At this time, the stalemate in Daxuan doesnât resemble the rooster shape familiar to later generations; its territory is much larger, overall somewhat like a diamond shape, truly vast and sparsely populated.
Nanzhao, presumably the historical Annan Country, what later became Vietnam and Laos, were once part of Chinaâs territory, and Miaojiang refers to the Yunnan-Guizhou region.
Although this era branched off from previous history, its essence remains unchanged. During the Ming and Qing periods, that area was particularly difficult to manage. Currently, the Cloud King is still in their hands, so Gu Qingheng is facing a very tricky situation.
"You really didnât come at a good time." Yang Ruxin couldnât help but touch her belly, "I canât even go accompany your father." Although she temporarily had no means, if she went, she could at least ensure a stock of medicine and make sure Gu Qingheng ate and drank well.
But now, she was less than three months pregnant and didnât dare to overexert herself. Therefore, in her letters to Gu Qingheng, she only shared good news, telling him everything at home was fine, that the baby in her belly was behaving, and asking him to quickly name the child. Additionally, she informed him of a decision, which was to start constructing the Gu familyâs ancestral hall after the New Year.
Although her mother-in-law was buried in Tongcheng, they were now living here. As a woman of the Gu Family, in the future, after having children, she had to kowtow to the ancestors of the Gu Family during festivals or holidays, and the Gu Familyâs progenitor was Shu Manzhi.
While Yang Ruxin was preoccupied with the war matters, some people were scheming over petty personal grudges.
The Guan Family.
Guan Danian and his wife were slaughtering a chicken in the courtyard.
"Qingshu is something else, itâs almost the yearâs end, and heâs still not back." Guan Tongshi sighed.
"What are you mumbling about?" Guan Danian glared at his wife, "Do you think studying is that easy? Besides, isnât he coming back today?"
"I just miss my son," Guan Tongshi rolled her eyes at Guan Danian.
"Enough, stop nagging." Guan Danianâs tone grew heavier, "Go get some hot water."
Guan Tongshi hurried to the kitchen.
Guan Qingyue sat on the heated kang, holding a needle and thread but couldnât focus on her work. Previously, Wang Baozhu gave her advice on dealing with Li Xiang, but unexpectedly, Wang Baozhu disgraced herself and got caught.
She couldnât believe that Wang Baozhu was so bold as to steal a man in the village.
She looked down on that woman in her heart, thinking to keep a distance from such a person in the future.
However, the malicious seeds in her heart had already sprouted and couldnât be suppressed.
But how could she achieve anything alone? She needed an accomplice, but apart from Wang Baozhu, she really couldnât find anyone else who could help her.
"It doesnât matter, with someone like her, even if we fail, sheâd take the fall." Guan Qingyue reassured herself, feeling she could seek Wang Baozhuâs help without hesitation, then got up and walked out.
"Qingyue, where are you going?" Guan Danian was slaughtering a chicken in the courtyard, and when he saw his daughter coming out, he called out, "Come help."
"Dad, I..."
"Hurry up, your brother is coming back this afternoon, weâre having chicken stew tonight." Guan Danian didnât listen to her explanation, "Youâre too old to keep running around like this."
"Iâll be out for a bit and then Iâll be back." Despite this, Guan Qingyue ran off directly.