The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 394 Secrets of the Xiao Family, Yinshan Moon, The Emperor's Heart
Yinshan City, Xiao Wang Mansion.

On the training ground, Xiao Xuance, who was about five years old, was dressed in a small, tight-fitting outfit and was practicing archery under the guidance of his guards, holding a specially made small bow.

"Young Prince, lower your shoulders a little more, pull the string steadily, and aim at the bullseye before you fire."

Listening to the guard's words, and recalling the archery skills his uncle had taught him before his expedition, Xiao Xuance took a deep breath, adjusted his posture, and suddenly released his right hand.

The arrow flew out with a "whoosh," and although it didn't hit the bullseye, it landed within the three rings.

He turned around excitedly, looking at Shulu Wujin standing by the training ground, his eyes full of anticipation.

Shulu Wujin, dressed in an elegant brocade dress, was holding a stack of account books in her hands. She was looking down at them when she heard the sound of arrows piercing the air, and then she slowly raised her head.

A faint smile played on her lips, but she didn't immediately praise him. She simply nodded slightly and said, "You've improved a bit since yesterday, but it's still not enough."

"Practice ten more arrows. If you can hit the bullseye three times, then you'll pass the test."

After saying that, she looked down at the ledger again, her fingertips tracing the numbers on it, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes.

This is the revenue statement of the Sixth Academy Trading Company for this month. The paper is covered with densely packed figures, recording the profits from businesses such as silk, tea, and porcelain, each item being quite considerable.

Although the Hexi Merchant Guild monopolized key industries such as salt, iron, and grain, and the slave trade required military backing, Shulu Wujin was unwilling to get involved.

But thanks to her keen business acumen, she continues to thrive in other fields.

She also opened several workshops in Yinshan City, including a weaving workshop, a porcelain workshop, and even a workshop specializing in making exquisite jewelry.

Each of them made a lot of profit. In just a few years, the Sixth Academy Commercial Firm has become one of the top private commercial firms in northern Xinjiang.

This was because Qin's commerce was becoming increasingly prosperous, and the constant foreign wars brought in a large amount of wealth, so the people of Qin were not short of money, but rather short of supplies.

Similar to the situation in the early stages of reform and opening up, as long as you had goods, you didn't have to worry about not being able to sell them.

"Mother, look, I'm in the middle of the Second Ring Road."

Xiao Xuance's excited voice interrupted Shulu Wujin's thoughts.

She looked up and saw Xiao Xuance jumping excitedly, holding the arrow he had just shot. The guards beside him nodded and smiled, confirming that the arrow had indeed landed within the second ring.

Shu Lu Wujin closed the booklet, walked to the center of the training ground, patted Xiao Xuance's head, and said in a gentle but serious tone: "Not bad, my son did very well and worked very hard, but you must not be arrogant."

"Practicing martial arts is like studying; it requires perseverance. If you become complacent because of a little progress, how can you achieve anything in the future?"

Then, another guard came forward with a short wooden stick and a wooden knife and said to Xiao Xuance, "Young Prince, it's time to practice your spear and knife skills."

Xiao Xuance immediately stopped smiling, took the wooden stick and wooden sword, and followed the guard to learn the basic moves.

He learned it quite well. Although his chopping, slashing, and stabbing movements were a bit immature, they showed a serious attitude. Sweat quickly beaded on his forehead, but he didn't complain at all.

Shu Lu Wujin stood quietly to the side, watching with a complex expression in her eyes.

She raised Xiao Xuance on her own, regarding him as her whole life. Although she doted on him, she dared not indulge him in the slightest.

Over the years, she managed the business while strictly supervising Xiao Xuance's martial arts and studies, hoping that he would become a responsible and capable person in the future.

Before he knew it, the sun had risen to its zenith, and Xiao Xuance finally finished his morning martial arts training.

He ran breathlessly to Shulu Wujin's side, tugged at her sleeve, and whispered, "Mother, I practiced very hard today, can I go out and play for a while?"

Seeing him covered in sweat, Shulu Wujin's heart softened, but she still hardened her heart and asked, "Have you read your books today? Have you finished the homework assigned by the teacher?"

"It's all done."

Xiao Xuance nodded hurriedly, his eyes full of anticipation: "I heard from the guards in the manor that my uncle has returned in triumph with his army."

"He defeated the despicable Liao royal court, captured the Liao emperor, and I heard that he also destroyed many Western Region states, making those small countries run for their lives."

"Uncle is so amazing! I want to be like him, to lead troops into battle and become a great hero."

When Li Xiao was mentioned, Xiao Xuance's eyes lit up, his tone full of admiration and longing.

He had heard about Li Xiao's deeds since he was a child. He knew that his uncle had established the powerful Qin state, which brought a good life to the people. He also knew that his uncle was extremely brave in battle and was a hero in the hearts of countless people.

In his mind, Li Xiao was the most powerful person and the goal he wanted to catch up with.

Shu Lu Wujin's eyes glazed over slightly when she heard Li Xiao's name.

She looked at Xiao Xuance's gradually maturing face, his sharply defined features, which bore a striking resemblance to Li Xiao.

Over the years, she has deliberately avoided mentioning Li Xiao, but in the end, she cannot overcome the similarity in their blood.

She gently stroked Xiao Xuance's hair, her voice much softer: "Your uncle is indeed powerful, but if you want to become like him, you must study martial arts and read books diligently and not slack off."

Xiao Xuance nodded vigorously, his eyes full of determination: "Mother, don't worry, I will definitely study hard."

After saying that, he tugged at Shulu Wujin's sleeve and shook it, saying in a coquettish tone, "Then Mother, I've finished my homework, can I go out and play for a while?"

Shu Lu Wu Jin's heart softened, but she still shook her head, her tone gentle and unquestionable: "You can play for an hour, but you can only stay in the mansion and cannot go out."

"Ah? Why!"

Xiao Xuance's face fell instantly, and he cried out in disappointment, "I wanted to go to the street to see sugar paintings. The guard said that a new sugar painting master came yesterday and can paint big tigers."

Shu Lu Wujin didn't explain too much because Xiao Xuance was still too young, and there was no need for him to know too much.

Not long ago, a centurion dressed in black brocade robes and wearing a Jinyiwei token at his waist suddenly came to see him, bringing with him a secret letter from Li Xiao.

“Madam, our Imperial Guard has discovered that someone intends to harm Young Master Xiao. His Majesty has specifically ordered me to come and inform you so that you may be more vigilant in your daily life.”

"But rest assured, the murderer is under surveillance by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and all potential threats have been eliminated. When His Majesty returns in triumph, he will personally handle this matter."

Upon hearing the words of the Imperial Guard commander, Shu Lu Wujin's heart leaped into his throat, and he hurriedly asked, "Who exactly wants to harm Xuan Ce?"

After a moment's hesitation, the centurion replied truthfully, "Madam, it is Shaowa and Xiao Cigu."

Upon hearing these two names, Shu Luwujin's face instantly darkened, and anger surged within him.

Although Xiao Simo had many concubines during his lifetime, most of them had no children, and only a few, such as Shaowa, had sons.

Shaowa came from the Shaowa tribe, a lower-level Khitan tribe. The surname means "eagle farm" in the Khitan language. The tribe members were most skilled at training eagles. It was because of her skill in training eagles that she was brought into Xiao Simo's household.

Xiao Cigudu, Xiao Simo's second son, was always unknown and had little presence in the household.
Xiao Simo's eldest son, Xiao Dalu, was killed in a rebellion in his early years, and his legitimate son, Xiao Helun, died in battle. Now, Xiao Cigu is the oldest of Xiao Simo's three surviving illegitimate sons.

When Shulu Wujin gave birth to Xiao Xuance, in order to avoid internal strife in the palace, she gave Shaowa, Xiao Cigu, and others a large sum of money and hundreds of cattle and sheep, allowing them to leave the palace and live in a separate house in the north of Yinshan City.

For the first few years, there was no contact between the two parties. However, as the Six Courtyards Trading Company prospered and made more and more money, she heard that Madam Shaowa was complaining outside that she was "monopolizing the Xiao family's property".

Especially Ms. Showa, who had been pregnant once, but accidentally slipped and miscarried when she was five months pregnant.

She believed that Shulu Wujin was behind this, and although she had no evidence, she held a grudge. Now that she saw Shulu Wujin and her son enjoying wealth, she was naturally envious.

As for Xiao Cigudu, his motives were more complex.

His mother was executed by Xiao Simo, and even Shu Lu Wujin was not clear about the reason for this; it has always been a mystery.

Xiao Cigu always believed that it was Shu Lu Wujin who instigated the death of his mother and caused Xiao Simo to dislike him as her son, and he had been silently resenting him for years.

Now that Xiao Xuance, this bastard child from who-knows-where, has become Xiao Simo's legitimate son, while he himself has been driven out of the palace like a dog, Xiao Cigu's jealousy and resentment have grown stronger.

She then secretly instigated the Shaowa clan, who were already dissatisfied with Shulu Wujin, to plot against Xiao Xuance.

Fortunately, the Embroidered Uniform Guard had many informants. The two had just started their plan and hadn't even had a chance to implement it when they were spotted by the Embroidered Uniform Guard. All potential threats to Xiao Xuance were eliminated in advance.

However, regarding the final handling of these two individuals, Li Xiao specifically instructed that a decision should be made after he personally arrived at Yinshan.

Thinking of this, Shu Luwu Jin's worries eased slightly, but she became more anxious.

She desperately wanted to see Li Xiao to confirm Xuan Ce's safety in person and to know the subsequent arrangements.

Fortunately, not long after, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the mansion. A guard rushed in, bowed, and reported: "Your Highness, the King's army has arrived outside Yinshan City and is less than thirty miles away from here."

"Really?"

Shulu Wujin suddenly stood up, her eyes filled with surprise and eagerness. She grabbed Xiao Xuance's hand and said quickly, "Xuance, hurry, let's go greet your uncle."

Upon hearing that he was to see Li Xiao, Xiao Xuance's earlier disappointment vanished instantly, and he jumped up excitedly: "Great! I'm going to see my uncle. I'm going to tell him that I'm a great archer now."

Shulu Wujin smiled and patted his head, then instructed the guards behind him, "Prepare the horses, we'll go to the city gates immediately to welcome the King."

"Yes, Your Highness." The guards quickly responded and went to prepare.

……

After nearly a month-long march, Li Xiao's army and the captured prisoners of war finally arrived at the open fields outside Yinshan City.

As night deepened, a full moon hung in the sky, its silvery light spilling onto the rows of tents. Only a palace carriage, several times larger than an ordinary tent, emitted a dim glow.

Inside the imperial carriage, suppressed roars could be heard intermittently, before finally disappearing completely after a long while.

Shu Lu Wujin gently straightened her disheveled clothes, her gaze falling on the soft couch beside her. Xiao Xuance was sleeping soundly, his brows slightly furrowed, seemingly having a sweet dream, completely unaware of the commotion that had just occurred to him.

She secretly breathed a sigh of relief, reached out to tuck the blanket around the child, her fingertips tracing his tender face, her eyes full of tenderness.

The scene of seeing Li Xiao during the day is still vivid in my mind.

As soon as Xiao Xuance saw Li Xiao, he broke free from Shulu Wujin's hand and pounced over like a little cannonball. He hugged Li Xiao's leg, looked up at him excitedly, and shouted, "Uncle, I missed you so much! I can shoot arrows so accurately now that I can hit the bullseye!"

Li Xiao bent down and picked him up, a rare gentle smile on his face. He ruffled the boy's hair and said, "Oh? Xuan Ce is so amazing? Then your uncle will teach you how to ride a horse and make you the greatest warrior of Qin in the future, okay?"

Although it was nearing dusk and the sky was gradually darkening, Li Xiao still indulgently had a gentle pony brought over, and rode Xiao Xuance on the open ground next to the camp.

Xiao Xuance's laughter echoed across the wilderness along with the sound of his horse's hooves, while Li Xiao stood protectively beside him, his eyes filled with undisguised affection.

As dusk settled, the two returned to their tent, still feeling quite unsatisfied.

During dinner, Xiao Xuance chattered on and on about his interesting experiences learning martial arts and studying. Li Xiao listened attentively and occasionally nodded in praise.

After the child fell asleep, the atmosphere in the tent gradually became ambiguous. Li Xiao and Shu Lu Wujin lingered together for a long time until they were both exhausted.

"What do you plan to do with Shaowa and Xiao Cigu?"

Shu Lu Wujin leaned against Li Xiao's chest, her voice languid but unable to hide her resentment towards the two.

When this matter was mentioned, the tenderness on Li Xiao's face vanished instantly, and his eyes turned cold: "These two had already planted Imperial Guard spies around them."

"I thought that giving them some money would be enough to let them live a peaceful life, but I didn't expect that after so long, they would still show their fangs."

"I will not tolerate anyone who dares to lay a hand on Xuan Ce."

Ultimately, however, these two were nothing more than ants that could be crushed at will, and Li Xiao didn't need to put too much effort into them.

After the ceremony commemorating Xiao Simo is over, we can deal with it.

Li Xiao changed the subject and asked in a serious tone, "Wu Jin, there is something more important that I would like to ask you."

"Do you want Xuan Ce to acknowledge his ancestors and return to his clan?"

Actually, their relationship wasn't something to be ashamed of.

The Khitans have always leaned towards a nomadic lifestyle and have a long tradition of levirate marriage.

This means that after her husband's death, the wife can marry one of his brothers, nephews, or other relatives. This not only ensures the livelihood of the woman and her children but also maintains the family line and prevents the dispersal of property.

Although the Khitans later ruled the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun for a hundred years and learned a lot of Central Plains culture, this custom gradually faded away.

However, after Yelü Dashi's westward expedition, the Khitan people in the Western Regions resumed their nomadic lifestyle, and levirate marriage became common again.

Customs are all closely related to the living environment.

Although it is rare for a princess to remarry, it does happen, especially when she marries someone of equal status. This is acceptable in terms of both the laws of the grasslands and the morality of the Khitan.

Therefore, as long as Xiao Yanyan nods, Li Xiao will announce to the Qin Kingdom that she will be given a legitimate identity, and Xiao Xuance will be able to openly acknowledge his ancestors and no longer have to live under the name of a descendant of the Xiao family.

Upon hearing Li Xiao's words, Shu Lu Wujin's body stiffened abruptly. After a moment of silence, she said softly, "Although few people know about the relationship between you and me, it cannot be hidden from those who are interested. Aman must have already guessed a bit about it."

"Only that stupid woman, Shaowa, thought that Xuan Ce was some wild child I picked up from somewhere."

She raised her head to meet Li Xiao's gaze, her eyes resolute: "But I am a woman of the Xiao family, and I always will be."

She and Simo were childhood sweethearts, and no one could replace Xiao Simo in her heart, not even Li Xiao.

When she first got together with Li Xiao, it was not only out of impulse, but also because she wanted someone to rely on and to survive in this chaotic world.

She didn't want to enter the Li family, and she didn't know how to face Xiao Yanyan.

Since Xuan Ce was born, her relationship with Xiao Yanyan has become somewhat awkward. They have tacitly agreed to stay in Longcheng and Yinshan respectively, and have never met. This is fine.

She paused, then looked at the sleeping Xiao Xuance, her tone softening slightly: "As for Xuance, let him stay in the Xiao family and carry on the Xiao family's bloodline."

Seeing her resolute expression, Li Xiao felt a pang of regret but didn't press the matter further. He simply patted her smooth back gently and said, "Alright, I respect your choice."

It's like adopting a son from a concubine; this kind of thing is very common in China.

After confirming Shulu Wujin's thoughts, Li Xiao continued, "I have another important matter to discuss with you this time."

"Within two years, he will officially declare himself emperor and establish a nation."

"To establish an empire and a nation?"

Shu Luwu Jin's eyes were filled with amazement, and she was somewhat dazed, her thoughts instantly drifting back to many years ago.

“I still remember the first time I met you. You were a boy, and Aman brought you home, saying that you were the husband she had chosen.”

“Back then, I could tell you were an exceptional person, destined for great things. But at the time, I thought you would at most become the king’s right-hand man, helping him achieve his great ambitions.”

"I never imagined you'd actually become a dragon, conquering battlefields, unifying the Western Regions, ruling over vast territories, and even establishing your own dynasty..."

"Li Xiao, you are really amazing."

Her tone was full of praise: "Congratulations, Your Majesty."

Upon hearing the words "Your Majesty," Li Xiao felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

He looked down at Shulu Wujin in his arms, his fingertips gently caressing her waist, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing: "You know perfectly well how powerful I am, why be so polite?"

Shu Lu Wu Jin, being a woman who had experienced the ways of the world, did not shy away like a young girl upon hearing this. Instead, she raised her hand and gently pinched Li Xiao's arm.

"His Majesty's prowess cannot be fully described in just a few words."

After joking around for a while, Li Xiao stopped laughing and said softly, "After establishing the country and becoming emperor, my sons will all have the opportunity to be made kings, and even the opportunity to become crown princes."

"Don't you think this is very unfair to Xuan Ce?"

Shulu Wujin gently shook her head, her eyes calm: "There's nothing unfair about it."

"For me, it is more important than anything else that Xuan Ce can grow up safely and live a peaceful life."

“Those thrones and powers may seem glamorous, but they hide countless risks. I don’t want him to get involved in them.”

Looking at her clear and insightful appearance, Li Xiao couldn't help but look at her with a different eye.

Which mother in the world doesn't hope her son will become a dragon?

But Shulu Wujin could see through the dangers behind power and only wished for the child's safety; this mindset is truly rare.

He held her tighter and gently comforted her, "Okay, I'll do whatever you say. I won't let Xuan Ce get involved in the conflict."

What Li Xiao didn't say was that he had already made arrangements for Xiao Xuance in his heart.

The Qin state valued military merit. Even a king's own son, without military achievements, could only be a wealthy idler, at most granted an ordinary noble title, and would never be made a king.

Even if someone achieves military merit and is granted the title of king, without great achievements such as founding a country, destroying a country, or restoring a country, they can only be a "nominal king" with a declining rank, and cannot become a "hereditary king" with an indefinite title.

The vast majority of these "Iron-Capped Princes" were appointed during the founding period of the dynasty.

But Xiao Xuance was different.

Given Xiao Simo's status, merits, and influence in the northern frontier, Li Xiao would certainly posthumously confer upon Xiao Simo the title of king after the founding of the nation, and it would be a hereditary, unreplaceable title of "Iron-Cap King."

As Xiao Xuance is Xiao Simo's nominal heir, the throne will directly fall to him.

Without fighting, without grabbing, and without shedding blood, one can possess the glory and status that others can only dream of.

If we lose our horses, we can't know what a blessing is.

Perhaps Shulu Wujin didn't know that the "stability" she chose for Xiao Xuance would actually bring him a more fortunate future than his own brothers.

Li Xiao looked at the sleeping Xiao Xuance, a complex light flashing in his eyes. This child was, after all, his own flesh and blood.

If he proves to be exceptionally capable in the future, earning military merits on the battlefield or demonstrating talent in governing local areas, then let him become my 'Fukang'an'.

Make a name for yourself through your own abilities.

If his abilities are average, then let him be a leisurely prince like the Prince Chai of the Song Kingdom.

Not having to get involved in court intrigues, not having to bear heavy military and national responsibilities, and just living a peaceful and stable life, free from worries about food and clothing for a lifetime, is also a good thing.

Li Xiao turned to look at Shu Lu Wujin, his eyes solemn: "Whether Xuan Ce becomes a great talent or mediocre in the future, I will not let him suffer the slightest grievance."

"The Qin Dynasty is the empire I conquered. I have the ability to protect it and ensure that it has a place in this chaotic world."

Upon hearing this, Shulu Wujin felt instantly at ease.

Leaning on Li Xiao's shoulder, her voice trembled slightly: "With Your Majesty's words, I am relieved. It is my blessing to have met Your Majesty."

(End of this chapter)