My wife, Wei Gui, was 1.9 meters tall and fought against the Tang dynasty for the throne.

Li Ju returned to Luoyang at the end of February.

The task of supervising the transport of grain was accomplished, and although the imperial court's commendation had not yet been issued, the news had already spread throughout the entire Water Conservancy Bureau.

The water envoy personally went to the dock to meet him, shook his hand and said, "Li Cheng, you've worked hard." He didn't offer much praise, but Li Ju could hear the weight in his tone.

It was already evening when they returned to the Li family residence.

He didn't return to his own courtyard, but went straight to the main hall. Li Xiaochang wasn't there; the steward said the young master was in the study. Li Ju went to the study, knocked on the door, and went in.

Li Xiaochang sat behind his desk with a letter in his hand. When he saw him come in, he put down the letter and looked him up and down.

"You're back?"

"Yes." Li Ju bowed. "I have a favor to ask of my father."

Li Xiaochang's brow twitched slightly: "Speak."

"My son is overseeing the transport of grain northwards, but his boats and laborers along the way have been repeatedly detained. Someone is sabotaging him from behind. My son wants to ask the clan to allocate a few boats and dozens of laborers to help him out."

Li Xiaochang remained silent.

He looked at Li Ju, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes—not heartache, not anger, but a weighing of options.

Silent for a long time.

"Huai Run," Li Xiaochang began, his voice a few decibels lower than usual, "It's not that I don't want to help you. You know Li Zixiong. He's the Right General of the Martial Guard, in charge of the Imperial Guards, and enjoys great favor with the Emperor. The Li family is just a branch in Luoyang; we can't afford to offend him."

Li Ju remained silent.

"I've heard about your situation. Your meritorious service in Liyang and your duties in the canal transport are both good things. But Li Zixiong has his eye on you, and this is no joke." Li Xiaochang paused. "If I help you, I'll be going against Li Zixiong. In that case, not only you, but the entire branch of the Li family will be implicated."

Li Ju looked at him calmly.

"Does Father mean—not to help?"

Li Xiaochang did not answer directly, but said, "Go back and rest for now. Let me think about this matter some more."

Li Ju knew this was an excuse.

"Then I shall take my leave."

He left the study and closed the door.

Standing under the eaves, a night breeze blew by, carrying the chill of early spring. He stood there for a while, then walked towards the side courtyard.

Halfway there, they met his elder brother, Li Xun.

Li Xun was returning from outside, dressed in a brocade robe, followed by two servants. Upon seeing Li Ju, he slowed his pace, his gaze sweeping over Li Ju's face with a half-smile.

"Sixth Brother, I heard you've returned from supervising the transport of grain supplies? You've worked hard."

"Brother," Li Ju said, bowing respectfully.

Li Xun did not return the greeting, but simply nodded and left with his servants.

After walking a few steps, Li Ju heard him talking to his servant. His voice wasn't loud, but the night wind carried the words over.

"A mere illegitimate son, he really thinks he's someone important. He's offended Li Zixiong, and trouble is bound to follow sooner or later. Stay away from him, don't get tainted by his bad luck."

The servant responded in a low voice.

Li Ju stood there, watching Li Xun's figure disappear at the end of the corridor.

He was expressionless.

It's not that I'm not sad, it's that I've gotten used to it.

The next day, he went to see several elders in the clan.

The first elder's surname was Li and his given name was Chong. He was the most senior member of the clan, over seventy years old, and lived in the east courtyard of the Li family's old residence.

Li Ju paid a visit to the clan, earnestly requesting their support of several boats and dozens of people.

After listening, Li Chong remained silent for a long time, then sighed.

"Huai Run, it's not that I don't want to help you. Think about it, who is Li Zixiong? He has influence with the Emperor. Our Li family's little bit of influence in Luoyang can't withstand any more setbacks."

Li Ju said, "It's just borrowing a few boats and a few laborers, keeping a low profile—"

"Even the smallest matter becomes a big deal in Li Zixiong's eyes." Li Chong shook his head. "I know you're wronged, and I know you're capable. But some things can't be done just because you're capable. Just bear with it and wait until things calm down."

Li Ju said nothing more, cupped his hands in farewell and took his leave.

The second elder was named Li Shen, Li Xiaochang's cousin, who managed the clan's land and shops. When Li Ju found him, he was in the accounting office looking at the accounts.

"Huai Run? What's wrong?"

Li Ju recounted the story. After listening, Li Shen put down the account book, looked at Li Ju, and his eyes held a mixture of sympathy and helplessness.

"Huairun, it's not that your uncle doesn't want to help you. The clan is also in dire straits right now. All the boats have been rented out, and the laborers have all been sent to various villages. We really can't spare any more manpower."

Li Ju said, "Uncle, I don't need more. Two boats and twenty people will be enough."

Li Shen hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.

"Huairun, listen to your uncle's advice. Don't try to handle Li Zixiong's matter head-on. If it really comes down to it, resign from your job at the Water Conservancy Bureau and go home to rest for two years. It's not too late to come back to work after things have calmed down."

Li Ju looked at him but did not reply.

He resigned from his official post and went home to rest.

And then what? Continue to be that illegitimate son who can be manipulated by others?

"Thank you, Uncle." He cupped his hands in thanks. "I take my leave."

Li Shen watched his retreating figure, opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately said nothing.

Stepping out of the tent, Li Ju stood in the courtyard and took a deep breath.

It's March, and the magnolias in the yard are in bloom. The white petals unfurl on the branches, swaying gently in the spring breeze.

He thought of Wei Gui.

I remember the magnolia she drew in her letter, the image of her standing under the pine tree, hiding her face with a round fan, and the glance she gave him when she lifted the sedan curtain in the wind and snow.

He took out the jade piece engraved with "Yonggu Ze" from his pocket and held it in his palm.

Warm and slightly cool.

Not everyone refused to help him.

He put the jade back into his bosom and strode out of the courtyard.

Wang Yu was waiting at the door. When he saw him come out, he went to greet him.

"Li Cheng, how is it?"

Li Ju mounted his horse.

"Not very good."

Wang Yu looked at him, asked no further questions, and mounted his horse.

The two rode their horses through the streets of Luoyang, heading towards the Capital Water Conservancy Bureau.

The clatter of horses' hooves echoed through the empty streets and alleys.

Li Ju sat on his horse, gazing ahead with a calm expression.

He accepted that his clansmen wouldn't help him.

He endured his elder brother's mockery.

Li Zixiong made things difficult for him, and he continued.

He doesn't need to rely on the Li family.

When Li Ju returned to his duty room, it was already completely dark.

Du Chen was still doing accounts, while Wang Yu leaned back in his chair and dozed off. A thick stack of documents was piled on the table, all accumulated during his absence over the past few days.

He sat down, picked up the top one, and as soon as he opened it, his gaze froze.

There was a letter pressed under the official documents.

He opened the letter and took out the letter paper.

Li Huairun's appreciative assessment:

Hearing that you have traveled north to oversee grain supplies, enduring wind and rain, and traveling day and night, I am deeply worried. Nizi has already informed you of the situation along the way; you have grown thin.

I have heard that you have returned home seeking help, but your family members have refused to assist you. I should not speak of this matter, but after much consideration, I still wish to share a few heartfelt words with you.

The scions of noble families, though seemingly glamorous, each have their own difficulties. You, as a son of a concubine, have achieved your current status through your own efforts, without relying on family connections or clan influence—a feat beyond the reach of ordinary people. The fact that your clan members distance themselves from you is not your fault, but rather a consequence of the times. With Li Zixiong's power so great, everyone is insecure, and it's only natural that they dare not offend him.

However, Gui believes that true heroes do not achieve success through connections. Han Xin endured the humiliation of crawling between someone's legs and eventually became a renowned general; Ban Chao abandoned his pen for the sword and distinguished himself in foreign lands. They all rose from humble beginnings, each achieving their success through their own abilities. Your current situation, though difficult, is precisely the time to temper your will.

You often say, "Chaos is coming," and I believe you. In chaotic times, family and social status are unreliable; only character, talent, and magnanimity are the foundation for survival. You possess talent, magnanimity, and foresight; what you lack is merely the right opportunity. When the time is right, you will surely soar to great heights.

As for the Wei family—since your uncle has promised "not to let you be trapped without cause," he truly cares for you. Gui dares not say more, but only wishes you to know: not everyone in Luoyang fears Li Zixiong.

The chill of spring has not yet dissipated, and you must be exhausted from overseeing the grain supply. I hope you take good care of yourself. Enclosed is a pair of knee pads, which I personally sewed. You may use them when you patrol the riverbank.

Words cannot fully express the feelings conveyed in writing.

Wei Gui bowed.

Beneath the letter lay a pair of knee pads. The pads were made of indigo cloth with a thick cotton lining and fine stitches. An extra layer was added at the knees, clearly to protect him from the cold while he knelt on the ice chiseling.

Li Ju read the letter twice, then folded it and put it in his pocket.

He picked up the knee pads, placed them in his palm, and gently squeezed them.

It's very soft and warm.