novelraw Chapter 595 - 526
Chapter 595 - 526
The Minister of Water Transport, Zhao Mingzhi, was practically the overlord of the Lianghuai region. In Lianghuai, no one dared to provoke him. Even the former Salt Transport Envoy, Lord Yin, had to show him some respect. Su Jingchen secretly reported his misconduct to the Emperor, jeopardizing his financial avenues. How could he tolerate that?
Zhao Mingzhi disclosed Su Jingchen’s actions to the leader of the water bandits, Boss Zhu. Upon hearing that Su Jingchen planned to ruin their livelihood, Boss Zhu and his fellows immediately glared in fury, vowing to make Su Jingchen regret messing with them.
"That Su guy doesn’t know the heights of the sky or the depths of the earth. It’s time we show him our might."
"Yes, let’s teach him a lesson!"
"Starting tomorrow, we won’t allow any salt boats going out to sea to operate, especially those from Hai State. They’re absolutely forbidden to come towards Yangzhou."
Since Su Jingchen wants to destroy their livelihood, mutual harm seems fair.
"Boss, isn’t this too easy on that Su guy? Shouldn’t we send someone..." A water bandit made a throat-slitting gesture with a vicious look in his eyes.
Boss Zhu hesitated, recalling the fate of Boss Liang’s crew at the hands of Su Jingchen.
Boss Liang was a land bandit; Boss Zhu was a water bandit. Though unrelated, they were sometimes inseparable.
Boss Liang and his crew of land bandits were considered valiant heroes, yet they silently fell into Su Jingchen’s hands. Even Boss Liang’s supporter, Lord Cao, was cleverly relocated from Yangzhou by the Su man.
Su Jingchen is not someone easy to kill!
It’s said he’s not only skilled but also extraordinarily capable.
This is what Boss Liang’s remaining subordinates mentioned when they sought refuge with Boss Zhu.
After much deliberation, everyone agreed that openly killing Su Jingchen was definitely impossible, but they could act in secret.
Su Jingchen knew from the start that a mere reprimand from the Emperor wouldn’t make Zhao Mingzhi give up the water bandits that could earn him a fortune. Upon learning that water bandits began to harass the salt boat operations, he realized that he was about to face a significant test.
As a Salt Transport Envoy, Su Jingchen didn’t have troops, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have friends who commanded soldiers.
As early as when he submitted his report to the Emperor, Su Jingchen had already been in correspondence with Jiang Lin. So, when Su Jingchen submitted his second report on Zhao Mingzhi’s crimes, the Emperor became furious and immediately dispatched Jiang Lin with troops to the Lianghuai region for bandit suppression.
Yes, bandit suppression, leaving no stone unturned, whether water bandits or land bandits!
Jiang Lin and Yu Xiaolian had been corresponding through letters, but hadn’t seen each other for many years.
Upon meeting, Yu Xiaolian noticed that Jiang Lin had grown a beard, exuding an aura of warning strangers away.
Yu Xiaolian felt like she was in a different world. She knew that the battlefield’s grind over the years had transformed Jiang Lin from the simple little hunter who loved pastries.
Jiang Lin’s intimidating aura shifted when he looked at Yu Xiaolian.
Jiang Lin gave Yu Xiaolian a smile, "I have protected your two brothers well!"
"Brother, sister-in-law!" Su Jingyue, grinning broadly, emerged from behind Jiang Lin and embraced Su Jingchen.
After years apart, Su Jingyue had grown taller than Su Jingchen, with a physique even stronger.
"Sister, brother-in-law!" Sun Hu also approached Yu Xiaolian.
Yu Xiaolian took Sun Hu’s hand, inviting everyone inside, "You’ve had a rough journey. Come in quickly, sit down and rest. I’ve instructed someone to prepare food and wine; tonight, we shall not return sober!"
"I want to see my niece. Where is she?" As soon as Su Jingyue entered the hall, he looked around for Su Yuntong.
Su Jinghua appeared at the entrance holding Su Yuntong’s little hand, prompting Su Jingyue to stride over and lift Su Yuntong up.
The little Su Yuntong wasn’t shy at all, calling "uncle" or "uncle-in-law" as prompted, her sweet little mouth charming Su Jingyue and Sun Hu immensely.
"Second Brother!" Seeing Su Jingyue, Su Jinghua became somewhat emotional.
She had a lot she wanted to share with her second brother.
"Jinghua, how have you been these years?" Su Jingyue let Sun Hu hold Su Yuntong.
"I’m quite well. Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law treat me extraordinarily well!" Apart from hiring teachers for her, Sister-in-law personally taught her arithmetic. When she said she didn’t want to attend the Women’s Virtue Academy, Sister-in-law agreed.
Although she hadn’t attended the Women’s Virtue Academy, her knowledge was comparable to the female students. At the poetry gathering hosted by Prince Cheng’s Princess Consort last time, her poetry and prose even slightly surpassed the top student from the Women’s Virtue Academy!
"Second Brother, are you well?" Su Jinghua asked cautiously.
Su Jingyue laughed heartily, "I’m doing well!"
Su Jinghua fell silent.
Already in his late twenties, without even starting a family, how could he be doing well?
Yu Xiaolian kept Su Jingchen and Jiang Lin inside discussing matters and went out to find Su Jingyue and Sun Hu.
It’s true that a man should wander far and wide, but both are already over twenty and should have started families.
Upon hearing Yu Xiaolian bring up the topic of marriage for them, Su Jingyue and Sun Hu shook their heads vigorously like rattles.
Yu Xiaolian frowned. Could it be that these two already have their hearts set on someone?
"What sweetheart? We agreed to wait and marry after we become generals defending a region!" Su Jingyue whispered.
"Nonsense!" Truly puzzled she was at how they came up with such an idea.
Does starting a family have anything to do with becoming a general?
Besides, becoming a general defending a region isn’t that easy!
Su Jingyue and Sun Hu exchanged glances, not expecting Yu Xiaolian to be so invested in their marriage.
A bit hard to dodge, what now?
Change the topic!!!
The two exchanged winks and nods.
"Sister-in-law, I’m hungry. When’s dinner?" Sun Hu tried redirecting the conversation.
Yu Xiaolian knew that getting them to agree to marry right away was improbable. For today, happiness should come first; they would discuss marriage in a few days. After all, Jiang Lin wouldn’t be leaving Yangzhou anytime soon.
The family happily enjoyed their meal together. After being full and satisfied, Yu Xiaolian brought out tea and pastries, continuing their conversation into the night before everyone dispersed contentedly.
Back in the room, Su Jingchen told Yu Xiaolian that it would be best not to take the children out during this period, as danger could arise.
Yu Xiaolian nodded; she understood this well. Even a rabbit bites when cornered, let alone the water bandits.
The next day, Su Jingchen and Jiang Lin, with troops, departed from Yangzhou, heading towards the Hai State segment, notorious for rampant water bandits, to discuss bandit suppression with the local magistrate.
This time, Su Jingyue and Sun Hu were left behind by Jiang Lin, firstly to allow for more family reunion, secondly to protect Yu Xiaolian and the other women’s safety.
Although Su Jingchen, this ’bait’, had been openly sent out, the fear lay in the water bandits not playing by the rules, causing trouble if danger arises at the rear.