friend 05433, Philmoshu, Named Fei, Atomization_, Yuying Potianji, milanbj, Xichi, More Sunshine, Floating Red Dust, Ravage, Aiyejoy, Wanjian Chaozong Yingdonglai, Zise, and Book Friend 72995 for their monthly tickets. Thank you all for your support!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)