Chapter 124: Paying a Visit

Given this, Gou Ye felt quite concerned about the future of the dynasty. In his own era, was it not the Ming Dynasty’s tendency to favor the literary arts over military prowess that led to its decline, resulting in a complete lack of capable and formidable generals when the time of need finally arrived? While things were peaceful for now, should war erupt, this inherent flaw would undoubtedly manifest. Yet, for the present, the Ming State possessed a profound foundation. Having control over such prosperous lands, the Ming State, despite being smaller than the Chen State, boasted a combined population that, as described in books, exceeded that of the Chen State and Northern Qiang combined. This was the capital required to sustain a long-term war.

The more Gou Ye read, the more he found this era intriguing. Before he knew it, evening had fallen. Yun Niang walked into the room, pouting as she said, "Brother Gou Ye only knows how to read. You’ve forgotten all about me. You don’t miss me anymore."

Seeing Yun Niang’s coquettish, feigned anger, Gou Ye chuckled. He stepped forward, cupped her face in his hands, and said, "My silly Yun Niang, how could I forget you or stop missing you? I am merely trying to thoroughly study the history of our dynasty so that I might speak without fault the next time I enter the palace."

Yun Niang was not easily appeased this time. She hummed softly, turned her head away, and pursed her lips. "Ever since you arrived in the capital, you barely speak two words to me all day, unless we are in bed at night. And even then, you just say a few words before falling fast asleep. You don't miss me at all."

Gou Ye raised his hand in a gesture of swearing. "I am wronged! My dear Yun Niang, I swear that everything I do is for us."

"For us? Then tell me, how is this for us? Is going shopping, entering the palace, and reading books all for us?"

Gou Ye offered a conciliatory smile and moved to stand in front of her again. "Of course it is for this home of ours. I went shopping to devise a winning strategy for the Merchant Clan. The poetry competition at Yueyang Pavilion was an unexpected detour; I never intended for it to have such a great impact. But my reading is truly, genuinely for our family. Once I attain an official rank, our home will have protection. From then on, we will never have to fear being bullied by villains, and I will be better able to protect you."

Yun Niang challenged him, "Then tell me, there are millions of commoners in this world. They have no such protection; does that mean they cannot live well? Does that mean a husband cannot protect his own wife and children?"

Seeing this, it was clear that Yun Niang was truly upset. Gou Ye pulled her onto a chair and continued, "You know our situation better than anyone. We have lived honestly and peacefully. I once even thought that we could just live out our days in the county. Who would have expected that fate would be unkind, bringing the likes of Qin Hui and Zhu Ling into our lives? Back then, we were repeatedly bullied. I realized then that I lacked the ability to protect you, which is why I believe that to forge iron, one must be strong oneself. Without strength, everything is in vain. We are common people, but I refuse to let you live a mediocre life. I even hope that one day I can take you to the Chen State to uncover the truth about your father. Tell me, Yun Niang, can I achieve any of this without strength? Furthermore, why are we here? Why did I participate in the imperial examinations? It was to fulfill the promise I made to the Duke and to honor the arrangement with the Merchant Clan. Otherwise, do you think I would choose to leave our village to toil over poetry and books here all day?"

Yun Niang realized she had asked too much. Perhaps it was due to her low spirits over the past few days. She knew Gou Ye carried the burden of the entire household, and it was thanks to him that so many were able to live well. A sense of shame washed over her. "Brother Gou Ye, say no more. Yun Niang knows it hasn't been easy for you. It is I who haven't spoken much to you these past few days, and so I let my thoughts wander. I will not say such things again."

Gou Ye laughed heartily and pinched her cheek. "All right, how could I blame you? Here is my plan: once I attain my rank, we shall have a double celebration and finally be wed. How does that sound?"

"Really?"

"Of course! When has your Brother Gou Ye ever lied to you?" With that, Gou Ye pulled Yun Niang into his arms, and the two sat in silence, savoring the peaceful moment of happiness.

The next day, a young man in white, holding a folding fan and exuding an air of elegance, arrived at Gou Ye’s residence. It was none other than Xuan Yuan Changfeng, the man who had bowed to Gou Ye the other day. He looked up to confirm the address and knocked on the gate.

Laifu opened the door, looked the young man up and down, and asked, "Sir, may I ask who you are looking for?"

Xuan Yuan Changfeng was very polite, offering a slight bow to Laifu. "Please inform your master that Xuan Yuan Changfeng has come to pay a visit to Master Gou Ye. We met at the Yueyang Pavilion the other day."

Seeing that Xuan Yuan Changfeng was a man of refinement, Laifu did not press further and hurried inside to report to Gou Ye. Upon hearing the news, Gou Ye was curious. Why would he come to see him so suddenly? More importantly, how did he know where he lived? Regardless, since he was already here, he decided to meet him. He told Laifu, "Take him to the parlor to wait. I haven't even washed up this morning; I need to tidy myself before I go over."

When Gou Ye appeared before Xuan Yuan Changfeng, the latter was visibly impressed. Gou Ye had changed into a plaid shirt—a new one Yun Niang had recently sewn. It made him look quite spirited, and the novel style caught Xuan Yuan Changfeng’s eye. He thought to himself that a man of such great talent truly had a unique sense of style.

Seeing Gou Ye, Xuan Yuan Changfeng stood up immediately and bowed solemnly. "Xuan Yuan Changfeng presents his respects to Master Gou."

"Enough, sit down. There is no need for such formalities here. I won't return the bow; I’m not used to that back-and-forth, and it’s too tiring. By the way, what brings you here so suddenly? And how did you know where I lived?"

Xuan Yuan Changfeng smiled and replied, "Master Gou, I have long wanted to pay my respects. In truth, ever since you composed that poem, I had hoped to have a conversation with you. But seeing the number of people in the pavilion, I didn't want to intrude. I have regretted not asking for your address ever since. Later, I inquired with the owner of the Yueyang Pavilion and learned that you were with a merchant representative named Jia Zheng-yi. I then went to your Merchant Clan and finally found your residence."

Gou Ye chuckled, looking at the earnest expression on Xuan Yuan Changfeng’s face. "Haha, Master Xuan Yuan, you are truly thoughtful."