Chapter 74: An Immature Little Notion

Anba listened to the conversation between the two masters inside the carriage, feeling fortunate for her own master. After all, she had served them since childhood. When the master was happy, those who served could breathe easier. Lin Miao-miao and Li Yanhe's carriage soon arrived at Da'an Pass.

As Lin Miao-miao alighted, she was struck by how quickly time had passed; unknowingly, more than half a month had gone by. Li Zheng saw Lin Miao-miao and Li Yanhe return and said to Li Yanhe, "On this trip, you must have encountered someone you shouldn't have."

Li Yanhe raised his head to glance at Li Zheng and replied, "The existence of Shadow Dragon is so extraordinary, yet you dare to speak so openly with me."

"Since you speak so plainly, aren't you afraid I might covet that position? If I were willing, perhaps I wouldn't be the one guarding the frontier."

Li Zheng was taken aback by Li Yanhe's words, staring at him in surprise. In truth, Li Zheng had become accustomed to Li Yanhe quietly remaining at Da'an Pass.

Li Yanhe looked at Li Zheng and said, "I suppose you're planning to return soon? I haven't seen my mother consort in a long time. When you go back, could you deliver a family letter for me?"

Li Zheng looked up in surprise at Li Yanhe. "You want me to deliver a letter? Aren't you afraid His Majesty will grow suspicious?"

Li Yanhe glanced at Li Zheng and replied, "I can't say if His Majesty is suspicious, but I know the situation at Da'an Pass has been excellent lately."

"Father hasn't had Mother write to me for a long time. That means he wants me to return. If I hand over my leverage, it's not unreasonable."

Li Zheng was unsure why, but he burst out laughing at Li Yanhe's words. "Don't worry! When spring comes next year, you'll be able to return to the capital."

He looked at Li Yanhe with meaningful eyes. "As for that young woman, have you decided what to do? Whether she can stay by your side depends on how you explain it to His Majesty."

"No matter what you say, His Majesty is unwilling to relinquish military power to anyone, even his own son."

Li Yanhe nodded. "This year's watermelons will probably bring you great profit! The treasury is well-stocked this year, and the funds for Da'an Pass have saved the treasury a great deal."

"Though the young lady's deeds may not be worthy of the highest circles, they're still a bargaining chip. As long as His Majesty values them, as a subject, I'm naturally willing to give my all."

Li Zheng nodded but said no more. Lin Miao-miao, having just returned, was busy. Lin Qi and the others placed the account books in the study; Lin Miao-miao examined a few and found no errors.

Upon leaving the study, Lin Miao-miao saw Li Yanhe and Li Zheng speaking together. She felt curious and asked Li Yanhe, "What are you discussing with Li Zheng?"

Li Yanhe looked up and replied, "Oh, speaking of the watermelon's growth, this year's harvest will be abundant. You can expect to make a handsome profit."

Lin Miao-miao's eyes lit up at his words, and Li Yanhe noticed her cheerful expression. For some reason, the cold indifference on his face began to soften.

Li Zheng, observing nearby, was astonished. In that moment, Li Yanhe's demeanor towards Lin Miao-miao was as if an ice mountain had melted.

Lin Miao-miao noticed Li Zheng's expression and asked, somewhat puzzled, "Are you all right? You look so sly—like a creepy old uncle."

Li Zheng's face darkened. "You called me uncle? Do I look that old? Why would you call me that?"

Lin Miao-miao rolled her eyes. "Calling you uncle isn't so bad, is it? It seems natural!"

Li Zheng felt a surge of anger. "I'm in the prime of my life, and you call me uncle!"

Just then, Lin Langluan and Lin Langze, the two mischievous boys, overheard Li Zheng and echoed, "Uncle, uncle, you are an uncle!"

Lin Miao-miao grinned, eyes curved like crescent moons, and said to Li Zheng, "Children never lie. You think I'm wrong, but what they say can't be far from the truth!"

Li Zheng turned to Li Yanhe. "You don't discipline her? How can she speak like this? If she keeps it up, how will she ever manage in the palace?"

Li Yanhe shook his head. "I don't know about palace life, but for now, His Majesty hasn't ordered me to leave Da'an Pass. I might not return to the palace at all."

Li Zheng felt as though his intelligence was being insulted. He said seriously, "Don't you know—"

Before he could finish, Li Yanhe calmly interrupted, "If it's business, there's no need to discuss it here. And please, pass word to my mother consort that I'm thriving here."

Li Zheng sighed heavily. "Very well, I understand. Upon my return to the capital, I'll relay your message to her."

Without another word, Li Zheng mounted his horse, and Lin Miao-miao watched him depart at a gallop.

Gazing at Li Zheng's retreating figure, Lin Miao-miao would recall this scene with a sense of regret in years to come. Such an elegant gentleman, had he not been born into the imperial family, perhaps his fate would not have been so tragic.

Lin Miao-miao glanced at the two mischievous boys. Li Yanhe asked them, "Your sister has returned. Did you behave well at home?"

The boys nodded earnestly. "Sister, sister, we behaved and studied diligently."

Lin Miao-miao smiled warmly at them. "Since you've behaved so well, I've prepared some gifts for you."

She spoke as she walked inside, the boys tugging at her clothes, laughing and playing together.

Li Yanhe watched the trio enter, chatting and laughing, and in that moment, even his gaze softened.

Lin Qi observed his master’s gentle expression—so different from before. Emboldened, Lin Qi teased, "Master, Miss Lin and the children are heading inside. Aren’t you going to follow?"

Li Yanhe, recognizing the playful tone, arched an eyebrow at Lin Qi, then strode inside.

Lin Miao-miao’s residence was home to many, and she felt that everyone living there was quite attractive—Jiang Luohan and Sun Ziwen were both handsome.

She couldn’t help but shake her head, thinking that with her wealth, she could build a grand estate somewhere.

That evening, she shared her idea with Li Yanhe, who nodded in agreement. "Build whatever kind of estate you wish. Later, visit the authorities and see if there’s a suitable location nearby."

Lin Miao-miao nodded, and the next day she and Li Yanhe went together to the county office. Upon seeing Li Yanhe, the officials immediately became deferential.

Li Yanhe waved his hand at the steward. "I don’t know if there’s a suitable spot, but I want to build an estate nearby."

The steward immediately began searching through his records. There was plenty of wasteland in Da'an Pass.

Even within the town, much land lay abandoned. Previously, these lands had been inhabited, but in recent years, due to wars, the townsfolk had fled elsewhere.

No one maintained the houses, and over time, they fell into ruin, so the area gradually became wasteland.

Emperor Yongchang, for the sake of easier management, ordered that the stewards investigate periodically. If a house was abandoned, the land reverted to government ownership.

This decree had been issued after the southern barbarians invaded a few years prior. Winters had been bitterly cold, and northern barbarians had become ever more aggressive.

The people of Da'an Pass had no choice; those with means left, and the wasteland was left deserted.

Lin Miao-miao looked at the expanse of wasteland and felt a sense of desolation. She asked the official, "Was this area once residential?"

The steward nodded. "Yes, this wasteland was once home to the townsfolk. But they’ve all left, and with the new decree, these lands now belong to the government."

Suddenly, Lin Miao-miao was struck by a thought. She glanced at Li Yanhe and said, "I have an immature idea—I'm not sure if it's worth mentioning."

Li Yanhe raised an eyebrow. "If it’s immature, why mention it?"

Lin Miao-miao was momentarily speechless, feeling that Li Yanhe was being impossibly obtuse.