Taking On Disciples

With the new emperor's enthronement, a general amnesty was declared across the realm. Furthermore, a new governor was dispatched to the northwestern border.

Upon the arrival of the new governor, the frequency of battles visibly increased. Once on the defensive against the northern Yan forces, the Chu army now took the initiative in attack.

As the battles escalated, the injuries sustained by Li Changsen, stationed at the vanguard camp, grew in number.

"Dad, have some herbal soup."

The effects of the Mid-Dynasty Physique Enhancing Agent were potent and required consumption every six months. However, Li Erya would visit Li Changsen, accompanied by Li Wuya and Li Qilang, every ten days or so to deliver food. During these visits, Li Wuya would provide massages to Li Changsen, using her healing ability to eliminate any hidden health issues.

Due to this, Li Changsen's physique remained in peak condition.

After taking the Mid-Dynasty Physique Enhancing Agent, Li Changsen's strength continued to increase. Coupled with his modest progress in the Great Strength Diamond Palm technique, he became a formidable force on the battlefield. He could fend off twenty to thirty soldiers from Yan single-handedly.

Before long, this caught the attention of Brigadier General Zhuang Yutang, who promptly promoted Li Changsen to a seventh-rank sergeant in charge of fifty soldiers.

Upon learning this news, Jin Yue'e and Li Sanlang were both worried and delighted.

Their worry stemmed from Li Changsen's safety on the battlefield, while their delight came from his combat prowess being acknowledged.

"Here."

As a seventh-rank sergeant, Li Changsen received a monthly salary of seven stones. When Jin Yue'e visited him with their children, Li Changsen handed over four months' worth of salary, totalling seven taels of silver.

Jin Yue'e declined, "We don't need much money at home. My wages from working at the post station are enough to cover expenses. Keep the silver for yourself; use it to have better meals on regular days."

Li Changsen insisted and handed the silver to her, saying, "With the new governor's arrival, the army's rations have improved significantly. There's no need for extra expenses."

"You listen to me. Erya is eleven this year, and Wuya is eight. Take this silver back and buy a weaving machine. Let the two girls learn to weave. With this skill, they can marry into good families in the future."

They were a military household, and if their daughters didn't possess skills, they might end up marrying into other military families. Among common folk, a bride's moral character and skills were highly valued.

Upon hearing this, Jin Yue'e stopped pushing back, "Alright, after I go back, I'll buy a weaving machine." She paused for a moment, "It's just... your parents might cause a fuss again."

Li Changsen's expression dimmed, "Let them cause a fuss. You and the children should stay away from it. In any case, the two girls need to learn a skill."

With the intensification of battles, he couldn't guarantee his survival until the end.

While he was still here, he needed to ensure his family's well-being. He had to secure a future for their four children.

Jin Yue'e seemed to perceive Li Changsen's concerns and reassured them, "Don't worry about the children. I'll take care of them."

Seeing that the conversation was growing more pessimistic, Li Wuya had to interrupt, "Dad, remember, we're skilled in martial arts. If our grandparents dare to bully us, I'll..."

Before she could finish clenching her fist, Li Sanlang slapped her on the head and gave her a stern look.

Li Sanlang understood his parents' worries. While they were indeed skilled in martial arts, if they ever raised a hand against their relatives, it would bring disgrace upon their family. Such rumours would ruin their reputation.

He and Qilang were fine, but Erya and Wuya were girls who would need to get married in the future.

"Dad, rest assured, I'll take care of my younger siblings. You just focus on killing enemies on the battlefield and don't worry about home," Li Wuya said and looked at Li Qilang.

"These past two years, I've gotten to know the overseer at the horse ranch quite well. When Qilang turns ten, I'll have him work there."

Seeing his eldest son arranging duties for his younger brother, Li Changsen's face immediately lit up with a smile of satisfaction, "Great, with Qilang under Sanlang's care, Erya and Wuya have also acquired skills. I can finally rest easy."

Li Wuya furrowed her brows, noticing her dad's unusually heavy tone. Did the situation on the front look grim?

"Dad, aren't you being too optimistic? You need to keep an eye on your son-in-law-to-be. What if he brings trouble home and bullies Mom and us?"

"And what about Sis? You need to choose your husband carefully. If she marries someone like Chen Shimei, where will Second Sis go to cry?"

As soon as these words came out, Li Changsen hadn't even reacted when Jin Yue'e smacked Li Wuya and continued to mutter, "Tsk tsk, cursing your own siblings like that?"

Li Sanlang and Li Erya were left speechless.

Li Wuya walked behind Li Changsen, massaging his shoulders while speaking, "Dad, you should aim for higher ranks. That way, we'll be the young masters and young ladies of officials."

Li Qilang chimed in, "Yeah, Dad, it's better if you become a commanding officer."

Li Changsen looked at his younger daughter and son, somewhat amused, "Commanding officer? Do you even know how high-ranking that is?"

"That's a Third-Rank official. If I can keep living, I'd be content with being a Company Commander or Battalion Commander."

Li Wuya, with an unconvinced expression, said, "Dad, you need to have more confidence in yourself and broaden your horizons."

Li Qilang added, "Exactly, Dad, we believe in you. I've even dreamed of you becoming a high-ranking official."

As they spoke, Li Wuya and Li Qilang nodded in unison and declared, "Dad, we believe in you; you can do it."

Li Changsen was left speechless.

In the eyes of his younger daughter and son, was he really that capable?

Perhaps he should indeed show more of his capabilities.

Seeing Li Changsen nod thoughtfully, Li Wuya and Li Qilang exchanged a glance, then reached out their hands from behind and gave each other a subtle high-five.

Upon returning from Dieling Pass, Jin Yue'e purchased a weaving machine the next day.

Li Sanlang watched his dad glare at his mom, who was making a fuss and causing a ruckus and saw his dad standing silently under the eaves. In frustration, he slammed his fist onto a wooden pillar supporting the woodshed.

The next moment, a loud crash resounded as the corner of the woodshed collapsed.

"Ah!"

The entire Li family was taken aback, even Li Wuya, who couldn't help but want to use violence, had a surprised expression.

Li Sanlang, seeing everyone looking at him, smiled apologetically. He patted his hand that hit the pillar, then turned his gaze towards the head of the family, Old Master Li, and calmly said, "Father, I'm sorry. I saw Mother being scolded harshly, and I got anxious. I accidentally used too much force."

Old Master Li's face still showed visible shock and disbelief. Hearing Li Sanlang's seemingly apologetic but subtly threatening words, his heart tightened.

Looking at Li Sanlang's indifferent gaze and the resentful faces of Li Erya, Li Wuya, and Li Qilang, Old Master Li's heartbeat suddenly quickened.

He suddenly realized that the four children of the main house held such deep animosity towards him!

How could this be?

Could it really be true, as his wife had said, that the children of the main house were truly hard to raise?

"Father, the loom was bought by my father for Erya and Wuya. Since we won't be sending it to the wet nurse's room anymore if others in the family want to learn weaving, why not have the wet nurse buy another one? What do you think, Father?"

Li Sanlang's face held a smile, and he spoke as if discussing matters. However, Old Master Li felt a chill creeping over him.

If today Sanlang could smash the woodshed with a single punch, then next time, would he resort to violence against family members?

Getting hit by a punch could kill a person, right?

Old Master Li suppressed his fear and said in a deep voice, "The eldest miss and the others don't need to learn to weave. Bring the loom back to the eastern wing." With that, he glanced at the four Li siblings and walked out of the courtyard gate with his hands behind his back.

Li Wuya looked at Li Sanlang helping her mother move the loom with a calm expression, and a glimmer of joy flickered in her eyes. Li Erya and Li Qilang also looked at him with admiration.

Li Sanlang was actually quite gentle.

In everyday conversations, he usually used reason to persuade people. He had never resorted to using force like he did today.

Seeing Li Old Madam being supported back to the main room by her two daughters-in-law, Li Wuya curled her lips and smiled.

Once gentle people get angry, they are truly terrifying.

"Brother, look how frightened you made Mother."

Li Sanlang glared at Li Wuya, "In the future, don't confront Father and Mother. If there's an issue, wait for me to come home, and I'll handle it."

Li Wuya nodded with a smile.

Her brother had become more responsible over the past two years. That was great!

Li Wuya wasn't particularly interested in weaving, but to adapt to the customs of this era, she learned how to weave diligently.

Li Erya was more introverted and actually enjoyed weaving. After practising martial arts and getting tired, she would weave to relax.

After learning how to weave, Li Wuya started visiting Tianchi Peak every few days.

Tianchi Old Man treated her as if she were a free spirit. She could read medical books and use medicines from the pharmacy as long as they weren't wasted. If she didn't understand something, she could ask him. However, he never proactively taught her.

Li Wuya was content with this arrangement.

After becoming familiar with her master and senior brothers, whenever she visited, Li Wuya would bring Li Qilang along. Under Zhan Peng's guidance, they explored Mount Mantian.

At first, Li Wuya and Li Qilang were left behind somewhere in the mountains by Zhan Peng due to their slow speed. It would take them a few days to find their way back to Tianchi Peak.

But after using the body-enhancing elixirs twice, their potential was unleashed. Their internal energy surged, and while they still couldn't catch up to Zhan Peng, he found it harder to leave them behind.

Time flew by, and it was now June of the second year of Jiankang. Li Wuya and Li Qilang had turned nine.

After celebrating their birthdays at home, Li Wuya brought Li Qilang back to Tianchi Peak. As soon as they arrived, they saw Old Man Tianchi reclining in his chair in the courtyard, wearing a smile as he looked at a letter.

"You've come just in time, little girl. Your eldest senior brother sent a letter."

Li Wuya was a bit surprised at Old Man Tianchi's good mood. After all, in the past, her eldest senior brother's letters had been ignored by her master and were always read aloud by her second senior brother.

"Master, why are you so happy? Did something good happen to our eldest senior brother?"

Old Man Tianchi laughed and looked at Li Wuya. "Your eldest senior brother didn't have any good news, but you do."

Li Wuya's eyes widened, and she pointed at herself. "Me?"

Old Man Tianchi nodded. "Yes, you. Your eldest senior brother is thinking of you. He specially arranged for an apprentice to be taken under your wing in the capital city."

Saying that he couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Little girl, you have an apprentice now. How about that? Isn't this a good thing?"

Li Wuya burst into laughter after her initial surprise. She had misunderstood her eldest senior brother. He truly was a good person, helping her secure such a noble apprentice!

She was now a teacher to the crown prince. Didn't that mean she was on equal footing with the emperor?

She really loved her eldest senior brother for this. He had elevated her status from that of a lowly military household girl to the very top of this era!

Loved him, indeed!