Full House Spring

Xia Li had never met Shunzi, but she knew that there was such a person around Kuang Chengrui. She also knew clearly that Kuang Chengrui had taken the initiative to give the dragonfly hairpin to her. However, now was not the time to care about these things.

Shunzi followed the maid to the small reception hall and saw Xia Li sitting at the head of the table. He immediately lowered his eyes, clasped his fists and saluted, saying in a rough voice:

"Sister-in-law, my elder brother asked me to come back and tell you that the Dongyi grandsons entered Jiaozhou under the pretext of marriage and seized the Red Island Salt Well. The news has not spread yet, and the two sides have already started fighting. My elder brother has no time to take care of the family. I hope you can keep a close eye on the family and retreat with the old and young when necessary."

Xia Li's heart sank instantly, and he said solemnly, "Didn't Commander Jiang send someone to keep an eye on that group of people? How could they lose the Red Island Salt Well right under their noses?"

Shunzi smiled bitterly and said, "Commander Jiang was careless, thinking that the Dongyi people would not dare to act so blatantly. My elder brother reminded him many times and asked him to send more people, but he did not take it seriously. This time he was seriously derelict in his duty and cannot escape the blame. My elder brother and Deputy Envoy Zhou shouldered the heavy burden, so the family had no time to take care of it."

Xia Li was silent for a few seconds, then quickly regained her sanity. She said calmly, "Does the guard post have enough rice and medicine?"

Shunzi thought she was just an ordinary woman in the inner house, and he didn't expect her to ask such a crucial question. Shunzi was slightly startled, and after a moment of silence, he said: "With the rice and grain donated by my sister-in-law, plus the supplies allocated by the court, it can last at least half a year, you don't have to worry."

The Dongyi people were clearly well prepared. Xia Li did not think that the war could be over in half a year. She said calmly, "Tell your eldest brother to submit a petition to the emperor as soon as possible to express his poverty, so as to avoid a shortage of supplies later."

Shunzi felt that she was making a big deal out of nothing, but it was difficult for him to refute her, so he just said slowly: "Don't worry, sister-in-law, I will pass the message to my brother. If you don't have any other instructions, I will go back to the guard post now."

Xia Li frowned slightly and said, "Please wait a moment. I'll ask the maid to pack some things and ask you to hand them over to your eldest brother."

Shunzi nodded in agreement without hesitation, and said a little embarrassedly: "Sister-in-law, if you have any extra high-concentration alcohol, let me take it back. This stuff can really save lives at a critical moment."

When Xia Li heard Kuang Chengrui say that the Dongyi people were restless, she subconsciously stockpiled some more alcohol, just in case. She said in a low voice, "These are what I asked you to take with you. In addition to alcohol, there are also things like wound medicine. I'll leave some in the mansion, and you can take the rest. I'm afraid you can't carry so much by yourself."

Shunzi was very happy to hear this and said loudly: "If I can't get it by myself, please send a servant to accompany me. Now is the critical moment, I won't be polite with you."

Xia Li smiled at him and said, "We are all brothers. Don't worry about those empty words. I will send someone to do it right away."

Xia Li directly asked Butler Fang to go to the guardhouse with Shunzi. Alcohol and patent medicines were still very valuable at this critical juncture. She could not trust Shunzi completely, but Butler Fang was her man. With him and his guards following her, she would feel more at ease.

Xia Li did not alarm the elders in the mansion. Letting them know would do no good except making more people nervous.

Shunzi stayed in the reception room to drink tea. He looked at the layout inside and thought about Xia Li's ability to treat people. Shunzi began to understand why his elder brother tried every means to marry her. It turned out that women are different from each other. In addition to warming the bed and giving birth to children, they can also stabilize the rear.

If he could marry a wife with a large dowry and good manners, he would feel more at ease when fighting on the battlefield. At least if he died, his wife would be able to raise their children.

Time passed quickly as he was thinking about all these things in a mess. When he followed Shi Mi out and saw the carriage was full of things, he swallowed unconsciously and said to Shi Mi, "Sister-in-law, you have prepared so many things in such a short time. It's amazing."

Shi Mi said with a smile in her voice: "The master has always been far-sighted. These are accumulated gradually. She said that they will be used sooner or later. You told me to use them frugally. I don't know when this war will end."

Shunzi said happily: "It shouldn't take long. Big brother and Deputy Envoy Zhou are both capable people. The damn Dongyi people won't get any advantage."

Shi Mi did not comment. Her master said that the battle could not be resolved in a short time, but she believed his words more. Shi Mi was also a smart person and did not speak out what she thought. She sent Shunzi, Butler Fang and others away before turning around and walking back.

It was originally thought that the news of the seizure of the Hongdao Salt Well would not spread so quickly. However, within just one night, the common people in Jiaozhou knew about it, and before dawn the next day, they all scrambled to buy salt.

It was a rare occasion for Yu to go out for a walk. When she saw the looting outside, she ran home in panic to find her old grandfather. Ever since he had been angered by Kuang Chengming, the old man had been in poor health. He didn't know what was going on, so he quickly asked someone to call Xia Li over.

Xia Li had already learned about the situation outside from Qiao He. She only told the guards to keep a close eye on the gate and ignored everything else. As soon as she arrived at the front yard, Yu came to meet her, holding her hand and anxiously said, "Xia Li, many people outside are frantically grabbing salt. What's going on? Should we send someone to grab some back?"

Xia Li patted the back of Yu's hand soothingly, and said gently, "Don't worry, mother. We have a lot of supplies stored in our cellar. You can have enough even if you eat salt as a meal."

Yu was relieved when she heard her say that. Then she asked in confusion, "Could it be that Chengrui had said something to you before? Otherwise, why would you be so alert?"

Xia Li chuckled and nodded, "When we were chatting, my husband mentioned that the Dongyi people were restless. We have a large family, and I was afraid that we would be caught off guard if there was an emergency, so I prepared in advance."

Yu's eyes were filled with relief, and she said with emotion: "It couldn't be better to have you in charge of our family. You can think of everything carefully. With Chengrui as the head of the family, we will definitely get better and better in the future."

Xia Li's lips slightly raised, but deep worry was hidden in his eyes. The old man turned to Yu and said, "Go and comfort the people in the mansion, don't let them worry about it, and don't go out for a stroll if you have nothing to do. I have something to say to Chengrui's wife."

Yu didn't think there was anything wrong with the old man talking to his daughter-in-law without her. In her opinion, Xia Li and Chengrui had the same status. At this critical juncture, it was normal for the old man to discuss something with her. It would be a waste of time for her to know too much, so it would be better for her to appease everyone.

As soon as Yu left, the old man looked at Xia Li and said, "Did Chengrui send someone back to deliver a message last night?"

His tone was certain, and Xia Li had no need to hide anything, so he said seriously, "Shunzi came over last night and told me that the Dongyi bandits had seized the Hongdao Salt Well, and the two sides had already gone to war."

The old man's face darkened, and his eyes became more angry. He suppressed his anger and said, "How could Commander Jiang be so careless? He knew that the Dongyi people had evil intentions, but he didn't set up defenses, allowing the Red Island Salt Well to be robbed right under his nose. They will definitely have a trick up their sleeve."

Xia Li listened to Kuang Chengrui's analysis of the map of the area near the Red Island Salt Well. After thinking for a moment, she said, "I'm worried that they will seize the main salt transportation road next. The salt supply of the surrounding cities mainly comes from the Red Island Salt Well. Once the Dongyi people seize it and control the main salt transportation road, they will wear us out over time. The situation is not optimistic." The old man looked at Xia Li with a different look. Obviously, he didn't expect her to be so smart. He said calmly, "What you and I can think of, I'm sure Chengrui can think of it too. It's not easy to win this war. Commander Jiang is probably not going to be able to do it."

Xia Li said calmly, "Let's wait and see. Now that we are surrounded, we can only fight our way out. Risks and opportunities coexist. This may be a good opportunity for you to make achievements."

The old man smiled and said in a clear voice, "You are right. This is the opportunity that Chengrui needs. I will lead people to strengthen patrols in the mansion. You will take care of other things. Make sure there are no mistakes."

Xia Li nodded slightly. She was not a person who liked to pursue fame and fortune, but people go to high places and water flows to low places. If you don't move forward, you will retreat. Both she and Kuang Chengrui can only move forward.

Xia Li came out from the front yard, still looking calm and composed. Kuang Yulin and Kuang Yuru came to her to learn how to manage the household. Xia Li assigned them tasks in a stable manner and taught them how to do it step by step.

Kuang Yuru was focused and listened very seriously, but Kuang Yulin looked a little anxious. After the serious matters were finished, Kuang Yuru led the maid away. Kuang Yulin walked up to Xia Li, bit her lip, and said hesitantly, "Sister-in-law, did we really fight with the Dongyi people? Is my marriage with the Luo family going to fail again?"

Xia Li hadn't thought about this. She frowned and said, "The situation is unstable now. It's possible that the Luo family wants to wait and see. If the enemy is at the gates, anything could happen. It's unknown how long everyone can survive."

Kuang Yulin's face turned pale, and she said unwillingly: "How could it be such a coincidence? I finally have a place to go in my life, and it seems that it will be successful soon. Sister-in-law, can you make an idea for me? Let's take the initiative..."

Before she finished speaking, Xia Li interrupted her with a stern look in her eyes, "Do you know what you are saying? Can't the girl from the Kuang family get married? Are you rushing to send her away?"

Kuang Yulin choked up and said, "Even if there is a war, it won't prevent me from getting married. A girl will always get married when she grows up."

Xia Li sneered, "If you are so impatient, don't drag me into this and embarrass yourself. Go find Second Aunt."

Kuang Yulin paused in her crying and said in a hoarse voice, "My mother cares about her reputation the most and will definitely not take the initiative. Is this really the only way to let this go?"

Xia Li said calmly, "If your elder brother has made great achievements in the war, he will surely be promoted, and it is possible that he will be awarded a title. Then you will naturally rise with the tide and be able to choose a better marriage partner. The situation on Magistrate Luo's side will definitely change, so there is no point in you worrying."

Kuang Yulin had never thought about it in this direction. She was a little surprised and said, "Is it really so? Big brother is very skilled in martial arts, but what he lacks is opportunity. Big sister-in-law is right. The Luo family is nothing. I should learn from you to manage the family."

Seeing that she had figured it out, Xia Li said calmly, "Hurry up and do what you should do. Don't think about those useless things. Things will work out when the time comes."

Kuang Yulin obediently agreed, bowed, and left briskly. When she disappeared, Shi Mi said sarcastically, "Young lady, you are too impatient. How can a girl be so eager to get married? It's not like no one wants her."

Xia Li rubbed his nose and said indifferently, "Her marriage has always been full of twists and turns. Maybe she is scared. After all, she has little experience, so it is understandable."

Shi Mi said with a smile: "Only the master is kind and considerate of her. If it were anyone else, they would ignore her."

Xia Li smiled without saying anything. Her contribution was not for free. Kuang Yulin would have to pay a price for it. There were some things she didn't need to make clear, as long as she knew it in her mind.

At the same time, Kuang Chengrui was discussing military situation with Deputy Envoy Zhou and several other military officers in the camp. Kuang Chengrui pointed to the main salt transport route and said firmly: "We must strengthen our forces here, otherwise the consequences will be disastrous."

Deputy Envoy Zhou was also a veteran of the battlefield. How could Kuang Chengrui not see the trick when he could see the truth? He said in a deep voice, "I will lead the people to control this place. You will be in charge of the city gate. The garrison commanders will also be divided into two groups."

Kuang Chengrui had no objection. He didn't need to fight for the first place. The Dongyi people were well prepared and their defense might not be able to stop them. Kuang Chengrui was thinking about countermeasures when Shunzi lifted the curtain and walked in without hesitation. He shouted loudly:

"Brother, Guo Ziyi has divided up a lot of the alcohol and medicinal herbs that my sister-in-law asked me to bring. They were prepared by my sister-in-law for you. He is robbing them. They are not supplies issued by the court. I asked him for them, but he refused to give them to me."

Kuang Chengrui asked with a cold look in his eyes: "Where is he?"

Shunzi was filled with righteous indignation and said, "He was in the training grounds, and I went to ask for it, but they used their numbers to bully the minority."

If Kuang Chengrui didn't mind giving him more benefits in the past, but now the situation is unclear and this thing is Xia Li's gift, how could he allow Guo Ziyi to get involved? Kuang Chengrui looked grim and turned around and walked out.

The general beside Deputy Envoy Zhou said to him, "Why don't you take care of this matter? If it gets out of hand, it will be embarrassing."

Deputy Envoy Zhou curled his lips and said nonchalantly, "Captain Guo took things sent by other people's families without permission. He was deliberately provoking trouble. Assistant Commissioner Kuang promised to share a few jars of alcohol with me. What did he do with our people?"

The general suddenly realized what was going on and hurriedly rolled up his sleeves, saying, "I'll go help too. I've never seen such a shameless villain before."

Kuang Chengrui didn't want to waste words with Guo Ziyi. He strode to Guo Ziyi, kicked him away, and said concisely: "Do you want to return the things or return them after getting beaten?"

Guo Ziyi covered his chest and had not yet come to his senses. He gritted his teeth and said, "Why should I return the things to you? Once you enter the garrison, they belong to everyone. You can use them, and so can I."

Kuang Chengrui said with cold eyes: "According to what you said, next time your wife comes to deliver food, I will have her brought to the camp whore tent so that other brothers can have her too." (End of this chapter)