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墨書 Inktalez
"Ordinary people in the capital city do not feel deeply about war; it is merely a topic of conversation for the residents, something to discuss over tea or a subject for the scholars and literati to debate. This time, the war with Xia is no different.
Qin Yaru was arranging the books neatly on the standing bookshelf in her room, listening to the passionate arguments of a group of scholars in the adjoining room, and couldn't help but smile slightly.
Da Lang was leaning on the table in front of him, idly fiddling with the inkstone. This year, he and A-Ming had discussed taking the examination, and their teacher thought it would be worth a try. Although they might still be a bit unprepared, it was time to start accumulating experience.
In this dynasty, it is rare to pass the imperial examination on the first attempt.
Qin Yaru did not oppose it at first, but this year there were disturbances in Dangxiang. With Gao Feng absent, Da Lang expressed his concerns about their father. Especially now that information was not flowing freely, most people in the capital could only guess about the specifics of the war; the court reports were not something they could casually read.
Recently, many reports have been particularly pessimistic.
As time went on, this child's state of mind was somewhat affected. Qin Yaru began to think that waiting another three years might not be a bad idea. After all, examinations are not an easy task; if one becomes mentally anxious and falls ill during the exam, failing is one thing, but harming one's health is another matter entirely.
Da Lang was still young; participating in the examinations a few years later would not be a bad thing. Firstly, he would be more assured, and secondly, being older would be better for holding an official position.
Qin Yaru smiled and brushed away her slightly chaotic thoughts. After finishing organizing the books, she casually opened a travelogue and sat down to read.
Once Da Lang completed a piece of writing, Qin Yaru took him back to the Qin Family so that Qin Yizhi could evaluate it. Qin Yizhi's health had visibly declined over the years, but his spirit remained good. The hardships he endured ten years ago had ruined his health but made his character more open-minded.
Now retired, this old gentleman was cheerful every day and did not cling too much to his children. He read books for himself and found entertainment on his own. He even formed a relationship with a red-faced confidante from the Brothel Management Office. In his leisure time, he enjoyed drinking tea and admiring flowers while occasionally teasing his grandson about his eldest son’s delayed marriage and lack of children, as well as his daughter who had not given birth to even one child for her husband in ten years. His worries had lessened significantly, and he lived a carefree life.
Leading her son by the hand, Qin Yaru entered through the main gate of the Qin Family. A lady-in-waiting who served Qin Yizhi welcomed them inside and prepared tea and snacks for them before saying with a smile: "The official complained of a headache at noon and refused to see a doctor; he's resting in his room now. The wife should sit down; he will probably wake up shortly."
Nodding, Qin Yaru smiled, "Don't wake Daddy, let him sleep. Is Sister-in-law still in the Buddhist Hall?" The Lady-in-Waiting nodded helplessly.
Qin Yaru was also at a loss regarding her Sister-in-law, who was usually virtuous, kind, and capable of managing the household well. However, recently, for some unknown reason, her temper had become strange. Especially when it came to her elder brother, she would either be sentimental or deeply troubled. These days, she had been particularly irritable and angry, often venting her frustrations on the household servants. Yet, her Sister-in-law's nature wasn't bad; after losing her temper, she would immediately feel that she was in the wrong. Lately, she had been staying in the Buddhist Hall, focusing on chanting to eliminate the negativity in her heart.
In Qin Yaru's view, her Sister-in-law might be experiencing strong pregnancy reactions. As a pregnant woman, it was understandable. She would rather her Sister-in-law express her anger than stay in the Buddhist Hall all day long. Firstly, it lacked physical activity and was not good for her health; secondly, eating vegetarian food all day might harm the child in her womb.
Unfortunately, no matter how others advised her, this usually gentle and pleasant woman had become stubborn at this moment and refused to listen to anything.
Qin Yaru was slightly lost in thought when she suddenly heard Da Lang lightly scraping his finger along the wooden door frame. She looked up with a serious expression and said, "Mother, are they going to negotiate? Is Daddy coming back soon?"
His words were soft but carried a hint of excitement.
Qin Yaru remained silent, recalling how she had overheard several Scholars discussing in Nangyun Study a few days ago that Fan Yong, the Yan Prefect of Yanzhou, had submitted a memorial to the court indicating that Dangxiang was willing to negotiate peace.
At the beginning of the war between Songxia, all the ministers were filled with hope and didn't take those barbarians from Dangxiang seriously at all. However, as the war dragged on and they suffered several defeats in a row—even Marshal Gao Feng personally went to the front lines to oversee the battle but couldn't achieve victory—the once invincible Qilin Army could barely manage to reach a stalemate with their opponents. It seemed that the stubborn people from Dangxiang were beginning to show signs of fear towards battle and started advocating for negotiations.
Qin Yaru only had a vague understanding of the recent war situation between Songxia. Back then, she didn't really know what was happening with the war; even by the Twenty-First Century, she hadn't paid much attention to it. At this moment, she wasn't sure about the specifics of this war either, but she still felt that the outcome wouldn't disappoint her.
Although historically "Xia" had existed for a long time, this time with Gao Feng present—and having made many preparations—she had done her best to help as well. Even though many people believed that the situation was unfavorable due to several defeats and were frightened by them, Qin Yaru still believed that the Song Dynasty would definitely win.
"Mother, Daddy will be back soon, right?"
Da Lang furrowed his brows, a hint of worry on his face. Qin Yaru looked up and down at her son, who had already grown taller. Although his face was still youthful, he was no longer a child. She knew that Da Lang was under a lot of pressure lately.
Gao Feng's reputation was too great; his invincibility had been mythologized.
At the same time, he was too young and his fame too large. If his actions did not meet people's expectations, their disappointment would come swiftly.
Currently, the war was still intense, and the Song Dynasty had not shown obvious signs of defeat. Gao Feng had just left, and he might not even have completed the troop mobilization yet, yet rumors about him were already flying around the capital. Those sour remarks made both Da Lang and Qin Yaru feel uncomfortable.
Listening to those inexplicable scholars, including some military generals, some claimed Gao Feng was overrated, while others said he was unfit for duty. Qin Yaru couldn't help but sneer. Over the past decade, Gao Feng had spent a significant amount of time in a state of idleness. The emperor harbored some caution towards him and was reluctant to let his influence grow too large before sending him to the battlefield; there would always be time for adjustment.
Moreover, Gao Feng was human, not a god. The battlefield's circumstances were unpredictable; which general could guarantee they would always win? Furthermore, many failures were often due to factors beyond their control.
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