My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 8 If I am young and promising and don’t feel inferior
The sky is getting brighter.

After Gao Yu and the others had drunk and eaten meat in the camp.

Gao Huan gestured for Gao Yu to remove his iron armor, and the others wearing leather armor also removed their leather armor and changed into their usual casual clothes.

Although Emperor Xiaowen strongly promoted Sinicization reforms, it had no impact on the northern military towns like Huai Shuo, where the daily attire remained traditional Hu clothing.

They were very different from the Han people of the Central Plains.

They were all wearing short, narrow-sleeved blouses with the left front closure, somewhat resembling modern bodysuits, and trousers.

To facilitate horseback riding, people living in grassland areas wear trousers with a crotch.

After Gao Huan collected the removed armor, he placed it in a wooden box.

After everything is taken care of.

The caravan split into two, and Liu Gui instructed his followers to lead the main force to drive the cattle, sheep, horses and other livestock southward.

Liu Gui personally led a small team towards the military town.

Gao Yu, Gao Huan, and the others disguised themselves as caravan attendants and guards and successfully entered Huai Shuo City.

"Erlang, you should go home first, don't make your elder sister worry."

Gao Yu nodded.

Next comes the division of spoils. Since he won't get any anyway, he might as well go back and get some rest.

Gao Yu rushed home.

He thought Gao Loujin would give him a severe scolding, but to his surprise, Gao Loujin simply reached out and touched his face with great tenderness, and then sighed, "Erlang has grown up."

"You've been busy all night, go back to your room and rest."

No further explanation is needed.

Although Gao Loujin was a woman, she had grown up in a military town, so how could she not know these things?

I protected him before because I didn't want Gao Yu to face something too dangerous too early, but now that it has happened, there is no need to pursue it further.

She knew it too.

Military households like the Gao family could only survive by begging for their lives in this way.

………………

Gao Huan and others, along with Liu Gui, arrived at one of the caravan's residences in the town.

This house was used by caravans to store their goods.

This wasn't the first time the two sides had collaborated, so everything went smoothly.

Even before leaving the city yesterday, Liu Gui had already prepared salt, cloth and other necessities, as well as a small amount of copper coins and silverware, to be delivered to Gao Huan and others for the winter.

Liu Gui then had some more supplies brought in, since he had promised to give them an extra 20% this time.

Gao Huan, Hou Jing, and others skillfully sorted the goods.

According to the original proportion.

Those in charge, such as Gao Huan, Wei Jing, and Hou Jing, could receive two portions, while the rest of the people received one portion each.

It wasn't just the group that went out of the city to plunder.

This also includes the share that should be given to the guards and the armory staff when we left the city last night.

It seemed like a great harvest, but with so many people involved, the actual amount received was quite small. Even then, Gao Huan had to plead with Liu Gui to get an extra 20%; otherwise, the actual amount received would have been even less.

After the allocation is completed.

Everyone left with smiles on their faces, carrying their belongings.

Hou Jing stood beside Gao Huan, and after everyone had walked away, he asked in a low voice, "He Liuhun, why did you refuse to give Erlang a share before?"

"What merit did Erlang accomplish last night?"

"No matter what, he will come out of the city with me."

Gao Huan shook his head and asked in return, "Then why do you think the brothers obey me? Just because Erlang is my brother, I'm biased. How can I win their respect in the future? Don't be greedy for short-term gains. This time, Erlang has successfully joined us. We'll give him a share eventually."

Hou Jing opened his mouth but couldn't refute it.

He knew very well that everyone respected Gao Huan.

Firstly, he is a man of great loyalty and affection.

But relying solely on loyalty and righteousness is not enough to make everyone completely obedient to Gao Huan.

The key is still relative fairness.

Gao Huan did not abuse his position as the leader to bully others. He controlled the distribution of resources but did not use them for personal gain, which is why everyone respected him.

Gao Huan wasn't a boss who just made empty promises; he was a boss who actually delivered tangible benefits to his subordinates.

“I also wanted you to get a larger share, so that there would be enough betrothal gifts to find the Han family girl… I had heard before that the Han family had been arranging a marriage for their daughter.”

Gao Huan, who was usually calm and collected, couldn't help but show a complicated expression when he heard Hou Jing's words.

But it was only a fleeting thought before Gao Huan shook his head and said, "This is my own private matter, and I will find a way to resolve it."

"That scoundrel Han Gui is utterly despicable..."

Before Hou Jing could finish speaking, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned around and saw Liu Gui. He immediately shut his mouth and said nothing more.

"There's a lot of stuff. Why don't I send someone to help my eldest son take it home?"

There is indeed a lot of stuff.

The items that needed to be distributed to the leaders are all here; Gao Huan and Hou Jing alone cannot take them back.

Gao Huan politely clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute, "Then I'll have to trouble you, brother."

The group returned home and moved all their belongings into the house.

Wei Jing and the other leaders were already waiting there.

Upon seeing Gao Loujin, Hou Jing shrank back, gave an awkward smile, and looked ready to run away if things went wrong.

Gao Loujin didn't argue with him, but instead led everyone into the house and went to the kitchen to bring out the wine that had been strained in advance.

"Haha, fine wine! At first glance, this is quite a haul!"

"Da Lang and Wan Jing, you've worked hard! Come! Let us share a bowl of wine!"

In the past, when the men drank, Gao Loujin would tactfully leave.

But this time she didn't leave.

After glancing at Gao Huan, Gao Loujin walked behind Wei Jing and gently nudged him on the shoulder.

Wei Jing immediately spoke up.

"The gains this time are indeed substantial, so there is no need to worry even if there is a white disaster."

Wei Jing felt a tap on his shoulder again, and when he turned around, a troubled expression appeared on his face. Everyone noticed the subtle interaction between the two.

Hou Jing and Gao Loujin exchanged a glance before Hou Jing spoke first, "Brother and sister-in-law, do you have something to say?"

Gao Loujin picked up the conversation and nodded, "I do have a favor to ask, and I hope you brothers can help me out."

“Sister-in-law, please tell us, and we will do our utmost!”

“Dalang is now twenty-one years old. Other men in the town his age already have children, but Dalang is still not married. My mother died early, and my father is away on military duty. It is only right that I, as his elder sister, should be responsible for Dalang’s marriage.”

"As you all know, my eldest son and the daughter of the Han family are in love with each other, but the Han family is asking for a very high price."

"This harvest has been quite bountiful. I hope my brothers can lend my family some cloth to help with the betrothal gifts for my eldest son's wedding. When I have more money in the future, I will repay you double."

The atmosphere was somewhat silent.

But it was only for a moment. Before Hou Jing could continue his act, another person stood up and spoke.

"I thought it was something serious. I also regard Dalang as my brother. As for how much you want, just name your name, sister-in-law!"

"It is indeed time for our eldest son to get married, and we will certainly do our utmost to help him!"

Gao Huan stood up, about to say something, but Wei Jing stopped him.

The matter of borrowing money.

Gao Loujin had already informed him.

Gao Huan is currently 21 years old (by Chinese reckoning), which is definitely considered an older single man in this era.

It's definitely an age when she should have gotten married and had children long ago.

Unfortunately, his family was indeed poor, and Gao Huan was a generous person who often spent his money on entertaining guests, leaving him with almost nothing.

Those who could come to Wei Jing's house all held official positions, and their family circumstances were much better than those of Gao Huan's brothers. Naturally, they had to borrow money from people who were not short of money.

After agreeing on the loan.

Gao Huan, Wei Jing, and the others got up and saw everyone off.

After closing the door.

Gao Huan was about to speak when Gao Loujin interrupted him.

"You don't need to mention this matter again. You always used the excuse that Erlang still needed someone to take care of him to avoid it. Now that Erlang is grown up, it's time for you to get married. Do you want my Gao family to remain childless forever?"

"Brother, I also think this matter can't be delayed any longer."

Since the matter had been brought up, Gao Huan didn't refuse, saying, "Then thank you, brother-in-law and sister."

"We are all one family, there is no need for thanks."

"Your sister and I will take stock of the gifts and make a list for you. Then I will go with you to the Han family to formally propose marriage."

........................

"Get out! Get out!"

"He Liuhun, if you dare to take another step near my home, don't blame me for disregarding our past ties!"

"Why has it been like this for a century?"

"You're just a down-on-his-luck soldier's son, living in abject poverty, lacking food and clothing. Do you expect my sister to marry into your family and live a life of poverty with you? My mother and I will find Zhihui a wealthy family ourselves! Get out of here right now! If you have any conscience, don't hold Zhihui back!"

Han Gui angrily shoved Gao Huan, tearing the gift list Gao Huan presented to shreds without even glancing at it.

Gao Huan didn't try to resist and could only be pushed out of the courtyard by Han Gui.

In the hall.

Wei Jing looked at the old woman with an embarrassed expression and spoke.

"My eldest son and your daughter are deeply in love..."

"Sir, please return."

The old woman directly ordered them to leave, her attitude quite resolute: "My son's words are my will, and my family will find a good husband for Zhihui."

Upon hearing this, Wei Jing said nothing more and got up to leave.

After Wei Jing left.

A young girl came running anxiously. Although she was only about twelve or thirteen years old, it was clear that she was a beauty in the making, especially her bright and intelligent eyes.

The girl was Han Zhihui, the daughter of the Han family.

"Dalang, where is Dalang?"

"Mother, where did Dalang go?"

The old woman's face turned cold, and she said sternly, "You are not allowed to mention He Liuhun again! You are not allowed to see him again! You are not allowed to step out of the house before your wedding! This son of a down-on-his-luck military family will only delay you!"

"If I could be with Dalang, I would gladly live a life of poverty!"

"Enough! Go back inside!"

"Mother... Mother!!"

Han Zhihui cried until her eyes were wet with tears, but it still couldn't change anything.

When Han Gui returned and saw his younger sister so heartbroken, he felt terrible and immediately began to comfort her.

"Don't blame your brother and mother, we are all doing this for your own good."

…………

After leaving the Han family.

Gao Huan looked dejected, deeply affected by the inability to be with the woman he loved.

Wei Jing, unsure of what to say, could only offer words of advice.

"Brother, please don't take it to heart..."

"After some time, perhaps the Han family will change their minds."

Gao Huan gave a wry smile and spoke.

“Brother-in-law, what Bai Nian said is not wrong. My family background will indeed hinder Zhi Hui’s development.”

“This is what I do not wish for.”

He took a deep breath and quickly regained his composure.

"That's it for now."

"Let's go back first. Erlang almost made a mistake last night. He should be awake by now. We need to check him carefully when we get back."

PS: Consort Han of Shangdang was the younger sister of Han Gui. When Gao Huan was still a commoner, he wished to marry her, but Han Gui refused. After Gao Huan rose to power, Consort Han's husband died, so Gao Huan took her in, and she gave birth to Gao Huan, the Prince of Shangdang. (From *The Biographies of Empresses and Consorts* in the *History of the Northern Dynasties*)

PS: Han Gui, courtesy name Bainian, was a native of Tai'an Dina. He was ambitious and principled from a young age, with a deep and reserved nature, and he never showed his emotions. (From "Book of Northern Qi, Biographies, Volume 15")

(End of this chapter)