Chapter 696: Chapter 469: Is the Marquis Nong Zhen Not Anxious?
But it was quite clear that Sir Xie’s idea had taken root, though it seemed to have been poorly executed.
Wei Ziang thought for a moment: "This year, my elder brother is going to Nanyang Prefecture for the autumn provincial exam. In a few days, we’ll also be returning to Cheng County. We’ll go to Nanyang Prefecture first and then head to the Capital City."
As for whether his elder brother could pass the provincial exam, it seemed he hadn’t even thought about this issue.
It’s been exactly nine years since the last time he participated in the academy exam.
Xie Da Ren felt a bit regretful: "By the time you reach the Capital City, I fear it’ll be the end of the year."
After the autumn exams, they’ll have to hurry to the Capital City, but the journey will take one or two months; Nanyang Prefecture isn’t close to the Capital City.
Wei Ziang chuckled: "Almost, with good speed, it should be possible to arrive a bit earlier."
Xie Da Ren sighed: "There’s no way around it, knowing for sure you won’t simply return with us. I’ll report this to His Majesty when the time comes."
Come year-end, whether it’s this young general or the entire Nong Zhenghou family, they’ll have to return to the Capital City anyway. I think His Majesty wouldn’t mind waiting a year or so.
After addressing the formal matters, Xie Da Ren began gossiping: "By the way, Little Wei, how is it that neither you nor Third Miss have married yet? You’re both not getting any younger."
The relationship between these two is something everyone recognizes tacitly, but anyone with eyes can see it clearly.
Somehow, after waiting many years, there’s not been even the slightest progress at this ripe age, and surprisingly, they’re not in any hurry.
Speaking of which, the sisters of the Jiang family are all the same. Except for Second Miss, who was wed early, the remaining ones are of age and yet unconcerned with marriage matters.
Of course, when Second Miss got married, she wasn’t particularly young either.
As for the remaining ones...
Thinking about it now, Xie Da Ren couldn’t help but shake his head in his mind. The whole family stays in Anning Village year-round, barely venturing out more than three days a year.
Sometimes he even thought about going to the village and asking Nong Zhenghou what he truly intended. Are the children’s marriages really not a concern?
In his family, every boy or girl was married once they reached a suitable age.
Yet in Nong Zhenghou’s family, the eldest is about to turn twenty-three, and no match has even been mentioned.
Perhaps it’s because they’re in the village with no one around, or maybe because there weren’t any suitable girls nearby, considering the family holds a Marquis title, one can’t just marry a daughter to anyone or take any young bride.
While Xie Da Ren mentally mused, Wei Ziang smiled serenely: "No hurry, no hurry."
Indeed, he wasn’t in a rush; he knew Xiaomi was different from Second Sister. Xiaomi could be described as having lived two lives, not truly a teenage girl.
Achieving fruition with Xiaomi required a certain opportunity.
An opportunity that could completely enlighten Xiaomi.
Though Wei Ziang didn’t want to admit it, he knew that Xiaomi often viewed him as a youngster.
Even understanding that Xiaomi’s treatment of him differed from others.
He knew he was the closest person to Xiaomi, yet unfortunately, some things aren’t so easily changed.
For instance, many times, Xiaomi subtly treats him as a junior.
He tried testing, and Second Sister’s little bundle, who’s almost two years old now, a super adorable little girl, dons two pigtails every day, calling him "Third Uncle" incessantly.
However, a bundle remains a bundle; he watched the bundle for several days, unable to develop any further thoughts.
From Xiaomi’s perspective, watching him since childhood, estimatedly, this was the feeling—they found him and raised him in the space for two or three months.
Presumably Xiaomi’s feelings watching him might mirror his feelings watching the bundle.
Such a mentality indeed isn’t easily changed.
Furthermore, Ju Xiaomi herself stated that in her original world, she was already over twenty...
Reflecting on this, the future seemed even more daunting.
Thankfully, his patience was ample; if one year didn’t work out, then a decade, if a decade didn’t suffice, then two.
During the idle chat, they quickly returned to the military camp.
Xie Da Ren and other masters were preparing their belongings to return to the Capital City, while General Song directly allocated three thousand soldiers.
Frankly speaking, with these men, and the fire guns Xie Da Ren carefully cradled, there were almost the most precious treasures in the entire Xuyu Dynasty.
Moreover, General Song assured them that they could return safely; their families would pack their belongings over a few days and send everything back to them.
They’d miss it—especially the fire guns.
But General Song knew he couldn’t decide on these things; he couldn’t even dare to ask the masters to craft one for him, only daring to wish in his heart.
Nevertheless, while packing, Xie Da Ren patted General Song’s shoulder.
"These years have been arduous for General Song. General Song, rest assured, upon returning to the Capital City, I will definitely speak favorably to His Majesty about you. When the fire gun is available, surely you’ll be the first to receive some."
General Song was instantly overjoyed: "Really? Thank you so much, Da Ren!"
He is, after all, the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of War; this time returning, likely, another promotion awaits. With Da Ren’s assurance, surely he’d receive the fire guns!
Xie Da Ren responded with a smile: "Over these years, General Song protected the iron mines, worked tirelessly, repelled invaders, and we’ve all seen it firsthand."
Whether it had leaked out or those folks were targeting the iron mines, these past three years, from time to time, external enemies invaded or stealthily attempted to infiltrate the territory.
Thankfully, General Song had remained vigilant, with many soldiers patrolling daily, often joining in himself, aided by long-distance observation, ensuring those who’ve trespassed never return.
General Song grinned broadly while repeatedly affirming, it was all in his duties.
Meanwhile, Wei Ziang arrived at the designated place, packed his things, preparing to return.
Everyone was busy now, so no one paid him much attention. He greeted the guards near the camp, mounted his horse, leisurely heading back to the city.
From today onwards, he had no responsibilities in the military camp; now he could come or not as he pleased.
Yet rushing directly back now didn’t seem right; Wei Ziang pondered a while, planning to discuss it with General Song in the afternoon after his tasks were over.
In a few days, they’ll embark to return to Xiangmu Village, after all, to rush to Nanyang Prefecture for the autumn provincial exams.
Indeed, the timing of the fire gun’s success was perfect; just days prior, he worried should it fail again, he might not be able to join everyone in returning.
Unexpectedly, it succeeded.
With thoughts idling, he arrived at the city gate, dismounting to queue inside; now with danger scarce nearby, caravans to and from Lishi City increased compared to before.
Of course, not excluding the reason being potatoes, which have spread across the area over recent years.
Wei Ziang led his horse, queued, entered the city intending to first check out Ze Ge’s fast-food restaurant.