Thank you to Beverly for the ko-fi~ ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-
“Rebuild the County Lord’s Mansion? Expand the Commandant’s Mansion?” Looking at the delivered official document, Liang Feng raised his eyebrows, “For something like this, it also needs to be presented?”
Duan Qin remained composed, “The title of the Lord in Shangdang was changed to the County Lord’s Mansion, but it is simple and does not conform to the etiquette. The six Offices are all in the Governor’s Mansion, the place is cramped, and it cannot be rearranged. It is appropriate to establish a Grand General’s Mansion or a Commandant’s Mansion. The minister knows that the lord is frugal by nature, but when in such a position, corresponding actions should be taken. If it is neglected, it may lead to others’ disrespect.”
What Duan Qin said indeed made some sense. In a society with a strict hierarchy, the level of residence must also match the status. Initially, Liang Feng was just a Governor in Bing County, so residing in the Governor’s Mansion was natural. But now that he had moved up to Grand General and County Lord, his status and position had changed. Staying in the Governor’s Mansion would be inappropriate.
However, whether moving to a new Grand General’s Mansion or rebuilding the County Lord’s Mansion, the expenses would not be small. Initially, to ensure his own comfort, Sima Teng had built the Governor’s Mansion extravagantly. Even with the addition of the six Offices, it was not fully occupied. Not to mention the backyard, which was comparable to the size of the outer government office. With only him, his son, and Yiyan, it was quite empty. In such a situation, establishing a new Grand General’s Mansion or a Commandant’s Mansion would be a waste.
As for the County Lord’s Mansion, it was even more useless. Most of the time throughout the year, Liang Feng stayed in Jinyang. Specifically constructing a vacant residence in Shangdang would be a waste.
However, these thoughts couldn’t be expressed so directly.
After pondering for a moment, Liang Feng spoke, “Your words are reasonable. It’s just that after the severe drought, there may be pest problems. Next year’s expenses on money and grain are still uncertain. Building a mansion now is not the right time. The Governor’s Mansion and the Commandant’s Mansion can coexist, and a part of the inner government office can be used as official residences.”
This way, instead of expanding the lord’s residence, it was reduced. Duan Qin immediately shook his head, “This is not appropriate…”
Interrupting Duan Qin’s words with a raised hand, Liang Feng said, “It’s not that we won’t build, it’s just a compromise. If I build a mansion, how many influential families below will follow suit? We still need to spend money where it matters most. If, for the sake of a mere mansion, it delays more important matters, it would be a loss outweighing the gain.”
The shipyards in Ji County have been idle for more than half a year due to the severe drought. If there is spare money, it would be better to invest in repairing seafaring vessels! Shifting the funds for ship repair to building gardens, there is a historical case where the outcome was disastrous, not to mention. If he truly becomes independent in the future, there are tens of thousands of boats in Jiangdong. He cannot compete with others on horseback, right? Regardless of the type of ship, it needs to be developed quickly, and establishing a navy is essential.
Seeing the lord so determined, Duan Qin could only yield. Having such a frugal lord might cause some headaches for some, but it was also a blessing for Bing County. As for the mansion, perhaps when they recaptured Yu County and Yan County and moved to Luoyang, it might be possible.
※
“General, this mansion is a bit small.” After entering the courtyard, Liu Gong couldn’t help but complain, “Such a small courtyard, and it’s quite far from the city, it’s too inconvenient…”
Having performed exceptionally well in the previous battle at Ye City, Liu Gong came to Jinyang this time to receive rewards and advance in rank. Upon hearing that his general had a mansion, he shamelessly came to freeload. Since they were all comrades who fought side by side on the battlefield, Yiyan didn’t refuse him. However, Liu Gong, this guy, had a sharp tongue. He complained as soon as he arrived, making the others nearby twitch their mouths.
Wang Long kicked him quietly and smiled apologetically, “Although the general’s mansion is small, it has everything. The scenery here is great, and it’s convenient for riding horses and carriages. It’s close to the military camp. If you move to the city, it’s just crowded every day, which is annoying.”
Is there also this argument? Liu Gong hastily said, “I see! Ah, General, you are the one in charge here, right? You’ve retired here.”
“Indeed, General is kind. Those who returned home, the General also gives them some subsidies on holidays.” Wang Long genuinely admired this aspect. No wonder the soldiers under General Yiyan were so loyal. Having an official position when fighting and even getting some benefits when retiring, how could people not be grateful?
“But the mansion still lacks someone in charge…” Liu Gong was about to continue speaking when Wang Long suddenly coughed violently, interrupting him.
Ignoring Liu Gong’s blabbering, Yiyan said calmly, “Are you here to drink or chat?”
“Drink! Drink!” Wang Long and the others quickly responded.
Liu Gong was a bit puzzled, but the wine offered by the general was precious. Moreover, after the recent battle at Ye City, he had once again fought side by side with the general, achieving great success. It was a time to celebrate. With wine to drink, how could one refuse? They all raised their cups and toasted together, making the atmosphere lively even without musicians to entertain.
Today, Yiyan prepared top-quality Shao Chun wine. After drinking for a short while, Liu Gong was completely intoxicated. He drank too much water as well and resisted the urge to go to the restroom. After making some noise and hastily adjusting his clothes, Liu Gong stumbled out. His stomach was churning violently, feeling nauseous but unable to vomit. Just as he was about to catch his breath, he saw Wang Long walking towards him.
“Liu San, how can you be so clueless? It’s better to inquire less about the general’s affairs in the future!” Like a thief, Wang Long whispered admonitions.
Liu Gong was called Liu San at home, but not many called him that now. Just out of the restroom, he received such a scolding, leaving him confused. Stammering, he said, “General… General said, good, good things are coming soon…”
Wang Long made a toothache expression, grabbed his shoulder, and said in a low voice, “What good or bad things! The general’s private matters are not something we should be concerned about! Speak less, drink more!”
His tone was unusually severe, and even though Liu Gong was a bit woozy from drinking, he sensed that something was wrong. He nodded blankly. After restraining this big-mouthed guy, Wang Long didn’t dare to relax. He dragged and pulled him back to the seat, forcefully poured more wine, and made him lie under the table.
Finally getting rid of the trouble, Wang Long sighed in relief. However, he had also drunk quite a bit, causing him to feel uneasy as he looked at the general, who remained unfazed.
What the general meant by “good things are coming” was something that no one understood better than Wang Long, his confidant. Even during military drills in the camp, the general didn’t forget to return to the city every day. After returning from a campaign, instead of staying in his fine residence, he insisted on reporting to the governor’s mansion. The general’s life was not complicated, and the only thing that set him apart was the lord!
The lord!
When Wang Long just guessed it, he was so scared that his calf muscles almost cramped. He desperately suppressed this thought. However, the more he suppressed it, the clearer he remembered the past. When the general rushed to You County and returned to Shangdang, he was right by his side. He had also witnessed the lord anxiously waiting outside the city gate and the general losing composure. At that time, he hadn’t thought much about it.
But now, not thinking about it was impossible!
In fact, among the aristocrats, many preferred male companionship. Not to mention applying makeup, many men dressed as women, sharing beds and waking together. In the military, where there were no women, such things were not uncommon. Wang Long didn’t find it surprising. However, the person the general favored was the lord!
If others found out, how would they view the general? After risking his life in these battles, what kind of comments would he receive? The general was a Jie person, and Wang Long himself was also a Jie person, well aware of the disdain others had for them. Flattering those above them in this way, those literati were probably going to criticize deeply. If the lord favored someone else, how would the general handle it? Hadn’t he thought about all of this?
Lost in his thoughts, Wang Long looked up, and when he met the calm and content gaze of Yiyan, his mind went blank. Urgently stepping forward, he whispered, “General, it’s better to marry a wife…”
This seemingly random statement made Yiyan raise an eyebrow. However, in just an instant, he understood the meaning behind the words. Those calm gray-blue eyes revealed a hint of a smile. “It doesn’t matter.”
Feeling a bit dazed from the smile, Wang Long felt his tongue tying up. “G- General… we come from a military background, maybe it’s better not to get involved in this…”
“Get involved in what?” Yiyan lifted his wine cup, leisurely drinking its contents.
This question left Wang Long momentarily stunned. Yeah, get involved in what? The general had never meddled in politics. Not to mention making connections with civil officials, even with his trusted confidants, occasional drinks and reminiscing were devoid of political discussions. There were no political alliances and no private interests pursued. If it weren’t for that bewildering power seizure, the general would be flawless.
But that’s not the point! After all, it was the lord!
As the alcohol took effect, Wang Long became a bit agitated. “General, are you really willing to accept this? If those civil officials find out, who knows how they will criticize you…”
Yiyan interrupted him, “They know.”
“What?” Wang Long felt like his jaw was about to drop. They know? Who knows?
“It doesn’t matter,” Yiyan said again, paying no attention to the other’s astonishment.
Was it okay to risk everything for this? Would it be okay if he lost his position and fortune? Wang Long’s head was spinning, and after a while, he squeezed out, “Without farsightedness, there will be imminent worries!”
This articulate statement didn’t sound like something someone like Wang Long would say. Yiyan put down his wine cup and asked, “Why did you enlist back then?”
Why did he enlist? Just for warm clothing and a full stomach.
But before Wang Long could answer, Yiyan asked again, “Why are you still in the military now?”
To have food and clothing without worries and to rise above others. Step by step, through mountains of corpses and seas of blood, achieving success and fame.
“And what about the future?”
Another question was presented.
“General!” Wang Long exclaimed in frustration.
Yiyan smiled, “I stop killing; the lord keeps people alive. That’s enough.”
A simple and straightforward statement.
Suddenly, Wang Long choked up. It was because of that genuinely open and naturally radiant smile.
Did the general ever have far-sighted considerations? Perhaps. But nothing compared to the four words “stop killing, keep people alive.” They fought tooth and nail, but was it only for themselves? In reality, from the moment they received military land and could support their families, everyone was fighting to protect someone dear to them.
However, the general and the lord were aiming for more than just a few individuals.
In comparison to such grand aspirations, perhaps what he was concerned about wasn’t as important. Far-sightedness had meaning only if one could live to see the “far” future.
Letting out a sigh of frustration, Wang Long held back for a while and finally said, “General, be more careful. Someone like Liu San, who speaks without restraint, should not be informed.”
Not only Liu Gong but there were probably many others who wanted to play dirty tricks against the general. It was better to keep this vulnerability hidden. No, perhaps it wasn’t just a vulnerability. Those by the lord’s bedside might be more influential than military ranks, right? For a moment, Wang Long couldn’t figure out whether he should worry or not.
“Drink your wine.” Yiyan waved casually and tossed the wine jug over.
Catching it right on target, Wang Long scratched his head. Without taking a cup, he drank straight from the jug. As long as the general was still their general, why bother with so many unnecessary worries!
