Chapter 268.2: Hello Chang'an
Chapter 268.2: “Return Home Soon”
In keeping with the good omen of “double blessings,” Xiao Min and Chang Kuo briefly discussed and decided that there was no need to wait for an auspicious date. They might as well strike while the iron was hot and simultaneously issue the order appointing Chang Suining as Head Instructor of the Army.
The duel between Chang Suining and Chief Instructor Fang was still a hot topic, so upon hearing this new appointment, the soldiers were no longer surprised, and no voices of doubt were raised—at least not openly.
On that day, Chang Suining’s entourage was lively, filled with congratulatory voices.
She, now mindful of her new post, and with the first day of the year in mind, generously distributed red envelopes to Xi’er, Ah Zhi, Ah Che, Ah Dian, Yuan Xiang, and Chang Ren.
But halfway through, a soldier came in to deliver coal, so she handed him one as well.
At that moment, Chang Suining had yet to realize the severity of the situation.
After that soldier left, her tent began to fill continuously. Initially, two or three people arrived with some excuse to meet her; soon, they came in groups to offer congratulations.
Poor General of Ningyuan and Head Instructor Chang Suining—being away from home, her silver was limited. Thus, her generosity gradually became modest: the silver was replaced with copper coins.
Even so, the soldiers were still delighted.
Deputy General Jin threaded the copper coin and hung it around his neck, happily concealing it under his armor.
Chief Instructor Fang, who was in his benmingnian (zodiac year), saw this and thought it could ward off evil and misfortune, so he imitated him.
The soldiers quickly followed suit.
Thus, the trend of “wearing blessed copper coins, absorbing the aura of a general, achieving extraordinary merit, and glorifying one’s ancestors” spread uncontrollably.
Those who did not receive a coin were envious, eyes turning red. Some politely asked their comrades: “Brother, since you treasure it so much, where will you keep it when you sleep tonight?”
Upon hearing this, the recipient immediately clutched the coin tight.
That evening, the camp hosted a banquet for the eunuchs.
After the banquet, Xiao Min repeatedly congratulated Chang Suining.
Seeing the commander’s sincere expression and hearing his repeated congratulations, Chang Suining realized the key point: “…”
She tactfully and frugally indicated that she genuinely had not kept a single coin.
That night, Xiao Min had two large boxes of copper coins delivered to her tent with a clatter.
The commander insisted he could provide them himself.
All Chang Suining had to do was bless them!
Xiao Min acted with this in mind for his subordinates. Earlier, his guards had approached him, explaining that while they did not care for the coins themselves, seeing others receive them left their own necks bare and their hearts uneasy—they felt ashamed.
For the sake of his guards, Xiao Min had no choice but to pay out of his own pocket.
The next day, with the two large boxes of blessed coins in hand, before distributing them, Xiao Min secretly kept a few for himself.
He intended to keep one, and the rest—when returning to the capital—would be sent to his family!
After all, who could resist the idea of “seeking good luck”?
If a person did not even care about auspicious omens, what motivation would they have to live?
In short, believing in such traditions could also reflect a positive mindset.
Holding a full pouch of blessed coins, Xiao Min felt reassured.
Until the chief imperial eunuch arrived.
Xiao Min hurriedly hid the pouch, straightened his posture, and respectfully greeted the visitor.
The eunuch smiled, gesturing for the others to wait outside.
Xiao Min understood and sent his men to guard outside.
“General Xiao has indeed not disappointed the Sovereign’s high expectations. In such a short time, you have firmly established your position in the army,” the eunuch said, eyes full of approval.
“You flatter me, sir,” Xiao Min replied, signaling for the eunuch to sit. “This is not my achievement; it is all thanks to General Chang’s guidance.”
Chang Kuo had given him enough face and respect—otherwise, his subordinates would not have looked up to him.
The eunuch’s admiration grew: “I see that General Xiao is adept at dealing with others. Excellent… The Sovereign hopes to see you and General Chang work harmoniously, for only with unity can the enemy be resisted.”
After a brief pause, he sighed: “However… General Xiao may be somewhat aggrieved.”
Being the commander but always overshadowed by the deputy was understandably frustrating.
“…,” Xiao Min was silent.
So, the eunuch assumed that his composure in front of General Chang was a forced smile, biting back resentment, and enduring humiliation?
Could it be… he was not pretending at all?
Seeing his silence, the eunuch took it as tacit agreement and offered comfort and advice.
Finally, he quietly instructed Xiao Min to monitor the actions of Chang Kuo and his daughter, reporting any necessary information to the Sovereign.
Xiao Min: “…Understood.”
This had been the eunuch’s primary purpose in visiting him.
The Sovereign, suspicious of General Chang, wanted Xiao Min to pretend to be friendly to closely observe him.
This was no simple task, especially the “pretend friendliness” part—very difficult for a strong man.
With all arrangements made, the eunuchs did not linger and left three days later for the capital.
During these three days, the camp worked tirelessly. Yuan Xiang could claim second place in exhaustion—no one dared to claim first.
By day, he followed Chang Suining around attending to tasks. By night, he burned the midnight oil, secretly writing letters to the Grand General.
Why did it take him three nights to write?
Because there was too much to write about!
Especially the scene on New Year’s Eve, when the young lady of the Chang household sparred with others—he spent two nights writing about it, breaking two brushes in the process… it was endless!
By the third night, realizing he could not continue indulgently, Yuan Xiang compressed the content to ensure the letters could arrive during the first month of the lunar year. Twenty pages were squeezed into two nearly bursting envelopes.
Finally, he did not forget to include the blessed copper coins—if others had them, the Grand General must have them too!
At the same time Yuan Xiang sent off the letters, Chang Suining had already received several letters from the capital.
Sitting cross-legged behind her sand table, she casually picked up the top letter. Seeing the handwriting, she immediately felt uneasy.
Ah, the questionings have arrived.
Thank you all for your moon tickets. Good night, good night~
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