Grass and mustard reign supreme

Chapter 145 Everyone Holds a Hand
As dawn broke on New Year's Day, with the pale light of the sun barely touching the walls of Phoenix Villa, the entire Yu family was already bustling with activity.

The drowsiness from staying up until the third watch last night seemed to have been completely washed away by the joy of the New Year. Everyone's face radiated an undeniable energy, and their steps were lighter than usual.

In the kitchen, Granny Wang was stuffing firewood into the stove, sparks crackling and jumping out.

She had just raised her hand to clear away the wisps of smoke rising from the damp firewood when the steward, Li Xuan, burst into her ears with his booming voice.

"Everyone in the kitchen, stop for a moment, come out!"

Li Xuan strode into the courtyard, followed by two servants, each carrying a large red lacquered wooden bucket.

The red rope draped over the rim of the bucket swayed, and the strings of copper coins inside gleamed brightly in the sunlight, making one's eyes sparkle.

"The young mistress has given birth to a son for our eldest son's family. This is a great joy for our Phoenix Manor!"

Li Xuan shouted at the top of his lungs, "The young mistress has specially set aside a sum of money from her dowry to give each of us in the manor an extra two strings of cash!"
"You all remember this well; it's the young mistress's kindness, and even more so, the blessing brought by our young master!"

Granny Wang had already thrown away the firewood in her hands, wiped her hands vigorously on her oilcloth apron, and was the first to rush out.

The two strings of copper coins were so heavy in her hand that they weighed down her wrist. The cool copper vapor seeped through her fingers, making the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes crinkle into a smile.

Granny Wang said repeatedly, "Thank you so much, young mistress! Thank you so much, young master! The birth of a son on New Year's Day is a very auspicious sign for a prosperous year!"

People from the kitchen rushed out to collect their money, their chatter mingling with bursts of praise.

"Young Madam is truly kind!"

"Young master is destined for greatness!" Such comments rose and fell.

This bustling and lively scene, as the rewards were distributed, spread throughout Phoenix Manor along its cobblestone paths.

In the courtyard in front of the main hall, a lantern tree over ten feet tall had already been erected, its branches adorned with silk lanterns, ready to be lit up at night.

The hall was even more magnificent, with ornate and glass lamps hanging beneath the ceiling.

The largest lamp was as big as a millstone, with crimson tassels hanging down, swaying gently in the wind, bathing the entire hall in a warm red glow.

The offering table in the center of the hall was polished to a shine, with the sacrificial offerings of pigs, cattle, and sheep neatly arranged. Oil glistened along the meat's texture, and a faint fragrance mixed with sandalwood wafted slowly in the air.

In the center of the offering table stands a peach wood tablet inscribed with the words "Year of Wuzi, auspicious day for receiving blessings" written in cinnabar ink. The brushstrokes are vigorous and powerful, and it is indeed the handwriting of the head of the family, Yu Xinglong.

Yu Xinglong, dressed in a dark blue brocade robe with dark patterns, was holding a cup of warm Tusu wine and chatting with Master Suo and Yu Xiaobao.

Suo Hong felt that Yu Xinglong seemed different today; the worries weighing on his brow and the melancholy that seemed to be unspoken had all disappeared.

Today, Yu Xinglong exudes a rare air of high spirits, as if... he has unloaded a heavy burden.

Is this what they mean by a new year, a fresh start?
Suo Hong pondered to himself, unaware that Yu Xinglong's "carefree" attitude was actually a desperate act of recklessness.

Yu Xinglong has always been somewhat indecisive, and he always thinks things through carefully before acting.

After much deliberation, his initial enthusiasm waned, and his ideas became distorted.

For many years, whether managing people or handling affairs, he always took the middle way and "maintained the status quo" his whole life, but the foundation of the eldest son's family became weaker and weaker the more he maintained it.

He didn't suddenly have a sudden epiphany; rather, as the head of the eldest branch of the family, he had already sensed an increasingly intense crisis.

After the eldest son was poisoned, she ended her own life prematurely to give him a chance to breathe, but the relentless pressure from the two lineages never stopped.

Dong Shun and Yi She's fence-sitting and waiting, coupled with He Youzhen's open betrayal, completely shattered all his illusions about the future.

Otherwise, no matter how much he admires Yang Can's talent, he would take at least twenty years to slowly test and hone his skills before entrusting him with important responsibilities.

But now, he no longer has time to be so "prudent," so he might as well take a gamble!
He wants to support a group of young people with no background, no connections, and no faction to build a new barrier for the eldest son's family.

He had no idea whether he could win this gamble; it was his first and last time taking such a risk.

The stakes were already on the table, the dice had been rolled, and he had no way out, so he naturally had a bit of the "do or die" mentality.

"Dad! I don't care, I just want to see my nephew!" A clear child's voice interrupted the conversation in the hall.

Clutching two heavy gold coins, Yu Chenglin rushed into the hall, ran to Yu Xinglong, and wriggled around, acting coquettishly towards his father.

Yu Xinglong put down his wine glass, rubbed his son's head, and laughed, "Didn't I just introduce you to him yesterday? Why are you making a fuss about going again so early this morning?"

"That's different!"

Yu Chenglin held the gold ingot high, his face flushed with excitement: "Today is New Year's Day! I'm the uncle, the elder! I have to give my nephew 'money to ward off evil spirits'!"

These words made Yu Xiaobao, who was holding a wine glass, pause for a moment.

At first glance, he found his nephew's childish words quite amusing and couldn't help but smile slightly.

But then I thought, wait a minute! I'm also an uncle, I'm also an elder, and I also have... a nephew in front of me.

Thinking this, Third Master Leopard cleared his throat, picked up his wine cup, and slowly walked away, his gait leisurely and elegant.

Yu Xinglong was amused by his son and said, "Chenglin, your nephew was just born and doesn't know how to accept 'suppressing evil money' yet."

"I'll give it to you, Dad! Just promise me!" Yu Chenglin held the gold ingots in his robe and tugged at the hem of his father's robe.

At this moment, Madam Li chased after him from the back room. Seeing her son's clingy appearance, she smiled helplessly and stepped forward, saying, "Lin'er, your nephew is still young. He needs to sleep more to grow strong."

"I won't bother him! I'll leave after I give out the 'suppressing evil money,' I'll just take one last look at him!" Yu Chenglin hurriedly assured him.

Yu Xinglong said helplessly to his wife, Madam Li, "In that case, you should take the child and go see your daughter-in-law. Today is New Year's Day, so you should go see your daughter-in-law."

Li nodded in agreement, then turned to instruct her son: "Your sister-in-law is weak after giving birth. When you get there, you mustn't make a fuss, and you absolutely mustn't touch your nephew. Remember that?"

"I'll remember, I'll remember! Oh dear, how could I, as the uncle, disturb my nephew's sleep!"

Yu Chenglin was overjoyed and ran outside clutching the gold ingot, his little face full of the pride of an "elder":

This was the first time in his life that he had ever given out "evil-averting money" to someone else.

……

Yang Can, dressed in a black fox fur coat with some unmelted snowflakes on his collar, strode along the main road of Phoenix Manor toward the Changfang Office.

The servants had swept the snow off the main road, and the snow had formed two waist-high walls on the side of the road, which shone with a bright white light in the morning sun.

He had just returned from the entrance of the mountain villa. Early in the morning, he had prepared two carts full of New Year's goods and sent Leopard Head to deliver them to Chicken and Goose Mountain. He had just personally escorted them to the outside of the villa to watch the convoy depart.

Rouge and Vermilion, two pretty maids, also went along, saying they were going to distribute "evil-suppressing money" to his adopted children on the mountain, their eyes full of joy.

Unbeknownst to anyone, it was under the guise of delivering New Year's goods and distributing New Year's money that the sleeping baby girl in her swaddling clothes was secretly hidden in the warm lining of the New Year's goods and drove out of Phoenix Mountain Villa with the convoy.

The office of the Long Household Department was already warm and cozy, and the stewards of each department had changed into brand-new silk clothes, the blue or green fabrics making them look refreshed.

They were chatting around the brazier when Yang Can lifted the curtain and came in. They all stood up in unison, bowing and making respectful gestures, and laughter followed.

"May the new year begin, and may Mr. Yang enjoy good health and all things go smoothly!"

"On this New Year's Day, may good fortune and prosperity come to you, and may you always be by Mr. Yang's side!"

Yang Can raised his hand in return, smiling broadly: "Wishing you all a happy new year and peace and prosperity in your homes and all things going well."

He sent his daughter away from Phoenix Manor, and the weight on his heart was lifted. Even his voice sounded lighter than usual.

Niu Youde, the steward of the outer courtyard, stepped forward and bowed, his face crinkling with smiles: "Grand Steward, everyone is waiting for you to lead the way so we can all go and pay our respects to the clan leader."

"Is everything ready?"

Yang Can straightened his fur coat collar and said loudly, "In that case, let's go and pay our respects to the clan leader!"

……

The path to the backyard had been swept clean by the diligent servants, leaving only a few holly trees in the corner covered in snow, their green and white hues adding a touch of elegance.

Li Shi led Yu Chenglin by the hand, with two maids behind them each carrying a gift covered with red silk.

Since Uncle Yu Chenglin received a New Year's gift, Yu Xinglong and Mrs. Li should naturally receive one as well.

Just as she entered the courtyard of the postpartum care center, Qingmei, dressed in bright green, quickly came to greet her.

Qingmei curtsied and said in a soft, clear and orderly voice, "May Madam have a peaceful and healthy New Year! May the young master have a prosperous New Year and become even more intelligent and healthy."

"cough!"

Eight-year-old Yu Chenglin immediately puffed out his little chest, his face full of seriousness: "I'm a grown man with a nephew now, so just call me Second Young Master from now on, and don't call me Little Young Master anymore."

Qingmei suppressed a laugh and replied, "Yes, Second Young Master."

Madam Li raised her hand and patted the back of her son's head, her tone filled with a smile: "Today is New Year's Day, and the master is busy entertaining guests, so I came to see Chanzhi and the children."

Qingmei hurriedly said, "Madam and Second Young Master have arrived at the perfect time. The young master has only just woken up, and the young mistress is keeping him company. Please come in quickly."

With that, Qingmei led the way, guiding Li Shi and Yu Chenglin toward the delivery room.

……

The Tianshui Inn was quiet on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

The smell of alcohol from last night still lingered between the beams and pillars. The travelers who were stranded here had neither elders to pay their respects nor relatives to visit. At this moment, they were all curled up on the warm kang and fast asleep. Not even a cough could be heard in the entire courtyard.

"laugh……"

The moment the sharp whistle pierced the air, the tranquility was as if it had been cleaved open by a sharp sword.

That was the sound of a sword blade tearing through the air, crisp and clean, without the slightest hesitation.

Luo Meier stood in the center of the courtyard, dressed in a black, narrow-sleeved martial arts uniform.

This is a style often worn by martial artists in the Central Plains: a coarse cloth belt, with the hem tucked into short boots, and every cut exuding neatness.

The sword in her hand gleamed coldly, and with each slight tremor of its blade, a whistling sound was heard, like the cry of a wild goose skimming across a cold pond.

Swordplay requires lightness and agility, and footwork is especially important.

Luo Meier's toes touched the ground as lightly as falling catkins, and her movements were as swift as the wind. Her sword moved with her body, and her body moved with her sword. The entire sword routine unfolded like a startled swan skimming the water. In the corner of the courtyard, Zhao Chusheng's hands were tucked into his sleeves, his gaze fixed on the swirling sword shadows.

The calluses on his knuckles unconsciously rubbed against a hard object under his sleeve.

It was a bronze talisman with the ancient seal script character "墨" (mo) engraved on its surface, which was the token of Qin Mo Juzi.

Who would have thought that this ordinary-looking young man, who even speaks with a hint of shyness, is actually the current tycoon who leads the Qin Mo lineage?

He stood there, like an ordinary, honest craftsman, watching Luo Meier dance with a blank expression.

It seemed he couldn't see the intricacies of the game, or even the excitement. Yet, deep within his eyes, there was clearly the discerning eye of a martial arts expert.

He could accurately capture and even predict Luo Meier's every sword stance shift, every weight shift, and even the timing of every sword strike.

He often arrived at Luo Meier's side a moment earlier, his fingers pressing on the ink talisman from his sleeve as if tapping a rhythm.

After the Mohist school split into three, the debate over the dominant schools never ceased, but the main difference lay in their philosophies of governance.

Martial arts, however, is a compulsory and fundamental course that all disciples of the Qi, Qin, and Chu schools of Mohism must learn.

Physical tempering, skill practice, and mental cultivation are all essential for a true master of ink; none can be neglected.

As the grandson of Qin Mo, Zhao Chusheng is naturally a master of martial arts.

In his view, Luo Mei's swordsmanship, though seemingly light and agile, actually possessed a very deep foundation. His slashing, thrusting, and stabbing techniques penetrated the sword without appearing fierce, and the residual force in his swings was as soft as cotton, clearly showing that he had received the true teachings of a master.

Zhao Chusheng tapped his fingers lightly in his sleeve and nodded to himself.

"Clang!" As Zhao Chusheng pressed his finger down deeply, the clear sword sound ended, and the longsword was steadily returned to its sheath.

Luo Meier pulled a handkerchief from her waist, wiped the thin layer of sweat from her forehead, turned to look at the corner of the courtyard, and smiled, her eyes crinkling into crescents: "Brother Zhao, after watching for so long, how is my amateur skill?"

Zhao Chusheng smiled honestly, "All I know is how to swing a hammer and forge iron. What do I know about swordsmanship? I just think... I just think it's so good that it makes people's eyes light up."

With a chuckle, Luo Meier tucked her handkerchief into her waistband and walked over briskly: "That's right, asking you is pointless."

After their interaction during last night's Spring Festival Gala, the two have shed their initial awkwardness and become much more familiar with each other.

Luo Meier told Zhao Chusheng that she had heard that Zhao Chusheng's fellow disciple Yang Can was no longer the master of Feng'an Manor, but had been promoted to the position of chief steward of the Yu family.

Zhao Chusheng was delighted to hear this. He thought that since it was so close, he would visit Phoenix Manor today to confirm whether Yang Can was his fellow disciple.

If Yang Can's identity is confirmed, then we should thoroughly investigate him. If he is someone we can entrust with the task, then we should hand over the Qin Mo lineage to him.

Zhao Chusheng's personality is truly incapable of being a leader; for him, being a bigwig is extremely painful.

He feared that the Mohist lineage in Qin would be cut off in his hands because of his incompetence, so he was really eager to find a capable and responsible fellow disciple to hand over this heavy responsibility.

"Visiting relatives and friends should wait until the second day of the Lunar New Year; it's impolite to visit on the first day," Luo Meier advised this naive and honest man. Only then did Zhao Chusheng calm down and decide to wait another day.

Luo Meier seized the opportunity and offered to go to Phoenix Manor with him.

Luo Meier said that her enemies were in the Tianshui area, but she didn't know exactly where.

Since Zhao Chusheng's fellow disciple was the chief steward of the Yu family, he wanted to ask Yang Can for help in finding him, based on his friendship with Brother Zhao.

At this moment, Zhao Chusheng was still unsure whether Yang Can was truly his fellow disciple, but he could see that Luo Meier deeply resented the person who had slandered her reputation.

Zhao Chusheng was against violence, so he thought he could take this opportunity to slowly persuade her to give up her idea of ​​revenge.

If they can't persuade her, after confirming Yang Can's identity, they can ask Yang Can, a fellow disciple, for help to lie and say that Luo Mei's enemies have fled to distant lands to avoid a bloodbath.

And so, Zhao Chusheng, who was even uncomfortable with the slightest bit of closeness to others, overcame his inner conflict and nodded in agreement.

Little did he know that the enemy Luo Meier spoke of was none other than Yang Can, whom he was going to verify.

In Luo Meier's plan, Phoenix Manor was the foundation of the Yu family clan, and it would not be easy to sneak in. Finding Yang Can in such a large manor would be particularly troublesome.

However, by using the pretext of being "fellow students and old friends" of Zhao Chusheng, she could stand openly in front of Yang Can.

When the time comes, she will first righteously and sternly denounce this person's shameless act of spreading rumors and defaming her reputation, and then cut off his tongue with a sword!
Then she waved her sleeve and drifted away, what a carefree and chivalrous act!

Both of them had their own plans, and they were calculating their options meticulously.

However, they weren't the only ones planning to climb Phoenix Mountain on the second day of the Lunar New Year.

In another inn in Shanggui City, there were also two travelers who were traveling during the Lunar New Year holiday.

These two men, one named Qiu Che and the other Qin Taiguang, were both middle-aged men around forty years old. They were Mohists from Qi, sent by the Grand Master of Qi Mohism.

The Mohist school was divided into three factions: Qi, Chu, and Qin.

Although the three branches are distinguished by place names, it does not mean that only the locals believe in this doctrine.

Rather, it was named after the place where this doctrine was born.

Qi Mo was skilled in theoretical debate. In his early years, he also followed Confucius and traveled around the states, hoping to persuade the rulers with his ideas of "universal love" and "non-aggression".

However, after the wave of "exclusive veneration of Confucianism" swept across the country, Confucianism had already gained a foothold in the Central Plains, and the Qi Mohist school gradually fell out of favor.

When the contemporary Qi Mozi realized that there was no place for them in the Central Plains, he immediately convened a meeting of elites and finally decided on the grand plan of "going west out of Hangu Pass".

The Confucian school's control over the Guanzhong region was relatively weak, and now it was in a state of division among eight powerful clans. This was the last chance for the Qi-Mohist school to develop.

According to Qi Mo Juzi's plan, over the past twenty years, Qi Mo's disciples have infiltrated the Eight Clans in batches, securing positions based on their skills and knowledge, and becoming capable assistants to each clan.

Qi Mo Juzi had long realized that after hundreds of years of division by the eight powerful clans of Guanzhong, the situation was now on the eve of unification, both in terms of subjective will and objective circumstances.

What they had to do was assist the powerful clans they served until they selected "a true dragon" from among them, helped him unify Guanzhong and Longxi, and then marched eastward to pacify the world.

Only in this way could the Mohist school of thought have the opportunity to enter the imperial court and become the orthodox ideology of the world.

According to Qi Mo's disciples, their actions did not violate the principle of "non-aggression".

In order to preserve tradition, adaptation is inevitable.

They are using a temporary, minor attack to gain long-term peace and security.

To exchange local conflicts for world peace—that is the responsibility of a Mohist.

But just as they had been laying out their plans in Guanzhong for many years, and a large net was gradually being woven, just as they were about to cast it, they suddenly discovered traces of the Mohists in Qin.

Although Qi Mo and Qin Mo share the same origin, their political views are vastly different.

Qin Mo adhered to the principle of "non-aggression" and always opposed participating in the conflicts between the feudal lords.

If Qin Mo discovers Qi Mo's intentions, it could very well disrupt their plans.

Therefore, after receiving the secret letter from his disciple Liu Bo, Qi Mo Ju Zi immediately sent Qiu Che and Qin Tai Guang over.

Their mission was clear: find Yang Can, confirm his identity as a successor of Qin Mo, and then use him to make a formal negotiation with Qin Mo Juzi.

Qin Mo, get out of Guanzhong!
This is the territory that I, Qi Mo, have cultivated for many years, and I will not allow you, Qin Mo, to trespass upon it.

Yang Can never imagined that the fabricated background he made up would ruin a marriage and bring him a wronged and resentful woman.

His two casual inventions attracted the attention of Qin Mo and Qi Mo.

At this moment, Yang Can, dressed in new clothes, was leading the stewards of the eldest branch of the family, saying auspicious words to the clan leader, Yu Xinglong.

"May you have a happy and healthy New Year, sir! May your family prosper and your wealth increase in the coming year!"

"May the sir enjoy a long and healthy life, and may his descendants prosper and the Yu family flourish for generations to come!"

Yu Xinglong, dressed in a crimson brocade robe with floral patterns, sat at the head of the table, smiling and raising his hand: "The manor's current state is entirely due to everyone's diligent work and dedication. Please accept my reward!"

Deng Xun waved his hand, and a row of maids stepped forward, each carrying a tray covered with red silk, to present New Year's gifts to the stewards.

The managers bowed deeply again to express their gratitude, their manners becoming increasingly respectful.

Yu Xinglong smiled and raised his hand to help, his gaze sweeping across the crowd before lingering briefly on Yang Can. He said in a low voice, "Huoshan, come with me."

The front hall immediately became lively as the stewards crowded around to receive their rewards, all beaming with joy. Only Yang Can composed himself, quickly followed Yu Xinglong, bypassed the main hall, and walked behind the screen.

Behind the head of the household's seat stood a sandalwood screen, with cloud and crane patterns outlined in gold lacquer, exuding extraordinary elegance.

Passing the screen, you'll find a small, elegant room with a gleaming table and a round-backed chair on each side.

Yu Xinglong had already taken his seat at the head of the table, his fingers lightly tapping the teacup on the table, and he gestured with his chin toward the seat opposite him.

Yang Can dared not be negligent. He first bowed and gave a respectful salute, and only after Xinglong nodded in acknowledgment did he gently sit down.

Yu Xinglong picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and slowly said, "Volcano, the new year has arrived, and everything is renewed. Do you have any plans in mind?"

Yang Can pondered for a moment, taking it as a routine reminder from the head of the family.

After all, as the chief steward of the eldest branch, he was in charge of many of the branch's affairs and businesses. If it happened to be a holiday, it would be only proper for the head of the family to summon the chief steward for a private audience and say a few words of courtesy.

Yang Can composed himself, bowed, and replied with a string of platitudes: "Thank you for your trust, Lord Clan. I will do my utmost."

"I will strive to manage the harvests of the eight estates and six pastures, the production and sales of the salt and iron workshops, and all the general affairs of the eldest son's branch, so as to share the burden of the clan lord."

"Haha, good, very good."

Yu Xinglong put down his teacup and laughed heartily, "It's only been a year, and your performance has already been quite remarkable."

Such talent deserves to be put to good use; it would be a great waste of his abilities.

Yang Can's heart skipped a beat, and his vigilance instantly rose.

This old fox doesn't seem to be spouting platitudes. What exactly does he mean?
Could it be that they're planning to discard the bridge after crossing the river, kill the donkey after it has served its purpose, hide the bow after the birds are gone, or forget the trap after the fish has been caught?

Or has he dug another trap for me to fall into?
Damn! When will this old lamp ever stop?
Yang Can suppressed the turmoil in his heart, maintaining a respectful demeanor, and bowed again, saying, "I wonder what arrangements the Clan Lord has? Whatever your command, I will obey without hesitation, even at the cost of my life."

(End of this chapter)